The mist seemed alive, shifting and swirling, carrying whispers of death. Every shadow looked like a threat, every sound like the swing of Zabuza's blade.
Naruto wiped the sweat from his forehead, his heart pounding. He'd never felt killing intent this heavy before. It pressed on his chest like a mountain, threatening to crush him into the earth.
But even in the suffocating fog, one thing burned clear: Kakashi-sensei wasn't backing down.
The copy-nin stood tall, headband lifted to reveal the scarred eye beneath. The crimson glow of the Sharingan pierced through the mist, its tomoe spinning slowly, steadily, locking onto Zabuza.
Zabuza's grin widened under his mask. "So, it's true… the Sharingan. I never thought I'd see it up close. They call you the Copy Ninja, Hatake Kakashi. A man who's copied over a thousand jutsu."
Kakashi's visible eye narrowed. "And you're Zabuza Momochi… the Demon of the Mist. Your name alone used to terrify shinobi across nations."
The two circled, weapons poised. The tension was unbearable.
Naruto's fists clenched as he whispered, "Sensei… you've got this, right?"
Sasuke didn't answer. His eyes were locked on the battle, sharp, calculating. For the first time, Naruto noticed how Sasuke's body was trembling — not from fear, but from something else. Anticipation.
Then it began.
Zabuza surged forward, cleaver raised high. The air split with the sound of steel, but Kakashi moved just as fast, kunai in hand. The two clashed, sparks flashing in the fog.
But what stunned the genin wasn't their speed. It was something stranger.
Zabuza swung left. Kakashi mirrored it instantly, blade meeting blade. Zabuza leapt back — Kakashi did the same.
"What the—" Naruto blinked. "He's… copying him?!"
Sakura gasped. "No… it's not that simple. Look closely — Kakashi isn't just copying. He's predicting his movements before they happen!"
Kakashi's voice was calm, cutting through the mist like a blade. "This is the power of the Sharingan. Every muscle twitch, every drop of chakra… I see it all. You can't defeat me."
Zabuza snarled, sweat glistening on his brow. "Tch… cocky bastard!"
He slammed his hands together. "Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!"
The lake beside them roared to life. A massive dragon of water rose from the surface, its jaws snapping as it surged toward Kakashi with crushing force.
The genin froze in terror. The sheer size of it — one hit and they'd all be obliterated.
But then—
Kakashi's hands moved. Faster than the eye could follow, he formed the exact same seals as Zabuza. The air filled with the sound of rushing water.
Two dragons roared into existence — one from Zabuza, one from Kakashi. They collided with an explosion of spray, waves crashing violently against the shore.
Naruto's jaw dropped. "H-he copied it… at the same time?!"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "No… it's worse. He finished the seals before Zabuza did."
The mist trembled with Zabuza's growl. "Damn you… how?!"
Kakashi's voice was calm, confident. "Like I said… everything you do, I already see. Your defeat is inevitable."
The Demon of the Mist snarled and lunged again, swinging his blade with wild ferocity. But every move was reflected, mirrored — as though Kakashi was his shadow, his reflection in a mirror that always struck back.
Naruto's fists pumped. "Yeah! That's our sensei! Show him who's boss!"
But even in the midst of awe, fear lingered. The battle's intensity was beyond anything they'd imagined. One mistake, and Kakashi could fall — and if he did, they were all dead.
Zabuza's breathing grew ragged. He leapt back, panting heavily. "Damn… you're reading me like a book. But don't think you've won, Copy Ninja. In this mist, the hunter is always me."
Kakashi raised his kunai, Sharingan spinning. "We'll see about that."
Before Zabuza could react, Kakashi moved — fast, too fast. His kunai slashed, and for the first time, Zabuza stumbled, his massive blade deflecting at the last second.
Blood dripped into the water.
Naruto's eyes widened. "He cut him!"
Sasuke clenched his fists, his voice low. "Incredible… so this is the strength of an elite jonin. Compared to this… we're nothing."
But deep inside, that thought didn't discourage him. It burned. One day… I'll surpass even this.
The mist churned violently, the air thick with tension. Zabuza gritted his teeth, clutching his bleeding arm. His eyes glared with fury, but somewhere deep within, a flicker of doubt sparked.
For the first time in years, the Demon of the Mist felt cornered.
And Kakashi's voice was like cold steel.
"Zabuza Momochi. This is the end."
---
✨ End of Chapter 7 ✨