Zabuza’s massive sword remains buried in the tree, its broad blade shivering from the impact. Mist thins across the road as Kakashi stands between the bandaged swordsman and Team Seven.
Kakashi Hatake
Naruto, Sakura, keep Tazuna behind you. Sasuke, watch the flanks. Logan, report every movement or hidden threat.
Naruto and Sakura close around Tazuna, who grips his travel pack and retreats toward the road’s edge. Sasuke turns sideways, scanning the trees beyond the fading mist.
Naruto
Understood! Tazuna stays behind us. We will not let anyone get through!
Zabuza steps down from the sword’s hilt and advances, each footfall pressing water from the muddy road. His cold gaze passes over the students before settling on Kakashi.
Zabuza Momochi
You place children between yourself and the bridge builder? Their fear is already loud enough to betray them.
Kakashi Hatake
Do not mistake their age for helplessness. Team Seven, hold your positions and wait for my signal.
Director's notewhole tale
Kakashi then reveals his sharingan as he prepares for battle. Zabuza makes a first move by appearing right next to Tazuna as he swings with his sword. However, Kakashi manages to block it in time.
Kakashi Hatake
Team Seven, withdraw with Tazuna. The exercise is over. Return to the village and wait for further orders.
Naruto protests, Sakura gathers Tazuna, and Sasuke watches Zabuza warily. Logan separates from the others, choosing the familiar road toward the ramen shop.
Zabuza Momochi
Turning your backs on me? You should have brought more than children to guard this man.
Kakashi lifts his forehead protector, revealing the scarred red eye beneath. Three black marks turn within the crimson iris as his stance lowers before Zabuza.
Kakashi Hatake
You will not reach them. Team Seven, keep moving.
Zabuza vanishes into the thinning mist and reappears beside Tazuna, massive sword sweeping toward the bridge builder. Kakashi crosses the distance instantly and catches the blow with his kunai.
Steel shrieks against steel. Tazuna stumbles back, Naruto and Sakura shield him, while Sasuke turns toward the clash. Far down the road, Logan continues toward the ramen shop, unaware of the battle’s full danger.