Lionheart: Alright, weekend's here so that means another chapter. Frankly, I was surprised many of you are desperately waiting to see who the mysterious masked ninja was. Maybe I should save him for next chapter.
Anyway enough talk, you'll see exactly what happens. Who knows maybe you'll find out maybe not…but…anyway, the chapter.
Haku's New Technique! Bridge Fight Part 1
On the bridge, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi formed a semi circle in front of Tazuna. Sasuke was in front, facing down the three hidden mist Shinobi in their path. On the other side, Zabuza stood next to a mysterious masked figure, while Haku stepped forward. Sasuke braced himself for Haku's first move.
"Well," began Kakashi, before anyone made a move, "So I had it right, it was all an act…with a cute little mask." Sasuke smirked, while Tazuna and Sakura exchanged amused glances. "So, all of that stuff about being a tracker ninja protecting his village was a bunch of bull, eh," said Tazuna bravely." Kakashi shrugged, "They look pretty chummy, I bet they've been pulling scams like this for a long time." "He's got some nerve," shouted Sakura. "And still hiding behind that mask, who does he think he's fooling," added Kakashi, humorously. Sakura twitched, "Speak for yourself sensei," said Sakura irritably, thinking of his mask.
"I'll handle him," said Sasuke. Sakura clapped her hands together, "Sasuke you are so cool." While Kakashi mentally sighed, Sasuke twitched. He hated when she got like that. Meanwhile Zabuza and Haku remained silent, eyeing their opponents, and whispering.
"They've gotten stronger again," noted Haku. "It will be considerably more difficult to face them." "Yes, that may be so, but that boy's first move will have given us an advantage. We managed to somewhat gauge that boy's strength. He moves just as fast as you, Haku. But your technique should be able to defeat him." "Even my techniques may not be strong enough, Zabuza. He's getting more impressive than ever."
Zabuza shrugged, "If I had had help against him last time, I would have undoubtedly won. The problems arose when they freed Kakashi. You should have no trouble. Plus we have… him today," said Zabuza gesturing back towards the masked ninja, who shrugged. "I hope you're right, Zabuza," said Haku. "These aren't ordinary jounin or Genin, for that matter we're dealing with, they're much more than just that." Haku mentally sighed, 'And to be honest, they haven't been fighting to their full strength.' Zabuza shrugged, "Just do as your told."
Haku nodded, "They're mine." The masked ninja shifted, "Just save the one called Naruto Uzumaki for me." Haku frowned, seeing as he had wanted to be the one to fight the boy, "Fine, Naruto is yours." "Hurry up, Haku," demanded Zabuza, "I don't care which one you attack, but save at least Sharingan for me." Haku nodded.
While, Sasuke got into a defensive stance, Haku began to rotate his body. Now, appearing to be a mini-tornado he moved towards Sasuke, but soon disappeared. Sasuke smirked as his eyes shifted upwards. He readied his kunai and then stepped back, at the same time thrusting out his weapon.
MeanwhileBack at the house, Tsunami calmly cleaned the dishes, while humming to herself. She was interrupted as she heard something break. Turning instinctually she saw her wall broken down, and two samurai standing in the hole they had made. She felt her heart turn to ice as she recognized the two of them as her husband's murderers. They were called Zori and Waraji.
"So you're Tazuna's daughter, huh," asked Zori, the shorter one, with blue hair, "Too bad, you'll have to come with us…NOW." While he smirked, Waraji, a taller and more muscular man with an eye patch approached menacingly. Tsunami crouched into a corner and held a saucer pan in front of her. Offended, the samurai grabbed the pan and smashed it into the sink, successfully breaking the two. Plates broke, and water was everywhere. Tsunami screamed loudly, and it traveled all through the house, reaching the ears of Inari, who had been washing his hands. In the meantime, she shivered in fear, wondering if she would be next.
"Mother!" Tsunami looked up and for a moment couldn't believe Inari was standing there, trying to hide behind a wall. The two samurai were startled by his presence at first, but they soon realized they were dealing with a little kid. Tsunami suddenly realized the immense danger of the current situation and she yelled, "No, don't come out here. Run away…HURRY." Inari flinched, but before he could move, Zori had pointed at him. "Don't move."
Waraji approached him, with an evil grin. "Shall we grab this one too?" "No," replied Zori, "Gato asked for only one hostage." Inari froze in fear, 'Hostage,' he thought, frightfully. "Alright," said Waraji, "THEN LET'S WASTE HIM." "Hn," muttered Waraji, grinning evilly. He slowly pulled his sword out of its sheath. "WAIT," interrupted Tsunami. Waraji stopped and Zori stared at her, as if waiting to see what her intentions were.
Tsunami's face darkened, "Please don't hurt my son. I'm begging you, he's just a boy." Inari's eyes widened at these words. "I'll do anything, just please don't hurt him." Zori shrugged, "Hn," while Waraji smirked. As he sheathed his sword, Zori turned back to Inari. "Looks like your mom came through for you, kid, lucky."
Shedding tears, Inari collapsed on his knees. Zori and Waraji stared at the pitiful sight of him. "What a waste, I was in the mood to cut something." Zori touched his partner on the shoulder, "Give it a rest, you already drew blood today." Turning back to Tsunami, he grabbed her arm, "Let's get her out of here." The two tied her up and then slowly led her out.
Inari continued crying and pounding his fists. "I'm sorry, mom," choked out Inari, as Tsunami was marched out. "I'm sorry. What c-could I do? I'm too weak to protect you. I'm scared…I don't want to die," shouted Inari, clutching his hat. As tears continued to fall from his face, Inari suddenly had a flashback of Naruto. " 'You Coward.'" Inari gasped and looked up.
He clearly saw Naruto's face in his mind's eyes. He remembered the words that had broken him down completely, mostly because he knew them to be true. " 'Listen to yourself crying and complaining like some sorry victim. You're nothing but a coward…Coward…Coward.'" The word rang through Inari's head as he remembered his father. " 'If you truly care about something, protect it…with both arms,'" his father would use to say.
Inari's crying slowly began to cease as he wiped them off and thought of his father. Flashes of the ninja, Tazuna, his mother, and his father flashed before his eyes. Each of them had fierce looks in their eyes, one Inari considered brave. "Can I…Can I be that strong too?" Inari wiped his eyes one last time, and stood up, with a defiant look in his eyes. "Father," he cried, before rushing out the door.
Meanwhile, the two samurai led Tsunami across a small wooden bridge to where they're boat lay in wait. Waraji stopped for a second and placed the hilt of his sword under Tsunami's neck. "HAHA, We're going to treat you just fine, so don't you worry your pretty little hair." Zori sighed, as he pushed Tsunami along, "C'mon keep moving." "STOP!"
The three turned to see Inari standing behind them, with a defiant look. "Well, well, if it isn't the little tough guy. "Huh, Inari!" "How cute," said Waraji, "You've come to save your mom." Inari shivered, but he remained defiant. "You…you better get away from my mom." Inari began to run forward, despite Tsunami's protests of, "NO! GO BACK!"
"Well," said Waraji, "This kid is a little short on brains, don't you think?" "Take him down," sighed Zori, drawing his blade. "AHHHH," yelled Inari, as he charged. "Uh, If you hurt him," threatened Tsunami, "I swear I'll…" 'Plunk.' Tsunami fell forward mumbling, "Inari," as Zori knocked her out. "Shut up…take a nap." "AHHH," continued Inari, running forward. Zori and Waraji both swung their sword simultaneously and cut through their target.
The bridge'CLANG.' Sasuke's thrust made contact as Haku appeared in front of him, thrusting out a senbon. The two pushed against the others' weapon some time before shifting position and thrusting out again. 'CLANG.' "Too slow," pointed out Sasuke. Haku backed off and faced off against Sasuke. "So, I see," he said, before slowly merging with the surrounding water. Sasuke looked around, waiting to see where Haku would rise out. He was thoroughly surprised when the ninja snuck behind him and threw his Senbon.
Sasuke flipped and in a matrix style flip, dodged all three needles. He then X-blocked as Haku came in with a swift uppercut. Haku then proceeded to rapidly attack with punches, all of which Sasuke blocked. Sasuke then retaliated by using Konoha Reppu, knocking Haku off his feet. The experienced ninja however was able to use this to an advantage and did three quick hand seals with a single hand. Kakashi gasped at this, "Hand signs with one hand? I've never seen such a thing."
"Hyoro no Jutsu." (Ice prison technique). Kakashi tensed, remembering how the water prison had caught him. Now Sasuke was up against an ice prison. To Sasuke's surprise, Haku leapt back, and immediately afterwards, ice began to form on his feet. Sasuke struggled, though it was no use, he couldn't break free of the ice. To make matters worse, three ice pillars had shot up from the ground and were beginning to encase him. Sasuke formed two hand signs and shouted, "Katon: Gokakyu no jutsu."
Inhaling deeply, Sasuke blew out just as strong letting out a thin flame that widened into a fireball. However, Sasuke aimed at his feet, instead of at Haku, and the fire was able to weaken the ice. "SASUKE, watch out," yelled Sakura, who could see that the pillars were beginning to connect together. Able to break free of the ice entrapping his feet, Sasuke narrowly avoided being trapped, by using Shunshin. He disappeared in a poof of smoke, going through the top, just as the ice sealed over. Once he had moved in place behind Haku, he used a swift flick of his arm, flinging three shuriken at Haku, who was astounded he had gotten away.
On the sidelines, Sakura let out a long sigh of relief, while Kakashi mentally sighed. 'He definitely cut it close. Too close.' Meanwhile Zabuza grunted. 'C'mon Haku, find an opening and kill him.'
Back in the fight, Haku countered with three senbon needles and then flipped upwards to avoid a kunai. While Haku was in mid air, Sasuke opened his mouth and a snake came out. The snake attacked Haku, though he easily sliced it in half. Although this disgusted Sakura and Tazuna, frightened Kakashi (though not literally, more like OMG, what the hell?), and impressed Zabuza, it did its job of distracting Haku. Sasuke reached deep behind his back and pulled out the Kusanagi no Tsurugi (Kusanagi Sword: Sword of Heavens) "Mikazuki no Mai," Haku turned and exclaimed in surprise as Sasuke split into three clones and began waving the sword in a complicated pattern.
'That technique,' thought Kakashi, 'I thought only Naruto knew it.' 'Sasuke is soooo cool,' thought Sakura. 'What a kid,' thought Tazuna.
'Mizu Bunshin,' thought Haku, forming a hand sign. While a clone quickly formed behind Haku (Out of the eye of Sasuke), Haku was able to teleport away, just as Sasuke slashed the clone's shoulders. To his irritation the Haku turned to water and splashed to the ground. He groaned and then turned, slicing horizontally. Sakura gasped as Haku took a cut to the stomach. Meanwhile, Kakashi smirked proudly as he stared at Zabuza. His eyes seemed to say, "Care to try fighting him yourself?"
Meanwhile
Three log pieces clattered to the ground, from the result of Zori and Waraji's slashes. Both samurai gaped at it. "It-it's a substitution jutsu," stated Zori, fearfully. He knew of the ninja techniques and had sworn never to experience one's wrath. "And the woman is gone," said Waraji, turning. "Sorry I'm late," interrupted Naruto. Zori and Waraji turned sharply to take in their new opponent. "Huh, who's that," asked Waraji. Naruto had Inari over his shoulders and he had gently laid Tsunami on the bridge. He then grinned at Inari, "But…you know. Hero's usually show up at the last minute." Inari looked, astonished at the voice. "Naruto, it's you."
Naruto set Inari down. And smiled at him. "Who else," began Naruto, "Inari, you did great. When you charged like that, it showed just how brave you are. And it also allowed me to get your mom out of there with an awesome jutsu." "Wow, Naruto, I thought you went out to train."
Naruto grinned, "Those two made so much noise, it's hard to not hear them." Zori twitched, while Waraji eye's widened. "Why, you…hey Zori, he's just a little kid. One of those ninja brats Tazuna hired." Zori's confidence increased somewhat and he nodded, "Let's get him."
Naruto sighed as the two samurai carelessly charged. He held up a finger and then threw some shuriken. The two samurai blocked them. "Try something else," shouted Zori. Naruto shook his head, "Nah. Those two shuriken were good enough." Inari gaped as the two shuriken Naruto had originally thrown circled around the two samurai and struck them in the back. Both went down in a flash crying for mercy. Naruto was upon them in a poof of smoke and with two jabs to their temples, knocked them out. He then proceeded to tie them up.
"Pfft, what a bunch of bakas," said Kyuubi, lazily, from his slumber. "Well, they're okay fighters, just they're no match for an Uzumaki." "Yeah…right," said Kyuubi. Naruto laughed mentally and said, "I'm just that great." Kyuubi scoffed, but remained silent. "Argh," continued Naruto, annoyed Kyuubi was ignoring him, "You'll see, but wait I need to talk to Inari first." "Pfft, whatever, brat."
"Y-You did it," stammered Inari, in surprise. Naruto laughed, "Of course." Inari blinked in surprise, "Hehe," he laughed slightly, "That was so excellent…just like a real ninja." "Brat, I am a real ninja, that's what I've been telling you. I'm the greatest ninja in Konoha," bragged Naruto, laughing. Inari blinked again, but he mouth formed a wide smile, and he laughed.
"Oh…yea, Inari." Inari looked up, "Huh?" "Calling you a coward…well it was mean. And it's not true," said Naruto, placing a hand on Inari's shoulders. "Cause you were really brave." Inari blinked several times, before he suddenly began to shake. Tears threatened to come up, and Inari tried to hold them back. "I-I'm sorry," apologized Inari, through sobs, "I promised myself I wouldn't cry anymore. You're gonna make fun of me again and call me a baby, but I just can't stop."
Naruto eyed the boy and then turned to look into the horizon beyond the sea. He searched for the right words to tell him. "What are you talking about? You're happy…what's wrong with that, hehe." Inari blinked in surprise and wiped the tears away. Naruto closed his eyes. "When you're happy, it's okay to cry…really it is." "Naruto," said Inari.
"Hehe, I guess I can leave these two up to you now, can't?" Inari turned, "Uh…yeah I guess." "Great, then I'm going to the bridge…and remember it's not easy being a hero, it's tough, but someone has to do it." Inari nodded, "Right," he said, raising a fist.
Naruto smiled as he turned and leapt away. "What a nice kid," said Naruto, happily. "You're an even bigger baka than him," came Kyuubi's reply. "It's okay to cry when you're happy," mocked Kyuubi. Naruto mentally slapped Kyuubi, "Hey, what else was I supposed to say?" Kyuubi laughed, "I was joking brat." Naruto sweat dropped, "I'll never understand you."
The Bridge
Haku slowly stood up, with blood pouring freely from the wound in his stomach. Zabuza growled. "It's impossible…no one is faster than Haku!" "I've progressed past a point in which you can't follow Haku," stated Sasuke, "It would be wise if you gave up." Haku didn't reply, but merely stood there, clutching at the wound. It was a small gash, nothing life threatening.
"You see…Zabuza, you made a big mistake calling these ninja brats. Sasuke is the number one rookie in the hidden leaf village…and you've just brought out his attitude," said Kakashi.
"Hehe, well I'll admit, I see the boy has more talent that I originally thought. Haku, if we keep going like this we'll end up being the victims instead of them. Get on with it. Use it…use that jutsu now." Haku turned, "No, it would do me no good, for that. He has obviously prepared for it…remember he has fought me before. I will try something different this time."
'Well,' thought Sasuke, 'At least that was well thought out. He must have realized his Kekkai Genkai (Bloodline Limit) would have been a total waste of time against me.' "How is this fight going, brat?" "Fine," replied Sasuke, "And how is Naruto doing? We could really use him. It's fine now that that other ninja is watching, but if he attacks I don't know if Sakura and Kakashi can hold both of them back." "Heh, the brat is on his way. So, how do you plan to fight Haku?" "Without you in my head every five seconds for sure," replied Sasuke, evasively.
"HA! I don't like your attitude. You have some nerve…but then again I respect it. Oh well, fine have it your way then." Sasuke felt Kyuubi leave him and he sighed. 'Jeez.'
Meanwhile Haku had leapt up and disappeared over the side of the bridge. Sasuke, with a nod from Kakashi, gave chase and followed him across the water. 'What does he have planned,' thought Sasuke.
It didn't take long for Sasuke to find out, when he saw Haku stop and raise his arms. Ice began to form and rise up from the water. Sasuke stopped and activated his Sharingan. The technique wasn't a Genjutsu; it was some kind of Kekkai Genkai.
'What? He has another Kekkai Genkai?' Haku grinned, and did some hand signs. Sasuke copied them, and the two shouted simultaneously, "Hyoton: Haryu Moko (Ice Release: Piercing Dragon Fierce Tiger.)
Sasuke sweat dropped. He realized that nothing had happened, though he had felt a sudden chakra flare up inside of him. He then saw two tigers, made of ice emerge from the ice Haku had conjured. One was considerably larger than the other, and the smaller one was quickly destroyed. Sasuke realized the jutsu created a tiger out of nearby ice, but since he was considerably further away from it, than Haku was from the ice, his was considerably weaker. Sasuke frowned as Haku's tiger now charged at him.
He did some quick hand seals, yelling, "Katon: Haisekisho." (Fire Release: Ash Product Burning.) Sasuke blew out a thick cloud of heated ash that surrounded the tiger. Slowly it melted away into water and broke apart. Sasuke then detected movement underneath him, and he quickly used Shunshin to jump.
At the same time, Haku emerged from the water, yelling, "Suiro no Jutsu." (Water Prison Technique.) A wall of water quickly closed around the space Sasuke had just been. Sasuke flipped upside down in midair, and did three more hand signs. "Futon: Daitoppa." (Wind Release: Great Breakthrough.)
Sasuke let out of a fierce gust of wind that blew Haku backwards, and also parted the water so much; the land underneath could be seen. When Sasuke stopped, he landed, to see Haku slowly stand up from afar. He easily saw it was a Mizu Bunshin. Sasuke appeared next to it, and destroyed it before it could move. 'Now,' he thought, 'Where is the real one?'
"Behind you brat," interrupted Kyuubi. Sasuke ducked just as a Senbon needle whizzed by his head. He then leapt up, twisted around in midair, and blocked a sidekick to his midsection. Haku leapt back, along with Sasuke, and the two faced each other. Sasuke noticed the wound on his stomach was gone, so he figured the one he had injured had been a Bunshin.
Haku then leapt upward back toward the bridge. At the same time, he began to emit blue chakra from his body. Zabuza noticed this and smirked. "It's about time, Haku," he murmured. Sasuke followed, though by the time he recognized the chakra Haku had emitted, it was too late. Ice mirrors formed from the ground and surrounded him.
Meanwhile, Kakashi, Tazuna, and Sakura watched with some amount of worry. "Kakashi Sensei, what kind of technique is that?" Kakashi turned to Sakura, "I'm not sure, but I don't like it. It appears Sasuke is trapped within that thing, and I have no doubt something is going on in there. I'll go check it out. Protect Tazuna in the meantime."
Sakura nodded and moved in front of Tazuna, while Kakashi ran forward, drawing a kunai. He didn't get very far as Zabuza appeared in front of him. "You know… Kakashi, if you interfere in this fight, then I'll kill the bridge builder." Kakashi growled, but stepped back. Zabuza gave him a smug look, "There is now way that boy can defeat Haku once he's trapped in her jutsu." Kakashi returned the look with one of his own, "Don't underestimate Sasuke. I did it once, and to say I was impressed would have been an understatement."
Zabuza growled in response. "We'll see, Kakashi."
Inside the dome created by Haku's ice mirrors, Haku's image was reflected in each of the ice mirrors. Sasuke, with the Sharingan easily pinpointed the real one and threw a kunai at it.
Haku caught the weapon and then used his advantage to throw multiple Senbon at Sasuke. The Genin easily caught them all, without flinching or moving. 'I knew this technique would be pointless against him,' thought Haku.
Haku formed a plan, using his current advantage and then created two Mizu Bunshins. Sasuke fought them with his Taijutsu, while easily dodging Senbon needles from the real Haku. 'C'mon, destroy them already,' thought Haku. He soon got his wish as he heard the slice of a sword making contact. Sasuke had used the Kusanagi again to slice off the heads of the Bunshins, which turned to water and splashed to the ground. While Sasuke dodged more Senbon, Haku quickly emerged from the mirrors. Doing some hand signs, Haku suddenly yelled, "Suiton: Bakusui Shoha." (Water Release: Exploding Water Shockwave.)
Haku spit out an enormous amount of water from his mouth that filled the entire dome and made much of the bridge flooded with water. There was so much water that Tazuna, Sakura, and Kakashi were up to knee deep in the water. Meanwhile, the sheer force of the water knocked Sasuke back, and he felt his feet leave the ground. His body flew from the dome of ice mirrors, by some chance and he went over the bridge. Haku smirked realizing he now had a clear advantage. Releasing his bloodline limit he dove after Sasuke and did some hand signs.
He struck the water near where Sasuke had landed and said softly, "Suiro no Jutsu." Sasuke's eyes widened as he tried to leap from the water, but it was too late and he found himself caged and unable to move.
Up above, Zabuza smirked, while Sakura yelled. "NO! Sasuke!" Kakashi instructed her to guard Tazuna, while he slipped down his mask, to reveal the Sharingan. Before he could move, the mysterious masked ninja had appeared in front of them. "Hello there." He began to draw some sort of weapon from its sheath, but Zabuza stopped him.
"I'll handle Kakashi. You go and stop that boy. He is close." Sakura gasped, "Naruto?" The mysterious ninja nodded and vanished. Zabuza swung his Zanbatou in front of Kakashi. "So, Kakashi, it looks like it's just you and me now." Kakashi grimaced. "Sakura, continue to protect Tazuna, don't let anything by, and especially clones of that boy."
Sakura nodded and stepped back with Tazuna. "In the meantime," continued Kakashi, "It seems we'll have to fight."
Meanwhile, the masked ninja ran along the bridge back to the island. Once he reached the edge, a figure appeared in front of him. "So," said Naruto, "You must be that ninja Haku talked about." The figure didn't reply, only drew two pike-like swords.
Naruto seemed to recognize them, since he laughed. "Oh, it's you." The masked ninja began to remove his mask, "I've waited a long time to get my revenge on you… Prepare yourself…for I'm about to give you the grandest funeral yet."
"We'll see," was Naruto's reply, as he pulled his signature katana from a sheath hidden inside his shirt.
Lionheart: I'm sure all of you know by now who the masked ninja is. Sorry for, those of you that really don't know who I'm talking about… maybe if you looked on wikipedia. There are a lot of minor enemies listed and only one wields two pike like swords and knows Zabuza. Great, I probably just made it easier to guess…oh well.
Enjoy and wait next week for the next installment Naruto vs. ???