Lionheart: Okay, I've just got hyped about typing this chapter, and baseball is done for two weeks so I'm going to try and update as much as possible.

Newson: Hehe, don't worry Sakura will get her opportunity soon.

Armor of Geddon: You're right. Raiga does hate Zabuza. He does hate Lee as well, but just for purposes of the story, here he basically met Haku, and decided he would start his revenge with Naruto, instead of Lee/Neji/Tenten who are currently not yet a part of this story. He is working with Zabuza just for sakes

Everyone else: Thanks for the reviews. And I really apologize about the OOC. I promise when I find time I will definitely rewrite some things; taking note of all the reviews I've received. Anyway Naruto vs. Raiga…begin

Battle Part 2! Sasuke's Plan-Kakashi's Stand

Summary: In the Land of Waves, Zabuza, Raiga, and Haku take on our favorite Genin and Kakashi in one-on-one fights. While one side defends Tazuna, a bridge builder that signifies hope for his country, the other side is looking for revenge and to kill him.

Raiga gave a roar and charged at Naruto. Naruto bent his knees and then leapt high up just as Raiga slammed the ground. Naruto spun in midair and appeared behind Raiga.

"You shouldn't leave yourself open. KONOHA DAISENPU." Naruto did a swift high roundhouse kick, which missed when Raiga ducked, but he quickly followed with a low roundhouse kick, that was blindingly fast. Raiga was able to block it, though he slid back a couple of yards.

However, the mist assassin had no time to skid along the ground for Naruto charged yelling, "Mikazuki no Mai." The blonde appeared to be a flash as he split into three forms, each waving an amazingly decorated sword. Raiga suddenly knelt down and in an arc swung his pike-like sword upwards. Naruto's downward slash was blocked as well as his thrust and his side cut.

Naruto landed in front of Raiga, somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected Raiga to be quite this fast. The last time they had fought, Raiga was considerably slower. "Baka, he's probably been training," said Kyuubi. "Duh, I think I'm a bit ahead of you Kyuubi…anyway stop bothering me and go bother Sasuke." "BRAT, I will stay in your head as long as I want to." Naruto laughed, "Wow, and here I thought you never wanted to be near me. Now that you're spirit is technically free, I'd thought you'd go out and do as you please. Guess I was wrong."

Naruto chuckled hearing Kyuubi growl at the statement. "Brat, you know very well that in my current state I can't do anything. I can only communicate with you and Sasuke, because after you died I did a jutsu that turn my body into a spirit. Immediately afterwards I used a follow up technique that allowed me to communicate with the two of you. Although I can leave your heads, I can't possess nor communicate with any other person. And anyway, knowing you, you're not going to summon me into a human form, because then I'd kill you. So, I have to be content just lingering in your heads.

"Ho, ho," replied Naruto, who ducked to avoid a swipe by Raiga. He then leapt back as the mist assassin threw a punch at him. Naruto scoffed, "So, Raiga, weren't you telling me some time ago that you hated Zabuza. And know you're working with him, seems strange." Raiga growled, "I don't need to answer you."

Naruto sighed, as he sheathed his sword. "Well, I really didn't want to have to kill you, but… I guess life is just like that sometimes. Naruto focused his chakra to his arms and legs to increase the power, and then used Shunshin, quickly moving behind Raiga. From there, he yelled, "Konoha Reppu." Naruto swept out with his right leg, blindingly fast, but Raiga appeared to easily jump over it and with his fist punched Naruto's leg.

Naruto took the blunt of the blow, though with his previous training it didn't hurt as much as Raiga would have liked. Naruto used Shunshin to move some distance away. He stood slowly testing and stretching his leg. 'Wow, what an attack, looks like he 'really' got better since he was back.'

'Well, that's just fine,' thought Naruto, 'Looks like I'll get a real workout.' "You're not thinking of calling upon the makai (demon world) chakra are you brat?" "Exactly," replied Naruto, "I think I'm going to try out that new jutsu you showed me a while back. And then… I'll finish him off with Rasengan."

While, Kyuubi growled, pointing out that Naruto could just remove his seals and kill him with Hiraishin or even Shunshin, the boy continued to dodge Raiga's onslaught of punches.

"Having trouble there, dobe? Don't tell me I need to break out of this prison here just to save you're sorry ass?" interrupted Sasuke. "Pfft, I'm doing just fine here. Like I'd need someone like you to help me with… oh yeah, the guy's name is Raiga…but back on point, I don't need your help. Why don't you go chat with Haku or something? Since I'm preoccupied I can't, and plus, it'd be really beneficial if we could get him and Zabuza to come to Konoha with us. Not this guy though, he's a bit crazy in the head."

In the water, Sasuke shrugged "Whatever, dobe." He turned to face the young boy that was still holding the water prison up. "You, know, Haku. If you guys were to surrender, we could take you guys back with us to Konoha and put in a good word for you. You must know now, since my chakra is starting to overcome your jutsu, that there is no way you can beat us. And this Raiga, I really don't care how much stronger you think he's got, Naruto 'will' beat him."

Haku glanced at Sasuke. He knew the Genin was right, he 'could' feel his jutsu getting weaker and weaker. He decided to ask a question, "Why haven't you broken out yet? I know you can easily do it." Sasuke smirked, "I'm giving you an opportunity right now, to decide whether or not you will surrender. If you do, then I will spare you and Zabuza…I can't say much for the other guy. Based on Naruto's last message, I'm not too concerned. He hasn't even taken off his level one-chakra seals yet. The guy must be a pushover. But, besides that, you have…" Sasuke paused and gauged his current chakra strength, "About five minutes to decide. After that, I will have no choice but to kill you, Zabuza, and if that dobe hasn't beaten Raiga by then, him as well."

Haku looked through the eyehole of his mask, and turned to Sasuke. He decided to ask Sasuke more questions to see how strong he was.

"Sasuke, how are you still moving," asked Haku, "That technique should have prevented any movement from you. Explain!"

Sasuke laughed, "Give me some credit, Haku. Since the last time you met me, I've trained under four different S- class ninja. I'm sure even you have heard of the three legendary 'Sannin' of Konoha. I trained under one of them, and by three others, whom I won't speak of. Besides it shouldn't be surprising. My chakra alone can break through your jutsu, what makes you think my strength can't?"

Haku paled. 'The three legendary ninja…so he's been trained by one…' "I see… I now know we cannot beat you. I suppose I should have expected it... but you must understand, that I will fight for Zabuza… even if it means the death of me. I was given a command to keep you in preoccupied, and so that is what I will do."

Sasuke sighed, "What exactly are you trying to prove? You've just told me that you want to fight for Zabuza. If we kill you now, how are you going to do that? Just give up already, and we will take you back to Konoha with us. Naruto knows a jutsu that can change your appearance, so well that even the Sharingan and other jutsu can see through. You can change the way you live, and become Konoha Shinobi. Then you can still fight for Zabuza, and still stay alive."

Haku stared at the boy, and pondered over his words. 'Our plan to counter the Sharingan and Naruto has failed. I would never have expected them to get this strong. And maybe if we were to go along with his idea, maybe Zabuza wouldn't have to die so wastefully. He turned to see how the man he admired was doing. He made up a decision. "Sasuke…okay, what do you have in mind?"

"Great, glad to see you've finally come your senses. Okay, this is my idea, though we need to wait for the dobe to get here."

Raiga/Naruto

Back on the mainland, Naruto easily avoided the Taijutsu onslaught he was receiving.

It was surprising to Naruto when the mist ninja suddenly stopped. Naruto stopped in a knelt position, waiting to see the next attack. He got an unexpected situation when clouds suddenly began to close in. Already he could see lightning lighting up the cold, grey clouds. "It's a summoning jutsu of some sort…he's summoning the clouds," said Kyuubi. "Hm, so he's going to use his lightning attacks on me again. This time they won't work." "Don't be so cocky brat, take this seriously." Naruto didn't bother to reply as he activated his doujutsu. (Technique involving eyes).

He was surprised to say the least when he saw lightning coursing through Raiga's body. The lightning mixed with the chakra and a very powerful new power was being created. As the clouds closed overhead, Raiga raised his two pike-like swords and smiled crazily. Naruto called upon the demon chakra, and blood red chakra began to surround him.

Naruto suddenly exclaimed out loud and tumbled to his left, just as lightning crashed down on where he had just been standing. He used Shunshin to dodge five more lightning strikes. 'Close call,' thought Naruto as he knelt behind Raiga. He had not expected the lightning to be so powerful, and his shirt was now smoking slightly at the edge.

Naruto summoned chakra to his hands and suddenly charged. Raiga roared in response and lightning surrounded his body like an aura. He formed his arms into an 'X' shape and then suddenly thrust them out wide. The lightning exploded like a flash fire, while Naruto thrust out his arms. His red chakra collided with the lightning and the two attacks vanished.

Naruto charged again this time doing hand signs. However, before he could finish, Raiga summoned another lightning bolt, striking Naruto in the chest. Raiga laughed evilly as he watched the Genin fall. He then raised his sword once more and brought it down. Lightning crashed down on the fallen body of Naruto.

However, Raiga growled as Naruto disappeared in a poof of smoke and soon appeared in front of him, in a crouched position. Raiga was caught off guard, so he could not move in time, as Naruto formed hand seals. "Kyuubi no Jutsu." (Demon Fox Jutsu) (A/N: This is an entirely fictional jutsu I made, so please tell me if it doesn't make sense or anything.)

Naruto took the form of the nine tailed fox, in a miniaturized state, and went into a blindingly fast onslaught of slashes with his claws. Soon after, Naruto stopped briefly, and as Raiga clutched his many bleeding wounds, Naruto knocked him up with his tails, and then leapt up, moving ahead of Raiga. Naruto's claws extended to a considerable length, and he then dived with his arm outstretched towards Raiga's incoming body. He planned on a final blow that would kill Raiga.

The blow never hit however, as lightning crashed down, striking Naruto in the back, dead-on. While Raiga flipped in mid-air and landed gracefully, Naruto's reverted back to his real body and landed on a nearby branch. "It's going to take a lot more than that to get rid of me," growled Naruto, who was now pissed.

Raiga frowned. He couldn't figure out why his lightning attacks were having little affect on the Genin. "What is up with this kid," he murmured to himself, "Last time, he couldn't even stand after being hit with my lightning. All of a sudden he's gotten ten times better."

Raiga summoned the lightning to himself and then, with a shout, swung his swords, which literally flung the lightning out towards Naruto. Red chakra appeared on Naruto's hand and he blocked the lightning with his palm. His eyes, which were now entirely red and pupil less, suddenly began to flash. He disappeared and snuck up behind Raiga. Raiga turned swinging his sword like mad, but Naruto leapt over it, and with a bone-shattering punch, left Raiga motionless on the ground.

Naruto's eyes returned to normal, and the red chakra subsided. He turned back to face his enemy, who was barely getting up. "Geez, can't this guy just give or something? Looks like I really have to kill him." "Brat, we already established that…finish him off now, while he's on the ground."

Naruto frowned at the idea of pounding on a defenseless guy, but he really wanted to go fight Haku. He drew his sword and then sent some of his red chakra inside of it. The sword suddenly turned red and then orange and then burst into flames. Naruto charged, leapt, and sliced downwards, leaving a trail of fire. Raiga turned only to see an orange blur coming down upon him.

The Bridge

Meanwhile, on the bridge Kakashi panted for breath. Defending Tazuna and fighting Zabuza on equal footing were slowly starting to take a toll on his body. Kakashi threw a kunai to his left that was promptly dodged by the experienced killer. Zabuza grunted, "Looks like you're just about beat, Kakashi."

Kakashi looked up just as Zabuza threw his blade. The copycat ninja used Shunshin to dodge and snuck up behind Zabuza. "Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu." Sakura gaped as he sensei blew out a huge stream of fire that engulfed Zabuza. When it cleared the mist ninja stood still, panting. He had his Zanbatou out front, that seemed to have taken the blunt of the fire and protected his face and vitals.

"Hmph, not bad Kakashi, too bad, while you were so distracted you forgot exactly who you were dealing with." Kakashi froze as he felt a kunai to his neck. The battered Zabuza in front of him crashed down in a splash of water. Kakashi sneered in response, "You know, it's too bad you're so arrogant… you can't tell when someone is better than you." Zabuza growled as Kakashi turned to water and splashed to the ground.

Zabuza leapt up just as shuriken landed. Kakashi appeared nearby. He had a hand on his forehead protector. "Hehe," chuckled Zabuza, "the Sharingan. You're no fun, Kakashi…using the same old trick. You're just making this so much easier for me, since your Sharingan won't work on me twice."

Kakashi didn't reply, but as he began to pull his headband up, Zabuza suddenly threw a shuriken that landed softly into Kakashi's hand. Blood slowly dripped to the floor. "Kakashi Sensei," cried out, Sakura, stepping in. Kakashi held a hand signaling for her to stay back. Sakura realized it was pointless to protest. "So," said Kakashi, "was all your talk of my jutsu not working on you twice a joke. You don't seem to happy about me using it."

"Hmph, Kakashi," said Zabuza, scowling, "I still have an advantage." The jounin did some hand signs and shouted, "Kiri Gakure no Jutsu." Mist began to cover the area, and soon it was impossible to see what was going on.

Sakura stayed near Tazuna and began to summon chakra. She began using the training Naruto gave her a few days back…the one to detect chakra levels. She could see Kakashi, hiding near the side of the bridge, while the mist assassin stood some twenty feet away from him in the middle.

'Sasuke…Naruto, where are you,' thought Sakura, 'we need you're help,' she thought desperately. She didn't want to leave the bridge builder alone, but at the same time, Kakashi was beginning to get wearied out. That would leave her with Zabuza. 'Let's see,' thought Sakura, 'If Zabuza beats Kakashi-Sensei, and then he'll come after me next. I should be able to hold my own for a while, especially after Sasuke's training tips…but I don't think I'll be able to beat him. And then at the same time, there are so many other factors to worry about, like Tazuna's protection. Argh…what do I do?"

Meanwhile, Kakashi saw that Sasuke was still in the water prison. The Genin's hands were out and Haku seemed to be stuck. 'What is he doing,' thought the Jounin, 'He definitely should have been able to get out by now. Maybe something is wrong.

And…Naruto… I'm detecting some very powerful chakra not too far away. I hope he's okay.' At the same time, Kakashi used his Sharingan to search through the mist for signs of Zabuza, while he pondered his options.

'I can make a dash for it and help Sasuke. That Haku there seems to be immobile. But then…Zabuza will go after the bridge builder and Sakura. And if do kage bunshin…Argh, he'll just use his damned mizu bunshin. 'All right, then, I'll have to take him out hard and quickly. Sasuke and Naruto should be able to handle their own.'

Kakashi used Shunshin to appear in front of Sakura. "Sakura, I have a knew job for you. I want you to go down there and help Sasuke get out of that boy's jutsu. Use the same training I taught you to walk on the water. Don't worry he is immobile…I think Sasuke used a paralysis jutsu. Go…QUICKLY. Don't worry about Tazuna, I'll make sure he stays safe." "Hai, Sensei," replied the kunoichi. (Female Ninja) She sighed in relief, that she wasn't obligated to protect Tazuna anymore.

Sakura leapt off the bridge, and at the same time focused chakra to her feet. To her surprise she landed neatly on the water. She quickly searched for Sasuke, finding him to her left. Haku stood, frozen in place with his hand in the water prison.

Sakura scowled, 'Don't you dare lay a hand on my Sasuke-kun.' The kunoichi drew two kunai and flung them in Haku's direction. Sasuke saw the kunai, way before Haku, and he was forced to take action. Releasing Haku from the jutsu, he shouted, "Haku, look out." Haku turned, though he was too late to block. Using Shunshin, he pulled his hand from the water prison and vanished, only to reappear nearby. Sakura went wild at the fact she had saved Sasuke, that she threw her arms wide. "Sasuke!" Sasuke sighed, and stepped to the side, letting her momentum take her past him.

"Sakura, calm down." Sakura paused from trying to hug Sasuke. "Oh right," she said, getting into a fighting stance. "Come down here, we'll beat you any day," shouted Sakura.

Sasuke sighed, while Haku mentally groaned. "Sakura, it's okay, he's not fighting us anymore, though I've created a Genjutsu illusion on Kakashi and Zabuza so it appears to them that we are. Anyway, since Naruto still isn't here, we're going to need you." Sakura blinked as she stared at Haku, back to Sasuke, and then back over to Haku. "Okay…what did I just miss?" Sasuke sighed, and then began to fill her in on the details of their plan.

"Are you, ready then, Sasuke?" "Yeah, go ahead Haku." Haku nodded and formed a hand sign.

Back on the bridge, Kakashi was standing in front of Tazuna. Kakashi closed both eyes and sent chakra to his nose, waiting to hear the slightest sound. Behind him, Tazuna stared blankly around, "What's going on…where did this mist suddenly come from? Visibility is zero."

Kakashi suddenly drew a kunai and Tazuna heard sharp clangs of metal hitting each other. Squinting he could see shuriken lying on the ground near a pair of feet. He couldn't see whom they belonged to, though he figured it was Kakashi.

"Hehe," came Zabuza's chuckle, "Just what I expected from the Sharingan warrior. But…next time I attack, will be the last time." Kakashi scowled as he stared ahead. 'Where is he?' Kakashi suddenly blocked with his kunai and was knocked back several feet, by a kick. 'Ah, damn, this mist is affecting my reaction time.'

"What's wrong…Kakashi? Is the Sharingan not working for you? Let me tell you why…I figured out something about your Sharingan. You see, there is two major elements to it…the piercing eye, which allows you to copy my move down to every last detail. And then, you have the hypnotic eye, which allows you get into my head, and make me believe and see things, like a conscious. But with this mist, you can't copy me…and with my eyes closed your hypnotic eye is reduced to nothing."

"Brilliant," replied Kakashi, "But aren't you forgetting something. With your eyes closed, you can't see me either." "Bah, are you forgetting who I am, Kakashi? I'm in the demon of the hidden mist, master of the silent kill. All I need is sound to kill you."

Kakashi frowned. 'An enemy you can't see or hear. It's been a long time since I faced anyone this tough. And Sasuke and Naruto are still fighting on their own.' Kakashi breathed slowly, 'Stay calm…and think…where will he…' Kakashi's eyes widened, as he turned. 'Behind me…the bridge builder.' Kakashi appeared behind Tazuna, just as Zabuza materialized. "Too late," shouted the mist jounin.

Kakashi blocked the blow enough, so it only cut a piece of his stomach. At the same time, the blow was wide of Tazuna, and Zabuza growled. "Hmph, you're concentration is lacking, Kakashi…is it those two boys? I have no doubt things are looking bad for them." Kakashi grimaced, as Zabuza disappeared chuckling.

'BOOOOOOM.' Tazuna fell down and suddenly felt a weird feeling, before passing out.

From his position, Kakashi stumbled. When he regained balance, he turned towards the mainland. 'That chakra I just felt…that was…has the Kyuubi escaped? No, the seal is still intact, the chakra only 'just' seeped through. Okay, I may still have time.' Kakashi opened a pouch in his vest and a scroll fell out. Unwinding the scroll, Kakashi bit his finger, drawing blood, and rubbed it on the scroll. He then closed it, and formed a hand sign.

"Zabuza," he started, "I know how you like to drag these things out, but what do you say we finish this? You know, we're both busy men, how about it?" Zabuza's quiet voice, came through the mist, "Hn, I'd like to see how you're going to back up those brave words…but sure, Kakashi. Let's see what you got."

Kakashi smiled as he held the scroll. "Hn, Kuchiyose: Doton: Tsuiga no Jutsu!" (Summoning: Earth Style: Fanged pursuit jutsu.) Kakashi slammed his scroll down, as words appeared out of it. Meanwhile, Zabuza stood nearby, "I'm disappointed Kakashi. It doesn't matter what jutsu you use, since you can't find me. You're falling right into my trap, Kakashi. So, I think you're right, it's time to end this. Zabuza placed a hand on his Zanbatou, when suddenly his eyes shot open. "WHAT?!"

Zabuza lifted a foot, as a dog popped out, biting. He growled as six more dogs appeared from the ground and bit into him. "ARGH." The dogs bit deep and held tight, restricting movement.

From somewhere in front of him, Zabuza heard Kakashi's voice. "I realized if I couldn't see you, I had to smell you out. That was a summoning jutsu, Zabuza. I called upon my ninja hounds…they can track a scent anywhere. And, when you attacked me, I let you get past my guard. I wanted you to cut me…you see it was the smell of my blood on your Zanbatou that led my dogs to you. Surprised? Heh, looks like I wasn't the only one that was blind. And…falling into my trap completely, Zabuza."

Zabuza growled in response. He was growing weaker every second, and his chakra was low. The mist soon began to clear up. Kakashi soon came into view, his Sharingan being the only thing Zabuza was concerned about. "Well," said Kakashi, staring at the mist, "looks like the mist is clearing up. And you know what I see? Your death!"

"Talk…talk," grunted Zabuza, "Is that your plan, talk me to death?" Kakashi thought about it for a second, "Sure, in a way. Looks at those dogs, one word from me and they'll tear you apart." The two engaged in a staring contest, before Kakashi finally spoke again. "Poor, Zabuza, see where your ambitions got you? You were always pushing things too far. Wasn't it the failed Mizukage assassination. You're attempted coup d'état. You were forced to leave your village with the few followers you had…your countries hunter ninja hot on your trail. You became a rogue ninja whose name was known quickly…even in Konoha. And now… you've become crazy enough to try it again, but first you need money. So what do you do? You become the hired thug for a swine like Gato."

Zabuza grunted. Kakashi sighed, "Alright, Zabuza, enough talk. Time to finish this…but I won't use the Sharingan, or any other technique I've copied over the years. I'll do this with my own technique." As Zabuza stared coldly, Kakashi did three hand signs. He soon held his hand out and blue chakra suddenly erupted from the ground. It formed into lightning. The lightning swirled and cackled in Kakashi's palm, until it looked like a ball of lightning.

Kakashi looked up, and as the ball got bigger he yelled, "CHIDORI." (Lightning Blade) Zabuza stared in surprise, 'WHAT? The chakra is so strong, it's visible. What kind of technique is that? He holds it in his hands.' Kakashi looked up, cruelly, "I won't let you kill Tazuna. He is a brave man, with a noble man. The bridge he is building is the hope of this land and all it's people. You're like a disease…by attacking one, you affect all. And you don't care. That is not the way of the Shinobi."

Zabuza shrugged, "You're right…I DON'T CARE! All of these useless little people, with their petty little dreams. Why should they matter to me? I have a dream of mine own." Kakashi nodded, "Yes, but to have a dream, you must have a future. Unfortunately…you do not." Zabuza snarled, trying to think of a way to escape. "Sorry, Zabuza, but your future is all used up."

From nearby, Haku, Sakura, and Sasuke watched. "Wow, what a jutsu," said Sakura, gaping. "Haku, get ready," said Sasuke, ignoring the comment. Haku nodded.

Meanwhile

Naruto stared at the bloody heap in front of him. His last sword swing had done it…Raiga lay dead on the floor with a mixed expression of fear and hatred. "Good job, brat…now, go and help Sasuke and Kakashi."

"Right…you heard Sasuke?" "Sure, dobe, we have it covered on this end. I convinced Haku of your plan." "Great," answered the blonde. "I'll be there soon, I just killed Raiga. He was a bit of a pain, but oh well. He just wouldn't listen to me." From his end, Sasuke sighed. "Alright, Haku I'm ready GO!"

"What do I do," asked Naruto? "Dobe, just don't interrupt us." "Shut up Sasuke-teme."

Mainland: Village

Inari ran as hard as he could, towards the house of Tazuna's friend. 'Naruto and the others are fighting and risking their lives, while the rest of us do nothing. We have to do something to.'

Inari soon arrived at a wooden shack along the coast. He knocked viciously on it. "Uncle Gi'ichi, open up…hurry! Come to the bridge with me. We don't have to hide any longer, if we all fight Gato together, we can take him down, I know we can."

Inari waited for a response, then attempted to open the door. It clicked and locked before he touched it. "No, Inari," came a voice. "I've had enough fighting. Fighting is for heroes…like your father. See what good it did him? Isn't one dead hero enough?"

Inari's eyes widened slightly, as the pain of his father came back to him. "What will more fighting bring us," continued Gi'ichi after a pause, "But more fallen heroes? More regrets? No, Inari, my heart is already full of enough regrets, to last a lifetime." Inari's shoulders began to shake and he struggled to hold himself.

Images of his father and Naruto suddenly rushed back to him. He suddenly looked up, with a burning determination. "I don't want to live a life of regret either! All my life, I've been a coward. But just recently, I've just realized that crying, regretting, shutting ourselves away won't do any good. That's why I'm going to fight." Inari turned and ran back down the stairs. He moved from house to house, ready to get whatever support he could.

Meanwhile, Gi'ichi shook as he firmly held the door to his small home shut. His suddenly opened his eyes in surprise as he heard Inari's voice, calling for the others' help. An old woman, sat nearby sewing. "So, our little Inari has finally grown into a man. And you dear…are you just going to send him off like that?" The old man trembled even more, as he struggled internally to come up with a decision.

Meanwhile, Inari ran from house to house, shouting, "Is anyone there? Hey, come on out to the bridge with me. We've got to fight, we don't have to hide anymore." He finally reached the last house and shook his head. "Argh, what do I do now? No one will even come out…." Images of Naruto rushed back to him. "Hn, fine, if no one else will help…guess I'm going alone."

Inari rushed back home, and, seeing his mother finally awake, hugged her. "Mom, I'm going to the bridge…I want to help out." Tsunami froze and stared at her son. For a moment she couldn't comprehend what she was hearing. Finally, the point hit her and she shook her head, "Uh uh, don't be ridiculous. I am definitely not letting you go to the bridge alone."

Inari shrugged, and slung a pack of arrows over his shoulders. "I have to go alone, mother, none of the others will go with me. So I have no choice." Tsunami's eyes softened, hearing her son's words of bravery. For a moment she was inclined to let him go, but then her concern got the best of her. "No! What do you think you can do by yourself? You're just a kid."

"I have to go," argued Inari, "Even if I'm just a kid, I'm a kid who knows how to stand and fight. I'm my father's kid." The impact of Inari's words struck Tsunami deeply. She was momentarily at a loss for words, but regained them as Inari opened the door. "INARI! WAIT!." Inari waved and turned, but immediately stopped. "HUH?!"

The Bridge

Kakashi closed his eyes, and then lifting up his arm, charged. Zabuza's eyes widened. 'Is this the end…of me?' "Your ambitions end here," shouted Kakashi, as he thrust his arm out.

'PPPPFFFFTHHSHH.'

Blood splattered all over Zabuza and his eyes widened even more. "Ugh," grunted Kakashi, as he realized what had just happened. Haku stood in the middle of the two of them, the lightning attack piercing his heart. The dogs holding Zabuza soon disappeared, due to Kakashi's lack of chakra energy. Zabuza didn't move, despite the fact he was now free.

As Kakashi's chakra subsided, Haku thrust Kakashi's arm out of the way. "I'm sorry…Za…Bu…Za." He then fell over, dead. For a moment, Zabuza was speechless, but then his frown turned to a smile. "My future is gone, eh Kakashi? WRONG AGAIN!"

Kakashi frowned, as he pulled his arm back. "That boy…he jumped in front of my attack…" Kakashi's eyes wandered up to Zabuza's. "To save your worthless ass." Zabuza chuckled evilly, "Hehe, good job, Haku. I knew I found a treasure in you, boy." Zabuza gripped his Zanbatou and, sliced downwards. Kakashi jumped high to avoid the slice, and landed nearby.

"Haha, not bad Kakashi, considering you're very low on chakra. Not a bad technique, but you're all used up now." Zabuza charged, but to his surprise Kakashi appeared right in front of him slashing his left arm with his kunai. Zabuza grunted in pain, before flying backwards. He landed, clutching his arm, 'What? Why can't I keep up with him.'

At the same time, Sasuke picked up Haku's corpse and instantly did a jutsu. Sakura gasped as the mist ninja's eyes flickered and opened. "Shh, let them have at it, first," said Sasuke. Haku nodded, and remained motionless. Sasuke turned to Kakashi and Zabuza, who paid them no mind. They were set on destroying each other. "Anyway, wait here with Tazuna, Sakura. I'm going to set Haku over there." Sakura nodded, while Sasuke gently laid Haku's body down, not too far from Zabuza.

"What's wrong Zabuza…I'm low on chakra right? What happened…this should be easy for you." Zabuza growled, then charged. He sliced at Kakashi's head, with his blade, once near enough, though only met air. Kakashi appeared behind him, and clutched his neck. "Hmph. Look at you now, Zabuza. You're falling apart. So, I guess this means," said Kakashi drawing a kunai, "Game over."

Kakashi made to stab Zabuza in the neck, but the mist ninja easily swung his sword around Kakashi's back, forcing the Jounin to block it. In the process he rendered Zabuza's other arm useless. The Zanbatou clattered to the ground, lying far from reach.

"Tch, now you can't use either of your hands, Zabuza. What are you going to do now?" Zabuza growled, though he was saved from an answer, by a sudden tap. "Huh," said Kakashi, looking. Zabuza stared as well…facing his employer and a whole squad of samurai and ninja.

"Friends of yours," asked Kakashi. Zabuza growled at the sight of them. Gato shook his head, "So, this is how it turned out. Look at you, Zabuza… seems they did quite a job on you. What happened to all that talk about being demon of the mist? You look terrible."

"Gato… I don't understand, what is all this? Why are you here? And who are these thugs you bought with you?" "Well," said Gato, "You see… there's been a change in plans. According to the new plan, you die right here on this bridge." Zabuza's eyes widened, "WHAT?" "You're too expensive," explained Gato, "That's why we're taking you off the payroll. Of course…these guys around me cost quite a bit as well, so… if you take some of them out, that'd be great. Think you can manage that…o' demon of the mist? You're about as demonic as a wet kitten." Behind him, the crowd of thugs all laughed.

Kakashi mentally sighed. 'What an idiot,' thought Sakura, 'I can't believe he would do something like that.' Naruto soon landed by Sasuke, 'Wow, Gato's here already, looks like I took longer than expected." Sasuke nodded, "Great, you ready, let's get rid of them. We'll save Gato for Zabuza." Naruto nodded, "Right."

"Well, Kakashi, it seems our fight is at an end." Zabuza slowly turned to regard his new enemy, while Kakashi crouched down to rest. "Since Gato is no longer my employer, Tazuna is safe from me. And it looks like your little Genin has defeated Raiga. Tell him I said, not bad." Kakashi nodded, "Sure."

Meanwhile, Gato spotted Haku's body lying nearby. Haku felt the man approach and say gleefully, "Ah, that reminds me. This lovely boy grabbed me the other day. I was waiting to pay him back." Gato raised his cane and slammed it down on Haku's face. The boy was unhurt and took the pain, unmoving. "Too bad he wasn't able to feel it."

Sasuke suddenly nudged Naruto, who instantly realized he was supposed to do something here. "And don't forget to act angry and concerned, it usually helps" said Kyuubi, lazily. Naruto ignored the un-Kyuubi like comment. "You're getting soft, Kyuubi. Who would have guessed you…Kyuubi, giving advice to others?" Kyuubi didn't reply, though he mentally growled.

Naruto put a hurt look on and ran at Gato. Kakashi grabbed his as he passed, "Hey, Naruto, stay out of this." Naruto stopped struggling and glared at Zabuza, "Hey YOU! You're just going to let him do that?" "Be quiet you fool, what does it matter," said Zabuza. "WHAT? So you're just going to let Gato treat him like a dog." "You don't understand the way of Shinobi, boy. I merely used him, just like Gato used me. And now…now it's over. Of course the loss of his skill is something, but that means something to me. But the boy…nothing."

Naruto scoffed, "If you really mean that, then you're no Shinobi. After everything Haku did for you, after all you've been through…did you know you were the most important thing to him? And he meant nothing to you, nothing at all? He sacrificed so much for you, and through all that you cared nothing for him! What kind of person are you? He threw his life away for you, and for what? For your stupid little dream? Well…what about his dream, you never let him have one. But did he care, NO! He fought for you, cared for you, and then… then he died for you. And you're just going to stand there."

Naruto growled, "A broken tool, god that sounds so wrong." From his position Haku struggled to maintain his face and not shed tears. 'Naruto…' Meanwhile, Zabuza suddenly, unexplainably began to let tears fall. "You talk too much, boy…but your words cut deep. Deeper than any blade. When Haku told me of you guys, he advised we shouldn't fight. He was always too soft…full of sorrow and pain. And now…curse him, I'm feeling it too." Zabuza sighed, and then tore the bandage off his mouth with his teeth.

"Boy…give me your kunai," said Zabuza. Naruto hesitated, and then tossed one of his kunai into the air. "Here." Zabuza caught the blade in his teeth, and then with an angry stare at Gato, charged.

Gato jumped in fear, and ran into his crowd of swordsman. "Okay, enough of that," he said, hurriedly, "Someone…get him!" The group of swordsman all cheered and ran at Zabuza with their blades raised. Zabuza stopped and surveyed the group. 'Darn it, there's too many.' He was pulled from his thoughts as Sasuke appeared in front of him.

"Hey, Zabuza, I know how much you like to fight on your own, but just let us get rid of these thugs for you." Before Zabuza could reply, Sasuke had shouted, "FUTON: DAITOPPA." In amazement, Zabuza watched the bodies of the swordsman and samurai across the bridge and onto the mainland. In front of him, Naruto was holding Gato securely.

"LET GO OF ME," cried the billionaire. Naruto nodded, "Of course." He released Gato, and then used Shunshin to block the path of the samurai attempting to help. Sasuke soon joined him. The samurai were confident, and charged, but Naruto used a paralysis jutsu stopping them in their movement.

"He's all yours, ZABUZA," cried out Naruto, cheerfully. Kakashi stared in amazement, 'so, all that talk was just bullshit, huh, Naruto?' He smiled, 'Well, this has just turned quite interesting.' Sakura joined her sensei, along with Tazuna. "Yeah, go Zabuza," she cheered. "I kind of feel sorry for him," noted Tazuna, staring at Gato… "Wait, actually I don't."

Gato had realized the dangerous position he was in. He waved his hands at Zabuza; "Hold on hold on, can't we uh talk this through. You know…I was j-just joking about taking you out Zabuza. No, really, it was just a joke." Zabuza growled in anger, and charged. Gato gulped and ran. Unfortunately he was no match in speed, compared to Zabuza and the jounin quickly overtook him. Zabuza used the kunai in his mouth to slash Gato, while rotating his body. On the third rotation, he jabbed the kunai into Gato's heart. The man gulped in surprise then fell over the bridge.

Zabuza paused and then turned to face the frozen samurai. "Release them, boy," said Zabuza to Naruto. "I want to kill them all." Naruto nodded and released the samurai. They all stared at one another, and then at Zabuza frightfully. None of them wished to make the first move.

Zabuza suddenly charged, but Naruto grabbed him and moved him out of the way. "Sorry, Zabuza, there's something else that I need to make sure of." Zabuza protested, but the Genin's grasp was firm. Meanwhile, the samurai were suddenly trapped.

On one side, stood Sasuke… and on the other they realized the villagers had banded together under Inari. Inari held small crossbow, grinning like mad, while the villagers were at his back, full of rakes, knives, swords, and shovels. "Hey, NARUTO," shouted Naruto, "Sorry, but you know how the heroes always come at the last minute. Naruto smiled, "No sweat," he yelled back.

The lead samurai, whose name was Hotaku, suddenly said, "Okay, let's go after that little ninja boy. They were just in a fight, and even though he's tough, there's only one of him…and tons of us… but it's better than a free for all with those villagers. Then we can hold them hostage or escape by the water.

The other nodded and raised their weapons, but when they turned back to Sasuke, they found twenty of him staring back. The Genin had done Kage Bunshin. "Good idea, Sasuke," said Kakashi. "Kage Bunshin no jutsu." At the same time with Naruto, the two created a total of forty Bunshins. Clearly outmatched, the samurai dropped their weapons and begged for mercy.

The villagers let out a mighty cheer, while Tazuna proudly looked at each one. 'They've all come…the entire village,' he thought tearfully. 'And little Inari,' he thought, 'your father would have been proud.'

Meanwhile, while the villagers cheered and apologized to Tazuna, Zabuza walked over to Haku's body and then raised a kunai to his heart. 'Looks like we'll be together soon, huh, Haku.' He began to push, but a hand stopped him.

"H-haku? How?" Haku had caught Zabuza's blade and then stood up slowly. "Thank you Zabuza, I'm sorry I wasn't able to do what we had intended." Zabuza shook his head, "No…I should have listened to you." The Konoha ninja stared as the two talked. "Kakashi-Sensei, can we bring them back with us. I know a jutsu that can change their appearance, so much even the Sharingan and Byakugan are blind to it."

"We'll have to let the Hokage decide that," answered Kakashi.

A Week Later

The Konoha ninja, plus Zabuza and Haku stood at the end of the completed bridge, saying their goodbyes. "Hey, Naruto," said Tazuna, "I'd just like to say I was wrong for judging you when we first met. I hope you make that dream of yours…being Hokage you know." Naruto smiled, "Thanks, and don't worry about it."

"I apologize for going after your life," said Zabuza, after a brief pause, "I hope you'll come to forgive us after time, and I promise to you that I will do my best to change my ways." Everyone stared at him, surprisingly. Zabuza chuckled, and then looked at Naruto, "What boy? Cat got your tongue…are you surprised that I'm human, despite the fact that I have tried to escape that."

Naruto laughed, "Nope, just wondering why you couldn't be like this at first." Zabuza didn't reply. Haku smiled, it visible now that his mask was gone. "Anyway," said Naruto, looking at Inari. "You did great, Inari, that was really brave of you."

Inari frowned and then suddenly began to cry. "DAMN, I told myself I wouldn't cry, and now…" Naruto smiled, as he stepped over to ruffle Inari's hair. "Nah, it's okay to cry when you're happy…" Inari looked up, "Really?" Naruto nodded, "Yeah…you're happy, it's okay." Inari nodded and stepped back.

Tsunami stepped up last and hugged Naruto and kissed him. "Thank you so much for everything you have done for us." Kakashi and Sasuke laughed, as Naruto turned red, and muttered a "S-sure."

"Baka," said Kyuubi and Sasuke at the same time. Both laughed as Naruto turned beet red and glared daggers at them.

"Well, let's get," shouted Sakura. Kakashi nodded one last time to Tazuna, and then the six Shinobi turned, ready to go to Konoha.

Lionheart: All done with my longest chapter yet. It got a little crappy at the end because I didn't know really what to say and it was an awkward moment.

Anyway I forgot who made the request that haku stay alive but there we go.

Anyway enjoy. Chuunin exams next.