Sapphire09: I'm reposting the original version of Scattered Fragments since I remembered someone requested me to, but I did not edit anything. So, I'm terribly sorry for the grammar.

"Human talks"

'Human thinking'/ flashback/memories/ dreams

'Telepathic conversation between humans'

Letters/ notes

"Demon/other inhuman things talks"

'Demon/another inhuman things thought'

'Telepathic conversation between demons/other inhuman things'

CHAPTER V
Mission in Nami

It's already a week since Minami arrived, and she made it at last to read half of the collection that is in the Akatsuki's library, and it's also her time to go back to Konoha. In this one week, they managed to get the Five-tailed Rabbit, Usagi, which Kisame bring about two hours ago, and the Eight-tailed Wolf, Shiro. Sasori managed to locate the One-tailed, but he can't do anything yet, so he's just going to look after the vessel. Deidara also have some trouble, but he said he can handle it.

She then read the report about the vessel that Kisame currently giving to her.

Name : Tsukirou Yume

Age : 14

Birthday : September 2nd

Rank : Chuunin. Have done 64 D-rank, 32 C-rank, 26 B-rank, and 19 A-rank

Vessel of : The Five-tailed Rabbit, Usagi

Ability : Expert in genjutsu and a medic Kunoichi. Ninjutsu and taijutsu are above average. Also an expert in poison and her main weapon are needles. Have quite plenty of chakra reserves.

Current village : Hidden Village of Star

Current treatment : Almost killed in age of 5. After she went into academy, she was hated more. She had been tempted into assassination by the current kage in age of 8, which thankfully failed. Have faced 17 assassinations, and have been in hospital at least twice in a day.

Current friend : Hoshino Shichirou, jounin sensei, currently died in mission, Soujirou Tetsuo; former teammate, Soujirou Hajime; former teammate. Both of them are sibling, and one of Yume's closest friends.

Current family : Tsukirou Sora, older brother, also have been asked to join Akatsuki.

Reason to join : to be live in peace and together with her brother.

"Kisame, where's her brother's profile?" Minami asked. Kisame then give another scroll.

Name : Tsukirou Sora

Age : 19

Birthday : August 22nd

Rank : Jounin. Have done 78 D-rank, 54 C-rank, 67 B-rank, 56 A-rank, and 43 S-rank

Vessel of : none

Ability : Expert in ninjutsu and taijutsu. His genjutsu is in average level. His main weapon is a katana

Current village : Hidden Village of Star

Current treatment : Not as bad as his sister. Currently, he was the one that interfere with the Yume's almost countless assassinations.

Current friend : Saki Machi, jounin sensei; Soujirou Mirai, former teammate; Hoshino Hatori, former teammate; Saki Ritsui, Kayama Misato, Kitsuka Risa, friend in academy

Current family : Tsukirou Yume, younger sister, the current vessel of Usagi.

Reason to join : to be live in peace and together with his sister.

Minami looked over to the sibling. The girl has a platinum black hair, which tied up into a high ponytail. Her hair ended slightly above her shoulder. Her skin was tanned, and smooth. She was cute and has an unseen bunny characteristic, so when you saw her, you'll think up that you see a bunny, even if she doesn't really look like one.

The older male has similar color of hair in a short cut with long bangs. Their outfit are similiar. Black baggy pants with Hoshigakure's style of vest.

"So, you're Yume and Sora?" both of them nodded. "Uhmm… well, I'm Minami, nice to meet you. Kisame, wait outside, will you?" Minami said. "Oh, and you too, Sora. Kisame, guard him," Minami ordered.

"What? I want to be with my sister!" he said. Kisame just drag him out, and still can heard him yelling.

"What… will you do to him?" Yume asked in uncertainty. She's just not getting used by something like that.

"Just relax, Yume-san. I have something to do, so I'll just make this fast," Minami said as they go to Yume's mind space.

In Yume's mind space, Minami saw a giant bunny with red round eyes, golden fur and five tails emerged from one of the corner.

"Who are you, little girl. How did you come here?" Usagi said in a hint of curiosity. "I'm Minami, vessel of the Yoko. Now, Yoko will explain everything," Minami said. Yoko then appeared in front of them in her human form. Usagi also turned to her human form.

In her human form, Usagi looks like 18-20 years old. Her golden long hair tied into two small buns (Tsukino Usagi's hairstyle in Sailor Moon) and wearing a golden silk Chinese dress with silver vine pattern on the skirt.

Yoko explained about the current seal and the repairing. Usagi and Yume thought about it for a bit, and then agree. Usagi and Yume's relationship is quite good, anyway. And, Yume do like rabbits, so she likes Usagi.

Minami done the same hand seal and do what she does to Naito. This time, the energy wall that arose is colored golden. Minami then told them everything that they can do. After that, both of them return to the real world.

"Oh well, then it's done. I'll leave now. Kisame! You can come in," Minami said. Kisame then back in, dragging the unconscious Sora. "Nii-san!" Yume come to her brother, checking if he was alright.

"Don't worry. He's just sleeping. He'll wake up soon, I guess," Kisame said. He then is facing to Minami.

"Tell the others that I'm leaving back to Konoha. My one week time was already up," Minami said as she walks outside. "Hai, Minami-san. I'll just drag them to their room," Kisame said as he grab the unconscious Sora and worried Yume. He then realizes something. "Where should I put them again?"

"Put Sora in the same room with Naito, ask Itachi who is he. Put Yume in the room nearby Naito's. Bye!" Minami said and shunshin-ed to Jade.

"Ok…ay?" Kisame reply, but too late. He then see that Sora regain his consciousness so, he then ask the sibling to follow him. They seems kind of uncertain, but followed, anyway. Since Kisame give them a scary look that says follow-my-order-or-die.

He then asks Itachi who is this Naito-guy, and where his room is. Itachi answered and show them Naito's room. In there, they saw a blue haired guy reading a book called 'A Child Named It'.

"Naito, he is Tsukirou Sora. He will be your roommate," Itachi said to the blue-haired teen. Naito just nodded. Sora and Naito start introducing their self and make acquaintance.

Yume then putted in a room those only two rooms ahead. Kisame then guard outside Yume's room, while Itachi guards outside Sora's and Naito's room. That is, until there's some more member that come back from the mission.

Minami arrived in the hidden spot in Green Jewel. Hinata is already there, waiting for her. Minami turned back to Naruto (A/n: He, him, Naruto, just usual crap).

"Back already? I thought you'll be there longer," Hinata asked. "I know, but I guess sooner is better. Besides, I want to attend today's team meeting. At 08.00, right?" Naruto asked.

"Yeah. You have 20 minutes to be there in time," Hinata answered. "Thanks, Hina-chan!" Naruto then run toward the bridge and dispel all his kage bunshin. He then feels that all the experience the kage bunshin got is transferred to him. He felt like he even never left!

On the bridge, it seems Sakura and Sasuke just arrived. Its ten minutes before 08.00. Naruto than run over to them and greeted them like nothing happened. Sasuke just reply with his trademark 'hn' and Sakura… well… usual yell/screech.

After waiting for two hours ten minutes, their damned sensei showed up. "YOU'RE LATE!" Sakura and Naruto said in unison. "Sorry. I got lost in the road of life," Kakashi goes by his pathetic excuses, which is very damned similar by Obito. Naruto, hate it when someone late, that's why he can get Tobi on time while in Akatsuki. He forgot to shut his mouth, so he yelled in desperate anger.

"Shut your pathetic excuses! You're really getting on my nerves, just like Obito-nii-san, you know that?!" Naruto put his hands on his mouth, realizing what he just said. Kakashi stood silence there, trying to analyze what his pupil just said.

"Who is this… this Obito-nii-san you're just talking about?" Kakashi asked curiously. 'Uh oh... Lie..., truth..., which one must I choose!'

"Nii-san? I don't know that you have a brother, Naruto?" Sakura asked. "Uh... He's actually one of my caretakers when I was little. But, Sandaime said that he's dead in a mission," he said as he put on a sad look. Fortunately, his explanation makes Kakashi satisfied.

"I'm sorry," Sakura said.

"A-ha-ha. Let's don't talk about that. Kakashi-sensei, we have mission for today, right?" Naruto said. Kakashi narrowed his visible eye and eyed Naruto skeptically. "Right, we do," Kakashi said. Then he motions them to follow him to the Hokage tower. Naruto just follow him silently muttering curses.

At the Hokage tower, the Hokage told them their mission.

"Your first mission is this; locate the Fire Daimyo's cat, Tora, then capture it and return it to the owner, Fire Daimyo's wife," Sandaime said as he gives Kakashi the paper. Kakashi receive it and all of them then go to find the cat. In the middle of their way, Sakura asked, "How can we know that we didn't capture the wrong cat?"

"You'll know the right cat once you seen it," Kakashi said. He still remembers chasing that damned cat. He was scratched all over the place, and that damn cat always running away like-50 times a day!

They ten arrived in a way that divides into two ways. Kakashi then give them all a wireless each. "From here, you're on your own," Kakashi said. Sakura went into the right, Sasuke and Naruto into the left. Kakashi stood guard there. But, actually he's just didn't want to face the damned cat again.

Sasuke and Naruto had tried to find the cat. They looked there and here, but still no hint that the cat is presence. Naruto truthfully begins to get annoyed. It took all of his will power to not use his doujutsu. Sasuke also have been annoyed, it could be seen by a slight twitch on his left eye.

To tell you the truth, Sasuke actually seen this as a chance to know Naruto better, since his plan in the 'Survival Training' is quite good, even though they're failed, but close enough.

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 noticed 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're even 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, then the sad eyes returned to the usual hyper blue eyes. This time, Sasuke was sure there's something wrong.

"Just trust me on this one. There must be some reason that Kakashi-sensei putting us in this exam, right? And, there is a reason why we're putting 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'm actually listening to Iruka-sensei about that one, much to my surprise," Naruto added again.

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 do remembers 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 agreeing 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 that to me! I have plans." Naruto said as they started their plan.

Flashback ends

He was slightly impressed with Naruto's kage bunshin, yet he was also jealous. The dead-last in the class is actually can do a kage bunshin, while just two days ago, he absolutely can't do a simple bunshin.

"I FOUND IT!" Naruto's yell snapped Sasuke back from his day-dreaming. He then looked over to see a cat on Naruto's grasp. It seemed the cat try to go from the blonde's grip, ending with nasty scratch on Naruto's hand. Sasuke contact over to the wireless and said, "The cat already founded. We'll be back to Kakashi's current place shortly,"

Sasuke and Naruto then back to the grey-haired jounin current place. After they meet up, they all back to Hokage tower and give the cat back to its owner.

"Congratulations, you're just finished your first mission. Here's another mission. Currently, the horses from the stable just outside Konoha walls are running away. Your mission is to retrieve each one of them back to the stable. Since they're couldn't be too far from the stable, your job will be much easier," Sandaime said. He then gives Kakashi the details. All of them then go to the stable.

About 50ft far from the stable, there's a large fence. The horses can't be away too far, since the fence is blocking their way. After they told their client, they began to work.

Sasuke rode on one of the horses, which fur was black. He then drags some of the 1/2 runaway horses with him, dragging them into the stable. Sakura rode on the brown horse, also brings 1/4 runaway horses with her. Naruto was dragging the rest of them all by feet. He doesn't rode on any horses, but don't know why, the horses seems to liked the blonde, since they all following him without Naruto have to drag them. They're just followed Naruto into the stable.

It's actually because Naruto activating his doujutsu when he was sure no one see him, or feel his chakra. He then communicates with the horses. Because Naruto could understand them, they began to like him. That's why they're willingly follows Naruto.

After they all done, they go back to Konoha to reporting. It's already sunset when they arrived, so they leave the reporting to Kakashi, and the rest of them go back to their respectful places. Naruto, however went to Jade and trained with Hinata, along with talking about how boring the mission was, and thankful that it seemed Kakashi forgot to ask him about Obito.

For two weeks, their entire mission is a boring D-ranked mission, such as retrieving the Fire Daimyo's cat, helping up the villager, and this, and that, and the other entire servant-like task. What makes them very sick about is the mission to retrieving the damned cat.

After Sandaime told their mission was, Naruto was mad. "It's the 90th time we retrieve that cat! Give us other more mission that's higher that D-rank!" Naruto yelled. Sasuke have to agree on this one.

"Yes, if we may, Hokage-sama. We're already done 70 or more D-ranked mission. If we may, may we have at least a C-ranked?" Sasuke asked politely. 'Is all of the Uchiha very strict about politeness?' Naruto asked inwardly.

"Yes, Hokage-sama, if we may," Sakura also agreeing. Kakashi just stood there impassively. Sandaime then sighed. Then, team 8 coming in suddenly.

"Hokage-sama, may we please have a C rank mission, please? We're sick n tired of these damned D rank missions!" Kiba burst out. Hinata and Shino coming behind Kiba, along with Kurenai.

"I'm so sorry about this, Hokage-sama," Kurenai asked apologetically. Hinata gave a secret message to Naruto, 'Nami-chan, are you looking for a higher rank mission too?'

'Hell yeah. That damned cat really annoying,'

'Ha-ha, I'm also troubled,' Hinata ended. Naruto have to admit, Hinata's acting is really good. Her shyness really looks real, if not because of a slight boringness on her eyes, that comes unnoticed, except by Naruto.

"Okay, then. I'm only having one C-rank mission for you now, so I hope both of your team is going to cooperate, Kakashi, Kurenai," Sandaime said. Both team agreed. Sasuke is actually didn't agree, but he is very pissed chasing the same cat ever so constantly, so with Kiba.

"Your new mission is to escort a man to Nami no Kuni, and protect his bridge until it has finished in construction. The man, Tazuna-san, says that he might be under attack from civilian bandits, but you shouldn't have that much fighting to do, as he says the attacking is random," Sandaime outlined the main points of the mission report, than tossed the scroll to Kakashi and Kurenai.

"You'll set out tomorrow morning at 8 am. Please be on time," he threw a sharp look at the male Jounin sensei, which had the decency to look sheepish.

"Tazuna-san!" Sandaime called out loudly. "You can come in now! I've found two teams to guard you!"

A short, squat man with gray hair and the red face of a drinker stumbled into the Hokage's room, his clothes rumpled and dirty. Grey, bloodshot eyes looked at the six genin incredulously.

"You're getting brats, a woman and a weirdo to bodyguard me?" he asked thickly. He then saw Naruto, and his eyes widened a bit, but returns to normal in seconds.

Tazuna eyed the blonde brat for a moment contemplatively and then shrugged, "Alright. Tomorrow then, brats, and weirdo?" he asked, looking up at Kakashi and Kurenai for an answer. The two jounin nodded and Tazuna stumbled out of the Hokage's office drunkenly. Team 7 and 8 looked at each other for a long moment and Naruto sighed, but smile inwardly.

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

08.00 am, all member of team 7 and 8 already in front of the gate. Surprisingly, Kakashi is on time. When all of the members already gathered, they move out. They put on a formation where Kakashi on front, Shino, Sasuke and Sakura behind him, Tazuna behind Shino, Sasuke and Sakura, and Hinata, Naruto behind Tazuna, and Kurenai behind Naruto and Hinata.

In the middle of the way, they saw two piles of puddles.

'Heh, it's so obvious a trap. It's not even rained yet! Wonder if Kakashi knows…' Naruto think. However, he still walks on innocently.

'You do realize the puddle, right?' Hinata asked telepathically. Outside, Hinata may look like shy. Hey, she has to keep up an act where she supposed to have a crush on Naruto.

'Duh, isn't it obvious enough?' Naruto reply. He still walks on innocently.

'Hey, no need to be mad. I'm just saying, Nami-chan,' Hinata reply back.

'Wonder if we need to tell them?' Naruto asked. He and Hinata put on thinking position while walking, they then relax back and walk innocently again.

'Nah. Just let them find out their self. They couldn't be jounin for nothing,' Hinata said. Naruto agreed

"What are you two thinking about?" Kurenai asked. She saw Naruto and Hinata in thinking position until both of them relaxing back. She found it weird, since both of them do that in the same time.

"Huh? Thinking what?" Naruto said innocently. If not because of that strange glint on his eyes, you'll be eating that.

"A-ano… What a-are you t-talking a-about, K-kurenai Sen-sensei?" Hinata stuttered. Naruto really like Hinata's acting. It's look so real! If not for that strange glint, it will be so damned real.

"Hmm… Nothing. Just forget about it," Kurenai said.

For a matter of fact, Kakashi and Kurenai do realize the puddle. That's why Kurenai fasten up her speed until she was beside Kakashi and inform him.

Kakashi and Kurenai stepped the puddle and two Nins appeared. Naruto and Hinata knew them. Kakashi and Kurenai know them as Demon Brothers, B-rank missing nin. The Demon Brothers then rushed and attack the two jounins and shred them into pieces.

"KAKASHI/KURENAI-SENSEI!" Sakura, Naruto and Kiba yelled out. The Demon Brothers then looks toward them. "Two down, six to go," they said simultaneously. However, when they see Naruto and Hinata, they're brought to a halt for a few seconds. Hinata and Naruto look at them with sharp eyes, that's go unnoticed by the other genin.

'Keep going. Act like you didn't know us. For save keeping, attack one of us first,' a sweet yet dangerous voice rang out in the Demon Brothers head. Hearing the order, they then rushed towards the genin.

They then attack Naruto, and he can defend it on time. 'Good, now follow every move I said,' a voice rang out again, but this time its Minami's voice. They then followed everything that Minami said, and ended in a fake death.

Of course, in the fight it's not only Naruto that fight, but also the others, except Sakura and Shino. Both of them are guarding Tazuna.

After the fight, Kurenai and Kakashi come out from the bushes and praise them for their good work. After the genins took a closer looks, the pieces that were shattered on the ground was only log pieces. Both of them use Kawarimi no Jutsu right in time. Both of the jounin then walk over to Tazuna and asked what is actually they're going to face.

"Tazuna-san, an explanation will be nice," Kakashi asked with a cold tone. Kurenai also looked at him icily. "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 chuunins, not with genins 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 go this far!" Naruto protested loudly. 'If we're stop 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, "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 agreed. Seeing this, Kurenai and Kakashi just look at each other.

"Fine…" Kakashi sighed. "But, if the situation is getting out of hand, we're going back and ask for back up, understood?" Kurenai added. "O-k!" 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. Naruto and Tazuna then do an eye contact. While grinning, Naruto's eyes looks sharply into Tazuna's eyes.

'We're just didn't want your debt 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 telepath to him. Tazuna's eyes widened slightly.

'Minami-san, I know that your look is too familiar,' Tazuna replied back. Since Minami opened the link, he could just think his answer back.

'Tazuna-san, I hope you will keep on your act. You have to pretend that you didn't know me. No need to worry, I didn't like something unnecessary, so I'll protect you until your bridge is done,' Minami telepath 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, ginning in his fox-like grin.

The group began walking again, except this time they were all silent. They were all watchful and paranoid; a distinct difference from their earlier carefree attitude.

Hinata and Naruto is check for any unnecessary threats. However the forest around them was silent and if there were any threats they were out of Naruto's and Hinata's range.

"Sensei who exactly is this Gatou person that's after 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 traffic that come in and out of the city over ship. Our economy is failing 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 off me because of it," Tazuna explained.

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

"Nami's economy is failing," Kurenai cut in before Tazuna could reply. Her thoughtful eyes were fixed on his client's face. "They wouldn'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. The others are also curious. "I… borrow," Tazuna answered hesitantly. "From who?" Kakashi asked again. He felt an unsure feeling from the old man. "It was from…." Tazuna still unsure. "From…?" Kakashi asked again.

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

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 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.

Naruto and Hinata were instantly up on his feet, eyes darting around warily to look for their attacker. 'That sword... do you think it's him?' Naruto said telepathically to Hinata. 'I think so, Nami-chan.' Both of them then mentally grinned. 'This is going to be fun.'

Mist settled around them, making the genin tense, except Naruto and Hinata. They could all recognize it as a fake mist, and they knew that it meant their opponent was a Mizu shinobi.

"Hatake Kakashi, the great 'Copy-Cat Shinobi'," a disembodied voice said, sounding muffled because of the still-thickening smoke. Nobody noticed Naruto's and Hinata's wide eyes when the voice spoke, as they were all too preoccupied with finding this mystery person. "It seems working for that shrimp has its benefits, if I finally get to meet the White-Wolf of Konoha in person……" the voice trailed off.

Kakashi stiffened; he hadn't heard that name in years. From the mist, there stood a dark figure. As the figure walked closer, they could see who it is.

"Momochi Zabuza, the Demon of the Mist. I should have known," Kakashi said as he looked at the figure. The group looked up him just as a man with bandages covering his face appeared over the mist. 'Damn, it really is him, Nami-chan!' Hinata said telepathically to Naruto.

'Yeah, I can see that. Should we…' Naruto thoughts cut off. 'Of course we should!' Hinata said telepathically again. Because every eye is focused on the new appeared bandaged man, Naruto can concentrate unknowingly by the others. He tried to open the link between him and Zabuza.

'Oi, bandage-head!' Zabuza a little startled by the new voice in his head. He then looks around the genins in front of him that stayed behind the two jounins. He caught a sight of Hinata and a blonde haired kid with whisker birthmark.

'Hinata-chan and …Minami-chan?' he tried to reply the voice in his head. 'Yeah! We need to talk, like now?' Naruto reply back. 'Uhh… how?' Zabuza asked. 'Pretend to capture us because you think that us is a distraction. The others didn't know that we know you, and we like to keep it that way, thank you,' Hinata said. Because the others are too focused to the newly appeared Zabuza, they didn't notice that Naruto put on his slightest smirk in a second, and Zabuza's gaze that stopped on the blonde and the indigo haired genin.

"I'm grateful that you know my name, Kakashi no Sharingan. I do want our fight to be soon started, however I think those genin there is a distraction to our fight," Zabuza said as he disappeared again in the thick mist. Kurenai and Kakashi looked to the genins, only to find that Naruto and Hinata are 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 missing in the mist, they put all their guard up, and more alert. They then looked at their surroundings, trying to find the bandaged-man.

"SHOW YOURSELF, DAMNIT!" Kurenai shouted. "Show myself? I don't think so." 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 block by the genins.

Meanwhile, 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 baggage or something like that, also with Hinata.

"Alright, brats. Now proof to me that you're really Minami-chan and Hinata-chan," 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 stood in front of them. "So, it's 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 give a signal, and then a figure then leapt off a branch and appeared in front of Minami. "Right here," a guy with 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 return back the smile with her own soft smile.

Minami smiled as pleasant as his, "Yes, it is very good to see you both. Now, may you explain why did you work for Gatou, from all people?" her face turned serious. "Ah, we didn't have much choice, Minami-san." Haku said while still smile pleasantly.

"Don't tell us that you guys broke again," 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.

"Didn't we already told you guys; if you need money, just ask whenever! We have plenty, 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 mission with the other Akatsuki member, we didn't think that way," Haku giggled. Minami and Hinata glared at the bandage-man. "Baka no 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. "I'm sorry, okay? I'll go to Akatsuki, and I'll be doing missions. Well… If there's any room left," 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. "In Akatsuki, we have found three new members. I want both of you to teach them, along with the others. Of course, you only need to train those that you think have the potential. But, that will be later. Tonight, near in the clearing near Tazuna-san house, I want you to meet us again there," Minami explained.

"What about me instead? Zabuza's chakra is too big to hide, while mine is easy to mask. I'll be waiting for you tonight," Haku volunteer. "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 genins all scratched on their skin, panting hardly. Shower of kunai and shuriken is keeping on coming every seconds. The jounins have tried to locate the attacker, but still to no success.

"You know, I'm getting boring on this game. You want to try to face me one on one, White-Wolf of Konoha?" the voice echoed again. The mist then slowly dispersed, showing Zabuza and two unconscious genins inside a bubble-like prison beside him.

"Water Prison," Kakashi muttered. "Yes. You have exactly 20 minutes before the oxygen inside this prison finally gone, leaving both of them unable to breath," Zabuza said in cold tone. Kakashi's eye sharpened.

"One on one, right? 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 sword, pointing it into 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.

The fight then keep going, but Zabuza seemed on top. Kurenai see this, but she have to protect the genins, while the genins protect Tazuna. Kurenai also worried about Naruto and Hinata that in oxygen –crisis. '10 minutes and 30 seconds… 10 minutes and 20 seconds…,' Kurenai and Kakashi mentally counting

Kakashi, knowing his position, he then lifted his forehead protector, revealing his Sharingan. Sasuke that sees this, a little bit shocked. But, he knew he have to pull that thought out and concentrate on the battlefield and Tazuna. Even so, he made a mental note, that if they can manage to pass this, he will ask Kakashi later.

"Ahh, the famous Sharingan. I believe that this is going to be more challenging, isn't it?" Kakashi's eyes narrowed. Kakashi then rushed towards Zabuza again. His main objection is to release Naruto and Hinata from the water prison. He managed to release them in first try, due to his luck, or because Zabuza act stupid.

"Now, we can fight without me worrying about them," Kakashi mutters under his breath. 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 over him, thinking that 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. Kurenai then walk to him. "You too realize that he's not a real Hunter-nin, right?" Kakashi asked. Kurenai nodded. "Well, don't tell the genins yet. We just have to train our student now, so they'll be ready when they showed up again," Kakashi said as he turn back and facing the genins. Kurenai then followed suit.

After have a quick check up on Naruto and Hinata and do some first aid to the wounds they have, they continue onto Tazuna's house, with the same formation as before. When they arrived they were greeted by a woman with long dark hair. Tazuna told them that she is his daughter, Tsunami. "My grandson, Inari, is inside. 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. "Come inside. 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. After they're done, which is Naruto and Hinata that done first, Naruto because he was an eating machines and Hinata because she didn't eat too much, Naruto give Tsunami his opinion about the food.

"This food is great, Tsunami-chan! 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 then blushing madly. She nodded furiously, "I'll take that as a yes. Then, c'mon!" Naruto then darted towards the door, Hinata followed behind.

"Hey, is Hinata having a crush with Naruto?" Kakashi asked curiously. Kurenai and Kiba nodded, "Isn't it already obvious?" Kurenai said, making the rest of Team 7 sweat-dropped at Naruto clueless-ness.

After they feel that they're far enough from the house, they concentrating, trying to locate Haku's chakra. Both of them find it in no time. They then rushed towards the chakra signature.

Naruto release the henge and back to Minami. Haku feels it and smiled. "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.

"Gatou has hired… Nekota Karasu, along with his pupils," Haku said worriedly. "Nekota… Karasu? Member number 10 from Red Sun Organization?" Minami asked. Her eyes widened in fear. Hinata's eyes also widened.

"Yes, Minami-sama. I found out about it when Gatou asked about our progress. Currently, he hired them to finish us when he thought that we failed. His pupils are, if I'm not mistaken, Koharu Shima, Chigaumi Hachiro, and Rikumo Gen. Thankfully, when they saw us, they didn't know that we're one of the Akatsuki," Haku explained.

"But… I thought their main objection now is to capture the Tailed beasts!" Minami asked in exasperation. Haku takes a breath again. "Looks like, unknowingly by himself, Gatou accidentally hired a runaway Jinchuuriki to work for him, but that Jinchuuriki works only for money, not loyalty. From what I've got, this Jinchuuriki is the holder of-" Haku was cut off by Minami. "The Six-tailed Ox!"

"Yes. Looks like Kyuubi-sama can feel him?" Haku said. Minami nodded. "But Minami, if the vessel of the Six-tailed Ox is here, that means…" Hinata can't say anything, so Minami finish it for her. "Obito nii-san and Rin nee-chan will be or already here."

"But, that will be problem if Kakashi see them!" Hinata said. Minami is now in thinking position. "Haku, do you know who is the Ox's vessel?" Minami asked, and Haku nodded.

"Yasashisha Kao, if I'm not mistaken. Taking him into organization is an easy part, since he is not actually loyal to Gatou," Haku answered.

"I'll send one of my wolves to inform Obito and Rin. They should receive it at sunrise," Minami said as she summons one of her wolf, namely Gale. "Look and inform Tobi and Rhein about the situation here, understood?" she ordered. Gale nodded and disappeared in a creamy brown flash.

"Oh, yeah. How's Zabuza? Is he alright?" Hinata asked in realization. "Yeah. Kakashi do hit him pretty bad, the way I see it. It's his idea, but he does not thinking the consequences, doesn't he?" Minami said too.

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, and if I lose, Haku will play his part," Zabuza said his idea.

"Hmm… Actually, that's a great idea! We'll put it into action now!" Minami said as she performs a hand seal and turned into Naruto.

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

Flashback ends

"Don't worry. I already treat him. I'm just going 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, yeah! We should be back now. They'll get suspicious if we gone too long," Hinata said. Minami do a henge and back into Naruto. After say good bye to Haku and wishes Zabuza to get well soon, they back to Tazuna's house.

"By the way Hinata, shouldn't you act to be fainted now?" Naruto said. Hinata sighed and put on her make-up, act asleep and let Naruto carry her bridal style.