Chapter 211: First Encounter
The sudden development unsettled the six genin. While the vast ocean view was a pleasing sight, the unpredictable weather and the feeling of isolation over such a boundless, open expanse left them uneasy. Even though shinobi could walk on water using chakra, the lack of solid ground was disorienting.
Kakashi's sudden action had startled the young ninja. Thankfully, Hyūga Hinata activated her Byakugan to scout the situation and soon detected the incoming figures. On an unobstructed sea, the presence of uninvited guests was far more intimidating than one might expect.
Mizuki stood at the bow of the ship with the six genin, all of them watching Kakashi's interaction with the newcomers from afar.
"There are only four of them," Hinata reported with her Byakugan active. "Aside from the leader, who has a massive chakra reserve and is likely a jōnin, the other three are also strong—probably high-level chūnin."
"Got it," Mizuki nodded. A jōnin was a potential threat, while powerful chūnin could still pose a problem for the genin.
From their vantage point, they could make out the tiny silhouette of Kakashi intercepting the newcomers and beginning negotiations. But soon, things took a turn.
"Was that the Water Dragon Bullet? Are they fighting?" Mizuki asked sharply.
"Yes," Hinata confirmed after watching a while. "But Kakashi-sensei doesn't appear to be at a disadvantage. Only the leader has engaged him."
"Should we help?"
The genin, still riding high on their successes during the Chūnin Exams and multiple difficult missions, had become confident. They were itching to jump into a fight between jōnin. Mizuki couldn't help but chuckle at their boldness.
"Let's wait and see," he said. "It's just a greeting, after all. Kakashi's a famous shinobi. Anyone picking a fight after seeing his uniform probably just wants to test themselves and show off a bit."
"A friendly exchange?" someone muttered dubiously.
But the battle grew increasingly fierce. Even from a distance, the force behind the jutsu was visible. If they got too close, the ship could be in danger of capsizing.
Even at a distance, the shockwaves were strong. Waves crashed against the hull, rocking the ship violently. The shinobi onboard could manage, but the ship was full of merchants and civilians. The intense shaking caused widespread panic among them—they thought they'd run aground or hit a storm. For them, getting caught in a jōnin-level fight was no different than facing a natural disaster.
Though chaos reigned on deck, Mizuki didn't instruct the genin to restore order. It was safer to keep everyone together rather than risk someone being isolated and attacked. Though the chances of enemy infiltration were slim, shinobi were anything but predictable—especially those with unique kekkei genkai or rare secret techniques.
…
Kakashi looked grimly at the mist shinobi before him. The enemy's headband confirmed they were from Kirigakure—and they weren't missing-nin. The stoic man offered only a few words before launching into an attack with a flimsy excuse. Kakashi understood the situation and didn't back down.
The battle had dragged on for some time now. Neither side had gone all-out at first, but once the probing phase ended, they unleashed high-level Water Release jutsu.
The Mist ninja's strength was no joke, but to someone with the title of "Konoha's Technician," battling with elemental jutsu was a familiar rhythm for Kakashi. Unless his chakra ran dry, few could overpower him in a fair exchange.
Their back-and-forth continued until both reached the limits of their stamina. At last, they slowed and stopped, neither wishing to drag it out further.
"You really live up to the title of 'Copy Ninja' Kakashi," the mist shinobi said, breathing heavily. "To hold your own against my Water Release in this environment… it's impressive."
"You flatter me," Kakashi replied, also winded. "May I ask your name?"
The prolonged battle had taken a toll, especially given Kakashi's limited chakra reserves. He wouldn't have fought so recklessly without allies nearby.
"I am Ao," the mist shinobi replied. "A jōnin of Kirigakure. I was sent to receive the Konoha delegation. My earlier conduct was rather discourteous."
"Don't worry about it," Kakashi said politely. "It was just a misunderstanding."
Both men knew that "misunderstanding" was a convenient excuse. The Land of Water had remained isolated for years. Outsiders knew little of it, and the same was true in reverse. Ironically, the nation's infamous internal oppression and brutal shinobi training had driven many powerful mist ninja to defect—Zabuza Momochi, Kisame Hoshigaki, and Kurosuki Raiga among them. Meanwhile, loyal Kirigakure shinobi were virtually unknown.
The "Village of the Bloody Mist" hadn't just trapped the bodies of its shinobi—it had stunted the village's development and information flow. Understanding one's place in the ninja world was crucial. This brief skirmish was only the beginning.
"Jōnin Ao, we're grateful for your effort to meet us halfway," Kakashi said. "Let's proceed carefully from here."
Realizing that Ao was a capable shinobi, Kakashi kept his demeanor respectful. This was the first formal contact between the two villages in years. Caution was warranted.
"The Mizukage greatly values this exchange. Jiraiya-sama has been waiting in the Land of Water for several days now. All of Kirigakure is eagerly awaiting Konoha's formal response."
"We've come in good faith. But we also need Kirigakure to show some sincerity. After all, you've been isolated for a long time."
"Indeed," Ao agreed. "That is one of the key matters both villages must discuss. If you don't mind, shall we travel together from here?"
"That's acceptable." Kakashi nodded. They were now entering the Land of Water's territory. With a guide, they could avoid many misunderstandings or complications.
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