Red Mist of Death

"Human Talk"

'Human thought'

"Inner Sakura"

"Human Yell"

"Demon Talk"

'Demon Thought'

"Demon Yell"

*Flashback*

Disappearing From Existence

Here I am, do you see me, I'm where you last left me, standing on the edge of the background.

No, I'm not gone I'm still around, my voice echoes through your mind, you think I'm still there, but I'm fading through time.

I dream of friendships with someone new, though long for those that I once knew, did I force this distance, was I the one to change, if only I could stand in your gaze again.

Time pushes on now I must go the shell you once knew now you no longer know….by NiaG.

I do not own Naruto…sadly, but it belonged to our beloved Sensei Masashi Kishimoto.

Disclaimer: Strong and smart!Naruto, OOC, and there will be few changes in Naruto Saga, enjoy!

The river is dull gray as if it has no life in it or it was never blue before; the mist is completely covering everything making hard to see where you are going or high possibly can get anyone lost in this foggy maze except for one lonely boat sailing on calm and eerie river with silent motion besides the creaking from the boat.

As the old man steers through the heavy mist with cautious, the people who are occupied on the boat are not just ordinarily travelers or a merchant. One is an old man wearing straw-hat and glasses and even others are Ninja.

One old man wearing a straw hat and small glasses go by the name of Tazuna he comes from the Village Hidden in the Wave. A man with silver color hair and a mask that covered three-quarter of his face and only his left eye are exposed is known as Hatake Kakashi. A beautiful young woman with wavy black hair and two gorgeous ruby eyes as Yūhi Kurenai. Three boys no older than twelve years old, one with round sunglasses and his lips been covered with his coat is named is Aburame Shino, the other one with cute white puppy in his jacket is Inuzuka Kiba and his pup Akamaru and last boy have raven-haired with strange hairstyle and intense black eyes goes by the name of Uchiha Sasuke. Then there are two girls who are Kunoichi one with long pink hair and emerald eyes that suit her name well Haruno Sakura, and then there another who's very timid, but anyone can sense a kind demeanor coming from her. She had short dark blue colored hair and pearly white eyes with a hint of lavender and her name are Hyuuga Hinata. And they come from the Village called Village Hidden in Leaves and here on an important mission.

About a couple of hours ago, Team 7 had given them a simple C Rank Mission from Lord Hokage to escort Tazuna back home, but they aren't going alone so by the Hokage's order Team 8 will go along with them since Team Kakashi is short on one teammate, which threw off, the balance of the team. Only with time they could find a suitable companion to fill in the gap before the start of the Chuunin Exam.

Sasuke doesn't care about this whole teammate business as long no one doesn't interfere him to become strong and reach his ambition. Sakura's mind is total turbulence ever since that happened. When they were attacked by two men who call themselves Demon Brother two A-Level Rouge Ninja were sent to kill their client Tazuna before he reaches home, Sakura cringed as her mind is playing the event that occurred.

*Flashback*

Sakura is frozen stiff, she couldn't scream anymore, and breathing is considered unnecessary. All she can do is see the detached limbs of Kakashi Sensei and Kurenai Sensei that made her stomach turn and her eyes sting with tears.

The two Rouge Ninja has just come out of hiding, killed two of her Sensei and launch a battle against the remaining team. Her awareness is no longer in place that she might've seen how her team is fighting and risking keeping their client safe and alive.

Just when her mind had clinked into restart, she looks up, and her lips parted with no gasp left out. Shino, Kiba, Akamaru, and Sasuke are fighting so bravely with so much effort to hold off two powerful Rouge Ninja with dangerous looking metal gauntlet connected house a retractable shuriken chain run between the two of them and soak with deadly poison.

But her eyes are not on the boys or Sasuke, which is a big surprise because her eyes are set on Hinata. The Hyuuga girl has activated her Clan's Kekkei Genkai Byakugan; she fight so gracefully, twirling around to do her signature Jutsu and the way she holds off her enemy despite the difference in strength she still fights on. She so focused on her battle that she didn't hear the warning yell coming from someone; she immediately craned her neck to see one of the Demon Brothers is advancing on Tazuna, with fast thinking she quickly sprint to Tazuna till she's in front of the Rouge Ninja and Tazuna behind her. She pull her Kunai out, stood her ground with fierce eyes ready to defend the old man.

Before the Demon man can touch her with his metal gauntlet, Kakashi saved Sakura before she gets sliced into pieces. She never been so happy to see her Sensei alive while Kakashi looking bored as he kept his grip around the man's neck and as for his other Brother he's also in a similar situation, Kurenai Sensei emerged from the tree and captured the other Brother by the neck and pressing her Kunai threatening him if he tries anything funny.

Sakura along with others is so relieved, but she was sure she saw them dead, she looked over where she saw her Sensei's shredded parts but only to find logs scattered around. So they've used Substitution Jutsu fooling the Demon Brothers into thinking they're dead.

"Sakura!" Sakura was soon snapped out of her thought and look up and to her surprise it was Sasuke who calling her; she feels as her whole body is lighter than a feather, but it was crushed when she see the look on Sasuke's face, the look of disappointment and unacceptable features in his black eyes and scowl to match.

"Now you see"

"Huh?"

"In a world of Ninja people train to fight to defend for the sake of the mission or the Village even if it means they die for the sake of it…being a Ninja is no laughing matter or fun either. Maybe it would be best if you save yourself by quitting being a Ninja since you can't fight like one and…you are a weakling!" his tone is as harsh as ice that send Sakura the chills.

Sakura gasped when Sasuke spoke to her so severely cruel like he punched her in the stomach; she fisted her hands and started to tremble uncontrollably, she bit her lips, stopping herself from crying in front of Sasuke and her heart wrench in pain by Sasuke's cold words but the truth tends to hurt. Sasuke was showing her how dangerous and cruel the world has become, but all she thinks about is try to win Sasuke's heart instead.

How could she be so foolish for not realizing it till now that damaged her pride deeply. Now that she realized that how on earth is she going to mend it?

*End Flashback*

Sakura let herself doze off as she recalls this particular past when she hear the old man whom he steer the boat spoke.

"We should be able to see the bridge soon. If we move along side of the bridge, we'll be at the Country of the Wave" said a man as he guides his boat to get them to safety.

As the boat pass through the thick mist till they see a half-finished bridge and on top of it are large mechanical motor, vehicles are on standby for today and await them for tomorrow to come, they were awed at the amazing construction, and Kiba happened to whistle at it.

"Man~ this bridge is ginormous!" Kiba commented, and Akamaru happily barked agreeing his master.

"Be quiet! We're using this boat to hide in the mist and keep us hidden. That's why I'm rowing instead using the engine. In other words, if you start yapping we'll be dead, got it?" said man frowning with worry as he keeps on his guard for anything.

The Ganin flinched, and Akamaru whine at the man's forewarning as they remember the Demon Brothers surprise attack, they barely hold their footing if it weren't for their Sensei's rescue they might've died during their mission. Kurenai look at them and soften her gaze; they're young and already achieve the level of Ganin; they're supposed to work with a mission between D and C Rank, and this mission was meant as an escort mission with few bandits or Rouge Ninja that would stand in their way, but now having been attacked by the famous Demon Brothers who are A-Rank level Rouge Ninja something that the Ganin are not ready for. She glances at Tazuna, the man who mislead the information and almost caused the life of these young Ninjas, but he did it by a good reason, the only reason he didn't lie about it is he hasn't had much money to afford a high-ranking mission and his land of Wave are already reduced to no money to spare, that's all he said, his country is dying and he acts of desperation to save his poor home, and then to his surprise Kakashi said that since we accepted this mission there's no other reason to decline it and then he turn to ask the Ganin if they're up to it. And not second later they all agreed that they should help the old man and never afraid to face the danger leaving the poor man to weep, thanking them wholly. Kurenai thought; they took their mission too lightly, and the danger lies within, but she was wrong; they are full aware that this mission is dangerous, and they refused to back down now after the fight, that's only ruin their pride and dignity as a Ninja, and they'll become strong than they were before, so she has no choice to go along with this despite her better judgment.

Tazuna has stayed silent throughout the trip with a troubled face; he can't shake the guilty feeling that he endangers those Ganin's lives. He can trust the Jonins; both Kakashi and Kurenai are extremely powerful Ninja. They easily took down the notorious Demon Brother without breaking a sweat, and the Ganin…he couldn't grasp is to why Kakashi has set a gamble on the inexperienced youngsters whom they aren't ready for this kind of battle. He knew that they stood no chance of escaping death when they face them. It chills him to the bone; they will face the greatest evil that hit the heart of the Wave Country. His body shakes in turmoil and image of his dead friends been ripped to shreds flash before his eyes. Tazuna is about to go into a panicking frenzy that he didn't hear Kakashi's call.

"Tazuna…Tazuna…TAZUNA!" Tazuna snapped his eyes open in fright; his lungs were on fire as his throat is dry, and his mind and body are in the state of panic that he tries to calm himself down, but it doesn't listen to him; he feels as he's going to die. Then a small hand has been putted on Tazuna's shaking shoulder snapping him out of his panic attack, he look at the small hand on his shoulder and look up to see it was Kurenai with comforting eyes and a small smile.

"Tazuna" he was called again and turns his head to face Kakashi.

"Are you all right, Tazuna-san?" he asked with concern and adding the suffix, Tazuna is sure that he's calm he nodded.

"Yes, I'm fine now. Arigato" he replied sincerely. The minute he sees Tazuna were fine and took his time to settle down; he probed up a question that been egging him on.

"Before the boat gets to the pier, there's something I need to ask you" Tazuna didn't say a word, he suspected that Kakashi will ask him sooner or later.

"The identity of the individuals who are after you and the reason they are after you are still unexplained. If you do not tell us the truth behind this we will call off this mission when we get ashore, Tazuna-san"

They all stood in the thick silence waiting for Tazuna to spill the truth about the circumstances of this mission. Tazuna bent his head down, shadowing his eyes under his hat debating if he should tell them or not, they still have no idea whom they up against he can trust the Jonin, but it's the Ganin he's worried about. Sure, he was a bit harsh to them when he first met them, but he has a soft spot for the youngsters if anything happen to them he'll never forgive himself for the rest of his life, but they chose to embark this mission to help him to whatever trouble he's in, call it desperate he needed their help, his Country, his people, his family are on the verge of losing their meaning to live. To save his Country, he must put his faith and the people's belief on the Jonins and Konoha's younger generation with unquestionable sureness, and so he begins to explain with every detail they need to know.

After they reached land, they come to the conclusion that they will help Tazuna and his Country's economy jeopardy. They discovered from Tazuna's story; their Country has been bankrupt by Gato the shipping magnate; the materialistic man has taken everything from them; money, lands, even their loved ones and the Feudal Lords could do nothing to stop him since the Country gone poor. However, Tazuna decided to take the matter in his own hands to save his Country and his people before they are wiped out from the earth. The only way to renew their economy was to build a bridge to the mainland that could melt down Gato's financial system for good. But, Gato was on Tazuna's plan and hired hoard of Rouge Ninjas to kill Tazuna and prevent him from building the bridge. And thus Team 7 and Team 8 have decide on to support and protect the Bridge-Builder since it's been their mission, and moreover it sicken them to hear that the wretched man could pull this kind of stunt without getting punished, he's in for a surprise when they catch him.

As they walk through the greenery woods, enjoying the singing birds and the occasional breezing wind brush around the trees and the walking travelers as if is giving them a friendly welcome. But, even if they want to lay back and relax they need to maintain their sharp eyes and ears active for any unwanted guest that they want to take down the Bridge-Builder.

Kakashi is on full alert glancing on his sides from any sign of danger that would come up and at the same time make sure his Squad and Kurenai's Squad are doing okay. By the look of it, they're doing much more than just okay they're doing their job splendidly. Sakura and Hinata are protecting Tazuna from behind while the boys are on the lead, shielding the front.

He silently approved at their responsibility as Ninja, and how well they protect Tazuna and went back scouting the area when suddenly he heard a twig had been snapped on his right, he twirled around with Kunai already in his hand, putting on his attack mode, but sigh in frustration when he found it what it is...

A young medium-sized Kitsune appeared from the bushes behind it the one who started the Jonin Instructor, judging from body structure and size he can tell it's a female with gorgeous light orange hue and strikingly snow-white socks on her four paws and at the tip of her fluffy tail. This magnificent creature is staring at Kakashi with observant yellow eyes as her ears twitch every now and then. Kakashi stare back at the Kitsune as it reminded him of someone he knew, someone he had lost long ago and never was found. Before long, the Kitsune turn around and disappeared into bushes probably going back home; he gazes at the space that once the Kitsune stood and then went back to catch up with the others.

However, the said Kitsune whom Kakashi thought it just a harmless animal and went back to her borrow, was spying on them very carefully, she watched as the sauntering human till he's nothing but a dot from afar. She took this moment to take off, she sprint in amazing speed barely her paws touch the ground since she was so light on her feet. She zipped through the wooden forest, avoiding the tree as she whizzed as her mesmerizing golden eyes are shockingly filled with determination as if she has a mission to uphold.

As she runs through the woods for no less than ten minutes till she finally reached her destination, when she leaped through the bushes and lay in front of her is the one who gave her a mission. There lying under a giant tree a young Hunter-Nin is sitting peacefully with so many Kitsune surrounds him in the pack are either yipping, playing, or dozing, or laying its head on their comfy and soft tail.

The young Hunter-Nin wore a black kimono with red stripes, turtle-necked undershirt. He wore a mask with thin silted eye-hold and wavy design around the eye-hold. The Hunter-Nin seems in his own little world with aura of complete tranquility as his left hand caress the soft fur of one of his Kitsune friend while his other hand is used as a pillow as it lay quietly on his lap and purr like a kitten in pure bliss.

Young boy sense his Kitsune before she showed herself; he carefully slid his right out under the Kitsune's chin and once his hand is freed he hold out his hand to her. She complied by toddling her way to him, and once she reached him, she lay he heard at palm of her master's hand and let him stroke her fur. After the Hunter, enjoy the feeling of soft fur under his skin till he finally begins to talk about the purpose of this mission.

"Who with the Bridge-Builder?" the Hunter-Nin asked and the Kitsune yipped and yipped as the boy listen as he understood on what she's saying. For a moment, the boy flinched but quickly relaxed.

"I see; you've done a good job, Yukiko" he stroked her fur one more time before he put the awaken Kitsune on the ground and then the Hunter was gone in a blink of an eye.

Deeper in the forest, the Hunter-Nin, appeared before the two figures concealed them in the shadow under the tree, one sitting on a branch up high while the other large one is standing while his back on the tree.

"What's the status?" the large man spoke in a gruff tone.

"…The Bridge-Builder has made it back, and he's on his way to his Village, but he's not alone…six Ninjas escorting him as his support" the Hunter exclaimed.

"…Whom are we dealing with?" the man asked again. The Hunter-Nin stayed silent as he tries to calculate on the right words on what he say next and at the same time he doesn't want to. But, mission is a mission, and he must face to whatever circumstances he'll face.

"Konoha Ninja!"

The one on the branch flinch when he uttered that the name was unexpected to find out that Konoha Ninjas are involved and as for the large man he still stood there, emotionless as a rock but heard what the young one said. He pushed himself and stands up straight and said.

"It can't be helped! No matter whom your enemy is we must fight them in order to get the money" he turns his head slightly glancing at the little one.

"And you know better why we need that money?" he added. The little didn't answer right away because he already why they accepted the mission in the first place, they is assassins that Gato hired them for to kill the Bridge-Builder stopping him from completing the bridge and once they get Gato's prize money they can finally fulfill his dream, and he owe a lot to them…he owes them his life; he looked up and said.

"Yes"

"So, are you ready?"

"…Yes!"

Back with Kakashi and others, they've walked down the path for an hour, checking their surrounding for anything that seems out-of-place and keep their guard up for any surprise attack.

On the other hand, Kakashi seems in his own life ever since he met the Kitsune; he couldn't get his mind straight, or the face couldn't shake the clenching pain in his heart.

'It's been five years since that day had occurred. I've searched him everywhere, leaving no stone unturned and I didn't find a single clue that could lead it to him' he closed his one eye, he's overwhelm with sorrow and regret for letting this happen, he would've had there for him when he needed us the most and now…he reopens his only expose eye.

'I've made so many mistakes in the past…and I've still made so many of them, Naruto.' A pang of guilt has added in his heart.

*Flashback*

The afternoon sun is taking a shine to the Village of Konoha shining its way to warm the Village of Konoha donating it's warmth for the people below. It's a nice day to spend and perfect to take a stroll around the Village. However, this day has no delight or it didn't have the benefit of amusement to appreciate not when a person whom they valued is gone.

On the top of the Hokage Tower, an elderly man known as Saratobi Hiruzen, the third Hokage of Konohakagure is waiting patiently for one Anbu to report his latest mission he sent to.

Less than five minutes later, the Anbu arrived in swish like motion appearing out of the blue; the Anbu is wearing his standard Anbu uniform with long red scarf around his neck, a katana strap on his back and wolf mask with two red dot under its eyehole.

"Report, Ookami*" the Hokage said.

"We've searched every area within the Fire Border; we've rummaged around every single Village; we try perusing his tracks. However, we found nothing…Hokage-sama, I fear that there's a high possibility that he…must've crossed the Border as we speak" his tone cringe with every word he uttered hurt him more than any physical wounds. Hiruzen stay silent and rigid as his back facing the kneeling Anbu till he spoke.

"Call of the search for now, Ookami. We'll resume the search till further notice" Ookami can detect a hint of woe just now and the overall guilt and the same go for him.

They blame themselves to let this happen, because of them Naruto is gone and no idea where he is. They've been searching for him high and low for the past month, and they still haven't found his trace, but they will not waver, they will find him even if takes a lifetime. But, their hope of finding him is dim by day and it increases their guilt even further

Hiruzen shouldn't have let this happen. How could he let this happen? Naruto has been desperately needed them the most, and he let him down, because of him Naruto has drifted off to the distance like the wind. His old heart grieved, but his grieve could not compare to the painful suffering of an Academy Teacher, who cares the boy like Brother he never had. Umino Iruka had heard the news of his no #1 trouble-maker, prankster; heavy-headed boy had run away and gone had caused his heart torn asunder, and when he waits for the boy to be found all he got is the same result…never found. He is loomed in sorrow and the pain of losing him as he continues to educate his student like soulless man. And the Anbu is no exception, behind the Wolf mask is none other than Hatake Kakashi a man with thousands Jutsu also suffered from the loss of the energetic blond boy. He was there when he was nearly killed by those deranged Villagers for brutally damaging the boy; he's been tending his wounds while he already knows he doesn't need to because he heals faster because of a particular prisoner and stay by his side till he wakes up and stays with him till the duty calls for him, but he was never around each day, always work and mission non-stop and because of his work got in his way Naruto has become a fugitive and his action have turned him into a Missing-Nin.

But, he will not falter he'll find Naruto even if it were the last thing he'll ever do. He won't lose him as he lost his precious people, this time he will find him and bring him back home for sure.

"Worry not, Hokage-sama! Naruto will be found" he said it shortly before he poofed away, disappeared without seeing the Hokage sad smile appeared on his wrinkled face and said.

"And I pray for you to retrieve him, Kakashi-san"

*End Flashbacks*

"Kakashi-san!" Kakashi was snapped back to the present day and look to see Kurenai was the one calling him, staring at him with worry ruby eyes.

"Oh! Sorry, I spaced out, what were you saying, Kurenai-san?" he faked his choice of tone to hide his past ache but Kurenai is mistress of reading people's face, so she knows that Kakashi was lying and hiding something from her, but she won't ask him directly whatever it is it must be personal for him, and she had a hunch on whom he's been thinking of.

"Nothing for you to worry, but you need to put your head in the game, Kakashi-san. Just in case, you forgot, this is a mission to deliver the Bridge-Builder back home safely" she reminded him, and Kakashi waved his hand as if he swatting a fly.

"You worry too much, Kurenai-san. I'm aware of the mission" he said with a carefree smile behind his mask, and lazy tone made Kurenai frowned and sigh in defeat, typical Kakashi always acting as he has no care of the world.

"Honestly, Kakashi! You act like child sometimes…and a pervert too." She said and walks away to follow her group. Kakashi 'hm'd' as he scratch his cheek with his index finger for being scolded and quickly followed her before she starts to get angry (I stop narrating and looks to my readers, and I say with a nervous look on my face "trust me guys you don't like her when Kurenai-Sensei get mad").

After quiet long walk that went smoothly but the two Jonin is on high alert, knowing Gato he'll probably be sending a Jonin level Missing-Nin to out get them instead of Chuunin level ones so they must keep themselves ready for anything that can throw at them and counter their attacks.

In the meantime, the smaller ones the Ganins are taking their job seriously even Sakura is doing her best she can be useful, Shino has already sent his bugs to check the surrounding area for any enemy attack, Kiba's and Akamaru's nose are geared up and ready, and two with superior Doujutsu are careful watching for anything out of place. Sasuke's skills and the boundless brilliance will excel any enemy that stand in his way and look forward to battling stronger to harness his powers and enhance stamina to fulfill his ambition in the name of his Clan. Hinata appears timid and shy, but when she fights she's wild, and her motivation to become strong to protect her precious persons and him. She can't think of the past right now; she wants to focus on her mission, she needs to stay strong for Naruto for where ever he is and maybe hopes that she can find him somewhere in this Country, and if she didn't find him she'll find him somewhere else. She will never afford herself to be weak; she is no longer the weak, excuse, useless little girl she used to, but now she's strong and confident enough to handle this mission. She can do it for him.

Meanwhile, Kiba carrying his best friend Akamaru, tucked in his jacket is taking the lead with a smug grin like he's a pack leader not until Sasuke walk pass him, and he took the lead with a cool look on his face and Kiba growl.

'Who does he think he is? I can't let him take all the glory from me' with that thought in mind he is determined that he'll show that ego maniac who's boss, Akamaru whimpered that his master is about to do something to make a fool out of himself just to impress how strong he really is.

This rivalry has started since Kiba has lost in the fight against the Uchiha boy; Kiba has been raining the champion because he can beat those kids in snitch til Sasuke wipe his face on the floor as he took the title flawlessly without getting hit from Kiba. Being humiliated in front of the public and damaging his pride didn't go too well with canine loving boy, and so Kiba has decided to make This rivalry has started since Kiba has lost in a match against the Uchiha boy, Kiba has been raining champion because he can hit those kids easy til Sasuke wipe his face on the floor as he took the title flawlessly without getting hit from Kiba. Being humiliated in front of the public and damaging his pride didn't go too well with canine loving boy, and so Kiba has decided to make Sasuke his rival to see who's best. He train harder, increasing his speed and strength and stamina, and boost his sense of smell better than any dog. However, no matter how many endurance or powerful he got he still can't hit Sasuke in combat and thus naming him number #2 best in the Academy and still always. Is not that Akamaru doesn't want to get back him for what he did to his friend? He's gonna help his best friend to beat Sasuke if it makes his master happy, but his over-confident will become his downfall one day, he just hopes his master doesn't do anything stupid.

Before anyone can know what's going on, Kiba sprint forward and stops and scout the area and then throw his Kunai in a random direction and everyone stayed where they are as them all gasp in surprise and fright, all, but Kakashi, Kurenai, Sasuke, and Shino, who look at him that he had made a fool out of himself and Akamaru whine embarrassingly. They stayed like in an awkward silence till Kiba huffed and said.

"It was just a mouse" he exclaimed with cocky manner and Sakura is ticked off.

"Stop showing off! There was nothing there!" Sakura screeched.

"Kiba! Don't just throwing your Kunai so abusively" Kurenai scolded him as she stifles a sigh.

"She's right; these weapons are significant value, losing even one will cause tremendous casualties to you and your teammate" and again he got scolded this time by Kakashi, Sasuke snorted, and Shino mumbled idiot under his breath. Talk about destroying every last bit of dignity he got left.

Akamaru felt bad to see his friend like he got a kick in the gut before he can comfort his friend when his nose picked up a scent. It's unfamiliar and nature-like sent; he usually snarl if the enemy approaches, but this time this new scent is comforting him as no one saw Kakashi and Kurenai flinch as they too sensed someone is near. Akamaru let out his long tongue and pant a couple of time before he bark twice and jump from Kiba's jacket and dash to the bushes.

"Hey, Akamaru! Where'd you go?" said Kiba.

"Probably run off since he couldn't stand to be around with an idiot like you" Shino insulted Kiba as he adjusts his glasses.

"HUH?! WHY YOU?" Kiba is fuming with streams.

"Shino-kun, th-that wasn't very ni-nice thing to say" Hinata stuttered as Sasuke snorted at Shino's cruel joke. Kiba grunted and mumbled something unintelligent under his breath and quickly followed where Akamaru disappeared to.

"That's brat is gonna get us killed one day" commented Tazuna before he and the others follow Kiba. They found Kiba and Akamaru barking at the snow white rabbit with attractive ruby eyes staring back at Akamaru as he keeps twitching his pink nose.

"Aw he's so cute" Sakura squealed.

"Yes, he looks so adorable" Hinata agreed with Sakura, smiling brilliantly at the fuzzy creature.

As the girls continue cooing and squealing to the cute rabbit, giving all their attention on him while the boys look at curiously. However, Kakashi and Kurenai frown in worry and suspicion. This is a Snow Rabbit, they only get white fur during the winter and yet this one still remain its color, which can only mean one thing, this Rabbit has been raised indoors where the sun isn't factor, and thus the Rabbit's owner is somewhere close.

Both Sensei kept their outside composer relaxed so they won't worry their students after they find their enemy while the enemy himself is watching them from above, concealing his Chakra from being exposed. Zabuza must admit he's impressed, and surprise to see the Bridge-Builder's escorts, to think he'll be able to fight against Hatake Kakashi, the Copy-Cat Ninja, a man with thousands Jutsu, the Shraingan User, and Kurenai Yuhi the Illusionist Mistress. The Demon Brothers aren't the same levels as those two; they're too strong for them but as for him he'll have fun as hell. With a burst of Chakra and adrenaline, he vanished; he is willing to spill blood and fear that he's craving for.

Kakashi and Kurenai sensed the presence of the enemy's Chakra and immediately make haste and warned their students.

"Duck!"

"Duck!"

The Ganins and the Bridge-Builder are all startled by the sudden shrill from the Jonin. And then suddenly a giant spinning sword burst out from the tree, spinning wildly at the alarmed Bridge-Builder and young Ganins. As commanded they duck as the spinning sword pass over them and continue to spin till it caught by tree, cutting it half way and then out of the blue a man appeared and stand right on top of the hilt of the blade. A man before them is tall with well-muscular board chest and well-built arms; he has bandages around half of his face, and he had his Forehead Protector sideways on his head. He glanced and study each and everyone one of them, but he has no interest on those puny Ganins or that mangy mutt, all he cares about is to challenge Kakashi and Kurenai in an epic battle that he'll sure to remember in a lifetime and then kills the Bridge-Builder.

"Oh, that was very dangerous, you know!" said Kakashi lazily and continue.

"Zabuza Momochi, the exiled Ninja of the Hidden Village of the Mist" all were surprised from the Ganins, exiled Ninja from his Village, from the look of it this man is emitting a very suffocating unpleasant aura around him, his very presence is enough to scare most terrifying creature of all. This man…no, this Demon looks too strong for them to even with him, he's way different from the Demon Brothers. On the other hand, Kiba may seem a bit scared, but he won't let it overtake him, this his chance to make it happen, he'll finally prove himself and everyone else that he does a lot better than that Uchiha brat.

"C'mon Akamaru! Let's show this guy not to mess with Inuzuka Clan" said Kiba before his sprint into the action, and Akamaru follows his master. But, they were stopped when his Sensei, Kurenai stopped him by holding out her hand.

"No! You're in the way. Stay back, everyone" she ordered Kiba and others to back because they're not readily this kind of opponent.

"Why!?" Kiba yelled, and Kakashi replied.

"He's way different from the guys we met earlier"

"I believe its right time to draw out to full power," said Kurenai as she already drawing out her Chakra using Ram Hand Sign and Kakashi has placed his hand over his Forehead Protector about to pull up. The Ganins has been wondering what could Kakashi-Sensei be hiding behind his other eye, and now they can finally see it.

"Yes, otherwise we won't win in this state" Kakashi exclaimed.

"It'll be a great honor to fight against Konoha's Copy-Cat Kakashi, a man with thousand Jutsu, and Genjutsu Mistress Kurenai"

Zabuza Momochi versus Kakashi Hatake and Kurenai Yuhi in battle of life and death that will determine who will raise up victorious or will they die in an agonizing death.

With great skill and quick thinking from the young generation, Kakashi and Kurenai were from the water prison and manage to apprehend Zabuza as the Demon-man had run out of his Chakra and defeated. Before, they can take Zabuza into custody when all of sudden a Hunter-Nin from the Mist Village appear and threw two needles into Zabuza's neck, killing him instantly. Stunned by the sudden appearance including Kakashi and Kurenai are surprised since they didn't sense his Chakra.

The Hunter-Nin thanked them for capturing the elusive Sword man and about to take him away from here to dispose of the body right after, him gets the secrets from him by tearing his body apart; he pick up the dead body and throw him over his shoulder, just as he about to leave when Kakashi talked.

"Wait!" he stopped him.

"A Hunter-Nin job is to hunt down Missing-Nin like Zabuza such as by completely disposing the body by using various methods to get the information and secrets out of them and to leave them behind as the crows devour the dead meat of its corpse" Kakashi explained as the Ganin are disgusted as they imagine a gruesome idea but they didn't see why Kakashi is explaining this till what comes next is totally unanticipated.

"However, Hunter-nin are supposed to destroy the corpse at the very spot the body is lying; it is not to be moved after it is dead" he added and everyone is shocked except for Kurenai.

The Hunter-Nin was taken by surprise and relaxes as he spoke.

"Impressive as I expected from you, Kakashi-san! I guess I have no choice, but to kill you all" they flinch at his cold tone and prepare themselves for another battle.

"Now you will all suffer when you look at death's face…RED MIST!" he called out as he performs the same Hiding in Mist Technique as Zabuza did, and everything is covered in mist, and then all of sudden the mist has change its color to blood red, and it wreaks death.

Everyone is confused, not knowing what's going on, and the Jonin instructors are as confused as their Ganins, they've never seen the thick fog turn into the color red. But, Tazuna is shaking badly to the point that could mistake as a seizure.

"He's…he's here…Red Mist!"

Who is the Red Mist that made Tazuna terrified? What will happen to them as they face a new foe? And what will they do with Kakashi at his limit and Kurenai has only little Chakra left? How will they win?

Sorry for the cliff hanger I just want to make it more suspense, but fear not my dear readers I will do whatever I can to update the next chapter as soon as I can. See you next time on Red Mist.

Japanese to English Translation:

* Ookami = Wolf.