Chapter 7: Mission to the Land of Waves!
"Aoi in position!" a raspy voice said voice over the radio.
"Murasakiiro in position!" Another voice said over the radio.
"Aka in position!" Three shadows hid behind various trees on the hunt for an escaped animal, which was armed and dangerous. Currently the animal was in the middle of the forest eluding its pursuers. With narrow eyes and claws contracted it listened to the sounds of the forest. Its paranoia was incredible, every little sound that was out of place it would tense up and hiss. The three hunters were careful to mask their scent and were careful to not make much sound.
"Okay on my signal, apprehend the target," Kakashi said observing his students tactics in catching this animal. "…NOW!" The three shadows rush the target. The animal notices the shadows coming at him and prepares for battle; he barred his teeth, and extended his claws. Aiming to claw out the unlucky soul who messes with him. One of the shadows body slam the animal and begin to wrestle for supremacy.
"Mission: Capture Missing Pet Tora…complete." Sasuke said hand on his communicator.
"Confirm Red bow on the right ear." Sasuke looks over his shoulder and sees Naruto still struggling with claws flying every, and teeth biting his arms. On the right ear of the cat was a big bright red bow tied tightly around it. Sasuke suppresses a laugh as Naruto is getting his face rearranged.
"Red bow on right ear confirmed." he said smiling.
Kakashi closed his little orange book titled "Icha Icha Paradise", "Good job team. Return to the rendezvous point and proceed to the Hokage tower for payment."
(Hokage Tower – Mission Control)
Team Seven and their captive that was being dragged behind them with a piece of nylon rope wrapped tightly around its body arrived and stood in front of the Hokage. The Hokage and his assistants eyed them worriedly as Team Seven stood in front of them at attention presenting the Escapee; the Missing Cat Tora.
"Mission complete, Hokage-sama!" Kakashi says as he salutes the Hokage.
"What's the meaning of this?" the Hokage gestured to the bound and gagged animal. Kakashi sheepishly laughed as he tried to explain the state of the animal.
"Well you see Hokage-sama…umm…He was being a little difficult with us all." All of Team Seven brought their forearms up and showed why. They were covered in scratches and blooded bandages covered their arms. They had pained expressions on their faces as they rubbed their forearms.
Naruto turns to Hinata and whispers in her ear, "Thank you Hinata-chan for the ointment. It's killed the pain a bit from the scratches. But why do they itch so much?" he looks closely at the cats claws and notices a substance dripping from the claws. That is when a beast of a woman walks in, wearing a large purple kimono and way too much make-up. Her eyes set on Tora and immediately she scoops him up and proceeds to crush him.
"Oh! My little Tora I missed you so much." Tears were now streaming down the pour cats face as he was being crushed in the immense cleavage of the woman. "What in Kami's name made you decide to disappear?"
All three of them had the same look on their faces; you know the look you get when something obvious is revealed. "No wonder that thing runs away, and has an extensive track record with the Genin of the village." Sasuke says as he continues to look on at the scene before him. "I kind of feel sorry for him." Then he looks down at his arms and his face becomes evident with anger, "On second thought. That thing deserves everything that he has coming to him."
The woman pays for the mission and walks out of the room with Tora screaming bloody murder all the way out. Team Seven was giggling as they saw the cat's face in pure terror.
The Hokage coughs in hand bringing back the attention to him, "Okay your payment will be deposited into your accounts. Now on to your next mission…" he looks down at the series of scrolls before him. Picking up the scroll marked with the letter D, "You can mow an old couple's lawn, or you can go shopping for an older couple that lives in the outskirts of the village, or you could babysit for an Inuzuka couple…"
He was interrupted by Naruto screaming, "NO WAY! Excuse my interruption Hokage-sama, but I cannot stand doing these senseless missions anymore." Iruka who was in the seat next to The Hokage stood up and addressed Naruto.
"You are still a Genin! These missions are designed to help and incorporate teamwork and help you gain experience dealing with clients." Iruka looked like he was about to burst and pop a vein.
"Oh come on Iruka-sensei. These missions do nothing but hold me back and do not let my test my strength." Naruto said gaining support from his friends and teacher.
"Naruto you little wet behind the ear…"
"Okay." The Hokage said reaching for the C-ranked missions. Everyone in the room was surprised that the Hokage gave in to Naruto demand.
"I'll give you an easy mission. C-ranked escort and security mission. You will be escorting a bridge builder to his home and stay until the bridge is complete." The Hokage gestured to the guard at the door, "I would like to introduce you to The Master Bridge Builder Tazuna." An old man with grey hair and blue fisherman's clothes stumbled in, holding a jug of sake. The air around him was saturated with the smell of sweat and sake; it was almost overwhelming to stand in the same room.
Bringing the jug to his lips, he takes a long drink of the alcohol. He lets out a sigh and stares at the Shinobi before him, "Are these the ninja that are supposed to protect me. They're nothing but kids; they look nothing like what I expected…especially the blonde one with the stupid looking get up." Kakashi placed a firm hand on Naruto's shoulder, keeping him in place.
"I assure you Tazuna-san that these three are well versed in the way of Fighting and I am a Jonin of the Konoha. You are in capable hands." Tazuna let out a 'Humph' and walked out of the room heading back into his hotel room.
The Hokage hands Kakashi the Mission details and dismissed them. "You are to meet at the village gate at 0700. Pack enough supplies for a month long trip, Dismissed!"
Team 7 and Kakashi saluted and walked out of the room.
(The Next Morning - Village Gates)
The morning sun rose in the winter sky, as its life giving light bathed the ground around Naruto. As he continued to polish his Odachi with a white cloth with special oils. His bags were packed and were sealed into storage scrolls that lined the inside of his Dogi. He sheathed his Odachi fully satisfied of its condition. He sat beside Hinata, she was leaning her head on his shoulder as she stared into space completely comfortable where she was, and Sasuke right beside her just a few inches to her right sharpening his Tanto with a sharpening stone. They were patiently waiting for the arrival of their Sensei and Client that were one hour late and still counting.
Sasuke sheathed his Tanto and was staring at Naruto's Odachi, "Hey Naruto, where did you get that sword?"
Naruto looked at his Odachi with a sad expression in his deep sapphire eyes. "This sword used to belong to my father." Sadness blanketed his voice, his hand traced over the hilt of the sword, "This sword was one of his favorite. My brothers and I each have one, I have Kagetora, Toshitsune has Hi no Tori, and my brother Yoritomo has Raijin. Each sword has a specific purpose and ability." Naruto shed a single tear as thoughts of his father flooded his mind.
(Flashback – Five Years ago)
Naruto and his father were both standing before several training posts and target plates surrounding them. Koga unsheathed Kagetora, its obsidian blade reflecting no light. The Ivory hilt was beautifully crafted, depicting the image and beauty of the Moon Goddess Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto.
"Now Naruto there will be a day when you will inherit this weapon from me." He said as he handed the blade to Naruto, "Like your brothers that will inherit the others." The Blade of Kagetora began to glow a dull crimson.
"Hello young one."
The Glow faded from the blade and Naruto returned the blade to his father. "What was that Father? I heard the sword speak to me."
Koga laughed as he sheathed Kagetora, "That Naruto was Kagetora, the Spirit of this Blade. Him speaking to you means that he has accepted you as a potential Inheritor and master. But before you can fully master and wield the power of this sword you must complete a trial of Mind and body"
Naruto looked at his father with curious eyes, "What are the trials father?"
Koga let out a throaty laugh as he patted Naruto softly on his head, messing his still growing hair. "That my young son you will have to discover on your own."
(Flashback – End)
The lone tear traveled down his face, falling to the earth. Sasuke saw the sadness that Naruto felt for his father, and felt weird. It felt like he almost felt sorry for Naruto. Losing his father in such a way would wound anyone.
'Maybe there is more to Naruto and his family then meets the eye…I don't think I could handle losing my father.' Sasuke reached around Hinata and patted Naruto on the back. "I'm sorry if I brought up some unpleasant memories."
Naruto smiled and shook his head, "They weren't sad memoires…but those of which I cherish the most." Naruto grabs Kagetora by the scarab, "If we Samurai believe one thing…it's that… My father's spirit is always with me as long as this sword is in my possession."
Just then Kakashi and Tazuna appear from the road and greet them. "Yo!" Kakashi says as he lethargically waves his hand in the air. "Sorry were late. Tazuna here had a late night in the Red light District." The three Genin look at Tazuna and notice the unpleasant smell of sex and sake floating from him. His eyes were slightly clouded as he stared up into the sky, hand at the bridge of his nose trying to withstand the pain of his hangover.
Naruto leans over to Sasuke and whispers under his mask, "So he's a drunk, and… a lecher?" Sasuke nods and sighs trying not to breathe in the stench.
Kakashi motioned for everyone to get up and proceeded to the front gate. He walks over to the check-out box and returns within seconds. "Okay, before we leave I want to know what supplies we have. Open up your bags and that stock."
Everyone opened their bags, while Naruto unsealed his weapons scroll and medical scroll. Kakashi looked over everything and nodded his head. "Good…we have a good amount of weapons and supplies hear…and Naruto what's with the big thing in that scroll?"
Naruto handle the scroll with excitement, "This Kakashi-sensei is my favorite toy." An evil laugh escaped Naruto's lips, while everyone stared at him worriedly.
"O-okay…that was creepy." Kakashi puts his bag on and stands in front of the gate. "Mission: Protect Tazuna is a go!" Team seven and client set out for their three day journey to the land of waves.
(Two days later)
The winter sun was high over head as Team Seven were just a couple miles from the coast line. The trip was so far uneventful, but Tazuna; after taking a much needed bath; was rather nervous. And Kakashi and Naruto both picked up on that. As they made their way to the coast line the group passed two small puddles. But they didn't go unnoticed by Kakashi or the group. But no one let on that they know and were prepared to do battle.
As they walked further away two forms arise from the puddles and attach their gauntlets together with a spiked chain. They rush forward and ensnare Kakashi, wrapping the spiked chain tightly around him and pull. Tearing him completely into shreds.
"One down!" says one of the attackers.
"And Three to go!" finished the other. They were wearing blue, white and black camouflage pants and shirts with Flak jackets covering their chests. And they wore head masks with Re-breathers attached to them. They rush forward, dragging their chain behind them, as they aimed for Tazuna. But Hinata steps in between them and parries the gauntlets away from her body with swift palm strikes. She crouches and lands several strikes onto one of the attackers mid section and rolls away from a drop kick from the other.
Naruto and Sasuke both unsheathe their weapons and stand beside Hinata who has Tazuna behind her.
Sasuke looks over at Naruto and smiles. "The first one to incapacitate their opponent win?"
Naruto nods, "You're on!" he says as they rush forward. The two other shinobi rush too, but one of them is injured. Sasuke forms some hand seals and releases his jutsu.
"Katon: Gokakyu no jutsu!"
A Giant ball of white hot fire shot at the two ninjas, but one of them was too slow and got caught in the flames. The other one that managed to dodge the blast cried out in rage as he pulled on the chain attaching him to his partner, dragging him out of the blaze. When an arrow pierced his shoulder, pinning him to the tree behind him. He groans as he fights to free himself but stops as he feels a cold blade touch his neck. He looks up and sees Naruto stands before him with crimson red eyes, blazing and alive. Kakashi standing beside him with a hand placed on his shoulder.
"Make sure he talks quickly." Naruto nods and his eyes go a crimson red.
"Who sent you?" Naruto says in a deep and demonic voice. The shinobi is shaking in fear as the air around him and this boy thickens with chakra. "I will not repeat myself again…Who sent you!" This time though Naruto grabs the arrow in the man's shoulder and twists. He screams in complete pain as he feel something in his body. He looks at the arrow and notices that the body is channeling chakra through the arrow and into his body.
"If you do not speak…I…will kill you!" he said stopping the flow of chakra and lifts his sword in the air ready to strike. The man does not speak so Naruto swings his sword but stops inches away as the man cracks from the pressure of being killed.
"WAIT! WAIT! I'll tell you...Just don't kill me!" Naruto removes his blade from the man's throat and glares at him.
"SPEAK!" he barks out.
"It was Gato! He hired the ninja I work for…Momochi Zabuza. He wants that old man dead for some reason." Naruto stares at him for a sec and go to join his team. The man sighs in relief before he notices that Naruto attached a paper bomb to his chest. "Oh, shit." The explosion was not that big but was powerful enough to kill both men.
Naruto rejoins his team and stands there in a rigid position glaring at Tazuna. "He has a hit on him Kakashi-sensei. By a man named Gato, he hired some ninja named Momochi Zabuza to that him out." Kakashi ran his hand through his hair sighing loudly.
"This mission has been bumped up to a B or A ranked mission. We need to head back, this mission is beyond us."
Tazuna fell to his knees and pleaded with Kakashi. "Please I beg of you don't turn away from this. The people of my country live in poverty and in fear of death. One year ago Gato came and bought every shipping company in Wave. He has turned our once proud Island nation into nothing. Please we only had enough money for a C-ranked mission…but if you help us when our nation gets back up to its feet we will pay the rest with interest."
"We should not abandon this client, in this way." Naruto stepped up and faced Kakashi, "This should prove to be a most profitable to our experience."
"I agree with Naruto." Sasuke said as he stood beside him.
Kakashi looked at Hinata and gestured with his hand to come. "What is your opinion Hinata?"
"I think we should stay with Tazuna-san." Kakashi sighed and rubbed his forehead.
"I'm going to regret this later, but…alright, Tazuna-san we will continue forward. But I will send for reinforcements once we reach Tazuna's home."
They continue their trek down towards the coast where they meet up with a Coyote. "Are you they ones who need to cross the channel?"
"Yes, would you be kind enough to take us across?" the Coyote nodded, but a smile spread across his greasy face.
"But it's gonna cost you!" Kakashi sighed and reached into pouch and pulled out a copy of his favorite book. The Coyote's eyes grew to the size of plates as his eyes spotted the book. An otherworldly light surrounded the book as the Coyote's hands reached for the copy. "Its…it's…" the Coyote was speechless; the sight of which that is holy in his eyes was right before him.
"Yes, this is the newest edition of the 'Book'. Icha Icha Violence!" When he spoke those late few words, it seemed that the heavens split apart and God himself was present. The man pocketed the book and straightened his clothing.
"Ok get on. One at a time."
The trip over the Channel was rather silent as they crossed in silence and waded through the mist.
"The mist here is thick!" Naruto said peering through the mist in search of the land.
"Its not normal mist. It's laced with chakra, everyone keep a look out!" Kakashi warned them. They were silence at the sight of a massive shadow above them; it stood a good fifty feet up in the air, made concert and massive columns.
"You really are a Master bridge Builder." Naruto said in awe. Tazuna puffed his chest out in pride as they stared at his bridge.
The landed safely on shore. Tazuna pointed southeast towards the thickest part of the mist, "My home is just five miles southeast of here, just past Luna Lake." After parting ways with the Coyote, who was a fell Icha Icha brother to Kakashi, they started towards Tazuna's home.
"Tell me Tazuna-san, what was a like before that smile of a man Gato arrived?" Naruto asked him.
"Well the people of my nation were proud people, master of the seas and expert fisherman. We used to do extremely well with our small nation, since we're too small to house a military body. That was why we form trade agreements with neighboring nations like the Land of Fire."
The air around Naruto was becoming thick with malice, the forest and nature around them seemed to die away. It was totally silent, not a single noise was heard in that forest. Naruto tried to reach out with his Chakra, feeling for the flow of energies and noticed a few feet away from him a strong source of chakra was present. He reacted in an instant; he disappeared from his spot next to Hinata and appeared above a tree looking down into a bush when he unleashed a strong jutsu.
"Fuuton: Daitoppa"
Be breathed in and exhaled a strong gust of wind completely destroying the series of bushes surrounding the tree border. A white fluffy bunny was blown directly towards Hinata who caught the poor thing. Naruto stopped the jutsu and unsheathed his Odachi, returning to his team and examined the rabbit.
"That rabbit is not native to these islands." Naruto said scratching the rabbit behind the ear.
A whistling sound was heard and Kakashi ordered them to the ground. Everyone hit the ground just as a giant sword flew over them and jammed into a tree a few yards away. A figure appeared on the wedged sword. He had Black and white, arm and leg warmers with dark blue pants and tape hiding the lower part of his face and a Kiri headband.
"Momochi Zabuza." Naruto breathed out.
"Hahaha…" he chuckled softly and very darkly. "Looks like I get to have some fun after all." He jumped off the sword and wrenched it free from the tree and rushed toward the group.
The END!!!!
Sorry got to end it here, but next chapter I start the Zabuza battle between certain people.
Until next time…Peace!
i Japanese for "Blue" codename for Sasuke.
ii Japanese for "Purple" codename for Hinata.
iii Japanese for "Red" codename for Naruto.
iv Dogi is a set of funeral attire. Samurai wore them under their armor symbolizing that they may die at anytime.
v Kagetora stands for "Shadow Tiger"
vi Hi no Tori stands for "Phoenix"
vii Raijin is the name of the Japanese god of Thunder
viii Fire style: Great fireball jutsu
ix Coyote is reference to people who smuggle people across borders.
x Wind Release: Great Breakthrough