Our Will of Fire
AN- I AM NOW ACCEPTING OC BLADE SUBMISSIONS! PLEASE PM ALL IDEAS WITHIN REASON AND DO NOT MAKE THEM TOO OP, SUBMISSIONS MUST INCLUDE A NAME, WEAPON, APPEARANCE, AND A BRIEF PERSONALITY DESCRIPTION! I WILL NOT ACCEPT SUBMISSIONS FROM THE REVIEW SECTION! I do not own either Naruto or Xenoblade Chronicles 2 in any way shape or form and they are the property of their respective owners Masashi Kishimoto and Monolithsoft respectively. I make no money from this story. Also if I swap between English and Japanese sporadically I am sorry.
Warning: Naruto and others will become quite overpowered compared to most others for most of this story. I am also semi to pretty damn bad at writing fight scenes so for that I'm sorry.
"Biju Speaking"
'Biju Thinking'
"Biju Telepathy"
"Telepathy"
'Person thinking'
Flashback Speech
PLEASE READ AUTHORS NOTE AT THE END
xXxXx Location: Tazunas' house, 7:15 PM
After having relaxed a bit and taking a small look around the building to determine who will sleep where, the girls in one room while the guys share their room, along with entry points to the building they started making plans on how to deal with Zabuza. "Well like it or not we're going to wind up fighting him again, there's no 'if' about it. The only ones who could take on Zabuza would be Kakashi-sensei, me, Pyra, or Naruto if he's supported by me or Pyra. Otherwise the others should engage the woman in the mask or other allies of Zabuza while at least one of us protects Tazuna." Mythra suggests causing everyone else to think.
Sakura nods, "It's a good plan with the least amount of risk to both us and the client. While one of us, hopefully Kakashi-sensei, handles Zabuza we take care of his accomplices. I myself am not as strong in the offensive jutsu department as the four of you but I have a good number of defensive jutsu at my disposal. I think it best if I protect Tazuna while Sasuke and you all handle Zabuzas accomplices." Sakura says in a rather wise tone of voice that surprises everyone a bit though everyone nods in agreement.
"Ok, so we have a general plan on how to deal with this when the time comes, once Kakashi-sensei comes to we'll start discussing the guard rotation for Tazuna-Jiji on the bridge and his family." Naruto says earning more nods from everyone before Tsunami comes downstairs.
"Everyone, your sensei is awake." Tsunami says earning relieved sighs from everyone. "You're free to go see him but make sure you're back down for dinner in twenty minutes, and if one of you could bring him down that would be wonderful." Tsunami says as she goes back to the kitchen to finish their dinner.
Everyone gets up and starts walking upstairs to the boys' room, as they enter they see Kakashi sitting upwards in the futon. "You all know he's not dead right?" Kakashi asks his team who nod in response. "Good, last thing we need is for you all to be caught unaware if I'm still out of commission later." Kakashi says as everyone chuckles a bit solemnly.
Mythra steps forward, "Glad to see you're ok Kakashi-sensei, you fought well. We already have a plan for when Zabuza returns and if he comes back with some backup." Mythra says and relays their plan to Kakashi who seems impressed with it.
"Not bad at all, I'm actually pretty impressed with your analytical skills. Though I don't think I'll be able to fight for at least a week, overusing my Sharingan really took it out of me." Kakashi says.
Everyone looks at him but Sasuke decides to address the three tomoe themed elephant in the room, "Kakashi-sensei, where did you get that Sharingan?" Sasuke asks seriously.
Kakashi looks at Sasuke and sighs, "That's a long story…. One I don't like telling…." Kakashi says sadly before he looks at the ceiling, "I'll tell you all one day, but not today." He says earning nods of understanding from everyone, even Sasuke.
"I see, whenever you want to talk about it please let me know. It's important but I don't want to push you." Sasuke says which surprises everyone with his maturity.
"Anyway Kakashi-sensei, it's almost time for dinner, how about we get you downstairs." Pyra suggests and Kakashi nods while immediately after his stomach grumbles loud enough for everyone to hear which makes everyone chuckle. Pyra and Naruto help Kakashi to his feet and help him down the stairs to the kitchen.
As they enter the kitchen and sit down Kakashi they all take their seats, waiting on the food while Tazuna pours a cup of sake, "Mind if I get a saucer of that Tazuna-san?" Mythra asks much to the surprise of everyone present. "What, old enough to kill, old enough to smoke, have sex, and drink. I'm also a few years older than everyone other than Pyra who's only a few months younger than me and Kakashi-sensei who's obviously older." She says causing Tazuna to shake his head.
"As ninja our expected life spans are dramatically shortened, so societal norms are somewhat lenient towards us as even genin need to find a way to destress and deal with the baggage of our line of work." Pyra says sagely while Kakashi nods in agreement.
"In addition, it's very, Very hard for me, Pyra, or Naruto to get drunk as our alcohol tolerance is immense." Mythra explains as Tazuna fills a second saucer he handed her with sake, she raises it in cheers before downing it in one go, giving a pleasant burning sensation in her throat, "Woo, not bad at all. A bit on the weaker end but satisfying nonetheless." She says with a smile on her face which makes Tazuna chuckle.
A few minutes later Tsunami comes back into the kitchen with a few plates and bowls, "Ah, let me help you with that Tsunami-san." Pyra says as she gets up and follows Tsunami to the kitchen. A few more moments and clanking of glass later, Pyra and Tsunami re-enter the room with plates, bowls, and pots of food. After setting everything down on the table the two sit down at the table and begin serving out portions of the food.
After everyone has received their portions Tsunami smiles as Inari enters the room and sits down next to his mother at the table and she begins filling his plate. "Dig in everyone!" Tsunami says with a somber smile on her face.
"Thank you for the food!" says the members of team seven before they start eating their share of the food.
A few minutes of silent eating Kakashi decides to break the silence, "Ok everyone, you're going to need to be ready for when Zabuza comes back." Kakashi says earning the attention of everyone while Inari stops eating a flinches. "So starting tomorrow we're going to be training to increase our chances of success on this mission. Though from what I've seen of the Uzumakis' training regimen the don't need the training I have in mind so they can train privately and guard Tazuna for a few days while the two of you get up to snuff." Kakashi says as he looks at Sasuke and Sakura who look a bit annoyed at being weaker than the Uzumaki family but understood the reasoning Kakashi had for giving them guard duty first. "Tazuna, tomorrow when you head to the bridge Naruto, Pyra, and Mythra will be joining you so they can protect you in case Gato gets any funny ideas." He says which causes Inari to get up with his face hidden by his hat.
"I'm going to my room." Inari says in a low and sad voice before walking upstairs.
Naruto looks at the retreating boy before turning back to Tsunami and Tazuna, "What's up with him?" Naruto asks the two people who look a bit more somber now.
Tsunami sighs, "He's been through a lot, Gato executed his father Kaiza a few years ago in front of the village and because of that he lost hope in heroes." Tsunami says before explaining how Kaiza was viewed as a hero by everyone in Nami, but mostly by Inari.
Mythra sighs, "I know the kid has had it hard…. But moping around and doing nothing other than waiting for the worst to happen isn't a good way to live, besides," Mythra says before taking a sip of her tea, "the members of team seven and the Uzumaki family won't let Gato have control of this country for much longer. Heroes still exist, we'll make Inari see that when we take down Zabuza and Gato." Mythra says confidently before pouring herself another saucer of sake and downing it. Everyone looks at her with expressions of shock, respect, and relief before she finishes eating. "I'm going to turn in for the night, thank you very much for the food Tsunami-san." Mythra says before placing her plate in the sink and heading upstairs.
Tazuna downs his own cup of sake, "She seems confident with her words." Tazuna says before Naruto smiles.
Naruto gains a fond look on his face before he finishes eating and heads upstairs, followed by the rest of team seven, with Sasuke and Pyra helping Kakashi get upstairs.
The following morning, 7:00 AM
The members of team seven and Tazuna are outside his house, Kakashi now walking with the assistance of a pair of crutches. "Ok, Sasuke, Sakura, the two of you follow me, you three keep Tazuna safe." Kakashi says as he looks at the Uzumaki siblings who nod in response.
Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi walk off towards a nearby forest to do their training while Naruto, Mythra, and Pyra travel with Tazuna to the bridge.
After reaching the bridge and finding a number of workers ready to go Tazuna starts directing them to their tasks. After a while of standing around, Naruto, Pyra, and Mythra decide to check the bridge and surrounding area for traps or hostile surveillance, though they find nothing of note. As the day goes on and nothing of consequence happens Naruto has an epiphany and walks up to Tazuna, "Hey Tazuna-Jiji, I think I have a way to speed the construction up a bit." Naruto says which earns Tazunas' attention immediately.
"How so gaki?" Tazuna asks, wondering what Naruto could be suggesting.
Naruto just grins and put his fingers into a single handsign, "Kage Bushin no Jutsu." Naruto says before well over 100 Naruto clones poof into existence on the bridge, stunning Tazuna and a number of workers who were on break, "Just tell them where you need them Tazuna-Jiji!" Naruto says with a grin that Mythra and Pyra chuckle at before Tazuna grins madly before ordering the clones around. Naruto smiles at the antics before Pyra and Mythra make a few clones to patrol the area while Naruto pulls out a book labled 'Fuinjutsu: Intermediate Level 3' and turns to a page three quarters of the way through the book.
At the same time, With Sasuke, Kakashi, and Sakura
Kakashi, Sakura, and Sasuke enter a rather large clearing before Kakashi pulls out a few scrolls, "Ok you two, I know that you've been practicing the Tree walking and Water walking exercises so I can move right on to teaching you some jutsu given that you informed me about your elemental affinities. For Sasuke I have Raiton: Raikyuu and Raiton: Raikochu, though that second jutsu is a hybrid ninjutsu whose primary purpose is to blind your opponent." Kakashi says as he hands the scrolls to Sasuke, "Start with the Raikyuu. Sakura, I have the Mizu Shuriken Bushin no Jutsu, a rather effective D-rank jutsu despite its simplicity, Mizu no Muchi, a decent restraining technique that can also harm your opponent, and lastly Suiton: Suijinheki, one of the bread and butter defensive jutsu that in all honesty you should master before the others despite the Mizu Shuriken being a lower rank." Kakashi says as he hands the three scrolls to Sakura who nods in acknowledgement. "Ok, I want the two of you to begin training with the jutsu I suggested first, I'll keep an eye on your progress and help if possible." He says before the two sit down and start reading their scrolls with extreme vigor.
Tazunas' house, later that night
Everyone is sitting down for dinner while Mythra and Tazuna share some more sake, Mythra only having a single serving. As everyone is eating Kakashi decides to start talking with his little brother figure, "So Naruto, Tazuna said that you're using shadow clones to speed up the construction process." Kakashi says in an inquiring tone to which Naruto, Mythra, and Pyra nod, "Exactly how many clones can you make at once?" Kakashi asks Naruto and he starts taking a drink through his mask.
Naruto thinks for a second, "I don't know the exact number I can make at once but the most I've made so far was 350 during a training session." Naruto says causing Kakashi to spit out his drink through his mask and start coughing which earns questioning looks from everyone except the Uzumaki family.
"What's up Kakashi-sensei, is that an impressive number?" Sakura asks, genuinely curious as to Kakashis' reaction to the number of clones Naruto can make.
Kakashi calms down and catches his breath, "Sakura, the Kage Bushin no Jutsu is a B-rank Kinjutsu technique used almost exclusively by Jonin and ANBU and even then in very few numbers due to their immense chakra requirements." Kakashi says which shocks everyone and except Tsunami, Inari, and Tazuna. "A Kage Bushin splits the chakra evenly of the caster among each of the clones, meaning if you used the jutsu on full and created only one it would split your chakra in half on top of the chakra cost. There are reason it's a Kinjutsu, it not only has such immense requirements in terms of chakra but it also can cause mental trauma due to their special properties of transmitting information to the caster, the fact that Naruto can make that many is next to impossible." Kakashi says in awe which makes everyone look at a nervously chuckling Naruto who's rubbing the back of his head. Sakura asks how many Kakashi can make and he thinks for a moment, "Well if I'm not using my Sharingan and I'm at full reserves, I can make about 25 if I push myself to my absolute limit." He says causing Sasuke and Sakura to pale at the amount of chakra Naruto has to have. "But enough of that, I'm proud of you two for putting in so much effort in your training today, amazingly Sakura has almost completed the first Jutsu I assigned her while Sasuke is making good progress on his, after they learn those jutsu we'll start swapping guard shifts." He says and earns nods of acknowledgement from everyone.
Inari slams his hands onto the table with an angry look on his face, "Why don't you stop acting like you're going to win huh?! Why are you even trying?!" Inari asks earning worried looks from his mother and grandfather while the members of team seven look at the boy with upset and questioning gazes. "No matter how hard you try Gato will kill all of you! You're just six people versus an army that Gato can hire!" he says, obviously upset.
Naruto sighs, "Listen kid, it doesn't matter how many losers Gato hires, we'll protect your grandfather and help that bridge get completed. After all, we're the heroes." Naruto says before taking a drink of his tea while Mythra and Pyra nod in agreement.
Those words hit Inari deep causing him to have yet another outburst, "There's no such thing as heroes, you ninja think you can just come here and everything is just magically better?!" Inari asks before slamming his hands again, "You all probably live cushy lives back in the safety of your village! So shut up about being heroes because you don't know what it's like to suffer!" Inari yells causing Naruto to look downward while Mythra and surprisingly Pyra put on small frowns.
Naruto puts down his tea and starts chuckling in a rather quiet and subdued tone, "We don't know what it's like to suffer eh?" Naruto asks Inari while Mythra and Pyra look at Naruto with worry, "Tell me kid, what would you do if you grew up for the first five years of your life in an orphanage where you were left alone by the matron, ignored by the other children, and was given barely enough clothes and food to survive before being thrown out at the age of five for no reason. You haven't lived for months alone on the streets while people in your own village beat you whenever they could get the chance. You haven't been seen as less than human!" Naruto starts yelling louder and louder with each sentence while everyone sans Kakashi, Pyra, and Mythra looks at the boy in shock, Inari starting to cry, "You at least had a family for your entire life, I was alone for close to the first seven years of my damn life, so don't you DARE TALK TO ME ABOUT SUFFERING!" Naruto practically screams as he unconsciously releases some KI. Naruto gets up and heads for the door, "I'm going out to train, I'll be back later." Naruto says before he turns his head to look at Inari with an ice cold stare that could freeze hell, "Listen here kid, your grandfather and his workers are risking everything to save your people, are you willing to do the same to protect what you love? Because if you aren't, then you'll die alone and without meaning and then everything you love will die as well." He says before he walks out of the house, his swords still in their sheaths.
Narutos' words still fresh in their minds, Inari and Tsunami crying while Tazuna looks at his reflection in his sake, "S-Sensei…. Is what he said true? Did he really live his life like that?" Sakura asks in a hushed tone as her voice wavers. Before Kakashi answers, Inari runs out of the room and rushes upstairs.
Kakashi sighs, "Every word was true…. In fact he downplayed a lot of it if I'm honest. I remember a few years ago a group of Chunin and others tried to kill Naruto and dispose of him in the sewer system, he was extremely lucky to survive that day." Kakashi says in a somber tone while looking at his tea, all the while Tsunami gasps in shock.
"B-but why? Naruto is such a sweet boy from what I've seen, and Tou-san has told me that he and his sisters are also very skilled. Why would anyone want to hurt him?" Tsunami asks worriedly causing Kakashi to sigh.
While everyone looks at him for answers Kakashi hears Pandorias' voice, "You may as well tell them some of the details Kakashi, you don't have to say everything but this may change quite a few things." Pandoria says but before he can respond Mythra starts speaking.
"It's because a very large number of people in the village sees him as a demon, a monster, and as something less than human all because of something outside of his control." Mythra says sadly, "There are very few people in the village that care about Naruto; in fact you could probably count the number of people that actually like Naruto on two hands. And for people who love Naruto like family that can be counted on a single hand if you include Pyra and myself." Mythra says sadly which causes everyone but Sasuke, Pyra, and Kakashi to look at her in shock.
"Seven years ago Mythra and I became his sisters after we met him, we saw Naruto for Naruto and didn't see how he could be anything other than a scared and lonely kid." Pyra says in a low tone that makes everyone further upset as Pyra is usually the bright one, so to see her so sad is a bit of a bitter pill, "He's suffered a lot in his life without a family, even now he wishes he had his parents but is happier than he's ever been because he has people around him who love him every day, who want him to come home safely each day instead of wishing he would die. The villagers and ninja who can't see Naruto for Naruto are idiots that I can't help but pity, because they're so set in hate that they don't see what a bright and kind young man he is despite all of the pain they've put him through." She says with tears starting to form in her eyes. Pyra and Mythra look at the door leading out of the house, "Inaris' words really hit home for Naruto, so for right now the best thing to do is to give him some space and let him vent his frustration. Once he comes back we'll talk to him. Thanks for the food Tsunami-san." She says before heading up to her own room followed by Mythra leaving behind a very somber table of people.
Kakashi looks more somber than anyone else in the room, "Naruto will be fine like Pyra said. We just have to give him some space until he blows off some steam, he'll be back." Kakashi says and goes upstairs with the help of his crutches, leaving everyone behind to think on the events of the night.
xXxXx Location: Forests of Nami no Kuni, 8:30 PM
Naruto is in the middle of a clearing a decent distance from where his teammates trained earlier in the day and is running through a series of dual wield katas, "Damn brat doesn't know what it's like to truly suffer." Naruto says as he cuts through a tree with Pyras' blade in his left hand.
Naruto hears a sigh in his head, "I agree Naruto, but the brat also lost someone precious to him, he shouldn't have blown up at you for deciding to help his people but you also didn't have to give in to your emotions. All humans have faults, all humans suffer at some point, it's just that some suffer more than others and it's how you react to that suffering that helps define you." Kurama says to Naruto in a sagely tone.
Naruto sighs as he calms down a bit, "I know, I…. I just couldn't control myself there. When he said that I didn't know what it was like to suffer I just snapped a bit." Naruto says to Kurama.
Kurama sighs but gives Naruto a mental smile, "Don't worry about it kit, again, all humans have faults, you just have to get better at controlling your emotions. Anyway, while we're out here we may as well practice a few things I can teach you." Kurama says while his tails wave behind him.
Naruto is intrigued by this, "Oh, and what techniques are those?" Naruto asks the Biju.
"I'm going to teach you how to control Fox Fire, or Kitsune-Bi." Kurama says earning a smile from Naruto who then looks confused.
"But I don't have a fire affinity, this won't be easy or chakra efficient then will it?" Naruto asks Kurama who starts chuckling.
"Kit, just because you don't have a fire affinity doesn't mean it will be harder or more intense to use Fox fire, purely by having my chakra running through your veins you have a passive affinity for Fox fire specifically, which doesn't normally show for anyone outside of the fox clan. So I can teach you these abilities without fear of you having their power diminished by a lack of a fire affinity." Kurama explains and this causes Naruto to break out into a grin.
"Alright Kurama, let's get to work, how am I supposed to do this then?" Naruto asks, eager to get started.
Kurama grins at Narutos' enthusiasm, "Alright kit, the basic technique for Fox fire is actually a jutsu you've seen, the Katon: Gokakyuu no Jutsu, however this variant uses fox fire and is the Precursor to it, Kitsune-Bi: Gokakyuu. Focus on my power and mix it with your own, fill your lungs with the flames and let it loose upon your target. I should warn you though, the flames are extremely intense in heat, almost as hot as Brighids' flames when she and that Hinata girl fight seriously." Kurama explains and then details the handsigns to focus the chakra for his human container.
Naruto follows Kuramas' instructions and feels an extreme heat building in his stomach as he runs through the handsigns, as he finishes the last handsign he puts his fingers in front of his mouth and releases a small dark red fireball that makes it about 5 feet before dissipating, "Guessing that it wasn't supposed to be that weak." Naruto says while Kurama snickers and tells him to try again but to put more chakra into it. After about 15 attempts, 3 of which literally blew up in his face, he manages to launch a fireball the size of a full grown dog at a nearby tree about 30 feet away, when the flames make contact with the tree it bursts into dark flame and after a few minutes the tree is burnt to ashes.
Kurama looks on through the eyes of his container, 'Not bad at all Kit, a massive improvement so quickly and this is without even using Shadow Clones.' Kurama thinks to himself as he watches Naruto practice.
As Kurama thinks about Narutos' progress something incredibly smart hits him, forming a single handsign he calls out, "Kage Bushin no Jutsu!" and 150 Naruto clones poof into existence around the field. "Alright you guys, you know why I brought you here, I want 50 of you to continue reading those books on Fuinjutsu and practicing our Calligraphy, I want the next 50 to start running some chakra control exercises, mix the water walking with leaf sticking, and the last 50 of you will work with me on this new jutsu and any other Kurama gives us! When you finish your task, dispel 5 at a time every 2 minutes." Naruto says to his clones who all start doing their assigned tasks.
2 hours later
Naruto and his clones, about 15 remaining of the ones practicing the Kitsune-bi jutsu Kurama taught them due to dispelling either from an accident or overuse of chakra, are still practicing the Kitsune-bi: Gokakyuu, Naruto and his clones run through the handsigns and unleash the jutsu again, this time one of the clones creating a large dark red fireball that obliterates one tree before traveling to the next three trees behind it and incinerating them all. Naruto and the clones look at this in awe before Naruto dispels the clone that just did that damage, Naruto and his clones receiving the memories of the clone they run through the handsigns again and manage to mimic the effects to a similar degree, "Yes! I finally got it down!" Naruto cheers before deciding to contact Kurama, "Hey Kurama, you see that?" Naruto asks and hears snoring causing Naruto to sweatdrop, 'Ok, I guess not. I'll let the guy sleep, at the very least I can practice some more on my own or start running through some more katas.' Naruto thinks to himself before dispelling 5 more clones. "Guys, dispel 3 at a time each minute while I rest up for a few." Naruto says to his 9 remaining clones who were practicing the jutsu.
A few minutes pass and Naruto runs through the information he got from the clones, noting the amount of power he had to put into the jutsu each time he used it for it to be effective. After reviewing some of the information his clones decided was necessary to dispel so he could learn the information he hears some yawning in his head, "About time you woke up Fuzzbutt, I managed to get off a decent powered version of that jutsu, wanna see?" Naruto asks Kurama who sighs.
"Sure kit, show me how far you've progressed." Kurama says and Naruto runs through the handsigns before releasing a fireball at a series of trees, five trees being incinerated by the flames before they die down. Kurama whistles at the destruction, "Not bad at all kit, for only having practiced for a few hours. Those shadow clones are really handy, honestly a bit broken due to your ability to make hundreds and still have more chakra than most Kage. Throw that together with how they transmit information back to you and you can become a true force to be reckoned with in a few years." Kurama says to a grinning Naruto who yawns after a moment.
"Thanks for the praise Kurama, though that isn't the full power of the jutsu is it?" Naruto asks and earns a chuckle from Kurama who is shaking his head, "Well then, I guess I'll have to keep practicing." Naruto says before a few more clones dispel and the mental strain finally hits him from all of them, causing Naruto to fall backwards lightly and lean against a tree, unconscious.
Kurama chuckles at this, 'Not bad at all kit, you've got that jutsu down to at least 60% of its' max potential, I cant wait to see how you do with the other jutsu I've got to teach you.' Kurama thinks to himself before putting his head on his arms and decides to start organizing Narutos' memories so the boy can sleep while Narutos' clones continue to do the control exercises and read the Fuinjutsu texts.
Open field, 6:00 AM
A long haired ravenette enters the field where Naruto was training and notices a large number of burn marks and slashes, after looking around for a bit she sees a familiar face. 'That's the boy who fought alongside that blonde haired girl against Zabuza-sama. From the looks of this field he must have been training late into the night, he's obviously dangerous if his teamwork with that blonde is any indication. I don't want to but I should take care of him so he isn't a threat to Zabuza-sama.' The girl thinks to herself before walking over to Narutos' sleeping form and reaching for his neck. As her hand approaches Naruto starts to stir somewhat and she changes her hands course to his shoulder and starts shaking him, "Come on, wake up. It isn't healthy for you to sleep out here in the open." She says as she wakes up Naruto. 'Damn, hopefully he won't be suspicious.' She thinks to herself as Naruto opens his eyes.
Naruto yawns and looks around, seeing a rather good looking woman kneeling in front of him, shaking him awake. "Huh, oh crap, is it morning already?" Naruto asks and notices it is daybreak, "Yeah, I guess it is, damn, that means I slept out here all night. Guess I pushed myself too far." Naruto says sheepishly as he rubs the back of his head, "So what's your name?" Naruto asks the woman who chuckles at his antics.
"My name is Haku, what's yours?" Haku asks with a smile after introducing herself.
Naruto smiles back, "My name is Naruto Uzumaki, so what are you doing out here Haku-san?" Naruto asks.
Haku helps Naruto up and starts walking over to the nearby plants, "I'm gathering herbs for someone who is precious to me, he's really sick and I need these plants to make his medicine." Haku says as she picks up one of the plants.
Naruto smiles at that, "Well I hope your friend gets better soon Haku, though you might want to double check your plants, because that particular one is poisonous." Naruto says and Haku looks at the plant and realizes he's correct.
Sighing, she looks back at Naruto, "Thank you Naruto-san, you just saved me a lot of hassle." Haku says and she puts down the plant before starting to gather the correct herbs. "Though how did you know that plant was poisonous, are you a ninja." She asks and receives a nod in response.
"Yup, I'm a genin of Konohagakure no Sato! As for how I knew that plant was poisonous, my older sister Pyra has been studying medicines and medical techniques and she taught me a few things. It also helps to know some poisonous plants in case a ninja needs to make some poisons in the field." Naruto says as he walks over to Haku and kneels down, "Would you like a hand gathering?" he asks and receives a nod in response from the smiling girl.
After they gather all of the plants Haku needed they stand up, "Thank you for your help Naruto-san, it was very much appreciated." Haku says with a smile on her face while Naruto smiles back and rubs the back of his head, "Though I have to ask, why are you training so hard?" she asks curiously.
Naruto stops for a moment to think, "I want to get stronger…. Strong enough to protect my village, my friends, and my family. And for right now, getting stronger to beat Zabuza will help me protect many innocent people that I've decided to protect as well." Naruto says with conviction in his voice but before Haku can say anything Naruto continues, "But, I know I'm not fighting alone, I have my teammates and my sisters to back me up. So bring it on Oinin-san." Naruto says as Haku gets into a defensive posture, cursing herself for being unarmed.
Somewhat nervously she asks, "How long did you know and how?"
Naruto chuckles a bit, "Since I woke up and smelled you, I got a decent whiff of you off of that pet rabbit of yours and you smell exactly like it." Naruto says, causing Haku to blush but remain on the defensive.
"So what are you going to do, take me out here?" Haku asks, getting ready to prepare a jutsu.
Naruto shakes his head, "No, I'm not. Even if I took you out here, Zabuza would still most likely come back later, and besides, I'm hoping that in the end we don't have to fight each other, you're nice Haku and I really don't want to hurt you. But why does such a nice girl follow a man like Zabuza?" Naruto asks Haku who sighs and tells Naruto about her life in Kiri including the death of her mother at the hands of her father over her Kekkei Genkai and being saved by Zabuza, "That's terrible, I'm sorry you had to live through that." Naruto says.
Haku blushes again, "It's fine Naruto-san, the past is the past, and besides, I'm alive and with someone precious to me." Haku says causing Naruto to nod in agreement.
Naruto sighs, "I know what that's like, I'd do anything to protect my precious people to stay by their side. Even though we'll most likely be enemies in the future, I'm happy to have gotten to know you a little Haku, maybe we won't be enemies for much longer." Naruto says to Haku who chuckles.
"If I'm honest, I hope so as well, you're very nice Naruto-san. And even more so because you're also very strong and are going to get even stronger as long as you protect your precious people, because that's what makes a person truly strong." Haku says to Naruto who nods in agreement. She begins walking away and waves goodbye to Naruto who does the same. Naruto leaves the field after gathering his stuff and begins heading back to Tazunas' house but makes a single handsign as he walks into the treeline.
xXxXx Location: Tazunas' house, 6:45
Naruto walks into the house and his senses kick into high gear, but not fast enough as a flying pan hits him clean in the face and knocks him onto his ass. "OW! What the hell was that for?!" Naruto yells as he notices Tsunami looking at him with a death glare that makes him feel like he's looking at the Shinigami.
"That was for not coming home last night Naruto-san! Do you have any idea how worried your sisters and I were for you?" Tsunami asks while standing over him and holding another pan, the whole while all of the residents of the house are watching with curiosity.
Kakashi notices Narutos' appearance and sees the singe marks on his outfit and face, 'He must have been practicing a new jutsu, and for quite a while too.' Kakashi thinks to himself as everyone chuckles at Tsunamis' rant at Naruto on making sure he got home safely.
Naruto is eventually released by Tsunami and is allowed to go clean himself up before sitting at the table for breakfast along with everyone else. As Naruto eats breakfast Sasuke decides to ask where Naruto was, "So Naruto, where were you last night?" he asks.
"I was nearby where you guys trained yesterday, I was practicing a new jutsu and reading a few books." Naruto says and Kakashi decides to inquire further.
"I noticed your face and clothes were singed a bit when you came in, I'm assuming you were learning a Katon jutsu?" Kakashi asks and this makes Sasuke look at Naruto with a curious gaze while Pyra and Mythra look at Naruto in pride.
Naruto rubs the back of his head, "Something like that, but also not correct. You'll see eventually Kakashi-sensei." Naruto says happily which causes Kakashi to nod and everyone goes back to eating breakfast. As everyone finishes Tsunami walks over to Naruto.
"Naruto-san, I'm sorry about Inaris' behavior last night, I'm sorry if it brought up any painful memories for you." Tsunami says but Naruto waves her off.
"It's fine Tsunami, I know the kid has had it rough, but he needed to realize others have had it worse and someone will always have it worse than yourself. Once he realizes that, he can gain the strength he needs to protect those precious to him." Naruto says with a smile on his face before walking outside with the others to go do their jobs, not noticing Inari listening in from the staircase.
xXxXx Location: ?
Zabuza is lying down on a bed in the middle of a large room, resting peacefully until the door is opened forcefully. "Why isn't that bridge builder dead yet Zabuza?!" asks a short man with a cane and business suit. "I heard you got beat by a bunch of kids, demon of the mist my ass, more like pussycat of the mist." Says the man as he approaches Zabuza.
Zabuza grunts as he looks over and sees his midget employer, Gato and his two samurai guards. "Don't worry, a minor setback thanks to my underestimating Kakashi Hatake of the Sharingan, I will kill that bridge builder the moment I'm back up to 100%." Zabuza says as he looks at the ceiling.
Gato growls and reaches for Zabuza only for a blur to appear in front of him and grab his wrist painfully, "You will not touch Zabuza-sama." Haku says as she breaks Gatos' wrist causing him to scream in pain and his guards reach for their swords only to find them missing from their sheaths and held at their necks, "I suggest you don't attempt something like that again." Haku says coldly as she holds the blades to the throats of the two samurai.
Gato growls as his guards shake in fear, "Damn you, you better take care of that damn bridge builder Zabuza or I'll make sure those Kiri hunter nin get a nice and juicy tip as to your location." Gato says as he begins walking out, Haku handing the blades back to the two samurai. 'Damn them, they'll pay for this.' Gato thinks to himself with an evil smirk as he leaves the building.
Haku walks over to Zabuza, "You didn't need to do that Haku, I had it taken care of." Zabuza says as he pulls out a kunai he had underneath the blanket.
Haku chuckles and removes her mask, "I know you could've handled him Zabuza-sama, but for now we need him alive." Haku says and Zabuza sighs in resignation.
"I hate it when you're right sometimes Haku. We'll kill that midget painfully after he pays us." Zabuza says. "How long until I'm good to go Haku?" he asks.
Haku sighs, "Well if you don't stress yourself then you should be good to go in about five to six days." Haku says causing Zabuza to sigh again before he falls back asleep and Haku goes to practice a bit in preparation for the possible battle to come, not noticing the small rat following Gato out of the building earlier.
xXxXx Location: Gatos' Hideout, 10:20 AM
No one noticing the small rat hiding in the shadows Gato and his thugs are conversing in his office as Gatos' wrist is mended by a personal doctor, "Damn that bitch and Damn Zabuza. Those two are becoming more trouble than they're worth!" Gato yells as the doctor fits the cast on his arm.
One of his guards walks forward, "Maybe it would be best to take Zabuza and his apprentice out of the picture, they've already hurt you and are obviously not too keen about working with your Gato-sama." Says the left mercenary, named Zori.
Gato sighs and then growls, "I hate to agree but at this point we can't take Zabuza out just yet." Gato says before Waraji, his other guard steps forward.
"How about this, once Zabuza recovers and he starts fighting the ninja hired by Tazuna we wait in the waters below for the fighting to get intense, once the fight is over or they're all hurt and tired we can go in and take out the survivors since they'd be weakened." Waraji suggests and Gato gains an evil grin.
"That sounds perfect Waraji, but let's add another layer to this just in case, we'll bring about 200 of our best men to the fight as a precaution, you and Zori will also go and kidnap either his daughter or his grandkid, I would prefer you capture the woman alive though as she might be worth something." Gato says while chuckling evilly and his two guards mimic the grin, none of them noticing the small puff of smoke coming from the shadows.
xXxXx Location: Bridge, 10:28 AM.
Naruto sighs as he watches the clones work on the bridge while he reads his fuinjutsu book, but a moment later his face contorts in anger as the memories of the clone he had Kage Henged into a rat came to him, "Damn that Gato, I've gotta talk to Zabuza and Haku the next chance I get, Kakashi-sensei too." Naruto says to himself as he makes a clone to run off to the field where Kakashi and his team are training, "Your number is up Gato, and you just gave us the way to end you in a blaze of glory…. For us." Naruto says with a rather cruel smirk on his face that makes even Kurama smile in glee.
End
AN- I hope you all enjoyed part Two of the wave arc, next chapter we conclude the wave arc and enjoy a few new surprises to the story! Now my question is, do you people want Naruto in a small harem, Like Naruto x Hinata x Haku, or do you just want Naruto and Hinata as a couple. Please comment with your thoughts or PM any concerns. I also hope you enjoyed my little escapade with the Kitsune-bi style which I admit I got from another fic which I unfortunately cannot remember the name of, however most if not all of the jutsu I will be having Naruto learn will be original creations of mine. Please review and I hope you enjoyed this chapter, Ja ne!