Naruto: Archer and Loner
Author's Note: I own nothing. Neither Naruto nor Bleach belongs to me. Here's another chapter for you all. As for some of the comments made on previous chapters. 1. This is strictly a Naruto/Quincy story. At no point will Naruto receive a shinigami sword. Yes, he has a sword in what was found in a previous chapter. Instead of being used as arrows, they will be used as swords instead. I felt he needed something close ranged too. 2. I am going to try and update more now that I have some time. I do have a 4 month old child to take care of, so my updates may end up being slow. Here's hoping. 3. Yhwach will not be a "good" guy. He won't be a bad guy either (I hope). It just depends on where the story takes me. And 4. For those that wonder what kind of child I had, I had a daughter who means the world to me. Her name is Evelyn Rose. I will not post her last name to allow some privacy.
Well, now that that is over with, on to the story!
Chapter 14: Healing and Learning the Truth
"Uuggh. What hit me," Kakashi mumbles as he sits up. He looks around and sees that he is in his room at Tazuna's home. Hearing a knock at his door, he mumbles "Come in."
Kakashi's eye widens in shock as Zabuza walks in with a tray of food and water. Seeing the shock in the Jonin's eye, Zabuza lets out a small chuckle.
"Take it easy, Kakashi. Our fight is over and done with. Your Genin are all alive and well. So is the bridge builder and his family," Zabuza tells him.
"What happened," Kakashi asks. "What happened on the bridge? All I remember is trying to get to Naruto then nothing."
"Oh, that's easy, Kakashi. I kicked your ass and knocked you out. You were in a rage-filled mindset. You would've killed young Naruto for no reason other than that he holds a tailed beast," Zabuza replies.
"What happened after that," Kakashi asks.
"Well, as you see, we are all alive and somewhat well. You have 4 cracked ribs and a concussion. Naruto has cracks in every bone in his body. Sasuke has a bunch of holes all over him and brooding like a spoiled princess. As for what happened, it will have to wait until we are back in your village," Zabuza replies.
"You're coming back with us," Kakashi asks stunned.
"Yes. I don't have a choice in the matter. It is either come back with you and train Naruto or die a horrible death at the hands of the thing inside of Naruto. And no, I do not mean the tailed beast," Zabuza tells him. "Focus on healing. Once you are on your feet, we can have a litter made for Naruto and head back to the Leaf Village."
"How long do you think that will be," Kakashi asks.
"Probably within the next 2 to 3 days. By then you should be healed enough to walk unassisted. That is what we are shooting for. By the way, when we get back to the village, I am training Naruto. You fucked up his training as is. You need to focus on the broody princess and his squealing fan. He is a flight risk that you have to get control of," Zabuza says darkly. "You have no choice in the matter on this. And I will be explaining to your Hokage all the facts of this mission. If you try to embellish any part of it, you will have to deal with me." Zabuza sets the food tray down and leaves the room. As Kakashi eats, he mulls over what Zabuza told him.
Three Days Later
After three days, Zabuza came to a conclusion. The Genin on team 7 sucked. Naruto had potential. Zabuza saw that after the first day. Even with every bone in his body cracked, Naruto kept trying to get up until Haku paralyzed him with a few needles. The other two however, they were driving him crazy. He was constantly hounded by the Uchiha for power and beset by his wailing fangirl demanding that he give her "precious Sasuke" his power. After three days of constant nagging and glares, Zabuza was glad they were ready to leave finally.
"Kakashi, let's get this show on the road," Zabuza says while picking up his and Hauk's pack.
"Don't go yet, Kakashi-san, Zabuza-san," Tsunami says from the door. "We have to say goodbye to Naruto."
"The boy is unconscious right now, Tsunami. He needs his rest after what he went through," Tazuna says.
"It's the spirit of giving thanks father. It will help him. Besides, the whole village will be at the bridge to say goodbye," Tsunami replies.
"Then we can say our goodbyes there," Tazuna says.
"Yes. Let's get going while it is early," Haku says. She picks up an end of the litter Naruto is on. "Come on Uchiha. Pull your weight and help carry Naruto."
"Why should I carry the dobe," Sasuke snarls.
"Because I said so, Sasuke," Kakashi says sternly. "If anything, it'll teach you patience and build your stamina at the same time. Remember to keep pace with Haku and do not drop him."
"Hnn," Sasuke replies.
The group heads out heading to the bridge. Passing through the village, they are stopped multiple times as villagers come up and give thanks to Naruto.
"You'd think he saved their village," Sasuke says.
"The truth is, he did," Zabuza replies. "While you all were unconscious, Naruto took on a force of 300 mercenaries and killed Gato. Tell me Uchiha, what have you done lately?"
"I would've done it by myself without being hurt for one," Sasuke replies.
"And you would've died for it, you ignorant brat," Zabuza snaps back.
"Enough you two. We're getting to the bridge," Kakashi says. Everyone looks forward and sees the bridge is teaming with people. Signs saying 'Thank you Naruto,' are posted all over the bridge.
"Well, I think I have my bridge name," Tazuna says with a smile. "I'm going to call the bridge 'The Great Naruto Bridge.' It will be a symbol to future generations."
Finally arriving at the bridge, the group is beset by what seems to be every villager. Offering thanks to the unconscious Naruto and small gifts. Haku is more than happy to pack the gifts away for Naruto. Sasuke and Sakura look on with distain and hate showing in their eyes. Kakashi and Zabuza see this and share a glance with each other.
'We will have to watch those two in the future,' they both think at the same time.
After what seems like hours, the group is finally allowed to press on.
"Well, this is one for the record books," Kakashi says. "Hopefully our journey home will be quiet. Let's move out."
The group walks off the bridge and into the distance. The villagers stay and watch until the group are out of sight.
Kohona a week later
"Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet," a voice can be heard sing-songing the most dreaded saying. A weary group of ninjas can be seen walking slowly towards the gates of Kohona.
"We're there now, dobe," Sasuke shouts. "Now stop that incessant babbling."
"Oh, goodie! I can't wait until I'm eating ramen again," Naruto shouts gleefully from the littler he's confined in.
"Thank Kami this journey is almost over," Sakura grumbles.
"Why so glum, my cute Genin," Kakashi asks. "Naruto is happy to be home. You should be too."
"You wouldn't be so happy if you had to listen to his babbling all day," Sasuke shouts.
"That is what ear plugs are for, my ignorant student," Kakashi replies with an eye smile.
"Halt right there and state your business," a voice shouts from the gate.
"Ah, Kotetsu, Izumo. It is I, Kakashi Hatake with my Genin team 7 and Zabuza Momochi and his student Haku. We are returning from our mission," Kakashi replies.
"Zabuza Momochi," Kotetsu stutters. "You're going to have to relinquish any weapons you have."
"Naruto has all my weapons sealed in a scroll in his possession. And that is where they will stay," Zabuza replies with a mild glare at the Chunin ninja.
"Y-yes sir," Kotetsu replies. "As long as Naruto accepts responsibility of it, we have no problem. What about your student?"
"She is not a threat to anyone unless you make a move first," Kakashi replies. "I'm taking them straight to the Hokage. He'll deal with everything."
"Very well, Kakashi-san," Kotetsu says.
The group head towards the Hokage tower in the center of Kohona.
"Izumo," Kotetsu says. "We need to get safer jobs."
"I agree, Kotetsu," Izumo replies.
Hokage Tower
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, looks up from his mountain of paperwork as he hears a group of voices yelling outside his door. He gets up and opens the door to his office. He sees the Genin team 7 arguing with his secretary while Kakashi, a young woman and Zabuza Momochi stand there looking on. Naruto is sitting in a wheel-chair yelling at the woman while Sasuke and Sakura are holding the boy down.
"What in Kami's name is going on here," Hiruzen thunders. The group immediately quiets.
"Hokage-sama, these people were about to barge into your office and interrupt your work," the secretary says.
"I assume that this team is back from a mission," Hiruzen asks the secretary. The woman nods. "Then why were you barring them entrance? They have to give their report and could have information vital for our village! You had better learn fast that you DO NOT bar my ninja from coming to me after a mission. If you continue to do so, you will find yourself out on the streets! And I don't care if your cousin is on the council or not!"
The secretary sits down in her chair. Pale and scared at the Hokage's words. "Hai, Hokage-sama. I understand," she mumbles out.
"Well, team 7, get in here and report," the Hokage says sternly. The group follows him into his office and stand before his desk as he sits down.
"Hokage-sama, I request that a few people be added to this discussion," Kakashi says.
"Who do you want added to this," the Hokage asks.
"Kiski Uzumaki and Shikaku Nara," Kakashi replies.
"Very well," the Hokage says. "Anbu. You heard Kakashi. Go and bring the two here immediately." Two Anbu appear before the Hokage. The bow and then vanish.
"Since we have a few minutes to wait, why don't you start your report, Kakashi," the Hokage says.
"I will end our report, Hokage-sama. I think I should allow my Genin do the report so they may learn how it is done," Kakashi replies, with an eye smile.
"Very well then," the Hokage replies. "Who wants to go first? And remember, embellishments can cause you to miss information or even have severe consequences."
"I will start, Hokage-san," Sasuke steps forward arrogantly. The Hokage narrows his eyes at the blatant disrespect, but nods his head. Sasuke begins his story. As the Hokage listens to the wild and crazy story, he realizes that the Uchiha was insane. If the Uchiha honestly believes that the Hokage couldn't see his blatant lies, he has another thing coming.
"Sasuke Uchiha," the Hokage begins quietly. His office door opens to allow Kiski and Shikaku. "Do you honestly believe the shit you are shoveling? That is THE biggest pile of crap I've ever heard. The blatant lies you are telling can be seen from Kumogakure. The fact that your sensei is standing there and nodding makes me question his sanity."
"Huh," Kakashi says, stunned.
"YOU CAN'T TALK TO SASUKE-KUN LIKE THAT," Sakura shouts. She pulls a kunai and charges the Hokage. Suddenly she's surrounded by 6 Anbu. Her hands are forced behind her back by two and the other 4 have swords pointed at her neck, chest and both femoral arteries in her legs.
"Anbu, take her to T&I and give her to Anko. Tell her I said 'Fangirl 13-B protocol is authorized.' Sakura Haruno, I hope that Anko can change your ways. You are quite close to being killed for insubordination and the attempted assassination of your Kage," the Hokage shouts. "As for you, Sasuke Uchiha, you are to attend a daily counseling session with Inoichi Yamanaka until your insanity is curbed. Kakashi, we will talk about your 'training' later. Sasuke, you are dismissed for now."
The Anbu take Sakura and vanish. Sasuke struts out of the office after glaring at the Hokage.
"Well, now that the excitement is over, how about we continue and get the real story," the Hokage says.
"I think it'd be best if I tell the story, Hokage-sama," Zabuza says. "You probably won't believe me, but it is 100% true. First thing though, Naruto is going to be under my training."
"Very well," the Hokage replies.
"I have grave news for possibly the world," Zabuza begins. "It starts with Yhwach or as he likes to call himself, Kaiser Uzumaki."
Zabuza proceeds to tell them the full story of what happened on the mission to Wave country. By the time he's done, they're all pale and shaking. Naruto is sitting calmly and looking into the Hokage's eyes.
"Well, it looks like you have a larger burden on your shoulders, young Naruto," Kiski says. "I'll be here to help you with it as much as I can."
"I think we all will," the Hokage replies. "You've given me much to think about with this mission. For now, Zabuza and Haku will reside at the Uzumaki compound under the protection and order of Naruto Uzumaki. Go home and rest. We'll talk more at a later time."
Whew! This one stumped me for about 4 months. I just couldn't figure out how to write certain things. At least it is done and hopefully it is good for you all. I'm off to work on the next chapter while the muse is here!