An unexpected change unsettled the six Genin. While the vast ocean's stunning scenery was pleasing to the eye, its rapidly shifting weather was hard to guard against. Worse still, the feeling of standing in total emptiness with nothing around created a lingering sense of unease.
Kakashi's sudden move startled the young Genin as well. Hinata Hyuga activated her Byakugan for reconnaissance and finally spotted traces of the approaching figures. On an open sea with no hiding places, the pressure from uninvited guests felt much heavier than expected. Not having solid ground underfoot always made anyone uneasy, even though ninja could channel chakra through their feet to run across water.
Mizuki and the six Genin stood at the bow, watching from afar as Kakashi Hatake approached the strangers.
"There aren't many figures on the enemy side—only four," Hinata reported while observing with her Byakugan. "Except for their leader whose chakra reserves amount is quite substantial, possibly a Jonin, the others aren't ordinary either. They must be powerful Chunin."
"I see," Mizuki nodded slightly. A Jonin complicates things, and those powerful Chunin are definitely a big threat to these young Genin.
As far as the eyes could see, a small black figure resembling Kakashi blocked the enemy's path, beginning negotiations. Gradually, however, the situation seemed to turn unfavorable.
"Hey, isn't that Suirou no Jutsu (Water Dragon Bullet)? Have they started fighting?"
The situation suddenly took a sharp turn for the worse, causing Mizuki to instinctively turn around and ask.
"Yes," Hinata observed carefully for a moment before replying. "It seems like Kakashi-sensei isn't at a disadvantage yet. The enemies haven't attacked together either; only their leader has engaged him."
"Then should we help?"
During the Chunin Exams, these students had all shone brightly, later defeating numerous formidable enemies and accomplishing many high-level missions. With rising confidence came soaring pride, so much so that they were eager to get involved in a battle between Jonin. Mizuki found this rather amusing.
"Let's watch for now." Their opponents appeared simply intent on delivering a greeting. Kakashi Hatake was definitely famous enough; seeing his unique outfit alone would make anyone hesitate unless they possessed great confidence in their own strength.
"Diplomatic exchange, no need to panic."
"Diplomatic?"
The fight grew increasingly intense. From far away, the sheer power of their techniques remained clearly visible. Getting too close could even sink the passenger ship.
Even standing at a distance, the shockwaves from the battle still felt very tangible. Waves filled with tremendous force battered the vessel, making it sway violently. Although Konoha shinobi managed fine despite the instability, this large commercial ship carried more than just them—it also held many traveling merchants and regular civilians. Such intense rocking frightened everyone onboard, who thought the ship had run aground or encountered some natural disaster. For ordinary civilians caught in a battle involving powerful Jonin, the experience probably wasn't all that different from facing an actual catastrophe.
Although the ship was somewhat chaotic, nothing serious had happened yet, so Mizuki didn't see any need to order the Genin to maintain order. It was better for everyone to stay together—if someone ended up alone, it would be easy for a hidden enemy in the crowd to launch a surprise attack. Although based on the team's composition, the chance of an enemy evading detection and slipping in undetected was low, ninja were by nature unpredictable beings. Who could say whether someone possessed some Kekkei Genkai or secret technique capable of achieving just that?
...
Kakashi stared solemnly at the ninja standing before him. The forehead protector clearly showed this opponent belonged to Kirigakure, not as a rogue ninja. With a rigid expression, the mist ninja briefly tried conversing with Kakashi but soon gave up and found an excuse to start fighting. Kakashi Hatake understood immediately and showed no intention of avoiding battle.
As time passed, their fight had already lasted a while. Neither held back completely, but after some initial probing attacks, they both began employing large-scale Water Release techniques.
The opposing mist ninja wasn't weak by any means, but against Kakashi Hatake—who bore the title of "Copy Ninja"—playing it safe with standard jutsu battles, nobody could truly overpower him until his chakra ran dry.
In this back-and-forth clash, since neither intended to fight to the death, they simply exchanged moves in tacit understanding. When both finally reached near exhaustion, they stopped simultaneously without hesitation.
"Truly worthy of your reputation as 'Copy Ninja,' Kakashi Hatake. I never expected you'd be able to withstand my Water Release techniques under these conditions. You truly live up to your fame."
"You're too kind," Kakashi replied, panting slightly. "Might I ask your name?"
This short skirmish had drained quite a bit of chakra—a precious resource for Kakashi. If not for the presence of nearby comrades, he wouldn't dare engage in such an open water-style duel with a mist ninja.
"It's troubling having to trouble you with questions. My name is Ao. I'm a Jonin from Kirigure here to welcome guests from Konoha. That earlier confrontation was most impolite indeed."
"There's no need for such formality. It was all just a misunderstanding."
Everyone knew well whether it truly was a misunderstanding. The Land of Water had remained isolated for many years, leaving outsiders unfamiliar with its situation—yet how much did the mist ninja themselves know about the outside world? Ironically, decades of oppressive rule combined with brutal ninja selection processes had produced numerous Kirigakure missing-nin who gained infamous reputations across the ninja world—figures like Zabuza Momochi, Kisame Hoshigaki, and Fuguki Suikazan. In contrast, genuine Kiri ninja remained largely unknown.
The blood mist nation constrained not only physical freedom but also the village's growth and intelligence-gathering capabilities. Accurately positioning oneself within the ninja world was essential. This earlier exchange had merely been the beginning.
"Jonin Ao, I appreciate your efforts. Your reception is deeply valued."
Seeing that he faced a top-level opponent, Kakashi didn't let his guard down at all. With two ninja villages meeting officially for the first time in years, a cautious approach made sense.
The Mizukage regards these talks with great importance. Lord Jiraiya has already been waiting in the Land of Water for several days. Our whole village awaits an official reply from Konoha.
"We've come with sincerity, but we also require Mist to show its sincerity. After all, you've been cut off from the ninja world for far too long."
"In that case, that's exactly what the two villages will be discussing. If it's alright with you, shall we travel together?"
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