Good feedback on this story so far. You have no idea how much that means to me, lol. To think this was just something I added to little by little over the last few years, and it's well received. Thanks for tuning in. Here's chapter two, enjoy!


"Hai." Normal Speech

"Hai." Thoughts/Conscience/Flashback

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.


Last Chapter

"Well, I'm surprised." Kakashi spoke up, clapping in approval. "There's only one thing left to say. You all pass."

"Nani?" The three of them collectively asked, their expressions showing their confusion.

"That's right, this exercise wasn't to see who could collect a bell and secure their spot." He smirked, collecting the bells from them. "It was to see what you could accomplish as a team. In the end, you three used your strengths to work together."

Unsure of what to say, all three Genin glanced among one another and at their sensei.

"I'm proud of you guys. We can officially call ourselves Team Seven." Kakashi smiled, giving a thumbs up.

Feeling accomplished, the newly formed Team Seven celebrated with an amazing lunch and each other's company. They weren't fully aware yet, but the had created a bond that would last for a lifetime.


Several months had passed since Team Seven became official. They had been on many D-Ranked missions. Searching for lost pets, outdoor chores, grocery shopping, you name it. It did nothing but satiate their desire to take on a higher ranking mission. It seemed their hard work hadn't gone unnoticed either. They found themselves in the Hokage's mission briefing room. Sat beside him was Iruka, their former teacher, and the client that their new mission came from.

"Kakashi, I take it these three haven't been too much of a hassle?" Iruka spoke up, looking over the three Genin in front of him.

"Not at all." Kakashi replied, waving his hand. "They've been doing fine so far."

"We've become good friends too. At least, I hope." Sasuke added, prompting Sakura to smile and nod.

"I would agree with that." Naruto smirked, glancing between his two teammates.

"Excellent." Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, retorted. "It warms my heart to see the next generation getting along."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama." Sasuke bowed, followed by Sakura and Naruto.

"I never believed I would see Naruto following orders so well." Iruka thought to himself, smiling fondly. "To think that this is the same boy who would show up late to class, or sleep away the day and not pay attention."

"You had a mission for us, Hokage-sama?" Kakashi nodded, causing his subordinates' ears to perk up.

"Hai." Hiruzen nodded back. "I'll be giving your team it's first C-Ranked mission. Tazuna, would you care to introduce yourself?"

"Sure," the bridge builder began, looking the three Genin over, "but I'd prefer to do so with the team that'll be with me on the trip. Where are they?"

"This is the team that will be escorting you, Tazuna sir." Iruka retorted, smiling awkwardly.

"Nani?!" Tazuna exclaimed, his frustration clear. "You can't be serious. These half pints?"

"With all due respect, Tazuna sir," Iruka retorted, trying to hold his tongue. "Kakashi is one of our highest ranked shinobi in the entire village. He has trained these Genin for months, preparing them for missions outside of Konoha. If anyone is suited for an escort mission, it's Kakashi and his team."

All three Genin smirked at the older man, his expression changing from doubt to embarrassment.

"F-Fine then." Tazuna huffed, putting his hat on. "If you say so, I'll believe you. Let's head out then."

"Hai." Kakashi nodded, followed by his subordinates.

"Good luck Kakashi," Hiruzen added, chuckling slightly, "and bring everyone back in one piece. I have the utmost faith in you."

"The mission shouldn't take more than three days." Iruka nodded, glancing between his former students. "Do be careful you three, and follow every instruction Kakashi gives you."

"Hai, Iruka-sensei." They all three nodded, giving reassuring smiles.

"We're off then." Kakashi waved, heading toward the exit with his students, and their client, in tow.


Before heading out on their mission, Team Seven checked their equipment and made sure they had the basics. Food, water, it was all proportioned accordingly to last the next few days.

"Everything looking good you three?" Kakashi asked, checking to see if he remembered his favorite book.

"Hai," Sasuke nodded, closing his pack, "we have enough food supplies to last us, sensei. More than enough, actually."

"Good. Sakura, how about our water?" Kakashi asked, glancing at their client Tazuna.

"We're set, sensei." She smiled, putting her pack onto her back. "We even brought along an extra canteen. Probably won't need it though."

"Alright." Kakashi nodded, noticing Tazuna's frustrated expression. "Lastly the weapons, and we can head off. Naruto?"

"Hai," Naruto began, shuffling around in his own pack, "all weapons accounted for. Kunai, shuriken, explosive tags."

"Surely you won't be needing that stuff." Tazuna responded, sounding a bit nervous. "It's just as simple as walking me home. Then you can be on your way."

"We brought them out of precaution." Sasuke replied, standing to face the bridge builder.

"Hai." Kakashi agreed, patting the older man's shoulder. "What good is a shinobi without his arsenal? No worries though. Like you said, it's as simple as walking you home."

"L-Let's get going then already." Tazuna stuttered, trying to hide his nerves.

"Something seems off." Kakashi thought to himself, placing his spare kunai into Naruto's pack. "We'll just have to be careful. This might end up being more than expected."

With one final look at Konoha, and a look of relief from Naruto, Team Seven and Tazuna set off. Unaware of what was ahead of them, they set their sights on the land of waves. Tazuna's home was a densely populated seaside market empire. Hopefully, if they had time, Kakashi would show his team how to catch a fish or two. The group was eager to reach their destination.


Having stopped to camp for the night, the members of Team Seven were sleeping in turns. Sasuke and Sakura were currently asleep, along with Tazuna. Both Kakashi and Naruto were awake, staring into the flames of their campfire.

"Sensei," Naruto began, tossing a few twigs onto the fire, "can I ask you something? I've had it on my mind since we left the village."

"Sure thing." Kakashi nodded, closing his book.

"Do you think there's something Tazuna isn't telling us?" Naruto asked, waiting to gauge Kakashi's reaction.

"It's a possibility." Kakashi replied, leaning forward.

"I figured you noticed." Naruto sighed. "He's been acting weird since the mission briefing. Something just doesn't feel right."

"I noticed, too." Kakashi nodded once more. "Question is, what could it be that he's hiding? For now we'll keep our eyes open. Don't mention any of this to Sakura or Sasuke, and especially to Tazuna."

"Hai, sensei." Naruto nodded, poking at the fire as he yawned.

"Naruto keeps surprising." Kakashi thought to himself with a smirk, opening his book once more. "Hopefully he'll be able to show just what he's capable of. He's definitely improving on his social skills at least."


After a semi-decent nights sleep, and some quick breakfast, everyone packed up and headed out. They walked for several hours, the heat bearing down on them. Tazuna, even with his large hat, couldn't stop the sweat from running down his face. Something caught Kakashi's attention, however. A puddle of liquid had formed on the road ahead. Not wanting to alarm anyone immediately, he slowed his speed to a halt.

"Why are we stopping, sensei?" Sakura asked, wiping her forehead.

Not giving an answer, he held out his arm in front of everyone.

"Whoever you are, we now you're there." Kakashi began, as if speaking to no one. "You're interfering with a mission issued by the Third Hokage. Unless you want to give yourselves up, I suggest you be on your way."

"Big talk from a lowly leaf shinobi and three brats." An unfamiliar voice echoed from the bushes. "Give up the old man and your death will be quick."

"S-Sensei, are we in danger?" Sakura asked, worry in her tone.

"Not yet." Kakashi replied flatly. "If anything happens, be sure to keep Tazuna safe no matter what. Understood?"

"Hai." Sakura replied, followed by nods from Sasuke and Naruto.

"Kami, my life is in the hands of three children." Tazuna whined, visibly shaking. "How could this get any worse?"

In a flash, two men leaped from the bushes. In seconds, they had Kakashi trapped in their bladed chains. Unable to move, Kakashi struggled to get free. Still in shock, the Genin of Team Seven didn't notice one of the men going for Tazuna. Snapping out of it, Naruto jumped in front of the bridge builder, blocking the stranger's attack with his kunai. He was severely outclassed however, as another attack landed directly to his abdomen. His eyes wide in disbelief, Naruto fell to the ground.

"You got guts kid." The attacker mocked, glancing at the lifeless body on the ground. "Well, you did. Gatou sends his regards, old man."

A plume of smoke came from below the attacker's feet, causing him to glance down in time to see that Naruto's body had disappeared.

"What the hell? A clone?!" The stranger questioned, looking around for the real Naruto.

Able to get a hold of himself, Sasuke blocked a strike from the other attacker that had been aimed for Sakura. Creating soe space between them, Sasuke grabbed Sakura and retreated to Tazuna's by the arriving duo, the stranger that tried to attack Tazuna couldn't block the three shuriken that embedded into his arm. Wincing in pain, he dropped his guard as several kicks landed to his chest. Breathing heavily, Naruto formed a circle with both Sakura and Sasuke around their client Tazuna.

"N-Nice work kid." Tazna said nervously, his knees quivering.

"We're not done yet." Naruto replied flatly, forming a sign with his hands. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"

Several clones appeared, surrounding the members of Team Seven and Tazuna.

"Neat trick, teme." The other attacker spat, gripping his weapon tightly. "Now we'll see just how long you las-"

Unable to finish his sentence, the stranger coughed up large amounts of blood. Protruding from his chest was the hand of Kakashi. Lightning shot from the wound as the attacker's body went limp. Not confident enough to continue fighting, the second assailant removed Naruto's shuriken from his arm and retreated. After a few seconds of uncertainty, everyone relaxed slightly.

"Sensei, I thought.." Sakura began, tears forming in her eyes.

"I wouldn't be taken down that easy." Kakashi smiled, patting her shoulder. "Naruto, you did good. You too, Sasuke. If not for you both, Sakura and Tazuna would be dead."

"S-Sorry sensei," Sakura replied, wiping a few tears from her cheek, "I froze. I almost died, and I did nothing to prevent it."

"No worries, it's over now." Kakashi smirked, trying to comfort her. "We can't stand around here though. The other one could be going for backup."

"T-There's a small town a few hours from here." Tazuna added, still trembling slightly. "We should be able to rest there."

"It's our only option for now." Kakashi nodded, wiping his hand clean on his vest. "Once we get there, you have some explaining to do. This is no longer just an escort mission."

"H-Hai." Tazuna nodded, swallowing his nerves.

After checking on his team, and giving Tazuna some harsh looks, Kakashi lead everyone in the direction of the nearby town. Team Seven kept their guard up the whole time. Naruto had suggested using a couple of his shadow clones to scout ahead, but Kakashi told him to save his chakra. Tazuna, unsure of what was to come, kept his head down in silence.


The small village Tazuna had mentioned seemed to be a bustling place. Several stands were open, selling produce and other products. Taking this chance to rest from the heat, everyone entered the local inn. Hopefully the could have a comfortable night's sleep.

"How cam I be of service, sir?" The clerk greeted, smiling at Kakashi.

"Do you have any double bed suites available?" Kakashi asked, pulling his wallet from his pouch.

"Unfortunately not." The clerk sighed, checking his log book. "We do have two single bed suites available though, right next to each other in fact. Would you like to reserve them for the night?"

"Hai." Kakashi nodded, handing the clerk his money. "Is there somewhere we can set our belongings until we return?"

"Hai," the clerk bowed, gesturing to another employee, "we will have them delivered to your rooms immediately. Here are your keys."

"Thanks you." Kakashi waved, gesturing for everyone to leave their things. "Do be careful with them. They're essential to our current mission."

"Of course sir." The clerk nodded, smiling warmly.

"Let's get some food." Naruto suggested, resting his arms behind hid head.

"Yeah sensei, I could go for something other than rice balls." Sakura admitted, rubbing her stomach.

"Sounds good." Kakashi nodded, glancing at Tazuna. "That will give us a perfect chance to discuss our current situation. Would you agree, Tazuna?"

Not speaking a word, Tazuna nodded as the group made their way to the nearest restaurant. Once sat down, everyone put in an order. After receiving their food, and several minutes of complete silence, Naruto sighed aloud.

"I'm sure we're all wondering why we were attacked." Naruto began, setting his chopsticks aside. "So spill it old man. Who were those guys that attacked us and tried to kill you?"

"I owe you all an explanation, so here it is." Tazuna swallowed harshly, glancing between the members of Team Seven. "I think they were hired to kill me and stop my return home."

"Why would someone want you killed?" Sasuke asked, taking a sip of tea. "How much of a threat are you, exactly?"

"There's a certain man," Tazuna replied, a sour expression on his face, "who doesn't want the main bridge built that will lead into our village. He has tried for months to stop construction, but I wouldn't budge. I've been afraid his final attempt would involve my death. If today was any indication, I would say my suspicions were true."

"You knew he wanted you dead? That he would send people after you?" Sakura asked, wiping her mouth with a napkin.

"H-Hai." Tazuna nodded, glancing at Kakashi. "I had hoped that, with help from a team of shinobi, I would be able to return home safely."

"You didn't expect to be assigned a team of three Genin and their sensei." Kakashi added, closing his book before putting it in his pouch.

"Precisely." Tazuna sighed. "I expected a team of.. adult shinobi, not a team of rookies. I must say though, your team held up better than I initially thought they could.

"Held up? We saved your ass." Naruto spat, glaring at the bridge builder. "Had you been honest from the start, we could've avoided almost being killed."

"Naruto-kun, settle down." Sakura retorted, grabbing his arm reassuringly. "I'm sure he knows that he made a mistake. Even if it was a stupid one."

"What about that person you mentioned?" Sasuke asked, resting his chin on his hands. "The one who sent the men. There has to be a bigger reason he sent them, other than not wanting a bridge built."

"Gatou is a manipulative, sadistic, self-proclaimed kingpin." Tazuna retorted in disgust. "He abuses the labor of hundreds of our people, hoarding the town's currency and taxes. If that bridge is built, it will open our commerce up to many other places and would reveal all of his devious actions."

"This is worse than expected." Kakashi sighed, looking over the three Genin. "If this man, Gatou, is sending thugs after civilians, he needs to be stopped."

"I agree." Sasuke nodded, glancing at his teammates.

"It's not right for someone to treat people that way. I'll be ready this time, sensei." Sakura nodded confidently, looking to Naruto.

"I want payback for those jerks he sent after us." Naruto replied, his tone serious. "If i get a chance, I'll teach him a lesson myself."

"Not so fast, Naruto." Kakashi retorted, placing some money on the table. "We still have no idea who this man is, or what he's capable of. Gathering intel should be our first step. For now, we'll head to our rooms and get some rest."

Once done, the group left with full stomachs and a new goal in mind. Even though the mission took a dramatic turn, they would adapt and overcome it.


"The nerve of that old geezer." Naruto scoffed, resting against the window of the suite. "Holding information like that to himself. What if Kakashi-sensei hadn't been there at the end? How much longer could we have held them off?"

"Best not to dwell on it, Naruto." Sasuke replied, setting up his sleeping bag on the floor next to Naruto's. "Everything turned out okay, in the end. We should be grateful it did."

"Grateful?" Naruto spat back, staring at the Uchiha. "I should be grateful that I wasn't killed? Grateful that some old teme put our lives at risk, and we barely made it out alive?"

"It's already behind us." Sasuke replied calmly, crossing his arms. "Why get angry about something that wasn't in our control? We survived, and we can use it as a learning experience."

"I'm angry because this all could've been avoided to begin with." Naruto replied, glaring at Sasuke.

"A shinobi faces danger at all times, Naruto." Sasuke sighed, standing to face the blonde. "We knew that when we entered the academy. If you're not prepared to face it, then you shouldn't strive for it."

"Are you saying I shouldn't be a shinobi?" Naruto huffed, clenching his fists as he headed for the door.

"You two, please stop fighting." Sakura pleaded, clenching her hands in anxiousness. "We're all friends here, so there's no reason to argue. Yes what happened today could've been avoided, but it's behind us now. Can we just agree on that?"

"I need some air." Naruto retorted, heading outside.

"Naruto-kun, please-" Sakura pleaded, only to be interrupted with a loud slam.

"He just needs to calm down." Sasuke sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed. "It's been a long day. Some rest will do us good."

"You didn't have to argue with him, Sasuke-kun." Sakura sighed, watching Naruto as he disappeared into the crowd of civilians in town.

"They always that dysfunctional?" Tazuna asked Kakashi, able to hear everything faintly through the wall.

"Not usually." Kakashi admitted, scribbling on a scroll. "They've had a rough day. This was their first time being in actual combat, where their lives were in danger. Actual combat is a lot more intimidating that practice dummies and painted targets."

"I see." Tazuna sighed, his expression solemn. "I apologize for any danger I put you and your team in. Had I known it would've been you four, I would've never asked your Hokage for help."

"Either way, it's in the past." Kakashi replied. closing the scroll. "If not us, someone else would've ended up helping you. Such is the duty of a shinobi."

"Sounds noble." Tazuna nodded, drinking a bit of sake. "We don't have shinobi where I live, only thugs and mercenaries. Things can be hectic at times for sure. Market stands being shaken down for every penny, people having to give away their life savings to repay unwanted loans."

"That sounds rough." Kakashi replied, glancing out the window to see Naruto leaving the inn. "We may not be prepared just yet, but we'll help the best we can. Gatou will answer for everything he has done."

"Thank you, Kakashi." Tazuna nodded, offering him a drink. "I have full faith in you and your team. I hope this all ends soon."


With the sun setting, Kakashi downed the drink before leaving the room. Heading in the Naruto's direction, he couldn't help but think back to his time as as tudent of the Fourth Hokage. What would his sensei do at a time like this? Smiling to himself, he came to a stop when noticing Naruto sitting below a large tree in a small opening.

"Ah, here you are." Kakashi began, walking over to him. "Mind if I sit down?"

"It's a free world." Naruto replied flatly, resting his arms on his knees. "Please don't give me a lecture on teamwork or controlling my temper. I just wanted to ease my mind for a bit. Preferably alone."

"You know, I once fought twelve enemies by myself." Kakashi sighed, opening his favorite book. "My sensei, the Fourth Hokage, had his hands full with a powerful warlord, which left me with all of his henchmen."

"You were on the Fourth Hokage's team?" Naruto asked, his attention fully on his sensei. "How did you handle all of them? Weren't you afraid?"

"I was." Kakashi nodded, smirking at Naruto. "I had been assigned to his team a few months before he became Hokage. He was a great role model. Of course I had my teammates, Rin and Obito, but they were busy elsewhere. I had a small moment of self-doubt, but anyone who;s human would feel fear in a situation like that."

"I did, when fighting those two guys earlier today." Naruto admitted, looking at the ground. "I was scared, but something told me to jump in front of Tazuna. My body moved on it's own."

"Do you regret doing it?" Kakashi asked, closing his book to give Naruto his full attention. "Saving Tazuna, I mean. Had you not stopped that attack, he would be dead right now. You saved his life and your team's lives."

"I don't know." Naruto shrugged. "I guess not. I was afraid of losing my friends, and feeling powerless to stop it."

"Thankfully, your shadow clones saved the day." Kakashi patted the blonde's shoulder. "You weren't powerless, Naruto. You were quick to act. You made sure the team and our client had some sort of protection around them. That takes skill and awareness."

"Yeah, but it doesn't seem good enough." Naruto glanced at his sensei.

"It's the only thing I could've asked of you." Kakashi gave a thumbs up. "We'll need your skills tomorrow when we reach the Land of Waves. Go get some rest, and be ready first thing. I'm counting on you and the team."

"Hai." Naruto nodded, standing to his feet. "Thanks, Kakashi-sensei, for talking to me. You can count on us."

"Anytime, Naruto." Kakashi smiled, watching as Naruto ran back to the inn.

Several minutes later, Kakashi finished writing in his scroll. Biting his thumb, he put his palm to the ground before a plume of smoke appeared.

"Kakashi, what is it you need?" A small canine spoke, looking up at him.

"Pakkun, I need you to deliver this message to the Hokage." He said flatly, handing the small dog the scroll. "Try to hurry. It's crucial that he receive this as soon as possible."

"Hai." Pakkun nodded, leaping into a nearby tree.

"Tomorrow will be a big day." Kakashi said aloud, staring at the sunset before heading back himself.


Well, there's chapter two in the books. The Land of Waves arc is one of my favorites. Super excited to be writing these next few chapters. Expect chapter three within the next few weeks, unless I have something come up. It will definitely be published before the month is up. Hope you enjoyed, and as I always say, please leave a review, follow or favorite! See you soon.