154. Zabuza Retreats

"It's almost done. Keep fighting. Zabuza may be consumed by Nazusa..." 

After watching the battle for a while, Yagami felt that if things continued like this, Zabuza might die. But he still wanted to use Zabuza's hand to kill Gato, so the sword might break here. 

With the help of the characteristics of the time-stop ninjutsu, Yagami successfully destroyed the Darkness Technique and Hidden Mist Technique. 

If the time is not frozen for a long duration but only paused for a millisecond, there would be no strain on Yagami. However, the effect of interrupting the release of ninjutsu would remain unaffected. 

Just think about it—Yagami could make anyone unable to release ninjutsu in his presence. 

This is not the real terrifying aspect of Time Stop. 

The reason why Time Stop can interrupt the release of ninjutsu lies in its ability to disrupt Chakra flow. 

In other words, anything requiring Chakra or other energy as a foundation would be affected by Time Stop, including ninjutsu, genjutsu, explosive tags, and seals. 

It's just that the energy supply for the latter is relatively stable. If it is not specifically targeted, it generally will not be affected by Time Stop. 

Finally, there is Taijutsu. Under normal circumstances, Taijutsu will not be interrupted by Time Stop. However, after being affected, its power diminishes. 

This is akin to a person running and throwing a punch. In that punch lies not only the person's strength but also the benefit of inertia. Yet, when paused, all inertia disappears, and the internal energy is also consumed. 

At this moment, the spell was lifted, and everyone's perception returned. Whether it was Zabuza or Team 7, they were stunned momentarily. 

However, these people were battle-hardened elites. They didn't stay confused for long and immediately launched another attack. 

This time, Kakashi didn't hold back and joined forces to deal with Zabuza. For a moment, Zabuza, already worn down by Nazusa, faced three attackers working together. Although he still had his Decapitating Blade, he could barely fend them off. 

"Damn brat..." 

After being kicked away by Kakashi, Zabuza looked at the three of them warily, gasping for breath. 

But before Kakashi and the others could press their advantage, several sharp sounds cut through the air. Three senbon pierced Zabuza's throat, and the Kirigakure Jōnin collapsed to the ground. 

Team 7 and the others were stunned, their gazes instinctively turning toward the source of the senbon. 

On a tree trunk, a short figure wearing a mask looked down at them calmly, showing no hostility. 

"The timing is just right; he should be dead this time!" 

Feeling their gazes, the masked figure spoke in a neutral voice. He knew his attire would spare him unnecessary trouble. 

"He's no longer breathing. Are you part of Kirigakure's Anbu pursuit team?" 

Kakashi wiped Zabuza's neck and raised his head to speak. 

"As expected of Kakashi-senpai, you recognized me at a glance! I am grateful to you; otherwise, defeating Zabuza would have been challenging. Since your battle is over, can you leave the body to me?"

Shiro nodded, acknowledging his identity, and simultaneously requested to take Zabuza's body away. 

Ninja corpses contain a wealth of information. Generally, unless it is wartime or there is an intent to seize the body, it is customary for shinobi from different villages to make such requests. 

The Uchiha Clan has ties with Kirigakure, so Sasuke and Nazusa naturally had no objections to the request. Sakura's opinion in this matter held little weight. 

As for Kakashi, there were no significant conflicts between Konoha and Kirigakure at the moment. He had no reason to interfere and thus agreed to let Shiro take the body away. 

Moreover, the situation was rather unique. Kakashi was well aware of whether Zabuza was truly dead or not. 

As a teacher, he also had a thorough understanding of his students. Sakura aside, Nazusa was strong but lacked actual combat experience. This encounter with Zabuza might serve as an invaluable opportunity for their rapid growth. 

"That person just now... wasn't part of Kirigakure's Anbu, was he?" 

After Shiro vanished with Zabuza, Naruto looked at Kakashi in confusion. Though he wasn't entirely certain, he felt that Zabuza's Chakra hadn't completely faded, and the way the supposed Kirigakure Anbu had taken Zabuza seemed far too cautious. 

"It seems you noticed. I suspect Zabuza will show up in front of us again soon," Kakashi remarked. 

Kakashi's words left Naruto and Sasuke thoughtful, while Sakura's face betrayed her nervousness. 

"What do you mean? Isn't Zabuza already dead? Kakashi-sensei, you checked him yourself—how can that be?" Sakura asked quickly, her relief at the mission's apparent end quickly replaced by anxiety. 

"Although I am a Jōnin, I am not a medical ninja. 

I had just fought a difficult battle, needed to guard against the enemy's potential counterattacks, and had to protect you and the mission target. 

Mistakes are inevitable. 

Moreover, the weapon used was senbon. Depending on where they struck, Zabuza might have only been in a state of suspended animation," Kakashi explained with a sigh. 

When students are too talented, teachers feel unnecessary; when students are too weak, teachers feel burdened. Either extreme was frustrating for a sensei like Kakashi. 

"In other words, that masked individual saved Zabuza on purpose. Is this what it means to be a true ninja?" 

Sasuke's interest was piqued. He understood that enhancing strength and ensuring survival as a shinobi were entirely different challenges. 

"Doesn't that mean the danger hasn't been eliminated? So what do we do now?" 

"Don't worry," Naruto said with a reassuring smile. "Grandpa, you saw the battle earlier. If Gato's ninjas are all like this, ensuring your safety won't be an issue. 

As Yagami-san mentioned, hiring a Jōnin like Zabuza was likely the best Gato could do. In the previous battle, Zabuza sustained significant injuries. He won't act again for some time. That gives us enough time to reach the Land of Waves." 

Naruto's cheerful expression contrasted starkly with his demeanour during the fight, making him seem somewhat naive. 

"Does this Ashura's Chakra have such a profound effect?" Yagami muttered, exasperated. "Naruto has deviated so much from the original events, yet he still manages to seem like a fool—this is absurd!" 

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