as it went past him, it suddenly transformed into the real naruto who threw a kunai forcing zabuza to release his arm from the water prison (zabuza was cut on the cheek...why oh why do anime/manga cuts always on the cheeks?) and in turn released kakashi who block the shuriken zabuza was about to throw at naruto (drool worthy expression on kakashi here). then kakashi warned zabuza that he doesn't fall on the same jutsu twice...bah, replied zabuza wherein he moved away and prepared to do the suiton suiryuudan no jutsu. as he performed the seals, kakashi copied them and booom...two water dragons collide, zabuza and kakashi moved in at each other.

zabuza was starting to get really pissed off as he wondered why the kakashi was completely copying his movements and even seem to be reading his mind as kakashi taunt him by completing his thoughts. seeing something like an image of himself behind kakashi, he wondered whether it was just genjutsu. now really pissed he prepared to do the water explosion jutsu but kakashi beat him to it. the cyclone struck him and within it were kunais that pinned him to a tree.

kakashi was ready to finish off zabuza when suddenly needles struck him in the neck so he fell down dead. this was from a hidden mist hunter-nin who said he has been looking for zabuza. it really surprised then that a kid as young as them could be really strong as to kill zabuza with a single blow. kakashi came over to see if zabuza was really dead. no pulse. the hunter-nin then thank them and proceed to carry off zabuzas body.

relief from everyone. as they prepared to continue on their way, kakashi collapse and couldn't move. he had used the sharingan too much.

meanwhile, the hunter-nin laid zabuza down in the ground and proceeded to take out tools. he was about to cut off some bandages when zabuza suddenly gripped his hand. zabuza got up and pulled the needles out his neck as the hunter-nin warned him that he'll really be dead if he's not careful pulling them out. zabuza asked when is he giong to take off his mask and why's he wearing it. haku explained it was useful and it remind him of the old times. zabuza complained why did he have to target his neck. haku explained that he didn't want to scar zabuza's beautiful body and said that zabuza is not going to be able to move much for a week. no comment from zabuza who then said i like you because you're so pure and clever. haku was pleased and smiled, that's because i'm a kid. he asked zabuza, will you be alright the next time? zabuza answered, next time, i'll defeat the sharingan!