I adopted this from heavenhawk

Disclaminer: I do not own Naruto or Ruronin Kenshin

"Hey, who are..." Normal talking

Kasumi/kyubbi talking

Inner thoughts

Normal thoughts

Naruto was eating dinner with Team Seven and Team Ten when Inari had walked through the door and stalked his way over to his seat. He stared down at the food placed down in front of him for a little while before he burst out. "I don't get why all you people are here. Gato is just going to kill you all and win again!"

All the ninja just looked at him with different looks in their eyes by said nothing in response, except for one. "So, what you want for us to do if to just surrender, leave this town and continue to let Gato terrorize this town?" Naruto said in a calm voice. "Do you want us to forget the hard work that Tazuna has already put into the bridge and the sacrifices this village has given for a second chance?"

"What do you know about living like this? Living in fear? Losing the person you admired most?" Inari screamed back.

Naruto had grown deathly silently at this statement. "So, at least you knew who your parents were. Mine had disappeared after I had born, so I didn't know who they were. I was always under the protection of ninja when I was young before I was taken away from the village by my sensei and "father". Even then it wasn't easy, always traveling and training in harsh conditions and facing death every time we met with bandits or missing nins. Coming back to my village several years later, I was still met with harsh glares and whispers for something I was unaware about. Then my sensei left to go travel the world again without me and I was forced to live alone again, fending for myself. And now, you are coming to me saying that you have suffered so much? Try living in my how I live and you would see what it means to suffer." Naruto gave Inari a dark glare that made everyone shiver before he got up from his seat and went upstairs, leaving everyone looking at his back with a dead silence.

There was silence around the table for a minute before Sakura spoke out, "Is that true, Kakashi-sensei?"

"Honestly, Sakura, I can't tell you. Naruto's past is shrouded and I doubt even the Hokage knows much about what happened in his time away."

Hinata had quietly slipped away from the table to go find Naruto. She looked into his room but didn't find him but noticed that the window was open and music was drifting in. She went over and poked her head out and Naruto was sitting on the roof, playing his flute. Hinata made to climb up but decided not to and just stay inside by the window listening to Naruto's playing.

The Next Day

Kakashi and Kurenai were walking with Tazuna and the genin except for Naruto who they had decided to allow him take the day off after yesterday's speech. They arrived at the bridge and Tazuna saw all of workers either dead or unconscious. Tazuna ran up to one of the workers who was still conscious. He grabbed his shoulder and pulled his face up to his. "Who did this to you?"

The man rasped out, "A demon." He collapsed onto the ground and Tazuna let of the man's shirt. A mist started to roll in and everyone tensed up and the genin surrounded Tazuna. Kakashi and Kurenai both looked through the mist and saw two figures.

"Well, Well, its seems that Kakashi is strong enough to fight again. But, I know how to defeat you and the women now and my apprentice will take each of your students with no problem." said Zabuza.

"Are you sure about that? If I remember correctly, you were the one who barely escaped with their life last time and you think you are going to win this time?" Kakashi replied.

"You think I came unprepared this time? Why do you think I summoned this mist? If you can't see me, you can use your Sharingan and the women can't use her genjutsu which mean I have removed your strongest moves already. Haku here will just finish off your weak genin and we will get paid for our job." Haku dashed forward and pulled out senbons and threw them at Tazuna with perfect aim. Sasuke and Hinata both pulled out two kunai and blocked all the senbons. They both looked at each other simultaneously before dashing forward to engage Haku.

Meanwhile, with Naruto

Naruto woke up to a sudden clatter and commotion outside and quickly dressed himself. He put all of his gear on and quietly crept down the stairs stopping several steps to listen to what was happening.

"If you even kill my son, I'll bite my tongue in half and drown myself in my own blood."

"Fine, lady. Tazuna wants a live hostage anyways. Be lucky your mom is doing this for you, or else you would be dead." There was the sound of feet moving and a door being closed." Naruto quickly walked down the rest of the stairs and saw the back of Inari just go out the door after Tsunami. Naruto quickly followed and saw Inari facing off before two men who were wielding katana. "Well, it seems the little boy wants to meet his death. Just remember that we warned you."

One of the men charged Inari and Inari could only stand and watch as the man rushed him, katana prepared to swing down. He closed his eyes but he heard a clang of metal and opened them up again. He saw Naruto with his katana out blocking the swordsman's strike and pushed him away.

"You men will die today for trying to involve innocents in your master's plots. Do you have any last words?" The swordsmen were about scoff and go and kill Naruto until they looked at Naruto again and instantly started to fear for their lives. Naruto had waves of killing intent directed at them and his eyes were a deep amber, with slits for his pupils.

One of the swordsmen cried out, "If you move another step, we will kill the women." He put his blade to Tsunami's throat to prove his point.

"Useless." Naruto said before disappearing.

Both swordsmen frantically looked around before the one holding Tsunami gave a cry of pain having being cut is half from behind. The other swordsman pulled out his sword futilely before he saw Naruto dash as him. He swung his sword down hoping to hit him and he actually made contact or that what it seemed before that Naruto disappeared. Naruto appeared behind him and sheeted his sword. When the hand guard touched the sheath, the man fell into two separate pieces on the ground. Inari ran over to Tsunami who swept him up into a hug and cried into her shoulder.

"Inari." Inari looked over at Naruto, whos back was facing him. "About yesterday, I apologize for yelling at you. I know how hard a life like your can be but that doesn't mean you should run away from all your problems. Your would-be father could have had said the same thing. He faced Gato knowing he would eventually face the consequences of his actions but he didn't care as long as it was for the town. He lived a life that should be honored Inari, not one to be cried over. But today, you showed some of his courage by rushing out to face the swordsmen knowing you were severely outmatched." Naruto looked at the dead bodies for a moment. "It seems now that Gato has made his move and that means…" Naruto's eyes flashed in realization. "I must leave now. Remember what I said, Inari." And he disappeared in a swirl of leaves.

-Back at the Bridge-

Sasuke and Hinata were trapped inside a dome of ice mirrors and had several senbons in various areas of their body and both were breathing very heavily. All attempts to attack Haku were repelled and Hinata and Sasuke were forced to play defensive. Hinata's Byakugen was starting to become strained and she could only barely see faint amount of charka but couldn't pinpoint the source. Sasuke's Sharingan had activated in the middle of the battle and he was using it also to track Haku and was slowly catching on to Haku's movements.

Naruto who was now nearing the bridge noticed the ice mirrors and dashed forward to assist whoever was inside the ice mirrors.

Haku saw Naruto approaching at a quick pace had decided to finish the two off before he arrived. She pulled back her hands with two senbons in each and threw one pair at Hinata. Naruto arrived at the dome to see the senbons hit their target. Hinata fell to the ground and Naruto rushed over, not paying attention to Haku who was aiming for him.

Naruto was holding Hinata's body when Hinata whispered out, "Naruto before I go, I want to tell you something." Naruto looked at her and she leaned closer to his ear. "I want to say that I lo-"Hinata's voice cut off and she fell limp in Naruto's hands.

Sasuke was moved at this sight but felt a sudden spike of killing intent. He turned and saw Haku aiming senbon needles at Naruto. Sasuke saw this and a thought unconsciously flashed through his mind. Sakura and I would be willing give up our lives to save yours. The question is would you be willing to do the same if the situation arises? The thought flashed through Sasuke's mind repeatedly until he moved forward.

Naruto felt an attack coming from behind but made no movements to dodge. He suddenly felt his body being pushed aside and he turned his head in shock to see Sasuke being hit in the throat with the senbon needles. Naruto could only look on in shock as he saw another one of his friends die with any way to save them. He heard Sasuke whisper and he rushed over, "I'm sorry, Naruto. I'm sorry for being such an arrogant jerk and not accepting your friendship from the beginning. You helped to change that but it seems it all going to end now." And with that said, Sasuke closed his eyes forever.

Naruto started to feel rage build up in him as he saw Hinata and Sasuke lie, cold and motionless. A giant plume of red chakra exploded from Naruto and his fox features started to reform. Haku tried to attack Naruto while this was happening but the attacks were all repelled by the chakra. Kyubbi inside Naruto was trying to get Naruto to calm down but his rage was blocking her from effectively communicating. Seems I will need to wait this out and talk to him when his mind is not clouded by rage.

Naruto stood up and faced Haku, who was in her ice mirror trying to figure out what to do. Naruto's eyes had become a deep crimson and he looked at Haku, with eyes of hate and summoned both swords, his sakabato in his left with a reverse grip and his katana in his right. He spoke out in a threatening voice, "Today, Haku, for taking the lives of two people important to me, you will face my wrath and you will wish that you were never alive." Naruto disappeared in a flash and Haku looked around to see where Naruto had gone. Her shinobi senses started to flash dangerously and she jumped out of the mirror into a different one when the one she was previously occupying was slashed in half by Naruto. Naruto landed on the ground and looked at the remaining mirrors and disappeared again and slashed again at the mirror Haku was in only to have her dodge at the last second into another mirror.

-With Kurenai and Kakashi-

Both of them turned their heads in alarm when they felt the same sickening chakra from 13 years ago. They both thought at the same time. Has the nine-tailed fox escaped from his prison? It's time for us to finish this. They both looked at each other and nodded knowing what each had to do. Kakashi pulled out a scroll from one of his jacket's pocket. Kurenai moved forward and Kakashi smeared blood over the scroll. "Kyiouchuse no jutsu!!" There was a large puff of smoke and nine unseen objects moved toward Zabuza.

Zabuza had felt the chakra too and could only shiver in fear and wonder what was releasing such evil charka. He saw movement in front of him and swung his sword out at the target, only to have his arms and legs being bitten and held fast. He looked down to see his arms and legs being held down by dogs of various sizes.

Kakashi and Kurenai both noted that the fog was starting to clear up and they soon saw Zabuza being held fast by Kakashi's summons. "Well, it seems the mighty Zabuza isn't so mighty anymore. You thought this mist would bring you victory because you sealed away our strengths? You seem to forget that are four other senses that a shinobi uses and you forgot that. And now to show you the only jutsu that I have created." Kakashi flashed through several hand signs. Almost seemingly, lightening started to form around Kakashi forearm and it crackled with power. Zabuza's eyes widened in fear and he struggled against the dogs. "Today, Zabuza Momochi, you die."

-With Haku-

Haku was sent flying away from her last mirror by a charka enhanced fist. She hit the ground roughly and tried to stand up again. She could only prop herself on his elbows to see Naruto approaching her, swords held on his sides. She tried her hardest to move but her muscles screamed in protest and she fell to the ground in defeat, waiting for her imminent death.

Naruto stood over her body and stared at her with cold eyes. "You ended the lives of my important people, Haku… and now it's time for me to end yours." He raised his katana above his head and prepared to bring it down.

Haku could only watch as Naruto was going to bring about her death but it never happened. She looked up and saw Naruto staring at her with eyes of hatred and anger and said, "If you aren't going to kill me, Naruto? What will your friends think of you? Angry that you never avenged their deaths? So hurry, before you lose your chance."

"So be it, then." Naruto prepared himself to swing down when he received the loudest mental shout possible from Kyubbi from within his mind. Naruto, calm yourself this instant. Look carefully into Haku's eyes. What do they tell you? Do you see malice or hatred?

Naruto looked into Haku's eyes and one again so the emotions of sadness and loneliness. No, but she killed Hinata and Sasuke!! Naruto quickly countered.

Are you sure? Have you forgotten what happened to Zabuza? He was hit in the same palce and yet he is still walking and breathing isn't he? Naruto realized this and his charka started to fade away along with his fox features. He looked down at Haku and asked, "Why did you lie? Why do you lie about killing Hinata and Sasuke?" No response came from Haku and Naruto grabbed the front of Haku's outfit and pulled her closer. "Tell me!!"

"I did it because I am a tool. A tool that has now lost its worth to its owner."

Naruto gripped Haku harder. "How could you possibly think that way, Haku? Every person has worth."

Haku looked at Naruto and only shook her head. "I have failed at the one thing for my precious person. Zabuza was the only person to see me as a human being and not a piece of trash on the road. My mother had cared for me when I was young but because of the fear of bloodlines where I lived. Unfortunately, I was controlling water when my father had seen it without my mother knowledge. The same night, my father had killed my mother and proceeded to kill me when I lashed out and killed my father and his friends. I ran away and lived on the streets, disguising myself as a boy. Zabuza soon found me and he trained me up to be a weapon. But I have failed him now; I no longer have a purpose."

Naruto pulled his hand back and slapped Haku straight across the face. Haku cradled her cheek and looked at Naruto with hurt eyes. "No one should ever talk like they are a tool, Haku. You are a human being, not an emotionless robot that listen and follows. You may have failed as Zabuza's tool but that doesn't mean that you should give up on life." Naruto extended a hand to Haku. "Maybe you can start a new life in Konoha." Haku was about to take Naruto's hand when they both felt a large surge of charka and the sounds of a thousand birds chirping was heard.

"I apologize, Naruto. But it seems I won't be able to take your offer." Haku moved away from Naruto at an abnormal speed. Naruto swore and quickly dashed after Haku. He trailed behind her by a few seconds and she was standing in front of Zabuza, with Kakashi bearing down starting to thrust his lightening charged hand forward. Kyubbi, is there anything you can do to help me?

Do these hand seals and it should help you. Kyubbi flashed him a series of hand seals which Naruto sped through with precision. He made the last hand seal and he disappeared in a flash of fire.

Haku was staring at Kakashi with unemotional eyes, awaiting her impending death wondering what life would have been like if she was still going to be alive when Naruto reappeared in front of her and pushed her off to the side. She could only watch in horror as Naruto was impaled through the area right above his heart and he coughed up blood as he struggled to stay conscious.

Kakashi eyes reeled in shock as he had just impaled one of his students and quickly withdrew his hand, leaving a bloody hole in Naruto's chest and blood running freely from the wound. Naruto fell face first to the ground and his breath soon became haggard and he struggled to stay conscious.

-In Naruto's Mind-

"God Damn it, Naruto. Did you have to throw yourself in front of a jutsu that would have killed you if Kakashi had just hit a few inches lower."

"Well, I had to do something. I couldn't just let Haku throw away her life so easily," countered Naruto.

"That doesn't mean that you should throw yourself in front of an incoming attack. You should be happy I am healing the gaping hole in your chest or else you would be dead. This is going to take only a couple of hours to close up but probably about a weak to heal completely which will give me time to drill some common sense into your head.

Naruto chose at that moment to open his eyes again and try to gain his bearings for what was happening. He saw that Zabuza had been released from his hold by the dogs and a large mob of what looked like hired men were facing off against the ninja. He tried to stand up and wobbled around before steadying himself.

"Pathetic. You call yourself the Demon of the Bloody Mist, and yet you were defeated in such a manner, Zabuza. But to tell you the truth, I was never going to pay you anyways. Missing ninja are so easy to deal with as they have no allegiance and can be easily killed off when the job is done. Then, I can hand in the body for a nice sum of money." Said Gato, from behind his mob of hired hands. "It seems that this village hasn't given up. Well, I guess it time for to forcefully take this own. Men, kill all the men in this village and take as the women as prisoners so we can sell them off as salves and for my own pleasures." He looked at Kurenai, Sakura and the recently conscious Hinata. "Especially the kunochi. I have special plans for them," he said in a perverse tone.

Naruto's eyes had flared up at this speech Gato had given and he picked up his katana with his right hand from the ground and slowly walked forward, chakra starting to roll off in waves which each step he took. Everyone present looked at the source of chakra and saw Naruto walking forward toward the mob with a calm face but a deep anger in his eyes. "Today was the wrong day to come out of your rat hole, Gato. Even though your hands are clean of blood of your works, you soul is bloody and therefore you will be killed today." Naruto slipped into a stance with the sheath in his left hand and sword in his right.

"What am I paying for you men? Kill that boy and earn your pay," Gato bellowed out. All the men charged toward Naruto and one broke out ahead of the group and raised his sword above his head, hoping to cleave Naruto in two. Sadly, his chance never came and Naruto stuck him with godlike-speed and the man fell to the ground in a bloody heap. The charging men continued their charge hoping to overwhelm Naruto. Naruto moved forward with inhuman speed and struck killing three men with each strike and soon more than half of the hired army was dead lying in pieces. The rest of the men had scattered not wanting to face death by such an unrelenting enemy. Gato was at the end of the unfinished bridge, nearly soiling himself as he watched Naruto slowly walk forward.

"I'll do anything. I'll give you money, women, anything!! Just don't kill me," Gato said as he fell to his knees begging for his life.

Naruto looked at him with cold eyes. "Why should I show you mercy when you weren't going to show mercy to this town? How about all the people you removed in order to gain all of your wealth? Once again I state, your hands are not bloody but your soul is." Naruto raised his katana to prepare for Gato's death. He suddenly put his katana down and indicated for Kakashi to come over. Kakashi came over and Naruto whispered something in his ear. Kakashi nodded his head several times and gave thumb ups to Naruto.

"It seems that you lucked out today, Gato. I won't kill you-" Gato bowed several times before Naruto thanking him for sparing hi and was making promises that he would change while in his mind he was already making plans to get revenge.

"You ever said we were going to let you go? We are turning you over to the villagers and I'm sure that they can think up to keep you locked as long as possible. Also, your considerable wealth could be used to help this town, something you won't be using for a long time." As if on cue, a large majority of the villagers rallied by Inari had come to the entrance of the bridge only to be met with a gruesome sight of body pieces, blood, and Naruto leading a defeated looking Gato into their hands.

"I turn Gato over into your hands to await punishment." At that moment, Naruto's body collapsed on itself and he crumpled to the ground completely exhausted, body and mind. The last thing he saw was were several people running at him

-A Week Later-

Naruto slowly opened his eyes, groaning as his body was very stiff and it was difficult to move around. He had gone through intense training under Kyubbi's watch and his mind was still very tired from the never ending training. He felt a weight on his chest and saw a sleeping Hinata. He put his hand on her shoulder and shook her awake. She awoke very slowly and saw a smiling Naruto or what she could make out from behind his mask. She quickly drew him into a hug but quickly let go from embarrassment. Naruto stood up again but nearly fell down but was supported by Hinata.

They walked down the stairs and were greeted with the sight with the Konoha ninja and suprisingly Haku and Zabuza.

"I take it that you have decided to take my offer, Haku?" Naruto asked.

Haku gave a curt nod and said, "I told this plan to Zabuza and he also thought it was a good idea. So, we would like to become Konoha shinobi if you would allow it."

-Another week later-

The Konoha ninja with Haku and Zabuza were now standing on the newly completed bridge and were all packed to return back to Konoha. The entire village had come to see them off and was giving their goodbyes until the next time they would see again. Inari was saying his goodbye to Naruto when he started to tear up.

"Well, look who is crying again." Naruto said.

"I'm not crying. I got something in my eye." Inari said back while rubbing the tears from his eyes.

Naruto kneeled down and put his hand on Inari's head. "There nothing to be ashamed about when you are crying tears of happiness. Remember to become strong." Naruto stood back up again and ran to catch up with the group that was leaving.

"So, what do you propose we name the bridge?" said a villager.

Tazuna looked at Naruto's retreating back and said, "How about the Great Naruto Bridge?"

The villagers all murmured their consent and soon a cheer was heard. "To The GREAT NARUTO BRIDGE!!"