10 year old Naruto laid on the ground surrounded by bodies panting heavily with wounds and blood all over him. Wado Ichimonji was held tightly in his left hand, its pale white sheath the only thing not stained with blood. He was so tired he couldn't even sense who the footsteps that were approaching him belonged a shadow stood over his battered body, he looked up to see his master's intimidating form standing over him, his face unreadable.

With the last of his strength, Naruto raised his left hand up to his master to return the Wado Ichimonji to its previous owner. The moss head man accepted the sword wordlessly from his apprentice, his one open eye not moving from the jinchuriki's own eyes. Naruto's arm dropped back to the ground like a rock.

"You did a very foolish thing, Naruto." He said after a couple of minutes of silence. To weak to respond, Naruto just listened. "You could've very easily been killed. You're strong for your age, but compared to the rest of the world, you're still weak." The man looked at the surrounding area while Naruto laid there.

"So what would you have me do then?" The red head asked. His master turned his gaze back to him. "There was no way I was going to leave Mizore there to be killed." Naruto's voice started to rise, angry giving him enough energy to voice his feelings. "I was an idiot to steal your sword and come here I'll admit. I'm no where near as strong as you are either. But how can I be the strongest if I'm not even strong enough to save my friends!?" Naruto weakly lifted a fist up to the sky. "I'll become strong enough to protect Mizore and everyone else I consider my friends and family!" He exclaimed loudly. "I promise that on my life."

The master looked on as his apprentice made the promise of a lifetime. Then he started laughing. After he finished, he pick up Naruto and threw him over his shoulder. "You have guts kid. Prove your strength to me Naruto. Prove you have what it takes to surpass me. If you can do that, you'll no longer have to steal a sword from me. They'll be yours."

Those were the last words he heard before Naruto finally succumbed to his injuries.

Zabuza and Haku were trekking through the misty forest on one of the Land of Water's islands. Naruto and Mizore separated from them after the redhead told them which direction the base was in. Zabuza still wondered how he knew where the rebellion was stationed at. Even if he was a sensor, they had to have had some way to hide their presence from sensors.

"I guess it doesn't matter how he knows." The swordsman thought to himself. He looked towards Haku. She put up a brave front, but he could tell how uncomfortable she was to be here. "Haku"

Haku almost seemed surprised that he was there. "Yes Zabuza-sama?"

Zabuza placed his hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you." He felt Haku tense a bit before seeing her visibly relax. She took a deep breath before nodding with a smile. Zabuza patted her shoulder before they continued their walk. Unknown to either of them, the person watching them disappeared, off to inform their superior about the two.

Rebel Base(not a Star Wars reference lol)

Mei Terumi, leader of the Kiri rebellion, listened to the report from one of her most trusted shinobi Ao.

"You're sure it's not just one of Yagura's ninja?" She asked cautiously.

Ao nodded. "I'm positive. I even used my eye to check" he said.

Mei laced her fingers together in front of her face. If it truly was Zabuza walking towards there base, he could help them out big time with his skills. But how did he even know where they were stationed? Coming to a decision, she stood from her seat.

"I'll go meet him myself. If he's working for Yagura, I'll take him out myself." She stated. "Ao you're in charge until I get back." She said while walking towards the door.

"What? Mei-sama let me accompany you. You shouldn't go out alone."

"Do you think I'm incapable of handling myself, Ao?" She asked with a piercing look. Ao out his head down in apology. "I'll go see Zabuza and his partner by myself. If I'm not back in half an hour, send a team after me.

"Understood Mei-sama."

Unknown Island

"We're here."

Naruto opened his eyes and grinned. It's been too long. He laid his left hand over his swords. It was almost as if they too were excited to be here. He could feel the large amount of power near the center of the island that could only be one person. He must've also sensed them because he started to move towards them. Fast….really fast!

"He wouldn't." Naruto thought. He widened his eyes when he felt it. He quickly grabbed Mizore, ignoring her protests, and jumped off the boat just in time. The next moment the boat was suddenly cut in two, a large explosion of water following after.

"What a way to greet someone" Mizore complained after they landed.

Naruto just grinned. "That's the kind of person he is though." He said while unsheathing Wado Ichimonji. "And he's not even half way over here yet. He really doesn't know how to hold back."

Mizore exhaled her breath strangely visible as if they were in a colder climate. "Team up?" She asked

"Let me have a go first. Then you can jump in." Naruto placed the Wado Ichimonji's hilt in his mouth and held it with his teeth before drawing Shusui and Sandai Kitetsu, the cursed blade given to him by his master. "Let's go!"

Rebel Base

Mei and Ao looked at Zabuza with disbelief. "What did you say?" Mei asked wondering if perhaps she heard wrong.

Zabuza just snorted. "Don't get me wrong. If you want everyone to be killed then yea it's a great plan. But if you actually want to win this war then that's a stupid idea."

"It's the only chance we have. If we don't take it..."

"If you do take it there's no way any of you will survive the week." Zabuza coldly cut her off. "It's obviously a trap. You think Yagura would accidentally send most of his shinobi after your so called bait? He's playing you."

"We have no other choice!" Mei snapped. "These people are tired of fighting Zabuza and we're low on resources. If we don't take this one chance, we may not be able to hold out until another one presents itself."

Zabuza sighed. "Mei, you may not trust me, but I didn't just come here just to make a losing battle last longer. Just listen to me. Forget this all or nothing move and just wait a couple of days."

Mei narrowed her eyes. "Like I said, Zabuza we don't have a couple of days. We're moving in three days. I'd appreciate it if you stayed and helped out, but won't hold it against you if you decide to leave." With that she dismissed them. Zabuza gritted his teeth as he and Haku walked out the room.

"What now Zabuza-sama? Can't we just tell them about Naruto-san and his master?" Haku asked.

"No. The kid doesn't want us to mention that guy and the kid himself can't turn the tide of a war by himself. Although he did say he would help out." Zabuza furrowed his brow in thought. "No choice then. Haku go find the kid." He took out the piece of paper the redhead gave him before they split up. What was it called? A Vivre card? "Take this. It's supposed to lead you to him."

Haku took the paper in her hands and examined it. It looked like a regular piece of paper. What was so special about it? She was shocked however when the paper started to move slightly towards the east. She pocketed the card before donning her hunter mask. "I will not fail you Zabuza-sama."

Zabuza nodded. "Be quick Haku." With that she took off at full speed.

In Konoha

"Team 7 reporting in. Mission complete" Kakashi said. Team 7 just got back from their mission in Wave. After their encounter with Naruto, the rest of the mission went by relatively peacefully, with the exception of a couple of thugs that used to work for Gato causing a few disturbances. But that was handled easily by his genin.

"Good job. I do hope your first C-rank mission quelled your sense of adventure for the time being" the old kage chuckled. He remembered the days when he was a fresh genin and wanted to go on 'heroic' missions for the village. Hopefully the new genin will learn that shinobi life isn't about being a hero.

Kakashi's trademarked eye smile showed his amusement. "Yes I do believe my cute little genin enjoyed their time outside the village." The cute genin just scowled at Kakashi with the exception of Sai who just kept his smile in place.

"Very well then. Your pay will be sent directly to your account. You're dismissed."

The three genin bowed to the Sandaime before leaving. Kakashi stayed behind though. When the genin left all amusement left him and he looked at the Sandaime with a serious expression.

"Did you get my message?" The cyclops asked.

Sarutobi got serious as well and nodded. "Yes. I sent an anbu team to rendezvous with your summon. When they reported back however it seems they lost his trail in a port town near the edge of Fire Country. He must've gotten on a boat and went out to sea"

"To sea?" Kakashi asked confused. "For what?"

"When I looked at a map to try to guess his destination, the only place I could think of was the Land of Water."

Kakashi's eye brow rose. "Land of Water? But they're in the middle of a civil war. Why would he go there?"

Sarutobi lit his pipe and inhaled the smoke. "Who knows. But unfortunately he's out of our jurisdiction."

"What about Danzo?" the jonin asked cautiously.

"Surprisingly he hasn't made any moves yet. I thought he would move the moment he learned about Naruto's reappearance, but he's been pretty quiet. I wish I knew what he was planning."

"It's pretty easy to guess why he hasn't gone after Naruto yet." A voice said. Sarutobi and Kakashi both turned to the window to see the Toad Sannin Jiraya leaning against it. When he was noticed, he came in with a rare serious expression on his face. "Sorry I took so long. Tying up loose ends."

Sarutobi gave a warm smile. "Ah Jiraya. I'm glad to see you. You look well." It was always good to see his student. Jiraya was his only student to still work hard for Konoha's wellbeing. The will of fire truly burned bright in the toad sage.

"Sensei. Kakashi." Jiraya greeted with a nod. Kakashi gave a small wave. "Unfortunately we'll have to skip the formalities for now."

Sarutobi nodded. "Indeed. Did you find anything?"

"Not a thing." Jiraya said with a frown. "But considering it's been six years, he could have a reason we don't know about to go to the Land of Water."

"But you said it was easy to figure out why Danzo hasn't gone after him yet." Kakashi said. "What's the reason?"

"The old war hawk must have already had a run in with Naruto in the past." Kakashi and Sarutobi widened their eyes a bit. "Otherwise he would've already gone after the kid. Something must've happened that made Danzo keep his distance. I just wish I knew what."

"Hmm. So what do you suggest Jiraya?" The Sandaime asked. "As of now there's not much I can do without risking tension with the Land of Water."

"Allow me to infiltrate The Land of Water. I can pop in to see if he really is there. I'm one of the few you have that won't get caught and I can subdue him if things get ugly."

The Sandaime nodded in thought. Jiraya was the strongest shinobi in Konoha, second only to Sarutobi himself. Although there are some that say Jiraya has surpassed him. If anyone could bring in Naruto, it would be Jiraya.

"I'll allow it. If you find him, bring him back to Konoha. By force if necessary." Sarutobi said.

Jiraya frowned. "I'd rather not use force. I said if things get ugly I could subdue him."

"I understand your feelings Jiraya. But right now we can't be seen as weak by the other villages. The chunin exams are coming up soon. If it becomes public knowledge that our jinchuriki is missing, others may go after him as well. This is for his protection as well."

"With all due respect Hokage-sama," Kakashi butted in. "It didn't seem like he needed any protection. He carried three swords on him but only used one against me. It felt it he wasn't really trying either."

"Hmm? Three swords? People usually only use one or two swords with Kumo's jinchuriki using a unique seven sword style. But three swords? Why does that sound familiar?" Jiraya thought to himself.

"It's fine Kakashi" the toad sage said. "I'm sure I can handle the kid. I'll be on my way then." Jiraya saluted them and disappeared through the window. "Really though. Three sword style….where have I heard that before?"

Unknown Island

"Owww!"

"Oi. No complaining Naruto-nii."

"Would it kill you to be a bit more gentle!"

"Yes." It was said in complete indifference and with a blank stare.

"Fricking sadist" a freezing hand slapped his back where fresh bandages were wrapped. "Owww!"

"There all done."

Mizore sat in a kneeling position behind Naruto. They were resting in a small field after the welcoming they received.

"Jeez doesn't that idiot know how to hold back?" Naruto laid back, his head falling into Mizore's lap. "I swear I saw my life flash before my eyes at least three times."

Mizore placed her hand on his head. "There there. It's okay Naruto-nii" she said mockingly with no sympathy. "Maybe next time he'll actually take your head off and instead of a near death experience, you'll have a real one."

Naruto shivered in fear. "Come on Mizore. How many times do I have to apologize for using you as bait?" He asked nervously. An upset Mizore was never good for him.

"Try one more time" she said.

"I'm really really sorry and I'll never do it again. Forgive me?"

"No. Die" she replied coldly looking away from him.

"I'll get you ice cream when we get back to the mainland."

Mizore was silent for a minute. "…Nothing less than three scoops." She said accepting the offering.

"You got it imouto" he said with a huge grin.

"That was a dirty move nii-san." Mizore said with a cute pout.

"Haha how else can I win against my cute imouto?" Naruto laughed.

Mizore bopped him on the head. "Idiot". She muttered annoyed but the small smile tugging at her lips showed her true feelings. The two stayed like that for a while. Naruto, eyes closed, resting his head on Mizore's lap while she stroked his hair. "Hey, nii-san."

"Hmm?"

"…Do you think we can visit my parents?" She asked in a small voice.

Naruto opened his eyes a bit to see her still looking away from him but he could clearly see the sadness in her eyes. "She must be thinking about the last time she went to her parents' grave." He thought. That was his first time coming so close to death. However because of that, he was able to unlock that power and save Mizore from a group of Kiri nin.

He smiled up at her. "Of course we can. There's no way we would come here without dropping by. I bet they can't wait to see how strong you've become over the years. Don't you think?"

Mizore nodded timidly. "And I can tell them about Haku-nee."

"Hey what about your strong nii-san?" Naruto said, attempting to lighten her mood a bit.

"When I get one I'll be sure to mention him." She replied coldly.

Naruto felt as if blades of ice pierced his heart. "So cold." He said with a sweat drop.

He was a bit surprised when Mizore leaned down and gently wrapped her arms around his head, her violet hair brushing against his face. "Arigato, nii-san." She said softly.

Naruto rested his hand on her head accepting her gratitude. Ever since the young girl found out there was a small piece of her clan still alive, she's been less reserved. It really made Naruto happy to see her come out of her shell more.

He suddenly perked up and looked off into the distance. "Haku?"

Mizore looked in the same direction. "Haku-nee is here?"

"Yea but she shouldn't be" Naruto said while standing up and grabbing his swords. "Let's go meet her." Mizore stood as well and the two went off to meet up with the approaching Haku.

"I thought we were gonna meet them at the rebel base once we left from here." Mizore said.

"Something must've happened. Stop here." He said.

When they stopped Haku came jumping from the treetops. She was a bit surprised to see them waiting for her but from what she's seen of Naruto's sensory abilities he probably already knew she was coming. She jumped down in front of them.

"Naruto-san, Mizore-chan. We have a small problem." She said panting heavily. She had to run all the way here because there were no boats available. It took her a whole day to get here. Too much time in her opinion.

"What happened?" Naruto asked immediately moving to support her after noticing how exhausted she was. Haku collapsed into his arms barely conscious. Mizore came over concern all over her face. "Haku-nee are you ok?"

"Looks like chakra exhaustion. Mizore let's get her to the cabin."

"Wait." Haku's hand grabbed Naruto's arm getting his attention. "Mei Terumi plans on attacking Kiri in two days. She wouldn't listen to us." She reported weakly.

Naruto's eyes hardened. "Understood. Thank you for bringing the message. Rest now Haku." The girl nodded weakly and lost consciousness. Naruto picked her up bridal style. "Mizore, let's get back to the cabin. We have to prepare ourselves."

I know I said this one would have a fight scene, but I'm still having trouble trying to figure how to write a certain part, so fight scene is next chapter for sure. It's really hard to write and I apologize if I'm taking too long. Tune in for the next chapter!