Chapter 4


Again, sorry for the lateness. Work is demanding its right, and I wont put up a hurried chapter unless it is really unavoidable.

So, enjoy, and review of course!



ZM

After a long night of slightly wet, but blissfully deep slumber, the Swordsman awoke. It was morning, or at least the slightly brighter part of Grey the sky turned into, from one side of the horizon onward, suggested that.

He gripped his sword tighter, and drove it into the ground, using it to get up.

Still not much Chakra back, but at least his muscles were up and running almost fully again, ah well, time to move on

And so he set off, walking into the silver-grey rain of the dawning day, towards a huge, dark forest at the Horizon....

ZM

Zabuza was pretty satisfied with himself. He had again hunted (and beaten, and kicked, ah, good times....) Naruto all across the Training ground (number 9 this time,after all no need to give the brat any homeground-advantage, was there?) and Naruto had managed to evade almost 10% of his swings. He was indeed progressing pretty fast, even though the 2.5 hour limit slowed them down a bit. Zabuza was sure he would have him in a good enough form to begin actual Taijutsu training by the end of next week at the latest.

While this would rob him of his newest hobby (Bratbashing) almost completely, he WAS eager to see if the boy would be able to learn one of his 2 styles. Note to self: Ask Nahema about his Elemental Affinities. Oh, and he still had to go to the Mizukage for a Raiton-Jutsu powered Alarm clock, well, better get it behind him then.......

ZM

Naruto therewhile was rather happy. After 2 days of search he had managed to acquire a pot large enough for Ramen (and a clock that should tell him when it was ready, he supposed....), so he hurried to bring it to his house before his first Genjutsu training began.....

"Well, now that's done, where was I to meet Hohiro again?" he thought to himself. Then it hit him. He didn't remember!! How the heck did that happen? Frantically he ran off into the village, trying to find Zabuza (or any other Jounin for that matter) and ask them where Hohiro was.

He had been trying that for about 10 minutes when he realized that he had not seen a single Ninja he knew (if only on sight) by now, which struck him as a bit odd. Could it be that he was.....Ah well, worth a Try, he thought and channelled his Chakra to counter any Genjutsu that might lie on him.

To his surprise he felt some odd force pressing against his Chakra, so he increased the amount. Twice!

Then suddenly, with a low „hmph" from his left, the Genjutsu lifted to reveal that he already stood in the middle of the Training ground he was supposed to train today!

"Well well, you certainly DO have a humongous amount of Chakra and a strong will." A smooth male voice said from behind him. Turning around he caught the sight of a man of roughly 6 feet, with dark blond hair, green eyes and a goatee. Following the description in his Excerption of Konohas Bingo Book, that had to be Hohiro.

Before he could even greet him, the Jounin gestured him to sit down, doing the same himself.

"Good. Now, lets begin with the introductions, shall we? I am Hohiro. I have some titles too, but since we are going to be Sensei and Pupil they are of no big importance between us. I will be your Genjutsu Trainer, and as Nahema informed me you have an Earth Affinity as well, I will also try to help you in getting synced with your Element. One of them that is. Now, your turn boy....:"

After making this little speech in a completely relaxed,almost laid back tone, he focused his calm but still somehow piercing eyes at Naruto.

"Ah, I'm Naruto Uzomaki, I'm almost 16 years old, from Konohagakure, I love Ramen (though its not available here...) and never give up on a promise and, well......"

"No need to tell that specific detail. I am informed of the source of your „Bloodline", don't worry. And I must say that it intrigues me greatly. However, we still have much time to get to know each other better, don't we? So now lets start with finding out what you already can do with Genjutsu, shall we?"

And so they did. It was again a rather disappointing experience for Naruto, but Hohiro seemed ever patient. Still, after he tried to teach Naruto 4 different „Low-Level" Jutsus, he had him sit down again.

"Well, it seems that you have no talent whatsoever for the subtleties and detail involved in most Genjutsu," he began, which made Naruto feel useless again instantly, „BUT luckily that is not everything there is. Sure, the most useful Genjutsu are those the target does not even recognise as such, but with enough Chakra and will there is a whole other type too."

Saying that he looked into Narutos eyes. "However, learning this kind of Jutsu is strenuous work, and it is not sure that you'll be more lucky with them. Still want to try it?"

To which a remotivated Naruto jumped up and yelled "Yeah, bring it on! I will learn them, I wont give up, that's my Nindo!"

At hearing that Hohiro smiled a little smile to himself and stood up. "Now then, shall we begin?" At Narutos enthusiastic nod he began to explain the nature of what he called "Mind-War Genjutsu".

"The most important difference between regular and Mind War Genjutsu is the fact that a MWG is simply a fully fledged Assault on the targets mind. Most Ninja, while in theory able to utilize them, disdain them in favour of the far more efficient Regular Genjutsu. You however have an over-abundance of Chakra combined with very little talent for subtlety, so this might be a perfect fit. We will start with this one, I call it "Sense-Dazzling". It utilizes a moderate amount of Chakra to neutralize most detailed perceptions the target can make. Its use is rather limited, but it should do for now."

The following hour was spent at explanation and 3 test runs, and to his surprise Naruto managed to learn it almost instantly, which brought him a raised Eyebrow and even some praise from Hohiro.

At this days end of training, Naruto was more satisfied with himself than he had been since... well, ever, so his sleep was deep and full of rather satisfying dreams.....

ZM

The next week was full of work for Naruto, alternating Training Sessions hunting each other.

At Thursday he managed to water walk a small while, and Zabuza stated his Speed and Strength were good enough that he would begin to teach him the 3 Basic Kata of "The Flowing Mist", one of the 3 unique Styles the Village had developed, and the only one that did not need an Affinity for water to be mastered.

So, overall it was a very taxing but joyful week. Too bad it shouldn't last......

Zabuza sat in the Mizukages waiting room, as he had done for the last ten minutes! Geez, what the heck was the old man doing at this time of the day, that he couldn't be bothered by a visit of the Villages most famous Ninja? Granted, the reason WHY Zabuza wanted to see him was of minor importance (the Raiton-Alarm Clock for the brat), but since he had not spoken about it with anybody, the old fart had no chance to KNOW that!

He was sure, if he had to wait another 5 minutes, he would re-enact his Killing Spree of 18 years ago, just to battle the mind-numbingly boring feeling that tried to sneak up on him.

Just as he finished that intriguing train of thought, the door to the Mizukages chambers opened and he heard a voice say "Come in Zabuza. We are ready for you now!"

Hmm, he had never heard that voice before, already he was looking forward to the meeting.

He entered, just to see that the old fart once again pulled his "Blue Globe in The Darkness" trick. Predictable (though it angered him he still had no Idea how he did it...., ah well) old fart.

Next to the Mizukage stood 2 people, both of them wearing Shinobi outfits, though he could only see one headband, as the other Ninja was looking away from him.

THIS visitor however, sleek built and with white hair, was clearly from Otogakure! Orochimaru`s business again, that meant. Although he hated that sneaky bastard he had to admit that the Missions he had undergone with Otonins had always been fun, so.....

"Greetings, Zabuza Momoshi!" The young man said. "My name is Kabuto, I assume you have heard of me during your earlier missions alongside our Ninja?" Oh yes, he had. That guy was Orochimarus Lieutenant, his "right Hand" and, up until Sasuke Uchihas capture, also the second most powerful Ninja of Oto. Nice, that promised big battles ahead!

"Of course." he answered, now really curious what this all was about.

"Good, good. Then..... Nama, you should be polite and introduce yourself too!" He added towards the other Ninja, a stocky built figure with brown hair, who turned around, revealing his Iwagakure Headband.

"Nama. Pleasure." He mumbled, with a profound boredom in his voice and only partially opened eyes. That guy looked as if he was halfway asleep, ah well, you never could be sure.

"Now that we all are acquainted," the Mizukage interrupted, "Lets proceed. As you might have guessed it is time for another very important mission, not only for our village, but for those of our allies"; at that he gestured towards Kabuto and Nama, "as well. The organization that calls itself Akatzuki managed to get their hands on a certain Artefact that could allow them to replicate some of Orochimarus experiments. If they manage to do that, it will be much easier for them to locate their targets, including Sasuke Uchija. And as you very well know, we cant allow such a rogue organization, that harbours only bad feelings against all three of our villages, to succeed."

True, the Akatzuki had a grudge against all of then, Deidara always had wanted to prove his Art to Iwa (meaning: Making its inhabitants explode or turn into mud one by one), Defectors like Orochimaru were a real threat to them and Zabuza himself had killed the Traitor Kisame a year ago. THAT had been a battle! Fierce, merciless and brutal, both of them too good at dispelling each others Jutsu, so it came down to Swordplay. Ahh, good times....

His musings were however cut short by Kabuto speaking up again: "The Artefact is about this size," he held his hands up, forming a roughly oval shape of 7 inches length and 5 in diameter, "and made of a coppery metal. It is completely covered in dirty-brown symbols. I want this to be as clear as possible", he added, his voice suddenly emitting malice, "That you are only to LOCATE it and fend off resistance. ONLY I will actually put my hands on it!"

Whatever, thought Zabuza, the fighting would be the interesting part after all. "So, Kabuto, whom of the Akatzuki are we going to face?" He inquired, glee already building up in his eyes at the thought of the glorious battles ahead.

"Well, that's the problem. "Kabuto answered. "As it seems Kakuzu and Hidan managed to find the Artefacts hiding place. Luckily their, shall we say less than efficient, methods of arguing are pretty sure to keep them at their momentary resting place for quite some time, so...."

At this moment Zabuza interrupted him. "One Moment. Following the last bits`n pieces of Info I got, both of them are supposed to be immortal, right? Not that I don't enjoy any good fight, but how are we supposed to beat them?"

"You are not." The Mizukage interjected. "That is precisely the reason for this teams constellation. Both you and Nama are more than able to take them on directly, as both of you are excellent Close Combat fighters, as well as able to ambush them. Kabuto does not only provide your team with information, but he is extremely good at Medic Jutsus. Even if you have to battle them multiple times, your Injuries will hinder you no more than theirs do them, my guess would be less. While it is true that, following our information, you wont be able to kill them, that is not your objective. Keep them busy, beat them whenever possible, and retreat as soon as Kabuto has recovered the Artefact. However, there is a certain, rather critical, time limit to this mission, so get moving!" This order was accompanied by the air cooling rapidly, so all 3 Ninja thought it better to leave immediately.

ZM

A rather excited Naruto went to meet Zabuza on their usual Sparring ground, when suddenly a messenger hawk landed on his shoulder and started tugging on his spiky hair.

He took the rather large scroll from the birds left foot, just for it to leave immediately.

Furrowing his brows he opened the scroll. It contained 2 pieces of paper, the uppermost only containing the following note: "Hey kid! I'm gonna be out of the Village for about 2 weeks, important mission. Continue your training, the other scroll might help. Zabuza."

Looking the other scroll over, Naruto was extremely happy to see the drawings of Kata 4-7 of the "Flowing Mist". Great indeed, more Training, less beatings!

He almost jumped towards the sparring puppets and began to try out the new Kata......

ZM

The Trio of Jounin sat in a tree overlooking the dirty, muddy road leading into Gantra, the Village closest to the Hiding place of the artefact and therefore the most likely hiding place of Kakuzu and Hidan. It was a rather large but not too well-kept village, with a bit of fame for its brothels and Gambling Halls, with no real Defensive measures or own Ninja.

As Kabuto had told them, Kakuzu was an extremely greedy man, though from time to time also prone to spend his money "well", so he would have loved a town like this. Hidan on the other hand was supposed to be some kind of religious fanatic, so a stay in a cesspool like this would kindle his wrath. Bad planning on the Akatzukis side, as their teamwork was bound to suffer in such circumstances.

"OK, lets be save and recap."Kabuto whispered. "After all, good planning and surprise are our main assets." On a glare from Zabuza he rectified "And your Battle skills, and also my Medic Jutsus, I know, I know." Rightening his glasses he continued: "Kakuzu is able to separate himself into up to 5 parts, one for each of his hearts, though they weren't his to begin with, and may attempt to consume you, so keep contacts as short as possible, and try to make your attacks deadly,-er" he quickly added,a s Zabuza once again began to glare.

"Hidan is about the slowest fighter I know, at least at any level that threatens us, so either we remove him from the equation instantly, or we will probably have to face his strange rituals later. Rituals, I might add, even Orochimaru does not know exactly how to counter. Remember though that he is the only "True Immortal" we know of, so immobilizing him has better chances than cutting him to pieces." At that he threw a short glance at Zabuzas huge sword.

"Any questions left?"

With a sigh Zabuza answered: "No, not since the last time you asked that. Do we really have to go through this stuff every single time we rest?" Annoyance was clearly audible in his voice.

"It might not be YOUR preferred way to operate, but I value proper preparation and avoidance of dangerous mistakes as the key to victory. And as I am the appointed Team leader for this Mission....." Kabuto countered, and let his voice die and started to lock eyes with Zabuza.

"Yeah, yeah, allright. No need to get all pissed again." the Mist-Nin agreed.

And so their surveillance continued in silence.

ZM

After hengeing into unassuming Shapes, Zabuza and Kabuto entered the Village, beginning their search as slow and stealthy as they could afford. They found Kakuzu pretty fast, he was haggling in one of the booths at the main street, but Hidan was nowhere to be found. And seeing that he most likely had the Artefact, judging by his all religious and mysterious background, that was a bad thing.

Nama therewhile had been told to silently tunnel the villages surroundings, all in preparation for traps aimed to immobilize the 2 notoriously immortal Akatsuki-Members. Zabuza had to admit, the groups members were all exceptional and with Kabutos (annoying, restrictive, simply, argh...) planning to provide the needed initiative, they could hardly fail.

Zabuza sat, hidden under the same henge, in a bar, drinking sake. He had been doing that for a while now, and even considering the rather dirty and rough shape the village was in, he had to admit that the sake was good. Not amongst the best, but far better than he had expected.

At least it had been, up until the furious Kakuzu had thrown the Innkeeper straight at his desk, splattering the Sake bottle, cup and its contents on the floor.

Shit on the plan, Zabuza thought, that Idiot has SPILLED MY SAKE! The last part he growled out loud.

With that thought he dispelled the Henge, drew his Sword and jumped the Akatsuki, all in one, lightning-fast motion.

Finally some battle........