OMG! Another chapter? But ShadowShades its not 2012 yet lol

Yeah I know very surprising that I actually update this soon, but today's a special occasion so I had to get this made for yall. Plus after writing this chapter making the rest of the fiction a reality seems so much more feasible.

Yeah the big occasion is that I turn 20 years old today 06/26/11 and I wanted to update some of my fanfics to commemorate my becoming 2 decades old.

So for your reading pleasure I've written the fabled Chapter 7 to Scaled Fox. Enjoy

Chapter 7: Learning From A Pro

" Well Naruto it seems you've improved quite a bit since yesterday. " Kakashi couldn't help, but be impressed by the blond's rapid leap in chakra control, which he was smugly displaying as he walked up the tree with barely any effort at all. Naruto's latest slash mark was at the tip top of the tree he had been practicing on the day before.

" What can I say maybe I'm just a fast learner. " With a big grin on his face Naruto did a little harmless showing off, by hanging upside down on a tree branch using only chakra control to keep him in place. The disbelieving expression on his teammates faces were absolutely priceless.

Deciding to put Zabuza's plan into action Naruto's grin changed to a slight grimace. " But if I have this exercise down, what should I do while Sasuke, and Sakura catch up? " Sasuke scowled feeling that there was an implied insult in dobe's words. Sakura merely looked curious, she couldn't help but wonder at what the next step in their training would be.

" Well logically I should just point him to practicing chakra control on water, but he may need more help with that. And I can't just leave the other two alone if I expect to help them catch up." Scratching his head Kakashi decided to take the easy way out, every squad leader's ace in the whole. " Hmm well since your so ahead of the curve at the moment, you could take this time to meditate, or further hone your unique skills. "

" Well that plays right into Zabuza's plans. " With ease Naruto leaped from his position, and landed next to the silver haired jonin. " Sounds boring, but if it gets me away from you people it works for me. " With a carefree smile Naruto began sauntering away only to be stopped by a rather assertive command.

" Wait right there Naruto. " The blond's eyed narrowed as his teammate stomped toward him, and Kakashi. Sasuke having heard enough felt that he had a complaint he wished to bring to attention. " I don't see why he should get to goof off on his own while we just climb trees all day. "

" I'd watch yourself Uchiha someone may take that tone of voice as a challenge, " Naruto's eyes locked with Sasuke's a toothy grin spreading on his face, Naruto would never turn down a fight if offered so readily. Sasuke's glare was blocked by the figure of their sensei who had seen enough and chosen to intervene.

" You, can flex your ego's after you've mastered the tree climbing exercise Sasuke. " Sasuke's eyes angrily flashed defiance, but with a annoyed huff he turned back toward his tree. " And Naruto please try to remember that we're on a team here ok. "

Naruto turned away from the group heading off into the forest alone. " Yeah sure we are. "

After a good bit of wandering off, and once he was sure no one was following him Naruto took a moment to survey his surroundings. The trees here were a lot more dense, and a thin fog was slowly starting to spread. Feeling a sudden flash of killing intent behind him, Naruto quickly swiveled around, and just barely managed to divert a ice covered fist from connecting with his spine. " Don't you ever just say hello like a normal person? "

Haku just scoffed, and the ice covering her arm merely dissolved into her skin. Without even giving the blond genin a second glance she started walking toward a small clearing. " I could have sworn someone told me that you weren't normal. " Haku allowed a smirk to appear on her face as she heard Naruto hiss in irritation at being upped by his earlier declaration. " My master would like to have a word with you, and he doesn't like to be kept waiting. "

Naruto followed Haku past the trees and into the clearing where a well hidden hideout had been set up. As they approached the entrance, a familiar entity began speaking to him in his head.

" Naruto I would advise that you let loose some of your brethren loose in this area. It would be a good idea to have our kin watching from the shadows in case this Zabuza decides to pull a fast one. " Taking Ryuuza's words to heart Naruto channeled a small amount of chakra into the portal, and immediately felt reptiles begin crawling out of his chest. Without making a sound three monitor lizards crawled from out of his coat, and began scaling the surrounding trees Haku didn't seem to notice as she continued walking toward the door of the shack in front of them. " Better safe than sorry I suppose. "

Before opening the door Haku turned, and looked Naruto directly into his eyes, the words that escaped her mouth were as lethal, and icy as her kekkei genkei. " You will speak to Zabuza with respect, and if you so much as sneeze out of turn I'll use your skin for a nice pair of snake skin boots. "

Naruto couldn't help, but be slightly subdued by the hostile female in front of him, but within a few seconds he regained his composure. " As you wish ice queen I'll be at my best behavior I swear. " Quick as lightning Naruto closed the distance between him, and Haku he could feel her hold her breath as he whispered into her ears. " But for the record neither me, or my kin are to be mistaken for a snake. We don't take kindly to ignorance my dear. " And just as fast Naruto was back at his original distance though his eyes had once again flashed an emerald green.

Not wanting to give the blond the satisfaction of knowing he had unnerved her greatly, Haku turned toward the door, and opened it gesturing Naruto to walk in. Once he had walked past her Haku was able to resume breathing at a normal level. It still fried her brain to have any get that close to her, and it wasn't helping that he was just so damn handsome.

" Finally you arrive Naruto, I was starting to think you had chickened out on us. " Despite the bandages that adorned his body, and the bed he was laying in the predatory grin that nestled on his mug made Zabuza practically glow with lethality. I hope getting away from your team wasn't too much of a hassle for you. "

Naruto merely shrugged his shoulders, and a lazy look on his face looking completely at ease. " No trouble at all, thanks to Haku's assistance with my training I'll have to thank her sometime. " Naruto's gaze hovered over to the silent female as she stood patiently beside her master. Feeling his eyes on her Haku's stoic face turned to a sour scowl.

" Good to know that your getting along, in fact that works with my newest update to our plan. Both Naruto, and Haku looked to Zabuza confusion etched on their faces. " You see I've been thinking, and since you can only train with us when your team is busy, I thought up a brilliant way for Haku to keep a eye on you, and provide any further assistance if needed. "

Haku unable to keep her curiosity silent was the one to ask the question. " How will I be able to do that without the jonin detecting my presence Zabuza-sama? " Zabuza chuckled sinisterly before replying a evil smile growing on his face.

" Easy you'll be hiding in plain sight as Naruto's new girlfriend. " Zabuza felt a twinkle in his eye as the faces of Naruto flashed from surprised, to utter disbelief, and finally to outrage. " It's good to be bad. "

" ARE YOU FUCKING WITH ME! DO YOU SERIOUSLY EXPECT ME TO PRETEND TO BE THIS ASSHOLES GIRLFRIEND! I HATE HIS FREAKING GUTS! " Zabuza's was honestly surprised that Haku would speak to him in such a manner, at least it was twice as hilarious.

" I'M THE ONE WHO SHOULD BE PISSED, I DON'T NEED THIS CRAZY ASS CHICK FOLLOWING ME AROUND! JUST THE THOUGHT OF HER COMING ON TO ME MAKES MY SKIN CRAWL! " Naruto was just as upset by the turn of events, and certainly was going to announce it.

Zabuza's laughter soon drowned out the two's yelling, never before had he seen anything this funny. It wasn't long before he felt killing intent oozing from both of them cutting his fun short. " Wiping the tears from his eyes, and attempting to look like a master assassin again Zabuza attempted to diffuse the situation.

" Now now you two I believe your overreacting, now quiet down so we can move onto the next part of the plan. " Though Naruto, and Haku held their silence they wouldn't stop glaring at each other, and mouthing death threats. " Alright with Haku posing as your match made in heaven, Naruto you can be assured Haku will be there to bail you out, and feed you excuses to get away from your group and further our plans. "

" Now that we have that out of the way, lets continue where we left off on your training." Zabuza eased out of his bed, and walked toward the door. " Naruto would you be so kind as to show off some of your abilities, from there we can decide what you need to work on. " Naruto followed Zabuza outside of the shack with a sulking Haku right behind him.

" Well to tell the truth the only real jutsu I know is the 'Shadow Clone', besides that our just my natural abilities which you've already seen. " Zabuza nodded in agreement he couldn't help but think badly about Kakashi for now better training his genin.

" Alright then lets see if you can perform this kid. " With a calming intake of breath Zabuza begin forming hand signs in rapid succession. " Hidden Mist Jutsu " A think fog suddenly started to blanket the area, within seconds Naruto had lost sight of Zabuza, and Haku.

" This jutsu is fundamental in my technique kid, it allows me to assassinate any target from any angle I see fit without being seen. " Zabuza's words echoed all around Naruto making it impossible to pinpoint his location. " Lets see how well you do on the receiving end. " Naruto tensed up using his heightened senses to make up for his now liable eye sight.

A fluttering of cloths indicated something was approaching from his left, with quick turn he ducked and kicked out hitting nothing. Another sound behind him had him hitting the deck, and rolling to the side. Once again he saw nothing, it was if the very mist itself was intent on striking him. Something had landed on the ground beside him and he faintly heard the swishing of clothing before he was struck in his side. Taking the blow in stride Naruto grabbed out, and managed to get a hold oh his invisible assailant, and pulled the figure to him. Naruto was surprised that he held in his grasp, a very smug looking Haku.

" Took long enough, but it seems it cost you a dozen lives until you finally captured your assassin. " The mist began to vanish, and to Naruto's confusion his body had multiple blue, and red markings on his body. " The markings symbolize vital spots where you had been struck, for the record the blue ones are mine. " Naruto now noticed that there was at least twice as many red slash marks, as there were blue ones.

" And the red one are one mine of course. " Zabuza's voice nearly made Naruto jump as he appeared beside him with a red paint covered kunai in his hand that was poised at Naruto's temple. " Let that be a lesson to you kid even a wounded wolf can tear out your throat. " With a chuckle Zabuza put away his weapon, and patted the blond on the back. " Not bad though you did much better than I though you would. "

Letting Haku down ( gently this time ) Naruto couldn't help but let a grin grow on his face. " Now this is the kind of training I can get used to. " Zabuza then showed Naruto the hand signs needed to produce the jutsu. Though he failed on the first few tries, after a bit of practice Naruto was able to create an average sized mist, though it was no where as thick as Zabuza's.

" It'll take some practice before you get it mastered, but once you do it'll be a life saver I'm sure. " It was at this time that Zabuza looked up to the sky, and noticed the sun's placement. " Damn that pain in the ass gangster Gato will be here any minute. " With a nod to Haku the missing-nin headed back toward the shack with Haku, and Naruto following behind. " As you probably know I'm under the employment of the crook who's trying to keep that bridge builder from finishing the bridge. " Naruto nodded in agreement, and Zabuza continued on. " He's a real slime ball, and I'm sure that he'll try to stab me in the back when he gets the chance, but with you as a wild card I don't think we'll have to worry about that anymore. "

Zabuza limped toward his bed, and was helped by Haku so he could pretend to be laying down. " He's going to show up any seconds with his crew, and ask how our progress is so I want you to stay out of sight, and only act if necessary got it. " Naruto nodded his head, and quiet as a cool breeze left the hideout. " I'm still surprised that he was able to catch you back there Haku, if I didn't know any better I'd think you were goin soft on the brat. " Haku narrowed her eyes, and quick as lightning tapped her master sharply between the eyes. " Ow! "

It wasn't even three minutes later when Gato came stomping into the shack, with a few bodyguards in tow. Gato was a short man man with a thin mustache, and a bad business suit his shrewd little eyes were hidden behind his shades. " And what do we have here? My so called master assassin bed ridden with his little friend making medicine. " Gato, and his thugs shared a good laugh, before he continued onward. " I pay you good money to keep those damn villagers away from the bridge, and for you to kill that damn Tazuna. And now I'm hearing that he plans on continuing his work, and he even has a team of ninja to protect him. " Gato strutted toward the bed his right hand clenched into a fist.

" The bridge builder's days are numbered, and the ninja will be handled in due time. All you need to do is give me my damn money, and shut your fat trap. " despite his appearance Zabuza's words had lost no power at all, and he glared right into Gato's shades.

Red with anger Gato poised his arm to strike the Demon of the mist, when he was suddenly thrown to the side of the room by a irritated Haku. " A worm such as you has no right raising his voice to master Zabuza, let alone strike him. " Haku's voice was nearly a whisper, but all within the room heard it. Gato's bodyguards readied their swords, and were ready for a fight if their boss commanded them.

Picking himself off the floor Gato was now sputtering, and cursing his anger near breaking point. " YOU WORK FOR ME MAGGOT WE HAVE THIS WHOLE PLACE SURROUNDED SO YOU BETTER WATCH YOUR TONE! " Gato was caught off guard as Zabuza's words reached his ears.

" How many? " Despite the threat the assassin had a smile smile on his face as he stared the criminal right in the eye. Gato looked to his bodyguards, and back to Zabuza before replying, his words betraying his confusion. " At least two dozen, and their only a fragment of what I have at my disposal. " Zabuza's smile grew larger exposing his jagged teeth, his eyes held a mischievous glint to them. " Your gonna need more guards then, because I'm sure those two dozen thugs were in a accident. "

Meanwhile outside:

Naruto having seen enough decided to have some fun with the lingering group of people outside of the shack. It started off with him having the monitor lizards that he had sent out earlier meet back up with him in tree overlooking the area. He was in middle of devising a strategy when Ryuuza's thoughts began echoing inside of his head. " Naruto being that your brothers entry into this world is due to amount of chakra you supply, you can actually transfer more into them, thus making them more powerful. The same rule applies to when you summon them to begin with. " Naruto smiled at this new knowledge the possibilities now growing limitless for how to slaughter the group below.

" Thanks Ryuuza I think I'll try that out right now actually. " Naruto then placed his hands on top of two of the reptiles before him, and began slowly focusing chakra towards them. The results were almost instantaneous, the two monitor lizards double in size now growing to the height of large wolves, and rows of spikes formed down their spines. " Take this gift of my chakra brothers, and quench your thirst for blood. " The two lizards nodded in agreement, and stealthily began climbing down the trees toward the thugs below. A hissing to beside him alerted Naruto to the third monitor lizard that was sitting beside him. " Oh how could I have forgotten you friend, my apologies now its your turn. " Naruto repeated the action, and the third lizard also grew in size, and quickly followed after his brethren. " Of course I'm going to enjoy myself as well. "

Down below and completely unaware the large group of men where standing around, awaiting their boss. The hideout they surrounded as creepy as it was, and that fact that a missing-nin from the village hidden in the mist was most discouraging. One such thug who was leaning against a tree was brought out of his musings when he felt something wet dripping on his head. " Fuckin gross, the last thing I need is something..." The man stopped his rant when he looked up, and was face to face with a large reptile. He barely had time to scream before it was upon him, and tearing into his flesh.

Nearby one of his comrades heard a commotion, and was greeted by the sight of a monster ripping the face off his friend. He managed to yell out a simple " Look! " Before a second beast barreled into him, and his blood was sprayed everywhere. By this time all of the other men had looked in their direction, and where shocked to see their fellows being torn to shreds. A bone chilling hiss turned their attention behind them, where another scale covered monster stood menacingly. Then a adolescent in a trench coat appeared behind it seeming completely at ease. The blond haired kid then proceeded to pat the lizard on the head gently before he turned his gaze toward the crowd. " Today's a bad day to be warm blooded. " To the crowd's horror the blond began tearing off his face, revealing scales underneath, his eyes flashed red, then settled onto a green, and a fang filled smile spread across his face.

In a flash Naruto dashed toward the nearest person, and with relative ease, tore his arm off. The man screaming bloody murder at the loss of his limb, was then hurled over the blond's head toward the awaiting maw of the giant lizard he had been standing next to. The guards barely had time to unsheathe their weapons before the boy sized terror was killing left, and right limbs being flying into the air, and blood spraying like a thick mist.

Naruto felt more like he was dancing then fighting, with a jump to the left he dodged a swing from a panicked swordsmen, then he flipped over him using his tail to snap the man's neck like a twig. Once he landed Naruto threw his clawed hand upward hooking this talons into the underside of another guard's mouth then with a tug he ripped the man's lower jaw off, and impaled him with a quick thrust of his other arm. The group was quickly thinning between the three powered up monitor lizards, and the blood-lust fueled Naruto.

" Damn this is starting to get out of hand. " Ryuuza was using all of the influence he had to keep Naruto from giving into his baser instincts, and being susceptible to the demon fox's foul chakra. " With all of the blood he's drinking he could go over the edge at any moment. " The evil laughter echoing inside Naruto's head was growing steadily louder, and the Kyuubi could feel the younger mind enjoying the bloodshed he was causing. " I really starting to like this kid. "

There was now only one guard left, his eye's filled with fear, and his pants thoroughly soiled all he could do was shake with fright as he watched the blood covered blond engage in a tug of war with the three lizards using the intestines of one of his comrades. Naruto losing interest let his allies have the meat before he started walking toward the lone survivor. Naruto's eyes looked completely unfocused as he walked, an eerie smile with red stained teeth on his face. Right as he was within striking distance of the doomed thug a familiar voice brought him back to earth.

" I think that will be enough boy, leave someone alive to spread fear to his comrades. " Naruto's eyes refocused as he turned around to see a grinning Zabuza, and a awestruck Gato standing outside of the shack entrance. With an evil chuckle Zabuza proceeded to pat Gato on the back. " You see I'm more than prepared if you so happen to decide that turning on me would be a good idea. If you try anything ever again I'll sick the boy on you. " Gato gulped in fear, and along with his two pale face bodyguards ran as fast as he could from the hideout, the who be doomed survivor in front of Naruto quickly scampered off to catch up to his boss.

" Well boy I must say you certainly leave quite the impression. " Naruto feeling somewhat embarrassed staring licking the blood off of his person hoping to clean up his appearance a bit. " I sure hope your pets are good at clean up, I can have all of these limbs, and blood, attracting flies. " Naruto motioned for his three friends to start cleaning up the scene, and summoned a few smaller lizards to assist in the clean up. As Naruto walked back into the shack, he heard Zabuza whistle in approval, he also noticed Haku who had been standing inside the shack though her expression was unreadable.

" Well boy its getting dark, you should probably head on back to your team before they come looking for ya. " Naruto looked to the sky, and noticed the sun was starting to set confirming the assassin's words. With a simple nod Naruto left the shack his summons following behind who had just finished cleaning up the area. Now that they were alone Haku, and Zabuza could speak privately.

" Your a little shaken up by him aren't you? " Zabuza had chosen to speak first, and bluntly attack the issue he knew was on his apprentice's mind. " I must admit that I am Master, he displays such skill and it worries me what would happen if he turned on us. " Zabuza sat on his cot, and a sigh escaped his lips, before he replied. " I'm not worried, the boy is so much like us I cant help but trust him, plus if he tried anything I'm sure you and me would easily put him down. "

After their little chat both decided that it was time to get some much needed rest. Naruto on the other hand had finally made it home to Tazuna's house, and was working on his excuse.

Naruto was immediately greeted by Kakashi as he entered the house. " There you are Naruto I was starting to get worried about you. You must have really been on a role with that meditation huh? " Naruto nodded his head, and explained that he was actually close to a spiritual breakthrough when he was plagued with interruptions. Kakashi asked him to explain, but Naruto said he was too tired, and that he would tell him in the morning. With that the blond trudged upstairs to bed passing, a curious looking Sakura, and a glaring Sasuke.

Naruto was fast asleep before his head had even hit the pillow, and the spent the night dreaming of blood, fighting, and irksome ice wielding shinobi. Indeed everyone had slept soundly that night except for Gato, and his three bodyguards who were up all night huddled in fear at the prospect of a cannibal blond ninja coming after them in their sleep.

The Next Morning:

Naruto was still shaking the cobwebs out of his hair at the breakfast table when he heard a knocking on Tazuna's door. An ominous feeling started to creep up his spine, when Tazuna's daughter Tsunami answered the door, and he could hear her letting someone into the house. Hearing footsteps drawing near Naruto looked to the hallway, and his face turned a sickly pale once he caught sight of the visitor. Noticing Naruto's reaction his teammates who were also present at the table looked in the same direction, and were greeted with the sight of a beautiful young woman around their age.

Haku wore a innocent smile on her face, and her dark hair seemed to shine, dazzling all of the men in the room, even Naruto though he would never admit it. Sakura being the first one to speak asked who she was, and if she needed any assistance. There was a long pause before Haku responded, she could feel herself dieing on the inside as she spoke the following words.

" My name is Haku, I'm looking for my boyfriend Naruto.

END OF CHAPTER!:

Yea I know right lol.

So here's a little cliffhanger for ya to keep you readers interested

Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter cause I enjoyed writing I seriously did.

Be sure to Review I always enjoy hearing your thoughts on the story so far.

Its been a crazy 20 years for me, but I'm glad I've gotten this far.

See ya next time