Chapter 9 - The Bridge to Nowhere
A Genin may think he is prepared for a real fight, but until he faces another ninja he doesn't know what he will do. The best ninja have confidence in their abilities but the wisdom to not act rashly. - Hashirami Senju, First Hokage
The appearance of the Hidden Rain ninja was a mental shock to each Genin. They'd never faced opponents whose motives were unknown. That's why a ninja trains so relentless, so their bodies will react even if their minds are momentarily in limbo. So it was for Sasuke, Hinata, and Naruto. Instinctively, from years of training, their bodies moved into defensive positions, flanking and protecting Tazuna from the intruders. Kunai drawn, defensive stances allowing no direct approach, the three Genin were a single-minded unit.
Kakashi didn't have to say a word, his peripheral vision took in the movements of his team and he knew they were ready to defend their client. Kakashi looked at their opponents, four ninja dressed in combat garb typical of the Hidden Mist village, all wearing the headbands with the vertical striations symbolizing rain. Whether the words of their leader were true was irrelevant, his responsibility was to defend his client, whether a liar or not. The question going through his mind was to their strength and ability. Were they Jonin or mere Chunin?
The first move came from two of the Hidden Rain ninja. A pair of shuriken each headed for Kakashi's body, striking him in the upper body and midsection. But that was only the beginning, as they launched a full on physical attack to his body, one ninja directing attacks to cut his legs out from under him, while the other to force Kakashi's upper body over and into the ground. The motion was swift and near a blur to the watchful eyes of the Genin.
"Kakashi!" Naruto yelled out in alarm, seeing the direct attack on their leader and sensai.
"Don't let your guard down Naruto! Hinata!" Sasuke yelled at his teammates, noting one of the two remaining ninja eyeing their formation for weakness.
"I know... but Kakashi! How'd they take him out so fast!?" Naruto had only seen the action from the corner of his left eye but could only assume the worst.
The third ninja took the moment to launch his assault on their group. He sped forward toward them with his kunai pointed directly at Sasuke's heart. But it would never find it's mark. Sasuke saw the first movement of the ninja's foot and took the opportunity to throw a pair of shuriken of his own in the direction of the oncoming ninja, and even though the ninja deflected them, he wasn't prepared for kunai following them which found it's mark. The Hidden Mist ninja dropped in his tracks, the kunai having struck his neck causing him to bleed profusely from the gash created by its forceful impact.
The lead Hidden Mist ninja also had taken the opportunity to launch his attack directly at Hinata, but he faired even worse. Within 10 feet of his target he was taken down by Sasuke's taijutsu roundkick to the back of his neck which drove him to his knees and dislocated his shoulder. The first two attackers were meanwhile attempting to disentangle themselves from a pair of wood blocks which were stuck with their thrown shuriken and kunai. As the leader of their group was falling to the ground Kakashi launched at the pair catching them by their windpipes and throwing them back some 10 feet.
Naruto gazed on stunned as the scene changed from one of danger to victory.
"Kakashi sensai, are you OK?" Hinata squeaked as she clutched her own kunai, barely able to contain the emotions she too was feeling at the skirmish she just witnessed.
"I'm fine Hinata, make sure there are no more friends of these ninja lurking in the woods." Kakashi instructed her.
Hinata activated her Byakugan and scanned for more ninja but finding none within sight reported such to Kakashi.
"Good, see to Tazuna while I deal with these ninja. " Kakashi inspected the injuries of the ninja and tied them securely with chakra infused rope so they could not escape.
Hinata had meanwhile turned to check on Tazuna. She found him dazedly looking around, apparently in shock from the sudden attack launched against them. "Tazuna... are you OK? Are you injured?" The man shook his head negatively but let gravity take control and he slumped on the ground cradling his knees drawn up to his chest and bowing his head.
Sasuke had meanwhile dragged his opponent to where Kakashi was tying up the others. Naruto though was just standing there gazing at the scene of the battle.
"Naruto... Naruto... NARUTO!" Hinata shouted at her comrade, attempting to snap him out of his daze.
"Hinata... Sasuke... " Naruto's eyes were unfocused even though he looked on at his teammates... They were both doing something, he was just standing there like a lump... why? Why didn't he react like Sasuke? Why didn't he jump in to the fight and help Kakashi? Inwardly he began to get mad... what was wrong with him?
"A Shinobi must acknowledge his deficiencies and strive to turn them into strengths he can depend on in battle." - Tobirama Senju Second Hokage of the Leaf
"Naruto!" The voice was faint but unmistakably Sasuke's.
Through the mists of his thoughts the voice finally registered in Naruto's brain. He turned, facing his teammate who had called his name for a third time.
"What's wrong with you Naruto?! Not scared are ya? " There was a pause and then Sasuke continued the good-natured dig against his teammate. "Don't worry, I'll protect you and Hinata."
Sasuke's words hit Naruto's ego hard, in fact harder than Sasuke's intent. Anger began to well inside Naruto, anger mostly directed at himself, but also anger at Sasuke for pointing out Naruto's failure to act. The anger registered with Kurama, but the demon fox knew this lesson had to be learned. Failure to act decisively in the face of danger is the greatest cause of death to a ninja when moments in time are the difference between living and dying in battle. If Naruto's desire to be a splendid ninja let alone a good Jinchuriki was real, then this lesson must be learned immediately.
"Shut up Sasuke or you'll be sorry!" Naruto yelled loudly, causing Hinata's head to snap toward him. She looked startled at his outburst. Naruto saw the look and shame fell upon him like the weight of the world. It was bad enough to have to endure Sasuke's abuse, but knowing Hinata knew his shame of inaction was unbearable. Naruto turned his back to them and hung his head.
Kakashi returned to the group, having seen to the disposal of the Hidden Mist ninja. He found his Genin and their charge in an apparent state of disarray. Sasuke and Hinata were looking at Naruto whose back was turned from them. Tazuna looked up at Kakashi with an expression of guilt, knowing his lie had nearly cost them their lives.
"I'll talk to you in a minute Tazuna, you have some explaining to do." Kakashi turned from the man and spoke to his team. "Good work Sasuke and Hinata. Naruto, what happened to you? I would expect the son of the Hokage to be ready to act at a moments notice."
"Sensai, I know that... " Naruto said, with his back still turned to the group. He thought of all the training he'd done, the work to learn the Shadow Clone technique, the pride his parents had in his carrying the nine tails. All of that, and on his first real mission he'd frozen! Never again! He would never back down again! He would turn this failure into a lesson he could never forget!
"Next time I won't freeze! I won't back down! Believe it!" Naruto turned as he spoke, raising his arm and giving them a thumbs up sign. His words and expression were acknowledged by his team, Hinata beamed and Kakashi nodded, Sasuke merely smirked but knew this was a turning point for his teammate.
Kakashi turned from Naruto and spoke to the bridge builder, his demeanor now that of an interrogator. "Out with it Tazuna, were those ninja telling the truth?"
Tazuna, head hung in shame, told them the truth. "Yes. It is true. I took the plans for the bridge with me when I left the Land of Waves. But I must explain, I had no choice!"
"What do you mean you had no choice?" Hinata asked.
"You see, Mr Gato is funding part of the bridge, or more accurately, he WAS. But a month ago I learned he was planning on making the bridge a toll crossing! That in itself isn't all bad, but he had no intention of sharing the toll with our poor country. And on top of that, he refused to pay for the remaining construction unless we agreed to his terms. He even had my daughter and grandson kidnapped to force me to keep working. But I couldn't do it, even if it cost their lives! I couldn't let THAT MAN do that to my country!" Tears streaked down Tazuna's pleading face. "The only thing I could do was steal the plans and run to find help. But we are a poor country and I couldn't afford to pay the Leaf for such help as we need... don't you understand?"
"Mr Tazuna..." Kakashi spoke flatly to the man. "Don't you understand, this team is made up of one Jonin and three Genin, hardly the type of team needed to handle a kidnapping by other ninja! This would be at least a B-Rank mission. We were only required to keep you safe from robbers and bandits on the road and see the bridge gets finished. We really should return to Konoha."
"No! You mustn't! I learned three days ago the ninja holding my daughter and grandson hostage will kill them if I don't return by tomorrow!" Tazuna grovelled and broke out in a sobbing fit.
"Kakashi Sensai" Naruto spoke up, seeing the utter hopelessness of Tazuna's situation. "What if we did go to the Land of Waves, maybe we could trade the plans for the bridge for Tazuna's family? We could ensure the completion of the bridge which is part of our mission. I know we are just Genin, but if we don't go it will be like we let his family die!" Naruto looked at his teammates and both nodded their agreement to Naruto's assessment of the situation.
Naruto's words struck Tazuna's heart, he seized on those words and continued pleading for their help. "Yes, please Kakashi, please save my family. I can't let my foolishness cost them their lives!"
Kakashi considered their options. It was true Tazuna hadn't paid for a B-Rank team, but if they could keep out of any more serious trouble than a hostage negotiation they might be able to complete the mission without needing to return to Konoha. If they did return now, he was sure the Hidden Mist would carry out it's threat to kill Tazuna's family. Though it wouldn't strictly be the fault of the Hidden Leaf, Kakashi's honor would be shamed by such heartlessness.
"Seeing these Genin understand the nature of this mission has changed, they are still willing to go, so we will help you Tazuna. But you must listen and follow my directions without question!" Kakashi told Tazuna who was recovering his composure.
"Thank you Kakashi, Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata!" Tazuna bowed to each of them, his gratitude more than reserved ninja like they cared to bear.
"Very well then, let us get to the Land of Waves and save your family!"
It was only a four-hour hike to the edge of the ocean where the group chartered a boat to take them across the strait separating the Land of Fire from the Land of Waves. Within hours they set foot on the sand just outside the provincial capital. Their first goal was to set up a meeting to save Tazuna's family. Tazuna told Kakashi where the bridge works were on a spit of land which cut across the straight separating the two lands. Meanwhile Tazuna and the three Genin headed for his waterside house that sat in a protected cove nearby.
As Kakashi made his way toward the bridge site he saw the incomplete structure spanning nearly two-thirds the distance of the straight of water. On the Land of Waves side was a warehouse and dock which contained the timbers and metal necessary for the bridge completion. He knew, from Tazuna's description, he would find guards who could relay a message to Mr. Gato.
Approaching the warehouse Kakashi saw two Hidden Mist ninja guarding the door. It would be suicide to approach them directly so Kakashi chose to scout the building before trying to speak with the ninja. Peering through a high window, Kakashi spied a woman and boy huddled at a table. An older well dressed businessman was addressing the pair, Kakashi could just make out his words.
"Well Tsunami, it appears your father doesn't care about your worthless lives! That scum will regret crossing me! I'm normally a quite agreeable person, but Tazuna must understand his actions have consequences. I'm sorry you and your son must die to prove my power to your father. But business is business my dear." Kakashi realized this was Mr. Gato speaking.
"Nooo! Do whatever you must to me! But let Inari go! He's just a child!" Tsunami wailed and sobbed. Inari stared at his mother, knowing he would surely die soon as there were no heroes to save them.
"Shut up woman! It will all be over soon." Gato walked to the door, opening it and leaving them alone.
Kakashi took Gato's exit as an opportunity to try the window and found it opened readily with only a slight prying with a kunai. As Kakashi jumped inside he startled the pair of doomed civilians. Holding a finger to his lips, he motioned for them to remain quiet as he made his way to the door. Extracting a paper bomb from his hip bag Kakashi affixed it to the door so if it were opened someone would get a nasty suprise. He motioned for Tsunami and Inari to follow him to the window and helped them escape their doom. It took nearly thirty minutes to clear the warehouse area unseen, and just afterward a dull THUD was heard. Someone had opened that door to execute Gato's orders.
Several times they had to detour the direct route to avoid being seen. By the time Kakashi had escorted them to Tazuna's home it was nearly dawn and the boy was being carried by Kakashi. Before they got within 100 feet of the house their movement had already been spotted by Hinata using her Byakugan. As they reached the house Sasuke and Naruto appeared from either side of the pathway behind them and followed them inside. A relieved Tazuna gathered his daughter and grandson in his arms and they wept tears of joy at the safe reunion.
"I can't thank you enough Kakashi, I couldn't have lived with myself if they had died." Tazuna spoke with occasional sobs in his voice upon hearing how close they had come to dying.
"No need to thank me Tazuna, but we have a problem now. I am sure Gato will have those Hidden Mist ninja check out this house, so we must move quickly. He intended your daughter and grandson to die to teach you a lesson, and I have no doubt he still will try to do it if he can. I suggest we leave the area quickly before he learns of the failure of the group that intercepted us yesterday. He will suspect we are in the Land of Waves and send someone here. Once we are sure they are safe, we can deal directly with Gato and these Hidden Mist ninja." Kakashi made his statement and received a quick nod of agreement from Tazuna. Within minutes, basic necessities in hand, the group left Tazuna's home for a more secure place inland.
Gato was furious. He had left the woman and boy in the warehouse and ordered their deaths to be carried out promptly by the Hidden Rain ninja only to be told this morning that both men had been severely injured by an explosion at the warehouse and the hostages had escaped. Did his wealth not buy the deaths of men much greater in the past? And why was he just being told of the deaths of a squad of ninja sent to capture Tazuna and kill those guarding him on the road from Konoha? It was unbelievable!
"What kind of ninja are you? Those men you sent after Tazuna failed! He still has the plans for the bridge, and those brats supposedly guarding him somehow seem to have saved his family too! If I hadn't already paid you a tidy sum I'd think of having you killed as well Zabuza!" Gato addressed the pair of Hidden Mist ninja in his office. His words wouldnt' have been so bold except for the dozen henchmen also in the room.
Zabuza Momochi was emotionless behind his half covered face, as was his partner Haku who stood just behind him, though the latter's expression and emotion was unreadable through the hunter mask he wore. "They were simply unprepared, I have learned through sources the identity of the Jonin who is part of the team guarding Tazuna. He is Kakashi Hatake, a highly skilled ninja from the Leaf. It appears they..."
"I don't care! No excuses! Tazuna has those bridge plans so I can't hire anyone new without great expense to complete this project! And I've lost all my leverage with his family gone! " Gato continued his tirade for another moment.
"Stop your whining Gato, this time I will go personally, and this sword will be the last thing Kakashi ever sees." Zabuza took the Kubikiribōchō from its scabbard and pointed it directly at Gato.
Gato replied very directly yet in a polite manner having also noticed Haku's stance behind Zabuza had changed. Zabuza was bad enough, but the faceless ninja scared Gato for some reason he did not know, even in this room with his henchmen he felt less safe each passing moment. "Now listen Zabuza, I understand unexpected things can happen, but I have paid you to do a job, see to this Leaf ninja and his team at once and get me those plans." Gato folded his hands together as he finished and gave his most polite expression toward the two ninja.
"Who do you think you're talking to, some simple Genin? I am Zabuza Momochi, Demon of the Hidden Mist. When I plan to kill someone they die! Got it Gato?!" Zabuza spoke in a deliberate and low voice sending chills up Gato's spine.
"Very well, very well... just do it quickly so I can get back to bridge building." Gato stood and bowed toward the ninja and breathed a sigh of relief when they had left. But that relief was soon replaced yet again by anger. Why should he be afraid of such rabble as these rogue ninja? He should send a secret message to the Hidden Mist village and let them know where their rogue ninja was hiding these days.