Menma had a mind to provide support.
But seeing this scene and recalling his brief clash with Zabuza earlier, Menma knew clearly that charging in now would only cause trouble. Unless he unleashed the Nine-Tails' chakra, he was barely qualified to even graze Zabuza.
The gap is still very obvious...
Menma couldn't help but think silently.
Despite working hard for the past six years, his growth in the Academy was ultimately limited. Strictly following basic training could only make him so strong.
He wasn't Seiya from Cautious Hero; relying solely on basic training wouldn't multiply his strength several times over.
A ninja still needed to experience clash after clash, battle after battle, to grow rapidly.
After I get back this time, I must revise my training plan. And regarding missions, it would be best if Kakashi takes more missions that offer opportunities for real combat experience!
Watching Zabuza and Kakashi, who had already entered a heated battle, a thoughtful look appeared in Menma's eyes.
However.
Even if he wasn't qualified to participate in a battle of this level yet, it didn't mean he could just stand aside and watch the show. Leaving aside the possibility that as the battle progressed, Zabuza might be forced by Kakashi to reveal an opening, Menma had just sensed a faint chakra signature appear in the surroundings again.
That was enough to make Menma go on full alert.
The owner of this chakra was 100% the boy possessing the Ice Style Kekkei Genkai—Haku!
In the original story, this boy pretended to be a Mist hunter-nin and used a fake death technique to trick Kakashi into letting him save Zabuza. Of course, it was also possible that Kakashi had reached his limit and, fearing Haku's strength would be too much for Naruto and the others, feigned ignorance.
In this life...
Since Zabuza dared to show his face, he shouldn't think about leaving!
Although Haku was strong!
At present, he was at most an Elite Chūnin.
If the few of them joined forces, they could definitely handle Haku.
As long as Kakashi could suppress Zabuza as he did in the original story—or even more smoothly.
Menma watched Kakashi and Zabuza collide fiercely again.
Boom!
A terrifying shockwave erupted from the two. While inadvertently shifting his stance to be ready to strike at any moment, Menma also dedicated a portion of his attention to Haku, who wasn't far away.
"Hiss... whew... Heh, as expected of Kakashi Hatake. But today, I'm taking that old man's life for sure!"
Forced back by Kakashi again, Zabuza shouldered his massive Executioner's Blade.
With a seemingly excited smile...
He looked at Kakashi, who was speeding toward him again.
Swish!
Zabuza formed seals with extreme speed.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Jutsu!"
A surge of chakra erupted. Behind him, massive waves rolled up. Under Zabuza's chakra control, they formed a gigantic water dragon, coiling and winding.
"Roar!"
The roaring water dragon...
Radiated a chilling aura.
This was a jutsu only a Jōnin had the strength to unleash effectively.
Behind them.
Sakura's eyes were wide open. For Sakura Haruno, who had just graduated, a battle scene like this was far beyond what she could accept or comprehend.
In front of her, Naruto and Sasuke both wore solemn expressions.
Especially the latter. A hint of awe appeared in his eyes, and his fists clenched tightly.
This power...
Was the power he longed to obtain!!
"Earth Style: Earth Wall!"
The roaring dragon...
Closed in rapidly.
In this life, Kakashi didn't use the Sharingan's copy ability but chose the most efficient method.
Fully utilizing the principle of elemental advantage.
He used an Earth Style jutsu directly.
Rumble!
The ground shook violently.
As Kakashi completed the hand seals...
A massive wall rose from the ground.
It blocked the water dragon's path perfectly and precisely.
Bang!
Splash!
Its momentum completely neutralized, the water dragon slammed into the giant wall with a thunderous crash, unable to break through.
Then it collapsed.
Water cascaded down the sides.
The next second.
"Earth Style: Earth Spear!"
Kakashi immediately formed seals again.
To the side and below, the ground cracked repeatedly.
Bang!
Bang!
Bang!
One after another, sharp spikes of rock shot out from the ground, speeding toward Zabuza's position.
Incredibly sharp thrusts.
Speed pushed to the limit.
"?!"
Seeing this...
Zabuza's gaze hardened.
"Water Style: Great Waterfall Jutsu!"
He dared not hold back or hesitate. Releasing a massive amount of chakra in the shortest time possible...
Giant waves surged violently.
Rumble!
A chilling aura spread.
Overwhelming tides rushed forward.
Elemental disadvantage?!
Then compensate with an even more massive volume of water!
And to gain more room to maneuver, Zabuza increased his chakra output, pushing the waves to the limit!
Splash!
Layer upon layer rolled forward.
Not just aiming at Kakashi in front of him, but also encompassing Menma, Sasuke, and the others further back within its range!
Ferocious, towering waves.
Bang!
Bang!
Bang!
After forcefully swallowing the dozen or so attacking earth spikes, the waves continued toward Kakashi, Menma, and the others with undiminished momentum.
A large-scale, offensive A-rank Water Style jutsu!
Released by a ruthless fighter like Zabuza, most ninja in the vast ninja world would find it hard to escape such a jutsu!
Even though the thick fog obscured their vision, preventing Menma, Naruto, and Sasuke from seeing the jutsu clearly, the sheer power they felt...
Was enough to make the faces of the four Team 7 Genin change.
But!
For Kakashi...
This was nothing!
"Earth Style: Mud Wall!"
You have a stronger Water Style?!
Then I have a stronger Earth Style!
Pouring in his chakra to the limit, the ground trembled violently again.
Rumble!
Amidst the powerful shaking...
In front of him...
Another massive wall, several times more exaggerated than the previous one, suddenly shot up from the surface!
On the front...
Several giant dog heads were carved into the stone.
Forming a semi-circular barrier.