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, 6:30 AM, 7 days after arrival in Nami no Kuni
The members of team seven and Tazunas' family are just finishing eating breakfast, "So Kakashi-sensei, how're you feeling today?" Sakura asks.
Kakashi gives her an eye-smile, "I'm almost back to 100%, another day of light activity and I should be good to go against Zabuza. Though with the injuries he's sustained and the death-like state he was forced into he might be back sometime either tomorrow or the day after. So from here on out we all need to be on guard, we'll head to the bridge together to keep an eye out for Zabuza and his accomplice while someone stays behind to watch Tsunami and Inari as they're a possible target." Kakashi says and everyone nods in acknowledgement.
Naruto smiles, "Kakashi-sensei, I can leave behind a few clones here at the house and around the area to protect Tsunami and alert the other clones as to approaching threats, would that work?" Naruto asks.
Kakashi thinks about it for a moment, "Do it, leave at least 15 clones in and around the house with a number of clones in the town and in the surrounding area, I'll leave that amount to your discretion Naruto." Kakashi says and Naruto puts his hands in a single seal and creates 25 clones, 10 of which henge into various things or hide in the area surrounding the house, five of which hide in the house. The other 10 run to the surrounding area and hide. "Are you ready Tazuna?" Kakashi asks.
Tazuna gets up and hugs Tsunami and Inari, who remained quiet the entire week so far, before heading to the door where everyone is waiting, having gotten up while Tazuna said good bye to his family. "Alright, let's get going." Tazuna says before leaving the house with his guards and turning to Naruto, "I hope your clones are good enough to protect my family." He says.
Naruto chuckles, "Don't worry Tazuna-Jiji, they may dispel in one hit but with the way they're hidden they won't be found easily. They'll most likely take out any threat long before they get close to the house, if they manage to get past then they'll dispel and alert me to a threat, meaning I'll haul it back to your house to take care of those fools personally." Naruto says with a vicious smirk that makes Tazuna shiver. "Anyway, how much longer until the bridge is ready for use Tazuna-Jiji?" Naruto asks causing Tazuna to smirk.
"Thanks to your help we're WAY ahead of schedule, if we continue at this pace we should have the bridge ready for use in three days, but even then we have to build a roof to it to protect it from the rain so that will take at least another two weeks after the bridge is finished, maybe three. In all honesty I can't express my gratitude enough for all of the help your team has done for me and my people." Tazuna says with a fond smile on his face that makes every one of the genin and even Kakashi smile a bit.
Naruto smiles brightly at that comment as they travel but smiles even more so when he remembers his conversation from the other day
Flashback, 2 days after Naruto met Haku
Naruto sent another henged clone to the hideout where Zabuza and Haku were staying; making sure no one would notice the henged rat once more. After the clone makes it into Zabuzas' room he makes sure no one else other than Zabuza and Haku are in the room, "I suggest you come out before I decide to end you now." Haku says into the darkness as she holds up three senbon needles. A moment later a poof is heard and a Naruto clone walks out of the darkness, surprising Haku and Zabuza. "Naruto-san, what are you doing here? And how did you know where to find us?" Haku asks as she and Zabuza eye the boy who managed to fight off Zabuza.
Naruto chuckles and holds up his hands, "I'm a clone so killing me won't do much, besides I came here to talk. As for how I found you, after we both left that field a couple of days ago, I sent a henged clone after you, luckily you didn't notice it." Naruto explains and Haku sighs, kicking herself for allowing herself to be followed.
Zabuza sits up in his bed and further eyes the boy, "Well, you wanted to talk, so what could be so important that you'd come here while I'm weakened without the intention to end me?" Zabuza asks, genuinely curious as to why one of Kakashis' genin would want to talk.
Naruto sighs and puts his hands down to his sides slowly, "I came here to warn you that Gato is going to betray you when you attack the bridge after you recover." Naruto says causing Zabuzas' eyes to narrow and Hakus' eyes to widen.
"And how do you know this exactly boy?" Zabuza asks angrily.
"Shadow clones, the Kage Bushin no Jutsu." Naruto says causing Zabuza to chuckle slightly, disbelieving that a child could learn such a high rank Kinjutsu. "I see you don't believe me, but ask yourself this, how did I know where to find your hideout without Haku noticing me, she's obviously either high-chunin or low-jonin in skill, and how else would I know that Haku broke Gatos' wrist as he reached for you and then held his guards swords at their necks." Naruto says earning a disbelieving look from Zabuza and Haku. "My clone followed Gato to his own hideout to see what he could figure out; the clone overheard a conversation where Gato will have a large number of mercenaries waiting until we're all tired from fighting before sending them to finish us off, he'll also be sending Zori and Waraji to attempt to kidnap Tazunas' daughter. You see, Gato sold you out." Naruto says causing Zabuza to tighten his fist in anger.
"That god damn midget!" Zabuza yells in anger while Haku just has a deep scowl on her face.
Haku looks over to Naruto, "Thank you for warning us but why did you?" Haku asks.
Naruto smiles and rubs the back of his head, "Because you're not a bad person Haku, and you've experienced a pain greater than my own. I don't want to fight you, I don't want to run the risk of killing you or your precious person, after all, you'd give your life to protect them right?" Naruto asks solemnly causing Haku to nod, "I'd prefer all of us make it out of this alive and Gatos' rotting corpse feeding the fish at the bottom of the river, so you wanna team up to take down Gato?" Naruto asks.
Zabuza sighs, "Listen kid, I know you've got a thing for Haku," Zabuza says causing Naruto and Haku to blush slightly, "but I can't just abandon a contract without proof, I'd never be able to get work again." He says causing Naruto and Haku to frown slightly, "However, we'll do this. We'll use a genjutsu to make ourselves look hurt and tired in order to provoke Gato into attacking, if your words ring true and he brings his mercenaries to take us out we'll drop the genjutsu and help you kill Gato, sound good?" Zabuza asks and earns a foxy grin from Naruto who nods, "Good, but trust me kid, you better hope I don't figure out if you're lying to me." He says causing Naruto to chuckle.
"Don't worry, I promise I'm telling the truth, and an Uzumaki never goes back on their word. I'll talk to Kakashi-sensei about this and see if he'll go for it; maybe we might even be able to get you two to join Konoha if all of this works out as I'm hoping, I'm sure you both have to hate being on the run constantly." Naruto says with a hopeful smile.
Haku and Zabuza chuckle, "Maybe brat, but we'll see how all of this goes down before we think of anything like that. I should be good to go in about another four days, so you better be prepared for us." Zabuza says before Naruto nods and poofs out of existence.
After a few moments Zabuza sighs and lays back down in his bed, "What do you think about this Zabuza-sama?" Haku asks.
Zabuza looks at her, "My ninja heritage tells me not to trust the word of someone I've fought with. But I've got a gut feeling about that kid that just screams at me to trust the brat, so I'm willing to take the risk if you are Haku." Zabuza says leaving Haku to think for a minute.
"I think it might be prudent to at least give him a chance, he could've revealed our location to his team and led them here without our knowing while you were still in a weakened state, yet he came alone, clone or no, to warn us about our employer speaks volumes about his courage." Haku says with a small smile on her face and a very faint blush, "Besides that, he's a really nice kid; I don't think it's in his nature to deceive another." Haku says fondly.
Zabuza chuckles, "You like him don't you?" Zabuza asks causing Haku to blush, "Don't worry Haku, despite you feeling like you're purely a weapon for me to use, that you're the perfect shinobi weapon, but I want you to have some happiness in your life that isn't from serving me." Zabuza says, surprising Haku. "I may be a cold blooded killer, but I see you as my own daughter Haku, despite how you feel about your own place in the world, what I want more than a free Kiri is for you to have the happiness I was denied in the bloody mist. So if working with that brat helps with that, then I'll do it." He says causing Haku to look at Zabuza with a smile.
"Thank you…. Tou-sama." Haku says causing Zabuza to look at her in shock before giving her a genuine eye smile and the both of them share a few laughs.
xXxXx Location: Tazunas' house, same day as the talk with Zabuza and Haku
Naruto smiles as the memories of his clone come to him after its talk with Zabuza and Haku. Naruto gets up and asks Kakashi to follow him to their room. After reaching the room Naruto puts up an amateur privacy barrier that surprises Kakashi, "Guess you've been practicing your seals, you're just like your mother and father in that department." Kakashi says with a hint of pride in his voice.
Naruto chuckles but gets serious a moment later, Kakashi noticing this listens intently, "Kakashi-sensei, I found Zabuzas' hideout." Naruto says causing Kakashi to go wide eyed, "I sent a henged shadow clone to follow the Oinin that helped him escape after I met her in a field the day after I left due to that argument." He says causing Kakashi to get upset that his student didn't inform him that he had encountered the enemy alone, "Now can you promise me that you won't interrupt me while I explain this?" he asks causing Kakashi to nod which makes Naruto smile, "Thanks Kakashi-niisan." Naruto says with a fond look on his face that makes Kakashi happy that Naruto called him brother, "That same clone saw an altercation between Gato and Zabuza, the clone decided to follow Gato and found HIS hideout and decided to listen in on his plans. It turns out that Gato plans to betray Zabuza and Haku during their next attempt on Tazunas life, after he's weakened from fighting us; he also plans to attempt a kidnapping of Tsunami or Inari to get leverage on Tazuna." Naruto says, impressing Kakashi at the successful infiltration by his clone, "Today I sent another henged clone back to Zabuza to warn him about the betrayal. Zabuza decided to take a chance to work with us to take down Gato, tricking him into the open so we can take him out together." Naruto says with a vicious smirk on his face, "We're going to hide under a genjutsu that makes us look tired and hurt and when Gato shows up to betray Zabuza we'll drop it and take Gato down all while some clones of mine protect Tsunami and Inari. And afterwards we can go to Gatos hideout to reclaim anything that belongs to the villagers…. And if possible Kakashi-sensei, would it be possible for Zabuza and Haku to join Konoha?" Naruto asks surprising Kakashi.
Kakashi hums for a moment while thinking of all of the things he just heard, 'It's not a bad plan, and if it goes well we don't risk anything to ourselves while also taking care of the larger threat, as for them joining Konoha….' Kakashi thinks to himself before he looks Naruto in the eye, "It might be possible if they had someone to sponsor them due to Zabuzas status as a nuke-nin but they would probably still be placed under restrictions for a time. Did they express interest in joining Konoha should this go well?" Kakashi asks his younger brother figure.
Naruto shrugs, "Not particularly, I actually offered them the chance if it was a possibility as I'm sure they have to be tired of being on the run constantly. And at least Haku doesn't seem like a bad person whereas Zabuza would be a good addition to Konohas' forces as a member of ANBU or a kenjutsu instructor possibly." Naruto says causing Kakashi to concede that point and sigh.
Kakashi thinks further on it for a few minutes and decides to take a shot in the dark, "Alright Naruto, I'll go ahead and summon Pakkun to take a message to Hokage-sama and tell him the situation and by the time all of this is done he should be back with a response, if Hokage-sama approves their immigration to Konoha then they're free to do so. And we'll obviously work with them, but if they betray us it's on you Naruto." Kakashi says seriously causing Naruto to nod in acceptance.
"I know Kakashi-sensei, it's my idea and my consequences to bear if it doesn't go as planned." Naruto says in a mature tone of voice before he deactivates the privacy seal and heads back downstairs with Kakashi while Naruto has a large grin on his face.
End flashback
Naruto is very happy at the possibility of not having to fight Haku and Zabuza, especially since Pakkun came back that morning with a message saying that Hiruzen approved their immigration to Konoha if they wished to join. Sasuke notices Narutos' good mood, "What's up Naruto, why are you so happy today?" Sasuke asks the grinning blonde driver.
Naruto rubs the back of his head and gives Sasuke an even more mischievous grin, "I just have a good feeling about today Sasuke." Naruto says simply, leaving Sasuke to ponder further about the blondes' mood while Sakura also thought on the mannerisms of her blonde teammate.
xXxXx Location: Zabuzas' Hideout, 10 minutes ago
Gato walks into the room where Zabuza and Haku are getting the last of their preparations out of the way, namely Zabuza strapping on his Kubikiribocho and Haku refilling her pouches with senbon and the occasional kunai knife. "So you're finally back on your feet Zabuza?" Gato asks snobbishly, "Are you actually going to do your job this time or do I have to find someone else?" he asks causing Gato to sneer at him from behind his bandages.
"I'm going to do the job I was hired to do, I expect you to uphold your end of the bargain and pay us once we get back." Zabuza says in a serious tone as he heads for the door with Haku.
Gato sneers, "Just do your job and worry about your pay when and if you manage to complete the contract." Gato says in a cocky tone that Zabuza puts in the back of his mind while Haku sneers behind her mask. Zabuza and Haku leave the building, leaving behind a sneering Gato who walks out of the building himself, "Get the men ready, we move in half an hour." Gato says in a low tone to Waraji and Zori, "And you two get going to Tazunas' house after that. I want that woman brought to me in one piece." He says and gives an evil and perverted chuckle.
xXxXx Location: Bridge, 45 minutes after Zabuza and Haku left, 7:15
Team seven and Tazuna are approaching the bridge, the skies clear and blue, however as they approach they notice a sight that worries Tazuna especially but also the members of team seven sans Kakashi and Naruto. They see the bridge builders who were there earlier than them in various states of unconsciousness, though thankfully no lacerations are on their bodies. Tazuna rushes forward and checks on one of his workers, "Th…. They came out of nowhere….. in the mist…." He says before passing out and a mist starts rolling in rather rapidly.
Everyone takes positions around Tazuna and Kakashi puts his hand on the handle of Pandoria. A few moments later Naruto smirks, "They're here." Naruto says simple while Kakashi nods in the affirmative.
A few seconds later the members of team seven can make out a pair of figures in the mist that are slowly approaching, these figures are Zabuza and the masked Oinin that helped Zabuza escape when he was defeated. Zabuza chuckles as he approaches, "Don't worry Tazuna, me and Haku here didn't kill a single one of your men, just made sure they were out of the way in case things get out of hand." Zabuza says as he continues to approach with Haku.
Kakashi still on guard smirks beneath his mask, "I thank you for that Zabuza, the only blood that needs to be spilled today is Gatos' and those who follow him." Kakashi says causing Zabuza to nod in agreement, leaving everyone not involved in the plot to look at Kakashi with a confused look on their faces, "Naruto found out that Gato planned to betray Zabuza and told Zabuza about it, as long as Gato comes here after we place our genjutsu to make us look tired and hurt we'll join forces to take down Gato and his thugs." Kakashi says earning surprised looks from the other members of team seven and Tazuna who then look at a grinning Naruto.
"Shadow clones are very useful eh?" Naruto says while grinning almost manically, "So useful for information gathering, combat, and training." He says with mirth in his voice.
Zabuza chuckles lowly at Narutos antics, "Yeah, yeah brat, we get it. But afterwards I want to fight the two of you, me and Haku versus Kakashi, the blonde brat and his sisters. I trust he can deliver on one of his offers?" Zabuza asks curiously.
Kakashi chuckles, "If you want it, it's been approved by Hokage-sama." Kakashi answers, surprising Zabuza and Haku.
Haku smiles behind her mask while Zabuza begins chuckling. "Alright then, seems our deal is in play, once Gato shows up we'll take him down and then head to his hideout to collect what the bastard owes us." Zabuza says earning nods from Naruto and Kakashi who relax slightly. Zabuza looks over at Naruto, "Hey brat, when we get back to Konoha I want to fight you, kenjutsu only." Zabuza says in a tone that makes Naruto smirk alongside Mythra, "You have some skills but I think I can help with that when all of this is done if you're up for it." He says and Naruto nods.
Haku steps forward and takes off her mask, "Thank you for this opportunity Naruto-san, Kakashi-san, I hope that we can all work well together in the future." Haku says with a slight bow and a genuine smile on her face.
Naruto chuckles, "It's not a problem Haku-chan, I'm just glad the two of you won't have to be on the run anymore." Naruto says while rubbing the back of his head nervously before turning to Kakashi, "Kakashi-sensei, I think it's time for us to put the genjutsu in place and wait for Gato." He says before moving into a more favorable position on the bridge.
Kakashi nods, "Sasuke, I want you to get ready with a few fire jutsu, Sakura you protect Tazuna with Suiton: Suijinheki when we drop the genjutsu, Naruto, Pyra, and Mythra, the three of you get ready to engage with both close and mid-range attacks alongside me and Zabuza, Haku unfortunately I don't know the skill set of so you act accordingly to the situation." Kakashi orders as he begins running through a series of handsigns to cast a proximity based genjutsu.
Naruto smiles as he gets his memories from a clone he had in Tazunas' house, "Hey Kakashi-sensei, Zabuza, Tazuna-Jiji, I just got the memories of one of my shadow clones, two of Gatos' thugs managed to slip by my net and make it to the house. My clones managed to capture them after Inari charged them, giving me an opening to incapacitate them." Naruto says causing Tazuna to pale, "Inari is fine Tazuna-Jiji, so is Tsunami, you've got a brave grandson you old drunk." Naruto says with mirth that makes Tazuna chuckle, 'It also seems like we're gonna get some reinforcements whether we need them or not according to another of my clones, but we'll have this handled by the time they get here.' Naruto thinks to himself.
"Seems you were telling the truth the entire time brat, now let's get ready." Zabuza says as the genjutsu takes effect, causing everyone to vanish from their current positions and damaged illusions to be in different places with Sasuke, Naruto, and Haku unconscious on the ground, Sakura, Pyra, and Mythra guarding Tazuna while shivering in fear, and Zabuza and Kakashi clashing swords against each other with a multitude of wounds on their bodies.
10 minutes later
Gato and his men had just arrived at the bridge by boat, a rather large barge ferrying about 200 men and Gato himself. As they stop next to a series of stairs meant to allow the workers access to the river so they can build more of the foundation they disembark and begin walking up the stairs with Gato leading the men, "Alright, you can all hear them fighting, I'll pay triple to whoever brings me the head of Zabuza and try to bring his little girl alive. Kill all of the men and bring me the women." Gato says to his men who all start chuckling evilly, 'After today Nami no Kuni will be mine.' Gato thinks to himself and begins chuckling himself as he finishes walking up the stairs and walks into the thick mist with his men behind him.
As Gato approaches none of his men noticed a small puff of smoke coming from on top of a nearby crate, Naruto gaining the memories of the henged clone smiles and signals Kakashi that Gato is here. Gato and his men are now visible to the members of team seven, Zabuza, Haku, and Tazuna, "What are you doing here Gato?" Zabuza asks through the mist as his genjutsu counterpart jumps back from Kakashis' genjutsu counterpart, "I told you I could handle this myself." He says as Gato starts snickering.
"I'd believe that if you didn't look like you were about to keel over like everyone else on this damn bridge. But that's beside the point, I'm here to have my other men handle this as your services are no longer required, in fact I never intended to pay you anyway." Gato says as he and his men start laughing loudly, "You high rank nuke-nin are just too easy to fool, accepting a contract with me saying I'll pay you the entirety upon completion where I can just wait until you finish the job and take you out when you're weak, I keep your fee and still make a profit off of your corpse, though the bitch that broke my arm is going to serve as a nice toy locked up under my house." Gato says which causes Zabuza, Haku, and Naruto to start releasing large amounts of KI while Pyra and Mythra look at the man in disgust and then start releasing enough KI that it makes a few of Gatos' men drop to their knees and start throwing up and Gato himself to nearly piss his pants while stepping back.
A few moments later the genjutsu disperses and Gatos' eyes widen at the sight before him, all of the people he came to kill and capture are standing before him perfectly healthy and in different positions than they were in before, "Well Gato, seems like you fucked up." Naruto says with a snicker while everyone eyes the man. As Gato watches the shinobi who were seemingly in terrible shape before walk towards him he can swear he sees the Shinigami standing behind all of them, ready to take his soul to the underworld.
Zabuza holds the Kubikiribocho in front of him as Naruto draws both of his blades and ignites them and Kakashi also pulls out Pandoria and ignites the sword, "You're gonna find out why they call me the demon of the hidden mist Gato, no one betrays me and lives to tell the tale, now die!" Zabuza yells as the three shinobi charge with Naruto charging with Pyra and Mythra in tow, Haku releasing senbon that nail a few of the mercenaries up front in vital points, and Sasuke starts running through handsigns releasing a few small fireballs from his mouth.
Gato starts running backwards, "KILL THEM ALL, I'LL PAY WHATEVER YOU WANT JUST KILL THEM!" Gato screams and makes it to the back of the mercenary band just as the shinobi start carving their way through the mercenaries without mercy, Zabuza making every kill as bloody as possible by removing their heads or bisecting them vertically or at the waist, Kakashi doing roughly the same but also releasing arcs of electricity that hit the mercs behind his target and stop their hears from the shock, Haku still going with clean and quick kills using senbon and the occasional kunai, Sasuke burning a few of the mercenaries alive from his vantage point, and lastly Naruto, Pyra, and Mythra charging through with a deadly dance of light and flames released from the two swords the three of them wield. Within the span of a minute the mercenary band is reduced from 200 to less than 25 members who are now praying to the Shinigami for mercy as they flee in terror from the ninjas. The whole while as Gato watches his men be decimated by seven people, four of which are children, he falls to the ground in terror thinking on where all of this went wrong, to him this was supposed to be an easy country to rip control from and make some easy money but now he's about to die as he watches the last of his mercenaries that were fleeing get a blade through his heart by the blonde woman with the glowing emerald sword.
As Gato watches the life leave the eyes of the last mercenary he hired he looks to his side and sees the instrument of his death, Zabuza Momochi. As Zabuza and the other members of the squad of ninja that just eliminated his men look down on the midget he starts laughing like a madman, "I may die here, but you and everyone in that town are going to hell with me sooner or later but all I can hope is that they take all of the women you love an…" Gato is cut off by his head being separated from his body by Zabuza.
Everyone watches Gatos' head roll off of the bridge and into the water below, Zabuza proceeding to search his body before kicking it off as well to remove the filth from his presence. Zabuza looks back at Kakashi and tosses him a set of keys, "Well, that little midget is finally dead, I have to thank you Kakashi, that brat and you not only probably saved my life but Hakus' as well, and you also allowed us to get payback on the traitorous bastard. Those keys should be for his vault and other valuables at his former hideout, so I can collect our pay and you can retrieve the money Gato stole." Zabuza says in a neutral but relieved tone as he puts his Kubikiribocho on his back.
As Kakashi and the other members of team seven talk about the events on the bridge, Sakura and Tazuna are still just standing there in shock over the massacre that their teammates inflicted on the mercenary force, "T-these kids are absolute monsters…." Tazuna says as he stands there stunned but Sakura looks back at him with a slight glare.
"True, this is way above what a genin team should be doing, but this is unfortunately the life of a shinobi. It's revolting but that's the life we walk from the moment we obtain our Hitai-ate (If I butchered the original spelling for this I apologize)." Sakura says as she adjusts her Hitai-ate causing Tazuna to sober down a bit.
"Y-yeah, my apologies, I just never thought I'd see a slaughter at the hands of children. I'm thankful for what you've all done though." Tazuna says in a remorseful tone as everyone starts sorting through the other corpses, but a few moments later Sasuke rushes to the side of the bridge and starts throwing up off of the side while Naruto looks a bit pale as his sisters comfort him, "W-why are they like that?" Tazuna asks.
Kakashi sighs as he approaches, "It's the adrenaline wearing off after combat… their first kills." Kakashi says somberly as Zabuza and Haku nod in acknowledgement, "The first kill is always the hardest, but it doesn't particularly get easier as much as it gets simpler to accept as a part of the shinobi life. I'll schedule a session with a therapist for the two of them when we get back to Konoha as standard protocol says when a ninja gets their first kill." Kakashi says as Sakura nods in acceptance while Tazuna looks at the boys with a solemn look on his face. "We'll rest up for a bit and then clean up the bridge so you can all get back to work tomorrow." He says as they hear the sounds of feet marching on the bridge. Everyone in the group tenses as they hear the sounds of marching feet and get in position in case Gato had reinforcements even Sasuke and Naruto after having calmed down somewhat got into position, ready to kill again if needed, however their worries were for naught as Inari is walking towards the bridge with a pan on his head and crossbow in hand while a myriad of villagers march behind him wielding various tools and weapons with looks of determination on their faces.
The approaching villagers see the carnage on the bridge, a safe Tazuna, and a series of bloody teenagers and jonin, "A-are we late Nii-san?" Inari asks and Naruto starts chuckling and nods.
"Sorry Inari, you missed it. But there is some good news." Naruto says as he maintains his composure despite recent events.
Inari and the villagers see the amount of corpses and a large number of them feel sick, Inari and Tsunami included, however a number of them notice the distinct lack of a midgets corpse, "Hey Tazuna, where is Gato?" asks one of the workers who quit a few weeks ago.
Tazuna smiles and then breaks out into tears of joy as he begins laughing causing every one of the villagers to make sense of his actions, Inari walks forward with teary eyes and then breaks into a run towards Tazuna and begins to hug his legs. A large number of villagers have dropped their weapons and other tools and have also begun to cry tears of joy at being free from Gatos grip.
As the villagers begin celebrating Kakashi and Zabuza move to the side at Zabuzas behest, "Normally I'm not concerned with the words of dead men, but something that Gato said before I separated his head irks me." Zabuza says in a low tone that only Kakashi can hear causing Kakashi to listen far more intently.
"You think there may be more despite Gato being dead right?" Kakashi asks and receives a nod in return from the former kiri-nin, "We'll look into it, Naruto and I will send out some shadow clones to look around Gatos hideout and to check his files to see if he had done anything else before coming here, but for now we'll be on guard." Kakashi says to Zabuza who nods in response before heading back to the group. He approaches Naruto and Sasuke, "You two alright?" he asks the two boys who seem a bit hesitant to answer but give a small nod. He puts his hands on both of their shoulders and look them each in the eye, "The two of you did good work today, I know it isn't easy knowing you took lives today but that feeling of regret, that sickening feeling deep down, that proves that you're human." He says to the two boys who listen to their experienced sensei, "Those who kill without remorse, without feeling, those people are ones who are the true monsters of the world and don't deserve any second chances, I'm proud of you two." Kakashi says before patting the two boys on the shoulders again and walking towards the bodies to look over the last of their equipment before burning the bodies.
Sasuke seems to accept Kakashis' words but still seems a bit sickly whereas Naruto seems to be a bit more shaken up, "Listen Naruto, the cyclops is right. You had to kill those men or they would've killed your friends, your client, and your sisters. You did what you had to do to protect what is close to you, and that is something I can respect. As long as you don't enjoy killing everyone you ever fight you will always be human." Kurama says to Naruto in a supporting tone.
Naruto sighs, "Thanks Kurama, I needed that." Naruto says to his partner who smirks from inside his cage.
"No problem kit, now get it together and get this bridge done so we can get home and go back to training." Kurama says with enthusiasm, knowing that Naruto is going to be put through the ringer when he returns to Konoha.
Naruto chuckles nervously and heads over to Haku who is recovering her senbon from the fallen enemies, "Hey there Haku-chan, how're you holding up?" Naruto asks the unmasked girl who smiles as she pockets her now clean senbon.
"I'm doing well Naruto-san, a bit upset we had to end the lives of so many but they were scum who would've hurt others if we let them live. How're you holding up?" Haku asks with a concerned tone while Naruto gains a solemn look on his face that he manages to clear up after a deep breath.
"It's hard like Kakashi-sensei said it was…. It's going to take a while to REALLY come to terms with the fact that I took lives today, not just a life but many. I know they would've killed us and that makes it a bit easier to cope, especially since I protected my precious people like you Haku-chan." Naruto says causing Haku to blush very slightly and causing her to giggle slightly.
"I knew you were strong Naruto-san." Haku says with a small smile on her face. "If you need to talk, I'm here to listen alright?" she says causing Naruto to gain a small blush himself.
Naruto smiles brightly, "Thanks Haku-chan," Naruto says with a genuine smile, some of the stress of the recent events leaving his face. Kakashi and Zabuza walk over to the two ninja and begin collecting the bodies.
Zabuza moves a couple of bodies before moving over to Naruto and whispering something in his ear, "If you break her heart then I break your neck, slowly." Zabuza says causing Naruto to pale, making Haku look at Naruto in confusion. Zabuza pats Narutos shoulder before moving the last of the bodies onto a large pile allowing Kakashi to burn the bodies with a Katon jutsu.
Haku looks at the still pale Naruto with a quizzical look on her face, "What did tou-sama talk to you about Naruto-san?" Haku asks Naruto who manages to shake himself out of his stupor and laughs nervously.
"O-o-oh nothing Haku-chan, just some guy talk." Naruto says causing Haku to look at him suspiciously, Naruto about to crack under the pressure of a womans' cold gaze he decides to attempt to change the subject, "O-oh and Haku-chan, you don't have to add the –san when you talk to me, I'm not one for formalities." Naruto says hoping that this would get Haku to forget about his VERY short talk with Zabuza.
Haku looks at Naruto with a happy face, "Alright then Naruto-kun, but I'll be calling you that from now on." Haku says before starting to walk away with a small blush on her face while Naruto breathes a sigh of relief with a blush on his face at the affectionate term. Haku looks back at him with a smile that sends cold shivers up his spine, "Though Naruto-kun, once we relax a bit you will tell me what tou-sama told you won't you?" Haku asks though for Naruto it feels more like a demand and he starts chuckling nervously as all of the members of team seven, Zabuza and Haku, and lastly Tazuna and the villagers head back into town and back to their homes to celebrate their newfound freedom.
1 hour later, Tazunas' house
Naruto is laying in his futon, trying to relax a bit when a knock is heard at the door of the boys' room, "Come on in." Naruto says, allowing Pyra and Mythra to enter the room, "Hey there Pyra-neechan, Mythra-neechan, how are the two of you?" Naruto asks his sisters in a bit of a solemn tone that upsets the two blades.
Pyra sits down right next to him while Mythra sits at the end of the futon, both of them with concerned looks on their faces, "Naruto, are you ok?" Pyra asks as she puts a hand on his shoulder.
Naruto sighs, "No, I'm not. I know why I had to do it, I had to protect everyone and killing them was the only way to do that, but the feelings of their blood covering me, of watching the life leave their eyes…." Naruto says sadly before Pyra helps him sit up in the bed before pulling him into a hug.
"It's ok Naruto; you don't need to hold it in. It takes true strength to feel remorse for those you've removed from the world regardless of the circumstances." Pyra says as she holds Naruto tightly to her body. A moment later the hug is joined by Mythra.
"Remember this feeling Naruto and never get used to it, accept it as a part of your life but rationalize it. It's either you or them in this life, and if they take you down then your friends and family are at risk, always remember what you fight for." Mythra says as she hugs Naruto from behind as he starts crying, "Also, don't ever keep these feelings from us, if you ever need to talk we're here. We are your older sisters after all." She says as her and Pyra hold their still crying little brother. About 10 minutes later Naruto finally manages to stop crying, "Feel a bit better Naruto?" she asks.
Naruto sniffles, "Y-yeah, a bit. Thanks." Naruto says as he and his sisters end the embrace, Pyra handing Naruto some tissues she carried in a sealing scroll so he can clean his face. A few more minutes pass as they talk about some rather inconsequential things until a knock is heard on the door, "Come on in." Naruto says causing the door to open and reveal Kakashi and Zabuza. "Hey there Kakashi-sensei, Zabuza, what's up?" Naruto asks.
Zabuza looks at the boy and sees that he's been crying and knows that it still hurts him to have taken his first lives but for now they have other matters to attend to, "Hey brat, listen up." Zabuza says causing Naruto to start listening when Kakashi motions for him to do so, "Something Zabuza said before I ended him irks me; namely how he'd drag all of us and everyone in the village down with him. Normally I'd throw that in the ravings of a crazy man about to die category but this man had finances akin to a daimyo so me and Kakashi are taking his words a bit more seriously." He says causing all of those in the room to start running theories through their heads, "Kakashi and you are going to make some shadow clones to search the island and Gatos hideout for any possible information relating to what he was talking about." Zabuza says causing Naruto, Pyra, and Mythra to nod. "If we don't find anything then that's perfect and we go to his hideout to take back the money, if we find any extra plans he made involving the village then we take care of it and then take what's left from the hideout." He says.
Kakashi throws in his two cents, "If the two of you don't mind could you send out some closes as well to assist in the search? Kakashi asks Pyra and Mythra who nod before getting up with Naruto and heading outside with Kakashi.
After they get outside they each make the handsigns for the Kage Bushin no Jutsu and each make a number of clones, Kakashi making 15 and ordering 5 of them to head to Gatos hideout to investigate his files, Pyra making 30 with 10 of them heading to Gatos hideout, Mythra making the same amount with the same orders, and Naruto making 75 with 15 having orders to go to Gatos hideout, all of the other clones fan out across the island to look for anything suspicious. "No matter how many times I see it, even though I know he has massive reserves it still amazes me how many clones Naruto can make with ease." Mythra says while Kakashi and Pyra nod in agreement.
Naruto rubs the back of his head while Zabuza looks at the boy in shock, 'Even Kakashi can't make more than 20 normally from what I've read in his bingo book entry, who the hell is this brat?' Zabuza thinks to himself. "Anyway, let the others know immediately if one of your clones find something and we'll make a plan of action." Zabuza orders and those who made the clones nod in acknowledgement.
4 hours later
As Naruto and Inari are talking about Inari possibly becoming a ninja, though he is upset due to Nami not having a ninja academy, Naruto receives the memories of one of his clones that he sent to Gatos hideout and immediately runs to find Kakashi and the others. After finding Kakashi and Zabuza engaging in a light taijutsu spar outside he begins to tell them what he found in Gatos office, "Gato hired a lot more mercenaries than what we faced at the bridge, I don't have an exact number but there's even some low rank nuke-nin mixed in with the bunch, there's just details on weapons shipments and food deliveries to various locations. His ultimate goal was complete subjugation of Nami no Kuni and to establish himself as the new daimyo by force!" Naruto says to Kakashi and Zabuza who gain looks of slight concern.
Kakashi sighs, "Alright, we'll have our clones continue searching the hideout for more details but now it's a matter of searching for the additional forces Gato hired and whether or not they made it onto the island yet. Make a pair of shadow clones to find Pyra and Mythra and get them here so we can coordinate." Kakashi says and Naruto nods before moving his fingers into the handsign to make a shadow clone but before he calls out the jutsu Pyra and Mythra come running up the dock towards them with looks of worry on their faces.
"WE GOT BIG TROUBLE!" Mythra yells in a way that is very unlike her as she and Pyra approach. The stop running and begin briefing the others on the situation, "When we were searching the island and the surrounding areas we discovered a camp on the other side of the island, although calling it a staging point at the moment would be more appropriate." Mythra says with worry in her voice causing the others to look at her wide eyed at the description she gave.
"I stopped counting the enemy forces after 700, Gato hired a literal army to take control of Nami no Kuni!" Pyra says causing the others to pale slightly, even Zabuza and Kakashi were stunned by this development as even jonin like themselves could be overrun by sheer numbers like that, and reinforcements might not make it from Konoha to Nami in time so their present options were not amazing.
Kakashi puts his hand on his chin and starts thinking, "We don't have many options, depending on when they attack especially with a force that size they would even be able to overrun Zabuza and I. Even if we were to send a request for reinforcements right now, if the enemy were to attack tomorrow, they wouldn't arrive in time." Kakashi says and this causes everyone to start running plans through their heads.
"We might just have to send that request anyway and hope we can hold them off long enough with some traps and hit and run tactics." Zabuza says causing Kakashi to nod while Mythra weighs their options and considers something she doesn't want to do.
"I'll summon my fastest ninja hound to take a message back to Konoha, at most it would take 5 hours for him to get there and 5 hours to get back with a response, and then reinforcements if any would take another four hours at least to gather enough shinobi to take on a force of that size and then get here, your idea might be our only option Zabuza." Kakashi says and then enters the house to begin explain the situation to Tazuna and the other members of team seven.
"Naruto, I have an idea…. But it's risky as hell because it will expose us a bit more." Mythra says to Naruto and Pyra over their mental connection.
"What're you thinking, I know that tone and it doesn't mean anything good." Pyra says through their connection causing Mythra to grimace somewhat.
"Pyra, I think it's time we showed Naruto 'that' power." Mythra suggests and earns a gasp from Pyra.
"Pyra-neechan, what's she talking about, what power?" Naruto asks and Pyra sighs.
"A power that could eliminate all of those mercenaries before they ever become a threat… Siren." Pyra says causing Naruto to go wide eyed at the mention of the name that seems to bring the two girls some sorrow.
"If they attack tomorrow then reinforcements won't make it in time and we'd be forced to use it anyway, but when they're closer to the village, putting it into the danger zone. But if we go there tonight and use it then we'd be able to remove them without risking the rest of the population, though it would reveal a great strength to Kakashi and even Zabuza." Mythra says causing Naruto to think for a moment.
Naruto sighs, "We can take them all out before they become a true threat?" Naruto asks causing Mythra and Pyra to nod, "Then if it protects everyone else, it's not really a choice to make, we do it and damn the consequences right?" Naruto says with a small smirk that fades after remembering that this is going to result in the deaths of 700 or more people.
"I know it hurts Naruto but these people will hurt even more if we allow them to live, remember that, but I agree, this is really the only good option we have that minimalizes our casualties." Mythra says, "Zabuza, I have an idea, but I need to clear it with you and Kakashi first, possibly Tazuna too." She says, Zabuza replies with a nod before walking inside with Naruto, Pyra, and Mythra. As they walk in they see the looks of fear on the faces of those present before Mythra speaks up, "Kakashi-sensei, I think I have a solution to our problem… but I not only need Narutos' approval, I need yours and Zabuzas'….. I also need yours Tazuna-san." Mythra says earning a look of confusion from the man.
"W-what do you need my approval for, and what plan is going to deal with more than seven hundred soldiers?" Tazuna asks and Kakashi looks at Mythra curiously, also wondering what her plan is.
Mythra sighs, "It's the kind of plan that kills every single one of those mercenaries…. And will probably require some maps to be redrawn for your country." Mythra says in a serious tone of voice that scares everyone in the room except Pyra and Naruto, even Kakashi takes a step back at that statement.
"What kind of plan is this?" Kakashi asks but stops when a blue glow starts emanating from his pocket.
A few seconds later Pandoria appears in the room, much to the surprise of everyone except the Uzumaki family, "You're planning on using your artifice aren't you Mythra?" Pandoria asks while Kakashi looks at Pandoria with a questioning gaze. Pandoria looks around the room and sees the confusing looks people are sending her as they just witnessed a woman appear out of nowhere, Pandoria sighs and puts her hands on her hips, "Alright kiddies listen up, I've got a lot to explain and not a lot of time to explain it so we're going to keep this short, Mythra and Naruto can take out all of those mercenaries, but it's going to involve a bit of collateral damage. We'll go into the finer details about all of this when we're not in danger of being overrun by dangerous and possibly perverted soldiers, 'kay?" Pandoria says causing everyone to dumbly nod
Mythra clears her throat causing everyone to break out of their stupor, "So…. Do I have your permission to enact my plan everyone?" Mythra asks and those she asked sigh.
Zabuza looks at the blonde girl with a newfound sense of respect and fear due to what this new woman is possibly capable of and also confusion as to how the new woman with… a tail…. seemingly popped into existence but decides to let it pass for now, "I've got no issue with you trying, who knows, maybe it'll get them to run if you don't get everyone with whatever you're going to do." Zabuza says while Kakashi rubs his chin. 'Wait, didn't Kakashi call that sword on his back Pandoria? That is most definitely not a coincidence.' Zabuza thinks to himself.
Kakashi looks over at Pandoria, "We'll talk about this later Pandoria but if you trust Mythra to be capable of taking out so many then I'll resign to your judgement on this matter. Go for it Mythra but we're all coming as backup, no arguments." Kakashi says after turning back to Mythra with an approving look in his eyes causing Mythra to nod back in acknowledgement.
Tazuna sighs because he knows that since he hired the shinobi he'd have to make this call, the consequences being worse if he doesn't let this happen, "Do it, we need our people to be completely free of that disgusting piece of filth and his cronies. Damn the consequences, just get those bastards off of our land." Tazuna says with conviction that makes Mythra smirk a bit.
"Well said Tazuna, we'll share a drink tomorrow to celebrate the complete freedom of Nami no Kuni." Mythra says with mirth in her voice and a fox like smirk on her face that makes Tazuna truly believe that this woman can win. Mythra motions for everyone to follow her, "Let's go people, I want this done by sundown so I can get that drink with Tazuna." Mythra says causing everyone to start following her out of the building.
2 and a half hours later, around 3:30
It's now late in the afternoon as team seven, Haku, and Zabuza approach the edge of a hill that is a good distance away from the enemy camp, "Jeez, you weren't kidding you two, that's a lot of mercenaries." Zabuza says to Mythra who nods before turning to the rest of their group.
"Listen, what I'm about to do is very dangerous so the only people we're going to tell the details about this to are the Hokage, understood?" Mythra asks in a dangerous tone while everyone nods in agreement. She then nods in return before turning to Naruto, "Naruto, get out our sword and activate it." She says and Naruto pulls out her blade and ignites it creating a bright emerald glow.
Zabuza and Haku are surprised at this action as such a light is definitely going to attract attention, "What are you doing, do you want them to start charging?!" Zabuza asks angrily.
Mythra sighs, "They won't be alive much longer, now please be quiet and watch." Mythra says coldly before motioning Naruto to her side, "Naruto, raise the sword and we'll begin resonating our power." She says and Naruto raises the blade as high as his arms will allow him to, giving Mythra the opportunity to grasp the handle of the blade as well and a brilliant golden glow to engulf the two. Mythra smirks as she begins feeling the familiar resonance of Siren charging its cannon.
Naruto having not felt this much power from Mythra before is overwhelmed by it somewhat but manages to get the power under control on his end as he and Mythra begin to resonate, an image burning into his mind of three mechanical constructs, one being what Mythra and Pyra have described being Siren, the next being a blue and black winged body with glowing blue eyes, and lastly a pure black and white winged almost angelic looking construct hovering above the other two, yet this ones' eyes are obscured. 'What was that?' Naruto thinks as their power finally syncs and the words for the art ring in his ears like a beautiful music as he and Mythra call out together "SACRED ARROW!" and golden light begins raining down from the heavens at a rapid pace. The others watch the camp in both fear and admiration as arrows of light rain from above and begin utterly annihilating the camp with each arrow reducing whatever they struck that wasn't made of metal to ash on contact yet still melting the metal. After around a full minute of this, Naruto and Mythra stop channeling power to each other and the sword deactivates before Naruto and Mythra both fall unconscious from exhaustion.
Pyra rushes over to Mythra and Naruto and begins to make sure that using so much power didn't cause any harm to the two siblings. All of the others are still in shock at what they witnessed, the ground is charred and cratered wherever the arrows struck, there isn't a single blade of grass to be seen around the points of contact with the raining light, and the camp itself is now non-existent without a living soul in sight. "B-b-by the sage….." Zabuza says meekly, "With power like that, one could destroy the entirety of the elemental nations….." he says with some fear evident in his voice.
Pandoria sighs, "Yeah, this is what Naruto, Mythra, and Siren are capable if necessary." Pandoria says before looking at the field, "And given that Gato hired those bastards…. It was completely necessary to erase them." She says with a tone that signified she wasn't in the mood to argue this point while the others try to break out of their shock a bit by nodding in agreement. "Just… don't treat her, Pyra, or Naruto differently for this; it'll be a kick in the teeth for them if you do. Mythra and Pyra never wanted that power but they were born with it, and they'll never use it against their friends or those that don't deserve it." She says causing Kakashi to sigh in resignation as he knew how Konoha treated him because of the Kyubbi, with this there would be people clamoring for his execution even more and then the death of his sisters as well.
Kakashi sighs and makes a couple of shadow clones to guard the group on their way back to Tazunas' house. 'This is going to be a loooong few weeks.' Kakashi thinks to himself as the group begins the trek back to Tazunas house.
END
AN- THANK YOU FOR 10K VIEWS! This is indeed the end of the Wave arc, though the next chapter will start in wave it will be a relatively short transition back to Konoha. I hope I didn't do too badly on this chapter as it took quite a while to write it up. Honestly I was intending to make this just NaruHina but I'm going to be working with Naruto and the CRA so I will be doing at least 3 girls but hopefully no more than four, I enjoy harem stories but not always MASS harem stories, I can assume you all know at least the second girl by now and the third is still up in the air. I hope you all enjoyed reading so please send me your feedback and review, review, review.