Naruto: Archer and Loner
Author Notes: I realize that the last chapter felt a bit bland. Mainly with how quickly Naruto took out the Demon Brothers. I did this because I wanted to zip through that confrontation and move onto the actual Wave mission part. Also, I needed to showcase the change between Naruto and Kakashi and I thought that was the best way to do so. On to chapter 12!
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Neither Naruto nor Bleach belongs to me.
Chapter 12: Demon Roars and Quincy Soars!
The mist was thick as the group sat in a boat quietly making their way to Nami no Kuni. After the quick run in with the Demon Brothers, Kakashi pushed the group at a faster pace. They met up with a boater that Tazuna knew before setting off for Kohona.
"This mist is thick," Naruto whispers. "You can almost cut it with a knife."
"Naruto, be quiet," Kakashi whispers sternly. "We don't know who may be out there."
"We're almost there, Tazuna-san," whispers Juni the boatman.
"Good. After we land, Kakashi-san, it is only a three mile hike to my home," Tazuna whispers.
Soon enough, the boat hits the shore. The group gets out and the boatman turns to leave.
"Good luck, Tazuna-san. You carry the hope of us all," Juni says as he drifts away.
The group starts walking away from the shore. Alert for any movement (AN: the group is in the formation from last chapter. Naruto in front, Sasuke and Sakura to the sides of Tazuna and Kakashi bringing up the rear). Suddenly Naruto throws a kunai off at a bush. Rushing forward, he parts the bush and they all see a white rabbit dead from the kunai.
"Naruto-baka! Why did you do that," Sakura screeched. "That poor rabbit didn't do anything to you."
"Kakashi-sensei, I felt a presence," Naruto says completely ignoring Sakura. "Plus, look, the rabbit is white. It is the middle of spring. It should have a brown coat."
"Everyone stay alert. Someone could be setting an ambush," Kakashi says. The hairs on the back of his neck suddenly stand up and he hears a low whistling sound. "Everyone down," he shouts as he tackles Tazuna. Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura all hit the ground as a giant sword cuts the air above their heads. The sword clips into a tree and stays there. Standing on the handle of the sword is a tall, skinny man. He has his lower face covered up in bandages and wears a Hitai-ate at a slant on his head. He isn't wearing a shirt; his chest is crisscrossed with multiple scars. He wears a pair of standard ninja pants with a grey camouflage pattern on them.
"Give me Tazuna-san and no one has to die," the mysterious man says. Kakashi and the group stand up and look at the man.
"Zabuza Momochi. The Kirigakure no Kijin (Demon of the Hidden Mist). A-ranked missing ninja of Kirigakure. What are you doing here," Kakashi says as his lone eye narrows.
"You already know. And I know of you, Sharingan no Kakashi (Kakashi of the Sharingan). It is said you have copied over 1000 jutsu with your Sharingan eye," Zabuza says as he jumps down from his perch pulling the sword out with one arm and holding it with ease.
"Everyone stay back. This battle is out of your league. Protect Tazuna. Naruto, use your clones as backup. Sasuke, provide backup for Naruto. Sakura, stay by Tazuna," Kakashi says as he lifts his Hitai-ate up revealing a Sharingan eye.
"Ooo! I get the Sharingan so early, Kakashi," Zabuza says. "I will pluck that eye from your dead body. It'll make a good trophy after I'm done with you." Killing Intent suddenly flows forth from Zabuza. Sakura, Sasuke and Tazuna start shaking. Naruto makes 6 Shadow Clones and moves in closer to Tazuna.
"Sasuke, Sakura, don't worry. I won't let my comrades die here," Kakashi says as he unleashes his Killing Intent countering the effect Zabuza was having on the Genin.
Zabuza then goes through a few hand signs and says, "Kirigakure no Jutsu (Hidden Mist Jutsu)." The mist around them thickens and Zabuza fades from their sight.
'What the hell was that? I could see my death there. I just wanted to die,' Sasuke thinks to himself. 'How is it that Naruto wasn't affected by it?'
"Keep alert you guys," Naruto says. One of his Shadow Clones runs behind Tazuna and holds up its kunai. The clone blocks the initial strike from Zabuza who appeared out of nowhere.
"Lucky break, Gaki," Zabuza says. "However, it'll take more than that to stop me." Zabuza pulls his sword back to take another swing with it. Before he can though, he is swarmed by the other 5 Naruto Shadow Clones. They stab him, but instead of blood, water drips out of the wounds.
"It is a Mizu Bunshin no Jutsu (Water Clone Jutsu). A water clone," Kakashi says. "Keep an eye out. He can strike from anywhere. Zabuza is a master of the Silent Killing Technique."
"Hahaha. Right you are, Kakashi. Where should I strike next? The heart? The lungs? Kidneys? Jugular? There are so many ways to kill you all. So many ways to spill your blood," Zabuza says, his voice surrounding them.
"Where is he, Kakashi-sensei," Sakura asks shaking.
"Why, little girl, I am right here," Zabuza says appearing behind Sakura. He brings his sword around to cleave the young Genin in half but is stopped by Kakashi appearing and blocking with a kunai. Kakashi slips past the giant sword as it buries halfway into the ground and plunges the kunai into Zabuza's side. Zabuza collapses into a puddle of water showing Kakashi that he'd been tricked by a water clone.
"You are slow, Kakashi," Zabuza says appearing behind Kakashi and swinging with his sword. Kakashi doesn't have time to dodge and takes the hit, dissolving into a puddle of water. "You copied even that jutsu," Zabuza shouts in anger.
"Yes, I did," Kakashi says from behind Zabuza as he holds a kunai to his throat. "It is over." Kakashi slices into Zabuza's throat and Zabuza dissolves into yet another water puddle. Before Kakashi can do anything, he is kicked from behind into the small lake a few feet away from them.
'This water feels heavy,' Kakashi thinks to himself. 'I have to move quickly.' Before Kakashi can get out of the water, Zabuza appears next to him and flashes through hand signs quickly and says, "SuirÅ no Jutsu (Water Prison Jutsu)." An orb of water surrounds Kakashi and holds him in it.
"This water is stronger than steel, Kakashi. Just give me Tazuna and I'll allow you to live," Zabuza says.
"Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, take Tazuna and run," Kakashi shouts.
"Why should I run, sensei," Sasuke asks. "I am an elite. This man will lose to me."
"Yeah! Sasuke-kun will kill this baka and free you, sensei," Sakura screeched. Zabuza smiles under his face wrappings. Taking a hand out of the water prison Kakashi is in, he makes a few one handed signs and says, "Mizu Bunshin no Jutsu (Water Clone Jutsu)." 10 water clones form out of the water surrounding Zabuza and Kakashi.
"Bring it, brats. These water clones only have 10% of my strength. Let's see just how weak you are," Zabuza says.
Sasuke seethes at hearing Zabuza mock him. He rushes forward to confront the water clones as they step onto land. He jumps in the air and throws a few kunai hoping to distract a few of the clones. He swings his leg down in an axe kick onto the lead water clone. The clone lazily raises its arm and blocks Sasuke's kick. Before Sasuke can do anything, he feels pain as the clone kicks him in the stomach sending him crashing onto the ground in front of Tazuna and Sakura. Sakura screams as she sees the Uchiha land in front of her and rushes to his side.
"Are you ok, Sasuke-kun," she asks as she rolls Sasuke onto his back. She looks at his face and sees he is unconscious.
"Sakura, pull Sasuke back next to Tazuna-san. I have a plan, but don't know if it'll work," Naruto says. Sakura drags Sasuke next to Tazuna without saying a word. 'Maybe we'll get out of this. But, it should be Sasuke-kun saving us. Not Naruto-baka,' Sakura thinks to herself.
Naruto steps in front of the water clones smiling. "Any chance you'd forget all this and just leave, Zabuza," Naruto asks. "I really don't feel like hurting you."
Zabuza laughs. "You're funny Gaki. You hurting me? That has to be the funniest joke I have ever heard," Zabuza says. His Water Clones walk closer to Naruto all pulling out their copies of the massive sword on Zabuza's back.
Naruto grins before dropping 3 smoke bombs. A cloud of smoke conceals him and the clones. When the smoke dissipates, Zabuza is shocked. Standing in the same spot is Naruto. The clones are gone.
"What did you do," Zabuza asks.
"A ninja never reveals their secrets, Zabuza," Naruto replies. Suddenly the hair on the back of Zabuza's neck stands up. He looks around him for an attack and sees a group of what looks to be blue sticks flying towards him at a fast speed. He grips his sword in his free hand and swings it at the blue sticks hoping to block them from hitting him. He blocks a few from striking him, but 3 slip under his guard and pelt him in the stomach, left leg and the arm holding the water prison forcing him back and dropping Kakashi out of the water prison.
"Thank you, Naruto," Kakashi says standing up on the water. "I'll take it from here. Fall back with the group." Kakashi glares at Zabuza.
"Just what the hell was that," Zabuza asks.
"The beginning of the end for you, Zabuza," Kakashi says.
"We'll see about that," Zabuza replies and starts going through hand signs. His eyes widen as he sees Kakashi going through the same hand signs and he sees a shadow appear behind Kakashi. "What are you doing, Kakashi," Zabuza asks bewildered.
"I have no idea what you are talking about," Kakashi replies.
"What am I seeing," Zabuza whispers. "It is like I'm seeing-."
"Your death," Kakashi finishes. He lands on the last hand sign and shouts, "Suiton: Daibakufu no Jutsu (Water Style: Giant Waterfall Jutsu)." The water surges around Kakashi and shoots at Zabuza. Zabuza is too shocked to dodge and the water picks him up and throws him through the trees beside the small lake. Zabuza's journey comes to a sudden stop as he's slammed into a large tree.
"Ugh. Did his eye tell him the future," Zabuza asks himself. As he starts to pull himself up, two kunai bury themselves into his shoulders causing him to sit back down on the ground. Kakashi appears with a kunai held to Zabuza's neck.
"This is the end for you, Zabuza," Kakashi says as he prepares to take Zabuza's life. Kakashi suddenly jumps away from Zabuza as 3 senbon needles impact into Zabuza's neck. A ninja appears with a Kiri mask on.
"Thank you for your help, Ninja-san. I've been hunting Zabuza for some time now," the ninja says in a calm voice.
"You're a hunter-nin from Kiri," Kakashi asks.
"Hai. I've been trailing Zabuza for three months now. Your fight provided me the opening I needed to take him out. I'll deal with his body now. Goodbye, ninja-san," the ninja steps forward and picks up Zabuza and his large sword and vanishes in a shunshin. Two of the Genin and Tazuna walk up to Kakashi.
"It's over now, Tazuna-san. We'll be able to complete this mission now," Kakashi says. He stumbles forward and leans against a tree. "That fight took more out of me than I thought. Naruto, I'm going to need to you to carry me to Tazuna's home. You'll also have to carry Sasuke if he's still unconscious, ok?"
"Fine sensei," Naruto says. He makes 4 clones. Two go and pick up Sasuke and two go over to Kakashi as he places his Hitai-ate slanted over his Sharingan eye again. "Lead the way, Tazuna-san. Sakura, keep alert. We might not be out of the woods yet." Sakura nods and follows Tazuna. Naruto brings up the rear carrying the other two ninja. 'This mission is going to be long,' Naruto thought to himself.
Two hours later Tazuna's home
After walking through the extremely small and run-down village, the group arrived at Tazuna's home. It was a small, modest home that looked to have seen better days. After entering the home, the group was introduced to Tazuna's daughter, Tsunami. She got the group situated into a room and left them there.
"Sensei, you awake," Naruto asks.
"Ugh. For now I am. Why do you ask," Kakashi asks.
"That hunter-nin has me thinking," Naruto says. "Kiski-sensei told me that hunter-nin dispose of a body on the spot to prevent their village's secrets from being discovered."
"That is correct, Naruto," Kakashi says.
"Then why didn't that hunter-nin do so with Zabuza? Why take the body away from the area he died? Plus, how did he take Zabuza out," Naruto asks.
Kakashi's lone eye widens in realization. "I think you're on to something, Naruto. The hunter-nin used senbon needles. If someone is well versed in human anatomy, it is possible to put someone in a death-like state," Kakashi says.
"So it is possible that Zabuza is still alive then," Naruto says.
"Yes. It will take Zabuza a week or two before he is fully recovered from the injuries he got from battling. Speaking of that, I know from what you did with the Demon Brothers that your arrows can knock someone out. Why didn't they knock Zabuza out," Kakashi asks.
"It is because I substituted power for quantity. I fired multiple arrows to allow a larger chance of hitting Zabuza. If I had fired only one or two arrows, he could've blocked them," Naruto explained.
"Give me that power, dobe," Sasuke says as he sits up. "You don't deserve that power."
"Sasuke, that is enough," Kakashi says. "If it wasn't for Naruto, we would all be dead."
"I don't have to listen to you, Kakashi-san. I'll just wait until we're in the village and get the council to force him to give me his power," Sasuke says smugly. Naruto, tired of hearing Sasuke's rambling gets up and heads down to the kitchen.
"Hello, Tsunami-san," Naruto says walking into the kitchen. "Would you like some help with preparing dinner?"
Tsunami turns around and sees Naruto. "Hai, some help would speed up dinner," Tsunami says. "Thank you for saving my father, Naruto-san."
"It was no problem, Tsunami-san. And just call me Naruto. I've never been one for honorifics," Naruto says.
"Only if you call me Tsunami, Naruto," Tsunami says. She turns and starts cutting up vegetables. Naruto pulls out the rabbit he killed earlier and starts skinning it.
"Where did you get that, Naruto," Tsunami asks.
"I killed it before Zabuza attacked us. I think it was used as a substitution, but I don't know for sure. It is possible it was someone's pet because of the white fur. Oh, well. It will at least make for a good dinner for us," Naruto says. The two focus on preparing dinner for everyone.
Dinner table
Everyone is seated around the dinner table waiting to be served. Naruto and Kakashi saw a glimpse of Tsunami's son, Inari before sitting down. The young boy grabbed a bowl from Tsunami and ran upstairs with it.
"Dinner smells quite good, Tsunami-san," Kakashi says as he inhales the aroma of the food.
"Don't just thank me, Kakashi-san. Naruto helped with providing a rabbit for dinner," Tsunami says.
"What! Naruto-baka, how could you do that to a poor rabbit," Sakura shrieks.
"Its food, Sakura. I don't waste food," Naruto says as he sets the pot of stew down on the table.
"Well, I'm not going to eat it. You killed that rabbit for no reason," Sakura says slumping down in her seat.
"More for us then," Naruto says as he hands a bowl of the stew over to Kakashi. Kakashi nods in thanks and sets the bowl down in front of him. Naruto hands a bowl over to Sasuke who doesn't say a word.
"Itadakimasu," everyone says as they dig into the stew.
"Ah, that was quite good," Kakashi says. His bowl stands empty. Everyone is shocked.
"How'd you eat so fast and all without removing your mask, sensei," Sakura asks.
"Trade secret," Kakashi says eye smiling. "Hurry up and eat. We've got training to do tomorrow."
"Why are we training, sensei," Sakura asks.
"Because Zabuza is alive and will probably attack us in a few weeks," Naruto says digging into his second bowl of stew.
"What do you mean," Sakura asks. "Didn't sensei kill Zabuza?"
"No. I did not kill Zabuza. Someone posing as a Kiri hunter-nin appeared and took Zabuza away before I could deal the final blow," Kakashi says.
"Then why are we going to train, sensei," Sakura asks.
"We're going to train so you can become stronger than you currently are, Sakura. Think of it like this, if you had only a 40% chance to beat an enemy today, but a 60% chance to beat that same enemy tomorrow, what would you choose," Kakashi asks.
"I'd choose tomorrow when I have a higher chance," Sakura replies.
"There is your answer. Even a little bit of training can give you the edge you need to defeat an enemy," Kakashi says.
"Well since we have training tomorrow, I'm off to bed," Naruto says. "I have 5 Shadow Clones outside keeping an eye out for anything, sensei."
"Smart thinking, Naruto. We should all head to bed," Kakashi says. The group clears the table and heads to bed.
Next Morning
Kakashi leads the three Genin out of the house and to a small clearing after everyone was up and fed.
"Today, we'll be training in Chakra control," Kakashi says. "You'll be learning how to climb trees without your hands."
"How do we do that, sensei," Sakura asks.
"It is quite easy, Sakura. Just watch me," Kakashi says as he walks over to a nearby tree. He places one foot on the tree and starts walking up the tree. He stops on a branch halfway up the tree and looks down at his Genin. "Too much Chakra and you'll just shoot off the tree. Too little Chakra and you won't stick to the tree. You have to find the right balance." Kakashi drops to the ground and looks at the three Genin.
"Sensei, I already know how to do this," Naruto says.
"How do you know this, Naruto," Kakashi asks.
"Kiski-sensei taught me so I'd learn better Chakra control. I needed it considering how much Chakra I have," Naruto replies. Kakashi nods for Naruto to show him and Naruto walks up the same tree Kakashi used for his demonstration. Naruto hops off the tree and lands next to Kakashi.
"Well then, do you know the other half to this exercise," Kakashi asks.
"Yes, though Kiski-sensei told me to wait a while before I learn," Naruto replies.
"Ok. You've got the day to yourself since you already know this. I'll stay here and keep an eye on the other two until they learn it," Kakashi says.
"Look sensei, I did it," Sakura says sitting on a tree branch.
"Very good, Sakura. Are you tired," Kakashi asks.
"A little bit, sensei," Sakura replies.
"Rest for a bit then keep doing the exercise. You have very little Chakra so this was easy for you. By doing the exercise over and over, you'll increase how much Chakra you have while maintaining control over it," Kakashi says.
Sasuke seethes at seeing Sakura doing the exercise on the first try. He runs at a tree and places a foot on it. He is blasted back from the tree leaving a foot sized indent on the tree.
"Well, I'm off for now, Kakashi-sensei. Sasuke, you're using too much Chakra. Slow down and calm yourself. You'll get it," Naruto says as he walks away. Sasuke glares at the blonde as he walks away.
"Sasuke, hop to it. Sakura, keep doing the exercise," Kakashi says as he pulls out his book and starts reading it. The two Genin can hear him giggling every now and then as they continue the exercise.
Tazuna's house dinner time
The group is sitting at the dinner table patiently waiting for dinner to be served. Sasuke and Sakura look like they both fought a tree and lost. You can see sweat and dirt stuck to the both of them.
"You are all going to die," a small voice says from the hallway. The group turns and sees Inari standing in the doorway.
"Inari, don't talk like that," Tsunami says. "These people are here to help us."
"It doesn't matter. Gato will kill them all," Inari says sitting down.
"You must hate your family then," Naruto says coldly. His eyes shadowed by his hair.
"What do you know of suffering? You live in a ninja village. There isn't suffering there," Inari says.
"What do I know of suffering," Naruto begins. The room suddenly feels colder as Naruto starts releasing a bit of Killing Intent. "I know more of suffering than you do. You don't know what it is like to have to dig through the trash just to find food. You don't know what it is like to be beaten by adults around you for something you had no control over. You don't know what it like to live day to day constantly afraid of what that day may bring you. Don't tell me I know nothing of suffering." Naruto stands up and glares down at the boy.
"Naruto, that's enough," Kakashi says. The Killing Intent vanishes and Naruto heads to the front door.
"Where are you going, dobe," Sasuke asks.
"I'm going to go blow off some steam," Naruto says tersely. The door slams behind him as he leaves.
"Kakashi-sensei, Naruto was lying, right," Sakura asks.
"No. If anything, that was an extremely watered down version of his life," Kakashi says. The others eyes widen in shock. "Naruto lived a hard life. It is why he acts more like an adult than a kid at times." The group proceeds to eat the dinner quietly thinking about what Naruto said.
Forest Clearing next morning
A figure walks through the forest coming across a strange sight. In a clearing Naruto is laying down sleeping surrounded by multiple trees that have holes up and down them. The figure walks into the clearing and gets a good look at Naruto. The figure tenses up at seeing the young man.
'He killed Violet and hurt Zabuza-sama,' the figure thinks to herself (Yes, Haku is a girl. I don't care what the manga or anime say, Haku came across as female in both and that's how I'm going to write her). 'I don't have any weapons because I didn't think I'd run into one of the Kohona ninja out here. I can make some senbon, but it won't be enough.' Before the figure can move, Naruto suddenly vanishes.
"You should learn to hide your Killing Intent better, Hunter-san," Naruto says from behind the figure with a kunai held to their throat.
"I don't know what you are talking about, sir. My name is Haku and I'm out here picking medicinal herbs," Haku says slightly sweating.
"I highly doubt you are just some civilian girl, Haku-san. I felt your Killing Intent the moment you unleashed it," Naruto says. "However, I'm not heartless. I'll help you pick the herbs you need."
Haku releases the breath she had been holding. "Thank you. Are you a ninja? You moved so quickly," Haku says trying to keep up the farce.
"You can drop the act, Haku-san. My name is Naruto. If I had wanted to attack you, I would've already done so. There is no reason to lie. You are the fake hunter-nin that took Zabuza away before my sensei could finish him off," Naruto says while handing a few herbs to Haku.
"Very well then. Yes, I am the hunter-nin. I had to save Zabuza-sama from your group. It is my job to protect Zabuza-sama as his tool," Haku says.
"Ninja aren't tools, Haku-san. Hopefully you'll learn this someday. Ninjas may be used as killers, but we have emotions," Naruto says.
"What were you doing out here, Naruto-san," Haku asks.
"Blowing off some steam and training a bit," Naruto says.
"You already seem so strong. Why are you training," Haku asks.
"Don't think I don't see what you are trying to do, Haku-san," Naruto says. "However, there is no harm in telling you. I'm training to get stronger so I can help this small country get out from underneath the boot of Gato."
"You know we will probably end up fighting each other soon," Haku says.
"Yes, but it doesn't mean we can't be civil and friendly towards each other," Naruto says. Haku stands up and picks up her basket of herbs.
"By the way, I am a boy," Haku says as she walks away.
"No you are not, Haku-san," Naruto says. "I can tell you aren't a boy by how you carry yourself. Tell Zabuza that I can't wait to see him again and tell him not to trust Gato. If Gato is the type of person I think he is I can easily see him double-crossing you. Goodbye for now Haku-san." Naruto runs off towards Tazuna's house. Haku stands there for a moment before turning and leaving the clearing.
"I hope we can stay friends too, Naruto-san. But, I am Zabuza-sama's tool. I'll do what he tells me to," Haku says to herself as she heads off further into the forest.
Yay! I got most of Wave Mission done! Hope this turned out good. I set up a poll on my profile for you all to decide on. I'm wondering if you all would like to me to do a stand-alone chapter on Sasuke. On what he thinks about when he's brooding and to show how insane he really is. Thank you for all the likes, comments and favorites.