Sapphire09: I finally updated!!! Not really good, but.... yeah..

Warning: OOC-ness and grammar errors..

CHAPTER V
The Land of Waves

"And who're you, Old man?" Naruto asked impolitely. The man gulped down his drink again before he answered.

"My name is Tazuna, a master Bridge-builder and I must return to my country. I'm building a bridge there which can change the world and I expect you to bring me there safely, even if it means to put your lives on the line," he said.

"Now, you may prepare yourself. Tazuna will wait with the other team at the entrance gate, is that okay, Tazuna-san?" the Hokage asked. Tazuna agreed before he went outside.

The four of them then took their own route to their houses and packs. Minami took the chance and dispels her clone before she turned to Naruto and went back to her team after packing the necessary items.

'It'll be the time to meet up with old friend. I never thought that 'he' is the client.'

At the entrance gate, they then saw the team which they have to cooperate with in the mission, together with Tazuna. It was Team 8, Hinata's team. Minami can see Hinata's eyebrows raised when she saw them, but then she managed to hide it with her shy act.

"You're the team we have to team up with!? Damn!" Kiba exclaimed when they arrived. Naruto frowned.

"Shut it, dog-breath! It's not like we wanted to, anyway," he retorted. A tick mark then appeared on Kiba's forehead.

"What'd you say, Dead-last!? I dare you to repeat that again!"

"I said Dog-breath!"

"Guys, be quiet. You'll have to cooperate from now, so stop bickering!" Kurenai scolded. Naruto and Kiba then have their staring match before they give in.

"Maa, they're such a trouble, aren't they?" Kakashi said to Kurenai. The others couldn't agree more.

Hinata silently chuckled, since at least the fight is a sincere one.

At least, for Minami it can be called sincere….

Suddenly heard something, Naruto glanced towards the woods on his right. She can swear she could hear rustling sound from inside the woods. Hinata, who realized her gesture, flicker her Byakugan to see past the trees. It was instantaneous, so no one noticed but Minami/Naruto.

True enough, both of them found two figures watching over them.

As they walked, both teams are chattering with their client, will it be asking about the Land of Waves, the home country of their client, or just a simple conversation. Actually, to be specific, it was more like Sakura and Kiba who asked, with their sensei answering occasionally, while Sasuke and Shino stayed silent. However, none of the realized the constant glances from Tazuna to Naruto, who walks in front of them. Kurenai and Kakashi only dismissed it as curiosity.

Meanwhile, Sasuke is in his own thoughts. His thoughts are mostly about his dream. Lately, he has been dreaming the same thing, and it's driving him crazy. Just then, his eyes drifted to Naruto. His mind then drifts off to his plan in that time, when Kakashi tested them.

(Flashback)

"Listen. I have a plan, but you and Sakura have to work together with me. You agree or no?" Naruto asked again. "What do you got in mind?" he asked in curiosity.

"Well, it's like this… But let's just find Sakura first. It's so damn annoying to repeat something twice," Naruto said. Sasuke just nodded and both of them then go to Sakura's hideout. Naruto then begin to explain the plan.

"I'll distract him with a jutsu of mine. After he gets distracted, both of you try as sneaky as possible to get those bells from him. Try as best as you can and don't let him to notice you," Naruto said.

"Why should we trust you, anyway?" Sakura asked.

"Yeah. Besides, what a dead-last like you could perform to distract a jounin like him? You can't even do a simple bunshin," Sasuke added. Sasuke then saw something in Naruto's eyes. His eyes were saddened. But, it only lasts for a second before the sad eyes returned to the usual hyper/mad blue eyes. This time, Sasuke was sure there's something wrong.

"Just trust me on this one. There must be some reason why Kakashi-sensei put us in this exam, right? And there is a reason why we're being put on a team. A team most powerful weapon is teamwork, so I think that we should work together. Even though we may still fail in the end, I'm sure the true purpose of this test teamwork," Naruto explained. "But, that's only what I thought. I actually listened to Iruka-sensei about that one, much to my surprise," Naruto added again as he grinned sheepishly.

Sasuke was a little bit surprised to se the idiot, the dead-last student was having a speech that overly-smart for someone like him. Sakura just at loss of words at what Naruto just said. She does remember that Iruka-sensei explained to them that teamwork is the most vital, yet powerful thing in a team.

"Then, we'll leave the distraction to you. You're the one that come up with the idea," Sasuke said at last. "Well, If Sasuke-kun is agreeing, then I agree as well," Sakura said.

Naruto then grinned; his fox-like grin appears on his face. "Leave it to me! I have plans." Naruto said as they started their plan.

(Flashback ends)

In the end, they may have failed, but it was close. He was slightly surprised by Naruto's ability to create kage bunshin, when days before, he can't even do a simple bunshin. Surprised, and jealous.

Naruto realized the occasional stares from Tazuna and Sasuke. She didn't pay any of them any mind, though. Hinata, who realized the stares, too, didn't do anything. She is more preoccupied in acting shy.

Both teams then passed a small bridge by a stream before they found a puddle of water. None of them seemed to pay the puddle any attention. After a few steps away from it, two figures appeared from the puddle and attacked both of their sensei by strangling them and shred them into pieces.

"KURENAI/KAKASHI-SENSEI!!!" Sakura, Naruto and Kiba yelled.

For Naruto, of course it was an act.

The two figures that appeared, Minami and Hinata knew them. They're the Demon Brothers, B-rank missing-nin.

"Two down, six to go," they heard them saying before they disappear and reappear from behind Naruto. Naruto, who has her back turned to them, glances back. When both of them can clearly see her eyes, she flickers the Eyes of Space. His eyes only turned to those eyes less than a second, but it was enough to halt them. Their eyes widened then.

'Those eyes!'

Just then, Sasuke and Shino start their attacks. Sasuke used his kunai to pin their chain to the tree and Shino used his bugs to weaken them. Sasuke jumped to their intertwined hands and kicked them right on their faces. Kiba also helped along with Akamaru.

All of them managed to make them back off, but then they went in for the kill and aimed at Tazuna. Sakura, who went to protect the client along with Hinata, can only stand there. Her hands are shaking, but her resolve to protect the client didn't waver. But, thanks to her fear, she didn't notice that Hinata activated her Byakuu Tsukigan for less than a second and the recognition in their attacker's eyes.

Sasuke and Kiba jumped to their front, Sasuke to protect Sakura and Kiba to protect Hinata. But the Demon Brothers were too fast for them. Just then, Kurenai and Kakashi appeared and hold each of the Demon Brothers. Soon, they found out that the pieces were only logs. All of them were surprised and felt a rush of relief upon seeing them alive.

Of course, Minami and Hinata already knew that from the beginning, so it was an act.

Before long, Kurenai and Kakashi tied both the Demon Brothers to a tree and began questioning Tazuna.

"They're Jounin from the Kirigakure no Sato. Their specialty is relentless attack. They'll keep fighting, no matter what the sacrifice," Kakashi explained to the genin.

"How'd you know about our ambush?" one of the brothers asked. Both of them are stealing glances to Naruto and Minami. They were not so sure of what they just saw, and really wanted to know for sure. But, if what they saw is really what they thing it was, they know they can't say anything either here. Thankfully, none of instructors realized it.

"A puddle, on a clear day, when it hasn't rained in weeks?" Kakashi stated obviously.

"In that case, why'd you leave it to the genin to do the fighting?" Tazuna asked accusingly.

"We could've taken them out quickly, but then we would've learned nothing," Kurenai replied. She then looks at Tazuna sharply.

"We need to know who their target was," she said icily to Tazuna.

"Tazuna-san, an explanation will be nice," Kakashi asked with a cold tone. Their cold attitude makes him nervous.

"They were……hired by a man named Gatou," Tazuna said hesitantly, his eyes sliding between Kakashi and Kurenai. "He……isn't fond of the idea of a bridge. I knew that he would send people after me, which is why I hired bodyguards," he continued.

"This is a B-rank mission now, Tazuna-san," Kakashi said flatly. "There is a reason we ask clients to be as accurate and truthful as possible about mission details; we need to make sure that the right people get it. You should be traveling with experienced chuunin, not with genin barely out of the academy. We need to go back." Kurenai continued.

"Hey, Kurenai-sensei! What do you mean by 'go back'? We're already this far!" Naruto protested loudly. 'If we stopped here, we'll never meet them!' Naruto thinks inwardly.

"But Naruto, This mission is too dangerous for genin like you!" Kurenai answered back. "Listen, Naruto," before Kakashi can add, Naruto cut him shortly.

"No, you listen, Kakashi-sensei. We're already gone this far, and no way in hell I'm going back. By accepting this mission to guard that old man over there, which means we're make a promise to guard him until the end! So, I'm going to accomplish this mission and fulfill my promise, because that's my way of ninja." Kurenai's and Kakashi's eyes widened. Naruto then added confidently, "Besides, did you forget that in here, we have six talented genins and two jounins? It's more than enough, right?" Naruto look around him.

"Yeah! Now you're talking! It's much better than chasing away a dumb cat, anyway," Kiba agreed. Sasuke just smirked, Shino nodded, Sakura agree because her Sasuke-kun agreed, and Hinata also nodded shyly. Seeing this, Kurenai and Kakashi just look at each other helplessly.

"Fine…" Kakashi sighed in defeat. "But, if the situation is getting out of hand, we're going back and ask for back up, understood?" Kurenai added. "Hai!" Naruto grinned. Naruto then coming over to Tazuna and push him on the back, slightly.

"He-he. Don't worry old man! We'll protect you until your bridge is done!" Naruto yelled as he put his right arm around Tazuna's shoulder, forcing him to bend down to Naruto's height. Naruto and Tazuna then do an eye contact. While grinning, Naruto's eyes met Tazuna's eyes. Just then, Naruto's blue orbs are glinting knowingly.

"We also don't want your debt to come unpaid, Tazuna-san. Besides, your family will be suffering if you die and leave them the debt that you owe us to build that great bridge," Naruto whispered to him. Tazuna's eyes widened slightly. He then glanced slightly, passes Naruto's back, to see Hinata's sharp stare and her confident smile. Apparently, no one saw that but him.

"Minami-san, Hinata-san, I know that your look is too familiar," Tazuna replied back in the same volume. Naruto's grin widened then.

"Tazuna-san, I hope you will keep on pretending. You have to pretend that you don't know me. No need to worry, I don't like unnecessary things, so I'll protect you until your bridge is done," Minami whispered back. Of course, their conversation is come unnoticed except by Hinata. Tazuna then smiled and give a slight bow. "Thank you," is all he said then. The others just think it's just thanks for keep on the mission.

"No problem!" Naruto replied, grinning in his fox-like grin as he pat Tazuna's back.

The group begins to continue the journey to the Land of Wave, except this time they were all silent. They were all watchful and paranoid; a distinct difference from their earlier carefree attitude.

Hinata and Naruto are checking for any unnecessary threats. However the forest around them is silent and if there were any threats they were out of Naruto's and Hinata's range. Which means it's quite save.

"Sensei who exactly is this Gatou person that's aftering Tazuna-san?" Sakura asked curiously, breaking the silence.

Kakashi looked strangely serious, "He's a wealthy shipping magnate and he runs a large company—Gatou Company, I believe it's called. However he also sells drugs and other illegal items, and uses shinobi and thugs to take over businesses and countries. He's not a very nice man," the jounin looked to Tazuna for confirmation, and the old man nodded.

"Gatou took over Nami's shipping industry a year ago; he controls all the goods and traffics that come in and out of the city over ship. Our economy is falling because we're isolated from the outside world. But if I build my bridge, we're connected back into the world, and our country can recover. Gatou is scared of that, and he's trying to kill me because of it," Tazuna explained.

"But why lie about the fact that shinobi are aftering you?" Kiba asked confusedly. "Wouldn't it be easier to be truthful?"

"Nami's economy is falling," Kurenai cut in before Tazuna could reply. Her thoughtful eyes were fixed on his client's face. "They couldn't have enough money to afford an expensive B-rank mission. C-rank missions, however, are at a much lower price; a price that Nami can afford."

Tazuna nodded grimly, "The money I gave you was pretty much all we had; it took me and most of my neighbors to get it all together."

"Then, how'd you managed to get money to build your bridge?" Kiba asked curiously. The others are also curious. "I… borrowed it," Tazuna answered hesitantly. "From who?" Kakashi asked again. He felt an unsure feeling from the old man, and it's suspicious. "It was from…." Tazuna is still unsure. "From…?" Kakashi stressed.

"From someone that has the word that means 'wave' in the name. That's all I can tell," Tazuna answered at last in defeat. Kakashi watches him curiously, so Naruto tried to distract him. "C'mon! Let's get moving already. Besides, from whomever he borrowed the money from; it doesn't have anything to do with this mission."

Naruto is right. It's not their matter, so they resume the walk.

The group fell silent again and remained so until they reached the huge lake surrounding Nami no Kuni. Kakashi and Kurenai paid for two boats to cross over to their destination, but no conversation were started; they were trying to be silent and hidden. They didn't wish for their new enemy to realize that they had arrived back.

The shore of Nami and the half-built bridge came into view quickly, making Naruto give a silent thumbs-up to Tazuna, who just shrugged modestly. The other genin also looked somewhat impressed with the length and size of the bridge, even in its unfinished state. Soon, however, they were on dry land once more and all thoughts of admiration were erased in the need for secrecy.

Naruto tensed once they were on solid ground once more, and his mouth curved down into a frown. He could sense something……his eyes widened and he threw himself at Tazuna, knocking them both to the ground all while yelling, "DUCK!" to his teammates. Kakashi, Kurenai, Shino, and Hinata had been on the ground at the same time as Naruto, but Sasuke, Sakura, and Kiba only just managed to escape the giant cleaver of a sword that had sliced through the air above their heads.

'This chakra…,' Minami tried to remember the familiar chakra she felt, before she widened her eyes and turned to Hinata, who in the same time turned to her too. "It's him!" they whispered at the same time. Just then, a figure appeared, standing at the hilt of the giant cleaver that stuck to the stem of the tree with his back facing them.

"W-Who?" Kurenai asked unsurely as she gets up. Kakashi narrowed his eyes to the newcomer.

"If it isn't Momochi Zabuza, the rouge ninja from Kirigakure no Sato," Kakashi said. The figure then turned to them. He has bandage covering the lower half of his face.

"Hatake Kakashi of the Sharingan eye… And Yuuhi Kurenai, the Genjutsu Mistress… What a pleasant surprise," Zabuza said in that dead, impassive voice of his. "Too bad that I must ask you two to hand over the old man."

"Bah! Like we'll ever do that!" Kiba yelled tauntingly to him, making him to acknowledge the genin that are standing behind the two Jounin. He was surprised to see two certain ninja that stared at him indifferently.

'They are… No, it can't be…,' he thought deliberately. He then realized Kakashi removed the covering of his left eye and showed him the Sharingan.

"I must say that I feel honored to see the infamous Sharingan in action," Zabuza said again. They can practically feel him smirking as he said that.

"You all keep talking about Sharingan, Sharingan! What the hell is that!?" Kiba asked impatiently. As Sasuke explained about the Sharingan, Zabuza is staring at the group, or particularly, Naruto and Hinata, who replied with their own meaningful stare. For the others, it looks like that he's staring at all of them.

When Sasuke finished explaining, Zabuza added some bits before the mist starts to appear. As the mist thickens, he also disappears. The genin instinctively move in defensive position around Tazuna.

"W-Where is he? He just disappeared!" Sakura exclaimed in surprise and worry. Kakashi then explain to them about what Zabuza used to be, an ex-leader of assassination unit and master of silent killing technique, while Kurenai explain to them about what kind of technique Silent Killing is. From their explanation, the genin are sure to be frightened.

The mist is getting thicker and thicker. The fact that Nami is surrounded by ocean did not help at all. All the genin can do is to keep their guard up, while Kakashi and Kurenai try their best to locate the rouge. Meanwhile, the genin are shivering, neither from the temperature nor the mist, but because of the killing intent that they felt. The only ones who weren't affected were Naruto and Hinata.

"Don't worry," Kakashi suddenly said. "We'll protect all of you." He then glanced back and gives the genin behind him an eye smile. "I will not allow my comrades to die," he said. They see Kurenai also nodded.

Minami narrowed her eyes bitterly at him, knowing he won't see nor felt it. 'But you already disregard one, Kakashi,' she thought to herself as she looks away.

"I won't be so sure about that," they suddenly heard Zabuza's voice echoing from the mist. "What will you do if I do this?" this time, the genin heard it coming from behind them. Kurenai and Kakashi then turned to the genin in haste, only to find that Naruto and Hinata are being pulled into the mist.

"NARUTO/HINATA!" Kurenai and Kakashi both yelled, joined by Kiba and Sakura. But before they can do anything, they disappeared. The other genin also shocked. After they saw Naruto and Hinata gone missing in the mist, they became more alert. They then searched at their surroundings, trying to find the bandaged-man.

"SHOW YOURSELF, DAMMIT!" Kurenai shouted impatiently. "Show myself? What's the fun in that?" the voice echoed. Then, a shower of kunai and shuriken headed towards them. They managed to block them. The one that passed them managed to be blocked by the genins.

While Zabuza's water clone is playing around with the group, the real Zabuza hides inside the forest while carrying Naruto and Hinata. "We can stop here, Zabuza," Naruto said, annoyed. He really is annoyed that Zabuza carrying him like a sack of potatoes or something like that. From Hinata's impassive reaction, it seems she also felt the same way.

"Alright, brats. Now give me proof that you really are who I thought you are," Zabuza said as he dropped two of them into the ground. "Ouch! Gently, please," Naruto pouted. But, after he looked at Zabuza's serious face, he knew that he have to proof it. Sighed, he does a hand seal and yelled, "KAI!"

Minami then stood in front of them. "So it is you, Minami. Long time no see, ne?" Zabuza said. Now he believes that the one that in front of him is Minami. Hinata activate her Byakuu Tsukigan, and Zabuza also believes that she is Hinata, since in Hyuuga clan he knew only one that can activate that eye, Hinata.

"And also with you, Hinata. Sorry for the early rudeness," Zabuza said again.

"Where's Haku, Zabuza?" Minami asked. Zabuza gives a signal, and then a figure then leapt off a branch and appeared in front of Minami.

"Right here," the guy with the girly face said. His hunter-nin mask is tied around his waist. "Nice to meet you again, Minami-chan, Hinata-chan," he said while smiling pleasantly. Hinata returns the smile with her own pleasant smile. Minami also smiled as pleasant as them.

"Yes, it is very good to see you both. Now, may you explain why you worked for Gatou, from all people?" she asked accusingly as her face turned serious.

"Ah, we didn't have much choice, Minami-san." Haku said while still smile pleasantly, but his eyebrows scrunched in a thin line.

"Please don't tell us you guys broke," Hinata said, looking back and forth to Zabuza and Haku. Zabuza said nothing, but his companion nodded slowly and sadly. Hinata and Minami groaned slightly. "What is it this time?" Minami asked.

"The price to get my Kubikiri Houcho a nice, good examination is not exactly cheap, you know? There are also some other things that needed immediate attention and payment" this time it was Zabuza who answered. It was a lame excuse, but they got the message.

"Didn't we already told you guys; if you need money, just ask! We'll lend you some, you know? Or, you can do mission with the other Akatsuki member! That's even much better if you feel awkward," Minami said in exasperation. "Uh-huh," Hinata nodded, agreeing.

"Well, Zabuza-sensei said that he didn't want to bother you. For doing missions with the other Akatsuki member, we didn't think that far. We aren't official member of Akatsuki, after all," Haku giggled. Minami and Hinata glared at the bandage-man.

"Baka Zabuza!" Minami and Hinata said in the same time. "We didn't feel bothered at all!" Hinata said. "Honestly, like we'd be bothered by our friend that asking for helps? It's just your silly little pride, that's all!" Minami said. Zabuza just looked at the girls antics. When the girls done, he muttered, "sorry…"

"Huh?" Hinata and Minami said in the same time. "What did you say?" Minami asked again. "I'm sorry, okay? I'll go back to Akatsuki. But only as temporary member! I don't want to be tied down… of course, if you still have room for me," he mutters the last part.

"Of course there's room for you! In fact, I already have a mission for both of you!" Minami said, grinned. "What's the mission?" Haku asked curiously. "That will be later. Tonight, near in the clearing near Tazuna-san house, wherever his house is, I want one of you to meet us again there," Minami explained.

"I'll go then. Zabuza's chakra is too big to hide, while mine is easy to mask. I'll be waiting for you tonight," Haku volunteered. "That will be fine too. Now, I have to think up a way to go back to my team unsuspected," Minami put on a thinking position.

" I think I have an idea…"

The genin all got scratches on their skin and they're panting hardly. Shower of kunai and shuriken is coming every seconds. The jounin have tried to locate the attacker, but still to no success. Kakashi had enough of Zabuza's game, so he tried to disperse the mist by poring out his chakra.

"You know, I'm getting bored on this game. You want to try to face me one on one, White-Wolf of Konoha?" the voice echoed again. It seems he also realizes that Kakashi is trying to disperse the mist. The mist then dispersed, showing two Zabuza and two wide-eyed genin inside a spherical prison made of water beside them with Zabuza's clone holding the prison.

"Water Prison," Kakashi muttered. "Yes. You have exactly 30 seconds before they finally lose any breath they've been holding," Zabuza said in cold tone. Kakashi's eye sharpened.

"One on one, right? Any rules?"

"No rules in this match. Just one on one, and please, no interruptions," Zabuza said, smirked beneath his bandage-mask. He then pulled out his giant cleaver, pointing the sharp tip to Kakashi. "Agree?"

No reply coming out, since Kakashi rushed towards Zabuza. Zabuza smirked, even if you can't see it. Kunai clashed with massive Zanbatou. 'His strength is quite something,' Zabuza thought. Zabuza then try to slash Kakashi, but Kakashi managed to dodge it. "I'll take that as a yes, then" he said amusedly.

The fight then keeps on going, but Zabuza seemed on top. Kurenai sees this, but she has to protect the genin, while the genin protect Tazuna. Kurenai also worried about Naruto and Hinata that are in oxygen–crisis. '29 seconds… 27 seconds… 25 seconds…,' Kurenai and Kakashi mentally counting down.

Kakashi's eyes narrowed. Kakashi then rushed towards Zabuza again. His main objection now is to release Naruto and Hinata—who are now unconscious—from the water prison rather to try to defeat Zabuza. He managed to release them in first try, due to his luck, or because Zabuza is acting stupid.

"Now, we can fight without me worrying about them," Kakashi mutters under his breath with hidden relief. He then charged over to Zabuza. He then managed to make Zabuza lose his sword. They then move to ninjutsu, which make Kakashi have the advantage. He just keeps on copying Zabuza's jutsu, which annoy Zabuza to no end.

Meanwhile, the two genins that have been released are taken away by Kurenai. They soon woke up. "Uhh… Where is that bandaged man?" Naruto asked tiredly. He then soon saw Zabuza's and Kakashi's fight. He smirked inwardly, so with Hinata that soon wakes up after him. They then saw that Zabuza finally down and Kakashi is getting ready to put on his final attack. Kurenai, and the others then go to him, thinking that its finally save.

However, before Kakashi managed to put on his last attack, some senbons are fired on Zabuza's neck. Kakashi then go over him, and declare that he's dead. A Mizu Hunter-nin that seemed that the one that fire up those senbons then leapt off from the tree.

"Thank you for beating him down, that makes it easier for us. We'll take care of him now," the Hunter-nin said, and then he drags Zabuza's body with him and left.

Kakashi still looked at the spot where they previously at. Suddenly, his legs are giving out on him ans soon he fainted on spot.

"KAKASHI-SENSEI!"

Soon, they arrived to Tazuna's house. When they arrived they were greeted by a woman with long dark hair. Tazuna told them that she is his daughter, Tsunami. Soon after she saw that one of them was unconscious and being carried by a blond and a brunet with a dog, she quickly led them to a room. Sakura and Hinata then laid out the futom before letting Kakashi rest. Kurenai told them that he fainted due to chakra exhaustion. She also explained the effects of chakra exhaustion.

Before long, Kakashi regained his consciousness. It seems that he was just exhausted, but he is okay overall. Still, he'll need crutches to move around. Tsunami then came to check on the. She seemed to have some problem in addresing them. Remembered that he hasn't introduce them officially, Tazuna introduced Tsunami once again.

"This is Tsunami, my daughter. My grandson, Inari, is inside his room, I believe. Tsunami-chan, these are my bodyguards. Hatake Kakashi and his team, Uchiha Sasuke, Haruno Sakura, and Uzumaki Naruto," Tazuna said. He then pointing on Kurenai, "This one is Yuuhi Kurenai and her team, Inuzuka Kiba, Hyuuga Hinata, and Aburame Shino."

"Hello, nice to meet you all," Tsunami greeted sweetly. "I've prepared you all a dinner. You must be very tired of the long journey," Tsunami offered.

Team 7 and 8 then settled around the table, then a little boy around 7 years old darted inside, taking a place next to Tsunami. His green fishing cap was pulled lowly over his eyes, blocking his face from view. The shinobi eyed him curiously, but they all stayed quiet.

"This is Inari, my son. He's a bit shy, so don't mind him," Tsunami explained. The shinobi then concentrate on their eating once more. Naruto and Hinata soon done first, Naruto because he was an eating machines and Hinata because she didn't eat too much. Naruto then give Tsunami his opinion about the food.

"This food is great, Tsunami-san! I'm full!" he said as he grinned and rubbed his stomach. Hinata then give her opinion.

"A-ano, I t-think s-so too, T-Tsunami-san. T-this f-food i-is gr-great!" Hinata said as she smiled shyly. Naruto then stand up and said, "Oh, well. I'll go for a walk around here, okay? Be back in few minutes," his gaze then stopped at Hinata. "Want to come, Hinata-chan?" he offered.

Hinata blushed madly. She then nodded a little, "I'll take that as a yes. Then, c'mon!" Naruto then darted towards the door, Hinata followed behind.

"Hey, does Hinata have a crush on Naruto?" Kakashi asked curiously. Kurenai and Kiba nodded.

"Isn't it already obvious?" Kurenai pointed out, making the rest of Team 7 sweat-dropped at Naruto's clueless-ness.

After they feel that they're far enough from the house, they concentrating, trying to locate Haku's chakra. It was easily located. Soon, they headed to where Haku is.

Naruto release the henge and back to Minami when they finally locate him. Haku feels their presence and smiled good-naturedly to them when they're in sight. "Minami-chan, hello again."

"Hi, Haku," Hinata and Minami said in the same time. Haku's smiley face then turned into a worried one. This was seen by Minami and Hinata.

"What's wrong, Haku?" Minami asked. Haku closed his eyes for a few seconds, takes a deep breath, and opened his eyes again. His face is now really worried.

"It's just that it seems Gatou did not trust our ability. He hired another ninja to work on this mission. This guy is pretty strong," he said. Minami frowned.

"So? Why are you worrying about it?" she asked. Haku then fully turned to Minami.

"Because of the fact that he was wearing a blood red vest with a black hitai-ite with an insignia for Konoha on it, also because of the fact that he's no one but Murasaki Takai."

Both girls widened their eyes in disbelief. Soon, Haku and Hinata felt a chilling aura coming from Naruto.

"What is he doing here?" Minami asked, dangerously soft. Her head is a bit down, so the upper part of her face is shadowed by her bangs. Haku then took a step back unconsciously, suddenly feeling nervous. Even Hinata silently moves away from Minami.

"Gatou said he found him not too far from here. I'm guessing that since Gatou knew that Tazuna is hiring Konoha ninja, it'll be better to hire a rouge ninja from Konoha," Haku explained nervously.

Minami then lifted her face, but her eyes are closed. Her face is unnaturally calm, too.

"Sou desu ka?" she merely said. But, Haku and Hinata felt cold when she said that. They involuntary shivered.

"Oh, yeah. How's Zabuza? Is he alright?" Hinata asked in attempt to change the topic. "That's tight…. Kakashi did hit him pretty badly, from the way I see it. It was his idea, but he did not thinking of the consequences, didn't he?" Minami added then. The previous coldness is also disappeared in that instant. Haku almost sweat-dropped at that.

Flashback

"I think I have an idea…. How about I'll put you in my water prison, make Kakashi to retrieve you while fight me one on one. I always wanted to test myself against him. If I lose, Haku will play his part," Zabuza said his idea.

"Hmm… Actually, that's a pretty good idea. Not great, but… it's quite good," Minami said as she perform a henge and Naruto replaced her.

"Alright, let's do it!" Naruto said with his foxy-like grin.

Flashback ends

"Don't worry. I already treat him. I'm about to go to find some herbs tomorrow morning to make some medicine for him. He'll be good as new in a week or so," Haku smiled again.

"Well then, that's good," Minami sighed. Hinata also relieved.

"Oh! By the way, it seems that Uchiha Obito and his partner are around. I told them about you being here when I met them in the woods. They said that they'll greet you soon," Haku added. Minami then raised her eyebrows.

"They are?" she repeated dumbly. "WHAT!? THEY'RE HERE!?" she suddenly screamed when the thought finally registered. Haku blinked, while Hinata giggled.

"B-but… Kakashi… Sasuke… They're… .God. When?" Minami stammered out, panicked.

"Just before I arrived here. Don't worry, though. They said they'll disguise themselves," Haku assured. Minami sighed in relief, but the doubt is still haunting her.

"Oh, yeah! We should be back now. They'll get suspicious if we gone too long," Hinata said suddenly. "Ah… right." Minami then henged and turned back into Naruto. After they exchanged goodbye and wishes Zabuza to get well soon, they turned back to Tazuna's house.

"By the way Hinata, shouldn't you be unconscious by now?" Naruto reminded. Hinata frowned at her, annoyed, before sighing and put on her make-up, before make herself seems limp and let Naruto carry her bridal style.

'I knew this is going to be annoying from the beginning,' Hinata thought remorsefully to herself as she relaxed and be careful to not being tense.

Glossary:

"Sou desu ka?" = "Is that so?"

Nami = Wave

Baka = Stupid.

Sapphire09 : Not that good, but.... meh.