I do not own Naruto or Venom/Carnage

it would wait now

sleep now

Chapter 7. The journey begins.

The morning dawned misty and cold. The sky resembling molten lead as the wind stirred the leaves.

A lone figured walked silently through the the forest his shape indistinct in the morning mist. His steps were muffled as he walked through the dew covered grass. He approached a tall stone memorial sitting alone in the middle of a leaf strewn clearing. Gently almost lovingly he reached out a hand and traced his fingers over the stone.

"Obito Rin I'm sorry." He took a deep shuddering breath before continuing. "I haven't been coming around as often. I've been busy." He laughed a bit as he spoke the words. "I have my own team now. You'd like them. You know they remind me us. The way we were... back then."

He stood silently lost in memories of a long ago time. For a time he stood with friends long gone but not forgotten..

"I won't be coming back here, not for a while. I'm Sorry. Tell Minato Ill take care of Naruto. I love you guys."

Kneeling down he placed two small flowers on the memorial stone. As he stood up the mist washed over the stone. A moment later it cleared leaving only a whispered "Good Bye" floating in the wind.

oOo

"Do you have everything Naruto?" Kurenai asked as she examined Naruto's gear. The two were sitting in Naruto's room packing.

"I think so" Naruto said as he double checked the various items in his pack. "Yeah I do."

"Well here's some thing for the road." Kurenai held out a small scroll to him. "I packed you some ramen."

Taking the scroll gently he was pulled into his mothers arms. "Take care of yourself" She whispered into his hair. "Now get going." giving him a gentle push she sent him on his way out the door.

Taking only the smallest glance backwards Naruto walked towards the front door. He still had half an hour before he had to be at the gate. And the gate was only a 10 minute walk away, but he hated being late. As he passed the living room he stopped to say goodbye to Tayuya who was lounging on the sofa watching TV.

"I'm leaving Ill be back in a few days." He called out.

"Bring me back a souvenir." replied Tayuya waving her arm lazily.

"Sure."

"Don't die" She whispered as she heard his footsteps walk away. She knew she shouldn't have but she hadn't been able to stop herself from growing comfortable here. She hated her father and had never met her mother. Before running away from home and after joining the sound she had never had a place she felt that was home.

But it scared her to think that in only a few days she had grown to like it here.

Her budding friendship with Hinata. No I just did it to get close to her. Its part of my cover.

The way Kurenai would comb her hair before she fell asleep. I just do it so she leaves me alone.

Exchanging barbs with Anko. OK I do like that. She thought a rare smile crossing her face.

Bossing around Naruto. You know he's actually a pretty cool guy, he might be worth a damn someday.

So why did it feel like a betrayal of something she no longer felt any loyalty to. Unconsciously she rubbed the back of her neck.

oOo

As he placed his hand on the doorknob Naruto was grabbed from behind. Just before he could lash out out his nose picked up a very familiar scent. "Sis."

"Don't go" Anko whispered her voice bleak. As she spoke her arms tightened around her brother.

"I have to." Naruto whispered back. Mizuki's betrayal and subsequent attack had shaken Anko badly. It had opened old wounds that had never truly healed. The last few days had been difficult for her as she adjusted to the changes in their lives.

"I know. Let me stay like this. Please. Just for a while."

"OK"

oOo

"Hey" Kakashi called as he entered the Hokage's office.

"Oh Kakashi your... early" Sarutobi asked in surprise.

"Is this our client?" Kakashi asked ignoring the not so subtle the jab from the Hokage.

"Yeah I'm Tazuna" the old man in work worn clothes said as he took a swig from a jug. Sporting thick gray hair and the body of an old prizefighter he cast a stern look at the silver haired jounin. "So your Kakashi? I thought you'd be taller."

Shrugging nonchalantly Kakashi pulled out his book and began to read.

"Don't let him fool you Tazuna. Kakashi one of my best."

"Alright then. Lets get going. We have a long ways to go." without another word the old man turned around and walked out the door. Nodding at Sarutobi Kakashi followed him out the door.

Together the two walked through the streets of Konoha. As they approached the gate Kakashi was pleased to see all three of his students already waiting at the gate. Well waiting was perhaps the wrong word as Sakura seemed to be upset about something. "Good they're all here" he spoke to himself.

"What was that?" Tazuna asked.

"Oh nothing. That's my team sitting at the gate." He paused as he felt a familiar presence. "Would you mind going on ahead? There's something id like to take care of. It shouldn't take more than a moment."

"Sure." Shaking his head Tazuna walked on ahead.

"Kakashi" an infinitely cold voice whispered from just behind him. He felt a warm weight press against his back.

"Kurenai. Hey how are you?"

"I leave my son in your hands Sharingan no Kakashi" Kurenai continued her voice still cold. "That which I value above all else in this world. Do not make me regret that decision. Brother or not I will kill you."

"I'll keep him safe."

"See that you do." Anko interjected as she walked past him earning a startled glance from Kakashi. A moment later the two women were gone.

oOo

"So you three are ninja's. Huh don't look like much." Tazuna commented as he walked up to the three genin.

"Hey who are you!" Sakura shouted "You can't talk to us like that."

"Are you our client?" Sasuke asked quietly eliciting a surprised squawk from Sakura.

"Yeah I am. Are you team 7?"

"Yes." Naruto spoke up for the first time.

"Oh I see you've all met." Kakashi came up to the group. "Guys this is our client Tazuna a famous bridge builder. Our mission is to take him to the land of wave, after that we'll guard him until he finishes a bridge there. So its a bodyguard mission. Any questions?

"none"

"no"

"Sensei how far is it to the land of the wave?" Sakura asked.

"Tazuna how far is it walking at your speed." Kakashi asked

"Three days."

"Good every one lets go." together the happy foursome plus Tazuna exited the gate.

"All right lets go." Naruto shouted as they left the village

"Hey is that kid really capable of handling this?" Tazuna asked.

"He's stronger than he looks. They all are. And I a jounin will be accompanying you. Besides we wont have any ninja battles on a C rank mission." as Kakashi spoke he ruffled Sakura's hair.

Sufficiently mollified Tazuna kept walking. With Naruto and Sasuke in the lead they kept going.

After walking for a few minutes Sakura dropped back to the rear to where Kakashi was walking.

"Sensei does the land of wave have any Ninjas?"

"No Sakura. Only the five elemental nations have ninja villages. Thought some of the smaller lands have ninja forces as well. But those are mostly cases of a single ninja family passing along their teachings to their children."

"So instead of a village a land might have something like a single clan protecting it?"

"Yes something like that."

The two continued talking as they walked. Every step taking them farther from the village. In the trees a dark shape watched the group.

oOo

As Sasuke walked he went over the conversation he had had with the Hokage.

~One Day Ago~

"I need all the information you have on my brother." Sasuke asked

"I see. Sasuke this is because you wish to kill your brother is it not?"

"Yes"

"What about rebuilding your clan?"

"I'm not ready to get married lord Hokage, but I can start training to kill my brother."

"So you do intend to wed?"

"Yes. But not now."

"So tell me what do you wish to know exactly?"

"As the Hokage you must know what jutsu's my brother knew. What all his skills were. If I learn what he knew I can kill him with his own power!"

"Hmm. Tell me Sasuke what will you killing your brother achieve?"

"I'll have avenged my family."

"That is not what I asked. What will you have achieved?"

"I'll have achieved my dream!" Sasuke added with a little more heat in his voice.

"No. You would have achieved Itachi's dream Sasuke."

"What?"

"Itachi's dream was to destroy the Uchiha Clan. If you devote your life to killing Itachi you will destroy even the memory of what your clan stood for."

"Itachi must DIE!" Sasuke said as he slammed his fist into the arm of his chair.

"There is no question in anyone's mind that Itachi Must be killed. And that you have the right to do it. But that time is not now."

"But!"

"Sit down and Listen!" The Hokage roared. For a moment Sasuke saw the man known as the God of Shinobi, then he had settled down again and was simply the professor, the leader of Konoha.

"Do you know the difference between you and Itachi?"

"I didn't kill my family" Sasuke growled.

"No you did not but once again that is not what I asked. No don't say anything. I will explain.

Itachi was bred for war. Your father married your mother because they needed to ensure that their heir would be the strongest possible ninja. Theirs was a marriage of necessity not love. Thankfully by the time you were born they had grown to love and care for one another. You were a child of that love."

"That can't be true my mother loved the both of us."

"I never said she didn't Sasuke. But from the moment Itachi could walk he was trained to kill, to be the ninja that the village needed the Uchiha heir to be. By the time he was your age Itachi had already been in over a dozen battles."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Didn't you ask to know about your brother?"

"I don't need a history lesson! I need to know how to kill him!"

"Remember your place Sasuke" The Hokage intoned seriously. "now let me ask you this? Why are you doing exactly what Itachi want's you to do?"

"I'm not!"

"Aren't you? Did you ever wonder why exactly it was that Itachi left only you alive? And did so in such a way that guaranteed you would try and hunt him down? But enough about Itachi." Sarutobi took a deep breath before continuing. "What are your goals Sasuke? Your long term goals."

"I'm going to rebuild my clan, then I'm going to kill Itachi."

"That is a wise plan. I will help you however I can."

"Then you'll give me what I asked for?"

"No. I will not give what you ask for."

"Why!"

"Believe me Sasuke trying to follow in Itachi's footsteps is madness. If you try and use his own skills against him he Will destroy you. Trust me your chances of success will increase if you face him ready for anything that might happen."

"I I understand Lord Hokage."

"Good. Now you have a mission tomorrow go get ready."

"Hai"

"and Sasuke."

"Yes?"

"Well finish this conversation another day."

"yes Hokage-Sama"

~Present~

What did he mean? I don't understand. I thought I knew my brother. Didn't I? But hes right about one thing. I don't need my brothers power. One day Ill kill him with my own strength and with these two hands.

I won't be the last Uchiha. I swear it.

And when MY clan is rebuilt. I'm coming after you brother.

Believe it.

oOo

A few hours later the group was walking along a dirt strewn path. The sun was low in the sky and getting lower they would stop for the day soon. Walking out in front Naruto looked around disinterestedly. What's that? Spotting a puddle in the ground he stepped up his pace a bit to get a closer look. Curious he bent down to take a closer look.

An armored claw came flashing out of the water, the claw tips smeared with a filmy liquid. "One." a sinister voice chuckled. Catching Naruto by surprise the claw drove into his abdomen. As he slumped over another shape shot out of the water and headed straight for Kakashi.

"Naruto!" Sakura screamed.

As it ran the form resolved itself into a ninja dragging a long wickedly barbed chain. Jumping past Kakashi he threw the chain around him. As the barbed chain settled around him both ninja yanked hard on the chain tearing the silver haired jounin to pieces.

"Two" they laughed. Giving the chain a flick to shake off the blood they turned their attention to the remaining three.

Now that they had stopped moving they could see them clearly. Two ninja wearing large cloaks and face masks One of them still holding upright Naruto's still form. The other had a single large horn jutting out from his hiate. Grinning cruelly the ninja crouched down into ready positions.

"So who's three?" The one holding Naruto chuckled.

"You are"

With an awful snapping crunch Naruto twisted the arm holding him breaking it. Stepping back he tore the claw from the ninja's arm.

Seeing Naruto free Sasuke jumped into action. Jumping up he threw kunai at the ninja he had dubbed Spiky.

"Sakura Now." He shouted even as his kunai landed all around the enemy ninja.

"Right. Fire Style! Fire bullet jutsu!" Sakura shouted. Holding her hands up to her mouth she began to spit out thumb sized fire balls at Spiky.

Spiky tried to dodge but found his chain pinned to the ground. Damn that brat didn't miss. Throwing his arms up he braced for the impact.

Continuing his earlier spin Naruto smashed the spiked claw back into its owners neck, carving a bloody trench in the mans neck and spraying arterial gore into the air. With a hacking gurgling cough the ninja fell to the ground, blood spreading in an expanding pool of crimson.

Spiky screamed as the thumb sized balls of fire hit home. They blasted coin sized divots of cloth and flesh out his body, leaving behind charred flesh and burning cloth.

"That was pretty good girly. That hurt." He choked out as he lowered his arms. "But it won't be enough."

"Then why don't I try! Fire style! Fire Bullet Jutsu!" Sasuke shouted as he landed behind him. Drawing in a huge breath he spat it out again in streams of incandescent fury. Compared to Sakura's his fire bullets were much brighter and flew much faster. And they hit even harder.

Before the enemy ninja had the chance to scream or dodge the bullets hit home. Tearing chunks of cloth and flesh out of him, flash boiling blood in clouds of pink steam. With a breathy sigh the last enemy ninja fell to the ground in a smoldering heap.

"Is he? What about Naruto are? Where what?" Sakura stammered her hand his still in the ox seal. Her shoulders trembled as she looked around.

"Calm down Sakura, you did very well." As the voice spoke two hands came down and squeezed her shoulders reassuringly eliciting a startled squeak from the girl. Glancing up in fright Sakura almost fainted when she took in Kakashi's reassuring one eyed smile.

"But I you Dead " she stammered. Glancing at the spot where Kakashi had died all she saw were a scattering of wood chips. "Replacement Jutsu" she said with a nervous chuckle. One eye twitching spastically.

"Took your time Kakashi" Naruto said as he wiped his hands with a piece of his shredded shirt. Though his voice was calm his hands were shaking.

Sasuke approached the group quietly his mind elsewhere. Is it really that easy? Taking a life. He spent a long moment staring at his hands.

Back with the main group Kakashi was taking charge. "Is anyone hurt?" he asked getting getting a negative from all present he stopped and surveyed the area. "I see, Naruto Sasuke pick up a body. Sakura take us off the road, Find us a clearing. Tazuna stay next to Sakura no matter what. MOVE!"

A chorus of assents came as they jumped to follow his orders.

oOo

A few minutes later the group was settling into a clearing. With a weary sigh Sasuke dumped his corpse on the ground. Naruto put his down much more easily his superior physical condition evident. Sasuke glared suspiciously at Naruto.

"Everyone well camp here tonight. Sakura Sasuke set up camp. Naruto help me search these bodies. Tazuna go ahead and help those two."

Kneeling down Sakura began laying a fire pit. Sasuke prowled around looking for firewood. Choking back some bile Naruto began to empty the dead ninja's pouches and pockets. Soon he had small pile of kunai and other miscellaneous tools laying beside him. He tried to ignore the smells and the blood.

"Naruto turn him towards the light" Kakashi asked as he thumbed through his copy Konoha's bingo book. "They're the demon brothers. two missing nin from Kiri." But who are they after. He glanced at the group. Sasuke maybe? Tazuna is only slightly more likely. "Naruto did you find anything unusual?"

"Just these." He held up a few glass vials. "Poison. Pretty bad too."

"How do you know?" Sakura asked from her position next to Sasuke. The two were sitting by the newly lit fire opposite of Tazuna who had been silent since they got to their campsite.

"My sister is kind of a poison expert. She taught me a few smells I should recognize. I definitely recognize this one." He shuddered at the memory. "Other than that... money kunai shuriken some bandages some pills just basic ninja gear." He began to divide the loot into three piles

"What are you doing now Naruto." Sakura asked curiously.

"Huh oh this is your share Sakura" he pushed a pile in her direction. "And here's yours Sasuke."

"You steal from the dead?" Tazuna asked shock evident in his voice.

"Were ninja not Samurai." Sasuke answered seriously as he took his share and began transferring it to his pouches.

Though apprehensive Sakura took her share as well following Sasuke's lead.

"Kakashi what about these?" Naruto held up the armored gauntlets and the chain.

"Go ahead and seal them, unless you two want them?" Kakashi asked Sasuke and Sakura, who shook their heads.

"Go ahead and seal them Naruto. Hiashi would be interested at least."

"Hai."

"Sensei is this really a C rank mission?" Sasuke asked

"Yeah sensei you said there weren't going to be any ninja battles? Why did they attack us?" Sakura chimed in.

"Not why Sakura who?" Kakashi answered.

"Huh?"

"Who were they after?" Kakashi asked seriously. "I spotted the two before Naruto sprung their trap." He spared a cold glance at Naruto" Naruto next time use a kunai not your face."

"Yes sensei."

"Kakashi-Sensei! You knew!" Sakura asked indignantly.

"Yes but I needed to know who they were after. But you three stopped them cold." He paused for a moment to gaze proudly at his team. "You three did great especially you two." he gestured to Sakura and Sasuke.

Sakura beamed at the praise.

"Sensei when those two attacked us Tazuna was afraid." Sasuke began.

"Of course I was boy who wouldn't be." Tazuna protested.

"But he wasn't surprised" Sasuke finished

"Is there something you left out Tazuna." Kakashi asked.

Working his jaw nervously Tazuna began to speak but Kakashi continued.

"Your request was to protect you from bandits and robbers. What happened earlier was above a B rank mission. Our mission was to guard and support you until you finished building the bridge. If there were ninja involved this would have been at least an expensive B rank mission.

It looks like you have your reasons but it causes trouble if you lie to us. This was not part of our mission. So tell me why are Ninja after you?

"The answer to that begins and ends with the bridge?" Tazuna began.

"The bridge?" Naruto asked.

"The land of waves is an island nation. The only way to get goods in and out of the country is by ship. But a year ago a man arrived in the land of waves. A short man who casts a very a long and very deadly shadow. Gato."

"Gato? The Shipping Magnate Gato." Kakashi asked his eye wide. The three genin exchanged confused looks.

"The same. He used his enormous wealth to take over the land of waves. Anyone who opposes him disappears. The land of waves has become a haven for his thugs and gangsters. Without that bridge there is no way to break his stranglehold on our people."

"But why did you lie?" Sakura asked nervously.

"We have no money, we can't afford the fee for a B or an A rank mission. So we had to lie. I understand that you will have to leave me here and return to your village." He sighed dramatically. "Of course I will keep going on my own. Naturally I'll be killed the second I set foot in the land of waves. And my grandson will cry for his Grandfather." He continued sadly crocodile tears welling up in his eyes. "and my daughter-"

"ENOUGH!"

Jumping in surprise Sakura and Sasuke turned startled looks towards Naruto who had stood up angrily.

"Enough." He growled. "Don't you dare use your family like that! They're your family! If your not willing to protect them, how do you expect anyone else to!" he roared at Tazuna.

"But without the money we can't- Gaaack"

Stepping across the intervening space in an instant Naruto's arm shot out. In a single angry motion he had hoisted Tazuna up into the air. "Who do you think we are! Were ninja from the village hidden in the leaves!" He shouted angrily still holding Tazuna in the air. "Were the inheritors of the will of fire! Did you think we wouldn't have helped if you'd asked?" He shouted before dropping Tazuna in disgust.

"Naruto you can't treat our client like that." Sakura shouted indignantly while her inner self actually cheered Naruto on. Sasuke looked on impressed (just a little). Kakashi kept silent, watching. Tazuna lay on the ground quietly his face in shadow.

"No he's right girl." Dusting himself Tazuna stood up. Drawing himself up he faced team 7 with a determined look on his face. "I'm going back to the land of waves." He declared. "With or without you I'm going to finish that bridge."

"Now that's more like it." Naruto shouted smashing his fist into his palm.

Grinning back at him Tazuna held out his hand. "So once again." He began to speak formally."Shinobi of Konohagakure will you aid me?"

Kakashi looked to each of his genin. Naruto looked excited. Sasuke seemed to be relishing the thought of a fight. And Sakura was starting to come around to the idea. But the decision was his to make.

And he made it. Walking up to Tazuna he took his hand, hand to wrist in the old fashion. "We are at your disposal Tazuna of the wave."

oOo

"Tazuna could you start dinner I have to talk with my team." Kakashi said quietly.

"Sure" Tazuna replied before stepping closer to the fire.

"You three follow me." Reaching down Kakashi picked up the dead bodies of the two demon brothers.

Together the foursome walked a ways into the woods. Finally stopping Kakashi dropped the bodies.

He took a moment to look at them before beginning. "Naruto Sasuke Sakura. Today you took a step down a path all shinobi must walk. You took a life."

"Sensei but I didn't" Sakura began. She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked over to see Naruto's hand. He gave her a reassuring squeeze. On the other side Sasuke did the same. "Guys" Now that she had time to think all the emotions she had bottled up came rushing out and she burst into tears. Only the presence of her teammates kept her from falling to her knees.

Standing next to her Naruto shed not a few tears of his own. But he managed to keep his composure. Sasuke's heart went out to his team mates. He knew better than anyone what they had lost today. Closing his eyes he pushed aside his own memories before they swallowed him whole.

Kakashi let them cry for a few moments more. Clearing his throat he spoke again. "They're s still something else that needs to be done."

"What is it Sensei" Naruto asked his voice trembling a bit before steadying.

"The heads. We need to cut off their heads so that we can turn them in."

"Oh god." Sakura rushed off to the side. Soon retching sounds could be heard.

"Sakura you don't have to stay for this." Kakashi spoke gently.

"NO! No I have to. I won't Please." Sakura begged.

"All right Sakura. Naruto Sasuke please remove the heads. Here use this." he tossed Sasuke a trench knife before pulling out a scroll and a small wooden box.

"Yes sensei." Gripping the big heavy blade Sasuke approached the bodies. After only two minutes of hacking the head was separated from the body. He silently handed the head to Kakashi who placed it on the scroll and sealed it.

Naruto took the knife from Sasuke's still hands and repeated the grisly process, finishing quickly and handing the head to Kakashi who sealed the second head as well.

"Now for the last bit of business." Kakashi began to move his hands into different seals. With a shuddering groan the earth opened underneath the demon brothers and closed over them burying their remains for all time.

oOo

Back at the camp Tazuna was putting the finishing touches on his stew when the kids and Kakashi returned. No they aren't kids. He thought as he rubbed the fresh bruise on his neck. They looked ragged but they each walked with a new sense of resolve.

"Dinner's ready." he called. He began to spoon stew into bowls. He handed a bowl to the pink haired girl Sakura.

"Thanks" Sakura said looking around. "Naruto what happened to your shirt?" She asked noticing the tears in the front of the dark fabric.

"Huh. Oh that demon guy got me pretty good during the fight."

"Oh my god are you hurt." Putting down her bowl she ran over to him and pulled on his shirt causing Naruto to jump and spill hot stew on his hand.

"Oww that hurts"

"Where is it where is the wound" Sakura asked frantically. With a yank she lifted up his shirt completely exposing the gray bandages that crisscrossed his upper body and stomach.

"What are these." She asked as she ran her fingers over the slightly iridescent fabric.

"Armor-weave wrappings." Kakashi said. In passing he tugged Naruto's shirt completely off and began using it to clean his knife.

"But they look just like cloth bandages Kakashi-Sensei?" Sakura asked still sitting in front of Naruto.

"They are. Sort of. Do you know the flak jackets that chunin wear?"

"Yeah. Ino's dad showed us his once. Its made of a really really strong cloth right?"

"Correct. The bandages Naruto wears are made from the same materials. Except that particular weave is a lot stronger than the ones in chunin vests."

"So wait this stuff is stronger than the chunin vests. Why aren't all the chunin vests made from this then?" Sakura asked.

"Well there's only one person in Konoha that makes this. And the stronger weaves are a lot more expensive."

"Oh."

"Genin get a vest when they are promoted to chunin. But nearly every jounin buys the more expensive weaves as soon as they have the money. See." He lifted up his vest to show them the black bandages underneath his shirt and vest."The most expensive weaves are fire proof, non conductive and have a tensile strength that is much much higher than even steel."

"Wow" Sakura breathed softly.

Putting on a fresh shirt Naruto joined the conversation. "I didn't know all that." He lifted up his shirt and ran his fingers over his bandages. "No wonder those claws didn't even tear this."

"I was hoping we could get you guys some of the more generic weaves before we did any of the more dangerous missions." Kakashi continued as put away his various tools. "Naruto did you happen to bring your spares?"

"Huh Maybe." reaching into his pack Naruto began to pull out various items. Tools, kunai, explosives a small arsenal of weapons were soon piled in front of him. Off to one side Tazuna gave a low admiring whistle.

Sasuke eyed the pile suspiciously. He was carrying all that? Sakura was having the same thoughts.

"Aha I found them" Naruto shouted triumphantly as he finally pulled out three rolls of fabric.

"Naruto would you mind giving those to Sasuke and Sakura?"

"Ill be fine" Sasuke muttered as he ate. "Sakura needs them more than I do."

"Really Sasuke. Thanks!"

"hmph"

"OK... Here you go Sakura." He tossed the cloth rolls over to Sakura who caught them after a moments fumbling.

"umm Sensei how do yo put these on?" Sakura asked as she unrolled one of the weaves curiously.

"Naruto help her out will you." Pulling out his book Kakashi started to read. Somehow he had managed to eat his dinner without anyone noticing.

"Hold out your arm Sakura?" Naruto said.

"Ok."

The campsite was quiet as everyone found something to do. Sakura watched attentively as Naruto showed her the proper way to wrap her arms. Kakashi read. Sasuke checked his tools. And Tazuna finished eating and had fallen asleep. It was peaceful.

"NARUTO YOU PERV!" With a furious scream Sakura did her best to perforate Naruto's head with a fork.

"I'm not trying to be a pervert Sakura!"

"Sakura stop that." Kakashi said lifting his hands placatingly trying to calm the girl. "What's going on?"

"He told me take off my shirt!"

"What?"

"I didn't say that! I said that shed have to take her shirt off if she wanted to wrap her chest as well." Naruto said as he dodged another fork to his privates.

"You just wanted me take my shirt off you perv!"

"now now Calm down Sakura." Kakashi said as he grabbed hold of the furious girl. Sakura struggled for a moment before calming down.

"Yes sensei."

"Sakura you know Naruto's right. These wrappings go best over your skin. If you'd like I can show how to put them on over your clothes."

"No ill put them on the regular way. BUT YOU THREE TURN AROUND!" With a startled eep Naruto Sasuke and Tazuna all turned around fast. Real fast.

"umm Well lets get started" Kakashi said. He scratched his nose as he tried to think of a way to tell Sakura that she still needed to take her shirt off.

oOo

The next two days passed without incident as they traveled. but eventually they arrived at the border to the land of the wave. They stood on the shore of the sea, waves lapping gently onto a sandy shore.

"So were finally here." Tazuna said as he took in his homeland the land of waves was just visible off int the distance.

"Be ready for anything" Kakashi said adjusting his gloves.

"Got it"

"Roger"

"Heh this is going to be fun." cracking his knuckles Naruto grinned.

Bolstered by the sight of the sea the group turned and began to walk along the beach towards some where they could rent a boat. They had only been walking for a few minutes when Kakashi suddenly jumped into action.

"Get down!" Kakashi shouted as he kicked out and tripped Tazuna.

An enormous spinning shape came flashing over their heads, whistling as it cut through the air. In an instant it had flown past them and smashed into the ground throwing up a spray of sand.

It revealed itself as a giant gunmetal gray cleaver with a long handle wrapped in white cloth. Hanging from the pommel on a twisted piece of cord was a single red pearl.

Its glossy surface crawled with black designs that writhed and twisted with a life of their own.

oOo

AN: Thanks to my Beta's Whitedragon17 and Psudocode Samurai, without whose help and inspiration this story would never have gotten off the ground. Both are amazing authors and I highly recommend all of their fics. And thanks to all my reviewers.

AAN: If you think I made a mistake or have a suggestion or an idea, Please PM me or leave it in a review.