Naruto: Divine Reward System

As Kakashi and Zabuza fell, the surface of the water churned, ripples spreading outward as something began to take shape.

A moment later—

Two massive dragons, formed entirely from water, surged into the air. They were nearly identical in size, mirroring each other perfectly.

Then, before anyone could react, the two water dragons collided.

Boom!

A deafening crash echoed across the battlefield as the dragons exploded upon impact, sending massive waves in every direction.

Sasuke, watching in awe, could hardly believe his eyes. Despite his usual composure, he couldn't help but feel a sting of envy.

"That jutsu… So many complicated hand signs, yet he copied it instantly and executed it perfectly," he muttered.

"Is this the true power of the Sharingan?"

As a member of the Uchiha clan, it was almost humiliating to see someone outside the clan wielding their Kekkei Genkai so effortlessly.

"Damn it…" Sasuke clenched his fists. "This guy really is as powerful as the rumors say. He can copy jutsu in an instant!"

Zabuza, on the other hand, was growing frustrated. Gritting his teeth, he decided it was time to put an end to this.

But no matter what move he made next, Kakashi predicted it. It was as if he could see into the future. Every hand sign, every shift in stance—Kakashi was always one step ahead.

Then, to Zabuza's utter disbelief, Kakashi started forming a new set of hand signs.

"No… Impossible!"

That was his next move!

Before he could react, Kakashi finished the sequence and called out—

"Water Style: Giant Vortex Jutsu!"

A massive surge of water erupted behind Kakashi, transforming the once-small creek into a raging torrent. The sheer force of the attack sent waves crashing forward, swallowing Zabuza whole.

"This… How?!" Zabuza barely had time to think before the water consumed him, sending him hurtling back. The sheer power of the attack uprooted trees, shattered rocks, and left the battlefield in complete disarray.

When the water finally settled, the once-proud Demon of the Hidden Mist was slumped against a tree, barely conscious. His breath was ragged, his strength completely drained.

Kakashi didn't waste time. He pulled out four kunai and launched them, pinning Zabuza's limbs to the tree. With his arms and legs immobilized, Zabuza had no way of forming hand signs.

His body weakened, Zabuza lifted his head and stared at Kakashi. "What… the hell… are you? Can you see the future or something?"

Kakashi's single visible eye narrowed. "Yes."

Of course, it wasn't actual foresight. It was the power of his Sharingan, allowing him to anticipate and copy movements before they even happened.

Zabuza's vision blurred. He knew he had lost.

Kakashi stepped forward, raising a kunai. "It's over, Zabuza."

But just as he was about to strike—

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Two senbon needles flew through the air, piercing Zabuza's neck.

Thud.

Zabuza's body slumped forward.

A soft, almost indifferent voice spoke. "Hmph. Finally killed him."

Tatsuya and the others turned sharply.

Standing nearby was a masked figure. The white mask bore red and black markings, resembling the insignia of an elite force. Despite their small frame, there was an undeniable air of skill and precision in the way they carried themselves.

Tatsuya narrowed his eyes. "That mask… You're from the Hidden Mist's Hunter-nin unit."

The masked figure seemed momentarily surprised that Kakashi recognized them but quickly nodded. "I didn't expect to be recognized so easily. Impressive."

They glanced down at Zabuza's unmoving body. "Either way, I should thank you. You saved me the trouble of finishing him off myself."

Kakashi studied the masked figure closely, mind racing. Something felt off.

Despite the masked figure's youthful appearance, the masked figure managed to bring down Zabuza in an instant showing an undeniable skill, but something about his presence didn't sit right.

Tatsuya, watching them carefully, smirked. "So that's your story, huh?"

The figure tilted his head. "What do you mean?"

Tatsuya crossed his arms. "You're not here to kill Zabuza. You're here to save him."

Silence.

Kakashi, Naruto, and Sasuke exchanged glances, realization dawning on them. If Zabuza was truly dead, wouldn't a Hunter-nin dispose of the body immediately? Instead, this masked ninja was attempting to take the body.

Kakashi's expression darkened. "You're planning to revive him, aren't you?"

The masked figure still didn't respond, but their stance shifted ever so slightly.

Tatsuya's smirk grew. "You can drop the act. In front of me, deception won't work."

He took a step forward, eyes locking onto the masked figure's. "Your goal was never to eliminate Zabuza. You were sent here to get him out alive."

When Tatsuya said this, Haku stiffened for a moment.

If not for the mask concealing his expression, his surprise would have been obvious.

Kakashi turned his gaze toward Tatsuya. "Did you notice something?"

"The proof is on Zabuza's body," Tatsuya replied confidently.

Naruto glanced at Zabuza's seemingly lifeless form, furrowing his brows. "Huh? What do you mean? He looks completely dead to me."

"The reason is simple," Tatsuya said, stepping forward. "Look closely at the silver needles on his neck. Those aren't assassination tools—they're meant for medical use."

Kakashi's eyes sharpened as he crouched next to Zabuza, inspecting the needles. A few moments later, he nodded in agreement. "Tatsuya's right. These aren't standard kunai or senbon used to kill—they're strategically placed to shut down his bodily functions without actually killing him."

Realizing the implications, Sasuke and Naruto exchanged stunned looks.

"Wait, so he's not actually dead?!" Naruto shouted.

Beneath his mask, Haku tensed.

"Kakashi-sensei," Naruto continued, "does that mean if we take those needles out, he'll wake up?"

Kakashi nodded. "Yes, but only if done correctly. If the needles are removed carelessly, it could cause severe internal damage."

Hearing this, Naruto reached for one of the needles, but before he could touch it, Haku darted forward, stepping in front of him.

"Move," Naruto said, frowning.

"I can't let you do that," Haku replied, his voice calm but firm.

Tatsuya crossed his arms. "So, you admit it then? You were never here to finish Zabuza off—you were here to save him."

There was a moment of silence before Haku exhaled. "I didn't expect to be exposed because of two tiny needles."

Tatsuya smirked. "I knew from the start. You were the one who kept that snow rabbit earlier, weren't you? A trained hunter-nin wouldn't make such a rookie mistake."

Haku gave a small chuckle, shaking his head. "You're smarter than I thought."

"There are no coincidences in battle," Tatsuya replied coolly. "If something doesn't add up, it usually means it was planned from the beginning."

Realizing he had lost the element of deception, Haku met Tatsuya's eyes. "I don't want to fight you. I just want to save Zabuza."

"Unfortunately for you, Zabuza isn't walking away today."

Tatsuya's tone was final.

No matter how tragic Haku's circumstances were, he wasn't about to let an enemy ninja recover just to become a threat again later. He had learned that much from the battlefield.

At that moment, Kakashi suddenly swayed. His vision blurred, and a wave of dizziness struck him hard.

"Not good… I've overused the Sharingan…"

Before he could finish his sentence, Kakashi collapsed onto the ground.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto shouted in alarm.

Dazna looked just as panicked. "Is he okay?!"

Tatsuya remained calm. "He just pushed his Sharingan too far. He needs rest, but he'll be fine."

Naruto sighed in relief. "That scared me for a second…"

Even Sasuke, though silent, seemed concerned. He still remembered what Kakashi had told him earlier: "Sasuke, don't be afraid. I'll protect you with my life."

Tatsuya turned to Naruto and Sasuke. "With Kakashi-sensei down, it's just us now. We'll have to fight Haku on our own. Can you handle it?"

Naruto clenched his fists. "Of course! But what about Sasuke? Think he can keep up?"

Sasuke scoffed. "If even an idiot like you is in, why shouldn't I be?"

Tatsuya smirked. "Good. Then the two of you take him on."

Naruto and Sasuke both blinked.

"Wait, what?!" Naruto yelped. "You're just gonna let us fight him?!"

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "You're the strongest out of the three of us. Why are you pushing the fight onto us?"

Tatsuya's smile didn't waver. "Because you two need to prove yourselves."