(Welcome to the new year, guys. Hope you're ready for the last part of this arc.)
As Naruto was sleeping next to Karai, he started seeing visions flash before his eyes. He saw two assassins inside the house trying to attack Tsunami and Inari. He woke up and looked around seeing Karai still asleep. He got up and walked to a nearby window and looked out into the night.
'Something bad is going to go down tomorrow. And I need to be here when it does.' Naruto thought to himself before going back to sleep.
The next day, as Squad Seven and Team Kappa were ready to head out, Sai took notice of one man missing from the Foot Clan team.
"Where's Naruto?"
Tatsu answered, "Naruto requested he stay behind here."
"Why's that?" Sasuke wondered.
"Naruto has his reasons." Hun replied, as Squad Seven was concerned.
"Well, in any case we better get going," Kakashi turned to the bridge builder, "Tazuna, lead the way."
"Come on." Tazuna led the way.
Inside Naruto watched them leave from the window while making sure to keep an eye and ear out for anything suspicious.
Later on at the sight of the constructed bridge, the group saw the site was deserted, "Where the hell is everyone?" Tazuna looked, "They know better than to be slacking off this early."
Suddenly a mist started rolling in, "Mist?" Karai gasped.
"Oh, no." Sasuke gasped.
"Everyone, surround Tazuna!" Tatsu ordered, as he and Kakashi got ready while the younger ninja formed a barrier around Tazuna.
Kakashi saw emerging from the mist was Zabuza and Haku who wasn't wearing his mask, "Kakashi, Tatsu, it looks as though in your attempt to end me you made a big mistake. Trusting a stranger." he motioned to Haku who bowed his head.
"So he was working with Zabuza." Hun said.
"A pleasure to meet you all. I am Haku. And I apologize for deceiving you." Karai and Sasuke scowled.
Zabuza looked at the group, "Where is the other one? Taking the day off?"
"Not likely." Karai replied.
"No matter. Today is the day I have my rematch with the only two shinobi that've given me a challenge in years." Zabuza drew his sword.
Kakashi and Tatsu readied themselves, as the genin stood their ground. Sai whispered to the others, "His accomplice is going to try to go for Tazuna while Zabuza keeps our sensei's distracted."
"So we got to hold him back." Sasuke added.
"Go, Haku!" Zabuza ordered.
"I'm on it!" Haku charged with Zabuza, as the swordsman engaged the two Jonin like before, while Haku went past them.
"Sasuke, now!" Hun called, as he and Sasuke formed hand signs and released a double fireball jutsu.
Haku narrowly dodge with getting parts of his robe singed, but survived. Karai jumped in and attacked Haku head on, with the boy dodging several blows.
"You're fast," Karai noted, "But I can be faster!" she attacked faster.
"Not bad, but I'm just getting started." Haku said, as he formed hand signs and slammed his palms to the ground causing several ice spears to pop out of the ground. Karai dodged the spears, while Sasuke, Hun, Sakura, and Sai grabbed Tazuna and brought him up onto a few storage containers where he'd be safe.
Karai looked at Haku, "Ice style?"
"Yes. I am quite special." Haku said.
As Zabuza fought Kakashi and Tatsu, Kakashi took notice of Haku's technique, "So he's got a bloodline."
"Yes," Zabuza confirmed, "When I found him as a boy he was lost, until I took him under my wing and made him into the perfect tool."
Tatsu flinched at Zabuza's words, 'His words are a lie. I can feel it.'
As Karai continued fighting Haku, Sasuke turned to Sakura and Sai, "She needs help. You two watch Tazuna. Coming, Hun?"
"Right behind you." Hun answered, as the two assisted Karai.
Meanwhile back at Tazuna's, Naruto was leaning against the wall next to the window, while holding out a mirror to see outside without having to stand in front of the window. Suddenly he saw in the reflection the same two assassins he saw in his vision.
"Time to put my plan into action." Naruto said, as he headed for downstairs.
Inari was currently sitting in his room still thinking about what happened last night when he and Naruto had their spat. Suddenly he heard crashing from downstairs. He quickly got up and ran down. He stopped around the corner to see his mom on the floor with the two assassins standing above her armed with swords.
"Gato's gonna be so pleased when we bring the bridge builder's daughter in and use as a hostage." one of them said.
"And once that bridge is destroyed we're gonna be staying for life and earn every ounce of money we can get." the second added.
Inari watched in fright at what the two assassins were going to do, until he remembered his talk with Naruto last night, as well as memories of his father telling him to be strong. Mustering up the courage he stepped out into the open and shouted to the men.
"Hey! Leave my mom alone!"
The two looked back and saw Inari, "It's the old man's grandson."
"Gato will certainly want him as well."
Inari said nothing but stood his ground and raised his fists at them. The two only laughed at his display, "Aw, look. The little brat thinks he can fight." one of them said mockingly.
"I think it's time we teach him to respect his elders." the second said, as they started walking towards Inari who while afraid wasn't backing down.
Suddenly Tsunami jumped up and in a poof of smoke became Naruto, "Gotcha!" he dashed forward and slugged the two making them crash onto the floor. Luckily Inari moved out of the way in time.
Naruto looked to Inari and spoke, "That was pretty brave what ya did there, kid."
"Really?" he asked.
Naruto nodded, as Tsunami came out, "Naruto, is it safe?" she noticed the two unconscious assassins.
"Don't worry, they're just knocked out. And now that these two have been dealt with I should get back to the others. And you two should find someplace safe in case anyone else comes around.
As Naruto took off, Inari and Tsunami were awed by Naruto's bravery and they looked to each other before nodding.
Back at the bridge, Zabuza was still holding his own against Kakashi and Tatsu, while Haku was using ice styled techniques against Sasuke, Hun, and Karai.
"I'll admit, I haven't gone this far out in a fight in such a long time." Zabuza told the two sensei's.
"We are not your entertainment." Tatsu replied, as he fought while dodging the sword strikes.
"There's no way you're getting Tazuna this time." Kakashi warned him.
"You don't get it, Kakashi. I'm not here for the bridge builder anymore. I'm here just to fight you two."
"That doesn't sound like someone of your status." Tatsu said.
"At first it was all about the money, but now a chance to actually face strong opponents like you two. I'm remembering how much I enjoyed being a shinobi instead of a hired gun!" Zabuza swiped at the two, only for them to dodge by a hair.
As Haku held his own against the genin, he spoke, "You are all very strong. You truly have a reason to drive you to being this way."
"Our reasons are our own." Hun replied.
"And what about you?" Karai asked Haku who answered.
"My purpose is to serve Zabuza as his tool. Nothing more or less."
The genin were surprised at this claim, until a new voice called out, "You're still talking that way?"
Everyone looked to see Naruto arrive, "Naruto!" Hun and Karai called.
"Sorry I'm late. Had to deal with some assassins sent to capture Tsunami and Inari."
"What?" Tazuna gasped, "Are they all right?"
"Don't worry they're fine," Naruto assured him before staring down at Haku, "I warned you I wouldn't hold back if you didn't change your mind. And stand by that." he drew his sword.
"Then come at me with all you have." Haku beckoned him.
Naruto accepting the challenge went in and started attacking Haku with his sword, as Haku surrounded his arms with ice. As Haku's ice guards on her arms allowed him to block the sword strikes, Naruto continued to use Taijutsu to strike. When Haku threw needles at Naruto, he used his sword to deflect them.
"Naruto, be careful!" Sakura called.
"If he's good with needles then he really will target lethal spots!" Karai added.
"Yeah, I know!"
Sasuke spoke, "He won't be able to fight him alone forever. Hun, Karai, Sai, come on!" the group took off and joined Naruto.
"Hope you don't mind some back up." Sai told Naruto.
"Well, I did have things under control." Naruto replied.
"Right." Karai humored him.
And so the group of Genin fought against Haku pitting his ice jutsu against them. As Haku blocked Sasuke and Hun, he spoke, "You all make quite a team, but I feel as if you're not fighting at your peak."
"What would you know?" Sasuke asked with a frown.
"More than you could imagine," Haku replied, "Perhaps if one of you were to die, you'd come at me with your full strength." he grabbed some needles.
Naruto charged at Haku who took notice of him, "You'll do nicely." he threw the needles right for Naruto.
"Naruto!" Hun called.
Before Naruto could use his sword to deflect the needled like before, Karai jumped in front, and the needles pierced her body. This shocked the genin, as Haku himself was surprised.
Naruto caught Karai before she could hit the ground, "Karai! Karai!" Naruto cried.
Karai groaned, and looked up at Naruto, "You're ok."
"Forget me, what about you?"
"You know we were taught to look out for our fellow teammates and Foot Clan members." Karai answered, before groaning.
"Stay with me, Karai." Naruto tried to help her.
"I wish I could. But looks like this is the end for me."
"No! No!"
"Tell mom and dad I love them. And, please. Let me do this." Karai used what strength she had to reach up and cup Naruto's face. Karai reached up and kissed Naruto. At first Naruto was shocked, but returned it.
This sight got Sasuke, Sakura, and Sai in shock. But Sakura mostly gawking. When the two parted, Karai suddenly fell limp. Naruto held Karai in his arms, as he began to cry.
"She was a worthy opponent," Haku began, "But this is the life of all shinobi. We are all disposable."
"Shut up!" Naruto shouted, as he looked up at Haku with red eyes.
"Naruto?" Sasuke asked.
"Oh, dear." Hun gasped.
"You killed her. My friend! You will pay!" Naruto screamed, as he was suddenly engulfed in red chakra.
"What in the?" Tazuna gasped.
Zabuza, Kakashi, and Tatsu stopped as they felt the area around them shake. They looked and saw Naruto with the red chakra surrounding him.
"What is that?" Zabuza asked.
"Naruto." Tatsu gasped as he sensed the chakra surrounding him.
"That can only be one thing." Kakashi said knowing full well what was going on.
Suddenly Naruto took off like a shot and fought Haku head on. Haku was finding it harder to keep up as Naruto was throwing every attack he had at the ice user.
"He's too fast and strong even for me." Haku told himself.
As the genin watched from a distance, Sakura spoke, "Is this really Naruto?"
"It sure is." Hun confirmed.
"What is that power?" Sasuke asked in surprise.
"Have you ever seen that before, Hun?" Sai inquired.
"Yes. One time during a training session with sensei. Naruto was so determined to beat him in a fight he got himself worked up and took on that form. When he did, sensei really had to keep up with Naruto, and keep him under control. It wasn't until Master Saki arrived and helped him calm Naruto down."
"So what can we do?" Sakura asked.
"At this point, I don't know." Hun answered, as he held Karai's lifeless body.
Naruto's strikes became too much for Haku to block and soon found himself getting mercilessly struck. With one final blow, Naruto send Haku sliding across the bridge, before landing on top of the ice user growling.
Haku looked up at Naruto calmly, "Go ahead. Finish me," Naruto looked confused through his anger, as Haku continued, "My purpose was to be Zabuza's tool. But I've failed him, and therefor, I have nothing left to live for."
Naruto frowned at Haku, but lowered his arm, as his red chakra was fading away, "No." he answered.
Haku was confused, "What do you mean 'no'?"
"I'm not killing you just because you're asking me to do it."
"But I killed your comrade." Haku reminded him.
"Killing you won't bring Karai back. And I still hold onto my belief that we're not just tools of war. We're all living beings like anybody else in this world. Maybe things were different for you and Zabuza in Kiri and all, but that's not what we were taught to believe. We in the Foot Clan are a family. And we look out for one another and not sacrifice each other."
Haku was stunned by what Naruto was telling him and started to question everything. Zabuza meanwhile looked over at Haku and sighed, "Haku, I never thought I'd see the day anyone could ever match you."
"Hey, Zabuza!" a voice called out.
Everyone looked down at the bridge seeing Gato and his entire gang approach, "Why is Tazuna still alive?"
"Stay out of this, Gato." Zabuza replied feeling agitated.
"Don't you talk to me that way! I asked you to kill him and yet he's still breathing! You're supposed to be the best of the best!"
"Shut up!" Zabuza shouted.
Gato frowned, "That's it. You're fired! Boys, take him out!" Gato's goons readied themselves, until another called out.
"Hold it!"
Everyone saw on the opposite side of the bridge was Inari, Tsunami, and everyone in town armed with various objects looking ready for a fight.
"We're not letting you push us around anymore!" Inari shouted.
"We want you out of here, Gato!" another Wave citizen added.
As everyone all shouted at Gato and his thugs to take a hike and leave, the businessman frowned, "Boys, kill them all!"
As his thugs were ready, Zabuza spoke to Kakashi, and Tatsu, "Kakashi. Tatsu. Sorry to cut this match between us short, but I got bigger things to do right now." he readied his sword and charged at Zabuza's thugs slicing and killing them one by one. As they dropped like flies, Gato started losing his tough demeanor and became terrified.
"Wait! We can talk about this!" Gato pleaded.
"Talk in hell!" Zabuza shouted, as he swung his blade and decapitated Gato.
This shocked everyone from Wave, including the ninja. Zabuza picked up Gato's decapitated head and body before tossing them into the water below.
"Did that just happen?" Tsunami asked.
"It did." Tazuna confirmed.
"Gato's gone!" a citizen cheered, as they all joined in.
Zabuza walked back over before kneeling down at Haku, "Zabuza, I'm sorry." he told the swordsman in guilt.
Zabuza looked down and suddenly his eyes lost their cold merciless appearance and looked sad, "You have nothing to apologize for, Haku. All that matters is you're still here."
"The demon of the mist actually sad?" Tatsu asked.
"Just as Naruto said. We are all human, ninja or not." Kakashi reminded him.
Suddenly Hun heard groaning, and looked down at Karai waking up, "Karai? Naruto! Karai's alive!"
Naruto hearing that ran over and held her in his arms, "Karai? Karai, can you hear me?"
Karai opened her eyes and smiled, "I could hear you a mile away."
"How's that possible?" Sakura wondered.
"Unless..." Sasuke began, as they looked over at Haku, as Zabuza asked him.
"You didn't aim for a vital spot."
"I couldn't do it." Haku answered.
Naruto walked over to Haku, "You didn't really kill her. You just pretended to in order to get me to go all out than normal."
"Yes. Unfortunately, I shouldn't have done that."
"No, you shouldn't. But what's done is done. And as thanks for not killing her. I'm going to help you."
"How?" Haku asked.
Naruto got down on his knees before Haku. Tatsu seeing this went over to them, "Allow me to assist, Naruto."
Naruto nodded, as Tatsu got down on his knees, and the two began forming hand signs while chanting, "Rin. Pyo. Toh. Sha. Kai. Jin. Retsu. Zai. Zen." as the two chanted, their hands started glowing.
"What're they doing?" Sakura asked.
"The Healing Hands technique." Karai answered.
"Healing Hands?" the pink haired girl asked.
"Yes. It's an ancient healing technique that has been past down for many generations."
"Can that technique heal anything?" Sai wondered.
"Anything, but not everything." Karai answered.
Naruto and Tatsu continued the technique, "Mu. Ryo. Ju. Son. Mu. Ryo. Ju. Son. Mu. Ryo. Ju. Son. E. Sai. Nyu. Rai!" Suddenly their hands stopped glowing.
Haku suddenly sat straight up, "Haku, how do you feel?" Zabuza asked.
"I feel amazing. Good as new. But why did you?" he asked Naruto.
"You did the right thing by not really killing Karai. I guess you had more humanity in you than you knew. Same for you, Zabuza." Naruto explained.
Zabuza just looked away feeling embarrassed. Inari, Tsunami, and the villagers approached, "So is that it?" Inari asked.
Naruto smiled, "Yeah. That's it. You did your old man proud today, Inari. All of you did." Inari smiled feeling incredibly happy in such a long time.
A few days later everyone stood on the finished bridge that was repaired from any damage caused by the ninjas fighting on it. Tazuna spoke to the villagers, "Behold the end results of countless hard work. Even though Gato is gone, this bridge will forever be a symbol of our freedom."
"Yeah!" the crowd of people cheered.
As the shinobi stood proudly, Hun looked to Zabuza and Haku, "So what's next for you two?"
"Just pick up and move on." Zabuza answered.
"It's what we've always done." Haku added.
"Don't you ever wish there was someplace you could call home?" Sakura wondered.
"There is no home for rogues like us." Zabuza replied.
"Don't be too sure," Tatsu answered, "Why don't you two come back with us to our village. I'm sure Master Saki would be more than happy to give you two a place among our ranks."
"Become Foot Shinobi?" Zabuza asked.
"Yeah," Naruto agreed, "Since you guys don't have anywhere to go, why not give another village a try?"
"Well, it would be nice to have a place to call home." Haku admitted.
"I guess we could give it a shot." Zabuza added.
Later on the ninja groups stood opposite side of the people of Wave, as Tazuna spoke, "I don't know how to thank you all enough for giving us hope in ourselves again."
"We're just doing what we do," Naruto replied, before looking down at Inari, "Here's hoping we meet again, Inari."
Inari smiled, "I hope so too."
"Well, let's all head home." Kakashi instructed, as the group took their leave.
"You know the bridge still needs a name," Tazuna realized, "And I got just the one. The Great Naruto Bridge."
Inari smiled, "I really like that." he looked out seeing his new friend leave confident their paths would cross again.
As the ninja walked, Sakura spoke to the Foot kunoichi, "So, Karai, about what happened on the bridge when we thought you died. Why did you kiss Naruto?"
"I also am curious about that." Sai added.
"Oh, that?" Karai asked as she started looking flustered along with Naruto, "Turns out, Naruto's not exactly my blood brother."
"What?" Sakura asked.
"Naruto, you're adopted?" Sasuke asked.
"Yeah. We'll tell you some day." Naruto said knowing now was not the time to tell them of his past.
A few days later in the Dragon Village, after explaining everything to Hiruzen and then to Saki, the master of the Foot Clan was impressed by his shinobi's completion of their mission and everything, and was more than willing to allow Zabuza and Haku to become part of the Foot Clan.
At nighttime inside the ceremony room under the academy, the Foot Clan shinobi were all gathered together, as Saki in his Shredder armor stood before Zabuza and Haku who were n longer wearing their Mist Village headbands.
Saki spoke to the two, "Zabuza Momochi and Haku. From this day forward you are not only part of a ninja clan, but a family. You will fight in the name of the Foot Clan and defend all those within it. So it is with great pleasure I welcome you both as shinobi of the Foot." he placed Foot Clan headbands around their foreheads.
Zabuza and Haku touched the metal plate of their new headbands, as Zabuza spoke, "Thank you, Master Shredder."
"We shall serve and defend the Foot Clan and the Dragon village with our lives." Haku promised.
And with that the ninja of the Foot Clan cheered, while Naruto, Karai, and Hun watched from the side smiling knowing it was going to be so much better having those two as allies rather than enemies.
(And there you go. Wave is done, and Zabuza and Haku are now new members of the Foot Clan in the Dragon Village. See you next time for the beginning of the Chunin Exams.)