When the genin heard the groan from the room their temporary sensei was resting in the next morning, none of them hesitated and made a dash up the stairs to check on him "Everything okay Kakashi-sensei" Mimori jumped to the Jonin's side, hands glowing green.

"Got one hell of a headache, can someone tell me what happened" Kakashi grimaced trying to pry his mismatched eyes open only to massively regret it as light shined brightly in the room he was in and he quickly shut them once more.

Until warmth filled him "Don't worry sensei, we'll heal that headache of yours and we're at Tazuna-san's, after that fake hunter nin guy took Zabuza away, you passed out from the strain of your implanted sharingan and we had you brought here" Mamori explained.

Pulling away as she and her sister finished healing the Jonin of his headache so he could open his eyes and look at them properly "By the way Zabuza's not dead, it was a trick to make us think he was" Sasuke pointed out bluntly.

Kakashi flinched, he'd known something was off "So we've been thinking once your able to, all of us could go out and train so that we're not unprepared for the next round with that jerk" Naruto waved his arms.

Frustrated because he was tired of being left in the dust by his friends and he wanted to catch up with them and be on the same level as they were "Right, it's for the best after all, I'll go get breakfast for you" Asagao nodded then disappeared from the room.

He returned a few minutes later with two civilians on his heels and carrying a tray "Let me Sensei you shouldn't strain yourself just yet after all" Sakura helped prop Kakashi up with a mountain of pillows behind his back, then the tray was set up for him to eat from.

"It's good to see you awake Kakashi, these kids have been diligent in protecting us, they set up a bunch of traps to ensure our safety" Tazuna chuckled pleased that the Jonin was up, even if he wasn't able to do much right yet, it was a relief at the very least.

Next to him his daughter nodded "Quite, though my son I'm afraid has been giving them a bit of trouble, nothing we can't handle, please enjoy those girls made it special for you to regain your strength, I'm Tsunami" Tsunami smiled then vanished back down the steps.

For the next several minutes Kakashi ate his nourishing, yet delicious breakfast in silence, thanking the kami that the genin were giving him that much peace to do so before they started in and it also gave him time to think up a plan to ensure they were ready for the next round.

When he was done the tray was taken and the others waited patiently for Asagao returned so they could strategize and come up with a plan, a few minutes later Asagao was back and the door was sealed with the room soundproofed.

"Most likely Zabuza won't be in any condition for at least a week and a half from the thrashing we gave him, so that gives me a couple days of bed rest and a couple days for you kids to scout out the town for any danger" the silver haired nin announced.

And the genin nodded in understanding "Our summons are already on the lookout plus Sakura and I went out and scouted yesterday evening when we first arrived so that's mostly done" the fuscia haired boy pointed out.

Relieved that he had such a responsible bunch of brats in his temporary care the Jonin sighed "Next is training like you requested, have you boys learned the tree climbing technique yet" Kakashi questioned carefully.

Only the girls looked like they understood what he was talking about so he took their confusion as a no they most definitely had not been taught that yet "We can help with that aspect Kakashi-sensei" the older Senju twin offered.

"Just what is this tree climbing technique thing anyway" the blonde Uzumaki frowned, not following anything that was being talked about, why couldn't he be smart like his friends, sometimes it really wasn't fair.

Sakura shot him a sympathetic look and decided to explain "It's where you focus chakra into your feet and try to climb a tree or wall without using your hands Naruto" the pinkette admitted gently, explaining in a way that even Naruto could understand.

Thankfully his blue eyes lit up and he nodded in acceptance "Are you sure you girls are capable of teaching these boys such a technique without me" the silver haired nin asked not wanting to let them out on their own without supervision.

"Don't worry sensei, Asuma-sensei taught us, plus we all know how to walk on water as well, so we can take them out one at a time until your ready to get out of bed and teach them" the younger Senju twin grinned.

Sasuke blew out a breath "That's fine with me, it's better than all of us leaving the house at once, even with all the traps" the ebony haired preteen grimaced glad that they'd decided on a plan of action for the time being so they were ready next time Zabuza came after them.

Which wouldn't be for a week and a half according to their temporary sensei, with that they left the man to rest and headed back downstairs to check the traps, they'd all gotten paranoid and it was habit at that point.

"If you'd like girls some help in the garden would be appreciated" the raven haired woman that was their host requested dreading going outside on her own, the three kunoichi nodded and headed out the door ahead of Tsunami.

Tazuna shook his head slightly amused "You kids go above and beyond" the gray haired elder chuckled though didn't say much else as the boys once again settled on the floor and pulled out paper, then began writing furiously on them.

Curious as he was, he didn't ask nor did his grandson who sped through the house and out the front door without fear and twenty minutes later his daughter and the young girls were back from their task of picking herbs from the garden out back.

For the rest of the morning he watched as the genin sat on the floor and strategized as much as they could going over as many plans as possible until pandemonium hit in the form of a tiny pale blue shark with pupilless green eyes.

"Sakura-sama, Sakura-sama, Era has found the enemies hideout, hidden deep within the forest it is, heard lots of interesting things Era did" the little shark piped in excitedly and the others readily calmed down as they realized that it wasn't an enemy coming to attack them.

In response to this the girl in question straightened "Okay Era-chan tell me all you heard and don't leave a single detail out" Sakura ordered pulling a few sheets of paper out along with a pen to write down everything her summons told her.

And what juicy information it was, ranging from how Zabuza was in fact alive, like they'd all thought, to how Gato was most displeased with said rogue for not offing the target and how he was already planning on betraying Zabuza despite giving him another chance.

To the boy in the hunter nin mask, young only fifteen at the most and clearly not a real hunter nin "Era will go back and keep an eye on them that is all Sakura-sama" then the little shark disappeared in a plume of smoke back to wherever the enemies hide out was.

Sakura sat back reading over everything she'd written down "That Gato guy is a real bastard, who betrays people like that" Mamori growled not liking the sudden turn of events that had been relayed to them by Sakura's summon.

"Perhaps we could use this, take out two without ever having to push ourselves" Sasuke commented a calculating gleam in his ebony orb, Sakura pressed her lips together considering the idea he was talking about before ultimately shaking her head.

Chances were it wouldn't work "Like tell Zabuza that Gato's gonna have him killed off and turn them on each other, I don't think he'd believe us since we're brats as we've been called numerous times since starting this mission" Mimori grimaced.

"Unfortunately I agree it will never work, maybe if we were older and not newly minted genin" Asagao sighed wishing they could use the information himself but knowing better than to hope they'd ever be believed especially by a rogue.

The last remaining boy groaned "This sucks, why did Shisui-sensei have to get sent on a different mission" Naruto pouted unhappily desperately wanting his own sensei to be there and help them overcome this sudden hurdle in their way.

Their client sat listening to them "I'm sure everything will turn out alright just have faith" Tazuna winced feeling ridiculously guilty, and here he was doing nothing but reaping the benefits of their protection, his family was safe but at what cost.

Any of those kids could lose their lives during this mission if they weren't careful and it would be his fault if it did happen "Need a little help re-positioning" Kakashi's voice filtered down the stairs and immediately three of the genin hopped up to go do what their temporary sensei wanted.

"Goodness their all so dedicated" Tsunami smiled wishing her son was that responsible but not daring to hope for much during this time of strife as she appeared from the kitchen wiping her hands clean on her apron cleaning the kitchen to keep herself busy for the time being.

Eight minutes later the three genin came back down and resumed their earlier talk until it was decided on that they'd get started on their chakra control training "Come on Asagao, us first" the pinkette smiled popping up from the ground.

Her brother sighed "Suppose we'll be back in a couple hours when it's time for lunch" the fuscia haired boy waved following after his twin sister as they left the house and headed for the forest to get started on his training.

Leaving behind the others to take care of the protection of their client and his family "First Asagao you want to focus chakra into the soles of your feet like so" Sakura began when they were stood in front of a very large tree.

Him watching her closely to get a better understanding of what he was actually supposed to do and then watched as her feet glowed a pale blue and she quite literally walked up the tree without an ounce of fear.

Of course why would she be afraid not with her perfect chakra control "Scary are you sure I'm ready to do this sort of thing" Asagao grimaced focusing his chakra as she had into the soles of his feet and then staring at the tree before him in trepidation.

"Yes you'll be fine and for starters you want to run, just remember to little chakra you won't stick and to much chakra you will push off and harm the tree" the rosette instructed gently knowing how it was for first timers.

Asagao blew out a breath, eyed the tree then concentrated on adding a little more chakra to his feet before getting a running start like he'd been told, he went three feet up before the bark beneath his feet broke and he lost his concentration "GAHHH" the fuscia haired boy flailed.

Rolling back down the tree to slam painfully on his back, thankfully his sister didn't laugh, just watched as he stood again and tried the technique again, his second attempt was abysmal as he only managed two feet that time before tumbling back down the tree to the ground.

"Find a medium Asagao not to little, not to much, use a kunai to mark your progress if you must" Sakura reminded gently trying not to be to strict on her brother, who she knew had good chakra control when he exercised it daily.

He nodded and turned serious focusing his chakra for his third attempt and pulling out a kunai "Alright here I come Sakura, I'll get this exercise down before we have to go back for lunch" the fuscia haired boy announced determinedly.

Gripping his kunai and getting a running start, to his surprise he managed to go higher than his first two attempts and as soon as he felt himself falling he struck out with his kunai marking his progress before tumbling back to the earth.

Sakura jumped from the tree she was in halting his painful landing "Not bad Asagao remember that feeling and you'll have this technique down" Sakura praised knowing it would boost his ego and help him complete the task set before him.

With a little sweat beaded on his face he straightened "Right just give me a moment to catch my breath yeah" Asagao laughed exhilarated a few minutes later he was stood before the tree again for his fourth attempt.

This time he went higher and swung himself onto the branch his sister was sitting on, grinning like a loon because he'd gotten the technique down and so for the remaining time they had he practiced going higher each time until he was sure he wouldn't mess up anymore.

Then it was time to head back "Well how did it go Asagao did you manage or fail" the ebony haired preteen demanded to know as soon as the Haruno twins entered the house, one of whom was covered in sweat with dirt smudges from his two failed attempts.

Asagao grinned widely "Not as hard as I originally thought but exhausting if your not use to using your chakra, anyway I'm gonna go take a shower real fast" then the fuscia haired preteen was gone up the stairs to shower and change from his dirty clothes.

Sasuke directed a look to Sakura who shrugged lightly "Don't worry Sasuke you'll get your turn tomorrow" the younger Senju twin giggled as she'd been assigned as Sasuke's designated partner to teach him the tree climbing technique.

"And after that it's my turn then Kakashi-sensei will be able to join us again" the blonde Uzumaki bounced in excitement, three days that gave them a chance to practice and understand the mechanics of the chakra control exercise before their training became difficult.

Sakura nodded quietly "Yep and I'll be helping you with that Naruto" the older Senju twin smiled having had a soft spot for the boy since she'd met him, he was so sweet and it wasn't right that the people of the Leaf Village treated him so badly sometimes.

"Mhm anyway I'm going to go help Tsunami-san finish up lunch" then the rosette haired girl popped up from the floor again and traipsed into the kitchen, twenty minutes later they were called in for lunch and one of the genin took up a tray to the recovering Jonin.

Tazuna shook his head again "You kids are crazy but I'm glad your on our side" the gray haired elder shuddered not able to even think what it might be like if these kids weren't here helping out to protect them.

Tsunami nodded "Indeed so thank you from the bottom of my heart" the raven haired woman flashed them a beautific smile before dishing out food for her son who was mostly quiet during meals where afterwards he would run off to wherever.

"Wouldn't get to attached to them mom, Gato's gonna kill them all" Inari said rudely upon finishing up with lunch and then vanished from the table like usual before she could scold him for being rude to the shinobi who'd protected his grandfather.

It didn't seem like they were truly bothered proving to have even temperaments during this time, which made her wonder why, how could they be that calm it was a little disturbing if she was being honest but she wouldn't call them out on it.

For the rest of the day the genin lounged about going over detailed plans or idea's until one of them had an idea "What if…one of us stayed here during the fight with Zabuza or two of us" Mamori spoke up when there was only an hour before dinner was to be finished.

"Don't be absurd Mamori, if we're going to fight that guy all of us needs to be there" Sasuke snorted disregarding that idea immediately earning a honey eyed glare from his friend who clearly didn't like being brushed aside.

But to her surprise "No she's right, what if Gato sends some of his thugs to attack Tsunami-san or Inari-san while we're fighting Zabuza and his partner off, who would be here to protect them, I think it's a good idea" Asagao was quick to speak in defense of his friend.

Mamori flashed him a brilliant smile in response, pleased that one of her friends understood why she'd suggested the idea "Yeah but who though, Sakura needs to be on the bridge so does Sasuke" Mimori questioned curiously.

"Hmm maybe Mamori and Asagao since she was the one to suggest and Asagao is good with genjutsu" Sasuke admitted grudgingly while giving to names that would be perfect as the stay behinds during the fight.

Silence filled the air for a moment "Sounds good enough to me what do you think Sakura-chan or is it a bad idea like Sasuke-teme said it was" Naruto turned his attention on the amethyst haired girl who'd been quiet so far.

After asking her opinion she finally spoke up "For the best, we don't know what's going to happen during the fight anyway" Sakura agreed and they all put their hands together promising to tell the Jonin of their plans so he could approve of them as well.

"Just got to wonder why are all those kids so straight-laced" Tazuna frowned in confusion watching them traipse up the stairs to inform the Jonin in charge of them of what they'd all decided on just less than a minute ago.

His daughter shrugged "Perhaps it's how they've all been raised to take things seriously" Tsunami offered not sure if she was right, but it was the only thing that came to mind, their upbringing after all had to be very strict if they acted so responsibly like they did.

~Upstairs~

"You kids, I swear but your right, it will thwart any of Gato's plans to use Tazuna's family as bargaining chips" Kakashi nodded agreeing to the plan as well and with that they spent the rest of that time until dinner just leisurely chatting, before going to bed after eating and taking showers.

~Next Day~

It was now his turn to learn the tree climbing exercise, Sasuke sighed "Don't worry so much Sasuke it's not that hard" the younger Senju twin giggled lightly as they left the house behind an hour after breakfast to train in the forest.

Sasuke snorted "Sure says one of the chakra control experts of the group, you, Sakura and Mamori, though Asagao did get it, I doubt it's as easy as your all telling me and the Dope" the ebony haired preteen grunted broodily.

Honey orbs rolled upwards in mild exasperation as they finally found a sturdy enough tree to practice on, the very same one Asagao must have practiced on as it had marks all over it from the training it had been subjected to.

For a second they stood there looking around warily to ensure no one was trying to sneak up on them before Mimori nodded "Right I'm going to go a certain height, watch me Sasuke, then try it yourself afterwards I'll explain" Mimori announced.

Concentrating chakra into the soles of her feet until they glowed a pale blue and then she walked right up the tree, Sasuke staring after her with a mixture of horror and surprise "Guess it's my turn" Sasuke grimaced.

Applying the same technique his friend had by focusing chakra into his feet, he didn't dare try to walk up it like Mimori had and got a running start, he went about five feet up before being shoved off the tree breaking the bark beneath his feet in the process.

Then he understood what was so difficult about this task "Not bad for your first try Sasuke and I'm sure you've realized that it's not as simple as just gathering chakra in your feet right" the younger Senju spoke up from her spot in the tree after a moment.

When Sasuke just stood there glaring at the tree "I have to control the amount of chakra I use, find the perfect medium and only then will I be able to execute the tree walking technique" the second Uchiha heir grumbled sulkily.

His friend nodded silently and with that he tried again, and again, and again until he was dripping with sweat, but getting closer and closer to his goal, it took him nearly all the rest of the morning until finally he managed to reach Mimori's position in the tree.

And swing himself onto the branch next to her "Good work Sasuke, you must be exhausted so lets go back you can take a shower and lunch will probably be done by then" Mimori smiled proud that she'd managed to help Sasuke learn the chakra control exercise.

Grateful for a break they jumped from the tree together and landed on their feet, one gracefully the other not so much and headed for the house "Thanks Mimori for not giving up on me" Sasuke looked away sheepishly just before they were to head in.

Mimori grinned and watched in amusement as Sasuke disappeared upstairs "So did he manage the technique" the rosette on her team questioned and Mimori nodded, satisfaction glinted in emerald orbs before the girl settled back in her spot next to her brother.

"All that's left is me and it can't be that hard if both Asagao and Sasuke-teme managed to get it down in just a few hours right" the blonde Uzumaki asked looking excited for his turn which wouldn't be until tomorrow.

It kind of sucked waiting to go last but that's the order they'd all decided on "Yeah you'll get it Naruto, I'll make sure you do okay" the older Senju twin nodded with a smile knowing that the boy next to her would be the most difficult to teach but willing to put in the effort.

"Makes me wonder what else you kids are capable of" the gray haired elder chuckled lightly from his seat in an armchair reading a book, one of the few in the village because their market was in poor condition of everything if he was being honest.

Asagao grinned "Probably anything if we put our minds to it anyway" the fuscia haired boy announced seriously, he was certain of that, especially with all they'd managed so far on the mission after all.

His sister giggled softly in response just as Sasuke returned from upstairs "Feel better after your shower Sasuke" the younger Senju twin asked as they settled on the floor determined to do nothing else for the rest of the day.

Sasuke nodded "Lunch is ready" the raven haired civilian woman called from the kitchen and he was pleased he wouldn't have to wait any longer to get some food in him to replenish his energy, so it was no surprise he was the first one in the kitchen.

Getting a plate a sitting at the table to eat "Just hungry, using chakra is exhausting like you said Asagao" the ebony haired preteen grimaced understanding why his best friend had been so exhausted and hungry the other day and explaining at the inquiring looks from the civilians.

While one of the Senju twins headed up the stairs to give Kakashi a tray, who was pleased with their progress so far "Mom I'm home what's for lunch" the little eight year old boy whizzed into the kitchen not a moment to soon.

Though he glared at the shinobi sitting in his kitchen he ate without another word before zooming off again determined not to get attached because he was so sure that Gato would kill them once he got a hold of the shinobi protecting his grandpa.

It was dinner that things changed a little "Not up to one hundred yet but the very least I could do is present myself at the dinner table" the silver haired nin shrugged as much as he appreciated their efforts, he wasn't completely helpless as he dropped into a chair.

At least he wouldn't have to suffer through standing up again as Sakura bless that girl made him a plate and set it before him along with a nice cup of tea, then after dinner Sasuke and Asagao helped him back up the stairs and into bed to get some shut eye like the rest of them.

~Third Day~

Finally it was his turn and he was eager to get his training underway "Can you tell me a little of what I'm supposed to do on the way their Mamori-chan" Naruto chattered not wanting to go in totally clueless of what was expected of him.

She nodded "You'll focus your chakra into your feet and tree climb like that, but it all comes down to how much or how little chakra you use, hence the point of the exercise to find the medium, basically chakra control" Mamori explained gently.

Hoping that the explanation would sink into the knuckleheads brain better if she put it that way "Oh I see, well I think I get it maybe but if you could show me a few times Mamori-chan I'd be able to understand better hopefully" the blue eyed blonde hunched his shoulders.

Not completely confident now because his chakra had always been a touchy subject, Mamori's features softened "Sure I can silly, that's what we're out here for, to train until you understand" the older Senju twin announced as they finally arrived at their destination.

The forest and before them the tree that had been used for training by two of them and now it was his turn as he watched his friend's feet turn a pale blue indicating chakra had been gathered in her feet and then watched as she walked straight up the tree without an ounce of hesitation.

Making him gape in surprise especially when she dropped down from the tree gracefully to stand before him again "May I try first before you show me again" Naruto asked eyeing the tree in slight trepidation sure this training would prove to be his downfall.

"Go ahead Naruto, if you fall I'm here to catch you and heal your wounds to if you get hurt, oh and you'll want to get a running start first" Mamori admitted quietly stepping back allowing Naruto to take his turn at the exercise.

Almost immediately after acting on her advice Naruto didn't go more than a foot up the tree before sliding headfirst back to the ground "Owww that hurt" the blonde Uzumaki held his bruised cranium sulking because he'd already failed at the exercise.

"Don't give up Naruto, and remember to little chakra you won't stick and to much you'll bounce off the tree breaking the bark" the honey eyed blonde instructed gently healing Naruto's sore head and stood back once more allowing him another try.

Baby blue eyes flashed in response "Right everyone's counting on me after all" Naruto nodded determined as he got another running start after focusing his chakra again, but like before he slid back down the tree going less than a foot.

Trying not to get bummed out he turned to his friend "Watch me Naruto, closely" Mamori knew what he wanted and carefully focused chakra into her feet intent to show him the right way to execute the technique she was trying to teach him.

This time she slid back to the earth, having used far to little chakra before switching tactics and using to much that it broke the bark beneath her feet, before finally using the correct amount and walking up the tree with ease.

"I think…I think I understand, I'm not using enough chakra, I could feel it when you did it and if I use to much then I'll still fall" the blonde Uzumaki finally grasped the concept and turned his attention on the tree again.

He couldn't fail this time hopefully and after focusing what he thought was the right amount of chakra ran full speed at the chosen tree and finally went more than a foot up it, going about five before being shoved off.

Cringing at what he thought would be a painful impact he shut his eyes "Didn't I tell you I was here if you fell" the older Senju twin giggled lightly in his ear as she caught him in her arms and landed gracefully on her feet.

At the teasing he blushed earning another giggle before he focused his attention on training, by the time it was lunch he still hadn't quite got the technique down but with a little more training he was certain that he'd get it down eventually.

With that they traipsed back to the house "Almost got it down so if Kakashi-sensei let's me I'm gonna practice that again tomorrow" Naruto admitted sheepishly before vanishing up the steps to take a shower.

"Poor Dope, he's always struggled with using his chakra, I wonder why that is" Sasuke frowned even if he was constantly insulting the boy, Naruto was still his friend, but even he knew it wasn't good for a person to struggle that much with using their chakra.

His other friends frowned in response "No idea, he's been different ever since academy graduation, you know when he disappeared and came back the following morning with a headband after not initially passing" Asagao pointed out.

One of the things he always wondered about actually "Disappeared like how" Tazuna inquired curiously because this was the first time the genin hadn't started up a discussion of other plans they could use in order to protect him and his family.

"Mm let's see during graduation he jumped out the window when he didn't pass and we didn't see him the whole day, we didn't really get an explanation but when we saw him the next morning he had a headband" Mamori admitted.

While the rest of them nodded "And he didn't tell you how he acquired it" Tsunami creased her brow, seemed like becoming ninja was a complicated process and she was glad their little village was a civilian village and not a shinobi one.

Even if they had that horrible Gato and all his thugs "Nope, someday Naruto will open up to us about it and we'll accept any explanation he gives, until then we're just glad he graduated with us" Mimori shrugged.

Spying orange out of the corner of her eye and giggling inwardly at the happiness in the boy's blue eyes before he came the rest of the way into the room from the hallway "Kakashi-sensei says he wants to come down and eat lunch with us again" the blonde announced.

Pretending that he wasn't immensely happy that his friends didn't shun him nor were they going to press him for answers for a subject he wasn't ready to speak about yet "Asagao, Sasuke" Sakura gestured and a few minutes later Kakashi was seated on the couch.

Looking better but clearly still not fully recovered "Thank you boys" Kakashi nodded already knowing that it was Sakura who'd told them to help him down the stairs, where less than twenty minutes later it was time for lunch.

He stayed downstairs for the rest of the day until dinner before being helped back up to the guest bedroom he'd been assigned and carefully helped back onto the futon to get some shut eye while the genin helped clean up, took showers and finally went to bed themselves.

By the next morning they'd been in the little village in wave for four days now it was then that Kakashi finally joined them for training "As Naruto told me he still has a little bit to practice, the rest of you though, evasion and ninjutsu training" the silver haired nin announced.

Having thought of the best plan to ensure nothing would happen to the genin in his care for the rest of this damn mission, Naruto immediately turned and marched towards a tree intent on getting the tree climbing exercise down no matter what.

Because he didn't want to be exempted from the evasion/ninjutsu training like the others would be participating in as their temporary sensei went around the clearing they were in and set up traps that would launch all manners of weapons at the five friends.

"This is scary, are you sure this is safe Kakashi-sensei" the fuscia haired preteen boy cringed eyeing the traps all around knowing for sure this training was going to be like hell on them, the man chuckled and climbed a tree to watch.

Chances were he would have to collect all the weapons and reset the traps afterwards anyway "If you think this is crazy you should have been there when Asuma-sensei tried to kill us" the younger Senju twin snorted.

Gripping a kunai tightly, well at the very least they would get their week of evasion and ninjutsu training like they'd wanted but with a different sensei "Yeah he went all out and had Namiashi-san helping him" the pinkette grimaced.

At least with the amount of training they'd been through so far, evasion training shouldn't be that hard "Sounds like your sensei is even crazier than Shisui" the ebony haired preteen cringed only to duck low as the barrage of weapons began.

Making them all focus on their evasion training for the time being until the barrage ended "Kami I think that's worse than what Asuma-sensei put us through on our second day as genin" the older Senju twin winced.

Seeing all the scrapes and cuts that she'd received from the first barrage, Kakashi didn't give them any reprieve merely reloaded the traps and set them off again forcing them to dodge like their lives depended on it until they were dripping sweat as the air grew warmer as the sun rose higher.

Before they knew it, it was time for lunch and an exhausted Naruto joined them "Looks like evasion training is pretty tough" Naruto flinched eyeing their cut riddled forms, he'll probably look like that to if he ever got the tree climbing technique down properly.

"Don't worry so much Naruto-kun, they'll be fine just focus on your own training for now" Kakashi assured hoping he wasn't pushing them to far to fast, but at least none of the genin were complaining yet anyway.

Naruto nodded quietly and dug into the bento that had been specifically made for him that morning while intermittently taking sips of the delicious tea before hopping up and marching back towards his chosen tree.

While the others did the same "Is it time for ninjutsu training Kakashi-sensei, as much as I love evasion training, we should really work on both at the same time" Mamori inquired, a little sarcasm in her tone of voice regarding their evasion training.

Though she knew it was very important, Kakashi gestured for them to have at it, indicating they could do as they pleased and with that they jumped into their ninjutsu training "Ugh never knew learning elemental ninjutsu was so hard" Asagao groaned.

Feeling drained and like he hadn't made any progress on the jutsu's he'd been taught "More trial and error, Asagao-kun, keep the tree climbing exercise in mind it will help, we promise" Mimori offered knowing the pain as she, herself felt drained and exhausted.

Pleased as she'd made progress on her own jutsu's, glad that they wouldn't have to wait until they got back from this mission to learn "Maybe we can convince Asuma-sensei when we get back to give us that week of training anyway" Sakura snickered.

At ease with herself as she had more evasion training than the rest of her friends did currently as they all traipsed back to the "Why on earth would you want to go through that training again" Sasuke gaped incredulously at the girls.

Who all shrugged "Goodness you look like you've all had a rough day" Tsunami gasped taking in their appearances, covered in scrapes and light cuts with tears in their clothing, but they waved her off with reassuring smiles taking showers one at a time.

Until they were all cleaned up and ready for dinner "You kids alright" Tazuna raised a brow in concern, they all nodded and settled on the floor leaving the remaining armchair for their still recovering temporary sensei.

Not more than thirty minutes later it was time for dinner and afterwards Sakura requested that all the clothes that had been torn from weapons be handed over to her, garnering more than a few confused stares until they relented and handed over the ripped clothes.

Where to absolutely everyone's surprise pulled out a sewing kit and set to work, until every last rip and tear had been stitched up renewing the clothing mostly before she vanished to wash the clothes thoroughly but carefully, then hung them up to dry.

Everyone was shocked when she returned but with a simple shrug she herded them all to their guest room to get some shut eye knowing that sleep was just as important as their training which would be rough tomorrow as well.

Upon waking up Sakura returned the mended and washed clothes "Here you guys go" the pinkette smiled brightly already wearing the clothes that had been almost destroyed beyond repair yesterday but looking nearly as good as new with a few exceptions here and there.

"How come you never told us that you knew how to sew Sakura-chan, it would have made things easier during our training with Asuma-sensei" the older Senju twin pouted at her friend and teammate just a little put out with the girl.

Sakura smiled innocently "Never reveal all your secrets isn't that right Sakura-chan" the silver haired nin chuckled lightly watching as the girl finished up breakfast and made delicious lunches for the lot of them again.

The girl nodded in response "Yeesh did your kunoichi-sensei from Mist teach you that to" the fuscia haired preteen boy inquired earning yet another nod from his sister, who focused on packing away the bento's she'd made in a heated storage scroll.

Before sealing the tea in a cooled storage scroll "Alright let's get to training" the blonde Uzumaki cheered as they waved at the civilians, one of whom was going to work on his bridge with their temporary sensei in tow.

Leaving their training up to them mostly since he was almost fully recovered now "This is gonna be hard without Kakashi" the ebony haired preteen grimaced knowing they couldn't get out of their evasion training as they set the traps with their weapons and stood back to back.

Naruto watched for a couple minutes and focused his attention on the tree again, the longer he took the less time he had for other training and he wanted to catch up with his friends and teammates, not be left behind all the time.

When it was lunch time the genin flopped down exhausted and looking just as bad as they had the other day after their evasion training "It'll get better, just have to keep at it" the younger Senju twin offered knowing that this was the most trying training yet.

At least Asuma-sensei wasn't there, after lunch they forced themselves to their feet again and got their ninjutsu training underway before trudging back to the house exhausted of chakra, this time Sakura didn't have to ask.

After dinner the clothes that had been mended just yesterday were stitched up again and washed before the lot of them headed for bed beyond tired, each of them knowing that it was wise to get a good nights sleep.

The next day after breakfast Naruto decided it was time to join in with the others for evasion/ninjutsu training "Just don't want to be left behind you know" Naruto rubbed the back of his neck knowing he was gonna fail horrendously.

Considering this was his first run of it, while the others had two days and his female friends had weeks under their belts of evasion training most likely, they were aiming to be medics after all, evasion was part of their training regimen.

"Don't worry Naruto, we won't let you get hurt to bad" Mimori smiled gently as they all crowded in a circle back to back with one another until the traps were sprung sending a rain of kunai, shuriken and senbon at them.

It was difficult keeping up and despite Mimori's promise, he still got terribly scratched up "Ugh this is insane, you girls really are crazy wanting to be medics if this is the sort of training you have to go through just to be one" Sasuke flopped down uncaring.

Rubbing his aching joints and glaring at the various scratches covering his entire body, it felt like he was getting no where "Maybe Sasuke, but that's what we decided" Mamori admitted knowing the second Uchiha heir was frustrated.

That was the hardest part, being patient "By the end of the week, I'm sure we'll be better at dodging than we ever have been before" Asagao piped in looking better than the other two days, he'd always had good reflexes now they were getting better.

"Exactly so don't sweat the details for now Sasuke" Sakura assured as they all stood launching themselves into their ninjutsu training until they were once again utterly exhausted before they trudged back to the house for dinner.

The adults stared at them "Get some rest you lot" Kakashi shook his head in amusement, though relieved the genin were taking the training he'd assigned them to very seriously to the point they looked like the walking dead each evening.

After eating dinner they did exactly what he'd told them got some shut eye only for them to repeat the same training regime the next day it only changed when Naruto vanished after dinner on the fourth day of their crazy training.

Intent on getting some extra tree climbing training in as he still wasn't entirely confident despite working on it for three days straight, when he got in, he was exhausted even more so than before and happily fell onto his futon to get some sleep.

For the rest of the time they had the genin trained relentlessly honing their skills in evasion and ninjutsu as they wanted to be ready to face Zabuza and his partner on the bridge and not be caught off guard by them.

And the night before, though Naruto was insistent on going out after dinner each day for the remaining three days, they rested well, but upon waking they realized Naruto wouldn't be able to fight with chakra exhaustion as he'd pushed himself to far.

"Looks like we're going without him, take care you two" Tazuna gulped as he grabbed his tools ready to face the monster that would be waiting for him on the bridge no doubt as he, Kakashi and three of the genin headed out the door the morning of, exactly two weeks after starting this mission.