Over the next few days, team seven has been training with their new sensei and completing missions. After the last mission of catching a lost cat, the team was in the Hokage office waiting for their new mission.

"Now, your next mission is babysitting an elder's grandson, shopping in a neighboring village, and helping with potato digging." The Hokage listed making the four groan.

"Ugh these missions are stupid." Ko thought knowing they were an insult to her abilities. In the Sound, the genin would most likely be given high risk missions instead of chores.

"NO! I want to do a more incredible mission. Find us a better one!" Naruto whined but his teammates agreed silently.

"Exactly what I was thinking,"

Iruka yelled at Naruto for being disrespectful leading to the Hokage explaining the system dealing with missions. Ko stared out the window and fiddled with her necklace not listening to a word he was saying. She then heard Naruto yapping about something about ramen.

"Hey! Listen!" The Hokage scolded.

"I-I apologize," Kakashi said.

"Geez all you do is give me lectures! But I'm not the trouble making brat you still think I am!"

"If you want it so much," he said pulling out a scroll, "this is a protection mission of a certain individual."

"Who?! Who?! A feudal lord? A princess?!" Naruto guessed enthusiastically making Ko roll her eyes.

"Fool, why would they have genin guard such important people." Ko spat just as an old man holding a bottle of beer walked into the room.

"What is this? They're all a bunch of brats. Especially the shortest one with the stupid looking face. Are you really a ninja?" The old man criticized looking at each child.

"Heh who's the stupid idiot?" Naruto questioned.

Sakura, Sasuke, and Ko lined up next to Naruto seeing the differences in their height showing that Naruto was the shortest.

"I'll kill you!" Naruto shouted attempting to punch the old man.

"What's the point of killing the person we're supposed to protect? Idiot." Kakashi scolded grabbing Naruto.

The man introduced himself as Tazuna, telling the team about why they were protecting him. They all left the Hokage building to get ready for their mission. As Ko was packing for the mission, Kabuto appeared behind her.

"Going on a mission?" He questioned peering over her shoulder watching as she packed her bag.

"To the land of waves protecting a drunk." Ko showed her distaste for the mission not looking for her to hear an old man complain the whole trip.

"Bringing a sword?" Kabuto asked as Ko got up to her feet walking towards her dresser to get her sword.

"Of course, I'm hoping if someone besides my team and client annoy me, I can take my frustrations out on them." She explained with a wicked smile while examining her blade. Being in the village has made her hate the human existence even more. It took all she had not to kill the ignorance of the children in her class.

Kabuto chuckled at her response. "You didn't have fun in the academy?"

"It was a waste of time," she answered as she strapped the sword to her back then put on her jacket followed by her back pack.

"Make sure you protect Sasuke." He reminded making her roll her eyes.

"I know, if he dies, I fail."

"Good, I'll see you soon."

With that, Kabuto disappeared leaving Ko to her thoughts. Just as she was about to leave, there was a knock on the door. She opened it seeing Sasuke who had his hands stuffed in his pockets.

"Ready to go Sasuke?" Ko questioned with an emotionless tone. Over the years she dropped the façade of being a shy and sweet person. She slowly started to show her true self not fearing to show it to her team. People change, especially shinobi.

"Was there someone else in there with you? I thought I heard you talking to someone."

"Just my clone, it was good to have some help to make things to faster." She lied without missing a beat. Ko had always prided herself with her lying.

They both walked towards the village gates meeting up with the rest of their team. Sasuke looked at Ko again studying her, he didn't trust her and never did. He kept her closer than everyone else just to keep an eye on her. She was hiding something, and he was going to find out what.

"Everyone's here now so let's get going." Kakashi said.

"Let's go!" Naruto shouted excitedly.

"What are you excited about?" Sakura questioned.

"Cause I've never left the village before."

"Wooow seriously? That's sad." Ko smirked as she walked to get in front of them. Everyone knew she had made fun of Naruto but he took it as friendly teasing.

"Am I really going to be safe with this brat?" Tazuna whined giving Kakashi a worried look.

"Don't worry, I'm a Jonin." Kakashi reassured.

Naruto yelled at Tazuna about not to disrespect him as they started to walk towards their destination. Ko slowed her pace so Kakashi and Tazuna were in front with Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke in the middle and Ko in the back. She knew they needed muscle in the front and back, so she assigned herself the job of guarding the rear. Ko watched the others as they talked amongst themselves about the different villages, she looked up at the sky seeing nothing but clear skies.

"Can't wait until you get here, Dad. This place is so boring, I can feel myself getting weaker from lack of extensive training."

Ko then sensed someone behind her. She twisted her body to see two Mist ninja launching themselves towards Kakashi. They both wrapped chains around Kakashi pulling them killing Kakashi.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Sakura and Naruto exclaimed.

Sasuke and Ko both got ready for the attack unfazed by the death of their sensei; one lunged towards Naruto while the other went after Tazuna. Sakura stood protectively in front of Tazuna as Sasuke protected Naruto. Ko grabbed the man going after Tazuna by his coat using all her strength to throw him to the ground. Water splashed from the spot mostly soaking the red eyed girl.

"Shit," Ko cursed under her breath turning on her heel seeing the real ninja emerging from the trees.

Ko was hit with his killing intent as she stared at his weapon, a glove with sharp claws. She readied herself with a kunai knowing pulling out her sword won't give her enough time to defend. Just as she was about to strike, Kakashi appeared in front of her grabbing the man. Everyone looked at the spot where Kakashi was killed and saw nothing but pieces of logs in his place.

"Naruto, I didn't expect you to freeze like that or I would've stepped in earlier. Anyway, good job Sasuke, Ko, and Sakura." Their sensei praised making everyone but Ko feel relieved.

Adrenaline still pumped through her veins making her stay on guard waiting for another attack. This was the first real life battle she had been in and she could admit that she wanted more.

"There is no way this was a coincidence. These guys were after someone and I think it was Tazuna." Ko thought as she watched Kakashi tie up the enemy against a tree.

"These look like Hidden Mist chuunin, these shinobi are known to continue fighting no matter what."

"How did you know?" One of the chuunin questioned looking up at Kakashi.

"On a sunny day like this when it hasn't rained in days, there's not going to be a puddle on the ground."

"If you knew they were there then why did you let the brats handle them?" Tazuna asked.

"I wanted to see who they were after."

"What do you mean?"

"He means, if they were after us or you." Ko answered narrowing her eyes at the bridgebuilding knowing they were after him.

"This has become a B ranked mission. If it was known that shinobi were after you this mission would've been more expensive."

"We aren't ready for this mission. Let's quit, we'll need medicine for Naruto's wounds." Sakura said.

Kakashi was about to have them go back to the village but Naruto interrupted making a speech then stabbed himself and made a pledge. Kakashi spoke up about Naruto losing too much blood and he started to freak out. After deciding to continue with the mission, they were on a boat crossing a lake.

"Wow it's huge!" Naruto shouted earning a scolding from the owner of the boat as the bridge came into view.

"I want to talk to you about the mission." Tazuna spoke up getting everybody's attention.

He explained why ninja were after him and why it was important to finish building that bridge. Ko listened carefully to his story while fiddling with her necklace. Finally, they reached the dock and proceeded to walk to Tazuna's home. Naruto started to throw kunai in random directions scaring everyone trying to prove he was an elite ninj.

"Heh, just a rat." Naruto said.

"Stop trying to act cool! There was nothing there!" Sakura yelled.

"Those aren't toys Naruto," Ko scolding ripping one out of his hand. "Shinobi must remain calm at all times, that means not being paranoid and scaring the client."

"Hey midget! Stop acting like a moron!" Tazuna yelled.

As everyone was yelling at Naruto, Kakashi went over to the bushes and saw a white bunny which Ko noticed then looked up at Kakashi.

"Sensei," Ko started to say knowing that was a snow bunny. Snow bunnies were known to be pure white, like the one in front of them, but only in the winter, not spring.

"I know, be careful,"

Sakura and Naruto walked over seeing the terrified state it was in so Sakura started to scold Naruto for scaring the bunny while Naruto cuddled it apologizing over and over again.

"Everyone, get down!" Kakashi yelled with urgency.

They all crouched to the ground as a giant sword flew through the air sticking itself into a tree. Everyone looked up to see a man standing on the hilt of the sword facing away from them.

"Well well, if it isn't the Hidden Mist's missing-nin, Zabuza Momochi."

Ko froze at the name and stared up at the man. She could already feel his killing intent when he slightly turned to face them. A memory of her flipping through the bingo book flashed through her mind remembering reading his history. He in the first class of the Bloody Mist; slaughtering a whole class without mercy.

"No way, we're no match for him. I might have to blow my cover to stay alive."

"Everybody get back, this one's on a whole other level. It will be a little tough unless I do this" Kakashi said putting his hand on his headband.

"You appear to be Sharingan Kakashi, sorry but, the old man is mine." Zabuza said.

"Surround and protect Tazuna. Do not enter the fight. That's the teamwork here. Zabuza, fight me." Kakashi ordered revealing his Sharingan eye.

"So that's what the Sharingan looks like. Seems I'll be seeing what it does."

"Ah I already get to see the famous Sharingan. I'm honored."

Naruto questioned what the Sharingan was so Sasuke and Zabuza explained what it does.

"Now, let's end all the talking. I have to kill that old man. But Kakashi, it seems I have to beat you first."

Zabuza disappeared then mist started to fill the air making it hard to see. Ko stood in the back looking everywhere for Zabuza. He had his chakra concealed making it even harder to find out where he was.

"Eight choices, liver, lungs, spine, clavicle vein, jugular, brain, kidneys, and heart. Which one should I go after?" Zabuza's ominous voice echoed sounding like he was all around them.

Ko looked around trying to figure out the direction his voice was coming from but Sasuke's shaking distracted her. She was about to smirk at Sasuke's coward-ness but looked down finding herself shaking as well. This was the first real life threatening battle she has been in just like the rest of her team. She could feel Zabuza's killing intent which sent a small shiver down her spine. Ko moved closer to Sasuke brushing her hand against his attempting to calm him down. Sasuke looked over at her making eye contact. He knew she was trying to calm him down the best way she could but actually she was trying to calm herself down as well.

"Sasuke, calm down. I'll protect you guys with my life. I don't let my comrades die." Kakashi said with a closed eyed smile.

"We'll see about that." Zabuza said as he appeared in front of Ko.

Zabuza swung his sword towards Tazuna but instinct took over Ko so she blocked it with the sword that was strapped on her back. The weight of Zabuza's sword was bearing down on Ko's as her arms shook against his strength. He was a lot stronger than she was and the weight was making her start to lose her grip. Her eyes made contact with his showing that her fear had diminished, and determination had taken over.

"Ko!" Her team shouted in fear.

Ko then felt the weight from Zabuza's sword get lighter. She looked over seeing that Kakashi had stabbed him. Water started to seep out of Zabuza eventually turning into water. The real one appeared behind Kakashi stabbing him but Kakashi also made a water clone. Kakashi appeared behind Zabuza with a kunai to his throat.

"Don't move. It's over."

"It's over? You don't get it. There's no way you can defeat me with your monkey like imitations, but it was impressive of you. At that time, you had already copied my water clone jutsu. You had your clone say those words to attract my attention while the real you hid in the mist and watched me. Nice plan," Zabuza disappeared and reappeared behind Kakashi, "I'm also not that easy."

Zabuza attacked Kakashi attempting to kill him but Kakashi dodged his attacks. Zabuza leaned back against his sword shifting his weight and kicked Kakashi into the water. Zabuza appeared behind Kakashi on the water trapping him into a sphere of water.

"You may have been trying to escape to the water but that was a big mistake. I now have you in my inescapable special prison. It makes things tougher if you can move. Now Kakashi, we can finish things later. First I'll take care of them." He directed his attention to the genin who all froze in fear except for Ko who stood protectively in front of them.

The others followed Ko's lead swallowing their fear getting into defensive positions.

"I swear they better do something other than stand there. I don't want to die especially if I have to protect all of them."

In a flash, the water clone appeared in front of Naruto kicking him away making his headband to fly off.

"Naruto!" Sakura shouted.

"You guys! Take Tazuna and run! You have no chance in beating him! A long as he's keeping me trapped in this prison, he can't move. The water clone can't go very far from his real body. Just run now!" Kakashi shouted desperate to save the young lives.

"I won't run!" Naruto said getting up and running at Zabuza.

"No! Don't!"

"Naruto, what are you thinking?!" Sakura shrieked.

Naruto got kicked away easily once again but had his headband in his hand.

"Hey you eyebrow less freak, put this in your handbook. The man who will one day become Hokage."

"Sasuke, lend me your ear!"

"What is it?"

"I have a plan." Naruto said with a devilish smile making Sasuke smirk.

"While you explain your plan. I'll distract him." Ko said readying her sword.

"Are you crazy Ko?!" Naruto exclaimed worried for his friend.

"I can buy them some time. Don't worry about me."

Ko stood in front of Zabuza with her sword ready as her heartbeat quickened. She shoved her fear deep down not wanting it to get in the way. She had to remember that her father was more terrifying than this man. If she fails this mission, she will have to deal with Orochimaru's wrath. She didn't doubt that if she died right here and now, he would find someway to bring her back and kill her himself.

"I see I have my first victim. You have a death wish child?" He looked down at Ko pointing his executioners blade at her thinking it would make her falter but she stood her ground.

"I don't plan on dying today. I still have some things to do before that time comes."

"Well kid, today is the day so accept it."

Zabuza lunged at Ko ready to swing his sword. As he swung down at her she dodged his attack trying to slash his arm but he was faster and easily blocked it with his sword.

"I must say, you're talented with that sword for a kid." He praised starting to respect her a bit.

"It's a gift," Ko smirked disappearing with a cloud of smoke.

"Typical, a clone."

Ko appeared behind Zabuza ready to swing her sword at his neck, but he crouched down spinning with his sword out to the side barley missing her legs as Ko jumped over him and landed a few feet away from Zabuza. Zabuza lunged towards Ko engaging her in a sword fight. His strength was incredible, and she knew she didn't have a chance against him just by using a sword. Suddenly, Zabuza was surrounded by Naruto's clones which Ko was relieved about.

"Here I come!" They all said in unison as they all charged towards him.

The clones jumped on top of him as Ko made her way over towards Sakura and Tazuna. The clones were easily thrown off by Zabuza and finally the original Naruto was tossed onto the ground. As he slid, he pulled out a giant shuriken throwing it to Sasuke.

"Evil wind shuriken, Shadow windmill!" Sasuke shouted as he threw the shuriken at the real Zabuza that was still holding Kakashi.

"I see, you're aiming it at the real me but that's not enough." Zabuza said as he caught it.

Zabuza then realized that there was another heading towards him but he jumped over it.

"Still not enough."

Suddenly the second shuriken turned into Naruto. He threw his kunai at Zabuza's hand forcing him to let go of the prison releasing Kakashi. The real Zabuza then charged at Naruto about to swing his sword at him but it was blocked by Kakashi's hand.

"Naruto, great plan. You guys have grown up." Kakashi praised.

"I got distracted and released the jutsu." Zabuza tried to come up with an excuse instead of admitting he was outwitted by children.

"Wrong! You didn't release it, you were forced to release it. I'll tell you that I don't fall for the same jutsu twice. What will you do?"

Zabuza and Kakashi jumped away from each other both summoning a water dragon which collided with each other making the water rise covering everything. Ko grabbed Tazuna preventing him from getting washed away from the current.

"Hold onto the tree," she commanded.

They both held onto the tree as the water got worse from Zabuza's and Kakashi's next attack. Zabuza got swept by the waves and crashed into a tree and Kakashi pinned him down with kunai.

"It's over," Kakashi said as he crouched on the tree branch.

"How? Can you see the future?" He gasped realizing the dangerous situation he was in.

"Yeah, you're going to die."

Suddenly, two sebon needles pierced Zabuza's neck causing him to fall over. Everyone looked up at the tree near them seeing a young boy wearing a mask on the branch.

"You're right, he's dead." The boy said with a soft spoken voice.

Ko watched Kakashi as he appeared next to Zabuza to check his pulse. She looked up at the boy then back at Zabuza's body. She activated her Kekkei genkai for a moment seeing that he was barely alive.

"Who is this boy? Obviously he's working for Zabuza but did they actually plan for Zabuza to lose and have to be put in a temporary state of death?"

"Thank you very much. I've been searching for the opportunity to kill Zabuza for a long time."

"That mask, you're a hidden mist hunter ninja." Kakashi observed/

"Impressive, you are correct. Yes, my duty is to hunt down missing-nins."

"What the hell?! Who are you?!" Naruto yelled pointing at the boy.

"Don't worry Naruto, he's not an enemy." Kakashi assured.

"I'm not asking that! Zabuza was killed by that kid! A guy that strong! By a kid not much different from me! We look stupid! How can I understand that!"

"Well, I know how you feel but this is also the truth. In this world, there exists kid younger than you yet stronger than me."

The boy appeared next to Zabuza and lifted his body.

"Your battle is now over. I must dispose of this body and destroy its secrets. He then was gone.

"Now we have to get Tazuna back home. Let's go."

"Come over to my house and relax for a while!" Tazuna said.

Kakashi took one step and fell over.

"He overexerted his body. We gotta carry him." Ko said.

Seeing the condition Kakashi was in and how they barely got out of the battle alive, she didn't voice her suspicions. She knew Kakashi will figure it out as well seeing how perceptive he was. For now, they had to retreat and get some rest. Looking at her teammates, they were in no condition to handle the news. Just like her, this was their first experience with real battle but she had already been exposed to the horrors of the occupation unlike them.

Edited March 15, 2020