Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or have any affiliation with the manga or anime. I only own this story and any characters, weapons, or techniques that I create.
Hello all and welcome back for chapter 11. I'd like to say thank you to all who have voted so far in the polls for Naruto and Sasuke's pairings. So far it seems like Hinata Hyuga is in the lead for Naruto and Kin Tsuchi is in the lead for Sasuke. A big thanks again to all favorites and followers. The Naruto poll will end on October 20th, and the Sasuke poll will end October 27th. At the end of this chapter I have the URL's posted for each to make it easier for you to get to the polls. You get two choices per poll and an extra vote for each in a review or PM. This chapter will focus on the battle on the bridge and will conclude the land of waves arc. This is by far the longest chapter I have written. Please review and tell me what you like, dislike, want to see happen, or any criticisms that you may have about my story. I would like to be able to write this story better for all of my readers. Chunin exams arc will be staring soon and I will be straying from canon as Kumori will start having his story integrated. Hope you all enjoy the chapter.
I updated this chapter because of viewer suggestion. My chapters will not usually be this long I hope you enjoy. Review please.
HQ-pyon: Thanks for your review; I didn't know that Suigetsu had that type of respect for Zabuza as well as Kisame. Hope to keep hearing from you
Cjhoax: Thanks for the review. I understand your opinion on Haku but I didn't want to make it a fem-Haku story. The Chunin exams will start a lot more of the AU aspect of the story. New teams and new battles included. Hope to keep hearing from you.
Chapter 11.
Sasuke,
Sasuke stood with Naruto and Kumori in front of Kakashi. It was the tenth day since the last fight with Zabuza, and they figured the next attack would come today. The four ninja had discussed their plan of action. If an attack happened the main priority was protecting Tazuna, and the Genin were to leave Zabuza to Kakashi. They were ready to head for the bridge.
"Naruto I want you to stay behind at the house just in case Tsunami or Inari needs protection."
"But Kakashi sensei, I want to fight; you guys are going to need my help."
"The teamwork required here today is you staying behind Naruto."
Sasuke watched as for once Naruto actually stood quietly. He could tell that something was off but he could think of what it could be.
"All right you too let's get a move on."
"Yes sensei." Kumori responded.
"You got it Kakashi." Sasuke said.
The three ninja walked off away from the house with Tazuna in between them. They walked for about a half hour until they reached the bridge.
"Keep your guard up Sasuke, you too Kumori."
The two silently nodded back at Kakashi. The four stepped out onto the bride and they saw several bodies spread out along the bridge. A mist began moving its way across the battle field. A chuckle could be heard echoing across the bridge.
"So you and the brats are still here huh Kakashi." Zabuza's voice rang out. "You can't stop me from killing the man."
"We will see about that now wont we Zabuza?"
Kakashi stepped forward to meet the Mist Village Missing Ninja. Sasuke watched on as the mist became heavier separating the students form their teacher. Five clones of Zabuza suddenly appeared surrounding them. Sasuke began to tremble.
"Your brats are not doing so good Kakashi. That one is still shaking just like last time." Zabuza accused.
"Don't count Sasuke out just yet Zabuza."
"He is trembling in fear, it's somewhat disappointing." Zabuza berated.
Sasuke smiled at the clones surrounding him. In his head he quickly calculated the best formula for disposing of all five clones.
"I'm trembling in anticipation." He told Zabuza.
Sasuke focused chakra to his feet and this gave him a boost of speed allowing him to quickly and efficiently as to destroy all five clones with two kunai.
…
Inari,
Meanwhile,
"Inari, come on down for breakfast." Tsunami shouted to her son.
Naruto stood at the foot of the stairs watching over Tsunami and Inari. Inari could not bring himself to look at Naruto. He had felt a strong sense of hurt and bitterness at the young ninja ever since he had called him an idiot and said all of those things to him. He could not bring himself to follow the words Naruto said to him. The memory of his father's execution still lingered on his heart to heavily.
Inari sat down to eat at the table and Tsunami sat across from him. He looked up at his mother and saw her smiling. Even Naruto had a smile on his face though he was probably upset about not being with his team. It infuriated him so much. How could they be so happy, even after everything that has happened to them all? He just couldn't understand it.
A loud knock came at the door. Naruto's eyes darted in the direction of the door and he slowly walked to the door. The knocking came back louder. Inari watched as Naruto put his hand on the doorknob and turned. Time seemed to speed up as the door swung open and two men rushed forward. The man on the left who wore a bluish coat and black hat on his head grabbing Naruto by the throat and impaling him in the chest with a Katana held in his right hand. He then proceeded to throw him into the water behind them and walked towards Tsunami.
"Sorry lady but Gato needs a hostage, you know just in case Zabuza fails in killing the old man. But if the ninja are as easy to kill as that brat was this will be easy."
Inari stood shaking as he watched what had just happened to Naruto. The second man looked over at the young child.
"Hey Zori We only need one hostage right?" The other man who was shirtless with an eye patch covering his right eye and tattoo's covering his left arm asked with a chuckle.
"Have fun Waraji."
Inari grew increasingly more afraid as the man began walking towards him. He was to petrified to move.
"Don't you dare touch him. If you do then I will bite through my tongue and drown myself in my own blood. What will you do for a hostage then huh?" Tsunami said almost hysterically.
"Fine then, whatever, let's go Waraji."
"Okay Zori. Hey scared little kid, your just lucky that your mother is so brave."
The two men left the house leaving Inari alone and crying on the ground.
"Mom, I'm sorry, I wish I could do something." Inari said to himself. Then in the back of his mind he heard it. The words that his father always spoke to him.
"If something is truly important to you… even if it's heartbreaking and even if it's sorrowful… you keep on trying and trying, even if you lose your life, you keep on protecting it with these two arms!... Then, even if you die, you leave behind the proof that you're a man… forever."
"Daddy, I'm sorry, I don't know if I can protect anyone." Inari stayed crying.
"So you had bad shit happen, tough. You think that gives you the right to pose as the star of some tragedy and cry all day? Just keep crying forever you idiot. And while you're doing that I will prove to you that a hero can exist."
Inari remembered Naruto's words. Naruto who he had seen cut down in front of him on orders to protect him and his mom. Naruto who would give his life for the two of them. He knew then what true strength was. The willingness to give one's life to protect what was truly important. He could not be a cry baby anymore. He had to save his mom. Inari ran out of the house and saw the two men with his mother.
"You get away from my Mom!"
"No Inari stay away, ugh…." Tsunami started to yell out before Waraji knocked her in the head with his katana's hilt.
"Looks like the little kid wants to die."
"Let's give him his wish."
As Inari ran at the two men the place the hands on their katanas and prepared to kill him. As they slashed at Inari his hat went flying off of his head.
…
Sasuke,
All of Zabuza's clones turned into water as Sasuke stood with his back to them. He had successfully destroyed all five of them with relative ease.
"The boy is impressive Zabuza, being able to defeat your clones even if they are at ten percent of your power."
"Haku you are far too nice for your own good." Zabuza stepped forward preparing himself to kill Sasuke.
"Zabuza let me fight this boy."
"As you wish Haku."
Sasuke watched as the fake hunter ninja from before stepped towards him. The ninja pulled out a senbon needle and rushed at him. Sasuke successfully evaded the attack and made hand signs.
"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu." A large ball of fire flew towards Haku and he jumped over it throwing senbon needles at Sasuke. Sasuke deflected the needles and rushed forward trying to stab Haku with his kunai. Haku was able to block the kunai with a senbon and the two were locked together with one hand free each.
"Your speed is impressive to be able to keep up with me. But you are still no match for me."
Haku began to do one handed signs with his free hand much to Sasuke's astonishment.
"Secret Art: 1000 Needles of Death!"
The water around Sasuke's feet began to glow as it floated into the air about him freezing and turning into ice needles.
"It is over for you." Haku said grimly.
The needles began to quickly speed towards Sasuke. They crashed into the ground causing a large cloud of dust and smoke to burst upwards. When the smoke cleared Sasuke was nowhere to be found. Haku was shocked to find him hanging upside down from the crane above them hanging on by his feet alone. Sasuke began to create more hand signs.
Fire Style: Fiery Rain Jutsu!" Multiple small fire balls burst from Sasuke's mouth blasting their way towards Haku. Haku quickly dodged all of the fire balls and was almost hit by Sasuke whom had tried to punch him as he ran.
"You are impressive but it is time to end this fight."
Sasuke watched as Haku began making hand signs. He was going to do something big. Out of nowhere a shuriken came flying around Haku's face striking him in his mask. As the shuriken fell away from Haku it exploded in a puff of smoke revealing a certain knuckleheaded ninja. He then punched Haku back several feet.
"That was a close call, good timing." Sasuke said.
"You know what they say…"
…
Inari,
Inari heard the swing of the blades and felt his hat leave his head, but he felt no pain. He actually felt like he was moving through the air. He opened his eyes to see Naruto holding him as he landed on the ground.
"What the hell….I killed you." Zori said angry.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu is a specialty of mine." Naruto responded. "Good job here Inari, but how about you let me handle the rest of this."
"Zori come on let's get him!" Waraji exclaimed to his partner.
As the two thugs ran towards Naruto he threw two kunai at them. They both blocked the kunai with their swords but the knives transformed into Naruto clones. Both clones delivered strong punches to the two thugs forcing their bodies to collide, knocking them out.
"That was pretty easy, good thing I actually learned to do the transformation jutsu properly." Naruto said chuckling a little.
"Naruto…I…I thought that they killed you."
"Come on Inari I told you before that I was going to be a hero, and heroes don't die easily." Naruto looked down to the young kid in front of him. He placed his hand upon Inari's head. "You did a really good job here Inari, and I'm sorry about what I said the other day. You're not an idiot and you're not just a cry baby. You are pretty strong kid and your dad would have been very proud to see you today."
Inari started crying at what Naruto was saying.
"Darn it….I said that I wasn't going to cry anymore."
"It's ok to cry when you're happy Inari. Now I need you to take care of things here. Can you do that for me?"
"Yeah, I can do that."
"Good because my friends need my help now, see you later kid."
Inari watched as Naruto ran to the woods heading for the bridge.
"Naruto you were right. Heroes do exist."
…
Kumori,
Kumori looked on as he watched Sasuke fight with Haku, but the mist became stronger in his area and he lost visuals with his team. Tazuna stood next to him looking around, afraid of the possibility of dying here without the bridge being completed. Kumori felt a presence around him that was different than before.
"Who's out there? This feels different than Zabuza or even that boy Haku."
"Oh come on now, don't compare me to that wimp."
Kumori looked ahead as a newcomer came out from the mist. The teenage boy staring back at him had snow white hair and deep purple eyes. In one hand he held a large sword that he could barely seem to handle. All of a sudden the boys are expanded and became an arm ripped with muscles. He charged forward slashing his sword at Kumori. Kumori was able to block the weapon with his own and was forced to defend against a barrage of attacks while protecting Tazuna.
"Your pretty good with a blade, but unlike you I was trained and in training to become one of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist. I know things that you could only ever wish to discover."
Kumori continued defending, trying to find an opening in the strange boys form. The boy slashed upwards at Kumori and as Kumori spun and dodged the blade he cleaved hi own through the ninjas torso. As his sword went through his opponent's body, the body tuned in to a large puddle of water.
"A Water Clone Jutsu, just like Zabuza." Kumori exclaimed.
"Not exactly."
"Kumori looked down to see the water reforming back into the body of the strange ninja. Once it was finished becoming a solid form the ninja opened his eyes and laughed.
"That was a good move. If not for my bloodline I would be dead right now. You know I hope you live today, if you do you could join my group."
"Your group, just who the heck are you."
"Suigetsu Hozuki, the leader of the next Seven Swordsmen. I only agreed to help my old senpai in hopes that I could somehow get that sword of his. Kubikiribocho, the executioner's blade; a sword that is able to regenerate itself by absorbing the iron in the blood of its victims."
"So you want Zabuza to die?"
"Not necessarily, I would love to help him out in any way that I could. Plus by helping him I get the chance to do some killing and that is always fun. But in the end one of us will have the sword, and I think it is time for the new generation to take over."
"You like to kill?"
"Oh yeah, what is the point of swordplay if not to inflict pain, dismember, and kill. And as I said, you are very good with a sword; I'd love to have you join me in becoming one of the next seven."
"I'm going to have to decline your request."
"Too bad, you would have made a great addition. Water Style: Pressure Cannon Jutsu!" As he finished speaking Suigetsu blasted a vast amount of water at Kumori forcing him backwards and over the side of the bridge. Tazuna looked in horror as Kumori fell over.
"Now that he is gone how about we finish up here. What do you say Bridge builder, are you ready to die?" Suigetsu asked Tazuna.
Before Tazuna could answer, a flash of orange appeared behind Suigetsu. The figure delivered a punch to the back of Suigetsu head knocking him forward. Not knowing the blow was coming he wasn't ready to turn his body into water.
"You ok old man Tazuna?"
"What are you doing here?"
"Don't worry your family is safe."
…
Naruto,
"…Heroes always show up at the last minute."
Naruto looked forward at the masked ninja in front of him. Sasuke walked up to his side.
"So, not that I'm complaining but, what are you doing g here Naruto? I thought that Kakashi told you to stay with Tsunami and Inari."
"Kakashi was right someone did try to attack them but I had some shadow clones follow you guys. One of them is helping Tazuna right now, Kumori is in trouble, he went over the edge of the bridge. I left a couple more watching over the village and the house but I knew you guys would need help so I came as fast as I could. Besides Inari has everything under control."
Haku stared at the blonde in surprise. His mask was cracked by the shuriken and the blow to the face. He began to finish the hand signs he started earlier. Naruto and Sasuke watched as they began to be surrounded by mirrors made from ice.
"Secret Art: Crystal Ice Mirrors." Haku then began to merge with the mirrors and his image became visible on all of the mirrors surrounding them.
"This looks like it could be unpleasant."
"You're not scared are you Sasuke?" Naruto asked teasingly.
"Not at all Naruto."
"You should be." Haku said as he left his mirror at an incredibly fast pace. Naruto and Sasuke were hit by an assault of senbon from multiple directions. They were unable to follow the speed that Haku travelled at.
"This is impossible Naruto said as he got back up off the ground.
"He moves so fast." Sasuke agreed.
"Try melting the mirrors." Naruto said to Sasuke.
"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu."
Sasuke shot a large fireball at one of the mirrors but nothing seemed to happen.
"You won't be able to melt these mirrors that easily."
"Naruto try to get out of here, maybe then we can attack from both sides."
"You got it Sasuke, Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Naruto create around fifteen clones of himself and they all tried to escape in multiple directions. Haku was too fast still easily taking out all of the clones and beating back Naruto to the center of the area.
"Naruto try that again, will you?"
"You got it Sasuke." Naruto said in a strained voice. "Shadow Clone Jutsu."
…
Kakashi,
Kakashi faced Zabuza and the two stayed still as they heard the battles taking place around them. He tried to see with his Sharingan through the thick mist but it was impossible for him to do so. He wondered if he should go and help his students.
"You're not going anywhere Kakashi. If you leave to help them I will kill the bridge builder now. But so you know there is no way your brats will defeat Haku. Even Suigetsu is in the fight now. I think that your student with the sword had his work cut out for him as he is longer in the battle."
Kakashi's eyes went wide at this comment. Kumori couldn't have fallen could he? Kakashi knew that he needed to end this fight soon and save his students. He couldn't let his comrades die, not again.
"You said to me in our last fight that the same trick would not work on you twice. Well Kakashi, your Sharingan will not work on me this time. I see through your Genjutsu."
"Zabuza I thought that you would have learned from our last encounter. Do not underestimate my students. Sasuke is the last of the great Uchiha clan and a genius among his class. Kumori is the physically the strongest of our Genin. And don't forget our knuckleheaded Naruto; he was able to break your jutsu."
"That was a mere fluke on his part. That kind of mistake will not be made again."
Kakashi paused as Zabuza's voice faded.
"Now think where will he go next? What is his move? The Bridge Builder!"
Tazuna stood with a Naruto clone next to him. All of a sudden Zabuza appeared in front of him and slashed downwards with his sword. The sound of tearing flesh and a scream from Tazuna was the only sound to reverberate through the air.
…
Kumori,
Kumori held on the handle of his sword for dear life. He had been blasted off of the bridge by Suigetsu and somehow was able to impale the side of the bridge with his sword. He heard the sound of Tazuna's scream and grew afraid.
"Please tell me he isn't dead. I can't have failed my mission."
Kumori focused on all of his strength and pulled himself up to the point where he could walk up the wall. He focused chakra to his feet and they stuck to the concrete side of the bridge. He pulled the sword out of the wall and it was pretty beat up from the force of colliding with the bridge. He ran up the side and headed towards Suigetsu.
He saw Suigetsu fighting several clones of Naruto. He was defeating the clones fairly easily but Kumori figured this was the perfect distraction. He held his sword in one of the new forms Kakashi had taught him.
"Sword Art: Twin Dragon Strike!"
Kumori rushed forward at the back of Suigetsu. He focused Chakra into the blade of the sword pushing the metals of the blade to their limits. He leapt into the air and his sword burst into flames. He could feel the heat of the fire that engulfed his blade start to burn his hands but he pushed on. The blade came down on a startled Suigetsu and carved through his arm as it burst into water. Kumori then swung around cleaving again through the ninja chest. The flames were so hot that the water from Suigetsu's body started boiling and turning to steam.
"What have you done?" Kumori heard him say before his voice became silent.
"Tazuna!" Kumori said to himself and he ran towards where he left the bridge builder. He saw Zabuza standing with his bloody blade in his hand. In front of Tazuna stood Kakashi whom had a large gash across his chest that was bleeding. Kumori breathed a sigh of relief that neither was dead though the wound Kakashi suffered did worry him.
"Kumori are you alright."
"Yes Suigetsu is gone."
"What! You actually managed to beat him?"
"Ninja Art: Sword Shuruiken Jutsu!" Kumori threw the blade in his hands at Zabuza causing the Jonin to jump back away from Kakashi and Tazuna.
"Kumori I need you to stay with Tazuna now."
"Yes Kakashi Sensei."
…
Sasuke,
As Naruto clones were defeated again Sasuke smiled. He realized that he could actually follow Haku's movements. He had successfully burned the ninjas clothing the last time with his Fireball Jutsu. But Sasuke could also see that Naruto was growing more and more tired.
"Sasuke let's do it again."
"Naruto I don't know if you can, you look far to exhausted."
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Several clones of Naruto rushed to the exits and Sasuke used his Fiery Rain Jutsu to catch Haku in several spots as the ninja took out the clones. Haku threw several senbon needles at Naruto hitting him in the back, shoulders and arms. Naruto dropped to the ground unable to move anymore.
"Your friend is done, but it seems you were finally able to unlock your own Kekkei Genkai weren't you Uchiha."
Sasuke was surprised but what Haku told him so he looked in one of the mirrors and sure enough his eyes had become Sharingan. One eye with two tomoe and the other eye with one. He had finally unlocked the bloodline trait of his clan.
"You know the pain and loneliness of those who possess a Kekkei Genkai. I don't know who it is you fight for or why but I must fight for the one I hold most precious. For his dream to come true I would give my life, and I would also take yours even if I didn't want to kill you, for him I will."
"I can keep up with you now, and I can tell using this technique, it takes a lot out of you. So who will run out of stamina first me or you?"
"Him."
Sasuke didn't understand at first what he meant until he saw Haku move. Naruto was in danger. Sasuke didn't know what made him move, it was so automatic. He had to protect Naruto.
…
Naruto,
Naruto woke up to a loud noise. He thought he heard Sasuke gasp in pain. He looked up and standing above him was Sasuke bleeding badly and covered in senbon. He saw Haku standing a few feet away from him with his cracked mask on. Sasuke looked like he could barely stand and he began to sway back and forth.
"Sasuke..."
"Your awake huh, it's about time Naruto." He was barely able to say before he fell to the ground.
"Sasuke!"
Naruto laid Sasuke on his back and noticed the senbon through his neck.
"Why….why did you protect me….why save me?"
"You're my friend, I couldn't let you die."
Naruto could feel the tears burning in his eyes. He tried to hold them back for as long as he could. He didn't want Sasuke to see him as weak in this moment. He began to think of all of the things Sasuke wanted to do in his life. All of the things that were being taken away from him.
"You shouldn't have done it, what about your ambitions. Itachi? Your clan?'
Sasuke had a pained expression on his face at the mention of Itachi. A lone tear fell from his eye shaking Naruto to his core. Sasuke had always been the strong one. The one who never let his emotions control him like this. It was almost unbearable for Naruto to watch.
"I don't know, but maybe I wasn't meant to do it. Naruto don't die, don't forget your dreams."
Sasuke's voice became increasingly weaker as his wounds took their toll. Naruto placed his hand on Sasuke's chest feeling his friends weakening heartbeat. Sasuke's breathing became labored.
"Heh….you…you should see…the look on your face. You look like…a total loser."
Naruto couldn't help but let out a small chuckle at his friends words. He knew Sasuke was trying to sound tough like always.
"I…I used to hate you Naruto. I don't know what it was about you. You just….irritated me."
"I know Sasuke." Was all that Naruto could say. It was too much for the young blonde to handle.
"Thank you ….for saving me from that dark loneliness."
Naruto could feel Sasuke's heart faltering. His eyes began to slightly glaze over. Sasuke reached his hand up to Naruto. It was shaking with weakness.
"Naruto…don't let your dream die."
Sasuke's hand fell down as his heart stopped beating. His chest no longer moved under Naruto's hand. Naruto cried as he watched his teammate die. He had never felt this kind of pain before. He felt anger, and rage burning throughout his body. His tears felt like acid and his stomach became knotted. He hated Haku.
"Is this your first time losing someone?"
Naruto heard Haku speak to him as he stood up. This monster had no right to speak to him at this moment.
"He was a true shinobi. He lived and died protecting what was precious to him."
"SHUT UP!" Naruto shouted with hate filled eyes glowing red like blood.
"Give in to your hate."
A voice deep in the back of Naruto's mind spoke to him. His hate was growing. His rage exploding through him like fire. His sadness eating away at his soul. This boy spoke to him about Sasuke. He had no right. He would pay for what he had done. For what he had taken from Naruto.
"I'm GOING TO KILL YOU!"
Everything went red…
…
Kakashi,
Kakashi stared into the mist searching for Zabuza. As he did this he felt an enormous amount of chakra being released into the air. It was a bloodthirsty feeling and a hate filled pressure that started baring down onto him.
"No don't tell the Nine Tailed Fox has been freed."
He waited a little longer and realized that he could still sense Naruto's chakra.
"Good it isn't broken, some of the foxes chakra just leaked out of the seal. No matter I need to finish this quickly. Zabuza what do you say we end this game, were both busy men after all."
"Whatever you say Kakashi."
Kakashi took out a scroll from one of his vest pockets. He smeared blood on the scroll and slammed it onto the ground.
"Ninja Art: Fanged Pursuit Jutsu!"
Zabuza stood still hearing something coming towards him. He got his sword ready thinking it was Kakashi. Out of the ground several dogs appeared and bite and held on to different part of Zabuza's body. He realized that these were tracker summon dogs and they followed the scent of Kakashi's blood.
"Zabuza Momochi, you have committed many crimes in your life, but this is one of the worst. You want to kill a man who is only trying to save and protect his nation form vile scum like Gato. I don't know what has happened to you to turn you into a shrew like this but I will end it now, with a Jutsu of my own creation."
Kakashi went through a few hand signs then he grabbed his wrist. His hand began to glow and become encased in lightning. His chakra was so condensed that it became physical and visible.
"Zabuza you are lucky, not many have been able to witness my Lightning Blade."
Kakashi then began running towards Zabuza aiming to strike the ninja through the heart.
…
Naruto,
Haku looked ahead in fear as Naruto's body began to heal itself. Then senbon needles that were stuck in him started to be forced out of his body and all of his wounds closed back up. His fingernails became elongated and sharp and his canines became more like fangs. This was not the same ninja from before. He was more feral, more demonic.
"What are you?"
Naruto suddenly appeared in form of him and punched him in the face with such raw power that it sent him flying backwards. Naruto then kicked Haku in the back forcing the ninja high into the air before appearing above him and again punching in the face shattering the mask on impact.
Haku had never seen anything like this before. Such raw power that felt like rage incarnate coming out of this boy. The blonde seemed so innocent. What on earth had he unleashed?
Naruto landed on the ground and ran towards Haku preparing to deliver a killing blown as the ninja stood up. Haku's mask began to fall away revealing the face of the boy Naruto met the previous day in the woods. Naruto stopped an inch away from string the boy once he realized who Haku really was.
"What's the matter? I thought that you were going to kill me."
"You want me to kill you?" Naruto asked
"You cannot live as a shinobi and not kill. It is inevitable. I find it difficult to live the life of a shinobi. I don't like to kill but for him I will do anything. We shinobi are weapons to be used as the one we follow sees fit. I am a broken weapon I am of no more use to Zabuza and being of no use, having no purpose that is a fate worse than death."
No matter how much he wanted to Naruto just couldn't bring himself to do it.
"I killed you friend."
"But it's just not right."
"I am of no use anymore, please."
"But you're not just a weapon."
"I lived my youth without purpose. I come from a land where it is always snowing. I remember living with my parents, and we were happy. Then one day I discovered my Kekkei Genkai. I was so happy that I ran home to show my mother."
Naruto noticed that a few tears left Haku's face as he spoke.
"My mother was frightened by my power. You see back then having a Kekkei Genkai was a death sentence. People were so afraid of the strange power that ran through the blood of those few who had one that they wanted to purge the land of all born of a unique bloodline trait. My mother knew to hide it but we were too late. My father saw me."
Haku began to look in pain by the story he told. Naruto didn't know what to think. He felt sorry for the boy but he was the one who killed Sasuke.
"My father brought a group of villagers to my house and killed my mother. He tried to kill me too, but I…" Haku was unable to finish the sentence. "After wards I grew up alone and in despair. Naruto I had no purpose in thus world, but then Zabuza saved me from that. He found me on the street and took me in. He gave me a reason to live. I would help him to fulfill his dream. I was happy. But Naruto, I have no purpose anymore."
"And this is what you really want?" Naruto asked with a pain in his own heart. He didn't want to kill this boy anymore. It hurt too much to do so.
"Yes."
Naruto looked down at his hands; he took out a kunai and prepared to strike. Haku sensed that Zabuza was in trouble and as Naruto swung the kunai, Haku grabbed his arm.
"Sorry Naruto but I have one more breath to give Zabuza."
Haku then disappeared.
…
Kumori,
Kumori heard a commotion coming from the direction of Naruto.
"Tazuna sir, please we need to get to Naruto and Sasuke."
"Okay let's go."
The two walked and saw a figure in orange standing there with a look of surprise on his face.
"Naruto you're alive. Hey Where's Sasuke?"
Kumori could see a look of sadness on his face. Naruto turned around and ran towards something on the ground. Kumori could make out the shape of a person.
"No, it can't be."
Kumori couldn't believe what he was seeing. Sasuke's body on the ground. There was just no way he could be dead. He was the best of their class; the best of the group. It just couldn't be possible.
"Kumori as long as I'm with you, you are following your sensei's orders. Let's me take you to him." Tazuna said to him.
"Ok. Thank you."
Tazuna and Kumori ran over to see Sasuke lying in a heap on the ground covered in senbon needles. Naruto stood over the body crying.
"He saved my life. He took the senbon that were meant to kill me."
Kumori stood next to Naruto and held back tears for his friend. Tazuna knew how painful this must be for the two boys.
"Naruto don't cry." Kumori said trying to hold back tears himself. "Rule 25 of shinobi conduct. A shinobi never show his feelings no matter what the circumstances. Feelings are only a weakness. They only cloud his judgment and weaken his sense of duty."
Kumori tried to the best of his ability to follow this principle but he couldn't. We cried for the loss of his partner, his comrade, his friend.
"Sasuke…" He said quietly as he dropped to his knees, unable to continue holding himself up.
"To put such a burden on a young person's shoulders, if that is the shinobi way they can have it."
Tazuna thought to himself not wanting to disturb the grieving ninja in front of him. Kumori turned to Naruto, whom had his eyes closed.
"We should remove the needles Naruto."
"Yes."
Kumori then heard a loud commotion coming from farther down the bridge. Naruto opened his eyes and turned in the direction of the noise.
"Kakashi sensei!" Naruto exclaimed
Naruto stood in place not wanting to leave his friends side.
"Naruto go check it out. I will stay here and take care of the needles."
"Okay Kumori."
Kumori watched as Naruto sped through the mist. He turned back to Sasuke's body. He reached his hand out for the first needle but he couldn't bring himself to remove it. Tazuna placed his hand on the young ninja's shoulder.
"Let me help you Kumori."
…
Kakashi,
As Kakashi thrust his arm towards Zabuza Haku appeared taking the blow through the heart in his place. Kakashi looked astonished at the boy who would give his life for the Demon of the Mist. Kakashi's ninja dogs disappeared and Zabuza swung his sword attempting to carve through Haku to kill Kakashi. Kakashi grabbed Haku's body and leapt through the air, and then he gently placed the boy's body down. Haku's eyes remained open and lifeless so Kakashi knelt down to close them as he did he saw his own hand covered in the blood of this young boy.
"You would cut through the body of your protector just to kill me, how low you have fallen Zabuza."
"I truly found a diamond in that boy. He was nothing more than a weapon."
Zabuza sped through hand signs and launched a water style jutsu toward Kakashi and Haku's body. Kakashi easily evaded the attack and protected Haku's body. Zabuza came rushing in trying to cleave into Kakashi but he was able to parry the sword and knocked the demon backwards while throwing a few shuruiken at him. Zabuza was easily able to deflect the shuriken and went another jutsu at his enemy.
Naruto ran forward and saw the lifeless body of Haku on the ground behind Kakashi. He realized that Haku had left to protect Zabuza and died in the process. He saw the jutsu Zabuza shot at both of them. Naruto could not believe that someone could be so cruel as to try to further damage a body of someone so loyal. Someone who died to protect and serve what was precious to him.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Naruto shouted at Zabuza gaining the attention of both Jonin.
"Naruto stay back. This is my fight." Kakashi said with anger in his eyes towards Zabuza.
Zabuza charged at Kakashi but Kakashi merely punched the Mist ninja in the face knocking him off balance. He then punctured Zabuza's left arm with kunai.
"Why can't I keep up with you?" Zabuza shouted towards Kakashi.
Zabuza ran forward again swinging his sword at Kakashi. Kakashi responded by delivering a round house kick to the swordsman. Zabuza was astonished at Kakashi's speed, even more so when Kakashi suddenly appeared behind him.
"Look at you, you are falling apart. You have no idea what real strength is" Kakashi said.
Zabuza tried swinging his sword backwards but Kakashi retaliated by stabbing his right arm with another two kunai, ending his use of a sword. Zabuza looked in shock at what had happened to him as his sword slid away.
"There now both of your arms are useless."
"I will make you pay for this Kakashi. My ambition won't end here."
"You are a monster!" Kakashi heard Naruto yell towards Zabuza. "Do you even care that Haku is dead! He did everything for you and you just treat him like garbage. He lived for you, he died for you. How could you be so heartless? You cast jutsu at his dead body you animal."
Zabuza looked at the blonde haired boy in contempt,
"We are ninja you fool. We are weapons for our countries. Besides he is dead. It's not like he feels any pain in his body. He was a true shinobi and he knew the truth. We shinobi have no heart."
"He did! He followed you and did whatever you wanted. All he wanted was to see your dream come true. He didn't get to have his own dreams, his own ambitions. It was all for you. Doesn't that mean anything to you?"
"You don't understand the way of the shinobi. I merely used him. He was a pawn to be used as I saw fit. His usefulness is at an end. The loss of his skill and strength, yes, that means something to me. But the boy, nothing."
"If you really mean that you're more of a rat than I thought."
"That's enough Naruto. He can't do anything anymore. He is no longer worth hating."
"As far as I'm concerned He is enemy number 1 forever!" Naruto yelled. "Why you…you ungrateful little…after everything he did for you…Haku lived for you.
"Is there someone you hold dear to you?"
"You were the most important thing in the world to him."
"He gave me a reason to live. I would help him to fulfill his dream."
"And he meant nothing to you, nothing at all."
". I find it difficult to live the life of a shinobi. I don't like to kill but for him I will do anything."
"And if I become stronger does that mean that I'll become as cold hearted as you are? Haku threw his life away, and for what? For you and your dream. You didn't let him have a dream of his own, and he didn't care."
"I was Happy."
"And you just toss him aside like has nothing. A broken tool, man that is so wrong, so wrong."
"Shut up kid. You talk too much."
Naruto and Kakashi looked at Zabuza to see tears running down the shinobi's face,
"So even we killers are human too, does that surprise you boy? Your words cut deep kid, deeper than my sword. While he fought you his heart was breaking in two. You see Haku was always too soft and too kind. He felt sadness and pain and curse him I feel them too now. And something else I feel content that this is how it ends."
Naruto and Kakashi looked at Zabuza in shock. Then demon of the hidden mist crying and feeling sorry for the death of his tool.
"Well cat got your talk, does it surprise you so much to see me as human. Even we shinobi are human no matter how much we try to hide it we always fail. Well at least I have failed.
There was a silence on the bridge for a few seconds, broken by the laugh of a short man.
"So the Demon of the Mist isn't so strong after all huh. More like a baby demon. Wow they really did a number on you didn't they Zabuza."
Gato stood at the end of the bridge with a mob of mercenaries and bandits. He was in front with a cane in his hand.
"Just so you know Zabuza I was never going to pay you. You ninja are far too expensive." The man turned back towards to mob he brought with him. "The one who kills Zabuza will be the one who gets paid."
"So Kakashi, since I'm no longer being paid I guess that the bridge builder is safe from me. How about a truce?"
"It looks like you are right Zabuza."
"Hey kid, give me your kunai."
"What?" Naruto asked.
"If I am going to die today, than at least I can take another vile human with me."
Naruto grabbed a kunai from his pouch and through it to Zabuza. Zabuza caught the knife in his mouth and charged towards Gato. Gato looked in fear as the ninja raced towards him and he ran through his bandits shouting "Kill him!" Zabuza easily sliced through many of the mercenaries all the while being impaled by numerous blades and spears. He finally reached through the end of the mob to meet Gato who was trapped at the edge of the bridge.
"You….you are a Demon….a horrible evil demon."
"Then I guess I will see you in hell Gato."
Zabuza slashed Gato across the chest and then followed up by decapitation him in one fell swoop. Zabuza watched as Gato's body fell into the ocean below. He walked back through the mob whom were too afraid of him to do anything. Zabuza collapsed at the feet of Kakashi,
"Kakashi can you do me a favor? Bring me over to him."
"Sure Zabuza."
Kakashi picked up Zabuza's body and carried him over to Haku. As he moved Zabuza's body it began to snow.
"That's impossible. It shouldn't be snowing at this time of year." Naruto said.
"Is it you Haku? Are you weeping?" Zabuza said softly.
Kakashi laid the Zabuza next to his partner and backed away a few steps.
"Thank you Kakashi."
Kakashi looked down sadly at the fallen shinobi at his feet.
"You were always at my side; the least I could do is to be beside you at the end."
The snow continued to fall all around the area. Naruto fought back tears, even for this demon of the mist.
"Haku, I am sorry for not telling you how I cared for you. I want to say thank you for always following me. I wish I could follow you to where you are going."
As Zabuza gave his final breath a gust of wind blew passed the bridge Naruto cried for Zabuza and for Haku. Even Kakashi had a hard time not feeling the sadness that his student felt.
"He said that it was always snowing where he was from." Naruto cried.
"Of course, the boy's soul was as pure as the winter snow. Who knows Zabuza? Maybe you will go there with him. Who's to say?"
A silence spread over the bridge. Kakashi had completely forgotten about the bandits and mercenaries on the other side of the bridge.
"Well that's all nice and stuff but now that Gato's dead whose going to pay us?" One of the bandits asked menacingly.
"Maybe we can just hit up that village down the way." Another said.
"Kakashi sensei?"
"Well I don't have a lot of chakra left but were going to have to do something."
"Ready boys, let's go." A third bandit yelled.
All of a sudden a bolt came flying through the air landing at the feet of the mob.
"If you want to get to our village you're going to have to go through us."
"This is our home."
"One more step and your history."
The villagers stood at the foot of the bridge armed and ready to fight. Inari stood at the front with a crossbow in his hands.
"They all came." Tazuna said happily.
"All right let me get in on this. Shadow Clone Jutsu."
"I think I have just enough chakra to help. Shadow Clone Jutsu. Kakashi style"
An army of Naruto and Kakashi clones appeared on the bridge. The mob of crooks took one look at the force in front of them and ran to their boats leaving the Land of Waves for good.
…
Sasuke,
"What's going on, I thought I was dead?
Sasuke began to open his eyes and saw Kumori above him. He noticed that the senbon needles had been carefully pulled from his body and He could move a little.
"Kumori what's going on?"
"Sasuke you're alive! Naruto, Kakashi sensei Sasuke's alive."
Sasuke looked over to see Naruto run towards them.
"Sasuke you… I thought that…." Naruto couldn't finish his sentence.
Sasuke looked down after making eye contact with the blonde. He thought of the things that he had told him and he felt slightly shamed. He never wanted anyone to see him that weak ever again. Even if it was his friends. Especially not his friends.
"Naruto what happened to the masked ninja?"
Naruto told Sasuke about everything that had just happened. Sasuke started feeling stronger and stood up.
"So what now Kakashi?" Sasuke asked.
"We still have to get this bridge completed. And I think we should bury Zabuza and Haku." He answered.
"Don't forget Suigetsu though I don't think we can bury him real well." Kumori added.
…
A few days later,
Sasuke stood over the graves of Zabuza, Haku, and Suigetsu. He knew that these three were ninja he would never forget. How could he?
"Kakashi sensei, is what they said true? Are we only weapons?" Naruto asked.
"In a way yes Naruto. We ninja are a military force whose main purpose is to defend our country."
"Well I don't like it. I'm going to find my own ninja way. The way of Naruto."
Sasuke and Kumori laughed at their knuckleheaded friend and Kakashi smiled.
As the four walked away a figure stepped out of the trees and walked over to the graves.
"Finally Kubikiribocho is mine. And I guess it's nice to know that they think I'm actually dead." Suigetsu said to himself as he took Zabuza's sword from the grave.
…
Naruto,
Two weeks had passed and the bridge was finally completed. Naruto and the rest or squad 7 stood on the bridge ready to be its first crossers. The entire village was present for this historic event.
"Wow the bridge looks awesome." Naruto said as they got ready to leave.
"It is a remarkable feat indeed." Kakashi agreed.
"Naruto you guys better come back and visit us sometime." Inari said.
Naruto looked over to the little kid whom he had found a friend in. He didn't want to leave his friend behind but he knew that he still had to follow his own path. Naruto smiled at Inari and ran his hands through the boy's hair.
"Of course we will try to come back someday."
"You promise." Inari looked like he could start crying, but he was holding it back with everything that he had.
"Yeah and I never go back on my word." Naruto smiled at Inari. The boy had grown to respect Naruto like none other. Naruto was the one who helped him find his strength and for that he would be eternally grateful. "So Inari it's ok to cry you know."
"I'm not going to cry but you can go ahead and cry Naruto." Inari said as tears threatened to run down his face
"Nope you first Naruto." said trying not to cry.
The two continued to stare at each other until the dams broke loose. Both boys turned around at the same time and began crying. Sasuke and Kumori couldn't help but laugh at the blonde.
"Naruto you're such a loser." Sasuke said to his friend.
As Squad 7 took its leave and began heading back to the Village Hidden in the Leaves the sun shone brightly on them capturing the beauty of the sea that surrounded the bridge and casting their shadows for all around to see. They had completed their first C rank- turned A rank Mission successfully and they had made great friends along the way.
"Hey when we get back home I'm going to make Iruka sensei buy me ramen, and I've got to tell Konohamaru all about my adventures; the kids going to worship me." Naruto said to his team.
…
"It was all that boy's doing, That boy made you strong Inari, and you in turn made us stronger. It was because of him that we were able to build this bridge to a place we have never known, a place where we found our courage, a place where we found our dreams.
"So Tazuna what are you going to call the bridge."
Tazuna thought long and hard on this but every time he thought of the bridge only one name came to his mind. The name of the one who had truly inspired the village. The one whom without his help none of this would have been possible. The boy who had proved that heroes did exist in this world.
"This bridge would never have been completed if it hadn't been for that boy. I can tell that his name will one day become famous. We will call the bridge the Great Naruto Bridge."
Tsunami and Inari smiled up toward Tazuna and many of the villagers chuckled. The blonde signature grin forever imprinted on their hearts.
"Are you sure about that name?"
"I think it's a great name." Tsunami said.
"You sure about that name Tazuna?" A villager asked.
"Yes it is a name that will help the bridge stand strong for many years."
Inari nodded at his grandfather's remark.
…
That's all for this chapter. Thanks again for reading. I have the URL's for the two polls below just go to them to vote for Naruto and Sasuke's pairings. You get two choices for each and if you also can get an extra vote if you put it in a review or PM. Naruto's poll ends at 11:59 on October 20th. Sasuke's on October 27th. Once Naruto's ends Sasuke's will be available via my profile.
www. Fanfiction topic/140356/96689863/1/naruto-pairing
www. Fanfiction topic/140356/96690183/1/sasuke-pairing
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