A/N:
So, I'm assuming I'm doing something right and I'm on the right track. You guys are reading my story! X3 That makes me immensely happy. I apologize for such a short chapter last time. I wanted to do two episodes in one but I didn't want to have so much going on I couldn't fit it into one. I don't think 10,000 words in one chapter is appropriate. I feel like that's too much for you guys. But you tell me what you think 🙂 I am combining these next two episodes, or three; Who knows. I'm finding it's easier and way quicker to write your own versus following along with the episodes. So the chapters later on and some here and there will be out quicker than the ones following along the episodes so expect, maybe, 2 a week? 3 every 2 weeks? Something like that. Also, I'm writing this as though my audience has seen these episodes already so I'm forgoing some dialogue and descriptions so I can write more. I feel also like too much description would be redundant too and annoying and boring, It would slow down and bog up the story. Also, it was sooooooo hard not to type Haku and Zabuza before they were introduced with their names. I had to delete and retype sections so many times XD Anyway, onto the next chapter!So the chapters later on and some here and there will be out quicker than the ones following along the episodes so expect, maybe, 2 a week? 3 every 2 weeks? Something like that. Also, I'm writing this as though my audience has seen these episodes already so I'm forgoing some dialogue and descriptions so I can write more. I feel also like too much description would be redundant too and annoying and boring, It would slow down and bog up the story. Also, it was sooooooo hard not to type Haku and Zabuza before they were introduced with their names. I had to delete and retype sections so many times XD Anyway, onto the next chapter!
While waiting for a guide to steer the boat they rented, Team 7 and their charge took a moment to rest at the wait tables inside the rental place. Ellainna's ankle made a surprisingly quick recovery as she was now walking around without any trouble. After ten minutes, Kakashi goes back up to the desk to inquire again about how long it would take for an operator to return and be prepared for travel. Ellainna decided to follow after him and had caught the tail end of the conversation when she had arrived by Kakashi's side.
"-not really sure from there."
"Okay. Thanks," Kakashi replied to the man behind the desk. He turned to Ellainna and addressed her.
"Yes?"
She looked away in defiance and whispered something in reluctance.
"I'm sorry, I didn't hear that." Kakashi leaned in closer and Ellainna growled and said into his ear, a little louder than necessary, "I'm sorry for not taking the mission seriously!"
She grumbled and crossed her arms as she looked away, not wanting to make eye contact. Kakashi smiled (though, his mask covered that fact up) and petted Ellainna on her head.
"Well...That's progress," Kakashi began. Ellainna looked up at him, excitement and joy in her eyes. She then purred and bat her eyelids.
"Awww, so you do-"
Kakashi slightly tightened his grip on her head and leaned in, putting his face mere centimeters from hers. He made eye contact with her and spoke in a grievous tone, cutting her off.
"Just don't do it again."
Ellainna's entire face turned red and she nodded in acknowledgement and understanding. She was surprised to admit he elicited another reaction from her but that's not important right now.
"Good," Kakashi said cheerfully. He then turned around and motioned for her to go back and have a seat with her team but the guy at the desk came back and announced that their guide was ready to take them out. Both Kakashi and Ellainna thanked the guy, though she went a step above and bowed in respect. Then they both motioned for the rest of their group to follow behind them.
Ellainna skipped to the boat, her exuberant energy rekindled, and waited for everyone to catch up. Soon, they all clambered into the boat; Naruto at the bow, Sakura sitting next to Sasuke on the seat behind him, Ellainna sitting split legged on the next seat, Tazuna sitting behind them, and the man steering and rowing the boat bringing up the stern. They drifted along quietly as the fog set in.
After they had been drifting for a while, Ellainna grew bored and pulled a book out of her pack. She opened it to the page she had marked with a folded edge and picked up where she had left off at, unaware that Tazuna was watching her intently. He seemed to be trying to solve a puzzle and when he figured it out, he proclaimed, "I know you!"
Ellainna turned red in the face and looked up at him nervously.
"Hunh?"
"Yeah! I knew you looked familiar! I know you!"
"I-I-I don't think you do! M-may-maybe from around the village maybe? You were visiting us for quite a while..."
"No! I'm positive I met you before. It was at-"
Sakura, lost in her own little world, mentioned how foggy it was as she looked around. Ellainna had never been more relieved to hear Sakura's ramblings before in her life and made a mental vow to never get upset with them ever again. Tazuna decided to cut the conversation short and made a mental note to bring it back up later. Ellainna laid in Kakashi's lap and returned to her book, making a point to use it to hide her face. Soon after, the guide announced that they would arrive at their destination soon. No sooner than the words had left his mouth did they start to see the bridge appear through the thick fog. They floated right by and observed as the worker men worked on the bridge. There were beams, woods, and all kinds of materials scattered about. They could hear the men conversing; some arguing, others laughing, and some barking or answering orders. It was very lively.
Naruto remarked at the largeness of the bridge in excitement.
"Whoa! It's huge!"
"Always fascinated by size, are you, Naruto," Ellainna snickered to herself.
"Quiet," the guide lectured. "Why do you think I'm rowing like this in the fog?! So they don't see us!"
Naruto covered his mouth in apology and Kakashi tersely addressed the bridge builder.
"Mr. Tazuna. I want to ask you something before we arrive at the pier."
Tazuna didn't make any acknowledgement to Kakashi, but he continued as Ellainna peeked over her book to watch their interaction.
"There are men after you. Why? I need to know or else the mission stops once we drop you ashore.
Tazuna grunted and took a few moments before he answered.
"I have no choice but to tell you. No, rather, I'd want you to know." Tazuna went on to explain who the man was that is after him, Gato. Kakashi questioned why Gato would be after him, and how as he's a business man not a thug, and Naruto questioned who Gato was. Tazuna explained that he was a very rich, very powerful, very greedy man who heads up a shipping company. But, Gato was also a drug dealer who employs various dangerous ninjas and gangs. Tazuna explained how Gato came to the Land of Waves to take advantage of its resources, planning to use the island to further his business and line his pockets. Gato took over the shipping and transport business on the island in a blink of an eye and made it difficult for anyone to oppose his rule. He had control of everything and everyone on the island. Tazuna explained how the bridge he was building jeopardizes the control that he has over the island. That's why Gato wants to get rid of Tazuna; he literally stands between him and his sovereignty over the Land of Waves.
Sakura paraphrased what Tazuna said and Ellainna fought the urge to roll her eyes. Sasuke made the connection that the ninja they had previously ran into were hired by Gato and Naruto rubbed his forehead as he took all the information in. Kakashi sternly inquired why Gato withheld such pertinent information from the village when he made his request.
"Because the Land of Waves, even the noble families that reside here, are poor and impoverished," Tazuna responded. "Even the people building this bridge, the ordinary citizens, have nothing. We couldn't afford a high ranked mission." Tazuna went on to explain if they ended the mission when they got ashore, it would have been all for naught as he is sure to be killed almost immediately. He tossed in the knowledge of his grandson crying after his death and his daughter's assured subsequent hatred of the Leaf Village to try and guilt them into staying on with him.
"Oh, but it's not your fault. Don't worry! Forget about me," he added on.
"Well," Kakashi began. "I guess we have no other choice but to keep guarding you."
Tazuna feigned surprise and gratitude, already knowing that he would get what he wanted as had put them in a tough position. The guide announced their imminent arrival to the shore and remarked at their luck of being able to stay hidden from enemy ninja view. Ellainna closed her book, marking it where she left off at, and replaced it in her bag. She stayed in Kakashi's lap, however, as they crossed through a tunnel. When they came out on the other side, it was crisp, clear, and beautiful water all around. Lucious trees and foliage grew from it and Naruto looked on in adoration. The buildings along the shores, however, did not compliment the beauty of the water. They were boarded up and run down; full of holes and unrepaired damage.
The guide pulled alongside the dock and everyone clambered out. He wished them luck and Tazuna thanked him for his help thus far. They all looked on as the guide pulled off, this time turning the motor on, and left quicker than he came. Tazuna turned to face his caretakers and demanded they lead him safely home. Kakashi agreed and they all started walking. He noted how difficult the next attacks would be and hoped that they would be able to survive it.
As they all started marching along, Tazuna reached out and grabbed Ellainna's butt. A shiver passed through her body and she jumped in shock and turned her head to Tazuna, who was still firmly gripping her behind.
"Yup," he whispered in her ear. "I knew it was you."
Ellainna swatted his hand away and sped up past Kakashi so that he was now the closest one to Tazuna. She was thankful no one seemed to notice and she hoped it would stay that way. How she spent her evenings and weekends off of work weren't anyone's business. They all walked along silently, Tazuna occasionally directing them where to go. As they traveled through a forest area, Sasuke outpaced Naruto. Not wanting to be upstaged again, Naruto stopped and looked around for any sign of a threat. Thinking he had found one, Naruto threw a kunai into a bush. Everyone stopped in utter shock that Naruto had detected an enemy so quickly before them. Naruto stood back up and nonchalantly informed everyone that it was just a mouse. Ellainna chuckled to herself as he seemed to be on cloud nine, patting himself on the back for a job well done.
Agitated, Sakura chastised Naruto for attempting (and failing) to show off. Kakashi gently berated Naruto for being reckless with his kunai knives. Tazuna loudly admonished Naruto, accusing him of attempting to scare him. Naruto ignored them and continued scouting, trying to sense if someone was hiding behind the nearby bushes. Kakashi silently noticed a presence behind them while Naruto threw another kunai in that direction. Sakura, fed up with his antics, walked over and bopped Naruto on the head.
"That's enough, Naruto!"
Naruto plead his case and Sakura reproached him, disbelieving his story. Kakashi sternly told them to stop fighting as he walked over to inspect, Ellainna right behind him. They found a white hare lying against a tree, terrified, as the kunai Naruto threw rested in the tree right above its head. Sakura admonished Naruto again and Naruto ran over to it in remorse. He lifted the bunny and sand his apologies to it, trying to calm it back down. Tazuna remarked at the absurdity of the fuss being made of a bunny. Kakashi and Ellainna both noted the out of season coloring of the hare's fur and tried to deduce what was going on.
Suddenly, Kakashi shouted an order!
"Look out! Get down!"
Everyone ducked as a sword swung by, aimed at Tazuna. Kakashi took Ellainna to the ground with him, protecting her with his body over hers. The sword stuck into a tree behind them and a ninja appeared on the handle right after. Ellainna looked up at Kakashi and blushed, but not a moment was to be spared; they were in another battle! Kakashi quickly stood and looked at who their opponent was. He immediately ID'd him as Zabuza, the Demon of the Hidden Mist. Everyone else was on their feet and ready for battle, Naruto determined not to be shown up by Sasuke again. He charged, ready to battle, when Kakashi held his hand out.
"You're in the way. Get back," Kakashi said to Naruto, indicating that this wasn't something they could handle; this was serious.
"But why," Naruto asked incredulously.
"He's not like those other ninja. He's in a whole 'nother league."
Ellainna nodded her head in agreement and stood by Tazuna with Sakura, a kunai poised skillfully at the ready in her hand. Kakashi, determining how serious this fight was going to be, moved his headband up to expose his Sharingan eye. Zabuza remarked at Kakashi's best kept secret and Sasuke gasped in shock. There was definitely a fight brewing.
Kakashi shouted out orders to his team to protect their charge and stay out of the fight. He mentioned the teamwork training he gave them and for them to use it. He then beckoned to Zabuza, ready to fight. Naruto mentally remarked Kakashi's Sharingan eye, trying to deduce what it was. Zabuza expressed his honor to fight against an opponent with skill in the Sharingan and Naruto demanded to know exactly what it was they were talking about. Sasuke informed Naruto on the basics of the Sharingan and what it can do.
Zabuza expanded upon it a little more as fog started to roll in. He warned Kakashi that he was in a bingo book, listed to be killed on sight. Ellainna looked on in worry, knowing Zabuza's reputation. Sakura mentally inquired if Kakashi was really a famed and powerful ninja. Naruto exclaimed how he thought Kakashi's repuation was cool. Sasuke wondered to himself how it was possible for Kakashi to have the Sharingan as only Uchiha are able to.
Zabuza announced it was time to fight and Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura got into battle ready formation around Tazuna with Ellainna, each with a kunai in their hand and surrounding Tazuna on each side. Naruto on the left, Sasuke directly in front, Ellainna on the right, and Sakura behind him. Ellainna glanced over at Kakashi worriedly. She knew Zabuza's reputation. She knew how relentless, ruthless, and lethal he was. She didn't want to see Kakashi get hurt. She squeezed her eyes shut tight and shook her head, forcing herself to refocus. She couldn't think about what ifs right now. She had a client to protect and needed to keep her head in the game. She had to think about the fight. She had to make sure she was an aid and not a hinderance.
Kakashi stood protectively in front of his squad and Zabuza chuckled.
"So I have to eliminate you first, eh, Kakahsi? So be it..."
Zabuza pushed off his sword and pulled it with him as he leapt and landed in the water to the right of them and began building up chakra for a jutsu.
"Ninja art! Hidden Mist Justu!" Zabuza dissappeared in a gust of wind, only a leaf left in his wake. Kakashi walked over and reassured his squad that Zabuza would attack him first. Sakura inquired who he was and Kakashi explained Zabuza's fame in being a rogue, murderous ninja. He used to work for the Mist's Anbu unit and is skilled in the silent killing technique.
"Not even the Sharingan can fully neutralize it so don't let your guard down."
They breathed in a steady breath to calm themselves and Kakashi said, "Well, if we fail, we only lose our lives..."
How can you say that," Sakura said vehemently, confused at her sensei's apparent carefree attitude towards death. They stood on guard in silence for a few seconds before the fog started to get thicker. Naruto commented on the increasing difficulty it was to be able to see through it and Tazuna informed him on the ease of the technique. The island is surrounded by water, therefore the mist can rise and thicken easily. Pretty soon, it was difficult to see two steps ahead of them, let alone Kakashi as he stood by the water. Ellainna almost called out for him but bit her lip instead to stop herself. She mentally admonished herself for getting so attached to someone that she could lose focus so willingly and easily. She bit harder to remind herself to stay on guard and do her job: Protecting Tazuna. Anything else was a waste of time.
They stood in silence, waiting anxiously for Zabuza's attack to come. Suddenly, they heard a voice on the wind.
"Eight points..."
Sakura gasped in shock and the voice continued.
"Larynx. Spine. Lungs. Liver. Jugular. Subclavian artery. Kidneys. Heart...Now...which will be my kill point?"
Realizing it was Zabuza's voice in the wind, everyone became on high alert, trying to determine where it was coming from. Kakashi began building up and the power expelled momentarily cleared the mist from around him and his squad. Ellainna couldn't stop herself from feeling relieved to see he was uninjured thus far. Sasuke was caught off guard when he felt Kakashi's intense killing instinct. He felt it overwhelm him and was being crushed by it when Kakashi called out to him.
"Calm down. I'll protect you with my life. All of you. I will not allow my comrades to die. Trust me."
Kakashi turned his head to smile reassuringly at them and Sasuke was able to calm down and refocus. Suddenly, the voice in the wind spoke again, except this time it came from between Team 7.
"I wouldn't be so sure."
Zabuza had appeared in between their formation! He prepared to launch an attack with his sword and Ellainna pulled Tazuna backwards, out of the way. She landed on her back and Tazuna landed with his face in her bosom, but she lacked care; they were in the midst of a battle. Meanwhile, Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto leapt in their respective directions to dodge the attack. Simultaneously, Kakashi had rushed Zabuza and blocked his sword and managed to stab him in the gut with a kunai. Unfortunately, it was only a clone, and water leaked from the wound Kakashi made. Zabuza was behind Kakashi! Naruto called out to alert him as Zabuza reared back, prepared to attack. The clone turned into a puddle and the real Zabuza swung his sword. Ellainna looked up right as Zabuza sliced Kakashi in half and she screamed in terror and shock. Surprisingly, Kakashi's body turned to water, revealing that it was a clone Zabuza attacked after all. A relieved Ellainna watched as Kakashi appeared behind Zabuza and put a kunai to his neck.
"Don't move," Kakashi ordered. "Now it's over."
Naruto and Sakura cheered in triumph, praising Kakashi for his cunning and skill. Ellainna stood and helped Tazuna to his feet before arming herself again with a kunai. She knew that the fight is never over until your enemy is hogtied and singing mercy, or dead. As expected, Zabuza began chuckling.
"Over? You really don't get it, do you? Your technique is nothing but a crass imitation. I'll never be defeated by a mere copycat ninja like you."
Kakashi growled, on guard for another attack or trick, and Zabuza chuckled again.
"You are full of surprises, though. You had already copied my Water Clone jutsu when you made your little speech to reassure the kids." Zabuza turned to Kakashi and continued praising him for his ingenuity while explaining how he maneuvered around his attack.
"Nice try-"
A new Zabuza appeared behind Kakashi!
"-but I'm not that easy to fool!"
Kakashi destroyed the now discovered water clone and turned around as Zabuza swung his sword at him. Kakashi ducked and Zabuza's sword hit the ground. He switched hands and used his sword as leverage to kick Kakashi and send him flying. Zabuza grabbed his sword and began charging after the airborne Kakashi but was stopped by makibishi spikes in his path. He grunted at the futility of Kakashi's attempt to slow him down and theatrically lept backwards over them as Kakashi fell into the water. Naruto called after him in worry and Sakura looked on in paralyzed shock. She was surprised by the sudden turn of events and Sasuke stood in awe of Zabuza's skills.
Kakashi resurfaced, attempting to climb up and stand on the water. It was then he noticed that the water wasn't ordinary and Zabuza quickly appeared behind him. He began making the handsigns for a jutsu as he taunted Kakashi.
"Fool! Water Prison Jutsu!"
Kakashi was stuck in a swirling ball of water!
Kakashi regretted his choice of escaping into the water as Zabuza bragged about the water's strength. He then taunted him before setting his sights on his contracted target, Tazuna, and the other four ninja guarding him. He made another water clone as he was temporarily immobilized keeping Kakashi in his water prison.
Naruto looks on in fear and Zabuza lectures them what it really means to be a ninja.
"When your name has been entered into my bingo book, then you may have earned the title 'ninja'."
Zabuza's clone dissappeared into the mist and reappeared as he kicked Naruto. The kick sent Naruto flying and his ninja headband slipped off and fell to the ground where he was standing previously. Zabuza's clone stepped on it and crushed it into the ground.
Kakashi urged his team to leave him behind and take the bridge builder to safety. Sasuke and Ellainna made eye contact, signifying they were both thinking the same thing: the only way to succeed in the mission is to free Kakashi and work together. Sasuke began charging Zabuza's clone, simulaneously throwing shuriken as a distraction. When the clone went to bat them away, Sasuke leapt into the air, intending to land a blow to the head. The clone, however, was too quick for this and reached out. He caught Sasuke by the neck and tossed him away. Sakura called out to him and worry and Ellainna called out for her to relax. Naruto, overcome with shock and fear, looked up to see the clone now standing over him.
He fearfully took him in and tried to determine what to do. Naruto fell back on his bandaged hand which sent shockwaves of pain through him. It also grounded him; helped him focus on survival and his promise to successfully see the mission through. Naruto felt the fire of determination flowing through him and he stood in triumph. He would win this battle!
He then charged the clone, much to Kakashi and Saukra's dismay.
"Naruto! No!"
"Ahhhhhh! Naruto! What are you doing?!"
Naruto charged the clone but was easily swatted away. Sakura quickly chastized Naruto for his recklessness but Naruto surprised her as he got back up on his feet: he had retrieved his headband! Naruto replaced his headband and challenged the clone, boasting how he was going to win. He then called out to Sasuke and Ellainna, telling them he had a plan. After they discussed and divised, Naruto wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and prepared to attack once more.
Sakura switched places with Ellainna, now guarding Tazuna, and she prepared to fight. She smirked and cracked her fists in excitement. The clone taunted the three of them and Kakashi could only watch in fear for his students.
"What are you doing? I told you to run! This fight was over the moment I got caught. Take off! Your mission is to ensure the safety of the bridge builder! Stay! On! Mission!"
Ellainna stepped up and reassured Kakashi.
"'Stay on mission' Jeez, you're like a broken record. Don't worry. We're not leaving you behind. Not without a fight." Her voice sounded a lot steady than she actually was. Inside she was terrified. Her body wanted to tremble but she steeled herself, instead putting one hand on her hip and the other fiddling with her hair. She had a job to do and needed to focus on it.
Naruto turned to Tazuna and asked him what he wanted them to do. He told them to save Kakashi and reasoned that if he hadn't been so selfish and more forthcoming, this wouldn't have happened. Ellainna mouthed a sincere thank you to Tazuna. Sasuke and Naruto gloated to Kakashi, letting him know they weren't going to leave him behind.
The clone laughed and let spill that he had already had the taste of blood by the time he was their age. It caught the Genin off guard and Kakashi told the tale of his reputation. He told them how Zabuza got his start when his home village tasked him with a treacherous graduation exam: kill your classmate. He however took it a step further and went into the exam before he was of age and took down over 100 of the students inside. Zabuza himself then remarked how good it felt to him and everyone shivered from the thought of his insane bloodlust.
Suddenly, the clone charged Sasuke and elbow'd him brutally in the stomach. Sasuke soared through the air and landed heavily on his back. Naruto was frozen with fear while Ellainna poised herself with calm and grace. Zabuza's clone hit Sasuke again in the stomach with his elbow and put a foot on him, applying pressure. Kakashi could only look on in increasing frustration and anger. He couldn't stand to see his squad in danger. Naruto called out to Zabuza's clone to get his attention and performed his Shadow Clone Jutsu, creating an overwhelming amount of clones. They all pulled out kunais and prepared to charge him. Ellainna charged ahead of the clones and made it appear as though she was coming in for an attack. At the last second, she caught the Zabuza copy off guard and baseball slid by him, grabbing firmly onto his sword so he couldn't defend as easily from the impending storm of Naruto clones. He looked at her in shock and she smiled and winked.
"Gotcha, didn't I?"
The clones proceeded to dogpile Zabuza's clone, making a dome like structure around him. Sasuke took the recovery time to stand up, though he was in pain. Zabuza's clone managed to fight them all off, however, and sent Ellainna, Naruto, and his clones flying. Tazuna remarked how powerful Zabuza really is and the seemingly insurmountable skill he has. Ellainna managed to use momentum to flip herself so she landed and slid on her feet. Naruto and his clones slid on their backs as they dissappeared one by one. Naruto, not prepared to give up yet, rifled through his bag and produced a large shuriken.
"Sasuke!"
Sasuke caught it and used the momentum to spin himself so he was facing the clone. Sasuke opened the Shuriken and stood prepared to throw it. Zabuza's clone laughed at them, thinking it was a lame attempt at an attack, before Sasuke lept into the air. He spun on an axis and launched the shuriken at his enemy as he fell lithely to his feet. The shuriken seemed to make a beeline for the clone but turned and flew right pass him towards the real Zabuza. He laughed at them and caught it, intending to gloat at his assured victory, when another shuriken raced towards him. Zabuza had no choice but to let Kakashi go, lest he get sliced clean in half. But! He jumped right over the shuriken!
"I told you a shuriken can't touch me!"
Unexpectedly, the shuriken poofed in a cloud of smoke, revealing Naruto! Zabuza turned around in shock and Naruto threw a kunai at him before he fell towards the water.
"Take this!"
Kakashi looked back at Naruto in incredulous disbelief. Who knew he could have devised and executed such an ingenious plan so perfectly? Ellainna cheered in triumph and held her hand up for Sasuke to high five her. He smirked and lacklusterly complied and high fived her. She cheered again and put her elbow on his shoulder. She leaned on him and winked at Kakashi.
"Toldjya we wouldn't leave you."
Forced to remove his hand from the water prison, Zabuza lept out of the way of Naruto's kunai and Kakashi was free! Naruto's kunai also managed to nick Zabuza on the cheek as it flew by, drawing blood and angering him. He spun the shuriken angrily as he rounded to face Naruto, intending to throw it at him. Kakashi raised his hand and blocked the shuriken before Zabuza could even throw it. He looked up at Zabuza with murder in his eyes; no one is going to endanger his pupils and get away with it. Zabuza, for the first time in this fight, was fearful of his opponent. Sakura cheered happily and Naruto resurfaced and gasped for breath. Kakashi praised Naruto on his fantastic plan and obvious growth. Naruto boasted on the dynamics of and how he carried out his plan. Sasuke jokingly tried to minimize the grandness of Naruto's plan and Tazuna commented on how his success was just a fluke.
Everyone went back to being on guard, the fight seeming to pick back up. Sasuke and Sakura stood protectively in front of Tazuna and Ellainna stood on guard in front of them. She found herself more relaxed and calmer than before. She was confident that they could come out victorious having seen that the fight wasn't as scary as it first seemed. Zabuza closed the shuriken so that all four blades were now being pushed against Kakashi's hand, and put more and more weight on it. Kakashi flung it away defensively, launching it off into the air. The fight was officially back on. Kakashi and Zabuza both leapt away from each other and the former used his Sharingan to copy the jutsu that Zabuza was preparing to unleash. They finished at the same time and simultaneously summoned their water beast.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!"
"Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!"
Their dragons arose high into the air, interweaving with each other. Ellainna watched them appear, impressed. She had never seen the jutsu in action before but read about it before in her studies. The dragons attacked each other, cancelling each other out and causing a tidal wave that overtook Naruto. The wave was so strong, it rushed right passed Ellainna, Sasuke, Sakura, and Tazuna. Anticipating its arrival, Ellainna managed to run behind Sasuke and use him as a make shift support beam of sorts. She leaned on his back and linked her arm with his. Sasuke, Sakura, and Tazuna braced themselves so they wouldn't flow away with the water. The dragons continued to revive themselves and clash over and over again. The wave cleared out but the dragons' constant clashing caused it to rain overhead. Sasuke watched the fight, impressed with Kakashi's proficiency in his Sharingan skill.
Naruto resurfaced again and watched the dragons fight in amazement. During the chaos, Zabuza charged Kakashi with his sword. Kakashi managed to hold him off using only a kunai and his strength to block the blade. The dragons stopped fighting and it stopped 'raining'. Kakashi and Zabuza separated again and Kakashi was now copying Zabuza's moves. Tazuna and Sakura were astonished, noticing that Kakashi wasn't just copying his opponent's movements, but anticipating them. Sakura asked Sasuke how it was possible for Kakashi to be so skilled. Zabuza was astonished with Kakashi's skill, mentally asking himself how he was mimicking him so perfectly. Kakashi finished the sentence he was asking himself, further unsettling Zabuza. Kakashi taunted Zabuza, causing him to get riled up.
"You're just copying me! Like a monkey!" Zabuza, again being copied by Kakashi, began performing a jutsu.
"You won't be able to beat me! I'll crush you!"
"You won't be able to beat me! I'll crush you!"
Kakashi had Zabuza mimicked to the last letter he spoke. This threw Zabuza off, but also fueled his anger. He was determined to beat Kakashi regardless of his skill. He wanted to overcome and triumph. He began performing a jutsu but began hallucinating partway through. This agitated him further, causing him to be caught unawares when Kakashi performed the Giant Vortex Jutsu (the jutsu he himself was intending to perform).
Zabuza was quickly and easily caught up in the powerful vortex and swept through the forest. He was swept away until he was slammed into a tree. Everyone on land used their arms to protect themselves from the heavy wind and water haphazardly flying around, Sasuke taking Ellainna and covering her with his other arm. Naruto was swept under until he was able to grab hold onto a tree branch just out of the water's reach. Zabuza slid down to the ground, defeated, as the water cleared away. Kakashi threw a few kunai at Zabuza as he leapt onto the branch hanging over him. The kunai struck each of Zabuza's limbs and he cried out in pain.
"You're finished," Kakashi said, crouching and looking down at Zabuza. Slowly, the water cleared away, revealing the damage and wreckage it caused.
"How," Zabuza asked Kakashi incredulously. "Can you...see into the future?"
"Yes," Kakashi said, raising a kunai to attack with. "This is your last battle. Ever."
Before he could move another inch, senbon were launched through the air and stuck into Zabuza's neck. He fell over, blood pouring out. He seemed to have been taken out. Everyone gasped and looked on in surprise. Ellainna grabbed a kunai, unsure if there were a new enemy about, and Kakashi looked up to see a figure perched on a tree opposite him.
"You were right," the figure said. "It was his last battle."
Naruto climbed on land so he was no longer dangling and looked up at the figure in anger, growling. Kakashi hopped down from the branch he was on and felt Zabuza's neck for a pulse. He didn't feel one and looked at the figure on the branch. The person bowed and thanked Kakashi for his help. They had been tracking Zabuza for a while, waiting for a chance to take him down and Kakashi provided that for him. Kakashi inferred from the garments they were wearing that they were a tracker ninja from the Mist Village. The mysterious person confirmed his suspicion and noted that he was very well informed.
Naruto rushed over to his team before heatedly inquired what a Tracker Ninja was. Sakura chided Naruto for not knowing what it was as he had missed the day when they did the lesson. She arrogantly explained what they were and what they do. The tracker ninja praised Sakura for her knowledge and listed their affiliations.
Kakashi studied the ninja, wondering how someone so young could have such a dangerous but prestigious job. Naruto angrily approached the ninja and demanded an explanation. Kakashi tried to calm Naruto and he fired back, explaining why he was angry. If someone close in age to them could just kill Zabuza so easily, that means he and his team are pathetic. He didn't want to accept it. Kakashi brought attention to the fact that what happened is reality and regardless of what he told himself, nothing would change that fact. He gently ruffled Naruto's hair, comforting him but also telling him that there were kids younger than him who were stronger than Kakashi. Naruto reluctantly accepted this.
The tracker ninja used the mist to disappear and reappear next to Zabuza's body. They easily lifted him, said their final piece, and left; disappearing once more. Kakashi took his ninja headband and covered his Sharingan eye again. Naruto rushed over to where Zabuza's body used to be and Kakashi directed Naruto to let it go. Naruto dropped to his knees and began punching the ground as he voiced his frustration again with feeling pathetic. Kakashi walked over to Naruto and grabbed his arm so he couldn't continue.
"As ninja, the things we encounter are never easy. Save your energy for the next enemy."
Naruto relaxed a bit, taking in what happened and what Kakashi has told him. Kakashi turned to the rest of his team and addressed them.
"We haven't completed our mission yet. We still have to get out bridge builder to his bridge."
Ellainna sighed in relief as the fight was over and cheered in joy. She ran to Kakashi and jumped on him to she was dangling from his neck and wrapped her legs around his waist. She was over the moon that Kakashi was okay. Tazuna chuckled and cheerfully thanked them and also apologized for having caused to much trouble for them. He offered to let them rest when they got to his house. Ellainna cheered again before Kakashi addressed everyone.
"All right. Let's get a move on."
He turned to begin walking again, with Ellainna still hanging onto him, when the strain he had put on his body finally caught up to him. He paused, shaking from exhaustion and Ellainna dropped to her feet as she noticed something was wrong.
"Kakashi?"
He immediately collapsed and Ellainna tried to catch him but she went down too.
"Kakashi!"
Ellainna landed on her butt with Kakashi's head facedown in her lap. She looked down at him and caressed his hair, feeling tears form in her eyes but determined not to let them fall. Everyone else quickly rushed over and she looked up at Sasuke. He could see the fear in her eyes and nodded his head, silently comforting her that he would be okay.
"What happened," Sakura asked worriedly.
"I-I think..he's just exhausted," Ellainna responded, her voice shaky. She still was looking at Sasuke, unsure of what to do. Naruto tried to rouse him but was unsuccessful.
"Here," Sasuke said, taking charge and bending down. "We'll carry him the rest of the way."
He lifted one of Kakashi's arms over his shoulders and Ellainna followed his lead, taking Kakashi's other arm over her shoulders. Tazuna directed them on how to get to his house and they arrived uneventfully. When they arrived, he rushed to hold the door open for them.
"Tsunami," he called out hurriedly. A woman appeared, a relieved smile on her face, but she was startled when she saw Sasuke and Ellainna carrying Kakashi. She rushed over and helped them carry him to a spare room and onto a mat on the floor. She asked them what happened and Ellainna shakily explained. Tsunami then instructed Ellainna and Sasuke where the extra pillows and blankets were. Naruto and Sakura waited anxiously nearby and Tazuna sat down at a table, drinking again from a newly opened bottle of alcohol. After the initial shock and havoc wore down, Tsunami and Tazuna addressed them, introducing themselves. Tsunami was Tazuna's daughter! Afterwards, everyone dispersed, going their own way to rest. Ellainna opted to stay in the room with Kakashi, watching over him just in case he needed anything.
Kakashi woke up a few hours later, just before dark, to Ellainna's worried face hovering over his. Her eyes grew wide and she hugged him intimately, emitting shuddering and shaking breaths.
"I was...so worried."
Kakashi rubbed her upper back affectionately, trying to soothe her.
"It's okay," he responded softly. "I'm okay."
Ellainna climbed onto Kakashi and raised her head so that she was now making eye contact. Her hair fell over her shoulder and tickled Kakashi's face gently.
"I never...I always..."
"I know."
"I didn't think...I've always had solo missions. I never saw someone I cared about...get hurt like that."
"I know. But it's okay. I-"
The door to the room slid open and Ellainna rushed to sit next to Kakashi. She had a guilty look on her face and held her head down as she turned red in the face. Tsunami had entered to check in on Kakashi and upon seeing him conscious, she addressed him.
"Awake now, hunh? Are you okay?"
"I've been a better," Kakashi said. "it'll be a week before I can move-ugh-normally."
Kakashi tried to sit up and groaned in pain. Ellainna grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back down, causing him more pain.
"Ahh!"
"Then don't move," Ellainna said sternly. "Your body is exhausted, that means you need rest."
"She's right," Tsunami chimed in. "So lay down and rest."
"Fine," Kakashi groaned in defeat. Ellainna crossed her arms and smiled in victory. Sakura, Naruto, and Sasuke appeared with Tazuna after they heard he had roused. Naruto announced his consciousness and Kakashi's students sat at his side, opposite of Ellainna. Sakura called herself trying to lecture Kakashi about his overuse of the Sharingan. Kakashi weakly apologized for worrying his pupils and Tazuna mentioned how Kakashi ended up taking Zabuza down. He remarked that he was a high level ninja so they shouldn't have to worry about anymore high level enemies for a little while.
Sakura inquired about the mysterious ninja with the mask they met and Kakashi filled them in on the specifics of his job as a tracker ninja and where he was from. Because a ninja's body contains secrets from their home village, tracker ninja are tasked with erasing all traces of a ninja's body. Kakashi used himself and his Sharingan as an example. Enemy ninja would try to understand and gain intel about the Sharingan should Kakashi die and it could be stolen and used against the Leaf. Trackers keep things like that secret. Tracker ninja hunt down rogue ninja and eliminate them, dead or alive, so that this doesn't happen.
Already feeling restless, Kakashi sat up in spite of his pain. Of course, Ellainna was fervently and loudly against this, but Kakashi ignored her complaints. He pet her knee to let her know it was fine and she calmed down, trying to hide her blush. Kakashi felt a foreboding feeling creep up on him and he tried to determine why. Naruto's voice cut through his thoughts, asking him if he was okay. He reassured him and continued discussing tracking ninja. He analyzed the interaction they had with his team and came to the conclusion that it was a trick! Zabuza was still alive! This knowledge visibly shocked everyone except Sasuke and Ellainna. Naruto and Sakura argued that Kakashi checked his body himself. They couldn't believe Zabuza wasn't dead. Kakashi countered that it Kakashi countered that it wouldn't be too far-fetched an idea since tracker ninja are trained in all things about the body, down to the last cell.
Tazuna asked Kakashi if he was overthinking the situation. Would enemies really go that far? Kakashi informed him that as a ninja, it was his job to over evaluate and deduce the most likely scenarios his enemies would take. Not doing so and taking things at face value could lead to death. Naruto groaned in excitement, barely able to hold it in. He had another crack at fighting Zabuza and testing his skills. Sakura asked how they were supposed to prepare for the fight when he was unable to move. Ellainna shot her hand into the air and cheerfully exclaimed that she would take over their training.
"I'll do it!"
"I can still train you," Kakashi chuckled.
"No! You're injured," Ellainna protested.
"Hold on," Sakura added. "A little last minute training won't make us strong enough to fight Zabuza. Be reasonable! You could barely beat him, even with Sharingan!"
"Hate to agree with Miss Know It All-"
"Then don't," Kakashi started, interrupting Ellainna. "Why was I able to stop Zabuza in the first place? Because you all helped me. You've grown. Naruto...You've grown the most."
"So you noticed," Naruto asked proudly. "Now things are going to get better. Believe it!"
"I don't believe it! And nothing's going to be good!"
Everyone turned to the door, looking for the source of the unknown voice. There stood a little kid with clenched fists and an angry countenance. Naruto demanded to know who he was but Tazuna opened his arms wide and addressed the boy with joy in his voice.
"Ah! Inari! Where've you been?"
The boy rushed to him and hugged him, exclaiming, "Welcome back, Grandpa!"
Tsunami stalked over to chastise Inari for being rude. "Inari! That was very rude! These ninja helped your Grandpa and brought him here safely!"
Tazuna affectionately petted Inari.
"Now now," he began. "It's okay! I'm rude to them too!" He chuckled before he added on, "Except for the one that has great taste in Sake."
Ellainna's entire face turned red and she looked away as Tazuna chortled and smacked his knee in amusement.
Inari studied the ninja before he turned back to his mother, proclaiming that it's okay to be rude to them. It would discourage them enough to go home so they wouldn't die when Gato came back with all his hired thugs and mercenaries. Naruto, of course, took great offense in that and demanded Inari respect him; he was a hero! Inari countered with the fact that there was no such thing as a hero darkly and called Naruto's dreams stupid. Angry, Naruto went to charge at him but Sakura held him off. She lectured him as Inari told them that the only way they'd live was to go back home. He then started to walk back out the room.
"Inari, wait," Tazuna said, calling after him. "Where are you going?"
"Too look out at the ocean," he responded. "I wanna be alone!"
After the door was shut, Tazuna apologized for Inari's rudeness. Naruto growled, still frustrated, but was still being held back by Sakura. He left the room, leaving everyone else to be informed of the training plan. After Kakashi dismissed his team to get ready, Ellainna stayed behind to help Kakashi and make sure he was okay. Before she could get a word out, Kakashi started poking fun at her.
"So, you've got good taste in Sake?"
Ellainna hid her red face behind her hands and groaned.
"Nooooo!"
Kakashi chuckled lightly. "I wonder how Tazuna knows that."
"I'm not talking about this with you!"
Tsunami returned with a walking stick for Kakashi and Ellainna retrieved it from her silently. She pointed it at Kakashi defiantly.
"Look! I'll help you up and help you walk but you have to drop this subject forever."
Kakashi chuckled again. "I guess. But it's hard to take you seriously when you're so red in the face."
Somehow, Ellainna's face got even more red than before and she abandoned the stick as she tackled Kakashi, intending to hurt him. She leaned in so that their faces were barely touching and growled.
"I mean it!"
Kakashi chuckled once more, through the pain he was feeling, and agreed. "Fine, fine. I won't say anything else about your apparent fondness for Sake."
Ellainna rolled her eyes but accepted his surrender. She sat up so she was now straddling him. Kakashi raised himself onto his elbows and just then realized what Ellainna was doing.
"Uh...You can get off me now."
Ellainna smiled devilishly and leaned in close to Kakashi again.
"I could..." She wiggled her body teasingly. "But I won't." She cackled and Kakashi strained himself to roll her off of him, embarrassed at what could have happened.
"Ellainna," he said sternly. She rolled on her back and looked at him upside down. She smiled playfully as she addressed him. "Yes?"
He shook his head and rubbed his eyes. "I'm your teacher. You're my student. That's it. It can not, will not, and never will be anything else."
"I know." Ellainna hopped up cheerfully and quickly kissed Kakashi on the forehead before skipping out of the room. "I just like messing with you."
She cackled as she closed the door but was caught off guard when she was yanked sideways and pushed against a wall. Sasuke stood in front of her with one had firmly on her arm and another on the wall next to her face. He had a serious look on his face and Ellainna blushed.
"I...Stop doing stuff like that."
"Why," Ellainna asked. She grinned and pinched Sasuke's cheek playfully. "Are you jealous?"
He growled, though his cheeks turned a little red. "It messes with our training. And I need all the training I can get. You know-"
"Blah blah blah. You're telling me if I said-" Ellainna paused and placed her arm over her forehead before dramatically continuing. "-Oh Sasuke, yes! Have me now!" She stood back up and said normally. "You wouldn't care at all."
Sasuke let go of her arm and turned around crossly. "Whatever. Just act more mature from now on. We can't afford anymore setbacks."
He walked away towards the front yard to wait with Sakura for the rest of his team, leaving Ellainna by the wall. She took a step and was startled by the abrupt sliding of the door. Kakashi stood there, leaning against the wall and his walking stick. He hobbled past Ellainna determinedly and told her to hurry up and follow along.