Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter and who put it on their Story Alert. So I will conclude Wave mission and we get to see if Tsunade will live. Also as I am sure you can tell the mission is not canon, and it is going to have some similar aspects of the canon, but will have new parts as well. I do not own Naruto. Now onto chapter 12
(With Team 7, this is happening as Tsunade is being locked in the room)
Team 7 was enjoying some down time and eating lunch while they rested. Over the past few days Kakashi had been really stepping up their training, and they could all feel themselves getting stronger. As Naruto was eating with his two teammates, he suddenly stopped and stared off into space.
"What's wrong dobe?" Sasuke asked.
"Nothing, two of my clones got into a fight and one ended up punching the other causing it to dispel." Naruto said as he made a hand sign and another clone appeared. "Go into the woods and finish working on the seals. Make sure none of the other clones get dispelled" Naruto said to his clone.
Shikamaru watched the interaction and had and began thinking. "Hey Naruto, how hard is it to learn the Shadow Clone Jutsu?"
Naruto smirked and rubbed the back of his head, "Well it is an A-rank technique meant to be used by Jonin level ninja. It is a huge drain on your chakra so most don't use them like I do."
Before Shikamaru could ask his other question, Sasuke beat him to it. "Can you teach us that move?"
"The technique is meant to be taught to Jonin, and I am not sure if you two have the chakra required to use it. You're telling me you didn't copy it with your Sharingan yet?" Naruto said, trying to take a jab at Sasuke.
"Shut up dobe, you know what Kakashi-sensei said."
(Flashback. Kakashi talking to Sasuke)
Kakashi had finished telling Sasuke about how he had gotten his sharingan from his fallen best friend and teammate Obito Uchiha. Sasuke could not believe that an Uchiha would give up his eye to his teammate. Sasuke wasn't sure he would do the same. Also Sasuke found it hard to believe that Obito sounded more like how Naruto acted.
"Sasuke now that you have unlocked your sharingan, you are going to want to use it often. This might be the worst thing you can do. If you begin to rely on using your sharingan you will become over dependent on it and your other skills will suffer."
Sasuke nodded. That is the same thing Jiraiya had said to him.
"We will practice with your sharingan, but many people disliked your clan for the fact that whenever they fought they would immediately begin copying their moves. The sharingan is just another ninja tool. It can be beat and there are ways around it. I don't want you to become reliant on using it Sasuke. You should use it as a last resort. If you can defeat an opponent without, just think how much stronger you will be when you finally do use it. I know you may not want to hear this, but your brother was a prodigy for that reason. He didn't let his eyes rule him, and only used them when necessary. He worked on his other ninja skills and would only resort to copying techniques from enemies and if comrades allowed it."
Sasuke didn't like hearing about his brother, but he knew deep down Kakashi was right. Itachi was good even without the sharingan.
"I understand sensei. I will try not to become dependent on my eyes, and use them only when necessary."
Kakashi smiled under his mask. 'I'm proud of you Sasuke.'
(Flashback end)
"I told sensei I would only use my eyes when necessary. I told both of you I wouldn't copy moves from you unless you allowed me to. Just because I copy the move, doesn't mean I will be able to use it right away."
Shikamaru and Naruto smiled. They had figured that once Sasuke activated his eyes he would be copying their moves immediately. It was good to know he would only copy it if they allowed it.
"Well I guess I can try and teach you guys the technique, but just so you know the chakra drain alone may cause you to have chakra exhaustion. I would suggest working on your reserves before trying to make them. I know your reserves are well above Genin level, and most likely average to high chunin because of our training."
"Thank's Naruto. If we knew how to do the technique, I can make more strategies and we will have an ace in the hole against the other teams. They won't see it coming." Shikamaru said.
Naruto took out two scrolls and began scribbling down all his knowledge on the technique for them. Once he finished he tossed each one a scroll. "Here you go, if you have any questions let me know. I should get back to finishing up these seals for Kakashi. I am working on a few seals for us too. Hopefully they will be done in a few days. I will see you guys at dinner." Naruto said as he got up and ran into the woods.
"Do you think we will be able to get the technique down?" Sasuke asked Shikamaru.
"It sounds like it is going to be hard to master, and I am sure we will never be able to use it like Naruto does. I have no idea how he has so much chakra, but I am sure we will be able to make some progress on it. I am going to go work on a few things before Kakashi returns." Shikamaru said as he too got up and went back to his training spot.
Sasuke opened up the scroll and activated his eyes, reading the scroll and memorizing it so he would be able to practice it later on.
(With Tsunade)
Tsunade was crying as she heard the explosions around her. She knew this was the end. She had so many regrets, and she would never get to see Naruto.
Tsunade heard the last of the explosions go off, but she didn't feel the explosion or feel any debris. She looked up and suddenly saw what looked like a giant mouth surrounding the room.
"Hey there princess. Glad to see me?" Jiraiya said as looked at the crying Tsunade. Jiraiya was crouched down with his hands on the ground. He had arrived at the last moment to use his Summoning: Toad Mouth Bind on the room and save Tsunade and Shizune from death.
"Jiraiya how did you get here?" Tsunade said as he tried to collect herself.
"Once I figured out you skipped town, I knew you couldn't be far. You forget that I found you in the Land of Honey, so a few hours lead was nothing for me. I stumbled upon this house and could feel presences inside. Once I was here, I searched, but I must have missed your attacker."
Tsunade was never so happy to see her teammate. Tsunade wiped her eyes and stood up. She walked forward and hugged Jiraiya. "Thank you Jiraiya. Thank you." Tsunade sobbed as he hugged Jiraiya. Jiraiya knew she was grateful and was going to keep his mouth shut about her being this close to him because he didn't want to ruin the moment.
"What happened that left you in this mess." Jiraiya asked.
Tsunade told Jiraiya about Hiro and his sick "grandson" and about the curse seal.
"So you are telling me you cured one of Orochi-teme's subordinates?"
"Jiraiya you know I am a medic and can't not in good faith leave a patient to die. Do not worry though. I may have healed him, but I also made it so that he cannot use the curse seal any longer."
Jiraiya was surprised. He didn't think Tsunade had it in her to do something like that. "How did you do that?"
"Well when I was coming up with the cure, I made it so that if he tries to use Orochimaru's chakra, his own chakra will start to react against it and he will be incapacitated. Orochimaru won't be able to use him for his experiments any longer."
Tsunade turned to Shizune and noticed that she was stirring and beginning to wake. "Uh.. what happened? Last thing I remember was starting to pack up our belongings and then I was attacked from behind. Jiraiya-sama what are you doing here?"
"Don't worry Shizune I will explain everything later."
"Jiraiya how did you use your summons, there are chakra suppression seals on the walls." Tsunade asked
"Well you see those seals only affect this room, but I used the summons in the hallway after knocking down the door, therefore I was not affected. Also the chakra used in this summons is natural chakra so it is harder to suppress."
'Natural Chaka?' Shizune thought.
"Well in any case, let's get out of here. I doubt the attackers have stayed around long enough for us to get to them." Tsunade said.
"Tsunade, I think it will be best to head to Konoha. Orochimaru believes you now to be dead. We can use this to our advantage."
Though Tsunade didn't want to head back to Konoha, but she felt as though now it was her best option. "Fine, but that doesn't mean I am staying there for good."
"Of course Tsu-hime. Let's get out of here." Jiraiya said as the three began to gather themselves.
(Two days later with Team 7)
Team 7 sat at the table after a long day of training. All of them were exhausted. Kakashi had been running them into the ground. He had a bad feeling about the next few days and he wanted to make sure his team could handle it.
"Tomorrow I am going to go to the bridge with Tazuna and scope out the area. You guys have tomorrow to train on your own. I am sure you know what you need to work on. If you want to train together that is your choice. You may be able to learn better from each other." As Kakashi finished talking, Inari, Tazuna's grandson walked in.
(Skipping scene with Inari. Same thing happens)
Naruto stormed out and went into the woods to vent his frustration. "I will go speak with Inari. Will you to make sure Naruto is ok?" Kakashi asked as he got up.
Sasuke and Shikamaru gathered some food and went after Naruto.
(With Naruto)
"That damn brat. Doesn't know what he is talking about." Naruto said as he punched a nearby tree. Naruto noticed that the punch was a bit more than he was expecting. 'I need to get my emotions under control. Ero-sennin said that I may subconsciously channel some of the foxes chakra if I let my anger get the better of me.'
Naruto tried to calm himself down when he sensed two people approaching. As he turned around Shikamaru and Sasuke landed in the clearing.
"Here you go dobe. You left without grabbing anything to eat." Sasuke said throwing some food.
"Thanks teme. That brat just made me so mad. I had to leave."
"Naruto did you cause this damage to the tree?" Shikamaru asked as he looked at the nearby tree.
Naruto turned to the tree and laughed nervously, "Uh yeah I guess I don't know my own strength sometimes."
'He most likely still has his weights on and still caused that much damage. Just how strong are you Naruto?' both Sasuke and Shikamaru thought.
"Naruto I know you are upset but you need to keep your emotions in check. Getting angry and running off on your own can jeopardize our mission. And besides it is too troublesome to chase after you." Shikamaru said.
"Sorry guys. I just needed to get away."
"I'm going to head back and rest if you guys don't mind. I haven't been able to sleep as much as I want to since this mission." Shikamaru said as he turned back and began to jumping through the trees back to Tazuna's.
"What you aren't going to leave too?" Naruto asked.
"If you want I can stay out here with you for a bit. Maybe bounce some training ideas off of each other."
Naruto nodded. He knew what Sasuke was doing. Though neither would admit it, they were best friends. Naruto and Sasuke began talking about the past few days and the different training they had gone through. After a few hours had passed and the two had come up with a few ideas for new things to work on Naruto stood, "Well I am getting tired. We should probably head back."
Sasuke was about to agree, but then had another idea. "Actually I think I am going to stay out here for a bit longer. I want to practice a few things on my own. I'm close to finishing a move. Naruto can you leave a few sensor seals here so I can know if anyone is approaching?"
Naruto looked at Sasuke wondering what he wanted to practice, but figured if he wanted to tell him he would. "Sure thing teme. Just don't use them all. I don't have many left. I need to make some more." Naruto said as he through Sasuke a few seals. Naruto then turned and headed back to Tazuna's house, leaving Sasuke to practice on his own.
'Alright now that I am alone I can practice the Shadow Clone Jutsu in peace.' Sasuke thought as he began to mold his chakra and make the hand seals Naruto had instructed.
(Two Hours Later)
Sasuke was sure he almost had it. He figured if he didn't get it after this try he would head back and go to bed. Sasuke began to mold the chakra like it said in the scroll and pictured another copy of himself appearing. He could feel his chakra being split in two as he shouted "Shadow Clone Jutsu".
There was a puff of smoke and a perfect clone appeared next to Sasuke. "It worked" Sasuke said as he looked at the clone. 'I think I may have overdone it' as he began to feel lightheaded and sleepy. One second Sasuke was looking at a copy of himself and then he saw blackness.
Sasuke had passed out from exhaustion and began to fall to the ground. The clone went to reach for him, but was dispelled because Sasuke was passed out. Sasuke landed on the ground and laid there for the night.
(Next day)
"Hello. Are you alright?" Sasuke heard a voice around him as he was coming to. Sasuke opened his eyes slowly and saw that is was daytime. 'I must have passed out last night after making that clone'
"Are you alright?" The voice asked again. Sasuke looked around and noticed he was no longer alone. A few feet away from him was a young girl who looked to be about sixteen. Sasuke saw her and began to blush. She was the prettiest girl he had ever seen.
"I am fine. I must have passed out during my training. I guess I overdid it."
"Oh, are you a ninja?" The stranger asked, noticing the headband that Sasuke was wearing. Though the stranger would not admit it, she recognized Sasuke as one of the genin that Zabuza had tried to kill.
"Yes I am. My name is Sasuke. What about you?" Sasuke said as he stood up and began to hit the grass and dirt off of himself.
"My name is Haku. Were you training all night?"
"I was training a bit last night, but I must have passed out when I took it too far. How long have you been here?" Sasuke asked, realizing that this person could be a threat.
"Not long, you awoke moments after I entered the clearing. I came here to gather some herbs for a friend." Haku said.
Sasuke nodded. "Is your friend sick? I can help you gather some herbs if you want." Sasuke figured that the girl that was standing in front of him was not a threat and he might as well help her while he was here.
"My friend is just injured slightly, nothing a few herbs will not heal, and if you wouldn't mind helping me I would appreciate it."
Sasuke nodded and walked over to where Haku was picking up some herbs.
"So you must be pretty strong if you are out here by yourself training yourself to exhaustion." Haku said.
"I'm nowhere near as strong as I need to be."
"Why is that Sasuke-kun?" Haku asked.
"I need to be stronger to avenge my family" was all Sasuke said. Sasuke was thrown off the by –kun comment.
Haku could sense the hatred and some rage in his voice when he mentioned his family. Haku wasn't sure what happened, but she knew Sasuke held whoever had wronged his family with deep hatred.
"Sasuke-kun I can hear the rage and hatred in your voice. Surely that is not that path you seek to become stronger?" Haku said.
Sasuke thought about it. In the past he was driven by rage and hatred, but lately he had begun to let it go and get stronger to protect those close to him, few they may be.
"Do you want to know what makes a person truly strong Sasuke-kun?"
Sasuke nodded.
"What makes a person truly strong is when they are protecting those they care for. Someone's true strength comes when they are fighting for someone they love. Hatred and rage will not help you get stronger."
Sasuke stared at Haku. 'That is what Jiraiya and Kakashi have been saying. Is this really the case? Itachi told me to hate him and get stronger off that. Was he lying?'
Sasuke picked up a few more herbs, and realized he should probably get back to Tazuna's house.
"Haku I am sorry, but I need to get back to my team. I hope your friend gets better."
"Thank you for your help Sasuke-kun. I believe I have enough herbs now." Haku said as she stood.
"Good-bye Haku-chan." Sasuke, but paused before delivering the –chan part. He did not want to freak her out.
"Good-bye Sasuke-kun. Oh and by the way, I'm a boy" Haku said as he began walking away through the woods.
'That was a boy? No way? I can't believe it.' Sasuke thought. He was stunned. He had thought she or rather he was pretty. 'I need to get back and stop thinking about this' Sasuke thought as he jumped into the air and began heading back to Tazuna's house.
(The Next Day, Tazuna's House)
Kakashi stood in front of his team. He believed that today was the day that Zabuza would attack the bridge. It had been a week since his last encounter and that should have given him enough time to recover.
"Alright team, we are all going to the bridge today. Naruto you know what to do." Naruto suddenly made his favorite hand seal and then 20 copies of him appeared. Two of the clones changed into Inari and Tsunami.
"Alright Naruto leave your clones here in case Gato's thugs come here. They should be more than enough to take them out. Have 'Inari' and 'Tsunami' play their roles like we talked about. The real ones are safely at a friend's. Now let's go."
"Hai sensei" The three genin said as they followed Kakashi toward the bridge. Tazuna was with them and just prayed silently hoping that he would survive the day.
(At the bridge)
Team 7 stood watch over the bridge while Tazuna and his few remaining men worked on the bridge. While they were working a thick fog began to roll in. Some of the workers seeing this began to run for their houses, while Tazuna stayed where he was. He knew he was safer with the Konoha team rather than running away.
"Team get ready. Get into position like we talked about." Kakashi said. Sasuke, Naruto and Shikamaru began to circle around Tazuna.
"Well it looks like we meet again Kakashi Hatake, but this will be your last battle. I do not plan on losing like last time."
"Oh and why is that Zabuza? I am sure my three genin could beat you." Kakashi said trying to get a rise out of Zabuza and give away his position.
"Over this past week I had time to reflect on our last match and I know your weakness." 'He knows Kakashi-sensei is a pervert?' all three genin thought. "I know the weakness to your sharingan" Kakashi and Sasuke both began getting nervous at this comment.
As Zabuza was talking he began to emerge from the mist along with the Hunter-nin that had incapacitated from before.
"Zabuza-san do we need to do this?"
"You're too soft. Now go deal with the genin while I take out Kakashi."
Zabuza's accomplice shunshined away and appeared in front of Team 7. "Please hand over the bridge builder. I do not wish to hurt any of you." 'This person feels familiar' Sasuke thought.
"I get this one since you guys got the demon brothers" Naruto said as he ran forward to engage the masked ninja in battle.
(With Kakashi and Zabuza)
"Is it wise to let your accomplice try and fight my three genin? They may be genin but they are easily chunin level. When they work together they force me to go all out." Kakashi said. Though he was lying slightly, Zabuza did not need to know that.
"I am sure Haku is more than enough to handle your genin. I personally trained him." As Zabuza finished speaking more mist began filling the bridge. Kakashi was soon covered in the mist. 'I can't sense where Zabuza is hiding. I don't want to use the seals just yet, I will need to wait' Kakashi thought.
Kakashi didn't have long to wait until Zabuza attacked. Kakashi was forced to duck as he heard Zabuza's sword coming straight at him ready to slice him in half. "That was a good dodge. Did you use your eye to help you?" Zabuza taunted.
Kakashi, though he had his sharingan out did not use it, not because he didn't want to, but rather it wasn't helping him. The mist was laced with chakra so he couldn't see through it. He was forced to rely on his other senses. Good thing too or else he would not have heard the sword coming for him.
Kakashi struck out with a kick as he dodged the blade, but the attacker turned into water. Kakashi rolled forward through instincts and heard another sword land right where he just was. 'This isn't going to be easy is it?' Kakashi asked himself.
(With Naruto and Haku)
Naruto was currently engaging Haku in a taijutsu match and was realizing he was outclassed at the moment. Haku was just too fast for him. "Give up. It is futile. I am too fast for you at this moment." Haku said.
"That may be true, but it is just like you said. You are too fast for me at this moment, but what about when I release my seals" Naruto said as he released his gravity seals. After releasing them, Naruto felt a hundred times lighter.
Naruto suddenly sped forward and hit Haku right in the face, cracking his mask. 'His speed nearly tripled after that. What kind of seals where those. I am going to need to end this soon' Haku thought.
Haku recovered from the hit and began going through hand signs. "Hyoton: Thousand Needles of death" Haku said as water from the lake rose and began to form ice shaped senbon. They all sped at Naruto.
'Ice? What the hell? I need to dodge' Naruto waited for the senbon to get close and sent a surge of chakra to his legs and dropped a smoke bomb as he leapt into the air. The needles went into smoke and Haku believed that he had gotten Naruto before the was able to dodge the needles. As the smoke began clearing away Haku saw that Naruto was nowhere to be found.
Haku looked up to see Naruto going through a few hand signs "Futon: Air Bullet Barrage" Naruto yelled as he began shooting compressed air bullets from his mouth. Haku was forced to dodge the incoming air bullets.
Naruto landed on the bridge and began to run at Haku to engage him in a taijutsu battle.
(With Sasuke and Shikamaru)
"Was that ice?" Shikamaru asked.
"From the looks of it, yes. I tried to copy it with my sharingan but I got nothing. It must be her kekkai genkai. I didn't think there were any Ice users left."
"That ninja must be the last of their clan. Do you think we should help Naruto? He might not be able to handle that ninja alone."
"I agree, but let's wait cause he will be mad if we jump in and we aren't needed." 'Don't die dobe'
(With Kakashi)
Kakashi had cleared away some of the mist with a low level wind jutsu, but the mist kept reforming.
"Is that the best you have Kakashi? I expected more out of one of the Leaf's elite." Zabuza taunted from somewhere inside the mist.
"Things are only just beginning" Kakashi said as he took out a scroll he had stored in his vest. Kakashi poured some chakra into the scroll and then held it in front of him. "Futon Scroll Release: Great Breakthrough Technique" Kakashi said as wind suddenly began to escape from the scroll.
The mist around Kakashi disappeared and the bridge was cleared. Kakashi could see Zabuza about 10 yards away from. Zabuza began going through hand seals as Kakashi took out another scroll.
"Suiton: Water Dragon Technique" Zabuza exclaimed as a dragon of water formed and began rushing at Kakashi.
Kakashi had anticipated Zabuza using a water attack and he was prepared for it. Kakashi held another scroll out in front of him and let the dragon hit him. As the dragon began to hit him, it suddenly started to become absorbed into the scroll.
Zabuza was shocked. "How did you do that?"
"One of my students is very talented with seals. I had him create scrolls I could seal some of your more powerful techniques into. Thanks for that by the way." Zabuza didn't have time to respond as Kakashi exclaimed "Suiton Scroll Release: Water Dragon Technique" and sent Zabuza's own dragon back at him.
'Shit I need to dodge' Zabuza thought as he saw the dragon approaching dangerously fast. Zabuza jumped high into the air and landed on top of the dragon and then jumped off as the dragon crashed into the bridge.
"That was impressive Kakashi. I guess I will just end this with my sword."
"It took you long enough." Kakashi said as he too took out his own sword and ran to engage Zabuza in a kenjutsu battle.
(With Naruto)
Though Naruto had the speed advantage, Haku had more experience and it was helping Haku dodge Naruto's attacks. Naruto was close to getting hits on Haku, but every time he would come close, Haku would dodge. Naruto through a left hook at Haku, only to have Haku grab his hand.
"You are tougher than I first thought. I am sorry but I cannot afford to continue to play around. I need to finish you and your other teammates off." Haku said.
"Too bad you can't do much with only one hand" Naruto said as he began reaching for one of his trench knives.
"You would think that wouldn't you?" Haku said as he began flying through one handed hand signs.
'He can do one handed ninjutsu!' All three genin thought at the same time.
"Hyoton Secret Technique: Demonic Ice Mirrors." Haku and Naruto were suddenly surrounded by mirrors made of ice. Haku took advantage of Naruto's bewilderment and kicked Naruto in the stomach sending him back a few meters. Haku walked into one of the mirrors.
"You should give up now. You cannot hurt me while I am in these mirrors. You will not win."
"We shall see about that. Kage Bunshin no Jutsu" Naruto said as a clone appeared next to him. They both began going through hand seals
"Katon: Great Fireball Technique/Futon :Great Breakthrough Technique" Naruto and his clone yelled. The two attacks shot toward the mirror and combined into one giant fireball. Haku watched as the fireball hit the mirror and nothing happened.
"I'm impressed, but that kind of attack will not work. Sorry but I cannot afford to waste time here. Hyoton: Thousand Needles of Death" Haku said as more ice senbon appeared and it seemed as though Haku was present in every mirror. Naruto knew he could not dodge them all.
Haku let the technique go and watch as Naruto tried but failed to dodge all the senbon. Naruto was struck with a few and he could feel his body going numb. "No, I can't lose. I ne-" Naruto couldn't finish his sentence as he suddenly hit the ground.
Sasuke and Shikamaru were shocked. They just witnessed their teammate go down. Full of rage at seeing his best friend being killed in front of him, Sasuke began rushing forward. "I'm going in." Sasuke yelled as he released his own gravity seals and replaced himself with Naruto.
"How brave of you. Trying to save your friend, but it is doubtful that he will wake. I will finish you just as I finished him. I will not spare you"
Sasuke didn't give Haku time to finish as he suddenly began through kunai at all the mirrors and watched as they all exploded as they hit the mirror. As the smoke cleared Sasuke yelled "Raiton: Thunderbolt Technique" and began firing off thunderbolts at the mirrors. Sasuke had hoped that with the explosive notes and the lightning attack that the mirrors would be damaged.
'These genin are stronger than I thought. I cannot hold this technique much longer. If this continues he will break my mirrors.' Haku thought.
Sasuke continued to bombard the mirrors with explosive kunai and some fire jutsu. He saw that Haku was going between the mirrors, but he was still moving so fast that he wasn't able to hit him. He wanted to avenge Naruto, but then he remembered what Haku had said to him a few days ago. Sasuke knew that Naruto would want him to protect the rest of the team rather than avenge him.
As Sasuke thought about that, he began to calm down and his demeanor changed. He began flipping through a few seals. 'His body isn't as tense anymore. He isn't driven by rage any longer.'
"I will not forgive you for harming my friend, but I will be damned if I let you take out the rest of my team. I know Naruto wouldn't have wanted it." As Sasuke finished his hand seals and began to release his technique, something felt different to him, almost as if the technique was stronger than ever.
"Katon: Great Fireball Technique" Sasuke exclaimed as the fireball escaped his mouth. As it left Sasuke noticed it seemed to be a darker shade and that it was the biggest one he had ever produced.
As the fireball hit the mirror, the mirror began to crack under the intense heat. Sasuke watched as the mirror and fireball began to fight for dominance, with the fireball eventually winning. As the mirror melted.
(With Shikamaru few moments earlier)
Shikamaru was tending to the needles that were stuck in Naruto. Once he removed all of them, he noticed that some of the holes had already healed. When he checked his pulse he noticed that his pulse had returned. 'He must have been put into a false death state similar to Zabuza, but how are the wounds already healed' Shikamaru wondered as he took out a small stick and cracked it and began to wave it under Naruto's nose.
Naruto stirred slowly, "What the heck happened? Why are you standing over me Shika?"
"The masked ninja hit you with those needles and put you in a near death state, and then Sasuke thought you had died and began fighting the ninja in your place. I took the needles out and woke you up with this when I noticed you had a pulse. How did your wounds heal so quickly?" Shikamaru asked.
Naruto knew know wasn't the time to go into the story about the fox. "I have always healed quickly. How is Sasuke doing?" Naruto asked trying to change the subject.
As Naruto finished speaking they saw a massive fireball go for the mirrors and eventually one of the mirrors melting from the fireball.
Naruto stood up and cheered. "Go teme, take that bastard out!"
(With Sasuke)
Sasuke was glad he got rid of one mirror, now he could escape and then the ninja would be forced to release this jutsu. As Sasuke was planning his next move he heard a familiar voice "Go teme, take that bastard out!" 'Naruto, but I thought he was dead' Sasuke turned to the voice and saw that Naruto was cheering him on.
Haku took advantage of Sasuke's moment of distraction and through a few senbon right into Sasuke's neck.
Naruto saw this happen and immediately become enraged, forgetting about the near death state and suddenly was filled with rage. Naruto stepped forward and red chakra began to leak off of him. Naruto rushed forward faster than he had ever moved before. 'What the hell is that red chakra. Where did that come from? How did he move so fast' Shikamaru thought.
As Sasuke was falling to the ground he saw the red chakra around Naruto and he thought it looked like a fox shape was being formed behind him. 'What is that red chakra' Sasuke thought as he landed on the ground. Sasuke was trying his hardest to fight the senbon in his system. Sasuke reached up and grabbed the senbon from his neck. He could feel himself slipping into unconsciousness but he fought it as best he could.
Naruto reach Haku within less than a second and shattered the mirror that Haku was in. Naruto grabbed Haku and punched him in the face. Naruto did not notice that he was beginning to look more feral. His nails grew as if they were claws, and his whisker marks became more defined. His eyes even began to have a tint of red to them.
'Where did that chakra come from? How was he able to wake so fast. I have failed Zabuza. I will not be able to win this battle.' Haku thought to himself as he fought to pick himself up from the ground. The hit from Naruto broke his mask and it was in pieces on the ground.
Sasuke was still fighting to remain conscious and immediately recognized the now unmasked ninja. "Haku" he whispered.
(With Kakashi)
Kakashi tried to dodge a slash from Zabuza but managed to get a slight cut on him. Kakashi was about to attack when he felt it. 'Is the seal breaking? No it can't be. I need to end this now' Kakashi thought as he felt the chakra from the Kyuubi leaking out. Zabuza felt it too, and recognized it.
"So Konoha does have a tailed beast in their possession. I always wondered if you did."
"What are you talking about?" Kakashi said as he sent a kick at Zabuza.
"I was one of Yagura's personal guards, who had complete control of his tailed beast, and when you are around one long enough you begin to recognize the feeling of another one when its chakra is being used. So which of your brats has the beast within him?" Zabuza asked
"You will not be alive long enough to find out" Kakashi said as he leapt back and bit his finger and began flipping through hand signs. "Summoning: Earth Release: Tracking Fang Technique" Kakashi said as he spread out a scroll on the ground and placed his hands on it. Suddenly four dogs appeared and disappeared in the bridge.
Zabuza saw this and immediately began using the Hidden Mist Technique. Zabuza was going to try and finish Kakashi off with this last move. As Zabuza began to move to strike Kakashi, the four dogs that were summoned suddenly appeared from beneath him and latched onto, not allowing him to move any longer.
Zabuza knew this was the end. He couldn't escape this technique. "How did your mutts find me?" As Zabuza said this the dogs bit down harder letting him know they didn't appreciate being called mutts.
"With your last attack you managed to cut me slightly and my dogs used the scent of my blood to track you." Kakashi said as the mist was beginning to fade.
"Zabuza you're time on this earth is over. You were a very tough opponent, but I cannot allow you to live any longer." Kakashi said as he began flipping through a few hand signs and lightning appeared on his right hand encasing his whole hand. Kakashi began running toward Zabuza intending to finish the fight right here and now.
(With Naruto)
As the mask fell off Naruto stared at the ninja's face. He could see the will to live was no longer in his eyes. "Please kill me. I am no longer useful to Zabuza-sama." Haku said.
Naruto looked at him. His features were still being intensified by the nine tails chakra. Naruto was letting the rage get to him and he began to pull back his arm.
"Naruto don't!" Sasuke yelled, causing Naruto to hesitate. Naruto looked back and saw that Sasuke was alive and his rage began to lessen. Naruto's features began to revert back to normal and his grip on Haku lessened.
Haku could feel it in his bones that Zabuza was in trouble. He needed to be there to save him. Haku took advantage of Naruto's hesitance and knocked away his hand. "Sorry but I must serve my purpose" Haku said as he began to Shunshin away.
(With Haku)
As Haku was approaching Zabuza he could that Kakashi had him trapped by his dogs and that he was almost there with his lightning attack. 'I'm not going to make it. I need to stop him.'
Haku tried to speed up but knew he wasn't going to reach his master in time. Haku flashed through signs faster than he ever thought possible. "Hyoton: Ice Wall Technique" Haku said as he passed out and landed on the bridge a few feet away from Kakashi.
As Kakashi was about to pierce Zabuza's heart, a wall of ice suddenly appeared. Kakashi could not stop his attack and ran his hand through the wall. The wall had done its job of stopping Kakashi from delivering the killing blow, but Kakashi managed to break through the wall and nick a portion of Zabuza's chest.
"Well well well, what do we have here? It seems the great Demon of the Hidden Mist isn't so great after all. He has been beaten by a man with one-eye no less." Gato said as he appeared on the bridge with close to one hundred thugs behind him. "Kill them all. I am sick of dealing with them."
"Gato you bastard! You never planned on paying me did you?" Zabuza growled out.
"Of course not. I was going to kill you in the end regardless. It looks like I should just let this ninja here finish the job for me."
"Kakashi, I am no longer your enemy. I have no reason to kill the bridge builder any longer. Please release me so I can kill Gato myself." Zabuza said as his rage was building.
Kakashi agreed that since Gato was betraying Zabuza that he did not need to worry about Zabuza attacking them any longer. Kakashi released his technique and watched as Zabuza reached down for his sword.
As this was all going on the rest of Team 7 arrived at the spot. Naruto was carrying Sasuke over his shoulder as Sasuke had finally passed out. Shikamaru was still guarding Tazuna. Kakashi went over to check on Haku and felt that he had a pulse, but it was a faint one.
"Your partner is still alive, but he is barely hanging on. He must have nearly drained himself of chakra with that last attack. We need to finish this quickly and get him help." Kakashi said.
"I couldn't agree more." Zabuza said as he swing his sword menacingly toward the thugs that Gato had brought with him.
"Shadow Possession Technique successful" Shikamaru said. "Zabuza-sama, I have trapped all of them in my shadow. I am not sure how long I can hold them. Please hurry and end this" Shikamaru had activated his jutsu as Kakashi and Zabuza were talking. They had heard what Gato had said when they were on their way over. They were not going to let Gato get away with it.
"Thanks brat." Zabuza said as he began to run toward Gato and his men, killing them mercilessly. None of them could move because of Shikamaru's technique and they were sitting ducks. Team 7 and Tazuna could hear the thugs screaming for their lives. After a minute there was only Gato left.
Gato was in shock. He was shaking and he was covered in his men's blood. While Zabuza had been slaughtering his men in front of his eyes, he had gone into a state of shock.
"Gato for your treachery and trying to double cross me you are going to be paying for it with your life." Zabuza said as he swung his sword down upon Gato.
As Zabuza was swinging his sword Gato suddenly snapped out of it and tried to speak "Wa-", but that was all he could get out before Zabuza's sword sliced him right down the middle.
Kakashi had seen bloody kills before, him being the cause for a majority of them, but his team and Tazuna were not ready for it and they all emptied their stomachs on the bridge.
As Kakashi walked over to his team to check on them, Zabuza picked up Haku and began walking over to Team 7.
"Get away from Gramps!" was suddenly heard from the other end of the bridge. As everyone turned to look they could see Inari standing in front of all the villagers. Inari was waving a cross bow. "We will not let you harm us any longer"
"Inari wait. Gato is dead. This man here helped us. We do not need to fight any longer. Our nation is freed." Tazuna said.
"I hate to break up this reunion, but I need to get Haku some medical treatment." Zabuza said.
"Tazuna can we use your house to treat this boy?" Kakashi asked. Tazuna nodded.
"Team you are to stay here and clean up and make sure no thugs got away. I will bring Zabuza to Tazuna's to help him treat Haku. Meet me back there later."
(4 Hours Later)
Team 7 had just arrived back with Tazuna and his family. They had told everyone about the battle on the bridge and how Zabuza had helped them get rid of Gato. By this point Sasuke had awoken, but he was still moving a little slower than he would have liked. The villagers were grateful for everything that had occurred.
Team 7 along with Zabuza and Haku were currently in one of the bedrooms upstairs. "So what is going to happen with Zabuza and Haku?" Naruto asked his sensei.
"I do not know Naruto. Zabuza is a missing-nin, and I have no record of Haku anywhere in the bingo book."
"Haku is not a registered ninja. He was an orphan that I had found when I was travelling. I raised him since he was young. He has no affiliation with any Hidden Villages." Zabuza said.
"Kakashi-sensei is it possible to have Zabuza join our village?" Naruto said.
Kakashi thought about it. Allowing missing-nin from other villages into your own could spell trouble. It could create a war with the Hidden Village the ninja was originally from.
"I am not sure that is a good idea Naruto. If the Hidden Mist Village got word that we allowed one of their missing-nin in then that is ground for a war." Shikamaru said.
"Normally I would agree, but at this moment the Hidden Mist Village is currently in the midst of a civil war. Yagura started bloodline purges and has split the village in two. I tried to assassinate Yagura and had to flee when it failed. The village is currently too busy to hunt down its missing-nin. I am hoping that the Rebels win soon so that I can return home." Zabuza said as he thought back to someone in particular that was still within the village.
"What if we set something up where Zabuza would be a part-time member of the village, free to return to his village once the rebels win?" Naruto said. Naruto wasn't sure why, but he was beginning to like Zabuza. Maybe it was the fact that he helped them defeat Gato or it may be that fact that he cared for Haku more than he let on. Naruto could feel deep down that Zabuza was a good person, he was just a little rough around the edges.
"Naruto that has never been done before, and Zabuza and the Hokage would need to agree to it." Kakashi said. "Zabuza would you be willing to discuss something like that with our Hokage?"
Zabuza was shocked by this turn of events. He had tried to kill this group of ninja, but here they were asking if he wanted to join their village. "I need time to think about this. It would be good for Haku to settle down and hone his skills inside a village, but I am not sure if I can accept. I do not want war to break out because I joined another village even temporarily as it may be."
"I understand Zabuza. We will let you be for now. I wish to speak with my team for a bit, and it is getting late. We will see you tomorrow." Kakashi said as he began walking out and motioned for his team to follow him.
(With Team 7)
Kakashi led them outside of the house where they sat in a clearing. Kakashi looked at his team with pride. Each of them had shown great skill today. Naruto and Sasuke had gone toe to toe with a ninja that was close to jonin level, and Shikamaru had managed to hold close to one hundred thugs still with his technique.
"I am very proud of you three. I know what happened during your battle and I am extremely proud of all of you."
Naruto wasn't as happy as the other two. He knew he did more fighting than Shikamaru, but Naruto had let his rage get the better of him and he had accidently tapped into the fox. He knows his teammates saw him use that chakra and he knew he would need to tell them about his secret.
(Flashback- 3 hours before)
The trio of genin had just gotten back to the house and they were exhausted. They had stayed and helped make sure the bridge was safe and the thugs were gone. Today had taken a lot out of all of them. While Shikamaru and Sasuke were helping clean everything up they had discussed the strange red chakra they had seen and knew they needed to ask Naruto about it. They both had a few ideas on what it could be, but they weren't entirely sure.
"Hey Naruto can I ask you something?" Shikmaru began. Naruto nodded. "When you were fighting Haku you began emitting a strange red chakra. What was that?"
"I was wondering that as well. When I looked at it with my sharingan it looked almost as if a fox shape was beginning to form around you" Sasuke said.
Naruto began to sweat. He didn't want to tell them of his secret yet because he wasn't sure how they would react. "I'm sorry guys I can't tell you yet. At least not right now. I need to go find Kakashi-sensei" Naruto said as he took off, leaving Shikamaru and Sasuke wondering what had just happened.
Naruto found Kakashi-sensei and asked him to speak to him privately. Once Naruto put up a few seals so they could not be overheard he told Kakashi about the fight with Haku and how he had tapped into the fox's power when he was angry and how Shikamaru and Sasuke had seen it.
"Naruto I know you may not want to tell them, but I believe now may be the best time. They know who you are and they will understand that you are not the fox. Sasuke knows about seals and Shikamaru is the one of the smartest in the village. Those two know the difference between a seal and the kunai sealed within it. I believe you should tell them" Kakashi said as he looked down at his student. He could see Naruto was debating with himself.
After a few minutes Naruto looked up "Alright I will tell them. I don't want to keep a secret from them. Especially one that could hurt us later on."
Kakashi smiled at Naruto and ruffled his hair a bit. "Good. I'm proud of you Naruto" 'I know you're parents would be as well' Kakashi thought.
(Flashback end)
"Naruto what's wrong?" Shikamaru said as he noticed Naruto didn't seem like his happy self.
"I need to tell you two something. Kakashi already knows, but I need you two to promise me that you will not tell anyone this. This is an S-class village secret." Naruto said. Naruto also placed a few seals on the ground to stop anyone from listening in.
"What are those seals for? Is this secret that big that we need the barrier and silencing seals?" Sasuke asked.
"Yes it is. What I am about to tell you has to do with the red chakra you both witnessed earlier. Like I said it is an S-class village secret. If you tell anyone the secret, then it is punishable by death" Naruto explained.
"Wait how are you able to tell us then?" Shikamaru asked. His brain was racing. He was curious to know about this red chakra and also to know what this S-class secret was.
"Well you see I can talk about it, because it has to do with me. I am allowed to tell others without getting into trouble. Do you guys remember the story of how the Yondaime fought against the Kyuubi?" Naruto asked.
Shikamaru and Sasuke both nodded. They remembered that day in the academy pretty well because that was the day Naruto told everyone he was going to be like his hero, the Fourth Hokage, and that he would become the greatest Hokage this village had ever seen.
"Well you can't kill a tailed beast and the only other option is to seal the beast into an object or a living human being, preferably a baby." Naruto said.
Shikamaru and Sasuke looked at each other and then back at Naruto. They were beginning to put it together.
"I was the baby that was chosen to house the Kyuubi. I am the jailer of the Kyuubi." Naruto said as he lifted his shirt to show them the seal on his stomach.
So there you go. Chapter 12. I was surprised I got this one finished as fast I did. I will try to get another chapter out in a few days. I will have some down time over the Thanksgiving break.
Please review and let me know what you think. I am still unsure what to do about Zabuza. Haku is going to be joining the village because I have plans for him later on, but Zabuza might not be joining. I am still undecided at the moment.
Tsunade will come back next chapter and we will get to see what Guren wanted with Kabuto as well. The chunin exams will be coming up. Not sure if it will be next chapter or the one after, but they are coming.
So again please let me know what you think. Let me know of anything you think I should change or maybe add to the story.