An: Wow, thirty reviews for one chapter a new record for me. Thank you everyone that took the time to leave one. I hope I continue to meet your expectations your humble author S. o. t. A.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and I'm doing this for fun not profit

Chapter 2: The Mysterious Uzumaki

Sakura didn't know what to make of Naruto sometimes. As they had made their way to Wave they had been ambushed by two Mist shinobi. Naruto had froze, which turned out to be not that big a deal as Kakashi who they had thought had been killed ended up saving the day after Sasuke had managed to get in a few attacks against the opponents.

She hadn't been much better though, only managing to get in front of Tazuna as one of the shinobi had made for the bridge builder before their sensei saved the day. Afterwards, Sasuke had asked if Naruto was scared before calling him a scaredy cat which naturally riled Naruto up to know end. Kakashi had also contributed a little by mentioning how he didn't expect Naruto to freeze up. But had calmed him by telling him he had probably been poisoned so shouldn't move.

Sakura wasn't sure if Kakashi was telling the truth or simply playing around with Naruto as the jounin hadn't seemed too worried and instead confronted Tazuna about the assassins. Telling the bridge builder that they were operating outside the scope of their mission he threatened to take them back to Konoha. Sadly Sakura realized she had probably also contributed to making Naruto feel bad by trying to use his wounded hand to justify going back to the Leaf instead of admitting to her own fears.

While Kakashi had agreed, Naruto had pulled out a kunai and then stabbed himself in the wound in order to let the poison out. Needless to say she had been shocked by his actions, but was also surprised at how serious he sounded when he told Tazuna that he would protect him. But moments later he was moving around like a fool again after Kakashi told him he could bleed to death. After binding Naruto's hand and listening to Tazuna's story Kakashi had agreed to continue the mission.

Naruto seemed calmer as they walked occasionally looking to his bandaged hand like remembering some promise to himself. She switched her attention to Sasuke who looked as calm as ever. She had been surprised when Sasuke had appeared in front of her when the assassin moved on the bridge builder. A part of her almost believed it meant that maybe Sasuke was coming around to her charms. But she supposed it simply was he still viewed her as useless and needed protection. It sort of galled her except he had been right. After moving in front of Tazuna she had really no other plan of attack.

Watching Naruto who was still up in front of the group she decided to go talk to and apologize to him.

Naruto still felt useless after everything that went down. Glancing once more at his wounded hand he repeated his promise of never backing down or losing to Sasuke again to himself. He realized a moment later that in a sense he already broke it as he was stepping aside in the quest for Sakura's heart. But he supposed that was okay, since Sakura's happiness was more important then he desire to best Sasuke.

It had hurt a little when Sakura had said they should go back because of him. While she had sounded worried it had just compounded his feelings of uselessness. So caught up in his thoughts he had missed hearing his name the first time Sakura had said it. Replying the second he said, "Huh…what's up Sakura."

"I just wanted to say I'm sorry Naruto."

Setting aside his more pensive concerns he said happily, "What do you have to be sorry about Sakura?"

"For what I said about going back to Konoha because of your hand," Sakura replied. Naruto looked like he was going to wave off her apology as he often seemed to do, but before he could she said, "I should have been honest."

"Honest about what?"

"About why I wanted to go back and it had nothing to do with your hand," Sakura said. She smiled internally as Naruto's face scrunched up as it often did when he was confused so she made herself clear, "I'm afraid. This mission has already moved up to a B and I don't think I'm ready."

Naruto to her surprise instead of trying to make her feel good by telling her not to worry said, "Yeah, but you're probably more ready than me. At least you didn't freeze up."

Looking at Sakura seriously he said, "I don't know what's going to happen next Sakura. But I promise I won't let anything bad happen to you."

Sakura couldn't explain why but she knew that Naruto would keep his promise no matter what happened. A part of her almost believed that even if he was seriously wounded he wouldn't allow himself to die until his promise was kept. She looked away wanting to say something along the same lines but couldn't find the resolve to make a promise like that. Instead she settled for a simple, "Thanks."

They walked side by side until they reached the Land of Fire's coast line. Before anyone could ask how they could get to Wave from there Tazuna said, "We'll wait here. I have a ride already arranged but we'll need to wait for the right conditions."

"Right conditions?" Sasuke asked curious.

"Everyone that helps me is taking a huge risk," Tazuna said. "Therefore we need to wait until early morning for the mist to form before he'll arrive."

"Fair enough," Kakashi said before ordering his team, "Sasuke gather some firewood. Sakura, Naruto, you'll set up camp while I'll keep an eye on our client."

While going about her task Sakura noticed that Naruto's bandage was getting dirty. Not wanting him to get an infection she finished setting up the last tent before calling Naruto over. He held up his hand telling her he'd be there in a moment before putting the finishing touches on the fire pit. "What is it Sakura?" he asked as he approached.

"Let's take a look at your hand," she said pulling out a few medical supplies.

Naruto sat cross-legged from her holding up his hand. Unwrapping it, Sakura did a double take as she didn't see a wound or even a hint of one. Looking at Naruto who was staring at her wondering why she was looking at his hand so intensely he said, "Um, Sakura…is everything alright?"

"Huh…Naruto your wound is gone," Sakura said in confusion.

"Okay good," he said moving to stand up. But he was pulled back down by Sakura who hadn't relinquished his hand.

Staring at the boy she said, "That isn't normal Naruto."

"Sure it is Sakura," Naruto said.

"No Naruto it isn't. I mean there isn't even a scab," Sakura said. Arriving at the only conclusion she could think of she asked, "Do you have a Kekkei Genkai?"

"A what?"

Shaking her head she said jokingly, "How did you ever graduate if you don't even know what that is?"

However despite her light tone. Something appeared in Naruto's face almost like a painful and happy memory all rolled up in one. As she watched Naruto's face she began to wonder just how did Naruto graduate? He failed the test after all as it was based on the clone jutsu his worst. But then when they had gathered a few days later for team assignments Naruto had been there and with a far more advanced clone jutsu. According to Kakashi it was a B-ranked one which genin normally weren't allowed to learn. He had needed to explain why when Sasuke had asked to be taught it. So how did Naruto know it?

She wanted to ask the boy himself but Naruto was proving to be amazingly tight lipped when it came to talking about himself. Outside of his desire to be Hokage and that he wanted people to acknowledge him; she didn't know much of anything about him. She supposed she could ask but she doubted she would get a straight answer. But maybe she could ask someone who knew him. The ramen stand owners might answer her if she went by asking about Naruto or maybe even Iruka-sensei.

The embarrassed sound of Naruto saying, "Sakura…"

Realizing she was zoning out she focused on Naruto. She wondered why his face was red till she realized she had been holding his hand the entire time. Dropping it like it was hot she felt her own cheeks flush before explaining what a Kekkei Genkai was. Upon hearing her explanation he said, "I don't think I have a Genkei Kaka, Sakura."

"A Kekkei Genkai," Sakura said repeating it with a small smile, but it faded when Naruto seemed to retreat in on himself with a frown. Was he thinking about why he healed so quickly? He seemed to come to a conclusion but apparently didn't feel like sharing. She wanted to know, yet how could she possible ask someone that for most of her life she put down that he could tell her his secret?

"Hey you two now's not the time to be staring at each other all lovey-dovey," Kakashi said teasingly causing both of them to blush again. Sakura looked up and noticed that his eye traveled to Naruto's unbandaged hand before moving to the supplies that she had intended to use on the wound. His eye then moved to her and although it was impossible for the genin to read the experienced jounin's masked face, she was confident that he was concerned about her noticing his wound was gone.

"Does Kakashi know about Naruto's advanced healing?" But as soon as she asked herself the question she realized he must have. As he had been staring at the wound right after Naruto had stabbed it. Had it already been healing then? Kakashi had seemed overly concerned as he had looked at it. Had he been surprised by the wound's disappearing? Furthermore why wasn't he commenting on it now? He obviously could see it was gone.

She was about to mention how weird it was but Kakashi beat her to the punch saying, "If you've finished setting camp, why don't you help Sasuke gather firewood."

"Okay Kakashi-sensei," Naruto said a little too quickly apparently glad for the excuse to get away from Sakura and her questions.

Sakura stood up a little less eagerly sending a look after Naruto before turning back to her sensei who was watching her closely. She wondered briefly if she asked him about Naruto whether or not would she get an answer but doubted it. What was worse was that she imagined the jounin would be able to lie to her so convincingly that she would ultimately believe whatever he told her. Deciding to ask people she could read better she nodded her acceptance to his request before moving off to search for some wood.

Naruto never felt so overpowered in his entire life as the mist rolled into the area as they stood around Tazuna to protect him from the shinobi that Kakashi called, Zabuza Momochi. He wondered how things had ended up like this. Granted Tazuna had admitted that he had pissed off a gangster named Gato, since his bridge was going to end the chokehold he had on the small country. But an actual Jounin on Jounin fight was nothing like what he imagined it would be. Just the man's presence had been enough to make him want to run home and bury his head under the covers. Only his recently made vow had kept him from doing so.

He did take some small measure of pride in knowing that Kakashi needed to comfort Sasuke. Looking away from his rival his eyes landed on Sakura who was shaking badly still despite Kakashi's words to protect his teammates. Reaching out for her hand he grabbed it giving it a gentle squeeze. Sakura focused on him for a moment and stopped shaking. He hoped it was because of the promise he made her.

Watching Kakashi fight Zabuza was incredible and really made him realize how far he had to go before he could even consider being made Hokage. When Kakashi was caught in the Water Prison he felt all hope drain from him. The clone that Zabuza formed easily batted him back knocking his headband loose. The clone then stepped on it causing Kakashi to shout for them to run from the water clone. Naruto almost did exactly that but remembering the wound that he had given himself and his vow abandoned that decision. After all, even if they ran, once Zabuza finished Kakashi even he knew that their odds of survival were low. Unless they abandoned Tazuna something he promised not to do.

Sasuke apparently came to the same conclusion charging in before Naruto could himself. Watching Sasuke being snatched out of the air in mid-attack almost broke Naruto resolve.

After tossing Sasuke away the clone said, "You call yourselves shinobi. You can only be called shinobi after bathing yourselves in the blood of your enemies. When your names been entered in my bingo book maybe then would you be worthy of the title shinobi. You're not shinobi so much as cowering children. Now hand over the bridge builder."

Naruto choose that moment to attack, but he didn't target the clone so much as what it stood on. He heard the worry in Sakura's voice as he closed with the clone but pressed on. He took the hit as expected but smiled upon feeling the comforting coolness of the faceplate of his headband. Standing he tied it around his head before saying, "Put this in your book. The future Hokage of the Leaf Naruto Uzumaki never backs down." Turning to Sasuke he whispered, "Sasuke I have a plan so listen up."

But before he could explain it the clone moved kicking Sasuke around several times. Naruto responded by creating dozens of shadow clones that all swarmed the menacing jounin. After throwing them all off Naruto tossed a windmill shuriken to Sasuke who spun and threw the one he pulled as well as the henged Naruto at the real Zabuza. Zabuza reacted as expected snatching the one out of the air before jumping over the second that changed back into Naruto who threw a kunai forcing Zabuza to dodge thus releasing Kakashi.

Sakura watched in awe as Kakashi and Zabuza began to battle once more. But she directed her gaze to Naruto who disappeared for a moment as the two water dragons clashed destroying each other. Breathing a little easier as he resurfaced spitting out some water and making for the shore. Retaking her position of defending Tazuna she thought, "When did Naruto become so clever?" It was just so surprising to see especially since he must have come up with it in mere moments. In the academy there were questions that outlined different scenarios but Naruto almost never passed them. Was it the danger that made him so much better at it? As it seemed impossible just how thought out his strategy had been and Zabuza fell into like a rank genin not the invincible jounin he had seemed to be moments ago.

Sakura watched as Kakashi hit Zabuza with a giant vortex of water which sent him flying until he ended up pressed against a tree. Kakashi threw several kunai at him that hit Zabuza along his arms and legs. Zabuza said something to Kakashi that she couldn't make out and it appeared that he responded. But then out of nowhere Zabuza was struck by two senbon killing him.

Naruto seemed the most upset about the sudden demise of the rogue ninja making Sakura wonder why. However she didn't have to wonder long as he began complaining about how strong the boy was that did it while he felt so useless. Kakashi appeased him telling Naruto that in the world of shinobi age didn't necessarily matter. He calmed, but she could tell it still bothered him. Yet before she could try to make him feel better after the Hunter-nin left, Kakashi collapsed forcing her to focus on more immediate concerns.

Tree climbing was easy for Sakura. It simply came natural to her. However the price for her skill was helping Kakashi watch the bridge builder which was boring. Meanwhile Naruto and Sasuke were still trying to get it down. Blowing out a bored sigh she tried not to think about the fact that Zabuza was probably still alive and if he was that meant that the hunter-nin was with him.

Despite the future danger she couldn't escape the fact that the mission was making Naruto more mysterious not less. The unexplained advanced healing, the sudden head for tactics, and simply why certain things like how he graduated made him nervous. She supposed the tactics shouldn't have been that surprising as some of his pranks had required some careful planning, but still the spur of the moment planning was pretty impressive. But the other two things were somehow connected of that she was sure.

Before she could dedicate any real brainpower to puzzling it out Kakashi said, "Why don't you take a break Sakura?"

"Sure thing Kakashi-sensei," Sakura said eager to escape the boring assignment if even for a little while. Making her way through the village she frowned seeing the state of the place. How anyone could force people to live in such squalor especially since Gato already had so much was beyond her. It made her glad they continued the mission despite the increased danger.

She decided to check in on Naruto to see if he had progressed any in his own tree climbing exercise. It made her smile when she thought about how he came and asked her for help. She had caught Sasuke looking her way when Naruto was in the process of asking, but she figured it would sting his pride too much to admit she was better than him at something to the point that he needed to ask for her help.

Reaching the area, she stopped out of sight although not sure why. Peeking around a tree she saw Naruto lying on his back. A part of her was worried he had knocked himself unconscious as he tended to land on his head a lot. However Sasuke who was making his way towards Naruto didn't seem to be concerned.

Sasuke stopped at Naruto's head before saying, "Earlier, you asked Sakura for some tips."

Sitting up Naruto rubbed the back of his head saying, "What of it?"

"What did she say?" Sasuke asked looking away from the blond.

"I'm not telling," Naruto said in a snotty tone of voice that made her smile, especially due to the way Sasuke's head snapped down glaring at the blonde. What Naruto said next made Sakura feel gratitude well up in her heart, "Ask Sakura yourself? I mean really, do you think I could explain it better than her?"

"Hn," Sasuke said before walking away back to his own tree.

Sakura idly wondered if she appeared would Sasuke as her. But she decided against it as she was sure that Naruto may ask for the Uchiha. Walking away she once again marveled at how selfless Naruto could be as he was now actively trying to get her and Sasuke together. It really, really made her wonder what it had been that had kept her chasing after the Uchiha as he wouldn't even ask her for a little help.

An image of her future life if she married Sasuke floated before her. She imagined herself doing all the housework being a stay at home wife while Sasuke continued to be a ninja. She'd dot on their children of course, but she could see Sasuke coming home from a mission and giving her a kiss on the cheek. He'd then move to the kitchen table and ask when dinner was due to be ready. It felt so lifeless to her. Even the kiss had felt like he did it because it was expected, not because he felt anything for her. Thinking of the kids that Sasuke would almost certainly insist on she could see them being respectful and wanting their dad's attention but he'd probably focus his attention solely on making sure they were competent shinobi. Watching the family around the dinner table, Sakura Uchiha found it lacking somehow. Almost like a painting of what a family should be, but lacking the warmth. Sitting next to her husband he'd politely thank her for making dinner before eating. When he was finished, he'd show his children some ninjutsu before retiring for the night. Giving her a polite goodnight, he'd sleep in his own bed before the day would repeat again the next day.

She didn't want that kind of life, at least not anymore. She tried to imagine her life if she fell for someone more like Naruto to which her imagination conjured up an older Naruto. She was surprised that it showed her one taller than her and if her imagination was anything to go by he'd grow up to be amazingly handsome. Once again her husband would come back from a mission only this time it was Naruto. She wasn't sure if she had given up being a ninja as she was wearing a variation of what she normally wore. But she was standing in front of the sink washing some dishes. Naruto approached her placing a kiss on her forehead knowing she preferred it to a simple kiss on her cheek. Upon hearing their dad was home the kids would come running into the kitchen latching onto Naruto's legs. He picked up the youngest before smiling at the other two her imagination showed her she'd have. They gathered around the table banging silverware on the table asking for dinner jokingly. Despite the less refined and more chaotic environment Sakura Uzumaki didn't seem to mind giving her family a smile and seemed to be way happier than her Uchiha counterpart had seemed as she placed takeout from Ichiraku on the table, somehow knowing the small ramen stand would be a mainstay in the family's dinning habit. Sitting next to her husband he gave her a kiss and had to admonish him for getting a little to fresh in front of the kids, but didn't truly mind. Digging in she watched the children eat much the same way their father did and while a little concerned it seemed her future family would have no manners found it somehow fitting. After dinner Naruto would play with the children, he'd teach them some ninjutsu, but it would be more akin to play then actual lessons. Then after the children were asleep Naruto would take her up to the bed they shared were he would…

Sakura stopped her imagination there wondering if she was secretly a pervert considering where her fantasy was heading. However it did tell her what she needed to know, which was simply a life with Naruto wouldn't be such a bad thing. Granted her portrayal of Sasuke may be colored by her feelings of hurt at what he said about her. But it was simply too easy to picture Sasuke that way now. Not that he wouldn't care or love for his children, but that he would never show it. On the other hand, she could just as easily see Naruto acting the way her fantasy showed her. She had really enjoyed the short glimpse of a family like the one she imagined she could have with Naruto. A family, were even if he became Hokage, he wouldn't be too busy to spend time with his family or take himself too seriously were he couldn't act like a big kid himself. That made up her mind for her at least as far as what she needed to tell Naruto and that was to stop trying to get Sasuke to like her. She wanted a future filled with smiles and laughter not calm stoicism.

Sakura awoke a little earlier than was necessary, but since Naruto hadn't come back to Tazuna's the night before after hearing the tale of Inari's father. She was a little worried even if Kakashi didn't seemed concerned as he was confident Zabuza would need at least a week to recover. Heading to where Naruto and Sasuke were training the day before, she saw the blonde talking to a beautiful girl in a pink kimono.

She couldn't believe how angry she got at seeing Naruto talking to the girl. Stopping down on her jealousy she called out, "Naruto…"

The blonde turned waving cheerfully to her. Running up to him she said, "Are you trying to catch a cold staying out here all night?"

The girl chuckled before saying, "He must be precious to you."

Sakura blushed in embarrassment but said, "He is my precious teammate." She caught the look of surprise on Naruto's face but ignored it asking, "And who would you be?" Although she tried to be civil her tone did have a hint of challenge to it making her wonder if it was related to the jealousy she felt.

The girl smiled perhaps sensing her reason before saying, "As I was telling your precious friend. My name is Haku and I'm here searching for herbs for a friend of mine." Standing the girl said, "Well I have what I need. " Walking away Haku stopped saying, "Oh by the way, you need not fear me stealing him a way, I'm a boy."

Blushing she turned to see Naruto looking around. Confused she asked, "What are you looking for Naruto?"

"Well I though the bastard was here when she…I mean he, said you didn't need to worry about someone getting stolen away," Naruto said obviously thinking the boy had been talking about Sasuke.

"Idiot," she said shaking her head before playful adding, "How would he even know about Sasuke?"

Shrugging his shoulders Naruto said, "I don't know. I thought all girls had a thing for the bastard so you must communicate telepathically."

Embarrassed of her past actions Sakura said, "Actually I came out here to tell you something."

"Oh yeah," Naruto said getting up a little wobbly.

Helping to steady him Sakura grabbed a hold of him before saying, "Come on; let's get you back for some breakfast."

Allowing Sakura to lead him away he asked, "So what did you need to tell me?"

"I know you told Sasuke to ask me on how to climb the trees using chakra."

"Did he?"

"No," Sakura said, "but that isn't the point."

"I was just trying…"

"I know Naruto, and I appreciate it," Sakura said giving him a smile. "But I don't want you to do it anymore."

"Why not," Naruto asked, "Is it interfering with your plan to capture his attention? Wait a second. I got it. You're playing hard to get. You're ignoring him to make him see you differently from the other girls."

"That's not it at all," Sakura said looking forward, "It's simply; I don't want someone so cold."

She could see out of the corner of her eye Naruto looking at her in surprise and his eyes couldn't exactly hide the hope just behind them. Not exactly ready to start accepting dates from him yet either she said, "Anyway for right now, I think I'll just concentrate on being the best kunoichi I can be."

Naruto seemed to get the message looking ahead himself, saying a simple, "Okay."

Sakura smiled. But a part of her, the piece that often spoke for her when she hid her emotions said, "You chicken. Just accept you feel different about him and tell him to ask you out."

"No," Sakura said to her inner self, "Naruto is special but I want to know more about him."

"What's to know," Inner Sakura said, "He likes you and finds you attractive, forehead." Inner Sakura made her point by pointing to her own large forehead. A little red dot appeared on it which Sakura took to represent the kiss he had planted there. Remembering it caused Sakura's cheeks to flush causing the dot on inner Sakura's head to grow bigger.

Naruto asking, "Are you okay Sakura?" cut into her mental argument.

"Yeah I'm fine," Sakura said still a little flustered.

"Okay, I was getting worried you were getting all red in the face like Hinata."

"I'm fine I promise," Sakura said.

But Inner Sakura said, "Are you now? But your problem is you think you have all the time in the world to make this decision. Don't forget about Hinata."

Confused Sakura asked her inner self, "What about her?"

It wasn't words she received in response but images of Hinata blushing, whenever Naruto came near, or the many times the girl sat near him during class at the academy. Realizing what it was her inner self was getting at she said, "She likes him."

"Exactly," Inner Sakura said as if talking to an idiot, "And the only reason she hasn't made a move is because she's so shy. Not to mention you saw how hot you imagined Naruto to be when he gets older. Add onto that how good he makes us feel about ourselves and the question is. Do you really want to miss out on that?"

Sakura didn't have an answer so Inner Sakura ended their conversation with a, "Coward," before going silent.

Reaching the house Naruto began gobbling down breakfast but Sakura wasn't feeling all that hungry all of the sudden. Had she made a mistake in letting Naruto think she still wasn't interested in him? She had little doubt that Naruto might eventually become a heartthrob. After all, she had only been with him a few weeks and he had effectively made her do a complete one eighty on how she felt about him. However she reasoned now wasn't the time to be thinking about such things as they were in the midst of a deadly mission. However once they got back she planned to think about it hard.

"Stupid Inari," Naruto thought as the boy had leeched all the joy he had felt in climbing to the top of the tree. Although Sasuke had also reached the pinnacle he had still felt great about his accomplishment especially since with Sakura's advice he hadn't worn himself into the ground to do it. Then Inari had started complaining. He hadn't meant to sound like such a jerk but the kid's whining had grated on his nerves.

He had headed outside to cool his head when an idea hit him. Inari needed to see what a hero could do. Not to mention he didn't like the idea of waiting around for Zabuza to make his move, especially with Gato being a stones through away. The way Naruto saw it, Zabuza worked for money. So if he took Gato out of the equation, then Zabuza would back off. Smiling at the audacity of it he headed back in to grab his ninja tools before jumping out the window in order to confront Gato in person.

Unbeknownst to him his leaving was watched by a young man wearing a pink kimono having no doubt that the boy and girl he had encountered would be trouble. Guessing that Naruto was going to attack Gato he considered letting the boy go. However, he knew Zabuza would be angry if his large payday was killed before getting the money. Quickly changing into his hunter clothes he moved in pursuit yet hoping he arrived too late.

Sakura had never seen Naruto snap like that at anyone. Sure he yelled when upset, but he had sounded genuinely angry at what Inari had said. After he took off, she noticed that Kakashi had gone to talk to Inari. Guessing that the subject would be Naruto she followed hoping to gain a little insight into the blonde. She stayed just out of sight, but didn't doubt that Kakashi knew she was there.

"I know it sounded harsh. But Naruto doesn't hate you," Kakashi said. "I imagine it's simply that you touched a nerve seeing as he didn't have a father growing up either since he lost both his parents. He didn't really have any friends growing up as well. But I've never seen him sulk or cry. I guess he simply ran out of tears" Sakura noticed that the look on Inari's face softened slightly at hearing Naruto's tale, "Out of everyone, I suppose Naruto understands what you are going through best since he was alone for most of his life. That's why he seeks to become Hokage and be acknowledged. So don't take what he said to heart as I'm sure it's something he's said to himself hundreds of times."

Sakura felt bad for all the times she thought Naruto had it easy since he didn't have any parents. She was about to go in search of him when Sasuke came outside making right for Kakashi saying, "I think we may have a problem."

"Why's that," Kakashi asked sending one of his eye smiles to the eavesdropping Sakura.

Stepping out of the shadows she frowned when Sasuke said, "The losers gear is gone. And I can't find him."

Sighing Kakashi said, "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised."

"Why Kakashi-sensei, where did he go?"

"Well Sakura, put yourself in Naruto's shoes for a moment. You heard about a gangster who killed a good man and everyone knows where to find this gangster but are too afraid of him to do anything about him. Not to mention he's hired a dangerous rogue ninja to eliminate another good man."

Getting what Kakashi was saying she said, "He going after Gato."

"That's what I would expect from the Leaf's number one knuckleheaded ninja," Kakashi said. "Well anyway I suppose we should go rescue him." Although he sounded laid back about it he was worried. While Gato probably didn't have any shinobi at his shipping company where he stayed, he didn't know if Naruto could handle all the guards the man had around it.

Gato was sitting across from a team of three shinobi all wearing masks in the same vein as the little punk that served Zabuza. Leaning back in his sofa he said, giving a slimy smile, "So there you have it gentlemen. Once Zabuza kills the bridge builder I'll tell you where he's hiding."

"You must realize we could force you to talk," the lead hunter said causing Gato's men to reach for their swords.

"You touch me, Zabuza will disappear by the time you find out," Gato said holding up a hand to tell his men to relax. "I can understand you're all hot to trot to get him, but all you need to do is sit back and relax and I'll hand him to you on a silver platter. Unless you want to kill the bridge builder for me, that is?"

"We can't afford a confrontation with the Leaf," the hunter said. "I suppose we'll simple have to do it your way." The lead hunter was standing to leave when an alarm sounded.

"What the hell is going on," Gato shouted angrily.

One of his men wearing a mike earpiece reported, "A trespasser has entered the grounds. They believe it's one of the shinobi…wait a second a whole battalion of trespassers just appeared…they appear to be all the same person."

The hunter got up from his chair moving to the window and saw hundreds of clones attacking the guards. "The Shadow clone jutsu," he said, "It appears that the Leaf has decided to go on the offensive." Motioning to his two fellow hunters, they burst into action killing Gato's men in a handful of heartbeats.

Surprised Gato said, "What the hell are you doing?"

"Judging by how well your men are holding up it is unlikely you are going to survive the night…" The hunter's two underlings grabbed Gato by the shoulder as he procured a wicked looking knife. "I told you we have ways of getting the information from you. It looks like we'll have to use them."

Naruto smiled at the chaos his clones were causing. While they distracted the guards he had climbed to the roof and was planning to bust into the large office windows that he had seen on his way through the shipping dock. He was almost to the ledge when he was kicked back.

Getting back to his feet he came face to face with the hunter from before. "You faker," he snarled at the false hunter-nin.

"I'm sorry for the deception; however I could not allow your sensei to kill my master," the masked boy said calmly. "I ask that you desist from this attack as I'll be forced to harm you."

"Never," Naruto said angrily, "Didn't you hear what I said to Zabuza? Naruto Uzumaki never backs down."

"I'm sorry," the boy said and Naruto was surprised when it sounded like he actually meant it.

Haku moved faster than he had ever seen, quickly closing the distance between them before ramming his fist in Naruto's stomach. Folding around the punch, he was kicked away causing him to skid along the roof. Just getting back to his feet Naruto was again sent flying by another hit from Haku this time a kick to the middle of his back.

As Naruto tried to get up on wobbly arms the masked boy said, "Please, any further attempts to get up will force me to kill you."

"I made a promise," Naruto said standing, "I would protect Tazuna and I wouldn't let anything bad happen to Sakura." The masked boy actually took a step back as Naruto looked at him his eyes flashing red for a moment as he said, "The only way you're ever going to stop me is to kill me."

Haku pulled his senbon letting them fly as the boy charged him. However he was caught by surprise when Naruto created a clone in front of him whose back he used to leap over the senbon which impaled the clone dispelling it. He attempted to reach for more, but was hit in the face by the falling blonde knocking his mask loose.

Naruto stared in shock as he recognized the face of Haku. Picking his mask back up, Haku said, "Hello again Naruto. I truly wish we didn't have to fight."

"Then why are you helping Zabuza," Naruto said confused how such a gentle person could work for a creep like that.

"I told you, he's precious to me," Haku said alluding to their earlier conversation, "As a child I was alone and unneeded. Then one day Zabuza found me and I had a purpose. I exist simply as his tool to bring about his dreams."

"How can you say that?"

"Because having no purpose to live, to be unwanted, surely you can understand why such a fate I would wish to avoid," Haku said sensing that Naruto did indeed understand.

Grabbing his stomach Naruto said, "I can understand that loneliness hurts but this…this existence isn't any better… to exist as simply a tool… how is that any different than being alone?"

"Because Zabuza is precious to me and that is why I cannot allow you to harm Gato," Haku said with his mask back in place. "I'm truly sorry."

Haku charged Naruto again but this time Naruto was ready. When the boy got half way to him he created a dozen shadow clones that charged Haku from all sides. Haku followed the one he believed was the original stabbing it with the kunai he had pulled. But he was surprised as it turned into smoke. So sure was he that he had followed the right Naruto he had left himself open to attack being hit by five of the clones at once straight into the air. One of the clones folded his hands in front of him giving Naruto a boost as he placed his foot on them. Reaching Haku at the peak of his climb he hit him downward with enough force to send him crashing through the roof.

Haku picked himself up to find himself in a room with three other hunters and Gato who was not dead yet, but probably would be soon. Since the top of his skull was removed, and he had electrodes plugged directly into his brain. As soon as the leader laid eyes on him, he said, "You must be the false hunter Gato was talking about. We haven't managed to learn where Zabuza is at yet, so why don't you save us the trouble and tell us."

"Never," Haku said preparing to flee.

"I thought you'd say that," was the leader's reply as he nodded to his two underlings who charged at the unspoken order. However as they passed through the hole Haku had made a bunch of Naruto's fell on the pair.

Locking up at the hole he saw the real Naruto say, "Come on."

Confused as to why the blonde would help him he never the less ran up the pile of bodies leaping through the hole landing next to Naruto.

"Why…"

"Never mind that," Naruto shouted running over the side of the building with Haku right behind him. "Those were real hunters' right and they're after Zabuza and you?"

"Yes"

"Have they ever seen your face?" Naruto asked as they hit the ground moving through the boxes of cargo sitting on the large pier.

"I don't…"

"Give me your mask," Naruto said pulling Haku into a little alcove of boxes.

Doing as instructed Haku handed over his mask so Naruto henged himself to look like the boy and placed it on his own face. "Ditch your clothes and try and get some different ones. I'll draw them away."

"Why…"

"Because I do know what it's like to not have anyone," Naruto said sadly. "Tell Zabuza about Gato probably setting him up, that should mean we aren't enemies anymore."

They could hear footsteps moving over the wood so Naruto darted out of the alcove. Haku heard a shout of, "There he is," so quickly changed into his kimono. Moments later the hunters passed by. The leader stopped to look at him for a moment but apparently found him to be no threat before chasing after the retreating Naruto. He was fairly confident that the Hunters would let Naruto go after they realized their mistake but with any luck he and Zabuza would be long gone by then.

"I'm going to strangle that idiot," Sakura thought, both angry and worried at the same time. "How can he be so reckless?"

But upon arriving at the dock she felt some of her fear abate as they saw the state of Gato's shipping headquarters. Covering the grounds were the moaning and groaning guards of Gato. Sasuke apparently was just as surprised as her as he said, "The…the loser did this?"

"Don't underestimate what a lot of shadow clones can do," Kakashi said. "With that jutsu Naruto can literally be a one man army."

"Yet you won't teach it to me," Sasuke said a little angry.

"It wouldn't matter if I did," Kakashi said turning to his student. "You wouldn't be able to make more than three without completely exhausting yourself."

Sakura noticed Sasuke's jaw clench at that but said, "Who cares about that right now? Where's Naruto?"

"My guess is he'd be where Gato is," Kakashi said leaping onto a shipping crate to run towards the building at the center of the area followed by his two charges. Finding the hole in the roof the three dropped down and were shocked to find Gato with the top of his skull missing with electrodes in his brain.

"Shit," Kakashi swore leaping back through the hole to scan the grounds.

"What is it Kakashi?" Sakura asked a little unwell at what they had seen.

"That's a technique used by Kiri Hunter-nin to get information from a target. By stimulating the electrodes they can force a person to reveal secrets he doesn't necessarily want to and tends to work faster than drugs."

"So what's the big deal? They aren't after Naruto are they?" Sakura asked.

"Hard to say," Kakashi said, "If they know about Zabuza's helper they may suspect him of being it and give him the same treatment as Gato." A large explosion on the dock attracted their attention guessing that was where Naruto was they leapt down to run to the aid of their teammate.

Naruto shook his head to clear the bells ringing in his ears. Looking around he could see one of the hunter's on his back having been a little too close to the large container of gas when his fire jutsu missed and hit it. He searched for the other two but a moment later a whip of water wrapped around his neck. Being pulled taunt it yanked Naruto off his feet towards the Lead hunter who said, "You've given us a merry chase boy. But now it's time to tell us where your master is."

Dropping his henge he pulled off Haku's mask saying, "My sensei is at the Tazuna residence."

Making an annoyed sound he said, "Don't play games with me boy. Where is the boy you were pretending to be."

"I don't know," Naruto said thinking of a lie on the spot, "But he was never here. I wasn't sure I could get to Gato so henged myself to look like Zabuza's hunter-nin partner…"

He trailed off to let the hunter fill in the rest which his underling who was helping his partner up did saying, "That way Gato would think if he escaped that Zabuza had betrayed him."

Naruto simply nodded. The leader said pulling the water whip tighter, "Still I think we should kill you just for the aggravation. Because of you there's a good chance Zabuza knows we are here."

"Oh I wouldn't go that far," said the smooth voice of Kakashi. "Particularly, due to the matter that it was you that killed Zabuza's meal ticket."

Making the same annoyed grunt as before the Hunter allowed the whip to return to its liquid state. Turning to the new arrival he said, "Kakashi Hatake. Well I suppose there's no use hanging around here then." Forming a hand-sign, he turned into water draining into the cracks between the boards as did his two assistants.

"Naruto you idiot," Sakura yelled bopping him on the head sending him back to his rear before picking him up and shaking him. "What's the big idea running off by yourself like that? Did you enjoy making me worry? Well answer me?"

"Um, actually Sakura, I think he's kind of lost consciousness," Kakashi said rubbing the back of his head.

"I didn't mean to…"

"Relax Sakura," Kakashi said chuckling, "it's simply from all the chakra he's expended. He'll probably be as good as new in a few days." Taking Naruto from the girl he placed him on his back saying, "Alright everyone let's go. I think the people of Wave are going to wake up to quite a happy tomorrow."

Kakashi had been putting it mildly when he said that the people of Wave would be ecstatic at the news that awaited them the next day, as they had celebrated almost from sun up to sun down. Naruto had slept through it all. Although the village celebrated, Tazuna had kept working on his bridge to which most of the men who had quit returned. She had to give the man credit as he had welcomed them back warmly despite their abandoning him before.

She had been tasked to stay and watch Naruto and the household while Kakashi and Sasuke watched the bridge builder. Although Gato was dead there may have been people loyal enough to him to try and stage an attack against Tazuna or his family. It was unlikely, but there was no sense in leaving it to chance. She didn't mind though as she watched Naruto sleep admitting that he was kind of cute already.

Moving a stray strand of hair from his forehead she was tempted to kiss it but resisted. She just couldn't wrap her head around Naruto anymore. Granted on the surface he was the same reckless troublemaking boy from the Academy. But beneath it he was proving to be so much more. He had charged into a dangerous situation head first and if the mask they had found was any indication had almost been killed to help a boy who was technically their enemy.

What was really amazing was that he grew up like that despite being alone and from what she could see ostracized from the very village he planned to one day lead. With only a teacher, the Hokage, and two ramen stand owners being the only people that seemed to care if he woke up the next morning. He was a true diamond in the rough.

When she got back to the village she planned to have a talk with Iruka about just how Naruto graduated. From there she wasn't sure, but she was closely considering giving into herself to simply admit that Naruto would probably make an excellent boyfriend. However she figured it couldn't hurt to get a little closer to him before making that decision just yet.

Hearing her name she looked over at the bed seeing that Naruto was staring at her. "What happened?" he asked looking around the room.

Stomping down on the anger the memory of why he was there raised she replied, "You exhausted yourself fighting all of Gato's men."

"Oh," was the simple one word reply. After a moment he asked, "Am I in trouble?"

"Kakashi didn't seem too upset," Sakura replied, "In fact I think he was kind of expecting something along those lines from you."

"What happened to Gato?" Naruto asked.

Sakura answered telling him that Gato had died as a result of the Hunter interrogation and that the people of Wave had been celebrating all day. She smiled softly seeing that by the time she finished her story Naruto had gone back to sleep. Giving into temptation this time she stood placing a gentle kiss on his forehead and her smile widened as she saw one appear on Naruto's face. Getting up she decided to see if Tsunami needed any help with getting supper ready as soon the others should be returning.

It took several more weeks before the bridge was finished. The whole town had come to see them off since the mission was over. Sakura smiled as Naruto and Inari did their best not to break down and cry in front of each other. Walking back she really couldn't wait to get home. Along the way Sakura realized something. While Kakashi had punished Naruto for going off on his own, in the form of extra training, which Sakura didn't really think Naruto minded. He had almost seemed pleased by Naruto's answer of why he did it.

Which he explained his thought process by saying, "Well the way I saw it was we were focusing on the wrong problem."

"Oh really, do tell," Kakashi had said giving an eye smile.

A little shy due to being put on the spot he said, "Well I figured Gato was at the center of the problem, therefore if we took him out then everything else would sort itself out."

"So you went there to kill him," Kakashi said.

"What no, just scare him a little, show him that we could get to him if we wanted too," Naruto said.

"That's exactly why I didn't suggest doing that," Kakashi said causing all of the genin to stare at him in surprise.

"Your idea was a sound one in theory Naruto," Kakashi explained, "With Gato out of the way nobody would have been around to pay Zabuza causing him to lose interest in Tazuna. But let me tell you what would more than likely have happened had you simply tried to scare him. More than likely Gato would have hired more missing-nin making our job far more dangerous.

"I'm sorry," Naruto had said upon realizing his mistake.

"It's okay, but next time you get a foolish notion in that head of yours, run it by me first alright. I can more than likely point out any holes in it." Kakashi had replied rubbing the top of Naruto's head.

What Sakura realized was one of the reasons that Naruto didn't give as his grounds for going. Which was his promise to her to make sure nothing happened to her during the mission. Although he didn't mention it, she was sure it had been one of the motivations for Naruto's attack on Gato headquarters. It was the way he looked at her as they got off the bridge that told her that, like he felt he had kept his word to her. He didn't say anything of course and she was beginning to realize he never really boasted. He spoke highly of himself sure, but he never actually talked about his accomplishments. He had single handedly fought thirty of Gato's guards, led three hunter-nin on a chase through the dock buying enough time for that Haku boy to escape, and at some point before the mission learned a clone jutsu that according to Kakashi was way outside of what a genin should be able to use. But he never once mentioned any of those accomplishments. He didn't even rub them in Sasuke's face something she figured he'd be dying to do.

Forming a list in her head she decided to do some research on her teammate. First she would visit Iruka as she was positive there was something about Naruto's graduation that was outside the norm. Then she'd visit the library to find out any information on the strange Kekkei Genkai that Naruto seemed to have that caused him to heal so quickly. Not to mention it seemed to replenish his chakra far quicker than normal as well, since Kakashi had needed a week to heal from chakra exhaustion, while Naruto had needed a day.

Sakura while lost in thought was alert enough to notice Kakashi hold up his hand signaling them to stop. She was surprised when her sensei said, "You can come out now. That is unless you plan to follow us all the way to Konoha?"

"The only reason you knew I was there is because I let you," was the reply as Zabuza stepped out from behind a tree along the trail with Haku doing so from another.

"Well then to what do we owe the honor?" Kakashi asked his guard appearing relaxed but was ready to move at a moment's notice.

"I didn't come for a rematch if that's what you are asking about. I came because of that loud mouth brat of yours."

Addressing Naruto the Demon of Mist said, "Haku tells me we owe you and that you pretended to be him to allow him to escape to warn me. Why?"

"Because with Gato out of the way there was no need to fight," Naruto replied.

Zabuza began laughing before saying, "You're a foolish naïve little brat."

"Zabuza," Haku said.

"However, I'm in your debt so is there anyone you want killed so we can square things," Zabuza said.

Naruto shook his head before saying, "Just don't treat Haku like a tool anymore."

Both former Mist shinobi were surprised by Naruto's request. Zabuza said, "That's it. Apparently you don't realize what a boon it is to have another shinobi in your pocket."

"I don't care about that," Naruto said seriously, "I'm going to be Hokage someday. There's nothing that you can do that I don't plan to be able to do for myself one day. But to Haku you are his most precious person and all he wants is to make your dreams come true. He doesn't deserve to be treated as something that you can discard as unnecessary one day. He deserves the same level of respect from you that he gives to you."

Although Zabuza didn't break down and cry, Sakura though she could detect a watering of Zabuza's eyes. He turned away saying, "You're a fool and I doubt you're going to live very long in this cursed world of shinobi. But regardless, I'll honor your request. Come along Haku."

Naruto began waving to them as they disappeared into the woods, and shouted, "Take care Haku. When I become Hokage you'll have to stop by for a visit."

A quiet, "I'd like that," was the boy's reply.

Naruto smiled before taking the lead again saying, "Alright let's get going. It's been so long since I've had Ichiraku that I think I'm going through withdrawal."

"Well we can't let the Hero of Wave suffer now can we," Kakashi said jokingly. Sakura noticed that again Sasuke's jaw clenched at the title the people of Wave have given Naruto. Something he seemed to do a lot whenever it seemed Naruto had out performed him. "Let's continue with the tree leaping exercise," Kakashi said referring to the faster method of moving through the trees that he had taught them while the bridge was being finished.

"Alright," Naruto said jumping into the trees first.

As Sakura joined her team moving through the tree's she decided that maybe checking into Naruto could wait until after she just so happened to stop by Ichiraku for a meal. After all it had been a while for her too.