Hello everyone, my name is Shin Aedra and this is chapter 10 of VGD. Well the next milestone was achieved, albeit the first of many. The Land of Waves has begun after quite a substantial time, though now I can feel relieved. I don't see this arc changing much except in a few areas. It will parallel cannon though I will take some liberties. Please don't expect anything to grandiose this is only the Land of Waves.

I'm currently planning the Chunin Exams and I'm not sure if I'll keep it primarily cannon. The Naruto and Neji fight I feel is important. It helped Neji realize that he was only hurting himself and overall projected a nice moral lesson. However, for the life of me I'm not sure if I want to keep it or go with another idea. I find it funny I'm struggling with one of the "cannon" arcs of the story, while the other arcs are primarily set. I guess I'm just wanting to do something different from the norm I guess. Let me know what you guys think I should do. The Land of Waves will only be a few chapters, so counting the last one there are only three or four more chapters.

Finally, I'm going to start some side projects. I have one already up, though I'm going back to edit it. Its called Fate/Shadows. It takes the concept of the Holy Grail War from Fate/Stay Night and applies it to the Naruto universe. It is a slight AU, but only due to adding the concept. It's not really a crossover either since all the characters are from Naruto. (Shameless Advertisement I know :P )

Either way I have nothing left to cover so on to the chapter!

Disclaimer: The following is a fan fiction parody, Naruto is owned by Massashi Kishimoto, Shonen Jump, TV Tokyo, Viz Media and Shueisha; Godzilla is owned by Toho Pictures, please support the official release!

Chapter 10: The Wavering Road

Walking down a road, Team Seven, accompanied by Tazuna, were making their way to Wave. Surrounded by forest on either side of them it had only been a few hours since they departed from the village. Moving in formation, Team Seven circled Tazuna to ensure his safety. In the front Sasuke took charge keeping his eyes sharp. On Tazuna's right was Naruto. He had been rather lax in his guard or, so his appearance would seem. With relaxed posture, Naruto had his arms behind his head. Shifting his gaze often towards the forest on his right to secure the group's right flank.

Adjacent to Naruto, on the other side of Tazuna, Karin was watching the left flank. Unlike Naruto she was more vigilant in her duty. Keeping her hand close towards her kunai pouch always. Finally, in the back was Kakashi. Complacent with his favorite book in his hand while masking her keen perception. Taking an upwards glance every so often to check his genin.

"Is it just me or does this seem rather anticlimactic?" Naruto asked the group.

"Well it is a C-rank Naruto." Kakashi pointed out.

"Yeah, but I figured that there would be more going on than just this." Naruto admitted.

"A C-rank mission is nothing more than a D-rank outside the village." Kakashi mentioned. This caused Naruto to whip his body around and face his sensei.

"WHAT?!" Naruto yelled is shocking annoyance. "You mean to tell me that the only difference is that we're outside the village?!" This caused the group to pause temporarily.

"Pretty much. C-ranks usually don't entitle much, just like D-ranks." Kakashi stated while looking at his book. "However, there is a difference between a C-rank and a D-rank."

"What besides on is inside the village and the other is outside it!" Naruto retorted.

"Partially, unlike a D-rank mission, C-ranked missions can escalate into higher tiers." Kakashi informed him. This caused Naruto to pause. "True we are technically escorting Tazuna here to his country, however, at any given moment everything could change. Outside of the walls of Konoha danger is ever lurking." Tazuna seemed nervous at the mention of escalation, though he tried to put up a facade. Noting that change, Kakashi directed his gaze at his genin. "We must be prepared at any given moment. Anything and everything can go wrong. Remember that." Nodding to their sensei the genin took the advice to heart before turning around to continue forward.

Reflecting on the words from his sensei, Naruto recalled Ghidorah's words from their first meeting. "you're going to need that resolve if you're going to survive outside your home." Gripping his fists together Naruto steeled himself. 'I need to utilize my resolve just like that overgrown lizard said.' Naruto thought. 'If Kakashi-sensei is right then I have to ready at all times!' Noting the change in Naruto's posture an eye-smile formed on Kakashi's visible eye.

Trudging forth the group continued for a few more hours. It was late afternoon at this point and the group were coming up to a puddle of water. Sasuke and Naruto were obvious to what it meant. Karin though looked back at her sensei and noticed an ever-slight nod directed towards her. Returning her gaze forward she slowly etched her hand over her kunai pouch.

Passing the small puddle neither of the remaining members seemed to not have taken notice of it. After passing it by a few meters the puddle sprung to life. A length shuriken-styled chain quickly enveloped Kakashi trapping him in place. The sudden sound forced the group to turn around and see Kakashi trapped in the chain. Looking over to either side of him were two shinobi with the symbol of Kiri on their headbands. The group noted that the two of them were wearing a gauntlet that connected the chain to both.

Before any of the genin could do anything to assist their sensei the chain retracted, slicing Kakashi into two. "One down, three to go." The one stated. Quickly shifting into combat, the genin closed in towards Tazuna to protect him. Disappearing in a blur Naruto's senses kick in before shifting his gaze towards his left. He noticed one of the two was directly beside him and that the chain was now coming towards him.

A kunai quickly forced the assailant back. Sighing in slight relief Naruto eyed the man carefully. "Thanks, Sasuke." Sasuke hummed his response as he eyed the two men.

"Hm, that one has good reflexes and the other one sharp eyes." The assailant who aimed for Naruto mentioned.

"Then we'll deal with both first." The other stated. Disappearing once again Naruto and Sasuke each pulled out a kunai. Swapping places, they each countered a clawed gauntlet that was aiming for the other. "Not bad, but not good enough." The chain from before encircled them surprising them. The two shinobi quickly retracted the claw to ensnare their victims. Before the chain could fully retract a kunai had implanted itself into the chain connect two loops. This had forced the chain in place. Looking over at Karin the two noticed how she had two more kunai before she threw them. Cutting their loses, they activated a release mechanism on their gauntlets to release the chain.

Free to conduct themselves without the binding chain the two were swift in their course of action. Aiming to disorient the group they moved to strike in two places. In quick response Naruto called forth five shadow clones. Taken by surprise one of the assailants was quickly pinned down before being struck across the head by Sasuke. Disorientated the assailant attempted to get up before being beaten by the clones that held him down until he was unconscious.

Unaware of what had befallen his comrade, the other assailant moved to strike at Karin. Blocking an attack with her kunai she sidestepped left to avoid being struck by the gauntlet. Moving to quickly strike at her the assailant reached out to claw at her. A sudden force though forced him onto his side as he was assaulted. Looking up he found himself pinned by the Naruto and Sasuke. Running up to them Karin kneed the assailant in the stomach before stabbing him in his right should with her kunai. Wincing in pain he then saw her raise her fist. Delivering a sharp hook to his head Karin knocked him out cold.

"Uh, was stabbing him really necessary?" Naruto asked.

"Think of it as a personal touch." Karin replied before looking back over at Tazuna. "Are you alright Mr. Tazuna?"

Looking a little bewildered at seeing the genin take on the two assailants he registered the question. "Y-Yes, I'm fine but what of your sensei?!" He asked.

"Currently debating something in my head." Came a calm voice. It startled the older man as he turned around and saw that Kakashi was perfectly fine. "Well done team you guys actually did rather well."

"Kakashi-sensei you're alive!" Naruto shouted in surprise.

"Of course, I am. Do you think so little of me?" The mocking tone in Kakashi's voice was quite evident to the group. "I merely substituted with a log to observe how well you three would fair."

"I see so you were testing us." Sasuke concluded.

"Naturally, though I will say that I'm a little disappointed that Karin was the only one to notice the issue." Kakashi mentioned. This put a look of confusion on both genin. "It hasn't rained in nearly two weeks, let alone the weather has been fair with little clouds."

"Now that you mention it, that was odd for a puddle of water to be residing there on the road." Sasuke admitted.

"Wait a minute!" Came the voice of Tazuna. "If you were alive the whole time then were you just going to let your students get killed?!"

"As I mentioned earlier Tazuna my students here are quite skilled as you could tell. Although if they were in danger I would intervene obviously." Kakashi explained. "Though I think you have some explaining to do Mr. Tazuna." The sudden change made the older man slightly nervous and the genin attentive while they restrained the two assailants. "Those two are the Demon Brothers, Gozu and Meizu. They are C-ranked ronin, whom have no reason to come after my team. Though I may have been their target there was no clear indication that we were going to have this mission."

The older man mumbled something incoherent under his breath before sighing. "Alright I give I'll tell you everything." Tazuna stated. "But please listen to what I have to say entirely before you do anything." Kakashi accepted the deal with a nod, so with that the man explained his reasoning. During this time the genin were finishing the restraints around the Demon Brothers. Looking over the equipment Karin noticed that the gauntlets were laced with poison.

"Hey, Naruto, Sasuke were either of you cut by either of these two?" She asked quickly. The two looked themselves over before Naruto raised his left arm to reveal a gash.

"Yeah, but I'm not to worried about it since we can wrap it up." Naruto stated nonchalant. Karin moved quickly over towards him to check him over. At the same time Kakashi noted her concern and paused to check on his team.

"Naruto was scratched by one of them. Their gauntlets were laced in poison." Karin explained to Kakashi who quickly inspected Naruto.

"How do you feel Naruto?" Kakashi asked as he inspected Naruto's arm. The gash was to large, but it was open slightly. A trickle of liquid was running out of the wound though. It was clear with slight traces of purple. Before Kakashi's eyes he saw what looked like small golden scales form slowly around the wound. Watching as it slowly closed. "It seems as though you were lucky Naruto. Due to your wound being open the poison is leaking out with some of the blood."

"Huh, cool I guess." Naruto mumbled. He couldn't feel any pain at all, hell he didn't he realize he was cut. Taking a cloth from Karin to help clean the injury, Naruto waited as she then wrapped cloth around it.

"Next time be more carefully." Karin warned. With that finished the team returned to listening to Tazuna. He explained the strike of his country under Gato. Going into detail as to why he needed to finish the bridge and why he sought out shinobi. His story struck a cord in Naruto and Karin. They understood pain well.

"That is why I requested assistance from Konoha. I hope you understand the reasoning behind my actions." Tazuna concluded.

"I sympathize with your nation Tazuna; however, we cannot accept this mission." Kakashi stated. Tazuna acknowledged this. "You only paid enough for a C-rank mission. In all honesty it wouldn't be bad if it was B-ranked, but this will be an A-rank."

Tazuna was filled with grief over the thought of losing this one opportunity to help his people. Getting down on his knees he bowed towards Kakashi with plea. "Please! My nation has suffered long enough under that tyrant! We can't call on Kiri due to the Civil War and we cannot afford anything higher." Tazuna pleaded. "I promise you though that once this is all over we will send payments directly to Konoha to pay off this debt."

"I'm afraid it isn't up to me." Kakashi mentioned.

"WHY NOT?!" Naruto exclaimed. Kakashi sighed as he faced his blond-haired student. "Why can't we help them?!"

"Naruto, this mission is out of your league. I would be fine, but you three are my concern." Kakashi explained. "I won't risk your lives over this issue."

"Then how about we take a vote!" Naruto suggested as he looked at his two other teammates. "Let's vote to see what we do next!" Looking over his team Kakashi noticed the fire in their eyes.

"Very well, let's vote then." Kakashi accepted. Raise your hand if you vote to continue the mission." Following the command Naruto and Karin quickly raised their hands. Noticing the lack of the hand they peered over towards Sasuke, who seemed to be contemplating.

"What the hell Sasuke! Raise your hand!" Naruto berated his teammate.

"Quite you idiot I'm thinking this over, unlike you two." He stated coolly.

"What's there to think about, they need our help!" Naruto countered.

"If we accept to continue the mission then we risk losing our lives. Then what do we do?!" Sasuke countered back. "I for one wish to think this over before I decide anything."

"Hm, well considering Sasuke isn't fully in on this I'd say this mission is cancelled." Kakashi stated.

"Now hold on a minute sensei, I'm not through thinking." Sasuke interjected. "I'm currently sitting on the fence, because this would be an ample time to truly test my skills." Kakashi remained stoic as the group waited on the Uchiha of the group. "If we go along with this mission we risk our lives."

"That is correct." Kakashi confirmed.

"If we survive though, we would have proven ourselves capable of much more." Sasuke added.

"Possibly." Kakashi mentioned.

Closing his eyes in contemplation Sasuke thought it over. Thinking on the risks and rewards. Deducing the best possible choice, he nodded in his approval. Revealing his eyes to be filled with resolve he faced his sensei. "Sensei, I vote to continue the mission." Sasuke announced. Getting some compliments from his teammates he smirked at his sensei who merely eye-smiled.

"To bad, my vote can veto's this whole thing." Kakashi stated. The genin were agape at the brashness. Forcibly berating their sensei, they demanded to continue. Kakashi though managed to reel them in, gaining control over the group. "Now look, you should always hear someone out completely before jumping to conclusions. I stated that my vote could veto this mission, not that I was."

"You mean…" Naruto started.

"Yes, we're continuing the mission," Kakashi stated as his students were filled with joy. "however, I want you to know that from this point on you will doing exactly what I tell you no matter what! Do I make myself clear?"

"Hai sensei!" They responded in unison.

"Very good. Now then Mr. Tazuna, let's get you up and continue our way forward." Offering his hand, Kakashi helped Tazuna up to his feet. The old man sincerely grateful to the team for deciding to continue with the mission. "Now then all we have to do is…Where are the Demon Brothers?"

The group turned to see that the binds had been cut and the two assailants missing. "What the hell?! HOW?! WHEN?!" Naruto yelled in frustration and confusion before turning towards Kakashi. "How did you not notice them disappearing?!"

"I was to busy being distracted by you three." Kakashi answered. Concern began to lay upon most of the group, though Kakashi seemed unconcerned. "There's nothing to worry about. You three could handle them and with me around they certainly wouldn't try anything foolish." Hardly enough to warrant comfort, but enough to ease their minds slightly. "Alright let's get moving. We still have a little while to go before we reach the Land of Waves." With that addressed the group made their way towards the Land of Waves once again. With a steady gaze Kakashi watched Naruto, his sight set on his arm.

A little while off, Gozu and Meizu watched. "Damn, those brats blindsided us!" Meizu cursed. Looking over his gauntlet he made sure everything was still fine. "At least they didn't mess with our stuff."

"Hmph, hardly something to worry about. Our first concern will be informing Zabuza of what happened." Gozu stated. "He won't be pleased but considering Copycat Kakashi is heading his way he'll at least appreciate the heads up."

"Yeah, well I hope this job doesn't last to much longer. I can't stand that short bastard we're working for." Meizu stated.

"We all despise him Meizu." Gozu mentioned as he started walking away. "We just need to work for him long enough to make enough money to aid in our goal of assassinating the Mizukage."

"Doesn't make this job any better." Meizu stated before getting up. As he did he noticed something. It appeared like an outline of a person, but when he went to take a second look it was gone.

"Meizu, what are you doing, we have to get back to base." Gozu's voice rang out towards his brother. Taking another quick look Meizu dismissed it as nothing before catching up with his brother. Meanwhile, ghost appeared where the two were originally standing. Directing his gaze towards Team Seven's direction a sense of contemplation surrounded him. Looking back in the direction of the Demon Brother's he thought on it. Disappearing from his spot once he made up his mind.

Early the following day Team Seven had managed to reach the rendezvous point with their transport. Taking a small transport boat, the group crossed the waters silently concealed in the morning mist. Concerned with stealth the man transporting them cut the engine of the boat about halfway across the water. Taking out an oar he began paddling the rest of the way towards their destination. With this method it ensured the least amount of noise possible.

"This mist is so thick. I can't see anything past it." Karin commented quietly to the group.

"We should be able to see the bridge soon." Tazuna mentioned to the group. The man paddling mentioned that if they moved alongside the bridge that they would reach the Land of Waves soon. Within a couple minutes they were able to see the bridge. It was huge, surprising all the genin.

"Wow! Look at the size of that thing!" Naruto thought aloud before being shushed by the group. In response he quickly covered his mouth.

"Hey be quiet!" The paddler warned quietly. "Why do you think I cut the engine halfway here?! We're trying to sneak into Land of Waves remember!"

"Sorry." Naruto whispered.

The rest of the journey was uneventful as they traveled through a water way under the bridge. Once through they had reached the Land of Waves, or rather the main island out of the chain. The boat made its way over towards the nearest dock. Stopping at it the group got off the boat and thanked the man for transporting them. Wishing luck on the rest of their journey he left them to go about the rest of day.

Making their way onward towards Tazuna's house. Taking one of the many roads in wave to do so. Surrounding Tazuna, Team Seven advanced down the path. Tension was evident amongst the group. With the Demon Brothers escape they were certain that the enemy was prepared to attack them. Suddenly, a sound caused Naruto to reach for a kunai. Tossing it into a bush the team went on alert.

Investigating the bush Naruto found nothing more than a poor startled rabbit. "AH!" Naruto exclaimed, startling his teammates. Kakashi walking forward nonchalant came over to look. "I'm sorry poor rabbit!" Karin walked and hit Naruto across the head and proceeded to berate him. Scolding him for not only nearly killing the rabbit but scaring everyone to. Kakashi looked over the rabbit though.

Its fur was white, something that unnerved Kakashi. 'It's a snow rabbit? They only have white fur during winter, when the days are short.' Kakashi deduced. Examining the surroundings Kakashi prepared himself. 'Substitution, which means that someone is here.' Spotting a sliver of a sliver his senses roared to life. "Everyone get down now!"

Following the command, everyone got to the ground just as a large sword swung over them. Traveling through the air it imbedded itself into a tree. Appearing on the hilt was a man surrounded with a sense of death. "Sharingan Kakashi, and here I thought those two were exaggerating." The man chuckled darkly. "No wonder they had trouble."

Sasuke was surprised by the new title given to his sensei. 'Sharingan Kakashi?! Does he have my clan's dojutsu?!' He thought with mixed feelings.

"To be fair it was my team that took care of them not I." Kakashi corrected. This caused an unseen scowl to form on the man's face. He had not been informed of that part from the brothers. "Though I'm surprised that out of all the people we could run into we ran into you, Zabuza Momochi."

"You don't sound pleased Kakashi, after all we've had a couple skirmishes in the past. Back when you were in Anbu." Zabuza stated. All three genin were learning far more about their sensei than before. Sure, they knew he learned under the Fourth Hokage, Naruto's dad. However, outside of that, and his "vices", they hardly knew anything about the man himself. "We can do this one of two ways Kakashi you pick."

Kakashi picked up his meaning quick. 'If he is our enemy I can't afford to hold back.' He thought to himself. Reaching up for his headband he lifted it revealing a vertical scar over his left eye. Then opening it to reveal the crimson color of the Sharingan. "Everyone, form the Majin formation and protect Tazuna!" Kakashi ordered. The three genin quickly fell into formation around Tazuna, readying themselves.

"Oh, I'm honored. I get to see the famous Sharingan right off the bat. This will be interesting." Zabuza chuckled as grabbed his blade while leaping away onto the water. A faint mist was beginning to set across the area. It wasn't thick, so everyone could still see each other, though it did impair the genin's vision slightly.

Standing on the water, Zabuza formed a stance with one hand forming the ram sign, while the other pointed vertically in the air. The water around his feet began to churn he channeled his chakra. 'He's putting a lot of chakra into the water.' Kakashi noted. Bringing up his kunai, he was ready for whatever Zabuza would bring.

"Hidden Mist jutsu!" Zabuza announced as the mist intensified. The area was blanketed in a thick mist that it even impossible to see Kakashi from where the genin were standing. A sense of dread befell upon the young genin. "Eight points." Came Zabuza's voice. "The larynx, spine, lungs, liver, jugular vein, collarbone, kidney, and the heart. Eight points I need to strike and you're dead." Zabuza's chuckle placed fear in the genin and Tazuna's heart. "Now how do you want to die?"

Suddenly a surge of chakra flared up and dismissed a portion of the mist away. Looking over towards the source the group saw Kakashi standing in place with a radiant glow of his chakra still present. "Don't worry everyone. I'll protect you with my life. I won't let my teammates die." Kakashi gave them a reassuring eye-smile. It helped alleviate a portion of their fear.

"I wonder about that Kakashi." Zabuza stated as the group of genin and Tazuna tensed. Standing in the middle of their formation was Zabuza. Reacting fast, Kakashi surged towards Zabuza with all his might. Zabuza readied to cut down each member of the group. Said group attempted to evade by jumping away. With a single cut Zabuza was bisected before dispersing into water. Kakashi, taken back, was cut down from behind.

Chuckling sinisterly Zabuza froze once he felt the cold steel of a kunai placed against his throat. "Hm, not bad Kakashi." Zabuza commented. Standing behind Zabuza was Kakashi. "But not good enough." Bringing his sword up for a reverse horizontal slash, Zabuza aimed for Kakashi's abdomen. Deflecting the blade with his kunai Kakashi was on the receiving end of an improvised kick to the chest sending him flying into the water. Grabbing the handle of his blade Zabuza charged forth towards Kakashi.

Surfacing from the water, Kakashi noted the density of the water around him. "A little slow Kakashi!" Zabuza laughed. "Water Prison jutsu!" Surprised, Kakashi soon found himself trapped in a sphere of water held together by Zabuza's chakra. "Heh, look at you now Kakashi. I guess that eye isn't all that after all."

'Crap.' Was the only word that Kakashi had in his mind at the moment. 'I thought I could use the water for cover, but I guess that was a poor decision on my part.'

"I told you long ago that this was my element, although you gave me a hard time while running around. Now not so much." Zabuza commented. Looking over at the rest of Team Seven and Tazuna Zabuza brought his free hand up. "Water clone jutsu!" Forming from the water source in front of them a water clone of Zabuza emerged. The genin were fearful. They had never experienced anything like this before and now they were facing death in the face. They needed Kakashi to defend them from Zabuza.

"Anyone got any ideas?!" Naruto asked around.

"Just run, there's no way any of you can defeat him!" Kakashi exclaimed. "Take Tazuna and go!"

'Easier said then done.' Sasuke thought to himself. 'So long as you're imprisoned we can't escape!'

Karin noticing the other two's reactions spoke up, "Hey, listen we need a plan to free Kakashi-sensei!" The other two turned their heads slightly, while never taking their eyes off the clone.

"Do you have an idea?" Sasuke asked.

"Maybe a concept, but it calls for everything to be perfect." Karin stated. "We can't mess up at all!"

"What do you need us to do?" Naruto asked.

"First create a distraction. I'll take care of the rest!" Karin stated. Steeling themselves, Naruto and Sasuke charged at the water clone. Conjuring up eight shadow clones Naruto took the lead. Seeing this the water clone Zabuza charged forward cutting through them one by one. Naruto in the mean time took a fuma shuriken and gave it to Sasuke, who tossed it over at the clone. The clone merely evaded the weapon before cutting down the last shadow clone.

Waiting carefully Naruto and Sasuke moved out of the way as the fuma shuriken returned. This time with a crackling sound. Turning to see the blinding light of the exploding tag, the clone was caught in the explosion. "Hey, look at that we did it!" Naruto cheered.

"Get down dobe!" Sasuke yelled as he dragged Naruto onto the ground. The massive blade of the clone had just barely missed decapitating them. "Stay focus! I need some clones to assist me casting a jutsu!"

"Alright!" Naruto agreed. Creating ten shadow clones this time. Each charged forth at the water clone with haste.

"Interesting. To create so many shadow clones at such a young age. He must be gifted with great chakra reserves." Zabuza commented. "It'll hardly make a difference though."

Flying through hand signs, Sasuke was moving as quick as possible. With the real Naruto next to him he wasn't going to hold back or wait for the clones to move. Taking in a deep breath Sasuke was ready to unleash his jutsu. "Fire Style: Fireball jutsu!" He yelled out loud as he breathed out a large ball of fire towards the clashing clones. Surprised to a genin unleash an attack such as that the clone slashed through a shadow clone and dodged the attack.

Panting ever so slightly, the jutsu took quite a bit of his energy to pull off. "Naruto head's up!" Sasuke announced as they moved to evade another slash. Though they both received shallow cuts from the blade across their chests.

"Please kid, I killed a hundred wannabe shinobi like you in one day. Hell, I wasn't even a student back then either." Zabuza informed the two of them. "Once you've tangled with death as long as I have you learn to embrace it!"

"Then embrace it here!" Karin shouted as she cut into the water clone. Naruto and Sasuke were relieved to see the clone gone, though the anger in Karin's eyes were something else. "I leave you two in charge of creating a distraction, which one it worked, ultimately to end up with you two getting tossed around like kunai!"

"You said it worked, so did you free Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto questioned. Looking past Karin Naruto and Sasuke could see Kakashi starring at them blankly while still trapped in the water prison. "Well why don't we just launch a bunch of exploding tags at them just like in the bell test?!"

"Do you want to kill our sensei!" Karin yelled back.

"He would've been fine look he's protected by the water." Naruto countered.

"He's not being protected he's trapped in it you idiot!" Karin pointed out with retort.

"Cut the chat we've got trouble!" Sasuke interjected as a newly formed water clone came towards them. Splitting up the three genin surrounded the water clone.

"Give it up brats I have far more experience than any of you!" Zabuza stated. Just as he was about to say something else an upward surge erupted from the water beneath him. Shifting his gaze Naruto emerged with a kunai in hand.

"Take this!" Naruto yelled as he thrusted the kunai at Zabuza. The man sneered at this and grabbed Naruto's hand. Pulling him up to eye level.

"Now then, I didn't expect that one." Zabuza stated as he saw the other Naruto disperse. "A shadow clone, interesting."

"Heh, you like that, then you're going to love this!" Naruto exclaimed as three more Naruto's erupted from the water with kunai in hand. Surprised Zabuza had little time to react. Retracting his arm to grab his blade and dealing with the clones. Tossing the real Naruto into the water.

"You little brat, I'm going to-" Zabuza paused as he deflected a strike from Kakashi.

"Took you long enough Naruto." Kakashi stated.

"Sorry Kakashi-sensei. I had to make sure that he believed I was over there the entire time." Naruto explained. Naruto had been the first fuma shuriken thrown by Sasuke. Once deflected into the mist he returned to normal and tossed another fuma shuriken with an explosive tag on it at the clone. During the interval time after that he snuck into the water and bided his time. "Well do I get a passing grade on stealth?"

"Your uncanniness will suite you in the future Naruto." Kakashi stated while paying close attention to Zabuza. "Now then Zabuza I believe we have some business to conclude."

Seething at his own arrogance Zabuza flew through hand signs. 'Alright Kakashi, I'm going to end this.' He thought. Noticing what Zabuza was doing Kakashi flew through the exact same hand signs as him. Both simultaneously preparing the same jutsu.

"Water Style: Water Dragon jutsu!" They yelled out as two water dragons emerged from the water. Coiling and biting into each other the two collided in contest. Taking the opportunity, Zabuza launched himself towards Kakashi with his blade pulled back. Pushing his way through the churning water he attempted a horizontal slash against Kakashi. Jumping back, Kakashi threw two kunai at Zabuza. The kunai were quickly deflected in response.

"Damn Sharingan." Zabuza hissed. "I think I'll just end it here!" Flying through another series of hand signs Zabuza intended to end the fight. Kakashi, on the other hand, copied his movements and finished the jutsu before Zabuza.

"Water Style: Giant Vortex Jutsu!" He exclaimed as the water churned and shot forward as a great surge. Shocked at the fact Kakashi beat him to the execution Zabuza braced himself for the incoming surge. With tremendous power the vortex hollowed out the ground as it rampaged into Zabuza. Shooting forward until it collided with the foliage. Zabuza now pinned to a tree was battered as the water ceased and flowed back to its source.

Breathing heavily Zabuza was drenched and exhausted. Moving to get himself going he was pinned to the tree by a couple kunai by Kakashi. Cursing his name, Zabuza attempted to free himself. "I wouldn't do that if I were you." Kakashi warned. Frustrated, Zabuza was about to reach for his blade when two senbon needles imbedded themselves into his neck. This had surprised Kakashi and the others as a masked individual made themselves known. Looking up at the individual he recognized the mask of the shinobi in question. "From that mask I take it you're a hunter-nin from Kiri."

"You're well informed, Kakashi Hatake." The boy commented. "I am apart of the pursuing shinobi unit that hunts down missing-nin." Kakashi analyzed the boy before him. He was young, though he was more than likely a little older than his genin.

'He's no ordinary kid.' Kakashi thought.

Kakashi watched as the hunter-nin shunshined over towards Zabuza's body. Grabbing it by the arm and neck he hoisted it onto his back. "If you'll excuse me I must dispose of the body." With a hand sign the masked shinobi disappeared in a shunshin. Kakashi, with his eyes still set on the boy's previous spot, let out a sigh. Reaching up for his headband he placed it back over his left eye.

Turning towards his team he noted that they looked like a mess. 'Well at least we're matching.' He thought to himself. He could only guess how he looked after today's events. "Alright everyone our mission isn't over yet. We still have to get Tazuna to his home." Kakashi trailed off towards the end as he collapsed onto the ground from exhaustion. The remaining members of the group merely looked at the collapsed leader. In response a single thought graced their minds.

"I'm not carrying him." Voiced a tied Naruto.

"Neither am I." Sasuke agreed.

"And I have to ensure I'm well enough to treat everyone." Karin mentioned.

All three genin, who were looking worse for wear turned towards Tazuna. The older man just looked at them in response. Both sides fighting the silent exchange. With single line Tazuna sealed the deal. "Just remember who the client is." Sighing in defeat the three decided that Naruto would summon three clones. With them, the real Naruto and Sasuke they would carry him over to Tazuna's house. It only took them half an hour to reach the house. Once there they proceeded to drop their sensei and pass our as well. Leaving only Karin and Tazuna to be the only conscious members of the group left standing.

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End

Well there we have it. I'd say it was fun doing this one. I don't know what it was, perhaps nostalgia, but I've been watching early Naruto for this one. I do apologize for posting this one a little late, but I didn't want to post it completely raw. I took my time with this one. Well it's at least a little longer than the last chapter.

This arc is only a few chapters long at best. I don't plan for it to be to big. I will use this much like its primary usage in cannon. To introduce the reality of the shinobi world to Naruto. That shinobi will die working for their employers and will always live a violent life. A sad but true fact.

Now I don't have much to add here, so if you have any questions just shoot me a PM or leave it in a review. This has been Shin Aedra. I'll catch everyone next time, PEACE!