Alrighty! I do not own Naruto at all! All rights and regulations do go to Masashi Kishimoto! Azuna does belong to me however! Ok now to write this fan fiction I did use the episodes and I used all of the actual sentences said from the anime so all of those rights again go to the producers, Madman Entertainment and of course the beautiful voice actors and everyone on the crew. Thanks guys... hope you like it!
Chapter Thirteen: The Assassin of the Mist: Face to Face with Father: Part One:
The mist was thick. It wasn't as thick as the mist in Kirigakure but it was pretty dense for the ocean. Azuna was the only one who could really see where they were going though. She was used to this fog and the constant hazy feeling that it left on your shoulders. Naruto was squinting through the fog trying to see something, anything!
Naruto still hadn't talked to Azuna since she tried to save him. Azuna was peering at him through her hair before she sighed and peered back into the water as the waves bounced up and down. She was sitting next to Sasuke and Sakura kept glaring at her but Azuna didn't notice. Being in the small boat, sailing in the water made her feel strange. It was like the tingling on her skin was just about to burst into flames, if she touched the water she was sure this would happen. What the hell is wrong with me? She wondered closing her eyes.
"This fog's so thick you can't see anything." Sakura whispered looking around.
Everyone sat in silence for a while then. It was a tad awkward as Naruto was still feeling angry about being saved and everyone was trying to ignore him. The boatman however decided to break this silence. "The bridge isn't far now. Our destination just ahead: the Land of Waves."
Naruto leaned forward and peered into the fog. He grinned up as he saw the massive bridge. Azuna however wasn't marvelling at its size per say, she was shocked by how big it was in comparison to their small boat. If we run into that we're toast! She thought panicked.
"WHOA, IT'S HUGE!" Naruto shouted at the top of his lungs in glee.
"What? Quiet! I told you no noise!" The boatman whisper shouted. "Why do you think we're travelling like this huh? Cutting off the engine and rowing? Moving through the dense fog? So they don't see us!"
Naruto clamped his hands over his mouth and Azuna sighed. If Naruto wasn't so mad at her she probably would have placed her hands over his mouth and gave him a grin. But, however, he wasn't in the mood to play happy with Azuna.
"Mr Tazuna." Kakashi's voice rang breaking the silence. "Before we reach the pier I want to ask you something. The men that are after you, I need to know why. If you don't tell us I'm afraid I'll have to end this mission when we drop you ashore."
Tazuna sighed and nodded lifting his head. "I have no choice but you tell you, no, I want you to know the truth. Like you said, this is beyond the scope of the original mission. The one who seeks my life is a very short man who casts a very long and deadly shadow."
"A deadly shadow?" Kakashi asked unbelieving. "Hmm, who is it?"
"You know him, or at least I'm sure you've heard his name before." Tazuna said looking them all in the eye. "He's one of the wealthiest men in the world, the shipping magnet Gato."
Azuna's eyes went wide and her jaw clenched. Gato? Where had she heard that name before? And why was it making her stomach feel like she was about to be sick? Why was she feeling like this name was the reason for something really bad that happened? Kakashi's eyes widened also, and a look on confusion passed his eyes. "Gato? Of Gato Transport? He's a business leader everybody knows him."
"Who, who? What, what?" Naruto chirped from the front of the boat.
"Gato is a very powerful tycoon from a famous company that's true. But below the surface with the same ruthless methods he uses to take of businesses and nations he sells drugs and contraband using gangs and ninja." Tazuna said gruffly. "It was one year ago when Gato first set his sights on the Land of Waves. He come to our island and used his vast wealth to take total control of our transport and shipping. Anyone who tried to stand in his way simply disappeared."
Azuna looked up and met Tazuna's eyes. She had heard the name Gato before. It hung loosely at the back of her mind and it was bugging her so bad. She looked over at Sasuke and found he was staring at Tazuna as was everyone else in the boat. He looked down at her when he discovered her staring at him. She looked like she was trying to figure something out and if staring at him helped her do that. Sasuke looked back at Tazuna without another word and continued listening to his story.
"In an island nation a man who controls the sea controls everything, finance, government, and our very lives. But there's one thing he fears, the bridge. When it is complete it will join us to the land and that will break his control. I am the bridge builder." Tazuna said looking up at his bridge.
"So that's it. Since you're in charge of the bridge you're standing in this gangster's way." Sakura said holding her chin.
"That means those guys we fought in the forest, they were working for Gato."
Azuna eyes went wide and she gripped onto the boat. That's where she had heard it before. She heard Nozomi and her father talking about a man named Gato briefly before Nozomi died. She hadn't heard the whole of the conversation but enough of it to hear that name. So my father is working for Gato then huh? I wonder, I wonder if we'll meet up with him.
"I don't understand." Kakashi asked confused. "If you knew he was dangerous, knew he'd send ninja to eliminate you, why did you hide this from us?"
"Because the Land of Waves is a small impoverish nation. Even our nobles have little money. The common people who are building this bridge they can't pay for an A or B ranked mission, it's too expensive. If you end this mission before you drop me ashore there will be no bridge. They'll assassinate me before I reach home." Tazuna sighed. He decided after saying this that he wanted to guilt them into guarding him. He thought it might be fun to tease them a little.
But, don't feel bad about that. Of course my sweet little grandson will be upset, he'll cry 'Grandad I want my Grandad!'" Tazuna said making his voice higher when impersonating his grandchild. "Oh and my daughter will condemn the ninja of the Hidden Leaves denouncing and blaming you for abandoning her father and living her life in sorrow. Oh well it's not your fault, forget it."
"Well, I guess we have no other choice, we'll have to keep guarding you." Kakashi said with a closed eyed smile, tapping his Leaf Headband.
"Oh, I'm very grateful." Tazuna said a bit cockily. I win. He chuckled to himself as he successfully made them all feel terrible.
"We're approaching the shore." The boatman announced looking around. "Tazuna, we've been very fortunate, no one has noticed us so far."
"Nice going." Tazuna drawled out as the boat was steered under a stone bridge. It was dark inside but there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Everyone was peering at it in wonder. What was waiting for them on the other side? Was it nice looking or was it completely destroyed?
As they came out the end of the tunnel they were met with clear skies and crystal blue water. It looked like a beautiful and peaceful town. The mangrove trees in the middle of the large body of water at the centre of the village stuck out. They had their place though, and the village would look very boring without them.
Naruto's grin got bigger as they drove through the water. Azuna was staring at the water with a small smile on her face. The ocean was one place that she had always loved and she reached her hand down from the side of the boat. As her finger made connection with the ocean the tingling fire started to spread throughout her hand before she pulled it back suddenly. The burning has startled her. Why is it doing this? She thought sadly.
As they reached the pier one by one they got off the small boat, excluding the boatman. "That's as far as I go, good luck." He said quietly looking up at them all.
"Alright, thank you for taking such a risk." Tazuna thanked.
"Just be careful." The boatman spoke seriously before he started the engine on his boat and zoomed away.
"Alright, take me to my home! And I mean get me there in one piece!" Tazuna laughed.
"Right." Kakashi nodded before walking away with everyone following him.
The group walked around the pier for a short while before entering a small forest near the water. They all walked in silence and Kakashi looked down in worry. The next ninja they send won't be Chuunin; they'll be Jounin, elite ninja with deadly skills. Kakashi sighed to himself.
As everyone walked in silence Azuna looked at the ground. The slight hint of fear was creeping up on her and she was a little worried about it. What if I do meet my father on this mission? Will I be brave enough to fight him? Will I even be brave enough to look at him without breaking down and turning into the most pathetic ninja in history? This thought was making Azuna slow down her walking and Kakashi slapped her shoulder slightly pushing her forward.
"Come on Azuna keep up." Kakashi spoke clearly looking forward.
"Right, yes, sorry Sensei." Azuna apologised before walking faster to keep up with her group.
Sasuke was taking longer strides and eventually fell into step with Naruto. Naruto was angry that Sasuke was walking in time with him and was worried that he would overtake him. Heaven knows why but he was jealous about Sasuke being faster than him, therefore, better. I'm not letting Sasuke have all the glory this time, believe it! Naruto thought with determination running forward. This action made everyone stop walking and stare at him as he looked around. Azuna hadn't realised this and walked right into Sasuke. She almost knocked him over but he didn't complain once he saw her face. I will not be afraid if I see him! I will not be afraid! I will not be afraid!
"Over there!" Naruto shouted as he suddenly flung a Kunai in the bushes beside him. This made Tazuna and Sakura freak out big time and Kakashi become aware. Sasuke was staring at Azuna as her hand shook slightly, and Azuna was staring at the ground trying to control her panic. I will not be afraid! I will not be afraid!
"Hm, it was just a mouse." Naruto laughed with confidence tapping his forehead. Tazuna was growling at him and Sakura had blown her top.
"MOUSE? Yeah right everyone can see through your stupid act! You're so pathetic it's embarrassing!" Sakura shouted.
"Naruto!" Kakashi warned. "Those are Kunai knives, they're dangerous!"
"STOP TRYING TO SCARE ME YOU SCRAPPY LITTLE DWARF!" Tazuna shouted growling.
Naruto then started turning in circle looking around him. "Hey? Is someone hiding over there? No! They're over there! Hey, hey! Huh, huh! Over there!"
Naruto threw another Kunai into a different bush and Kakashi looked around nervously. Sakura however thought he was just being annoyed and marched over to him smacking him across the head. "THAT'S IT NARUTO!" She shouted.
"W – Why'd you do that? Someone is following us I mean it!" Naruto complained.
"YEAH RIGHT!" Sakura screamed. "Quit lying and acting like a dumb kid!"
Kakashi moved his way into the bush and found a white rabbit knocked out from fear. Above his head was Naruto's Kunai stabbed into the tree. No wonder the rabbit fainted. Sasuke wasn't pay attention to what was going on and just focused on Azuna as she continued to shake. I will not be afraid! I will not be afraid! I will not be afraid! Azuna chanted in her mind.
When Naruto and Sakura walked over to see what Kakashi was staring at Sakura could almost tear Naruto's head from his shoulders. "NARUTO LOOK WHAT YOU DID!" She hollered referring to the rabbit.
"Oh no a rabbit! Gah!" Naruto shouted distressed running over to it. He knelled on the ground and pulled the stunted creature into his arms. "Oh I'm sorry little rabbit, I'm sorry!"
"All this fuss over a rodent?" Tazuna sighed growling.
That's a snow rabbit. Kakashi thought in confusion. But the colour…? They only have white fur during winter, when the days are short and there's little sunlight. This rabbit was raised indoors away from the light which could only be for one purpose: a replacement technique.
Zabuza sat in the trees looking down on the group. He was staring at his daughter who looked like she was going to throw up. Had she sensed him? She must have. He raised her in the right way, in the Shinobi way. She would have to have sensed him. His eyes scanned over to the Jounin though and he cocked his head in wonder.
"So, they're already here." Kakashi spoke coolly.
Hm, no wonder the Demon Brother's failed in their mission. Zabuza thought grabbing his large sword. It's the copy ninja from the Village Hidden in the Leaves, Kakashi of the Sharingan. No doubt my daughter being there would have stopped them to.
As Zabuza jumped from the tree Kakashi whipped around. "LOOK OUT!" He cried as Zabuza's large sword came flying through the air. This stunned everybody and soon they all ducked. Sasuke had to practically pull Azuna to the ground as she was staring at the sword in horror. It was like she had seen a ghost. No, no it can't be. It can't by my father's sword can it?
The sword lodged itself in a tree and Zabuza came falling from the sky, landing on the handle. He was wearing cow printed legwarmers and arm warmers, along with grey pinstriped pants and his Kirigakure headband wrapped around his head so his Water Symbol was hovering above his left ear.
That must be. Kakashi thought in wonder looking at Zabuza. Azuna's eyes were wide as she looked at Zabuza standing on his sword. No! She screamed inside her head. I told myself that I would not be afraid! I repeated it over and over! Yet, why do I feel this way? Why do I have this awful feeling in my gut that is telling me to run? Why do I feel this way even though I told myself that I wouldn't?
Here it is. My chance to shine! Believe it! I'm ready his time! I'm not going to lose out to Sasuke! Naruto thought smugly looking at Sasuke briefly who was staring at Azuna. He had no idea what he was about to get himself into.
"Well, well, if it isn't Zabuza Momochi, rouge ninja from the Village Hidden in the Mist." Kakashi said loudly. Azuna must be in hell right now, having to face her father. He thought without turning around to see how she was doing.
"Mo – Momochi?" Sakura and Naruto muttered simultaneously. They all looked at Azuna with their eyebrows raised in shock. Zabuza smiled down at her over his shoulder which sent chills down her spine.
"Hello, my dear daughter." His deep voice sang with laughter.
Azuna clutched her head as Nozomi's laughter filled her ears. "Fa – Father." Azuna stuttered out shutting her eyes tightly. No! Don't you dare start crying Azuna! You're stronger than this! Come on you promised yourself that you wouldn't be afraid!
Azuna suddenly fell to her knees gripping her hair. Why are you doing this to yourself Azuna? She shouted to herself. Why are you remembering him? Why are you hearing his laugh now? Or seeing his smile? The way that he looked at you with those loving blue eye? How he used to smile and tease you with Haku? Why are you remembering all this now? Why have you brought up all these memories?
"Silly little girl." Zabuza laughed staring at his daughter who was close to tears on the floor.
"Azuna? Azuna what is it? What's wrong?" Sasuke asked touching her shoulder.
"N – N – No – Nozomi." Azuna stuttered as her lip trembled.
"Leave her for the moment Sasuke." Kakashi ordered staring at Zabuza. "Whatever is wrong with Azuna we can't worry about it now."
Father? Rouge Ninja? Whatever, nothing's going to stop me! Believe it! Ready? Go! Naruto shouted to himself as he sprinted forward towards Zabuza. He was soon blocked by Kakashi hand though and he looked up at him in surprise.
"You're in the way. Get back." Kakashi's cool voice commanded.
"But why?!" Naruto shouted clenching his fists.
"He's not like those other ninja. He's in a whole other league. If he's out opponent I'll need this." Kakashi spoke calming holding onto his headband that was placed over his left eye. "This could be treacherous."
"Kakashi of the Sharingan eye. Did I get that right?" Zabuza's gruff voice laughed. "It's too bad huh? But you'll have to hand over the old man."
Suddenly there was silence as the leaves blew past swaying everyone's hair around their face. Kakashi and Zabuza were staring intently at each other, as if they could kill each other with their eyes. Soon, the only sound you could hear was Azuna soft mumbling as she told herself over and over to be brave and stand up. But somehow her body wasn't reacting to her voice as she just stayed on the ground.
Nozomi's laughed filled her ears again making her lean forward choking out a sob. "Darling little sister." Nozomi's voice echoed laughing. "I love you Azuna, our cherished little Ocean."