The Uchiha clan was one of Konoha's great noble families, with a history spanning over a thousand years.
The Nankai Shrine, which had endured countless trials, was living proof of that legacy.
Renowned for their ninja skills, the Uchiha had survived to this day thanks to their combat prowess.
However, Sasuko, who had grown up during a time of peace, was a true "scaredy-cat."
Having never faced real combat, her mindset wasn't much different from that of ordinary Konoha citizens.
Although she had always dreamed of becoming a kunoichi, it had all remained theoretical.
She had never encountered real danger or fought enemy ninjas.
The real ninja world… it seemed as distant as the horizon.
In contrast, Naruto, who already had some combat experience, was in a way a true ninja.
As they say, no effort is ever wasted.
The steps he had taken one by one in the past were finally bearing fruit today.
If news spread that Uzumaki Naruto had died from a simple kunai, it would be a joke.
"Are you okay?"
Naruto got up, scanning the surroundings warily.
What annoyed him was that the Hidden Mist Jutsu obscured his vision.
This technique, although low-level and inexpensive in chakra, was incredibly effective.
Naruto, used to charging headfirst, suddenly realized how unprepared he was against this kind of enemy.
How do you fight without even knowing where or who the enemy is?
But there was a simple solution.
Just pick a random direction and charge.
After all, the mist had its limits. In the original story, even Zabuza's fog only covered a small part of the bridge.
Even if there were many enemies, could they really cover all of Konoha?
Also, where were Hayate and Yūgao?
Why were they never around when you needed them?
It reminded Naruto of those movies where reinforcements always arrived too late.
In the end, better to rely on yourself.
Naruto looked at Sasuko.
"Can you move?"
"Of course!" Sako quickly got up, scanning the surroundings cautiously.
After all, she was an Uchiha. She was already starting to play her part.
She tried to use her knowledge to analyze the situation.
"Let's get out of here," Naruto decided to flee with Sasuko.
Until they knew the enemy's strength and numbers, getting out of the mist was the best option.
"Alright."
Sako agreed without hesitation.
They immediately started running.
Was it an illusion? The mist seemed to lighten slightly, allowing them to vaguely make out their surroundings.
...
On the other side of the mist, Yūgao and Hayate were also trapped.
As soon as the unknown mist spread, they realized there were enemies nearby.
Taking advantage of the Chūnin Exams to infiltrate Konoha was the perfect opportunity.
And only ninjas from Kiri could use the Hidden Mist Jutsu.
They had pretended to accept Konoha's invitation, but their true nature hadn't changed.
What worried Hayate was that the enemy might be targeting Naruto… and Uchiha Fugaku's daughter as well.
"Yūgao, go get reinforcements and inform the Hokage…"
Neither of these two kids could be lost.
"But…"
Yūgao hesitated at her childhood friend's decision.
This wasn't the time to play the hero. They didn't even know the number or strength of the enemies.
Suddenly, a silhouette appeared in the mist.
Hayate and Yūgao instantly tensed up.
The enemy's identity...
"So, have you made your decision?"
Hoshigaki Jūzō, wielding his Hoshigaki, appeared before them, blocking their path like a gatekeeper.
When Hayate and Yūgao recognized his face, they were gripped by fear.
"The… Seven Swordsmen…"
Yūgao whispered the name in terror.
More precisely, the former ninja from Kiri—Hoshigaki Jūzō.
It's him?!
When they were children, Jūzō was already a legend.
Such a monster, a traitor from Kiri, showing up in Konoha...
Hayate and Yūgao immediately thought of the black market and similar places.
Many rogue ninjas survived through illegal missions.
To stay alive, they were ready for anything—even the worst atrocities.
Yūgao, who had hesitated before, now understood Hayate's decision.
They really needed reinforcements.
Such an opponent was way beyond their abilities.
"Yūgao, go now!"
Sensing Jūzō's killing intent, Hayate ordered his beloved to flee.
The enemy could strike at any moment.
"I understand…"
Yūgao wasn't the type to hesitate. Despite her fragile appearance—like a porcelain doll—
she was an elite ANBU. She knew better than to act on emotion.
In a flash, she leapt toward the edge of the jutsu.
"Then… allow me to stall you a bit…"
Hayate drew his tantō.
The gesture made Jūzō chuckle.
Trying to teach swordplay to a master, that's what it looked like.
Kiri ninjas were trained from childhood in swordsmanship, in hopes of one day inheriting one of the seven legendary blades.
In other words, every Kiri ninja was a sword expert.
Trying to play with blades in front of him was laughable.
"Tōton..."
But in the next instant, Hayate, with a sword in one hand and forming seals with the other, vanished…
"Oh?"
Jūzō raised an eyebrow, his mocking expression fading slightly.