Chapter 14: Mission to Wave & The Vote
Hello World! I have some bad news a couple days ago my uncle passed away, he was really sick and didn't have much time left. I'm leaving for Hawaii to go to the funeral and will be gone for some time. I'm not sure how long I will be gone, leaving in a few days so I decided to get this out of the way first, thanks for reading this chapter.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two weeks passed and Squad 13 had completed more D-Ranked missions then the other rookie squads, their first C-Ranked mission was delivering supplies to one of the towns in The Land of Fire meeting only a minor problem with some bandits.
Itachi was impressed with their improvement, Naruto's chakra control was as good as any other Hyuga, Shino improved in his Taijutsu in case he had to handle a hand to hand combat situation, and Hinata's reaction times for attacks and being attacked improved greatly. They learned to walk on walls and water the first few days. He was able to find out whose element was what by using the chakra paper. Naruto was a wind and water user, Shino was a earth user, and Hinata was a lightning user.
They were able to combine their techniques with their elements to help make their attacks that much more effective. Sarutobi was considering naming them 'Rookie Squad of the Year'.
It was midday and Squad 13 were summoned to the Hokage tower for their next mission. Itachi was already there waiting while Naruto and the others were making their way there and ran into Squad 7.
Naruto yelled out, "What's up Kiba!" Kiba yelled back, "Nothing much Naruto!" The two practically bear hugged each other Akamaru jumped off his head and ran to Hinata, breaking their hug Kiba looked at Shino, "Hey Shino how's everything going?"
Shino said, "Everything is okay. We were just on our way to the Hokage's office to discuss our next mission." Sakura said, "I heard that not to long ago you guys completed a C-Ranked mission. Is that right Hinata-chan?" Hinata smiled petting Akamaru she answered, "Yeah we were delivered supplies to a town not to far from here."
Sasuke remained quiet the whole time, he didn't like Naruto as it was, but he was even more pissed off when he found out Itachi was training him. Fugaku raised hell about that situation at the clan meeting. Sarutobi had told him how having Itachi sensei Sasuke would be bad as it could lead to favoritism. What topped it all off was when he told Fugaku that Itachi was the one who personally requested Naruto to be his student.
Fugaku later demanded Itachi drop being sensei, Itachi retaliated with the fact that he didn't have to follow his orders even as a clan head in legal ninja matters and that the Hokage had that kind of position.
Sasuke looked at Naruto, "Hey dobe." Naruto sighed already knowing where this was going to go, he didn't like to get into altercations with Sasuke before since he had to deal with ridicule from his fans. "What's up Sasuke?"
"I want to see how strong you are, fight me now!" Sasuke took a stance. Naruto looked at Hinata who shook her head. "Sorry Sasuke, we have to go meet Itachi-sensei and the Hokage for our next mission." Naruto turned his back to Sasuke and walked away, Sasuke saw this as being ignored and ran at him prepared to punch him. He was only inches away when he felt a hand grip his wrist. He looked to see who it was and saw Shino holding his wrist. Naruto had stopped and turned around and wasn't surprised to see Shino stop the attack.
"Attacking a fellow ninja from behind. Now that's disgraceful, even for an Uchiha." Shino said with a cold tone. Kiba was watching and was amazed at Shino's speed. Sakura was even more shocked to see standing behind Sasuke was Hinata with her right palm inches away from Sasuke's back while holding Akamaru in her left arm still.
Kiba decided to speak up, "Hey teme, Shino's right attacking a fellow leaf-nin from behind is low."
Sasuke broke his wrist free from Shino and stared at Naruto, "Your afraid to fight me aren't you?"
Sakura spoke up, "Sasuke let's not turn this into a fight. We have to meet the Hokage as well. Showing up late is rude and disrespectful." Sakura had to break up arguments between him and Kiba on occasions so she was used to this.
Sasuke was still pissed and passed Naruto bumping his shoulder in the process. Sakura looked at Naruto, "Sorry about that Naruto, he's just difficult sometimes."
Naruto put a hand on her shoulders, "Hey don't worry about it Sakura."
Sakura smiled turned around and followed right behind Sasuke. Kiba was still standing with Naruto and the others. "Mind if I head to the kage's office with you guys?" Hinata smiled, "Yeah it's no problem right guys." Naruto and Shino nodded. The four of them and Akamaru made their way to the kages office.
They caught up with Sasuke and Sakura and all of them entered the kages office all at once. The Hokage, Kakashi, and Itachi were in the room waiting.
"Ah I see squads 7 & 13 showed up together." Sarutobi smiled. Itachi was standing to the kages right and Kakashi was standing on the opposite side. Naruto, Hinata, and Shino moved to where Itachi was while Sakura, Sasuke, Kiba and Akamaru moved to where Kakashi was standing. Naruto had to refrain from calling Kakashi niisan. Kakashi explained that it wouldn't look good if he did.
Sarutobi said, "It seems we have here a mission to the Land of Waves, seeing as how Kakashi said that his squad is ready for their first C-Ranked mission and seeing how Itachi's squad have already accomplished a C-Rank mission as well as a massive amount of D-Rank missions in such a short time. I've decided to make this a joint operation."
Sakura was confused, "Hokage-sama, has there ever been such a thing?"
Sarutobi nodded, "It is rare, but it isn't unheard of. Squad 7 is more of a frontal assault squad while Squad 13 has more stealth and information gathering skills."
Kiba spoke, "What's the mission Hokage-sama?" Sarutobi pulled out two folders and placed them on his desk. Kakashi and Itachi walked over to pick them up. "The client is a man named Tazuna. He is a bridge builder. He is asking that we escort and protect him from some bandits who wish to take his life." Sarutobi reached over to press a button on his desk. After pressing it the door to his office opened and a old man walked in with a bottle of alcohol in his hand, "So my life is to be entrusted to these six pip squeaks."
Kiba yelled, "Who you calling pip squeaks you drunk!" Akamaru barked afterwards. Kakashi put his hand on Kiba's shoulder, "Let's not turn this into something it shouldn't." Sasuke mumbled, "Baka." Kiba caught that but didn't say anything.
Sarutobi let out a cough, "As I was saying, this is how the mission will go. Squad 7 will escort Tazuna here to his home in Wave country. While Squad 13 will take the scenic route and head straight for the bridge in case their are bandits waiting for Tazuna. Do you all understand the mission?" Both squads nodded. "Good then the mission starts in three hours, go home pack what you will need for the mission, then meet at the main gate."
Sarutobi pulled out a map and handed it to Itachi, "Here is a map to show you what direction to take to get to the bridge, I've also mapped where Tazuna's home is incase you need to go there first." Pulling out a second map he looked at Kakashi, "You have Tazuna, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't have a map." Kakashi grabbed the map and took a step back and bowed then walked to his squad.
Itachi did the same he bowed and looked at his team, "Pack smart for this mission. Bring ration bars, if you can some healthy foods, and weapons the bring them. If you think you might need something else for this mission to be a success bring it."
In unison they all said, "Hai, sensei!" Squad 13 took their leave followed by Squad 7. Tazuna stayed behind to talk about the mission with the kage.
* Outside the Hokage Tower *
"Well let's head back home Hinata-chan." Hinata nodded and they both headed home to pack up. Shino looked at Itachi, "See you at the gate sensei." Itachi nodded his head. Shino started walking away.
Sakura looked at Sasuke, "I have to go pack too. I'll see you later Sasuke-kun." Sasuke like always ignored her, Sakura frowned some, but before leaving she heard Kiba.
Kiba was irritated and looked at Kakashi, "Kakashi-sensei I'll see you at the gate also." Kakashi nodded, "Don't be late Kakashi-sensei." Kiba said that last part with a lot of effort. Kakashi frowned and watched him walk away.
"Well I'll take my leave as well, see you later Sasuke-kun, Itachi-sensei, Kakashi-sensei." Sakura turned around and headed back to pack leaving the three at the front building.
Kakashi waved to Itachi and disappeared using shunshin. Itachi and Sasuke were left and started walking home. Itachi spoke without making eye contact to Sasuke, "Do you like the Haruno girl?"
Sasuke shook his head, "No. It's a one sided kind of thing." Itachi was emotionless then he was starting to think about Aoi and how he wasn't spending a lot of time with her recently. 'She won't let me live this down if I don't see her before I leave for this mission, maybe I should buy her something as an apology gift.' He thought.
The two brothers walked back to the Uchiha compound to prepare for the mission.
* Konoha main entrance *
Naruto, Hinata, and Shino were already waiting all packed and ready. Kiba and Akamaru showed up and joined them. Sakura came next running to Hinata so the two could talk. To Kiba's annoyance Tazuna showed up being escorted by Kakashi who was actually on time (GASP! * People start to scream about the end of time *).
The only ones they waited for were Itachi and Sasuke to show up. The two showed up with some time to spare with their packs, everyone got into their groups and were all set up. Itachi looked at his squad, "Naruto when we reach the Land of Waves I want you to cover the center, Shino will take the lead, Hinata will be behind Naruto, and I will cover the back."
The three nodded, Itachi turned to Kakashi, "We will head out first. Once we know for certain no one is on or near the bridge we will meet you at Tazuna's home."
Kakashi shook his head in agreement, "That sounds like a plan, see you when we see you."
Itachi turned back to his squad and said, "Alright, move out." The trio looked at him and said, "Hai." Getting into a ready position the four began to sprint out the gate and started their journey to the Land of Waves.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Land of Waves *
Naruto and his squad were making great progress, they ran into a few bandits, rested once in awhile and were in Wave country before they knew it. They were walking some ways before they all noticed a puddle of water off to the side, Itachi thought, 'Is this serious?' thinking about whoever was going to attack was an idiot.
Itachi spoke low enough for them to hear, "Keep walking, let's see what happens." An extra few steps before it happened two figures emerged from the puddle and went for Itachi. The two Mist ninja were running side by side, before they got five feet of Itachi Naruto appeared by one and kneed him in his face, while Hinata ducked beneath the second and hit his points in his legs then attacked his shoulders paralyzing him.
Itachi stood by to watch and see how they would handle the situation.
Shino had sent his bugs after the one Naruto attacked. His bugs started to bite into him and drain him of his chakra, since his entire body was surrounded it didn't take long for him to be completely drained.
Itachi smiled, "You all did great, now let's see what kind of information we can get." He walked over to their unconcious bodies, "Well if it isn't the Demon Brother's of the Mist."
Hinata was next to Itachi, "Who are they?"
Itachi pulled off their gauntlets and found a chain hidden within each one and tied them up with it to a tree, "They are from the Kirigakure. Rouge ninjas who've abandoned their village, these two helped a ninja named Zabuza Momochi in an assassination attempt on the Mizukage's life, but that failed miserably." The two brother's slowly woke up.
The one Hinata hit was still paralyzed, while the one Naruto and Shino attacked could barely move since his jaw hurt and his chakra almost completely drained.
Itachi sat in front of them, "Why did you attack us?" The two remained silent looking away from him.
Itachi sighed and closed his eyes, "Looks like I'm going to have to do this the hard way." He opened his eyes to reveal his sharingan. The two brothers then realized who he was. In an instant Itachi grabbed the one Hinata attacked and forced his eyes open.
Naruto knew this was how Uchiha interrogated people since he saw this already on their last C-Rank mission when he got information from the bandit leader.
Kyuubi set up a link with Naruto, "HEY KIT." Naruto paused and thought, "What's up?", Kyuubi told him, "I WANT YOU TO USE MY CHAKRA. I WILL LEND YOU MY EYES." Naruto knew what he meant since he would have Kyuubi's red slit eyes, Naruto didn't think of this as a doujutsu since the only thing it allowed him to do was induce a great amount of fear into his opponents.
But he did what he was told. He closed his eyes and opened them again to show he had Kyuubi's eyes. Shino saw his eyes and remembered how much stronger he is when he fights using them after watching his one on one sessions with Itachi. Hinata knew he was going to do an interrogation as well since he did the same thing on their first C-Rank. Naruto leaned down to the one he and Shino took down.
The man's eyes widened in horror at what the boy just did. He blinked once and when his eyes opened he was in a sewer and untied, confused at first and didn't know where he was he thought it was a genjutsu so he brought his hands together and tried to deactivate the genjutsu but it didn't help. What scared him was he heard loud breathing behind him, turning around slowly he looked to see a giant fox laying on the flooded ground staring at him (He's not in the cage). He almost pissed himself at the sight, taking one step back Kyuubi's eyes widened and he roared at the man so loud that he disappeared.
He awoke screaming, Itachi looked over to see Naruto squatting next to him with his eyes red. Naruto looked at the man with his now blue eyes, "You want to talk now?" The man nodded quickly and said, "We were hired by Gato, to find the bridge builder Tazuna and kill him."
Itachi looked at this ninja, "What other ninja does this Gato have on his payroll?"
He still looked terrified, "Well he hired all of us. Zabuza's whole crew." Itachi looked at the other one, "Is this true."
The other ninja nodded, "Yes, whatever you did to my brother seemed to have worked, so there is no point in hiding it."
"Who else is in on this?" Itachi demanded.
The brother's looked at each other momentarily before answering, "Well, there's of course Zabuza and there's also Daimos, Oboro, Tetsuya, and Haku."
Shino spoke up, "If I'm not mistaken sensei, I think Oboro is one of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist as well as Zabuza."
One of the brother's spoke, "Yes he joined Zabuza after the attempt on the Mizukage's life after he attempted to kill all of the council members."
Itachi ran through some hand signs, then he starred at the ninjas with his sharingan and the two passed out. He pulled out a sheet of paper and began to write something on it, "Hinata, summon one of your birds and send this message to the Mizukage and tell them the location of their two Nuke-nins."
Hinata nodded going through some hand signs and summoned a crow who had a vest jacket on with the leaf symbol on the back, "Crow-kun could you deliver this message to the Mizukage just east of here?"
The crow couldn't speak but it could understand english and began to nod, Hinata attached the message to his leg and he flew away. Naruto was in deep thought then looked to Itachi with concern, "Itachi-sensei, since these two attacked us, isn't it possible they would attack Kakashi-sensei's group?"
Itachi pulled out his map and scanned it, "They are two far away, chances are they were already attacked. Let's move quickly, we will go to Tazuna's first to see if they've made it, if not then we will take this trail here." Shino looked at the spot he pointed at, "Sensei, if they beat who ever attacks them. Under Kakashi's orders they would return to the village for being deceived by Tazuna."
Hinata spoke up, "Yes Shino does have a point. Then again they wouldn't be sure if we were attacked as well so they could continue on to make sure we are okay just like how we are about to do, also not leaving out the fact that if they are injured they would go to Tazuna's to heal."
Itachi looked at Hinata, "Summon another bird, likely a small one like a canary. Send it off to look for them along this trail here." Hinata turned around again and summoned the small yellow bird who like the crow had a mini jacket on giving the small bird it's instructions the bird hopped slightly then flew away.
"Okay squad let's move out." Naruto and the others nodded and began running at break neck speed.
Running non-stop they were close to their destination. They ran into Hinata's canary almost five miles from their destined point and it had a small paper attached to it. They read that Kakashi's squad were attacked by one of Zabuza's cronies, but were able to survive and that they were going to Tazuna's to heal and wait for them. They decided to stick with Itachi's plan of meeting them at Tazuna's home and continued their long run to their destination.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Tazuna's Home *
Itachi looked ahead and saw the meeting point, "Okay you three were here." They all had landed in front of the house and Itachi stepped up and knocked on the door. They waited a second before a women answered the door.
"Who are you?"
"My name is Itachi Uchiha. This is my squad, Naruto Uzumaki, Hinata Hyuga, and Shino Aburame." Pointing to each of his students, "We were ordered to protect your father Tazuna, while he built the bridge."
She opened the door wider, "My name is Tsunami, my father isn't home right now."
Hinata said, "Sensei that means they could still be in trouble."
Itachi nodded, "Okay Hinata, Shino, I want you two to stay here as protection in case someone tries to attack her. Me and Naruto will go in the direction they are suppose to come from."
Shino and Hinata nodded, "Okay. Let's go Naruto." He leapt away and Naruto looked at Hinata and said, "I'll come back in one piece." Hinata looked in his eyes, "You better."
Naruto gave her a reassuring smile and leapt away also. Shino and Hinata turned around and walked inside and set up a perimeter using Shino's bugs while Hinata scanned the area with her Byakugan every five minutes.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naruto and Itachi were jumping tree to tree, slowly entering a mist. Itachi looked said to Naruto, "Hey, this is a chakra filled mist, be on guard."
Naruto told him, "Hai, sensei."
They came to a stop when they heard metal clings. Stopping on a large branch they looked and saw Kakashi fighting a tall man with bandages on his face and a huge sword.
More off to the side they saw Sasuke and Kiba trying to fight a indigo haired women who had on a blue and black Mist ninja outfit and a katana in her hands, and Sakura was at a tree line protecting Tazuna.
"Naruto handle the women, I'll back up Kakashi." Naruto looked at his sensei and nodded, "By the way Naruto." Naruto stopped and looked at his sensei, "End this quick."
Naruto sighed and said, "Hai, sensei."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Sasuke and Kiba *
Sasuke was holding his right eye, blood was trickling down from his hand holding the area where he was cut. Kiba was holding his right leg and pulled a bloody kunai out of his leg, and Akamaru was lying by a tree unconcious. The attacker had some scrapes and bruises, but nothing that she thought were serious.
"I gotta say... you two... struggled for a minute... but it all ends her boys. Remember my name... so that you can curse it in the afterlife. My name is... Tetsuya The Kenjutsu mistress." Saying her speech between breaths, she then leapt at the two boys.
Almost halfway there she felt a pressure change in the air, stopping as quick as she could skidding across the ground a couple feet from Kiba and Sasuke she saw a gust of wind coming at her knocking her off her feet sending her flying.
She recovered to see a blonde haired blue eyed boy. The first thought that ran through her head was, 'Damn he's gorgeous!"
Naruto looked over to his fellow leaf-nin, "Kiba you okay man?" Kiba was breathing heavily, "Hey... Naruto.... I'm fine... I... just... need... to-" and he passed out right there from exhaustion.
Sasuke looked at him, "What are you doing here dobe?"
Naruto looked at Sasuke, "To save you, under Itachi-sensei's orders." Sasuke winced, he thought that his brother would look down on him now for having needed to be saved.
Tetsuya yelled, "Hey, Naruto is it?!"
Naruto turned back to his opponent, "Yeah that's my name."
Tetsuya giggled and looked him in the eyes, "Why don't you come over with me. I can make you into a real man." Finishing the last part off in a seductive voice.
Naruto smiled and closed his eyes, "Sorry, I got a girl."
Tetsuya frowned, "Well, then I guess I'll take you back with me by force and turn you into my play toy." She got into a crouch position and was prepared to attack, "Here I come."
Before she could move Naruto told her, "Do you mind if we could end our fight quick. I'm under orders to do so."
She stared at him and smiled, "Well aren't you Mr. Cool. Makes me want you all the more. Sure go ahead if you can."
Tetsuya jumped at Naruto who only ran through some hand signs and yelled, "Water Style: Torpedo Jutsu!" Shooting a blast of water from the air in front of him. Shooting at her it hit the unfortunate woman with such force that she flew back hitting and going through a nearby tree. Knocking the breath out of her on contact.
Sasuke was stunned, "How did you do that?"
Naruto looked at Sasuke and rose is hand halfway in the air, "The moisture in the air from this mist."
"That's not what I meant, how did you learn that move?"
Naruto didn't really want to answer, "How and who did you learn your fire style?" Sasuke looked at him extremely pissed and thought, 'Itachi'.
Tetsuya stood up as best she could and said, "You weren't lying."
Naruto looked at her, "Nope. You see I don't use my ninjutsu a lot, it ends my fights to quickly you can't really savor the fight. I take more pride in my taijutsu skills, it drags the battle out and you get a better feel for your opponent. It's more fun that way."
In what seemed like a split second a shadow figure appeared behind Tetsuya. Naruto just watched at the scene in front of him while Sasuke went wide eyed.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Kakashi vs Zabuza *
Both ninja were exhausted from their long battle. Kakashi had cuts on his body the same as Zabuza.
"Kakashi The Copy Ninja. Never would have thought I'd be fighting you." Zabuza said, "This battle has been real fun, but let's get this over with."
Kakashi was worn out from his overuse of his sharingan, 'Zabuza is still not as tired as I am, I need a miracle to survive this.'
Zabuza rushed at Kakashi swinging his sword, Kakashi had a kunai drawn, but at his current strength it wouldn't be enough to stop the giant sword. Zabuza's sword came down inches away from Kakashi. Zabuza felt someone hit his sword at the bottom of the handle knocking it out of his hands then a kick in his chest knocking him back a couple feet. Recovering he looked ahead of him to see Itachi Uchiha, Kakashi fell to his knees exhausted.
"Good to... see you... Itachi." Kakashi said between breaths.
Itachi looked at Kakashi, "He must be strong if he did this to you."
Kakashi told him, "This mist blocks the sharingan abilities well enough for it to be cut in half."
"What can and can't you do?" asked Itachi.
Kakashi took a good breath, "We can't copy his ninjutsu, I can follow and somewhat predict his movements, but that's difficult."
Zabuza stood up and put his hands together and yelled, "Water Clone Jutsu!" out of the mist a water clone of Zabuza was formed, "Fetch me my Guillotine." The clone nodded and ran around the two leaf-ninja, the clone successfully attained the sword and with such force it threw the blade at Kakashi and Itachi. Itachi grabbed hold of Kakashi's vest and leapt over the blade dodging it. What they thought was an attack was actually the clone giving the massive weapon back to Zabuza.
Timing it just right he let the blade pass him till the handle was in reach, Zabuza with ease grabbed the blade and didn't even move an inch from the his spot. "Well, this has been fun fighting you Kakashi, but fighting both you and Itachi Uchiha would be suicide. I'll be back for the old bridge builder, till we meet again."
Itachi saw another figure appear from the mist landing beside Zabuza.
"Zabuza-sama, I've brought Tetsuya. She lost to this blonde boy named Naruto Uzumaki."
Kakashi saw this new enemy with the women he left Kiba and Sasuke to fight thrown over the ninja's shoulder. 'He looks like a Hunter-nin but he is so young and he's working with Zabuza... What's going on?'
Zabuza looked at his partner, "Tetsuya lost? Looks like I need new recruits, Daimos lost against Kakashi and it would seem that the Demon Brothers won't be coming back anytime soon. This wasn't seen, I understand Kakashi winning against Daimos, but the boy must have been strong to defeat Tetsuya. It doesn't matter, let's go Haku I'm almost out of chakra and you don't stand a chance against Itachi." Haku nodded. Zabuza put his hands together and the mist got thicker and thicker until the three disappeared as did the mist.
Itachi was still holding Kakashi up. "Let's regroup and find the others."
Kakashi spoke, "Sakura's over there hiding with Tazuna." Kakashi was pointing at a group of trees. After finding Sakura and Tazuna the four found Naruto, Sasuke, Kiba and Akamaru. Naruto summoned up his clones to carry the three, but Sasuke ignored him and said he could walk on his own. Sakura ran to Sasuke to help patch up his injuries, a clone Naruto was carrying Kiba on his back and another had Akamaru in his hands.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Tazuna's Home *
Slowly but surely the group made it to Tazuna's home, with Hinata waiting outside. "Naru-kun. Your back." She ran over and hugged him tightly.
Itachi said to everyone, "Okay everyone inside." He looks a Tazuna with a displeased look, "We need to talk. Now." Tazuna felt a chill run up his back and could do nothing but nod.
Everyone walked inside to the living room and settled down. Tsunami had went to get some first aid kits so that Hinata had a little more to work with when fixing everyone up. Hinata patched up Kakashi's cuts, she bandaged up a passed out Kiba, she even tried to fix Akamaru up even though she wasn't a vet. Her biggest problem was Sasuke, she told Itachi that his right eye was to damaged and couldn't be healed, he wouldn't be able to see out of that eye ever.
Itachi knew better though. He knew that if his father found out about his eye that he would force an unfortunate Uchiha to hand over his right eye in exchange. Showing concern for his brother he walked over to where Sasuke and Sakura were sitting. Both were outside on the patio swing not saying a word to each other for short periods of time, Sasuke had bandages over his right eye and he was very depressed about it and Sakura was trying her best to cheer him up, but to no success.
"Sasuke, how do you feel?" asked Itachi. Sasuke couldn't look him in his eyes so he kept his focus on the floor, "I was saved by Naruto. I should have been stronger..."
Itachi put a hand on Sakura's shoulder, "Sakura-chan, can you give me a minute with Sasuke." Sakura looked at him nodded and walked away entering the house closing the door behind her.
There was a silence between the two for awhile before Itachi spoke, "Are you ashamed that a fellow leaf-nin saved you?"
"Yes." was the only response.
"Why?"
"Because Itachi. For me to be saved by dobe like him, it's embarrassing." Itachi was disappointed in his brother's words.
'Sasuke is becoming more and more like the rest of the clan.' Itachi thought to himself. "Sasuke, there is no shame in being saved by a comrade."
Sasuke's eye shot up at him, "What would you know!!! You've never had to have ever been saved by anyone so you don't know the shame!" Sasuke was fuming with anger.
Itachi turned his back to him about to enter the home but decided to give him something to think about, "Your wrong Sasuke..." Sasuke's eye were still locked on his brother, "I do know what it feels like to feel shame for being saved," Sasuke's eye widened in confusion, "It's because of her that I am still alive today and the reason for my change in attitude over these years." Itachi didn't give him a chance to react and walked inside leaving Sasuke to his thoughts.
Itachi entered the living room where everyone was seated, Sakura stood up ready to go back to Sasuke's side before she was stopped by Itachi, "Leave him be for now Sakura. He has a lot on his mind right now."
Sakura sighed, "Hai, sensei." She turned around and sat next to Kiba who had Akamaru in his hands.
Kakashi looked at Tazuna, "Why didn't you tell us that not only bandits would be after you but ninja as well?"
Tsunami was sitting next to Tazuna, Naruto noticed that he didn't want to talk and decided to ask, "Tsunami-san. Why weren't we told that we would be running into enemy ninja?"
Tsunami was looking back and forth between her father and Naruto before answering, "If you have seen the village, then you would be able to see that we are in a depression and it's name is Gato."
Kakashi asked, "I see now, you couldn't tell us because you wouldn't be able to pay."
Kiba asked, "What do you mean sensei?" Kiba wasn't stupid but it only takes him awhile to understand.
Shino answered his question, "Normally missions were we fight other enemy ninja wouldn't be a C-Rank mission, something like this would be at least a high B-Rank or even an A-Rank mission. But, what I don't get is why you didn't pay for a B-Rank mission at least you would of had a three man Chunnin squad escort you."
Tazuna spoke up, "It's just like it sounds, we thought that only three ninja wouldn't be enough. We had enough money to pay for eight ninja for a C-Rank which is a lot better then three ninja for B-Rank."
Shino responded with, "But six of us are only gennin who are still fresh from the academy, also added that our Jounin are responsible for our safety. Not only did you lie about the mission you also put us in danger because you withheld information." Before he could finish Akamaru barked at him, "Sorry including Akamaru you put in danger. (Looks over at Akamaru) Happy now?" Akamaru did one bark and laid back down.
Kiba let out an oh before saying, "So what your saying is that you guys (pointing at Tazuna and his daughter) lied to us about the mission."
Tazuna looked at Itachi, "You have to understand, the bridge needs to be built if we are to be freed from Gato. He puts taxes on us that some of the villagers cannot pay, if we don't pay we are killed if we do pay we starve. Those who believed this could work put up as much money as they could so that this plan could work, but you must believe me when I say that if you help us and the bridge gets completed which will be in a week at the most, I can pay for the rest of the mission." Tazuna was on his hands and knees bowing to the ninja.
Itachi answered, "You don't understand the situation Tazuna." Tazuna's head lifted, "Just as Shino said these six young ninja are fresh out of the academy, the only real experience in fighting they have are sparring with each other." He looked over at Naruto, "All except myself, Kakashi, and Naruto-kun have experience in killing an enemy, the others do not."
Tsunami was shocked and asked Naruto, "You... killed someone?"
Naruto answered, "It was when I was seven, a man that Hinata-chan's clan trusted tried to kill my precious people. I had no choice." Naruto didn't have no emotion when he told them.
Hinata was sitting to his side and grabbed his hand and gripped it tight. Naruto looked over at her and smiled.
Kiba was shocked as was Sakura. Shino knew about the attempted assassination on Naruto and how he killed the assassin and thought that the man deserved it.
Kakashi didn't like the stares Naruto was getting from his squad, Tsunami and Tazuna, "It doesn't matter how many of us have killed Tazuna, the point is that they aren't ready for something like this. It doesn't matter if we took down three of Zabuza's followers."
Itachi looked over at Kakashi, "We took out the Demon Brothers, who did you defeat?"
"Daimos of the Deep Blue. His water style jutsus were strong but a few shots of my Raikiri did the job. That doesn't excuse that their are ninja out there who want you dead Tazuna, as of right now our squads will return to the village, you won't be entitled to a refund since you withheld information from us and placed our students in danger." Kakashi was about to stand when he saw Tazuna bow down at his feet begging for them to stay.
Tazuna spent awhile begging Kakashi to help until Naruto spoke up, "Itachi-sensei." Itachi looked at his student, "Let's follow through the mission. I know that Tazuna can complete it in the week. I'm sure we can even finish the bridge sooner if I use my shadow clones."
Both Kakashi and Itachi sighed Kakashi was going to speak up again before Hinata stood up, "Itachi-sensei, I believe that we can do this." Itachi wasn't surprised to see Hinata stand up and back Naruto up.
Shino took a stand as well, "Sensei, I know that we are ready for this mission. I also know that I am the most logical thinker when it comes to situations like this, but I know that Naruto and Hinata are not wrong when they say that we can get this done." That is were Itachi was surprised, Shino was the logical one of the group and yet just now he threw logic thinking out the window and decided to go with his gut instinct.
Kakashi looked at his two student's, "Well what do you two think?"
Akamaru was the first to react with loud barks and wagging his tail happily, which meant he wanted to continue.
Kiba smiled at how happy Akamaru was and said, "I say let's go through with the mission Kakashi-sensei."
Sakura was in deep thought but agreed, "Their right we can do this. We would be able to save an entire village and Tazuna said he'd pay the rest of our village the money he owes so it all works out."
Kakashi had a smile on his face, "Well glad to see that you two want to do something more then try and prove something. Now we need Sasuke's vote."
"I'm in."
Everyone looked over and saw Sasuke, "I do not agree with what you said Kakashi-sensei, I have to fight that woman again who made me look like a weakling."
Naruto spoke up, "Well it all comes down to our sensei's now. After all they have last say in the matter." All the attention was on the two Jounin-senseis.
Itachi let out a breath and said, "I believe you three are ready for something like this, who knows with the shadow clones helping out, Shino's bugs as our alarms and Hinata's Byakugan we should be able to finish this mission sooner rather than later."
Kakashi added to this, "At this point I'd say only you four (points to Squad 13) would be able to continue." Hinata knew why he said that since all except Sakura had injuries or rather more serious injuries. "I have to many cuts on myself, I'm suffering from chakra exhaustion, and might be out of commission for at least a week." He turns to look at Kiba, "Kiba and Akamaru have some broken and fractured bones, so them helping out wouldn't be to smart." Finally he looks a Sasuke, "Sasuke is in no better condition, he has some broken bones, as well as a missing right eye." Sasuke wasn't to happy about that statement.
Shino spoke, "Not necessarily Kakashi-sensei." Kakashi looked at Shino, "Your squad could be a bodyguard squad of Tazuna's home in case bandits come to kill him here."
Sakura couldn't find any logic in that, "What if Gato sends Zabuza here instead of bandits?"
Itachi spoke up, "Gato can't send Zabuza and his men here." Sakura looked at him with a questionable look, "He can't send them because Zabuza is incapacitated as well. He left the battle quickly because he was injured and his men were in no better condition, Gato may be able to pay him to do it, but he can't control his condition. If Zabuza attacks now he will be fighting me at less then half his strength."
Hinata also added, "Gato will likely send his bandits here when Tazuna isn't home so that they could capture his daughter Tsunami as a bargaining chip to stop building of the bridge."
Kiba said, "That makes sense, even me and Sasuke can handle bandits in our condition." Akamaru began barking in agreement.
Kakashi looked at Itachi, "Then its settled. Itachi and Squad 13 will escort Tazuna to and from his home to the bridge in case of a ninja attack. While we stand guard of Tazuna's home in case the bandits attack here. That sound like a plan?"
Itachi nodded in agreement as did everyone else. Tazuna got up from his knees, "Thank you all. You don't know how much this will mean to the people here. By saying you'll stay you've saved us all." Tazuna was crying tears of joy.
Naruto felt good inside, since it meant he was helping save a village from tyranny. At the same time he couldn't shake an uneasy feeling he was getting. 'Something bad is going to happen I just don't know what.' was all he thought.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Zabuza's Hideout *
Three ninja were surrounding a bed which in it laid a sleeping Zabuza.
Tetsuya was sitting in a chair with a pissed off look at the foot of Zabuza's bed, Haku was standing next to Zabuza right side, and a man with light blue hair, wearing black pants, a white sleeveless shirt, blue ninja shoes, a tattoo of the number 'five' on the right side of his neck, and had a 60' inch long katana blade with black writing that said 'Hell have no fury, like my undying rage.' Was standing on the side opposite Haku. What was unusual about the man was that his headband (the metal part) looked to be melded in the skin of his right arm.
"So Zabuza got his ass handed to him huh?" Looking at Haku who still had his hunter-nin mask on.
Tetsuya lashed out, "It wouldn't have happened if you were there to help us Oboro!"
Oboro spoke, "I would have thought that you guys could handle the attack on your own. First Daimos is killed, the Demon Brothers are probably dead or captured, you (Tetsuya) lost to some brats, and Zabuza here is knocked out from exhaustion." He looked at Haku again, "And where were you at during all of this, Haku?" He said the last part in a sarcastic but not caring remark.
Haku remained silent only to hear Tetsuya speak up again, "Leave Haku alone Oboro." Oboro grunted an left the issue alone.
They were interrupted by a short man with two guards barging into the room, "I hire your nuke-nin to kill a helpless old man and you can't even get that done."
None of the three said anything to the short man as he made his way to Zabuza's bed. "I'm talkin to you Zabuza!" he reached out attempting to throw the covers off of him but felt a tight grip on his wrist. He looked over to see that Haku grabbed his wrist almost snapping it.
Gato yelled in pain, "Kill this son of a bitch now!!!" The two guards pulled out their swords and before their feet moved blood shot everywhere as the two men were decapitated where they stood.
Oboro was standing behind the men with his hand on the handle of his blade and the sword still on his back. "Don't forget Gato." Oboro spoke, "You hired us to do a job," Gato's wrist was free but he was scared out of his mind, "pull something like that again, and I won't hesitate to kill you."
Gato ran out of the room leaving the two headless bodies of his bodyguards behind.
The three ninja were staring at the door he just left through when they heard a voice, "I could have handled it on my own." The three looked at the bed and saw Zabuza as sitting up looking at his covered legs.
Haku spoke, "You need not worry about handling slime like him. That's what we are here for." Zabuza pulled his hand out of the covers and in his hands was a kunai knife. He placed it on the night stand next to his bed.
"It will take about a week maybe less to fully heal, then we attack the konoha leaf ninja." Zabuza looked at Oboro, "I want you to handle Itachi Uchiha, I'll handle Kakashi, Tetsuya you handle the two gennin that you fought today, and Haku." Haku took off his mask and set it next to the night stand, "You handle the blonde kid you told me about."
Haku nodded, "I am your tool to be used as you see fit Zabuza-sama."
Tetsuya yelled out, "I want the blonde! I can take him when I get all of my strength back!" Zabuza glared at her, his eyes were practically speaking 'You dare speak against me!' Immediately she settled down and looked away.
Oboro said, "This might be fun."
(Scene fades to black and we leave off here)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well there it was chapter 14. I'm not really myself right now so if this was a half ass job since I didn't want to fix it at all. This was just write upload and done, everything will be fixed when I get back. Thanks for your support and next chapter is called 'Get Ready for Round 2'. Well Goodbye World!