Although she knew Haku was still watching from nearby, she wanted to try taking Zabuza out in an instant; to that end she had a Shadow Deer ready to block Haku's flying needles.
"So, so amazing!"
Naruto was still gawking like an idiot, and Sasuke was likewise staring blankly. Neither thought to form seals and finish the job—no wonder they keep showing off only to get beaten up.
Only Naruto was at her side; she grabbed his collar and whispered a few quick instructions.
Naruto obeyed and began to move.
"Heh-heh-heh, saying it's over? You really don't get it—this kind of monkey trick will never bring me down!"
"Still, you're pretty good—did you copy my Water Clone back then?"
"I'm not that easy to deal with either."
Zabuza spun around; Kakashi's Kunai stabbed out instantly. Zabuza caught the Kunai in his teeth, disarmed Kakashi, and swung his great sword for a slash.
But the blade wasn't fast enough; Kakashi seized the opening and kicked Zabuza away, creating distance.
The kick sent Zabuza flying; he coughed up a mouthful of blood mid-air.
"You fell for it—this is my escape route. Once I'm in the water, it's my domain!"
Zabuza's landing point was right on the water's surface; Kakashi knew a Water Release Ninja's power jumps a whole level the moment they touch water.
Kano gave a soft chuckle.
"Not necessarily."
The Shadow Demon Brothers instantly whipped out their flying chains to intercept Zabuza in mid-air.
"Just these little tricks!"
With a sweep of the kubikiribōchō, Zabuza severed the chains and beheaded the brothers in one motion—but their attack had also knocked him off course.
At the spot where he would land, Shadow Mizuki was already waiting with a Kunai.
"Trash Ninja like you—no matter how many come, it's useless!"
Zabuza didn't know what these shadowy Ninja were, but their strength was mediocre; to him they were just weeds to mow down.
"What if you add me? Ninja Art: Shadow Binding Technique!"
Kano formed seals; her shadow shot across the ground.
"That Shadow Binding can't even hold my Water Clone for a second—think your garbage jutsu can bind me? Don't underestimate a Jonin!"
Ignoring the shadow, Zabuza raised his blade to cut down Shadow Mizuki—yet at the instant of the beheading, he froze.
"So only you're allowed to hide your strength? I saw through that Water Clone ages ago! A measly Hidden Mist deserter—don't look down on Konoha Genin!"
That split-second pause on landing let Shadow Mizuki's strike close in. Zabuza barely avoided a fatal blow, but the Kunai still plunged deep into his thigh.
Knowing she couldn't finish Zabuza now, Kano instantly leapt back.
Furious, Zabuza slashed Shadow Mizuki apart—only a clump of shadow. He realized at once these strange Ninja were controlled by the girl.
All he could think of was chopping that sly little brat—Shadow Mizuki's strike had clearly aimed straight for his crotch! Disgusting!
He yanked the Kunai from his leg and flung it; Kano dodged it easily.
Kakashi was already in pursuit—if Zabuza went after the girl now he'd probably fall into another trap; who knew what else she had ready.
Blood still dripping from his leg, Zabuza spun and dove into the water; Kakashi chased after him past Kano.
"Nice work."
"Be careful of the water."
Kakashi nodded in reply.
Running across the surface, he followed the blood trail and found Zabuza underwater; the spreading red cloud marked the hiding spot.
He dipped his head in—and saw a snow rabbit with its neck twisted, blood billeting upward.
"Crap, it's a decoy!"
---------------------------------
If you'd like to read the next 40 chapters in advance, you can support me on Patreon.
I regularly post chapter previews there, so you'll always be up-to-date and won't have to wait too long.
patreon.com/SolyuraMT
And if you enjoy the story, don't forget to give me a Power Stone. Your support really motivates me to continue translating!