Naruto stood over the battered form of Kisame, his saber raised high. The air was thick with the aftermath of their intense battle, both warriors having pushed themselves to their limits. As Naruto prepared to deliver the final blow, he paused, a rare smile tugging at his lips.
"You fought well, Kisame," Naruto said, his voice carrying a mix of respect and finality. "I had fun."
Kisame, his breath coming in ragged gasps, managed a weak grin. Despite his defeat, there was a glint of respect in his eyes as he looked up at Naruto. "It was an honor to fight someone of your caliber, Naruto. Not many can push me this far."
Naruto nodded, acknowledging the sincerity in Kisame's words. "You're a formidable opponent. Few have given me a battle like this."
Just as Naruto was about to bring his saber down, a playful, sing-song voice interrupted the moment. "Oh, Kisame-senpai got beat. You must be really strong, Naruto-kun!"
Naruto halted mid-strike, his senses immediately alert. He turned to see a figure materialize from the shadows, almost as if he had always been there but was only now making his presence known. Tobi, his singular eye peeking through the hole in his mask, regarded the scene with a playful tilt of his head.
This unexpected appearance unsettled Naruto deeply. His Observation Haki, which had always served as a reliable sixth sense, alerting him to the presence of others, had failed to detect Tobi's arrival. It was as if Tobi did not exist within the same realm.
Tobi's posture was relaxed, almost carefree, which contrasted starkly with the tension of the moment.
Naruto narrowed his eyes, his hand instinctively resting on the hilt of his saber. "Who are you?" he demanded, his voice steady despite the surprise. His Conqueror's Haki flickered around him.
Tobi responded with a chuckle, tilting his head playfully. "Just someone who enjoys a good show. And what a show you've given us, Naruto-kun!" His voice carried a whimsical tone, clearly delighting in the situation.
Seeing no immediate threat but remaining cautious, Naruto responded coolly, "If you're here just to spectate, then spectate. But choose your next words carefully."
"Oh, no need for threats, Naruto-kun! I'm not here to fight, just here to appreciate the artistry. And maybe borrow this piece of art," Tobi quipped, gesturing casually towards Kisame. Before Naruto could react, a swirl of space enveloped Kisame, transporting him away.
Just then, Naruto's Haki flared, finally detecting Tobi's presence. It was as if, for a brief moment, Tobi had fully stepped into their world, allowing his essence to be sensed. The realization hit Naruto; Tobi's abilities were not just about invisibility or stealth; he could exist on the edge of perception, undetectable until he chose otherwise.
Before disappearing, Tobi's previously playful and child-like tone shifted, deepening into something far more serious and ominous. "We will meet again, Naruto," he said, his voice resonating with a gravity that contrasted sharply with his earlier levity.
The swirling space around him seemed to echo his words, lending them a chilling resonance.
Naruto stood firm, his gaze piercing the fading image of Tobi. The sudden detection of Tobi's presence left Naruto contemplating the nature of this enigmatic assailant.
After resting for a bit, Naruto made his way to Gato's stronghold, where Zabuza and Haku had already overpowered Gato's lackeys.
Naruto asked for the Land of Waves cut of the money. Zabuza handed him the money. Naruto sealed it inside his scroll.
"Kid, would you be willing to fight someone? I'll pay any price." Naruto
Naruto, ever the pacifist, hesitated before declining firmly.
"I can't, Zabuza." Naruto
Zabuza, a hint of frustration in his voice, pleaded his case.
"You'd be saving lives." Zabuza
Sensing Zabuza's deep emotions Naruto decided to listen.
"Who do you need me to fight?" Naruto
The guy I want you to fight is Yagura. The Mizukage and Jinchuriki of the three tails." Zabuza
Yaguya was a kind man. Beloved by the people of the mist. Later on he became ruthless. A tyrant drunk on power."
Do you know what happened to make him change so drastically." Naruto
''Some speculate that Yagura is being controlled. I don't know if it's true." Zabuza
Naruto's expression softened with understanding as he processed Zabuza's words.
"I'll help the Mist. It's the right thing to do." Naruto
Zabuza thanked him.
As Naruto departed, Zabuza's gaze hardened as he turned towards Gato, who quivered in fear.
"It's time to die, Gato."
Gato, desperate and trembling, attempted to reason with the merciless shinobi.
"But we had an agreement!" Gato
Zabuza's smirk was cold and unforgiving as he raised his blade, cutting through Gato's feeble protests.
"The deal is off." Zabuza
With a quick motion Zabuza brought down his blade, severing Gato's head from his shoulders, putting an end to the tyrant's reign of terror once and for all.
Naruto returned to the bridge where his comrades diligently worked alongside Tazuna.
"Hey everyone, I've got some good news. Gato won't be bothering us anymore." Naruto
Tazuna and the bridge workers eyes lit up with relief.
Kakashi and the others ask about his battle with Kisame. Naruto tells them, but keeps the part about the masked man to himself.
Naruto told his friends about his upcoming battle against Yagura.
"Hey guys, can I talk to you for a minute?" Naruto
Shikamaru, Choji, and Shino glanced up from their tasks, noting the seriousness in Naruto's tone.
"What's up, Naruto?" Shino
Naruto took a deep breath before speaking.
"I've decided to go to the Mist Village. Zabuza told me about this guy, Yagura, who's been causing a lot of trouble there. I want to help." Naruto
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow, assessing Naruto's determination.
"That sounds risky, Naruto. Are you sure about this.?" Shikamaru
Naruto nodded firmly, his eyes reflecting his unwavering resolve.
"Yeah, I've thought it through. It's the right thing to do." Naruto
Choji and Shino exchanged glances, silently acknowledging Naruto's commitment.
"We've got your back, Naruto." Choji
Naruto tells them they would not be joining him.
"Indeed. Just be careful." Choji
With his friends' support bolstering his confidence, Naruto set his sights on the daunting journey ahead.
Tbc
