Ranger Naruto
Chapter 4
Naruto glanced across the foggy straight that separated Wave from the Fire country. They hadn't ran into any other missing ninja's but Naruto could tell they were being watched; he saw Scar helping Tazuna get inside the inflatable raft they brought along.
"Are you sure this will hold all of us?" Tazuna asked skeptically as he sat down in the rubber boat that a second ago was just a rubber package.
Naruto saw Scar pinch the bridge of his nose as he answered again, "yes, it could carry eight people and not sink, this is easier than waiting for your contact."
Tazuna grumbled but other wise kept quiet, Naruto shook his head as he pushed the raft off the shore before he jumped in; Joker and Scar started to paddle softly towards the direction of the island. Ten minutes had passed before the uncompleted bridge started to appear through the fog, Tazuna was waiting for the gasps of awe and waited to see his protectors ask questions, he was however let down as he saw the scanning eyes of the four.
Once they reached the shore they hopped out quickly sealing the boat again before unsealing the Humvee. Naruto took the driver as they all piled into the Humvee; it was a little cramp in the back seat with Juggernaut and Joker sitting on either side of Tazuna.
Naruto started to drive slowly down the road keeping his eyes peeled; He looked out the side window, and was about to look back at the road when something caught his eye in the mirror.
"DUCK!" he yelled as he slammed down on the brakes turned hard left on the wheel. Both Juggernaut and Joker covered Tazuna with their bodies as glass shattered and the sounds of metal on metal sounded.
Naruto turned his head as he saw a gleaming blade not three inches from behind his head, kicking open the slightly cut door Naruto stepped out followed by Scar. Scanning the trees, Naruto didn't see any movement when he felt a presence appeared next to him, exactly on top of the blade sticking out of the Humvee.
"Now who would you be kid?" a menacing voice asked, "You bear the Konoha emblem, but I can say I have never seen this thing or your face before."
Naruto turned towards the voice keeping his weapon trained on the man as he started to pull the blade out before reappearing a couple feet away with his sword resting on his shoulder.
"Momochi Zabuza, Demon of the Bloody Mist, if you don't desist from completing your contract with Gato we will use lethal force," Naruto stated seriously as Juggernaut and Joker both got out of the Humvee.
Zabuza couldn't believe what he was hearing; this Kid had the gall to tell him to back down? Swinging his blade he start to run towards the blonde, however his eyes widened when he saw the weird weapon the teen was holding have fire appear at the end, he was however not suspecting a piercing pain erupt in his leg as he stumbled a bit before disappearing into the mist that started to gather.
"you can't win Momochi-san if you turn yourself in we will make sure you are cared for, if you don't see a qualified medic soon you will die from blood loss," Naruto said as he and his clones got back to back surveying the mist as it got thicker.
"You can't kill a demon," was whispered as Zabuza appeared in the middle of them, he brought his sword down towards Naruto, he was however was surprised when the sound of metal against metal rang out, his eyes widened at the bent weapon Naruto used to block the sword.
Naruto thanked what ever deity for letting that work, pushing the sword to the side to not lose his opportunity go to waste, he quickly pulled out his combat knife as he jammed it into Zabuza's sword wrist, before pulling it out slamming it into the un wounded leg before tripping him, Zabuza felt the cuts as he started to fall backwards he saw the blade following his head and knew he would die.
He however was surprised as the blade dug into the ground next to his ear, he felt something slap onto his chest, looking down he saw it was a seal, it purpose was found out a second later when he lost the feel of his chakra.
"you're lucky I need to find Gato's headquarters, or you would be dead, now get your sidekick out here or we put a bullet in her head," He saw the mans eyes widen in slight fear at that, but hardened knowing he was caught.
Naruto sighed as he pulled his pistol, firing a shot a yelp was heard as a body fell out of a tree nearby. Joker and Scar got to the body, which seemed to put up a fight but stopped when she realized that they had put a Chakra suppressant seal on her.
Naruto took of her mask, he was surprised to see the angry stare that was directed at him, tying the mask to his belt he turned to Scar, "Heal them both then make sure their secured, we're going to take them back to Konoha after this mission."
Haku was confused as the teen named Scar was healing Zabuza, before healing her also, she never felt any pain like that before when she was hit, and she was surprised when just a little crushed metal piece was pulled out from her leg.
Tazuna got out seeing they had caught the two missing Nin, he said loudly as he walked up to Naruto, "I thought you said it could REFLECT KUNAI ALL THE WAY UP TO BEING CHAKRA-ENFORCED!"
Naruto rubbed his ear before giving a annoyed look at the client saying, "well I didn't take a flying giant fucking sword in account now did I?" he gave a withering glare at a slightly snickering Zabuza.
"Shut it you, now Tazuna do you have a place to stay?" Naruto asked as he looked at the two inch hole where the sword had been through the door, tsking he turned to Tazuna.
"Yes me and my daughter run a small inn not far from here, why?" Tazuna asked perplexed.
"cause were going to need a place to set camp, if everything goes well tonight Wave should be rid of Gato by tomorrow morning," Naruto said as he signaled for everyone to load up in the Humvee; Zabuza and Haku were both thrown in the back, Naruto had Tazuna seat in the front passenger to keep him away from the prisoners.
Naruto parked the truck in front of the non-descript two story building, a women in her thirties was standing out front with what had to be her son, looking at Tazuna for answers he was giving one, "The woman is my daughter Tsunami, the boy is my grandson Inari."
Naruto stepped out to see the women straighten but relaxed upon seeing her father get out after Naruto. Tsunami was fearing who the people in the metal machine park out front of their house were, however when she saw the Konoha emblem she was slightly relieved, but the fear returned when she saw a teen dressed in a different kind of camouflage that she had ever seen step out with green body armor on; her fears were unfounded when her father stepped out of the other side.
Inari was afraid of the newcomers, he had never seen anything like this before, and he knew they were from Konoha, but he let out a whoop of joy at the sight of his grandfather before running to him gripping him in a hug.
Naruto smiled at the sight before he heard Tsunami start to talk, "My name is Tsunami, thank you for making sure my father returned safely."
Naruto nodded and grinned as he said, "well lady Tsunami, is it alright if we stay at this inn while we finish up our mission here?"
Tsunami looked confused, but Tazuna beat her to answering, "of course you can Naruto! I mean seeing as how you're going to get rid of Gato," Tazuna said as he lifted a wide eyed Inari.
Tsunami gasped as she looked back at Naruto, "is this true Naruto-san?"
Naruto nodded, "just call me Naruto, but that is the plan, also we have two prisoners who will need separate rooms," he asked as he waved to the tied up Zabuza and Haku who were being carried over the shoulders of Juggernaut.
Tsunami looked at them wide eyed she said, "We only have three extra rooms; I don't think we will have enough for you and your squad plus the prisoners."
Naruto waved off her worries saying, "That's ok, were going to be doing guard duty so only one person will be sleeping every couple hours."
She quickly ushered everyone into the house showing where Naruto could put the two prisoners, and also where his team could sleep. Naruto had juggernaut take first watch; as he walked down the stairs to see Tsunami already started on making dinner, Inari and Tazuna was listening to Joker tell them about his gear and weapon.
Turning back up the stairs Naruto went to Zabuza's room, he slipped through the door seeing the man lying down on the bed. Naruto shut the door as Zabuza looked at him, sitting in a chair he asked, "So are you going to tell me where Gato's Headquarters is?"
Zabuza kept his eyes trained on Naruto before letting out a laugh, "and why would I do that brat? He is still my contractor."
Naruto kept looking at him with a blank face but said, "I would just torture you, but my ways of torture are pretty loud and I would hate to get blood stains on Tazuna's floor."
Naruto stood to start pacing he said, "I know the truth about the incident in which you were marked as a missing-nin."
Zabuza gasped but ground out through clenched teeth, "and what truth would that be?"
"That you were freedom fighter, fighting for the liberation of the bloodlines in Water Country, after attempting a failed assassination on the Yondaime Mizukage you ran with your young apprentice," Naruto said as he saw Zabuza's face grew blank.
Naruto sighed knowing he wouldn't get the man to talk he decided for a little ploy, "Fine I guess I can go ask your female apprentice, at least I will be able to interrogate her while still being quiet."
This got the effect as Zabuza attempted to launch himself at Naruto roaring with rage, Naruto just back handed him with his pistol. He attempted to get up but felt the cool barrel press against his neck, Naruto said again, "Now tell me what I want to know before I realize you're just a waste of space."
Zabuza ground his teeth before he said, "he is on the fucking fourth island damn it! I swear if you touch a hair on her head ill rip your balls off before force feeding them to you."
Naruto picked up Zabuza before dropping him back on the bed he said, "Now that wasn't so hard now was it?"
All he got in reply a murderous gaze, shrugging his shoulders he opened the door to leave but turned to Zabuza, "Konoha Ranger Law 45 – any ranger knowingly attempting to rape a female will be shot on site."
He closed the door to a blinking Zabuza before he heard a loud, "YOU FUCKING BRAT! YOU TRICKED ME!"
Naruto laughed as he walked towards the female prisoners' door, opening it he saw the female teen looking out the window, who turned surprised but eyes turned to ice as she stood a few feet from him.
Naruto sighed as he kept standing he said, "my name is Naruto, I am the Commander of the Konoha Rangers, who might you be?"
Haku glared at her captor thinking she knew what he wanted she said, "my name is Haku, and no matter what you do to me I wont talk!" she stated fiercely before dropping her robe.
Naruto eyes widened at this but kept the grin of his face as he tried to keep his eyes from wandering down her body; shaking his head he backed up, "please put your clothes on, I'm not here to do anything like that!"
Haku blushed scarlet as she picked up her robes before putting them back on, she huffed as she looked away from the boy who was quietly snickering at her, "and what would you be here for? I'm a tool for Zabuza so you won't get me to reveal anything."
Naruto took a seat, he still couldn't believe that most Kunoichi had to deal with this if they were captured sighing he sat back saying, "You might want to stop with the tool bit, I get annoyed by those phrases, but Zabuza didn't seem like he thought of you as a tool a second ago."
Haku looked at Naruto with a blush still on her face she asked, "And why would he change his mind?"
Naruto pulled out a book before tossing it to Haku who caught it, reading the title aloud she asked, "Konoha Ranger Laws? What is this?"
"that is the Laws of my fellow rangers, Zabuza thought I was planning to rape you, he let slip about Gato's whereabouts but he didn't know about Law 45," Naruto motioned for her to open the book, she did, finding the law he mentioned quickly enough but it made her eyes widen in surprise, none of the Great villages had that law.
Naruto stood from his seat stretching his back he said, "Keep that, it'll give ya something to read while waiting for us to return to Konoha."
Haku saw him halfway through the door before she stopped him, "stop! What will happen to me and Zabuza-sama?"
Naruto looked into her eyes saying, "Once we return to Konoha you and Zabuza will be held in our bases cells, afterwards Zabuza will more than likely be given to Kiri."
Naruto shut the door as a soft sob followed him, he hated it but it was how things worked, he just hoped the new Godaime was sworn in recently. Walking down the stairs he passed Juggernaut he said, "Give them some rations, ill have Scar come keep watch in an hour ok?"
Receiving a nod he went down the stairs to see everyone sitting around the table eating, taking a seat as all the eyes turned to him he said, "Joker me and you are going to go to the headquarters tonight, should be able to get in quietly to plant some explosives along with a few other things."
Seeing the meal turn somber Naruto got a few bites before motioning for Joker to follow him, stepping out the door Naruto pulled something out of his pocket followed by Joker, equipping their silencers Naruto nodded to Joker they started to run off in the direction of the small island as his mic crackled to life.
"Naruto, this is Wolf Team, we just arrived back in wave, where do you need us?" Naruto smiled at the reinforcements, he clicked his radio, "Just in time guys, were going to take out Gato's headquarters, should need some support, after this you will be taking up protection of Tazuna's family."
The mic was quiet for a second, "understood, try to take him out tonight, he was planning something big tomorrow, we just passed a large camp of mercs."
Naruto cursed but acknowledged the information quickening his pace; arriving at the fourth island part of the chain that made up wave country, looking through the acog scope on his new M4, he saw guards patrolling the grounds of an expensive mansion.
Moving ahead he crept slowly through the trees, as they were fifteen feet away from a pair of guards he motioned Joker to the side of him, counting down with his fingers two silent shots rang out; the two guards crumpled in a dead heap.
Passing the bodies they reached a side door, looking at joker who was opposite of him he started to count down to the opening of the door, but was surprised as the door swung open, however the person never made it through alive as half his head was taken off courtesy of Wolf Team. Quickly move into the door shooting the two samurai standing guard, Joker stepped through the door and let out a whistle at the first body, "damn Wolf Team."
Naruto nodded his head in agreement before saying, "you go plant the C4, ill take care of getting the data."
Joker nodded as he took off down a separate hallway as Naruto took the stairs, he moved quietly through the halls, three guards rounded a corner in front of him, raising his gun three soft puffs later three dead guards laid on the floor. He was however caught by surprise as the door next to opened and guard rammed his sword through Naruto pushing him all the way to the wall.
Naruto yelled in pain but managed to stab his attacker in the neck with his combat knife; pulling the sword hurt a hell of a lot more than going in, he was glad it didn't hit anything vital but knew he needed to get it patched soon.
He walked towards the main office trailing blood from his stomach wound, opening the door there was no one in there, cursing he clicked his radio, "Joker any sight of Gato?"
There was silence for a minute before Joker's voice came across the radio, "no, but I have the bombs planted."
"Gato isn't here, he must be at the camp, I'm going to finish taking the files then meet me at the rally point," Naruto said as he clicked the radio off as he walked towards the desk before rummaging through the drawers.
Naruto had grabbed the files on the slave ring Gato had going on, he was about to head to the safe to bust it open when a little slip of paper caught his eye, opening it his eyes widened before he let out a laugh saying, "what a little retard, he left a note about his combination!"
Grinning he went to the safe, putting the sequence in he clicked it open, still he couldn't believe his luck, he however was surprised to see what was in the safe, a couple of scrolls sat in there when he looked at them though. Apparently Gato thought keeping all his money in scrolls was easier than a bank; shaking his head he turned to the door he saw three guards standing there.
"Um…Hi?" Naruto asked awkwardly seeing his only escape through the window, he took off towards it as the guards drew their swords; he tossed a grenade behind him as he jumped through the window, flipping he landed on his feet gasping in pain by his wound.
He looked up to see the guards looking at him as he wave bye to them before the grenade detonated launching them from room where their broken bodies landed on the ground around Naruto. Naruto took off in a slight jog towards Tazuna's house followed by Wolf Team and Joker, as the mansion erupted into a giant fireball lighting up the dark sky.
Tsunami sat at the kitchen table thinking of what would happen tomorrow; either the teen would succeed or fail. She shivered at the thought of him failing but knew the boy would kill Gato; she stood before moving to sit on the porch to await the teens return.
She was surprised however to see her father already outside looking at the stars, he turned towards her when she stepped through the door, "why are you still up father?" she asked taking a seat next to the old man.
Tazuna took a swig from his container much to the annoyance of his daughter he said, "Waiting for the brat to return, I hope he makes it back alive and with Gato's head."
He saw his daughter nod in understanding, the door creaked open again to admit Scar to the group, he looked serious as he stood there waiting to speak; Tazuna stood as he said to Scar, "have any news Scar?"
Scar was silent as he pointed in the direction of Gato's mansion, they both turned following the way he was pointing, they waited for several seconds before Tazuna started to get annoyed seeing nothing he was about to turn back to the teen when they saw a fireball erupt in the distance easily clearing the trees and could probably be seen from the Fire country.
They heard Scar sigh letting out a soft, "Joker must have used too much explosives" with a sigh he turned to Tazuna and asked, "Is it alright if we commandeer your table for awhile?"
Tazuna could barely take his eyes of the site of the fireball, it was a sign of change coming he could tell, turning to the medic he asked, "why do you need our table?"
Scar took a seat saying, "someone was injured, the wound will need to be dealt with when he returns, but I need a flat surface where I can lay him down," he nodded to Tsunami, "I don't think she would like to try and get blood stains out of the sheets."
Tsunami let out a gasp as she covered her mouth she said weakly, "yes, of course you can, who was injured?"
Scar was about to answer when three people ran through the trees; two were helping the fourth walk towards them. When they entered the porch light they gasped seeing it was Naruto; they quickly opened the doors letting Joker and a another teen help Naruto through being followed by another teen following them in Naruto was already laying on the table with his armor and upper clothes taken off.
Scar ran his glowing green palm over Naruto's wound, shaking his head he turned to Naruto, "you're lucky, the only damage is a severed large intestine, shouldn't be too hard to fix but might take it easy."
Joker couldn't resist saying from where he was standing, "good thing you took that shit before we left eh boss?"
He however was whacked up the side of the head from one Tsunami, she turned back to Naruto as he grit his teeth in pain feeling the wound start to stitch together thanks to Scar, "What happened?"
Naruto looked down to see the fresh scar on the left side of his stomach gingerly sitting up he said, "the mission went perfectly at first, but a guard who was just leaving the bathroom caught me unaware."
He stood favoring his right side he said, "Gato wasn't in his mansion, however I manage to get files, going to have to go through it but should have something for you guys soon," he motioned towards the two new teens saying, "this is Wolf Team, the one carrying the long rifle is Remus, the other is Romulus."
The two new teens nodded in greeting as Naruto continued speaking, "They will be guarding your family Tazuna while we're at the bridge tomorrow, any more questions?"
He knew they had tons but were obviously holding back do to how tired he look, he nodded his head before sealing his blood stained clothes he headed for the stairs throwing a goodnight over his shoulder. He had asked for more reinforcements for tomorrow, knowing Gato was more than likely going to attack after he learned it was his mansion that went up in a ball of flames; touching the new scar added to his small collection his last thoughts as sleep took him was hoping everything turned out ok tomorrow.
Naruto awoke early the next morning before Tazuna and his family; he made a big breakfast from some food he kept on his person in case of dire situations. After he was done he sat down with his team and Wolf team to discuss the plans for the day, Wolf team would guard the family while Naruto's team would watch Tazuna at the bridge.
The small family awoke to the smell of cooking, they stumbled down the stairs to a small feast, they looked confused as to where all the food came from but was answered by Naruto, "it's from me, eat, we have a big day ahead of us."
Naruto waited for them to finish sitting before grabbing two plates of food he moved towards the stairs; he arrived the first door, opening it he entered to see Zabuza trying and failing at tearing the seal off of him, Naruto actually laughed seeing the Demon of the Mist attempting to bite his seal.
Zabuza looked up seeing he was caught, he growled being seen in a weak position, but his nose caught the smell of recently cooked food, he saw Naruto carrying two plates, he sat one down on the table he turned to Zabuza, "I know the rations were that bad but seriously? Eating paper won't help the taste."
Zabuza glared at Naruto saying, "Ill make sure you pay if I ever escape brat," he grumbled still eyeing the food as if it was poisoned.
Naruto sighed as he sat by the door, "I bet you will but I'm not here to make future plans but to ask if you wanted to get some sunshine?"
Zabuza stopped moving as he saw Naruto looking at him seriously, he said as he took a bite of food, "and what is the catch brat?"
Naruto stood from his seat, "eh its going to be a sunny day today after the mist clears, I figured you and your apprentice would like to come to the bridge with us," he said as he looked outside to the foggy morning.
Zabuza looked at Naruto with a blank face before he grinned, "you know Gato will probably attack today seeing as how your little firework display more than likely pissed him off."
Naruto nodded as he went to the door he said over his shoulder, "and the more reason to have you there."
Naruto shut the door to a curious Zabuza, he nodded to Romulus as he opened the door to Haku's room, he was surprised to see her still in bed with a scarlet face; raising an eyebrow he laid the plate on the end table he said, "did I interrupt something?"
Haku shook her head furiously, not believing Naruto almost walking in on her relieving some frustration; she had finished the book last night and ran out of things to amuse her, however some real food was a welcoming change she took the plate timidly as Naruto spoke.
"You and Zabuza will be going with us to the bridge today, so after your finished eating get ready for some traveling ok?" Naruto said as he took a seat near the bed.
Haku nodded her head as she swallowed her food, she asked, "I have a question Naruto-san."
Naruto waved his hand, "call me Naruto, hate honorifics, but shoot what's your question?"
Haku looked shyly at Naruto saying, "Are you recruiting people Naruto?"
Naruto eyes widened at his, he looked at her seriously, "and where did you get that idea Haku-chan?"
Haku blushed at the suffix but said, "I found the copy of the Contract in the back of the book, it said you would recruit at your discretion."
Naruto scratched the back of his head, he had forgotten he put that in there for the use of showing the contract if any incident came up, he sighed as he said, "I'm sorry Haku-san but I won't take people who have ninja status."
Haku let her head fall in sadness however when Naruto spoke again made her snap her head up putting a creak in her neck, "but seeing as how you were never officially a ninja we can discuss it when we return to Konoha ok?"
Haku couldn't believe what Naruto said, they would at least discuss it, she was about to thank him when she heard the door close shut as Naruto left. Naruto walked down the hall, as he passed Romulus he said, "Give them 15 mins then have them outside ok?"
He received a nod as he headed down the stairs, seeing the house empty he went outside to see his team waiting for him along with Tazuna. Tazuna turned to Naruto and asked, "So when are we leaving Naruto?"
Naruto put his hat on as he walked towards his team, "in fifteen minutes, waiting for the prisoners to finish eating."
Tazuna looked slightly frightened at the thought of bring them and asked, "Why are we taking them?"
Naruto stretched tenderly touching his side he said, "It's suppose to be nice today so thought they would like some sunshine."
Everyone sweat-dropped at the thought of Zabuza enjoying sunlight, but they were interrupted by the arrival of the pair being followed by Romulus. Naruto smiled at Haku who smiled back, Zabuza looked suspiciously at Naruto at the exchange, Naruto turned to Romulus saying, "ok Rom I want you to stay in site, Rem you find a nice tree to post up in ok? Should be back this afternoon."
Receiving confirmation at his orders Naruto lead the group towards where the bridge was being built. Naruto noticed the fog was starting to let up but not much, arriving at the bridge everything was quiet.
Naruto pulled his weapon along with his team, "Tazuna weren't the workers suppose to be already working?"
Tazuna looked around for a sign of his crew saying, "yes but I don't hear anything."
Naruto motioned everyone forward saying, "keep your eyes clear, we don't know what Gato has schemed."
With that they moved forward onto the bridge, they traveled for a bit before bodies started to appear. Naruto bent down to feel for a pulse finding none he looked towards his squad seeing them shake their heads also.
Tazuna looked at the bodies going pale, he threw up on the side; Zabuza looked at the bodies with a blank face as Haku showed regret at the needless deaths. Naruto stood clicking his radio he said, "What's the ETA on those reinforcements?"
His radio crackled to life, "ten minutes, why?"
Naruto said as he heard a voice yelling fire, "I don't think we have ten minutes."
Naruto heard the twinges of bows being fired, he said loudly as he tackled Haku, "take cover!"
Juggernaut covered Tazuna, as Joker tackled Zabuza, arrows fell through the fog on top of the group; Naruto cried out in pain as he felt two arrows go into his right arm and legs. As soon as it started it stopped, Naruto rolled off of Haku who looked wide-eyed at Naruto for protecting her, Naruto looked to see if his team was ok.
Juggernaut stood up from a shocked Tazuna, the arrows seemed to have bounced off of him; Scar stood pulling an arrow from his arm before healing it. However when Naruto looked at Joker he was still laying on Zabuza, Zabuza rolled the teen off of him feeling blood drip onto his body he looked at the teen and saw an arrow sticking through the side of his neck.
Naruto tried to stand but failed he yelled at Scar, "Get Joker he's hit!"
Scar cursed as he ran over to Joker, breaking the end off of the arrow he pulled it out; he quickly got to work healing the wound as Joker coughed up blood.
The fog cleared to show three hundred mercenaries with archers in the front; however at the head of the assorted group was a small man, "ah so your still alive eh? Guess that just means we can use you as examples."
Naruto should have known it was going to be trap, cursing he clicked his radio quietly asking the ETA of the extra troops. The answer didn't sit well him, "We're five minutes away from your location, sir."
"What no response? Pphh if this is Konoha's new power then they must be desperate, men take care of them, but make sure their heads are still on their bodies so we can hang them as a warning," Gato said as he started to walk back into the group.
"GATO!" a voice yelled out, the midget turned to see one of the teens pointing something at him, that was the last thing he remembered as a round entered his head before spraying bits of skull and brains out the back onto the nearest merc.
Everyone stood shocked at what just happened, the Mercenaries turned at the group, pulling their weapons someone yelled out, "you just killed our paycheck!"
They started to charge at the group, Naruto was surprised that this was the way he died, however he yelled out as he saw Juggernaut start to run towards the mercenaries with his SAW firing none stop, "Juggernaut NO!"
It however fell on deaf ears as Juggernaut still ran, he emptied his entire two hundred round clip; Naruto was attempting to cover him from his position but his aim was off as his shooting arm was injured.
Juggernaut managed to take out 75 mercs but he ran head first into the charging mercs swinging his gun as a club. Naruto was forced to start shooting the mercs who were trying to make it to his group, he however never lost sight of Juggernaut as he cracked open a mercs skull with the end of his gun; however everything stopped as a sword pierced Juggernauts back going through his armor exiting out his chest.
Naruto could only watch in shock as more weapons pierced Juggernaut, forced himself to stand as Juggernaut slowly fell to the ground blood pouring from his wounds. Before Naruto could take two steps however the sounds of chopping blades grew louder until a Blackhawk appeared on the right side of the bridge.
N043 pulled back the firing hammer on the mini-gun, he saw all the mercenaries looking at the chopper with wide eyes, and he smiled grimly knowing this was the last thing they were going to see.
VEERSSSSHHH
Naruto's face was blank as he watched the thugs get mowed down as rounds ripped through their bodies.
Scar managed to seal the wound on joker, he knew that what Juggernaut did had saved them; he let a tear fall at the first fallen ranger.
Zabuza watched the destruction of the small army in front of him; this was Konoha's new allies? He was actually afraid for his life for the first time in a long time.
Haku was openly crying seeing all the death, it was pointless, all for a few bucks? She thought fiercely as she saw the emotionless face on Naruto.
Tazuna hurled again seeing the carnage, if this was the Rangers, he will whole heartedly agree for them to put a base in their country.
After the last thug was killed Naruto started to limp towards where Juggernaut had fallen, he was half way there before Scar started to run towards him. The Blackhawk started to circle as another one appeared also as a Chinook hovered at the end of the bridge allowing fifteen clones too jump out scanning the area of targets.
Naruto finally reached the area where Juggernaut fell, he was surprised to see Juggernaut still lying there, and he quickly rushed to him knowing he was still alive. He kneeled next to the bleeding form of Juggernaut, he turned too Scar yelling, "he's still alive!"
Scar landed next to them and quickly got to work trying to heal the wounds, he was stopped however when a hand gripped his; he followed it to see Juggernaut was the one who stopped him, "stop it, it's pointless."
Naruto pulled down the mask saying, "no its not, you can make it through this."
Juggernaut cough up some blood, "I already know I'm dying boss, they messed me up pretty good."
Naruto let a tear fall as he said, "then why did you do it?"
Juggernaut smiled, "I did it cough so you guys would survive, just promise me boss not to port me back, I want to fly home."
Naruto gripped his hand, he saw the troops start to seal the bodies for later disposal he said, "I promise," he took out a piece of paper before applying it to Juggernaut's chest.
Juggernaut muttered a soft thank you as his grip softened before falling limply from Naruto's hand. Naruto wiped his bloody hand on his thigh as he stood he walked back towards the group with Scar who was attempting to try and get him to hold still so he could heal him.
Naruto said as he reached Tazuna, "Scar you can heal me on the way back, now Tazuna the mission is complete Gato is dead, fifteen troops will stay here until the bridge is complete."
Naruto pulled out two scrolls handing them to the shocked man, "that is Gato's money and the shipping deeds, I would stay longer but I have to take the prisoners back to Konoha and prepare a funeral."
Tazuna looked shakily at the scrolls he said softly, "I can't thank you enough Naruto, you have already done enough, ill be sure to visit to pay my respects to Juggernaut-san."
Naruto nodded as he clicked his radio, "bring that Chinook around, we got prisoners to transport and a body."
He got the affirmative as the Chinook hovered off the side of the bridge allowing it to open its hold to the group. Naruto helped Zabuza and Haku onto the chopper before turning to see Scar and the now awoken Joker carrying the body of Juggernaut. They softly laid him down before taking seats opposite of the prisoners; Naruto waved a goodbye to Tazuna as he hopped onto the chopper as it took off back to Konoha, He sat down allowing Scar to finally start to treat his wounds.
Zabuza's voice broke through the silence, "well I guess you can add saving a country to your forte, think I could ask you to help me with mist?"
Naruto cracked open an eye and said, "But at what cost?" he looked down at the body covered by a sheet. Shaking his head he said, "And why would I? The civil war has ended and a new Mizukage has been sworn into office."
Zabuza and Haku couldn't believe what they heard, looking at each other they grinned, looking out the window they watched the passing trees going silent again.
Naruto sighed as he knew that he would be needing to inform Sarutobi upon returning, he shut his eyes to get a small nap, the last thing on his mind before sleep took him was Juggernauts words.
He felt a hand shake him awake; opening his blood shot eyes he saw it was Scar, "time to get up boss."
Naruto rubbed his eyes as he sat forward, Haku and Zabuza were still sitting in the same position except Haku had fallen asleep with her head resting on Zabuza. Looking out the window he saw it was still trees under them turning a questioning gaze to Scar who said, "five minutes out, thought you would like to be ready."
Naruto stood stretching he said, "Thanks Scar, once the chopper drops me off I want you to get Zabuza and Haku into the new cells, have Juggernaut prepped for burial" he whispered the last part hoarsely.
"Understood sir, and if it is any consolation Juggernaut died a Rangers death," Scar said seriously as he turned back to Joker to let him know what to do.
Hiruzen was sitting at his desk staring at a piece of paperwork thinking. He was stupid for sending Naruto on a mission, but it was his own choice; standing he turned to his window seeing the fast approaching Chinook. The last report he gotten from one of his new assistants was that Naruto requested additional troops last night.
That was the last report that had the old Hokage fearing for Naruto's life; he looked down at the message he received from the Daimyo, he had asked if Naruto would be able to deliver this years Chunins Exams to the five great nations. This move was bold, more showing off than anything, but could have benefits.
His answer really depended if Naruto returned at all, and if he would agree to it. He watched the Chinook fly over his building, he was surprised to hear it over head before it started to fade again; taking a seat he waited for news on Naruto when the man on his mind entered through his door, However it wasn't the greeting he was expecting.
Naruto stood at attention in his dirty BDUs and armor; Sarutobi could see rips here and there but drying blood blotted his legs and arm, while there was a massive blood stain around a hole in his armor. His hands still had blood on them along with blood shot eyes spoke of an experience that won't be forgotten.
"Mission Accomplished, Gato is dead and the threat to wave has ended," Naruto said hoarsely as he dropped the salute.
Sarutobi was saddened but needed to know the details, "what happened Naruto?" he asked softly as he stood from his desk.
Naruto slacked his shoulders and started from the beginning, "after leaving the village we kept on route until we hit a bump in the road."
Sarutobi stopped him there as he asked curiously, "what bump?"
Naruto let out a laugh while shaking his head he said, "The Demon Brothers decided to lie in wait for Tazuna, they however didn't understand how much a Humvee weights so it was more of a large bump."
Hiruzen shook his head and let out a small chuckle waving for Naruto to continue, "Afterwards we made it to the meeting place of Tazuna contact, but after waiting an hour we decided to cross by ourselves, when we crossed we continued as plan but ran into Momochi Zabuza and his apprentice Haku."
Sarutobi froze as he heard that, looking at Naruto he looked at his wounds; Naruto saw where he was looking he said, "These weren't caused by him, he underestimated us and was captured along with his apprentice, they are currently on their way to the bases cells until I can return Zabuza to Mist."
Sarutobi couldn't believe what he just heard, he managed to not only survive a run-in with the Demon of the Mist but to capture him was a feat unto itself, "ill send word to Mist to be awaiting a prisoner, it may tie to something we will discuss later."
Naruto nodded at the answer as he continued, "afterwards we reach Tazuna's house, we waited until night had fallen; once it did me and Joker infiltrated Gato's Mansion to kill him, but he was apparently greeting the new soldiers so was away, but we managed to get documents on his illegal dealings along with his money, I kept a third for payment of a A-class mission and some to put towards more supplies for the Rangers."
He handed the Hokage a couple scrolls, "That is the money, files, and the bodies of the Brothers."
Sarutobi placed them on the desk to read at a later time, he turned back to Naruto he said, "excellent work on that, ill make sure everything is squared and the bounty paid to the Rangers."
Naruto nodded but his face grew blank freaking Sarutobi out as he spoke, "The next morning Gato attacked the bridge killing the workers, we were lured into a trap letting him flank us with archers, me and my team save for Juggernaut suffered wounds."
"Gato finally made an appearance, I put a fucking bullet between the little pigs head," Naruto said viciously.
Hiruzen knew something was wrong, "Naruto! What happened to cause such an outburst?"
Naruto let out a ragged breath, "reinforcements were still five minutes away, so…so Juggernaut sacrificed himself to try and save us sometime, and he succeeded."
Naruto let a small tear fall as he stood rigid, as Sarutobi was looking out the window. Sarutobi sighed he turned to Naruto, "what happened to the body?"
Naruto looked confused for a second but understood the Hokage was wondering seeing as how the Rangers were originally Kage Bushins, "it didn't disappear, I plan on burying him later today."
Sarutobi nodded his head in understanding, "Take a week off also, but before I let you go the Daimyo sent me a request."
Naruto looked confused as the old man held up a gold plated scroll, "He has asked if you would be willing to deliver this year's Chunins Exams invitations."
Naruto was shocked that they would want him to, but he could see what the Daimyo was planning, he knew of the Chunins Exam that was taking place in Konoha seeing as how he needed to place guards accordingly.
Sighing he nodded his head tiredly, "I will do it, but I'm taking my vacation first," he let out a small grin making the old Hokage chuckle.