Naruto, the Hidden Genius of the Leaf
Chapter 9
Note: Thank you for telling me Tazuna's daughter's name as I had forgotten it, and correcting me
"Tsunami I'm home!" called Tazuna as he entered his worn looking two story home
"I'm glad you're alright" said Tsunami as she rushed over and hugged her father, relief clearly written on her face
"If it wasn't for these fine ninjas I wouldn't be" said Tazuna
"Is there a room where we can set our senesi down?" asked Naruto
"Upstairs, there are two rooms you all can use while you're here" answered Tsunami as she pointed up the stairs
"Thanks" replied Naruto
"It's no problem, and you arrived just in time as I just was starting dinner" said Tsunami
"Glad to hear we didn't miss it" said Naruto with a smile
Once Kakashi was set down on the cot in the room Naruto began using the Mystical Palm Jutsu to help Kakashi recover
"What jutsu is that?" asked Sasuke
"It's a healing jutsu that I barely can use, as it takes a lot of focus to use it without causing damage instead of healing it" answered Naruto with sweet coming off his brow "Now be quite as I do this"
Sakura and Sasuke watched as Naruto slowly helped Kakashi heal from the fight they had with Zabuza. An hour latter and Kakashi awoke to the sight of Naruto healing him
"That's enough Naruto" said Kakashi making his return to consciousness known "I know you have a lot of chakra, but that takes a lot of you mentally"
"Glad you're alright senesi" said Sakura
"Yes, I'm glad two, but there's is something that doesn't add up from the end of that fight" replied Kakashi
"I think I know what it is, but lets not worry about it until tomorrow" said Naruto "And head down for dinner, it should be done by now"
And just like he said Tsunmai called to them to let them know dinner was done. It was a somewhat awkward event
as Inari, Tsunmai's son, just sat at the table with a look of gloom and doom about him
After dinner and Inari walked off Naruto asked Tazuna and Tsunmai what happened to make such a young boy be so sullen. The two then proceeded to tell the group about Inari's step father who he was very close to and was the village's hero, was killed by Gato in front of everyone shortly after coming to Wave claiming the man was disruptive to his business
"Man that had to hurt Inari really badly to she his hero die like that" noted Sakura
"Yes it most likely did" agreed Tazuna "His death killed the people's source of hope and strength, that's why I'm building the bridge. So we can regain our hope and strength back and become the proud people we once were"
"I read that Wave once was trade partners with Whirlpool, was that true?" asked Naruto
"You're and Uzumaki correct?" asked Tazuna "Then I can tell you that yes our two nations were very close trading partners"
"That's interesting and all, but why are you asking?" asked Sasuke
"Jiji once told me that my clan, like yours built secrete locations to house certain items and the like, and I think there might be one somewhere here in Wave" answered Naruto
"If I recall your mother told your father, who also told me that there was one hidden somewhere in Wave long ago" said Kakashi "And only a Uzumaki can enter it, but we have more important matters at hand at the moment than recovering your clan's lost treasures"
"I'm aware of that, I just think that before we leave we go try to find it" replied Naruto
"If we have the time" said Kakashi with a shrug
"Well I'm off to bed" said Sasuke as he got up from the table
"Yes, rest up" agreed Kakashi "There are some important things we need to discus"
(Line Break)
The next morning the group headed out to a nearby clearing to have the discussion Kakashi was talking about the night before
"Alright after thinking about it overnight I've come to the conclusion that Zabuza isn't dead" started Kakashi
"What!? But you checked to make sure he was dead yourself!?" cried Sakura in alarm
"I figured that was the case from how he was "killed" and how that hunter nin was acting" said Naruto
"I knew you'd figure it out on your own Naruto" said Kakashi
"I'm a little confused" said Sasuke
"It was the weapons the hunter nin used" explained Kakashi "Senbon needles are rarely used to kill and are mostly used in medical practices"
"Plus hunter nins are meant to just take their target's head and any weapons they're well known for. Before destroying the body, no matter who's around" added Naruto "We're lucky that Zabuza is going to take about a week to recover from his death like state"
"So what are we going to do in the meantime?" asked Sasuke
Suddenly a five foot tall two tailed black fox ran out of the underbrush, scaring the heck out of Sakura who screeched "Iiieeeeh! Kitsune! Kill it before it kills us all!"
"Excuse me?!" yelled Naruto "I know the Lord of Kitsunes attacked the village twelve years ago, but come on! Not all of them are like that!"
"I concur with Naruto, though I am interested in what it wants" said Sasuke
Kakashi was already aware of Shade and the kitsune got along with his pack of nin dogs, which reminded him "Summoning Jutsu!" and suddenly a pack of five different dogs appeared
"About time you called" said Paken?, the little pug out of the group "We were wondering when you summon us"
"Sorry about that" apologized Kakashi "But now that you're here I do have a mission for you"
"And what would that be?" asked Paken?
"I need you to locate Gato's lair" answered Kakashi
"On it" said Paken? As he led the other dogs off into the woods
"Mind if I help?" asked Shade, which freaked Sakura out
"Sure go right ahead" replied Naruto
Shade then ran off after the dogs to join them
"What? Didn't you know summon animals can talk?" asked Naruto when he saw Sakura's face
"No" replied Sakura in a small voice
"Iruka covered that in class, how can you not know that?" asked Sasuke in disbelief
"Anyway getting back on topic" cut in Kakashi "The three of you will be training until Zabuza returns"
"What kind of training?" asked Naruto
"Well for Sasuke and Sakura I'm going to teach you the Tree Climbing exercise, while you Naruto get to learn the Kunai Balancing one" replied Kakashi
"Using Shadow Clones for that" quickly stated Naruto "I don't want to injure myself too badly when I get it wrong"
"Why does Naruto get to learn something else?" demanded Sakura
"Because Naruto already knows the Tree Climbing and Water Walking exercises, with his chakra reserves being so large he needs to constantly work on his control" answered Kakashi
"If Naruto can do it, then this can't be hard" said Sakura
"With how small your reserves are, you should pick this exercise up rather quickly" noted Kakashi "But for Sasuke who has larger reserves will have a harder time"
"And by the way Sakura it took me a week to learn Tree Climbing and a month to learn Water Walking" added Naruto "And that was with the help of my Shadow Clones"
"But they're just clones, how would they help?" asked Sakura
"It's a secrete property of the clones that I'm not going to tell you" answered Naruto
"Yes, now you two follow my clone who will get you started on your training" said Kakashi as he created said clone "While I get Naruto started on his training"
Once Kakashi and Naruto were far enough away Kakashi asked "Alright Naruto what is it that you have planned?"
"I'm going to find Gato and steal everything he has before handing him over to the people of Wave, so they can deal with him" answered Naruto
"Good idea" said Kakashi "But when are you going to do it?"
"If you want, I can start right now" answered Naruto "I can make an army of Shadow Clones easily, so it wont take me long to find his hideout"
"Alright" said Kakashi "Make about a hundred clones for your training while you head out with some more clones and go look for Gato's lair, but be back before dark as not to arouse suspicions"
"Got it Kakashi senesi" replied Naruto as he followed his orders and ran off in his full kitsune form
"Now to make sure Sakura doesn't bother Sasuke to much" said Kakashi as he headed back to his two other students
(Line Break)
The first day didn't turn up anything except just how bad Gato made things for the people in Wave. This made Naruto furious to the point that he slaughtered a small group of Gato's men when they tried to force themselves onto a group of women ranging from the ages 5 to 35. The females were grateful for him saving them from the vile men and told him of a lead to where Gato's lair might be
The next day Naruto found himself in a large clearing full of differnet herbs and decided to lay down and take a break. Little did he know that Haku, the fake hunter nin, was headed to the clearing to gather some of the herbs to help Zabuza heal faster
"It's that boy Master Zabuza was afraid of harming" noted Haku when he saw Naruto laying the middle of the clearing "What is he doing out here?"
As Haku got closer to Naruto he noticed that Naruto was still very much alert, even though he was resting
"What is it that you need?" asked Naruto from his position on the ground "And if it's to try to kill me, just to forewarn, you it's not a good idea"
"Oh no, I'm out here gathering herbs to help a friend recover" assured Haku who got the feeling that Naruto wasn't bluffing
"Oh? well then, what herbs do you need?" asked Naruto as he sat up and got a good look at the person he was talking to
Haku was a young man not much older that was wearing rather gender confusing cloths along with his long hair and fair skin. Naruto might mistake the him as a girl, he also noted that he was and was clearly trained in the ninja arts by how his posture was. This made Naruto figure out that this person was most likely to be the fake hunter nin from before, but didn't sense any hostile intent from the person which meant he didn't need to attack Haku to protect himself
"It's this one" answered Haku as he showed the herbs that he already had in the basket he was carrying
"I see, well lets get started" said Naruto
As the two gathered the herbs Haku needed they made small talk and got to know a little about each other
"Tell me, what do you think true power comes from?" asked Haku
"From those that are precious to you and the will to do anything to keep them safe" answered Naruto
"It is good to know you know the source of true strength, unlike so many others" replied Haku with a sad tone
"Well I think we gathered enough" said Naruto as he noted that the basket was quite full
"Yes, thank you very much for your help" thanked Haku as he began walking away
"Yes, and tell Zabuza that he best rethink his contract with Gato, that little dirtball doesn't seem like the type to up hold his contracts if it means saving money" replied Naruto as he stood some feet away
Haku quickly tensed and said "You knew all this time who I was? Yet didn't attack, why?"
"For one, we're currently aren't enemies as our interests aren't in conflict at the moment" answered Naruto "And also, I can see the same loneliness I've felt more often than I care to admit in your eyes. That tells me something tragic happened in your life that left you all alone with no one to care for you before Zabuza found you"
"You're correct" replied Haku who then proceeded to tell Naruto his life's story and why he's so loyal to Zabuza
"I knew Zabuza wasn't all bad, deep down that is" said Naruto "And I'm sure he sees you more than a tool after spending so much time with you"
"Perhaps, but what happens now?" replied Haku
"I'm not entirely sure" answered Naruto "Sadly I think we might have to face each other once Zabuza recovers"
"Yes, and our dreams will clash to see who's is stronger" replied Haku "I only wish that if things were different we could have been friends"
"Who says we can't?" asked Naruto "I don't hold it against you for being on the other side Haku, it's just how things played out"
"Same here, now I must be going" said Haku as he quickly left the clearing
"Ehhh, man I really hope I can find Gato and stop him before Zabuza recovers" sighed Naruto
(Line Break)
The day after Naruto met Haku he found Gato's hideout and began scoping it out to see what he could steal and also where the little sleezball slept. But Naruto figured that by the time he made all the sealing scrolls and everything else he needed to end Gato, Zabuza would have recovered and come after Tazuna again
"Make some clones to go raid Gato's lair and hopefully we can hold Zabuza and his partner off long enough to void his contract by killing Gato" said Kakashi when Naruto reported back to him
"I hope so to" agreed Naruto
So Naruto went ahead and started making a large number of storage scrolls so he could cart off with all of Gato's wealth and documents for his own use. The night before Zabuza was thought to come back Inari became fed up with how Team 7 was acting and yelled out "You think you can just come around here acting all happy?! You know nothing about our pain!"
The room got very cold, very fast as Naruto became enraged and stormed out the door as not to do something he'd regret
"Inari, tell me this" said Sasuke in a hard tone "Did you have your almost your entire clan wiped out by an older brother you looked up to for so long? Or be treated like scum by most of your fellow peers for some unknown reason like Naruto?"
"No" replied Inari in a small voice
"Well what Sasuke said is very much true" said Kakashi "Naruto doesn't even know his own parents as one died the night of his birth, while the other fell into a coma and still hasn't recovered from on the very same the same night"
Inari ran off to sit out on the pier to think about what he just learned. Kakashi came over to him to talk to him more privately
"You know between Naruto and Sasuke, Naruto has had is far worse" started Kakashi "There aren't that many people who like Naruto, let alone treat him like a normal human. Instead they think of him as the monster that attacked the village the night he was born"
"What?" asked Inari in surprise
"Of course Naruto never let it get to him" continued Kakashi "In fact he very rarely cries, guess he just learned that it wont make things better and just moves on to make people see him for who he is. And the fact that there is always someone who has it worse than you somewhere out there in the world"
Inari looked down, ashamed he thought that his life was worst than anyone else
"And just to let you know, Naruto has been rather stressed lately and touching on such a touchy subject is what made him snap" said Kakashi "He'll be fine once he blows off some steam"
(Line Break)
Naruto was indeed blowing off some steam, by vaporizing the environment in his rage that was just barely being controlled
"Naruto calm down!" cried Kumara in alarm "Don't let your anger consume you, or you'll become the very thing the villagers think you are!"
"I'm...trying..." replied Naruto threw the haze he was in
"Listen to me" said Kumara "I wouldn't normally do this, but I'm going to teach you something so that you can release your rage all at once. As it will take a lot out of you after you use it"
"I...don't...care...just...teach...me...it" grunted Naruto
"Alright, first you'll have to be in your full kitsune form, then gather as much chakra as you can to your mouth while at the same time pointing your tails forward, once you've done that swallow it and hold it for a moment before firing it, preferably up into the sky as not to injure anyone" instructed Kumara
Naruto did as he was told and after changing forms, gathered as much chakra as he could, swallowed and held it until he felt fit to burst before opening his mouth skyward, letting the energy out in a massive beam of raw energy
This beam was so large that it could be seen miles away all across Wave. Those who saw it could feel the power, and rage behind it
'Did Naruto just learn the Tailed Beast Ball?' thought Kakashi when he saw the beam of energy 'At least it appears that Naruto let off a lot of pent up anger with it, hope he's alright'
Shade quickly came over to Naruto as he had been on the sidelines watching over Naruto rage about and when the final attack ended came over to the now human Naruto who was passed out, picked him up with his tails, set him on his back and headed back to Tazuna's house so Naruto could recover
"Care to explain what happened?" asked Kakashi when he saw Shade bring Naruto
"Kyuubi taught him the Tailed Beast Blast to release the anger that was trying to consume him" answered Shade "It's dangerous for us to get so angry, or we'll go on a rampage until we either eliminate why we're so angry, or manage to calm down. Destroying anything that stands in our way"
"I see" said Kakashi "And with Naruto being part kitsune he's vulnerable to succumbing to his anger more easily than say Sasuke is?"
"Right, there are ways to get us to stop, but depending on just how angry we are it can be dangerous to try" replied Shade "I'm going to stay with Naruto until he wakes up to keep an eye on him"
"How long till he wakes?" asked Kakashi
"Knowing Naruto, sometime after breakfast and you all head out to the bridge" answered Shade "Which might be a good thing as this Gato might try something against Tazuna's family soon to get him to stop working on the bridge"
"Naruto has had some clones keep an eye on them just in case that happens since we got here, but yes you're correct on that line of thinking" said Kakashi "Though fighting Zabuza and his partner will be a lot harder until he joins us"
"Don't worry about it to much, in fox form Naruto should arrive within minutes after he wakes up" assured Shade "But he most likely isn't going to do that with that pink bimbo around"
"I agree with you on that one" agreed Kakashi "I'm just not sure what to do with her"
"Send her to someone who'll either fix her behavior, or stop being a ninja completely" suggested Shade "Like that crazy snake lady"
"As much as I'd like to" said Kakashi as he hung his head "Her mother would make things incredibly hard for us if we tried that"
(Line Break)
The next mourning Sasuke woke up to the sight of the kitsune he saw before sleeping atop Naruto who looked a lot better emotionally than the night before. Sasuke also noticed that the kitsune had shrunk down to the size of a normal fox, as not to crush Naruto under his weight
"Did you bring Naruto in last night?" asked Sasuke
"Yes, poor kit nearly lost control over himself and completely exhausted himself out letting all his anger out" replied Shade, turning his head to face Sasuke who noted the bright green eyes staring at him "So I brought him back when I found him passed out"
"Why help Naruto so much?" asked Sasuke in confusion
"Lets just say I met him not that long ago" answered Shade "If you want to know more, ask Naruto as it's his tale to tell"
"You going to follow us back to the village? Because a lot of people there don't like your kind" asked Sasuke
"If you're referring to the Kyuubi attack, then they'll just have to deal with it" said Shade "Plus I can hide my extra tail and pass as a normal fox"
"Well just try to not scare Saskura, I really don't want to hear her scream this early in the morning" begged Sasuke
"Don't plan to" replied Shade before going back to sleep
"Ah good you're awake" greeted Kakashi as Sasuke came down the stairs
"I noticed Naruto's back" replied Sasuke "Looks a lot better than when he ran off"
"Yes, I'm glad that's the case" said Kakashi "But it's going to take a little bit longer for him to rouse from his slumber"
"Lazy bones" coughed Sakura while she ate
The others gave her a hard glare for it
"Anyway from my calculations Zabuza should come back today" said Kakashi "So check your weapons and be ready for a fight"
"Shouldn't we wait for Naruto?" asked Sasuke
"Why?" asked Sakura who then said dreamily "You're ten times better than he is"
"Right, I'm the one who went toe to toe with Zabuza in a sword fight and lived to tell about it" said Sasuke sarcastically
"Precisely" said Sakura as in her head that's what happened
Everyone face-palmed from how disillusioned Sakura was about things
(Line Break)
Sometime after the others left with Tazuna to finish go to the bridge to try to finish it, and most likely face Zabuza again. Naruto woke up to find Shade sleeping on his chest, back in his room at Tazuna's house
"Ugh... my throat feels so dry" moaned Naruto as he began to sit up, waking Shade in the process
"Happens when you use the Tailed Beast Bomb before you're meant to" said Shade "But it was the only thing Lord Kumara could think of that would drain you enough to pass out and lose the anger that almost consumed you"
"Tailed Beast Bomb? What is that?" asked Naruto
"It's a biju's most powerful attack, your father based his iconic attack after seeing it" answered Kumara as he manifested himself "Those who are made to contain us can learn how to use it as well, but with some rather bad drawbacks"
"But since I'm part kitsune, that doesn't apply to me?" asked Naruto
"Correct" answered Kumara "But don't go using it all the time, you're still not developed enough to use it yet"
"How many tails would I need before I'm ready to use it?" asked Naruto
"Eight" answered Kumara "You would need eight tails before you can use it without passing out immediately afterwords, how many you'll be able to do without draining yourself to much. I don't know"
"Ok, Tailed Beast Ball don't use unless absolutely necessary" noted Naruto
"Or have allies nearby who can cover you while you recover, the more tails the less time it'll take" said Kumara "And the more powerful they'll be"
"Is there a way to use it before I gain eight tails?" asked Naruto "Like practice, or something?"
"True, that would work" conceded Kumara "But where would you go to master it?"
"Good point" grumbled Naruto "Anyway I take it Kakashi already left for the bridge?"
"Yes they left not that long ago" answered Shade
"Good" said Naruto as he stood up and filled the room with Shadow Clones "You all are to head to Gato's lair and pick it clean of anything of value
"Got it boss" said all the clones before jumping out the window single file
"Now lets see what's for breakfast" said Naruto, right before hearing the front door being broken down
The window was on the other side of the building than the front, so the two thugs didn't see Naruto's clones leave
Naruto quickly ran down the stairs to see Inari try to save his mom from two wannabe swordsmen. One of which went to strike Inari down, but before that could happen Naruto appeared behind the two men and stabbed them both with their own swords
"Such wonderful craftsmanship gone to waste on such foul men" said Naruto with distaste
"Naruto!" cried Inari glade he and his mother were saved
"Inari you're the man of the house, so take care of your mother" said Naruto as he tossed one of the swords at him, which Inari managed to catch awed to be given such a fine weapon and nodded to Naruto
"Now to go help my team" said Naruto as he ran off to join them
(Line Break)
Team 7 and Tazuna arrived at the bridge to find all the workers on the ground knocked out and a thick mist covering the end of the bridge
"Looks like Zabuza is indeed alive" noted Kakashi
"Meheheheh" laughed Zabuza as he emerged from within the mist "Indeed I am, now hand over the old man and I'll let you live"
"Not a chance" replied Kakashi
"Good, I like it better that way" said Zabuza with a good amount of bloodlust and made a batch of water clones to surround the group
"Sasuke do it" snapped Kakashi
Sasuke quickly took out all the clones in one swift motion and a smirk on his face
"Looks like you have some competition Haku" noted Zabuza
"Indeed" agreed Haku as he also emerged from the mist
"I knew you were working with him" said Kakashi
"I will do anything to protect Zabuza" said Haku with an incredible amount of conviction
"My student against yours?" asked Zabuza with a grin "Of course we aren't going to stay out of the fun"
"Sakura stay back and protect Tazuna" ordered Kakashi
"Hai!" called Sakura who moved to keep Tazuna safe
"Gee, I feel real safe now" said Tazuna sarcastically as he didn't feel any safer with Sakura guarding him
Sasuke and Haku quickly engaged, senbon against kunai at the same time Kakashi and Zabuza did with kunai against zabanto?
"Where's the last one?" asked Zabuza "I know he'd be here if he could"
"Passed out last night after learning a new move to blow off some pent up anger" was all Kakashi said
Zabuza paused for a moment as he and Haku saw that attack and were very much afraid of being on the receiving end of it "That was him!?"
"Yep Naruto is the most unpredictable ninja from the Village Hidden in the Leaves in a long time" said Kakashi with pride "And with how fast he recovers, he'll be here soon"
"Then I better end this before then" said Zabuza as he made the mist even thicker
The rest of the fight goes on same as in cannon. Now to Sasuke and Haku's fight
"I see we're similarly matched" noted Haku as both him and Sasuke were blade-locked "But I have one advantage"
"Oh yeah, what would that be?" asked Sasuke not believing him
"This" was Haku's reply as he began doing on handed seals
'Incredible' noted Kakashi when he saw that 'Naruto is the only other person I know who can do that, that must mean Haku is rather skilled himself
"Thousand Flying Water Needles of Death" said Haku when he finished the handseals causing a large amount of needles made of water to form a few feet off the ground before streaking towards Sasuke who barely managed to jump over the attack and launch a Great Fireball at Haku who jumped back out of the way
"Looks like we are even" said Sasuke who liked having a challenge for once
"But for how long?" asked Haku as he began another string of handseals "Crystal Ice Mirrors!"
Suddenly the air became bitter cold and thirteen mirrors made of ice formed around Sasuke, trapping him inside
"Now lets see who's faster" said Haku as he merged into one of the mirrors and began moving at high speeds throwing a volley of senbon needles at Sasuke with each pass
"Heheh, your student is done for" said Zabuza "Once Haku uses that jutsu, no one can escape, not even me"
"Don't count Sasuke out just yet, he has his own hidden trick up his sleeve" replied Kakashi
After a large number of attacks and Sasuke finding out that his fire isn't going to do anything against the ice, he focused on trying to avoid getting hit. Sakura also tried to help by throwing a kunai to him, but Haku caught it and tossed it over the side of the bridge when he noticed how poor quality it was
"Honestly, how is it she's a ninja?" asked Haku "That kunai was just insulting with how bad it was"
"Her gold digger of a mother is on the Civilian Counsel" replied Sasuke with a painful sigh
Zabuza and Haku both got a look of stunned confusion for a few moments before continuing their attacks
Just then a large ball of blue fire crashed into one of the mirrors, shattering it instantly and a gray blur landed inside the dome of mirrors, while a black one landed next to Tazuna and Sakura
Of course the two blurs were Naruto and Shade who had finally arrived
"Eeep!" yelled Sakura in fear when Shade landed next to her in a defensive posistion
"Now I feel safe" said Tazuna
"Hey Sasuke how you holding up?" asked Naruto with concern
"Could be better, but I wish you stayed outside so we could attack on two fronts" replied Sasuke painfully as the mirror Naruto destroyed reformed
"Oops, didn't think about that when I jumped in" apologized Naruto sheepishly
"Looks like the blond brat is here" said Zabuza when he noticed Naruto's arrival 'What kind of fire was that though, it completely destroyed Haku's ice'
"The tide has turned Zabuza" said Kakashi
"He changes nothing!" yelled Zabuza as the two went back to their fight
"So we're fighting a Yuki huh" noted Naruto who activated his Sharingan and hid it with a genjutsu
"What do you mean by that?" asked Sasuke
"I read that the Yuki clan had a kekkei genkai that allowed them to create ice by combining water and wind" answered Naruto
"I see..." said Sasuke
"You're well informed" noted Haku before launching another volley of senbon
"I like to read just about anything I can get my hands on" said Naruto as he easily avoided getting hit
"Gotta move faster" said Sasuke to himself as Haku kept up his barrage of senbon, and just like that Sasuke started seeing things move slower and was began being able to keep track of Haku and avoid getting hit more
"Hey Sasuke look!" said Naruto when he saw Sasuke's eyes had changed into the Sharingan
"What?" asked Sasuke as he turned to look at Naruto, noticing the genjutsu over his eyes and that he had finally gained the Sharingan from his reflection in the mirror behind Naruto
When Sasuke removed the genjutsu for himself, he was shocked to see that Naruto had what appeared to be the Sharingan as well, but looked different in both the color, the tomes and the number of them in each eye. Three to be exact
Naruto noticed that Sasuke had removed the genjutsu's effect on him and saw his eyes go wide when he saw his own, but ignored it to say "Time to end this, Kitsune Style: Foxfire Storm Jutsu!" summoning up a wild vortex of blue fire that completely obliterated the Crystal Ice Mirrors and sent Haku flying back a good ten feet
"I want an explanation after this" said Sasuke
"Fine, but not around Sakura" replied Naruto "She's way to much of a blabber mouth for what I have to say"
"Fair enough for me" agreed Sasuke who agreed with Naruto's sentiments about Sakura's inability to keep a secrete
Naruto walked over to Haku who was slightly burnt from the attack he just used and asked "Feeling alright?"
"*Cough* Not really" replied Haku who while not burned horribly, was almost out of chakra
"Now what shall you do?" asked Naruto "You've been beaten"
"I serve no use to Zabuza" replied Haku painfully and shamefully "Kill me Naruto Uzumaki, I have nothing left to live for"
"Are you crazy?" demanded Naruto "Just because you've lost, doesn't mean you are of no use anymore"
It was at this time the sound of a large number of chirping birds was heard coming from where Kakashi and Zabuza were. And what they saw was Zabuza being restrained by Kakashi's nin dogs and Kakashi holding what appeared to be lightning in his hand
"I told you I saw your death" said Kakashi as he tensed up "Now die! Chidori!"
Kakashi began running at high speeds with his electrified hand forward for a jab
"It appears I have one use left" said Haku as he created two ice mirrors and moved to take the hit for Zabuza, however Naruto moved just as fast and shoved Haku out of the way just as Kakashi reached them. Taking a full Chidori to the chest, which caused his Sharingan to change into its final stage, the Mangekyo Sharingan, with the design becoming that of what appeared to be nine foxlike tails spiraling out from his pupil
"N-N-Naruto!?" exclaimed Kakashi in alarm, having flashbacks to Rin's death at his hand
"Gah! Dang it that hurt!" cried Naruto in pain as he removed Kakashi's hand "I'm lucky that hit my left lung and not my heart, or that would have killed me in one shot"
Kakashi saw the wound slowly heal, though Naruto was having trouble breathing due to his punctured lung
"Hey Zabuza, just what is Haku to you anyway?" demanded Naruto as he turned his head to face the stunned man "He almost died for you. And you better damn not lie to me, or I'll kill you here and now"
Suddenly slow clapping was heard at the foot of the bridge. When everyone looked they saw a midget of a man in a cheep tux surrounded by a large number of thugs
"So much for the Demon of the Mist" mocked Gato "More like a baby demon"
"What's the meaning of this?" demanded Zabuza
"Paying for ninjas from the villages is so expensive, and they don't like it when I kill their ninjas. Nasty business that, now missing nin on the other hand, no one cares if I off them once they've served their purpose" said Gato
"So you hire out a large number of thugs to take care of ninjas who are worn out after their done battling" said Kakashi "You sicken me"
"Hey kid, toss me a knife" said Zabuza
"I'll do you one better" said Naruto who tossed over Fox Wind with it activated for him
Zabuza grabbed the hilt with his teeth, as his arms were rendered useless thanks to Kakashi, and charged the group of thugs cutting down any who got in his way to Gato
"Stop him!" cried Gato as he tried to run away, only to be stopped by a Shadow Clone of Naruto's who had a lot of scrolls tied to his back
"Just where do you think you're going?" asked the clone as Zabuza got closer and closer. As well as taking more and more fatal injures to the back
"Now lets see who the real demon is" joked Zabuza "When we go to hell!" who then proceeded to slice Gato's head clean off
Zabuza then collapsed to the ground from his wounds
"Hey you killed our meal ticket!" cried one of the thugs in anger
"Leave now if you want to live" threatened Naruto as he summoned more Foxfire around him
A good deal of the thugs fled in terror, but the rest of the idiots stood their ground. Only to be turned to ash when Naruto used his Kitsune Style: Foxfire Vortex on them
"Bring me to Haku please" asked Zabuza as he was dying
"Zabuza, why?" begged Haku who was crying his eyes out "What am I to do now?"
"Haku, listen to me" said Zabuza "While it was true I once only saw you as nothing but a tool, I've come to see you as my own son"
"Zabuza" cried Haku
"Haku, follow your own path from now on" said Zabuza "I don't mean to completely forget my dream of a better Mist Village, but find your own way to make it happen. Also go with them to the Hidden Leaf Village, they'll be able to help, and they respect bloodlines, unlike Mist"
"Alright Zabuza" replied Haku
"Also, I know you aren't a swordsman, so I want you with Naruto's help finding the one to inherit my blade as I don't want someone unworthy to get their hands on it, or any Mist ninjas until the village stops their vile ways" said Zabuza
"I will honor your request Zabuza" said Haku
"Thank you son" said Zabuza as he closed his eyes and died with a smile on his face
Inari and the rest of the villagers arrived soon after to see Gato dead and a lot of ash on the bridge as well as the ninjas standing over the body of Zabuza
"What happened here?" asked one of the villagers
"Who cares? Gato's dead!" cried another villager
(Line Break)
The people of Wave soon celebrated the end of Gato's rein of terror with joy and cheer that hasn't been seen since the man came to Wave. During that time Team 7 and Haku cremated Zabuza's body with Haku being given a urn to hold his ashes
"With Gato dead we'll be able to finish the bridge with ease" said Tazuna that night "And with the Gato's wealth you have given us we'll be able to rebuild our land much easier"
"All in the days work for a ninja" said Naruto
"Yes, and I'm sure the remaining assets you kept from Gato will cover the cost of the mission?" replied Tazuna
"That's correct" said Kakashi "As well as the cost of us helping you finish the bridge"
"What?! But I can't do heavy work!" cried Sakura who didn't like the idea of heavy lifting
"Sakura, I'd never make you work on the bridge" said Kakashi "But you can bring drinks and snacks while we work. And no focusing on Sasuke, or you will regret it"
(Line Break)
Once the celebrations ended everyone helped finish the bridge in anyway they could. Naruto also had Shadow Clones keep an eye out, just in case. The bridge was finished within the week and Team 7 along with Haku were ready to head back to Konoha
"Thank you for everything you've done for us" thanked Tazuna "You are all welcome back anytime"
"Do you really have to go?" asked Inari with tears in his eyes
"I'm afraid so Inari" replied Naruto as he adjusted the straps to the katana that Inari took to wearing on his back
"Actually, if it isn't to much to ask" started Tsunami "If Inari wants, he can go with you to learn to be a ninja"
"Really?" asked Inari with big eyes
"If you want to become a ninja" said Naruto "You must understand that it's a hard life, full of hard sacrifices you will not want to make"
"But it can also be very rewarding" added Kakashi "Especially with good friends who have your back no matter what"
"So Inari, are you willing to leave behind your simple life and join the ranks of Konoha's ninjas?" asked Naruto seriously "Once you make your choice, it's not something you can easily walk away from"
Inari thought about it for a few moments, but then decided "I'll come with you and learn the ways of the shinobi and take life by both arms"
"That's good to hear" replied Naruto happily
"Lord Hokage is going to gripe about this, I know it" sighed Kakashi from the side
Back in the village Hiruzen suddenly got shivers up his spine
"Why do I get the feeling that even more paperwork is on the way?" pondered Hiruzen with a shudder
Inari gave his mother and grandfather hugs and left with Team 7 and Haku to Konoha
"Well all that is left is to name the bridge" said one of the villagers
"How about the Great Naruto Bridge, in honor of the one who restored our land's hope and dreams" said Tazune "And also brought our beloved Inari back from his darkness"
Everyone agreed with the name and soon a plaque was made and placed on the two ends of the bridge
(Line Break)
As the group made their way back Naruto told Inari about Konohamaru, the grandson of Hiruzen Saratobi also known as the Third Hokage and the leader of the village, who was his age and thought that they'd get along rather well as
"I should also tell you that Konohamaru and his two friends come to me all the time for advise on their studies" said Naruto
"I'm not looking forward to the academy, but I hope I get your old teacher" said Inari
"The academy is great for making friends and possibly rivals" said Naruto
"Do you have any friends?" asked Haku
"Sure, they're on other teams so we don't see each other as often as we like, but we're still friends" answered Naruto "I'm sure you'll love them"
"It'll be nice to have some friends and a stable roof over my head" said Haku
"Hey Naruto?" asked Sasuke
"Yeah Sasuke?" replied Naruto who came over to him
"Any idea on Inari's potential?" asked Sasuke
"Not sure right now" answered Naruto "I find out when we get home"
"Alright" replied Sasuke
It took the group a little less time than it took to get to Wave as they were able to move slightly faster as Inari was slightly faster than normal civilian children his age, though ninja children would still be faster than him
"Hey Haku, I've been meaning to ask" said Sakura "Are you a boy, or a girl. It's hard to tell"
"I'm a boy" answered Haku "I only really dressed the way I did as to confuse those after me and Zabuza. I plan on changing my look after I settle in"
When the group arrived both Haku and Inari were awe struck by how large the walls were to the village, as well as the gate they were headed to
"Names please" asked one of the guards
"Kakashi Hatake, leader of Team 7 which consists of Sakura Haruno, Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki. We also have two others with us who wish to join us" answered Kakahsi
"Alright, then head to the Hokage to inform him of this" said one of the guards who sent a quick distasteful look at Naruto
(Line Break)
The group quickly made their way to the Hokage's Tower and Hiruzen's office and knocked on the door
"Come in" called Hiruzen
When the group entered Hiruzen was surprised to see someone slightly older than Naruto with clear ninja training and a boy the same age as his own grandson walking around with a sword strapped to his back
"I'm sure there's an explanation for this" said Hiruzen with a sigh
And boy was it one as the members of Team 7 gave Hiruzen their individual reports one on one, as to not be influenced by their peers. Then he questioned Haku and Inari on what happened as well
"Well as the leader of this village I welcome you" said Hiruzen "Now until I sort out your living arrangements you two will be staying with me at my home"
"So I get to met Konohamaru?" asked Inari "Naruto said we'd get along"
"Yes I'm sure" replied an amused Hiruzen "Now take the rest of the week off to recover, you've had quite the experience I must say"
"Thank you Lord Hokage" said Kakashi with a bow before leaving via Shushin
"See you latter Jiji" called Naruto who jumped out the open window and ran across the rooftops home
"It was a pleasure sir" bowed Sasuke who walked off, with Sakura tailing behind him trying to get a date with him
"That girl is more trouble than she's worth" mumbled Hiruzen "If only her mother wasn't on the counsel"
"Hey uh, what do we do?" asked Inari
"Follow me and I'll show you my place until I find somewhere for you to live" answered Hiruzen
"What about where Naruto lives?" asked Haku "I heard he lives in a apartment complex on the way here"
"Ah yes, the Uzumaki Apartments" said Hiruzen "Naruto actually owns the place, and I'm sure he'd be more than happy for you two to live there"
"Wow he owns his own place" said Inari in awe
"It is indeed, in fact he even took control over Gato's shipping business and while gave most of it to the village. Kept a small portion of it to sell his own products further abroad as well bring in more materials to make those products" said Hiruzen "As well as having a easier way to cross the ocean if he ever needs to"
"Coooool!" said Inari still in awe
Note: And that's a wrap. Man what a long chapter this was
