Inu; Guardian and Sharingan Warrior!

Kakashi stands, panting as blood drips to the ground. Naruto watches with wide eyes as he remembers the man who protected and befriended him when he was younger. Zabuza growls with narrowed eyes as Sasuke and Sakura look on.

"Sakura, we have to guard Tazuna." Says Sasuke as he moves close the bridge builder. Sakura snaps out of her thoughts and nods her head.

"Right." Confirms Sakura as she stands by Tazuna.

"An excellent plan, Naruto." Says Kakashi as he glances back at the red haired ninja who smiles. "However, I think it is time for me to take it from here." Kakashi glares at Zabuza who glares right back.

"Tch, I lost my focus and stopped the Jutsu." Says Zabuza with a scoff as Kakashi narrows his eyes.

"Don't flatter yourself," says Kakashi as his Sharingan spins, "you were forced to drop the Jutsu." Veins are seen on Zabuza's head, indicating his anger.

"Let me just say; that the same Jutsu won't work a second time." Says Kakashi as the two Jonin snap their eyes wide. The two separate in a flash before Zabuza lands on the water first. Kakashi's Sharingan zooms into Zabuza as he flashes through hand signs. Kakashi flashes through the hand signs as Naruto looks on. The two Jonin land on the same hand seal before the water begins to rise.

"Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu (Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu)!" Shout both Zabuza and Kakashi at the same time. Two water dragons rise from the lake and clash into each other, causing waves to rise. Naruto grips his arm and propels himself off the wave before landing next to Sasuke and Sakura.

"You idiot, you weren't supposed to break your arm!" Admonishes Sakura as she begins to heal Naruto with the Shōsen Jutsu (Mystical Palm Technique). Sakura narrows her eyes as she realizes the broken parts of the arm and focuses on those. Sasuke watches as Kakashi and Zabuza clash with sword and kunai under their attacks. The two stay like that amongst the rising waves before separating. Naruto begins to feel some movement in his arm and flexes.

"Hey, be careful and stop moving." Demands Sakura as she continues to heal.

"I'm fine, the arm is healed enough." Says Naruto as he stands. Sakura gapes as Naruto rolls his shoulder and arm. Naruto winces a little as the arm is still broken.

"H-How is that possible?" Asks Sakura as she only started healing. Naruto looks to her and shrugs with a smile.

"I heal fast." States Naruto before turning his attention to the fight while wrapping his arm in a cast. He could use the seal on his forehead but that is for emergencies only.

"What's going on?" Thinks Zabuza as he glares at Kakashi who stares at him.

"How is it that both Jutsu spawned at the same time?!" Thinks Zabuza before sheathing his sword. Zabuza runs to the right with Kakashi running to the left before they end up in the other's previous spot. Naruto widens his eyes with Sasuke at the perfect copying of moves. The two masked ninja watch the fight while they remain hidden. Zabuza then forms a double ram seal for the Hidden Mist Jutsu. Zabuza widens his eyes when Kakashi does the same thing at the same time.

"He's moving the same way as him and with such perfect timing!" Exclaims Tazuna as Sakura looks on before looking to Sasuke. Naruto watches with fascination at how perfect the imitation of movements are.

"Normally there would be a slight delay when copying movements but…," thinks Naruto as he watches as the moves are performed simultaneously, "Kakashi is performing them at the exact same time as Zabuza."

"This is more than just Sharingan," thinks Sasuke as he can copy movement as well but not to this level, "this is him getting in the enemies head."

"How can he do such a thing?" Asks Sakura, while Sasuke narrows his eyes with his Sharingan active.

"This guy…," Thinks Zabuza with anger, "it's as if he knows-."

"What you're going to do next." Finishes Kakashi, making Zabuza widen his eyes.

"What… is he reading my mind as well?" Thinks Zabuza as the Genin watch from the shore. Kakashi's Sharingan narrows and eyes Zabuza.

"Damn him!" Thinks Zabuza.

"It makes you so angry doesn't it?" Asks Kakashi.

"Hah, you're just copying me like some pale imitation." Says Zabuza.

"You won't beat me like that." State both Kakashi and Zabuza at the same time. Naruto barks out with laughter.

"This is amusing!" Laughs Naruto. Zabuza growls and weaves hand signs.

"I'll shut that monkey mouth of yours for good!" Growls Zabuza before he widens his eyes when he sees something appear behind Kakashi.

"What's that?" Thinks Zabuza before getting a better look. To his shock it is himself.

"I-Impossible, it must be a Genjutsu." Thinks Zabuza before Kakashi's Sharingan spins and he flashes through hand signs.

"Suiton: Daibakufu no Jutsu (Water Style: Giant Vortex Jutsu)!" States Kakashi as water rises from the lake and swirls around before launching at Zabuza who widens his eyes.

"Impossible!" Shouts Zabuza before the water overtakes him. Naruto sees the water coming and forms hand signs before slamming them to the ground.

"Mokuton no Jutsu (Wood Style Jutsu)!" Shouts Naruto as branches spring from the ground and elevate Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura and Tazuna. The spray of water makes the Genin shield their eyes while Tazuna holds on for dear life. The branches shake from the force and volume of the water. The two masked ninja disappear in a small twister of wind. Zabuza slams into a tree trunk, as the water parts against him. Four kunai sail through the air before hitting Zabuza who yells out in pain.

"It's over." Says Naruto as the water departs and the branches lower to the ground. Naruto hops off the branch while Sasuke and Sakura help Tazuna.

"How… can you see… into the future?" Coughs Zabuza.

"Yeah… you're going to die here." Says Kakashi as he pulls out a kunai. Before he can make good on his prophecy, two senbon needles imbed themselves into Zabuza's neck.

"What?!" State the Konoha group in shock. Naruto looks to the trees and spots the Masked Ninja's. Naruto appears next to Zabuza and glares at the ninja.

"You were right." Says the first Masked Ninja with senbon in his hands.

"He did die." Finishes the second Masked Ninja with the weird sword in his back. Naruto glares as Sasuke appears next to him.

"What's going on?" Thinks Naruto with narrowed eyes.

"Why didn't is see their approach and why couldn't I smell them?" Thinks Naruto. The second is easily explained as the ninja appeared downwind but the first is a mystery. Suddenly Naruto remembers the mist around them.

"And who the hell are you guys?" Demands Naruto, making the Masked Ninja with the sword look to him.

"Tracker Ninja from Kiri." Reveals the Masked Ninja.

"No shit, I meant what are you doing here?" Says Naruto, making both ninja look to him.

"We've been hunting Zabuza for some time and we finally seized a chance to take him out." Reveals the other Masked Ninja with senbon. Kakashi appears next to Zabuza and checks his vitals.

"He's dead." Says Kakashi as he looks to the Tracker Nin. They both bow their heads.

"We thank you for your distraction." Says the Senbon Nin.

"If it weren't for you we would have had a lot more trouble taking him down." Says the Sword Nin.

"From their voice and height, I'd say they're around the age of Naruto and Sasuke." Thinks Kakashi as he looks at the Ninja in front of him.

"These two… are powerful." Think both Naruto and Sasuke. The two ninja vanish and appear beside Zabuza.

"We will take it from here." Say the Ninja before vanishing. Kakashi stands and covers his Sharingan eye.

"Well, that's that." Says Kakashi before turning, only to widen his eye and fall to the ground.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Shouts Sakura before Sasuke and Naruto both fall as well.

"Ah man!" Shouts Sakura.

Tazuna's House

Naruto blinks before opening his eyes. He takes in his surroundings before turning his head to the right. Staring right at him is Sasuke who raises a brow. Both continue to stare before their eyes narrow. Both have bandages across their bodies and head.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Asks Naruto with a growing tick mark.

"That's my line." Counters Sasuke. The two stare off before Naruto growls.

"Get out." Demands Naruto.

"You get out." Says Sasuke.

"Ohhh, you've got guts." Says Naruto dangerously.

"Hmph." Says Sasuke, making Naruto angrier.

Downstairs, Tazuna, Sakura and Kakashi sits and talk. Tazuna's daughter cooks and hums a tune. All comes to a stop when a commotion occurs upstairs. Sakura sighs while Kakashi sweat drops.

"Looks like their up." Says Sakura, making Kakashi nod his head. Tsunami tilts her head with confusion before going up stairs. The shouts of two boys reaches her ears. She opens the door to see Naruto and Sasuke throwing their fist at each other.

"Get out, you sociopathic freak!" Shouts Naruto.

"You first, you color challenged fool!" Shouts Sasuke as both fist collide. The two pale as blood spurts from their wounds. In seconds the two are flailing around on the ground.

"You idiots, you've reopened your wounds!" Shouts Sakura as she rushes in and heals the two. Kakashi sweat drops with a sheepish expression on his face. Naruto and Sasuke lie down while Sakura heals their wounds.

"So… I take it our mission is completed." Says Naruto after a moment of silence. Kakashi looks to him and Sasuke who look to Kakashi.

"About that…," says Kakashi, making the Genin give him their attention, "Zabuza is alive."

Forest

The two Masked Ninja look ever the body of Zabuza with one pulling out surgical tools. The one with the sword leans on a tree trunk with his arms folded. The two appear to be very quiet as they overlook the body.

"First, I'll cut the mouth cloth and have him spit up blood." Says the Tracker Nin, making the other raise a brow, though you can't see it. The Tracker Nin moves forward, only to have Zabuza grab his hand, making the two slightly gasp. Zabuza opens his eyes and looks at the two.

"Its fine, I'll do it myself." Growls Zabuza as he sits up. The Tracker Nin with the sword whistles.

"What? You've already come back to life?" States the ninja with an amused tone. Zabuza exhales and looks to his neck.

"Damn, you two are brutal." Says Zabuza as he takes out the senbon.

"You're one to talk." Says the ninja with the sword.

"Please don't pull them out so violently or you really will die." Says the other ninja, closer to Zabuza.

"Hmph, How long are you going to keep those stupid masks on?!" Says Zabuza as he looks to the two ninja, "Take them off!"

"I have fond memories of this mask." Says the first ninja as he takes off the mask to reveal a black haired boy with soft features. The second ninja takes off his mask to show a grey haired youth with pink eyes.

"It's a relic from the past and has been handy for trickery." Says the boy, making Zabuza look at the two.

"If we hadn't rescued you, you certainly would have been killed." Says the first boy with a gentle smile.

"If you were going to put me in a state of apparent death, you didn't need to aim for the secret opening on my neck." Says Zabuza with a slight glare. The second boy laughs while the first giggles.

"You two really are nasty." Says Zabuza as he covers his mouth with the cloth adorning his face.

"It couldn't be helped…" Says the first boy with a smile.

"Besides, if we hit your body you'd be really angry." Says the second. Zabuza tries to stand but can't move.

"You'll be numb for about a week." Says the first boy.

"Normally, but since it's him he'll be up in half that time." Says the second boy.

"Haku…, Yuto… I get the feeling you're making fun of me." Says Zabuza, making both boys laugh gently. Zabuza scoffs before his gaze softens.

Tazuna's House

"Not that I like to disagree with you… but why say that?" Asks Naruto with folded arms and a sideways glance at Kakashi. Kakashi looks to him and sighs.

"Tracker Ninjas take care of the bodies immediately and on the spot." Says Kakashi, making Sasuke narrow his eyes. Naruto's eyes harden at the statement before he exhales.

"So… what about it?" Asks Sakura as she heals Sasuke, since Naruto heals faster.

"Those two… moved the body." Says Naruto, making Sakura widen her eyes. Kakashi nods his head while Sasuke rises from his position.

"There is also the weapon the Tracker used." Says Sasuke, making Sakura look to him.

"Senbon?" States Sakura before she widens her eyes. Being a Medical Ninja, Sakura has used them before and while sharp, they are rarely fatal unless they hit vital areas.

"There are no vital areas in the neck but… you can put someone in a state of death." Says Sakura with a thoughtful expression. Tazuna and Tsunami look to each other with fearful expressions.

"A-Aren't you reading too much into it?" States Tazuna with some fear. Naruto stands and stretches before breaking the cast his arm is in. Sakura gapes at the strength.

"Best to expect the best but prepare for the worst." Says Naruto as he looks to Kakashi.

"Where did you hear that?" Asks Sakura, making Naruto smile.

"A dog told me when I was a kid." Says Naruto, making Kakashi eye smile.

"A dog?" Repeats Sakura with confusion. Sasuke smirks and stands as well.

"So what are we going to do?" Asks Sasuke as he cracks his neck.

"I'll be assigning you all training regimes." Says Kakashi as he hands out several scrolls to the Genin.

"You have one week to prepare, so don't slack off." Says Kakashi as he eyes Naruto.

"Oi! Why are you looking at me?!" Shouts Naruto, making Kakashi turn his head away.

"Eh? Was I looking at you?" Says Kakashi, making Naruto fume.

For the first day, Naruto trained in Ninjutsu and Taijutsu. He has developed techniques that implement Hyuuga style Jutsu. He has also trained his Mokuton and can use more advanced Jutsu. Now Naruto can stream his chakra into his sword, often using wind element. After training Naruto falls into a bed and goes to sleep in a sprawled position. Tsunami often giggles before placing covers over him. Sasuke has trained with his Sharingan, following instruction from Danzo's training. He has also learned to stream his chakra, same as Naruto. Sakura has trained in Medical Ninjutsu and Genjutsu. While Tsunami and Tazuna seem to enjoy the lively Genin, Tsunami's son, Inari is not pleased.

Tsunami hums a tune in the kitchen while Sakura and Kakashi sigh. Tazuna and Inari sit at the table with Tazuna thinking and Inari with his head down. The table is adorned with plates of food. They family is waiting for Naruto and Sasuke. The doors open and Sasuke and Naruto walk in while leaning on each other.

"Oh my!" Gasps Tsunami as she looks at the boys.

"What happened to you two?" Asks Tazuna, making Naruto lift his head.

"I opened up a Grade A can of ass whooping on him, that's what." Says Naruto with a laugh. Sasuke looks to him and scoffs.

"And I suppose you got those bruises from training rather than me putting them there?" Counters Sasuke, making Naruto look to him.

"Oi… you feel like going another round?" Growls Naruto, making Sasuke look to him.

"Anytime." Says Sasuke before both are punched by Sakura.

"Sit down and eat!" Shouts Sakura. Naruto eats away with no manners, making Tsunami giggle and laugh. Sasuke smirks with a head shake and Sakura grows tick marks. Kakashi chuckles at his Genin. After dinner, Naruto lies his head on the table.

"Just a little longer and the bridge will be done." Says Tazuna with pride.

"It's all thanks to you guys." Says Tsunami as she rubs Naruto's head. Naruto groans and wakes up before falling back to sleep, making Tsunami giggle.

"I've wanted to ask you guys something for some time now." Says Tazuna as he looks at Kakashi.

"Why have you stayed even after I lied about the mission?" Asks Tazuna, making Tsunami look to the ninja.

"Well-." Starts Kakashi with an eye smile.

"Sensei, was guilt tripped." States Naruto in a muffled tone, making Sakura and Sasuke nod.

"That's right." State both Sakura and Sasuke. Kakashi sulks in a corner with a cloud of depression while the Genin all have devil horns and tails. Naruto chuckles before turning his head to Tazuna.

"I want to face the strongest person I can find." Says Naruto, making Tazuna and Tsunami look to him.

"Zabuza, the Tracker Ninja, those are the first," says Naruto as Kakashi glances at him, "I will… become the greatest ninja that has, will, and ever be in this world."

"And it was the right thing to do." Adds Naruto with a yawn. Kakashi chuckles and nods his head. Inari scoffs and Naruto's ear twitches. Inari begins to shed tears at remembering the man who was like a father to him.

"Why…?" Asks Inari with tears coming down his face. Naruto glances at him with a tired expression.

"Huh?" States Naruto with tired eyes.

"Why do you work yourself so hard until you get like that?!" Shouts Inari, making Naruto confused.

"There is no way someone like you can stand up to Gato!" Shouts Inari, making Naruto narrow his eyes.

"You think you are a Hero?!" Shouts Inari, making Naruto yawn and look to him.

"Nope." Says Naruto plainly, making Tsunami and Tazuna look to him, "you're only a hero if you die." Inari widens his eyes at the statement before growing angry.

"I don't plan on dying." Smirks Naruto.

"You think training will do anything for you?! You die like all the rest!" Shouts Inari. Naruto places his head down on the table.

"Really? Hmm, but at least I'll die on my feet while someone like you will die on their back." Says Naruto coldly.

"Shut up! You always act cool and lively without knowing anything about pain!" Shouts Inari, making Naruto stiffen. Kakashi sighs while Sakura rubs her head. Sasuke looks to Naruto and closes his eyes.

"Pain? … What does someone like you know about pain?" States Naruto, making Kakashi stand.

"Naruto." Warns Kakashi, calmly.

"Here you are; living in a good house, eating good food, having a loving mother and grandfather…, and yet you think you know about pain." States Naruto.

"Do you know the greatest pain?" Asks Naruto, making Kakashi sigh.

"Loneliness. A great pit that grows the longer you experience it. Eventually it swallows you up, breaking you and discarding your emotions before you walk around, like a puppet without strings." Says Naruto as he grips the table.

"Only a person truly destined for greatness can climb out of that put and make something of himself." Says Naruto.

"You? You're nothing but a coward." Says Naruto before standing and leaving the house.

"Naruto." Says Sakura as she watches him go. Sakura stands but Sasuke grabs her and shakes his head. Kakashi sits and looks to Inari.

"You must forgive Naruto's words." Says Kakashi, making Inari look to him.

"But his words are spoken from experience." Says Kakashi, making Sakura look to him.

"Naruto… never knew his parents, he never had a single friend, and even though there were people who helped him, they couldn't stay forever." Says Kakashi.

"When he was alone, something changed in Naruto. His eyes became devoid of emotion. He was lost. But… somehow, someway, he crawled out of the pit and decided he would never go back." Says Kakashi with an eye smile. He pictures the day Naruto got his emotion back and laughed.

"He made friends and even found love." Says Kakashi, remembering the day Naruto told him about Hinata.

"But it could have gone differently. He could have stayed in that pit and never left." Says Kakashi, making Inari look to him and gain respect for Naruto who crawled his way out.

Morning

Naruto lies in the forest in a vulnerable position. Drool hangs out of his mouth but he seems peaceful. Haku walks forward looking for herb to heal Zabuza and spots Naruto. The trees surrounding Naruto are full of kunai and shuriken. Haku looks over the boy before bending down. He then reaches his hand out and shakes Naruto awake.

"Huh?" States Naruto as he looks to the "girl".

"You'll catch cold if you sleep out here." Says Haku with a gentle smile. Naruto sits up and yawns before turning his attention to Haku.

"Who're you?" Asks Naruto with a head tilt. He only gets a soft smile for his question, making Naruto blush faintly.

"Um, what are you doing here?" Asks Naruto, making Haku smile.

"Gathering herbs." Says Haku as he raises the basket. The two pick herbs for some time before Haku says his goodbye.

"Bye the way… I'm a guy." Says Haku, making Naruto gape.

"He's almost as cute as Hinata!" Thinks Naruto. Having trained till he dropped, Naruto returns to the house to sleep. Kakashi, Sasuke and Sakura go to the bridge with Tazuna. In the forest outside the house, two of Gato's thugs smirk before slightly unsheathing their swords before making their way towards the house.

Ok guys, the Battle on the Bridge is coming up.

Next Chapter- Battle on the Bridge! Naruto Uzumaki vs Yuto Karatachi!