"Of course. As your teacher, I naturally remember my student's dream."
By the time Furina reached this point, Kakashi already knew what choice she would make.
It made sense. Someone who could voice a dream like that how could they possibly stand by and do nothing in a situation like this?
"However, everyone, I still need to remind you: continuing the mission will be very dangerous. Be careful not to lose your lives."
"Of course. But I believe that with you here, Kakashi-sensei, no enemy will be a problem."
"Looks like I'll have to get serious now. I absolutely can't afford to lose face." Hearing Furina's praise, Kakashi couldn't help but feel a touch of emotion in his heart.
He had to admit that this student of his was really good with words. Just a moment ago, he had still felt somewhat dissatisfied with their somewhat reckless decision, but now that feeling had completely vanished.
And so, the vote concluded with two in favor and one abstention. After deciding to continue the mission, the group didn't linger any longer. They moved at the fastest possible speed toward the Land of Waves, hoping to minimize risks along the way.
...
"Didn't you say someone else would attack us? We're almost at the destination how come no one's shown up yet? Don't tell me they got scared off by this great me, haha."
After traveling a stretch by land and then taking a boat for a portion by water, the prolonged calm made it seem as though their attackers had already given up.
But Furina knew this was merely the calm before the storm. After all this time, a certain someone should be making their appearance soon.
Kakashi had a similar feeling. Although he didn't know exactly who would attack, his past experience as a ninja told him things wouldn't end so easily especially after learning who it was that wanted Tazuna dead.
"Someone's there."
Suddenly, Naruto who had been walking at the front out of boredom hurled a kunai toward a nearby grass pile. Seeing this, the others immediately went on high alert.
But after staying vigilant for a long while, nothing happened. The group then cautiously advanced toward the grass pile in formation.
"Tch." Upon inspection, they found only a startled rabbit hiding behind the grass. Sasuke shot Naruto a disdainful glance one that clearly conveyed what he meant.
Watching Naruto run over to comfort the rabbit, Kakashi didn't relax his guard like the others.
Or rather, the moment he saw this rabbit, he already sensed something was off. He then glanced sideways at Furina and noticed she was looking back at him apparently having noticed the same thing.
"Kakashi-sensei, this should be a snow rabbit, right?"
"If I remember correctly, yes."
Furina acknowledged with a nod and said nothing more. She simply began subtly observing the surroundings. Seeing this, Kakashi gave a silent nod of approval in his heart. It seemed she was thinking the same thing he was.
"Damn it, what do they mean by 'snow rabbit'?"
Sasuke, overhearing the cryptic exchange between the two, was a bit lost. He instinctively felt something was wrong but couldn't pinpoint exactly what.
Still, even if he didn't understand, since the two strongest members of the team were acting this way, there had to be a problem. He decided to follow their lead.
Furina naturally had no idea about all the inner monologue Sasuke was having. On the surface, she appeared to be scanning the area, but in reality, she had already located Zabuza's hiding spot through the streamed footage.
"Stop staring already, Zabuza. Hurry up and make your move. Keeping up this act is tiring, you know."
Just as Furina was wondering why Zabuza still hadn't acted what he was dawdling for a sharp whistling sound suddenly came from the distance.
"Get down!" The moment the sound appeared, Kakashi and Furina almost simultaneously shouted the warning.
Hearing this, the others didn't dare hesitate and immediately dropped to the ground. The very next instant, a massive sword flew over their heads and embedded itself into a nearby tree.
Before they could even catch their breath, a figure with its back to them appeared atop the blade, prompting everyone to instantly raise their guard again.
"I was wondering why the Demon Brothers failed. Turns out it's Sharingan Kakashi. With you here, it makes sense."
"Although I knew the next enemy would be strong, I didn't expect it to be you Mist's rogue ninja, Zabuza Momochi, the Demon."
Just as Zabuza recognized him, Kakashi also identified the other party in an instant. Or rather, with that signature appearance, it would be strange if he didn't recognize him.
"Enough talk, Kakashi. Since you know who I am, you should also know my strength. I'm not comparable to those Demon Brothers who attacked you earlier.
So hand over the old man behind you. It'll be better for both of us. Otherwise, you won't like what happens next."
"We're ninja of Konoha. How could we possibly abandon our client and run?"
Kakashi naturally couldn't agree to Zabuza's demand. After refusing, he pulled down the forehead protector covering his Sharingan. Facing an opponent of Zabuza's caliber, even he had to go all out.
"The opponent is someone strong enough to assassinate the Mizukage and escape unscathed. We should take him on together, Kakashi-sensei."
Seeing Furina come to his side, Kakashi recalled her earlier performance and didn't refuse. He simply gave a quiet reminder.
"Alright. But you know he's one of the top-tier experts. Don't stray too far from me."
"Got it. Then I'll be counting on you to protect me from here on out, Kakashi-sensei."
Although the two had spoken as quietly as possible, their exchange still didn't escape Zabuza's ears. Upon realizing Kakashi was actually planning to fight him together with a little girl, he couldn't help but mock them.
"Hahahaha, Kakashi I don't know if you're arrogant or just overly confident. Bringing a liability to fight me? Be careful she might die in the next second."
"Whether she's a liability or not, you'll find out soon enough. Naruto, Sasuke protect Tazuna. Be on guard for anyone else trying to sneak attack. As for Zabuza, leave him to the two of us."
"Fine." Although reluctant, the intimidating aura radiating from Zabuza made it clear to both of them that this wasn't an opponent they could handle yet. After silently vowing to become stronger, they covered Tazuna and quickly retreated to the rear.
"Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique"
After the others withdrew, Furina didn't hesitate she struck first.