The senbon needles, precise and deadly, had ended the fight. Haku stood amidst the dissipating mist, his expression serene, his presence radiating an almost ethereal calm. He moved to retrieve Zabuza's fallen form, his movements swift and graceful.
"Forgive my intrusion," Haku said, his voice soft, almost apologetic. "I am from kirigakure. I am here to collect the body of Zabuza Momochi."
Kakashi, his Sharingan still active, observed Haku intently. Unlike the original encounter, Kakashi wasn't as fatigued.
Kakashi thought, his gaze narrowing. 'There's something… off about him.'
Haku offered a polite bow, "My mission is simply to retrieve him. Please, do not interfere."
"Like the hell!" Naruto yelled, his voice filled with anger. "You killed him!"
"He was already dying," Haku replied, his voice calm. "I merely ended his suffering."
Naruto, his eyes blazing, charged forward, his fist clenched. "You're lying!"
Kakashi, sensing the urgency of the situation, intervened. "Naruto, wait!" he commanded, his voice sharp. "He's not worth it."
Kakashi knew that fighting Haku now would be a waste of resources. He had to protect his team.
Haku, sensing Kakashi's resolve, offered a final, respectful nod. "Very well. We will meet again." With a swift, almost supernatural movement, Haku vanished, carrying Zabuza with him, leaving Team 7 standing in stunned silence.
_ _ _ _ _
Afterwards Team 7 moved towards Tazuna's House.
Meanwhile, in the Land of Waves, the situation remained dire. Gato's influence had spread like a plague, choking the life out of the once-vibrant nation.
Tazuna's house, a small, humble dwelling, served as a temporary haven, his grandson Inari's initial resentment giving way to a quiet, apprehensive fear. The villagers, though initially resistant, were beginning to feel the weight of Gato's oppression.
_ _ _ _ _
After dinner kakashi explained the importance of chakra control, demonstrating a modified tree-walking exercise. "Instead of just climbing, you'll need to maintain a constant, even flow of chakra while performing basic katas on the tree's surface. This will improve your control and stamina."
Sakura, with her naturally excellent chakra control, mastered the technique quickly, performing the katas with precision and grace, her movements fluid and effortless.
Naruto, as expected, struggled, his attempts resulting in comical slips and crashes, his chakra bursts erratic and uncontrolled.
Sasuke, however, focused intently, his movements precise and calculated. He found the exercise challenging, but his chakra control was slowly improving, showing a gradual, but noticeable progress.
He tried to focus on his chakra flow, and not on the katas, and this helped him improve.
Days passed, filled with the sounds of Naruto's frustrated yells, the rhythmic thuds of Sakura's katas, and the quiet determination of Sasuke's ascent. He was able to do the katas, but it took him a few days, and a lot of focus. He noted the small increase in his control, and knew he had to keep training.
"Alright," Kakashi announced, his voice breaking the silence. "We've made progress. But we need to move. The bridge's completion is crucial."
Team 7, their faces etched with a mix of determination and apprehension, nodded in agreement. The mission was far from over.