— - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - —
Arrogance
— - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - —
Naruto glared at the back of Kakashi's head. You've read that book a million times.
"Hasn't he already read that book?" Sakura asked, pointing as the three set off behind Kakashi and Tazuna.
Naruto just shoved his hands in his pocket and frowned. "He's been reading that stupid book since I was nine." He muttered.
"He hasn't finished it?"
"Oh, he's finished it." Naruto assured. "About a million times now."
"Hm." Sakura shrugged. "Must be a good book."
Naruto grimaced.
The group continued on in a relatively comfortable silence. For the two Genin, this was the first time being this far outside of Konoha. While not amazed at the scenery, Sakura did find herself paying attention to her surroundings. The flora wasn't different from what they were used to, it was, however a lot more prevalent. The path they walked was surrounded on both sides by a thick forest with no visible end to it further up. The sounds inside of the forests were louder than in the village, the wild was less afraid of human interaction outside of Konoha. And the smells were much more earthy than inside the village. No restaurants producing the unique smells of various dinners, and no factories that muddled the smell of nature.
It was surreal in a strange sort of way for them. Definitely a new experience.
But Sasuke noted that Naruto didn't seem to even notice the change of scenery. He just stared in front, lost in thought with his hands behind his head. Sasuke had caught Naruto in the same sort of oblivious state a few times. It made him wonder if the more experienced ninja was as aware of his surroundings as those who weren't distracted. But, then again, Kakashi had been reading his book the entire time. It was possible that being preoccupied was just a show in case there was any issues on the mission. They could be luring attackers in with a false sense of security. Who knew.
Both had obviously done this sort of thing before.
"Naruto." Sasuke began. The blonde turned to him, pulling out of his own head. "Earlier when we accepted this mission, Sandiame-sama said you've completed B-rank missions before."
"Aa." Naruto confirmed.
"How many?"
Naruto glanced curiously at Sasuke. "Hm? How many B-rank?" Thinking about it for a moment. "Exactly tirty two."
Sasuke's eyes widened. Thirty... two?"How many completed missions in total?"
"Fifty two." Naruto answered.
"Thirty three, actually." Kakashi interjected.
"Huh?" Naruto's brow furrowed. "What was the last-" He closed his mouth and looked slightly away, hands falling to his sides. That last one was no completed mission... "No... fifty-two."
Kakashi turned subtly to Naruto, realizing his mistake. "Aa. Gomen, Naruto." He said lowly.
He just nodded.
Sasuke's gaze stayed on Naruto. Naruto just shut down... what was that fifty-third mission?
"How C-ranks different from B-rank?" Sakura thankfully broke the tension between the group.
"C-rank missions guarantee no encounters with foreign shinobi. Genin and Chūnin are assigned them." Kakashi answered. "B-rank missions expect to have enemy shinobi involved. They're generally given to Chūnin, but any higher ranking shinobi can take them. A-rank missions deal with Konoha's, or Daimyo-sama's special interests. Anything from protecting important people to infiltrating enemy nations. Jōnin take these missions, sometimes with a small team of other Jōnin or Chūnin who have proved themselves competent enough to handle them." Kakashi finished.
"And then, there's S-rank." Naruto added.
The two Genin looked to their teammate questioningly. S-rank was a new term.
"S-rank missions are top secret most of the time, reserved specifically for veteran Jōnin and the Hokage himself." Naruto's tone was a bit dark. "What was supposed to be my fifty-third B-rank mission..." He paused. Kakashi glanced worriedly at Naruto. "it escalated into an S-rank mission."
Sasuke and Sakura gasped. Veteran Jōnin and the Hokage? "How... did you complete that?" Sasuke asked in astonishment.
"I didn't." Naruto said in a low, dark voice. "I survived."
Sakura and Tazuna gulped.
But only Sasuke noticed that Naruto had tensed and a strange, terrifying hatred had crossed his eyes so subtly, it was nearly indistinguishable.
Sasuke looked over to see Kakashi staring at him with wariness in his eyes before turning back in front of him.
"That's enough, Naruto." The Jōnin cut in with a softer tone.
The boy exhaled a small breath and the tension left his muscles along with the dark look in his eyes. "Hai."
"So... uh, Tazuna-san." Sakura changed the topic. Naruto gave her a small, grateful smile. "What kind of bridges do you build?"
The man cleared his throat. "Well... uh, the kind you walk over." He answered confidently.
"Interesting." Sakura smiled. "Just one person? Or-"
The sound of metal grating through the ground rang through the air. The entire group's eyes were fixed on Kakashi. Chains wrapped around his body and two shinobi jumped in the air on either side, pulling Kakashi apart.
Sou ka... Naruto's eyes narrowed as the two shinobi who looked vaguely like a man he hated from the depths of his soul, dashed behind him, that chain connected to each's gauntlet lassoing in the air, ready to ensnare Naruto. Am I their target?
Acting much quicker than Naruto expected either Genin to, Sasuke was lunging forward to save Naruto and Sakura grabbed Tazuna and yanked him back toward a tree.
Naruto ducked low, the chain swiping right over his head as Sasuke tossed a shuriken, pinning the chain to a tree and pinning the shuriken in turn with a kunai.
Perfect
Naruto popped back up on the inside of the closest ninja's defense, the spinning orb of chakra leading his hand as he thrust it, and Sasuke was in a similar position, slicing his kunai up at the enemy.
Both ninja disconnected the chain, shifting backward quickly and managing to avoid the attacks.
Instantly, their attention turned to Tazuna.
The bridge builder...
Sakura stood in front of the bridge builder, crouched in a tight defense with a kunai in her hand.
Time to end this.
Naruto spun and launched his own kunai right at Sakura. Flying between the enemies, both turned inward to glance at it, confused.
The next second, the shinobi to Sakura's right was plunged down into the ground which buckled and erupted with dust spinning and flying about.
She blinked, wondering how she was still alive.
The dust cleared quickly.
Naruto stood from straddling one of the shinobi, pulling his palm off of that ninja's chest, a large hole shredded and the skin beneath twisted and mangled. Kakashi held the other in a choke hold.
Kakashi glanced down to Naruto. "I had them, you know."
Naruto clapped the dust off of his hands. "I know. I just wanted to look cool."
Kakashi sighed.
Sakura's gaze fell to the ninja below Naruto. "Is he... dead?"
Naruto nudged the shinobi with his foot. He groaned. "Nah, he'll live."
"Y-you..." The one Kakashi held grunted out. "You're... Namikaze Naruto."
Naruto's eyebrow rose. "I didn't know I was famous."
"Well, you can't use Hiraishin no Jutsu without turning some heads." Kakashi concluded. "These ones. Kirigakure no Oni Kyōdai."
Naruto's eyes lit up in recognition. He smirked. "Gōzu and Meizu. I remember you. We fought each other in Chūnin Exams." He chuckled. "If I remember right, we beat you back then, too."
"By the way, Tazuna-san." Kakashi lifted both up and tied them to a tree before glancing at Tazuna. "We need to talk." Kakashi's voice rarely dipped into seriousness, but when it did, chills were sent down spines.
"A-about what?"
Kakashi stared down at the Kiri nin. "Them. These two are Chūnin from Kirigakure no Sato. They're known for relentless offensives without regard for the consequences."
The conscious one looked up to Kakashi. "How did you know we were coming?"
Naruto was thinking along the same lines.
"A puddle." Kakashi revealed. "In the middle of the road with no source of water nearby when it hasn't rained in weeks."
"Wow. I didn't even see a puddle." Naruto muttered.
"If you knew about the attack, why did you let the kids do all the fighting?" Tazuna glared.
Kakashi's glare with only one eye put Tazuna's to shame. "I wanted to see who they were targeting and what they were after. Me and my team? A conflict between villages? Or the master bridge builder."
Tazuna gulped.
"You requested a team to protect you from standard threats, nowhere in your request did it say there would be shinobi hunting you, that would require a team of ninja like Naruto who are capable of handling B-rank missions and charged you for that level of protection." Kakashi pointedly stated. "Because you lied, you've jeopardized the lives of my team and that's unacceptable. I'm sure you have your reasons, but this is beyond the scope of our mission."
"Should we go back?" Sakura asked worriedly. "You said B-rank missions almost always have shinobi conflicts..."
"We're not gonna shy away from a challenge." Naruto smirked confidently. "Right Sasuke?"
Sasuke's eyebrow rose. "That wasn't very challenging."
"Hehehe. So why turn back?"
— - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - —
There were only two paths. One leading to Suna, the other toward Konoha and Naruto had no way of knowing which one his target would take. He'd picked a point with very good forest cover on both sides about a mile out where the road split and decided he would do it here. Surveying the area, he began to set up, making sure to leave a Hiraishin formula a ways out just in case.
With the cross sign, thirty or so Kage Bunshin spawned around him. "Set a three mile Kanchi Kekkai, spread Hiraishin's formula to every tree." The clones dashed off to perform their duty.
Naruto ran through a few hand seals and four kunai with seal tags attached to them. He tossed them out in four different directions, each embedding themselves into opposite trees. His hands whizzed through a few more seals. "Uzumaki no Fūin!" He slapped his hand on the floor and a wide circle of symbols drew out on the ground, four lines extending toward the four kunai. Biting his finger, his thumb touched the center of the seal. The seal glowed for a moment and then disappeared.
He saw the sensing barrier form up and disappear. He could now feel the different animals hidden about. The shadow clones were finishing up with their task. The clones released after finishing their task. He removed his headband and the sweater that had the Uzumaki swirl on it's back. No distinguishing marks so this man knew he didn't represent Konoha in any way during this mission.
Tossing his cloak back over his shoulder, Naruto sat down, leaning against a tree.
Naruto had never been recognized for his patience. He was an in the moment, get things done as quick as possible kind of person. It showed in everything he did. His fighting style was fast and efficient, wanting to end fights before the enemy had a chance to analyze Hiraishin and forcing Naruto to rely on speed and Jutsu and due to the massive reserves of chakra, inherited right from his mother's Uzumaki blood, his chakra control wasn't precise or efficient. Prolonged fights weren't an issue for his chakra stamina, but his physical capacity had a distinct limit due to his size and age. Prolonged fights weren't ideal.
In order to end this as fast as possible, his plan was to lure his target into his barrier so he could sense him at all times, and engage, dragging the fight to the center where his family seal would bind him and his chakra. Afterward, the kill was his. That scenario was the perfect scenario, and Naruto knew from experience that plans never went as planned. With his Hiraishin formula on every tree, he had an escape route and a way to avoid being hit.
It was just a matter of time now. According to the information inside Noya's scroll, Joki no Shinobi's projected path was right in Naruto's direction, and he was walking, as if sight seeing. At the pace he was headed and his last known location, the fight should begin by midnight, or perhaps early in the morning. Normally, the wait would be unbearable, but this was worth the wait ten times over.
Meditation was a good way to kill the time. That center focus would be needed.
Several travelers passed through the barrier until finally, a large, volatile chakra source presented itself.
Naruto's eyes shot open.
He tensed when he noticed the chakra source stop the moment it entered the barrier.
There's no way he knows...
The source vanished completely.
Naruto's jaw clenched. He stood up silently, his ears, his eyes and his perception on highest alert.
Shock came across Naruto's face. The chakra reappeared right at the far corner of Naruto's sensing barrier.
The chakra source flooded the barrier, and then focused right on Naruto.
Despite himself, Naruto's hand shook. That's... impossible... he located me through my own seal...
The barrier came down in that instant.
Naruto scowled, his teeth grinding against each other.
His heart pumped louder than he could control. He knew an attack was coming, he couldn't fathom where it would come from.
The slightest ruffle set Naruto on edge. Forest critters sensing the tension and running off in fear, birds flying off to get away as fast as possible.
It was distracting.
His fist clenched in an attempt to stay his shaking.
There!
A blur of black smeared into his vision so fast and so silent, he almost didn't register.
Instinctively, he stepped back and flashed to a random formula.
His eyes were wide and his breath unsteady as fear gripped him. That speed... this guy is faster than Kakashi.
He did his best to steady his breathing. No matter how fast he is, he's not faster than Hiraishin. If I can just get him inside- The man walked right into the seal's center. Shock once more surged through him. He's mocking me...
Naruto's anger flared, and then his hatred stoked at seeing the man who destroyed his friends. Underneath a tattered rice hat, a heavy, tattered poncho, the tips of a newer set of gauntlets than what Naruto had seen in the past. He only saw the bottom of the breather on his chin.
The shaking of his hand was no longer due to fear, but a searing hatred. A blinding hatred...
The man looked down, and then around the forest. "Uzumaki." His voice was oily and unpleasant like nails on a chalkboard. "The hunted becomes the hunter."
Uzumaki? He recognizes the seal.
"You hide well." He complimented. But then, his head turned and his lifeless eyes locked with Naruto's. The jagged scar cutting across his face was new.
Naruto blinked.
Joki no Shinobi was instantly in the air, his elbow cocked back and three jagged blades extending from the wrist of his black gauntlet.
He flinched, and the blades touched his skin, but he enemy's eyes narrowed for a moment, and he hesitated to finish the job.
Naruto flashed to a tree right across from Joki no Shinobi's. The man was staring at the tree, and the blades suddenly retracted. He turned on the branch he was on. "You..." His voice dipped. "What an unexpected treat."
Naruto's jaw clenched in pure hatred.
"I'm surprised you're brave enough to face me again." The man said in a dark voice. "Your eyes burn with conviction." The man chuckled ominously. "A soft heart... even if you could, you wouldn't have the guts to plunge the knife in. You're no threat to me."
"What a shame for you." Naruto's voice shook in rage. "Because I want to kill you so bad that I can't stop shaking."
"You've indeed grown strong." The man's voice sent chills down Naruto's spine despite him being praised. "And your arrogance along with it. Such a fatal flaw."
Naruto growled. "We'll see!" Pulling out a kunai and flipping it in his hand, he tossed it at the rogue shinobi. His hands weaved through a few seals.
Joki no Shinobi was in front of Naruto again, his hand outstretched. Naruto smashed through the tree he was on, his back slamming into the one behind it.
Joki no Shinobi's head tilted slightly. "Impressive." Naruto's hands were gripping the man's wrist, his palm just inches away from the blonde's chest.
The man's other hand came up and shoved Naruto's head into the tree, and the palm cracked against Naruto's chest. The trunk behind Naruto splintered.
The ninja took a step back and Naruto collapsed face first into the branch. "I'm very impressed." The man spoke. "You managed to stay conscious. You may be the first."
He was conscious, but only barely. He couldn't feel his limbs, just a throbbing ache in his chest. His body shook as he choked up his own blood. With every ounce of willpower, he willed his fingers to move. He begged them to move...
To do anything.
— - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - —
A while earlier...
Breaks were few and far between. While the ninja could continue without inhibition, the bridge builder didn't have the stamina to keep up. Sitting against some trees in the shade, Team 7 and Tazuna enjoyed the luxury of water and a hot meal, taking an hour to rest.
Naruto had decided to keep watch. He sat on a branch in a tree, watching the path, boredom clear on his face. Even though he was a Kage Bunshin, he retained the original's full personality and half of his power. He couldn't help but wonder if his counterpart had engaged Joki no Shinobi yet, and if so, how it was progressing. He wished he could see or at least sense what was going on, but that was not possible. He had faith in... himself.
How ironic was that?
"Anything interesting?"
Naruto glanced up to see Kakashi sitting on a branch above, one leg hanging off. "Aa. A field mouse crossed the path about five minutes ago."
"Mm. Too bad you didn't come get us."
Naruto huffed lightly in amusement. "You wanna talk?"
"Aa." Kakashi affirmed. "About the Chūnin we faced. With their failure and Tazuna-san's circumstances, they'll probably send a Jōnin next."
Naruto's eyes narrowed. This was getting complicated, and fast.
"I know you're not the mushy type," Kakashi began. Naruto looked up, a bit confused. "but I've been meaning to give this to you for a while. I just haven't had the right opportunity."
"If it's that book-"
"I don't like you that much." Kakashi reached behind him and pulled up a sheathed Tantō.
Naruto's eyes widened. "That's..."
"Hakkō Chakura Tō." Kakashi confirmed. "I don't have any kids, so I thought it fitting that you inherit it."
Suddenly, shame shot through Naruto. He didn't deserve that. Even right now, he was lying to Kakashi's face, chasing a personal vendetta. Their banter back and forth and the insults were both's way of showing their closeness. Kakashi cared, even if he rarely showed it...
"I just don't want you to make a fatal mistake and do something stupid... Everyone makes mistakes."
"Naruto?" Kakashi's voice was a bit worried.
"I-it's more than I deserve..." Naruto looked up at his teacher.
Kakashi smiled. "Nonsense. I'm proud of you, Naruto."
He forced a smile and took the blade. "Thank you." Naruto's voice was sincere, and he hid the shame well.
Kakashi smiled, tousling Naruto's hair. "Well, I'll leave you to it. Those field mice won't admire themselves."
With a puff of smoke, he was gone.
Gripping the sheathed blade, Naruto gazed down at it. This blade was famous. From Hatake Sakumo, the legendary Konoha no Shiroi Kiba to Kakashi... who had a million legend names.
Naruto was no legend. He was a liar. But... maybe sometimes, lying was necessary. He was a shinobi, after all.
He strapped the Tantō to his back. Even if not right away, he'd do this gift justice. That, he promised.
The group was on the move again, the mood being rather contented silence. Sasuke had been curious about Naruto's new weapon and inspected it, approving of it's design and resilience despite being repaired. Not that Naruto needed Sasuke's approval, but having an Uchiha approve of anything was pretty rare. It made Naruto proud of his weapon. He was in a good mood, and not just in a fake, good mood. The real thing.
He was ready for anything.
But a slight worry came over him when Kakashi suddenly stopped and stared into the brush on the side of the road. Naruto glanced in the same direction. A rabbit.
Was he finally going crazy?
"Sensei?" Sakura asked. "Is something wrong?"
Kakashi's eye darted back and forth.
Even Sasuke was confused.
"That breed of rabbit... it's fur is only white in the winter." Kakashi informed.
"What does that mean?" Naruto asked.
"I'm guessing it was placed here for the use of a Kawamiri." He continued. "I may be overreacting-" He heard it at that moment. "Duck!"
The entire group dropped to their stomachs.
An utterly massive broadsword lodged itself into a tree right near the group, and standing on it's hilt was a rather brutal looking shinobi.
Team 7 stood, and all eyes fell upon the new arrival.
The air around Kakashi shifted immediately. "Sou ka. You must be attempt number two."
The shinobi huffed arrogantly. "No hard feelings, but that bridge builder is mine."
Tazuna shuddered and Sakura jumped in front of him.
"If I'm not mistaken, You're Momochi Zabuza seeing as that blade is Kubikiribōchō."
"Ohh. You're well informed." Zabuza praised.
Naruto sensed the tension. If Kakashi thought this guy could give him trouble, then he was certainly deadly. "Who is this guy?"
"Momochi Zabuza... Kirigakure no Kijiin. He's one of the Seven Swordsman of the Mist." Kakashi explained. "And if you're my opponent, then I'm going to need this." He reached up toward his headband.
Naruto's eyes widened. Sharingan... If he was using that, then this guy was even more trouble than anticipated.
The scarred eye opened.
Zabuza's eyes narrowed for a moment, and then he laughed. "Who would thought we'd meet like this, Sharingan no Kakashi."
Sasuke's head snapped in his sensei's direction. How...?
"It's unfortunate." Kakashi answered.
Naruto stepped forward. He was gonna have to help with this one.
But Kakashi's arm shot out, blocking Naruto. "Get back, Naruto. You're in the way."
Shock came across his face. His gaze turned from Kakashi over to Zabuza. He's that strong?
"Namikaze Naruto. The Hokage's son." Zabuza chuckled. "This day is just full of surprises."
Naruto's gaze shifted into light anger.
"So what do you say, Kakashi? You want to fight for that low life drunk, or spare me the trouble of killing you." Zabuza asked.
"Or, you can walk away and keep your life." Kakashi countered. "It's pointless for us to fight, the result is still the same."
"Hn." Zabuza frowned from behind his mask. "Your arrogance will just get you killed."
"I guess we'll see."
For a tense moment, the two Jōnin stared the other down, assessing the opponent before making a move.
With speed that Naruto could barely keep up with, Zabuza was in mid swing, his large blade sweeping menacingly at Tazuna and Sakura.
Kakashi was inside of Zabuza's defenses in a low crouch. He shot his foot upward.
Zabuza grunted, flying backward and flipping, landing on his feet. He launched himself backward, landing atop the surface of the lake behind the scarred tree. "Kirigakure no Jutsu!" One hand shot up in a hand seal and the area filled with a thick mist that nobody was able to see through.
"Quick! Manji formation!" Kakashi called out.
Sasuke and Naruto dashed backward forming a tight triangle around Tazuna. Naruto was almost excited to test out his new sword, pulling it out of it's sheath and holding it in a sturdy defense.
A terrifying feeling washed over Team 7. Zabuza's killing intent flooded the area. Naruto saw Sasuke and Sakura tense. He, however, was completely unfazed. He'd faced a killer intent that would make demons flinch.
An ominous chuckle echoed through the air. "I can't say I'm not impressed. You hold your ground like a true shinobi, Namikaze Naruto."
"It's a bad idea to underestimate me." Naruto scowled. "You couldn't scare me even if I had your complete attention."
"It's too bad your friends are shaking with fear. I can see the sweat on their faces from here."
"Where exactly would that be?" Naruto pried cheekily.
Silence followed for a short moment. A chill went down Naruto's spine. "Behind you."
"Naruto!"
Instinctively, Naruto dropped.
Kakashi jumped right over Naruto, thrusting a kunai right into Zabuza.
Sakura grabbed Tazuna and all three younger shinobi dashed away.
Zabuza crashed to the ground, Kakashi kneeling on his chest with his kunai plunged right into Zabuza's liver.
"Y-you're just as good as they say.." Zabuza choked out.
Kakashi scowled. Instead of blood, water poured from the wound.
Zabuza melted into a puddle of clear water onto the floor. "Mizu Bunshin?"
Kubikiribōchō was pressed against the back of Kakashi's neck. "But it's over." Zabuza pulled the blade back and thrust it right through Kakashi's back.
But it was Zabuza who was shocked.
Kakashi splashed into water.
Zabuza's eyes widened in pure shock. He felt the cold steel of Kakashi's kunai pressed against his neck. "Now it's over."
Zabuza smirked behind his mask. "Sou ka. You already had my Mizu Bunshin copied when Naruto and I were talking." He chuckled. "Distracting me with idle threats. That's a first. But I never underestimate my opponent." He ominously said.
Everybody flinched in surprise when another Zabuza flew out of the mist behind Kakashi, swinging his blade.
Kakashi ducked just in time and Zabuza's second water clone sprayed into mist. In midair, the Swordsman stabbed his blade into the ground, using it as a post to pivot to gain the momentum necessary to smack Kakashi in the face with his foot.
The Copy Ninja soared backward into the mist.
Zabuza dashed forward in pursuit. He was stopped in his tracks by makibishi scattered all along the ground.
Kakashi dove into the water.
He glanced around for Zabuza, unable to find him until his Sharingan picked up quick movement in it's peripherals. Zabuza was behind Kakashi atop the water. "Foolish." His hands flashed through seals in less than a second. "Suirō no Jutsu!"
Kakashi realized his mistake at that moment.
The swirling orb of water wrapped Kakashi up filled with chakra so thick, it was as if he was encased in steel.
"Kakashi-sensei!" Sakura cried out.
Naruto and Sasuke snarled and readied themselves for anything.
An ominous chuckle came from Zabuza. "It's all over, Kakashi."
"Sakura! Sasuke! Grab Tazuna and run as fast as you can!" Kakashi shouted from the prison. "Naruto! Cover their escape!"
"Hai!"
Surprisingly, both Sasuke and Sakura were extremely hesitant to follow that order. Naruto glanced at both quickly. "What's the hold up?"
"I'm not running like a coward." Sasuke shot out. "You'll die facing this guy alone."
"And I won't leave my sensei or my teammate to die." Sakura affirmed.
"No! You idiots! Run!" Kakashi shouted desperately.
Naruto smirked. "Alright."
If Kakashi could've face-palmed, he would've.
"Sasuke, follow my lead. Don't be a hero."
Sasuke smirked. "Isn't that what we're doing now?"
"No." Naruto corrected. "I'm the hero, you're my sidekick."
Sasuke frowned.
"Oh, isn't this cute." Zabuza interrupted, acid dripping from his words. "You two little boys want to play ninja." He chuckled. "Fine. I'll indulge you. Do you want your bodies sent back in one piece, or small and manageable chunks?" With a single seal, a water clone of Zabuza formed. It stepped menacingly forward, stopping right in front of Naruto and Sasuke.
Naruto's grip on Hakkō Chakura Tō tightened and Zabuza hauled his blade up, resting it on his shoulder with a smug expression on his face. "Let's get this over with."
Naruto smirked. "It's a mistake to underst-" A wave of pain shot through his chest. The Tantō dropped from his grip and Naruto grabbed the front of his sweater, dropping to his knees.
"Naruto?" Sasuke warily stared.
"S-something... went wrong..." He grunted. "Trying- to sustain-"
His eyes went wide for a quick moment, and then he popped with a puff of smoke.
Shock and confusion shot through everybody, including Zabuza. Though, he snapped out of it fairly quickly. "It seems your friend was just a fake." He was glancing around the area, wary that Naruto was still here, hiding in the trees. "Looks like he ran away." Zabuza's eyes zeroed in on Sasuke. "How 'bout it, kid? Still wanna save your sensei?"
Zabuza's laugh sent shivers down the Uchiha's spine. What the hell, Naruto? What's going on?
Kakashi stared silently at the scene, having figured it out. A different kind of fear seized him. Naruto could escape from Zabuza's clone...
But if he was doing what Kakashi thought he was doing, there was no escape. Naruto...
— - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - —
Face down on the same tree branch with the same Joki no Shinobi standing over him, watching with morbid interest as Naruto slowly regained feeling in his limbs.
Every part of his upper body ached, and he grit his teeth as he pushed himself up.
Joki no Shinobi's eyebrow rose.
Naruto stood wobbly on his feet, glaring hatred at his enemy.
"You're certainly exceptional."
He glanced down to his chest and noticed a black seal circling around the area where his heart would be. "W-what did you do to me?" His own chakra seemed static and unstable.
"That seal agitates your chakra to an aggressive point. The more chakra you try and use, the more pain you will inflict on yourself and the more damage you will do to your system." The shinobi explained. "I won't kill you. You're still useful to me." He regarded Naruto for a moment before he turned.
Useful?
"Wait!"
The man half turned to Naruto.
"Why?" The blond demanded.
"Why what?"
Naruto growled impatiently. "Why am I still alive?! Why did you murder all those people?! My sensei... my friend!" His voice quivered. "Why are you torturing me?! Just kill me!"
Dark thoughts passed through Joki no Shinobi's eyes. He slowly blinked them away. "It's not you I'm torturing." He responded, a strange evil flowing from his words. "One day, you'll come to understand the pain of betrayal. When the plot against your life is executed, you'll finally see the fear that controls Konohagakure. Fear of power they can't control."
Plot? "W-what?"
"Namikaze Naruto... surely you know that the village can't be trusted." He stated. "After all, they're responsible for dropping you right into my lap."
Naruto's legs nearly gave out. His own village?! His own people hired an assassin to kill him!? "Th-that's a lie..." he protested. "You're lying!"
"Why for?" The man asked. "You're already my puppet."
Naruto's mind was too scattered to even process the response. He couldn't believe it. Literally, he did not believe that someone in his own village wanted him... him dead. What did he ever do?!
A chilling thought passed through him. Did his dad know about this...?
"Your perfect little village has an underside filled with more evil and hatred than even me." His voice was low and it resonated a darkness that Naruto couldn't even comprehend. "And you will be my revenge."
"I'm not doing anything for you!" Naruto snarled in rage. "You're gonna regret letting me live, you piece of shit!"
Joki no Shinobi actually chuckled at the threat. "Stick to the script or you may find yourself tossed away with the rest of the trash." He warned. "Just like your friends."
Naruto's entire body tensed in rage. He prepared to strike again, but a scorching pain tore through every fiber in his body. His balance was compromised and he found himself falling from the tree, smacking the floor, which didn't even hurt as bad as what was happening.
He was left squirming on the ground, aftermath of the seal leaving ghost pains and dull throbs.
"We'll meet again soon, Namikaze Naruto."
Naruto could do nothing to stop him, and the next moment, he was alone.
A flood of memories and chakra shot through Naruto's system.
It was like the nightmare just got worse and worse.
He had to get to that battlefield. Sasuke had a mark on his shin.
There was absolutely no way he could use chakra.
Unless...
He knew this was a terrible idea.
He pulled off his pouch and reached in taking a small bottle containing two white tablets. Painkillers. These were meant to numb shinobi on the field who had severe injuries and needed on-sight treatment, reason being that the numbing factor would make it easier to work without the body tensing and squirming.
He knew immediately when he dropped one of the tablets in his palm that he was going to hate himself if he survived.
He tossed it in his mouth and swallowed.
— - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - — - - —
He moves so fast, even with that giant sword...
Sasuke's eyes darted back and forth, the kunai in his hand shaking from both fear and pain. Zabuza found it entertaining slapping the flat side of his massive weapon into Sasuke.
But the last strike had been different. Sasuke had weave in and out of several strikes before one nicked him in the shoulder, and a glancing blow from Zabuza's sword equated to a deep gash, even scraping against his bone.
There was some sort of dark feeling he had, as if he knew he was going to die with this next attack. Oddly, it made him unnervingly calm. His senses heightened, his hand stopped shaking and his mind cleared. As if something had whispered in his ear, Sasuke ducked. The massive sword swung over his head, and he spun, prepared to slice Zabuza's tendons in his foot.
For a moment, Zabuza's movements seemed to slow down. Sasuke saw the weapon cleaving down from above.
It took everything he had to dive to the side in time, but he had no time to feel relief. The last two dodges had been pure luck, and he could tell that this water clone Zabuza was getting impatient.
Sasuke's calm remained.
"This is it, boy." Zabuza warned. "I've wasted enough time here."
"Sasuke! Run!" Kakashi begged.
But the Uchiha knew he couldn't run. Not anymore.
I'm not letting him take me without a fight. Sasuke's jaw set.
He spontaneously dashed backward, his hands flying through hand seals.
He wasn't fast enough.
He turned and saw the blade arcing toward him.
Time slowed once more, and his vision had clarity that he'd never before experienced. He saw the blade coming at him, and his mind thought a million ways to avoid it...
But his body wasn't capable of avoiding it.
He would be damned if he didn't try.
Once more, he tried to dash backward, all the while knowing that blade was going to cleave straight through him.
Sakura was yelling. Kakashi was yelling... At least he would die around people who cared enough to fear for his life.
The strangest thing happened.
One second, his eyes were focussed on the blade coming at him, and the next, something blocking that view.
The blonde mop of hair in front of Sasuke sent both fear and relief coursing through him. Relief that he was alive and fear that now they both were gonna die.
Naruto quickly assessed the situation, flashing right in the way of the legendary broadsword's trajectory on it's way to slice him in half on his right side.
Oh shit!
Naruto surged chakra through his hands and arms. His left hand grabbed onto the sharp end, and his right the opposite dull end. His muscles strained and he prayed to every deity he knew that his chakra augmented arms and hands were enough to at least keep him alive.
He slid sideways just a bit before coming to a complete stop.
I'm alive...
He glanced down. Kubikiribōchō had still hit him right in his side, digging itself about an inch deep.
Oh shit.
He strained against Zabuza's strength, who was frankly surprised to see Naruto come back. He used that shock to his advantage and pushed the blade aside with all he had and jumping out of it's range.
Sasuke stared at Naruto, eyes wide as the moon. What... the hell happened? Naruto was obviously beaten up. Scrapes on his bare back was evidence enough, but there was something very wrong. He was covered in sweat, his eyes were sunken in, puffy and red and he had a look of nausea and pain all over his face.
"Naruto?!" Sakura nearly screeched. "What happened!? Sasuke's been taking a beating while you were off having a vacation!" Naruto ignored her. He had to keep his attention on Zabuza.
"You..." Zabuza scanned him over, eyes coming to rest on the seal on his chest. His eyes narrowed, both in confusion as to how Naruto could even get a seal like that applied to him, and why he was deciding to continue to fight. He was obviously in very bad shape. "You should've stayed gone, brat."
Naruto took that spare moment to assess the damage. His side was bleeding pretty bad and his hand had a nasty cut across the palm.
"Naruto... you- what's going on?" Sasuke was so confuse, so worried and angry at the same time.
Naruto turned, surprised actually to see the iconic red of Sharingan eyes staring back at him. "I made a mistake." His voice was throaty and a bit weak. His attention went back to Zabuza. "One I'm gonna fix."
"Cocky little brat, aren't you?" Zabuza sneered. "With that seal on you, you won't be able to last more than five seconds without your entire body feeling like it's on fire."
"Hn." Naruto huffed. "You're familiar with this seal."
Zabuza chose not to respond.
"I promise, the seal has no effect on my body." Naruto's eyes narrowed. "I can fight until my heart gives out."
Zabuza's eye twitched in irritation.
"Sasuke, the only chance we have is to free Kakashi-sensei." Naruto said lowly. Given this is a water clone, Raiton would be my best bet on countering it.
Sasuke stood beside Naruto and nodded his agreement.
"I'll distract him. Follow my lead."
"Right." Sasuke complied.
Naruto took a deep breath to curb the dizziness from losing blood.
He glared at Zabuza, his hate from before still channeling.
Naruto broke the tension, crouching low and weaving seals. "Seiton! (static release)"
Kakashi's worry doubled. He's putting too much strain on his body...
Sasuke watched with curiosity as his Sharingan picked up a strange gathering of energy around Naruto.
His attention was broken when Zabuza lashed forward.
Sasuke watched in utter amazement. Naruto ran straight at Zabuza at speeds Sasuke knew himself to be incapable of even hoping to replicate at this stage.
The sword swung.
Naruto jump, spinning and smashing his shin into Zabuza's chin- only he ducked. Naruto was then behind Zabuza, gaining distance. His eyes darted to the Tantō discarded on the ground between them.
Zabuza was in motion almost instantly.
Naruto flashed back to Sasuke, and then dashed forward, sweeping up the blade on the floor and spearing it right at Zabuza's back. Zabuza turned and moved his head to side, easily avoiding the weapon.
Naruto smirked.
The blade arced electricity and sent a pulse of energy from Naruto's static buildup.
Shock showed on the clone's face, and it seized.
Sasuke capitalized. "Katon! Gōkakyū no Jutsu!"
The flames engulfed the water clone, reducing it to steam.
Not missing a beat, Naruto pulled a small scroll from his pouch and swiped his blood across it. "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!"
Naruto held a folded Fuma Shuriken.
"Naruto!" Sasuke's voice rang out.
Another clone came right at him.
Naruto ducked under the sword haphazardly, but Zabuza's fist came instead, smashing Naruto's cheek and sending him flying into a tree, the shuriken flipping out of his hand and embedding itself in the ground.
Sasuke's Sharingan picked up on the slightly glowing mark on the shuriken's center. I get it.
Zabuza dashed after his blonde prey and Sasuke after the shuriken.
Sasuke swiped the shuriken off of the ground and cocked his arm back as it expanded simultaneously, eyes locked on to the water clone.
Zabuza came flying at Naruto.
At the very last second, Sasuke switched directions and send the shuriken flying at the real Zabuza.
The water clone cocked back the sword.
The real Zabuza didn't even flinch, snatching the large, spinning blade out of flight.
Now.
There were two flashes.
Zabuza's eyes shot wide. That movement... I didn't even see it.
Naruto was right behind him, the chakra saber spearing right at his head, this time Zabuza knew it wasn't charged. "No matter how fast you are, your attacks are linear! You'll never hit me!" He arrogantly called out simply moving his head to the side, the Tantō flying right passed him.
Naruto and Sasuke smirked.
Zabuza actually flinched in surprise when Naruto suddenly appeared in front of him, holding the Tantō in a backhand grip, slicing at his mid section with the distinct, white glow streaking out.
The Demon of the Mist was forced to release Kakashi to dash backward and avoid being bisected.
A small bit of blood streaked off of the tip of the saber.
Zabuza's rage exploded. A long, thin cut streaked across his chest.
This brat knows Konoha no Kiiroi Senkō's jutsu! That's how he stopped Kubikiribōchō just in time earlier.
Both Naruto and Zabuza landed on the water.
With a livid battle cry, Zabuza launched forward, the shuriken in his hand spinning rapidly.
Zabuza hardly registered Kakashi until the blades stopped spinning completely, one of them embedded in the metal plate protecting his fists.
Zabuza's rage was curbed by the lifeless, cold eyes of Kakashi dead set on killing someone.
The after effects of using so much chakra was causing Naruto's control to go haywire.
"Your part is done, Naruto." Kakashi's voice was stern, absolutely no room for argument. Not that Naruto wanted to continue fighting anyway...
Naruto's legs buckled and Sasuke dashed forward and caught him. "If Naruto's condition is critical, rush him to a hospital. I'll find you."
Sasuke nodded. "Hai, sensei."
"Awfully confident, aren't we Kakashi?" Zabuza taunted.
"No. You can't be confident in something with a for sure outcome."
Zabuza's anger continued to rise.
Sasuke backed away to Sakura, sitting Naruto against a tree.
"My word, Naruto..." She muttered, kneeling down and looking him over.
"How bad is it, Doc? 'M I gonna live?" Naruto joked, earning only frowns.
"Your chakra system is shredded." Sasuke informed.
"And your muscles nearly are as well." Sakura added, hands glowing green and hovering over the gash in his side. She sighed. "You've lost a lot of blood. What were you thinking?"
Naruto shrugged. "I wasn't?"
"Naruto." Sasuke curtly began. He didn't think this was funny at all. "What happened? You left us to fend for ourselves and you come back nearly dead." Sasuke was not happy.
Naruto sighed wearily. "I told you." He answered lowly. "I made a mistake."
Sasuke leaned in and slammed his hand into the tree, right next to Naruto's head. "A mistake that nearly cost us our lives!" He yelled. "What could be so important that you would leave us to die!?"
Naruto's vision blurred. "That... was the mistake." Naruto stumbled out. "Nothing is more important than making sure I don't loose another team."
Sasuke's anger drained for a moment. Another team?
"Most of the damage is internal." Sakura's spoke with a concentrated look on her face and using every bit of medical jutsu she knew. "All I can do now is stop the bleeding, we're going to have to get you back to the Village."
Naruto released a rough sigh. "I don't have the chakra to do that." He admitted.
"No, and you'd probably explode if you did." Sakura chided.
She looked over to the fight with Kakashi and Zabuza worriedly, unable to distinguish who was winning. Biting her lip in apprehension, she gazed at Naruto. She didn't have the proper knowledge to know if his life was in danger, and she definitely didn't have the knowledge to determine who could win this battle, though, she did trust Kakashi. She couldn't risk Naruto's condition. "I have to take him, Sasuke." She turned to him with a grave look.
He nodded once.
"I'll send a faster transport once we reach my village." Tazuna assured from behind her.
Frankly, she was surprised. "Thank you, Tazuna-san."
"Wait..." Naruto cut in. Reaching into his utility pack, he pulled out a paper tag, kanji symbol for 'messenger' written on it. With a smear of blood and a small poof of smoke, a small bird stood on the paper with a small, rolled up paper in it's beak. Naruto wrote a simple message requesting backup for Kakashi before sending it on it's way. He attempted to push himself up, finding he was unable to.
Sakura shook her head, grabbing Naruto's arm and pulling him over her shoulders. He bit his groans back. "Gomen... Sakura, Sasuke." He lowly said.
Neither responded.
"Let's go."
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