Chapter 23

You Say Goodbye and I Say Hello

Ino huffs and pulls her gloves off as she steps out of the stone hut erected by Naruto that she was interrogating the surviving Root member in. "No dice. I couldn't get a word out of the guy before this…" She shudders. "horrific seal on his tongue made it swell and choke him to death. We also discovered a pretty large collective of exploding tags on him, same as some of his comrades." She waves the stack of tags around. "Not sure why they didn't go off."

"Hold on." Naruto takes them and looks them over, then snorts. "Of course. I made these ones myself, been selling excess stock to Higurashi Outfitters and the Anbu's demolition corps through Hokage-jiji. But um…" He pauses and peeks up to his team before looking back to the stack. "I'm used to a lot of hate, so I figured if people were to ever use them against me, I'd put a failsafe in them that makes them duds in my presence without me triggering them personally." He looks back up. "They just didn't know enough about sealing to notice the safety mechanism array folded between the trigger and release seals."

Asuma's cigarette falls from between his lips as his jaw slacks. "Dear god, you're another Mina-" He's cut short when Kakashi elbows him in the ribs.

Sasuke grumbles. "Ok, so you saved us with dumb luck. That I get. Happens all the time with you."

"Oi!"

Sakura cuts in. "Training session 17, when your propellant seals almost combined with his fireball and roasted him alive, only to discover the trigger you made for them could be switched off with the chakra pulse you made out of sheer panic."

"That was one time."

Kakashi holds up two fingers. "Session 6, when you started rigging your clones with your explosive tags and accidentally pulsed too much and happened to set all of them off at once instead of individually, but managed to use Daitoppa at the right time to block the incoming blast."

Silence falls for a moment until Zabuza starts laughing. "Holy shit, that thing with the bridge trap triggering twice was something you just accidentally discovered, wasn't it?"

"I swear next time we're tasked with capturing Tora, I'm letting her loose in one of your bedrooms at three AM."

"Ok, that's quite enough." Kakashi cuts back in and turns to face Kitsuchi and Councilman Nakamoto. "Well, I believe we've cleared up everything. Your trade deal's looking fair, right?"

Nakamoto nods and smiles brightly. "Oh, indeed! My lord will be quite pleased. As I'm sure Onoki will be!"

KItsuchi huffs and crosses his arms, but returns and smile and nods. "Long negotiations for my taste, but worth the effort. That part, he'll be ecstatic about."

Kurotuschi steps up with a sway. "Getting attacked, not so much." She looks to Naruto and offers another fist bump. "Thanks for the save."

He gladly returns it. "Don't mention it."

"And you…" Kurotsuchi turns to stare at Haku. "… We've definitely gotta spar sometime. Those ice jutsu were wicked. If we ever run into each other on the field, just know I'm gunning for ya. No hard feelings."

Haku smiles gently and bows. "I'd be honored to spar with you. It sounds like it might be rather fun, actually."

Zabuza chuckles. "That's my girl. Alright, we've been here long enough." He arches his back with a few loud snaps and pops. "Let's hit the road, get up to Aisu Bay by sundown tomorrow."

Kitsuchi reaches out to shake with them all, and they gladly accept one by one. "I'm sure I'll be seeing you all around. Exams are down in Konoha next, right?"

Asuma nods as he lights himself a fresh cancer stick. "Yep, lookin' forward to it. Sure to be one hell of a show this year."

Hibiki hums. "Well, don't expect easy competition."

"Speak for yourself." Tetsuma huffs. "I intend to take the whole exam by storm and walk out unscathed."

Naruto grins. "Not on your life." He turns and walks away with a wave. "I look forward to kicking your ass!"

Sakura groans and covers her face. "I'm sorry for him. I really am." She huffs and shakes off her frustration. "We really should get going, though. I do hope to see you at the exams!" She jogs to catch up with Naruto, while Sasuke shrugs and offers only a two-fingered salute as he saunters after them.

Chouji offers them all another bag of chips for the road, which is gladly accepted, and Ino is of course already catching up with Sakura, but Shikamaru stays behind for a moment. "So, Kitsuchi. I'm sure you'll have a lot to say to your father when you get back. I don't envy you for that. But just know, as the son of the chief advisor, I'm certain the Hokage has no ill will towards you, your kin, and your village. Frankly, he's been reminiscing about when he and your father weren't enemies."

"Hmm.." Kitsuchi scratches his head a bit. "That so? Well, I suppose I get that. I'll see what he thinks about meeting up sometime soon." He snorts. "Gods know neither of em has much time left to do it."

"Yeah, I guess not." He turns to catch up, finding most of the squad glaring at him for moving so slow. "But hey, time is the ultimate teacher, they've both lived enough to learn not to hold grudges."

As the entire Konoha contingency walks off, Kitsuchi hums and contemplates all this news, but then stomps and causes Yoko to pop out of the ground and stare at him from just a few feet away. "Go ahead and catch up to em. I ain't plannin nuthin, so no need to eavesdrop." He pulls a piece of jerky from his vest. "You can have this, though."

Yoko yips and leaps to catch the treat mid-air before scampering off to huddle away in Naruto's hood again.

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A short distance from camp in the shade of a towering redwood, Naruto almost dances around Chouji's attacks with the aid of his staff. He tries to catch Naruto off guard with a partial expansion, but Naruto jabs his staff into the ground near the edge of his reach and uses it to pull himself out of range before standing on Chouji's forearm and throwing his balance off. As Chouji falls, Naruto swings his staff into his head and stops and inch away. "You really gotta work on some faster moves, man."

Chouji grumbles and shrinks his arm down as Naruto hops off, massaging his wrist. "I'm working on it. I have two ranged options I'm having some trouble with, but once I get them down I should be a lot better off."

"And yet without variety, you kicked a lot of ass earlier." He grins and leans on his staff. "Honestly, I'm surprised you were so calm when we got ambushed."

Chouji sighs and hangs his head. "Not really. I looked fine, but man, I was panicking!" He drops onto his ass in the dirt. "I only kept it together because I had my teammates- my friends- to worry about. If I'd been alone, I probably would have completely locked up."

"… Well… that's not exactly a bad thing."

Chouji peeks up and stares, jaw slack and eyes misty.

"Ya see…" Naruto spins his staff and seals it in his hoodie pocket. "I don't think I'd be half as driven if I didn't have my dad or my teammates, or you, Shika, and Kiba when we were younger. Needing others to draw your strengths out isn't a weakness. It just proves you care, and makes you stronger when it matters most." He smiles softly, more so than Chouji's ever seen, but that gentleness to it makes it so much more genuine. "Yeah, you gotta work on caring more about yourself too, but caring more about others is never a weakness."

Chouji's eyes grew wider through that entire pep talk, but be finally closes them and wipes his tears off on his bandages. "A-Alright! Yeah, you're right!" He hops back to his feet. "Now I'm fired up! Come on, throw everything you've got at me! Make all the clones you can, I'll trash em all!"

Naruto's grin grows wider. "Only if you promise to show me some of those new jutsu you're workin on!"

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The sensei sit in a circle around the fire, as their students remain scattered about training amongst themselves and each other. Of course, Kakashi and Asuma have clones keeping an eye out. Zabuza's got a few water clones too, but they're not quite as useful. This does allow them the freedom to discuss what all they learned today, though.

"Dad's gonna be pretty excited when we get back to him at this rate." Asuma chuckles to himself.

"I'm not sure I see why." Zabuza cuts in whilst polishing his blade. "Onoki's gonna be skeptical and bullheaded as always, and hearing about Naruto is gonna out a wild hair up his ass. And then there's that Matsumoto kid…"

Kakashi waves it off. "Yes, yes, we all know how dangerous that clan is, and I'm as surprised as you that there's any left. Your old friend's genocide caused quite a lot of trouble. They fought harder than anyone, and that got them cornered."

Asuma hums. "It makes sense that some of the survivors would run to Iwa. Although we have a better track record with accepting refugees, Onoki isn't going to turn down a prominent clan, and he's likely given them considerable political power in return for swearing themselves to his ranks. With us, they'd get the same treatment as any other citizen. In Iwa, Onoki's practically printing money for them."

"Hell of a hard offer to turn down, and literally on the other side of the world from Kiri." Zabuza sets his rag down and peeks back up to Asuma. "That said, I really don't get how he'll be happy with it."

Asuma grins as he blows out a few rings of smoke. "You're focusing too much on old grudges. Didn't you see how well those kids got along with ours? Onoki's own granddaughter sees Naruto as a friendly rival. There was no animosity in that whole encounter, and even Kitsuchi was putting bad blood aside and starting to enjoy himself. If they report back and prove two of our top jonin have no ill will and my dad wants to catch up peacefully, Onoki's gonna have no choice but to accept that the olive branch is extended, and he knows not accepting it won't just go poorly in combat, but in his own family now."

Zabuza stares for a moment, but slowly starts to chuckle. "You mean the blonde brat seriously just turned the Tsuchikage's own granddaughter into a walking trap in his own territory?"

"Yep." Kakashi hangs his head. "And I don't think he even realizes he did it."

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Late the following evening, the brilliant north shores of Aisu Bay are ahead. The tall, jagged cliffs down into the deep sea at the northwestern borders of Sōsō no Kuni are largely vacant, this close to the border of Tsuchi no Kuni especially. If they were to head further east they could surely find a wonderful shoreside town with pearlescent beaches, but for now they lay just out of reach.

At first, the shore appears barren, but a small collection of Kiri anbu climb up into view from the cliffs and approach in silence. Zabuza steps ahead of the party and stops just a few feet away, staring the squad's captain down. "… Hm. To think you survived that mess. You've done well, Kani."

The captain with the crab mask bows to him. "It's a pleasure to see you returning to us, Zabuza-sama." He rises and peeks about the rest of the party. "Kakashi, you appear to be well. I believe our last encounter was…"

"On my way back to the mainland with Shikaku on that expedition to Sora no Kuni, right?" He tilts his head back and props his chin up. "Wow, I must have been quite a bit shorter then. I almost feel old now, looking back on it."

"Did you ever catch that nutcase you were tracking?"

"Oh, yes, I already had. I just couldn't mention it to you, seeing as there was a bounty on his head in your territory too. Wouldn't do well to have you take his head from me after I put so much work into getting it, right?"

Sasuke crosses his arms. "Ok, now this is one I have to hear."

"Maybe once we've settled in tonight." Kakashi returns his gaze to Kani. "So, we'll all need to settle in for the night soon enough. How about a sprint east to stay at that lovely hotel on the shore, and we split in the morning after a good meal?"

Chouji throws his fists up and cheers. "YES! Come on, Asuma sensei, please say yes!"

Ino sighs deeply. "I'd certainly appreciate a bed for the night before we have to turn around."

Naruto pulls a notebook and pen from his hoodie pockets. "Note to self: Seal an entire bed for the next mission out of the village."

The anbu pause and look amongst one another. "… How come we never thought of that?"

Naruto shrugs. "Sealing bigger objects takes stronger and more complex seals. Far from the standard you buy in a shop. Most cases, it'll have to be a custom job."

Ino places a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "I'll pay you 20,000 yen for one of those scrolls."

"Deal."

"Hey!" Sakura pouts. "You've got clan money and a dad who spoils you senseless, I can't handle a price like that!"

"Nah, teammates get it half off."

Sakura beams. "Naruto, you're the best teammate a girl could have."

Sasuke huffs. "What the hell am I then?"

Naruto snaps his fingers and points at him. "Brooding eye candy." Yoko yaps in agreement from her perch in his hood.

Sasuke falls silent for a moment until he peeks up to Kakashi. "Can I-"

"No, you're still not allowed to kill him."

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The comforting heat of the hotel's springs give the two squads a much-needed respite, which Sakura is all too eager to take advantage of. "Come on, let's wash up and soak a bit before the buffet's ready!"

Haku stumbles for a moment and bites her lip. "I'll have to meet you at dinner. I'll be retiring to my room for now."

Sakura and Ino slow to a stop, but Ino's the first to speak. "Um… alright, if you're sure. Just don't be afraid to stop in if you change your mind, ok?"

Haku bows. "Of course. Thank you, Yamanaka-san." She turns and leaves with her arms folded across her.

Sakura slowly looks to Ino, about to speak, but she shakes it off and heads in to wash up. Ino watches Haku leave for a few moments, but sighs and catches up to Sakura.

In the men's half, meanwhile, Naruto is lounging back with his eyes shut and grinning ear to ear. "Damn, this is good. I never get to enjoy the springs back home like this."

Chouji turns his way and props himself up against the rocks with an elbow. "Really? That's a shame. Ya know, my family actually owns a private section of it, you're welcome to use that any time ya like. I'll just run it by my dad and you'll be put on the whitelist in a day or two."

Naruto's smile falters as he turns to one of his few early friends. "Really? Dude, you really don't need to do that for me. I-I know your dad's awesome, but I really don't want his reputation to tank just for me."

"I dunno." Kakashi cuts in, still wearing his mask even in the damned baths. "I'd say it's a good deal. The Akamichi baths are lovely. A little hotter than the rest, but still comfortable."

"… Ok, fine. I'll take you up on that, I guess." He slowly turns back to Chouji with a gentle smile. "Thanks, man."

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The following meal and long night's sleep was almost a vacation to them after trekking through woods and jungles for five days. Sadly, that vacation was set to be followed by more of the same the next morning. Just one thing stood between them and this trip, and it's something many of them find less appealing than the trip.

Naruto stands before Haku, nervously rubbing the back of his neck as he debates his words. He's always been terrible at goodbyes, largely because he's never really had anyone close enough for them to matter until recently. It's harrowing in a way he couldn't have prepared for. All those years of isolation, only to find when he finally has real friends that it seriously sucks losing them, even if it's not forever.

Thankfully, she can tell how uncomfortable he is, and she reaches her hand out first. "Thank you for everything, Naruto." She tilts her head as her smile widens. "If you hadn't stepped into our lives and made Zabuza change his mind, we'd still be taking odd jobs from horrible people just to get by." After a few moments, Naruto smiles in return, a few tears in his eyes, as he takes her hand and shakes. "Now… I'm going to have a home. A real home, and a real future, doing what I truly want to with my life. And I have you to thank for all of that."

Zabuza chuckles and turns away. "Yeah, yeah. Ya did good, kid. You, and your whole team." He peeks back. "Take care of your brats, Kakashi. They're a handful, but if you can keep em alive long enough, I'm sure they'll be one hell of a threat one day."

Kakashi chuckles and shakes his head. "No, they already are. I'm just gonna work on making them even deadlier."

Sasuke smirks and raises his sparking right hand, while Sakura's eyes glint with the promise of mischievous pain for anyone who crosses her and her squad. Sakura speak ups before Naruto can clear his mind enough to. "When we meet again, you better not have fallen behind, Haku."

"Oh, I wouldn't dream of it!" She looks back to Naruto just as he finally pulls his mind together.

"Haku… we may not have known you long, but it's been one hell of a time. I took one hell of a risk the day I found you in the woods, but seeing how it's turned out, I couldn't be happier. So don't ever think you've gotta repay me or thank me for it. I just did what I knew was right, and got one hell of a great friend out of it."

Haku tears up a bit herself as her smile cracks open to bare her teeth for once. "Then I'll repay you by staying that great of a friend, no matter how long we're apart. I'll mail you once we're settled in, and I'm sure I'll see you again once we set up the ambassador program!" She slowly releases his hand and steps back-

But she's quickly enveloped in an overpowering hug. "I better see you again soon, damnit. I've fought too long to finally have some real friends, so I'm sure as hell not losing you if I've got anything to say about it."

She stares in shock for a few moments, but slowly wraps her arms around him to return that hug. "You won't." She jumps a bit as Yoko pops up from her perch in Naruto's hood to lick her face. "Y-Yes, you too Yoko!" She pets her for a moment as she pulls back. "Well, I suppose we should be headed…" pauses. "… home." She peeks back as Zabuza places a hand on her shoulder.

"It's a long way, but it's nothing compared to our time on the road so far. Just a little longer, and we'll finally be home." He raises his head to team seven. "We'll see you brats around, I'm sure. Sasuke, keep it up with your blade, and you'll put the best samurai to shame." Sasuke cracks another smirk and nods somberly at the loss of a great sensei. "Pinkie, keep these two madmen alive long enough to see them become monsters, and I'm sure you'll be just as scary in your own way." Sakura crosses her arms and grins smugly. "And Naruto…" He looks back to the blonde brat. "… You're still a bit naïve… but I guess the world needs some of that. Never stop hoping, kid. You seem just crazy enough to make that optimism work." Finally, he looks back up to their sensei. "And Kakashi… Try not to fall behind your brats." He grins viciously behind his mask. "Cuz' next time we meet, I'm gonna want a real match with you."

Kakashi raises his headband for a moment to flash his sharingan at him. "Gladly. Next time you're in town, hit me up and we'll schedule a good long fight."

Zabza snorts and shakes his head as he turns back. "Alright, let's get moving. It's a long way home. Later, Konoha brats." He and the Kiri squad disappear with individual shunshin no jutsu, but Haku is the last to go, sparing them one last glance and sad smile before she's long gone.

Naruto watches with a slightly forced smile for a few more moments, but it breaks as he roughly wipes the tears off his face. "A-Alright… let's get out of here and get to Taki already."

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The jungle trek is long and arduous, taking three days through dense brush to reach the general vicinity of the carefully hidden Takigakure. It's a relatively short time before the six genin and two jonin are surrounded by a contingency of nine masked Taki shinobi. Village policy is that they all be blindfolded and given sensory dampening seals to ensure they cannot unveil the location of the village to other outsiders. If Naruto hadn't been warned well ahead of time, there surely would have been complaints, but not one ill-mannered word is spoken, and their trip into the heart of their most mysterious ally's home begins.

Little does anyone besides the Kyuubi know that they're being watched by a local who's sure to make this trip all too interesting. Her orange eyes lock onto blonde hair and whiskers in an instant, as her innermost senses alert her to her tenant's kin. Her caramel skin splits with a bright smile as she hears Chōmei buzzing away in her head.

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A.N.: Sorry for the long way, guys! Job hunts and starting up my youtube channel slowed me a bit, but a good deal of personal drama and stress was most responsible for the lag. I'm really back in the swing now though and enjoying writing again, so I'll be sure to update sooner next time. Meanwhile, you can find my youtube channel under the same username and icon, and I'm finishing up a Bloodstained playthrough now, and starting Celeste and Diablo III!If ya wanna discuss my writing or just chat with me, feel free to follow the link in every video's description to my discord server! For now though, I'm gonna knock out some more editing and writing yet today. So much to do, goddamn. If you wanna make it easier on me, feel free to hit up my P8treon linked in my youtube descriptions as well!