The Even Stronger Duo

Chapter 97 An even stronger duo

When Kado was looking for people:

Kakashi was also training Class 7 on chakra control:

The grown-up Naruto sees his younger self competing with young Sasuke: "I really miss it. I wish life could stay like this forever..."

Kakashi, noticing the expression on Naruto's face, asked, "Hey, something's bothering you? Can we talk?"

Large Naruto nodded:

The two arrived at a small riverbank:

The larger version of Naruto revealed what he knew about the future:

Kakashi was shocked to learn that Sasuke would defect in the future, and that the Third Hokage would die in the Chunin Exams a month later. He also learned that the person who started this war was Orochimaru, and the Sand Village allied with Orochimaru...

"The future is truly cruel... Naruto, you've suffered a lot, haven't you?"

Kakashi looked at Naruto with guilt: If he hadn't killed Rin, Obito wouldn't have turned evil, his teacher and his wife wouldn't have died, and Naruto would have grown up in a healthy family instead of being called a demon fox and having to shoulder the responsibility of a Jinchuriki at such a young age.

"It's alright. But I'll have Jiraiya-sensei in the future, and Jiraiya-sensei is very good to me. Even though I don't have a father or mother, I'm actually still very happy."

Seeing the larger version of Naruto making excuses for others:

...This child really inherited the teacher's sunny disposition. Even though the teacher was in great pain when he learned that Obito and Rin had died, he still secretly hid that pain behind the scenes. Except when I occasionally saw the teacher looking sadly at the group photo of me and Team 7 alone in the Hokage's office through the window while I was working at night, he never mentioned Rin and Obito in front of me, just so that I wouldn't continue to wallow in sadness.

After listening to Naruto finish his rambling:

Kakashi then replied, "Don't worry, Naruto. This time, I will absolutely not let Sasuke defect, nor will I let anyone else sacrifice in vain during the Chunin Exams."

Upon hearing this:

Naruto Uzumaki suddenly became somewhat somber: "Sensei, in the previous world, I actually saw another side of Hiruzen..."

He told Kakashi about Hiruzen Sarutobi's decision:

Kakashi fell silent for a moment:

As a former head of the Anbu, he knew the pressure on the Hokage, and he also knew that Hiruzen Sarutobi, as the Hokage, represented the entire Konoha. Hiruzen Sarutobi's ideology represented the conservative faction, and he would not do anything that could potentially harm the interests of the village. If the incident hadn't happened, this old man would definitely have intervened to stop it, but if it had... such as the Uchiha clan massacre, this old man clearly knew a lot of inside information, and the incident was related to Danzo, but this old man still let Danzo go because of his soft heart and for the sake of Konoha's interests.

Perhaps Orochimaru's return this time is not entirely for the purpose of destroying Konoha.

Thinking of this, Kakashi answered Naruto's question: "No matter what, he is a hero of Konoha. Regardless of the outcome, we must acknowledge the contributions the Third Hokage made to Konoha..."

"6

"It's alright, just remove him and Danzo from power, and Tsunade can become Hokage."

Lin Fan's voice interrupted Kakashi's narration.

Kakashi turned and glanced at Lin Fan: "You mean... the same method as in your world?"

Kakashi shook his head and said, "If this were your world, where you would always be here, it might work, but you and your group will eventually leave. The Konoha of today is not the Konoha of a decade or so ago..."

Without Konoha's White Fang, without the Legendary Sannin, without Konoha's various elite ninjas, only a battered and bruised Konoha Village remains. It is impossible for them to directly attack the entire Konoha leadership like Lin Fan did in the past: "Even though Sunagakure is so weak now, it dares to join forces with Orochimaru to declare war on us. I really don't dare to go for Konoha."

Upon hearing Kakashi's words:

Lin Fan yawned, leaning against a tree branch with Lin Xiaobai on his shoulder enjoying a nap: "You wouldn't dare gamble even when we're here, and you'd probably be even more cowardly without us. You work so hard every day to cultivate ninjutsu, develop ninjutsu, and gain such powerful strength, yet you're still so subservient to those old fogies, afraid to attack... Haven't you been cultivating for nothing?"

Naruto Uzumaki: "Grandpa isn't some immortal old man! He's a hero of Konoha!"

Lin Fan scratched his ear: "Yes, yes, he is a hero. In my world, he is a hero too."

Heroes should live a quiet and peaceful life, instead of using their achievements to cause trouble and jeopardize the future of the people who have already received their kindness.

Kakashi: "...Although I don't know what the fate of Konoha's higher-ups was in your world, whether it was the Third Hokage, Danzo, or the two elders, they all made great contributions to Konoha..."

"9

Lin Fan interrupted, "Stop. I can accept Danzo and the Third Hokage, but what did the other two do?"

'

Kakashi: "

...the allocation of war supplies and personnel, as well as the persuasion from various families...

""

Lin Fan interrupted again: "In short, it's logistics. I can find anyone to do that."

Kakashi: "...Contacting the daimyo and coordinating related matters isn't something just anyone can do, is it?"

Lin Fan replied speechlessly, "Do you think it would be smoother if I found a young and pretty girl to coax the powerful into sending more money, or if I let an old woman handle it?"

Kakashi:

'

""

Lin Fan: "However, Danzo did do a lot for Konoha, but he also damaged the foundation of Konoha. So in my world, I didn't hesitate to kill Danzo, along with the two elders."

Kakashi: ...So brutal? Those three are elders who have been there since the village was founded. You couldn't have killed them, could you?

Lin Fan: "By the way, I killed him in public, live on stream. The entire Fire Country, including the Daimyo, saw it. So what?"

Who in the entire Hidden Leaf Village dares to say I'm not one? Even outside the village, no one dares to raise their voice at me. Even the Daimyo has to obediently send us money.

Kakashi: "...Didn't they say the Daimyo's missions were too few?"

The information he heard from Minato after he woke up later.

Lin Fan: "Yeah, what does giving fewer missions have to do with funding Konoha's military? Konoha no longer encourages missions involving fighting and hatred. Aside from escorting, you basically won't encounter enemy ninjas."

Kakashi: ...Are all the Daimyo afraid of you? What exactly happened in the past world? Why do I suddenly feel a little envious of my past self who had a father and witnessed the great changes in Konoha...?

"It's a pity I can't go to your world, otherwise I would really like to know what kind of life I'll be living in the future... I'm sure I'll be very happy," Kakashi said with a smile.

Lin Fan nodded: "That's a must... Hmm?"

"What's wrong? Is something the problem?"

Lin Fan waved his hand: "It's nothing, I just remembered something I didn't take care of, but it's alright, it shouldn't matter."

I forgot to give Kakashi the medicine, but I should still have time to give it to him when we get back.

Original Naruto world.

Konoha Village.

Lin Fan's team has been gone for an unknown number of days:

Kakashi, who was waiting at home for Lin Fan's medicine, finally couldn't resist going to his door to inquire:

I only found out after asking:

Lin Fan is going on a super S-class mission with his teacher and Orochimaru, which is expected to last more than a year!

"Lin Fan... I f*** yourself!!"

Half a month after the mission in the Land of Waves:

Lin Fan summoned his wooden clone, instructing it to constantly observe him and the others for any abnormalities. If anything seemed amiss, such as unconsciousness or inability to move, it was to use the "key" and "lock" to activate the time-travel mechanism.

To be on the safe side, he even made sure Kakashi knew about it:

Seeing how much Lin Fan trusted him, he curiously asked Lin Fan about his past relationship with him:

Lin Fan: "Of course! My past self and I were sworn brothers!"

He once saved Kakashi from dire straits. Regardless of where the dire straits came from, let's just say whether he saved him or not.

Kakashi was surprised: "I didn't expect you to be so kind to my past self. I always thought you were a very domineering person. I'm so sorry."

Lin Fan: "Overbearing? You saw through my will too?"

Kakashi: ? Huh? Aren't you from Konoha? Besides the Will of Fire, what else does Konoha have?

Twenty days on a mission in the Land of Waves:

After confirming that he hadn't been affected, and that neither future Naruto nor future Yamato had been affected:

Lin Fan took the initiative to gather all the transmigrators for a small meeting: "It seems that we obtained 'legal identities' using this thing to transmigrate, so we won't faint."

"But it's not foolproof. It's best to stay a while longer and test it out, just in case we need it when we travel to the next world," Orochimaru said cautiously.

"Orochimaru is right. I agree to stay. I want to see what kind of war Orochimaru creates in this world." Minato smiled.

"Although I don't want to join this war, and I want to go back as soon as possible, I will cooperate with you." Yamato was a little worried about Sakura and Sai in his own world, and didn't know if they could still go back, since the time travel was random.

"Yosh! Then let's wait until the mission is over and go back for a big battle!" Naruto Uzumaki exclaimed excitedly. Come to think of it, he's still a genin, so participating in the Chunin Exams shouldn't be a problem, right? And at this time, he can even see Jiraiya-sensei from three years ago. Shouldn't he summon a toad to scare Jiraiya back? Hehehe.

After the discussion, the group confirmed the subsequent arrangements:

The group also began their own cultivation:

The Flying Thunder God scroll featuring Minato studying his future self at home:

The software modifications provided by "Orochimaru researching his future self at home":

Meanwhile, Naruto Uzumaki was studying the Wind Release: Rasengan that his "father Minato" had come up with near his house.

The main reason the group didn't leave home was because they overheard future Naruto saying that Gato would send people to attack Tazuna's family:

Yamato and Lin Fan accompanied Kakashi to guard the bridge, and also took the opportunity to learn Wood Release near the bridge entrance:

Lin Fan studied and Yamato taught.

After all, Yamato was an old Wood Release ninja, and many low-chakra-consumption ninjutsu were invented by him. The First Hokage left behind mostly high-chakra-consumption techniques, such as Wood Dragon and Wood Man, since he didn't lack chakra.

Zabuza and Haku left Tazuna's house, saying they wanted to settle scores with Gato. After all, they had done a lot for Gato, but on many occasions, Gato had delayed paying their mission rewards. Not to mention, this time, Gato hadn't even given them a deposit before they went on the mission. Now, this demon was being targeted by a brat. If he didn't know that brat would leave later and he wouldn't have to worry about that young brat targeting him anymore, he would never have considered going to Konoha to work.

Inside the Cado Group's base.

Almost all of Gato's men were killed by Zabuza:

They fought their way to the center of the building:

Just as they were about to push open the door:

A voice suddenly rang out from the side and above.

"Yo yo yo, isn't this Zabuza-senpai? Senpai's showing up here, does he intend to kill his employer?"

Zabuza looked up at the sound:

His eyes narrowed: "Kisame? What are you doing here?"

It turned out to be Kisame from the Hidden Mist Anbu:

Zabuza began to tense up:

After all, Kisame's ninja principles are no less than his, and may even be more ruthless.

"I'm here because I received a mission... right, Itachi-san?"

Itachi?

Zabuza's mind went blank for a moment, then he suddenly remembered the culprit behind the massacre of the Uchiha clan years ago... the S-rank rogue ninja of Konoha...

"Kisame, we're just here to do a mission. There's no need to waste time with these people."

Itachi's voice came from the front door of Gato's office:

Zabuza turned around and saw Gato leaving with two samurai and a group of samurai guarding the door, as well as the young Uchiha Itachi and the three-tomoe Sharingan that represented the Uchiha clan: "Haku, it seems we're in danger this time."

He even struggled to deal with Kakashi, who wasn't from the Uchiha clan and possessed Sharingan:

A ruthless Uchiha who could annihilate the entire Uchiha clan:

He was no match for him.

"Zabuza-san, I'll cover the rear. You should leave now," Haku said firmly.

"Idiot! How long can you hold them off with your skills?! Leave it to me! Don't forget, you're my tool! You have to listen to me!!"

"Mr. Zabuza...

""

Hearing their conversation:

Itachi probably understood something.

The fate of a ninja is to carry out the orders of his employer and the village, killing endlessly... but he cannot escape the existence of bonds.

"Zabuza! How dare you come back!"

Kado's angry voice rang out.

A samurai told Kado what had happened.

Kado was even angrier when he found out, but in reality he was overjoyed. After all, if those useless subordinates died, he wouldn't have to pay them their back wages. There were useless people like that everywhere.

"I gave you money and supported you, and this is how you repay me?!"

Upon hearing this:

Zabuza retorted, "Last time I helped you kill a rival company president, did you pay me the full amount?"

Itachi and Kisame: "?"

Kado: "...That's because I was short of funds! Didn't I say I'd give it all to you this time!"

Zabuza: "Ridiculous! You still haven't given me 30% of the reward from the mission two years ago!!"

Itachi and Kisame's gazes towards Gato began to change: they were indeed there to take on a mission, but they wouldn't take one that dragged its feet on payment. They were already being very dutiful by not killing their employer and robbing him.

Kado: "...Don't accuse me wrongly! I already said I'd give it to you after this mission is complete!!"

Zabuza: "The one from the time before last..."

""

Kado interrupted, "Enough!"

He looked at Itachi and Kisame: "I'll give you your reward this time, in full, but I need you to do one extra thing for me! How about it?"

Hearing that Kado would give money first:

Itachi and Kisame then had no objections:

Itachi: "Speak. What are your conditions?"

If he weren't worried about Payne discovering his identity, he would have killed this heartless businessman long ago. After all, although he was arrogant, he wasn't completely cold-blooded.

Gato pointed at Zabuza and Haku below: "Kill them! I want them dead!!"

Upon hearing this, Zabuza immediately grabbed Haku and set off:

Itachi replied, "Kisame."

"Understood!" Kisame gripped his greatsword Samehada, which was bound by white bandages, and jumped down from the railing. "Zabuza-senpai!"

"Let me experience firsthand the skill of the senior who assassinated the Mizukage!"

With a loud bang, the broadsword collided with Samehada:

Zabuza stopped Kisame and shouted to Haku, "Retreat! Go find Lin Fan and the others! Tell them to come save me!!"

Bai hesitated, "But..."

'

"Get out of here!! If you don't leave now, you'll be stuck!!! Do you want me to die?! You heartless bastard!!!"

Upon hearing this:

Bai gritted his teeth, no longer hesitating:

He spotted a window and jumped out with a whoosh.

Hang in there, or I'll kill you, Master!

"What are your feelings for that child?" Kisame asked, even while fighting.

"That's none of your business. Besides, I don't recall the Anbu ever being allowed to take on side jobs!"

Their weapons clashed together with a crackling sound, and Zabuza felt his hands trembling: Kisame's strength has actually surpassed mine?

"Senior, your strength is insufficient. With your strength, you actually dare to attempt to overthrow the Fourth Hokage's rule? What wishful thinking!" Kisame mocked.

"That's still better than you!!" Zabuza swung his greatsword.

Kisame raised Samehada to block.

With a loud bang, cracks appeared on Kisame's floor.

The heavy force made Kisame grin: "As expected of a senior, your words are truly hurtful."

With a ripping sound, the barbs of the greatsword Samehada emerged:

Zabuza ducked back, narrowly dodging the thrust of the Samehada sword. He took a few steps back, his face showing disbelief: "This is... the Samehada sword?!"

"You really know your stuff, senior."

Kisame responded with a smile.

Zabuza remained silent for a long while before asking, "...Where's Suigetsu Hozuki?"

Kisame smiled and replied, "I killed him. I killed him. Though not as good as you, senior."

Zabuza took a deep breath and said, "If that's the case, then we shouldn't fight each other."

"Why?" Kisame asked, puzzled.

"I intend to overthrow the Fourth Hokage's rule... Join me, Kisame!"

Upon hearing that the Fourth Hokage's rule had been overthrown:

Kisame seemed to have heard the biggest joke in the world: "Hehehe, you're really naive, senpai."

"This world is an illusion."

"And we are just a group of people immersed in a virtual world."

"Instead of overthrowing a fictitious rule, let's embrace a better one, where everyone can live a life where..."

'

"Kisame!" Itachi interrupted Kisame in time.

Kisame knew he had said too much: "That's all I can say."

Seeing that Zabuza had the courage, Kisame, still kind-hearted, said, "Senior, why don't you join us? Anyway, you're not the target of this mission."

Kado: "? Hey! I paid the full amount!!"

Itachi: "You just paid what you were supposed to pay. This is an additional request."

Gato: ...Damn it! These ninjas are so damn stingy! Zabuza, you better refuse! Don't make me spend more money!!

Zabuza: "I refuse."

Kado: Well done!

Upon hearing Zabuza's words:

Kisame wasn't surprised: "It's because of that girl, isn't it?"

Sometimes, love is something that can really make people hesitate...

""

At this point, Kisame's eyes suddenly turned murderous: "Then I'll kill her, senior, you'll surely agree!"

Zabuza gripped his Executioner's Blade tightly: "Kisame, you're insane."

"I've gone mad long ago, Zabuza-senpai."

"In this hopeless reality, besides power, all that's left are insignificant desires and needs... Therefore, I still really hope that Zabuza-senpai can join us."

"I don't understand it at all, and I don't want to understand it."

Upon hearing Zabuza's reply:

Kisame, with great regret, fully revealed his greatsword, Samehada: "In that case, please, sir, accept your fate!"

When Bai returned to his residence, Lin Fan and Yamato were just heading to the bridge to pick up their lunch boxes: "Bai? Why are you in such a hurry?"

"Mr. Lin Fan! I will not kill him again! I will not kill him again!"

77

Bai hurriedly explained the situation:

Yamato asked with a serious expression, "Are you sure it's the young man with Sharingan who's wearing black and red robes?"

Bai nodded: "I'm sure!"

"That's terrible." Yamato said seriously, "That's Konoha's S-rank rogue ninja, Uchiha Itachi... Kakashi-senpai was defeated by Itachi's genjutsu after exchanging a single blow and spent half a month in the hospital."

His face was deathly pale:

How can he be so strong?

"I shouldn't have come back!"

Listening to Bai's self-blame:

Lin Fan yawned: "Don't worry, Zabuza won't die. Although Itachi is indeed ruthless, you can trust his character in certain aspects. As long as Zabuza doesn't try to possess Sasuke's body, Itachi definitely won't get angry and kill him in one move."

0

Haku: "? Why did Zabuza-san take over Sasuke's body?"

Yamato: ??? So that pervert really was Zabuza!! Thank goodness it wasn't Naruto, I can finally get a good night's sleep tonight!!!

Just as Lin Fan had thought:

After the exchange:

Kisame barely used his strength; with a single Great Shark Bullet Technique, he not only blasted Zabuza out of the building but also instantly drained Zabuza's chakra.

Dragging along a half-dead Zabuza: "Itachi-san, it seems my senior is quite meticulous... He actually intends to use a complex ninjutsu like the Great Waterfall Technique against me."

Itachi: ...Aren't you guys tired? Making so many hand seals for Water Release.

Kado: "Quick! Take him down! I'll pay you right now!"

Hearing what Kado said:

Itachi's gaze turned coldly towards Gato:

Kado was startled and took a step back: "What are you doing... I didn't ask you to kill me..."

'

Itachi was speechless: "Where's the money?"

Cardo then realized what was happening and immediately ordered his henchman to retrieve 20 million in cash from the safe.

Two black boxes contained 20 million in cash:

The younger brother handed it to Itachi:

Itachi opened the box and glanced at it, roughly saying:

After confirming there wasn't much difference, he nodded and closed the box: "Kisame, take him away."

Kado: "Wait! Didn't you promise me you'd kill him?!"

Itachi: "I only agreed to help you with this mission. As for whether or not to kill him... it's the same whether I take him there or not."

I didn't agree... Oh well, I'll just pretend I didn't agree.

Upon hearing Itachi's words, Gato nodded with satisfaction: As expected of Akatsuki, with such high fees, they must be very efficient!

"Then I'll wait for your good news!"

Itachi grunted and disappeared along with Kisame, who was carrying Zabuza.

When Lin Fan arrived at the Kado Group base, the two had already been gone for a while.

"Hurry up and clean up, or I'll dock your pay!"

Kado's voice rang out.

He was heartbroken that this project had cost so much money, and he felt he had to squeeze it back from these ordinary employees.

Lin Fan, Minato Namikaze, and Shiro, who were standing at the entrance of the venue, said, "It seems the person has left."

Lin Fandao.

"Damn it! What about Zabuza-san?"

"I didn't sense anything... If we rule out the possibility that they're alive... perhaps it's..."

""

"Waaaaah, it's all my fault, it's all my fault! Let me just stay here and die with Zabuza-san!"

Seeing Bai, I was heartbroken:

Minato Namikaze glared at Lin Fan, who was trying to suppress a laugh, and said irritably, "Lin Fan, please don't make jokes like that with a child, okay?"

Bai was crying halfway through when she looked up in surprise:

Lin Fan's smile faded, and he said, "I heard from my subordinates that Zabuza was taken away, and two ninjas also went to the mission objective..."

'

"What! Then let's hurry back!"

Minato Namikaze was about to leave:

Lin Fan grabbed him and said, "Don't worry, don't worry, let's deal with these people first. Since they're already prepared to attack us, let's not let this trouble continue."

Minato Namikaze's face also turned cold: If anyone dares to touch his son, even if the Sage of Six Paths comes, he'll have to try and kill him!

Kado's men are picking up a brick:

He looked up and saw the three of them appear: "You are... Pfft!"

A horizontal line appeared on his subordinate's neck:

Moments later, the head slid off, and blood gushed out like a fountain.

Lin Fan stood behind his men and said to the pale-faced Bai, "If you don't want to kill anyone, leave it to us."

His pale face hesitated for a long time before he said, "Kado... leave him to me."

Lin Fan nodded and replied, "Okay!"

One by one, the remaining thugs at the Kado Group base were killed. Kado, still counting money in the room, was completely unaware of what was happening. It wasn't until he closed the safe, checked the accounts, and wiped his sweat that he heard two thuds coming from the doorway:

He called out the names of two warriors.

The two samurai did not respond.

Sudden.

He felt a chilling cold air coming from above his head:

If Kado looked up, he would see a boy with snow-white skin staring at him with a pair of murderous black eyes.

Near the bridge, which is not yet fully completed:

Sasuke, Sakura Haruno, and Kakashi are having lunch:

Yamato looked around carefully:

After finishing lunch, Sasuke suddenly noticed Lin Xiaobai, who had come with Yamato. Curious, he approached him and asked, "I heard you're Lin Fan's summoning beast? Can you tell me what kind of person Lin Fan is?"

Lin Xiaobai looked up at Sasuke: If Lin Fan hadn't said he wouldn't take her with him when he went out on business, she wouldn't want to be with this bunch of kids.

"Lin Fan is the best person!"

Sasuke: ...This praise is too naive.

"Specifically?"

"6

emmm...

He's strong, he's smart, he's excellent—yes, he's excellent!

"5

""

Well, he had nothing to talk about with this docile animal.

The bridge project is nearing completion:

.

This was also to prevent Sasuke from overexerting himself during training, so as to avoid delays on the way back.

So the team is almost entirely here.

As for Naruto, that kid's recovery ability is abnormal. Kakashi discovered Naruto's special physique when he saw Naruto injured.

Near the bridge:

A wooden boat suddenly appeared.

"Is that Kakashi with the Sharingan? How interesting."

"Kisame, don't let your guard down. After all, he's the only man in the ninja world with the Sharingan, and also the youngest Jonin in Konoha."

"The youngest Jonin, huh... How interesting. It'll be quite satisfying to kill him."

Kakashi, who was reading on the bridge, suddenly had a bad feeling: "Yamato, can you tell me where Lin Fan went?"

Lin Fan and Yamato had clearly gone back, but now only Yamato and Lin Xiaobai had come. Something just didn't seem right. "This..." Yamato glanced at Sasuke, who was trying to woo Lin Xiaobai by touching his rabbit head. "Sorry, Lin Fan said it's best not to talk about this here."

Kakashi followed Yamato's gaze and saw Sasuke: Could it be... related to that man?

Just then:

A white mist suddenly rose from the bridge: "An enemy?" Kakashi immediately drew his weapon: "Sasuke! Sakura! Quickly, take Tazuna and get out of here!"

Upon hearing Kakashi's voice, Sasuke and Sakura also noticed the strange mist rising around them: "An enemy? Could it be Zabuza?" Sasuke stood up excitedly. He felt several times stronger than before after his training and really wanted to have a good fight.

"But didn't Zabuza and Haku already abandon this mission? What's going on?" Sakura Haruno asked anxiously.

Seeing that the bridge was in danger, Dazner and other construction workers quickly ran towards the bridge entrance:

Kakashi calmly stood back-to-back with Yamato: "Yamato, could you please protect my teammates?... This enemy might not be so simple."

Since Zabuza has already joined Konoha, and Yamato's words implied something about Itachi Uchiha, then the enemy is very likely related to Itachi Uchiha!

"That's natural," Yamato replied.

While the two were tense, Kisame had already left the wooden boat. Itachi Uchiha stood on the boat, a crow flying in the sky, its eyes fixed on Sasuke, who was about to fight: Sasuke... he's grown up. It's just a pity he's still not strong enough.

When the atmosphere is tense:

Kakashi's Sharingan suddenly noticed something different about the chakra in front of him:

He threw out several shuriken:

A crackling sound rang out.

Kisame cut off his shuriken, stood there, and revealed his true form: "As expected of Kakashi with the Sharingan, even in the mist of Kirigakure, he can still see where I am."

"Let me introduce myself. I am Kisame Hoshigaki, an S-rank rogue ninja from Kirigakure. I am partnered with Itachi, an S-rank rogue ninja from Konoha."

Kisame Hoshigaki? An S-rank rogue ninja from Kirigakure?

Kakashi's expression was somewhat somber: Information about Kirigakure hadn't been released for many years. Aside from the Blood Mist and a list of names of those who defected long ago, no information had been leaked about S-rank rogue ninja like Kisame Hoshigaki.

But since he claims to be an S-rank rogue ninja, he must be at the same level as Itachi Uchiha!

"Yamato, thank you for your help."

"Yes, Kakashi-senpai, please be careful."

""

Hearing Yamato address him as "senpai":

Kakashi smiled slightly.

Kakashi and Kisame Hoshigaki collided a few times on the bridge:

When Kisame Hoshigaki was forming hand seals and using Water Release:

Kakashi perfectly replicates Kisame Hoshigaki's Water Release:

The two Water Release: Water Shark Bullet techniques collided, and countless water droplets fell:

Just as Kisame Hoshigaki was about to continue fighting, a kunai landed on his neck: "Huh?! Sharingan Kakashi not only learned my Water Shark Bullet Technique in an instant, but he even learned our village's Hidden Mist Technique... Truly worthy of being a Copy Ninja... But, are you sure I'm the real one?!"

With a whoosh, Kisame Hoshigaki transformed into a water clone, and the real Kisame Hoshigaki appeared behind him:

The giant sword Samehada was held against Kakashi's neck: "It's over, Sharingan Kakashi... Hmm? Zzzzz!! Aaaaah!!"

Kakashi, who hadn't moved a moment ago but was now forming the "Chidori" hand seal, said, "Sorry, I never said that was my true form."

What Kisame Hoshigaki perceived as Kakashi's clone was:

In reality, it was a Lightning Release shadow clone created by Kakashi using Lightning Release:

Kisame Hoshigaki, paralyzed, stared wide-eyed:

Kakashi grabbed Chidori and charged forward:

Chidori!

Kisame Hoshigaki had his greatsword Samehada pierce through his white bandages:

The spear of the greatsword Samehada was stuck in his palm:

Then, forcibly breaking free from the paralysis effect through pain:

She dodged Kakashi's Chidori attack:

Upon seeing the blood on the ground:

Kakashi's Chidori scattered: "Tch, he actually used this move? But I remember, the Greatsword Samehada should be in the hands of Suigetsu Fuguki from the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist..."

"6

"Heh. As expected of Kakashi with the Sharingan, even a moment's mistake could have nearly cost me my life."

Seeing that Kisame did not answer his question:

Kakashi didn't ask any more questions, but instead unrolled a scroll:

It's like a shaman swinging the reel away: "Since that's how it is, then I'll use this trick against you!"

After saying that, he rolled up the scroll and slammed it onto the floor: "Earth Release: Tracking Fang Technique!"

The floorboards made a cracking sound.

Kisame dared not be careless, staring intently at Kakashi: "Earth Release, huh...?"

.?

Kisame dared not stand any longer in front of Kakashi: "As long as I remain hidden in the mist, Kakashi, with your Sharingan, can you really pinpoint my exact location?"

Kisame's voice rang out:

At the same time, Kisame swiftly shifted his position:

To avoid being hit by Kakashi's techniques, the Hidden Mist Technique was made even denser, making it even harder for the Sharingan to detect:

After all, the Hidden Mist Technique is specifically designed to counter the Sharingan and Byakugan.

The scene was quiet. When Yamato returned with Sasuke and Sakura, they saw Kakashi crouching on the ground, with cracks appearing in the ground from Earth Release techniques...

"This is..." Yamato recognized the move.

Even the crows in the sky noticed something was wrong: "Caw caw!!"

Sasuke looked up: "A crow?"

Kisame heard the sound of crows:

His sixth sense told him that he had been locked on!

withdraw!

But it was still too late:

A cracking sound came from the floor:

Kisame dodged one ninja dog, but couldn't stop a whole bunch of them from leaping out: "Woof!" The fierce barks of the ninja dogs rang out.

It bit Kisame's foot with a soft "plop":

Then there are the hands:

Then there's the waist:

Finally, the back:

Enter the Eight Ninja Dogs!

"Since I can't see you with my eyes, I'll just use my scent."

Kakashi's voice rang out.

Kisame, blood trickling from his lips, grinned, realizing that his blood had given Kakashi the opportunity. "Haha, you found another opening, Kakashi! I'll definitely defeat you!!"

"Leave the task of defeating me for the next life."

"Since you're here, Zabuza must have met with some misfortune."

Who knows...

""

Kisame's mouth is very stubborn:

Kakashi didn't hesitate:

His fingers danced across his hands, finally his left hand grasping his right: "In that case, let me show you the ninjutsu I've developed..."

""

Seeing the lightning leaping in Kakashi's palm:

Even more powerful than Chidori:

Kisame grinned, "Hahaha, to concentrate chakra to this extent... Kakashi! This is the Lightning Release ninjutsu you developed! You're a genius!"

"He could still laugh even on his deathbed..."

""

Kisame Hoshigaki is truly a remarkable ninja.

but.

This is the end of it.

Raikiri!

Seeing the Lightning Blade charging towards him, Kisame Hoshigaki was already prepared to face his death:

He was truly out of options.

And just then...

A figure suddenly appeared:

Kakashi didn't have time to look:

The only option was to change the target of the Raikiri and aim it at the suddenly appearing figure:

The figure merely glanced at Kakashi:

The moment Kakashi saw the figure, he decisively retreated, and his Lightning Blade vanished from his palm: "Pakkun! Dispel the summoning!!"

Parker was still unaware of what was happening:

With a loud bang, the eight ninja dogs and Kisame Hoshigaki were sent flying together.

The injured ninja dog whimpered and disappeared upon being summoned.

Leaving the heavily injured Kisame Hoshigaki behind, he asked, "What happened?"

Yamato ran up.

Kakashi stared at the dissipating smoke and dust, and said, "It was a shadow clone self-destructing... That guy... is still as reckless as ever."

Yamato was shocked: The main shadow clone's self-destruction would return the pain to the original body doubled; how could a man endure such pain?

Wow! No wonder he's a ruthless person who wiped out an entire clan!

"Cough cough cough!" Kisame Hoshigaki spat out a mouthful of blood.

Itachi Uchiha stood next to Kisame Hoshigaki and said, "White Zetsu, if you don't come out soon, Kisame will die."

Upon hearing this, the White Zetsu hiding inside Kisame's body widened its eyes in shock, then grew into a spore and appeared: "You actually know me."

"Cure him."

Uchiha Itachi didn't waste any words, he simply turned around silently:

In Sasuke's sight, it slowly revealed its true form: "Uchiha Itachi!!!" Sasuke gritted his teeth.

Upon seeing Sasuke's angry expression:

Itachi nodded in satisfaction:

Her expression remained as cold as water: "Long time no see, my silly little brother~!"

Upon hearing this, Sasuke was reminded of the scene he had seen countless times in his dreams: "I'll kill you... I'll kill you!!"

Seeing Sasuke gripping the kunai and about to charge:

Yamato used Wood Release to restrain Sasuke: "Let go of me! I'm going to kill him! I'm going to kill him!!"

Kakashi covered his mask: As expected, this kind of thing happened... But wasn't Lin Fan from over ten years ago? How could he know about things that happened over ten years later? "Sasuke, calm down." Yamato advised helplessly. He had only met Sasuke once, when he and Naruto were almost killed by Sasuke. But now, it seemed that persuading Sasuke not to become Orochimaru's disciple might be a bit difficult.