Team Cosmic Dragon was in the forest looking for the Demon Cat Tora again. They were hiding in the trees.
"Incredibly Cool Kakashi here," Kakashi said. "What's your distance from the target?"
"Star Dragon's Wrath here," Nicole said. "15.3 feet. Ready to strike."
"Thunderbird's Call here," Lincoln said. "Ready."
"Nature's Kitsune here," Naruto said. "I'm ready."
"Cherry Blossom Ocean here," Sakura said. "I'm ready too."
"Inferno Butterfly here," Fu said. "Ready."
"Furious Sea Dragon here," Juri said. "Ready to go."
"Serpents Rage here," Ami said. "Ready."
"Nebula's Star here," Akiko said. "Ready."
"Raven's Black Knight here," Sasuke said. "I'm ready too."
"Phoenix Talon here," Rin said. "So am I."
"Okay...," Kakashi began. "NOW!"
They all pounced, and Juri trapped Tora in a ball of Water.
"Target identified as the lost cat Tora," Nicole said. "Retrieved in 10.3 minutes."
"Well done, guys," Kakashi praised. "Let's head to the Hokage."
"This is the 92nd time that has Tora escaped, and we had to do this mission in the course of 4 and a half months," Nicole noted.
"Yeah," Naruto agreed. "We're getting sick of this."
"There's nothing we're going to do," Lincoln declared.
"Yeah," Nicole agreed. "But this is our 612th D-Rank mission."
Nicole was in the Hokage's office, telling him that the Capture Tora mission was finished.
"Well done to you all," Lord Third praised. "Now your next mission is to pick potatoes..."
"With all due respect, Lord Hokage, I think we have done enough D-Rank missions or chores to earn a C-Rank Mission," Nicole responded.
"Now you guys are Genin fre..." Iruka began.
Lord Hokage held his hand up to Iruka.
"Now Iruka she has a good point," Lord Third responded. "What do you think, Kakashi?"
"I think they are ready, Lord Hokage," Kakashi answered.
"All right," answered Lord Third. "I have just the mission in mind. You can come in now!"
The door opened, and Tazuna, the Bridge Builder, entered.
"These are the people that are going to protect me?" Tazuna asked. He sees Nicole, Lincoln, Naruto, Sakura, Fu and Juri. "Well I'll be. Aren't you a sight for these sore eyes. It's good to see you all again, Nicole."
"You too, Tazuna," Lincoln responded. "It's been a while."
"How have things been in the Land of Waves?" Nicole asked.
"Not good Nicole," Tazuna replied.
"How do you know Tazuna, Nicole?" Lord Third asked.
"We met on our training trip," Nicole explained. "It was a year and a half ago that we saw him being harassed by bandits. We saved him, and he introduced us to his family. Tazuna is an incredible bridge builder."
"Yes," Tazuna confirmed. "But not as awesome as you all."
They laughed.
"So what's been going on, Tazuna?" Nicole asked.
"The Land of Waves is in big trouble because of Gato," Tazuna explained.
"Gato the President and CEO of Gato Shipping and Transport?" Fu questioned. "From what I've heard, he's one of the richest shipping magnates in the Five Great Nations."
"Yes, Fu, but that's only a front," Tazuna responded. "He's the meanest crime boss in the Criminal Underworld, and he arrived in the Land of Waves 6 months ago. He began taxing all citizens to the point of poverty, and captured some of our women to sell as slaves on the Black Market. My son-in-law, Kaiza, stood up to him, but he was captured by Gato's thugs and executed in front of all of us. He took away all of our hope and courage. That is why I am building a bridge connecting the Land of Waves to the Mainland."
"So it will bring Gato's empire crashing down, and he sees you as a huge threat to his operation and will stop at nothing to kill you," Sakura summarized.
"Yes," Tazuna confirmed. "I could only afford a C-Rank mission with the money I had."
"And without a doubt, Gato has hired several Rogue Ninjas to help him," Nicole concluded.
"I have a feeling you're right, Nicole," Tazuna remarked.
"Yes," Lord Third agreed. "I've heard about Gato's criminal activity, and if he employs Rogue Ninjas, this mission is now an A-Rank to low S-Rank."
"Yes," Tazuna agreed. "I know it's not enough, but that was all I had."
"And Team Cosmic Dragon will answer," Nicole promised. "It's time to bring an end to Gato's Reign of Terror and save the Wave."
"Are you sure you can handle this, Nicole?" questioned Kakashi.
"We're certain, Kakashi-sensei," Nicole asserted. "We need to put all of our training and skills to the test against high-level Shinobi."
"I have a feeling you'll all succeed, Nicole," Lord Third believed. "But, a mission like this is too dangerous."
"I know Lord Hokage," Nicole replied. "How about a wager? If we complete this mission on our own, I will reveal the secret to defeating the ultimate enemy of all village leaders and Kage: paperwork."
Lord Third laughs. "You've got a deal, Nicole. Alright, go get them!"
"We will," Nicole promised. "Hands in, guys."
They did exactly that.
Everyone yelled, "Team Cosmic Dragon Soar!"
"We leave in 2 hours," Nicole made clear. "Pack everything you'll need for a long mission and meet at the gate."
"Right!" everyone shouted back.
They left the office and got everything ready.
Two hours later, they arrived at the gate ready.
"All right, here we go," Nicole said. "Let's move out."
They walked towards the Land of Waves. They saw two puddles up ahead as they trekked through the Land of Fire.
"Hold it," Nicole ordered. "I sense two Chakra signals in those puddles."
"I've got this," Rin said confidently.
Rin fired a ball of fire from her hand at the puddles, which landed on the ground and exploded.
The burned bodies of Gozu and Meizu the Demon Brothers arose from the fiery explosion.
"Nice shot, Rin," Naruto complimented.
"That was amazing!" exclaimed Tazuna.
"Thank you," Rin replied.
"Just as we suspected," Nicole remarked. "Gato did, in fact, hire Rogue Ninjas. These are the Demon Brothers of the Mist, Gozu and Meizu. C-Rank Rogue Ninjas. They were wanted for a failed assassination attempt on the 4th Mizukage. And if they are here, it means Zabuza Momochi is as well."
Naruto concentrated. "You're right, sis. I can sense his signal in the Land of Waves."
"I sense it as well," Sakura added. "We encountered Zabuza before on our training trip, while he was being attacked by Mist Hunter Ninjas, and we saved him. He is a formidable ninja, and he didn't earn his moniker the Demon of The Mist for nothing."
"He must be a tough ninja," Sakuke commented.
"I've heard about Zabuza," Rin replied. "He's as tough as they come."
"I tested my Lightning powers against him, and he is a formidable adversary," Lincoln added.
"Zabuza is one of my heroes," Ami added. "I wanted to be a shinobi because of his swordsmanship skills, and I know all of his moves."
"That's a big inspiration, Ami, and you're about to meet your idol," Nicole replied.
"You guys have done everything," Tazuna remarked.
"We have Tazuna," Nicole confirmed. "Let's press on."
They pressed on until they reached the shore, where a boat awaited them.
"Here's our ride back to the Land of Waves," Tazuna whispered quietly.
"Okay," Nicole said quietly. "Let's get in."
"Can't we walk on the water?" Sasuke asked.
"Shh," Fu murmured, and then began whispering. "No Sasuke. It will alert the ninjas of our presence, and we can't risk that."
"Ah," Sasuke murmured. "Right."
The boat was rowed to the island.
They came across a huge bridge and went under it.
"There's the bridge," Tazuna murmured quietly. "Isn't she a beaut?"
"It's amazing Tazuna," Nicole murmured quietly. "We will establish a trade route and alliance with the Wave when this is over."
Tazuna responded in a low voice, "We would like that."
They disembarked and walked to Tazuna's house after arriving at the shore. They were surrounded by thick fog.
"This fog is really thick," Rin commented.
"This isn't fog," Nicole clarified. "This is the Hidden Mist Jutsu. Every member of the Seven Ninja Swordsman of the Mist can use this technique."
"Yeah," Naruto agreed.
In a nearby bush, they heard rustling.
Naruto went over and took out a white rabbit. "It's Haku's little white rabbit."
"He's a cute little guy," Sakura noted.
"So Haku is with him as well," Nicole pointed out.
"I can feel it," Fu admitted.
"I think I hear something," Ami said.
A whooshing sound was coming their way.
Nicole yelled, "GET DOWN!"
They ducked as they saw a long cleaver sword fly over them and embed itself in a tree behind them. Zabuza Momochi himself was perched atop the hilt.
"Well looks like the Bridge Builder has a bunch of kids pro..." Zabuza began. He sees Nicole, Lincoln, Naruto, Sakura, and Fu. He starts laughing."Well I'll be. I didn't know that you would be with them. It's good to see you Nicole, Lincoln, Naruto, Sakura and Fu."
"You sure have a knack for making awesome scare entrances, Zabuza," Nicole commented.
"It's been a while, Zabuza," Naruto acknowledged.
"So the Bridge Builder hired you to protect him, huh?" Zabuza asked.
"He sure did," Lincoln responded. "We also promised to help put a stop to the Bloodline Holocaust that is taking place right now in the Mist," he told Tazuna.
"Yeah," Sakura agreed. "The 4th Mizukage is rumored to be under the influence of someone, and we intend to help him."
"That's a big mission," Tazuna noted.
"Yeah," Nicole agreed.
"I wish you all best of luck, Nicole," Zabuza replied. "Who are your friends?"
"Oh, we are her teammates," Juri answered. "I'm Juri the Sea Dragon Maiden."
"I'm Ami Mitarashi, the Cobra Swordmistress, and I'm your biggest fan," Ami introduced herself.
Zabuza laughs. "I'm glad I have a source of inspiration."
"I'm Akiko Suzuki, the Maiden of The Nebula," Akiko introduced herself.
"I'm Sasuke Uchiha," Sasuke introduced himself.
"An Uchiha?" Zabuza questioned. "I heard they were all wiped out by one of their own. Itachi Uchiha."
"That's his older brother," Naruto explained.
"Yes," Sasuke confirmed. "I'm now going to kill him for killing the Uchiha."
"I'm sorry for your loss," Zabuza expressed his condolences.
"Thank you, and it's all right," Sasuke answered.
"And I'm Rin Nohara, veteran of the 3rd Great War," Rin introduced herself.
"I've seen you before," Zabuza pointed out. "You're a student of Minato Namikaze, the 4th Hokage."
"Yeah," Rin nodded. "I was supposedly killed in action, but Orochimaru found and healed me, and I was given an awesome gift."
Rin spread her wings, which were glowing with fire.
"That is amazing," Zabuza commented. "You look like a true angel of fire."
"Yeah," Rin nodded. "I get that a lot."
"I heard Orochimaru is now a power-hungry madman out to destroy the Leaf," Zabuza added.
"That is right, Zabuza, and he is number two on Team Cosmic Dragon's Hitlist," Nicole confirmed. "Our number one target is a rogue Uchiha who carried out the 9-Tails Attack on the Leaf and killed the 4th Hokage."
"What!?" shouted Zabuza. "A Rogue Uchiha caused the 9-Tails Attack?"
"Yeah, and we will make him pay for killing my father," Naruto vowed.
"I'm so sorry for your loss, kid," Zabuza expressed his condolences.
"It's okay, Zabuza, but thank you," Naruto responded.
"No problem," Zabuza replied.
"Is Haku here?" Fu asked.
"She sure is," Zabuza replied. "Haku! Come on out."
Haku came out and she was dressed in a Mist Hunter Ninja uniform.
"It is great to see you all again, Nicole," Haku remarked.
"You, too, Haku," Nicole responded. "How have you been?"
"I've been good," Haku answered. "Thank you."
"We would like you to send a message to Gato, Zabuza," Nicole explained.
"What is it?" questioned Zabuza.
"Tell this to Gato: "Team Cosmic Dragon has come to kill you and we will make you pay for everything you've done and put an end to your reign of terror forever," Nicole instructed.
"I'll see to it that he gets it," Zabuza promised. "He'll be enraged, though."
"It doesn't matter," Nicole replied. "We are ready, and we will make sure he pays the ultimate price for his crimes against the Land of Waves."
"We wish you the best and will see you in a week," Haku added.
"We will, and we thank you," Nicole replied.
They went to Tazuna's house after Zabuza and Haku left.
They arrived 30 minutes later.
Tazuna opened the door, and they went in.
Tazuna said, "Tsunami I'm home!"
A woman came, and it was Tsunami, Tazuna's daughter.
"Dad, you're home safe," Tsunami exclaimed.
Tazuna and Tsunami exchanged hugs.
"It's good to see you again, Tsunami," Nicole added.
"Nicole, Lincoln, Naruto, Sakura, Fu," Tsunami continued. "It's great to see you all again."
"You, too, Tsunami," Lincoln replied. "We were told about everything that is happening in the Land of Waves, and we answered the call for help."
"We greatly appreciate it, Lincoln," Tsunami replied.
"Oh, these are our teammates, and we are now Team Cosmic Dragon," Nicole explained.
"I'm Juri, the Sea Dragon Maiden," Juri introduced herself.
"I'm Ami Mitarashi, the Cobra Swordmistress," Ami introduced herself.
"I'm Akiko Suzuki, the Maiden of The Nebula," Akiko introduced herself.
"I'm Rin Nohara, and I'm a veteran of the Third Great War," Rin introduced herself.
"And I'm Sasuke Uchiha, and it's a pleasure to meet you," Sasuke introduced himself.
Tsunami welcomed everyone, saying, "It's a pleasure to meet you all. I was about to start dinner, so please make yourselves comfortable while I get started."
Nicole replied, "Okay."
They sat at the table, and Naruto decided to question Sasuke.
"Sasuke, I've been meaning to ask you this for a while," Naruto began. "Why do you want to kill your brother?"
Sasuke sighed. "I had a feeling you were going to ask me that, Naruto. I want to kill Itachi because he killed the Uchiha Clan in one night.
"Did he say why?" asked Naruto.
"Yes," Sasuke nodded. "It was to test the limits of his power. He spared me because I wasn't worth killing."
"I have a feeling there's more to it than that, Sasuke," Naruto concluded. "Itachi is a really nice guy who I've known since I was four."
"Naruto," Natsumi began, "I think it's time for Sasuke to know the truth."
"Oh yeah," Naruto responded. "Sasuke, we had an encounter with Itachi on our training trip, and he showed me everything that happened, and he didn't kill the Uchiha Clan to test the limits of his power. That is total nonsense."
"Itachi killed the Uchiha because he was forced to," Nicole explained.
"What do you mean, Nicole?" Sasuke asked.
"The Uchiha were going to launch a revolt against the Leaf to overthrow the Hokage and take over the government," Nicole explained. "This terrible action would've plunged the Leaf into a civil war, and it would present a golden opportunity for enemy ninjas to attack the Leaf, and would have started the 4th Great War. Lord Hokage tried to talk them out of it, but they wouldn't listen. All the peace talks failed. The reason the Uchiha was going to launch the revolt was because a lot of people suspected that it was an Uchiha that was responsible for the 9-Tails Attack 13 years ago. Just as we suspected all along, it was indeed an Uchiha that was behind it. Everyone persecuted the Uchiha because of it. We built that district for the Uchiha to avoid having them be attacked. Your father, Fugaku, was the main instigator behind the whole revolt. After all the peace talks failed, there was only one option left: genocide. Here."
Nicole took out a mission file and handed it to Sasuke. "Itachi gave me this and told me to show it to you when the time was right."
Sasuke looked over it and was shocked. "It's an assassination order."
"Yes," Fu confirmed. "The 3rd Hokage ordered Itachi to kill ONLY those who were planning to start the revolt, not the entire clan in general."
"Itachi was also a double agent," Sakura added. "He was told to spy on the Uchiha Clan for the Hokage while pretending to be a spy for the Uchiha. After the death of Shisui Uchiha, the Uchiha suspected Itachi was responsible for his death."
"Yes," Nicole confirmed. "But it was actually this man who was responsible."
Nicole pulled a photo of Danzo Shimura out of her pocket.
"Who is this man?" Sasuke asked.
"That's Danzo Shimura," Naruto pointed out. "He's an old acquaintance of Grandpa, and he's one of the elders on the Council."
"I've heard a lot about him from sister Yugao," Ami confessed. "He is the founder of the Root ANBU Organization, and he believes that Shinobi should be used as emotionless weapons of war. He's a warmonger who gets a sick thrill out of causing war, chaos, death, destruction, pain, and suffering."
"Yeah," Nicole nodded. "He's also number three on Team Cosmic Dragon's Hit List."
"I've heard of Danzo," Tsunami revealed. "He's the Darkness of Shinobi, and from what I remember, he and the 3rd Hokage have had an intense rivalry for the title of Hokage."
"That's right, Tsunami," Nicole confirmed. "He is completely bent on wanting to become Hokage, and he will stop at nothing to get it. But we're getting off-topic. Danzo is the man who orchestrated the annihilation of the Uchiha. Behind the 3rd Hokage's back, he ordered Itachi to kill the entire Uchiha clan and leave no one alive. Danzo passed this along to Itachi as a fake message from the Hokage. He gave Itachi an ultimatum: protect the village or protect the clan. When Itachi took the ANBU oath, he swore to protect the Leaf from all threats, both inside and outside the village. But Itachi begged for you to be spared, Sasuke. He could never bring himself to kill his little brother because he loves you more than anything. That's why you were spared, Sasuke. You were supposed to kill Itachi, so he could atone for his heinous crime by dying at your hands."
Sasuke was both shocked and saddened. Itachi did not kill the entire Uchiha Clan in cold blood; he killed them because of the council's corruption. Itachi was no longer a murderer. He was a true hero.
"I see," Sasuke murmured. "I need some time to myself."
Sasuke rose from his seat and went outside.
"Sasuke?" yelled Ami.
"Let him be Ami," Nicole instructed. "He needs some alone time to digest everything we told him."
Sasuke was sitting on the dock, looking at his reflection in the water, when he broke down crying.
Sasuke cried out, "Itachi!"
At the dinner table, Tsunami was shocked. "I can't believe Sasuke lost his entire family because of the council's corruption.
"Yeah," Naruto nodded. "Over the years, the Civilian Council and the elders Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, and Danzo Shimura have been responsible for a lot of corruption and treachery. We do not have enough evidence to act at the moment, but we are on to them."
"Yeah," Sakura agreed. "My mom, who is on the Civilian Council, is opposed to all of their ideals. I love my mother, and she was doing everything she could to protect me."
"The Civilian Council hates my guts to the core, and they think of me as the 9-Tails in Human Form," Naruto explained.
"How can they be that stupid, Naruto?" Tsunami wondered.
"They just are Tsunami," Naruto shrugged.
"Some people are just ruled by their own fear, hatred, ignorance, and stupidity," Lincoln remarked.
"They are also a bunch of bias-motivated idiots with no conscience," Fu added.
"Yeah," Nicole agreed.
"I cannot believe they would be that stupid and let their own hatred and fear control them like that," Tazuna stated.
"Me and my friends figured out Naruto's burden as the 9-Tails Jinchuriki, and we view him as a hero and a family member," Ami revealed.
"Naruto is a very brave and amazing man, and no one should ever have to suffer the way he did," Akiko added.
"Thanks girls," Naruto replied. "They are right. The Jinchuriki are not viewed as normal people."
"We are viewed as the monsters that we carry," Fu added. "We call it "The Curse of the Jinchuriki"."
"I can't believe some people are that stupid," remarked Tsunami.
"Yeah," Rin agreed. "I'm a Jinchuriki myself. But I was made one against my will."
Tazuna questioned, "How did that happen, Rin?"
"It was back during the Third Great War," Rin recalled. "I was kidnapped 14 years ago and forced to become the Jinchuriki of Isobu the 3-Tailed Turtle, and my teammate Kakashi was sent to rescue me. He did, and I told him I was a Jinchuriki, and I ordered him to kill me because I was made into a Trojan Horse that would unleash the beast into the village and destroy it when I entered it. Kakashi was fighting the Mist Ninjas that supposedly did this to me, and I jumped in front of Kakashi's Chidori, and he skewered me through the chest. I thought I was dead, but Orochimaru found me, froze me in ice, and healed me by splicing my DNA with Phoenix DNA, which gave me wings and enhanced my Fire Powers. I was found 14 years later by Naruto and Nicole, and I'm now a member of Team Cosmic Dragon."
"Rin, that's terrible," Tazuna added.
"It's horrifying that you've been through all of that," Tsunami responded. "But it's good that you're okay and that you're now an amazing Kunoichi."
"Thank you, Tsunami," Rin expressed gratitude.
Sasuke came back in.
"Hey, Sasuke," Nicole greeted. "Are you feeling better?"
"Yeah, I am," Sasuke answered. "I now view my brother as a hero, and I will bring Danzo and the corrupted council to justice."
"Good for you, Sasuke, and we will gladly help you," Naruto responded.
"I'm home."
Tsunami greeted him with a smile, "Inari welcome back."
"Thank you, mom," Inari replied. "Grandpa!"
"Hey Inari," Tazuna said, greeting him.
Inari hugs him. "I'm glad you're okay."
"Thanks to our friends here," Tazuna mentioned.
Inari gasped when he saw Nicole and her team. "Brothers Lincoln and Naruto, and sisters Nicole, Sakura, and Fu?"
"It's been a while, little bro," Nicole replied.
"You are growing up fast," Naruto commented.
"You will be as tall as me one day," Lincoln predicted.
Inari ran up to Naruto, hugged him, and began to cry.
"It's all right, Inari," Naruto assured him. "It's okay."
Lincoln expressed regret, saying, "We heard what happened to Kaiza, Tsunami, and we are truly sorry for your loss."
"But, we promise that Gato will pay the Ultimate Price for everything he has done to the Wave and send him to the Netherworld's darkest pits for Eternity," Nicole added.
"That's right," Sasuke agreed.
"Inari is about to fall asleep here," Naruto said. "I'm going to tuck him into bed."
"Okay, Naruto," Tsunami replied.
Naruto carried Inari up to his room, placed him in his bed, and tucked him in.
Crying, Inari questioned, "Bro why did Gato kill Daddy!? Why!?"
"Power and money are strong motivators for murder and evil Inari," Naruto explained. "Gato is the personification of evil, and he will pay for his crimes."
"You promise bro?" Inari asked.
"I promise, and I never break my word since it is my ninja way," Naruto answered.
"Thank you bro," muttered Inari before falling asleep.
"You're welcome," Naruto replied.
Naruto left and headed back down to the kitchen.
"Dinner's ready, guys," Tsunami announced.
"Okay," Nicole began. "We have a week until we have to face Gato. Lincoln and I are going to the Mist to stop the Bloodline Holocaust. I'm going to leave some Shadow Clones behind to train you until then. If Inari wants, he can train with us."
"I am sure he would like that," Tsunami replied.
"Cool," Nicole responded.
The next day, Inari was training with Naruto, Sakura, Fu, Juri, Ami, Akiko, Sasuke, and Rin, while Nicole and Lincoln headed off for the Mist. As they flew toward the Mist, they came across some Mist Shinobi attacking a Kunoichi from the Sand in a forest in the Land of Water. She was worn out and exhausted.
"Let's go, buddy," Nicole proposed.
"Right," Lincoln agreed.
They flew in.
"Now you will die Pakura of the Scorch Style," a Mist Shinobi growled.
Just as he was about to deliver the final blow, Lincoln swooped in and grabbed her and saved her.
He held her in his arms bridal style, his wings extended and flooded with lightning.
"Are you all right?" Lincoln asked.
"Yes, thanks to you," Pakura replied.
"You Mist Shinobi are really stupid, aren't you?" Nicole asked. "Let's see how you feel about spending an eternity in the Netherworld."
Nicole fired a Ki blast that instantly vaporized the Mist Shinobi.
"Bunch of stupid Neanderthals," muttered Nicole.
Lincoln set Pakura down.
"Thank you for saving me," Pakura said to the two.
"You're welcome," Lincoln responded.
"I'm Pakura of the Scorch Style," Pakura introduced herself.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Nicole replied. "I'm Nicole Knudson of the Star Dragon, Leader of Team Cosmic Dragon for the Leaf."
"And I'm Lincoln Loud of the Lightning of the Thunderbird," Lincoln added.
"We heard about how you became the Hero of the Sand by putting an end to the Sand-Rock Feud," Nicole explained.
"Yes," Pakura acknowledged. "That is my biggest achievement."
"Why were those Mist Shinobi going to kill you?" Nicole questioned.
"I was sent here as an envoy for the Sand to travel to the Mist and establish an alliance," Pakura explained. "But now I see that I was betrayed and sent to my death."
"The Corruption of the Sand Council," claimed Lincoln. "They must have gone behind the Kazekage's back and gave you that fake mission."
"That is highly likely Lincoln," Nicole answered, "and now we know that no village is safe from the corruption of the Civilian Councils of the Five Great Nations. We have to stop this."
"I have a feeling you're right," Pakura remarked. "I can't go back to the Sand knowing that they'll find a way to kill me. I would like to seek asylum in the Leaf."
"That is your choice," Nicole replied.
"We're going to stop the Bloodline Holocaust in the Mist," Lincoln declared, "and we believe the 4th Mizukage is doing this against his will."
"That is a very strong possibility, and rumors have been going about about it," Pakura noted. "I will gladly help you."
"All right, let's go," Lincoln replied.
Nicole, Lincoln, and Pakura ran into the Mist and saw the village in turmoil.
"This entire village is in chaos," Nicole observed.
"Yeah," Lincoln agreed. "No kidding. I can't believe that the Mizukage is doing all of this."
"We have to look for Mei Terumi, the leader of the Bloodline Rebels," Nicole replied.
"I can show her to you."
They saw a kunoichi.
"Where is she?" Nicole asked.
"My name is Ruka. Follow me."
Ruka lead them to a tent where they found a beautiful woman dressed in blue with long red hair.
"Ruka, who are these people you have here?" Mei asked.
"My apologies, Lady Mei, but these people have been looking for you," Ruka explained.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mei," Nicole said. "We were told by Zabuza Momochi to find you. I'm Nicole Knudson of the Star Dragon and Leader of the Leaf's Team Cosmic Dragon."
"I'm Lincoln Loud of the Lightning of The Thunderbird," Lincoln introduced himself.
"And I'm Pakura of the Scorch Style and a former Sand Shinobi," Pakura added.
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you," Mei replied. "I take it you're going to help us stop the Bloodline Holocaust?"
"Yes," Nicole answered. "We heard a lot about it through Haku Yuki, Zabuza Momochi's adoptive daughter, and she has the Ice Style Kekkei Genkai."
"We promised Zabuza that we would one day come to the Mist and stop the Bloodline Holocaust," Lincoln explained.
"Well, it's good you guys did," Mei stressed. "We greatly appreciate it."
"It's an honor to have you help us. I'm Chojuro, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsman of the Mist and one of Lady Mei's bodyguards."
"I'm Ao. It's an honor."
Nicole: Pleasure to meet you both. We heard rumors flying around that the 4th Mizukage is being manipulated somehow.
"You heard correctly," Mei responded.
"It's not just in the Mist," Pakura continued, "but all over the Five Great Nations."
"We will gladly help you," Nicole answered. "We're going to try to talk to the Mizukage and see if we can stop this madness and confirm our suspicions. If things start to go south launch your attack."
"You got it," Mei replied. "Be careful."
"We will," Nicole promised. "Let's go."
Nicole, Lincoln, and Pakura went into the Mist Administration building and knocked on the Mizukage's door.
"Come in."
They went in and stood before the Mizukage. It was Yagura the 4th Mizukage.
"Are you the 4th Mizukage?" Nicole asked.
"Yes, I am," Yagura replied. "I'm Yagura the 4th Mizukage. It's an honor to meet you, Nicole Knudson of the Star Dragon, Lincoln Loud of the Lightning of The Thunderbird, and Pakura of the Scorch Style."
"It's an honor, Lord Yagura," Nicole replied. "I sense a genjutsu on Yagura," she thought to herself."Our suspicions have been confirmed, and the chakra signal is that of the Rogue Uchiha we'll be killing in the future."
Nicole snapped her fingers, and the Genjutsu was released, leaving Yagura confused.
"What?" questioned Yagura. "What happened?"
"You were under the influence of a Genjutsu, and it caused you to start a civil war in the Mist against all the clans and shinobi that possess Kekkei Genkai," Nicole explained.
"We promised Zabuza Momochi a year and a half ago that we would try to find a way to stop this madness," Lincoln continued. "Pakura, here, has been betrayed by her former village the Hidden Sand, and they sent her to her death on a fake envoy mission."
"It was because of the Sand Council's corruption," Pakura added.
"You were under the influence of a Mind Control Genjutsu that was from a Rogue Uchiha that was responsible for the 9-Tails Attack on the Leaf 13 years ago, and he's the Number 1 Target of Team Cosmic Dragon for us to kill," Nicole explained.
Yagura realized what was happening and that Nicole and Lincoln were right.
"I have to stop this," Yagura declared.
She got on the P.A. system. "Everyone stand down now! Gather in front of the Administration building now."
A large crowd had gathered in front of the Mist Administration Building.
"My people of the Hidden Mist Village. This war was a fraud. I was under the influence of a Mind Control Genjutsu from a Rogue Uchiha that caused the 9-Tails Attack nearly a decade and a half ago."
Everyone in the crowd gasped in horror.
"I was forced to launch this Civil War against my will and destroy all shinobi and clans wielding Kekkei Genkai, and my actions were not my own. Therefore, I have decided that I have failed you all as the 4th Mizukage and have decided to step down as the Mizukage. My last act as the 4th Mizukage is for Nicole, Lincoln, and Pakura. Bring out THE medals."
A ninja arrived, carrying a box. Yagura took out a medal.
"Nicole Knudson of The Star Dragon, Lincoln Loud of The Lightning of The Thunderbird, and Pakura of The Scorch Style, on behalf of the Land of Water and the Village Hidden in The Mist, I bestow upon you three our nation's and villages' highest honor: The Sapphire Star of the Heart of Water."
He placed the medals around their necks and everyone cheered wildly for them.
"I'm honored, Lord Yagura," Nicole answered.
"Me, too," Lincoln acknowledged.
"Same here," Pakura added.
"Now I have also named my successor," Yagura declared. "Mei Terumi, please come up here."
Mei Terumi came on the balcony.
"Mei Terumi, I now name you as my successor as the 5th Mizukage of The Hidden Mist Village," Yagura announced.
Yagura placed the Mizukage's hat on Mei's head, and everyone cheered for her.
"Thank you everyone," Mei said.
"It's an honor to be in your presence, Lady Mei," Nicole added.
"Thank you, Nicole," Mei replied.
After the celebration, Mei called Nicole, Lincoln, Pakura and Yagura into her office.
"We can't thank you three enough for saving our village in a time of crisis," Mei emphasized.
"It was our pleasure, Lady Mei," Nicole replied.
"We're glad we could help," Lincoln added.
"We would like to reinstate our alliance with the Leaf," Mei explained. "Could you please give this to Hiruzen on my behalf?"
Mei presented Nicole with an alliance reestablishment treaty.
"I'll make sure he gets this," Nicole promised.
Yagura decided to seek asylum in the Leaf because he was afraid the Mist would try to kill him. Mei accepted. Nicole used Instant Transmission to send herself, Lincoln, Pakura, and Yagura to the Wave in front of Tazuna's house.
Naruto saw them. "They're back."
Nicole's Shadow Clone was dispelled, and she received its memories.
"So, how did it go, sis?" Naruto asked.
"The Bloodline Holocaust is over, bro," Nicole responded.
"That's great," Sakura exclaimed.
"Let's go inside and tell you all about it," Nicole offered.
They did so and revealed all that had happened, and they were shocked.
"So the Rogue Uchiha caused the Bloodline Holocaust?" Naruto asked.
"Yeah," Nicole nodded. "He was using a Mind Control Genjutsu to control Yagura, and he forced Yagura to launch a Civil War against all Kekkei Genkai Wielders against his will."
"It was horrible," Lincoln admitted. "We broke the genjutsu that was controlling him, and we were awarded the village's highest honor for it."
"The Sapphire Star of The Heart of Water," Nicole explained.
"I've heard about those medals," Akiko responded. "Every major village in the Five Great Nations has medals like that. They are awarded to a Shinobi, Kunoichi, or Civilian from the village or from outside the village for doing a heroic deed above and beyond the call of duty and making a major contribution to the village and the land in general."
"That is a huge achievement," Ami noted.
"It sure is, and it's awesome, sis," Naruto added.
"Thanks guys," Nicole replied.
"We have 5 more days till we face Gato and take him down for good," Lincoln explained.
"Yep," Nicole agreed.
"Gato will pay dearly for this," Pakura declared.
"He sure will," Yagura added.
5 DAYS LATER.
Team Cosmic Dragon, Inari, Pakura, and Yagura were on the bridge, ready to face Gato.
"This is it, team," Nicole announced.
"Gato will pay with his life," Naruto declared.
"Yep," Lincoln agreed.
Zabuza and Haku appeared.
"You've all arrived," Zabuza noted. "Good."
"Hello, Zabuza," Nicole greeted. "Did Gato receive our message?"
"He sure did, and he was infuriated," Zabuza recalled. "He's on his way now."
"Good," Sasuke answered. "He will pay with his life."
"Let him come," Nicole urged.
Gato arrived 2 minutes later, with an army of thugs.
"Gato," Nicole said. "How nice of you to show up. You're going to pay for everything you've done to the Wave. Your Reign of Terror ends right now."
"I don't think so," Gato countered. "This land is mine, and you will not stop me."
"We will," Nicole assured.
Nicole fired an energy wave that completely vaporized the majority of Gato's thugs.
"That was just a small taste of my power," Nicole explained.
"You wretched girl!" Gato screamed. "Triple Pay! Kill them all!"
"Kill them!" yelled Nicole.
(CRIMSON FLAMES PLAYS)
They charged, and all of the thugs were instantly killed. Inari was facing Gato, armed with a sword.
"You will pay for killing my father Kaiza," Inari declared.
"So you are avenging your dear daddy," Gato mused. "Now you will join him in the Netherworld!"
"You're the one going to the Netherworld!" shouted back Inari.
Inari punched Gato in the mouth and slashed his face. Inari kicked him in the stomach, punched him in the chest, then blasted a fireball from his hand, which hit Gato in the chest and exploded. When the smoke cleared, Gato had a hole in his chest that completely exposed his evil, black heart, which was still alive.
Nicole noticed this after killing the last of Gato's thugs.
"That is one evil heart," Nicole observed. "That heart is from the Netherworld's darkest pits, a demon heart."
Nicole pulled out a pistol and shot it.
The bullet went right through Gato's black heart and out his back, and Inari slashed Gato's head clean off his shoulders.
"DIE, YOU WORTHLESS MONSTER!" screamed Inari. "THIS IS FOR MY DAD!"
"People like you deserve to be damned!" Nicole yelled.
Pakura threw a ball of fiery heat towards Gato, and his body shriveled up like a raisin and turned into a mummified husk.
Rin fired a blast of fire, which instantly incinerated Gato's body and head into ashes.
"That takes care of Gato," Naruto remarked. "Good riddance to bad rubbish."
"Yep," Fu agreed. "I hope he enjoys the Netherworld because he will be there forever."
"And he will be forever damned," Sakura added.
"Yep," Nicole agreed. "Greed is a cardinal sin, and he will spend eternity in pain and torture."
"Good riddance," Lincoln responded.
"Let's go search Gato's house and rescue all his prisoners," Nicole suggested.
"Right," answered Naruto.
They went to Gato's mansion and began searching it after killing all of his guards. They found all of the money he took throughout the years, and a major discovery. They found a huge stash of swords and weapons from various clans. Some from the Uchiha, Uzumaki, and other clans that went extinct centuries ago.
"Some of these weapons belong to my clan," Naruto explained.
"Yeah, and these are all Uchiha weapons," Sasuke added.
"And some of these weapons are from extinct clans," Fu added.
"It's amazing," Rin exclaimed.
"Yeah," Nicole agreed. "How did Gato get his hands on all these weapons?"
"I have no idea," Sakura admitted, "but he sure has been busy."
"He was probably going to sell all of these weapons on the black market," Pakura theorized.
"That is possible," Yagura replied.
"This is amazing," Inari commented.
"Hello? Is someone out there?"
"The prisoners are down here," Naruto explained.
"Let's go," Nicole ordered.
They went down the hall and found a prison cell full of captive women.
"Are you all okay?" Nicole asked.
"Yes, we are," the first woman replied. "Get us out of here before Gato comes back."
Nicole pulled off the barred door. "Gato is dead. We killed him."
"He's dead?" questioned the second woman.
"Yeah," Nicole nodded. "We sent him to the darkest pits of the Netherworld for all eternity."
"We're free!" cried the third woman.
All of them cheered.
"We're glad we could help you all," Nicole mentioned. "We are Team Cosmic Dragon."
"We've heard so many big things about you. I'm Yamiko Kaguya, the last surviving female member of the Kaguya Clan."
"I'm Naoko Kessai, the last of the Kessai Clan."
"I'm Mira Ningyo, the last of the Ningyo Clan."
"It's a pleasure to meet you all," Nicole replied. "I'm Nicole Knudson of the Star Dragon, and I'm the leader of Team Cosmic Dragon."
"I'm Lincoln Loud of the Lightning of the Thunderbird, Second in Command of Team Cosmic Dragon."
"I'm Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze."
"I'm Sakura Haruno."
"I'm Fu."
"I'm Juri the Sea Dragon Maiden."
"I'm Ami Mitarashi the Cobra Swordmistress."
"I'm Akiko Suzuki the Maiden of the Nebula."
"I'm Sasuke Uchiha the last of the Uchiha Clan."
"And I'm Rin Nohara the Phoenix Angel."
"I'm Pakura of the Scorch Style, and former Sand Shinobi."
"I'm Yagura Karatachi the former Fourth Mizukage."
"And I'm Inari, Shinobi in training."
"It's a pleasure to meet you all," Yamiko replied. "Thank you so much for rescuing us."
"You're welcome," Nicole replied. "Let's get you all out of here."
They went back to the Wave and everyone cheered wildly for Team Cosmic Dragon. After the bridge was finished, Tazuna held an unveiling ceremony for something.
"It is with great pleasure that I christen this fantastic bridge as the Bridge of Cosmic Hope, and I graciously present this magnificent statue to the Land of Waves," Tazuna declared.
A tarp was removed, revealing a gold statue of Team Cosmic Dragon standing on a Saturn Planet, with jewels of every color of the rainbow held in their left hands and Gato's severed head held in Nicole's right hand, with a dragon surrounding them and the planet.
"Wow!" exclaimed Nicole. "What a magnificent work of art."
"It's an amazing statue," Naruto commented.
"Thank you," Tazuna replied. "This statue is to commemorate the heroic actions you all did for the Land of Waves, freeing our land and village from Gato's tyranny."
Everyone cheered for them.
"We're truly honored, everyone," Nicole continued. "We couldn't have done it without your help and the teamwork, strength, power, and support of everyone."
"You are all very welcome," Tazuna replied.
"Well guys," Nicole began. "Mission complete. This mission advanced from C-Rank to Double S-Rank, and we were successful."
Kakashi appeared in a puff of smoke. "Hey guys."
"Hey, Kakashi-sensei," Nicole said. "Were you watching us from the shadows?"
"I sure was, and I'm very proud of all of you," Kakashi responded. "You all have succeeded in your first ever Double S-Rank mission."
"Thanks, Kakashi-sensei," Nicole replied. "We have quite a report for when we get back. We also have some new people joining us."
Kakashi was shocked when he saw Yamiko, Naoko, Mira, Tsunami, Inari, Zabuza, Haku, Pakura, and Yagura.
"Zabuza Momochi the Demon of the Mist," Kakashi uttered.
"Kakashi Hatake of the Sharingan," Zabuza greeted. "I've heard a lot of big things about you."
"It's mutual," Kakashi replied.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Kakashi," Haku remarked.
Later, they were in the Administration Building, and Nicole knocked on the Hokage Office Door. Zabuza went back to the Mist.
"Enter," Lord Third said.
They walked in.
"Ah, welcome back Team Cosmic Dragon," Lord Third greeted. "How did the mission go?"
"It was a complete success, Lord Hokage," Nicole confirmed. "It went from C-Rank to Double S-Rank."
Lord Third gasped. "Please explain what happened."
"Certainly," Nicole replied. "When we left the village, we ran into the Demon Brothers of The Mist, and Rin blasted them with a Fireball, and we captured them."
"So that's what that explosion was," Lord Third concluded.
"Yes," Rin confirmed. "Here's the scroll containing the Demon Brothers."
Rin presents Lord Hokage with a scroll.
"Thank you, Rin," Lord Third responded.
"When we got to the ocean, we took Tazuna's boat to the Land of Waves, and we couldn't walk on the water because we'd be detected," Rin recounted. "As we walked to Tazuna's house, we heard some rustling in a nearby bush."
"It was actually Haku's Little White Rabbit she has with her," Naruto revealed. "Zabuza's Sword, the Executioners Blade, flew over us after sis told us to duck, and we saw Zabuza standing on the hilt. After a year and a half, we had a reunion with him."
"On our training trip, we saw Zabuza and Haku being harassed by Hunter Ninjas, and we appeared and scared them off," Nicole explained. "Zabuza and Haku are dear friends of ours, and we promised to go to the Mist and stop the Bloodline Holocaust whenever we received a Mission to The Land of Waves. Oh."
Nicole takes the Alliance Reinstatement Treaty from her bag. "Here's an Alliance Reinstatement Treaty from the new Mizukage Mei Terumi."
"Thank you, Nicole," Lord Third replied. "It's good that the Mist wants to reestablish our alliance with them."
"Yeah," Nicole agreed. "Anyway, after our reunion, I had Zabuza deliver a message from us to Gato. I told him that Team Cosmic Dragon would kill Gato and make him pay for everything he had done to the Wave. Zabuza had left, and we would see him and Haku in a week."
"After we arrived at Tazuna's house, we were Reunited with Tsunami here," Fu continued. "She is Tazuna's daughter."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Hokage," Tsunami remarked.
"Pleasure is all mine, Tsunami," Lord Third replied.
"We sat at the table, and I asked Sasuke why he wanted to kill Itachi, and we decided to reveal the truth about why Itachi killed the Uchiha that night," Naruto continued.
"Does Sasuke?" questioned Lord Third.
"Yes," confirmed Nicole. "Sasuke knows the truth about the massacre, and he needs everything we told him confirmed."
Nicole took out the file and handed it to Lord Hokage. "Itachi gave us that file and told us to give it to Sasuke when the time came."
"Is everything true, Lord Hokage?" Sasuke asked. "Was my clan going to revolt and destroy the village, and was Itachi forced to kill all the Uchiha, including me? And did Danzo Shimura order him to do it behind your back?"
Lord Third sighed. "Yes, Sasuke, he did, and everything he said is true. Itachi was ordered to kill only those who were going to launch the revolt, not the entire clan. Danzo's treachery completely destroyed the Uchiha, leaving you as the sole survivor."
"Thank you," Sasuke responded.
Sasuke walked out of the office.
"He has to have some time to himself," Nicole informed.
"I understand," Lord Third replied. "Please continue, Nicole."
"Right," Nicole agreed. "I left a Shadow Clone behind to train Naruto, Sakura, Fu, Juri, Ami, Akiko, Rin, and Sasuke while Lincoln and I went to the Mist to stop the Bloodline Holocaust. We saw Mist Shinobi strike Pakura here. The Sand Council's corruption led to her death."
"Yes, Lord Hokage," Pakura confirmed. "The Sand Council sent me to my death as a fake envoy, and Nicole and Lincoln saved my life."
"We helped the Bloodline Rebels and went into the Mist Administration Building, where we met Yagura," Nicole continued. "He was under the influence of a Mind Control Genjutsu from the Rogue Uchiha, who was responsible for the 9-Tails Attack 13 years ago. We broke the genjutsu and Yagura stopped the Bloodline Holocaust, and for our heroic actions we were awarded these."
Nicole, Lincoln, and Pakura showed their medals.
"The Sapphire Star of the Water's Heart," Lord Third noted. "Congratulations to all of you, Nicole."
"Thank you, Lord Hokage," Nicole replied. "Yagura decided to step down as the 4th Mizukage, and Mei Terumi was appointed as the 5th Mizukage in his place. We returned to the Land of Waves to prepare for the battle with Gato. We had a fierce fight with Gato. Uh... Inari, Tsunami, this part is going to be a little gory, and we don't want you two to hear this."
"I understand," Tsunami replied.
"I'll keep you two company until we can come back in," Naruto offered.
Naruto, Tsunami, and Inari were standing outside the office, and Nicole revealed all the gory details and the ANBU hiding in the walls puked their guts out in the bathroom.
"I'm sorry I got you guys sick," Nicole apologized.
Lord Third laughs. "That's all right, Nicole."
"Thank you," Nicole expressed gratitude. "You can come back in now, bro."
Naruto Tsunami and Inari did.
"We then raided Gato's mansion and recovered all the money he stole, as well as a huge cache of weapons from the Uchiha and Uzumaki clans and all the clans that went extinct centuries ago," Nicole continued. "We found the women Gato had imprisoned and freed them."
"I'm Yamiko Kaguya, the last female of the Kaguya Clan," she explained.
"I'm Naoko Kessai, the Last of the Kessai Clan," Naoko introduced herself.
"And I'm Mira Ningyo, the Last of the Ningyo Clan," Mira added.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all," Lord Third replied. "I've heard a lot about the Kaguya Clan. I'm so glad that a Kessai Clan member is still alive. We thought we'd lost them after the Hidden Fire Village was destroyed."
"The Hidden Fire Village?" asked Naruto. "I've heard about that village. It was destroyed by mysterious circumstances ten years ago."
"That's right, Naruto, and they were one of our most important allies," Lord Third answered. "I'm also amazed that a Ningyo Clan member is still alive after all these years. We thought they were extinct."
"I'm glad I'm all right too, Lord Hokage," Mira responded.
"We completed the mission, and the bridge was named after us," Naruto continued. "Here's a picture of it."
Naruto presented him with a photograph of Team Cosmic Angel, Tsunami, Inari, Pakura, Yagura, Yamiko, Naoko, Zabuza, and Haku standing in front of it.
"Wow," Lord Third exclaimed. "That is an amazing achievement. You have all done a fantastic job, and you have made history here. You became the first Genin Team in history to complete a Double S-Rank mission without the assistance of a sensei."
"I watched their performance from the shadows, and I'm very proud of them," Kakashi added.
"I'm sure, Kakashi," Lord Third replied. "Congratulations to all of you. You will be paid tomorrow."
"Thank you, Lord Hokage, and as promised, I will tell you how to defeat the paperwork," Nicole responded. "Use Shadow Clones to get the job done faster."
Lord Third suddenly realized that the secret had been right under his nose the whole time.
Lord Third took out a bullseye target that said "In Case of Paperwork Secret Bonk Head Here". He kept hitting his head on the bullseye and saying stupid over and over.
They laughed at this.
When Lord Third stopped, he created some Shadow Clones.
They returned to Naruto's residence, where Kushina hugged him. Yamiko was placed on Team Cosmic Dragon, Naoko was placed on Team 8, and Mira was placed on Team 10. Haku was appointed as a Medic Shinobi for Team 9. Inari was enrolled to the Academy.
Continues in Part 5.