An: Thank you for all the reviews. They really motivate me to keep going even with my hectic schedule. So again thank you, your humble author S. o. t. A.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and I'm doing this for fun not profit

Chapter 33: Demon vs. Thunder

The sun was set to rise in a few minutes, so Team Zabuza was already in the process of carrying out the plan that Zabuza had laid out for them. The reason Zabuza had planned to attack Raiga at sunrise was because it was one of the shift changes for the mine. Since Raiga had divided the town into two workgroups if they attacked at the right point they could in effect separate the town's people from Raiga and his thugs. That point was the entrance to the mine. According to the man they rescued the civilians who were going into the mine would all be gathered in front of it and then those in it would be allowed to leave. The whole process was watched over by Raiga's henchmen.

The most dangerous point of the procession to the mine was when they passed through a narrow ravine that led straight to it. Atop the ravine sat six guards armed with crossbows to make sure the people didn't try and make a break for it. They had been easy pickings for Tenten who had hit them all in either the eye if they had been facing her or in the back of the head if they hadn't. One of the guards had almost fallen into the ravine but luckily Lee had pulled the corpse back before it could alert the guards below.

As the lead guard for the day shift reached the mine he called out, "Alright, next shift is here get your asses in gear and get those weaklings out here." When nobody responded the guard said, "Hey come on we ain't got all day."

However the only sound they heard was a metal on metal scrapping sound that they could see as sparks came off of the metal tracks in the darkness of the mine from where Zabuza was dragging his blade across them. The guards began to get nervous which turned into pure terror when Zabuza emerged from the mine saying, "I'm afraid you'll have to call out a lot louder than that if you want your friends to hear you on the account of them catching a bad case of being dead."

One of the guards tried to make a break for the town but didn't make it twenty feet before a kunai caught him in the temple. Dead before he hit the ground his corpse skidded several feet before stopping. In his most menacing voice Zabuza said, "It seems to be a pandemic that is spreading."

The lead guard grabbed one of the civilians a young woman and panicking said, "I'll kill her unless you surrender."

Picking his blade up and placing it on his shoulder Zabuza said, "She's the only thing keeping you alive, so how about you surrender. If not, kill her. Then I'll kill you, either way you end up dead."

Looking around the guard realized that his men were already throwing their weapons down. Pushing the girl away he followed suit so Zabuza said, "Haku tie these clowns up, but keep the leader separate. I'll want to speak to him."

While Haku set about his task he waved Tenten and Lee down from the top of the ravine. When they approached Zabuza said, "Nicely done, with the kunai Tenten. You know what your next task is right?"

Tenten nodded her head saying, "Lee and I are to take the house where the Kurosaki Family is holding the elderly and those too young to work the mine and to escort them out of the village."

"Exactly, now go get into position. We'll let you know when to start," Zabuza said causing the girl to collect Lee and head back to town. Walking up to the bound leader Zabuza crouched in front of the sitting man and placing his sword over his shoulder informed him, "You made the right choice in surrendering. So I won't kill you, however unless you answer my questions you are going to be noticeably shorter since I'll start cutting you down to size. So what's it going to be?"

The man talked of course and by the time he was done spilling his guts Zabuza knew how many of Raiga's men were still inside the town as well as inside the building he had left to Tenten and Lee. But what interested him most was the information about Raiga's little helper. As he suspected he was the one that helped Raiga see in the fog during their last battle. He also learned the kid was sickly and that Raiga carted him around everywhere. But his anger at Raiga intensified when the guard he interrogated made a joke about how Raiga was using him seeing as the disease the boy was suffering from was easily curable. After learning everything he wanted Zabuza punched him in the face for his sense of humor and informed the townspeople to find a place to hide.

Walking up to Haku he said, "You ready Haku. I'm going to need your help to pull this off."

Looking up and nodding grimly Haku said, "Of course Zabuza. You needn't have bothered asking."

"Then let's go pay my old colleague a visit."

Tenten was nervous as Zabuza sent a shadow clone to tell them what numbers to expect in the house they were supposed to hit. It wasn't nerves in that she was afraid she would screw up but more in the line of the unknown most shinobi using the Button Hook method of entering a building always encountered. Such as, would most of the defenders be located in the area they were raiding or would they be spread out throughout the house resulting in a room by room search that would be far more dangerous.

Swallowing tensely she nodded towards Lee who along with her slide up to the front door of the two story building. A quick peak in one of the two windows located in the front showed six of the guards in the living room doing a wide variety of activities, except watching for the enemy. Confident most of the enemy was located in the living room as that was what Zabuza's information had told them to expect she pulled out a flash bomb. Getting a grip on her single hook sword, since Zabuza told her before she learned to wield two at once she needed to master using one a time, she prepped her flash bomb as Lee prepared to kick the door in. Throwing the flash bomb through the window, Lee waited until it went off before kicking the door in.

The pair made quick work of most of the stunned enemies except one had been alert enough to cover his eyes. The large man closed with Tenten, the metal claw he was wearing on his left hand held in front of him menacingly. The man took a couple swipes at the kunoichi, but she skillfully dodged it applying many of the lessons that Zabuza had been teaching her. After learning his pattern she waited for it to repeat before lashing out with her blade taking his clawed hand off at the wrist. The man fell to his knees clutching his stump and was sent into unconsciousness via a kick to the head delivered by Tenten.

Tenten looked outside and saw that several guards that had been in other buildings were making their way outside due to the ruckus they had made. Leaving Lee in the living room to deal with any enemies that made their way towards them, she began to conduct a room by room search. The first floor held two more guards that she made quick work of before heading up stairs. Finding the rooms up there were mostly occupied by children or seniors she told them to stay where they were until she returned. The last room held a guard holding a middle aged pregnant woman around her throat with his knife held out in front of him as if to keep her away. The man didn't even get time to tell her to back off before he found a kunai imbedded in his forehead. Telling the woman to stay where she was Tenten could hear the sounds of battle coming from the first floor so left to help her boyfriend hold them off. However it proved unnecessary as by the time she reached the first floor most of the reinforcements were unconscious with the last one being pummeled by Lee's nunchucks.

His opponent was sent flying by Lee's last blow so stopping his weapons twirling stood straight prompting Tenten to say, "Nicely done Lee."

"Thank you Tenten," Lee said giving her a bright smile in a decent imitation of their sensei, "Your own prowess in battle was truly amazing."

Walking up to him she kissed him before pulling back saying, "You say the sweetest things."

Blushing the genin seemed to blank at the display of affection causing Tenten to smile. When Lee finally rejoined the world he asked, "Should we now go render assistance to Zabuza and Haku?"

"No," Tenten replied, "I get the feeling Zabuza wants their rematch to be just between the four of them."

Agreeing Lee said, "I suppose you are right. Also the safety of the villagers should be our first priority."

Although they were certain that they had dealt with all of the thugs in the village both genin made the house as defensible as they could. By the time they were done they noticed a thick fog rolling into the village.

Raiga had long since stopped going down to the mine feeling that he no longer needed to intimidate the populace of the village into doing as he commanded. He regretted it when an explosion went off in the village and Ranmaru told him, "Zabuza is coming from the direction of the mines."

Cursing Raiga had the weak boy get into his harness, and then after fastening it to himself put his cloak over them. Stepping out of the house he said, "I thought you would have learned your lesson Zabuza. Without the advantage of the Silent Killing Technique you can't beat me."

"You've become quite delusional since we last faced each other in Kiri," Zabuza said. "The way I remember it you were just a two-bit swordsman. The only reason you were include in the swordsmen was to be a watchdog for Yagura. You never entered the Hall of Swords, and those Dragon Fangs of yours were never given the choice of allowing you to wield them."

Pointing his sword at Raiga the Demon of Mist added, "What's more you were never able to beat me in a spar."

"I was never allowed to use my full ability in those spars," Raiga countered getting agitated.

"Again, they aren't your abilities, but those stolen from those blades you wield," Zabuza said placing his sword back on his shoulder. "Just like the abilities of that boy you have strapped to your back."

"He knows about me Raiga," Ranmaru said slightly frightened the edge he gave Raiga was known to their enemy.

"Since he is coming from the mine he must have freed the villagers. One of the men must have told him." Then more to calm himself then the boy strapped to his back said, "Knowing and countering are two different things however."

Zabuza was tired of waiting and decided to get started by charging at Raiga holding his blade behind him as he ran. Jumping into the air he brought it over his head in a downward strike that Raiga blocked by crossing his blades in front of him. However, Raiga almost dropped to his knee forgetting the power that Zabuza had behind his blows. Lashing out with a kick that knocked Raiga back Zabuza spun around bringing his sword in a large downward swing.

Barely avoiding the attack and not wanting to cross blades against Zabuza again, Raiga tried to jump away in order to use some of his lightning attacks. Zabuza refused to allow that, keeping up with the man easily. Raiga managed to block a swing that would have bisected him in half, had it connected, but was forced back by the power behind it.

Taunting the cloaked man Zabuza said, "Just like old times. Except this time there's no Heishiro-sensei to stop me from taking your head like I should have done."

Breathing hard Raiga said, "It always bothered you and that old fool that I was given these swords while you received that over-grown cleaver from the Hall of Swords. Face it. That sword you carry is as worthless as you are, it doesn't even have any abilities."

Mockingly Zabuza said, "Of course it does. Every sword that was placed in that sacred building has some ability. That's why only the chosen are allowed in it."

"Then why have I never seen you use it?"

"For the same reason Heishiro-sensei refused to allow you to use yours when we spared," Zabuza said disgusted with his fellow swordsman, "and that is because you begin to rely on it. Despite being unworthy sensei tried to teach you that. Look at you. Breathing hard, on the defensive almost from the very beginning, you're a poor excuse for a shinobi let alone a Swordsman of the Hidden Mist Village."

Suddenly a fog began to form in the area causing Raiga to say, "Good thinking Ranmaru." Then taunting Zabuza said, "I'm afraid I have to disagree with you on that Zabuza. It's almost fitting that you should die by your favorite technique."

"I wouldn't celebrate my death just yet Raiga," Zabuza said, "But as to our differing opinions we'll settle this using the old Academy rules."

"And those would be?"

Laughing menacingly Zabuza said in a voice that sent chills down his opponents spin, "Simple, the first one to die is wrong and I haven't been wrong yet."

Shivering slightly having heard Zabuza's taunt Haku thought, "I'm glad I'm not Raiga right now." Entering one of the houses Haku turned on all the faucets in the house and began making Water Clones.

Outside Zabuza avoided a blast from Raiga who called out, "Not so mouthy now are you Zabuza."

Keeping his wits about him Zabuza thought, "Maybe riling him up first wasn't such a good idea. Despite all that talk those swords abilities are impressive." However he called out, "Sort of proving my point though aren't you Raiga."

Zabuza could hear the outrage as Raiga called out his jutsu sending another ball of lightning at him. Smiling to himself despite the danger of the situation Zabuza could almost hear his sensei admonishing Raiga for losing his cool in battle. Thinking about his sensei confident that he could see the buildup of lightning in the mist as Raiga prepared his attacks he remembered the first time he met the man.

After slaughtering all of the graduation class he faced. Nobody would take on such a child on as a genin. Heishiro had been angered that Zabuza was ostracized by the very society that demanded him to become a killer in order to succeed and then hated him for doing it so well. Back then the potential sensei would pick their teams from the survivors of the Great Melee as they called the graduation ceremony.

After all the sensei had picked, Heishiro had asked why nobody had taken Zabuza. Hearing the various spineless replies Heishiro had jumped into the arena and said, "You cowards don't think you can control this boy that fights like a demon. Fine, I'll turn him into a true swordsman."

One of the sensei had said it was more than likely that Zabuza would end up turning on him to which the man had replied, "Well if he does succeed in killing me. At least I'll know he was good enough to do it and that I did my job as his teacher."

There had been various times where Zabuza did indeed want to kill the old man, the very first day having been one of the most colorful. Heishiro had given him a Bokken and while holding one of his own watched as he went through the various kata he had expected him to learn. Every time he had messed up his teacher would hit him on the head until finally Zabuza had snapped saying, "I'll kill you one day old man."

Heishiro had laughed heartily and replied, "Well on the day you succeed then I'll know I have nothing left to teach you."

Needless to say over time the desire to kill the old buzzard had lessened. Instead, it was replaced by admiration for the old man that placed so much energy into turning him into a true shinobi. In time Heishiro had become more of a father to him then the real thing had been. The only time Zabuza had ever seen the old man about to cry had been when he had left the Hall of Swords after joining the Seven Swordsmen of Mist. As he came out holding the Executioner's Blade his sensei had said, "I always knew that sword was made for you boy."

Zabuza to be honest had been disappointed, but hearing his sensei was pleased he decided it was good enough. Eventually Heishiro had shown him what made the blade special, but he had never needed to use it. Especially because of one of his teachers many pieces advice, "Just because your sword has a special ability. Don't begin to rely on it in order to best your fellow swordsmen. Shinobi that begin to rely on their special abilities open themselves to being defeated if they become dependent on them." Following the old man's advice he had never used it in battle not that he could in most cases.

Opponents like Raiga were exactly the reason his sensei believed as such. While Raiga's abilities were impressive by relying on them to the extent that he did he exposed all his weaknesses. Zabuza allowed his memories of the past to fade due to Raiga getting frustrated that he had yet to connect with him so was changing his attack.

Raiga realized that Zabuza was still too adept at the Silent Killing Technique for his slow moving Lightning Ball Jutsu to connect so tried to use his Banquet of Lightning technique where he stabbed the tips of his swords in the ground and cover the ground in lightning. However, Zabuza had an idea of the range limitations of the jutsu so quickly retreated. When Ranmaru told him the attack missed he pulled his blades free and taunted, "Why don't you show me this ability of your blade Zabuza. It might be the only thing that saves you."

"Nah then this fight would be over too quickly."

"You're all talk. If you are so superior to me then why haven't you attacked me since the mist formed," Raiga shouted.

"Because you have a kid strapped to you," Zabuza thought but said, "I just wanted to buy some time."

Raiga was about to ask for what but received his answer when Ranmaru said, "We're surrounded by clones of Zabuza's associate."

Instead of closing with Raiga though the Water Clones Haku made took up a ring pattern around the swordsmen. Some clones then stepped forward while others stepped back until they were staggered forming several layers around the pair. The clones then turned into Ice Mirrors.

When Ranmaru informed Raiga of that he laughingly said, "Do you honestly think these mirrors will save you? Ranmaru can still see you, you fool." To prove his point Raiga targeted the mirror Zabuza was hiding behind and let loose a massive Lightning Ball. However, when it hit nothing happened.

Raiga was confused so Zabuza informed him, "You never listened to Heishiro-sensei and learned the principles behind the element you use. Water doesn't conduct electricity. It is the minerals and the other impurities contained in it that allows electricity to flow through it."

"Where did you get this much pure water then?" Raiga asked.

"It isn't. There is another way to prevent water from conducting and that is to freeze it until absolute zero," Zabuza said enjoying the slight panic he heard.

"Is this your blades ability?"

Laughing slightly Zabuza said, "No, there is only one opponent I'm going to use that against. You can thank my partner for the ice. Perhaps you recognize the Kekkei Genkai? I'm sure you may have hunted down some of his clan while working for Yagura."

"What does he mean Raiga?" Ranmaru asked.

"Don't listen to him Ranmaru," Raiga quickly said.

"So you never told him about how you used to be one of the Mizukage's elite death squad whose job it was to hunt down and kill people with Kekkei Genkai," Zabuza said, "Why am I not surprise."

"Ranmaru, not wanting to believe what Zabuza claimed, said, "Raiga saved me from starving to death."

"Sure he did kid," Zabuza replied, "He saw a means to an end in you. How often does one come across a sickly kid with abilities like yours? But what was he doing in your village?"

"Don't listen to him Ranmaru," Raiga shouted firing another blast that harmlessly hit an ice mirror.

Zabuza continued his speech saying, "Let me see if I can guess your story kid. You found yourself alone not sure what happened to one of your loved ones. Maybe your mother went out one day and never returned or your father. You probably lived at the edge of your town, if you even lived in one and then one day you revealed that ability of yours. The next thing you know the towns being attacked."

"How…"

"How do I know that?" Zabuza said when the boy trailed off, "Because it's a story I've heard countless times. That bastard you are helping has burned countless villages for harboring people suspected of possessing blood abilities. Even if the villagers didn't know. Not to mention the people that possessed them. For all you know he may have been the one that killed your loved ones."

"Is that true Raiga?"

"What does it matter Ranmaru? We are alike. I've carried you acting as your legs as you've been my eyes," Raiga replied.

"Yeah about that kid," Zabuza said, "That disease you are suffering from could have been easily corrected if he had ever bothered to take you to a proper doctor. But then he'd lose access to that ability of yours."

Ranmaru didn't want to believe Zabuza but he couldn't detect any lies in what he said. Furthermore, he could feel Raiga's heart speeding up as more and more of his lies were exposed. Feeling betrayed by the first person to ever recognize him. His eyes began to turn red as he used his ability to project an illusion on Raiga.

The swordsman knew instantly he had lost the battle for Ranmaru's trust when the mist was replaced by a complete and total darkness. He could feel the boy on his back struggling with the harness and was about to bring his blade behind him to cut the boy down when he felt the harness give way. He was confident he could still kill Ranmaru and thus dispel the genjutsu he was under by using an area attack so raising his blades in the air summoned a bolt a lightning that struck him and covered the immediate area in lightning. However he was surprised when the illusion didn't dispel.

Haku had heard the boy hit the ground and immediately moved to rescue him. He had just missed being hit by the attack which caused Ranmaru to ask, "Why did you save me?"

"It was always part of Zabuza's plan to save you when he realized you were being used," Haku said in a gentle voice surprised at just how light the boy was. Returning to Zabuza's side the swordsman said, "Well done Haku."

Zabuza could hear Raiga shouting at Ranmaru to drop the illusion so said, "Do as he said kid."

"But you could easily defeat him since he can't see you at the moment," Ranmaru said confused.

"I can easily defeat him without the illusion," Zabuza replied, "No offense kid, but I've looked forward to killing this bastard for a long time. And when I do it, I don't want the credit going to some brat."

"As you wish," Ranmaru said his eyes glowing for a moment. When they stopped they could hear Raiga had stopped flailing about.

Grinning beneath his wraps Zabuza said, "Good, now take the kid someplace safe Haku. You aren't going to want to be around for this next part."

"Yes Zabuza," Haku said leaving the two swordsmen.

Without Ranmaru, Raiga allowed the fog to disperse and wasn't too surprised to find Zabuza standing in front of him. Trying to recover some his lost nerve now that his biggest advantage was gone he said, "You should have killed me when you had the chance."

"Oh there will be plenty of time for killing you, but first there are some questions I want answered. Namely are you working for Yagura, is he a part of Akatsuki? You seemed to imply you are still in favor with him."

"I'm not telling you anything," Raiga sneered.

"Oh you'll talk Raiga," Zabuza replied dangerously before running at Raiga with blade held behind him.

Raiga fired another Lightning Ball at him but Zabuza easily dodged it. Once in range Zabuza swung his sword in an upward arc which Raiga side stepped and lashed out with one of his own blades. Zabuza avoided it and turned the edge of his blade downwards and with one hand brought it down towards Raiga's skull. Raiga blocked the blow with the sword in his right hand and again was surprised at how much power Zabuza packed even holding his blade one-handed. He lurched backwards as a result of a jab to the throat by Zabuza's free hand.

While he tried to ease his bruised throat he failed to notice that once again the fog began to roll in. Getting his wits about him he finally noticed his predicament when Zabuza said, "Eight Spots. Heart, Kidneys, Liver, Lungs, Spine, Clavicle Vein, Jugular Vein, Brain. Now which one should I go after?"

Alone in the fog, Raiga felt pure terror as he remembered all the times Zabuza had bested him during training with the technique. Except this time there would be no Heishiro to call him off. He was just about to run for it, when he felt the excruciating pain of his kidney being punctured by a kunai. Zabuza grabbed him by the throat from behind as he dug the knife in deeper saying, "Now we both know you are already dead. But it can be the longest ten minutes of your life or the shortest if you tell me what I want to know."

Having lost his grip on his blades due to the pain, and knowing that Zabuza was perfectly capable of fulfilling his threat, Raiga said, "Yagura has had me posing as a missing-nin to perform his black bag operations. I don't know what his connections are to Akatsuki, but I do know that the noble Kisame killed. The one that earned him his missing-nin status, he did on orders from Yagura. He may still be working for him too."

Digging the kunai around in the wound Zabuza said, "That's all you know."

"I swear," Raiga said, "I never asked for any of the details. I didn't know what happened to Kisame after he left Kirigakure until he showed up here to collect the gold."

Letting his grip loosen around Raiga's throat Zabuza said, "I believe you," then in a smooth motion pulled the Executioner's Blade from his back and cut off Raiga's head.

After shaking the blood off his sword he placed it on his back. Zabuza felt a sense of satisfaction at the death of his old colleague as he had always seen Raiga being placed on the Swordsmen as the beginning of the end. Many of the more unsavory rumors associated to the Swordsmen could be laid at Raiga's feet.

Sealing the head in a scroll to bring back as proof of the kill, and loving the idea that Yagura would have to pay Konoha the money as a result of Raiga's cover story, he picked up the headless body as well as the Dragon Fangs taking them to a funeral pyre he had prepared earlier. While he knew Konoha was now his home and it would probably love to examine the body. He was still too much of a Kirigakure Shinobi at heart to allow that to happen.

It was the smoke the fire gave off that alerted the rest of his team plus Ranmaru to his whereabouts. The three shinobi landed behind him as Zabuza watched the fire consume the remains. Haku stepped up saying, "The townspeople send their thanks for freeing them."

Zabuza merely grunted not all the interested in the townies gratitude. They settled into silence until the fire had done its job. After he smashed the bones that remained into the ashes he turned to his team and noticed Tenten eyeing the swords he had picked up. Meeting his gaze she said awed by the weapons, "Can I hold them."

Recognizing the girl had the heart of a swordsman even if she had the dubious distinction of being born a Leaf Shinobi, he said, "I may be willing to allow you to do more than that depending on how you answer this question. Would you allow the swords to choose you?"

"I don't understand."

"What do you know about how the swordsmen are selected?" Zabuza asked.

"Aren't they selected by the Mizukage?"

"No," Zabuza growled, "When a swordsman dies, worthy candidates are selected for the right to enter the Hall of Swords. It is a building protected by a powerful barrier placed on it by the First Mizukage. Inside are swords collected from some of the finest blacksmiths in the Land of Water's history. Many blacksmith strive their whole lives hoping to create a sword worthy of inclusion into that building. However most fail."

Tenten nodded her head having always admired any group dedicated to the pursuit of mastering weapons and therefore listened intently. "I heard blacksmithing is a sacred art in Kiri," she said while Zabuza paused.

"Your damn right it is," Zabuza said pleased the girl was interested in Kiri's culture. The truth was he had at one time tried to train both Naruto and Haku into Swordsmen. While Naruto did learn to use his ninjato he loved ninjutsu far too much to concentrate on kenjutsu to the extent required. While, Haku simply didn't have the heart for it, but this Tenten definitely had what it took. Perhaps in time he would start the Swordsmen in the Leaf and in order to do that he would need a disciple so with that in mind he said, "The reason for it being such a prized skill is because in order to create a true masterpiece it requires the time and love of the crafter. As a result it is the belief that the barrier that prevents just anyone from entering the Hall of Swords is tied to the will of the swords it houses."

"The Will of Swords," Tenten said wondering if it was anything like the Will of Fire.

Holding the Dragon Fangs in front of him he said, "My sensei used to tell me that anything brought into this world with as much passion that goes into honing a perfect blade has to have a will of its own. He also believed that it isn't the man that chooses the sword but the sword that chooses the man. Your own Second Hokage's Sword of the Thunder God for example is the perfect example. How do such swords find their way to owners that will use them to such devastating effect? These swords had their will subverted though having been denied their place in the Hall of Swords when Raiga proved unworthy of entering."

"Then how would I know if they choose me?" Tenten asked.

"There is a jutsu known only to the Seven Swordsmen that will allow the swords to choose its next wielder. However, if they feel you are unworthy they may claim your life."

Tenten thought for a moment before looking at Lee who remained silent. Turning back to Zabuza she said, "Do it."

Zabuza spun around and buried the points of the swords into the earth and then made dozens of hand signs. As he did so the two blades began to glow. When he stopped the blades glow faded so he said, "Now it's up to what they decide."

"Wish me luck," Tenten said to an obvious nervous Lee.

However giving his nice guy pose her boyfriend said, "You do not need luck Tenten. I am sure the blades will recognize the many youthful qualities you posses."

Blushing at his praise she stepped up to the two swords and took a deep breath before grabbing the hilts. As she grabbed them, a giant bolt of lightning hit where she was standing blinding all those watching. Lee tried to blindly charge in but was held up by Zabuza. He only calmed when Tenten said, "I'm fine Lee."

As soon as the spots cleared from his vision Lee ran up giving the girl a bone crushing hug. Smiling despite the fact she could barely breath she said, "It's alright. I guess the swords just have an over dramatic sense of checking those they feel are worthy."

Getting a hold of himself, Lee said, "Yes of course, I never doubted you would pass their test for a second, although the lightning was a bit much."

"In any case here," Zabuza said tossing another branch to Tenten.

"But the swords choose me," Tenten said slightly disappointed.

"Doesn't mean I feel you are ready yet," Zabuza said turning his back to the grumbling girl who had taken out a kunai and begun to whittle it down.

Zabuza walked up to Ranmaru who asked, "What's going to happen to me now, sir?"

"That is up to you," the Swordsman said. "You can return with us to the Leaf village if you want. Or I know some people that could really use that ability of yours."

"For what purpose?"

"To help take our home country back from the bastard who is ruining it," Zabuza stated, "but I won't force you. In either case, we'll take you to a doctor to cure your sickness."

"Should we not first return to Konoha to report our success to the Hokage?" Lee asked.

"I'll send a messenger bird to report," Zabuza replied, "it'll give Ranmaru more time to decide what he wishes to do with his life."

Lee accepted Zabuza's reasoning so Team Zabuza began heading towards the town's doctor to get Ranmaru's condition treated. Although he didn't show it, Zabuza was secretly worried about Yagura's ties to Akatsuki and what it could mean to Mei's rebellion.

Hinata woke up at dawn to get ready to head to the Hyuuga Compound for training with her family. Having been living with Sakura for the past couple of week she had come to love the freedom it provided her. While she had been happy at home it could be somewhat oppressive since she was always being watched it felt like sometimes. Either it was the Branch Family who initially had looked at her with very little respect, although that had recently changed, or by the Main Family who had their own ideals that she was supposed to match. As she prepared for the day she remembered how asking her father for the right to move out had gone.

As morning training had come to an end she had nervously approached her father. Poking her fingers together she had asked, "Father, may I make a request?"

"Certainly my Daughter."

"I was wondering if it would be possible for me to move out of the compound and into an apartment with Sakura," Hinata asked shyly. Hinata noticed that her sister looked upset by her request which surprised her, while her cousin Neji seemed to be watching the whole exchange impassively.

Her father merely asked, "Are you in some way upset at me or the clan?"

"No father, not at all," she quickly replied, "It's just Sakura has recently moved out of her mother's and she has asked me to move in with her. I think I would like to see what it would be like to live on my own for a while without the resources of the Hyuuga to support me."

"I see so this is a sort of exercise then?"

Realizing her father was helping her along since she was certain many of the Main Branch families would get upset at her leaving the compound she said, "Yes that is it exactly. It would allow me to get a better understanding of the skills required to be in charge of one's own finance. Such as living on a budget and doing my own cooking and cleaning."

Unable to resist teasing her slightly Hiashi said, "I never needed to move out on my own in order to learn such things."

Hoping she didn't just insult her father she said, "I meant no…"

Laughing he said, "I'm joking, my daughter. Your idea has merit, so may I ask where it is you will be moving?"

Rattling off the address quickly, she was slightly mortified when her Father said, "I believe that is the apartment building Naruto lives in correct. Your choice of residence doesn't pertain to potential neighbors does it?"

Blushing she didn't answer so Hiashi said, "You have my permission, even if I'm certain to hear about it from Hideki and his ilk."

Hinata had been unable to contain her joy and quickly hugged her father before spinning her sister around. Noticing her sister's pout she had told her she was free to come over whenever she wanted. A few moments later Sakura had shown up with the keys to their new apartment. Moving in had been a fun experience especially since her father had insisted on giving her money to furnish it. Going on a shopping spree for furniture with Sakura and Hanabi had been enjoyable as they had tried out all sorts of furniture.

The first night though, had been not all together pleasant, as Hinata had almost been convinced that it was all an elaborate ruse for Sakura to poison her after eating her cooking. It was only the disappointed look on her face and the way she kept looking through the recipe that convinced her Sakura was just a bad cook. In the end Hinata agreed to give her cooking lessons and in return Sakura taught her some of the first aid medical jutsus she had learned so far. All in all, living away from the compound, without all the added pressures that her station forced on her, was a great experience.

Ready to face the day she stepped into the hallway almost bumping into Zabuza who seeing her said, "Great they're multiplying. What are you doing her girl; you know the boy isn't here don't you? Don't tell me you're spying on the pink-haired one."

"Um, we are actually living together now in this apartment," Hinata replied.

"I get it, keep your friends close and your enemies closer," Zabuza said amused, "Must be tough when she's both rolled up into one. Well if you decide to settle your rivalry through violence, just do it quietly."

Hinata assured him that it wouldn't come to that before leaving. He was just about to enter his apartment to get some sleep having had his team travel throughout the night after keeping them away from Konoha for the past couple of weeks, when the apartment door to Haku's girlfriend opened. Spotting the girl as well as a red head leaving he arched an eyebrow saying, "Who the hell is she?"

The red-head glared at him replying, "What fucking business is it of yours?"

"Just want to know why it is that I leave for a mission and all the sudden this apartment building turns into a women's dorm," Zabuza replied. "You don't happen to have a thing for the boy in the apartment across from yours do you?"

Before Tayuya could respond Kin quickly said, "No, she doesn't and she isn't going get one." Her demeanor softened as she said, "Is Haku back?"

"Yeah, he's probably already asleep though. I'm sure he'll be up and about later."

Zabuza then entered his apartment only to find that sleep would have to wait when he spotted a familiar silhouette in the darkened room.

Dosu was sitting in one of the mess halls when Ao came and got him. Following the hunter-nin Dosu asked, "What's up, I thought you were on a mission with Mei."

"Not really a mission. More of seeing what a close associate of Mei's wanted," Ao responded.

"So where is she?"

"Let's just say that she wanted to meet him in a more private setting so traveled to where he lives while I met with him," Ao answered slightly embarrassed about the subject matter.

"I see," Dosu said, "So I take it I'm about to find out what it was that she was called away for."

"That's right," Ao said opening a door for Dosu and allowing him to step in first.

Entering the room Dosu saw a small androgynous boy sitting in the room. Ao quickly made the introductions saying, "Ranmaru this is the boy I was telling you about. His name is Dosu he will be training you in how to be a shinobi."

"Wait what," Dosu said causing Ranmaru's cheerful face to drop slightly.

Ao simply said, "Ranmaru posses a special Kekkei Genkai that may prove to be useful."

"That is all well and good, but he looks like he hasn't done a day of training in his life," Dosu quickly replied.

"Unfortunately that is true since he has suffered from a disease that has only recently been cured. However, he knows several jutsu already. What we want you to help him build up is his endurance."

"Isn't that a job better suited to Minaka-sensei?" Dosu said mentioning the large muscular woman that Mei had recruited as a taijutsu instructor.

"Yes, however Ranmaru needs a lot of, one on one training if he is going to be reasonably ready by the time we are set to go," Ao said, "Minaka is too busy training everyone else. But since you have sat in on several of her classes and given that she has spoken quite highly of your own improvement in Taijutsu. We feel you are just the one to do it. That is one of the reasons Mei has given you a field promotion to chunin."

"Alright, you could just have said it's an order," Dosu groused.

"I wanted to make you think you had a choice," Ao said before leaving.

The two boys having been left alone stared at each other before Dosu said sighing, "Well no sense wasting time, let's go."

Ranmaru scrambled out of his chair to follow after Dosu and said, "I'm sorry if I'm an inconvience."

"Don't sweat it," Dosu said not wanting to come off as a jerk, "I'm sorry about what I said back there. I'm just not used to people trusting me to handle such responsibilities."

"I wasn't offended," Ranmaru replied, "I'm just afraid of letting people down."

"Join the club," Dosu said more to himself than to the boy walking at his side.

"Do you think they'll let me carry a sword?" Ranmaru asked earnestly.

"Let's first get you somewhat proficient in taijutsu before we worry about giving you any sharp objects to play with," Dosu said causing the boy to nod his head with a small smile.

"Fuck, I'm telling you I can still taste the soap," Tayuya complained as Kin and her made their way to training area Forty-Four to meet up with their sensei.

"Well you have nobody but yourself to blame even if it's just your imagination," Kin replied smiling at the memory. "Anko-sensei did go through three bars on your first day of training."

Tayuya just nodded her head trying to forget. "So what do you think today's schedule of torturing me will entail?"

"Don't get snarky," Kin said, "If any one's to blame it's Orochimaru for his half-ass way of training us. You are just lucky that Anko-sensei is busy trying to master the summoning jutsu to focus on you herself."

"Yeah I guess," Tayuya conceded before adding, "But how fucking funny was it when she summoned an egg that first time."

Kin smiled despite herself, as she remembered how Anko had looked after all the smoke had cleared before saying, "It was pretty funny, but I'm just glad you had enough sense to keep your mouth shut afterwards."

"Well I figured she would have come up with a new form of torture if I laughed," Tayuya said.

"Probably," Kin said as they approached the Forest of Death, "You know how to summon. Why don't you give her a few pointers?"

"Like she'll really want me to point out to her what she is doing wrong."

"Actually, I think that is why she has been training in front of us like she has," Kin said. "I mean it has to be pretty embarrassing for a jounin-sensei to screw up in front of her students."

"Then why do it?"

"Because she knows that you do know how to summon," Kin answered. "I think she's waiting for you to reach out to her like she's reached out to you. As strange as it sounds I think that despite how much I liked her. It was when I asked for advice about Haku that really cemented our bond."

"Then why not just ask me though?" Tayuya said as they entered the forest.

"Because it isn't the same as you doing it yourself," Kin replied.

Tayuya figured that made sense but asked, "Doesn't the fact that you told me also ruin it?"

Kin shook her head saying, "It's still up to you on when and why you do it."

Tayuya nodded her head, as she thought about what her teammate had said. Tayuya was surprised that despite only being a part of Team Anko for such a short time. That she already felt more comfortable and at peace then when she had been a part of the Sound Five. She owed that to both Kin and Anko who despite the first day had proven to be good teammates. So far for the red-head training consisted of adding depth to her ninja skills. Therefore, Kin would often work with her in taijutsu, and shuriken practice.

Anko would oversee it of course, but was busy trying to master summoning. Thinking about Anko made Tayuya smile as she remembered some of her more colorful failures. Like one time Anko had summoned a baby two-headed snake, although she was trying to summon Naga, that having heard about how bad a summoner she was had tried to convince her it was her fault the two had been melded into one. The joke had backfired on the summons though, when Anko had calmly pulled out a kunai and said she knew the perfect way to separate them again. It had quickly dispersed itself causing Anko to chuckle.

But the idea that Anko was going through all that just so Tayuya would help her made the red-head feel indebted to her. It made her feel valued. Although, she shouldn't have been surprised she supposed since one of the things Anko had been trying to teach her was that they needed to rely on one another. But she would still let her sensei suffer through at least one more day seeing as Tayuya did have to digest three bars of soap upon meeting the woman.

Tsunade put the last of her paper work away as she turned her chair to look out over the village. Despite getting a lot done her mind have never truly left the matter that Zabuza had brought to her attention that morning. Closing her eyes as she pinched her nose as she remembered what they had discussed.

"So let me get this straight. You are telling me that the Mizukage is associated with Akatsuki," Tsunade had said agitated at the discovery. "How can you be sure Raiga wasn't lying to you?"

"I know when I'm being fed horse crap," Zabuza said, "He was telling the truth at least as far as to working for Yagura. Considering that Raiga handed over the gold to Kisame it suggests that the Mizukage is at least helping to fund them.

"And he also claims that Kisame is still working for Yagura?"

"No, all he said was that the reason Kisame was forced to flee from Kirigakure was a mission assigned to him from Yagura," Zabuza said answering the Hokage. "But it does seem to link Yagura to them even more."

"Agreed," Tsunade said, "Now as to why it took you so long to return. What did you do with that boy that was helping Raiga?"

"Let's just say I turned him over to people who could use him more than Konoha. Not to be rude, but I think the village has gotten its hands on more than enough of Kirigakure's bloodlines," Zabuza said.

"Fair enough," Tsunade said giving a small amused smile. "Congratulations on a job well done. Get some rest and I'll let you know if we learn anything further about Akatsuki."

"Do you plan to do anything about Yagura?" Zabuza asked, "If he is working with them it means things are even grimmer for Naruto."

"Again I agree, but for the moment my hands are tied. I can't just accuse him of working with suspected terrorists based on the word of one missing-nin. And acting directly is out of the question. If we moved against Kirigakure, Iwa would almost certainly move against us, with Kumo helping whoever they felt was strongest. Before we'd know it we'd be in the Fourth Great Ninja War something I hope to avoid."

"True," Zabuza agreed, "But if we can uncover Yagura's connections to Akatsuki we could move against them."

"I'm afraid it isn't that simple," Tsunade replied grimly. "Although they are only rumors our intelligence has heard whispers that some of the Nations are hiring men wearing Cloaks with Red Clouds on them to settle their differences. They supposedly charge next to nothing for their services and one rumor even has Iwa purchasing their skills."

Getting angry Zabuza said, "So what, we wait until Akatsuki makes its move. By then it will probably already be too late."

"I know dammit," Tsunade said just as heated, "But I can't just barge into this situation no matter how much I want to."

Realizing that Tsunade cared about stopping Akatsuki as much as he did, due to Naruto, the swordsmen said, "Forgive me Lady Hokage."

Waving his apology off she replied, "We are both concerned about what this revelation means to Naruto's safety. Get some rest Zabuza. I'll let you know what I decide to do when I arrive at some course of action."

Pulled back to the present by a knocking at her door she told her guest to enter and was slightly surprised her visitor was Ibiki. "Is something the matter, Ibiki?"

"I'm not sure Lady Tsunade," the special jounin replied, "I was going through the visitor log and a kunoichi on our alert list has entered the village. Her name is Mei Terumii she is from Kirigakure. She entered the village a few days ago under an assumed name. It was the same one she used to infiltrate the village during the Chunin Exams."

"If we knew she was here during the Chunin Exams why didn't we grab her?" Tsunade asked.

"You'll have to ask your predecessor about that," Ibiki answered, "But it may have to do with a woman matching her description was seen defending civilians from the invading force. Plus, spies entering the village aren't uncommon during the Chunin Exams it is one of the reasons they are held in such a public fashion after all."

"I trust we have eyes on her then?" Tsunade asked.

"Of course, she was last seen entering Zabuza's place of residence."

"Very well, thank you for bringing this to my attention," Tsunade replied. "Can you please send someone for Sarutobi-sensei and Kakashi?"

"Yes Lady Hokage," Ibiki answered before leaving the office.

She had the meeting with Sarutobi first which had been straight and to the point. Basically asking for his advice he had given her a few options but allowed her to find her own way. Furthermore she had learned that Mei was gathering forces to depose Yagura. When she had asked why she hadn't been made aware of that Sarutobi told her it was because he was using old contacts to help supply her forces and if it ever led back to him he wanted to give her plausible deniability. Thanking him she began to form a plan of action. When Kakashi arrived she sent him on a small errand for her.

Zabuza was heading to get something to eat from the fridge. His guest was currently lying in his bed waiting for him to return. Mei had showed up to his apartment since she said they were close to launching their attack and wanted to spend a few days with him. Of course most of this first day had been spent in the bedroom. Returning from the kitchen he heard a knock at his window and saw Kakashi sitting outside his ledge.

Growling at being disturbed he opened it saying, "What do you want?"

"Lady Tsunade wishes to see you," Kakashi said turning a page in his book.

"Can it wait? I'm sort of entertaining."

"Bring her along, it pertains to her too," Kakashi replied before Shunshining away.

Zabuza's eyes widened slightly at that before turning to see Mei standing in the doorway of his bedroom. She looked slightly nervous so he said, "Don't worry; it may just have to do with what I told you about who Yagura is dealing with."

They quickly cleaned up and made their way to the tower where they were allowed entry to Tsunade's office. Mei was nervous not just about entering the Hokage's village but upon meeting one of her idols from when she was growing up. As soon as she stopped in front of the desk she bowed deeply saying, "It is a great honor to meet you Lady Tsunade."

Tsunade inclined her head at the greeting before saying, "The reason I've called you both here is simple. I want to know how far along you are in your rebellion against the Mizukage."

Looking to Zabuza first Mei said, "We are ready. That is why I came to Konoha. I wanted to spend a few days with Zabuza in case the worst should happen."

Folding her hands in front of her and resting her elbows on her desk Tsunade said, "I may be able to do better than that." Both shinobi looked at the Hokage in confusion so she said addressing Zabuza, "What I'm about to propose isn't official so I won't repeat it, but basically I want to have my own eyes and ears on the situation. Therefore I'm going to assign Zabuza to follow you back to Kirigakure. Officially Team Zabuza will be on a survey mission, but unofficially you are to aid Mei in whatever fashion she needs."

Mei looked to be barely able to restrain herself from hugging her fiancé but then Tsunade said seriously, "Now comes the downside. If Mei's rebellion fails and you survive Zabuza, you will be branded as a missing-nin again wanted by both villages. Are you willing to face that?"

Turning to his fiancé he said, "Easily." Then turning to the Hokage asked, "But you said Team Zabuza?"

"Yes, I will be making this pitch to Haku as well as Tenten and Lee. They of course will be facing the same consequences for failure as you so it will be strictly voluntary."

"You don't need to include them Lady Tsunade," Zabuza said.

"True," the Hokage replied, "But I imagine Haku will feel differently about the matter and considering those swords Tenten was wearing this morning she will probably want to help as well. For now get some rest. I'll talk to them in the morning."

The stunned pair left the office not sure what to say as they made their way to the apartment. Getting in bed together they said their good nights before going to sleep and dreaming about what the future had in store for them.

Haku made his way to training area Forty-Four to see Kin and tell her he was leaving. He had just left the Hokage's office and having agreed to go with Zabuza, despite the man's insistence that he didn't have to, knew he needed to tell Kin. Walking up to the clearing where Team Anko was training he could see the red-head that Kin had introduced him to the night before was showing her teacher how to summon.

As he walked by he could hear Tayuya say, "Your problem is you aren't visualizing what you are trying to summon. It's kind of like the Shunshin jutsu. You have to visualize where you want to go."

Walking towards Kin who upon noticing him quickly ran up to him saying, "What are you doing here?"

"I need to speak to you," Haku said seriously causing Kin to worry slightly.

As soon as he led them far enough away that her teammates would hear them he was about to speak when she said, "You are breaking up with me aren't you?"

"What," Haku said surprised at her train of thought, "No that isn't why I wish to speak to you at all."

Breathing a sigh of relief Kin said, "When you came down here all serious I began to think the worse. I'm sorry, what do you want to speak to me about?"

"I'm leaving," Haku said.

Kin stood there for a moment just staring at him before shrieking, "WHAT!"

"Hey is everything alright," Anko yelled.

Grabbing Haku's hand Kin shouted back, "Yes everything's fine. Sorry."

She then pulled him deeper into the woods ignoring Anko's shout of, "If you need to kill him we can always claim it was a training accident."

"Hurry up and explain what you mean by you are leaving before I begin to consider Anko-sensei's advice," Kin said.

"I can't really go into details. Let's just say that I was given an S-ranked mission and I'm facing some long odds," Haku said. "If I fail you may hear some bad things about me."

"Then don't go," Kin said near tears.

"I have to," Haku replied cupping her cheek.

"Why"

"Because long ago I promised myself that I would stand by those precious to me no matter what," Haku said. "I would do the same for you as well."

"I see then Zabuza is going on this mission," Kin said sadly.

"Yes"

"Promise me you'll come back," Kin said hugging him close to her resting her head on his shoulder.

Stroking her hair he said, "I cannot do that. I'm not so free with my promises to give my word to something we both know may be outside my control."

"I wish you had been a little stricter when you were younger," Kin said laughing lightly despite how she felt.

"I wouldn't be the person you care for if I hadn't of made that promise," Haku said.

Pulling her head off his shoulder she looked into his eyes saying, "I don't just care for you. I love you."

Haku smiled happily before saying, "I love you too and will do everything humanly possible to be at your side again one day."

"I'll hold you to that," Kin said before kissing him gently which quickly turned more passionate as they put their feelings into it.

When the kiss ended Kin asked, "When do you leave?"

"As soon as I leave the forest," Haku answered, "It has to appear like a normal mission so I will be reporting to the Hokage Tower."

He kissed her one more time before pulling away with Kin holding his hand until the very last second. Letting it fall to her side she watched him disappear into the woods praying it wouldn't be the last time she saw him.

As Team Zabuza left on what officially was listed as a patrol mission Zabuza called them to a stop. His team would link up with Mei in Port City where a ship would take them to the Land of Water. As his team came to a rest Zabuza said, "I'm not really big on gratitude but I just wanted to say, thanks to all of you."

Turning to his team he saw Tenten wearing the Dragon Fangs on her back with Lee standing by her side. Haku stepped forward saying, "There was never really any need for the Hokage to ask me. You know I always intended to help you fulfill your dream. I just wish Naruto was coming. I can imagine how upset he will be when he finds out."

"Yeah but it's probably for the best," Zabuza said, "But what about your girl."

"I will return to Kin one day," Haku said certain they would prove triumphant, "We will after all depose of the Mizukage and the threat he poses to Naruto and Kirigakure."

Zabuza grinned at Haku, "You're damn right we will. Alright then let's get moving."

Sai watched as Kushina took her first jog in the training grounds beneath Danzou's compound. As she finished her laps Danzou said, "Excellent, Kushina."

"Save your praise," Kushina said disrespectfully to the elder in a way that reminded Sai of her son. She shot a glare to Fu Yamanaka who had tried to cut her long red hair in order to fit into Root guidelines for such things and had found that the woman, despite being weak, was still capable of extreme violence as his broken arm could attest too. "Now what do you want? Or are you here to reprimand me for beating up your little stooge."

"Nothing of the sort," Danzou said, "I'm here to introduce you to who will be training you for the next few years."

Sai stepped forward saying, "It will be a pleasure to work with you Lady Uzumaki. My name is Sai."

Kushina kindly said, "Please, Please, Kushina is fine. You're not like the rest of these Root characters."

Sai panicked slightly at the woman's words especially when Danzou asked, "Why do you say that?"

"I don't know. He just doesn't seem to have the same stick up his ass the rest of your toadies have," Kushina said causing Fu to stiffen and look like he wanted to attack the woman.

Sai relaxed somewhat when Danzou merely said, "Perhaps it is due to the time he spent with your son."

Kushina stiffened at Danzou's words quickly and coldly saying, "My son doesn't exist in this world. Don't forget that. It's the only reason I'm helping you in your ambition."

"Indeed," Danzou said. Nodding to Sai he said, "You may begin now."

Sai stepped away from the woman and created an Ink Clone in Naruto's image that faced off against the woman giving no indication of the turmoil he felt at helping train Kushina in how to kill her son. But for now he had to play along. He was confident that eventually Danzou would trust that Sai was doing his job and would leave them unsupervised. That would be when he would begin to give the Ink Clone the personality of her son. He believed that Kushina would find it difficult to kill the boy she had sired if she knew just how passionate he would be in trying to connect with her. No he could see a great deal of Naruto's personality came from the woman that was currently fighting his clone and that meant there was hope for them. Even if Sai was confident he would die in the end. After all Naruto was his friend and as the Blonde had told him once. Friends looked out for each other even if the whole world lined up against them.