Chapter 8

A month and a half had passed since his training with Jiraiya, he'd picked up few new skills from him after the team training. One of which, was the Shadow Clone Jutsu. It came in handy when working on his seals. Things were going good; Naruto was excited because his team was at the mission's office awaiting their new C-rank mission assignment. While waiting teams eight and ten arrived hoping to get missions as well.

"Hey Naruto, are you still doing D-ranks?" Their friendly banter was a delight to Kiba, who never got tired of trying to have the last laugh or word. Mostly he's just glad that he still had the opportunity to have a good banter session with his friend.

"Funny Kiba, we're getting a C-rank mission, but you never know, they might give us a B-rank."

"Well don't look so hearty, team eight is also here for a C-rank and they'd never give a shorty like you a B-rank before us."

"Then it looks like we're all here for the same type of mission." Shikamaru remarked, tired of listening to Kiba boast.

Iruka-sensei, who was manning the desk looked on at his past students with fond admiration of how far they had come.

"We have several remaining c-rank missions however, I'm afraid we're fresh out of b-rank, but since team nine put in their request yesterday then they get first preference." Iruka informed the teams still happy to be getting the last say over his students.

"There's the collection of medical herbs from Land of Tea, there's also a protection detail for a caravan to the Land of Noodles and finally border patrol."

"Can we have the Land of Noodles mission?" Yamato requested.

The border patrol went to team ten and team eight got the Land of Tea mission.

Almost a week later team seven was given a mission to protect a bridge builder going to the Land of Waves. No sooner had they began the mission, when everything went to hell in a hand basket.

The doors to the Hokage's office flung open and in rushed a flustered chunin.

"What is the meaning of this?" Hiruzen did not appreciate disruptive behavior being displayed by his ninjas. It was becoming a habit and needed to stop.

"My apologies Hokage-same, urgent news, team seven has sent a message asking for backup, it appears the client lied about the mission's details and they have encountered B-rank missing ninjas from Kiri." The young man spoke in one breath before pausing to catch it.

"They are awaiting instructions on whether to proceed or stay put and await backup."

"Who do we have available right now." The Hokage inquired of his subordinate.

"No one Hokage-same, all other genin teams are out and most chunins are unavailable for deployment."

"What about teams that should be returning from their missions or on border patrol that could help out."

"We have team ten on border patrol and team eight and nine should be wrapping up or returning from their missions."

"Send word and have whichever team can assist do so immediately."

"Yes Hokage-sama, right away."

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Help is on the way:

"Alright team we are to meet up with team ten at the border, they will be assisting us with this mission." Hayate informed his team after receiving a reply to his message. "Pack up we move out in twenty minutes."

At the border Asuma is having a similar conversation with his team. "Pack up, we're moving out. Got a message to assist team seven with a mission to Land of Waves, you have about an hour before they get here."

"Troublesome, I was enjoying this mission sensei." Shikamaru complained.

"There will be clouds where we are going as well Shikamaru." Asuma assured his student. Ino did not comment since she knew how her teammates felt about her fawning over Sasuke.

Arriving Hayate briefed Asuma on the events that transpired prior to them calling for help.

"The Demon Brothers were last said to be working with another Kiri ninja, so it might be safe to assume that we might encounter him once we reach the island."

"True but he might think twice before attacking if he sees two jonins." Hayate speculated.

The two teams made their way from the southwest border to the southeastern side.

"A friend of mine with a boat should be coming to take me over, I just hope Gato and his men haven't gotten to him." Shortly after Tazuna's friend arrived and took them across.

On their return journey from Land of Noodles and Tea, messages were received by Yamato and Kakashi requesting help for team seven. The chunin sending the messages thought it better to send more than on message.

Team eight arrived at the border hours after team nine, who had already secured a boat to take them across to Waves.

"Kakashi-sempai, I see you received the same message as us."

"If it's to assist team seven then yes, but it seems that they have gone ahead of us."

"Let's get moving then, our boat is ready."

Arriving at the port in Wave, they were greeted with the sound of fighting, but the visibility was near zero.

"This is ridiculous; we can't see a thing sensei." Kiba complained

"Not so loud Kiba or we lose the element of surprise." Kakashi reprimanded his student.

"Do you want me to clear the area sensei?" Naruto asked, already preparing himself should the answer be yes.

"Wait Naruto," Kakashi said halting the boy's actions, "let Hinata try to look through the mist first."

"Byakugan!" She exclaimed quietly. "I can make out chakra pathways, but the mist is too thick to actual see persons and it's laced with the caster's chakra as well."

"Okay Naruto, you can proceed."

'Uzumaki Art: Spiraling Shockwave.' A huge pulse of chakra washed over the area dissipating the mist obscuring their vision.

"Fan out, Hinata tend to the wounded, Kiba and Shino scout the area for any hidden accomplices." Kakashi ordered, not taking his eye of the fight in front of them.

"Daisuke assist Hinata, Akaran help with the protection of the client and Naruto…" Yamato never got to finish his statement as Kakashi tapped him, indicating where his third student was; right in the heart of the fight.

What caught Kakashi's attention was the sight of Hayate trapped in a water prison powered by Zabuza Momochi. His clones were fighting Asuma and the genins.

"Naruto! What are you doing here?" Ask Shikamaru struggling to fend off one of Zabuza's clones.

Just then Asuma defeated one the clones, revealing it to be a water clone.

"Shikamaru, keep making him move." Naruto called out to his friend.

"What! Why?" Shikamaru questioned.

"Just do it, you'll see." A couple of yards more and the clone disintegrated.

"Their water clones, they can only go so far from the creator." Naruto informed the shadow user.

"Troublesome blond, how do you know that?" Shikamaru

"I use them."

While they were interacting, Kakashi and Yamato had engaged Zabuza allowing for Hayate to escape the prison.

"Well, well if it isn't the infamous 'Sharingan no Kakashi'." Zabuza taunted. At the moniker given to Kakashi, Sasuke stiffen, his thoughts swirling at the information provided.

"And you're the Demon of the Mist, Zabuza Momochi; wanted for the attempted assassination of your own kage."

All the genins were suddenly, paying attention to what was going on.

"While all this is fun, I'm only here for the bridge builder, hand him over and I'll spear your insignificant lives. Especially those wannabe ninjas you brought along with you." Zabuza spoke his demands without fear.

"Who is he calling wannabe ninjas?" Kiba yelled in response, clearly taking offence to the insult.

"Ignore him Kiba," Naruto said trying to get his friend to reign in his temper, "did you or Shino identify any area where a possible accomplice could be hiding?"

"Maybe, my insects sensed someone's chakra but it was faint."

"Maybe they were suppressing it." Kiba added.

"Well whatever their doing; get ready for a possible surprise attack from them." Naruto informed them.

Turning their attention back to what was happening, they watched as Kakashi mimicked Zabuza's actions in their duel with utter fascination.

"Man Kakashi-sensei is really badass." Kiba said in awe, as he observed his sensei's skills in action.

Just as Kakashi gained the upper hand in their fight, they noted the glint of the senbons flying through the air before Zabuza fell to what appeared to be his death.

"What happened?" Asuma inquired but no one had an answer until they spotted someone exiting the bushes.

"Thank you for your assistance in apprehending this dangerous criminal. Kiri owes you a debt of gratitude, now I must take my leave."

While the hunter nin was talking, Naruto and the others were suspicious of his sudden arrival.

"Shino is that who your insects sensed earlier?"

"Yes, that's the person."

"Shikamaru get ready to detain him with your shadow."

"What are you doing Naruto?"

"Switching places with Zabuza."

"What, how are you going to do that?"

"Don't worry. You ready?"

"This is a drag; you know that right." Shikamaru complained

"Do it now!" Naruto called out.

Shikamaru sent out his shadow to lock the hunter nin in place.

"Shadow Possession jutsu complete."

An instant later he'd switched place with Zabuza and landed himself right beside the surprised hunter nin. Catching him off guard Naruto was able to subdue him.

"Naruto what are you doing?" Hayate demanded heatedly.

"Beating him at his own game," Naruto responded confidently, "he's a fake hunter nin." Naruto continued on removing the ninja's mask.

"You had better be right about this because if you're not we'll have an international crisis on our hands." Yamato claimed his face set in that scary way that always made them shiver when he was displeased with something they did or didn't do.

"We sense him in the bushes earlier sensei." Shino supplied their earlier observation of the hunter nin. "He was suppressing his chakra but he's been watching the proceedings for a long time."

"Not only that, but why was he taking the body away instead of disposing of it right here. Its standard procedure for hunter nin."

"There's one way to clear this up Asuma-sensei, let Ino have a go at him." This was Shikamaru's recommendation to the problem, unwilling to let his friend's hard work go to waste.

All the sensei's shared a look that seems to communicate their approval before Asuma responded.

"We'll give you the benefit of the doubt and try your suggestion but after we get to Tazuna's home."

Before they knew it, they were at the man's house and being greeted by his daughter.

"Father, you're safe thank kami." Tazuna's daughter rushed to embrace him, thankful that her worries have been alleviated for the time being.

"These Konoha ninjas took great care of me and are here to help protect me as I finish the bridge." He would not worry her further with the details under which he commissioned the mission or why so many ninjas were with him.

"I am Tsunami, thank you all very much for keeping father safe." She bowed then stepped aside to let them in. "It's small but I'm sure we can all accommodate all of you."

"We'll make do." Hayate assured her.

"Dinner will be in an hour." She was not sure how much food she had to go around but for tonight it should be enough.

The genins were all assigned to one room while the sensei's took the other along with the two hostages. After dinner they would allow Ino to use her clan's jutsu to get the information they needed.

Dinner was good, Tsunami was a great cook but it was obvious that her supplied were limited. They thanked her and retreated to their rooms.

"Ino, it's time." Asuma called to his student.

She immediately got to work entering the hunter nins mind, retrieved the information and got out.

"So, what did you find?" Asuma trusted his student to know what was needed and to ensure she got it.

"His name is Haku and he's Zabuza's apprentice. Gato hired them to take out Tazuna-san because he thinks the bridge will hinder his plans to fully control the country." She reported.

"It makes sense, according to what Raiya told me, this Gato has his hands in a lot of illegal activities. He's been slowly bleeding this country dry in hopes of taking it over." Naruto shared his knowledge with them in hopes that they can make a decision about what's happening.

"Alright let's all get some sleep and we'll discuss this further. I'll take first watch." Kakashi needed to think and the quietness afforded him on his watch is just what he needed.

As the genins returned to their room, they stayed up talking and plotting.

"We need to assist with the food supply, it's a lot of us and they look like their struggling to feed us."

"What do you suggest we do?" Sasuke was blind he saw the meal placed before them and knew that while Tsunami could afford to feed his team, it was obvious she was not prepared to handle four full teams.

"We apply what we learned in the academy regarding obtaining food while out in the field for long periods of time." Shino explained.

"We forage and hunt, anything that is edible should be good." Shikamaru finished the thought

"Great idea, we can do it in teams." Hinata

"Daisuke and I have some rice and noodles we bought on our mission." Akaran offered.

"Hold on to those for now, until we see what this place has to offer."

"We should also assist with meal preparation so that Tsunami isn't overwhelm."

"Well one of us will volunteer to help with each meal preparation."

"I'll help her with breakfast then someone will take lunch and so on." Hinata volunteered, always happy when she can prepare a meal to share with her friends.

"So, it's settled then."

Everyone nodded their agreement to the plan. With that they prepared themselves and turned into for a good night's rest.

In the morning Tsunami entered the kitchen to start breakfast but was surprised to see her counter cover with meat, fish and vegetables. Just then Hinata entered the room.

"Good morning Tsunami-san, my name is Hinata, and I am here to assist you."

Thank you very much Hinata, you're help is really appreciated." She said smiling at the quiet girl.

Thankful for the thoughtfulness of the ninjas, she set Hinata to work as they prepared the meal.

After the meal, the sensei's assigned tasks for the teams. Team seven went to the bridge with Tazuna since it's their mission to protect him. Team ten stayed with Tsunami and her son while teams eight and nine when scouting.

Going to the town gave them a true picture of what life was like for the citizens of Wave and how much this Gato had affected them. Not liking what they were seeing the genins inquired what action would be taken.

"Sensei, does this mean we are taking down this bad man?" Akaran asked already angry at what he was seeing and he wasn't the one being affected.

"No, it certainly does not mean that. It's not in our mission parameters." Yamato responded.

"In order for that to happen, a request would need to be made for such a mission." Kakashi explained.

"That's crazy, look at this place they are clearly suffering." Barked Kiba disbelief in his voice.

Shino, Hinata and Daisuke all added their two cents but in all the talking, Naruto remained silent as he surveyed the people and places.

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Elsewhere, Gato was pissed, he had not heard from those fools he had hired to take out the bridge builder and now he had to go look for them. "They had better be dead or they will wish they were when I get through with them."

That night Naruto corned Tazuna and pumped him for information.

"Tazuna-san, what is your Feudal Lord saying able this situation?" "Surely, he plans to do something about it."

"I wish I could give a clear answer but everyone is extremely scared of Gato. Especially, after he made an example of my son-in-law."

"He killed him, didn't he?"

"Yes, and he did it right in front of everyone."

Returning to his room Naruto informed the other genins of what he learned from Tazuna. They thought of ways to be helpful but then it best to plot Gato's downfall.

In the other room Zabuza had regained consciousness thanks to the combined efforts of Hinata, Ino and Haku. He was fed and then interrogated.

"We'll be handing you and your apprentice over to the new Mizukage. Hopefully there's a bounty on your head."

"Wait did you say new Mizukage, can you tell me who it is?"

"Mei Terumi, I believe is her name."

"Damn she did it. Thank you." He would gladly return to his country and accept whatever punishment necessary. Just knowing that evil man was dead will make it worthwhile.

A rainy morning greeted them but that didn't stop the genins from gathering food. It also didn't prevent Tazuna from going to work on his bridge even though the men were quitting on him. Team seven accompanied his as usual.

Gato had sent his men to the bridge with a warning for Tazuna but since he was there, they delivered the message to his workers. By the time he got there, the workers who could walk was helping those who couldn't. Informing Tazuna and by extension team seven of the events that transpired in their absent the men made it clear they would no longer be helping him much to his disappointment.

Back at the house the other teams were guarding Tazuna's family suspecting that Gato might send his thugs to harm them. However, they were getting bored.

"How about doing some training while we wait for this mission to finish?" Kakashi ask the other sensei's hoping they'd be interested.

"Sounds like a good idea to me." Replied Asuma, if his teams can observe how their peers were doing maybe they'll stop complaining and work harder.

"What exactly do you have in mind?" Yamato inquired, skeptical about Kakashi's motive for wanting to train.

"How does combat preparedness sound, the genins against the three of us."

"It sounds great to us sensei." Kiba said walking up with a wide smile on his face.

"Well then, on your mark, get set, go."

"Akamaru, let's get them," they rushed Kakashi who was closest to them, Kiba aiming a fist at his head but Kakashi grabbed his arm and threw him. "Kiba, what have I told you about teamwork?"

"Shikamaru, was that enough time to come up with your plan?" Naruto ask his friend who had stayed at the back of the group to do what he does best, strategize. His plan was simple, mix and match everyone, have three attack one jonin at the same time then switch.

Not like they were going to win but maybe they'll be able to get in a hit or two. Hinata took on Asuma in taijutsu, Naruto attempted to apply fuinjutsu in a fight and Daisuke would trap him in a genjutsu; Shino tried to get his insects on Yamato while Ino threw weapons, and Kiba engaged him in taijutsu; Shikamaru would try to capture Kakashi with his shadow while Choji engaged him in taijutsu and Akaran in kenjutsu.

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Later that day when the genins were free to relax, Naruto, Hinata, and Shikamaru sneaked away unnoticed from the house. They were planning on speaking with the Feudal Lord regarding the situation in his country. He no long had the option of being passive, his people were on the brink of starvation, the women and children were being forced into unsavory work while the men are likely to be killed for speaking out.

After much pleading, they were granted an audience with the Lord for which they were grateful.

"Thank you so my Lord for agreeing to see us." Hinata greeted as they bowed their heads.

"Well when they said a Hyuga and an Uzumaki were here to see me I could not turn you away. Now what is it that you need of me?"

"We're here concerning the man named Gato and his monopoly on your country." Naruto hated to see people taken advantage of but he thought it was unforgivable when persons in position to help did nothing to help alleviate their suffering.

As the Feudal Lord observed them, he couldn't help but hope that this was his country's one chance at redemption. They chance to get rid of the wolf in sheep clothing that walked into their home and took everything they held dear and tore it asunder.

"I wish we had never let him into our country, he promised so much but delivered nothing but pain and suffering. He has broken my people's will and humiliated us for all to see."

"Why did you not reach out for help?" Shikamaru could see the man's brokenness but that was still no excuse to sit back and allow Gato to have his way.

"Because Gato has a lot of influential people in his pocket." The Lord replied.

"That explains a lot. He's made it difficult to know who to trust and so it limited who you can seek help from." Naruto said after hearing what was just said.

"Yes, it has but Gato isn't afraid to kill anyone who gets in his way or seeks to change things." The Lord said.

"Do you want to get rid of him?" Hinata asked, having heard enough to know that if they do not offer this man a way out, he might not ask for himself.

"Yes, but what can you three do?" He was skeptical of the three, but what else did he have. None of the great nations had looked their way since this mess started.

"Give your permission in writing and we will help." Naruto told him.

"For what in return?" The Lord wondered.

"Your alliance." Naruto said, his tone left no room for doubt. "This country once had an alliance with Land of Eddies, they protected you, now allow me to ask the same of Konoha on your behalf."

After much contemplation, the Lord began to write and when he was finished, he added his seal before handing the document to them.

"Take this and do what you must but please do not disappoint." The Lord said, his face blank but deep inside he began to hope for the first in a long time.

"We will not." That said they left.

That night at dinner there was a small confrontation between Tazuna's grandson Inari and the Konoha ninjas.

"Why are you all here, there's nothing you can do. You don't know how powerful he is, you'll never make it out of here." Inari shout, tears streaming down his face as his body trembled with rage. "Gato will kill all of you, just like he did to those that defy him."

Everyone remained quiet during his rant, no one certain how to respond to the little boy who was clearly hurting. Eventually Naruto spoke up, because someone had to help him see that just because things seemed bleak, it doesn't mean that they will stay that way forever.

"Does it make you feel better to cry and shout at others? Does it help your pain go away?" He was not trying to decry Inari but he was not good with comforting people either. He also needed to get across to the boy that wallowing in his grief would not change anything.

"What do you know of my pain? You don't know how much I've suffered." It was clear the boy was being consumed by his grief, losing his hope that someone would be able to save them from the tyrant that had taken over their country.

"I may not know your particular pain but everyone sitting here does know pain in one form or another. We're sorry you've lost your father but you have a mother and grandfather who loves you, gives you everything you need and protects you."

"That is more than some kids get in any one lifetime. You have people to share your pain with so why keep it to yourself."

"For the first five years of my life I had no one to give me the things you take for granted but I never cried about it. I never had anyone to share my pain with because just about everyone in my village hates me for things, I didn't do but I didn't cry or get mad."

"I simply appreciate all I have because it's what really matters to me. The few people that accepted me for who I am makes my pain less and the fact they loved me for who I am, is more than I could ever ask for."

"Perhaps when you've found a way to overcome your pain, you'll figure out what is important to you, then you'll stop crying and instead offer to help those less fortunate than yourself."

After speaking he excused himself from the table and left the house. His little speech left some with questions while others were proud to see how far he had come. This may have left Inari with a lot to think about but it didn't lessen his pain or gave him hope that all will be well. He was a 'seeing is believing' kind of guy which meant, unless the ninjas could defeat Gato and his henchmen then nothing would ever change as far as he was concerned.

Later that night when they were all together making plans for the next day; Naruto, Shikamaru and Hinata informed the others of their conversation with the Feudal Lord and of his request to have Gato removed from his country. They hoped the document given would suffice, that the jonins would accept it and use it as evidence when asked by Hokage about authorization for taking out Gato.

"Naruto, we need the Hokage's permission if we want to undertake such a mission."

"Not really Kakashi-sensei, we can do things on behalf of our clan and Naruto said that his clan once had an alliance with this country in the past." The problem with that statement was that the clan no longer existed and there was little leverage for one boy acting on behalf of a long-forgotten alliance.

Everyone turned to look at Naruto at the moment, silently asking for clarification.

"I'm just trying to help these people that were once protected by my clan, to keep their legacy alive so that people remember them for what they represented." Naruto was unsure they would accept his explanation but he would not give up even if they did.

"Okay, I can live with that." Asuma said, impressed by the genins desire to help people in need. Never one to act carelessly, the lazy smoker could see the determination in the eyes of their students to do what little they could to stop the unnecessary suffering for the people of Wave.

With that Naruto showed the document he received from the Feudal Lord to the sensei's.

"You guys did very good work, this should satisfy Hokage-sama that we had permission to go after Gato and besides it also means more money for the village because this mission has long since pass being a C-rank." With that being said, they made plans on how to quietly dispose of this crime lord and his henchmen.

The next day team nine joined seven on the bridge to help protect the bridge builder and the few workers still working. The size of the bridge and the quality of the work being done was really impressive and it was hard not to want to see it completed knowing how much it would benefit travel and trade between Fire Country and Wave Country.

"Would you like my help with moving the materials?" Naruto asked Tazuna, wanting to lend his support in any way possible to the man. Especially after he saw two more workers quit on the bridge builder because of fear. He really couldn't blame them; they were just ordinary civilians without experience in combat going against a wealthy tyrant would could hire samurai and ninja to do his bidding.

"That would be appreciated kid, as you can see, I'm short on workers and he long we take to finish bridge the longer stay in our sorrow and the more my people lose hope for a better life." Tazuna replied, appreciative of the offer and a little surprise that the hired protectors would so easily volunteer to help in something that probably didn't concern them.

Hearing the man was short on workers Naruto decided to add a few more and called forth his shadow clones to help make the work go faster. It was the least he could do after seeing how far one man would go to help his country survive.

After dinner that night, the sensei's gather the genins outside to go over their plan. The genins were not going to like being left out but some battles were just for jonins.

"Listen up everyone, Hayate will layout our plans and we expect you to follow orders." Yamato declared.

"Asuma and I will take care of the henchmen while Yamato and Kakashi will go for Gato and those surrounding him." Hayate informed them. "All of you will stay here and protect the family."

"That's not fair sensei, we want to help." Hibachi said, Kiba being the only person agreeing with him.

"Don't be silly, we'll only get in their way." Sasuke rebuked his teammate. He knew better than to get in the way of jonins and especially Anbu. A lesson he learned from his many talks with Itachi and Shisui.

At midnight after the sensei's left, Naruto prepared himself to leave as well. He was going to sneak into Gato's place and clean out all his money and documents.

Packing several storages scrolls along with his weapons, he opened the window and was just about to climb out when a voice stopped him.

"Just where are you going, you troublesome blond?" Shikamaru asked surprising the other boy. He just knew that his friend had something up his sleeves, he was too accepting of the sensei's plan of action.

"I thought you were sleeping." He didn't need to answer because he knew Shikamaru and Shino would figure it out, one of them would come after him while the other stayed to keep everyone else in line.

"We were before you two started talking." Reply Sasuke grumpily. Sitting up on his futon he regarded the blond, and like Shikamaru, he also wanted to know just where Naruto was going when they were order not to leave.

"Answer my question Naruto." Shikamura demand, there was no way he would let Naruto just leave on his own to go out into unknown territory without backup.

"Yeah Naruto, answer the question." Daisuke spoke up revealing he as well was awake and concerned his teammate was putting himself in danger but knew how stubborn he could be when he got things in his head.

Staring as Shikamaru intensely, Naruto turned and jumped from the window landing on the ground and immediately took off.

"Is he going where I think he is?" No one even realized the quiet girl was awake until she spoke up.

"Hinata?" This was all Shikamaru had to say for the girl to do what came next.

"Byakugan!" She called, determined to track their wayward friend so they could follow. "He's heading into direction Sensei indicated as Gato's located."

"Damn him, what does he think he's doing go off on his own." Shikamaru grumbled under his breath.

"We should go after him." Kiba stated, already getting up from his futon.

"No Kiba, we can't all leave here. Someone has to protect the family as our sensei's ordered." Shino replied.

"It's settled then, Shikamaru and I will go." Sasuke said vehemently. "Hinata you should probably come along too as we will need your help seeing."

"Why do they get to leave, and not the rest of us?" Hibachi wondered out loud.

"Because they know what they are doing." Choji offered

"Besides, like Shino said we were ordered to stay and protect the family, no one else will be leaving here tonight." Ino stated, daring anyone to state otherwise. Just one look at her face told them she was not in the mood to be argued with.

Akira, Akaran and Daisuke just watched the happenings wondering if they'd get in trouble once the sensei's returned.

Jumping through the window like Naruto had done, they were about to sprint off when a sound was heard from the side of the house. Taking guard thinking it might be an intruder, they were surprised when Naruto he walked up to them.

"Naruto! How are you here when Hinata saw you run off?"

"Oh, that was just my shadow clone; he went ahead to scope out the place." Naruto looked sheepishly at them. "I was going to leave about an hour after, give him time to do his part and transmit the findings to me."

"Sounds reasonable but next time don't scare me like that." Shikamaru was a little more relaxed knowing that his friend hadn't run off too some unknown.

"Yeah, sorry about that." Bringing his hand up to rub the back of his neck, he thought of whether to say more but refrained. Naruto might look like he's back to his old self but Shikamaru knew better than most that it was not so.

By the way, why are you outside by yourself? He was sure he knew why but he'd prefer to hear his friend admit it.

"Testing my limits." Was all he said, trusting that his friends to get the meaning.

There was a pausing in the conversation, each seemed lost in thought. It was then that Hinata realized something and questioned her friend.

"Naruto, how were you able to hide from my byakugan?" Initially she'd been shocked at the realization but she trusted he would tell her if he could. While the Hyuga's dojutsu had a blind spot, not everyone knew and it certainly wasn't something they want broadcasted especially when there were persons looking to get their hands on the eyes.

"Promise I'll tell you when I can but right now, we need to head out." Having said this, he turned on his heels and sped off, expecting them to follow.

Hey Naruto, wait. Shikamaru called after him but to no avail. "That troublesome blond will be the death of me." He continued to grumble as they started after him.

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Elsewhere, the four jonins had no problem getting into the building where Gato and his men were, the guards keeping watch were little more than pawns on a shogi board when it came to skill and resistance. There were close to fifty men in total, some were obviously drunk while others were busy moving supplies from one area to the other, some were probably unaccounted for considering the size of the building.

It was Asuma's move, melee fighting was his specialty but it was hard to keep things quiet while engaging an opponent in that style, which was what they were counting on. Once in, he was to quickly drawing their attention to him which would allow his teammates to fulfill their task undetected.

"Hey you, what the hell are you doing here, how did you even get by the guards? Well don't worry, you won't be leaving this place alive but first less see how well you can use those knives of yours." Unsheathing his sword, he charged at Asuma swinging the weapon in a downward arc intending to slice into his opponent's torso. Raising his left hand, he met the strike in mid strike. Asuma then kicked out his right leg striking the Ronin in his abdomen causing him to hunch over with a groan.

Just then another ronin entered the room realizing what was happening alerted the others and before long Asuma was surrounded. "Good of you guys to join in the fun." Moving his head side to side and bouncing on his toes, he bought his hands up, knives edged with his wind chakra. "May the best man win?" A loud cry of 'get him' sounded as they rushed him swords ready to slice and dice him, a kick, as jab and a slice took down the first, then it was on. Complete and total chaos ensued.

Hayate was engaged in a similar battle in the hallways that led to the upper levels and the room Asuma was in.

The main event was happening on the top floor as Kakashi and Yamato made light work of the ronin and thugs stationed on the floor where Gato's office was located. By the time they entered his office, the man was already cowering behind his two bodyguards Zori and Waraji but realizing it was only two men causing the disturbance, composed himself before threatening them.

"You fools think you can just waltz into my place, create mayhem and then walk back out? You're dead, you hear me, dead." While he ranted like a lunatic, Yamato took care of his guards outside, the move left Gato defenseless and panicking.

"Wait, I can give you anything you want, just don't kill…" deciding bribery was his best option for survival, he attempted to offer them a portion of his wealth if they spared his life but never got the chance. While he was yet speaking, Kakashi started reading his judgment.

"For crimes perpetrated against the government and people of the Land of Waves, you have been found guilty and your penance, death.

"Noo..." his cries cut short from the kunai in his throat. His disproportioned body weight causing him to fall forward embedding the weapon deeper, ensuring his death.

Heading back down to the bottom floor they met up with Asuma and Hayate and together they left.

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By the time Shikamaru and the others finally caught up, Naruto was standing outside of what they assumed to be Gato's office building.

"Y-you troublesome blond, why did you make me have to go so fast." He was hunched over, hands on his knees breathing hard.

"Stop your complaining lazy ass, we're here." He was staring at the building before him while deciphering the memories he'd gotten from his clone's clone.

"What exactly are we here for anyway?" Sasuke was sure he'd made a big mistake in coming but was curious to see what the Uzumaki was up to. For as long as he's known the other boy, it was seldom that they exchanged words with one another while at the academy.

"We're here to raid this place of money, documents, and valuables. If it can be sealed then we take it." Naruto answered as if it should be obvious to everyone. "Why you're here though, honestly, I'm not sure, no one asked you to come." He just shrugged his shoulders at the Uchiha as if to say, you figure it out.

"Isn't that stealing, Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked him quickly not wanting there to be any unneeded tension in the group.

"Nah, we're going to take back what belongs to the people and the rest belongs to me."

"What! Why?" Sasuke exclaimed but was shooed by the others.

"Because, it won't belong to anyone and since I'm the one who got the Feudal Lord to authorize this take down, then to the victor goes the spoils."

"You're something else, you know that but I like how your mind works." Shikamaru added clearly showing he was with Naruto on this.

"Hinata, you okay with that?" To which she nodded. Naruto did not want her to do anything against her conscious. "Then please take a look for me and see if you can locate a safe, my clone could find it." Naruto knew she was cautious by nature but once things were for a noble cause, they could always count on Hinata to do her part.

"There's a large safe on the top floor, far left. The few guards are on the bottom floor or in the basement." Naruto nodded his thanks to her, then spoke to everyone.

"I hope everyone knows how to climb walls because that's how we're getting in and out." Who needed to use a door when you can use windows or enter through the roof? "After a ninja should be unseen, unheard, and fast!" This was the only warning he gave before leaping off.

They were in an out after about three hours, Naruto using his shadow clones to allow them to work faster. They were back at the house and in bed by the time the sensei's called for them to arise.

That morning Tazuna informed them it would take another week to finish the bridge. After he spoke the sensei's informed him and his family about Gato, the news was received with joy.

Later that day, Naruto, Hinata and Shikamaru returned to the Feudal Lord to deliver the countries share of Gato's ill-gotten wealth. He thanked them and they left.

Throughout the week as Naruto continued to help with the bridge, he was able to speak to Tazuna about his plans to construct his own home. He also informed him of the temple he needed renovated.

"Would you be willing to take the job? I want a large house with at least two or three levels. One of which must be below ground." This is to ensure he had space for future expansion. "I also need my clan temple renovated."

"Just tell me when and I'll be there. In the meantime, I'll work on a few plans for you to choose from."

"Thanks, Tazuna-san."

"No problem kid, it's a job you're giving me after all."

The week soon came to an end, and with the bridge finished, the ninjas left for Konoha.

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Arriving at the gate, they met Guy-sensei and him team also returning from a mission.

Neji-nii-san! Called Hinata, excited to see her big brother after so long.

Since he had become a chunin earlier in the year, it was hard for them to spend time together.

"Lady Hinata, I see you are just returning as well." Neji greeted his cousin in typical Hyuga fashion but his eyes are what always told Hinata how glad he is to see her.

While the two chatted away, the other genins looked on in wonder at her change in demeanor at seeing him.

"Is he her big brother? He's really intense looking." Inquired Akaran.

It was Sasuke that answered. "No, their actually cousins, their fathers are identical twins. It's probably because they are really close why she refers to him like that."

"Wow, Sasuke, that's a lot of words even for you." Akira teased him but he just glared at her causing the others to laugh.

"Hn" was his only response.

Kakashi spoke to dismiss them. "Alright genin you have two days off to rest; we'll report to the Hokage. So off you go."

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Standing before the Hokage, the four jonins delivered their report, careful to word it so that they do not anger their commander-in chief. They also handed him a scroll holding the payment for two A-missions. Zabuza and Haku were already with T&I department awaiting extradition after negotiations between the Mizukage and the Hokage.

"So, let me get this straight. The shipping magnate was after the client?"

"Yes Hokage-same, he had taken over their trading industry through fear."

"Okay I understand that but when did the Feudal Lord give you permission to take out this treat?"

"Well Sir, he gave it in writing to three of the genins."

"The genins you say, so which three would they be?"

"The Hyuga, Nara and Uzumaki."

"When you were listing the names, I expected to hear the Uchiha not Uzumaki. I wasn't aware Naruto had the skills to be negotiating with Feudal Lords."

"It's not about that, he just has a low tolerance for unjust suffering." Kakashi stated.

"I see, is there anything else that I need to know at this time."

"No Hokage-sama."

"Then you're all dismissed."

Alone in his office Sarutobi was seething, but it didn't last long as there was a knock at his door once more.

"Enter"

"Excuse me Hokage-sama; can I have a word with you?" Naruto was still a bit leery of the Hokage from pass interactions but he had promised the Feudal Lord he would to about the alliance on their behalf.

"Ah, Naruto-kun, come on in. What can I do for you today?"

"I wanted to talk to you about Wave and the possibility of having an alliance with them now that Gato is no longer a threat."

"An alliance, what would be the benefit of such a relationship with this country?"

"Well for starters, they need protection which they will pay for and there is the shipping industry which is very profitable and would make trading easier and cheaper for the village and even Fire Country as a whole."

"It sounds like a truly good premise for an alliance but let me discuss it with my advisors and we will call you at a later date should we accept."

"Thank you, sir, this would mean a lot to the people of that country." With that he bowed and left.

Staring at the retreating boy, Hiruzen couldn't help the smile that pulled at his face. Pulling out his journal he wrote detailed notes to his would be successor. He made mention of the qualities that one Naruto Uzumaki possessed and why he continued to advocate to whomever will take up the mantle next, to ensure that the boy remain loyal and inline to take up the position of Hakage. Hiruzen stated that it was after all the will of the Fourth Hokage, the will of his father.