A/N: Part 2 of the Zabuza fight bitches! Say whaaaattt! I hope everyone likes the way the story is turning out so far. For anyone that used to follow the story I am sorry for the hiatus. Ya boi had some military commitments to handle. Glad to be back and hitting you suckas with these chapters as a gift to the faithful.
While I was gone I wrote up a bit of a codex on the working of this little X-over and HOW it all works together. IF y'all want I can start putting the entries at the bottom of chapters moving forward. As far as the Bleach characters and their story arc is concerned I already know when the worlds are going to colide, but on the fence if I want to do the Bleach Arc after I finish fleshing out the Naruto characters or publish them together, just alternating between the two. If you have an opinion on how it all works please leave a review, plus I love feedback.
Almost done you guys bear with me :)
So my original intent was to have all the techniques in their original names along with all original techniques in Japanese, but I do not want to disrespect the language. Anyone with knowledge of Japanese that would like to do translations would be nice
i.e, Shirukitsune - supposed to mean "Sealed Fox", but thats according to google translate
P.M. potential translations to
"Illusion Fist"
"Queen's Illusion"
"Break the Chains that Bind you"
and shout out to God-ShadowEx100 for the most entertaining review ever! Now here is the second part to the Zabuza fight! Enjoy!
Sasuke Uchiha
Damnit. They did everything according to plan and all they managed to do was piss him off, Sasuke thought to himself. Once they made landfall Naruto was quick to point out how stupid it was for their entire group to travel on the only road leading up to Tazuna's village. It was at that point when Sakura decided on a plan of action. Since the Team 7 was formed it was usual for each member of the group to have a particular role. Sakura had become the team's de-facto tactician, which complimented her fighting style well. While not as aggressive as himself or Naruto, Sakura made up for it with preparation, patience, and skill. She had a decent understanding of all of the team's skills, and was a quick enough study to be able to make up effective strategies based on her knowledge. Her affinity for genjutsu complimented this role, allowing her to have influence over a fight without drawing too much attention. When she did leap into combat it was only after she understood her opponent, and her self-titled "Illusion Fist" fighting style combines her genjutsu with her natural monstrous strength to decimate opponents.
Sakura's role was in stark contrast to Naruto's. Naruto was typically the distraction. His skill with his sword and rowdy attitude made him perfect for this task. The blonde swordsman could draw the attention of anyone, and hold his own while doing so. While Naruto would never claim this, Sasuke knew that Naruto was highly perceptive while in combat. Once he was warmed up Naruto had a knack of entering a bit of a warrior's trance, being able to attack and defend almost simultaneously. He seemed to fade in and out of his opponents striking range using his footwork and positing to set up his strikes. In addition to his close-quarters prowess Naruto was adept in creating openings for his allies to strike.
Sasuke had the best of both worlds, in his opinion. His usual role was mid to long range combat. Both Saukra and Naruto were highly skilled in close quarters, which left a gap in the team's effectiveness at a range. While Sasuke was highly skilled in taijutsu, as most members of his clan were, his claim to fame with his teammates was his extreme speed and shurikenjutsu. Even without using his full set of skills Sasuke is the quickest member of Team 7. Sasuke would use a mixture of his speed and shurikenjutsu to take down most opponents. When all else failed Sasuke would use one of his many ninjutsu, a skill that neither of his teammates have yet to display. Having quickly discovered his affinity for fire-styled techniques Sasuke had trained in the techniques constantly to gain greater chakra potency and control. Due to his training Sasuke's chakra reserves had grown massively, a fact that he hoped to keep hidden for the time being. His tactical mind was no slouch either. While Sakura was great at forming an overall strategy, Sasuke would make the changes mid mission. His position on the battlefield gives the young Uchiha a way to notice the flow of combat, and his combat IQ is high enough where he knows when and how to change a plan to ensure it remains successful.
Sakura's plan was excellent all things considered. Based on what everyone knew at the time, they planned to run into at best, a team of chunin level fighters and at worst a team of jonin. In order for the mission to be completed the team would need to split up. The decoy team, which was the Genin of Team 7, would attempt to fix the enemy in place. Naruto would create four shadow clones, one to represent Tazuna, Kakashi, Sasuke, and Naruto himself. Sakura would remain with the decoys in order to enact her jutsu effectively. While this is going on Naruto and Sasuke would shadow Sakura and the clones at the edge of their sensory range. Once the shadow clones and Sakura made contact she would activate one of her new techniques, Hana no Gensō.
According to the kunoichi this jutsu did not work like a typical genjutsu. She did not need to make dramatic changes to her victim's chakra network. It worked a lot more like her Illusion Fist.
"All I do is make changes to what they perceive. It is like when you take a little kid's nose. While you know it is your thumb, to the kid it is their nose," She went on to explain, "As of now I can only affect what they see. But I hope to effect more of my opponent's senses with practice." Sakura then explained that because her jutsu is sight based it is only effective so long as no physical contact is made with the victim and the illusions. This was a new move for Sakura so she would use most of her chakra up with using it. While Sakura has the ambushers trapped Naruto and Sasuke would watch their fighting style until they could attack or if Sakura was compromised. Either way Naruto and Sasuke would launch a counterattack from the shadows.
Sasuke then choose to speak up, mentioning the fact that a sensory type could be amongst the ambushers. This was something easily overlooked by Sakura. Naruto choose to speak next, saying he could 'bleed' some of his 'special energy' into the air which would be enough to throw off most sensors. Satisfied with that fact Sakura requested that Kakashi take Tazuna and make a wide berth around their intended approach, secure Tazuna, and then return to the Genin as soon as possible. As usual Kakashi seemed completely okay with the plan, not showing any outward concern in regards to his students.
All of this planning and preparation went right out the door once the Genin realized what they were up against. The Demon Swordsman of the Hidden Mist, Zabuza Momochi. A name made infamous for a plurality of brutal acts across the ninja world. His ruthlessness was only matched by his effectiveness as a shinobi. He wielded that gargantuan blade of his as easily as any other sword user would their blade. His chakra was dense, heavy, and seemed saturated with the souls of the men he has slain. He easily stood to be twice the height of the young Uchiha, and was covered in lean and effective muscle. His eyes, albeit distant, were filled with a primal rage that was waiting to be brought forward. Luckily for them Sakura's jutsu seemed to work, even against Zabuza. But it only succeeded in tiring the kunoichi out. Before Zabuza lashed out in rage Sasuke and Naruto managed to launch their attack.
If not for watching Zabuza fight the illusions of Sakura Sasuke doubted that any sort of offense would have worked. Somehow Naruto had managed to get a grip on Zabuza and throw him to the ground thus leaving an opening for Sasuke's Phoenix Fire Jutsu. But it all proved to simply enrage the ninja swordsman. So now Team 7, with a chakra depleted Sakura, had to find a way to survive against one of the most brutal shinobi in existence. The brutal shinobi who is now releasing waves of hatred at the young ninja. Sasuke's mind raced to come up with a solution for the problem facing them, but was not given the time because it was at that moment when Zabuza charged.
Naruto Uzumaki
An enraged Zabuza closed the distance between himself and Naruto in a single step. If Naruto had not seen this burst of speed before he may not have had time to raise his blade and stop the charging swordsman. To his left Sasuke stood slack-jawed, seemingly immobile due to the sheer amount of killing intent flowing from the high ranking ninja. Behind Naruto stood a depleted Sakura, barely maintaining her composure under the pressure Zabuza exerted. Even Naruto himself was having trouble keeping himself together. Not only were his bones shaking from taking on Zabuza's charge head on but it felt as if his very will to fight was being crushed under the willpower of Zabuza.
Calm yourself Naruto, Shirukitsune said to him. The calming effect of his zanpakuto helped Naruto gain control himself. Naruto released his shackles, allowing his body to be invigorated by the effect of his spiritual energy. The air around Naruto became noticeably heavier, causing Zabuza's eyes to narrow. While a part of him wished otherwise, the release of Naruto's reiatsu had little effect on the monstrous power that was Zabuza. With his full strength to bear Naruto began his counterattack.
The blonde turned his blade and allowed Zabuza's sword to fall to his side. Seeing an opening Naruto attempted to strike at Zabuza's blade wielding arm. The demon swordsman let go of his blade and kneed Naruto in the stomach, clearing the young ninja's lungs of air and knocking him in the air. Zabuza threw a straight punch at Naruto's head only for the blonde to pivot midair to allow the haymaker to turn into a glancing blow. With the momentum of the punch Naruto lashed out with a counter strike with his sword that was easily dodged by Zabuza and finally kicking off his opponent to create some distance. Once Naruto's feet touched the ground Zabuza had his sword in hand and was attacking again. Even though he wielded the massive blade with immense strength and skill Naruto still managed to avoid the attacks. Any time Naruto got too close Zabuza would use his hands or his feet to attack the young ninja using a punch, kick, or an attempt at gaining grip control. This was always followed by a heavy swing from the great sword of the demon swordsman. At the edge of his range Zabuza's strikes were faster. He would mix a swing from his sword with a change in position using footwork to constantly get an angle on Naruto.
It did not take long for Naruto to realize that Zabuza is unused to fighting with his sword in this manner. He would use whatever techniques he had at his disposal to create an opportunity for a single killing blow from his weapon. Against most ninja this was a great strategy. An average ninja would get nice and intimate in an attempt to go for their own killing blow, which is exactly what Zabuza would want. With his unnatural speed and strength he could create an opening for his sword using various strikes or simply grabbing his opponent. If getting close was not an option then a ninja would create distance to attack with ninjutsu or shuriken. Naruto could only assume what sort of techniques Zabuza could use at range. None of this helped knowledge really helped Naruto. While he could avoid Zabuza well enough any attempt to counter was defended against easily. Any closer and Naruto ran the risk of being taken out by Zabuza's inward defense, and if Naruto attempted to use his Kido then he would be left wide open for a ranged attack by Zabuza. This fight was a battle of attrition between a nearly untouchable foe and a berserker where one hit could spell defeat.
In a mighty blow Zabuza brought the full weight of his weapon down to the ground, creating crack in the ground beneath him. Naruto bounced to the side, believing he saw an opening Naruto thrust his blade towards Zabuza's abdomen and hit nothing but air. In disbelief Naruto looked around frantically for the Demon of the Hidden Mist. When a fist crashed into Naruto's face he realized he was being toyed with.
"You are good little swordsman. Better than I was at your age I'll give you that. But you just are not at my level quite yet kid. It's a damn shame. So much potential," Zabuza said towards a downed Naruto, "Now all of that potential is going to be splattered across the floor." The demon swordsman raised his weapon to finish the job when he vanished from view once again just before several kunai hit him. Through the ringing in his head Naruto could vaguely hear the clash of steel on steel as footsteps approached him.
"Get up Naruto, you need to get up!," Sakura said to him in an attempt to wake the blonde ninja.
"Sakua… you have… a twin…," Naruto managed to spit out.
"Damnit we do not need you having a concusion right now. Eat this. Hurry," Sakura said as she fished out a small white pill from one of her pockets, "It should help you think straight for a little bit." Uzumaki swallowed the pill and he quickly regained his composure. The sound of steel on steel was much clearer now, as Zabuza exchanged blows with the last Uchiha. From what Naruto could tell Sasuke was using the same style Naruto was but was able to press the offensive using his speed. Naruto looked in amazement as Sasuke fought, and it was then that his comrade made eye contact with him. And those eyes were red.
Sasuke Uchiha
The last Uchiha did not expect to have to use his newly discovered Sharingan so soon, but he couldn't just let Naruto die. The whole "let's keep our true power hidden' game he and Naruto played with one another seemed to go right out the window with their current opponent. Naruto released his power first, and what a power it was. Whatever his ability was it made Naruto faster and stronger, at least enough to go toe to toe with Zabuza. About halfway through the swordsman's exchange Sasuke decided to activate his sharingan. If he was going to jump in and help then he needed to be at his best. With the kekkai genkai active Sasuke was about ready to help when Zabuza used a flicker step to vanish from Naruto's view. It became apparent that Naruto had no idea how to track someone moving that fast, but it was plain as day to the Uchiha. Sasuke knew he wouldn't be able to defend Naruto from taking the incoming hit but the killing blow was something he could stop.
Sasuke threw a finger full of kunai at Zabuza, causing the swordsman to flicker away only to be intercepted by the last Uchiha. While he wasn't faster or stronger than Zabuza, Sasuke was just skilled enough to allow his sharingan to even the odds. Not only was he able to dodge and stay close to Zabuza like his comrade had done, with the help of his sharingan Sasuke was able to go on the offensive.
"How ironic. The last of the Uchiha clan is the student to Kakashi," Zabuza said amidst the exchange between him and Sasuke, "What a great gift those eyes must be. Too bad you barely know how to use them."
Sasuke could not manage a single word, fearful of giving his enemy an opening by letting up. This guy is crazy strong but arrogant as all hell, Sasuke thought to himself.
"MISS ME HANDSOME!" Naruto shouted from above before crashing his blade down in an attempt to hit Zabuza. The missing-nin simply jumped backwards, having heard Naruto's shout long before the attack connected.
"You IDIOT! You could have ambushed him!" Sasuke yelled at his teammate, highly frustrated with the lack of forethought.
"Chill Uchibi. One, I suck at surprise attacks, he would have known I was coming regardless," Naruto stated before he switched his tone, "Second, I wanted him to see me." Sasuke easily picked up the nuances. With no more words Sasuke quickly closed the distance between himself and Zabuza, attacking once again. Zabuza dodged the Uchiha's attacks easily enough until Naruto joined the fray seconds later. Falling in sync with the Uchiha the blonde swordsman advanced with spirit. The two Genin pressed the attack forcing the missing-nin backwards.
Naruto unleashed a strong horizontal slash that forced Zabuza to take another step backwards. Sasuke jumped and launched a combination of kicks that were blocked. Sasuke attempted to flip away but his leg was grabbed at the last minute. Naruto crouched and tried a strike at the demon swordsman legs, but his attack was stopped by Zabuza's foot. The Demon of the Hidden Mist threw Sasuke down atop Naruto, crushing the blonde with the body of Sasuke. Being particularly brutal Zabuza repeatedly smashed Naruto with the body of Sasuke. Once he was satisfied the two were broken enough the demon swordsman stomped the two of them, shattering Sasuke's ribs in the process. Zabuza raised his weapon for the killing blow when he turned his weapon to defend against a surprise attack from Sakura. An illusionary fist passed straight through Zabuza's sword, which was the only warning he had. Sakura used all her strength to punch Zabuza, his bone giving way against the unnatural might of Sakura. With his sharingan Sasuke could see the cheek of Zabuza cave to the blow, cracking as small pieces of bone flew out of his mouth. The demon of the mist flew into a tree, his body sliding down unconscious.
Did we win, Sasuke thought to himself far too exhausted to speak. He rolled himself off of Naruto and the blonde seemed to be as dumfounded as he was. Sakura face was gaunt, having used the last bit of her stamina for one last punch. For a moment the three were silent, now knowing how they just completed their task. Sasuke was stunned, they defeated one of the strongest ninja of the modern era by themselves. A task that legends are made of.
It was Sakura who broke the silence, "Heh…. Heh… Hey… Naruto," Sakura chuckled, "Miss me handsome," She finished with her fist still outstretched, mocking Naruto's choice of words.
"Didn't know you swung your sword that way Uzumaki. No wonder you're so quiet all the time," Sasuke added on.
"Fuck off, I was in the heat of the moment," Naruto said. Sasuke and Sakura looked blankly at Naruto until he said, "Damnit why do I talk." Sasuke and Sakura erupted into laughter at the irony of the statement.
"Well damn Uzumaki, getting hot and bothered while your sword hit another man's sword." Sasuke continued.
"It's totally though. You can be with whoever you want Naruto," Sakura added through her laughter.
"Fuck you both… and you're dreams," Naruto finally grunted before looking away upset.
Their laughter continued until the sound of cracking wood was heard. Sasuke turned his head to see the Demon of the Mist rising from the tree he was knocked in to. The massive sword user cracked his neck before picking up his sword. Sasuke could not believe it. He was down. He was not moving. How is he still standing? Sakura fell to her knees, the emotional toll finally setting in. Naruto used his sword to prop himself up, ready to fight with whatever he had left. Sasuke attempted to stand but could only manage to get on a single knee before his body gave up on him.
"Look at me and know despair," Zabuza said as he walked towards the Genin, "Your lives were forfeit once you attempted to fight Zabuza Momochi, Demon of the Hidden Mist." The demon walked towards them, assured of his victory. A flash of green blurred in front of Sasuke's vision before Zabuza blocked an attack.
The leader of Team 7, Kakashi Hatake, was now on the battlefield.
"I am usually a very laid back teacher," Kakashi said, "My students don't need much from me. They are strong, intelligent, and very gifted young ninja." Sasuke and his teammates looked in disbelief in equal parts by what was being done but also by what was said.
"Sakura, the plan was great. You thought of almost everything… except a plan to retreat. You cannot accomplish the mission when you're dead remember that," Kakashi said without turning to look at Sakura.
"Great swordplay Naruto, your footwork is some of the best I've seen in years. I am so proud that you were able to go one on one with this man. But remember you are a ninja. Your weapon skills are fine but remember misdirection is the shinobi's best weapon," Kakashi said towards Naruto.
"Sasuke. I shouldn't be surprised you have the sharingan at such a young age, but I am pleasantly surprised. Congratulations. Don't be so hesitant to put yourself at risk," Kakashi said, addressing Sasuke.
"Now to you Zabuza Momochi. You intended to kill three Genin," Kakashi's tone changing as his body tensed, "You and I both know you could have blown right by them to catch Tazuna. But no. You just had to kill them. No. Even killing was not enough for you. You had to tear them down. Break their spirits. Give them hope, and then crush it." Kakashi continued to speak as he gathered his chakra. "Do you want a fight to the death Zabuza? Well you have just found it."
Kakashi Hatake
Once reaching the village Konoha's White Fang quickly secured Tazuna before returning to his students. He had no reason to rush back, until he overheard a villager mention the name of one of the ninja Gatou hired, Zabuza Momochi. That was all it took for the Jonin to speed towards his students. He was nearly halfway there when he felt the familiar pressure of Naruto's spirit being released. Lord Third had brief Kakashi on what that meant when it happened, so Kakashi knew immediately that he needed to hurry. Knowing his students, Naruto would let himself die far before either of his teammates would perish. With that in mind Kakashi used Naruto's energy as a timer. Once it went out he was too late. Luckily for him Kakashi arrived to see his students battered, bruised, but not quite defeated. They were actually laughing when he showed up. A small pug wearing a ninja jacket transformed from a tree branch, informing Kakashi of what happened. He could not help but swim in pride with what he heard.
Kakashi was not a difficult mentor. He felt no need to be. His student's most certainly did not need his help all that often. He had decided to be far more subtle in his guidance of his students. Choosing to use certain techniques to peak their curiosity. Asking 'dumb' questions to ensure they thought outside the box. Forcing them to work as a team and not rely on him. While he couldn't take any real credit the fact is that these three blossomed together. It was then that Kakashi saw Zabuza stand up. Even without his sharingan Kakashi could tell that Zabuza had faked injury to give his students hope. Hope he thoroughly crushed by rising yet again to attack them.
Kakashi's formative years as a ninja was during the last Great Ninja War. He saw many young ninja cut down all too soon for the sake of that war. In the peace that ensued, it became a bit of an unwritten rule to 'leave younglings be'. This concept was one adopted by most jonin level ninja and higher through all elemental nations. One does not kill genin unless necessary. Genin are young, impressionable, and also the future of the ninja world. While by title they are 'ninja', they are little more than children more times than not. For a jonin it is easy enough to move past them or incapacitate them, so killing them is truly not necessary. But this sentiment seemed to be lost on Zabuza. Here he stood, staring down on the genin of Team 7 ready to murder them in cold blood. The White Fang could not stand for that.
After offering brief words to his students he turned his attention towards the Demon of the Hidden Mist. Zabuza attempted to initiate his signature jutsu, his fog already in place to use the Silent Killing Technique, but Kakashi was not about to give him the chance. He threw a kunai only for it to be caught by Zabuza, just as he expected. The explosive tag activated, causing the swordsman to fling it away before it exploded. By then Kakashi had already prepared his first jutsu. Zabuza attempted to take a step back but his feet were trapped by a puddle of mud generated by Kakashi. The jonin launched a flying knee into the jaw of Zabuza, feeling the bones of his opponent crack under the pressure. Kakashi let his elbow drop, causing a series of fractures to form in the crown of the demon swordsman's skull. His final kick was right in the nose of the missing-nin, shattering the bones in his face and cracking his upper spine.
Zabuza feel to the ground, struggling to bring air through his damaged neck. He attempted to speak but blood was pooling in his mouth, forcing him to cough it up. Kakashi could see nothing but rage in his opponent's eyes, having been so quickly defeated by Konoha's White Fang. Kakashi drew one last kunai, ready to finish the job when several small needles did Kakashi's work for him. Zabuza's eyes immediately feel dark, his breathing immediately stopping due to the mysterious attack. From behind Kakashi a ninja with a white mask that was indicative of a Hidden Mist Anbu agent.
"I thank you, Kakashi-san. I had hoped your student's would weaken the Demon enough but you did just as well," The Mist Anbu said.
Still seething with quite anger Kakashi simply said, "Do what needs to be done, my apprentices and I have our own mission."
Without a second thought Kakashi walked to his students, who were all looking at their sensei with astonishment. It was Naruto who stopped looking at Kakashi just long enough to see something that seemed to disturb him. The jonin would ask about it later, for now he had to get them medical attention.