Normal speech
Thought
Nine-tails/Other big voices
InnerSakura
A/N:
Disclaimer
I do not own Naruto in any way, shape, or form. This is merely for my, and hopefully everyone else's, enjoyment. Thanks to everyone for their support!
Recap:
After treating his new students, Kakashi looked forward to working together with his new interesting teammates, but he regretted treating them to a meal. It wasn't so bad with Sakura and Sasuke… but Naruto was another story. Aside from eating the three lunchboxes, he had eaten at least forty bowls of ramen and barely left a penny to Kakashi's name.
Kakashi: Our first mission's tomorrow and already they're wearing me down. Looks like things are going to become very interesting.
Things were going to get interesting indeed…
The Land of Waves: The Hatchling's First Big Mission
Kakashi: What's the distance to the target?
Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura took their positions in an attempt to capture the suspect they had been trailing for some time.
Naruto: Five meters. I'm ready, just say the word…
Sasuke: So am I.
Sakura: Me too…
Kakashi gave them a second before he gave the command to engage the target. Receiving the word the Genin pounced and caught their target off guard… a cat.
Naruto had it in his hands but it continued to struggle and claw at him trying to wriggle away.
Kakashi: Ribbon on the left ear… Are you sure that this is the target, Tora?
Sasuke: Yeah, we're sure.
Kakashi: Good… Lost pet "Tora Search Mission" complete!
Naruto: SOMEBODY GET THIS CAT AWAY FROM ME BEFORE I KILL 'EM! *still struggling with it* … ISN'T THERE ANY BETTER MISSIONS THAN THESE LAME ONES WE KEEP GETTING?!!!
Hokage Tower…
Team 7 brought the cat in as they were instructed. Aside from the Hokage, Iruka, and others, they were met by the Fire Country lord's wife, Madam Shijimi. She was a rather robust woman that seemed to be very affectionate with her pet cat Tora. So affectionate in fact that it wouldn't be a surprise if Tora died from too much of it as she lovingly squeezed the life out of it.
Seeing this public display of affection, Team 7, most of them anyway, couldn't help but sympathize with the recovered pet…
Sakura: No wonder it ran away. She's literally smothering it with love.
3rd: Nicely done Team 7. Now your next mission… let's see… there's babysitting, helping some villagers with their shopping, and helping in a garden…
Naruto: NOOOOO!!! I can't do this anymore. I don't want to do anymore of these lame missions… *with dramatic tears flowing from his eyes* … I want one that's more exciting, more incredible, more ninja like! Pleeeease!!! Find us a better one grandpa!!!
Sasuke: I agree, but…
Sakura: … he's so annoying!
Kakashi: I knew this would happen sooner or later. I'm gonna be hearing about this later on.
Hearing this Iruka jumped from his seat fuming…
Iruka: You idiot! You're just a simple Genin. Everyone starts off with simple missions and work their way up!!! If you want better missions then you have to prove that you're capable of completing them…!
Naruto: I thought we already proved that with those insane tests we were put through. Even if that wasn't enough, we keep getting the crappiest missions!!! I can't help but think that having a certain old man as my grandpa doesn't have anything to do with it… I know you're worried about me but I'm a ninja now, I don't need you holding my hand and treating me like some little kid!!! *he turned around and pouted*
At this Kakashi knew he had no choice but to quiet Naruto down or else he'd be ranting on for a good while. To do this Kakashi brained him on the top of his head and told him to be quiet.
3rd: Naruto… it seems I have to explain to you what these missions are all about. Everyday the village receives numerous requests from babysitting to assassination. Each request is written down and divided into A,B,C, or D rankings based on their difficulty. The shinobi of this village are also ranked based on skill from the Hokage who is ranked highest to you Genin that are ranked lowest. The missions are then handed out to ninja like yourselves based on their abilities. If the mission is successfully completed, then the village receives payment from the client. You all just recently became Genin, so D-rank missions are perfect for you.
As the Hokage finished up he noticed that no one, not even Iruka, was listening to him on account of Naruto's 'interesting' dinner plans. The 3rd became a little upset at the fact that he was giving out wisdom and no one cared to hear it…
Kakashi: I… I apologize!
Naruto: Jeez!... I've heard enough lectures from you to last a lifetime. All I'm saying is I'm not the trouble-making brat you still think I am!!! So give me a chance and I'll prove it!
Kakashi: I'm definitely gonna get yelled at later for this…
Hearing Naruto out, his former sensei, Iruka, and his honorary grandfather, the 3rd Hokage, smiled at the words of their 'former' brat.
3rd: Well… I guess there's no harm. If you want it that much then… I'll give you a C-rank mission. It's a protection mission of a certain individual. He is an expert bridge builder… Won't you come in…?...
Naruto: A bridge builder…? I was hoping for something like a Feudal Lord or a princess… but I guess it's better than nothing.
Sakura: (Sigh)… A beautiful princess would have been nice. Having another girl around wouldn't be so bad… someone I can talk to, and spend some quality time with… Wait… what am I thinking…?
After hearing Naruto's words a man, fairly old with grey hair and a beard stepped through the doorway.
???: What's this?!! They're only a bunch of kids… And what's with the shrimp with the stupid look on his face?!
Naruto: Hey that's mean… who's the shrimp with the… stu…pid… look…
As both Sasuke and Sakura stepped up next to him, Naruto slowly began to realize that…
Naruto: HEY!!! I'll demolish you… How would you like to chopped down to my size, I bet you won't be calling me a shrimp then, will ya?!!! Let me at 'em, come on!!!
Naruto desperately tried to get at the old man but, like a dog on a leash, Kakashi held him back.
Kakashi: What's the point in attacking the person you're supposed to protect? Calm down!
???: I am Tazuna, the expert bridge builder. I expect nothing short of the best protection when I get back to my country as I complete the bridge.
Iruka: And that's exactly what you'll get. You may not believe it, but these three genin had some of the highest graduating scores of their class.
Sakura: Really…? We did…?
Iruka: Of course… Why you Sakura, had the highest critical hit rate of most of the girls. Both Naruto and Sasuke had the highest scores of the entire class. Not to mention that all of you passed all through portions of the graduation test…
3rd: There… as you can see, you are in great care, …
Konoha gate…
There stood Sakura, Sasuke, the client, and even Kakashi, but someone was missing…
Sakura: Jeez!... Where's Naruto?! He was the most excited about this mission but he doesn't show. Just like a guy to be late… What could he be doing?!
Naruto: Sorry I'm late… I just wanted to make sure I had everything I would need… *carrying a long pole*
Everyone looked at him curiously…
Sakura: What's with the pole Naruto?
Naruto: Oh, this…! This was given to me as a present. I don't know by who, but I've been practicing with it and I was hoping to put it to good use in our missions.
Everyone just looked at him strangely as if to say, "Okaaay… whatever."
As they left the village Naruto began to smile and it just got bigger and bigger with every step he took.
Sakura: What are you so happy about?
Naruto: I've never really gone too far from the village or to another country before. The old Hokage told me about the story of when I was younger. I think I was about two years old. Anyway, somehow I had managed to walk right out the village and got lost in the forest. Realizing I was missing, old man Hokage began frantically looking for me…
Kakashi: I heard about this… but there's no way it can be true. It must've been nothing more than a bedtime story.
Naruto: I was finally found when I returned to the village…
Sakura: And how exactly did all this happen?
Naruto: Well… the funny thing about that… my grandpa said a bear brought me back. I kind of remember that she took care of me while I was in the forest before she helped me find my way back.
Tazuna: Am I really gonna be safe with this brat?! Someone like him should be in a nursery where he can listen to fairy-tales like the one he just told!
Naruto's ears perked up…
Naruto: It did happen and sometimes I sneak off in order to see how she's doing!
Kakashi: Don't worry, I'm a Jounin so you'll be fine.
Naruto couldn't take it anymore. That was the last shot that the old man was gonna take at him…
Naruto: Hey old man!!! You shouldn't look down on any ninja, especially me!!! One day I'm gonna be Hokage, and you and everyone else will have to acknowledge how great I am!!! My name is Naruto Uzumaki!!! Remember it!!!
The old man just chuckled as he took another sip from his bottle…
Tazuna: Hokage is supposed to be wise and strong and is the village's number one ninja right? I doubt someone like you could become it…
Enraged, Naruto tried to get at the old man again, but he was once again held back by Kakashi.
Upon being released, Naruto stormed into the forest still angry about what had been said. A few minutes later Kakashi began to worry and wonder about Naruto's whereabouts. He finally reappeared, but he was being chased by… a bear.
The ninjas readied their defenses in case the bear turned on them. To their surprise though, Naruto and the bear appeared to be playing…
Kakashi: Naruto… what's going on?
Naruto: Oh! This is one of the cubs of the mother bear that rescued me. I call her Ku-chan. I spent a lot of time wrestling with her while her mother searched for food. She even fed me while I was there.
Sakura: You were raised… by a bear? It makes sense with how weird he is…
Naruto: That's not all! From the moment I got lost in the forest I remember seeing wolves and cougars too. This whole experience sort of shaped who I am today.
Bewildered at this new information, Kakashi decided that it would be best to say goodbye to Ku-chan and continue with the mission.
Later…
Sakura: Umm… Mr…. Tazuna…? You're from the Land of Waves, right?
Tazuna: What about it?
Having her question answered, if you could call it that, Sakura turned to ask Kakashi a question…
Sakura: Kakashi sensei… don't they have ninja in that country too?
Kakashi: No, not in the Land of Waves. But in most other countries their culture and customs may differ. Though… there are only some places that have hidden villages and ninjas.
He then went on to explain that the Land of Waves had its own protection by the surrounding sea, how hidden villages were military power for a country, which hidden villages were seen as the strongest, and the Kages of those villages.
Sakura: Wow!! Lord Hokage is really important!!
InnerSakura: Is that old geezer really that great…
Naruto: It's funny he should say that… I always thought of him as a pervy old man.
Kakashi: You guys just doubted the Hokage, didn't you?! *striking fear in their hearts* … But don't worry there won't be any ninja combat in a C-rank mission.
Tazuna seemed to get a far away kind of look in his eyes at these words…
They continued along and Naruto unwrapped his tail from his waist and seemed to be pointing to the ground while whistling. Kakashi noticed this but didn't say anything…
After they had walked by, a couple of ninja emerged from a strange looking puddle on the road. They attacked and managed to restrain Kakashi with a bladed chain. With one tug… Kakashi was ripped into pieces.
His group was horrified at what they had witnessed…
DemonBro1: One down!!
DemonBro2: Next victim!!!
The two Mist ninja charged for Naruto who didn't seem to move at all…
Suddenly, out of the blue they were stopped by… Sasuke! He pinned their conjoined weapon of choice to a nearby tree with a shuriken and kunai. He then took his shot knocking both Mist ninja to the ground and breaking the chain attached to their claw like gauntlets.
They got back up and once again charged, but this time it was right for Sakura and the old man. Sakura took a defensive stance and prepared herself. To her surprise, Sasuke jumped in between her and the assailants…
Luckily, before they could follow through with their attack, Kakashi reappeared and restrained the two. Everyone seemed to be relieved that Kakashi was in fact alive, especially the old man.
Kakashi: Naruto, sorry I didn't come to your aid right away. I got you injured, but I didn't think that you would freeze like that… Anyway, nice job Sasuke… You too Sakura.
Naruto: Freeze?! Who froze?! I was waiting for the right time to show off but Sasuke interfered… That jerk…! He jumped in and made it look like I needed his help, and now he looks like it was nothing! The jerk!!!
Sasuke: Hey! You're not hurt are you? 'Scaredy cat'!
Naruto was livid. He began stomping towards Sasuke, ready to give him a piece of his mind, but he was stopped by Kakashi.
Kakashi: Hold it Naruto! You shouldn't move around too much. You have a wound from the encounter and their claws are soaked in poison. We have to remove it quickly before it spreads.
Naruto looked at his wound and began to feel bad…
Naruto: Am I nothing but a burden? How pathetic am I?... Well not anymore!... I won't be a burden to anyone ever again! I swear on this wound!
Naruto then took out a kunai, stabbed it into his wound, and drained out the poison. When he was done Kakashi noticed that the wound had already begun to heal itself…
Kakashi: This must be a result of the Kyuubi.
Kakashi then looked back at the old man and stated that he needed to talk to him…
Kakashi: These are Chunin from the Hidden Mist Village, they are known to continue fighting no matter what…
DemonBro1: How did you know about our attack?
Kakashi: On a sunny day like this when it hasn't rained in days… a puddle is a very unusual sight. Not to mention that the little ninja over there can sense chakra. As soon as he noticed he tipped me off, not that I needed it.
Tazuna: If you knew that then why did you let these brats fight?!!!
Kakashi: If I wanted to I could have taken these two out instantly, but… there was something I wanted to find out… who they were after…
Tazuna: Wha-What do you mean?!
Kakashi: What I mean is… were they ninja attacking ninja… or were they after someone else. You… You only asked for protection from thieves or gangs. Protecting you from other ninja is a completely different matter… *looking intently at a silent Tazuna* … If it was known that ninja were after you then this mission would have been set as a higher rank and expense. I'm sure you had your reasons, but it causes problems when you lie about the mission. We're now in over our heads.
Sakura: We're only Genin, we're not qualified to take on a mission like this. And even though he got the poison out, Naruto may still need to see a doctor about his wound.
Kakashi looked over at Naruto who looked like he was ready to explode…
Naruto: I already told you! I won't need saving anymore, so drop it! We're continuing the mission and I swear that I'll protect the old man with my life!!!
Kakashi: Fine, if you all feel that way then I guess it's worth a try…
Gatou: You failed!! I paid you guys a lot of money because I heard you were strong ninjas.
???: Quit your whining! This time I'll go. I'll be sure to finish the job with this head slicing cleaver.
Gatou: A-Are you sure?!... It seems that the enemy has hired some skilled ninjas. And with the failure of the Demon Brothers, they'll be better prepared.
???: Who do you think I am?... I'm Zabuza Momochi, there's a reason I'm called the Demon of the Mist!!
Man:
We should see the bridge soon. The Land of Waves is at the base of the bridge…Sakura: What thick mist… I can barely see in front of me…
Just then Sakura noticed a silhouette in the mist and moved closer to it hoping that it was Sasuke. Unfortunately it was just Naruto. He had his tail over the side of the boat and in the water.
Sakura: Uuuh… Naruto… what are you doing?
Naruto: I'm really hungry, and I already ate all my rations. So I decided to fish for lunch, besides… I really love fish!
Sakura: Do you really think that you're gonna catch some fish using only your tail as bait?...
Just then Naruto yanked up a giant fish. Everyone was surprised that he not only did, but one that was so big. It was remarkably big, too big in fact to be any run of the mill fish. It was an unusual fish and upon closer investigation, it obviously wasn't a fish at all… In fact, it was…
Sakura: AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!! IT'S-IT'S-IT'S-A… SHAAAAAARK!!!
Man: Hey be quiet… *angrily whispering*
Naruto: YEAH SAKURA!! YA BIG MOUTH!... IT'S JUST A FISH!!!... Well technically it's… LUNCH!!!
Man: Hey I said be quiet! Why do you think we're hiding in the mist and not using the engine?! We'll be in deep trouble if we're found out by Gatou!
Everyone did as the man said. Naruto then took out a kunai and got to work on lunch as Sakura turned her head so she wouldn't have to see such a thing.
Tazuna: Sensei… I want to talk to you… It's about this mission… You were right… this job is most likely too advanced for your team. It turns out that an extremely dangerous man is after my life… You've probably heard of his name before. He's the wealthy shipping magnate… Gatou!
Kakashi: Huh?!! Gatou… of Gatou Transport?!! He's said to be one of the world's few extremely wealthy people… A business man…
Tazuna: Yes… officially he runs a large shipping company… but secretly he sells drugs and other illegal items using gangs of thugs and ninjas to take over businesses and countries… He's a very nasty man!
He continued…
Tazuna: It was about a year ago that he set his sights on the Land of Waves. Through money and violence he took control of the country's shipping industry… He now has a monopoly on all business trafficking in the country. The only thing he seems to fear is the completion of the bridge. It will join us to the land and break his control…
Sakura: I see, so since you're the one building the bridge, you're in the way.
Kakashi: What I don't understand is… if you knew that ninjas would be after you… Why did you hide that fact when you hired us?
Tazuna: … The Land of Waves is a very poor country… Even our nobles have little money. Of course we don't have much either, especially enough for an expensive B-rank mission. If you abandon the mission now I will surely die, but don't worry… my cute grandson will only cry for a few days!!! Oh… and my daughter will live a sad life hating Leaf ninjas forever, but it won't be your fault…
Kakashi: Well… I guess we have no choice. We'll protect you… at least until you complete the bridge.
The rest of Team 7 looked at Kakashi and the old man in disbelief. What a dirty tactic to get what you want…
Man: We'll be there soon. It looks like we avoided detection so far, but… just in case we'll take a more secluded route. It should make it harder for us to be spotted.
Finally they arrived on land. Naruto stepped off the boat with a bag full of sushi (or whatever) leaving behind a bloody mess. Kakashi noticed this but decided that it was better to simply… pretend like there was nothing wrong in particular.
They walked through the forest on the way to Tazuna's house but Kakashi couldn't seem to shake the feeling of despair. If they would be attacked this time it would most likely be by Jounin, elite ninjas with deadly skills.
Naruto was still a little more than upset that he had been upstaged by Sasuke. He wasn't going to let that happen again…
He began jumping all around as if there was danger at every turn. Then he detected something and threw a kunai…
There was nothing but dead silence as everyone stood waiting for something, anything to pipe up. Otherwise, Naruto had just made a fool of himself…
Sasuke: There isn't anything…
Sakura: Naruto! You idiot! Stop trying to act cool!! There was nothing there!!!
Tazuna: Hey pipsqueak! Stop acting like a moron! You're scarring us half to death!
Naruto: But…but I… there really was…
Just then Naruto turned his head and threw another kunai, once again startling everyone. Sakura retaliated and smacked Naruto in the back of the head, but before she could say anything Kakashi had followed the kunai's path.
There, just inches below the kunai, lay a shocked and unconscious white rabbit…
Sakura: Awww! The poor thing… See what you did Naruto! You nearly hurt this poor defenseless creature…
Naruto: I-I didn't mean to… but if I had killed him then we could have rabbit stew…
Sakura: Stop thinking with your stomach, You Idiot!
While Sakura and Naruto bickered, Kakashi was lost in thought…
Kakashi: That's a snow rabbit… What's with its color?... Normally a snow rabbit changes color based on the amount of sunlight, white in the winter and brown in the spring. This must be a rabbit that's been kept indoors for… a replacement technique.
In a distant tree lurked a shadowy figure that attentively watched the group as they made their way through the forest. It was none other than Zabuza Momochi…
Zabuza: I see… No wonder the Demon Brothers failed. They didn't stand a chance… against "Kakashi of the Sharingan"!
Suddenly a giant cleaver spiraled towards the group of unsuspecting travelers. At the last second Kakashi yelled for everyone to hit the dirt. He jumped at Tazuna and dragged him to the ground. Naruto grabbed Sakura and dove for safety.
The cleaver then lodged itself into the trunk of a tree and on it stood…
Kakashi: Well well… if it isn't the Hidden Mist's Missing-Nin, Zabuza Momochi!
Naruto looked as if he had hit the jackpot. Just looking at this guy, Naruto could tell that he was a lot better than the two earlier. For some reason he really wanted to fight him. He began to step forward but was quickly stopped by Kakashi.
Kakashi: Stand back everyone. This one's on a whole different level. Against him… it will be a bit difficult… unless I go all out…
With that said, Kakashi pulled up his headband to reveal a red eye with three black tomoe around the pupil. Sasuke, as well as everyone else, were in shock as they saw Kakashi's eye.
Zabuza: Heh! "Kakashi of the Sharingan"… I didn't expect to see you here. I've always wanted to fight you, but… this old man is my target, so we'll have to settle this some other time…
Kakashi: Surround and protect the client. Don't get involved, no matter what! Your duty is to work as a team. I taught you teamwork, now use it!... Zabuza… I'll be your opponent!
Zabuza: So you're already using the infamous Sharingan against me. I'm honored…
Naruto: Sharingan?! I'm sure I've heard of that somewhere… What was it again?...
Sasuke: Sharingan… It's said that some have the ability in their eyes to read and defeat all types of Genjutsu, Taijutsu, and Ninjutsu. It is one of the types of doujutsu(visual jutsu) that give you this power… But that's not the only ability the Sharingan has…
Zabuza: Hehe, exactly. That's not all… though the Sharingan allows the user to analyze any attack, what's even scarier is… that you can copy all of your opponent's techniques down to the smallest detail. When I was a part of the Hidden Mist's assassin team, I kept a handbook and it included information on you. It said that you were a man who copied over a thousand jutsu… "Copy Ninja Kakashi"!
Sakura: First old man Hokage and now Kakashi sensei. What makes them so great?
Sasuke: What's going on here?! The Sharingan is a special physical condition that only appears in a select few members of the Uchiha clan… Could he be…?
Zabuza: Enough talking… I have to kill the old man. But if I have to beat you first Kakashi… then so be it!!
Zabuza yanked his weapon from the tree and landed on the nearby lake. He went through a series of hand signs and stated, "NINJA ART: HIDDEN MIST JUTSU!"
Almost immediately he began to disappear in a shroud of mist as thick as pea soup. To everyone's surprise he was gone as the mist had begun to surround them.
Kakashi: As a member of the Hidden Mist, Zabuza was known as an expert in the "Silent Killing" technique. You don't even notice until it's too late. But take it easy… he'll come after me first. The Sharingan can't completely neutralize it, so you guys be on alert. Keep your guards up…
Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke quickly took their positions only to be spooked by Zabuza…
Zabuza: 8 points…liver, kidneys, lungs, spine, clavicle vein, neck vein, brain, and heart!... Which one should I go after?!...
Kakashi concentrated, exploding with chakra and blowing away some of the creeping mist. The tension and suspense was building and it was starting to get to Naruto and Sasuke…
Naruto: Come on! COME ON!! I feel like I'm gonna go crazy waiting for this guy to make his move. It's nerve-wracking! The sooner he makes his move the better!
Sasuke: I feel like I can't breathe!... One shallow breath, one tiny movement of the eye is enough to draw his attack. It's suffocating!... If it goes on like this… I'll go insane! The clash of two Jounin intent on attack,… I've never felt anything so chilling.… it feels like the life is being squeezed out of me! I-I can't take it… I'd rather die now and get over with than sit here waiting! *slowly inching his kunai to his throat*
Kakashi: Sasuke!... Calm down, I'll protect you guys with my life. I won't let my comrades die. Trust me… *he turned back and appeared to be smiling* … Oh… and Naruto… relax… I don't need you getting too excited and getting yourself killed. I'll handle this.
Zabuza: We'll see about that!
Instantly Zabuza appeared between the Genin and the old man, ready to strike. "IT'S OVER!" he shouted preparing to attack.
In the nick of time Kakashi managed to intervene. He stabbed Zabuza in the back with a kunai, but behind him appeared another Zabuza…
Sakura: KAKASHI SENSEI!!! LOOK OUT BEHIND YOU!!!
But it was too late… Kakashi and the Zabuza copy had been sliced clean through! The mist was so thick that only the splatter of blood could be heard.
Zabuza: What?!! A water clone…?!! No way!!… He copied it in this mist?!
Without warning, Naruto came raining in from above, flattening Zabuza. Water splashed everywhere as this Zabuza was exposed as a water clone.
Naruto: Why don't you quit hiding and come on out already. If not… then I'll come in after you!
Anger was evident in Naruto's voice and an intense fury could be seen in his eyes…
Zabuza: I'd love to see you try you little brat! It'd just make my job easier!
Kakashi: You know… you shouldn't underestimate the kid. I found you in this dense fog only because he hasn't looked away from your position this entire time. *standing behind Zabuza, kunai in hand*
Zabuza: H-How?!!! How could he know where I was in this mist?!
Kakashi: It's not really important right now. The important thing is… it's over!
Zabuza: Hehhehehehe! Finished…? You really don't get it do you? There's no way you can defeat me with your cheap imitations… But I'll admit…you are full of surprises though…
Zabuza recalled what Kakashi had said in the mist about protecting his comrades.
Zabuza: At that time… you had already copied my Water Clone Jutsu … You had your clone say those words in order to attract my attention while the real you sat back and watched. Nice plan, but… I'm not that easy to fool!
A second Zabuza had gotten behind Kakashi. He swung his giant weapon trying to hack Kakashi in half. As he ducked, Kakashi tried to roll away but was pursued by Zabuza. Though he missed with his blade, he used it as a base and kicked Kakashi through the air. Zabuza charged in the direction of the old man but halted due to Kakashi throwing spikes at his feet.
Kakashi landed in the lake and appeared to be having a hard time staying above water…
Kakashi: Wha-What's with this water? It isn't normal. It's so dense, heavy…
Once again Zabuza appeared behind Kakashi laughing maniacally. "WATER PRISON JUTSU!!" Water from the lake began to form around Kakashi's body.
Zabuza: Heh heh, fool! You may have been trying to escape to the lake but that was a mistake. You're now trapped in my inescapable special prison…
He looked over to the shore to see his target cowering in fear. Surely no one could save him now.
Zabuza: We can finish things later Kakashi… it makes things difficult if you continue to move around. Right now, I've got a job to complete…
Zabuza's water clone walked out in front of the lake between the Genin and their sensei. It was ordered to 'take care' of the old man and kids while he incapacitated and preserved Kakashi.
Zabuza: Heh heh heh. Wearing forehead protectors and acting like ninjas… A real ninja is someone that has seen and survived numerous brushes with death. Basically… once you are good enough to be listed in my handbook… then you may be able to call yourselves ninja.
The clone then disappeared and took a free shot at Naruto. Naruto was skipped across the ground a few feet before coming to a stop. The clone then proceeded to grind Naruto's headband into the dirt. Kakashi tried to get the Genin to take the client and run for their lives, but it was no use.
Kakashi: He's using all of his power to hold me in this prison. You should take the bridge builder and run for it, you can't win this fight. He can only fight you with his water clone, but the clone can't go too far from his real body. If you run then he can't follow you.
Sasuke: Run away? That's not an option. That became unthinkable the moment you got caught. No matter how fast we run or far we go, he'll track us down… and wipe us out. Our only chance of survival is to rescue Kakashi… We have no other choice!
Sasuke ran at the Zabuza clone in hopes of getting past him, but it was no good. He only ended up being tossed back.
Naruto: This is a Jounin, a real elite ninja. If I'm not careful… he'll annihilate me…
Naruto tried to pick himself up but felt a sharp pain in his hand. He looked at it and remembered his vow. He then looked at the clone's foot and noticed his headband.
Naruto: HEY JERK!! THAT'S MY HEADBAND! *charging blindly, screaming at the top of his lungs*
Sakura: Naruto stop! What are you thinking?!! You're not strong enough to beat him!!
In an instant he was swatted away like a bug. Dust rose and settled revealing Naruto as he once again picked himself up…
Sakura: What are you thinking charging at him by yourself?! We're only genin, there's no way we can handle fighting a Jounin. What did you think you could accomplish by that stupid act…?!
Naruto lifted his headband and tied it, all the while smiling back at Zabuza…
Naruto: Hey you… the freak with no eyebrows… put this in your handbook… "The future Hokage of the Village Hidden in the Leaves… never backs down!" The name… Naruto Uzumaki… so understand this… you just ran out of luck, pal!
Tazuna: Hmph! I thought he was all talk, but this kid's got guts!
Naruto: Alright Sasuke, listen up! I've got a plan so just follow my lead… cause I'm about to go wild!
Zabuza: Hehehehe… Big words for such a little man. Do you think that your plan is going to keep you in the game?
Kakashi: What are you doing?!!! You're supposed to run! Your mission is to save the bridge builder, not prove how tough or brave you are.
The genin turned to the old man to survey his opinion. He gave the go ahead and the genin were now ready to go at Zabuza in full force. Zabuza just mocked them once more, taunting them to step up and throw away their lives.
Zabuza: Hehehe! So you still want to play ninja games. Well when I was your age, this hand had already crushed many opponents.
Everyone was in awe at what they had just heard. Remembering a tale from long ago, Kakashi decided to share it with all those present…
Kakashi: Long ago, in the Village Hidden in the Mist, also known as Blood Mist Village… before a student could become a ninja, there was one final test…
Zabuza: Annihilation of any other student! Imagine, young ninja like you, eating together, training together, and then comes the final exam. Only the rules changed! You couldn't stop until you destroyed your opponent! Friends that you shared your dreams with, but it was either you… or them.
Kakashi: 10 years ago the graduation exam… changed… The year before a dark evil had filled the school with terror… Without pause or hesitation the young boy who wasn't even a ninja approached the class, and took down over a hundred students.
Zabuza: It… It felt so…GOOD!!!
Without any warning Zabuza attacked, knocking Sasuke on his back. Shot after shot he took, until Sasuke lay brutalized beneath at his feet. Seeing this and that Zabuza was moving in for the kill Naruto jumped in the fray.
Naruto: SHADOW CLONE JUTSU!!
Quite a few more Naruto appeared, surrounding Zabuza all ready to attack. They took out their kunai and charged, piling on top of him. Zabuza unleashed a great amount of chakra to get out from under the Naruto dog pile, sending them all flying through the air and across the ground.
Many of the clones dispersed but as they did one of the Naruto reached into his backpack, pulled out a weapon, and tossed it to Sasuke. He jumped into the air grabbing the weapon… and let it fly…
Sasuke: "DEMON WIND SHURIKEN: WINDMILL OF SHADOWS!!"
Zabuza was confident enough to believe that no matter what they had planned, it wasn't going to work. As the shuriken took flight it bypassed the water clone and headed for…
Zabuza: So… you pass the clone and aim for my real body. Smart… but not smart enough…!
Zabuza simply caught the flying shuriken with his free hand, but soon realized that there was a second shuriken headed his way. He had no way of stopping this one, other than risking getting hacked up, so he jumped over it…
Zabuza: A second shuriken in the shadow of the first…? "The Shadow Shuriken Jutsu"…!
Sasuke gave a sly smile as the final part of the plan unfolded. Even though the shuriken had missed its intended target, there was one more surprise waiting in the wing.
A loud poof noise could be heard and smoke seen as Naruto appeared where the shuriken had been. As it turned out to be Naruto, he quickly made the hand signs for his…
Naruto: EAT THIS! DRAGON CLAN TECHNIQUE: DRAGON WAVE!!!
A flash of chakra flew from Naruto's hands and at Zabuza. Not wanting to get hit, Zabuza narrowly dodged a full on collision, but not without taking some damage.
He released his "Water Prison" jutsu on Kakashi in order to avoid serious damage, but things were not as they had seemed. Naruto made a motion and his attack looped around crashing down on Zabuza from above, forcing him down deep into the lake… Naruto dunked in soon after.
All was quiet until Naruto poked his head above the water in search of Kakashi…
Just then, a massive burst occurred as someone sprang from the lake. The water rained from the sky and Naruto could see a shadowy figure standing on the lake, but he couldn't tell who.
He swam closer to get a better look but still had trouble making them out through the mist. Finally, he was so close to the guy that he was practically underneath him. He finally had his answer, it was…
Naruto finds a mysterious figure, but who is it?
Next chapter: Special Training...