AN: Before this chapter starts I wish to address a review by Deflow (Guest). They asked how strong Naruto was and gave quite an extensive list of rankings in the ninja world. I have to say that your review is the most interesting one I have got so far and it has to do with the list. When this review gets put on the site, see for yourselves readers what I saw; I got a good chuckle out of it. Anyway, to answer the question I would put Naruto at mid to high Jounin as of now but I have something planned that will eventually put Naruto up there in the Sannin/Kage range as he will be travelling the Nation's soon.

The part of the story I am coming up to I unfortunately have to add some cannon elements but they will be tweaked a lot. Now that that is out of the way, enjoy the next chapter. Edited.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

ITALICS – thinking

BOLD – jutsu

Chapter 7: Zabuza's Crossroads

It has been a week since Naruto and his army returned to the forest; within that week, Naruto meditated and pondered on the negatives and positives on joining Konoha again. Much to his surprise he found more positives and since the meditation cleared his mind, Naruto figured that if his identity was revealed the villagers might actually give him a shot since he has granted Konoha the chance to gather strength the past five years. As for Hinata, the week was filled with wonders as she found out a lot about her doujutsu, the Byakugan, as well as training. When she first gazed upon the great city the elves resided she felt some sort of deja-vu but couldn't explain why; she passed this to the wayside but kept it in mind to ask about later.

Flashback – one week ago

Hinata and Alverior, whom are flanked by their counterparts, trek through the great forest of the Land of Fire and eventually get to a cave which is hidden by heavy shrubbery and various trees. People that wander this forest most likely pass by this cave but if they somehow managed to find themselves inside the elves set up a defense where the person would wander the cave and eventually find themselves back outside from whence they came. This is the main reason why elves were considered a legend and how their city has been preserved.

Alverior, Hinata, and the army trek through the cave and within five minutes they come to a clearing and Hinata gasps at what she sees. The city was built into a mountainside that had various waterfalls descending from it that flowed through the city in canals; it looked Greek/Roman with its white marble structures that glowed as the sun shown upon it. As the group headed inside, Hinata looked around and felt oddly at peace and that she belonged here; there was various artwork that depicted battles from past eras as well as statues of prominent figures in the elven community. Walking around the city was various elves dressed in white kimonos that sparkled in the sunlight; there was a mix of male and female as well as children whom laughed and giggled while running around the place. Alverior breaks Hinata out of her thoughts by speaking to her.

"I see you are fascinated by our home." Hinata nods and smiles "Come Hinata, I will show you to our true leader."

Hinata cocks her head to the side "Ano, but I thought you were the leader?"

"Nay, I am a leader but not the one that watches over Rivendell, our home. Come, we mustn't be late."

Alverior dismisses the army who go back to their quarters while Hinata and him take various turns down corridors; they eventually enter a circular room where a lady, dressed in a white kimono that wore a gold crown on her head as well as gold bracers on her wrists with long golden hair, that seemed to be the definition of beauty sat in a meditative position. The lady speaks with an elegant like grace.

"I have been expecting you Hinata, come sit beside me as I tell you about your eyes."

Hinata flinches but Alverior smiles and motions to do as she says. After Hinata sits in the same position, the lady speaks up again.

"Welcome to Rivendell Hinata, my name is Elune. Guardian-sama has done a wonderful job protecting this land and has made my job easier thus far but I sense a great evil that lays dormant in which a battle will break out the likes of this world has not seen before. I sense you have questions?"

"Hai" Hinata responds "I wish to know why I feel at peace and that I somehow belong when this is my first time being here."

Elune smiles "Ah, that is where it gets complicated child. Let me tell you about how your clan came to be and I promise you will be shocked."

Hinata listens intently as Elune goes into great detail about the birth of her clan and of how the Byakugan came to be. She told of how an elven female who was picking herbs outside her home, Rivendell, came into contact with a male; their names have been lost to history. The two soon became lovers and although it was considered forbidden, the female led her lover into her home where they convinced the populace for him to stay. He learned the ways of the elves and spent many years residing with his lover but soon they decided that they wanted to break away from the norm. Although the populace was distraught by this they smiled and let it be as it was Nature's way; a year later they had a child which was the first half elf half human born on this world. Eventually the Hyuga clan grew into what it was today, the elven features all but being lost as eras went by, and the Byakugan came to be.

"You see, just like your eyes, us elves have great eyesight which can let us see great distances and also sense others around us; it is with our eyes that the art of the bow and arrow has become natural to us."

Hinata was in awe in all of this to the point of not believing it but had to ask the question "This…this all seems surreal and don't know if I believe it but with the way I feel here it must be true. Is it possible that I am a descendent of the one who gave life to my clan?"

"I cannot say for sure my child but I feel a presence within you that lay untapped but we will worry about that later. Now run along, you have a lot of training to do in a short amount of time."

From there Alverior led Hinata to her quarters so that she could get some rest as the next day her training would begin. The days following she met various elves whom she quickly made friends with as well as getting her own elven armor, bow and arrow with quiver, and an eleven scimitar. The training was brutal yet efficient as she found out that the reason she was having trouble with her gentle fist was due to having a water affinity not earth. Seeing how the elves fought like the river itself she began to wonder if her hunch was correct; she wondered if she was a long lost descendent of the one who gave birth to her clan.

Flashback End

We currently find our young Guardian in the Hokage office sitting on the floor in a meditative position, eyes closed and hands resting on his staff in his lap with deep concentration, conjuring the elements of nature into balls that rotate in a circle around his head. Sarutobi peered from his paper work and was amazed to see the elements themselves and was about to ask a question but Kurama, whom was resting beside Naruto, answers that for him.

"He is working on his mana control and yes it is like chakra control but harder as he is commanding the elements himself."

Sarutobi just chuckled and shook his head and got back to his paperwork giving up on trying understanding Naruto. Although Sarutobi was pissed at the fact that Danzo had somehow escaped, he knew there was no point in wasting resources to find his scheming ass. He was happy, though, that the council meeting they recently had went well; to say the advisors and Clan heads were shocked when Naruto revealed his identity was an understatement. Now he was here waiting for Teams 7 and 8 so that they could get their first C-rank mission.

Flashback – moments before

Sarutobi walks into the council chambers and sits down in his chair. His advisors are to either side of him while the Shinobi council is to his right; the meetings have been a lot quieter and more level headed now that Danzo and civilian council was out of their hair.

"I have called this meeting today to discuss about a new genin who wishes to enter our ranks but who it is might surprise you." Everyone has looks of confusion but then gasps as Sarutobi tells the person to come in "You may come in Guardian-sama."

Naruto walks in with Kurama on his shoulders and staff in hand; no footsteps are heard as he walks with an elegant grace. He bows to the shocked council and advisors then taps his green glowing staff on the wooden floor which soon gives way to a seat for him to sit on. After he sits down he address everyone.

"Hello Council and Advisor-sans it is great to see you this fine day, I see Nature has been kind to all of you. Oh, where are my manners, let me introduce myself. My name is Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze and my furry friend atop my shoulders is Kurama or the great Kyuubi." Naruto does this with a smile on his face

Silence fills the room to the point where you could hear a pin drop but Shikaku, like every good Nara, says what he usually says "Troublesome"

Homura speaks up "I am glad to see you back Namikaze-sama but I must ask some questions that only Naruto would know as we need to answer all concerns here and now. Is that alright with you?"

Naruto nods "Hai, you may ask away."

Koharu asks first with a smirk on her face happy to see Naruto back "What is Naruto's favorite color?"

"Orange"

Hiashi, also with a smirk, asks the next one "What is Naruto's favorite food?"

"Ramen"

Tsume was next "When is Naruto's birthday?"

"October 10th"

Shikaku asked the next one "Troublesome but what is Naruto's dream?"

"Hokage and still is surprisingly."

Shibi, with a monotone, asks next question "What age did you disappear at?"

"Age seven"

"Well I think that proves it plus he has the nine-tails…" Kurama growls "I mean Kurama with him but I must ask why you have silver hair and green eyes when it used to be blonde?"

Sarutobi watches all this with a smile as Naruto starts telling him of what happened on age 7 but left a lot secret like his training and other things which all respected. He even came up with a solution on how to solve Team 7 and 8's problem with them being one person short each now that Sai and Hinata was away; this is the reason as to why he is in the Hokage's office at present.

Flashback End

Naruto stops channeling mana making the elemental balls disperse in the air as he senses six presences heading this way; he smiles wondering how the two teams would react to his presence. A knock is heard on the door and Sarutobi tells them to come in.

"You called for us Hokage-sama?" Kakashi begins but then looks to his right and his uncovered eye widened "And may I ask why Guardian-sama is here."

Team 7 and 8 gasp and turn toward the now smirking figure.

"If I may Hokage-sama?" Naruto asks as he opens his emerald eyes seeing the nod from Sarutobi. He grabs his staff and stood up after Kurama jumped on his shoulders.

"Greetings Shinobi-sans I see Nature has been kind to you all." He says with a bow which they return "I have graciously accepted the chance to join your ranks as I noticed you are down a member each. To solve this problem I will bounce between both your teams during missions. I will not stay in the ranks however as I will take my leave and wander the nation after the chunin exams to bring about peace to this land. May I get each of your names?"

Team 7 and 8 introduce themselves then Sarutobi gives out the mission.

"I have decided that each of you can handle a C-rank mission but I am making it a joint operation as I have a feeling the client is hiding something. This is a protection detail to escort a man by the name of Tazuna to Wave Country so that he can build his bridge; I will send him in now."

Sarutobi motions for him to be brought in. As he enters he takes a swig of his sake jug and hiccups. "You're my protection detail – hic – all I see are a bunch of brats and who is the – hic- guy with the fox and weird get-up. This isn't no Halloween party kid go the –hic- hell home."

He takes another swig while everyone in the room watches in wait to see what the Guardian will do.

Naruto at first glares at him but then smiles "There is no need for blatant name-calling Tazuna-san and these teams will do just fine as I am the Guardian of the Land of Fire whom will watch over them as we head to Wave. Before you speak, let me help you with your drinking."

Naruto takes his staff and taps the bottom of the jug which makes it come out of Tazuna's hand and fly into the air which Naruto catches then burns it with a burst of white fire; everyone notices his eyes turned red while doing that.

"HEY!" Tazuna yells out but then feels warmth as Naruto puts a golden glowing hand on his head then releases soon after "Ugh my head, oh I see my protection detail is here and who is the guy with the staff?"

Everyone sweat drops seeing that Tazuna without alcohol in his system has pulled a 180 but Naruto speaks up.

"Like I said, I am the Guardian of the Land of Fire and these two teams with my help are going to escort you to Wave."

Tazuna snaps his head towards Naruto "T…the actual G…guardian" he stutters out while Naruto smiles and nods then feels despair and depression within Tazuna's mind but puts that off for now

Sarutobi took this time to speak up "Pack up and meet at the gates in two hours and pack for a month long trip. Dismissed."

Everyone nodded and bowed then left the office to pack; within two hours they were at the gate and headed out. Most were surprised to see that the Guardian was helping them with missions now making some wonder if he joined the ranks. As Team Kakashi and Kurenai with Tazuna and Naruto walked toward Wave, Naruto decided to bring up what he felt within Tazuna.

"Tazuna-san, I sense despair in you is there something you wish to tell us?"

Tazuna looks at Naruto and sighs deeply "Alright, I lied about the mission and apologize in advance. Before you get mad and abort the mission just here me out."

"Damn right, now spill!" Kurenai exclaims with Kakashi just looking toward Tazuna then going back to his smut

"A man called Gato has been draining our country dry for the past couple years to the point where we are impoverished, have no money, and are slowly withering away."

Kiba interrupts "I thought you guys had ninja in Wave?"

Sakura, with her book smarts, responds "A good question Kiba but please do some reading on the countries in the Elemental Nations. Wave is a small community which cannot afford to have a ninja program like the major countries like Konoha or Suna; the resources are not there."

Tazuna nods "Thank you, now the reason I hired you is that I want to finish a bridge that links us to the Land of Fire so that we can commence trade and turn our village prosperous again. Before you decide on a course of action, I want to let you know I have a grandson and daughter to look after and without the bridge I have nothing." He pleas

"I see, well Kakashi, Kurenai I will let you decide as I will go alone if I have too. I may be aligned to your village as of now but as a Guardian those needs come first."

The group stops while Kakashi makes himself known "Gato controls his own company which means he probably hired ninja to kill our client. In all rights, we should abandon this mission and let Tazuna be on his way."

Kurenai thinks and bites her bottom lip as she had a choice; leave a populace to suffer under a tyrant and live the rest of your life thinking what you could have done when reports that the village was wiped out came through or go protocol and abandon the mission. She decides.

"I cannot leave a village in despair; I would probably kill myself if I heard that Wave was wiped out because we abandoned this mission. What do all you think?"

"Cha! With the Guardian on our side I say continue." Sakura proudly states

Sasuke smirks "If any enemies come our way, I will burn them to a crisp that or use my Sharingan to screw with their minds."

Akamaru yips making Kiba smile "If my buddy agrees so do I!"

"It seems illogical to continue but I have to add to the fact that Guardian-sama is with us and we don't know much about his abilities so continue please." Shino states

"Well, it seems we continue on then." Kakashi states while the group gets back in formation and heads out

Tazuna, in tears, says "Thank you; you don't know how much this means to me."

"I will bring peace to this land Tazuna, don't you worry. Nature guides us all and leads us to paths we wish not to take and any fallen trees encountered along the way will be dealt with." Naruto states while patting Tazuna's shoulder then turns to Team 7 and 8 "I will be watching over you as you continue forward; may Nature be your guide."

Naruto goes over to a tree and melds into it shocking everyone who saw the feat.

"Impressive." Shino states

"The last person that was known to do that was Hashirama….just who are you Guardian-sama?" Kakashi thinks

"C'mon stop gawking; we got Tazuna to take care of!" Kurenai yells making everyone nod and continue forward

After two hours of walking, the sun was starting to go down making Kakashi and Kurenai find a nice spot to break camp. As they were doing so the group passes an inconspicuous puddle on the road though everyone knew it was not that; everyone was on their toes ready for them to strike. Naruto, who was in a tree overlooking them thought about attacking the guys he sensed in the puddle but decided to see how far these Konoha Shinobi have come.

The figures jump out of the puddle and attempt to wrap their chain around Kakashi and Kurenai but it was all for naught. They are soon dragged backwards as a kunai catches their chain and impales onto a tree leaving them stuck. Just as they were about to disconnect, Sakura runs forward and punches the one on the right in the gut then throws the man toward Kiba.

"Now Kiba!" Sakura yells

"Ready boy?" A yip is heard from Akamaru and Kiba nods then both start to spin into a grey cyclone "Fang over Fang!" The attack hits the man sending him crashing into the tree they were stuck to knocking him out cold

The one on the left did not fare well as Shino instantly sent his chakra eating bugs to engulf the man and when he rushed out of the swarm intent on gutting Shino, Sasuke quickly made a couple hand signs and screamed out his attack.

"Lightning Release: Electromagnetic Murder"

Lightning flies out of Sasukes' hands as he shoves them forward which hit the man electrocuting him to the point where he falls on the ground twitching as smoke rises from his body.

Kureani and Kakshi just sat back and watched knowing their team would be alright but they were confused at where Guardian-sama was. Tazuna watched this in awe and was glad to have Shinobi like them on his side. An angelic voice soon breaks out across the forest.

"Excellent job but this is where I step in. I will take these men back to Konoha and then meet back up with you."

Kakashi turns to the group "You know you just beat the Demon Brothers Gozu and Meizu right? Oh, and Guardian-sama how exactly will you meet up with us after taking these two back?"

"I have my ways and would you kindly take that kunai out of my tree."

Sasuke blushes in embarrassment and walks up to the tree pulling in out then watches in fascination as it glows gold for a brief second "Sorry Guardian-sama, I was just doing my job."

"You are forgiven Sasuke but don't do it again."

Tree branches soon erupt from the forest grabbing Gozu and Meizu wrapping them in a cocoon which then sinks into the Earth; Naruto and company was heading back via the root system.

"OK, I even have to admit that was cool. Never in my life would I have thought to see Mokuton in action." Sakura states with a squeal at the end making birds fly out of the forest and everyone else to hold their ears

"GAH! You vile woman, how many times do I have to say to not do that Sakura-chan." Sasuke states earning him a punch in the shoulder

"Baka, but that is why I have grown to like you." Sakura quips then decides to get even and peck Sasuke on the cheek making him blush and everyone else to chuckle

"Yes, seeing Mokuton in action was pretty interesting but the strangest part is my hidden Sharingan didn't detect chakra usage."

"WHAT!" everyone screams out, yes even Tazuna did

"Chakra is used for everything I thought?" Kiba questions "Unless there is some hidden power that we have and don't know about."

"Intriguing, but I suggest we make camp up ahead as it is getting dark." Shino replies fixing his sunglasses

Kiba nods "I will start making traps once we get there, anyone wanna help?"

Sakura shrugs "Why not. Can't have a fire though unless we find dead branches on the ground as Guardian-sama would not be pleased if we cut down his forest."

Kakashi shivers catching the genin, Tazuna and Kurenai by surprise "Don't remind me I still have nightmares after Hokage-sama sent me on a recon mission saying they had hints of scouting parties from various enemies that infiltrated our land."

"And?" everyone questions

"UGH, you really don't want to know but if it makes you feel better, one of the camps I stumbled upon was barren of life but the bodies were there and boy did Guardian-sama make a statement." Everyone continues to walk as Kakashi continues "All 30 of the Cloud-nin were impaled upon wooden spires, blood was everywhere and various animals came in and got a free meal. I thought they would eat me being near the camp but they just looked at me and left like I was nothing important."

Thanks to the upgraded academy they had to take a course on how to cope with the first kill; once made genin and fulfilling some D-ranks, the team would go out on a mission codenamed "Red River." These missions involved letting the genin raid a bandit camp by themselves with their Jounin Sensei watching over only interfering if something bad happened. Needless to say it took the ones not ready out of the program and put the strong-willed in which drastically reduced genin death rates in Konoha and led to better and stronger ninja as a result. Hearing Kakashi's story did not affect them much as they knew what genocide looked like.

Camp was soon setup and guard posts were set as they were not sure if Guardian-sama was in Konoha at the time or watching over them. Nothing happened that night minus some animals that got curious and wandered into camp; one interaction was the strangest of all and it involved Kiba when he was on his post.

As Kiba sat there by the fire keeping his scents wide open for potential attackers, he hears cracking in the woods. He stands up with kunai at the ready but puts it down after seeing a wolf wander out of the woods; it looks at Kiba and Akamaru then trots up to them, sniffs them both then walks away like nothing ever happened. To say Kiba and the others were confused was an understatement. The group made haste to the bridge and was about to get there when Kakashi heard a whistling in the air; just as he was about to scream back for everyone to get down a massive wall of stone erupts in front of them blocking the sword which hit the wall with a clang and bounced off.

A man in cowhide pants, no shirt which showed his muscular frame, and bandages around the lower half of his face picked up his sword as the wall sunk back into the ground.

"WHO THE FUCK DID THAT! YOU DAMAGED MY SWORD!"

Nobody answers but the Konoha teams knew who it was and thanks the Guardian in their heads.

"Ah, Zabuza Momochi missing-nin after the failed assassination of Yagura." Kakashi states

"Well looky here we got Sharingan no Kakashi and the Ice Queen of Konoha too bad I got other things to deal with…now hand over the bridge builder so I can kill him."

"Fat chance Brow less Bastard!" Kiba yells making Sasuke snicker, Sakura put a hand up to her mouth to stifle a laugh while Shino smiled though his high collar hid it

"Why you little…" Zabuza growls out in anger then calms himself "So, we got lil shits playing ninja too bad you already lost…time to get paid!"

"SHIT!" Kakashi and Kurenai think as they see Zabuza appear in the middle of the group and slash down at Tazuna who screams in fear but the blade never reaches him as he explodes into water.

Sakura lowers her hand that once glowed with chakra "CHA! Nobody dares wither the branches that make up the great tree of Konoha!"

The rest of Team 7 and 8 do a mini war chant making the hidden Zabuza blink in surprise at the spunk they had "Well…I think I bit off a little more than I could chew. I knew Konoha got stronger but…" Zabuza starts crying anime tears at this point "Why'd there have to be another Tsunade in the group!" Sighing Zabuza jumps out ready to bisect the two Jonin who dodge and get ready to attack

With Naruto – Moments Before

Naruto just got back from Konoha in the early morning and followed both teams from the shadows and sensed two signatures up ahead which were not of Kakashi's or Kurenai's team. He hears a whistling in the air and a glint of metal; Naruto acts fast as his eyes turn brown then jumps from his tree branch slamming his staff on the ground making a stone wall to erupt in front of the teams protecting them. Naruto got a chuckle from what the half-naked man exclaimed but decided to pay the other person a visit; he melds into the tree using the root system to get behind his target which was just across the unfinished bridge watching over Zabuza.

Naruto sits on a tree branch above his target lazily but still on guard while Kurama is nearby ready to pounce if need be. The target looks to be a hunter-nin but Naruto sensed something within this man, he sensed conflict.

"Hello child, may I ask what you are doing in my forest?" Naruto alters his voice via mana so it spreads around the area so he could not be pinpointed

The hunter-nin gasps in surprise not thinking the myths were true "G-Guardian-sama I am just waiting to spring my trap to capture Zabuza."

"I sense conflict within you, is there something you want to get off your mind. All secrets stay within my forest so don't worry."

"Haku, that is my name and I…I am not sure if I should tell you this or not." A calming presence is felt around him making him smile

"The calm you feel is my presence, I hope this makes you feel better."

Haku sighs and ponders if this would be a good idea but decides to go ahead anyway as the battle between Zabuza, Kurenai, and Kakashi continue while both Teams guard Tazuna.

"Zabuza and I were hired by a man named Gato to kill the bride builder but I feel that the man would rather stab us in the back then pay us."

Naruto smiles "Gato is a man of evil that disrupts the balance of life and death. Tell me, have you seen the despair that I have felt in Wave?"

Haku nods while looking around for the source of the angelic voice "Hai, we passed through the town in a henge and it was horrible…I wish I could do something to help but Zabuza sees me as a tool and I must follow his orders lest he kill me."

"You wish to help? Hmmm, I have a proposition Haku but first let me meet you in person."

Haku gasps as he hears someone drop beside him; he turns to see a man with mid back length silver hair, wearing a leaf patterned green and brown robe with geta sandals, and has an ironwood staff with various designs on it with a green crystal on top secured by what looks like tree branches.

"Hello Haku, pleasure to see you in person."

"Likewise" Haku states as both turn to look at the battle to see Zabuza slapping Kakashi away with the flat end of his sword

"Hmm, I hope I don't have to interfere. Anyways, I have a way you can help. I want you to convince Zabuza to join in my cause of taking Gato out as the path Nature intends for me cuts through him and all obstacles must be dealt with.

Haku cocks his head in confusion "Your strange, you cannot be older than 14 and seem very wise."

"12 actually but that is beside the point my child. I wish to bring peace to this land and my start begins here in Wave. I am connected to all things Nature and sense the despair and pain of those nearby whom suffer from Gato's tyranny and reign of suppression; this despair must end."

"12! Well…um…yah." Haku scratches the back of his head and takes a deep breath " OK, I will try my best to convince him and…wow that is one big water dragon."

Naruto looks over with wide eyes at seeing Zabuza form a massive water dragon which Kakashi copies and sends back; both jutsu collide creating a massive explosion of water. At this point Kurama comes out of hiding with a snicker.

"Bah, you call that a water dragon, I know you could create Tsunamis that dwarf that!" Kurama states as he jumps on Naruto's shoulders

"Did that fox just talk?" Haku states while Naruto gives him a "what do you think" look "Forget I asked."

Naruto snickers then sees both Kurenai and Kakashi get caught in a water prison and Zabuza laughing his ass off making multiple water clones to kill the genin on the teams he is in.

"Well, it seems you get to see what I am capable of Haku, and maybe it will make you think twice about messing with the powers of Nature. I bid you good day and let Nature be your guide." Naruto melds into the tree shocking Haku whom shakes his head

"Strange kid indeed…now let's see what this wise lil' child can do."

At the Bridge

"It seems I have caught your Sensei in my Water Prison Technique now what will you do huh?" Zabuza lets out overwhelming KI which the genin are not prepared for and fall to their knees "Aw look at the little brats bowing to their god offering their sacrifice."

Kakashi and Kurenai look at each other with sadness knowing they screwed up and should have gone all out at the beginning of the fight but then glance over at the end of the bridge and smile seeing Guardian-sama; Zabuza catches this smile.

"The hell you smiling at! Your precious genin are about to die by my hands." Zabuza smirks beneath his bandages

"Turn around child and you shall see the one that they are smiling at." Naruto exclaims with a stoic gaze

Zabuza turns and then starts to laugh "A kid…a kid dares challenge the Demon of the Mist!"

"I might be young but stronger than you think. If you wish to challenge all that is Nature try your hand then."

Zabuza growls in anger "Cocky little brat…fine you want a challenge; Hidden Mist Jutsu!" Mist as dense as mountain fog covers the area but Naruto is not scared in the slightest

Everyone watching the battle is curious at what the Guardian can do, even Haku up in the tree who has taken a liking to the kid as a possible friend.

"Eight Points, heart, lungs, liver and…" Zabuza starts but then his mist vanishes making him look into the blue green eyes of Naruto "WHAT THE HELL!"

Naruto chuckles "Nature is a fickle thing but there are people like me who can control it to a certain extent. Tell me Zabuza, do you know who I am?"

"Like I care…NOW DIE!"

Zabuza rushes in with his sword arched ready to bisect Naruto in half, doing so however released Kakashi and Kurenai from their prison whom rush back towards their teams. Naruto, still with blue eyes, stands stoic then explodes with a bluish aura around his body making his hair flail about which halts Zabuza in his tracks wondering who this kid is.

"What are you?" Zabuza whispers

Naruto holds his staff out to the nearby ocean "Spirit of the Ocean heed my call, wash away the sinner that stands before me, but leave the bridge not to fall!"

Zabuza sees Naruto wave his staff towards him and keep it pointed towards him all the while the blue energy surrounds him. Nothing happens making him laugh.

"Oh fancy speech but it didn't do shit! Now witness my…" Zabuza stops as he hears the sloshing of water on the bridge then a shadow overcomes him; he looks to his left and sees a massive wave rush towards him "Me and my big mouth."

Team Kakashi and Kurenai's mouths are open in awe at the power of the guardian but Shino decides to make a remark.

"In the words of Shikimaru…troublesome."

Meanwhile in Konoha a certain Nara sneezes.

In the tree, Haku watches with wide eyes as the tsunami crashes against the bridge sweeping Zabuza to his death. Haku sheds tears for his fallen comrade but then gasps in shock as the water pushes him back onto the somehow intact bridge.

Zabuza coughs water and blood out of his mouth reaching behind him feeling that the sword he put on his back before the wave hit was still there. He hears the shifting of cloth approach him then a hand appears into view; confused he takes it and is helped up by the one that just literally wiped him off the bridge.

"Why…why save me?"

"Nature intends you to live Zabuza and I will not go against the balance of life and death as it is against my code as Guardian of the Land of Fire."

Zabuza, who is leaning on Naruto for support, pales "T..the Guardian that is supposedly rumors?"

Naruto chuckles "Hai, now run along to Haku as he has something's to discuss with you. No questions please and before you go…."

Zabuza feels warmth spread through him and sees a gold glow around him then it quits a couple seconds after.

"Y-you healed me…but I am your enemy."

"Nature guides us all Zabuza and that path may lead you to places you might not like. I have been at my path's crossroad and have continued along what I hope to be the right path but yours is still yet to be determined. What you do in the next days will be your crossroads Zabuza; the choice you make will choose where you land in the cycle of life and death. Now please, run along and if you come to a decision meet me where Haku currently is in a couple days."

Zabuza had tears in his eyes thinking to himself that maybe he has treated Haku wrongly since he saved him "I am in your debt Guardian-sama."

He kneels before Naruto who takes his staff and raises his chin so that Zabuza is looking into his piercing green eyes.

"You do not need to bow before me as what I do is what Nature intends." Naruto pats Zabuza on the shoulder and turns towards Team Kurenai and Kakashi then walks towards them

Zabuza stands up shakily now unsure of what to do with his life but he knew it would start with whatever Haku had to say. He looks towards the retreating Konoha teams then back at Haku who is now standing at the water's edge then toward Wave country which they passed through to get here. Zabuza wipes the tears from his face and heads back towards Haku intent on turning over a new leaf.

AN: Longest chapter ever written for one of my fics but it was necessary. To clear up any holes, Zabuza's fight with Kakashi and Kurenai was cannon hence why I did not explain it. Hope you liked it and as always leave a PM or review.