The situation reversed in an instant. Kakashi knew full well that Kano's kit was pure control with almost no damage; in a straight duel she couldn't win.
He had to save Kano—now!
Kakashi, your opponent is me!
Zabuza, soaked in blood, looked like a demon in the mist. Deaf, he could no longer use his Silent Killing Technique, but pure taijutsu was something he refused to lose at—especially against Kakashi.
Not to mention he still had the kubikiribōchō.
Sasuke, finally catching his breath, crept closer to wake that idiot Naruto.
The idiot still hadn't stood up—utterly useless! Kano was in danger; how had he even been protecting her?
Surrounded by ice mirrors, Kano scowled as she hunted for the real body, yet she struck no rash blow.
She knew she wasn't alone.
Hard to break free from the inside, maybe—but from the outside it could be another story.
When Sasuke reached him, Naruto was already on his feet, having first tucked Tazuna safely aside.
What are you doing, idiot? Kano's in trouble—why are you still standing here?!
Sasuke was startled by Naruto's calm; the usual fire was gone. Any other time he'd have charged straight in to rescue her.
This time Kano truly was in peril. In his earlier clash with Haku he'd been helpless under this very technique, and he still bore plenty of non-lethal wounds.
If Kano's Requiem hadn't interrupted Haku's jutsu, Sasuke believed he would have died before long.
Naruto, however, looked perfectly unruffled, as if everything were proceeding according to plan.
I was waiting for you, Sasuke.
Poof!
The blond brat vanished, replaced by a petite black-haired girl in a side ponytail: Naruto had been Kano's Transformation Jutsu clone.
You're here?! Then the one inside is—Naruto??
Kano had known her threat level was sky-high, so she used a lullaby to restore Naruto's stamina and had him impersonate her, keeping the real Kano safe.
Naruto agreed at once, declaring himself Kano-chan's sturdiest human shield!
All right, let's get Naruto out. You cast Fire Release; I'll back you.
Won't work—I tried.
Sasuke had been trapped inside moments ago and had, of course, used Great Fireball. Kano might not believe it unless she saw for herself.
They began forming seals.
Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!
Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!
The fireball ballooned several times its size and slammed into the ice mirrors. Haku hadn't even time to cast before they shattered.
Kano-chan! Sasuke! I knew you two had my back!
Shut up, idiot, and get out. Want us to jump in and die with you?
Sasuke still couldn't stand the dead-last loudmouth; the fool had no idea how close he'd come to dying, yet he grinned like nothing mattered.
Sasuke, go help Kakashi-sensei. Naruto and I aren't fast enough to assist over there—only you can. Leave Haku to us.
Sasuke liked hearing that: only he could do it, not Kano, not Naruto, so he headed off obediently to aid Kakashi.
Kano did it because, unlike Naruto, Sasuke could kill without hesitation—would kill on command.
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