The next scene:
Kakashi is trapped by Zabuza in a light blue water sphere.
Konoha's Team Seven is in a critical situation!
This is their first C-rank mission, but the client, Tazuna, concealed information.
If one disregards the protector and only considers the strength of the encountered enemy, this mission could almost be called an A-rank, or even S-rank!
Zabuza emerged from the Hidden Mist.
He was even the only survivor among his graduating class.
At that time, he was even the same age as the current Naruto.
Later, he became one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.
He possessed the Kubikiribocho.
Then he became a rogue Ninja, escaping countless pursuits by Hidden Mist Anbu!
In the Ninja World, he is also famous for his "Silent Killing Technique"!
Every step he took was a combat experience gained between life and death.
Kakashi is not weak.
Because Zabuza's combat manual contains his name and various information!
According to Zabuza's will, only the strong are recorded in his manual.
But precisely because of this, Kakashi's intelligence was not as comprehensive as Zabuza's.
At the same time, as the squad leader, Kakashi also needed to consider the safety of his comrades.
From this perspective, Kakashi's defeat was not in vain.
But after his defeat, how could the inexperienced Naruto's team possibly contend with Zabuza, whom even the Copy Ninja Kakashi couldn't defeat?
This truly counts as a major crisis!
Naruto stands in front of Zabuza.
Not far away, Kakashi-sensei is trapped in the Water Prison Jutsu.
Facing the Demon Zabuza, who is exuding killing intent, Naruto can only show fear.
His eyes are wide, pupils constricted.
Just like his helplessness when facing the Chunin last time.
With just one kick, Naruto is knocked to the ground like cotton.
And his Konoha forehead protector also falls to the ground.
Naruto, lying on the ground, doesn't even have the courage to stand up again.
"Hmph hmph hmph! Do you think proudly wearing a forehead protector makes you a true Ninja?"
"True Ninja are those who constantly hover between life and death."
"They must be strong enough to be recorded in my manual."
"Only then are they qualified to be called true Ninja."
"Guys like you aren't qualified to be called Ninja!"
The next moment, Zabuza stomps hard on Naruto's fallen Konoha forehead protector.
Immediately after, Kakashi shouts for everyone to escape.
Sasuke rushes forward, but is also knocked down with one blow.
Sakura shouts helplessly: "Sasuke-kun!"
Naruto is half-kneeling on the ground, his face covered in fearful sweat.
'This is a Jonin!'
'A true Ninja!'
'So strong that he's completely irresistible!'
'No, I have to escape...'
'Otherwise, if this continues...'
'I'm really, really going to be killed.'
Under the influence of fear, Naruto twists his body, palms on the ground, preparing to flee...
Suddenly, his bandaged palm lands in a puddle.
Land of Waves.
In a forest.
Haku turns to look at Zabuza-sensei's face.
Unfortunately, the bandages are wrapped tightly, so his expression cannot be seen.
A hint of curiosity flashes across Haku's "Ninja World beauty" face.
Why did Zabuza-sensei say those words?
"What do you want to say?"
Zabuza, with the Kubikiribocho on his back, speaks in a low voice.
He noticed Haku's confusion.
Haku's voice is still soft and gentle, like a warm breeze in autumn.
"Zabuza-sensei, you had the chance to kill him directly..."
Zabuza's eyes remain unwavering, continuously watching the screen.
What choice will Naruto make between life and death?
"Hmph, just toying with the weak."
Haku: "..."
Haku is very familiar with Zabuza-sensei's personality.
This might not be the real reason.
He also looks up at the screen.
Naruto's face is filled with fear, and a hint of confusion.
Regarding the "enemy" Team Seven of Konoha in the screen, Haku doesn't actually feel much hostility.
Perhaps it's their position, or perhaps it's a misunderstanding.
After a conflict arises, one must fight for their beliefs.
Naruto-kun, this is probably the moment of your true test...
Konoha.
Ninja Academy.
All members of the future Team Seven are present.
The Third Hokage watches the screen in silence.
He can guess Naruto's final choice.
But for Little Naruto to make such a choice in such a dangerous situation, it is truly commendable.
Let alone a twelve-year-old Naruto, even a Jonin who has fought on battlefields would find it difficult to maintain their beliefs.
As expected of the future Seventh Hokage.
Iruka frowns.
He is also worried for Naruto.
He clenches his fists, silently cheering for Naruto on the screen.
Little Naruto, you are destined to become Hokage!
At this critical moment, you must show your conviction!
Kakashi watches the screen with one eye open.
He doesn't use that eye when not in combat.
His pupils are slightly constricted at this moment.
Naruto's matter is irrelevant for now, as it won't affect reality in the screen.
The problem is, he was defeated?!
As the disciple of the Fourth Hokage, the Yellow Flash.
The inheritor of Hatake swordsmanship.
Or as the screen says, the future Sixth Hokage.
While playing a supporting role, he was severely humiliated by the screen.
Trapped in the Water Prison Jutsu like a mere minion...
Yamato was about to express concern for his senior, but was scared back by his senior's gaze.
Konoha's younger generation.
Sasuke frowns.
His gaze is not on "Naruto" either.
He looks at "himself" lying on the ground in the screen.
For a moment, he doesn't know whether to be angry or scornful.
Strength!
His own strength is still too weak!
Sakura secretly glances at Sasuke.
Then, with a slightly flushed face, she turns her head away.
Damn it!
Her own performance on the screen seems terrible too!
How is this Naruto's shining moment?
It's clearly Team Kakashi's moment of public humiliation.
That "Sasuke-kun" was probably heard by the entire Ninja World!
How will she live in Konoha after this!
It's all this screen's fault!
...The scene continues.
Naruto looks at the bandages on his palm, and the puddle beneath his hand.
Before, Kakashi-sensei and Sasuke saved him!
Sakura even bandaged his wounds!
Now, Kakashi-sensei is trapped!
Sasuke is knocked down, his life unknown!
Sakura is beside Sasuke, fearful and helpless!
If he runs away, what kind of person would he be?
He is Uzumaki Naruto!
To become a Ninja, he desperately fought for the bells!
Iruka-sensei once stood in front of him, getting severely pierced in the back by a fuma shuriken!
These are his comrades!
'Yes, I am already a Ninja.'
'And, I have decided not to run away anymore.'
Naruto slowly stands up, facing the direction of the Demon Zabuza.
'No more running away.'
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah————!!"
Naruto charges forward, shouting like a brute.