(A/N) Zabuza, here we are. Also, wild Kakashi pov.

Sakura greeted Naruto when he got back. "How'd it go?"

"Well, I met a weird person," Naruto said, shrugging. "I'm 95% sure he's that fake hunter-nin."

Sakura blinked at him. "Your lack of self-preservation worries me occasionally. Alright, ignoring that, did he realize you were going to probably be at the final battle for the bridge?"

"I'm not sure," Naruto admitted. "He didn't seem to? But he could just be a good actor."

Sakura hummed quietly. "Alright. Let's avoid going out alone until the battle, alright? Not that I don't trust anyone's ability to escape or fight someone."

"Course not," Naruto agreed.

She smiled softly at him, then turned to finish cleaning the wall.

"What happened there?" Naruto asked as she finished up.

"Oh, not much, Kakashi came down and startled the brat enough that he ended up splattering some food everywhere. I'm just helping clean it up!"

Naruto scoffed quietly, pulling out the sealing scroll of meat. "Well, he'd better be grateful. You haven't even threatened him properly yet."

"Maybe later," Sakura hummed, putting away the cleaning supplies. "Did you see Sasuke on your way in? I think he was attempting to fish?"

"I didn't," Naruto said, shaking his head. "I can go check for him now if you want. Where is Kakashi-sensei?"

"Keeping an eye on Tazuna and the bridge," Sakura replied easily. "And yes, please do. It's getting close to dinner time, and I'd like to know if he caught anything."

"I'll collect Kakashi-sensei in an hour, is that good?" Naruto asked, already halfway out the door.

"Yep, thank you Naruto." Sakura grinned at him, turning away to locate Tsunami and see what else she could do.


Kakashi was bored, which was something of an oddity for him lately. His students were certainly capable of keeping him on his toes. Currently, Sasuke was attempting to do the age-old Uchiha 'fireball to the water' method of fishing. It was significantly more effective in ponds and places you could actually boil the water well enough to fry the fish.

Despite the odds against him, Sasuke had managed to catch a couple of fish, frying them and scooping them off the surface of the water.

As far as Kakashi knew, Naruto was hunting, and Sakura was helping around the house and protecting Tsunami and the brat. Had Kakashi forgotten the brat's name? Yes. Did he care to remember it? No.

He was getting somewhat antsy, knowing Zabuza would be up at any point kind of did that, and having the kids separated was getting to him.

Oh look, here came Naruto now, he wasn't injured, and didn't look frantic as he ran up to Sasuke to chat. When the fish were shown off, it became clear why Naruto was here, as he sent a shadow clone with the fish back to the house.

Sakura must have sent Naruto out here. Really, sometimes it seemed like she was the sensei of the team, not him.

Sometimes it could be somewhat of a good thing, it allowed the three to act independently of him, and not have any issue with not having him around to give orders. On the other hand, the three were highly independent and prone to disobedience in minor situations. If really pressed they'd obey, but only if it was important. And by blood, they knew when it was important and when it wasn't. Which was somewhat infuriating at times.

"Hey, Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto shouted up to him. "Sakura says dinner's in an hour!"

Kakashi nodded absently, attempting to look engrossed in his book. A nice fantasy book this time, albeit wrapped in a cover from the set of Icha Icha books he did in fact own, but didn't read often.

"We'll come to get you then!" Naruto shouted up to him again, tugging Sasuke back to shore.

And Kakashi was sure they would. Very loudly. But to be fair, that was kind of his own fault for sitting on top of one of the pillars holding up the bridge. They thought they had to yell for him to hear.

...Maybe he should inform them of his heritage and introduce them to his dogs. Might make it easier. Might completely destroy his position as their sensei and Sakura'd go through with her threat to swap him out. Which scared him more then he was willing to admit.


Sasuke sharpened his kunai absently as he perched on the roof of the house. He was here to ensure no one got into the house with the intention to kill or kidnap Tsunami or the brat, even if currently it was a bit boring. No one had come by, but that didn't mean they wouldn't.

Sakura had predicted that they would likely only send one set of people to fetch Tsunami and the brat, as they were somewhat overconfident. Although Sasuke should still attempt a minor interrogation of the people to make sure.

And there they were. Common thugs clearly, would probably break easily under some pressure.

Sasuke jumped down behind them, silently following them into the house.

Once inside, Sasuke knocked one out with a swift blow to the head, and the other was caught up in one of the traps he'd laid down.

"So," Sasuke said, smirking. "Shall we have some fun?" He cracked his knuckles threateningly, and apparently the man was so weak-willed, that was all it took.

"There's no one else!" He squawked immediately. "We only want the woman and the brat for leverage!"

Sasuke hadn't even asked a question yet. Jeez, so unprofessional of the man. "Right. And how do I know you're telling the truth?" He was fairly sure the man was, but hey, couldn't hurt to ask.

The man's mouth flapped like a fish out of water for a moment. "I-I guess you don't? But I wouldn't lie, promise!"

"Oh?" Sasuke asked, eyeing the man disdainfully. "I'm not so sure. You're lowlife and would do anything to save your own skin."

"I promise!" He squawked. "I-I'll do anything! I'm telling the truth!"

"Then what gender is the fake hunter-nin?" Sasuke asked smirking.

The man looked so confused. "I have no clue?"

Sasuke snickered internally. "He's a boy," he told the man in pity before knocking him out. Looked like he was waiting here. His friends could handle themselves anyway. Naruto's mokuton was still a card not shown, so they had the advantage. He wouldn't doubt his friend's ability. And with Kakashi to hold Zabuza at bay, it was two on one.

(A/N) Trip back, some meetings, and what happened while Sasuke was torturing evil men next time. For now, have a nice existence!