Chapter 52: Fighting While Doing Hair?

Zabuza's expression grew serious as he watched the scene unfold on the lake's surface.

Without hesitation, he moved swiftly toward Kakashi.

Although he knew the Hidden Mist Technique wouldn't stop Kakashi entirely, he hadn't expected it to be countered so easily.

Since assassination wasn't an option, he would have to fight head-on.

Kakashi, seeing Zabuza's approach, remained calm and quickly advanced to meet him.

He had no fear of close combat—after all, he regularly sparred with Guy.

In his mind, no one could surpass Might Guy in close-quarters combat.

Why should he fear Zabuza now?

Clang—

In an instant, they were face-to-face, Zabuza's executioner's blade clashing with Kakashi's kunai, kicking off an intense melee.

While the two fought fiercely, Naruto and the others exchanged glances.

Naruto watched the battle and asked Sakura and Sasuke, "Are we just going to stand here? Shouldn't we go help?"

Sakura shook her head. "No, Kakashi-sensei told us to protect Mr. Tazuna."

Sasuke didn't say a word, but his eyes burned with excitement. He pulled out his Pokéball and tossed it to the ground.

"Char!"

"Charmander, let's join the fight!"

With the Charmander now by his side, Sasuke nodded toward Kakashi and Zabuza's direction.

Charmander glanced over, nodded, and let out a cry. "Char!"

"Alright, let's go!"

Sasuke rushed toward the battle with Charmander in tow.

"Wait, Sasuke!" Sakura called out, her eyes filled with concern.

That wasn't just an ordinary opponent—it was an elite jonin! The difference in strength was so vast that even a small mistake could cost them their lives.

"Don't worry, Sakura," Naruto said confidently. "I'll back Sasuke up."

He released Bulbasaur from his Pokéball and dashed after Sasuke.

Sakura stood frozen in shock, fear gripping her heart. She turned to look at Tazuna.

Now she was the only one left to protect him, and Tazuna was Zabuza's target. If Zabuza attacked, it would be all over.

Tazuna's face was pale. He knew full well that he was Zabuza's target, and now all the capable fighters had left him alone with a little girl who had no combat experience. How could he not be scared?

"What's with that look?" Sakura asked, noticing Tazuna's expression. Her face filled with anger.

"Are you underestimating me?"

Her fear quickly subsided as she pulled out her Pokéball and tossed it.

A Happiny appeared beside her, blinking in confusion.

"Happiny, I need your help to protect him. Can you do that?"

Happiny looked at Tazuna, then nodded.

Sakura turned back to Tazuna with newfound confidence. "Don't worry. I'll protect you."

Tazuna didn't respond, though his lips twitched.

This little one is supposed to protect me?

It doesn't even look strong. I'm probably going to end up protecting it instead.

Thankfully, neither Sakura nor Happiny noticed his thoughts.

Otherwise, they might have shown him just how strong they really were.

…

Meanwhile, Kakashi found an opening and closed in on Zabuza with his kunai.

Zabuza's eyes widened in surprise as the kunai struck him—only for his body to turn into water and splash onto the ground.

"A water clone?" Kakashi muttered, his expression darkening.

Even he hadn't noticed when Zabuza formed the hand seals.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, a swift sound sliced through the air. Kakashi turned toward the noise but was struck—only for his body to dissolve into water as well.

Zabuza stared in shock.

"You didn't think you were the only one who could use water clones, did you?" Kakashi's voice came from behind him.

Zabuza immediately leapt back to create some distance.

"Pi-ka-chuu!"

Just as he landed, a loud cry echoed from nearby.

Zabuza turned just in time to see a yellow mouse with crackling electricity on its cheeks. A massive bolt of lightning shot toward him.

His pupils shrank as the lightning struck him squarely, causing him to convulse on the water's surface before collapsing into the lake.

Kakashi's expression grew serious as he watched.

It was impossible for Zabuza to be defeated by a single Thunderbolt from Pikachu.

Splash!

A sudden splash behind Kakashi made him whirl around.

He immediately realized what was happening and shouted, "Be careful! Zabuza's coming for you guys!"

He sprinted toward the shore as fast as he could.

Regret flickered in his heart—he shouldn't have been so careless.

…

Meanwhile, Sasuke and Naruto, who were initially planning to assist Kakashi, suddenly stopped in their tracks as Zabuza leapt out of the water near the shore.

Sasuke came to a halt, his gaze sharpening in caution.

Naruto, however, blinked in surprise before asking with genuine curiosity, "Hey, is there a barbershop nearby? Did you seriously get a new hairstyle mid-battle? That's impressive—fighting and styling at the same time!"

For a moment, both Sasuke and Zabuza twitched uncontrollably at the remark.

Zabuza's face darkened with fury. "You little brat, I'll kill you!"

Damn it! He had just been ambushed by that blasted summoned beast of Kakashi's.

And now this brat had the nerve to mock him?! Did they really think he had no temper?

Sure, he couldn't take down Kakashi—that guy was an elite jonin with a summoned beast on his side.

But this kid? He was just a genin! And now he dared to insult him?!

Raising his executioner's blade, Zabuza charged at Naruto in a fit of rage.

Sasuke's eyes widened as he shouted, "Naruto, watch out!"

Naruto quickly recovered and began forming hand seals. "Shadow Clone Technique!"

Poof! A large cloud of smoke rose, revealing dozens of Naruto clones.

"Bulbasaur, use Vine Whip!"

Naruto and his shadow clones charged toward Zabuza without the slightest hint of fear in their eyes, as though Zabuza were merely another genin.