The Last of Red Hair

Book One – Chapter 3: Prison Break

"Discussion people"

'Thoughts people'

"Technique or Justu"

"Discussion demon or gods"

'Thoughts demon or gods'

"then the search continues. At least now we know he is alive instead of searching blindly for someone who hadn't been seen for over a 100 years."

"that's not the point uncle." Zuko's exhausted tone was not un noticed by Iroh though he remained silent. "The Avatar so far has only been capable of running and hiding. But today there was someone else." An aged eyebrow rose in question. Zuko didn't bother to stop for the question. "He was an earth bender. But, unlike any I have seen before. He was fast and skilled. He fought like a firebender fast but moved like waterbender always swaying out of the way. He fought as if he has seen war and fought in one."

"He probably has we have been in war for the past hundred years Zuko. It's not uncommon for warriors to be born raised and die in that time." Counter the elder who had moved to a seat and was sipping his tea in thought.

"he was my age Uncle… well at least if not just a year or two younger." Taking a deep breath to calm himself down. "Then he said to tell you hello."

Tea covered Zuko due to Iroh spitting most of it out. Realization shown on his face only one person came to mind.

'Naruto…'

It had been a little over two week since they left the small island of Kyoshi, and the Gaang had stopped to rest a few times. Mainly to eat and feed Appa. The food bought in Kyoshi lasted until they had arrived in Omashu but thanks to the weird circumstance surrounding their stay no more supplies were bought. So now we find the group of three, five if you count the flying bison and winged lemur. In the forest scavenging for food and water while Appa gathered his strength back to continue flying to the North Pole. Aang and Katara were currently sitting around the now mostly cleaned up campsite. Momo flew around their heads Aang was tempted to follow him into the air but refrained from doing so. While Katara was folding her sleeping bag keeping to her normal routine she had developed through many years of taking care of herself and her brother. When the campsite was cleaned Sokka miraculously returned to the site bag in hand. Hopefully full of food.

As the oldest of the group walked closer Aang took the opportunity to float down onto the ground. He was also the first to voice his hopes revolving around their food supply. "Great your back. What you get to eat?" the only living air nomad spoke cheerfully.

Clearly proud of his achievement Sokka began to fish inside his bag. "Well, we have a few options. Most of them… Nuts. We have some round nuts, these oval shaped nuts, some dirt covered nuts. Oh, and these rock shaped nuts." Pulling the last 'nut' out and looking at it closely. Then tossed it over his shoulder saying it might just be a rock.

The group didn't see it land near Momo. The lemur eagerly grabbed rock shaped nut before proceeding to shove it in his mouth. The look the lemur gave as his teeth tried to break apart the rock would have been priceless if anyone had even watched. Following Sokka's lead the winged lemur tossed the rock to the side.

The area shook when the rock landed. All eyes went to Momo for an explanation. They watched the animal pick up the rock and slam the rock against the ground again. Eliciting the same result until it happens on its own.

Aang and Katara quickly disappeared deeper into the forest heading towards where they thought the source was. Sokka was yelling his objections to their retreating back before he too followed them. When he caught up to them he could only see the avatar and his sister peaking over a hill he had not seen before.

As he situated himself beside them he could see the source of the shaking.

In front of the group was a mostly dried up riverbed. The only remnants of the once strong source of water was the small line of water that flowed through its middle. However, that wasn't what drew them there.

The river bed also had a boy about the same age as Sokka. He wore green and yellow garment, that was a signature look of the Earth Kingdom. His hair was long reaching the middle of his back. While two bangs hung over a green piece of fabric around his forehead. His tan skin was lighter than those of the water tribe but, it fit that of a hard worker that has spent long periods of time in the sun.

The teen was standing in a unique stance that they had seen while in Omashu. His feet stood square to his shoulders, while his knees were slightly bent. Fist clenched with one arm fully extended before him. The other held stiff and close to himself.

To their slight surprise a boulder the size of his body lifted up, following his motions. Fixing the soon to be projectile towards its target, the fist that was close to his body shot forward in the form of a punch.

The area shook once again. The force of the boulder was emphasized by how deep said boulder was embedded into the opposing side of the riverbed.

The three watching teens had varying reactions. The youngest of the group was excited to see another earth bender in action. While the oldest looked on warily. Even going so far as to voice his feelings. His motion for them to leave was ignored by Aang and Katara.

Katara's mind had put some clues together figuring out that if there was someone out here that a town might be close. And, a town means food. Letting her realization force her hand she stood up and spoke. "Hello there, I am Katara. These two are Aang and my brother Sokka." After gesturing to her travel companions she had turned back around to see the Earth bender running down the path.

Scowling at being ignored in such a way Katara made chase followed by both boys and Momo, Appa not to far behind.

They were gaining on him but, the boy jumped into the air his arms swung up then down. The riverbed side collapse down covering the opening and his escape. Stopping at the obstacle the group took the time to regroup.

"Why did he run? I just wanted to say hey and see if there was a town nearby." Asked Katara confused on the teens reasons for leaving.

Sokka rolled his eyes at his sister naivety. "I don't know maybe because some stranger pop up out of nowhere screaming to get his attention." Sokka replied giving a pointed stare towards Katara who looked sheepish. "Let's head back to Appa and eat. We still have a long way to go before we reach the north pole." He had turned to leave but Katara spoke against it.

"If there are people here that means a village or a town should be nearby." Protest Katara, which got an eloquent "so" from her brother. "Sooooo. A town means a market. And, what do markets have."

Sokka was well aware of where his sister was going with this but wasn't keen on going to a town in which they knew nothing about. But the thought of food other than nuts and the occasional berry made his mouth water in anticipation.

Aang who had been silently observing the duo make conversation came to the conclusion after a couple of seconds and gladly join Katara's effort to coax her brother into supporting the idea. "Come on Sokka. Think of all the food we could be eating now, if we are lucky there might even be a good selection of meats." reasoned Aang, doing his best not to show his disapproval of the once living food.

Somewhere in the deep reaches of the mind that belongs to Sokka. He knew Aang was playing him. But, currently he just didn't care. "Fine… Let's go. However, we are in and out. No doubt Zuko will show up if we are here to long." Sokka said finally given in to his wants and desire.

The group managed to get out of the riverbed but followed it until it met the coast. Not far from their they saw a small town backed up against a few mountains. Aang and Katara nearly disappeared from sight upon seeing the market place. Sokka managed to grab a hold of them before they could disappear.

"We should stick together in case we need to make a quick escape." Said Sokka while looking around the buildings in view.

"Sokka I understand being cautious but, you need to relax." Replied the water tribe girl who didn't seem to heed her brother's words as she stood in the open looking around the village. Her eyes widen seeing the boy from earlier enter a small building a little way off. "Hey isn't that the boy from earlier?" Katara asked to the two.

Aang peered out of the alley and saw the boy she was referring to. "It looks like him." the nomad said while squinting his eyes to improve his sight. "Let's go see."

Katara and Aang moved to the same building the earth bender had enter. Sokka reluctantly followed not too far behind.

Katara had pushed open the previously shut door to see an elderly woman speaking to the earth bender they saw before. The elderly woman had just finished telling the now named Haru to begin his chores, when Katara spoke up. "Hey… You're that kid. Why did you runaway before?"

The boy's face showed panic but was quickly hidden. He turned away from her saying she must have made a mistake. Aang and Sokka walked in behind Katara at this point and the bald haired teen spoke up contradicting Haru's words. "No she doesn't. We saw you earth bending." His words weren't in the form of a question but his confusion was clear.

The Gaang was surprised when Haru's mother seemed to teleport from behind the counter to the door. She slammed and locked it shut, taking a quick glimpse out the windows before they were shut as well.

The elderly woman's head snapped around with anger and disapproval on her face. All of it focused on Haru, who shrunk under her gaze. "They saw you doing what?" Her voice had an edge to it that most did when angered.

"they're crazy mom. I mean look at the way their dressed." The group of three looked between themselves wondering what was wrong with their state of dress.

She replied back not falling for the evasion. "You know how dangerous that is. You know what would happen if they caught you earth bending." Haru's mother was about to continue when the door was banged on and a loud voice commanded it to be opened.

Sokka moved to the window to see who was outside, seeing men in red armor he knew belonged to the Fire Nation. "It's the Fire Nation. Acted casual." All the teens placed themselves in different parts of the small shop posing trying to look natural but failing.

The door was opened and five Fire Nation soldiers stood at the door. The first one to enter the room was a pudgy man with a unique mustache he held himself as someone with superior rank. He walked further into the establishment giving the other soldier enough room to fall inline. His coal black eyes scanned the room with smug demeanor plastered on his face.

"What do you want? I already paid you this week." Her previous anger at her son's stupidity turned to its new target with a vengeance.

Seemingly not to notice the hostility the leader of the soldiers spoke. "The tax just doubled… And we wouldn't want anything to happen here." the speaker began to twirl his hands a small flame danced to life before it was extinguished. "Fire can be so hard to control." He grinned seeing the defiant face of the woman fade into acceptance.

Haru's balled his fast watching as his mother moved to a lock box before opening it up she picked out most of the coins present before handing them to the fire bender. Only for him to throw some of them at his mother's feet then leaving.

He was about to speak up voicing his disapproval of the way the villagers just stood down and let the Fire Nation do whatever they want. But everyone noticed at the same time one of the soldiers was moving to the adult of the group. They were surprised when the masked man knelt down picking up the coins. Placing them in a sack he had pulled from somewhere on his person. Then the sac of coins if the jingle they heard was anything to go by, was place in the woman's hand.

Now that he was standing they could see his armor looked different. It had scratch marks on it and one of the horns on the helmet was missing all together. The soldier spoke revealing the owner to be both male and young.

"Hide it."

With that said he turned around heading for the door at an even pace. Katara noticed him give each one a quick glance. She grew worried when his eyes went to the bald monk who whistle a tone putting up his "I am just a regular person façade". She let out a sigh when his eyes focused on Haru then her brother.

She was surprised when they landed on her and lingered longer than they did on the others. the length of his gaze on her wasn't what surprised her. it was the color of his eyes. Hidden just behind the circle eye holes were two blue pools that reminded Katara of her own eyes. Before she could continue to ponder it the eyes and their owner disappeared closing the door behind him.

The silence looked to last forever but, it ended when Sokka asked the question they all were wondering. "What was that about." He looked curiously at the bag the woman still hadn't open.

Haru approached his mother and grasped the top of the tied shut bag. Before pulling open. They both gasped seeing the contents. "There must be at least 30 silver pieces here. Why? Why would he do that?" his wide eyes looked to his mother for Answers.

"It must be some sort of trap you should get rid of it." Sokka spoke his mind while looking through the small shops stocks.

Katara looked at Sokka then shook her head. "I don't think it is a trap but I do think you shouldn't trust him. he still is part of the Fire Nation. All those people want is to conqueror the world and ruin lives." The venom of her voice wasn't unnoticed by those in the room.
Aang looked at the girl he was quickly beginning to like with some sadness. 'I'm sorry Katara. If I hadn't run away maybe your mother would still be alive.' His pessimistic attitude only lasted until Haru's mother spoke up.

"That's how wars never end. You believing every person in the Fire Nation is evil. Not all soldiers want this war to continue. Even less want to watch people suffer." With that said the woman quickly moves to the back of the store leaving the teens in silence.

The cracked masked soldier had made his way through the village taking the time to look at the condition in which some of the villagers' lives. He couldn't help the frown that came to his face. He continued to the docks seeing the small group of soldiers standing at attention with the leader stood apart staring at him impatiently.

"You want to tell me where you been?" he unintentional or intentional spit on the crack mask wearing soldiers face, during his question.

Knowing he was being talked to by a superior he squashes the urge to punch his superior. "I'm sorry sir. But, not all of us can afford to throw back copper coins." He punctuated his statement by lifting a copper coin for the man to see.

The superior remained silent for some time before laughing heartily. "Good job." He turned to board the ship everyone falling into step after him.

The boat ride to the Fire Nation prison was uneventful. Over the horizon, a column of coal black smoke rose into the sky. Structure was lifted out of the water by heavy metal pillars. When they had finally docked they were free to go to their quarters and relax. The cracked mask was removed as soon as door was shut, followed quickly by the helmet.

The man shook his head allowing his crimson red hair to shake back into its normal spikey shape. Naruto sighed heavily. 'This is getting tiring. Only been here a couple of days and I am ready to sink this place to the bottom of the sea.' He glanced at the uniform and masked he stole off a guard. He regretted having to kill the man that recognized him but decide it was necessary. If he didn't his plans for the prison would have be ruined before they begun.

Shaking off his darker thoughts. Turning to the mirror his blue eyes took in his whole appearance. 'I still hate wearing this armor. It stinks and makes fighting difficult. No wonder they haven't won the war yet.' Done with taking off his armor body. He looked back into his own eyes and remembers the two-other set of blue eyes he saw today. "Those two are definitely from one of the water tribes. There clothes give them away. If they want to fit in they need a new color scheme." he laid on his back closing his eyes allowing his exhaustion of the day take him into a deep slumber.

Waking up Naruto quickly slipped on his armor. Moving amongst the still asleep facilities having to dodge a few of the patrols as he headed for the dock. Like always it wasn't guarded he made his way to one of the smaller boats. Before the sun could light the prison, he was gone heading to the mainland.

He steered the small vessel further down the coast hoping the distance from the docks would keep it out of sight from the daily patrols and any nosy villagers.

After securing the beaching the boat he moved to one of the larger rocks not too far from the wooded area that leads back to the village. He grabbed the top part of the rock and lifted. The stone rose up two feet revealing a carved-out section. Smiling at what he saw he reached into it and pulled out his clothes, a wrapped object, his conical hat straw had, and a sack of coins.

Undressing he placed the armor in the same spot his clothes had previously took up and pushed the stone deeper into the ground hiding its contents from view.

It had only took Naruto close to half an hour before he was once again walking through the village. He had planned out his shopping list the other day so he didn't need to visit every store to see their wares. Naruto was currently buying a couple pieces of dried meat when three figures moving along the road infront of him caught his eye.

Two of them wore blue outfits and the third a bright yellow and orange. They were moving away from the village towards the mines. He shrugged it off not particularly caring what they were up to at the moment.

"Here is your change sir."

He turned back towards the shop owner grabbing the coins that were placed on the counter leaving a few. Naruto had turned from the stall before the older man could see the coins he had left at the stall. He was a couple blocks away before the man moved to return the few coins.

His next stop was the same shop he had been to yesterday. He wanted some of the dried herbs she had available. When he opened the door to the shop he could tell something was up. The woman's eyes were red and puffy. Obvious signs of crying.

Naruto moved forward standing at the counter patiently waiting for her to gather herself.

"How can I help you sir?" asked Haru's mother.

He scanned the merchandise behind her in an observing manner. Despite him knowing exactly what he was looking for. "Uhm… do you have any medicinal herbs? And maybe some tea leaves." She didn't answer just turned around moving to a slightly barren shelf with a couple bags on them.

She returned with the two bags, setting them both on the counter. "This is all we… I currently have." She corrected herself midsentence.

Naruto put everything together with that one mishap. And it only caused him to frown more. 'He must have been an earth bender and was seen. No doubt those water tribe and the bald kid are going to do something stupid.' Naruto thought back to when he saw them earlier today. He groaned which caught the woman's attention. She gave him a weird glance before retreating into her mind once again. 'Ugh this is going to be pain in the ass.' His shopping for the day done and his mood thoroughly ruined he left the small shop. After leaving the village, he quickly made his way back to the rock his Fire Nation Armor is hidden in. Changing clothes and placing his newly acquired objects on top of his regular clothes. He made his way back to the boat and begun his trek back to the prison.

He was surprised when he arrived and was not chewed out for stealing on the boats. Apparently, the pathetic warden didn't even know one was stolen. Naruto decided he needed to do his rounds before his luck runs out and his disguise is compromised.

Naruto looked over the large number of earth benders the most of them were elderly. He couldn't help but frown as he saw the condition of some of them. He could tell they were cold and some sick. The constant sound of coughing could be heard bounce off the metal walls surrounding the court yard.

"Can you believe that girl. Trying to rile up all these poor pathetic people." Laughed one of the red armored guards.

"Yeah for a second I thought they would have rioted." Replied the other guard.

The first guard laughed louder. "Please, they are broken. It would take a miracle for this lot to rise up and fight again." the guard finally stop laughing before he looked towards one end of the yard. "She is a pretty thing though…I might spend some time with her when my shift ends." The mask hid his face but not his meaning.

Naruto had clenched his hands into a fist as he heard the older man's desire for some girl. His mind still had some clarity from the rage, which allowed him to turn towards the gestured area the girl in question was located.

And when he actual scanned the area it didn't take long for him to know who they were referring to. "Yep a pain in my ass."

With a group of earth benders was the water tribe girl which he saw yesterday. She had prison garb on top of her usually outfit. He could see the blue under the rags she was given upon arrival.

He quickly made a plan and put it into action to see why she had gotten herself arrest. Naruto had moved to the group his Fire Nation guard persona intake. When he arrived behind the girl, the group she was with had seen him but his target had not. "Come with me." Naruto's order was directed towards the girl who looked shocked that he had snuck up on her.

Katara stuttered out a response. "Wh-what… Why? I didn't do anything wrong." she looked back towards Haru and his father hoping they would help. They didn't most of the group just turned away from her blue eyes.

"Go with him Katara. It will be ok."

She turned to Haru's father confused but, saw him give her a firm nod. Which she returned. The guard grabbed her arm and began to lead her into the cell block. There were very few guards around as the majority of them were on wall surrounding the yard or the breakroom relaxing.

Naruto moved down the corridor with a purpose. Seeing a cell, he knew was vacant, he pulled the girl into the dimly lit room before shutting the door. As he turned back to face the girl and he saw a fist.

Katara was uneasy with the guard bringing her into a cell then shutting the door behind him. she had heard stories of what happens to girls and woman in places like this. So being the proactive person she is decided to strike first.

It failed. The guard grabbed her fist and twisted it behind her back causing Katara to groan in pain. "Are you going to behave?" she struggled trying to break his hold. "Stop fighting, I just want to talk." He tried to calmer her with words. Which sort of worked she stopped fighting but Naruto could still tell she was ready to fight. Or at least try to fight. He backed up letting his grip on her arm go. She spun away from him putting her back against the wall. He moved to lean against the cell door, observing her as she tries to soothe her arm.

Katara spoke for the first time since they had left the yard. "What do you want?"

"I just want to know why a water tribe girl is in an earth bender prison encampment?" he smirked seeing the distress appear on her beautiful. He blinked realizing he had called her face beautiful.

"I'm an earth bender. That's why I was arrest." She tried.

He shook his head. "Let's speak the truth. Why are you here?" Katara blinked before dropping her head in defeat. She told him who she was and why she got herself arrested. Naruto smiled at her honesty of course she couldn't see but he smiled nonetheless. When she was done, the room became quiet and Katara waited for the still masked Guard to say something.

He moved off the wall his right hand moved to his white cracked mask. Pulling it off he allowed the Katara a good look at his face.

'He is handsome.' She shook her head quickly when she looked him up and down seeing the red armor.

His smile was still present and now visible to her. "I'm glad there are still people like you in the world." His blue eyes remanded locked on Katara's. Naruto could easily tell she was confused. "People with kind hearts like you. Are the first causalities of war."

Katara was confused more than anything. This Fire Nation soldier was telling her not to die in this war, and if she understands correctly is going to ignore her attempt of breaking the benders out. Her thoughts on this subject was interrupted when they both heard someone coming down the hall way.

"I saw them come in here. I want my turn with the new girl." The empty corridor helped carry the voice further than usual.

"Shit. I should have known he would come looking for you." Naruto had turned looking through the small bared opening. Seeing the guard from earlier searching the area.

Katara confused asked what he was talking about. "Who?"

"Gen. He is a guard that was watching you. Before I moved to get you." Naruto looked back out seeing the guard heading this way. "He's more than likely wants to spend some one on one time with you." Naruto didn't need to be looking at her to know she understood what he was saying. More than likely she didn't think about this possibility when she got herself arrested.

They heard Gen make a noise a realization before his footsteps got closer.

Naruto turned towards the frighten girl. 'I am going to get slapped for this.' He drops his mask and moved to Katara. Grabbing her arms with his right hand and pinned them above her. his other hand drifted towards her waist pulling Katara towards him until they were connected at the hips.

Katara's mind went into overdrive. She was trying to comprehend what was going on. She thought she was in the clear and the strange blue eyed guard would let her leave. Then someone else shows up looking for her. Now here she is pinned to the wall by someone she thought she could trust.

Naruto could see the terror in Katara's eyes the closer he got to her. "I'm sorry." He apologized. His lips crashed down on hers.

Just as their lips met the door to the cell was pulled open. "Hey! What are you doing with my girl?" the older man stepped into the cell shutting the door behind him his mask already off revealing an ugly bearded face.

Not that either of them had saw it. He had intended for their kiss to be short but, it continued to become more and more passionate. Naruto was edged on as the woman trapped beneath him moan into the kiss pushing back at him. But, it was not to be. The new arrival grabbed Naruto's shoulder pulling him away from Katara ending their kiss. "I said what you doing with my girl." Gen put everything he could into the sneer on his face. Hopping to intimidate his fellow guard.

Naruto wasn't paying any attention his eyes were locked onto the Katara taking in the way she was breathing heavily, the pink blush on her cheeks, and the look she was giving him. All saying one word.

"More."

Before his thoughts could continue down that road, he could feel the grip on his arm tighten and a low growl come from the third and unwanted person in the room. "She isn't yours." Blue eyes narrowed at his target. "You know I hate people like you more than anything else. People who think they can prey on the weak. Because they think they are strong." Naruto had reverse the grip and was now looking down on the man. "People who try and take what doesn't belong to them." The downed man was trying to break the new hold on his arm. The whimpers grew into cries when the wrist of the down guard was snapped. Before the cries could draw attention to them a kick shut him up. The man went limp falling to the ground in a heap.

Grabbing his mask off the ground he turned towards Katara who watch the event in silence.

He received a slap when the girl snapped out of her kiss induced stupor then stormed out of the cell. Stepping on the down guard's balls as she passed. "The nerve of that guy. Pinning me too the wall…. holding me close… Kissing me" She shook her head hard removing the blush that crept back on her face. She continues to stomp out of cell block back into the yard muttering all the way.

'I knew I was going to get slapped for that… But, damn is she a good kisser.' He moved to follow her. stepping out of the cell shutting and locking the door with Gen still inside. His mask was now fully in place he turned towards the exit, only to chuckle seeing as Katara was standing at the exit pulling on the door. Her frustration easily seen in her eyes and actions.

Naruto quietly chuckled, then moved to be beside her. "Need some help." He asked the girl.

"No! I don't need your help. I! Can! Open! The door! By! Myself!" Katara responded with a final tug on the exit door. Breathing out a heavy sigh. She rested her head on the door tired. Keeping her forehead in contact with door she turned to look at the amused form of Naruto. "Yes please."

He moved to the door and pushed instead of pulled, and the door squeaked open the rays of the setting sun squeaked through the opening.

"Thanks."

"No problem… Katara if you truly want to free the Earth benders. Find a way for them to free themselves." Katara unsure of what he meant nodded anyway. Then moved to the find Haru again.

Naruto stood near the exit watching the water tribe girl disappeared into the crowd. 'Stay alive Katara of the water tribe. The world needs more people like you.' His object of thought gone he began to move around the prison with haste. Having an idea that Katara's prison break would happen sooner than his plans had entailed. So, he needed to finish preparing. And, that was what he did spending the next few hours of the day. Making sure everything was ready.

Fighting back a groan as he could hear the yells and stampeding of the guards who were obviously in panic or a hurry. He quickly got dressed and fell into line. He pretended to search behind crates and any closed doors. When the three intruders were found, Naruto had been up on the top railing. Choosing to observe the altercation since it was now reaching its climax.

Katara had proven to be a compelling motivational speaker as her words had given the earth benders the courage to fight once again. she needed a little help and Naruto provided that.

Using his earth bending he launched a rock at the warden's head. Who had turned away from the pile of coal and earth benders. He wanted to laugh seeing a boy who had just started to levitate some rocks get blamed for it. The incident was the spark they needed to fight for their freedom. Naruto watch with a smile as the Earth benders and their limited supply of coal begun to push back the Fire Nation soldiers. Before he left he grabbed some coal pocketing it just in case. He turned away from the fighting. 'They are going to need a boat.' Moving along the outside to the dock to secure the soon to be former prisoners a big enough mode of transportation.

"Well at least they learned to guard the boats." His blue eyes followed the five guards who occupied the small dock for the prison. They all were moving his direction towards the only way off the dock. Obviously drawn by the sounds of fighting coming from the main yard.

They stopped when they noticed him blocking their way. the closest guard to him was about to ask where he was going but, saw Naruto pull out two lumps of coal. The pieces begun to orbit each other as they levitate a few inches from the palm of his hand.

Realization dawn on the leading guards face. "He's an earth bender!" the other guards would have taken up fire bending stances. However, they didn't have a shot on the exposed imposter without injuring a comrade. the one person with a clear shot at Naruto was half way through a punch. His hand cocooned in orange fire.

The guard was stunned as his stream of fire made it only three feet before it hit a hemisphere that's opening took his flames then shot them back towards him at the same speed. He tried to stop the fire. But, he was to slow the heat from the flames heated up his armor to excruciating temperatures. However, the fire proved to be the more prominent form of pain. As it burns his face and caught his brown facial hair and clothes a blaze. He began to thrash around patting at the flames to put it out. his actions however caused the man to hit the railing in a way that ended with him flipping over it.

Naruto winced at how effective his plan had been. It quickly faded as the next guard tried something similar but aimed at his feet. He hopped up on to the railing landing gracefully on the two beams. His right foot left its sure footing as a fire ball went for it. Using his excellent balance, he kicked the guards head dazing him. before the now disk of coal slammed into said head. The force spun the helmet on the guard's head, blocking his vision. Not that he would know the force of the two blows being enough to put him into unconsciousness.

Using the back of his foot to push the incoming spear tip away. In that same motion pinning it to the railing with said foot. Switching his weight over to the foot still pinning the spear, Naruto brought his left foot up then forced it down. The spear was snapped becoming just a useless stick.

The guard looked at his broken spear with a frown. When he looked up he was met with a palm of Naruto's hand. The force was enough to shatter the cartilage. Blood fell from the guard's nose like a river.

Naruto looked past the bleeding guard seeing the remaining two guards ready to fight. "I don't have time for this." The red head mumbled to himself.

The guards gave the intruder a weird look as he adopted a fire bending stance. the conscious guards prepared to defend themselves against a torrent of fire. Only for the first guard in the line to be launched into the two behind him by the lump of coal moving at the speed of a bullet. the three guards' movement didn't stop until their backs hit the ship's hull.

Taking the coal back into his hands. He stuffed it into his pocket before dusting his hands off. In the universal sign of a job well done. Naruto moved down the gangplank with a purpose. There were currently three ships anchored there, two were small ones meant for only a few people. While the third was the main mode of transportation for the prison, being able to easily hold all the prisoners. He started the engine of the biggest ship preparing it for when the escapees are ready to leave.

His job done he went to the other two ships pulling up their anchors pushing one as hard as he could. Causing the ship to drift further and further from the prison. The last ship he turned the engine on and set a course for the small beach area he landed on earlier in the week. 'Hopefully it stays on course.' He turns back towards the gangplank seeing the unconscious guards still motionless.

Maneuvering past them he soon found himself back on one of the high wall surrounding the court yard. And what he witnesses surprised him to his very core. A bald teen with blue arrows covering his hands and head was doing the impossible. He was air bending. Of course, he had heard the rumors, whispers, and the occasional tale of avatar sightings but to see the "Man" himself. Naruto had only one thing to say to describe the only living airbender.

"A child." His fast twisted up in confusion and disbelief. "The world has waited 100 years for a child to save them." Naruto's inner monologue was stopped by the scream of the warden and all his personal guards being dropped into the ocean. He laughed. Amused at the expression on the dumb warden's face.

His laugh caught the attention of the only water bender present. He locked eyes with her before motioning for her to go on. Katara completely missing it due to her having turned her head away from him to hid her blushing face. She moved to the exit hearing her brother and friend call for her.

With the court yard empty of all but a few guards he hoped off his platform using the remaining coal to form a ramp to slow his decent. Then with a few punches the coal moved placing itself near all the unconscious guards. Naruto swept his hands across his body and the coal moved to the makeshift exit the earth benders had formed during their escape. He could hear some of them wake up but it didn't matter, as they were already falling into the ocean below.

With the court yard cleaned and the guards more than likely awake he moved to a crate with some red barrels inside. The fox like grin that appeared on his face did not bode well for anyone nearby.

After a good 30min swim Naruto could be found on the beach the small fire Nation ship beside him. Having changed back into his normal garbs a few minutes ago. He now was taking the time to admire the rising plume of smoke coming from the remains of the prison.

His smile fade for a second as keen blue eyes caught sight of a flying animal which looked too big to be any type of bird. As the unknown creature disappeared from his sights he popped up from his seated position. "Well it's time to go. Next stop Konoha."

AN: Sorry for the long wait. Hopefully this chapter is to your liking.

Read and review that's all I ask.