AN: In thanks of everyone who reviewed, as well as the fact that I also hate cliffhangers I give to you my version of the end of Wave Arc. Please enjoy sincerely your humble author S.o.t.A.

Disclaimer: I am doing this for fun not profit

Chapter 9: Showdown

Asuma woke up that morning feeling restless. After years as a shinobi he recognized the feeling was his instincts warning him that a battle was approaching. In just a few days the bridge would be done, but instead of bringing a feeling of peace that the mission would end without incident it brought a certainty that the next couple of days would be the most dangerous. What bothered him most was knowing that they almost certainly faced enemy shinobi but after over two weeks of being in the village Hayate and him have yet to catch wind that they were even there.

Heading downstairs and seeing his team already eating breakfast, he joined them at the table and Tsunami put a plate down in front of him. Once he had eaten a little Ino asked, "So what's the plan for today Asuma-sensei, more training?"

"No, you three have sufficiently mastered the tree-climbing exercise," Asuma answered between bites, "from this point on, until the bridge is finished you'll be joining me on the bridge in watching over Tazuna."

Ino then asked tsunami, "Where's Inari?"

"Oh, he'll probably be down to eat after you leave," replied Tsunami.

Although she didn't say it, they all knew that it had to do with how the young boy had exploded at them the night before. Telling them how they were all going to die for standing up to Gato. After the boy had gone upstairs Tazuna had told them about his stepfather and how Gato had murdered him in front of the whole town. Chouji had been the one to say they would just have to show Inari that heroes did exist by getting the bridged finished. Asuma only wished it would be that simple.

After breakfast Tazuna grabbed his gear and just before exiting the house turned to his daughter saying, "Tell Inari… I said goodbye." Ignoring his daughter's sad face at the finality his words implied, Tazuna walked out of the house. Asuma mused while following behind the man that Tazuna felt it as well, that today would be the day his fate was decided.

The walk to the bridge seemed muted, while the birds were still chirping like they did every morning during the walk to the bridge the ominous feeling Asuma had seemed to sap the sharpness from their calls. Making it to the bridge the complete absence of noise was deafening, by now some of the workers should have already arrived and begun construction. While walking to the work site the often present morning fog seemed to thicken the closer they got to it.

Speaking aloud as if to calm himself, "Maybe they are waiting for this fog to disperse it does seem thicker than usual.

A voice then called out behind them, "I'm afraid nobody is going to be showing up to work today, after all we went through a lot of trouble to sedate them last night. Especially in light of the fact only one of you needs to die."

Team Ten quickly took up a defensive position around Tazuna, seconds later from out of the fog several copies of a boy with blonde her dressed in a black flak-jacket and orange pants with his lower face wrapped in bandages attacked them. Team Ten effortlessly repelled the attack only for the bodies to turn into water.

The fog lessened ever so slightly to reveal four shinobi standing behind them cutting off their path of retreat from the bridge. One of them was the boy who had just used the Water Clone jutsu against them; Asuma didn't recognize him from any of the bingo books he had read. The other two were dressed similarly with rebreather masks on that covered their faces. Also, from the occasional glint he caught coming from under the poncho's they wore, they were also equipped with a metal gauntlet on one of their hands. They looked familiar but he couldn't place them, Asuma could only hope that meant they were small fries. The last one though was anything but; the man was wearing a dark blue almost black sleeveless shirt along with matching pants. His lower arms were adorned with light purple arm warmers; also his feet were covered in matching ninja sandals. He wore bandages around his lower face similarly to the blonde boy and wore a Kiri headband tilted to the side. Also strapped to his back was a giant sword. No he recognized the man standing before him was none other than the 'Demon of Mist'.

"Zabuza Momochi," Asuma said, "A-ranked missing-nin from the Hidden Mist Village also known as the Demon of Mist. Carries The Executioners' Blade and is an expert in the Silent Killing Technique. So Gato hired you to murder Tazuna. I assume this fog is your doing?"

Showing two could play that game Zabuza replied, "Asuma Sarutobi, A-ranked jounin of Kohona, primary element is wind which you channel into two trench knives you carry around. Also a former Twelve Ninja Guardian of the Fire Daimyo and currently carries a bounty of twelve million Ryo.

"And no the fog is my apprentices doing," he said indicating the blonde haired boy. "Now if you don't mind answering a question of my own, I take it this is the newest generation of your village's famed Ino Shika Cho team?" Zabuza added enjoying the small grimace that passed across Asuma's face at the realization that Zabuza knew about his teams abilities further giving him the edge.

Continuing Zabuza said, "Look we know the bridge builder lied to you about this mission, nobody would think less of you or your village from backing out under the circumstances. Hand him over and everyone can go home happy."

"I doubt Tazuna's family would be happy about his death," Ino shouted.

Turning his attention to the girl Zabuza said, "It's the way of the world girl. The bridge builder tried to stand up to someone with more power than him; he should have known that he was going to be squashed."

"We aren't turning him over, we'll show his village that there are still such things as heroes," Chouji added.

Laughing Zabuza said, "How wonderfully naïve, I'm sorry to break it to you but this isn't some fantasy tale where the heroes triumph in the end."

Asuma putting on a smile of his own said, "Maybe, put this tale isn't finished just yet."

"You seem to be a little more confident then I would be in your position," Zabuza said with a superior tone, "I hope you aren't banking on Hayate Gekkou who is currently sneaking up behind us to change the odds in your favor."

Hayate seeing no further reason to hide appeared behind Zabuza's group. Asuma said confidently despite Zabuza knowing about his ace in the hole, "Actually I do." Finally recognizing the Demon Brothers he added, "I'm pretty sure two jounin as well as three genin are more than a match for a jounin, with what three chunin backing him up?"

"Do you really think we would have shown ourselves if we weren't confident of success?" Zabuza asked.

"Regardless, you know we won't just hand over Tazuna, so any further posturing is pointless," Asuma replied.

Ino shouted, "You're going to need an army to beat us."

"An army you say, well I just so happen to have one," Looking to the blonde boy Zabuza said, "Show them."

The blonde made a hand-sign that Asuma instantly recognized his eyes widened in shock when the area between his team and Hayate who had remained behind Zabuza's group was filled with copies of the blonde kid.

Ino not grasping the danger said, "Big deal he knows the bunshin jutsu."

However Shikamaru did though as he said, "Ino look at their feet."

Doing as Shikamaru instructed she noticed that as the blondes moved they kicked up dust turning to Asuma she asked, "Their real? But, I didn't see him summoning any water to make more Water Clones."

Asuma answered his earlier confidence draining at the sheer number of clones the kid had made, not even his father in his prime could make that many, "It's the Shadow Clone Jutsu, and it uses chakra to make a physical copy of its user." Then looking pointedly at Zabuza said, "It's also a forbidden jutsu exclusive to the Hidden Leaf Village. However, did you manage to teach that jutsu to the boy?"

Smiling at the perplexed jounin Zabuza said, "You'd be surprised what people are willing to teach you with the proper application of fear. Now I'll give you one last chance, hand over the bridge builder or die."

Not bothering to respond to the threat Asuma said addressing his team, "Guys remain near Tazuna at all times you'll have to handle anyone that make it past me. Hayate will make sure Zabuza is tied up and I'll try to make sure the other three don't make it to you. Hopefully you'll only have to deal with a few clones." To which his team nodded their heads clearly nervous and afraid so he added, "Work together as a team and you'll be just fine."

Zabuza addressed his own team with their instructions, "Gouzu, you and your brother will stay back and harass Asuma while the clones keep him busy. Ronin when you see an opening to get to the bridge builder make your move. I'll deal with the one at our backs" Nodding his head Naruto then increased the fog making them disappear from view.

Gouzu then asked, "Hey where's the other kid?"

Glaring at Gouzu Zabuza said, "Don't worry about that, he has his own job to do."

"I'm such a coward," Inari thought as he chased after the two men who had kidnapped his mother. He had just stood there when the two men had escorted her out of the house. As he ran to catch up he thought back to the night before. After he had blown up at dinner he had snuck outside to sit at his favorite place to watch the stars. A short time later the pineapple haired boy had asked if he could sit there to watch the clouds, while Inari had said no he had sat down anyway.

Finally after a long silence Inari had asked, "Why, won't you guys just give up? Don't you realize it's hopeless?"

The boy had replied, "I'll admit this mission has become a whole lot more troublesome than I ever wanted to deal with in my life. I think I can honestly say it's worth the trouble." He then added, "Your grandfather told us about your dad, he sounded like a really cool guy."

"What does it matter he's dead now, because he tried to stand up to Gato," Inari said while on the verge of tears.

"Your right," pineapple head had said, "but I can easily imagine that the only thing he regretted is leaving you and your mom behind with Gato still in charge. Ultimately though now your grandfather is in the same position, he isn't afraid to risk his life because the chance that he will succeed and make a better future for your mother and you is worth it."

Silence had descended on the pair until the boy said, "Man there just aren't any good clouds to be seen tonight, I'm heading back in." Getting up he had left Inari alone to think.

However, when the two men had come he had just cowered at the sight of them. One of the men had threatened him until his mother said she would kill herself if they touched him. He had just stood there as they left, a few seconds later he began to remember all the things he had admired about his father. Well from that moment on he would live like his father had lived and he would protect the things important to him with his two arms just like his dad, with that in mind he had set off after them.

He had caught up to them on a pier leading up to one of Gato's boats. Inari called out, "Stop, let go of my mom."

The two men turned sniggering while going for their swords, Tsunami screamed, "No, Inari run away."

"I'm not running anymore, it's my turn to protect you, mom," Inari said then charged at the two thugs.

When he got close enough he jumped at them. The two men quickly drew their swords cutting the boy into pieces, but what hit the deck was kindling. Looking between them they noticed that their captive was also gone. Turning to look behind them they saw the blonde-haired boy that worked with Zabuza gently setting the woman on the ground followed by her son.

One of the thugs said, "What the fuck are you doing here, you're supposed to be killing the bridge-builder."

"What's the point I know about Gato's plans to betray us," Naruto said.

"How the hell do you know about that?" the other thug asked.

Smirking Naruto answered, "I didn't you just told me."

Grimacing at being so easily tricked, the thug said, "Well, it only matters if you're alive to tell your friends about it," then hefting their swords that charged at the blonde shinobi.

Naruto quickly drew his own ninjato while meeting the charge of Gato's bodyguards. Tsunami clutched Inari to her while covering his eyes, she then followed suit as she closed her own eyes not wishing to view the coming violence. A few seconds later she heard twin splashes as the dead bodies of the thugs hit the water. Opening her eyes she saw the blonde-boy making his way towards her while sheathing his blade.

"Stay away," she called out. She didn't know why the blonde had saved them but she heard the man say he was one of the people after her father. Inari had managed to get loose from his mother's grip and stood defiantly between her and the ninja.

They were caught off guard as the masked boy said with a kindness that reached his expressive blue-eyes, "Are you both alright?"

Tsunami answered cautiously, "We're both unharmed. But why are you helping us they said you were supposed to kill my father?"

The boy blue-eyes lighted up with what she assumed was the smile that the boy was giving her as he said, "Well they also confirmed our suspicions that Gato is going to betray us, so there's no need to kill your father now." Turning to Inari he said, "That was a real brave thing you did," then ruffling his hair he said, "but you should get stronger before doing anything so reckless again."

Inari said, "I plan to."

Giving another smile that reached his eyes the blonde-boy said, "Good, now I want you to take your mother someplace safe and protect her. Things may get worse before they get better okay."

The boy then disappeared into smoke, so Inari grabbed his mother's hand as he said, "Come on mom, I have to get you home, because then I'm going to go to the bridge and help grandpa," with his resolve set he led his mother home.

Zabuza was having a great time it had been far too long since he had been matched against a swordsmen of Hayate's caliber. Dodging a series of slashes from the Leaf jounin Zabuza said, "Come on is this the best the Leaf has to offer in kenjutsu."

Going on the offensive Zabuza brought his own blade down in an overhead strike that Hayate parried but he was quickly being over powered as Zabuza continued to push down on him. Hayate managed to move from beneath the blade causing Zabuza's sword to continue downward biting into the ground. Hayate then tried to swing at Zabuza's back but he nimbly moved out of the way while easily yanking his blade free.

"Not bad, but your still light-years away from ever being on my level," Zabuza said lifting his blade onto his shoulder.

"Perhaps, but I only need to delay you long enough for Asuma to deal with your friends and then we'll see how smug you are when facing two Leaf jounin," Hayate said.

"Ha, what makes you so sure you're the one doing the delaying," Zabuza said, "my apprentice can be very surprising and if he manages to get past Asuma, he'll be more than a match for those genin you have guarding our target."

"Unfortunately, I have to agree with that assessment, I'll have to end this quickly," Hayate thought but said, "Don't underestimate the Leaf," then charging once more at Zabuza he said, "we'll see if you are able to boast after this, Crescent Moon Dance."

Hayate suddenly split into three and while Zabuza lost track of which was the real one, years of experience told him where the attack would be coming from. Quickly holding his blade in a guard to protect from an attack above him he caught Hayate's downward slash. Then using his incredible strength pushed up with enough force that it sent Hayate flying backwards. He managed to land several feet away after completing a mid-air somersault.

"Now whose is getting full of themselves," Zabuza said, "you're not going to be able to beat me with flashy but weak attacks like that." Then getting louder he added while charging, "Who do you think your fighting, I'm a god-damned member of the Seven Swordsman of Mist. I was taught by the founder of the group a man that fought your Third Hokage and survived. You better take this fight a whole lot more serious than this if you expect to live."

It appeared to Hayate that Zabuza had taken off the kiddy-gloves. As all of the sudden, Zabuza's moves became faster and the blows that Hayate managed to block packed far more strength behind them. Having been forced completely on the defensive it was all Hayate could do just to block the attacks. Locking guards they each fought for a better position before Zabuza surprised Hayate by taking one of his hands off of his sword and punching him in the face. As Hayate reeled back from the blow, Zabuza followed up with a spinning back-slash that had Hayate been a second slower in dodging would of taken his head clean off. However, it did manage to cut away the protective collar on the left side of his flak jacket, which protected his neck from thrown objects such as kunai or shuriken. Zabuza's next attack was a spinning kick to the stomach that sent Hayate crashing into the railing of the bridge. Hayate barely managed to bring his sword up to defend against Zabuza's next slash who then locked guards with him effectively pinning him to the railing; unfortunately since he was held against the railing and disoriented he was unable to properly defend himself when he heard a whistling sound that signaled the pair of senbon that slid into his unprotected neck.

As Hayate's body went limp Zabuza said, "Nicely done Haku."

"Thank You Zabuza," Haku said emerging from the fog.

"Get into position for the next phase of the plan," Zabuza ordered.

Haku nodded his head but before leaving he placed an injector into Zabuza's hand, "This is the sedative I made from the plants I've gathered. It should serve the purpose of removing Asuma as an obstacle." Haku then took off to the place he needed to be in order to perform his next task in Naruto's plan.

After receiving the clone's memories Naruto had to smile at having been right about Gato's intentions for them. While fighting the jounin was exhilarating it also showed him just how far he needed to grow in order to become Hokage. Asuma had been able to easily defend himself from all of his clones while preventing them from moving towards his team. Of course, Naruto hadn't really been attempting to make a break for Tazuna at least not yet. He had to wait for Haku to get into place before that would happen, but he did send one every now and then to make Asuma think that was his goal.

Taking the words from his student mouth Asuma had to admit today was turning out to be a real drag. He had long ago lost count of the number of clones he killed plus every few moments the Demon Brothers who were hiding in the fog would fire the chain weapons located in their gauntlets at him. The only good thing about that was they made a very distinct sound so he knew when they were being fired.

He was starting to breath heavy plus he was beginning to get worried that it had been a few moments since he heard any sword crashes coming from the fog. One of the clones came in with a jumping overhead slash with his blade. Asuma easily side stepped it and bringing his own knife up he tried to slash the clone with a uppercut, the clone managed to jump back but Asuma had channeled his chakra into his blade extending its reach. The end result was while the clone managed to avoid most of the damage it was still cut along its face. The bandages fell away for a split second before the clone dispersed revealing three distinctive marks on the cheek visible to him. Eyes going wide with shock at the realization of just who the blonde-boy was Asuma failed to notice the sudden appearance of Zabuza behind him until the injector was plunged into his neck.

A Naruto seeing Zabuza appearance and realizing they had entered the next phase of his plan then broke away from the pack and dashed through the fog towards Tazuna and the genin defending him. The genin saw him coming with the dark-haired one kneeling while making the hand-sign signaling he was about use the shadow jutsu he possessed. The blonde-girl also was making the unique hand-sign of her family to take over his body once he was caught in the Shadow Paralysis Jutsu of the Nara clan. The big guy he assumed was an Akimichi had taken up a position in front of the pair to defend them while they worked their magic. That was okay, Naruto was prepared to deal with them. Reaching behind him into his pouch he pulled out his flash bomb, jumping into the air as the Nara sent his shadow at him he threw it between them. Just as the shadow was about to make contact the bomb went off removing the shadow below him while blinding the three genin.

With the Nara's concentration broken his jutsu stopped so Naruto upon landing swept the Akimichi off his feet using a low kick. Springing up between the blonde girl and Nara, Naruto did a jumping split-kick that sent them crashing away from him.

Landing, he then ran straight at Tazuna tackling him to the ground while yelling, "Now!"

A solid ice down formed around Naruto and Tazuna using the water from the Water Clones that had first attacked Team Ten. Once the dome went up Chouji who had been the first to recover immediately began pounding on it. However despite all his strength the ice refused to break, Ino soon joined him trying to use a kunai to chip away at the ice but met with similar results.

Shikamaru said, "That's enough you two."

Ino rounded on him yelling, "You can give up but I'm not stopping until I get in there."

Shikamaru said just as heatedly, "It'll do you no good Ino. He's already dead. All we can do now is to be ready for when he comes out." Chouji just ignored his friend as he continued to pound on the dome.

Inside the dome Tazuna was scared out of his mind, but he refused to show it, instead vowing to go out with the same dignity as his son-in-law had shown. He was surprised when the blonde stood up and ignored him as an ice mirror formed in front of him. Once the mirror was fully formed Tazuna saw what looked like another boy with a mask on standing inside of it. The figure then morphed into him and then was pushed through the mirror into the dome. The copy of him looked cold and stiff almost like a corpse. The blonde boy then turned to him and grabbing a hold of Tazuna throwing him into the mirror. For the briefest of moments Tazuna felt a strange sensation of acceleration and then he was underneath the bridge falling towards the water.

Haku who had been standing upside down under the bridge snatched the falling man out of the air, silencing him with a quick chop to the neck. He then threw Tazuna over his shoulder and carried him back to dry land. The jutsu that he had used to teleport Tazuna out of the dome was another result of the creative mind Naruto had when thinking of ways to use his Kekkei Genkai he called it Ice Release: Ice Doorway Jutsu, due to it literally creating a doorway that he as well as others could use. He created it because one time when trapped in Haku's Ice Release: Ice Crystal Mirrors Jutsu, Naruto had asked how Haku was able to enter the mirrors. Haku explained that he entered a pocket dimension while in the mirror. Of course, Naruto had been excited at the idea of another dimension and had demanded that Haku let him into it too. It had taken a lot of trial and error but eventually he could allow others to travel through the dimension giving him access to a powerful space/time jutsu. Unfortunately, it had several drawbacks one was the high energy cost behind it at most Haku could hold a doorway open for an hour before entering a state of chakra exhaustion. The other was while the distant one could traverse may very well be unlimited he had to open a doorway near where he wanted to go first before opening the doorway that would take him there. Thus the jutsu was limited to how far he could travel in an hour and he could only go to the place he had opened the first doorway at or back again.

This had been the first time he had used it in an actual combat situation, he had also created the unfinished Ice clone that he had henged to look like Tazuna. Since his clones all looked stiff and frozen like a corpse, since they were still unable to move on their own, it was the perfect replacement for Tazuna and should hopefully convince Gato they had succeeded. Once he dropped Tazuna off with a clone of Naruto, hiding in the woods near the entrance of the bridge, he would return to the others to see how everything played out.

While Chouji continued to pound on the dome Shikamaru assumed his thinking position while trying to find a way into the dome. Analyzing everything that happened he realized the blonde boy had called out to somebody before the dome had risen. He quickly came to the conclusion that the person had to be under the bridge. About to alert his companions to his finding he was interrupted when Chouji's hand suddenly and effortlessly crashed through the dome.

Shikamaru tried to shout out a warning to back away when Chouji was pulled into the dome. Shikamaru charged in an effort to rescue his friend but was sent the opposite way as Chouji was sent flying out of the dome crashing into him and sending them both into unconsciousness. Ino simply stood there dumbfounded with the ease her teammates had been defeated. Her back to the dome she was unable to defend herself as the blonde-boys arms wrapped around her neck putting her asleep via a choke hold.

Naruto after defeating the trio bound them and brought them over to where Zabuza had moved the bodies of Asuma and Hayate.

The battle completed the fog began to disperse revealing to Gato, who had used a boat to dock on the unfinished side of the bridge, that Zabuza's forces were the victors. The ice dome no longer sustained by chakra and damaged by Naruto's exit finally collapsed revealing the corpse of Tazuna to him. The missing-nin began to make his way closer to the businessman while Naruto took up a position near the captives with the Demon Brothers behind him and surrounded by the remaining clones.

Smiling Gato said, "That's far enough Zabuza." After saying that the armed mercenaries Gato brought with him begin filling out behind him.

"If your offering to help the job's already done," Zabuza said.

While moving towards Tazuna's corpse Gato said, "I'm afraid there has been a change of plans, it seems I no longer need your services so you can feel free to die now."

As soon as he finished his sentence the distinct sound of the Demon Brother gauntlet weapons were heard as the chains wrapped around a stunned Naruto. Gato decided to give Tazuna's corpse a kick for the trouble he caused him. However he was baffled when the body began to crack, eventually breaking apart into ice.

He looked up stunned and asked, "What the devil is this?"

His answer was a senbon needle to the temple which killed him instantly as Haku who had returned said, "This is us turning the tables on our betrayers."

"The Demon Brothers realizing they are in trouble settled on at least killing the boy they knew as Ronin before making their escape. Pulling the chains tight they are shocked when instead of the bloody mess they were expecting they are rewarded with a puff of smoke.

Suddenly behind them they heard, "You didn't think the real me was necessary to handle three rookie genin did you?"

Gouzu instead of retracting the chain disengaged it and then tried to bring his arm around to backhand the boy behind him. Naruto grabbed his arm locking it straight and then brought up his other one slamming it down on his locked elbow breaking it. His screams were quickly silenced when Naruto grabbed him by the back of the head and then spun him around slamming him head first into the metal railing of the bridge.

Meizu also tried to turn and attack Naruto but he made the mistake of thinking that because Haku was far away he wasn't a threat. He soon learned otherwise as Haku hit him with a hail of ice needles. Naruto was surprised that despite looking like a pincushion the younger twin was still breathing.

The thugs despite watching their boss die and the two ninjas, that were supposed to support them, get taken out within a few seconds of each other felt their numbers gave them an advantage. So one of them said, "Hey, you bastards you just killed our meal ticket. But that's okay we'll just take it out of the town up ahead, unless you got a problem with that."

While Zabuza couldn't care less what happened to the town he was royally pissed that these low rent thugs thought they could intimidate him so he said addressing Naruto, "Hey brat, your no killing rule apply to these pieces of trash?"

"I could care less what happens to them," Naruto replied while securing the unconscious Demon Brothers.

The lead thug said, "You think you can take us all on, we out number you fifty to three?"

"Wrong," Zabuza said pulling his sword from behind his back," you out number me fifty to one. They won't need to lift a finger; besides you clowns won't even be a decent workout." With that said Zabuza charged at the shocked mercenaries.

Tazuna was making his way out of the forest. He had awakened while the masked boy carried him into the woods. The boy had explained what was going to happen to him, that his fate depended on what Gato did and that how he owed it to the blonde boy he was even being given that chance. The masked boy had then dropped him off with what he assumed was another copy of the blonde one who had thrown him into the mirror, and then took off, probably returning to the battle.

Finally getting tired of the silence Tazuna had asked why they didn't just kill him. To which the blonde boy answered because he knew he was a good man, however they also had to protect their master's reputation. The only way both could be saved was if Gato attempted to betray Zabuza. So they were going to have to wait and see.

Just when Tazuna couldn't take the waiting anymore, the blonde had turned to him and said he was free to go. For a moment he thought the masked blonde was playing some sort of twisted game with him. It must have showed on his face because a hurt look reached the boys eyes, but then he sighed as if he understood before puffing into smoke. Tazuna of course didn't need any further incentive to make his way out of the woods as he ran back to the bridge.

He had just reached the entrance when he heard, "Grandpa you're okay."

Looking behind him he saw Inari wearing a helmet and holding a crossbow while flanked by all the men of the town. "Inari what are you doing out here?" Tazuna asked.

"We've all come to help protect the village," Inari replied which was followed by similar sentiments of support from the other villagers.

"Well come on then," he said waving for them to follow him.

When they had reached the worksite they had been shocked by what greeted them. The unconscious Leaf shinobi were lying in the middle of the bridge. Tied to the railing were the Demon Brothers clad in nothing but their boxers with a note detailing the proper care and maintenance of them like they were a couple of puppies. The note pretty much said to do what they wanted with them and so long as the chakra repression seals remained on them they should be easy to handle. At the far end of the bridge where the remains of what they had to assume were Gato's men, although how many there where would take some time to figure out due to most of them being cut into pieces. But, what had made most of the villagers believe that Wave had a bright future ahead of it was the strung up body of Gato with a note pinned to it that said simply, 'This is what happens to those who cross the Demon of Mist.' The boat that Gato had docked to the bridge was nowhere to be seen.

Tazuna taking charge said, "What are you all standing around for. Let's get some medical help for these guys," indicating Team Ten, "and find a cage to stick those two into," while pointing to the Demon Brothers. "We still have a lot to do if where going to breathe new life into our home."

On the stolen boat Naruto and the others were basking in the glow of their success. Well Naruto and Haku were Zabuza however was brooding in the wheelhouse. Naruto was sitting in the back of the boat watching the bridge fade into the horizon. Haku noticed that despite winning a great victory and achieving all his objectives Naruto seemed rather reserved. Haku approached Naruto handing him a canteen filled with water.

After Naruto had a drink Haku said, "You must be pleased that your plan was a success."

"Yeah, "Naruto answered but without his usual exuberance.

"Then why aren't you bouncing off the walls in joy if I might ask?"

Sighing Naruto said, "I guess I'm afraid that I may have damaged my chances of returning to the Konoha one day. I doubt I made any friends back there, if you know what I mean."

"I wouldn't worry about that if I were you," Haku said. "I made sure Tazuna knew that it was only due to you that he was given the chance to live. I'm sure Tazuna will relay that message to the Leaf Shinobi and that they'll realize that they owe their own survival to you as well."

His happiness quickly rising at Haku's statement, Naruto said, "You're right Haku. I guess I am worrying over nothing, besides when I return to the Konoha I'll be so strong they'll practically beg me to return."

Zabuza coming down from the wheelhouse said, "What a waste of time that was."

"Aw, come on you can't tell us it doesn't feel good to have helped the people of Wave like that," Naruto said.

"Unless they are going to send us a check for our services, I can honestly say I don't feel good about it," Zabuza said. "Doing good deeds for free isn't going to help me fulfill my dreams now are they? But, do you know what would, cash and lots of it."

"Well then it's a good thing my plan has a means for you to get your hands on a large sum of cash then," Naruto said smugly.

"What, you didn't say anything about that when you explained it to me," Zabuza said his voice tinged with doubt.

"That's because I wanted you to do it for the right reasons, and while you can claim you don't feel good about helping them, I know it's a lie," Naruto said confidently, "Otherwise you would never have gone along with it."

"Whatever brat," Zabuza said trying to turn the subject, "now about my big payday."

"Well first we'll need to head towards Gato's headquarters, and then leave everything to me," Naruto said with a smirk.

Asuma and Team Ten where leaving Tazuna's village using the newly constructed bridge. It had been several days since the battle. Hayate would need a few more days to recover from the senbon attack he suffered, but once he was back on his feet he would follow and bring the Demon Brothers back to Kohona for interrogation.

The bridge had been officially finished that morning and later there was going to be a large celebration. However despite Ino's protests Asuma had said they needed to return so they wouldn't be able to attend. Asuma was in a hurry to get back to Kohona to report his spotting of Naruto. He couldn't trust the news to a courier or messenger hawk too many eyes would see it that way.

The town's people had all gathered to wish them farewell. Before his team had left Tazuna had discreetly asked him if he knew the name of the boy that had convinced Zabuza to spare their lives. He told him he did but he couldn't reveal it just yet, however when Tazuna told him he wanted to name the bridge after him he relented. But, he asked him not to call it by that name until Tazuna received the okay from him or the Hokage otherwise he would be putting the boy at risk.

Tazuna and the rest of the villagers had just finished watching Team Ten be the first people to cross the newly finished bridge when one of the villagers asked, "Well Tazuna what are we going to call the bridge now that it is completed?"

Thinking a moment Tazuna finally said, "Well until I can reveal its true name we'll call it 'The Three Demon Bridge' in honor of the three people who fought like demons and rid this land of Gato."