Disclaimer: Again I do not own Naruto, the story I have written is only for my own entertainment.
Author's rant: A little insight on my stories, please note that my English isn't very good therefore I know there will be mistakes. However, since I am working alone on this and quite new with the site thus I am not familiar with all the helps available. If you know something that can help with my grammar or writing the stories please let me know. I was informed many times to get a beta, so unless someone was interested please also let me know. Otherwise, hope you enjoy the story.
Mission to Wave
After completing yet another D-rank mission, Team 7 appear again in the Hokage's office to report their success. Seeing how the team felt about the low rank missions, Kakashi consider giving his team a higher rank thus brought it up with the Hokage. The Hokage knew Naruto would be fine in whatever mission they were in, but he ponder if the other two were up to the task.
Like all typical Uchiha, Sasuke's response was predictable as he would take on any challenge without a second thought. His fan-girl Sakura was no different as she would agreed to her crush's every word without even thinking about it. The Hokage had to give the jonin the deadpanned look as if to ask - Seriously? Feeling embarrassed Kakashi can only scratch his head as he explain himself it would be a great learning experience for them.
Sighing in defeat the village leader had to agreed with him, all genins had to grow up sooner or later. Maybe going outside the village would make them realize what they lack and perhaps give them a wake up call, thus he agreed to give them the mission. With an ex-Anbu Captain in charge and the Hulk for backup, the team were already over qualified for just a C-rank mission.
The Hulk alone would scare away any fools just by appearance alone and anyone attacking Naruto would end up like the nukenins in Konoha. He can still remember how all of them trying to get away from the green monster and literary begged to be locked up in a steel cage. Anyway, once everything was in order the Hokage called in their client Tazuna whom requested for protection in both returning and building his bridge. He calls himself the "Super Bridge Builder" which he seems to like introducing himself. Unfortunately he added the unnecessary comment about how useless blonde midget in the middle looked.
Which in turn caused an angry Hulk to come out, glaring and breathing down at the old drunk. Since the room was not designed for him, in his full height almost broke the ceiling. As for Tazuna, the self-proclaimed Super bridge builder was still sipping his drink thus had yet to see what he had started. Only when in silence does he wonder why no-one was talking.
He had to look around the green wall to investigate, only the cracking of the ceiling and the little dust debris make him found the Hulk. Whom while massive had not had a welcoming smile on him, instead he looked very angry and snarling down at him. Tazuna had to look at his own drink then back to the giant before resting on the others in the room. It could have been the drink he brought from the Konoha bar that made him hallucinate, the bar keep did say it would give him hell of a kick. He took a look at the giant's foot, he hoped he wouldn't be getting one from that.
Looking back for some support, he was surprised to find his so-call protectors much further away then when he first thought they were. Surprisingly even the Hokage and his desk seem somehow moved away from him like he was expecting carnage. No-one spoke as they all focuses on what the giant would do next.
Tazuna could have sworn he saw the Hokage gave a prayer and pretend to look the other way. To the relieve of everyone present, the big guy had not made pizza out of their client. Instead he just start flexing his muscles like one would see in muscle building competitions. No-one want to stop him as the bridge builder had to watch the show stupidly while the Hulk showing him his "Double Biceps", "Side Chest", "Side Triceps" etc.
Around five minutes later he finished with the "Rear Double Bicep" as he shown off all the muscles on his back while having both arms raised like a victory pose or something. He then took his drink and crushed it before handing it back and said "Hulk no WEAK!" which Tazuna had to nod quickly showing that he completely agreed with him. After blowing air through his nose, he stomped angrily away leaving cracked floor boards and damaged ceilings as the room was not big or sturdy enough to sustain someone his size. There was another round of angry noises as he try to get himself through the door while getting struck at the same time.
He should have just walked through it anyway because his for not damaging tower went wasted as he eventually went through taking the door frame and rest of the wall along. You can still hear the floors and stairs cracking as he made his way down the tower. Ninjas had to get out of his way as the small corridor had only enough room for one Hulk. Since the teaching incident with Mizuki, no-one wants to try the Hulk pancake experience.
That incident aside, with the Hulk not knowing his own strength he often remove whatever got in his way. Thus most of the street poles were relocated along with a few buildings. It was the reason why there were such boom in construction within Konoha. One time he bumped into a street pole and knocking it down, he tries to set it back up again only to jab a little too hard the entire pole disappeared into the earth.
Unknown to the rest of the village, the Hulk's action sent the pole through one of the ROOT's hidden entrance tunnels. One unfortunate team was just returning when the entire pole suddenly appear missing inches from his right foot. It was true that they were trained to lose their emotions, but that close call was enough to send the ROOT ninja to his ass and losing his bladder functions.
The others of his team ignored him as they alert the base they were being attacked. Even Danzo had to be called back to sort out the mess as he received a seal warning him for the potential security breach. It will take days or even weeks to recall everyone back as most of the ROOT ninjas will be in hiding believing their base were compromised.
Another incident also occurred where an arrogant envoy rode his horse through Konoha and almost knocking over the Hulk. Apparently he was one of the arranged marriage candidate for the Hyugy princess Hinata, which the elders planned marry off behind Hiashi's back. Once the decision was made then it would be too late without getting into any political backlash that could damage the clan head's reputation. Either way would have work fine for the elders because they get to chose a new heir or a new clan head would be in place.
The plan probably worked until the struck up prince had the misfortune of bumping into the Hulk and started a line of damage. It was like a chain reaction as the Hulk steps back knocking down the watch tower. Which triggers a dominoes effect as it fell into some laboratory causing massive explosions and blowing up other building in the process.
Seeing the disaster the suitor tried to get away, but was immediately caught by the Hulk. The giant was about to throw them out of the village until the Anbus stopped him, thus how the suitor ended up in Hokage's office instead of the Hyuga's. In the meantime the Hulk was happily waiting for his Ramen, it was part of the Anbu's way of making him forget about the moron envoy. Since it will be paid by the village and part of the mission, the Anbu didn't have to worry about emptying their own wallet.
Hence when the snobbish suitor was brought to the Hokage tower, the village leader just lightly slapped his hand like one would punish a child for their wrong doings. The spoiled prince thought it may be his father's influence that he let off easy until he saw the hefty bill on his hand. When asked what the expensive ramen bill was, the Hokage told him it was to keep the giant coming for him during his stay in Konoha. Having seen the monster himself and how it easily lifted both him and his prized horse the prince was happy to give him all the ramen he can eat.
Also thanks to the Hulk, the prince was more docile when he was presented to the Hokage. However, the Hyuga elders could not let this go and hope to salvage their little deal. They pleaded and protested that it was the fault of the green monster that was destroying the village. The Hokage had heard about the Hyuga problems as Hiashi informed him the problems within the clan.
Not wanted to go into lengthy argument, the Sandaime gave them a little insight on what the villagers would be thinking. By considering another scenario where you kicked a merchant's kart causing it to roll down the market and destroying all the merchandises. Of course usually this would be the kart owner's fault thus he should be responsible for all damages. However, when witness happens to see the real culprit that was responsible the situation changes.
In this case with over fifty witnesses and rumors spreading, are the Hyugas willing to risk their reputation over this matter? The Hokage did also offer them the option of sharing the bill if they felt the prince isn't completely at fault. After-all he did learned the reason of his visit was because of their invitation. Heir or no heir, the number of zeros there would bankrupt them so they had to back down. Had the clan head and rest of the clan knew about this incident or the coffer emptied because of them, kicking out of the clan council would be the least of their problems.
Coming back to the Hokage's tower, Tazuna was speechless seeing how the giant took both the door and wall down whereas the ninjas were nonchalant about it. He saw the Sandaime sighed as he informed Iruka to make sure the secretary send someone to fix the tower. The bridge builder also heard him saying something about upgrading and making it Hulk sized. Then he also remembered much of the village structures were recently modified and much bigger then they should. He wondered if that was what the Hokage meant Hulk sized.
Unknown to Tazuna, since the appearance of the Hulk nearly every establishment was upgraded to "Hulk" standard. Somehow it became a common practice and people were happier because of it. Besides being convenient and more space for everyone, it changes people's view of the village like a king size bed does to a normal one. It was also the reason why there was a significant increase in construction missions and contractors. Also to prevent the giant from accidentally demolishing new buildings, all contractors were given the Hulk's measurements so all new buildings should withstand both his weight and size.
From ramen bowls to buildings, many of Konoha's structures were remodeled. They were either had to be remodeled or forced to after the Hulk been through them. This was the first time Naruto transformed in the Hokage tower, so it was about time for a remodel anyway. Like the rest of Konoha, everyone likes a bit more space for themselves.
With the Hulk kicking a few nukenin's asses and hidden villages denying their involvement or by responding they were nukenins thus Konoha just cash them. So far with the Hulk picking up a few strays on occasions Konoha ended-up better off and the other villages still couldn't find any new information. Of course with the Anbu treating him to ramen for every ninja he brought in, the Hulk kept an extra eye for them. So for a while now he has been picking them up like firewood as he hand them over at the village gate.
For this reason Danzo and his ROOTs had to be extra careful because their ninjas would be his biggest target. It was no secret the Hulk loves ramen as much as Naruto do, had the giant spot them he would chase them all the way to Iwa and jump back for his bowl of ramen. Hence ROOT only operates when the Hulk was not around, Danzo had to add extra measures to make sure his ninjas were out of view of the giant. Luckily he had a few anbus within the regular anbus thus can be used for lookout.
It was how the whole ramen business got started, the ROOT agent wanted to take the prisoner off the Hulk's hand and the only option was to bribe him with ramen. When he gave his report, Danzo blanched at the cost for getting their ninjas back hence he added extra caution and measure when they leave for their missions. Now a days the Hulk seem to have developed some kind of 6th sense for ninjas that were not loyal to Konoha. Danzo had to sweatdrop and wonder how the Hulk do it and his ROOT ninja had to give themselves a sniff just to check if it was their smell or something.
Before the group leaves from the Hokage's office, Kakashi kindly ask the bridge builder not to infuriate the blond because it would be messy afterwards and difficult to clean up. He also added he might want to avoid "Hulk Air Travel" because even their ninja still couldn't recover most of the nukenins that got punted away. Tazuna wasn't sure if the jonin was joking or not thus just nodded stupidly because he said it with his famous smiley eye smile. However, he reassured him he will be well protected because he is after-all a jonin. Lastly he also added with Naruto around they should instead pray for anyone stupid enough to attack them.
In less than an hour the team was ready and assembled at the gate entrance. The bridge builder was now quite wary of the blond as Sakura assures him their sensei wasn't joking on the matter concerning the Hulk and how Naruto still had no control on his transformations. Having been with the blond and in the same team, Sakura learned quite a bit about Naruto and his other half. Especially when she was friends with the gossip queen Ino.
While they don't talk anymore, they do on occasion bumped into one another thus lead on to the discussion of the giant. Now that she's a ninja thus have the privilege in getting more sensitive ninja news and she took that advantage on her father since he was from the intelligence division. With a few puppy dog looks she easily got what she wanted, besides they weren't much a secret anyway so Inoichi didn't put up much a resistance. It was how Ino learned all about Naruto and what the Hulk been up to lately.
To say it was impressive was an understatement, but catching nukenins for ramen sounded lame. It sound like some common phase she heard about elephants working for peanuts or monkeys working for bananas etc. Anyway she had seen the super sized ramen call "Hulk Special", her teammate Choji always go there after missions and got their "Asuma Sensei" to treat him. Maybe ramen was not so lame anyway, but then again Naruto also receives the bounty payment for the nukenins he caught and put on his record. He would probably the only genin with long list of defeated nukenins to his record.
Anyway it was only because of Naruto Ino was still talking to Sakura. In a way they were sort of an ON and OFF friend depending where the conversation leads to. For every mission she had with Naruto or the Hulk there were always something to complain or to talk about. As long as the topic don't steer to the last Uchiha then they get on fine. Hence, it was how Sakura knew so much about her teammate and what he was capable of.
After hearing what the giant could do on daily basis, Tazuna wasn't sure what to think of the kid. Having one Hulk for protecting seem like a pretty good deal, but having a loose cannon around was not something he could appreciate. However, seeing how Konoha went through so much trouble just to accommodate one person just seem far-fetched to him. He wondered how the entire village could accept something like that so easily and most of them were just civilians like him.
So for the good of his own health, he kept his distance and try not to bother the kid. Sadly and unknown to the bridge builder, Naruto was quite sensitive to his constant stare thus were having trouble not to get irritated. Kakashi can only sigh as he reads his porn because this will be a very long journey, but at least it won't be boring.
Naruto was like a ticking time bomb, and the team was used the feeling so they were prepared for the inevitable. They could not tell Tazuna to just ignore him because it would be like telling someone not to look at the pink elephant and they would end up looking anyway. Naruto will just have to deal with it, it would be good training for him.
All they need now was some outside interference and then the Hulk would be with them for the rest of the journey. The team felt sorry for the first fool that would be the trigger but sadly Kakashi would be the one to provide damage control. Even now the son of White Fang still have no idea how to deal with him, in Konoha there was always Ichiraku but only as last resort. Out here it would be a miracle to find a cook for ramen, let alone a restaurant. At least the big guy seem to know them and not attack on sight.
Even Sasuke knew better not to agitate the giant when he is around. He also heard some Anbus mentioning not to annoy the blond because it will carry over to the Hulk making the situation worse. Hence the last Uchiha restrain himself from speaking ill of his teammate. It certainly not good of his health to test himself against an opponent that built like a mountain. In the Uchiha's mind, the Hulk was no longer categories as person or even human. Thus can not be used as his measuring stick.
Sasuke knew Naruto didn't have high option of him because it shown in the Hulk as he often narrows his eyes whenever he looks at the last Uchiha. So for survival's sake he stay well clear of the big guy's way and if possible maintain a short distance.
As for Sakura, she too was afraid of the Hulk and tends to stay away wherever he appears. She tends to stay close to Sasuke anyway so there were very little interactions. Somehow since the incident, Naruto shown very little interest in her. It suits her fine as she often believed he was the main reason the last Uchiha was not returning her affections.
As for Naruto, perhaps it was because of his other self he was more emotional. It was like he had broken the lock to his emotions and his years of repressed anger and dissatisfaction were free. Reminding him what he had went through in his youth and had no-one to turn to.
Unfortunately both member of his team seem to take the major roles of his negative feelings. His jealous of Sasuke of everything he had and the constant rejection from his first crush Sakura, those were top of his long list of emotions he tried not to unleash. Hence you can forgive his reason for distancing himself from his teammates.
Normally Kakashi would try and get his team to work together and interact more. However, with the Hulk around it was not a stumble he found himself in, instead it was a massive boulder he smack himself into. It was no longer the team he had envisioned like when he was still under Minato sensei.
Team 7 had always traditionally paired by two top genins of male and female along with one deadlast. Naruto as himself could fit the program even with his unpredictable nature and quick thinking, Kakashi could even accept the fact that he learned a Jonin technique - Kage Bunshin. However, like how Iruka couldn't categorize him when he turn into the Hulk, all his stats just blew through the roof.
Combining with his efficient uses of the Kage Bunshin and turning into the Hulk, he was jumping from dead-last to invincible ninja like a suit. Even an experienced Jonin such as Kakashi can beat his blond student, because no matter what Naruto can still turn into the Hulk and turn the fight around. Having seen the Hulk in action he was in no hurry to test his own theory. So far no-one in Konoha knows what to do should he ever go rogue. They just try to ignore or not to think about it, and as Shikamaru would say it was just too troublesome.
Surprisingly even the War-hawk didn't want to go there. The Sandaime suspected his one-time rival had his share of failures thus kept quiet all this time. It was true as Danzo had his ROOT try and abduct him but anyone can guess how that ended. After a few embarrassing tries the War-hawk gave up while he was ahead.
He should have thought about it in the beginning, even if he did succeeded in subduing the giant he couldn't move the mountain of muscle without being seen and the big guy is bright green. More embarrassingly, he forgot to consider the Hulk's size and all their hide outs were too small for the giant. Luckily he was just in time too as the Hokage already suspected him involved with the lab because he had always an unhealthy ambition for super soldiers. As always, there was no evidence leading to his involvements.
Back to Team 7, everything was relatively calm until the Demon Brothers appear. Luckily by then Naruto was calmer but he was less then useless as this was real combat and ninjas were really trying to kill him. In Konoha it was different, because there were always Anbus watching and Hulk usually handled all the fights. So when it comes him that has to fight, he lost his wits and froze on site.
Even the fan-girl was more reliable as she stood like a meat shield in front of their client and with her weapon drawn. With Kakashi taken out first, only Sasuke was there to take on both chunins and stopping them killing Naruto be securing their fist chain to the tree. By the time he managed to take down one of the demon brother, Kakashi stopped the other from advancing to their client.
After congratulating his two genins on their performance, he was a little surprised at how Naruto would froze on the spot but he did comfort him a little. Actually the Jonin was more surprised he didn't turn into the Hulk, perhaps he didn't think he was in any danger but he didn't dewell on it too much. Unknown to the jonin, Naruto was more scared than shocked thus didn't trigger the transformation. However, should any of the Demon Brothers got any closer his self-preservation would have kicked in and it would be like usual Hulk vs Nukenin scenario.
In the meantime, Naruto felt himself ashamed for his inaction and he strongly wanted to prove himself just as good as anybody. Not only was he useless without his alter ego he was also unknowingly injuried for doing nothing. He vowed he would do better, he showed how serious he was by cutting his hand to bleed out the poison this way they don't have to go back to Konoha for treatment. Sadly he had cut himself too deep and Kakashi had to help him bandage it. It was probably not necessary as a Jinchuriki, his wound heals as it was being treated.
To Kakashi this was more normal than in the past month they were doing D-rank missions. With the Hulk around Kakashi just didn't know how to handle him because all he can do was to send him off so he wouldn't disrupt the mission. Only now he realize he had not established any sort of teamwork with the green giant nor with the rest of his team. He was no longer Anbu captain, his charges weren't experienced like his old comrades.
The Hulk was like a wild card but Kakashi still yet to work out how to handle the fight when the real combat comes. He knew the Hulk was formidable but does not mean he is invincible. As a ninja you learned that everything has a weakness, it only look strong because you don't look hard enough. So he will need to find a way to co-ordinate with the green giant.
Too bad he didn't have much time to ponder the issue as Naruto picked up a winter rabbit. This immediately triggered some warning signals as he knew the rabbit must have been used as substitution, meaning trouble was already here. He ordered everyone to get down as he drag the Tazuna with him, it seems the bridge builder was the real target.
A short fight later, Kakashi thought he had the upper hand but he was wrong and end up captured by the water jutsu. Against the jonin his genins stood no chance, let alone Zabuza Momochi one of the famous 7 Mist Swordsmen so he ordered them to leave and protect the client. In situation like this the jonin had to regret his own teachings as Naruto quote his line and decided not to abandon him. As much as he hate to admit it now, he wish the Hulk would crash the mission like he had in the past. Otherwise, it would not take long for them to be annihilated.
On the other hand, Zabuza thought the mission would be easy after taken care of the Leaf "Copy Cat" Kakashi. He made a few water clones to take care of the genins while he himself keep the jonin captive and make sure he wouldn't try anything. The swordsman watched the little cinematic scene play out amusingly as Kakashi ordered his team to take the bridge builder and run. However, the blond brat had to play hero and said something about "those who abandon others were worse than trash". His little display must have triggered some unwanted memories thus the swordsman had his clones to shut him up.
Even with only a tenth of the original's power, the water clone was more than a match for the genin. The last kick was a little too hard as it sent him rolling and also losing his proof that he's a Konoha ninja. As if to mock him, the clone trampled on his headband letting him know what he thinks of his ninja way. It was disgusting how one of the strongest village would allow someone this weak to become a genin, the clone couldn't help but voiced his thoughts.
This leads to how he tell them about his own graduation and eventually called the "Bloody Mist". His story got the desire fear he wanted on the genins, nothing wrong with a little fun on the job. After-all, ninjas always fought with blood and betrayal, there was no glory nor attachment only the mission was important. However, one genin seem to disagree and he vowed to make own path of ninja. He will change the system even if he had to become Hokage to do it.
Somehow his words pisses the swordsman off or triggered some unwanted memories. He can take someone disagreeing with him, or others walking their own paths but coming from a pathetic loser like this kid just aggravates him. Thus when the kid charges again his clones didn't held back and kiced him back to where he once was again. They were a little sadistic as they didn't try to finish the brat, instead they wanted to see how many times he will get back up again. With Kakashi already in his hands non of them took the genins seriously and the real Zabuza thought so too seeing he hadn't said a word since.
Everyone thought Naruto would have keep charging, they all knew how stubborn he was. They were surprised he wasn't trying to attack instead he was only retrieveing his lost headband. While a little impressed, the water Zabuza only laughed at him. If he had been a real ninja, he should have taken out one clone instead of picking up his headband. The kid didn't get back up to his feet, instead put his headband back on his head and told them they were making a big mistake. He may not have said it loud, but all the ninjas heard him.
It was how the situation got escalated as all clones got angry and charge him, they will see who was making the mistake once they beat him bloody. His other teammates seems to know what was about to happen as they stood in front of Tazuna. Kakashi also seem to pick up the message as he too sat back as if to enjoy the show.
The original Zabuza too wanted to see the big mouthed genin scream for mercy. However, he got the strange feeling that something was wrong. With the leaf jonin safely in his hand and the two genins stood by the bridge builder he didn't think he missed anyone. It was only then he realized non of the leaf team seem worried, and this sends strange messages to the swordsman.
He was about to ignore the feeling but one giant green hand shot out and caught his clone and held it in the air. This instantly stopped all actions as all the Zabuza stare unbelievably as the had squeezed and crushed the clone until it burst into water. It's death sent shivers not only to his clones but also the real Zabuza, after-all it was not everyday that you see yourself die this way.
"What the flak!? What the heck was that!?" was the long list of inquiries out of the swordsman's month. Kakashi wasn't sure if he was talking to him, but he was fine to watch how the swordsman would deal with the Hulk.
Sadly, with all the clone blocking his view Zabuza couldn't see what was happening in there. All he could make out was his clones backing away from whatever it was they were facing. For as long as he can remember he never backed away from anything, even his clone had only a tenth of his power they were still him. Just what kind of threat were they facing? Since he couldn't move, he was stuck only to stand and watch.
He didn't have to wait long as another clone shot passed them before exploded violently into the tree. Not only himself, his clones too had to watch another one of their deaths which turn out to be a mistake. It was the last scene the real Zabuza sees as all his clones burst into water and out of water came a massive green giant charging his way. Whatever it was didn't stop at the shore as it leaped like a frog and had his fist aimed at his face.
While his entrance was shocking, the mist swordsman didn't get his title for his menacing looks. Even with only a split second to act, he side-stepped, drawn his sword and then cut. All done in one smooth motion and without taking his other hand from the water prison. Not many can see what the swordsman had done but the blood on his blade was enough to let them know he had at least drawn blood where no-one in Konoha could.
Unfortunately Kakashi didn't have time to ponder, without Naruto and he himself captured there was no way the others could survive against Zabuza. However, he was surprised when Zabuza questioned if that was their secret weapon. The swordsman had to ask because even he was worried for another giant appearing out of nowhere.
He may have dealt with the giant with ease but he had no delusion that whatever it was, it was a serious threat thus he had to test the jonin for answers. Even the mega splash created by the monster was quite devastating and he almost lost balance from the huge wave it caused. Who knows if the other genins or Kakashi would turn into another one of those. Since his clones couldn't give him feedbacks like the "Kage Bunshin" he had no way to know if the blond was really the monster or not. As far as he knows, there could be an army of them heading their way.
Suddenly without any prior warning, an arm blasted out of the water and took everyone by surprise. Like one seem from movies or documentary channels, where a crocodile suddenly snaps its prey from under water. This scene was similar, only the arm took Zabuza into a clotheline and sent him off his feet. The power and force was so much that he went spinning for five circles before landed at the side of the lake.
It seems the Hulk was not defeated as he came back for a second round after reaching the bottom of the lake. With all his power he shot up like a rocket and caught the swordsman where he want him. Since he never fought on water and could not walk on them he splashed back down again when gravity finally caught up to him. He later came back up again to see that the battle over, thus he took another dive and join them on shore shortly.
Naruto was not without damage as he had a horrible slash across his chest and bleeding badly but he ignored it. The wounds were slowly closing as Kakashi believe was Kyubi's work, he needed to help him to make sure it was healing right. Unfortunately there isn't enough bandages to wrap him up, so he had others to get some vines to hold the bandages in place. It should at least help stop the bleeding until he was fully healed.
Only then they remembered the swordsman and later realized he was gone. However, Kakashi believed he must have an accomplice since he believe even Zabuza can walk away from that.
In the meantime they head towords Tazuna's house as the Hulk just tag along. It was an odd sight as the bridge builder was leading and they weren't sure if he was trying to avoid the giant or just afraid to be stepped on. Both Sasuke and Sakura knew the feeling as they remembered their shopping mission. Luckily they didn't have to go through the town to get to his house.
Once the group finally arrived at the Bridge builder's house, Tazuna shouted for his daughter of his return. The door opened then without pause immediately shut on their faces. Everyone looked at one another and finally rested on Naruto's big green form. Embarrassed, the Hulk just scratchs his head like it was some sort of apology.
With a sigh, Tazuna try again to convince his daughter that everything was ok. After some coaxing and Naruto transforming back they were finally allowed in the house. Tsunami took a closer look at the blonde as he walk past, not believing the monstrous giant was this cute little boy. Naruto nerviously told her that she's making him uncomfortable and he may turn back to his giant form. She can only sweatdrop and took his words for it.
Later during supper with her son Inari joining, they discussed about the matter about the blond and how he ended up transforming to the giant. When they got to how he can change as much as a sneeze Inari got angry because he didn't believe the lies these ninjas were sprouting. Nobody is stronger than Gato and these Ninjas were only here because of money. As far as he was concerned they could be working for Gato let alone trying to help them.
He would expose their lies as he grabbed and tossed a pepper bottle at Naruto while he accuses the ninjas for their deception. To the horrors of the ones that knew about the blond they can only watch helplessly for the inevitable as the pepper broke on contact. Like human biology or rather 'fanfiction' ways Naruto had to sneeze and blew himself up like a sudden inflated balloon. Luckily both Inari and his mother sat a few chairs away thus escaped the mishap.
Sadly Kakashi was sitting across from him thus was kicked into the wall and the Uchiha grumbles while he was buried under one of his arm. Tazuna was on the end of the table close to where Naruto was thus was affected by the change too were sent rolling a few feet. Sakura had duck fast enough thus avoid the kick but end up under the Hulk's left leg.
Both Inari and his mother Tsunami had to agree their stories were at least partially true. Especially Inari as he was so amazed at the super cool transformation and despite his mother's protest went to poke the massive giant. The Hulk only look at the kid with a deadpanned expression as if coming out the second time in one day. At least one good thing out of this hazard thought the bridge builder as he nurses his sore back, his grandson was happy for once.
Unfortunately, the disaster didn't end there as the giant had to have another sneezing fit. It blew Tazuna out of the front door while Kakashi out the window and the poor jonin had only just got himself out of the wall. When everyone came to their senses the house was like a war zone. Since both genins were still under the giant they were relatively safe. As for Tsunami and Inari they were out of the blast zone thus only experienced a sudden storm and pressure.
That night the ninjas had to help repair the damages after the Hulk transforms back. Thankfully with Naruto's clones, it didn't take them that long. During that time, Inari was pestering the blond about his super transformation. It was another good thing out of the whole ordeal, thus the reason Tsunami didn't throw the kid out of her house.
Over the next days, Kakashi prepared them by teaching them how to climb trees. In order to fully use chakra properly they need to channel the right amount of energy to their feet so they can run up the tree. Since the feet was most difficult to control chakra thus it would be good exercise to learn control. After demonstrating how it was done, he was about to leave but he was surprise Sakura already accomplished the task. She was also shocked by the event and that her Sasuke was only a little above Naruto's level.
Thanks to this dysfunctional team, Kakashi had to change many strategies on how to handle his team. Throwing Naruto to the mix, he was deadlast but also a one man army and his other half alone could take on 300 elite anbus. Also considering his sporadical changes to the giant, it was difficult to hold a straight conversation with him. The jonin knew that Naruto himself worked hard but unfortunately he doesn't have much raw talent compare to the number one rookie Sasuke.
It shows on the third day when he was still only half way while the Uchiha joins him on the bridge. Naruto was accompanied by Inari as he continue with his fruitless training. In fact the boy was there the very first day hiding in the woods, since there was no harm letting him watch Kakashi pretended not seeing him. Inari couldn't understand why the blond doing this pointless training when his other half was so much stronger. Even to him, the moment he saw the Hulk it immediately blew his mind. The previous thought that Gato was invincible was a joke compared to this. Also that little mishap later also convinced him what real power was.
On the fourth day, Inari couldn't help and asked him why when Naruto took his breaks. However, his answer surprised him and couldn't help but admire him even he was only a few years older. Like he had told the Hokage's grandson, Naruto didn't believe in short cuts. Sure he could have let the Hulk handle everything but it wouldn't be himself unless he made the effort. There are no value in work if someone was doing everything for you, you would never know what it means until you walk the same distance and in the same shoe.
His words struck Inari hard as he had to rethink everything he had done in his life. Somehow the blond seems to read his mind as he told him it was never too late to start. If you don't begin by taking the first step there is not hope to ever reaching the finish line.
Since then Inari had took every opportunity he can to stay and talk with him. His mother too had seen the little attachment and felt a little deja-vu because it was just how it was with Kaji. Having talked with the blond ninja, aside from his little quirk in transforming to the giant she knew he was basically a good kid. Like her father had said on the first day, the blond seem like a good influence on Inari.
By the end of the week, Naruto overworked himself so the jonin let him rest while he and the other genins go with Tazuna to the bridge. Luckily it turn out to be a wise decision even they didn't know Gato had sent two of his goons for the bridge builder's daughter. For that reason, Naruto was able to spot the danger and return back to the house. He was just in time too as Tsunami was about to be taken as hostage and Inari about to get himself killed. They were saved by Naruto as he made a few clones and took care of the thugs. He even approve the boy's bravary, he told Inari to watch his mother because he needs to join his team.
It took Naruto some time and he arrived only to appear in the ice prison which irrates his teammate. There was then a short fight which Sasuke unlocked his Sharingan given him an edge against those ice needles. Unfortunately his teammate was not so lucky as he use his Kage Bunshins as both shield and offense but they alway dispelled in one hit, making them next to useless. Since they were running out of time, and Haku wanted to be ready to assist Zabuza he aimed to take out the weakest first. With no Sharingan to help him Naruto was sitting duck.
Just as the needles about to hit him, Sasuke acted on instinct and took the hit himself. Believing his teammate was dead, Naruto was angry and finally turn into the Hulk. He smashed each mirror one by one trying to get to the fake hunternin. Haku had to leap from one mirror quickily to the next just to avoid getting caught but he didn't realize he was running out of mirrors until it was too late. That was when he was knocked out and damaging his mask. The Hulk was about to finish him off till the the mask fell and show him the face he had remembered - "HAKU?!".
Without realizing it, he slowly reverted back to the blond genin as he came near his short time friend. With tears and apology in his eyes, Haku told the blond that his precious someone was Zabuza and he will always be his tool. Hearing that the blond couldn't say just how wrong it was to consider themselve as tools to their father figure. It was then that Zabuza was captured by Kakashi's summoned hounds as Haku left before Naruto could stop him.
Kakashi was surprised when he had the perfect opportunity to end the battle, the fake hunternin took his place. Not only that, before his death Haku held tight to the arm that punctured his lungs while Zabuza took the chance to cut through both of them. It was only a split second and that was all the swordsman needed but luckily Kakashi was able to escape the Kubikiribocho by dragging Haku along.
However, before the combat can resume Gato showed up and told the jonin how he was never intended to pay him. Seeing how exhausted they were and only brats were left Gato went to kick Haku's corpse trying to get some payback for the previous insult.
This caused Naruto to go very angry and questioned how Zabuza really felt about his 'tool'. His words had some effect on the ex-swordsman of the mist as he in the end shown that he too cared for Haku. Having borrowed a kunai from the blond, Zabuza charged for his revenge for their betrayal. Sadly, with both his arm no longer working he can only cut through with one single kunai in his teeth. In the end he succeeded in killing Gato but was eventually stopped by the other mercenaries.
With their boss dead, no-one will pay them now and they decided to take it out on the local villagers. Since they were used to harassing the locals it only made sense to take their frustration on them. However, one genin seem to disagree as he stepped forward and told the mercenaries they will have to go through him if they were to touch the villagers. He even shown them his transformation as he turn himself into the Hulk causing many of the thugs to back up.
One brave thug stepped forward like he was the leader, he point his bow gun at the Hulk and told the others with confidence. With all their men armed to the teeth, even if all of them were as big as the green monster they would end up a pincushion. He had expected the others would back and follow him, but in reality he was the only one stepping forward making him look like an idiot. The Hulk didn't seem to like the rude gesture thus growled loudly at him and in a fit of panic he fired his weapon.
At that moment, it was as if time had slowed down as everyone including the ninjas watches how the arrow flew and hit the green giant on the left chest. Unfortunately to the horror of the mercenary responsible, all it did was bounced off the big guy's muscles as everybody stared at the useless arrow then back to the idiot. It only took a moment for the Hulk to realize he was being shot at as he stared angrily at the one responsible.
Only then the idiot find out he was alone and the other guys already moved further away from him. By the time he look back to the giant, he was met with the fist and was sent flying from the country. That was when Tazuna realized what Kakashi meant when he mentioned "Hulk Air Travel" as he squint his eyes to see how far the Hulk sent him. However, the jonin only said this was just a short distance because it would be further had him punt him.
Ignoring the duo, the Hulk was still angry as he glared at the rest of the mercenaries daring any of them to step forward. They didn't need to be told, they all got the silent message and ran. That was when Inari and the villagers appear, they were caught in the middle of the scramble as the thugs flee like hell was behind them. Inari thought they were coming for him, but he didn't backed down only to see they ran past him disappearing into the distance.
Since then they stayed until the bridge was finished. As for Inari, he finds the blonde's transformation amusing and took every opportunity to see it by pranking and shocking the blond. At the same time he was also telling his friends about his ninja friend and uses his big brother to show off. Hence he spends most of his time hanging around Naruto and helping out his grandfather.
Ever since Tazuna found out how the blond boy can produce hundreds of clones he had him helping out building the bridge. Along with the Hulk for heavy lifting, they became a great team even when there were mishaps. For that reason, Naruto were given the permanent job of building the bridge in order to speed up the construction.
Both Tazuna and the people of Wave were amazed as they stared at the smaller Narutos try and instruct the massive Hulk to do as they told him to do. Kakashi had to make a few chuckles as he watches how Naruto try talking to his bigger half. Surprisingly he managed to get through to him, the jonin wondered if it was because it was himself he was communicating with thus understand what each other wants.
With hundreds of clones and the massive Hunk as "muscles" the bridge could be finished in no time. Tazuna had thought he had to wait for new cranes and extra tools but the Hunk was able to lift and move things a hundred men couldn't thus cutting both extra cost and man power. The extra Narutos were also a bonus as they can all co-ordinate themselves and do their own parts. Overall they could have finished the bridge by themselves but Tazuna wanted everyone to chip in because it represents the combine effort of their village.
Remembering the past week, Tazuna couldn't help but laughed at how it went. The boy was not only super helpful, he was also generating a happy atmosphere as he argue with himself and the Hulk. He had heard that because of the transformation, his brain was a little slow to adjust to the changes thus losing much of his intelligence as well as communication skills. Sometimes, it frustrates even the clones as they start pulling their own hair trying to get the Hulk to understand them.
The Hulk was always a major topic among the Wave villagers, they still laughed about the time he passed the massive stone to his clones killing them immediately. Of course this act caught the attention of the other clones as they all converge around the giant to scold and warn him to put the stone in the right place and not on top of his clones. It was like a riot about to start and Kakashi was there to try to pacify them only to point out they were all one person. The Narutos knew he was right, it was stupid to start a fight with themselves so they all went back to their stations.
Besides it was not the first time, thus Kakashi had to supervise himself and left a clone to help his other two genins. With Naruto's and his clones' tendency to fight among themselves, they had even dog piled against the Hulk when they failed to agree on the same topic. That day Konoha rained Narutos as his clones were blasted into the heavens as they came back down all over the village. Some of the clones were sent into another country and caused a lot of commotion.
Since they dispel after the fall, no-one knew what they were. Konoha only heard of this incident only when some of their ninja recognized the blond. Still the incident did not stop the blond from dishing out his own distaste. Kakashi believed the boy likes to speak his own mind, so he would go out of his own way to convince others when they disagree. Tazuna seem to understood a little as he too saw how he dealt with his grandson and Zabuza. Seeing how he would go head to toe against his assailant made him believe he would have the guts to fight against the massive Hulk.
For everyone's safety, no other workers were to go near where the Hulk works as no-one would know what he would do next. Since the Hulk usually in charge of the gigantic materials thus incidents happen. Especially when he was carrying a massive steel beam, like all comical scenes he killed a few Naruto before they can get him to put the beam down. The clones also learn not to call him from different angles because every-time he turn around he would kill more of them.
Tazuna could not remember when was the last time he had this much laugh for a while. If the boy was not a ninja of another village he would have hired him and kept him in Wave. The kid even argued with themselves as they try to decide which side of the cube stone would look better and they all have different opinions. He had to intervene before they dispel each other again by fighting among them.
The elderly had heard the jonin's explanation on Naruto's clones but never quite understood it. He had wondered why they didn't have the same thoughts as the original if they were the same individual. It was really strange to him as they formed different opinions, Tazuna just think it was probably a ninja thing.
When it was finally time for the Konoha ninjas to leave, they had a tearful send-off between Naruto and Inari. In the end, they named the bridge The Great Naruto Bridge. Due to their efforts, the local mason built a life size statue of both the Hulk and Naruto. It had the Hulk hold his right hand up while the smaller Naruto sat happily as he points to a direction they going. Everybody was happy at the new status as some laughed since it remind them of the pair. Even both Naruto and the Hulk are of one person, but it was nice both were made into monument.
Author's Note: Sorry about the late publishing of this story, I finished the story for a month but didn't like the unbalance of comedy and action thus had to do a rewrite and waiting for some new ideas for comical approaches. I had tried to re-read the complete chapter correcting mistakes and grammars I can spot but as I mentioned in my rant there maybe more that I didn't know. Anyway what I want to mention was I am not sure where I am going with this Hulk story because I can't see myself writing it to Shippuuden series but I will try and see where it will take me. Currently I will be going for the Chunin exam chapter and like always it will take some time. In the meantime, thanks for reading.
