The Heavens: From Naruto to sign in

As a Special Jonin of Konoha, Anko naturally understood just how powerful Kirigakure's Water Prison Technique was.

In a short time, there was no effective way for her to break free.

So—

She could only shout desperately toward Yoruha, hoping he wouldn't act recklessly… hoping he wouldn't try to play the hero.

Because after all, she was his teacher.

Just like that man had once told her:

"Anko, if I'm ever trapped by the enemy, don't try to save me.

The person capable of trapping your teacher… is not someone you could ever face."

Yoruha looked over toward Anko.

His expression was calm, and there was a warm smile on his face.

"Don't worry," he said softly. "I'm here. I'll protect you."

Anko froze.

That… that was exactly what she had feared most.

You reckless brat!

This is exactly what I didn't want!

I'm just your temporary Jonin instructor, damn it!

"Hmph! Don't get cocky, brat of Konoha!" Zabuza snorted coldly.

Then—

Whoosh!

Using the Mist Body Flicker Technique, Zabuza instantly appeared before Yoruha, swinging his massive executioner blade down in a thunderous arc.

Clang!

Steel clashed against steel—two flat blades slamming together with raw force.

A contest of pure strength.

Zabuza narrowed his eyes. "A Wind Release infusion? For a kid, being able to channel chakra through a blade this skillfully is impressive."

He grinned.

"But against my sword… all sword-wielding shinobi are worthless.

Even with that Wind Release enchantment, how many more of my attacks can you block?"

He scoffed dismissively.

Yoruha raised his own sword and calmly redirected the weight of Zabuza's strike, sparks flaring at the point of contact.

He smiled.

"Oh? Is that what you think?"

"Then tell me, when did you get the impression that I'm just a sword ninja?"

As soon as he finished speaking—

Yoruha's left hand flashed through a one-handed seal.

"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"

Zabuza's pupils shrank.

"A one-handed seal?!"

A blazing torrent of flame erupted from Yoruha's mouth, the heat rolling like a tidal wave, surging toward Zabuza.

The air itself sizzled with intensity.

Even Zabuza felt a flicker of fear.

Whoosh!

Using the Mist Body Flicker once again, he vanished from the flame's path, quickly putting distance between himself and Yoruha.

But Yoruha only sneered.

"What's the matter, Zabuza?"

"You're a master of the Kirigakure assassination technique.

A blade user. A close-range specialist."

"So why are you backing off?"

"Are you afraid?"

He smirked.

"If that's your tactic, I've got bad news for you."

"Whether you're near or far—"

"The distance between us doesn't matter at all."

Anko was still struggling to break free from the water prison.

But when she heard Yoruha's taunting voice echoing through the mist, her chakra control slipped.

Everything she'd built up scattered in an instant.

You cocky little brat…

Will you die if you just stop showing off for five seconds?

She couldn't help but mentally curse him.

Suddenly—

"Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"

Zabuza formed a series of rapid hand seals, unleashing his signature Water Release technique.

Yoruha responded without hesitation.

"Fire Style: Fire Dragon Bullet Technique!"

"Wind Release: Gale Surge!"

Water was supposed to overpower fire—

But Yoruha's fire release, strengthened by wind, erupted with blinding force.

The two jutsu collided midair.

A deafening boom echoed through the mist as fire and water clashed violently, spraying steam in every direction.

Zabuza's eyes narrowed.

"Kid… I didn't expect your chakra to be this pure."

"If I let you live today…"

"Kirigakure might end up with one more nightmare on its hands."

"So—"

"You'll die here!"

"Water Style: Great Waterfall Technique!"

"Fire Style: Majestic Destroyer Flame!"

Two titanic forces surged forward once again.

Mist roared.

The air boiled.

And the true battle had only just begun.