Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing Naruto's training with Zabuza and Haku, along with a chance to really test himself and see how far he's grown. So, without further ado.
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'Which way will you come from kid?' Zabuza thought as he stood in a mist-covered clearing and wielding a bokken, his eyes darting around while also focusing for the slightest hint of sound.
Before the Missing-Nins eyes narrowed at hearing a sound coming from the left, before hearing another from the right, followed just as quickly by a rush of air overhead. Only for Zabuza to immediately turn around and block a strike from Naruto; the Uzumaki having tried distracting him with other sounds to get an opening.
"You're good kid, I'd say you're a natural when it comes to the Silent Killing. But you'll still have a long way to go before you can get the drop on me!" Said Zabuza, before pushing his bokken out of the way and slamming his foot into Naruto's chest, sending him flying through the air.
Naruto grunted at the hit, before managing to right himself in the air, then back-flipping and landing on his feet as he disappeared within the mist again.
'The kids gotten good in just two months.' Zabuza thought, pleased at the progress Naruto's made in mastering the Silent Killing.
Not only has he managed to make it so even his breathing couldn't be heard, but also taking advantage of his surroundings and the mist. And while most Silent Killing users would remain totally silent, Naruto had the habit of making noises in different locations. A good way to further set an opponent on edge, making them try to guess where an attack would come from. Along with making them panic and even lead them right into a trap.
'He's definitely good at thinking outside the box, which only makes him more unpredictable and dangerous.' Thought Zabuza, knowing the whiskered blonde was someone who shouldn't be taken lightly with his unpredictability, never knowing what he'll do next.
The only thing really holding him back was his lack of experience, as while he could still hold his own against skilled, older opponents. He'd be outmatched by those with more experience than him, but for those on a similar level to him, they would have a difficult time fighting him.
'Now let's see how he handles an invisible opponent.' Zabuza thought, before he disappeared into the mist, wanting to see how Naruto will do against an enemy he can't see.
Meanwhile, outside the mist, Tsunade and Shizune were helping Haku by training her to use Medical Ninjutsu and Poison-Making. Given she already had knowledge of human physiology and biology, along with knowledge of various herbs. With Shizune and Haku also trading tips on using senbon, while the latter also helped the former train her Water Affinity and learn Water Style Ninjutsu.
"Shizune, I had an idea after you showed me your Wrist-Mounted Senbon Launcher." Said Haku, getting Shizune's attention.
"What did you have in mind, Haku?" Shizune asked, wondering what she thought of.
"Placing senbon inside your sleeves and sandals, making it so that whenever you punch or kick an opponent, you'd be able to pierce them with the senbon without them realizing, making it easier to poison them without them realizing it." Haku said, intriguing Shizune at the idea.
"Hmm, that may be able to work, as they wouldn't notice a small prick from a senbon, instead focusing on the larger pain from a punch or kick." Said Shizune, with Haku nodding in agreement, having thought the same.
"I actually thought of something similar to use with your Thousand Flying Water Needles of Death, you'd be able to hide real senbon inside the water ones. Which could pierce enemies and poison them without them realizing it, given they'd only know about the water senbon, not the real ones hiding inside them." Shizune said.
"Perhaps, given I can direct the needles where to go. If I can't instantly incapacitate an enemy with them, I would at least be able to ensure they're weakened from poison." Replied Haku, nodding at the idea.
"Indeed. One other thing is being able to combine your Ice Style Ninjutsu with various poisons as well, making it so that the poison would be frozen in the ice and if it's broken, it'll release the poison into the air." Added Shizune, with Haku nodding in agreement, knowing how useful that'd be, as even with how strong her ice can be, it could still be broken if enough force is applied.
'She's definitely a talented one, with how far she's come and her ideas.' Thought Tsunade, impressed at how far Haku's come in the past few months, especially since unlike Naruto, she didn't have access to Shadow Clones and simply had to train as much as she could, herself.
Even with her previous training under Zabuza, Haku's proven to be a truly exceptional Kunoichi, learning everything they had to teach at an astonishing rate. Along with coming up with new ideas, as well as improving on things they already knew.
'Then again, Zabuza did admit that Haku was even stronger than him. The fact that he'd place her at a low-Kage level, only shows how strong she could be if she didn't hold herself back.' Tsunade thought, doubting Zabuza would make such a claim, unless he was absolutely positive that Haku was really at that level, even with her hesitance to go for the kill.
With Tsunade admitting that if it wasn't for the pacifistic nature she developed, after the trauma she went through as a child, then Haku would be one of the most powerful and deadly Kunoichi of her generation.
'And to think, she's just a few years older than Naruto, I can just imagine how much stronger she'll be when she's older; not to mention mastering her Hyōton even further.' Thought Tsunade, given the Hyōton can prove to be a very dangerous Kekkei Genkai with the right amount of training.
Back with Naruto and Zabuza, the two had switched from Kenjutsu to Taijutsu, the Uzumaki jumping out of the mist and delivering a spin kick to Zabuza's head. Only for the swordsman to block it with his arm and grab Naruto's leg, which the Jinchūriki expected as he slammed his other foot into Zabuza's face, making him grunt and let go of his leg.
Backflipping away, Naruto quickly rolled to the side to avoid Zabuza's kick, only for him to be knocked off balance when the Demon of the Mist followed up with a sweeping kick. Leaving Naruto open as Zabuza them smashed his fist into his stomach, knocking the wind out of Naruto as he collapsed to the ground, panting and wheezing from the blow. Even having felt a few of his ribs crack a bit from the punch.
"And now you're dead. Either from being left helpless to be killed or if I wanted to, your ribs would currently be piercing your lungs." Zabuza stated, while Naruto held a hand over his ribs as he used the Mystical Palm Jutsu to start healing his ribs.
'Kurama, hold back my healing factor, if I'm ever going to get good at actually using Medical Ninjutsu, I'll need to start healing my own injuries.' Thought Naruto, wanting to get used to using Medical Ninjutsu on himself.
"Fine, but don't expect me to hold it back during a real fight, as I'm not letting your stupid ass get killed and drag me down with you." Kurama retorted, willing to hold back his healing factor during training, but not during a real life-or-death battle.
Naruto merely rolled his eyes but agreed with the fox that he wouldn't have his healing factor suppressed in real fights, only during training. Plus, another bonus is that it'll help boost his pain tolerance, so he wouldn't go down from experiencing too much pain. But the whiskered blonde was also aware that he needed to remember his limits and not try to keep a fight going if he becomes too injured or weak.
As Naruto healed himself, the mist eventually began dispersing, revealing him and Zabuza, along with Naruto's new outfit. Having finally gotten rid of the orange jumpsuit, even though getting new clothes wasn't at the top of his list. But given how well known he was for wearing orange in Konoha, it's probably a good thing he's gotten some new clothes now.
With Naruto now wearing navy blue Ninja sandals that went halfway up to his knees, black pants that were tucked into his sandals, a dark, forest green shirt, and a navy blue jacket. Having gotten them to help blend in with his surroundings better, along with various terrains. While still having his goggles on his forehead, only with them now having been improved with several seals, making them more useful for spotting enemies and even seeing through certain Genjutsu that effect sight.
While under them, there was now a purple diamond on his forehead, though it wasn't the Strength of a Hundred Seal, instead being the original seal to help with his Chakra Control. While they planned to add the other features, such as the Strength of a Hundred Seal and Creation Rebirth to it, after Naruto mastered Tsunade's super strength and finished his Medical Ninjutsu Training.
With Naruto's Chakra Control now being acceptable enough to perform the Rasengan and Big Ball Rasengan with one hand. Along with him having begun learning a couple Genjutsu as well, one of which being the Bringer-of-Darkness Genjutsu. Which won't only be effective against Dōjutsu users, but also in his Silent Killing Training as well.
He'd also started increasing his Ninjutsu Arsenal as well now, that his Chakra Control was more acceptable; allowing him to use less Chakra in performing Ninjutsu. Including training with his Wind Affinity, which he's managed to make great progress in. Thanks to his memories of when Kakashi trained his future-self and the advice he got from Asuma.
'I'll need to deal with Hidan and Kakuzu as soon as I can.' Naruto mentally swore, knowing the moment he gets the chance, he's killing the Zombie Duo to make sure Asuma doesn't die again against them, like in the alternate future.
Knowing this time, he'll make sure Mirai can grow up knowing her father, rather than just hearing about him.
Haku was also helping him with his Wind Affinity, given she'd learned how to master her own Wind Affinity, while training her Hyōton. Along with her and the others also helping train Naruto to use Water Style Ninjutsu, given all the people in the group with Water Affinities and Water Style Ninjutsu. It seemed obvious for him to take advantage of the chance to start learning another element, aside from wind.
Naruto and Zabuza then went and met up with the others, with Gōzu and Meizu currently out, acting as the lookouts for anyone that could be searching for them or that could stumble onto their location. With the Jinchūriki taking a few moments to rest from his sparring with Zabuza, along with finishing healing his injuries. Before joining Haku in their Medical Ninjutsu Training, until they were done for the day and he went to continue practicing his Fūinjutsu.
Along with working on his research in Scientific Ninja Tools. Which, unfortunately, was the one part of his training that Naruto knew he'd make the slowest progress in.
'Until I can free the Land of Snow from Dotō's rule and help Koyuki retake her place as Daimyō, I'm not going to get much done in creating any of these.' Naruto thought sighing, knowing until he could free the Land of Snow and get Koyuki to reclaim her birthright, giving him access to their technology, he wouldn't be making any Scientific Ninja Tools.
Eventually, Naruto decided to take a break, with him going over and sitting underneath a tree, watching the clouds. Starting to understand why Shikamaru enjoyed doing this so much, finding it calming and relaxing to just look up at the sky and watch the clouds move.
'Now if only he wasn't so lazy, that this was one of the only thing he'd do.' Thought Naruto, knowing Shikamaru had the potential to be a great Ninja, what he saw of the alternate future had more than proven that, he just chooses not to embrace it.
"Taking a break, Naruto." Said Haku, pulling Naruto from his thoughts as he smiled at the Hyōton user.
"Hey Haku, and yeah, just needed a moment to relax." Naruto replied, with the girl nodding as she sat down beside him.
"Is it alright if I joined you?" Haku asked, with Naruto nodding response.
"Yeah, and you don't have to ask, since you're more than welcomed to join me." Said Naruto, looking at the girl, with the two having become good friends while they were training together and taking breaks, getting to know each other better as well.
Along with Naruto now being completely certain that Haku was girl, having not been totally sure after seeing his future-selves memories on if Haku was a girl or boy like she claimed; only assuming she was really a girl. But after an incident, where he'd woken up half-asleep one morning and walked in on her in the shower, Naruto could say with absolute certainty that Haku is a girl.
This, however, did result in Tsunade, Shizune, and the Demon Brothers needing to hold Zabuza back from killing him. Though he did make the next couple training sessions after the incident especially brutal, while he and Haku couldn't look at each other for a while. But it did make Haku happy, since the incident showed that Zabuza cared about her as more than just a tool, even caring about her as a daughter.
"I'm glad to hear it. By the way, how is your training in Fūinjutsu coming along?" Haku asked, curious about how his Fūinjutsu Training is coming along.
"Pretty good so far. I'm actually working on a new seal, one that would allow for long distance communications. I got the idea from your Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals and how you can move between them, I'd apply the seal to little handheld mirrors that would be keyed to a specific persons Chakra, so not just anyone could use them. I'm also thinking of making a version to be applied to bigger mirrors to travel between them, making it so they could be used for quick escapes or traveling long distances in an instant." Explained Naruto, much to Haku's amazement at the ideas he has for seals.
"Those would certainly be useful, and if you want, I'd be able to help you make them. While I may not be an expert, Zabuza-sama did teach me the basics of Fūinjutsu, and I could show you how my mirrors work to better understand how I can move between them instantaneously." Haku offered, making Naruto smile at her.
"That'd be really great Haku. And I could teach you Fuinjutsu, I already offered to teach Tsunade and Shizune, I can teach you it as well. As I did have some ideas of how you could use seals in addition to your Hyōton, one of which being able to drag an opponent into one of your mirrors to trap them inside, along with making your ice stronger. I also had ideas for when you get your Hyōton to a higher level, like being able to flash freeze a person by touching them, creating ice bombs that can explode, and ice clones you could switch places with to avoid attacks and trap opponents." Naruto said, with Haku looking at him with wide eyes, before smiling at him.
"You seem to have a lot of ideas, Naruto. And thank you for the offer to teach me Fuinjutsu, I'd really like learning it, along with hearing more of the ideas you have." Replied Haku.
"No problem Haku, you just have really great powers and are pretty strong. And you don't have to thank me, I'm glad to help you in any way I can. Besides, I'm sure you would have thought of these yourself since you are really smart as well." Naruto said, making Haku blush lightly at his compliments.
"Th-thank you, Naruto. Though don't downgrade yourself, since I've seen several times how strong and smart you are, especially with all your ideas and how far you've come with your training." Haku, knowing Naruto was also very strong and smart.
With the two continuing to talk and trade ideas for ways they can improve their training and other new things they could learn or work on. While Naruto mentally admitted that Haku looked really pretty when she smiled as they talked.
Though the two soon noticed the sun was starting to set, leading to them heading back to camp to get some rest for the next day.
*Timeskip-One Day*
*Konoha*
"Team Ten, I have an important C-Rank Mission for you. You'll be traveling to the Land of Hot Water, where we've been getting reports about a spike in bandit activity and several murders happening near Yugakure." Sarutobi said, looking at Team Ten after summoning them to his office.
"Alright, finally! We're going on a C-Rank Mission!" Kiba said, excited at finally getting a real mission rather than another D-Rank, only to grunt in annoyance when Sakura smacked him atop the head.
"You idiot! We're going to another country that already has a Ninja Village, don't be excited!" Said Sakura glaring at him, before looking at the Hokage.
"Um, forgive me Hokage-sama, but why are we going? Wouldn't the Ninja in Yugakure be able to handle this themselves?" Sakura asked.
"Normally you'd be right, Sakura. But Yugakure has long since transitioned from a Ninja Village into a tourist spot. With any Ninja they have left only acting as guards, keeping the roads safe for tourists and performing odd-jobs for the other small settlements in the country. They're no longer able to perform actual combat-related missions, like other Hidden Villages." Asuma explained, surprising the girl, while the Hokage nodded in agreement.
"Correct, now any matters that involve fighting or combat, they send out mission requests to other Hidden Villages, with this one having been sent to us. But be warned, even if this is a C-Rank Mission on paper, it could very well have the potential to be a B-Rank or even an A-Rank Mission." Warned Hiruzen, making the Genin feel nervous at hearing this.
"What else should we expect besides bandits?" Questioned Asuma, knowing if this mission could turn into a B-Rank or A-Rank, then they'll likely be encountering some people more dangerous than your average bandits.
"There's a possibility of Missing-Nin being part of the bandits or even leading them. But the true danger, is that there've been reports of a Religious Cult stationed in the Land of Hot Water. A member of the cult used to be a Ninja in Yugakure, before they demilitarized and developed their now pacifistic ideology, having become a Missing-Nin after killing several other Ninja. So, do not hesitate to call for back-up and return to the village, if you feel that the mission has become too dangerous for you four to handle alone." Sarutobi urged, not wanting them to needlessly risk their lives if they couldn't handle it.
"Thanks for the warning Hokage-sama, and don't worry if things get out of hand, I'll get us out of there as fast as I can." Replied Asuma, thankful for the warning of what they should expect.
Along with knowing that, while he's begun making some progress with his team, it's still an uphill battle. So this mission may be the reality check they need to put their differences aside, and start acting more serious and professional. But Asuma will make sure they're aware of the danger and won't take any unnecessary risks.
"Alright, you three, head home and pack everything you'll need for a long-term mission, given this may take longer than expected. Once you're ready, meet at the gates and we'll head out." Asuma said, with his students nodding, before they exited the office to get ready for their mission.
*With Naruto's Group*
Meanwhile, Zabuza and Tsunade stood in front of Naruto, Haku, and Shizune.
"Alright you two, we're sending you to Yugakure in the Land of Hot Water. We've heard rumors of some Missing-Nin being spotted there, so we're sending you to deal with them. While Shizune will be accompanying you as support, if necessary, and to act as your supervisor, to see how you both do against your opponents." Tsunade said, with Naruto and Haku nodding in understanding.
"Once you're done with your mission, we'll meet up in the Land of Iron, after that we'll be heading to Kirigakure and aid the Rebellion. Another thing, there's supposed to be some cult in the Land of Hot Water, so you may encounter them as well, while you're there. And be careful of them, since they're all apparently a bunch of psychotic killers, known to sacrifice people by killing them slowly and painfully." Said Zabuza.
"We'll be careful Zabuza-sama, Tsunade-sama." Haku replied, determined to complete their mission, with Naruto nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, we'll deal with the Missing-Nin and make our way to the Land of Iron." Added Naruto, Tsunade and Zabuza nodding at this.
"Good. Just one more thing." Zabuza said, narrowing his eyes at Naruto, before leaning down and gripping his shoulder tightly.
"If you try something funny with Haku, I'll know. And if do you anything, when I find out, I'm gonna rip your throat out…with my teeth." Threatened Zabuza, while removing his bandages a little to show his razor sharp teeth, making Naruto gulp slightly.
Only for Zabuza to fall over unconscious with two senbon sticking out of his neck, with Haku looking at her adoptive father in annoyance
"Zabuza-sama." Muttered Haku, not believing he'd say that when she's fully capable of taking care of herself.
The Demon Brothers picking Zabuza up, before going to get ready for the trip to the Land of Iron, while Tsunade looked at Shizune.
"Shizune, if you need to, summon Katsuyu if you need her help in Medical Ninjutsu, setup communication with the others, or if you need to Reverse Summon me, if things get too dangerous or you need reinforcements." Said Tsunade, Shizune nodding in response.
"I will, Tsunade-sama and I'll make sure both of them stay safe." Shizune replied, the Senju nodding, before going to prepare to leave as well.
With Naruto, Haku, and Shizune heading for the Land of Hot Water, already having packed and sealed away everything they'll need for the trip.
*Tea Shop*
Meanwhile, in a tea shop between the group's current location and the Land of Hot Water, two girls were inside eating dango.
The first is a short, fair-skinned girl with a slender build. She had brown eyes that were accentuated by her eyelashes extending into the corners of her eyes and was usually sporting an impassive expression on her face. Her most distinctive feature was her long, untamed, red hair that falls past her shoulders with long parted bangs framing either side of her face and one between her eyes. She had a seal on the back of her neck, that was in a circular pattern of three hooks, similar to a triskelion, and was usually concealed by her hair.
Her attire was a black shirt under a tan tunic with elbow-length sleeves and bore the symbol of the Sound Four on the hem, and black skin-tight shorts. She wore black arm-warmers, traditional black shinobi sandals with calf-length leg warmers covered by bandages, and a purple, rope-like belt tied in an inverted bow around her waist. To keep her wild hair out of the way, she also wore a black hat with pipe-like stripes and bandaged sides, keeping her bangs in place while the rest is pushed back behind her ears to trail down her back.
The second girl had fair skin, black eyes, very long black hair, almost reaching down to the ground, tied by a violet ribbon right near the end. She wore a pale green vest somewhat similar to a flak jacket, snake patterned pants with a snake patterned skirt over it, and a snake patterned scarf around her neck.
These two were Tayuya of the Sound Four and Kin Tsuchi, both members of Otogakure and subordinates of Orochimaru.
"Why do you think Orochimaru-sama is sending us to look for this Naruto kid, and keep an eye on him?" Kin asked, having been confused when Orochimaru had summoned them both to find Naruto Uzumaki and keep an eye on him, neither of them knowing the reason for it.
"Fuck if I know, the shithead doesn't look like anything impressive. But if Orochimaru-sama wants us to keep an eye on him, he must be important somehow." Replied Tayuya, looking at a picture of Naruto that had been given to them, so they know who to look for.
They weren't sure for the specific reason, but Orochimaru did tell them that Naruto was apparently traveling with Tsunade. Much to their shock, as they saw this assignment was definitely more important than it seemed. Making both Kunoichi determined they won't let the Snake Sannin down for putting this much faith in them to complete this assignment.
Not aware of the fact, that the only reason Kin was chosen, was because she was expendable enough, that if something happened to her on the mission, it wouldn't be a major loss for Orochimaru. While Tayuya was sent to give Kin the illusion that he has faith in her and to serve as back-up if things get hairy, with the friendship the girls had helping with that as well.
Really, Tayuya was just insurance should things go wrong, or to take Kin's place and hand the mission over to a more competent Ninja, should anything happen to her. And if anything were to happen to Tayuya, it won't be a major loss to him either, since he has plenty of Ninja that can take her place among the Sound Four and his personal bodyguards.
And should both girls manage to find Naruto, then another reason to send them is that they were both rather attractive Kunoichi, that should be able to use the Seduction Techniques that Kunoichi are taught, in order to join Naruto's group and keep a closer eye on him.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see while Naruto's being trained by Zabuza and Haku, Haku is also being trained by Tsunade and Shizune while also helping train Shizune in her Water Affinity as well. With the two having also grown closer as friends, along with Naruto getting confirmation Haku is indeed a girl, and trading ideas for their training. Then we see Team Ten is being sent to the Land of Hot Water to deal with the rising bandit activity and murders, and the chance to encounter Jashinists as well, with Naruto, Haku, and Shizune also being sent to deal with at the same time. Finally we also see Orochimaru has sent Tayuya and Kin to find and keep an eye on Naruto, and if necessary seduce him. So, review if you liked go away if you didn't.
Storm out