"Don't look away," Kakashi said. Naruto swallowed hard. The goons gathered around Zabuza's body. "That man lived his life full out."

"Hey!" One of the goons turned on the two of them. "That geezer was our meal ticket! We're gonna have to loot this town to break even!"

"What?" Sasuke appeared by Kakashi and Naruto. The goons started to advance.

"This could get bad," Kakashi warned. A crossbow bolt landed in front of the goons. Behind the ninja was a crowd of people. Kakashi recognized most of them from town.

Sakura, Inari, and Tsunami were at the head. The three of them were banged up but fine. Inari was wielding the crossbow. Tsunami scolded him for almost hitting Naruto.

"Sakura!" Naruto called out. Kakashi let out a sigh of relief. Tazuna stared, silent.

"Inari… All of you."

"Looks like we're right on time!" Inari yelled.

"You think you worthless people can take us on?" One of the goons shouted. "We'll kill all of you!"

"Like that'll happen!" Naruto created a few clones. "I'll kick all of your asses."

"I'd better help," Kakashi summoned an army of clones. The goons hesitated and started to back off.

"Yeah!" Inari ran over to Naruto and Sasuke, waving his crossbow around. "Get out of here, losers!" Tsunami followed, warning him to watch where he aimed the crossbow.

The army of Kakashis started to advance on the goons. The goons retreated further down the bridge.

Kakashi relaxed, the clones vanished instantly.

"I hardly had enough chakra to keep up that bluff," he sighed. He glanced at Zabuza as Inari told Naruto and Sasuke about the goons that attacked his house. Kakashi noticed Sakura wiping her eyes. He approached Zabuza.

"Kakashi," Zabuza's voice was weak. "Please…" Kakashi pulled his headband over his sharingan and looked down at Zabuza.

"What is it?"

"Let me see his face."

"Sure." Kakashi lifted Zabuza and carried him past the others. He ignored the kid's concerned looks. Sasuke looked up.

"It's snowing." Naruto noticed as well, raising a hand to catch a few snowflakes.

"isn't it summer?" Inari asked.

Kakashi placed Zabuza's body by Haku and stepped away. Zabuza was whispering something. Kakashi didn't listen. Soon, he was gone.

"Sakura, what's wrong?" Naruto asked as she approached him and Sasuke. Sakura was silent.

"Nothing."

X

Kakashi buried Zabuza and Haku. He marked Zabuza's grave with his executioner's blade.

"Kakashi sensei…" Naruto spoke up. Kakashi perked up, glancing over at him.

"Yeah?"

"Am I a tool?" Kakashi blinked. He scratched his head.

"I suppose we all are." Naruto balled his fists.

"I'm not a tool," he growled. Kakashi gazed at the kid.

"Naruto," he said. "Don't do anything stupid."

Then, Kakashi left.

Two weeks later, team Kakashi was preparing to leave the Land of Waves. Inari was hugging Sakura.

"Come visit sometime!" He insisted.

"Thank you for everything," Tazuna said. Kakashi nodded at him.

"We've enjoyed your hospitality."

The four of them left.

The journey back to the Leaf Village was long and tiresome.