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Nami no Kuni Few days later.
Naruto is outside with Mito who are practicing their kenjutsu, while Team Eight is practicing walking on the tree.
Kiba and Shino did well for the first few hours while Hinata showed them how well her chakra control is.
Kurenai watching her team seeing how well they have improved, turned to Naruto 'I've got to give credit to Naruto, he just won't stop until he gets it. If I would have known that he knew the kage bunshin while have Kyuubi increase his stamina. He would have made a better teammate than Kiba.'
Naruto dodged the strikes and slashes coming at him. Clapping his hands together he placed them on the ground then rolled over to his left missing the strike hitting the earth. Mito watching this raised an eyebrow noticing the tree roots wrap around her blade "Clever. But still not good enough" twisting the blade. She brought it up almost cutting Naruto's head off clean but he ducked under it at the last second.
Naruto panting turned to her while she placed her blade on her shoulder lazily. Before he charged Tsunami came to the back getting everyone's attention "Forgive me for intertupting, but the gentleman coming from the capital dropped off the scroll". Naruto stopped charging while Mito turned to Tsunami nodding, walking towards her. She threw a kunai at Naruto who caught it while another kunai grazed his cheek.
"Always pay attention. Regardless of the fact we are in ally territory, danger always lurks. A shinobi's life is to always look around, always be aware of your surroundings or it can be used against you but you can also use it against them." Answered Mito, Naruto listening to her nodded and rubbed his cheek wiping the blood off his cheek. With the cut already healed he followed Mito inside the house while Kurenai got everyone's attention to go inside.
Kitchen.
Mito looked at the scroll and frowned 'For someone to place this on a ship while the ship made it to port is a miracle. But why would anyone want to send a key scroll here? It doesn't make sense...unless they didn't want the enemy to have it. But what does this scroll unlock?' thought Mito. Looking closely at the seal she sighs wondering what does the scroll unlock.
Looking up she noticed everyone staring at her "What is it?" blinking she watches everyone fall on the ground making her get an anime sweat.
Kurenai clearing her throat looked at Mito asking what does the scroll say. "It came from Uzu. So it must have a great importance to the Uzumaki clan but also from Uzu. It's one of the last remnants from there. It should be kept at Konoha" answered Kurenai. Mito nodded and soon started to roll the scroll looking at everyone telling them to get ready to move tonight.
"We attack Gato's place. Taking out Zabuza but also that short little tryant" answered Mito.
"Why bother?" everyone turned to Inari. Naruto hearing him let out a sigh "You go and Gato will know where you came from. He is going to bring an army with him to destroy this place" said Inari.
"This again?" said Naruto rolling his eyes. "Inari, that isn't going to happen. If you want I will leave a few Mokuton Bunshin here to keep watch. They are more durable then the kage bunshin and won't dispel after one attack or hit" everyone turned to Naruto like he grew a second head. "What?" Mito wasn't even aware that Naruto even recreated that jutsu while Hashirama has been having some trouble using it.
In fact now that she thinks about it she never heard Hiashirama using a jutsu like that before 'He clearly made something not even my Hashirama-koi has ever thought of' smiled Mito. Turning to the group of shinobi "Everyone get ready for tonight. Naruto send a message to Hiruzen asking for a team to help on a C rank mission to watch the town but also bridge. With Gato's death any forces he has remaining will disperse. I doubt any will come to Nami wanting to start trouble where they killed him"
"Ok. But why the extra team then? I mean with Kurenai-sensei's team here shouldn't that be enough?" asked Naruto. Mito nodded but wants another team to come down for numerous reasons. "Sure I will send a message to the old man" getting up to go outside.
Kurenai turned to her "I understand about us going to Uzu. But I can stay back while my team goes with you. I don't think they will cause any trouble. I can stay watch" answered Kureani. Mito nodded but wants another team to watch over Tazuna finishing the bridge, even though he lied to Hiruzen and paid for protection.
"But this mission changed and he still paid for a genin team for escort and the bridge to be finished. So to have another team fill that quota-" stopping Mito, noticing Kurenai smirk.
"Meaning we can have a genin team watch him finish the bridge while we relax in the sun" giggled Kurenai. Mito nodded and has a good idea what team Hiruzen is going to send. "Team Seven, seeing that Sasuke got angry to hear his mission like he claims good ones get taken away from him" smirked Kurenai making Mito giggle finding it amusing a genin thinks more of himself then the others.
"Sent the message" answered Naruto walking back into the room.
"Good, let's move" ordered Mito.
Naruto shrugged his shoulders but soon followed the older kunoichi's "So what is the plan?" yawning. Both of them turned to Shino who raised an eyebrow while Mito asked if he knows the way. "Ok so Shino knows the area. Meaning he will give us the information while we break into three teams" asked Naruto.
Kurenai blinked while Mito raised an eyebrow "How did you figure that out?" asked Mito.
Shino adjusted his glasses "That would be an acceptable plan" answered Shino. 'His skills are high. His tactics have changed but yet his personality remains the same but he hides it?' thinking more of the change that Naruto has gone. He finds it odd that Naruto of all people seems to be calm.
Naruto shrugged his shoulder while walking to the door came to a stop "Mokuton Bunshin no Jutsu" making seven wood clones appear. "Watch the place but also keep an eye on Inari and his family". Soon some of the clones left in different directions while both older kunoichi turned to each other and shrugged their shoulders.
That Night
Six blurs were all jumping from branch to branch. Naruto turned to Shino who nodded while he looked down "Trouble. We have a few guards outside the area and a few others as well" answered Naruto getting the clones memories. Shino listened to him while his bugs confirmed this but also how many people they have inside.
"So there are about twenty to thirty people. But also a few more inside. Once we attack everyone will come to us so we must get ready" spoke Shino. Kurenai nodded while Mito raised an eyebrow and turned to the place. Hinata with her byakugan looked at the house and confirmed everything that Shino has said.
Naruto looking at the house and shrugs his shoulder "I can make some kage bunshin to divert their attention while you guys attack them from behind. Mito can attack Zabuza while I keep the hyoton user busy." Mito nodded but told everyone to watch each other not knowing what else Gato can have.
"The place can be booby-trapped" replied Mito. Turning to Naruto he nodded and took out a few kunai with some explosive tags "Don't tell me that is what you've been doing in your free time with the fuinjutsu book I gave you to study". Everyone turned to Naruto who smirked while making a few clones appear near him.
"I don't want to say but Tobirama-sensei had to use a suiton jutsu while Hashirama-sensei repaired the wall outside Konoha" replied Naruto jumping off the tree branch. Team Eight blinked while Mito sucked her teeth grumbling about someone getting grounded once they get back to Konoha. As if things couldn't get any worse a huge explosion happened making a twenty foot deep crater.
"It's official, that boy will be the second death of me" shaking her head, Mito jumped down while Team Eight turned to Kurenai sighing and following Mito Movements.
"Hmm is anyone else worried about the explosion Naruto made with a home made seal tag?" asked Kiba. Akamaru barked agreeing with his master while Shino adjusted his glasses getting ready to join the battle. Hinata with her byakugan is watching Naruto in awe that he is fighting a few men with a kunai that is glowing white.
With Naruto.
With all the clones breaking into groups while Gato's thugs are all confused wondering which one to attack. "Gotcha" smirked Naruto. Attacking a group of thugs from the side knocking them across the room. Naruto quickly dodged to the right missing the ice spear popping out of the ground 'That was close. Good thing my clone dispelled to tell me what was happening' looking at Haku, Naruto turned to his left noticing Gato's men surrounding him.
"This should be fun" making a few hand seals he slams both hands on the ground making some tree roots appear around the area. While Haku made a hand seal herself "Thousand Flying Water Needles of Death". Aiming at Naruto, he quickly added more chakra to the ground making the tree roots grow in size and protecting him.
"Clever" mumbled Haku.
"Not bad yourself seeing you've had years of practice" answered Naruto.
"Haku enough kidding around and finish that brat off once and for all" shouted Zabuza. Slowly getting up he turned to Naruto "This time gaki you aren't going to live" smiling he made a hand seal making the mist roll in. 'I'm not a hundred percent but with Gato's thugs here we should have a chance of beating them all' thought Zabuza.
Naruto watched the mist rolled in 'Great. That's all I need, to be a pincushion' mumbling to himself. "Oi. Let's just cut to the chase I really don't want-" feeling the many senbons hit all over his body. Naruto's blue eyes iris turned blood red with a black slit instead of a pupil. Glaring at the direction where the senbons came from.
He pulled the senbons out of his body "Now I'm pissed off" shouting. He charged towards the direction with a kunai in each hand. With the mist covering them both, Naruto added the wind affinity to one of the kunai and threw it towards the mist dispersing it. Looking at Haku she quickly threw some senbon while Zabuza charged in.
"Your fight is with me!" shouted Mito. Descending down with her blade in her hands. Zabuza used his Kubikiribōchō blocking the whirlpool blade making sparks dance around each blade. "Interesting, it seems you repaired your blade. But what a shame that the same thing is going to happen once again while your boss will go down" smirked Mito.
Pointing Mystic Uzu striaght towards Zabuza, he turned to Gozu and Meizu who nodded. With both of them charging they shot their metal gauntlets at Mito. Dodging the first metal chain she used Uzu to block the second one but didn't expect the chain to wrap around her blade. "Pesking little bugs you two are. But I really shouldn't insult ally insects" smirked Mito.
Zabuza turned to the demon brothers watching a huge swarm of bugs appearing in front of them "WHAT?!" Looking around he sees Kurenai with her team finishing off Gato's hired mercenaries. "Damn, I wasn't expecting them to attack us here". Lifting his Kubikiribōchō up he blocked Mito's strike "So how about a small duel? No ninjutsu, genjutsu, just straight kenjutsu" smirked Zabuza.
Mito grinned as she jumped back she placed Mystic Uzu back in her sheath while placing her hand on the hilt of the blade. Taking a defensive stance she stared at Zabuza "Whenever you wish to begin and let's this make this more interesting. A last request for the loser, who am I to say I never learned kenjutsu to the fullest?" letting out a vulipine grin.
Zabuza couldn't help but chuckle "Ahh memories back from home. One thing I learned is to never underestimate any shinobi male or female but females are always the much worse of fighters" smirked Zabuza. Mito sent a smile towards Zabuza that made him shiver reminding him or a kunoichi with a odd kekkie genaki to use two advanced sub-elements.
With the both charging each other at the same time, Mito quickly unsheathed Mystic Uzu while Zabuza brought down his Kubikiribōchō. With both blades slamming against each other a small shockwave of wind and vibrations sent both of them back skidding a bit. Mito recovered first, quickly sheathed her blade, and started to charge towards Zabuza.
'What is she going to do?' thought Zabuza.
Taking a defensive stance he brings his Kubikiribōchō up to the side to block the attack. Mito in the last second smirked as she quickly drew her blade out, Zabuza's Kubikiribōchō blocked the strike. "Not good enough to-" watching Mito spin after he blocked Mystic Uzu stike, Zabuza was smacked right in the face by Mystic Uzu's sheath sending him back a bit.
"Damn. I thought my head was hard. But that..." pointing at sheath while Mito held it in her other hand while giggling. "What is it made of? Steel?" rubbing his face. Mito continues to giggle while Zabuza smirks "Got to admit, I never would have thought someone would use the sheath like that" replied Zabuza.
"Indeed. I picked this up in my time in Konoha when I first married my Hashirama-koi. Tobirama always love his little pranks thinking they were cute and funny but the trouble it got in him" shaked Mito. Zabuza hearing the name raised an eyebrow while Mito took up another stance "Let's finish this seeing how Naruto is doing I am a little concerned" turning to the battle where Naruto is.
Zabuza let out a dark chuckle making Mito raise an eyebrow "Yeah. Haku has been working on something to get back on the gaki. I got to give him credit with his mokuton abilities. Even I thought they weren't much of a threat but to see him wield in person. Haku has something special for him". Charging towards Mito she blocks the Kubikiribōchō with Mystic Uzu.
'He has the speed and strength over me. Maybe I can use that against him'. Turning to the broken chain gauntlets on the ground, she let out a smirk 'This can be useful' thought Mito. Zabuza turning around quickly dodged to his right, Mito dragged her blade onto the ground and quickly snagged the chain onto Mystic Uzu.
Zabuza, unware of what is going on, charged towards Mito to end the match. "It's over" bringing the Kubikiribōchō to the side to cut her in half. Mito quickly brought her blade blocking the Kubikiribōchō. With the force lifting her blade, the chain wrapped around Zabuza and his Kubikiribōchō shocking the demon of the mist.
Mito quickly stabbed Mystic Uzu into the ground while the chain kept him tied down "Don't move" said Mito. Holding the sheath at Zabuza's neck he noticed how sharp it is. "Even the sheath is made of the same metal as Mystic Uzu but there is a seal on it making the sheath light but also deadly as well. So don't mistake it as something that won't cause damage" replied Mito with steel in her voice.
Zabuza looked at the blade noticing the white aura coming from the metal 'She is adding her futon to it' thought Zabuza. Seeing that the sheath alone can cut him into pieces. "You win" replied Zabuza.
Before Mito even spoke she felt Kyuubi's chakra coming from "NARUTO!" turning to his direction. Zabuza shivered to feel that much bloodlust and hate coming someone once again.
With Naruto
When Mito jumped in and took Zabuza off to the side he turned to Haku pulling the senbon out of his body while the wounds soon started to close. "Do you know how annoying that is and how much it hurts?" gritted Naruto. Holding the senbon in his hand he sucks his teeth promising anyone much pain if he sees anyone use a senbon on him. Already hating needles because of hospitals, Naruto turned to Haku standing their while making a few hand seals.
Grabbing a large broken tree root he adds his wind chakra to the tree root. "CATCH!" swinging the tree root at Haku many splinter projectiles shot out of the tree root stabbing Haku in her body. "Have a taste of your own medicine" chuckled Naruto. Wiping the blood from his lip, Haku glares at Naruto for all the splinters.
"I guess I won't feel sorry using my new technique on you" Haku made a few hand seals making the area snow. Naruto watching this raised an eyebrow "I created this jutsu to freeze everything around my enemy. So there will be no escape but an icy death". Clapping her hands together she took a deep breath and soon blew out a cold chilly wind.
Naruto watching this quickly clapped his hands and slammed them on the ground making a dome of wood protecting him. The icy chilly wind slammed against the wooden dome, while the dome didn't move an inch. Once Haku finished with the icy breath she looked around the area to see ice that formed and built up.
"I wasn't expecting his mokuton to protect him even in that temperature." mumbled Haku. Turning to the dome she noticed the ice around it soon started to melt "WHAT?!" Soon the dome of wood opened up with two kage bunshins popped out making a few hand seals.
"Katon Big Flame Bullet Jutsu" with both clones shooting out huge flame bullets melting the ice around the area. The original Naruto made a hand seal while throwing some seeds on the ground "Mokuton Nativity of a World of Trees" slamming his hand on the ground. Tree roots soon emerged from the ground while the seeds he throw on the ground became buried.
Haku watched the trees around the area started to grow. 'They are breaking the ice around the area. I guess I have to aim at him to stop him. It's the only way' thought Haku. Taking out a kunai both of them soon started to clash, as sparks fly "Impressive. I must give you credit but this will be all over soon and I must help Zabuza" spoke Haku.
Naruto wiped his pants from the snow and looks at Haku raising an eyebrow "Why is he so important to you? I mean you two are missing nin and the way he treats you is like you are nothing but a tool to him" asked Naruto. Watching Haku she took a deep breath while Naruto raised an eyebrow.
"Tell me, when you protected the Hyuga girl, is she precious to you? I believe that is what makes someone strong. Because Zabuza is precious to me and I can't fail him. He gave me a reason to live and without that reason I would be nothing" spoke Haku. Naruto listened to Haku and thought back to what happened a few days ago, in fact since the whole Mizuki incident he has been able to see things in a different light.
But what Haku said as well a reason for her to continue "I haven't had a easy life" as she looks away. Naruto can recognize some of the pain he went through and from hearing what Kurenai knew about the civil war that Kiri has. Did Haku go through the similar treatment as he did? Did the people of her village treat her wrongly.
"Your family, are they really gone?" asked Naruto.
"My family is Zabuza and the demon brothers" answered Haku watching Naruto stand there.
Hearing what she said Naruto thought back from his life. He stood in the back watching everyone who had a family, yearning for that. He would move around, go unnoticed by the families enjoying their company while he watched them. But doing what he did came with a price. He pranked people around Konoha hoping that they would acknowledge him, he lives instead of being ignored. But there were times he wished he was ignored.
"So what is she to you?" asked Haku. Making a few handseals Naruto stood there not knowing, like a deep conflict is happening. As he thinks back at the academy, the times Sakura ignored him, hit him. Hinata on the other hand taking quick glances at him, hiding behind a corner watching him.
'Why did she always blush but also faint around me? Why?' touching his chest he moved his hand to his forehead where a seal was once. 'Now of all times I can think straight, but why?' moving his hand back to his chest. He stood there wanting to know the answer as both his heart and mind are telling Naruto something different. His mind is telling him to counter while his heart tells him to answer but he just stood there thinking about 'Hinata'
Haku made the last of the handseal stared at Naruto not moving "Hyoton Icy Prison". Taking a deep breath she clapped her hands together making all the water around Naruto engulf him. Exhaling the breath of air it soon turned the water into ice shocking Hinata as she watches this all.
"NARUTO-KUN!" screamed Hinata. Watching what happened in the corner of her eyes she is shocked to see a ball of ice. The whole area is covered in ice as well as it became an icy graveyard.
"Hinata!" shouted Kurenai. Slashing the mercenary down she quickly charged towards her student "Behind you!" shouted Kurenai.
When Hinata turned around she saw three mercenaries coming at her 'Naruto-kun forgive me'.
Time seemed to slow down as Kami held back the hands of time from moving, herself. Everything and everyone watched how it is going to happen, Kurenai charging towards Hinata, Kiba, and Akamaru in a funnel of wind trying to get there. Shino used his bugs trying to protect Hinata. Haku watched the ball of ice soon start to crack while steam erupted from it.
'WHAT?!' thought Haku.
All it took was one second for the ball of ice to finally crack while Naruto erupted from it. In that second, a second Naruto appeared in front of Hinata while glowing red with an outline of a fox cloak around him with a tail. In that third second it took Naruto a few quick slashs to kill the three mercenaries. In the fourth second Naruto slammed his hand on the ground "Mokuton Deadly Tree Vines."
Erupting from the ground tree vines tangled Haku's body while it slowly started to squeeze her to death.
"Naruto enough" shouted Mito. When she appeared she saw the dead mutilated bodies 'Dear Kami he slashed them with his own claws?' Turning to Haku she is turning blue from the lack of air. Reaching into her pouch she charged towards Naruto hoping to place the seal on his forehead. But before she can even get close everyone heard clapping while Naruto's attention turned to the short man with glasses.
"Zabuza, for you to lose to a bunch of children and to two woman, what a shame. I should have paid more but seeing that I wasn't going to even pay the price we discussed. I brought some more friends in case something like this happened. You get what you pay for" Gato with a show of hands showed the mercenary army that he brough with him. Looking around he turned to Naruto "Kill them all".
As soon he finished that sentence Naruto let out a loud roar shaking the house while the leaves on the trees dropped. As he takes a deep breath the chakra cloak around him soon starts to dissipate "I don't need your help yet. I can fight them on my own and protect her". Everyone heard Naruto's voice change from dark and soft as he took one step forward he glared at Gato. "And all this happened because of you?" hissing at the man the red chakra around him soon started to disappear.
Some of the mercenarys stepped foward while one mecenary saw Hinata behind Naruto. Remebering something a while ago "Hey that girl behind him. She is a Hyuga, I hear that Kumo pays well for bloodline holders. Maybe we can take her in alive while they have her". In a blink of an eye the man felt a pain in his stomach. Looking down he saw a huge piece of wood impaled his stomach. As he drops dead on the ground few of the mercenaries just recall Naruto picking up a piece of wood and throw it.
But to see it grow in size and slam right into a friend of theirs killing him on the spot. Some mercenaries soon started to have a change of heart whether to attack or not.
"Hey Zabuza if Gato wasn't going to pay you, does that mean that contract isn't valid?" asked Naruto. Zabuza chuckled thinking on what Naruto said while turning to Haku who was freed by the plants. "Since your boss didn't want to pay you I think taking the payment from his flesh won't be awful" smirked Naruto.
"Gaki, you bring up a valid point and I like how you think" grinned Zabuza underneath his mask "Also what is your last request?" turning to Mito. She looked at the thugs while Zabuza didn't need to hear any more. "Gozu, Meizu, let's go and finish these punks off. I will take Gato out myself. Haku make sure they don't pass the gaki because right now I don't want to see a Yoko".
Naruto snorted and walked forward to the thugs but was stopped by Hinata's hug from behind "Please, you did enough". Naruto listening to her voice noticed something wet drop on his neck "I thought I lost you" whispered Hinata.
Taking a deep breath Naruto made a few hand seals "I won't fight if you don't want me to. But I am going to provide some assistance." With the last of the hand seal the tree vines that was used to tied Haku all erupted from the ground tieing the mercenaries up and Gato while Hinata nodded and passed out on Naruto's back.
Zabuza watching this let out a smirk "Thanks for the help gaki." With a few quick slashes Zabuza cut down the mercenaries in front of him while the demon brothers soon started to take out the rest.
"Wait please. Stop" begged Gato. Falling on the ground he looks at the mercenary army that he brought being killed down "I should have waited for the others to come in the month" spoke Gato. Thinking it would made any difference the small tyrant felt a dark shiver running up his spine, as he turns to Zabuza he himself looked at Naruto scared to feel the killing intent while Hinata remained oblivious.
The dark look that Naruto sent him was like almost looking into a demon as well. Naruto's blue eyes iris now have a black slit instead of a pupil. Zabuza was given the title of Kirigakure no Kijin (demon of the hidden mist). But this demon he is looking at "Mori no Yoko (demon fox of the forest)." Whispered Zabuza, feeling like he stepped into a puddle he looks down to see Gato soiling and wetting himself.
'Perfect' getting an anime sweat, Zabuza swinged his Kubikiribōchō slicing off Gato's head right off his body.
"You still owe me a last request" spoke Mito. Zabuza hearing this raised an eyebrow "I merely looked over the direction where the trouble was. You assumed that is what I wanted" giggled Mito.
"But that... ugh" Zabuza grunting watched Mito giggle while Haku also giggled "How's your clansmen? He hasn't moved, neither did the Hyuga" spoke Zabuza.
Mito raised an eyebrow and turned to Naruto who passed out while standing up making her get an anime sweat. "Tobirama-nii, wait until I get my hands on you for teaching him that trick of yours" tightening her fist everyone in the area shivered to feel her killing intent. It's even worse then Naruto's "Let's head back to Nami. Let those two rest for the meantime" spoke Mito.
Turning to Zabuza "And the last request?" asked the demon of the mist.
"I will tell you once the other team from Konoha arrives" answered Mito.
Few days later
Naruto waking up blinked seeing his surrounding "Oh man what hit me?" Trying to remember the last thing that happened "Gato" hissing to himself. He got up from bed and walked to the window. Looking outside he noticed many people walking around in Tazuna's backyard.
"Naruto-kun!" shouted Hinata.
Naruto turned around to see her joyous face "Yo. What did I miss?" letting out a grin. Hinata quickly charged towards him and hugged, relieved to see him walking and awake "I'm fine Hinata-chan really. So how long have I been out and sorry for worrying you" yawned Naruto.
Mito in the doorway smiled to see the two together and hugging "About three days. Chakra exhaustion but also someone else helping you" said Mito. Naruto nodded gave her a silent but stern look knowing this won't be the end but the start of the conversation later on. "Come outside. Team Seven arrived this morning" smiled Mito, making Naruto grunt while Hinata giggled. Mito on the other hand her eye started to twitch "More lessons on delicacy but add more punishment" replied Mito.
Naruto soon started to pout while making whimpering noise "Naruto-kun" giggled Hinata.
Outside
Team Seven along with Kakashi are listening to Kiba telling them what happened. Since they arrived Sasuke is having a hard time digesting everything while he turned to Zabuza and his team. "Then from out nowhere Naruto erupts from the ball of ice glowing red. He just appeared in a flash killing three mercenaries with his bare hands. Then Gato appeared with a few squads of mercenaries and one of them said something they shouldn't which pissed off Naruto so much that he picked up a broken piece of wood and-"
"Kiba!" interupted Naruto. Walking outside along with Hinata and Mito he let out a yawn "Another time. I don't want teme to know everything" yawned Naruto, shooting a look at Team Seven. He watched Sasuke scoff at him while looking at Sakura with a smirk.
"You mean your Mokuton? I heard the talk all over Konoha. I wonder if it's even true" said Sasuke. Everyone from Team Eight kept quiet while Kurenai turned to Kakashi who turned to Mito. "Tsk" Sasuke sucked his teeth seeing that no one is saying anything 'It's true. He has the mokuton but also another kekkei genkai. Is his clan stronger than mine? Is he stronger then me? Has he just been waiting for his kekkei genkai to activate?' thought Sasuke.
Naruto hearing this raised an eyebrow while Zabuza snorted catching everyone's attention. "I heard the rumors myself. Blonde hair with red tips. Whisker marks on his face with red tips at the ends. And now everyone will know that Mori no Yoko defeated me" said Zabuza shaking his head trying to figure out how he lost to a group of newbie genin.
"Mori no Yoko? What does that mean?" asked Sakura.
All eyes turned to Zabuza "It means demon fox of the forest. Konoha was founded by Hashirama Senju who has the mokuton. It is said that his mokuton was used to create the forest around the area. Konohagakure, village hidden in the leaves" stated Zabuza. Everyone blinked wondering how someone outside of Konoha knows all this.
"When the tree leaves dance, one shall find flames. The fire's shadow will illuminate the village, and once again, tree leaves shall bud anew" spoke Kakashi.
Everyone turned to him wondering where did that come from "That was pretty poetic. Kakashi I didn't know you could be like that" said Kurenai. Trying to hold down her blush, Hinata giggled at her sensei's antics. Naruto on the other hand snapped his fingers knowing he heard it coming from the Sandaime many times.
"Yes. The sandaime always said that while my sensei the Yondaime would always say 'The fire's shadow will illuminate the village'. I quite never understood what he meant when I was younger. But when I got older I started to understand what he meant. It's not the Hokage that illuminates the village, it's the Will of Fire that lights up the village" answered Kakashi.
"He must have been something" said Naruto.
Kakashi nodded "He was. But always will be because he lives on in spirit" said Kakashi looking at Naruto seroius but giving him a warm smile. Naruto nodded knowing that Kakashi was his studnet.
"So why that name?" asked Sasuke. Zabuza hearing this turned to Sasuke with his hands crossed waiting for him to answer. Turning to Mito with the small talk they had. It's safe to say Zabuza experienced a jinchuuriki's wrath during his time as a Kiri nin but also it was the Yondaime Mizukage himself. Something that he doesn't want to remember.
"Names come and go kid. It doesn't matter what your name is in this world or title you got. What you do, your actions define you in this world but also on what you leave behind" spoke Zabuza.
Sasuke rolled his eyes refusing to listen to him. "Whatever that mean." His tone clearly said 'yeah right'.
Kakashi on the other hand turned the page of his perverted book "It means the true measure of a shinobi is not how he lives but how he dies. It's not what they do in life, but what they did before dying that proves their worth" answered Kakashi. Kurenai turned to him while Mito nods, liking that phrase but Naruto on the other hand.
"You got that from Ero-sennin. Talk about being a copycat" grined Naruto. Kakashi let out a chuckle and turned to Naruto asking him about the nickname that was given to him. "You mean Mori no Yoko? What about it?"
"Does it fit you?" getting Naruto's attention he finds it ironic everyone calling him a yoko. "Question is, will that name be the one that everyone will remember you by? What you do, the actions in the end defines, you nothing more" spoke Kakashi. Naruto listening to him turns to Mito nodding know what he is saying is very true.
"I don't know. What do you think Hinata-chan?" asked Naruto.
All eyes turned to Hinata making her blush and play with her fingers "Ano. I like the nickname, plus Kitsunes are my favorite animals" blushing. She couldn't tell anyone what her favorite plushie is. She practically hides her stuffed fox away from the younger children in the clan. Especially the girls who loved him because he is fluffy.
"I guess it's a cool nickname to start with" yawned Naruto.
Zabuza chuckled while Kakashi nodded. Mito shrugged her shoulders wondering what Hashirama is going to say "Fine, be ready to leave in a day. I want to head to Uzu as soon as possible" everyone nodded while Team Seven looked confused. "Oh the reason why I asked for back up was not to fight against Zabuza. It's because Tazuna paid for a team to watch and protect him until the bridge is completely built. With all the enemies gone it's safe to say that Tazuna will finish the bridge but he still paid for a team" giggled Mito.
Sakura hearing this looked down finding it ironic that she managed to trick her team to do this. Sai smiled seeing how right she is about the client paying for a team. Sasuke on the other hand turned to her shocked that all he will be doing is babysitting and watching a bridge being build. Kakashi shrugged his shoulders thinking that's fine.
"In fact I get to train them a little more. For the upcoming chunin exams" spoke Kakashi. Everyone turned to him "If Sasuke's behavior changes a bit". All eyes turned to Sasuke clicking his teeth together.
"Very well. So who will be coming along?" asked Mito with a vulpine grin. "I already have a scouting team so Team Eight is coming. How about you Zabuza and your adoptive daughter? Seeing that someone like you knows all this history how much do you know?" Carefully watching the demon of the mist even Haku wonder how did he know all this.
Zabuza grunted in annoyance "Really? Tell them some history, they all think you know more"
"Do you?" replied Naruto. Zabuza remained quiet while Naruto kept a straight face staring at Zabuza "I take that as a yes. You being a swordsmen but also a team from it. I assume Kiri wanted to know more about the other nations. Meaning tactics such as their territory" smirked Naruto. Zabuza listening to Naruto slightly chuckled liking Naruto.
"Kid. Let's just say when I graduated from the academy I killed everyone in my class. I paid the price in listening and learning about the other nations" spoke Zabuza solemnly. Some of Team Eight and Seven thought he was kidding while Kakashi made a reference of the Bloody Mist. "Those were the days. But yet it was nothing compared to others" turning to Mito everyone watches Zabuza's straight posture "Uzu was a much worse enemy then the other villages. In fact it took several nations to destroy Uzu. Not one person or village, but several nations to destroy a small village and clan. Talk about ironic".
When Zabuza finished that he looked at Sasuke who turned to Naruto clearly talking to Hinata. "Kidding right?" asked Sasuke. Zabuza chuckled and shook his head telling him it's all true. One small nation took a stand against two of the five hidden villages with the smaller nations behind them. 'Itachi alone took out the whole clan while it took several hidden villages to destroy Naruto's clan' thinking to himself.
Sasuke got up and walked away from the group "Going to train" Kakashi shook his head seeing this is going to hurt not only his chances but also the team's chances to be in the exams. Zabuza on the other hand chuckled telling Sasuke he should listen "For what?" asked Sasuke irritated.
Zabuza smiled underneath his mask "What they thought would take days took weeks. Weeks to destroy a small village. Talk about ironic" spoke Zabuza with a chuckle. Everyone looked to him waiting for him to continue "For the main five hidden Villages thinking it would be a snap but they were wrong. Especially Kumo since they were the first of the Five Hidden Villages. From what I remember they always seemed ahead of every village. Or tried to stay ahead. They seemed to have everything at one point like someone went out of their way. In fact the Nidaime Hokage went to Kumo to speak of a treaty with their Nidaime Raikage".
"Indeed" spoke Mito in a tone. She remembered that day when Tobirama was almost left in a near dead state. "Kinkaku and Ginkaku, Kumo's Gold and Silver Brothers, attempted a coup d'etat against the Second Raikage. Konoha and Kumo have always had trouble. There always been much dislike between us, even when Hashirama-koi was Hokage." Zabuza nodded but also pointed out something from the first shinobi war that caught everyone's attention including Mito.
"The war started not long after the system of one shinobi village per country was established by the founding of Konohagakure. To try and maintain a balance of power, the First Hokage divided the tailed beasts among the other five villages when he began his peace talks with them. However, this was not enough to prevent the war, and may have actually increased hostilities" summarize Zabuza.
Thinking back remembering the lessons he learned, he finds it ironic that he is telling genin from Konoha history that they should know but don't. This is also giving him an insight into how well Konoha teaches their children before they become genin.
"But we learned that already" said Sakura hearing something similar from a class that she had to take because of the First Hokage. Zabuza hearing this nodded but asked why did it increase the hostilities more then decrease. "I don't know" said Sakura. Kakashi along with Kurenai turned to Mito wondering why Zabuza is chuckling.
Like he knows the answer.
"Well it's quite simple" catching everyone off guard. Kakashi closed his book and paid close attention to Zabuza. "Kumo being one of the first but also strongest soon started to see the other Villages coming to light" answered Zabuza. Drawing something in the dirt he showed everyone what each village had that Kumo didn't.
"Like Iwa having the largest population at that time made them the second. Konoha the third due to my clan helping found Konoha. Suna with the harsh conditions they train in and Kiri because of where they are" answered Naruto. Zabuza chuckled and nodded to what Naruto said but is missing a lot of information and still didn't answer his question.
But also more shinobi skills that the other nations had that others didnt. While some wanted those skills themselves as well. "Why didn't it decrease hostilities?" asked Zabuza.
No one gave an answer while Kakashi leaned back thinking about it. Of all his years as a shinobi this is a first and now he thinks about it. 'Kumo in the past had problems with the other villagers doing missions in their nationsor allies as well. Why?' thought Kakashi.
Zabuza shook his head to some of the genin answers "Kumo has always been ahead of the other nations by any means necessary. They had the resources and continued to grow. But as soon the other nations started to grow. Hashirama Senju did pass around the biju to promote peace but Kumo already had two of their own. Which ones no one knew. So instead of trying to promote peace they pretty much acted like bullies. Thinking they were far ahead of the other nations but they weren't. In fact it was a wake up calling telling them they are others as strong and probably ahead of them" spoke Zabuza.
"And the biggest blow to them was the last shinobi war against Uzu. They lost a few good shinobi to them" answered Kakashi while Zabuza nodded. "They thought with a few other help taking out Uzu would be quick. In fact it did more damage to them because they wasted more resources and time there where it could have gone to another place" answered Kakashi.
"Pretty much Kumo always acted the way they have. Whatever small victory they gain they always use it. They dislike the other nations for numerous reasons saying they think they are better then Kumo. In fact it's Kumo doing" answered Zabuza. Everyone hearing this listened while Mito thought about the answer and nodded. Thinking to what happened to Tobirama and his team she finds it ironic how they gloated about killing Tobirama during the war. "By how they always carried swords thinking they are more skilled then Kiri Swordsman" chuckled Zabuza.
"But it was a bigger embarrassment on Kumo with Kinkaku and Ginkaku betraying their Raikage" answer Mito. Zabuza nodded told them that two powerful and fame shinobi showed everyone who Kumo is behind their clouds.
Sasuke standing there turned to Naruto hating him. All the power he has and fame is going to him and his clan. "Whatever" leaving in a blur, Kakashi shook his head thinking he just ruined his chance.
With Sasuke leaving Naruto looked up and thought on what Zabuza said.
"So Kumo pretty much had all this but started to dislike the other nations becasue they had their own set of power and Kumo didn't want competition" said Naruto. The adults gave out a 'Yeah something like that' nod to him. "Well that's stupid I mean they should be happy with what they had. I mean the other nations could have turned around, teamed up against Kumo and destroyed them"
"But that didn't happen" answered Zabuza. Everyone turned to Zabuza sighing while they knew the answer "For numerous reasons unknown Iwa had some rough time with Konoha." Which Mito rolled her eyes and rubbed her head remembering and knowing why. "Suna was making their way while Kiri came from the water attacking as well. No one knows who started the spark but one thing everyone knows, it started with the Biju and will end with them once and for all. They are reasons why wars start but also peace is promoted with the nations. Kumo seeing the other nations getting their own got angry and wanted to tip the scale to their favor" answered Zabuza.
He gave Naruto a stern look while he returned a stern look back at the demon of the mist.
The rest of the genin nodded remembering the lesson they had during the academy period. What Zabuza says brings out a true point to how war and peace can happen in a blink of an eye when some get greedy for power. Turning to Hinata she looks away "So in other words Kumo soon started to do what they thought they needed to" asked Naruto.
Zabuza chuckled and continue to give Naruto a stern look "Piece of advice gaki but also some insight information for you and her" getting Naruto's attention he turned to Hinata wondering why did that mercenary say that to Hinata. "They went as far as kidnapping children. Not on one occasion but many occasions. So tell me Mori no Yoko what are you going to do when they come after you or her?" everyone turned to Zabuza thinking he lost his mind.
Mito hearing this coughed into her hands breaking the atomsphere. But it was someone else who spoke "Another time and Naruto don't answer. Your mother Kushina had a similar incident like Hinata" answered Kakashi looking at Zabuza who is watching Naruto waiting for a answer.
Naruto stared at Zabuza and his eyes slightly narrowed. Zabuza noticed one thing in his blue eyes, a black slit like a real fox "Like I said, Mori no Yoko. I guess I am lucky to witness him being born" chuckled Zabuza.
Mito sighed and told everyone to get some rest. "This trip is going to be much harder" as she thinks about it Kurenai nodded while Kakashi agreed "But it's a clever name for Naruto. I am happy to see the name being born myself" smiled Mito.
And Done
Ok so I hope everyone likes the nick name I gave Naruto in fact I dont think their is a nick name like that in Fanfiction maybe smilari but none like that So I want to copy right it BUT cant. "Mori No Yoko" has a good ring to it or "Yoko No Mori".
Also their is a poll on my profile for this story and for Whirlpool Resurrection "Please Vote". OR leave a review.
Plus Brown phantom has a poll going who has the best Naru/Hina story. so please vote even though Its good for the end of the year "I think".
Now onto the manga. I usualy dont do this but have to.
Many of you and WARNINIG spoiler aleart Tobi is Obito. How will this affect my stories or any other stories on FF. "I dont know" But what I know I will contiune to update and work around it. I already came up with a few ways to work aroudn this problem. I spoke to Brown Phantom and notices some lack of updates going around. But never fear I am trying to get some stuff down while Phantom as well been to.
With this big news hitting allot authors I assume they must be changing their ideas on how. Like my story 'What may have been'. I already came up with a solid idea to work with it. Its going to be crazy but it will work. "I just hope Captain Kiri wont think it would be a Paradox or the end of time itself. I think getting Spock to explain might help".
ALSO.
Someone sent me a message what or how I'm I going to do with the chunin exams.
I already got that cover and instead of the Hashirama and Tobirama being revived. I have someone else in mind.
Hope everyone enjoyed and thank you for reading the little rant and ideas.
