Naruto Of The Uchiha
Land Of Waves
A month passed since Naruto had shown Sasuki his memories. At first he was nervous around her since now she knew his truth. She didn't ever say anything bad about what she saw, although there was a fear when he had the thoughts of killing her for revenge on Itachi. He considered showing what he and Itachi talked about in the Genjutsu after the surgery but ultimately decided against it.
The squad he leads has gained respect for him as their leader, however they still don't really trust him. Hopefully they can one day, however for now it's enough to work on missions together. He had left on patrol almost a week ago and now Sasuki was headed to the mission room with her squad under Kakashi.
"Sensei, do you think we could get a higher ranked mission? Atleast a C-Rank?"
"Hmmm, maybe Sasuki. I'm not going to promise anything but I will ask Sandaime-sama."
Sasuki nodded and Kiba smiled at her in a way to nonverbally say thank you. Sakura just kept waking...what was wrong with chasing cats and yard work?
They walked into the mission room and saw team Asuma walking out. They all greeted eachother before continuing on.
"Ah, Kakashi, your squad here for a mission?"
"Hai, Sandaime-sama."
"What will it be? Tora, weeds at the Cemetery-"
"Actually Sandaime-sama, I wanted to request that team 7 take a C-Rank mission. I believe that they are ready and can handle it. Besides, they have me if something goes wrong."
Hiruzen thought about it for a bit. Kiba and Sasuki were on their toes waiting for an answer. The few seconds felt like hours.
"I suppose you are right...bring in Tazuna!"
They turned around and in came an older man, maybe 45, he had glasses a big nose and brown hair which started graying. A straw hat and gray shirt with khaki shorts. He was clearly drunk as they could smell the alcohol on him and he stood crooked.
"Huh? I asked for ninja. These are kids! What are a couple of little girls and dumb looking boy gonna do?"
"More than you sir." Sasuki said, already she knew this would be a long one.
"We'll meet you at the gate in an hour...guys pack your bags with clothes for a week atleast, don't forget your tools and roll mats."
"Hai." The Genin immediately left and so did Tazuna and Kakashi.
Sasuki grabbed a scroll that Naruto made for her to store her stuff that she packs for missions. Things such as clothes and toiletries. He's been trying to teach her Fuinjutsu but she hasn't been able to learn it as well as he had. She can make sealing scrolls but they can't store much yet.
So for now, be gave her one that could store all she'd need for about a month. More than she would ever need since you could always do laundry and get supplies elsewhere.
A Few Hours Later
"So Mr. Tazuna, what's the 'Land Of Waves' like?" Sakura asked. The walk had been silent and she couldn't take it anymore.
"Its a poor country. I'm a master bridge builder and am building a bridge to help my land gain money through out own trade. Right now it is hard because a man owns a monopoly over all imported and export shipping."
They walked and Kakashi noticed a puddle but didn't say anything. He wanted to see how they would respond. No one else seemed to notice so it would be interesting to see how they handle the surprise.
Just as they past the puddle two ninja jumped out and entangled Kakashi. With a hard pull, the chains cut threw Kakashi, shredding him up into bits. Sakura screamed as she watched Kakashi be killed before her eyes and Kiba froze. Sasuki was surprised but didn't want to believe that he'd just die like that. How would she tell Naruto? Another person he cares about died...
There was no time to dwell on it, the two charged at Kiba who was still too shocked to react. Sasuki activated her Sharingan and Shunshined in front of Kiba. She still couldn't do multiple Shunshins in quick succession to use in a fight, but it was enough to defend someone.
She took out her Katana and charged lightning chakra into it, With a single slash, she cut the hands that had the gauntlet off. The two ninja screamed in agony and dropped to their knees. Sasuki kicked them into a tree and threw several shuriken with wire attached to them, wrapping the ninja around the tree.
"Good work Sasuki." Kakashi said from the very tree she tied them around. "Now Tazuna, you've got some explaining to do."
Tazuna gulped and could only nod. There was no way around it. He had to come clean now. Sakura was overjoyed to see that Kakashi was ok. Sasuki was glad that she was right and wouldn't have to break the news to Naruto, Kiba was glad as well but scowled at how he froze and was defenseless. Had Sasuki not acted so quick, he'd have died.
"So Tazuna, care to explain?" Kakashi said as he jumped down.
"Well...you see, my land is really poor. We can't afford a higher ranked than C..."
"C-Ranks are generally protection from bandits, and robbers...the moment ninja are involved, it must be a B or higher ranked mission."
"I understand but-"
"No! There are no buts. The system is so we can staff the required shinobi for the mission...its for both the safety of the client, and the ninja! You payed for a C-Rank mission which means we gave a Genin squad. They have only been ninja for little over a month! Do you see your issue here?"
"Yes, I'm sorry...there was no other way."
"Had you been honest from the start, Sandaime-sama would have worked with you. Now we'll have to head back and I'm sure that now he won't be so willing."
Tazuna looked down in shame. He'd lied and was desperate but that was no good excuse. He should have been honest from the get-go. He broke the trust of those he employed for protection and would be to blame if the mission is abandoned.
"Wait a minute, Sensei. I'm sure we can still handle the mission...besides I couldn't be happy knowing that there's people suffering and we do nothing when we could have."
"Sasuki, this is serious. This isn't just about morals, I'd like to help, but he broke the trust between him and the village. He's endangered your lives recklessly and was ok with that up until he was caught."
"I understand...still, I'd vote that we continue."
"Fine. We vote. What do you two say?"
"I think we need to head back. We're only Genin. This isn't safe for us." Sakura said. Sasuki glared at her for being such a coward.
Everyone looked to Kiba who was uncharacteristically quiet. "I...I vote we continue. He lied, but I feel like its the right thing to do..."
Sasuki nodded in thanks for his support on the decision while Sakura got nervous. She wanted to go back. This wasn't like the other missions, now she was in danger. Real life danger!
"Alright Tazuna, my squad voted. You've lucked out that two of them have strong morals...I will tell you this now, should anything happen to them...you will pay tenfold."
Tazuna gulped and agreed. It was only fair. He was lucky that they would continue on despite being lied to. Kakashi turned away and summoned a small dog. He gave a written message then sent it off.
"What was that, Kakashi-sensei?"
"That Sakura, was Parkkun, a ninja dog. I gave him a message to give to Sandaime-sama regarding the mission."
With that they continued down the path and towards the land of waves. The walk was quiet and awkward. Even though they'd agreed to continue, Sakura really didn't want to, and Tazuna was still ashamed of himself.
Hokage Office
Hiruzen was smoking his pipe with his feet kicked up relaxing. Naruto had just came in and reported the patrol that he and his squad just did. Suddenly Pakkun appeared on the desk and Hiruzen sat up.
"Pakkun, what's up? Long time no see."
"Hey Naruto! How are you?"
"Doing well. Are you here on business or pleasure?"
"Both."
"Haha still the same I see."
"Hokage-sama...I've come to inform you about Kakashi's situation." Naruto instantly snapped to attention. Something must have happened if Kakashi sent Pakkun. "The mission was lied about. It isn't a C-Rank. They encountered the 'Demon Brothers', missing nin from the mist. He suspects another attack will come however from a higher ranked nin. The team voted and majority went to continuing on."
"I see...I have no issue but Tazuna will be expected to pay double of whatever rank its deemed, not now obviously but it'll be a debt he must pay eventually. There will be consequences otherwise. Has he requested reinforcements?"
"No...however I'm sure he'd like it..."
"I'm going! Hokage-sama, allow me to go, I won't interfere with the mission unless I deem necessary. If not, I'll watch from the shadows to make sure everything goes well."
"Naruto-kun...your squad jus-"
"Hokage-sama! I didn't request. If they wish to stay here rather than go straight back into the field, so be it. I'm going!"
"Very well. What do you guys say?"
"I will join Captain Naruto, Hokage-sama." Naruto looked to Hinto and thanked him with a nod.
"And the rest of you?" Hiruzen said looking at them.
"I'll go as well..." Yumi said, Naruto gave her a nod as well but the other two remained silent, which meant they wouldn't go.
"Ok, operatives Fox, Hawk, and Hound, you are to catch up to Kakashi and his squad. You are to provide assistance if needed, otherwise you provide overwatch. Understood?"
"Hai!" The three chorused and shunshined away. The other two stood awkwardly until it was clear that they were dismissed.
"Captain? Why were you so adamant on going?"
"You'll understand later, Hound. For now, I need you to just follow me." She gave a nod and decided to trust her Captain.
"You know I've always got your back. Just say the word and I'll follow you to the gates of hell."
"I appreciate it, Hawk. Thank you for always backing me up."
"Didn't you say he transfered in? How do you two seem to know eachother so well that he'd follow you into battle with ultimate trust?"
"Listen. You recruits don't trust me. You think I'd risk him being a victim of your stupid plot? Do you really think that if I was as bad as you guys think, that you could ever hope to 'neutralize' me as you guys said?"
"You know of that?"
"I am an ANBU Captain. You can not fool me. I knew of your plans before you ever tried to attack me during training, I knew of the plans as I chose to have you recruits rather than operatives that already trust me and work well with me and one another."
"Captain...I-I don't know what to say. I was never really into it..."
"You agreed nonetheless. I'm a threat right? Can't be trusted? The demon brat. You went along with it. Therefore you are an accessory to conspiracy and treason."
"Captain-"
"I'm not arresting you nor will I act accordingly to your plans...just know that I'm not some fool you guys seem to see me as. I may be 12, but I've been stronger than you 3 when I was 6. Not even Kakashi, Asuma, Guy, Kurenai could best me. What chance do you really think you've got?"
"I'm sorry...I was scared of-"
"I'm not the Kyubi, and the Kyubi isn't me. I took you 3 knowing I'd be targeted. Want to know why?"
"Please Captain."
"The reason is simple. If I can't even get you 3 to trust me and see me as me. Who I am, rather than what I hold, then what chance have I got at with the village...If I can't do this, I could never be around the ones I care about in public. If I can't do this, I'll probably lose myself over time."
"Captain Fox...I swear to you, from here on out, I will never conspire against you again. I will follow your every command and put my trust and faith into you."
"Thank you...Yumi...now we should be coming up...NO!" Naruto flashed away in a black and red light.
"What just happened?"
"I don't know, Hound...oh no...his one weakness."
30 Minutes Earlier
"Sensei, why did you you all lie about Shisui-san on Naru's birthday?"
"He told you?"
"No...he sort of showed me his memories...why did he keep such a thing secret? Why did he always hide his pain?"
"Hmm, I never thought he would...you must have really forced him into a situation that made him resort to that. Well, to put it simply, he has always feared his emotions."
"Why would he fear his emotions?" Sakura said. Apparently she was a nosy one and listened in on the conversation.
"Well, his emotions act as a doorway to his power. The cost though is that the more he taps into his power, and emotions, he loses more of himself and becomes cold, merciless...it isn't entirely his fault, but it is what he fears. He doesn't want to lose control. You've seen what happens before...Kiba knows especially."
"You mean? When he fought me, he lost himself?"
"Yes. He was in enough control not to kill you, but he lost it nonetheless. Naruto has a complicated situation. The Sharingan of the Uchiha clan heightens one's emotional capacity. Some refer to it as the Uchiha Curse. They are a clan that holds more love than any other person...but there are two sides to everything, on one side, you have love. On the other, you have the opposite...hatred. Having the most love also means that they possess the most hatred. Their power comes from that. Their love is what gives them the strength to protect the one they love, that is where the Sharingan comes in. When in a situation of life and death, they awaken the Sharingan in order to protect and make it to the loved one. The level of eyes Naruto has, comes from the feeling of losing a loved one...it is a power gained so that you would never lose a loved one again. But that tends to make a person hateful...losing the one you love...they generally turn down a dark path...Naruto walks along the line that divides the two paths of light and dark everyday. It's a constant fight that may never end. He has one saving grace...but that is his one true weakness, one that can be easily exploited."
"So he draws his power from love and hate?" Sakura asked
"Yes pretty much."
"Which is stronger?"
"Sadly, he becomes the strongest when he crosses into darkness...I told you one factor that he draws strength from. The second is what makes it a situation of why its dangerous for him to use his power. I truly believe that if he were to ever fully commit to the darkness, there would be no stopping him."
"Why would he ever cross over?" Kiba said
"Naruto is hated by everyone...He has held onto his sanity by clinging to the few that accept him. Had he not had those few, who knows how he'd have ended up. This though, I'm sure won't be what causes it...what will cause it is if he ever lost that which he loves."
"What is that?" Sakura said
"Sasuki...she's all he has left to keep him in the light. He already lost one he loved before, Shisui. Had he not met Sasuki when he did, he would have been consumed by hatred."
"That's a lot to put on someone's shoulders don't you think? How is that fair to Sasuki?" Sakura said
"It isn't about her carrying a burden or weight on her shoulders. He loves her far more than anyone would ever know. It is why he's so protective of her. It is why he lost it against Kiba. It is why he killed 6 civilians...it is why he has remained sane." Sasuki blushed lightly at the what Kakashi was saying.
"If this is all true, then why hasn't Sasuki been affected?"
"Well to put it simply, she's been loved and adored her whole life. Naruto's had nothing. Over the course of one night, he lost the one he loved, the one who was always there for him, the one who taught, raised, and fed him. He lost that only person. Being alone, and hated made him go further into hatred, that and the other factor...Sasuki brought him back and never realised it. It isn't against her but nobody knew."
"I always try to help but he doesn't let me. I hate to know he's suffering but he doesn't let me in...I don't know what to do."
"You do enough Sasuki. It is why he still is sane. He told me once, that if him dying meant you would be happy and safe, he would gladly give it for you."
"I don't want him to! I couldn't live without him!"
"Don't worry. I'm sure it would never come to that."
"Is Naruto really dealing with all this internal turmoil?" Sakura said.
"Is there anything we can do?" Kiba said
"Show that you trust him. See him as him and nothing else. That is his goal, to become someone trusted and seen. That is why he thinks that becoming Hokage would allow that."
"I see...Naruto was always a mystery, even learning all this, I find myself still asking more questions." Kiba said
"That's my Naru for you." Sasuki said with a smile.
They continued walking the path when a thick mist came in. This was odd and Kakashi started to get worried. He had a bad feeling and shouted for everyone to duck. A large sword ended up flying overhead and would have beheaded them had they not ducked.
The sword was caught by a tree and a man appeared standing on it. His face was covered in bandages and his headband was worn with the metal plate on the left side. No shirt, just the straps to hold his sword to him, gray pants with black straps and camoed leg/arm warmers. All in all he looked menacing to the Genin and Tazuna.
"Well if it isn't the 'Copy Ninja Kakashi'. Its an honor to be facing you today."
"Zabuza Momochi..."
"So I'm in you bingo book as well? I'm honored. Hand over the bridge builder and we can avoid all the drama."
"You know I can't do that."
"Shame..."
Zabuza disappeared as the mist surrounded him. "Guys, defensive formation."
The Genin immediately moved to form a triangle around Tazuna. The atmosphere felt so violent and evil. They felt like it was harder to breathe. However Sasuki was the most calm, she'd felt Naruto's aura a couple of times and this didn't even match it.
Sakura was trembling and reached for a kunai. Maybe suicide would be a good idea, afterall she'd die on her own terms and wouldn't suffer...
"Sakura, calm down. I won't let any of you die." Kakashi said giving his trademark eye smile.
"Hm tough talk..." Zabuza said from the center of the triangle, he was making a swinging motion to kill Tazuna but it was blocked by the back of Kakashi's fist.
Kakashi stabbed Zabuza and he turned into water. "Water clone. Shit!"
Zabuza came behind Kakashi and held his sword to his back. "Game over, Kakashi." Zabuza plunged his sword into Kakashi only for him to become water. "Oh you've copied my village's jutsu well. I'm impressed."
"There's more behind this eye than you could ever imagine..." Kakashi prepared to stab Zabuza.
"Your ability to copy techniques is great, but not perfect..." Zabuza said from a distance. Kakashi grit his teeth and stabbed the Zabuza in front of him. He turned into water and Kakashi moved ahead of the squad.
"Why don't you just come out and fight, Zabuza."
"Who is this, Kakashi-sensei?" Kiba said
"Zabuza Momochi, one of the 'Seven Ninja Swordsman Of The Mist', he's a master of the silent killing technique and expert Swordsman. He's called the 'Demon Of The Mist'."
"Why?" Sakura said
"He killed his entire class...without ever being a student..."
"Does he possess power like Naru?" Sasuki said. If this man did, this would be very problematic. Naruto was viewed by most as unbeatable so if this was an opponent of that caliber, they were screwed.
"No, but his mastery over Kenjutsu is greater than Naruto's due to his more experience. When it comes to weapons, experience tends to outrank all." Sasuki gave a nod and was glad that it wasn't hopeless, but this was still a rough situation. She was not naive enough to think that she could take him, but if push comes to shove, she'll go down fighting.
"I'm honored that you know so much of me. Who is this, Naruto?"
"A ninja you don't ever want to be on the opposite side of. He was able to throw your Mizukage around like nothing..." Kakashi said, it was slightly exaggerated since Naruto tapped into the Kyubi chakra to do that, but Zabuza didn't have to know that.
"Hmm...interesting...however, that bastard is not my Mizukage!"
Zabuza came out of the mist and went to slash Kakashi, he dodged to the left and kicked Zabuza away. "Damn, this mist is causing my perceptive abilities to lessen making me react slower...Hopefully he doesn't ever realise that."
Zabuza came again and Kakashi took out a kunai to black an overhead slash, he was struggling since the blade was really heavy, and Zabuza was just stronger than him. Zabuza kicked Kakashi hard in the chest sending him flying to the river, this made Zabuza smirk. He made a water clone really quick and sent it to follow Kakashi.
The moment Kakashi landed in the water the clone appeared "Water Style: Water Prison Jutsu" the clone said and Kakashi was suspended in a sphere of water, he couldn't move or do anything except talk and move his eyes around.
"Dammit, you guys need to run. Take Tazuna out of here. He and the clone have to stay at a certain proximity now leave!"
"Kakashi-sensei!" Sakura said
"Kakashi-sensei no! We can help!" Kiba said
Sasuki remained silent as she tried to think. This was her first real situation of life and death and it made her nervous. She hesitated and in that moment of hesitation, Zabuza appeared in front of her.
Everyone froze as they watched Zabuza's blade prepare to stab her in the heart. She could see it coming but couldn't move. Was this how Naruto felt? Not being fast enough to keep up with the visual prowess...perhaps this is the real reason he trained to get so fast...to never feel and watch your death in slow-motion again. Her heart was pounding and she was scared.
Is this how it would all end? Now? After everything, the clan, becoming a ninja, Naruto...would this really be the end of it all? She wished she could see him one last time...
The others heard a shout in a distance and then there was a flash of black and red. Sasuki froze even more. She was pushed back and watched in horror at the sight in front of her.
Naruto in his ANBU uniform had appeared via a Hiraishin mark on her, and pushed her out of the path of the blade. He got stabbed from the back and through the heart. The blade protruded a good couple feet from his chest as he stood there in front of her.
He coughed up blood which pushed the mask off and it slid off his face, falling to the floor. When it landed he coughed more blood making the mask become red. He looked down at Sasuki on the floor and smiled before his eyes rolled back and he dropped to his knees. The only thing keeping him up at this point was Zabuza's blade.
"NARU! NARU NO!" Sasuki said as she was on the ground. Tears falling freely and she screamed in agony at having just watched Naruto die right before her eyes. "COME BACK! DON'T LEAVE ME! PLEASE!"
Everyone looked on in shock, even Zabuza. This kid appeared out of nowhere and saved her at the cost of his life...
"Naruto? What? He's an ANBU?" Kiba said
"NARUTO!" Sakura said having watched him take the sword through the heart.
"N-Naru please don't leave me...I need you!" Sasuki was crying and her eyes burned. She looked up at Zabuza and in her black eyes were three red ovals that overlapped to form like an atom or around a black circle. Withing the ovals made a star like shape. "YOU...YOU TOOK HIM AWAY FROM ME! FOR THAT...YOU WILL DIE!" Before she could do anything she covered her eyes in pain and passed out suddenly.
"Interesting...an Uchiha...Is this the Naruto you spoke of?" Zabuza said.
"Yes..." Kakashi said slightly subdued. He did just watch Naruto die in front of him. "I failed again...""He's capable of the Hiraishin...what else?"
"He was trained and raised by Shisui Uchiha, he's perfected the Shunshin even further than him, possesses Genjutsu prowess greater than he and is a Kenjutsu master. Naruto was also trained by Itachi Uchiha and me obviously..."
"Damn...I'm sure there's more to him than you've said...so why would he throw it all away, for this weak girl here?"
"Naruto is the village's Jinchuriki...she was all he had left to keep him in the light."
"And for that...he'd die for it...I see...He's a shinobi like no other..." To this point, Zabuza had not referred to any of the Genin as shinobi. Only calling them brats. In fact he had zero respect for any of them aside from Kakashi. This showed Kakashi that he held respect for young Naruto.
Suddenly Kakashi was released from the water prison which confused him. "What are you doing?"
Zabuza just sighed and chuckled lightly to himself while shaking his head. "I can't believe it...Haku!" A ninja appeared in green robes and a white mask with horizontal suits for eyes with the mist symbol. "Don't worry Kakashi...We aren't your enemies anymore." Zabuza picked Naruto up and was carrying him.
"What are you planning?"
"I am joining you guys...I wish to have a talk with Naruto here."
"Master Zabuza, are you serious?" Zabuza just gave Haku a nod. "Why?"
"This kid, in this one act alone reminded me of something I had long since forgotten...he's intriguing and should be really strong. I want to speak with him and maybe, maybe we will work together..."
Hinto and Yumi both arrived now and they were shocked. Well, Hinto knew this would happen based on how Naruto left but didn't want to think he'd die.
"What the hell is going on with his Chakra? He's dead is he not?" Hinto said trying not to convey emotion.
"Haha that's a complicated answer. Jinchuriki are different all together...they don't die so easily...but what do you mean about his chakra?" Zabuza said looking at the Hawk Masked ANBU.
"It is moving oddly, like someone is messing with it...but who? No one is here that is actively trying."
Everyone looked to Naruto with confusion and worry at the same time. "If you're headed to some place, I recommend we get there. This kid needs to be placed somewhere to rest and that girl will need to be calmed or something...I'm not about to deal with a sharingan user right now."
"You do know that his full name is Naruto Uchiha right? He has by far the strongest Sharingan I've seen..." Kakashi said
"Ofcourse he does...whatever. Let's just go." Zabuza said. Haku looked to Zabuza and got a nod, immediately he left to go get herbs for healing and recovery.
Naruto's Mindscape
Naruto layed in a dark void. Everywhere was black, everywhere he looked just emptiness. Even when he looked over and could see under him, there was no clear floor, it was just dark and it looked like he was floating but felt like he was laying...an odd thing...
"Am...I dead? Is...this the...end?"
Naruto sat up and looked around again it was pure darkness and he wasn't exactly liking it. He stood and began to try walking around. St first hesitant as he was worried he'd fall for eternity but eventually walked normally. After a while he saw a small light and walked to it.
"I know what that is...it's my..." Naruto said as he walked closer the light and when he got there he saw a smile "...my heart." Naruto placed his hand over his heart and grabbed tightly. "I will miss you..." A tear fell from his eye and just watched the memories of Sasuki play before him.
"Why am I seeing this? Is this what death is? Watching what I love replay? Maybe it isn't all that bad...but cruel since I'd never get to see her again...I don't know."
After a while the light faded away and with it, Sasuki. "No, no wait! Don't go!" Naruto began crying as he was surrounded by nothing but pure darkness now.
All of a sudden he felt someone touch his shoulder. When he opened his eyes, it was all white around him. Turning around, he saw a man in white robes with black three tomoes starting near the collar going down to the chest on each side. He also had 9 on the back and held a rather unique staff.
"Nice to meet you, Naruto. I am Hagoromo. You may know me as-"
"The Sage Of Six Paths..."
"Yes. I am. Now let me talk with you for a second...then again, we have all the time in eternity now don't we?"
"So I'm dead..."
"I was the original Jinchuriki. It was to the Ten Tails. But before I get there...let me start with my beginning. I was of the first ever harness the use of Chakra. As a young boy, I witnessed many wars. I wanted to bring people together, I felt that if I showed others how to use Chakra...maybe we as people can understand and relate to one another through Chakra. It worked too...however, by accident, some people uncovered an ancient tomb...the Ten Tails awakened and wrecked havoc on the world. For a long time we lived in fear that it would come to where we lived, constantly moving...Along this journey, people learned how to utilize Chakra in fighting, they fought back but was ultimately defeated. After a few years, I managed to defeat it...sealing it within me. I learned that it contained no conscious and as such, could never be reasoned with. It was merely an entity. The experience learned was never forgotten however and soon they went to war...now using Chakra. The very thing I thought would bring about eternal peace...I was wrong...war came more violent and devastating. What I felt was the greatest success, led to the greatest failure I ever did."
"So you wanted peace. That was your life's goal? What happened to the Ten Tails?"
"I'm getting there. I exiled myself to solitude and wandered the world in search of a new answer...one I could never find. As I neared death, I knew the Ten Tails would be released. So I split its Chakra into 9 different beings, the tailed beasts you know of today...I told them to search for the next bringer of peace...I entrusted my sons with my goal to find peace...and time went on with no answers being found."
"So why are you here now? Is this normal? Do welcome everyone who dies to death with this talk?" Naruto said with his arms crossed. It was an interesting tale but what would be the point when he's dead.
"Haha hold on young one. Bear with me a little longer. You remind me so much of my eldest...but you contain the traits of my youngest as well...perhaps this is why you've been chosen."
"Chosen? Chosen for what?"
"You are destined for great things. Not necessarily good...I'm not sure. All I know is that you are chosen for something I myself couldn't do."
"I'm the bringer of peace?"
"Or the world's end. I am not sure at this point."
"Well I'm not an evil person...I don't care for anything-"
"Thats the issue Naruto...as I said, you remind me so much of my eldest. He didn't care for anything or anyone. Only his brother and me. It is not yet time for you to learn that story but that is where the issue lies."
"Are you talking about Sasuki? She isn't a problem! You will watch what you say ab-"
"Haha relax, Naruto. I wasn't talking about her directly. More of your belief that nothing else matters in the world...regardless, this is your life to live. I've lived mine and it is not my job to sway you...you've just been chosen by fate, and I've come to play my role of telling the story of the beginning."
"I see...still I don't get why I've been 'chosen'..."
"Only time will tell...Well I should get going."
"Wait...you're leaving me here?" Naruto said frantically as he looked around the void.
"Ah thats right...knew I was forgetting something. You will be returning soon. Until next time." Hagoromo floated upwards a bit before fading away.
Naruto closed his eyes and spoke in frustration "Man! That guy really doesn't make any sense!"
"Yeah...that's father for you. Always speaks like a riddle. You get used to it. Don't dwell too hard on anything, you will generally understand things either instantly or later on naturally."
"Oh hey Kyubi...guess I'm back here huh."
"Yup. Just so you know for future reference Kit. I can bring you back from any injury so long as it isn't an instantaneous death. Anything to the head is death for sure, but everywhere else is fine...just varies in time."
"So why is the head instantaneous yet a sword through the heart isn't?"
"Well with the brain, Chakra shuts down immediately. With the heart it remains for a little while, albeit weakly. It is enough though for me to bring you back...takes a few days."
"I see. Is this with all Jinchuriki?"
"Yes...however the time will vary between each. I being the strongest can bring you back the fastest...as well as healing and replenishing in general."
"Makes sense. What is the side effect though?"
"Well, normally you would just be weakened for a bit until you fully recover and replenish your reserves. But...since our chakra is split...and your body is being forced to solely use my chakra since you're still technically dead..."
"That sickness you spoke of is coming much sooner than we anticipated...Rather than during the war, it is before...how will it progress?"
"The more my chakra is used, the weaker you will become until you can no longer use any chakra. Still...the only way to fix it is to get that key. At which point all that weakness will fade and you'll be healthy once more with full use of my power and abilities."
"Ok. Can you estimate where I'll be going forward then?"
"Roughly 80%...but you'll find that your jutsu that require high chakra will feel more fatiguing."
"Well it could be worse...atleast I don't rely on your chakra."
"Actually Kit...you do...you don't realise it but my chakra is what has you always recover and heal...it isn't something you do manually but it is why you're always good to go, even after being fully exhausted. Instead of being out of commission for a couple days, it is a mere few hours."
"Damn...is there a way to stop that and be at a normal person's rate? I would rather not become too weakened by this, I'd like to use your chakra only when there's no other option."
"I'll make sure it doesn't get too bad."
"Thank you Kyubi."
"By the way...he came before you so now you may know my name. It's Kurama."
"Well nice to officially meet you Kurama. Let's get back, shall we?"
Normal World
Two and a half days passed since Naruto died. When they made it to Tazuna's, it was an awkward environment since Zabuza did just try to kill all of them...and now he was on their side...made no sense. How does Naruto dying make him change sides all of a sudden.
Atleast that how Sakura and Kiba saw it. Kakashi understood since eventually all high ranking shinobi reach a certain breaking point. At that point you don't act quite the same. You lose who you are and generally it'll lead to suicide. That normally goes for the shinobi who stick to themselves a lot, like Kakashi however multiple times he got saved from that, by Minato then Shisui and Naruto.
Maybe Zabuza didn't have that person and was probably almost at that point of no return. To find that out he'd have to talk with the guy but he didn't seem like the type to talk about such things. As long as he wasn't posing a threat, Kakashi wouldn't really mind.
Sasuki when she woke up was tied down and was extremely aggressive, wanting to kill Zabuza. It took 4 hours to calm her down and once she was, they told her that Naruto was fine...sort of.
Hinto noticed that Naruto's chakra was extremely odd in how it acted. On top of that red chakra flowed constantly around his network and bubbled around him this entire time. They did notices the wound healing but why the red chakra was still so prominent in his network and body made no sense.
"How's he doing?" Kakashi said he walked into the room.
In the room, Sasuki was beside Naruto and Hinto was watching over them. Hinto looked up and over to Kakashi, "He's stable it looks like. The worry is what is going on with his Chakra. It looks like-"
"Its killing me." Naruto said weakly as he just woke up from being in a death state for a few days.
"You know?" Sasuki said
"Yes. Kurama told me the morning you learned of your team, that his Chakra would kill me by 21. His chakra is special and unique in the sense that it is meant to blend with mine...since the seal was the reaper seal and it completely separates our two chakras, it is poisoning me."
"Why didn't you say anything sooner, Naru?"
"I thought I'd have more time before the sickness shows itself... we predicted that it would come during the war...with my being killed, it forced the chakra to heal me all on its own and has jumpstarted the sickness...I will continue to lose my strength and stamina, the more I use Kurama's chakra."
"Naruto, what can we do?"
"Hinto...there is nothing we ourselves can do. Even my mastery in Fuinjutsu will let me mess with the seal, it is held because of its cost having been the soul. I need the key my father made. Kurama doesn't know who is in possession of it, I was going to talk to Jiji as the war got closer but now I'm going to have to move the schedule of everything up."
"Naru...how are you right now?"
"Kurama estimates 80%. Also, any jutsu that take high chakra will be more fatiguing and I'll get tired more...I won't be able to recover so well since I can't rely on his chakra to replenish me anymore."
"So the prodigy has been knocked down a peg eh?" Kiba said as he now entered with Sakura.
"I can still kick your ass without you ever seeing me."
"DON'T TEST HIM! HE MEANS IT!" Sasuki said as she had flashbacks to not believing Naruto...that had hurt a lot.
"Speaking from experience?" Sakura said
"Just take my word for it...he means things literally..." Sasuki whispered.
"Are you really ok though?"
"I'm alive Hinto...that's about as ok as you can get." Naruto looked up at the ceiling and tried to see if he could feel the difference. At the moment it wasn't noticeable so he would leave it at that.
"You said Kurama, who's that?" Kiba said
"The Kyubi." Naruto looked at the door and saw Zabuza and some other person standing there. "So, what's going on here?"
Naruto looked Zabuza in the eye and smirked. "So I see you really can use the Shunshin better than him." Zabuza said as he watched the Naruto that laid there fade away.
Naruto had a kunai to his back. "If you ever try hurting her again...I will kill you." Haku didn't even notice Naruto and he was someone that was really fast too. Zabuza only noticed because he felt the kunai. "So what is it that you want?"
Naruto went back to the bed and looked at Zabuza. "Me and Haku would like to talk to you, alone."
"No way! You may try-"
"Don't worry Sasuki, he's already been marked. He's as good as dead if he tries anything now." Naruto said while Haku's eyes widened. Was that the true purpose of that Shunshin?
Reluctantly she left the room like everyone else. Now only Naruto, Zabuza, and Haku remained. "I've heard some interesting things about, Naruto."
"Yeah, and what?"
"You've reminded me of something I had forgotten...I want to join you, however I ask that you help me take down the Mizukage."
"Hmm so the rogue Kiri Nin wants me to help you overthrow the current Mizukage...why?"
"Yagura is a bastard of a leader. Throws men away like they're nothing...sends them to battle only to blow them up with his Biju Boms, he shouldn't be the Kage. I tried a coup, almost worked too but someone betrayed us and gave away the plans...only Haku and I survived and fled."
"I see. Well I'll tell you this now, I am stronger than him. But once he uses his tailed beast, I am no longer on even grounds since I can't tap into my full power anymore...I also can't use the Kyubi unless absolute emergency so I can't beat him alone anymore." Naruto said however Zabuza didn't seem to care about that. Nor was he even the slightest worried.
"I understand that. I don't expect it to happen right now, but I just want to have your word that I'll have your assistance when the time comes...Also that you will take care of Haku...even if I'm not allowed in your village."
"So, you want me to help you with Kiri, try to let you guys in Konoha and if you can't then atleast take Haku? Why?"
"Listen kid...Haku's all I have left. I treated him as a tool because I started to believe that that is what we shinobi are...in the end I can't discard that Haku is a lot like the son I don't have."
"Hmmm...and what do you plan to give in return?"
"I will, if allowed, fight on Konoha's behalf and help give intel on Kiri...also, if we're allowed...You'd gain the Ice Release Kekei Genkai..."
"I see. I'll send the proposal to Jiji." Naruto raised a hand and a crow appeared. He attached a letter and sent it off. "You may be in luck, Zabuza-san...Kiri is allied with Iwa now and Iwa is an enemy of the Leaf, therefore in extension Kiri is now as well. War is coming...we are unsure of Kumo's stance but suspect that they're joining the alliance. We are still allied with Suna but they want to be neutral if possible...we are trying to talk them into aiding us. Either way, your help would be appreciated I'm sure...Haku may have to join in though."
"I am aware. I have medical knowledge and helped in your recovery. As well as my Ice Release as you know and I'm a skilled assassin, infiltrator, and reconnaissance operative." Haku said speaking for the first time.
"Well on my end, I have no issues...my warning stands however."
"I understand. Now, I should tell you that my employer Gato, has plans to attack this village...Haku discovered this while you were out. We have two weeks before he comes with his men to take over this village fully."
"I see...we better get the Genin trained then."
"So you're an ANBU of Konoha?"
"Yes..." Naruto showed the tattoo on his arm that marked his affiliation.
"Well I think you're one interesting kid. How about a spar sometime? Maybe I can help you with some of your Kenjutsu. Haku is a master of Senbon, maybe he can teach some of the Genin."
"Sure. Let them know I'll be out in the morning. For now I'm going to rest...it's not everyday that you're brought back from the dead."
Zabuza nodded and left the room. Naruto laid silently contemplating what he'd learned. "The bringer of peace...or harbinger of destruction eh? What an odd destiny."
Whether he would become the one to bring peace, or destruction, only time would tell. One thing was of question, how would he be now without the Kyubi's aid? Could he still work the way that he does? He was brought out of his thoughts when he felt someone grab his hand.
"Naru?"
"Yes? Something wrong, Sasuki-chan?"
"Why would you do that?" She began crying "Why would you choose to die?"
"It's not like I want to leave you...you were in danger and that was all I could do."
"Naru! You are the fastest shinobi ever. How could that be all you could do! It sometimes feels like you're eager to die."
"You were in danger...about to die...I couldn't let that happen. I focused solely on saving you, I didn't care about the cost so long as you were ok. I would give anything, for your safety and happiness. Whatever it takes. I've told you before."
"But I can't go on without you..."
"Yes you can. You don't need me..." Naruto hugged her. "I will always protect you...just as I will always love you." Naruto said quietly as the two remained together.
The next few days, everyone was taking the time to train and prepare for the attack Gato was planning. Naruto didn't like the idea of waiting for the attack, but his orders were to provide assistance, only if needed. At the moment he wasn't needed. Speaking of which, Hiruzen approved of letting Zabuza and Haku join the village. It would be beneficial to have them in the long run.
Their training was progressing but the Genin were still a long way from where they needed to be...Sakura especially. She was to say the least...useless in combat. Haku taught her basic first aid and her use would be as a "medic".
Sasuki also started to learn the medical field since she felt that it would be useful for Naruto, especially now since he'd start to actually feel the drawbacks to his way of working and fighting. Kiba got more training with Kakashi and was improving fast, he wasn't too special but his taijutsu improved a lot.
"So, kid, how do you want to do this?"
"Well, that depends. How do you want me to come at you? Sharingan? Hiraishin? Shunshin? Any number of these may prove too much for you."
"Wow...such disrespect...You're free to use whatever tactic, just don't use the marker you already placed, if you place another then go ahead."
"Fair enough..."
"I'll be using my own jutsus as well..."
"I'll see it coming." Zabuza smirked and got excited. This would be a good fight for him.
2 Weeks LaterTeam Kakashi followed Tazuna to the bridge. This would be the day that Gato struck. They had prepared as best they could and were ready. Zabuza and Haku wouldn't get involved unless needed, and Naruto and his squad wouldn't get involved unless the 5 of them couldn't handle it.
"Captain?"
"Yes, Hound."
"What is that girl to you?"
"Well...short answer, she's my girlfriend and light..."
"Your light?"
"Maybe someday when you trust me, and I'm better at expressing myself, I'll explain...for now that's all you'll get."
"Ok. Captain, do you think I can get stronger? My being an Inuzuka means we tend to mainly use taijutsu and I'm not that strong in general..."
"Yes, Hound. I believe you can be stronger. But it matters not what I think, but what you believe yourself. I'll help you in whatever you pursue...that is my duty as Captain."
"Yeah and he's mighty creative too. He's helped me turn the Hyuga's ultimate defense into an offense." Hinto said as he sat beside them.
"You know...for an ANBU you seem to doubt yourself a lot...doubt will get you killed." Haku said out of nowhere.
"Ah, Haku. What can I do for you?"
"Naruto-san...the enemy should be coming within the hour. I just got back from my position."
"Numbers?"
"250 thugs. They carry swords, spears, and other bladed weapons. Most are of no worry but there are a few former Samurai and a couple rogue Chunin from varying villages. Nothing we should worry about...the Genin though..."
"I understand...you won't need to worry about Sasuki-chan, she is at half my strength...have Kakashi Ojisan target the Samurai and Chunin, as long as the bigger targets focus on him, the Genin should be fine."
Haku nodded and went to notify Kakashi. They also exchanged what the signal would be to bring him and Zabuza in if need be.
"Sasuki-chan, you're going to have to kill these guys...I hope you'll be ok."
Team 7
"Kakashi-sensei, what do you want me to do?" Sakura said as they were all sitting at the bridge waiting for Gato.
"Stay back."
"Thats it?"
"Do you want me to give you more to do?"
"No I'm good! I'll stay back!"
"Really Sakura...Why'd you even become a ninja? Do you plan to always sit out when things get rough?" Kiba said. He hated to feel weak or insignificant in comparison to Sasuki and Naruto so he wanted to improve. Yet Sakura didn't have a care in the world.
"You don't need to be mean about it..."
"No Sakura! Kiba's right! You don't care. I have no issues with you as a person. You're a friend, but I don't feel like I can count on you if we ever have to fight together. I know Kiba will have my back as I'll have his, you on the other hand are becoming a burden to the team." Sasuki said
"I don't mean to..." Sakura began to cry.
"There you go...are you always going to cry when things get tough? Come on Sakura! Either you need to start taking things seriously as a ninja, or drop out...I'm not trying to be mean but you put all of us in danger when you don't try. Because of that, me and Kiba would have to take on more to pick up your slack...we would either get hurt or killed by that."
"I'm sorry! I-I just d-don't want to g-get hurt! I only became a n-ninja because Ino w-was..."
"Then you need to find out if this is what you truly want, Sakura. I'll help you if it is but you have to truly want it. There is no guarantees in life and even less so in this field. We shinobi face the chance of death everyday. It isn't for everyone...think about it and let me know..." Kakashi said.
"Kakashi-san...I've let Naruto-san know about the incoming enemy. You have an hour, they have 250 and are all carrying swords, spears and other bladed weapons. For the most part they'll pose little threat although there are a few rogue Chunin and some former Samurai in their bunch. Naruto-san recommends you try to take their attention while the Genin focus on the thugs."
"Please, just call me Kakashi. Thank you for the information, I'll take it into consideration."
"Very well Kakashi. What will be mine and Master Zabuza's signal?"
"I'll send a small lightning bolt to the sky."
Haku nodded and disappeared over to where Zabuza was located. Kakashi looked back to his squad and couldn't help but wonder what it would have been like had Naruto been on his squad. Who would have remained? Kiba or Sakura?
The thought made him smile but he knew there was little more to offer Naruto. He taught his signature jutsu, there wasn't much else he could offer that would be better than what he'd gain through ANBU. In fact he was great in it, now a Captain.
"You would be proud of him, Sensei."Kakashi looked into the sky and awaited for the attack. Right now the Genin were relaxed but today, they would get their first kills. It was the calm before the storm. He just hoped they were ready and would come out of this fine.
One Hour LaterKakashi stood up as he felt them approaching. He nodded to the Naruto and Zabuza from their hidden positions as he got his squad ready. It was time.
He checked their gear and Sasuki started bouncing on the balls of her feet to get ready. She didn't know where Naruto was located but knew he was watching. She wouldn't appear weak infront of him. She grabbed the handle of her katana and slowly unsheathed it. Activating her Sharingan she, was ready.
She looked over to see Kiba looking over Akamaru and Sakura backing up. Sasuki shook her head at that and looked to Kakashi who stood lazily. She knew however that it was just an act and no one could ever hope to get the drop on him right now...unless they were named Naruto ofcourse.
Slowly in the distance, Gato and his men appeared walking to them. They came from the unfinished side of the bridge meaning they came by boat and climbed up.
"I was hoping that bastard Zabuza would and his stupid subordinate would have been here. I'd have liked to watch them die. Oh well...you've been allowed to live long enough Tazuna. It's time for you to die." Gato said leaning on his cane.
"It won't be so easy...Gato." Kakashi said disgusted at the short man before them.
Gato slammed his cane on the ground and that was the signal to the men to charge. Kakashi signaled the Genin and they charged. Kakashi formed 20 shadowclones and they went after the discussed targets.
Sasuki was running at them and did a few handsigns, gathering her chakra she jumped up. "Fire Style: Pheonix Flower Jutsu!" She shot out several small fireballs at the oncoming thugs and she paused for a second.
"I just really took some of them out...this felt...easy...is that normal? Is it ok that it felt that way?" She continued to build chakra and did a single sign. "Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
The fireball went and took about another small line of thugs. Since they weren't ninja they didn't know what to do to counter it. However now they were getting too close so she'd have to use her sword now.
She lowered her stance and charged lightning into the sword. She ran and spun into them while releasing the lightning from the sword creating an arc of lightning around her and when they were hit, the lightning sent them flying and electrocuted them.
She stopped her spin and immediately was attacked. She blocked a sword and the guy was stronger so she struggled to keep the blade up. She looked him in the eye and he passed out from her Genjutsu that made him sleep. She stabbed him and moved onto the next.
"Thanks for teaching me that one Naru."
KibaKiba charged alongside everyone and called out "Man Beast Transformation Beast Mimicry!" Kiba's eyes slitted and he grew claws while getting on all fours. Akamaru transformed into another version of him with similar features. "Fang Over Fang!" Kiba and Akamaru jumped up into the sky and started spinning like two drills.
They crashed into several thugs knocking them away and breaking several of their bones. The thugs were knocked back violently and killed a couple because the landed bad on their neck breaking it with a sick crack. Kiba winced lightly at hearing it but continued pushing on.
He and Akamaru both did their technique several times taking out bunches at a time due to the nature of the technique.
KakashiKakashi charged in with his shadow clones all picking a target. He didn't use the Sharingan because he didn't deem it necessary. A Samurai tried to do an overhead slash but he turned to his side and with his left hand, stabbed the guy in the neck killing him.
Kakashi moved to the next and the Chunin tried to stab him with a spear, Kakashi jumped up and landed on the spear causing it to go down since the Chunin wasn't expecting such a weight change. Before it was dropped, Kakashi lunged at the Chunin and used kunai enhanced with lightning to behead the Chunin.
He looked to a clone and they both charged another Chunin and stabbed from two angles. The clone was parried but Kakashi himself wasn't noticed so he stabbed the enemy through the back.
Having so many clones active kind of drained him a bit but he was still good. They had fulfilled their roles and dispelled now. Kakashi looked to see how Sasuki and Kiba were doing and he was proud of them. They were doing well and right now they weren't too freaked out by killing. Maybe later it would hit them but for now it was fine.
He noticed though that they'd start to get swarmed soon and didn't want to find out how the two would handle that. He launched a beam of lightning into the sky.
Zabuza grinned and looked at Haku. They gave a brief nod before jumping into action. Zabuza grabbed onto his sword and in a quick slash, cut three in half. Haku jumped over him and threw ten senbon puncturing ten different thugs in the main neck artery killing them.
NarutoNaruto just watched and after a bit kicked his feet up and leaned back. "Uh...Captain? What are you doing?"
"Eh relax Hound. They won't need us."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Well for one, Kakashi and his squad were doing well, he only brought Zabuza in just to make sure his Genin weren't overwhelmed. As you can see Zabuza is cutting them down effortlessly with his special sword and Haku is deadly precise, with speed second only to the Captain." Hinto said from his position.
"Very well...how long till its over?"
"Depends on how long it takes Zabuza to get to Gato. Once he kills him, the mercenaries. ay either leave since they no longer will be paid, or be slaughtered quickly after do to the slight pause." Naruto said while watching only one person.
In truth, Naruto was trying to regain as much strength as possible. It was aggravating that he couldn't get to full strength and tried nonstop to get it back...to no avail. He feared that now he may become too weak to save her again. It wouldn't come to that, no matter what.
Sasuki
She noticed the signal Kakashi gave and figured that he must have been worried for them. It didn't matter, she was doing fine she felt and was taking out quite a few.
"Fire Style: Pheonix Sage Flower Jutsu!" Sasuki lauched shuriken coated in fireballs at the enemy and watched as they impacted with small explosions. It wasn't lethal unless it hit somewhere vital but it hurt the enemy a lot.
She began panting a bit, all this fighting and launching jutsu was getting to her slowly. She had enough chakra but this was a real battle and it was different than training. The speed is faster and the actions have to be stronger and more deliberate. She had to be 100% focused at all times and she noticed that taking on multiple enemies was straining her eyes over time.
"How the hell did Naruto face100?" Sasuki thought as she blocked another sword and spun away from a second attack by a spear. "Friestyle: Firebreath Jutsu" Sasuki breathed put fire at the two before backflipping over an attack from her left side. In mid air she twirled and threw shuriken into the man's chest and head.
"It feels like they just keep coming." She said as she bumped into Kiba.
"I know...you doing ok?" Kiba said as he blocked a spear and pushed the guy back into a few others.
"Yeah. I'm doing fine. You?" Sasuki did a few handsigns and launched a lightning ball at the enemies in front of her, incapacitating them.
"Just peachy!" Kiba said as he jumped away so they didn't get swarmed by staying in one place.
Sasuki watched as 3 charged at her, she smirked and let them come. They all stabbed her and were confused to see her smile. She dispersed into lightning and it electrocuted all three. Throwing three kunai into the backs of their heads, they died.
She heard a loud scream and looked over. Similarly everyone did as well. When they did, they saw Zabuza stabbing Gato in the stomach before ripping the sword out and spinning into jump, as he came back around, in a diagonal downward slash Gato was split from his right shoulder down to his waste on the left side.
The screaming stopped and the upper bit of Gato slid off and dropped to the floor along with the lower bit. Gato was now dead and the mercenaries looked unsure of what to do. After a second, they heard the sound of cackling lightning and a low roar.
"You and those dragons Naru-kun." Sasuki said with a smile while shaking her head. She felt herself get grabbed and noticed she was now in Naruto's arms utop a lightning dragon.
Naruto and her soared through the remainder of the mercenaries and electrocuted them to death. At the same time he gathered chakra "Fire Style: Majestic Destroyer Flame." He had made a single sign and blew out a thick flow of some of the hottest flames she ever felt. He burnt many to ash with this jutsu.
In seconds, the remaining mercenaries were killed. The lightning dragon disappeared and Naruto and Sasuki dropped to the ground. He was still holding her so now he'd let her go.
"You did well, Sasuki-chan."
"Naruto! WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?"
"Oh just a low level lightning dragon with a fire jutsu for a quicker clearing of them. It was nothing really Kiba."
"Low ranked? You serious?"
"Huh...I never once thought about riding the dragon." Zabuza said.
"You utilize lightning dragons?" Naruto said
"No, I use water ones."
"Oh, makes sense. Yeah, well you can direct them at a target without riding but thats it, this way I can completely control the dragon. I have other plans to combine the fire element but its been complicated."
"Still blowing up in your face, eh Naruto?" Kakashi said
"Sadly...well Mr. Tazuna, if you could please hurry up with this bridge, it'd be great." Naruto said making the others chuckle. "Did I say something funny?"
"No Naru-kun, just your blatant honesty is funny sometimes. However I'd like to go home as well." Sasuki said holding Naruto's arm.
"Should be done in a couple weeks. Thank you so much for your help." Tazuna said as he bowed.
Later that night, Sasuki walked to Naruto who was sitting on the roof. "Something wrong?"
"No. I just found out that it is true, using jutsu that use higher chakra will be more fatiguing...I'm also replenishing significantly slower...it's fast compared to the average shinobi due to my Uzumaki blood...but this feels slow."
"For a guy who's lived in speed his whole life, it must suck to be slowed down. I'm sorry about that..." Sasuki said hugging him.
"Its not your fault. This was always going to happen soon."
"Yes...but had I been faster...you wouldn't have had to be stabbed through the heart for me."
"Don't blame yourself, Sasuki-chan. We cannot control everything that happens...I would do it again in a heartbeat...I'll get through this eventually. So don't dwell too much on it."
"I can't stand the thought...that if you're hurt because of the fact that you've been weakened...that it would be all my fault! I'm just a burden I feel like sometimes."
"Never. Never say that. You know you're not a burden to me."
"I know...it just feels like it sometimes."
Naruto hugged her and looked to the moon in the sky. How long would things remain this way? How long until war arrived? He wished things could remain this way but it wouldn't...no matter how much he wished.
"I need to get that key..."After two weeks the bridge was built and their mission was done. All that was left was to head back to Konoha.
"You know, Mr. Tazuna, you need a name for your new bridge. Well we're off." Naruto said as he and his squadmates shunshined away.
Kakashi and the rest remained a little while longer saying their byes. "So what will it be?" Kakashi said.
"Hmmm. I've thought a lot. Someone who played a huge role in the success of this was that Naruto kid...maybe, 'The Great Naruto Bridge'...since he reached and changed the heart of an enemy, turning them into a new ally. And his selflessness that he'd displayed."
"I like it." Sasuki said immediately.
"You'd agree to anything that glorifies him." Kiba said laughing
"I'm not sure he would accept...But it is your bridge and I'm sure he'd be honored. I'll let him know, Mr. Tazuna." Kakashi said and they all waved one last time before walking down the bridge to Konoha.
Yo so Land Of Waves over...I had written the chapter and forgot to hit save and backed out. I threw a controller when I realised and got annoyed. I had to rewrite like 80% of it. So I had a different scene in but during the rewrite, decided to cut it out of the chapter. It isn't necessary yet and will come later on when he sees Hagoromo again. Don't worry I didn't have him get the Six Paths Sage mode yet and never planned to yet. I am still wondering if I will have him get sage mode in general. I feel that would be a little much lol...its already passed a little much haha. But still, KCM coming later, thats a given. He's weaker now...not necessarily to make him nerfed, I just feel like if you have an overwhelming power, and since the Kyubi has like near infinite chakra...there would be a cost. So I'm making the chakra cause an illness until it is released into him freely and they can merge as one.
Zabuza joining them...I kinda like the characters of Haku and Zabuza. Their deaths are important to the original Naruto, however since this guy is like entirely different and he already has his precious person, then them dying gains nothing. So I chose to flip it, rather than Naruto learning from them, Zabuza will gain something from Naruto.
So Kiri...forgot to address that, obviously did that a little different. Yagura still Kage and chillin up there. I'm not having the whole bloodline purge...so what's up with Mei? Good question...haha she, Ao, and Chojuro will appear later. I'm still debating in my head their roles...loyal to Kiri or not.
Yo that is true, Naruto's reaction towards Yugao...I had a plan, but kinda scrapped it since like...Idk just seemed farfetched so I'm going to take a more grounded approach.
Appreciate that thought man. The moment before he faces the 100, I honestly didn't know if it would mean anything since I wasn't sure if I could make the characters seem to be weighted in a sense. My goal was to show their relationship to one another but I hadn't spent much time with the characters. So I kinda just hoped for the best.
The war is coming, I've said many times, deaths happen. That is the nature of war, nothing is ever guaranteed so don't be surprised when someone dies. I'll be sure to make sure it does the character justice and homie just don't die to a falling coconut.
Well, hope you all enjoyed, please let me know where I can improve, it will always be appreciated as I want to get better. I have several ideas for other stories, no plans to abandon this nor start the next just yet. That may come in another month maybe...depends. As I said in a previous chapter, this story I had high hopes and several plans for. I made mistakes and it hasn't gone where I imagined, I'm still working to get there and still believe that the earlier chapters have been the best. I might be wrong and you guys see otherwise, but idk. Regardless, see y'all next time.