3. Level Up in the Mist

Chapter 3: Level Up in the Mist

The road to the Land of Waves was eerily quiet. Mist rolled in as Team 7 walked alongside Tazuna, their senses sharp. Sasuke kept his eyes on the surrounding trees, his grip tightening on his stone sword.

This mission was different. It was real.

And it was the perfect chance to test his system in actual combat.

---

The Demon Brothers

The group moved cautiously along the path when suddenly—

CLANG!

A massive shuriken chain snapped up from the ground, wrapping around Kakashi.

"Sensei!" Sakura screamed.

Two masked figures—the Demon Brothers—emerged from the bushes, their weapons gleaming.

"We take the old man!" one growled.

Sasuke's body moved on instinct. He leaped between them and Tazuna, his Sharingan flaring to life. Without hesitation, he swung his stone sword.

CLINK!

The blade met the kunai of one brother, knocking him off balance. Taking advantage, Sasuke drove his foot into the ninja's gut, sending him crashing to the ground.

Naruto, frozen in fear, watched in shock.

"Naruto, move!" Sasuke barked, dodging a strike from the second brother.

The hesitation almost cost him—but before the enemy could land a blow—

POOF!

Kakashi appeared behind them, unharmed. "Well done, Sasuke," he said, swiftly knocking them unconscious.

> [+150 EXP]

DING!

> [Level Up!]

Sasuke - Level 2

Reward: Skill Unlock - Crafting Table (Summonable)

Sasuke's eyes widened. A crafting table? Does that mean…

He willed the thought into reality, and in a flash, a pixelated crafting table materialized on the ground beside him.

The others stared.

"Sasuke-kun… what is that?" Sakura asked, confused.

Sasuke quickly dismissed the table, shaking his head. "Nothing. Let's move."

Naruto looked skeptical. "Tch, acting all cool again."

But Sasuke barely heard them. His system had real growth potential. And he was just getting started.

---

The Mist Demon Appears

After the attack, Kakashi warned them about a more dangerous enemy—Zabuza Momochi, a rogue ninja of the Hidden Mist. The tension in the air was thick as they reached the bridge.

And then—

FOOSH!

A thick mist enveloped the area.

A deep voice echoed, "Sharingan Kakashi… I've been looking forward to this."

From the mist emerged a towering figure with a massive sword slung over his back. His headband was tilted, signifying his rogue status.

Zabuza Momochi.

Sasuke felt a chill down his spine. This was no ordinary opponent.

"Stay back," Kakashi ordered, lifting his headband to reveal his Sharingan.

Zabuza vanished in an instant, reappearing behind Kakashi with his sword raised.

CLANG!

Their battle was intense—water clones, swift strikes, and razor-sharp tactics. Sasuke watched in awe. Kakashi wasn't just strong—he was on a completely different level.

But even he was caught off guard.

Zabuza's Water Prison Jutsu trapped Kakashi, leaving Team 7 vulnerable.

Sasuke felt his breath hitch. If we don't act, Sensei will—

Naruto clenched his fists. "Sasuke! We have to do something!"

Sasuke took a deep breath. This was his chance to prove himself.

He gripped his stone sword and sprinted forward, hurling a kunai at Zabuza's real body. The rogue ninja easily deflected it—but that was just a distraction.

Naruto's Shadow Clone lunged in from the side, forcing Zabuza to shift his stance.

NOW!

Sasuke dashed in, swinging his sword straight for Zabuza's arm.

CLINK!

The blade struck but barely made a scratch.

"Tch… still not strong enough."

But the distraction was all they needed. Kakashi broke free, immediately counterattacking with a devastating Lightning Blade, forcing Zabuza back.

The battle raged on until a mysterious masked boy, Haku, intervened, rescuing Zabuza and retreating into the mist.

The danger was over.

For now.

---

Level Up Reward

DING!

> [+500 EXP]

[Level Up!]

Sasuke - Level 3

Reward: Stone Armor Set + New Recipe Unlock

Sasuke felt a surge of energy as a new notification appeared. He opened his inventory and saw it—a full set of stone armor.

Equipping it, he felt its weight settle on his body. It wasn't as flexible as ninja gear, but it provided a solid defense.

Even more interesting—he had unlocked a new crafting recipe.

> New Recipe: Iron Furnace

A powerful upgrade that allows for faster smelting of ores.

Sasuke's lips curled into a smirk.

If he could craft iron… then diamond wasn't far behind.

He clenched his fist.

Itachi… just you wait.

---

To Be Continued…