Pseudo Styles V-II: A Naruto Fanfiction

by Alpha Vii

(Shut down for the foreseeable future.) Second iteration. Slow burn. Mass bash/anti-bash story. Dark COP. The world of shinobi. Deception is their way of life, although many have come to forgive that attribute. When the greatest atrocity is in your own backyard however... The swarm does not forgive secrets.

21. Chap 21: Wave Arc

Physio Styles V-II: A Naruto Fanfiction: Chapter 21: Wave arc.

Alpha rubs his brow, "I apologize for the extensive delay. The previous take for this chapter had some… Oddities that were hard to build on. Coupled with the work on 'dragon of the leaf' and I've been a tad bit preoccupied."

Enigma folds his arms, "We really need to figure out how to edit the individual scenes. Writing a free flowing story should not require a full rewrite every time there's an awkward semblance. All this backlogging is confusing me."

===Chapter 21===

-Part one: A new C-rank mission / Journey to the land of waves-

After a sequence of nonstop D-rank missions; Team seven opted to petition for a C-rank mission.

After noting the growing dissent the series of 'chores' had deposed unto the team; The Hokage assigned them a simple bodyguard mission to a neighboring country.

There was quickly some skepticism regarding the 'drunken old man' but in respite of the alternatives; the genin were leaping at the chance… although some impudence had surfaced.

The team made their way to meet Tazuna at the village gate before departing.

After a few minutes of fresh scenery, Sakura decided to pose a few questions, "The land of waves… That's an island nation right?"

Tazuna nodded, "That's right. We make our income off the bounty of the sea and as an outpost for trade."

Sakura seemed to bounce a bit at that, "So, You don't have a ninja village?"

Kakashi answered this one, "Wave is one of the special cases. Do to the protection of the sea; a ninja village is unnecessary to keep the island protected. That and their ports retain a mutual respect with other small villages. The sea can be a dangerous place… especially when lost."

Sakura asked a few other things. Exchanges regarding their trade. What kind of bounty the sea could offer.

Kakashi began to notice that the 'trade' was taking a bad hit; but he overlooked it. Tazuna was clearly agitated by the questions though and it brought to mind… well… almost. That cesspool of a puddle had him on edge.

As the team passed; Two blobs emerged from the small obtrusion. Kakashi found himself shredded by a long chain of shuriken.

Sakura screamed at the brutal ambush… but this was not a scream of terror.

"One down."

"Four to go."

The two shinobi bore large gauntlets. Each equipped with large fang-like blades over each finger. The chain linking the gauntlets was the very same that had just disembodied Kakashi.

The duo rushed towards Sakura and Tazuna with a venomous bloodlust.

Sasuke leapt before them and latched onto one of the two gauntlets. With acrobatics of a lemur; Sasuke landed a fierce kick to the nearer's jaw.

As the man staggered, he felt something tug on the chain. He gave it a quick pull; but it was jammed to a tree with both shuriken and kunai.

After Sasuke made to daze his opponent yet again; The two disconnected the chain and moved to attack the bridge builder yet again. Sasuke moved to block one; But the other…

Wasn't nearly so lucky.

Naruto's flexed guard was quintupled in a split second.

Before the second brother even rendered the change, he was struck by a four fold axe kick and a follow up punch to face and jaw.

Naruto skidded back and evaluate the effect; but the quadruple surprise attack had left the man neither room nor place to brace.

The brother went down like a puddle of ill prepared jello. His counterpart fell to a preemptive clothesline from Kakashi.

Sasuke's eye twitched, "Show off."

Naruto noted the situation and rubbed his brow, "Sensei? Party foul!"

Kakashi sweatdropped, "Was it that bad?"

-One stumped duo later-

"...Or you - The master bridge builder. You didn't say there were ninja hunting you. We are here for bandits and highwaymen. As of this point we are beyond the scope of this mission."

Sakura's eye twitched before glancing to Naruto… and finally eyeing the bowl of liquidated jelly, 'We just took out two chunin? Faster than Tora: the demon cat?' "Kakashi sensei; I have my doubts that these are active ninja. While well equipped; That was little more than a challenging spar."

Sasuke frowned before calling out, "Challenging my ass. I practically bated that klutz." He muttered out, "I've seen better fights from clerks."

Kakashi glanced back, "You what?"

Sasuke fumed, "They sucked!"

Kakashi glanced over the two before him.

The now named Gozu huffed, "Give me one chance; I'll tear you to shred for that!"

Kakashi rubbed his brow, "Tazuna. You will explain to us exactly what you're facing by the time we land in wave; or you can sign our mission log the moment you get home." Kakashi stood from the prisoners, "Alright team seven. Let's go rent a boat."

A hop, skip and an unrocked boat ride later; Tazuna had relented the details of waves oppression and the team had agreed to… oversee… his commitment.

Seeing the genin on a rising edge; Kakashi saw fit to pool his two cents.

"The next one they send… will likely be a jonin."

Sakura adjusted her stride to ask, "Another missing nin?"

Kakashi mulled it over before a Kunai was heard impaling a nearby tree.

Sasuke checked the mark before scoffing, "You skinning rodents now?"

Naruto drew a kunai from his sleeve, "That was one big ass rodent."

Sakura effectively tripped Tazuna as a massive blade soared through the air. The group ducking before a tree found itself cleaved in two.

As the group turned to face the blade; A man wearing zebra camo pants and arm warmers leapt atop the handle. His mouth wrapped in bandages and a headband with a brutal scar across the symbol.

Kakashi stood from his crouch, "Well if it isn't Zabuza Momochi…"

As their sensei spoke; Sasuke passed a note to Sakura.

The fiery kunoichi rolled her eyes, "Another ronin? What, is Gato a cheapskate too?"

Zabuza glance to the side, "Perceptive braggarts aren't they?"

Kakashi sweatdropped before glancing back warily, "You kids still ripe from earlier?"

After a few seconds of shared looks; Sasuke beat a fist, "I swear: if you're teasing us…"

Kakashi's eyes narrowed, "Save it for the opponent before us. You've got fifteen minutes."

Zabuza swung down and pulled his sword from the tree - with a wayward screech - before asking, "You're delegating minnows to the front? Has Konoha sunken...so…" Zabuza's eyes widened as the stone beneath Naruto's feet began to rumble and rattle, "What has him so nervous?"

Naruto glanced up; his eyes glowing with a passion reserved for embers. As he spoke; the atmosphere itself seemed to shift like folding steel, "You short chalk Konoha again; you will taste the bedrock I've traveled to get here."

The tone itself would have Zabuza taking a second glance; but the sense of restraint echoed a kind foreshadow no child should have seen, "I'm half tempted to test the balls to say that…" Zabuza's Ki leapt into the clearing like a blanket of smog. The density alone had Tazuna feeling ill and the genin were short of breath, "But then you don't even know the half of what you speak of."

Kakashi was about to flair his own when his eyes widened, 'Wait...is his Ki receding?'

Sasuke lifted a leg forward as though pushing through need deep water; The air behind him shimmered brightly as a kind of burning was felt behind.

Kakashi nearly gagged as the air began to glow a very visible orange, 'B...But that's…' He lifted a hand to expel his presense; but the effect was of the reverse. Sasuke's chakra seemed to billow out in thin wisps that carried several feet from his body. The amber air carried off in large wisps.

Sasuke moved to sprint forward and the writhing chakra folded into a vapor trail about him, "Naruto…"

The blond was folding the sign already, "Shadow clone jutsu!"

The army of blond/orange shinobi flooded the field; already diverging into a pincer maneuver denoting a hive mind.

Zabuza braced before batting the entire front back. The affect of the smoke producing a mild obstruction which the Uchiha used to advance.

Sasuke tore back a fist that was nearly blackened with condensed chakra, "Just try it pretender!"

Zabuza used a replacement technique; but gasped as the backlash followed through the technique and blasted him off the afforded tree.

The log itself went up like an explosive note; a ball of liquidated fire launching to dissolve a boulder behind. The effect like molten salt into water.

Zabuza laughed from the distance, "That…" He bolted up, "Was a wakeup call befitting a Daimyo's ransom!" Zabuza fell forward. A sense of pride flooding his being. A hunger and thirst for combat long forgotten ate into him like a plague. His voice was caught somewhere inside a desperate gasp, "From one demon to another; Class is in SESSION!"

Tazuna fainted at the shearing pressure that filled the clearing.

Kakashi's eyes burned with the sense of burning dread, "What - just - happened?"

A.N: Alpha cracks his knuckles, "I warned you all. I really did. This generation… It's going to eat everything I can give it and burn like the deep seventh flames of hell. Marvelous Rebound Integration: Crescendo!"

Sasuke defended against a strike he could not see. Using two kunai in each hand; He caught the massive sword with little more afterthought than a club. He skidded back from the collision.

Zabuza glanced up and attempted to dodge a fist to his face. Problem; sword was stuck. Second issue; Naruto used Sasuke as a springboard. The flying fist now resembled a steampunk battering ram.

Zabuza found himself flattened to a tree with the faint praise that the legendary sword kept pace. Still his instincts were tasked with escaping a surprise series of kunai. As Zabuza rolled aside he counted heads to ensure the pinkette was the only imminent threat.

To his credit; Zabuza didn't dwell too long on the sight of Kakashi fearing for a former life. Instead focusing on regaining his bearings. An asset that demanded more than two inches of clearance from the direct assault which took a fancy few minutes to administer.

After a lengthy combo spanning the better half of the minute; The duo withdrew to escort Tazuna through the forest.

While the implication disturbed him; Zabuza smirked at the situation, "Leave it to a bunch of brats to leave me feeling young again." After a moment he checked his reserves; hesitating briefly as he questioned the near untapped levels, 'How much have I been wasting on bunshins and clouds all these months?!'

Haku leapt across the treeline to meet with his partner, "Zabuza. Do you require assistance?"

Zabuza mulled it over, "Keep out of the fight. Try to slow the copycat and that drunkard down. Don't go too far though. These kids… They could rip you to shreds the moment your guard waivers."

Haku glanced down, "Are they chunin?"

Zabuza scoffed, "In peacetimes; They could be fresh jonin at this pace. Rank means nothing when you fight like this." After a moment he chuckled, "No wonder Kakashi was so quick to cut the leash. They must have scared his socks off."

The group had just exited the treeline when Zabuza came for a second pass. His initial sweep caused Kakashi to raise his guard.

The cyclops narrowed his gaze as the two blades contended; but his body was not handling the engagement nearly as well as he expected. Within moments he lost enough ground to push Tazuna back.

Sasuke rolled his eyes, "Are you kidding me?" He leapt to the side and flung through hand seals in quick succession… but they weren't proper for a distinct jutsu.

Naruto launched a few clones to counter the attack, but when most of them dispelled within a moment, his eyes widened in horror, "What the hell?" Moving to repel the jonin personally; Naruto winced when a needle slammed into his leg. He bit through it before swinging the same leg into Zabuza's face. As he landed he called, "This guy's got a porcupine with him. Eyes sharp!"

Sakura stood closer to Tazuna to gauge their position as well as the potential assailant.

Sasuke's hand seals began to dull to a mere stir, "Naruto; Get eyes on our new friend. I'll handle the tanner."

The blond nodded, "Don't go too far overboard. We need enough to make it home."

Sasuke lifted a single handseal, "MOVE!"

Naruto practically tackled Tazuna as a Fireball shot by with all the speed of a crossbow bolt.

Zabuza rolled out of the way of the mock projectile; but found himself dodging a steady stream of fire, 'These kids… they're green, but it's like they've trained with specialists.' On a whim; Zabuza raised his sword to guard. The initial stream burst ahead and again began tracking him.

Naruto had two clone sweeping the forest for their unwelcome guest. The remainder of the batch was holding a defensive perimeter to watch for incoming senbon.

Sakura had checked over his initial injury and noted the specific position, "It wasn't a fluke. While non-fatal; you're not going to be reaching top speed for a few hours."

Naruto sighed sarcastically, "So they have good aim?"

Sakura met his gaze, "You keep taking direct hits like that; your shadow clones will suffer the backlash."

Naruto frowned, "What do you mean by that?"

Sakura sighed, "Didn't you study that jutsu? Shadow clones are projected directly from your chakra coils. While less so than physical attacks; they will still dispel if your coils take enough damage. It will get harder to cast each time."

Naruto raised a hand and gestured to a part of the forest. A group of six clones closed in on the area.

Sakura watched the group leave, "What is that about?"

Naruto glanced back with a grin, "You're not the only one studying." His eye twitched before speaking up, "Oi! Keep it down!"

A trio departed and one called, "Eh, Sorry boss."

Zabuza huffed as Sasuke finally cut the technique, 'Thank you; limited chakra capacity.' He glanced up as he gauged the stamina the boy had used up. While indeed Sasuke had tired; it was mostly due to a shortage of breath.

Finally Zabuza smirked, 'That technique…' "To get that range and precision; you've limited you turning rate to a mild crawl. You can't track at high speeds.

Sasuke frowned, "That's what you figured out huh? Well I suppose it's something." 'It's also a mere fraction of the chakra required for the grand fireball. I can do this all afternoon... if it was my only priority.'

Zabuza stowed his sword behind his back. Drawing a seldom used kunai he took a deep breath, 'I am actually studying a preen... What the hell is konoha going through to procure hellions like this?' Zabuza lunged closer to the boy; taking no great effort to dodge the stream of fire. As he pounced on the boy he jested, "Too slow!"

Sasuke smirked at the proxy, 'Dragons breath…'

Zabuza paled and tanned in a single moment. The pinstream of fire converted to a billowing cloud. He'd narrowly escaped using a Kawarimi, but the transition left its mark on his confidence. Zabuza glanced over his shoulder before flattening a clone that had been searching for Haku. As the smoke cleared; Zabuza sighed, "Damn it Haku; Withdraw."

Three smoke clouds later; Zabuza and Haku shook the trail of the clones. As they struck out onto the water, Zabuza spoke, "Regain contact with the demon brothers. As raw as they are; we'll need more eyes to figure these kids out."

Haku groaned at that, "You are aware that they were stationed halfway into fire territory."

Zabuza sighed, "And the longer you wait; The more likely they will be strung up by a patrol. Trust me; we won't have the home field advantage next time." (*ah...ah...Caltrops!*)

Team seven pushed to the bridge-builders home after he recovered from the boisterous Ki field.

As the started Sasuke spoke warily, "Sorry about that geezer."

Tazuna shook his head as his heart rate steadied, "Don't be. I underestimated you kids twice farther than I deserved. That intensity was something I hadn't felt in the better part of my life."

Sasuke frowned, "That's not saying much if Gato's the strongest prick you've run into. He may have tight pockets, but with all these ronin's Gato has sent after you: he's merely a passionate coward."

Naruto clenched his fist, "That guy… He's an insult to a ninja's pride."

Naruto's eyes widened as the group neared the cottage, "He-he-hey Kakashi sensei?!"

The jonin glanced down at the boy warily, "Is it about the two earlier?"

Naruto burned right past the question, "Permission to prank the hell out of that bully?"

Kakashi folded his arms.

Sasuke spoke up, "Don't do anything crazy. They could learn from your tricks."

Naruto palmed a fist, "Yeah well, they don't get to sleep easy when they're messing with proper shinobi."

Kakashi's eye narrowed, "Don't stir trouble. Starting unnecessary conflicts will only lead to a war."

Sasuke frowned, "He's been shipping contraband right? Wave might actually have a decent amount of political leverage if it came to that."

Naruto shook his head, "What kind of prankster do you think I am?" He frowned, "I just want to shame him a bit. It's not like I'd be going after him personally."

Kakashi glanced to the blond, "Shadow clones?"

Sasuke rubbed his brow, "His chakra reserves and stamina are absurd. (Potato - Potato) One big meal and he'd recover the supply to make another three dozen of them."

Sakura frowned, "Yeah but...Can you make as few as eight?"

Naruto rubbed the back of his head, "Really guys? I got it down to two for the graduation exam. I told you that after we finished the bell test."

Kakashi sighed, "Not until I've got an assessment of your stealth skills."

"Fine."

The door to the cabin opened. Sasuke instinctively drew a kunai as a tiny ball shot out a shouted.

"Grandpa!"

"Inari! How've you been?"

"I was so worried that Gato got to you. You were gone for so long!"

Tazuna rubbed the green hat and smiled, "I made it home safe; Thanks to these fine ninja."

A black haired woman strode to the door, "I suppose I should thank you for bringing my father home safely. Please, Come in and make yourselves at home."

Kakashi nodded, "Arigato."

As team seven settled into the house; Tazuna gestured to the boy in the green hat and overalls, "This is my grandson Inari." Gesturing to the woman as she set the table, "And that is my daughter Tsunami."

Tsunami stood in the doorway, "Dinner will be ready in five. Make sure you've cleaned up by then." (Checks filter, "Why do my ears burn of a cliche?") {Familiar semblance. Why her in particular; I do not know.}

Kakashi nodded, "Will do. My name is Kakashi Hatake. With me are Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno and Sasuke Uchiha."

Tsunami nodded, "It's nice to meet you."

Inari hid behind his grandfather. Tazuna meanwhile glanced to the kitchen, "Do we have enough to last the week?"

Tsunami folded her arms, "Not nearly. I'll need a grocery run by evening tomorrow."

Tazuna nodded, "I will. You two stay safe While I'm out."

Kakashi stood, "We will begin guard shifts tomorrow afternoon, however - under the circumstances - I've got something I need to discuss with my team tomorrow morning."

-Meanwhile: In the land of fire-

Two anbu were standing over the pair of ronin who lie tethered to the tree, "Kakashi really did a number on them. This one got to close to the sun."

"Kakashi's not the kind to burn his opponents. Do you think…"

"I have my doubts. Fire techniques are chakra intensive… But then I think I heard something about Fugaku's kid being a pyromaniac." After a moment of silence she asked, "Yeah I do." Eye twitching she turned to find the other Anbu, "Are you still..."

…

Gozu glanced up as the Anbu collapsed to the ground, "It never gets old; but could you have taken any longer?"

Haku checked the anbu before practically skipping over, "Try not to get in any needless fights. Zabuza needs your support to deal with the team from wave."

Meizu narrowed his eyes, "They got passed him too?"

"Nearly. Zabuza suspects there was an incident in Konoha that spurred them early. Kakashi hasn't fought yet; but he doesn't seem to be at his best right now. We need to get back to wave quickly."

Meizu rubbed the rope burns on his wrist before blanching, "You mean those brats managed to stay him too. What does he expect us to do?"

Haku frowned, "I do not know. Whatever it is; I will pour everything I am into seeing it through."

-As the three began their return trip; Zabuza was dealing with Gato's backhand-

"Still at large are you?" A short man in black suit, a black lions mane and a face like a sideways egg. With the shades over his eyes and cane in hand; he was practically leaking a greasy aura.

Zabuza turned to the stout man. His eye calculative; but far less withdrawn than the man who had walked out, "The geezer found a decent team to protect him."

Gato sneered, "From what I here; They're little more than children." Gato frowned, "I do hope this hasn't given you cold feet. Having put out such high bids; I fully expect the bridge builder to be dead and buried in a handful of days. If you can't have it done by then; I'm cutting you off."

Zabuza sat down in a corner. Glancing up - the shadows pouring over his face like a cowl - he spoke, "One week. I doubt it will take as long; but that team will be a lot less trouble when they stop surprising you."

-Part 2: The Siege-

The sun had just barely risen. From the unobstructed ocean; the first blade of sunlight pierced the room. To one boy… it was as though the threat was punctuated. Two eyes - with a hunger befitting two weeks of abstinence - latched onto the beam with a feral yet whispered roar.

Kakashi opened his eye as he felt the sudden influx of exertion, but by the time he had grabbed the blanket; the window was open, and naruto was gone, "Naruto: You get back…"

"He's long gone sensei." Sakura rubbed her ears, "Once he sets his heart on something; there's no stopping him."

Kakashi glared at the kunoichi, "You do realize how serious this is? If he attacks, it would provoke a retaliation far earlier than we could handle. Fighting a rusty jonin is one thing. Fighting a hive of bandits and a rusty jonin…" Kakashi's sweatdropped before the blanket was pulled to it's absolute lighting enhanced tensile limit, "And the idiot is going alone?!"

The window creaked as Sasuke nearly tore the sky from the building.

Kakashi followed a moment later, "Make sure the family stays inside."

…

Sakura fumed before shouting - arms flailing in frustration, "Why are you leaving me with the bag!? Cha?!"

Kakashi stepped onto the water before pausing, 'Wait a minute…' Glancing to both sides he searched for the two boys, "Where do they even think they're going?" 'And how fast are those two?'

"Dobe! Slow down you moron! How do you expect to track him down if you don't know where to look?"

"Just follow the boats?"

Sasuke frowned, "What?" glancing forward he noticed a particular boat far outside the villages price range, "When did you even see that?"

Naruto smirked, "I didn't have to. Some idiot shot off the fog horns. I almost murdered the seaside alarm clock last night." His grin made way for a wry look, "You telling me you didn't hear it?"

Sasuke groaned, "I… No comment." 'Why does he know that sound?'

The two were getting close enough to see a dock. Sasuke was a breath away from calling when Naruto bolted towards the shore. The very first tree took the backhand of an overcharged footfall before the blond disappeared in a whirl of mulch.

Atop one of the trees outside the compound; Sasuke found the blond lunatic pegging a camouflage tarp, "Are you…" He nearly choked when a finger met his lips.

Naruto wrung out the appendage as he gestured to a few wires on the stone perimeter.

Sasuke nearly shrieked as the orange clad boy leapt… threading the perimeter alarm by the breath of his sandals. He narrowed his eyes when Naruto pulled something out of his tool pouch, "What are you doing?"

Naruto glared at him before turning back to the task. A few minutes passed before the snip of wire was heard and Naruto leapt to the other side. A few more minutes passed before he wiped his brow. Leaping back he formed the handseal for the shadow clones. Six other appeared. Glaning to his mirrors he spoke, "Six."

5x "Right."

1x "Gah… can we last that long?"

Naruto shrugged, "If your fast enough?" With a cheeky grin he added, "What? Can you wait till tomorrow?"

The sixth clone pepped up, "Right!"

Five glares nearly ended his life then.

Sasuke's eye twitched.

Naruto turned, "C'mon."

Kakashi eyed at the two before him, "Where have you been?"

Sasuke pulled himself up to a chair, "Checking the bridge."

Naruto pulled an impassive look, "A black cat crossed my path so I had to take the long route. Itadakimasu, Tsunami-san." Picking up a pair of sticks he shrugged, "What's wrong with a ten minute stroll before breakfast?"

Inari huffed, "That's such a lame excuse."

...glance?

Inari paused at the roaring laughter, "What? What's so funny?"

Sasuke palmed the table a few times, "Aye… aye aye sensei."

Sakura wiped a tear from her eye, but broke out in a new chorus at the contemplative look on their sensei's face.

Naruto seemed to have learned how to wheeze, laugh and chuckle on coinciding breaths, "Have something sharper to use kid?"

Kakashi sighed, 'Why here of all places?'

Tsunami smiled, "So long as your on time for breakfast…" She paused when Naruto exploded from his chair. The sound of some unholy entity cackling madly brought a new concern to the table.

Sakura whimpered out; through baited breath, "I'd worry about making it back for lunch."

Warning: Soundtrack 'Uchiha - open laughter' not found.

Inari's head tilted, "Eh?"

Kakashi was mortified. Sure they were now escorting Tazuna… but Tsunami thinking he had a fever from his face? {Sneeze} T'was a kind of mortification in it's own.

Naruto glanced over his shoulder his grin fading as he considered their destination, "Old man… I thought you were the fretful sort when you brought up that sappy stuff… but you've been busy with this bridge long before you brought us in. Is Gato new in town… or is he more rowdy than usual?"

Tazuna sighed, "It started with intimidation tactics. I'm not sure how, but his iron grip was looser at the beginning regarding the bridge. About a month into the project… things got bad. He attempted to levy a tax against those building the bridge. Having done this before; I managed to outst those attempts." Tazuna tightened his fist, "That's when Gato got serious. From then on; his efforts became personal. It was immediately clear that things would get violent… but I never imagined he'd escalate so abruptly."

Sasuke glanced over the mass of concrete, "I'll give you this much. It's was a massive oversight."

Naruto chuckled, "Especially for such a half pint."

…

After reaching the active sight; Kakashi asked, "Half pint?"

Naruto gave a cheeky grin, "Wouldn't you like to know?"

It was the second day. Sakura and Sasuke had overseen a grocery run with the old man.

As they returned home, Kakashi requested a report. Immediately after they escaped the debrief, Sasuke moved to the guest rooms.

Noting the blond stamina jet sharpening his kunai, Sasuke sighed, "What'd you do this time?"

"Whatever do you mean?"

Gato glared daggers at the wall. A craving and concern building in his gut, "Five days. Those idiots had better get their asses in gear, or…"

shi-BOOM!

All assets of thought ground to a halt as an explosion rattled the reinforced timber walls, "The hell was that?"

Zabuza glanced up after nearly caving his skull on the desk.

Meizu wrenched his skull from the wedge of the wall and said furnishing, "What the hell?"

Zabuza groaned, "That would be one special kind of idiot!"

Zabuza rushed outside. Haku in close pursuit.

Meizu staggered for a moment before following. A moment later he turned, "Bro, you coming?"

SCREECH THUD

The second brother grumbled from beneath a pile of collapsed shelves and a large chest, "Hurry up and get - me - out!"

Zabuza skid into the courtyard. His eyes tore across the surrounding for any sign of a breach or heading force, "What…? Where are they?"

Meanwhile… a squirrel twitched as the kami of all mouse traps obliterated a desirable seed. The fur blackened to ash, but the creature spared from a narrow ridge in the wall, "sk...skeek?!"

Naruto paused before dropping to the ground and holding his gut.

Kakashi raised an eyebrow.

Sakura's eye twitched, "I told you; you eat to fast."

Naruto bit out a proud grin that belied the sun briefly, "I… got the punch line."

A.N: Long short: Booby trap specialist.

-Part 3: Tensions and Atrophy-

It was late evening. Team seven was - to Kakashi's curiosity - reviewing progress in their chakra exercises.

"So… when did the academy introduce you to waterwalking? I was a bit of a prodigy in my day; but that technique isn't typically brought up until rank chunin."

Naruto shrugged, "My chakra control sucks. I needed a way to stabilize basic jutsu, so it was a useful technique."

Sasuke folded his arms, "That was treewalking. At this point; water walking would be the next step… for most of us."

It took a moment but Kakashi followed a subtle gaze to the teams kunoichi.

Sakura tilted her head, "What?" Glancing at the two others she frowned, "Are you still sore about that?"

Naruto crossed his arms defensively, "No no, It's really cool that you got it so fast! It's just…"

Sasuke bumped the blond's shoulder, "Come on Naruto. Last one across the coastal river covers lunches for a week."

Naruto staggered before chasing the Uchiha, "H-Hey!? You're on jerk!"

Kakashi rubbed the back of his head, "Why would Sasuke risk the funds to the ramen disposal specialist?"

Sakura chuckled, "Sasuke only eats fresh foods. Naruto would be stuck with garden work." A moment later she cringed, "That and all the D-ranks we'll be stuck with after this mess..."

He raised an eyebrow at that, "Is that so. Tell me… if these were the conditions for a C-rank mission; would you take them so soon over D-ranks?"

Sakura seemed to weigh something. After a moment she turned, not to Kakashi, but the bridge builder, "If I'm being perfectly honest; I don't think we would have taken this mission in the first place."

Tazuna wilted at the remark, "Even knowing what we've gone through?"

Kakashi nodded, "It's important to know what you can handle. This isn't a typical C-rank however. If…"

Sakura shook her head, "I understand, sensei; but that's not the reason." Maintaining a sidewane glare, "Due to our inexperience, we left speculation out during your first impression. The level of your woes was apparent; but we assumed the mission parameters held more merit at the time. Knowing what I do now; I do not think Sasuke nor myself would have taken this mission."

Kakashi frowned, "You doubt Naruto would refuse?"

"He's soft headed that way." Sakura adjusted a clasp in her hair, "But you know how he was with Inari." With a smirk, "That and… how you had to hold him back… He'd have pried it out of the the old man faster than some of Ibiki's special cases."

Kakashi nearly overstepped before glaring at the girl, "Who told you about that?"

Sakura gave some kind of cheeky sneer, "I know a gal."

B-B-BLeugheheheck!

"Didn't you learn your lesson last time?" Sasuke shoved a fist into the blonds solar plexus, rewarded by yet another mucus laced fountain.

Naruto sputtered as he fought body and mind for consciousness, "I told ya… There's no easy way to… Ulk!?"

Sasuke sandwiched the muscle cluster, "That's no excuse for impatience, you moron. It's a good thing you caught that pylon. Sakura might not have been here in time."

"Aw, you care?"

"Salvaging your ass every week? Not the good kind."

Naruto smirked before hurling up a volley of ramen.

Sasuke raised a brow, "We didn't even eat…" His other brow shot up, "...It's litteral?"

Naruto glanced up behind weary eyes, "What is?"

Sasuke tilted his head, "You inhale ramen?"

. . .?

The two cracked up a moment later. Sasuke made his way to the river, "Don't think I've forgotten our bet. If you're putting your life on the line; I'm not gonna stop you. Just don't think I'm doing a favor."

"Yeah right teme. You need every minute to keep up with me!"

Sasuke paused, "No shadow clones. That's where I draw the line. No complimentary techniques allowed in a training contest. Got that dobe?"

Naruto huffed - nearly choking on it, "It goes without saying. Same thing for your sharingan though."

Sasuke smiled warily, "Glad you remembered."

Naruto sighed, "That still goes out the window if we get stuck in a fight, But I'll honer every bit of progress we make, believe it."

The morning sun began to rise. Every now and then; Naruto would sigh in relief when the subtle yet distinct sound of disturbed water foretold another delay.

At one point, naruto noticed the sound of a twig snapping. His guard rose immediately, but his curiosity peaked when the sound repeated every few seconds, "If you're going to be here, at least introduce yourself. It's not smart to sneak up on a shinobi."

Haku tensed at the distant voice. Weighing the senbon in her kimono, she strode around a break in the bushes, "I didn't realize there were people out here. Are you alright?"

Naruto smiled, "It takes a lot more than a little water to bring me down. I'm Naruto Uzumaki."

"I see. You are a shinobi?"

As the silence persisted, Haku sighed, "I suppose you deserve that. My name is Haku. Haku Yuki."

Naruto nodded, "Thanks for clearing that up. Yeah I'm a shinobi." Glancing at the basket he asked, "Those aren't tea leaves are they?"

Haku smiles softly, "Not inherently, although it might be more pleasant that way. A good friend of mine got into a nasty accident the other day and I came looking for herbs to heal him."

Naruto rubbed the back of his head, "If you like; I could help you out. Although I can't tell a weed from a dandelion these days."

Haku tilted her head, "I… I see how that might be confusing…" Haku raised a particular leaf before sighing, "I suppose… There is one in particular that I need more than the others, but I need to be back before noon."

Naruto stood shakily, "That's good. Can't let my teammate get to far ahead anyway."

The two spent several hours picking herbs. Haku asked about some of the troubles of shinobi life. Naruto asked questions about the borderlands. Finally, Haku departed to take care of her friend.

Naruto sighed as she left.

"You know your going to have to fight her again."

Naruto glanced over the the raven haired boy, "You know I hate fighting masks. I won't let it interfere with the mission… but it's rarely so simple."

Sasuke shrugged, "You really think ronin would have mercy during a fight?"

"It's not us that need mercy."

The wind picked up briefly before the sun faded behind darkening clouds.

"I see. But hatred blinds even the sharpest eyes. Can you keep such a promise if they do not see it as such?"

The shadows cut across sky blue eyes. The clouds casting a silver vein of sunlight over the distant bridge, "In order to become someone others look up to; I will become host to all the hatred they have ever known and guide it to a bright future. This I promise, And I never go back on my word."

===Warning Cliffhanger / Chapter 21 End===

Alpha withers, "That was the longest delay I have ever made. I've called it writer's block. I've called it laziness. I've called it 'not good enough', but in truth…"

My head was full of distracted garbage. So many techniques came up. So many improvised scenes. So many attempts to jostle the plot line.

Alpha shrugs, "But it was negligence. I hesitated for a little while and forgot that I already had a plan. Since I tried to 'lone wolf' my own plot devices; I lost sight of the big picture. Thanks goes to Saboteur Supreme; Who's patience and progressive advice reminded me that I've done this before, and brought me out of the relentless wreck I'd delved into. Thanks to all those who have taken interest in these stories. You have given me reason to climb from the depths and strive to improve myself. For that… and for all the blessings you guys have brought me, since the days when Inari's despair withheld me from respecting them as such…"

Thank you,

For the might and resolve of tails beyond their time.

Thank you,

Fans of fiction. May the winds never leave your sails.

Editors notes: Enigma sighs, "Sorry about the backtrack, but it's for the good of the story. I have been reminded again and again that the wave arc is a valuable part of character development. I have said this before and I want to say it again for the sake of clarity."

This story is a slow burn. Focusing less on plot progression in lieu of character development. In order to protect the integrity of the story; It is probable that only one part for each chapter will be reliable. The initial fight is also being assessed for potential retrofitting.

It is in part my own curse. I can never read a story the same way twice. The persona is the shallowest part of a character. Beneath the face the world knows; there is an entire world within that is ever changing. Like a sunflower, a persona is drawn to where it receives the most light and every person is adapting differently with different needs.

I will continue to write as much as I can whenever I can… but this story will likely never be conclusive. For that; I thank you - each of you - for your presence here.