(A/N: Here's chapter nine. This is when the Wave Arc starts. Sorry for taking so long. Enjoy!)


Journey to the Wave Country

"What are your positions?"

"I'm at point A."

"Point B confirmed."

"Point C here."

"Point D affirmative."

"The target has moved! Follow it!"

Four genins leapt at the runaway creature. It turned out to be a brown cat with a red ribbon on its right ear. Naruto, the one who caught it, held it tightly. However, in return, cat proceeded to scratch his face furiously.

Sakura looked pleased to have completed the mission, while Kira looked at Naruto worriedly as he was being pummeled by the angry cat. Sasuke was contacting Kakashi on their completed mission.

"CAN'T WE GET A BETTER MISSION THAN THIS?! I HATE CATS!" Naruto's voice boomed into radio, nearly blowing Kakashi's ears off.


Team Seven returned the cat, Tora, to its rightful owner, the daimyo's wife, who was waiting for them at the Hokage's Tower. She was a chubby woman wearing expensive clothing and jewelry. She was practically smothering the poor kitty.

"Ha! That cat deserves to get squashed!" Naruto said, greatly satisfied.

"No wonder he ran away," Sakura commented.

"That poor cat," Kira spoke up, feeling sorry for it.

"Now then," the Hokage began speaking, getting the team's attention. "For Squad Seven's next mission… We have several you can choose from. Babysit the chief counselor's three year old, help his wife do shopping, digging up a potatoes-"

"No!" He was interrupted by Naruto's outburst. "I want to go on a real mission! Something awesome and adventurous, not these little trivial chores! C'mon, old man!"

It was true. All Team Seven did for the past week or so was D-rank missions. From gardening to picking up litter in the river. From shopping for clients to filling in for workers when they were out sick. It was getting tiring and boring.

"He's got a point," Sasuke thought.

"Yeah, these missions are getting pretty boring," Kira thought with a yawn.

"He's such a pain," Sakura thought, annoyed and her eye twitching.

"I knew he was going to do this eventually," Kakashi thought with a sigh, while rubbing the back of his hand.

"How dare you!" Iruka shouted. "You're just a brand new genin with no experience! Like everyone else, you start off with simple mission to develop and prove yourself as ninjas!"

"Are you serious? These missions are nothing but-" Naruto was knocked over by Kakashi bonking him on the head.

"Will you be quiet?" Kakashi said, almost tiredly.

"Naruto," the Third Hokage spoke up. "It seems you don't understand the tasks you have been given. Listen… Many different kinds of requests come to our village everyday. From babysitting to assassination. These requests are analyzed and arranged from A, B, C, or D, depending on their difficulty. We ninjas, are also ranked by ability. Hokage at the top, then jonin, chunin, and genin at the bottom. We carefully select the ninjas who has the appropriate skill level and experience for each task. And if the mission is successful, we receive a fee that supports our village and our work."

The daimyo's wife handed over a wad of money while the Hokage lectured Naruto.

"Since you are just rookies, fresh out of the Academy, you are giving D-rank missions."

Sarutobi came to the realization that no one was listening to him. Team Seven seemed to find Naruto's idea for dinner more amusing than his lecture.

"So, I had this tonkotsu ramen yesterday, and I'm thinking miso ramen today," Naruto said.

"Silence!"

"Oh, sorry," Kakashi said, sheepishly.

"You always lecture me like you're my grandfather or something. But I'm not the same little kid that used to pull pranks. I'm a ninja, and I want a ninja mission," Naruto huffed.

"I'm going to be lectured about this later," the silver haired jonin thought.

"Naruto wants us to know he's not a brat," the Hokage thought, chuckling a bit. "He's a former brat, and he wants an official mission."

"So be it."

Everyone perked up at the Hokage's remark. Did Naruto say something right for once?

"Since you are so determined, I'm going to give you a C-rank mission. You'll be bodyguards on a journey."

"Really? Yay! Who are we protecting? A feudal lord? A princess? Who?" The orange clad ninja was eagerly excited.

"Don't be so hasty. I'll bring him in now. Send in our visitor!" Everyone turned their attention towards the door.

"What the…? A bunch of snot nosed kids?"

In came in a drunken middle age bespectacled man. He was wearing a tunic-like shirt and pants. There was a hazy, unfocused look in his eyes, probably from drinking too much. "And you, the short one with the moronic features, do you really expect me believe you're a ninja?"

Naruto laughed. "Who's the short one with the moronic features?"

Kira, Sakura, and Sasuke turned their eyes on him, and stepped closer. By comparison, Sasuke was the tallest, followed by Kira, then Sakura, and then Naruto was the shortest.

"I'll demolish you!" Naruto declared angrily, realizing he was the one the cilent insulted, only to be held back by Kakashi.

"You can't demolish the client," Kakashi reprimanded him.

"I am Tazuna, a master bridge builder, and I'm returning to my country. I'm building a bridge there that will change our world, and expect you to get me there in one piece and protect me until it's finished…even if it meant giving up your life."

While the team was discussing the mission, Kira took notice of a katana hanging on the wall by the far right of the room. Intrigued by it, she stepped closer to it until she came face to face with it. The sword had a reddish-blue flame design to it with a red hilt. She noticed there was some seals on it.

"Lord Hokage," Kira called out, grabbing everyone's attention. "What this sword? Why is it sealed?"

"I don't know," he answered, truthfully. "It mysteriously appeared here appeared here quite some time ago. We haven't even been able to remove the seal."

"What sword? What are you talking about, Kira?" Naruto asked, coming up to her. "Whoa, that sword looks pretty cool."

Kira had an unknown feeling stir in her. Like a mysterious force was drawing her to the sword. It was like everyone fiber of her being was screaming at her to take, yet she didn't know or understand why.

Unconsciously, she placed a delicate hand on the hilt.

"Kira, what are you doing?" Kakashi shouted as he and the rest of the team. "Put that down!"

It was too late, unfortunately.

The katana reacted to Kira's touch, and a massive amount of energy was released. The seals on it burned away into ashes. There was a shining light, blinding everyone in the room.

In moments, it died down.

"What was that?" Sakura asked, shocked.

"Hanshahikari."

"Huh?"

"Hanshahikari," Kira repeated. "That's the name of the sword."

"How do you know that?" Kakashi wondered.

"I don't know. I just…knew somehow," the black haired kunoichi shrugged. "Lord Hokage? Can I keep it?" she asked with hopeful eyes.

The old man thought long and hard on this, eyeing both the girl and the sword.

"Okay," he finally said. "Since you've managed to remove the seal somehow, however, I expect you to tell me anything you discover from that weapon."

"Yes, sir!"


Team Seven gathered outside of Konoha's gates.

"Yeah! Alright!" Naruto cheered, raising his arms up high.

"What are you so excited about, Naruto?" Sakura asked.

"This is the first time I've ever left the village. I'm a traveler now. Believe it," the orange clad ninja answered enthusiastically.

"Am I supposed to entrust my life to this pipsqueak? He's a joke," Tazuna stated rudely.

This caused Naruto's grin to turn upside down.

"Don't worry. I, a jonin, will also be accompanying you, so it's fine," Kakashi said reassuringly.

"I'm kind of excited to be out of the village, too," Kira piped up.

"Why?" the pinklette asked curiously. "I don't see what the big deal is."

"C'mon, haven't you ever wondered what's outside the village? There's a world out there waiting to meet our eyes," Kira said, munching on a bag of chocolate chip cookies.

"Well, you do have a point, I suppose."

"This pipsqueak. He's a joke."

Tazuna's earlier insult kept buzzing in Naruto's head. "Why do we have to guard this old geezer?" he thought, fuming, eyebrows twitching. "I'll show him right now."

"Hey!" He jabbed his finger at Tazuna. "Never insult a ninja. It's a big mistake. And I'm one of the greatest ninjas ever! Someday, I'll be Hokage, and you'll respect me! I'm Naruto Uzumaki! Remember it!"

Tazuna calmly drank his sake. "Hokage, huh? Isn't the Hokage the leader of the village? They are powerful and wise. You are puny and braindead. The day you become Hokage is when pigs start flying."

"Shut up! I'm willing to do anything to become Hokage, no matter what it takes! Then everyone will have to admit that I'm the top ninja, including you!"

"Ha! You can be Hokage a hundred times, but to me you'll still be a loser."

"I think that's enough, Mr. Tazuna," Kira said, softly. "You too, Naruto. Try to be a little nicer to each other." They both huffed in annoyance.

"Fine, but let me teach this guy a lesson."

"Naruto," Kira said in a sickly sweet voice, and with a haunting glare. Ghostly blue flames surrounded her. "I told you to stop picking a fight, didn't I?"

A shiver went up Naruto's spine. "Y-yeah, of course. S-sorry, Kira," he said, fearfully.

"Wow, Kira can be scary sometimes, right, Sasuke?" Sakura said, shivering a bit.

"Hn." was the response she received from the Uchiha.


Team Seven and Tazuna trekked through the roadside of the forest.

"Hey, Mr. Tazuna," Sakura said. "Your country is the Land of Waves, right?"

"Yeah, what of it?" Tazuna responded, grouchily.

"Kakashi-sensei, there are ninjas in that country, aren't there?"

The masked jonin turned his attention on her. "No. There are no ninjas in the Land of Waves," Kakashi replied. "But in other countries, there are Hidden Villages, each with their own custom and cultures where ninjas reside. To the people of this continent, having shinobi villages means strength. Military strength. In other words, that's how they protect themselves and maintain a balance of power with other countries. The ninja villages are not controlled by any government. They're independent and have equal status. Now, a small island, like the Land of Waves, having natural protection from the sea, so there's no need for a ninja village. The ancient five shinobi lands that possess shinobi villages are the Land of Fire, the Land of Water, the Land of Lightning, the Land of Wind, and the Land of Earth. They each occupy vast territories. Together, they are widely known as the Five Great Shinobi Nations. The Land of Fire has the Hidden Leaf Village. The Hidden Mist Village resides in the Land of Water. The Hidden Cloud Village occupies in the Land of Lightning. The Land of Wind inhabits the Hidden Sand Village. And finally, the Hidden Stone Village settles in the Land of Earth. Only the leaders of these Hidden Villages are permitted the name 'Kage', which means shadow. Hokage… Mizukage… Raikage… Kazekage… Tsuchikage… These are the five great shinobis that rein over millions of ninjas."

"Huh?! That must mean that Lord Hokage is really important!" Sakura said with admiration.

"Is that geezer really such a big deal? I'm not buying it," Inner Sakura stated doubtfully.

"I got him with my Sexy Jutsu," Naruto thought, also doubting the Hokage's abilities. "He can't be that great. Believe it."

"Hey! You all just doubted Lord Hokage, didn't you?" Kakashi's accusation caused Naruto and Sakura to freeze in their tracks. "That's what you were thinking."

Both genins shook their heads nervously.

Kakashi placed his hand upon Sakura's head, reassuringly. "Well, there are no ninja battles in a C-ranked mission, so you can relax."

"So, we're not going to run into any foreign enemy ninja or anything like that," Sakura beamed.

"Not likely," the jonin chuckled.

Unbeknownst to them, Tazuna's face darkened a little.


The group of ninjas and their client have been walking for about half an hour now.

They crossed over a sturdy bridge, where a rushing river laid underneath it. While they were walking, Kira noticed a random puddle in the middle of nowhere.

She went up to her sensei. "Kakashi-sensei, did you see the water on the ground?" she asked in a whisper.

"Yeah," he whispered back. "Just ignore it. You know what they say. Ignorance is bliss."

Knowing the meaning of his words, the black haired kunoichi nodded in an affirmative manner and jogged up to the other genins.

Two ninjas dressed in cloaks with gas masks covering their faces emerged from the puddle. They quickly used razor-sharp, metal chains from their gauntlets to tie up Kakashi, effectively immobilizing him.

This caught the others by surprise.

Naruto and Sakura was horrified to their sensei hacked into pieces while Kira and Sasuke looked on calmly, and Tazuna was stupefied.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto shouted.

"Now, it's your turn," one of the enemy ninja spoke in a malicious manner.

The chain was raised high above Naruto's head.

Sasuke, acting quickly, leaped high in the air. He took out a kunai and a shuriken from his holster. He threw the shuriken at the chain, making it collide with a tree trunk. He then hurled the kunai in the hole of the shuriken, successfully securing and holding the chain firmly in place.

The Uchiha landed on both of their gauntlets. With his hands holding his positions in place, he kicked his legs back, kicking the ninjas in the face.

They both grunted in pain. They released the chains, and one dashed after Naruto and the other, Sakura, who was guarding Tazuna.

Sasuke appeared in front of them with arms open wide, ready to protect them.

"Naruto! Get down!" Kira's warning snapped the blonde ninja out of his frozen state. He quickly ducked his head as she delivered a roundhouse kick towards the enemy, striking him in the face, but getting scratch by his metal claws in the process.

He skidded back, only to be met with Kakashi's forearm to the neck. "Hi," Kakashi said, casually.

"Kakashi-sensei! He's alive," Sakura thought, happily.

"It's about time," Kira thought, slightly annoyed.

"Hmph, show off," Sasuke inwardly thought, unimpressed.

"Huh? But he was…" Naruto turned to where he thought Kakashi had fallen, only to be met with pieces of wood instead of the red ooze of blood. "Kakashi-sensei used the Substitution Jutsu."

"Naruto, sorry I didn't help you right away," Kakashi said. "It didn't occur to me that you might freeze up the way you did. Nice work, Sasuke and Sakura. Excellent job. Kira, while that kick was quite impressive, make sure you take into consideration the direction of the opponent's attack next time…that way you wouldn't get injured needlessly trying to help a comrade."

"Yes, Kakashi-sensei. My bad…," Kira said, sheepishly.

"I was useless," Naruto thought, deadpanned. "And Sasuke was so cool. Like he has done this a thousand times. Didn't he feel scared at all? He looks so calm… Not a scratch on him… He had to come up, and save me." He glanced toward the black haired female. "And Kira had to help me, too, and got hurt doing it." His oceanic blue eyes took a glance at the slight cut on the kunoichi's right leg near the ankle with blood starting to trail from it. "Ugh! Why was I so useless?"

"Hey!"

Naruto turned his attention on Sasuke once again.

"You're not hurt are you? Scaredy-cat," Sasuke said, mockingly. Sasuke's taunting got Naruto riled up.

"Sasuke!"

"Naruto, that's enough. Stop fighting," Kira spoke up, breaking up the oncoming fight between the two. "And Sasuke… That was out of line. You shouldn't mock Naruto like that."

"Hn." Both Naruto and Sasuke turned away from each other in a huff.

"Kira, I recommend you don't move. These ninjas have poison in their claws," Kakashi warned her. "We need to treat your injury as quickly as possible before it spreads."

Kira nodded her head in understanding.

"By the way, Tazuna…" The masked ninja tilted his head towards the bridge builder.

"Yeah, what?" Tazuna said with a slight hint of trepidation.

"…We need to talk."


Kakashi tied up both his captives with a rope, and place them against a tree. It took five minutes to do this.

"They are Chunin from the Village Hidden in the Mist," Kakashi said, sounding quite knowledgeable. "They're specialty is relentless attacks. They keep fighting, no matter the cost."

"How did you know about our ambush?" one Mist ninja spoke with controlled anger.

"A puddle…on a clear day…when it hasn't rain in weeks," he replied.

"Yeah, especially since it's been sunny for the past two weeks," Kira added.

"In that case, why did you let the genin do the fighting?" Tazuna asked.

"I could have taken them out quickly, but by doing so I will have not gained any information."

"Information?"

"Yes. Was it simply ninja attacking ninja, or was their target you, Tazuna, the master bridge builder?"

Droplets of sweat started to appear on the nervous, middle aged man's face.

"When you put in your request, you asked for standard protection from gangs, robbers, and such. You never said anything about being targeted by ninjas as well. If we knew this, it will be a B-rank mission or higher. Our task was to simply to get you to your destination, and protect you while you finish building your bridge. If we had known we would get attack by enemy ninjas, we would have staffed differently and charged for the cost of a B-rank mission. Apparently, you have your reasons, but lying to us to is not acceptable! We are now beyond the scope of this mission."

"We are genin. This is too advance for our level of training," Sakura said, apprehensively. "We should retire from this mission, and head back to the village. And I really think we should treat Kira's wound, and get the poison out as soon as possible."

"Oh, that's already taking care of, Sakura," Kira chirped. "I'm all better."

Everyone turned to her in half-surprise. They looked at her ankle to see it was indeed wrapped up in bandages.

"When did you…? How did you…?"

"Oh, a brought a first aid kit with me," the black haired kunoichi answered Naruto's unfinished question. "My mother always told me…be prepared for anything at any given time. You never know when something unexpected could happen."

"Hmm, a very wise woman," Kakashi commented, thoughtfully.

The group jumped when Naruto pounded the ground with his balled up fist in frustration.

"Naruto, stop! What are you doing?" Kira yelled, concerned as she witnessed the blonde ninja bleed from the abuse.

"Why am I so different? Why am I always…?" He grunted his teeth exasperation.

"Naruto! What the hell is the matter with you?" Sakura shouted.

"I worked so hard to get here. Pushing myself past my limits. Training alone for hours. Anything to get stronger…to reach my dream. I will never back down again, and let someone else rescue me. I will never run away. And I refuse to lose to Sasuke. Upon this mark, I make this pledge. Believe it. Bridge builder, I'll complete this mission, and protect you," Naruto pledged.

"Naruto, that speech was pretty cool and all, but we need to hurry in case other ninjas spring up," the mask jonin informed.

"Naruto, you have a self-abusive personality," Sakura inputted. "It's called masochism."

Kira stepped towards Sasuke. "You know, you really could be a little nicer to him."

"Hn, that dobe. Never," Sasuke replied, blankly.

Kira sighed. "Look, I know you two don't get along, but will it kill you to try? At least once?"

"Hn."

"'Hn'? That's all you can say?" Kira was getting annoyed.

"Hn."

"Jerk."

"Hey, don't call Sasuke a jerk!" Sakura shouted, trying to defend the Uchiha.

"Oh, sorry, Sakura. I didn't know I would get arrested if I insulted the great Sasuke," the black haired said, sarcasm laced with every word. "Man, you are a broken record. Instead of kissing up… How about you start getting some muscle in those skinny bones of yours. Seeing you try so desperately to get a guy to like you instead of training and advancing your skills is really pathetic."

"Why you…!" Sakura was getting fed up with the other girl telling her off. "Kira, you know as well as I do that this mission is too much. We are only genin. Accept it."

"No, you need to accept that none of us are like you. Scrawny and weak. Sakura, you could at least have the guts to face this instead of whining. Don't quit on something before you even try it. That's a coward's way. And I know that's not what you are, but I am beginning to doubt that. Sakura, prove to me that you are not a coward, and maybe I might change my opinion on you" Kira finished, fiercely, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Fine, Kira. I'll show that I can handle anything," Sakura said, determined, accepting the challenge.

"Huh. Now, since that's settled, let's get moving, shall we?" Kakashi said.


Team Seven and Tazuna were now on a boat. They were traveling through a deep mist, and the water below looked foggy.

"This fog is so thick you can't see anything?" Sakura thought.

"The bridge isn't far now," the rower spoke in a whisper. "We are almost at our destination. We should arrive at the Land of Waves very shortly."

Team Seven waited patiently for the boat to hit land. Kira was gracefully trailing her hand in the water out of boredom. They spotted a silhouette in the distance.

"Whoa! It's huge!" Naruto shouted in surprise.

"Quiet! I told you no noise," the rower whispered, harshly. "Why do you think we are traveling like this, huh? Cutting off the engine and rowing…moving through the dense fog, so they don't see us."

Naruto covered his mouth in a 'my mistake' manner.

Kira, being enticed with the water, swooped her hand in it in a flash, unknowingly causing the boat to rock a bit.

"Kira, don't do that. You're rocking the boat," Kakashi scolded.

"Oops, my bad, sensei," Kira said, sheepishly, revealing a wiggling fish in her hands. She then casually released it back in the water. She popped another cookie in her mouth.

"Tazuna." Kakashi now had his attention on the bridge builder. "Before we reach the port, I need you to answer me one thing… The men who are after you…I need to know why. If you don't tell us, I'm afraid we are going to have to end this mission once we drop you ashore."

They all stared intently at Tazuna, waiting for his answer.

"I have no choice, but to tell you. No, I want you to know the truth," Tazuna said, solemnly. "Like you said, this is beyond the original mission intel. The one who seeks my life is a very short man, who cast a very long and merciless shadow."

"A merciless shadow? Who is it?"

"You know him. At least I know you heard his name before. He's one of the wealthiest man in the world. The shipping magnate, Gato."

"Huh? Gato? Of Gato Transport? He's a business leader. Everyone knows him."

"I don't get it. Who is this 'Gato' guy?" Naruto asked, confused.

"Gato…is very powerful tycoon from a famous company. That's true." Tazuna closed his eyes. "But underneath the surface, with the same ruthless methods he used to take over businesses and nations, he's also a drug dealer. He uses gangs and ninjas." He opened his eyes slowly. "It was one year ago when Gato first set his sights on the Land of Waves. He came to our island and used his vast wealth to take total control over our transport and shipping. Anyone who dares to stand in his way simply…disappears. In an island nation…the man, who controls the sea, controls everything. Finance, government, our very lives. Although, there's one thing he's afraid of…the bridge. When it is complete, it will join us with the land, and that will shatter his control. I am the bridge builder."

"So, that's it," Sakura said, now understanding the situation. "Since you're in charge of this bridge, you're standing in this gangster's way."

"That mean, those guys we fought in the forest…they were working for Gato," Sasuke said.

Naruto looked as clueless as ever.

"I don't understand. If you knew he was dangerous…knew he would hire ninja to eliminate you, why did you conceal that from us?" Kakashi questioned.

"Because the Land of Waves is small nation full of poverty," Tazuna replied, hoarsely. "Even our nobles have little money. The common people, who are building this bridge, they can't pay for an A or B-rank mission. It's too expensive. If you end the mission once you drop me off, there'll be no bridge and no hope for our country. They will assassinate me before I reach home. But…" His voice changed into a more mock-like guilt driven tone. "…Don't feel bad about that. Of course, my sweet, little grandson will cry, cry, and CRY. And my daughter will condemn the Leaf ninjas, denouncing and blaming you for abandoning her father and living her life in sorrow and grief. Oh, well… It's not your fault. Forget about it."

Tazuna was playing the old guilt trip card on them. How dirty.

"Well, I guess we have no other choice. We'll have to keep guarding you."

"I'm very grateful." "I win," Tazuna thought, throwing up a victory sign.

Kira's face darkened. She neared Tazuna's position. "Listen here, Tazuna," she said, venomously and darkly. Her eyes sort of had this demonic glint to them. "I could care less if your family hates me or not. That guilt trip excuse will never work on me. However, I am not a big fan of liars. Lie to us again, and I will make sure you never see the light of day. Is that clear?"

"Y-yes ma'am…" The bridge builder shivered in slight fear.

"Okay!" Kira chirped up, happily, her demeanor to doing a complete one-eighty.

"Kira, don't threaten the client," Kakashi sighed.

"Aw! But sensei," she squeaked. "I just don't like the fact that he lied to us." She then proceeded to pout.

"We are approaching the shore," the rower stated. "Tazuna, we are very fortunate. No one has noticed us.

"Nice going," the bridge builder said with gratitude.


The group finally reached the port. The buildings around looked a little cheap and some, even a little rundown.

"This is as far as I go," the rower said.

"Thank you for taking such a risk," Tazuna said, gratefully.

"Just be careful."

The rower powered up the engine of the boat and drifted away.

"Okay, take me to my home, and I mean get me there intact," Tazuna ordered.

"Right," Kakashi said. "The next ninja they send won't be chunin, but a jonin. An elite ninja with deadly skills." The mask ninja sighed.


Team Seven was walking on the roadside, once again, surrounded by trees and the luscious, green forest. Sasuke picked up his pace, walking next to Naruto, causing the blonde to glare at him.

"I'm not letting Sasuke get all the glory this time. Believe it," Naruto thought, determined. He unexpectedly threw a kunai into the woods, making everyone jump.

Moments passed and there was nothing but silence, making them all anxious.

"It was just a mouse," the blonde said, casually.

"Mouse? Yeah, right. Everyone can see through your stupid act. You're so obvious it's embarrassing," Sakura said, annoyed.

"Naruto, that was reckless and idiotic," Kira scolded.

"Naruto… Those are kunai knives. They are too dangerous to throw around like that," Kakashi added.

"Hn." Sasuke turned his head away at Naruto's stupidity.

"Stop trying to scare me, you dwarf!" Tazuna boomed.

"Is someone hiding around here?" Naruto was looking around, expecting an enemy to pop out of nowhere. "Over there!" He chunked another kunai into the forest.

"That's it, Naruto!" Sakura pounded her fist into his skull.

"Why'd you do that, Sakura," the orange clad ninja whined. "Someone is following us. I mean it!"

"Yeah, right. Quit lying and acting like a dumb kid."

Kakashi went to investigate where the kunai landed, and he saw that it struck the bottom of the tree trunk…just barely missing the frightened white rabbit below it.

"Naruto, look at what you did!" the pinklette said, infuriated.

"Aw, sorry, poor rabbit." Naruto went to apologize to the bunny.

"The bunny is so cute!" Kira exclaimed, taking the bunny away from the knucklehead, and petting it softly.

"All this fuss over a rodent," Tazuna said, deadpanned.

"That's a snow rabbit," Kakashi thought, seriously. "But the color… They only have white fur during winter, when the days are short, and very little sunlight appears. This rabbit was raised indoors and away from the light, which could only be for one purpose. A Substitution Jutsu. So…they're already here."

He took a glance at the tree above the group.

"Get down!" the mask jonin shouted in warning as a giant sword came their way. Everyone quickly hit the ground. The rabbit, Kira losing her hold on it, scurried away.

The sword hit the tree with a loud 'thud' sound. A man with a dark complexion stood on top of it. He had short brown and hair, and his Mist headband was sideways. He was shirtless, had grayish pants, and wore camouflage-like brown and white arm warmers and ninja sandals. Who is this mysterious attacker?


(A/N: That's the end of chapter nine! I hope you enjoyed it! Kira is an observant, young girl, isn't she? That comes from her past. What was her past like? Just keep reading to find out. Kira is not smart…well not super smart, like Sakura and Sasuke, but she is very observant. Kira's personality is sort of mixture between a dandere and a tsundere. Don't worry, the whole sword thing will be explained later. I would also like to say one thing. This is probably in regards to Sasuke...both fans and haters of him. This my honest opinion of him. Again both canon and fanfic wise. I've got to say that I like canon Sasuke! Everytime I see an fanfic where Sasuke doesn't leave, I don't know what to think really. The fanfics are really good...amazing, I should say! But Sasuke to me...is meh. Not as excitable. I don't know. I guess, I like canon Sasuke better than the AU ones because I got thing for anti-heroism. I kind of enjoy anti-heroes better than the generic heroes. And to me...Naruto falls under the category of a generic hero. Not saying that's bad. I love Naruto! That adorable, little goofball! It just gets boring after a while is what I'm saying. Anyway, this is not about Naruto. This is about Sasuke. Everytime I see an AU where the Uchiha massacre still happens and Orochimaru still gives Sasuke the Curse Mark, and somehow he stays in Konoha...I'm thinking 'really?' with a raised, bored eyebrow. If Sakura and Naruto couldn't convince Sasuke to stay, and Naruto is practically Sasuke's 'soul brother', what makes you think your OC or SI can? This is nothing more than 'wish-fulfillment'. Yeah, I get it, it's the author's story. Let them do what they want, but I still tend to find it...a put off. But then I'm not reading those fanfics for Sasuke, I'm reading them because they are just that...good! No matter how unrealistic, even though Sasuke's not OOC, he still seems to be. It just makes me appreciate canon Sasuke more, so I should probably being thanking those 'wish-fulfillment' guys. And yes, there are times where I wanted Sasuke dead, too! I wanted him to die so bad after he killed Itachi then went all psycho! But guess that's what also makes him exciting for me! Sasuke is one of those characters I both love and hate. But really...everytime he goes 'I'm doing this my way', I can only raise a skeptical eyebrow at that. The only thing in my mind is 'really? Are you really doing things your way? Or are you deluding yourself into thinking this is your way?' I know if Sasuke was real, or if I was a member of Team Taka, and I said that to him, I will be dead. But hey, I'll say it anyway. Why when I know he's going to kill me for saying that? I don't know, I guess I'm as crazy as he is. The only thing I can say for Sasuke in his 'I'm doing things my way' rant...is that his plan for a Revolution is the only thing he did in his things that was his and his alone. For that I will give him a pat on a back. Sasuke is have finally stop being a puppet, and able to think for himself! Congrats, man! However, I can also that Sasuke is the only character that accomplished his goals. Did it fuck him over? Yes, it did, but he still completed them. This to me says that Sasuke is similar to Naruto in a way...they are both people that will keep their word till the bitter end. A trait I admire in characters, no matter how good or bad it will seem. Those are the types of people that you'll know if they promise you something, they'll keep that promise...until they die. Okay, I think that's enough ranting. However, there's one more thing I like to say in regards to my OC, Kira. Kira is NOT a SI or a 'wish-fulfillment' character. I know people think once they see an OC is either an SI, whether it's stated or not, or a 'wish-fulfillment'. Well, she's not. Definitely not! Why would I want Kira's life? I don't want to go through what any Naruto characters went through. Plus, I'll only have a seventy percent chance of even surviving, realistically speaking. Yeah, so no. That is all. Read and review! Constructive criticisms are also welcomed!)