Naruto: Bonds Unbroken

The journey to the Land of Waves continued under an overcast sky, the dense canopy of trees casting long shadows over the dirt road. Team 7 remained on high alert after the ambush, their senses sharpened by the looming threat of more enemies.

Tazuna walked ahead, adjusting the weight of his pack, while Naruto and Sasuke kept their eyes on the surroundings. Sakura followed close behind, occasionally glancing at Kakashi, who led the group with his usual calm demeanor.

Despite the tension, Naruto couldn't help but grumble.

"I still don't get why you stopped me from taking those guys down myself, Kakashi-sensei," he muttered, kicking a stray pebble.

Kakashi turned a page in his book, not looking up. "Because, Naruto, a good shinobi doesn't rush in without thinking. There's always a bigger picture."

Sasuke glanced at him. "You were sloppy. You froze up at first."

Naruto scowled. "I didn't freeze!"

"You hesitated," Sasuke corrected.

Before Naruto could argue, Kakashi spoke again. "Both of you, focus. If those ninja were just the beginning, we need to be prepared for what's next."

Naruto gritted his teeth but nodded. Sasuke, meanwhile, remained quiet, his mind working through the possibilities.

---

A Fog of Unease

The road opened up to reveal a vast river stretching into the distance. A small wooden boat bobbed along the shore, waiting to ferry them across.

"This is it," Tazuna said, stepping forward. "Once we cross, we'll be in the Land of Waves."

Naruto peered out at the water, noticing how the mist seemed thicker here. "It's kinda creepy."

Kakashi's eye narrowed. "Stay alert."

The boatman, an older man with a weathered face, gestured for them to get in. "Quickly now. We don't want to attract attention."

The group stepped into the boat, careful to keep their balance as it pushed off from the shore. The air grew colder as they drifted forward, the mist swirling around them like silent ghosts.

Sakura shivered. "This fog… It's unnatural."

Sasuke's grip on his kunai tightened. He felt it too—something unseen, something watching.

Then, just as they neared the shore, a presence flickered at the edge of their senses.

A flash of killing intent.

Kakashi's eye shot up. "Get down!"

---

The Demon's Arrival

A massive blade whirled through the air, spinning like a deadly scythe. It sliced through the mist, embedding itself into a tree with a deep thunk.

The boat jerked as Kakashi stood protectively in front of his students. His voice was calm, but firm.

"Everyone, stay back."

A figure appeared atop the blade, crouched with an eerie stillness. His presence alone made the air feel heavy. He was tall, draped in a dark sleeveless top, bandages wrapped around his lower face. His headband bore the symbol of the Mist Village, but there was a long slash through it.

Naruto swallowed. "Who's this guy?"

Tazuna turned pale. "That's… Zabuza Momochi."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. He recognized the name—a rogue shinobi of the Hidden Mist. A master of silent killing.

Zabuza's gaze swept over them before settling on Kakashi. His voice was smooth but laced with malice. "Kakashi of the Sharingan… I've heard about you."

Kakashi sighed, rolling his shoulders. "And I've heard about you too, Demon of the Mist."

Zabuza grinned beneath his bandages. "Good. That'll make this more fun."

Then, in a blur, he vanished.