Ok, I so wish I had my glasses DX, anyway, I know most of you have probably thought I have abandoned it- But GUESS WHAT!?

I haven't ^^- this story is easily my most popular, and I am really proud of it so far. And while I have been away from this story my writing had gotten much better. And that will be a good thing to read :D won't it? Another thing is my dog has been popping puppies like crazy, I swear if she had another litter after this one my head will pop off.

Puppies! Puppies everywhere!

I am really excited to be working on this story once again, so I hope you all will enjoy it as well.

Ch. 7: The Assassin of the Mist

The mist overhead covered the boat and hid them from any curious eyes, they used the row instead of the engine, to keep curious ears away. Sasuke, Naruto, Sakura, Kakashi, Tazuna and the man who offered them a ride all sat inside the tiny boat.

"This fog's so thick, you can't see anything!" Sakura said in just more than a whisper. Naruto sat at the end of the boat, curled up and pouting. Naruto took a whiff of the air, Tazuna kept his head bowed as the man rowing said "Its not far now. Our destination is just ahead-the Land of Waves." he said in a rather calm voice. Naruto poked his head out to see if he could spot it. It was barely visible-but it was there. The bridge was wide and large, hoisted high above the water and seemed like it would stand for several hundred years… At least to Naruto it did. He broke the silence with a yell exclaiming how big and amazing it was. All he got was the man who owned to boat loudly whispering to be quiet. The reason was one Naruto had not yet figured out.

"I told you no noise! Why do you think we are traveling like this? Cutting off the engine and rowing, moving through this fog-so that they don't see us."

Naruto quickly place both of his hands over his mouth as if that would take away the exclaim he had just made. Kakashi suspicions about Tazuna were growing, he looked at Tazuna questionably , who just bowed his head as he was shamed by something.

"Mister Tazuna….Before we reach the peer, I want to ask you something." Tazuna kept his head bowed, and refused to look Kakashi in the eye. "The men who are after you, I need to know why. If you don't tell us, I'm afraid we will have to end this mission when we drop you ashore." His voice was firm, as if anyone foolish enough to ignore this firm tone would face severe punishment.

Tazuna stayed silent for a while, his head stayed low. When he finally did speak it was sorrowful and shameful-yet at the same time a bit firm. As if he knew this moment would come. "I guess…I have not choice but to tell you..No, I want you to know the truth." He raised his head a little, "Like you said-this is beyond the scope of a C mission. The one who seeks my life is a very short man, who casts a very long and Deadly shadow"

"Deadly shadow?" Kakashi asked, though he was sure Tazuna meant it only metaphorically. "Who is it?"

"You know him, At least I'm sure you've heard his name before.." Tazuna paused, "He is one of the wealthiest men in the world, the shipping man named Gatto"

Kakashi knew that name-though the man was no ninja nor could he fight hardly at all. And what would a transport man like him want anything to do with a bridge builder? "Gatto? Of Gatto Transport? He's a business leader, everyone knows him." It without a doubt surprised Kakashi that Gatto wanted to have a bridge builder assassinated. Though Naruto did not understand what was going on or who Gatto was, he was very interested-probably because of Kakashi's reaction to hearing Gatto's name.

"Gatto" Tazuna contiued, "He is a very powerful tycoon from a very famous company, that's true.. But below that surface lays darkness, in that same ruthless methods he uses to take over businesses and nation's, he sells drugs and contrabass and uses Gangs and Ninja. It was one year ago when Gatto set his sights on the land of waves, He came to our island and used his wealth to take total control of our transporting and shipping and anyone who stood in his way simply… disappeared." He wasn't hiding the anger in his voice and it was obvious that the business man Gatto was a vile one, but there was a tinge of something else on his voice-sorrow? Or aggravation? "In a islands nation a man who controls the sea controls everything! Finance, government-our very lives! But there is one thing he fears" His voice picked up determination -and a bit of confidence- "the Bridge. When it is complete it will join us to the land and will break his control!" He looked up at the masive bridge that was being built, his bridge. "I am the bridge builder"

"So that's it.. Since you're in change of this bridge you're standing in this gangsters way." Sakura's comment came off a bit rude but she was thinking hard about this situation, though one could hardly tell.

"That means.. Those guys that we fought in the forest, they were working for Gatto.." Sasuke concluded-he was right too. Though Tazuna seemed to have explained everything, there was something still eating at Kakashi.

"I don't understand, if you knew he was after you, if you knew he would send Ninja after you then why did you hide that from us?"

Tazuna knew this question would be asked, and guiltily admitted his country's condition. "Because the land of Waves… Is a small and poverish nation. Even our nobles have little money. The common people who are building this bridge, they can't pay for a B or A ranked mission, its to expensive." He started to wonder how he could keep the ninja by his side.. He suddenly had a plan-though his face was straight throughout it all, and the things he was about to say were true indeed. "If you end the mission, and drop me ashore-there will be no bridge. They'll assasinate me, before I even reach home.." Then he said in a rather sarcastic tone "Buutt, Don't feel bad about that, of course my sweet, little grandson would be upset, he'd cry 'granddad, I want my granddad'" he imamated a little boys voice for effect "Oh, and my daughter will condemn the ninja of the hidden leaf and denouncing you for abandoning her father and living her life in sorrow.." He's words started to take effect on the three genin that looked pitifully at Kakashi, whimpering. He continued "Ah well.. It's not your fault, forget it!"

Kakashi felt in a tight spot, he too, wanted to help Tazuna out-and seeing his students whimper like that grasped at the soft spot in his heart.. He gave in. "Well… I guess we have no other choice..We'll have to keep guarding you."

"Ooooh.. I'm very grateful!" He looked back as he couldn't conceal his grin any longer and gave the rower a peace sign, he grinned peevishly at the bridge-builder.

"I win!"

Luckily they had managed to make it to shore with no one noticing them. The land of Waves was truly beautiful, houses stood above the water an planks and short bits of land, the water was calm the wave gently swaying and it sounded similar to the sea.. It was calming.

When they reached the docks the man who owned to boat gave his good-byes and Tazuna gave his thanks and apologizes for endangering him. He turned on his motor and drove away.

"Ok, Take me home! And I mean get me there in one piece!" Tazuna seemed to be his old self again-that somehow reassured Kakashi that the old man wasn't all that bad. They headed off to where Tazuna said his home was, but he couldn't help but be a little worried-the next ninja Gatto would send would be without a doubt a Jonin, he sighed, though he was a jonin himself he couldn't help be feel fear for his students.

When Sasuke caught up to were Naruto was the poor blonde ninja couldn't help but feel jealous again, he wasn't about to let Sasuke get all the glory again! Not this time! This time he would show Sasuke up! He pictured the scene in his mind… After that he couldn't help but run forward and looked around, throwing Kunii at whatever made a noise. After a while he said it was nothing, that it was just a mouse. He was beginning to scare the others and Tazuna lost all faith in him that second.

"Everyone can see through your pathetic act! You're so embarrassing!"

Naruto! Those are Kunii Knives! They are very dangerous!"

"STOP TRYING TO SCARE ME YOU SCRUBBY LITTLE DWARF!"

Naruto felt very upset, especially at Tazuna's comment about him being a dwarf.

The last time he threw a knife Kakashi also heard something-Sakura however, had had enough at that point. She walked over to him and promptly whacked him on the back of his head-while they were agrueing Kakashi stopped to go investigate where Naruto had threw it. It was a rabbit, Naruto felt horrible immediately, how could have done that to such a little rabbit! Something was weird about this rabbit however and at the time only Kakashi would have noticed it.

It was a snow rabbit-who's fur turns bright white only during the winter when it needed camouflage against predators.. During the spring and summer it was supposed to be a light brown-this one, however, stayed white. Which meant it was raised inside. Why? It certainly wasn't a fully tamed one… Was it raised by ninja? In order to use substitution Jutsu? He had his suspicions..

The man up hiding in the cover of the trees knew Kakashi like most did-no wonder the others failed at killing Tazuna.. He griped his sword tighter-ever so silent-when he would strike it would be quiet and quick. But Kakashi had heard him.

"Look out!"

A sword came spinning like a boomerang at them-they all managed to duck just barely in time. It dug into the side of a tree, the blade was thick and wide, as a man who had his face wrapped up in bandages jumped down onto the side of the blade. He had no shirt and his headband was still on his head-but he was without out a doubt a rouge- he had black and white arm warmers that covered his tanned skin. Kakashi knew the man by appearance only-Zabuza Momochi- He was listed in the bingo book. A rouge ninja from the village hidden in the Mist, Zabuza took a sarcastic tone when he said how he felt honored to be known as someone who was a famous as Kakashi.

Naruto wanted to fight but when he rushed forward-Kakashi stopped him..

Kakashi reach forward to where his headband rested over his eye-When Zabuza addressed him as 'Kakashi of the Sharrigan eye' Sasuke felt shocked and confused-Tazuna was curious and Sakura and Naruto were just lost.

"Everyone quick! Manji Formation, protect the bridge-builder!"

"huh?"

"Stay out of this fight! I taught you teamwork-now is the time to show it." He started to lift the headband so it would be lined up with his forehead rather than over his eye like it normally was. What lay under was an eye with a red iris-and what seemed to be more than one pupil.

"Well, I get to see the Sharrigan in action… Its an honor.." Zabuza seemed to mean it this time.

"wha- Everyone keeps saying 'Sharrigan, Sharrigan' What is that?" Naruto felt annoyed that he didn't understand what was going on.

"Sharrigan… A rare power-it resides in the eyes." To everyones surprise it was Sasuke who was the one to answer Naruto's question. "It's a type of Doujutsu and the user can see and copy any form of Ninjutsu, Genjutsu or Taijutsu… However there is a lot more to the Sharrigan than that.. A lot more." Sasuke seemed like he did not want to tell the others what more was to it.

"You got it right boy-but you only scratched the surface-the Sharrigan can analyze the opponents technique to the smallest detail." He said as a cold, thick mist started to engulf the area around them. "As for you jonin, here is the assassinate Mist, our orders were to eliminate you on sight. Your profile is in our bingo book-it called you 'the man who copied over 1,000 jutsu, Kakashi, the Copy Ninja!"

How could Naruto And Sakura conceal their joy when they found Kakashi was famous? Only Sasuke remained suspicious of the Sharrigan eye his sensei had. One of the facts he hid of the Sharrigan was that it only showed in a handful of the Uchiha Clan's eyes.. His clan. Could he be…?

"Enough talking, I need to exterminate the old man. Now! But before Zabuza could move the Genin made the Manji formation as Kakashi Ordered them too.

"So..I'll have to eliminate you first, eh Kakashi?" He seemed rather content with that. He unstuck his sword and dashed over to the lake in what seemed like a nanosecond-not only was he fast, he was standing ontop of the water! Building up chakra- he vanished with a jutsu.

"Sensei!" Sakura sounded a bit worried-how could they fight an opponent they could not see?

"He'll come after me first" He said in a rather assuring tone.

"But.. Who is he?"

"Zabuza Momochi..The Ex-Leader of the Mist Assassination group, he's a master at the silent killing technique."

"S-Silent?" How could Naruto not be worried?

"As the name suggests, it happens in an instant-without sound or warning. Its so fast you pass from this life without realizing what has happened, The Sharrigan can not fully neutralize it-so don't let your guard down. "Well if we fail we only lose our lives" He said sarcastically, which frustrated Sakura more than anyone.

"How can you say that?!" But the mists grew to think for them to see their sensei and her frustration turned to fear.

"Eight points.." It was Zabuza's voice-but where was it coming from? It sounded like it was from all over, far away, and yet as if he were right there next to them. They all felt chills run down their spines, "larrax, Spine, lungs, liver, jugular, Artery, Kidneys.. Heart. Now.. Which will be my attack point?" He sounded excited yet calm. As if he'd done this a thousand times-which he probably did. They felt horrified even Sasuke was at his breaking point, Kakashi used his Chakra to blow away the mist so the others could see him and he could see them, as well as to nullify Zabuza's jutsu.

Sasuke, who had never felt this kind of fear before, was panicking! If he dared move, dared breath Zabuza would attack with out a doubt.. It was unbearable, suffocating even. The clash of two jonin intent on attack-Cold sweat crept at his brow, he felt as if his life was being taken slowly away. He griped the kunai in his hand-He couldn't take it anymore, no, he would rather die! He heard his name being called out by his Sensei.

"Calm down! I'll protect you with my life. All of you!" Sasuke still felt unsure, but when his sensei looked back smiling "I will not allow my comrades to die, trust me." Sasuke started to regain himself, with his sensei's words he felt calmer, though he was still drenched in his cold sweat.

"I wouldn't be so sure" Once again Zabuza dashed in a matter of a second, he had his sword raised above him and lowered it to Tazuna's back-Panic seized them once again. "It's over…"

Kakashi only barely managed to get in-between the sword and his comrades, blocking the massive blade was much harder than it appeared to be. His next movement was just as fast and one would think it was Kakashi's first move-he jabbed a kunai into Zabuza's stomach, and left everyone in shock. Zabuza used a water clone to evade the attack Kakashi gave- When he tried to counter it, however, Zabuza also met his own jutsu, Even in the cover of the mist-Kakashi saw through Zabuza's jutsu and predicted his every move.

Kakashi Hateke-truly lived up to his name. This would be a harder fight than Zabuza predicted..

Well, well, well, well, well Well. Nice to see ya'll again-yes I have been gone forever you can now throw the eggs at me. *Hands each one of you an egg*

T.T I intend to keep on this story as it is my motto to never abandon anything you start. So, I will never abandon this story! It is without a doubt my most famous and that makes me oh so happy :3 Well, I am actually managing my stories much better now that I have a schedule.. But I do want to finish the spin-off for Clan INFAMOUS I've started…

Oh By the way-Dragoon lovers, this is the arc were we will be seeing a couple of dragoon spirits in action.

Question one: No I will not keep Haku alive-as much as I want to it would mess up with the storyline to much and my brain would implode. Besides, he already plays a part in the later part of Naruto so we are aready going to see him again.

Question two. I am keeping Haku a boy..

Question three: I've answered this already, yes we will be seeing wingleys, in fact you already have!

Question four;I am not giving a list on who I'm giving the Dragoon Spirits too, that would be spoiling!

And would you guys-if you have not already, please take a look at my Legend of Dragoon 2 Fanfiction-it is an acceptance Bio story so if you have a character in mind just send 'em! :D