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Kakashi: It's over.

Naruko: Amazing!!

But then Zabuza started laughing.

Zabuza: Did you say it's over? You don't understand, do you? You won't defeat me with your imitations alone... No chance.

Soon Zabuza laughs again.

Zabuza: But I have to admit that you're good. My Mizu Bunshin no Jutsu (Water Clone Jutsu) was very well copied... Letting the clone talk as if it were you, it really distracted me. And you used the mist of the Kirigakure no Jutsu (Mist Concealment Jutsu) to hide and see what I was doing... But... I'm not an idiot.

Zabuza then turned into water, revealing himself to be another Mizu Bunshin, shocking Kakashi. The real one then jumped out of the mist, towards Arata.

Team 7: Arata!

Zabuza swung his sword at Arata, who avoided the attack and grabbed his Sword of Kusanagi from his back. Soon advancing against Zabuza, and the two swords clashed, creating sparks in the air.

The two faced each other in an even Kenjutsu match, while the others watched, surprised at how well Arata was blocking Zabuza's attacks.

Kakashi: {Arata is managing to defend himself against Zabuza's attacks! All for himself! This boy has frightening potential.}

Arata then jumped at Zabuza and slashed him in the back. Water came out of the wound and Zabuza completely turned into water.

Arata: So that was another Mizu Bunshin.

Zabuza then appeared behind Kakashi, who turned around in shock.

The assassin kicked Kakashi in the chest, sending the Jounin flying. Zabuza then ran towards Kakashi, holding his giant sword.

Kakashi fell into the stream, and Zabuza jumped into the stream after him.

Naruko: Sensei!

Sakura: {I can't believe Kakashi-sensei was... thrown away!}

Sayuri: His Taijutsu skills are also incredible.

Arata suddenly grunted and grabbed his arm. He was bleeding.

Sakura: *Looking at Arata* Arata-kun, you're bleeding!

Arata: *Grinds teeth* {Damn. He must have hit me when I was fighting the Mizu Bunshin. I was careless.}

Kakashi stood up from the water.

Kakashi: {W-What's wrong with that water? It's extremely heavy.}

Suddenly, Zabuza appeared behind him.

Zabuza: Idiot.

Zabuza then made some hand seals.

Zabuza: It's the Suirou no Jutsu (Water Prison Jutsu)!

Kakashi: Damn it!

Then a water bubble appeared from Zabuza's hand, trapping Kakashi inside.

Kakashi: {My temporary escape into the water was a big mistake!}

Zabuza: *Laughs* I got you! This is a special prison that makes it impossible to escape! It makes it impossible for you to act. Now... Kakashi. I'll make things right with you later. First, I'll finish them off.

Zabuza looked at the Gennins. Making them nervous.

Arata was holding his injured arm.

Arata: {Damn it!}

Zabuza then made a hand seal with one hand because he was using the other to keep Kakashi trapped in the Suirou no Jutsu.

Zabuza: Mizu Bunshin no Jutsu (Water Clone Jutsu)!

Kakashi: {I didn't expect such a high skill level...}

Another Zabuza Bunshin emerged from the water, making Naruko shudder.

Zabuza Bunshin: *Laughter; For the Gennins* You think you're ninjas just because you're wearing a bandana... But, a real ninja is one who has been between life and death several times. In other words, only those who were listed in my Bingo Book deserve to be called ninja. *Hand Signal* People like you don't deserve to be called that.

A thick fog began to envelop Bunshin, causing him to disappear from sight.

Naruko: {He disappeared again!}

Suddenly, the Zabuza Bunshin kicked Naruko in the face, causing the Gennin's bandana to fly off her forehead, as well as sending her flying backwards onto the ground. Bunshin stepped on Naruko's bandana.

Zabuza: You're just a kid!

Sayuri gasped.

Arata/Sakura: Naruko!

Kakashi: *To the Gennins* You four! Take Tazuna-san and escape! You don't stand a chance against him! As long as he keeps me prisoner in this water prison he won't be able to leave here. And he won't be able to let the clone move too far away from the original body. In any case, run away now!

Arata: It seems like it!

Sayuri: Run away? You have got to be kidding. That option was ruled out the moment you were caught. Even if we run away without you, sooner or later we will be defeated by Zabuza... and we will all be finished. Even returning to the defense position, it would be impossible to block his attacks. In the end... We won't have... Another choice... in order to survive, our only option is to rescue you.

She said.

Sayuri: We have to do this!

Sayuri ran at Bunshin, throwing Shurikens at him, which Bunshin easily blocked with his sword.

He looked up and saw Sayuri in the air, falling towards her with a Kunai in hand.

Sayuri: Take this!

Zabuza Bunshin: Too easy.

The Bunshin grabbed Sayuri by the neck and threw her away. Arata tried to attack him from behind, but Zabuza grabbed his arm and threw him against a tree.

Sakura: Sayuri, Arata-kun!

Naruko: Sayuri... Arata...

Naruko: *Scared* {That's a Jounin... A real ninja... We have to escape... At this rate... I'm going to... I'm going to... Be killed!}

Naruko tried to crawl away, but she then saw her injured hand, from her oath of pain, wrapped in a bandage.

Meanwhile, Sayuri and Arata got up and ran over to Sakura and Tazuna.

Arata: We have to free Kakashi-sensei somehow.

Sakura: But how? Zabuza is right next to him.

Naruko then began to slowly get up from the ground.

Naruko: {It's true... I'm a ninja now. And... I decided I wasn't going to run anymore! That I wouldn't run away!}

The blonde started attacking Bunshin, screaming.

Kakashi: Idiot! Stop!

Sakura: *Screaming* Oh, Naruko! What is thinking?!

Zabuza Bunshin: *Laughs* Idiot.

The Bunshin easily kicked Naruko, sending her rolling back towards the other Gennins and Tazuna.

Arata: Naruko, are you okay?

Sakura: *To Naruko* What are you thinking... running away like that?! Even Sayuri and Arata-kun are no match for him... No matter how hard we try, Gennins are no match for him...

She gasped when she saw that Naruko was holding her headband. She had somehow managed to get it out from under Zabuza Bunshin's feet.

Sakura: {The bandana?!}

Naruko slowly stood up and looked at Zabuza.

Naruko: *To Zabuza* Hey! You there, without eyebrows... Write it down in your Bingo Book... About the woman who will one day be the Hokage of Konoha. *Puts on bandana* Ninja from Konoha. Naruko Uzumaki!

Arata smiled.

Arata {No matter how stupid Naruko can be sometimes, she is always brave and never runs away. That's one of the things I love about her. Good job, Naruko.}

Arata grabbed his sword and pointed it at Zabuza.

Arata: *To the Gennins* Alright, it looks like we'll have to use teamwork to free Kakashi-sensei.

Sakura: But what's the plan?

Naruko: I think I have one.

Sayuri: *To Naruko* Are you talking about teamwork?

Naruko: Now... Let's rock!

Zabuza Bunshin: *Laughs* A little too excited, but do you have a plan to win?

Kakashi: {T-That's not good...} *To the Gennins* What are you doing?! I said run away! It was obvious what would happen once I was caught! Run away quickly! Listen to me! Our mission is to protect Tazuna-san! Did you forget that?!

Naruko: *To Tazuna* Old man...

Tazuna: Well... This is the fruit of what I planted... I can't tell them to protect my life. Sorry, guys... Fight as best you can!

Sayuri: Did you guys hear that?

Naruko: Are you ready, Sayuri, Arata?

Zabuza Bunshin: *Laughing* You guys really didn't learn anything, did you?

Naruko: W-What?!

Zabuza Bunshin: Do you still want to play at being ninjas? When I was your age, that hand was already dyed with blood!

The Gennins were surprised.

Kakashi: Zabuza, the Demon!

Zabuza: It seems like you've heard about me.

Kakashi: A long time ago, in Kirigakure, also known as Chigiri (Bloody Mist), would-be ninja face their greatest challenge.

Zabuza: So you also know about this graduation exam...

Naruko: Graduation exam?

Zabuza Bunshin started laughing.

Naruko: What exam is this? The one you're talking about...

Zabuza Bunshin still laughed, before stopping and saying:

Zabuza Bunshin: The students killed each other.

This left Naruko in shock.

Zabuza: Classmates who shared the same food would pair up and try to kill each other. It wasn't over until one of them died. Partners who used to talk about dreams and desires...

Sakura: *Afraid* How cruel...

Kakashi: Ten years ago, Kirigakure's graduation exam was forced to undergo an overhaul. This was due to an evil demon appearing the previous year.

Sakura: Reformulation? What about the redesign? What did this evil demon do?

Kakashi: Without any hesitation or qualms... A young boy, who wasn't even qualified to be a ninja, annihilated over a hundred students.

Zabuza Bunshin: That sure was... Fun...

The clone then looked at the four, leaving Naruko, Sakura and Sayuri scared. Arata stood firm, but was still shaking a little.

Suddenly, the Zabuza Bunshin elbowed Sayuri in the chest, and when she hit the ground, he hit Sayuri in the stomach with his knee. Sayuri coughed out blood.

Arata/Sakura: Sayuri!

The Bunshin stepped on Sayuri's stomach and grabbed her huge sword.

Zabuza Bunshin: *To Sayuri* Die!

Arata growled and charged at Zabuza, his sword in hand.

He swung his sword at Bunshin, who dodged the attack, Arata grunted and jumped on Bunshin and kicked him in the back, knocking Bunshin off Sayuri. Then he made a sequence of hand seals and said:

Arata: {I'm going to spend a lot of Chakra with this Jutsu. But...} Raiton: Houden (Lightning Style: Discharge)!

His body was surrounded by Chakra Raiton. He then pointed his index and middle fingers and fired his Jutsu towards Zabuza Bunshin, which was hit squarely. The Bunshin screamed in pain.

Kakashi: {That attack was stronger than normal. It must be because of the mist that mixes with the lightning. I need to get out of here. But if I have to use this technique...}

Bunshin was panting. He growled at Arata.

Arata: {Damn it! This Mizu Bunshin is stronger than I expected. And because this Jutsu is Rank A I spent a large amount of Chakra.}

Bunshin jumped into the air and kicked Arata. He flew towards Sayuri. But he landed on the ground just before hitting her.

Sakura: *Worried* Oh no!

The Bunshin pointed his sword at Arata.

Zabuza Bunshin: I think I'll kill this one first.

Naruko: Damn!

She then made a hand seal.

Naruko: Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Shadow Clone Jutsu)!

A group of Naruko's Bunshins surrounded Zabuza Bunshin.

Zabuza Bunshin: Oh... Kage Bunshin no Jutsu and there are a lot of them.

Naruko Bunshins: *In unison* Here I come!

Sayuri and Arata started to get up and get out of the way, while Naruko's Bunshins jumped on top of Zabuza Bunshin.

Suddenly, Zabuza Bunshin swung his huge sword, knocking all of Naruko's Bunshin away from him.

Sakura and Tazuna were surprised.

Tazuna: It really is impossible... There's no way you can defeat this guy!

All the Naruko Bunshins flew back, disappearing, until there was one Naruko left. She reached into her backpack.

Naruko: {There's only one way to defeat this guy!}

She took out a Fuuma Shuriken and threw it to Sayuri.

Naruko: Sayuri!

Sayuri grabbed the Fuuma Shuriken.

Sayuri: *Realizes* {I get it! So, this is your plan, Naruko! That's a good idea, coming from you!}

She then looked at Zabuza Bunshin. And she said as she opened the Fuuma Shuriken.

Sayuri: Fuuma Shuriken: Kage Fuusha (Demonic Wind Shuriken: Shadowmill)!

Arata smiled.

Zabuza Bunshin: *To Sayuri* A Shuriken won't work on me.

Sayuri jumped into the air and threw the Fuuma Shuriken.

The Zabuza Bunshin was shocked when he saw the Shuriken pass through him and head straight for the real Zabuza.

Zabuza: {I see. This time it's aiming for my real body... But... It's not that easy!}

Zabuza grabbed the Shuriken with his free hand. He was then surprised when he saw another Fuuma Shuriken heading straight for him.

Zabuza: {Another Shuriken in Shuriken's shadow! This is... the Kage Shuriken no Jutsu (Shadow Shuriken Jutsu)!}

Sakura: {A second Shuriken to his blind spot!}

Arata: You did well Sayuri.

This made Sayuri blush slightly.

Everyone watched as the Fuuma Shuriken got closer and closer to Zabuza.

But suddenly, the assassin ninja jumped on the Shuriken.

Zabuza: {They're still very innocent...}

Sakura was surprised, while Sayuri smiled mischievously.

Just then, the Shuriken transformed into Naruko, who was holding a Kunai right behind Zabuza.

Everyone except Arata, Sayuri and Naruko were surprised, including a very shocked Zabuza.

Naruko: Take this!

She threw the Kunai at Zabuza, who had to remove his hand from the water bubble to avoid it. However, the Kunai managed to cut off part of Zabuza's face, while also hitting the Zabuza Bunshin, destroying it.

Zabuza: *Angry; to Naruko* You brat!

He was about to throw the Fuuma Shuriken in his hand at Naruko, when suddenly, Kakashi escaped the water bubble and stopped the Shuriken with the back of his hand.

Meanwhile, Naruko fell into the water.

Sakura: Kakashi-sensei!

Arata: Wow, that was really a brilliant plan.

Naruko poked her head out of the water and smiled.

Kakashi: *To Naruko* Naruko... his strategy was great. You've matured... The three of you.

Naruko: The purpose of the Kage Bunshin was not to defeat Zabuza, but to hide my transformation into Fuuma Shuriken!

She said, starting to explain her strategy.

Naruko: I left a clone behind, so I transformed into Fuuma Shuriken. Then a clone took my real self, who had turned into a Shuriken, and gave it to Sayuri! Then Sayuri caught me, and immediately realized it was me. Then she took out her own Shuriken... And then released the Kage Shuriken no Jutsu! Hiding in the shadow of the real Shuriken, I aimed at Zabuza. Of course I didn't think I would defeat Zabuza! But I thought I could destroy the water prison! And as a bonus I also defeated his Mizu Bunshin... It was a complete success!

When Naruko finished, everyone was impressed with her except an irritated Zabuza.

Sayuri: *To Naruko* It was pure luck...

Tazuna: *Angry* Was it luck?

Sakura: {Still, they worked as a team... in a situation like that! Also, Naruko and Sayuri are always fighting.}

Zabuza looked at Kakashi.

Zabuza: They distracted me and I broke my Suirou no Jutsu...

Kakashi: Your mistake! You didn't break the Jutsu... They forced you to. I'll warn you, the same Jutsu won't work twice. What are you going to do?

Sayuri looked at Sakura.

Sayuri: Sakura! Stay alert.

She nodded and the two moved in front of Tazuna, blocking him from Zabuza.

Arata looked at Zabuza. He began to take his sword out of its sheath.

Kakashi: *To Arata* No, Arata! You protect the bridge builder. I'll take care of Zabuza.

Arata then put his sword back in its sheath and said:

Arata: It's okay, Kakashi-sensei. {Not forgetting to mention that I don't want to reveal my full power yet.}

Kakashi then took the Shuriken out of Zabuza's hands. The two jumped back.

Zabuza began to make a hand seal in mid-air. Suddenly, Kakashi opened his Sharingan wider.

Sayuri: Sharingan.

Zabuza began to make a hand seal, with Kakashi copying the exact same. They were both making the exact same hand signs at the same time. With Arata watching them with his Sharingan, so he could learn the Jutsu.

Zabuza/Kakashi: *In unison* Suiton: Suiryuudan no Jutsu (Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu)!

Suddenly, two water dragons appeared out of the water. They started to fight with each other.

Arata was surprised to see giant waves of water coming straight towards the group.

The Gennins and Tazuna screamed as the water hit them. With Arata being the only one who managed to avoid being hit, he managed to do so as he had jumped to a high branch of a nearby tree. Without taking his focus off the combat that was unfolding.

The water dragons fought each other. Sayuri looked at Zabuza and Kakashi.

Sayuri: He copied the sequence in seconds... And perfectly!

Sakura: What is this? A Ninjutsu?!

Zabuza and Kakashi were fighting each other with their weapons. Kakashi was blocking Zabuza's giant sword with just a Kunai.

Zabuza: {Strange... What's going on? The Sharingan has the ability to memorize and copy the enemy's Jutsu... But... The Jutsu was activated at the same time! I wonder if he...}

He thinks.

Zabuza: This guy...

At this moment, they both jumped back at the same time. Then they both ran at the same time, in the same direction. Zabuza then raised his arm and Kakashi did the same. Which shocked Zabuza.

Tazuna: *Surprised* Identical movements! Plus, all at the same time!

Arata: So this is what the Sharingan can really do? {It's good that I have the Sharingan in both eyes, and it's fully developed, at that. Just like I have access to Mangekyou.}

Sayuri stared at Kakashi. Sakura looked at her and asked:

Sakura: What's going on, Sayuri?!

Sayuri didn't respond. She continued looking at Zabuza and Kakashi.

Zabuza: {This guy... My movements... He's...}

He then moves his arm down, just like Kakashi, who said:

Kakashi: Copying perfectly.

He said, completing Zabuza's thought.

Zabuza: *Shocked* {What?! Is he reading my mind?!}

He then makes a hand sign.

Zabuza: {Damn! He is...}

Kakashi: Looking at me with those damn eyes... right?

He said, completing Zabuza's thought, again. He then makes another hand sign.

Zabuza: You're just copying... You're nothing more than an imitation.

Zabuza/Kakashi: *In unison* You won't be able to beat me! Damn you!

This left Zabuza very shocked, and angry.

Zabuza: I'll shut your damn mouth forever!

He said while making hand signs.

Suddenly, a shadow appears behind Kakashi.

Zabuza: {What is this?!}

Then, the shadow reveals itself to be another Zabuza.

Zabuza: {Me? R-Ridiculous! Could this be a Genjutsu?}

Kakashi then spoke, after making hand signs.

Kakashi: Suiton: Daibakufu no Jutsu (Water Style: Giant Vortex Jutsu)!

Zabuza: *Shocked* What?!

Suddenly, a giant volume of water rose into the air in a circle. It then cascaded down onto a shocked Zabuza.

Zabuza: *Shocked* {Only I could do this Jutsu...}

The vortex of water fell to the earth, bringing Zabuza along with it. Arata had to cover his eyes as the water flew below him. Almost knocking down the tree where he was standing, due to the power of the water flow.

When the water receded, Arata saw Zabuza in front of a tree, with four Kunai on his body. Each in one of its members. Kakashi was on a branch of the same tree, above Zabuza. Naruko was on the floor, coughing.

Kakashi: It's over...

Zabuza: How...? Are you able to see the future?

Kakashi: Yes...

He then held a Kunai in his hand.

Kakashi: You're going to die!

But then two Senbon come flying and hit Zabuza in the neck, killing him. Surprising everyone, except Arata, who knew it was just an act. Everyone then looked in the direction the Senbon came from and could see a person wearing a mask with the Kirigakure symbol on top of the mask on the branch of a tree. It was a Ninja from Kirigakure.

Arata: {Haku.}

Masked Ninja: You were right. He died.

Kakashi jumped down from the tree and inspected Zabuza's body. He touched her neck. Not feeling your pulse.

Kakashi: He's definitely dead.

He then looked at the masked ninja.

The ninja bowed.

Masked Ninja: Thank you very much. I've been waiting for a chance to kill Zabuza.

Kakashi: From the appearance of the mask, I see that it is a Tracker Ninja from Kirigakure.

Tracker Ninja: Impressive. You are well informed.

Naruko soon reacted aggressively, until Sakura explained by saying:

Sakura: A Tracker Ninja hunts down guys like Zabuza who turn against the village in which they were raised. And when they leave the village, the Trackers go after these missing-nin and murder them to prevent the village's secrets from being revealed. This is common knowledge! You should study more.

Tracker Ninja: That's right. I am a member of the Kirigakure Tracking Unit whose mission is to hunt down missing-nin.

Kakashi: {From his voice and height, he's not much different from Arata... A Tracker Ninja? He's not an ordinary boy...}

Naruko then looked at Zabuza's body and then at the "Tracker Ninja", and then asked:

Naruko: What are you anyway?!

She got no response.

Naruko: Hey you...!

Kakashi: Don't worry, Naruko. He is not an enemy.

Naruko: That's not what I'm asking! I... I mean... This guy Zabuza... Zabuza was killed! This guy who was so strong... He was killed so easily... by a child who is no different from me! We are... We are pathetic!

She said, making Sakura embarrassed with herself. And making Arata have a serious look. For he knew she was right. At least for a while.

Naruko: I can't accept this!

Kakashi then stands close to her and says:

Kakashi: Well, I understand how you feel. But... that is also reality.

He then placed his hand on Naruko's head and said:

Kakashi: In this world, there are children younger than you... And stronger than me.

This made Sayuri a little angry, remembering Itachi. Soon the Tracker Ninja appears next to Zabuza's body, picks him up and says:

Tracker Ninja: Your battle is over. I must take this body, because it contains many secrets. Now, with your permission.

Soon he disappears with Zabuza's body. Kakashi then covered his Sharingan and said to Naruko, who was where they were before:

Kakashi: He's not here anymore.

Naruko then knelt on the ground and started punching the ground, while saying:

Naruko: And what was all this for?! What are we after all?!

She asks, without stopping punching the ground, hard.

Sakura: Naruko...

Arata: {I understand you, Naruko. I myself am still a long way from the level of a Shinobi like Kakashi-sensei or Zabuza. That's why I need to become even stronger than I am now.}

He thinks, clenching his fists tighter.

Naruko: Damn! Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!

She said, punching every word, until Kakashi stopped her and said:

Kakashi: This kind of thing happens when you're a ninja. If you're frustrated, use it next time!

Then Naruko calmed down a little, just as Arata opened his hands, stopping clenching them. Kakashi then said:

Kakashi: Our mission isn't over yet. We have to take Tazuna-san home.

Tazuna: *Laughs* Sorry, guys! You can rest at my house!

Kakashi: Right! Let's get ourselves together and go!

The Jounin turned to leave. But suddenly, he fell to the ground, unconscious.

Everyone was surprised and in complete shock, with the exception of Arata. They all ran towards Kakashi.

Sakura: *Confused* W-What?! What happened?!

Arata: He used a lot of his Chakra.

Naruko: Kakashi-sensei! Kakashi-sensei!