...
Alright here's the deal with Armor. It's coming in. However, it will not be put in until later on.
There was only 1 No, and it reached 5 for Yes. As such, I find it pointless to continue with the poll. Know that the Armor will make it in.
As for what it will look like: Wait and see!
Chapter 7
It hasn't even been a week since Naruto was at his first council meeting. He was now in the mission room. "Well, it seems like the D-ranks are going bigger with the recent additions. However, it seems as though there is to be a C-rank for your team, Kakashi."
"Lord Hokage?" Kakashi said.
"I am aware of what your team is doing, and as such, I am allowing it for your team." Sarutobi told him.
"And the mission?" Kakashi ended up asking.
"It is a protection mission. This is going over to Wave Country. You are to protect a Bridge builder, so he can finish his bridge."
Naruto narrowed his eyes. 'Kyuubi, this is far beyond a C-rank.'
"I already got the memo from Kon. Let's go for it anyway. We can get a higher rank than before, but we need to make sure we're ready for anything."
'I got it.'
"Naruto, have you heard anything from the Phoenix Clan?"
'Yes, and be ready for anything. And that includes Ninja from other villages.'
"I understand. This is right up our alley."
'That's exactly what I thought.'
Someone entered the room. "What? They're sending kids nowadays? They look wet behind the ears especially the gi.." the bottle in his hand just shattered.
"Insult her again, and you'll lose more than your Sake." Naruto said, sobering him up completely.
"I take that back. They're a lot more competent than I thought." The old man said. "My name is Tazuna, the Grandmaster Bridge builder."
"Alright, East Gate. 1 hour."
"Make it 2 hours, Kakashi-sensei." Naruto said. "We'll need to make sure we're prepared for anything, and that includes something that could easily be found off with this mission after it starts."
"Are you doubting the mission parameters?" Sarutobi asked.
"Only without physical proof." Naruto admitted. "If what I figure is correct, then we'll need to be prepared. If not... well, I'm sure Kakashi-sensei can figure it out from there."
"Plan for the worse," Kakashi started.
"Hope for the best." Naruto finished. "I'm out. I have to find a few things first. And Lord Hokage." He tossed a scroll. "Unseal one seal if there is a Council Meeting that requires Uzumaki presence. If not, don't bother. When the meeting is done, let it roam, as they have preset instructions once released from the seal. They will each last up to 4 days, so don't unseal more than one at any point in time." He left in his usual Fire Shunshin.
"Tazuna, you will find there are more to us than you think." Hinata said, before dissolving into wind.
Sasuke looked at him. "Never insult Hinata, or you risk the wrath of someone that not even the Hokage can stand up to and not be scared." He left in a Fire Shunshin.
-2 hours later-
Team 7 was standing at the East Gate, waiting for Kakashi and Tazuna. They had 5 minutes. "So we all know the full scope?" Naruto asked.
They both nodded. "We don't let on if we know. In fact, if anything keep your guard up, but keep our suspicions out of our voice or posture. We need to make it seem like it's nothing big, and when they strike, that's when we continue showing what all we can do." Naruto said.
"Heh, those guys won't know what hit them." There was an explosion elsewhere. Naruto looked in that direction. Sasuke and Hinata were both wondering what it was. "Who did that?"
"My question is: Haruno or Hyuuga?" Naruto spoke up.
"What?" They both asked simultaneously.
"Sakura's mom, your dad, and myself have been adding D-ranks recently. You have no idea how effective they are, regardless of it originally being my idea. I wasn't called the Prank Demon for no reason, you know?" He told them, looking at Hinata.
"Oh, that makes sense." Sasuke replied, Hinata nodding in agreement.
Kakashi and Tazuna walked up to them. "Any idea what just happened?"
"One of the Councilors added another D-rank. More specifically, Haruno or Hyuuga. I can't say which either." Naruto stated. "Don't worry too much about it."
"If you say so. It's obvious your in the loop." Kakashi replied, lazily. "Alright, let's get going."
They all walked and in a simple formation for a few hours. Hinata began asking questions, while Naruto and Sasuke were silent. They were simple questions, mainly about the bridge itself. Tazuna was a little surprised that she was interested in the bridge itself, but answered easily. The team of Ninja all noticed the puddle and had one thought. 'It Begins when they strike.'
Kakashi had another thought. 'So, he was right. Well, let's see how well they prepared.' Kakashi let his guard drop completely, and they attacked.
They surrounded Kakashi with a chain which attracted the attention of the Genin, who never went that far from Tazuna. "Alpha," Naruto stated.
"Mike," Sasuke continued.
"Foxtrot," Hinata finished.
"448!" They all shouted. Naruto and Sasuke launched Fire Jutsu while Hinata launched a small scale Wind Jutsu into each one. It incinerated each of them, but left the bodies intact. There was a pair of screams, before the flames dispersed. The Genin looked at what happened, and Tazuna was shocked they'd go that far.
They began to tie up the Ninja, while Kakashi came out of the bushes. "I must say you acting quickly and efficiently."
"Told you something was wrong with this mission." Naruto stated. "I'm not surprised though. No matter what, crazy shit always happens to me. I always seem to get the short end of the stick, and missions C-rank and above are likely to end higher rank than intended. I have no doubt about handling this. It's what we've been training for. But this? This was a little too easy. A Pair of Rogue Chuunin should be harder than this."
"That they should." Kakashi stated, as he examined them. "Demon Brothers. They are trained to continue until death or their job is done."
"And they will no longer have bounties on them after we're done here." Naruto said, before looking at Tazuna. "Tazuna, I have a bird's eye view for a lot of things. I already knew of the state your village is in. I'm not surprised you lied about the Mission Parameters, but that would normally cause us to go back and have a higher ranking team handle it. Something tells me, you wouldn't be able to pay for a higher rank mission, am I right?"
"Y-yes... That's right." Tazuna looked down.
Naruto looked at the other Genin, who both nodded. "Kakashi-sensei, we're going all the way. Don't worry about dangers, because we can handle it. This is more a test of our true skills, and now, we don't have much to worry about for holding back. You've seen us in Team Training, but rarely in individual Training."
"Training with the dead is helpful." Sasuke added.
"And with the Uzumaki and Namikaze Scrolls? We're good." Hinata added.
"Then we shall continue." Kakashi stated, his laziness abruptly ended. "We should let the Hokage know."
"Taken care of." Naruto said, looking up, finding a Phoenix heading off. "As for the bounties..." He made 2 Shadow Clones. "My clones will handle that." The clones nodded, and each took a body. They both walked off, the Demon Brother's in tow.
"Let's move. This is no longer a C-rank. It's a B-rank, potentially an A-rank." Kakashi stated, his laziness gone. "You have any idea who the boss is?"
Naruto shook his head.
"His name is Gato." Tazuna said, drawing all faces to him. "A man of extreme wealth, and he doesn't want the bridge finished."
"And that's where my bad feeling came from." Naruto said, all faces turning to him. "I knew the situation was bad, but this? This man is going up against someone that could hire just about anyone to kill him off. Next one is likely Jounin Level. And if he is taken down... Then there is likely to be an even bigger threat afterwards. We'll need to be careful from here on out. No longer is this a mission where the normal book will cut it."
"Come to think of it, that kind of move was not in the normal book."
"Actually, that was a more Chuunin-level, possibly Jounin-level tactic in said book. Now, Kakashi is going by his book. We, on the other hand, are going by my book." Naruto said, earning a shocked face from Hinata.
"Wait a minute. You think this is that bad?" She asked.
"It could get worse, and none of us have any true practice where we would need it in the Normal book. We've been training Team strategy from my book, not the original. And now, we're going to need our best." Naruto told her, earning some understanding from Sasuke.
"Let's get going. The sooner we get there, the sooner the bridge is built, and the sooner Gato is thwarted." Sasuke said, getting nods from everyone.
"Thank you..."
"Thank us by completing the bridge, Tazuna." Naruto said. "I hate the sorry state he put your village in. If he rears his ugly head, then I will kill him without hesitation. I've dealt with people like him all my life, and they made my life..."
"Hell." Hinata cut him off. "Hell doesn't even begin to describe his life, but that's the closest word to it. I'm not going into detail, because you can figure it out from there."
They looked at each other and nodded. They continued in an unlikely formation for the situation. It wasn't a Delta Formation which was standard. Sasuke was to the left of Tazuna. Naruto and Hinata right in front of him. Kakashi was to the right, seemingly leaving the rear open. Tazuna didn't bother to question it, because Naruto sounded like he knew what he was saying.
They made it to the border with no problems. They all got in a boat, and went in seemingly unnoticed. The Ninja knew otherwise. Hinata took the liberty of adding Sasuke into the Telepathic Link, which he was thankful for, before they did. They've been talking amongst themselves through said link, going through the book of possible strategies.
They all noticed the faint trace of Chakra in the atmosphere. Naruto would've placed a Genjutsu over them, but decided against it. Naruto looked at Kakashi as they passed the bridge. He understood the message immediately. 'We've already been spotted.'
Once they landed, everyone was on high alert. Tazuna thanked the boatman for the ferry, and he went off. They continued to walk inland, only for Naruto to throw a Kunai, not revealing his Omegabuster. This confused them, before he went to pull out the rabbit. 'This rabbit is supposed to have a brown coat, guys. That's why I didn't use the Omegabuster.'
The moment Sasuke and Sakura heard that in their heads, they found their senses on high alert. Within Seconds, Sasuke pulled Tazuna down, Hinata jumped up, and Kakashi hit the deck. Naruto was missing from the area. A sword, hit a Tree, and someone had appeared on it. "No wonder the Demon Brothers lost. I see it's the Copy Ninja Kakashi." the man said.
"Zabuza Momochi. When the Demon Brothers were defeated by my students, I figured you were somehow involved. Now that you're here."
"Wait." Sasuke said, pulling out a stone in the shape of a small sword. "I've got this one. Hinata, see if you can find Naruto."
"Not possible." She said. "You know what happens when he doesn't want to be found, right?"
"You mean..."
"Yes, he's concealing himself from even my Doujutsu." Hinata replied. "Kakashi-sensei, the three of us will stay here and keep Tazuna safe from this guy. Naruto left for a reason. Whatever that reason is, it's important, if he's hiding himself completely, and to this extent."
"No Genin could handle the Demon Brothers." Zabuza stated. "You're obviously bluffing."
Sasuke took this moment to parry the sword coming directly at him with the stone. "You're nothing but a wet behind the ears brat!"
"You think so?" Sasuke asked, before sending chakra to the stone, causing it to transform in front of Zabuza's eyes. "This sword is one that only I can use." He pushed Zabuza off with the blade. Zabuza was surprised at the power behind the attack.
'This kid has a lot more power behind his strikes than I thought possible. Could it be these guys are actually Chuunin, and young for their age?'
"Rank isn't it only thing that matters in the Shinobi world." Sasuke said. "You, of all people, should realize that." Hinata tensed up a bit. Zabuza noticed, but wasn't able to capitalize on it.
"Looks like Naruto's about to start his own fight with someone." She said, earning Kakashi's and Tazuna's attention. "You two handle this guy. I'll handle Tazuna. Leave Naruto to his devices. If his situation goes sour, then I'll go to him."
-Deep Forest-
Naruto was staring down a Hunter Ninja. "You've been in the area longer than we were. I'd go far enough to say you were Zabuza's right hand, and not a real Hunter Ninja."
"You are too smart for your own good. But keeping me here will mean nothing if you die." The hunter ninja replied.
"I'm not just going to keep you here." Naruto said, before the scenery changed to that of a spiraling void of Orange and Red. (A/N: Think Legend of the Dragon Special Transformation field for the Red-Flame Dragoon.) "We're both going to be here, and neither of us can leave until they finish their fight. Zabuza will die against them, and any highly destructive Jutsu used here will have no adverse effects on the landscape in the forest we were just at. An effective, Space-time Jutsu, one that only I can use."
"Why bother? You will still lose to my speed." he said.
"First, your name. I will give you mine when you give it to me." Naruto told him. "And I don't mean a Codename he told you give me. I want your real name."
"Haku. Haku Koori." The hunter ninja replied.
"Naruto Uzumaki." Naruto told him.
"Uzumaki? Of the Uzumaki Clan?" Haku's voice rose.
"Ah, so you know of it? A shame, really." Naruto stated.
"I had recently found texts about them, and that my clan worked in tandem with them often, as allies." Haku told him.
"Then we can forgo the fight for now, and simply talk." Naruto said, while they both sat down. "The field won't go down on my order. I set it to continue until my teammates fight is completely over. Meaning, either Zabuza is dead, or Tazuna and my teammates are dead. We cannot help either side."
"You mean..." the eyes widened behind the mask.
"Drop the mask. I'll need to see your face, if we're going to talk. Honestly? I don't exactly trust you." Naruto admitted. Haku took off the mask, revealing a beautiful face.
'Kami, why do you play with my emotions like this?'
"No comment."
'Shut up!'
"I understand the situation, and that there is nothing I can do as of yet." Haku admitted. "However, Zabuza saved my life as a child. Gave me a reason to live. That is why I followed him. He's the reason I'm here today. I don't like killing, regardless of the reason."
"So, you follow him to repay a debt?" Naruto asked, his voice questioning. Haku nodded. "Why pay the debt to someone like him?"
"I find it necessary to do so. He helped me, I help him. He gave me reason to live, taught me how to survive. I am his tool, nothing more, nothing less."
"Well, I'm going to call bullshit on that." Naruto replied. "A tool is only as good as the one that uses it. You don't think you'd have any humanity left if he did think of you as a Tool and only a tool, do you?"
"What are saying?"
"A tool that is made from Flesh and Blood follows orders, regardless. If he told you to kill someone close to you, would you do it?" Naruto asked.
"I..."
"If he told you to kill him yourself. Would you do it? And I'm not talking about a fake kill. A full blown kill." Naruto asked.
"I... I couldn't. He's the only one that matters to me."
"Then you are not a true tool." Naruto said, causing his eyes to widen. "If you are not willing to kill him if ordered, then you are not a true tool. He is not likely to realize it himself, either."
"But..."
"No buts." Naruto cut him off. "Haku, I need to know something. Why do you follow him? And don't bother saying it's your duty to as his tool. Search your heart for the answer."
Haku was silent. "He's... He's more of a father than my own."
"And that's the reason I was hoping you'd give." Naruto said. "Your clan was said to work with mine. I believe we should reinstate that action, don't you?"
"Why?" Haku asked. "I don't see the point in it. My clan was nearly destroyed."
"So is mine. Both of them. I am well aware of the Koori Clan's Kekkei Genkai. The Hyouton is a feared Bloodline. If I didn't have Fire, I'd be able to use it myself."
"What does that have to do with anything?"
"What I'll get is not like Hyouton. With Wind, Water and Fire as my elements... I get a Tertiary Element, which I do not have access to as of yet. I can't use the Sub-elements using 2 of them."
"The Sacred Flame of the Uzumaki." Haku whispered. "No one knows of the true name as it is so rare, even within the clan, that no one knows how to use it, and it can't be copied by anything. It's the only Tertiary Element that can't be used by anyone that is not of Uzumaki Blood at birth, right down to the soul. Or so it's believed."
"There are nothing but legends about it. It would've been a hell of a lot better if I went up against demons with that Element." Naruto added.
"That's what I heard. It was said to be the only thing Demons feared more than the Juubi. Even that was considered a myth." Haku added.
"Zabuza won't make it out of that fight. If Sasuke activates his Doujutsu, and uses it to it's fullest: Zabuza won't stand a chance. Kakashi also has Sharingan, as you know. Hinata is of the Hyuuga Clan, but doesn't act like any of the others. Unless they're after me, she won't go all out. But if she does, she's pissed, and it caused her to kill off an Elder of her own clan. She's more dangerous than the average Hyuuga is said to be at twice her age. However, the most dangerous out of all of us... Is me. My tactics are unpredictable. My ideas, insane at best. My life? Impossible is what I say is the correct word. The only other word I can think of is hell, but that's an understatement."
"And they don't realize that you're their most powerful asset?"
"Personally, I blame Human Nature, not the people themselves." Naruto shrugged. "They feared something they know nothing about. As such, that fear turned into hate, and that hate needed a scapegoat. I was that scapegoat."
"My story is not as tragic, but I see it as needed." Haku admitted. "And before you ask, I'm actually a girl, regardless of Zabuza wanting me to be a male."
'Dammit! This is SO not my day!'
"And you don't want to screw her at all?"
'I'm fine with Hinata alone, but that Damn CRA would make them want me to go after her as well! I only came up with those conditions because I thought they wouldn't be met!'
"And you didn't want that to happen? You're such an idiot."
'Quite furball. She's talking again.' Naruto said, cutting him out, as he listened to the story.
"Sounds like Sasuke's story." Naruto said after she was finished. "He'd probably love to be with someone like him. You'd be considered an Uchiha, not that of the Koori Clan, regardless of your bloodline going into his children with you as well."
"But wait. Wouldn't that just cancel out the Bloodlines?"
"That's a common misconception. There was a record of the Byakugan entering the Uzumaki Clan long ago, but it never made it the Third Generation. The baby was killed by some random man, after it was discovered to have the Byakugan. It never had a chance to make a Third Generation outside Konohagakure. The father was not happy and committed suicide. The mother did as well. The only records of it happening was what I just told you. It proves that Doujutsu Bloodline and an Element Based Bloodline, like yours and mine, can mix without canceling each other out. One person can have 3 Bloodlines. Chakra, Physical, and Doujutsu. You don't have the Physical Bloodline, and neither does he. He had a Doujutsu. Which means..."
"My children with him will have both of our Bloodlines without fail."
"Exactly." Naruto said. "Since he's the last of his Clan, he has to take multiple wives. You're the last of your clan, but they won't be out of the wetwork. If anyone asks, there is no more Koori Clan. They can't force the CRA on you, as you are female. I have the entire CRA memorized, and as such, I know for a fact that they can't force you. You can go for Sasuke only, and then teach them of the Hyouton. I can even give you copies of the Uzumaki Hyouton Jutsu, as we could use them as well."
"I'd appreciate it. I guess I'll be coming with you when you are done with your mission." Haku replied. "One question."
"Don't announce it. Just ask." Naruto said, completely laid back.
"Why did you say his story is like mine."
"His entire clan was wiped out by his brother. It's only thanks to me that he's not hung up on revenge." Naruto said. The field turned back into a forest right then and there. "Huh. Looks like it's over. Let's go to them."
They both got up and jumped back to the rest of the team.
-Team 7-
Zabuza was dead. His head was next to his body. There were slight traces of Lightning in the wound, and it was cauterized. Sasuke changed his sword back into it's stone form, and sheathed it on his back. "That... was... tough..." His Sharingan deactivated.
"Even 3-on-1 made it tough." Hinata stated, her breathing somewhat erratic, but not as much as Sasuke, who fell to the ground on his butt. Naruto landed in front of them, someone they didn't recognize next to him. "Kakashi-sensei, don't worry too much about her. She's more like Sasuke than anyone else I know."
Kakashi was wary of the girl as she walked up to Zabuza's body. 'No... He was right. He didn't stand much of a chance.' She looked at the others. She found Sasuke, who had the tell-tale signs of an Uchiha in his features. He was exhausted. Hinata, who she saw next, wasn't as exhausted. Kakashi, she knew him instantly. She knew he was on guard, but low on Chakra. She turned her attention back to the Corpse. "Naruto... Please, let me give him a burial." She said, her voice broken. "I will come with you, as I found kin-ship in you." She said, not bothering to look at him.
Kakashi was about to attack, before Naruto got in front of him. "Zabuza was more of a father to her than her own father, who tried to kill her." Sasuke heard these words clearly.
"You mean... She's like me?" He said, earning a nod from Naruto.
"At least let her bury the only one to bother treating her like a father for something she was better off without. Almost like me." Naruto said.
"Kiri Blood Wars..."
"That's my guess." Naruto said. "It fits with what I know, and her Clan was friends with the Uzumaki Clan before it was seemingly eradicated."
Kakashi nodded at that. "Which one?"
"Koori." Naruto told him.
"Then her addition to Konohagakure would be helpful... Why does she have a Kiri Headband?" He asked.
"She was posing as a Hunter Ninja from Kiri to help the one she saw as a father. Now that he's dead, she is willing to come with us. She also will need to find someone to be there for her when she needs it. I figure Sasuke and I can help more than anyone else, due to similar, if not identical, pasts." naruto said.
"Tazuna... we should head to your place. Her name?"
"Haku." She replied, over Zabuza's prone body. "Take his head to a bounty station somewhere. He is dead. I will take his sword. The rest is to be buried." She handled the Sword with ease. "It will take time to adjust without him, but I'll manage somehow. Thank you... Naruto Uzumaki."
Naruto nodded. "Kakashi-sensei, I'll go with her to bury him. The three of you take Tazuna to his place. Right now, she needs a shoulder to cry on, and Sasuke isn't in the shape for it, the way I see it."
They all nodded, and the moment Kakashi took a step he collapsed. Naruto sighed, before making 3 Shadow Clones. "Help them back." They nodded, as they knew arguing was useless. They picked up Kakashi, and hobbled with Sasuke. The last one was still around in case of something else. Naruto and Haku took Zabuza to a cliffside, where they buried him.
Naruto was sending a silent prayer to the Shinigami, while Haku placed an Ice Rose on the grave. She was saying a prayer herself.
They stayed there for a few hours, Haku crying throughout most of it. She was crying into Naruto's shoulder throughout most of it. It was well past dusk before she was finished, and she was asleep. Naruto picked her up and went into a dense area of the forest and made a campsite to hide them completely, and made a fire. After Haku was sound asleep, Naruto made a shadow Clone and it dispelled immediately, before he went to sleep himself.
-Tazuna's place-
Naruto(C) tensed up. Hinata noticed. "Heh, looks like she cried herself to sleep." Hinata looked at him, as did Sasuke and Tazuna.
"She did?" Sasuke asked.
"Boss ain't surprised to be honest." Naruto(C) stated. "They're staying out in the forest, behind a Triple Layer Barrier held together with seals. I wouldn't worry about him. He'll be here tomorrow. At least, that's his plan."
"Where is he?" Sasuke asked.
"I wouldn't bother looking for him. You'd need to know where the grave is, and from there, find the Densest part of the Forest. Boss ain't gonna like what Inari said at all. We didn't do anything for the simple fact that's his job. I could've easily told him off but..."
"Oh don't worry about that." Hinata stated. "I've got an idea to put him through the wringer and not harm him physically. If that doesn't change his tune, then I don't know what will."
"You aren't going to use a Genjutsu on him." Sasuke told her.
"When he says stuff like that, he actively insults Naruto, you and me. Not to mention Haku." Hinata told him. "Someone has to let him know that he has it easy compared to most. For a civilian, he does have it bad. For a Ninja, what he's been through is everyday life."
A little boy, Inari, was behind the door. "What the hell are you talking about?" He asked opening the door.
"The truth. And by the way, what I was going to do is not Genjutsu. Not entirely. I signed with the Kitsune, so I have some of their jutsu in my arsenal." The moment their eyes met his, they found themselves in a Light Blue area, similar to what Naruto and Haku were in earlier.
"What is this place?" Sasuke asked.
"Kitsune Interrogation Realm. There's a red one that is made for fighting, or holding someone back until a certain condition is met. I'm guessing that Naruto had Haku there, but they didn't fight. This one is made for showing images of certain lives. Memories, so to speak. I could show him mine, yours, or even Naruto's. I can't show him Haku's because I am not that familiar with her. Naruto and I can bring up 3 at the least. The last one that I can bring up is similar to the Tsukuyomi, and is a Dark Violet color. Now, Inari. You're going to watch what we've been through. Just don't cry to your mother when you see Naruto's. I'm showing you mine first, as it's the easiest to bare." She said, before showing her life. All the bad, up until Naruto helping her out.
"I started it when I was three, and nearly kidnapped by Kumogakure. From there, my life to hell. I ended it a few months back, when Naruto started helping me out." Hinata stated.
"Is it possible to bring my memories in myself?" Sasuke asked. Hinata nodded.
"I'm next, then." He showed the parts of his life that few would like. All the way up until his brother nearly killed him in his own home, and then left. The aftereffect, and what Naruto did to him to get him in a better position in his own life. "You may have your parents, but mine are dead. Naruto's the only reason I can talk to my mother at all."
Inari was on his knees and crying into them. Hinata saw him in the state he was in. "How... How can you go through all that and not break down?"
"Because we have a reason to move on. And if you think that was hell, you're sadly mistaken." Hinata said. "I've been inside Naruto's mind myself. I've seen his memories in its entirety. The good and the bad. The good ones didn't start until recently, with only maybe 4 or 5 exceptions."
"Please... show me..." Inari sniffled.
"If you can't take ours, then there's no way in life or death you could take his." Hinata said.
"Please... do it... I may cry myself out... but at least I'll understand..." he said, still crying. Sasuke looked at her and she shrugged.
"Alright, but pay attention, and don't say I didn't warn you." She said before showing him the memories she saw from him. Sasuke was watching with his Sharingan active, knowing that he will want to remember it all. When it was done, Hinata herself was tearing up. Sasuke closed his eyes, threatening to cry himself. Inari was watching, through teary eyes.
"Now do you see?" Hinata asked, her voice sad. "Do you see why we don't agree with your "Heroes don't exist, speech?" It's because we've been there. We've done that. And we want to stop it ourselves by helping those who need it. That's why we're here. Not because we were ordered to. But because we want to help."
"I had no idea..." Sasuke said, earning their attention. "I knew he had it bad but... To have it this bad?" Hinata nodded.
"I had the same thought." Hinata said. "I would've committed suicide by the age of 6 if I went through that. That's why he's even amazed a Bijuu, which are said to be ruthless cold-hearted killers. He went through all of that, and he doesn't even want to harm them. He wants to protect them. He doesn't fault them for what they did."
"I wouldn't be able to handle it myself. I almost lost myself to revenge, and he brought me out of it. Even with everything he's been through. I wouldn't be able to handle it, and on top of everything I already have to deal with... going through what he did would make me commit suicide on the spot." Sasuke said, his voice sad, tears flowing freely.
Inari ran into Hinata, and cried into her chest. She let the waterworks flow as well. The realm dissolved, putting them in the same room they were in, to a Surprised Tazuna, and Tsunami.
"What did she do to you all?" Tazuna asked.
"Showed him, our lives... I'm like this... because she showed us Naruto's... I doubt the entire village here would compare to his pain, yet he still doesn't blame the people that put him in that state." Sasuke said, his voice still sad.
Sasuke, Hinata and Inari cried themselves to sleep. Tsunami took Inari to his own bed, while Hinata and Sasuke both fell asleep themselves.
-the next morning, Forest-
Naruto and Haku woke up at the same time, and Naruto found memories that weren't there when he fell asleep. 'So that's where his house is.'
Haku looked at Naruto. "Are we going to Tazuna's? I will gladly help you guard him. I've got a bone to pick with Gato myself."
"Yes, but Tomorrow, you, Hinata, and I are going to go after Gato himself. We stop him, we give the village hope. That's all this town needs right now." Naruto told her. "A reason to have hope." He got up and helped Haku up. "I have Tazuna's place in my mind. What I do know is not pretty. Hinata and Sasuke cried themselves to sleep. The last time Hinata did that was when I told her a sugarcoated version on my life. She then went through my memories herself. She saw just how bad I had it. She knows me better than anyone else. My guess is, they showed Inari, a little boy my life, and that's why he cried himself to sleep as well."
"Then we should get going." Haku replied, before Naruto took down the barriers, and jumped off as he did. They both landed on the pier of the place that Naruto found was Tazuna's. "Here we are." They walked up to the front door, and knocked. Tsunami opened the door.
"You are Naruto?" Tsunami asked.
"Yes, I take it you are Tazuna's daughter, Tsunami?" Naruto asked, earning a surprised look from her. "How did you know?"
"I had 3 Shadow Clones here. They transfer memories when dispelled, so of course I'd know. I also know that Sasuke, Hinata, and I believe he is your son, Inari, cried themselves to sleep last night. The reasoning the clone heard from Sasuke, and apparently he did that after viewing my memories as Hinata saw them herself."
"That's what he said, alright." Tsunami stated. "And you?"
"Haku. I was with him last night." Haku replied.
"Okay, come on in. The others aren't awake yet. Just me." Tsunami said, opening up the door completely. They both walked in and helped cook breakfast.
The others woke up one after another, only to find that Naruto and Haku were already there, and were cooking. Well... Naruto was cooking, and giving some advice to Haku. This, when Kakashi came in, was a surprise.
"Naruto? When did you learn to cook?"
"When I was 4, I could cook. The reason I never did was because the village always kicked me out of the stores, or severely overpriced the most rotten items. Why do you think I had a garden on my roof at one point?" Naruto asked, before pausing. "Come to think of it, I'll need to clean that thing out. I haven't used it in a while, and I probably should."
"Oh..." Kakashi replied. 'I probably should've helped him out somewhat... Curse you Self-pity!' While he thought this, his face was calm as hell.
They all ate, and then Naruto and Hinata went into the forest to train a bit. Sasuke was watching over Tazuna for the morning, while Haku stuck with the family. After lunch, Haku and Sasuke were training, which Naruto thought was a good idea, while Naruto guarded the family, and Hinata was with Tazuna.
-Forest the afternoon of the first day-
Haku and Sasuke were in a clearing. "Alright, Sasuke. I hear that you should have access to the Ice Element. Care to explain?"
"Why?"
"Because it's supposed to be a bloodline, and not that of the Uchiha Clan. It only manifests in only the Uzumaki and Koori clans. My only question is, why do you have it?"
"Naruto told you this, didn't he?" Sasuke asked, earning a nod. "And you can use the element?"
"Yes, however he said you don't have Water or Wind as your primary elements."
"Wind is not easy for me, and Water is downright suicide at the moment. My elements are Fire and Lightning. Not Water and Wind."
"And Hyouton normally requires Water and Wind. This is why I'm confused." Haku admitted.
"That makes two of us." Sasuke paused. "I have Sharingan, and normally it won't copy bloodlines, but if I can use an Element that I see, do you think it would be possible to use that same Element myself?"
"I do not know, but if it is possible, then I'd have to use a Full Hyouton Jutsu and you'd have to copy it yourself to see for sure." Haku admitted.
"Would you mind if I did?"
She shook her head, and went through a few handsigns, while Sasuke activated his Sharingan the moment her head moved. "Hyouton: Hyorinmaru!" There was a giant Ice Dragon forming in the air, and Sasuke saw just what what needed for it. "Try it out."
Sasuke did just that, but only made one 1/10 the size of Haku's. "That was only a normal Ice Dragon. Not the Hyorinmaru."
"Sorry, but it's the first time I've used Ice in my life." Sasuke admitted, which caused surprise from Haku.
"Are you sure? Because that wouldn't be possible if it was."
"The Sharingan allows me to copy the Opponent's Jutsu, but it doesn't truly copy the experience with it. So while I may know how to perform, if I don't have the means, I can't. This means I can actually use Hyouton, as I wouldn't have been able to copy it, only understand it, if I did have the ability to use it myself."
"Well, for an Ice Dragon, that would seem somewhat pathetic, I'll admit."
"I'm sensing a "but" here." Sasuke said.
"For a first timer using the Ice element, that was far beyond proficient." Haku stated. Sasuke was pleased. "Try this one." Haku went through the handsigns, and Sasuke repeated them. Needles flew towards trees, and made a smiley face on a few.
Sasuke didn't make anything useful. In fact, his Jutsu didn't even work. "What happened?"
"I don't know..." Sasuke admitted, though quiet. 'Something's not here. I got an Ice Dragon down but... Wait... Ice Dragon... Don't tell me...' "Haku I need to figure something out, and it would require a bit of space." Haku jumped into a tree. Sasuke went for his Summoning Jutsu. "Summoning Jutsu!" The dragon that tested him appeared.
"What do you want, Uchiha? Didn't you get enough when you wrangled me last time?" The Dragon asked.
"The Dragon have several Elements, and something tells me that Ice is among them. Am I right on that?"
"I'm one of those Ice Dragons, you nitwit!"
"Then are you the reason I can use some Ice Jutsu, being as an Uchiha, normally, cannot?"
"Wait... You can use Ice?"
"You weren't aware?"
"Don't tell me you can use Lightning and Fire as well."
"Yes, I can. And yes, I already have the Blade that you're thinking of. What I want to know is: Why can I use Ice?" Sasuke asked.
"I am wondering that as well, Dragon." Haku said, as she jumped next to him. "After all, I'll need to know this, if I am to help him with Hyouton. He could use an Ice Dragon Jutsu, namely the Hyorinmaru only weaker, but he is, for some reason, unable to perform another Hyouton, a simpler one, without practice. In fact, he failed outright with that one, but managed a small Ice Dragon Jutsu with the Hyorinmaru."
"Then that means... Sasuke Uchiha, you have gained some of my abilities, as I am the one who recruited you. I am not sure how it is possible, but for now, once you get that Hyorinmaru Jutsu to full size, you should be able to learn other Ice Jutsu that he'd want you to learn."
"She's a woman." Sasuke said, glaring at the Dragon.
"Really, cause he seriously looks like a guy."
"Not my fault. My features have yet to set in, and my vocal chords are still used to the male voice i used as a disguise, as per my adopted father's request. Give it some time, and I will be back to a female voice." Haku said, glaring at the Dragon.
"Alright, alright. Sheesh. Look, if you want him to learn any of the other Hyouton Jutsu, he should train with the higher level Dragon Jutsu first. That should help him out. Once he gets it to the correct level, then he should go down a level. As such, back tracking would be the case here. When going from the bottom up doesn't work, starting at the top and going down will."
"That's some good advice there, Dragon."
"It's Hyoroko. And thank you. After all, I am Hyorinmaru's grandson."
"You're kidding me." Haku asked.
"Nope. I also know that he gave some Human Clan the Hyouton ability, some 500 years ago, or something. His brother, also an Ice Dragon, though part Water Dragon, went for a different Human Clan, that lived around Whirlpools or something. I didn't get it myself, but they received blessings from several Summoning Clans. One of which the Yonbi came from. No matter what Summoning Clan you go to, they all say one had more favor than any other among us. The Uzumaki Clan is a wonder. They were never arrogant, just highly stubborn."
"Well, that Explains Naruto. He is an Uzumaki, after all."
"I am aware." Hyoroko told her. "For now, stick to getting the Hyorinmaru Jutsu perfect. Once that's done, then go for a lower level. I'm out."
He left in a puff of smoke. Sasuke and Haku finally had a lead. They worked together for the rest of the Afternoon. After Dinner, Naruto and Haku left the house for a little run something. They jumped through the trees, being as silent as possible. Since they both knew ANBU hand signs, they used that to communicate.
"Are you sure about this?" Haku asked.
"Positive. We need to deal with him before he hires another man."
"How are you sure he hasn't?"
"People like him are too far corrupted. He will do anything to save his wallet."
"Then why hire more?"
"To kill them off once weakened. It happens often."
"Too often." Haku agreed.
"Once the target is down, we take out the rest."
"Wait." Haku signaled, prompting Naruto to land on a branch. "This is it." she whispered.
"Alright, give me a minute." Naruto said, pulling out a pair of glasses. 'One of the many reasons I love my father's ideas.'
"Let me see."
'One eye only.' One of Naruto's eyes went red, but had a circle for a pupil instead of the usual Slit. "Looks like he made a Chakra Locater. Would help in Searching missions."
'It's flawed, because I have to put them on by hand.'
"That's why you were going to put it on the armor?"
'Bingo. Now to find Gato... Got it.' "Fourth floor. He's out of it." Naruto whispered.
"How can you tell?"
"His is the most corrupted. One other comes close, and seems to be right outside that same room, but in a hallway. The one in the room is Gato. Time to lay a few traps. Go for Gato. I'll set the traps among all the levels. Rendezvous at the grave, and bring the head." Naruto whispered, earning a nod. He signaled a go, and Haku jumped.
Naruto, on the other hand, turned into a true shadow, and made it there himself, placing traps on the walls, starting from the bottom up. There was also a few Shadow Clones doing the same with the upper levels. Once a level was complete, a Clone dispersed. One caught sight of Haku leaving, meaning she was done.
It took another 10 minutes, but all clones were dispelled, and the True Naruto was at the grave. "Time to light up a show." He said, holding up a sign. Then there was a large fireball coming from Gato's hideout.
Haku whistled. "That's one big fireball."
"I skipped most of the upper levels due to something I found highly interesting." Naruto said. "I found he had some high yield bombs, that were far more effective than my own Youki Bombs. The Youki Bomb is a seal I came up with myself. It has the power of about 200 Standard Paper Bombs. I placed one on each one he had finished, and guess what? That fireball was more of his, than mine. You know, I'm starting to see why Deidara loves explosions. They tend to light up the night."
-Somewhere in Wind Country-
A Blonde sneezed. "Someone must be talking about me, because I don't get colds. Maybe someone is complimenting my art."
"You wish." A gruff voice from a hunchback beside him said.
-Tazuna's place-
Sasuke, Hinata, and Kakashi were awake, though Kakashi was still on his back. They all saw the fireball and one thought. 'That has Naruto written all over it.'
-back with Naruto-
Naruto sneezed. "Someone must be talking about me. Jinchuuriki don't get colds, for some reason."
"My fault for the cold thing. As for who's talking about you, there's no one. But someone, or rather 3 someones are thinking about you. More specifically, the Fireball."
'Well, I'm no expert, but I'd that was a work of art.'
"I'm inclined to agree kit. If Deidara were around, he'd definitely be like this."
-Back in Wind Country-
A blonde sneezed again. "I'm still inclined to believe someone appreciates my art."
"Think what want, Deidara." The gruff hunchback retorted.
"Shut up, Sasori!" The blonde, Deidara, replied.
-back with Naruto-
"Kit, I just heard something long range. Mind if I send out a Wind Clone to the location?"
'Heh, why not?'
Kyuubi sent Naruto's wind Chakra as far out as possible.
-Wind Country, yet again-
Deidara and Sasori were in the middle of the desert, Deidara saying that Sasori has no appreciation of his art.
This was when a cloaked man appeared in front of them. "Deidara of Iwa, I presume?"
"I have no affiliation with him."
"Oh, then I must have the wrong guy. One of my subordinates just caused a massive explosion over in Wave Country, and figured that he would be a little envious. Thought I heard something long range from this vicinity about explosions being art, and figured he was here."
"Oh, well, in that case, then I'm sorry about deceiving you. Who did the Explosion?"
"Deidara, you fool!"
"Relax, hunchback. I'm not here to capture him. Quick question. An explosion about 800 feet high, white hot flames, and maybe 50 feet in radius. Where would that stand in your ratings?"
"Did I miss an explosion that big?" Deidara asked, completely surprised.
"Yes, and I was present for it too. Wind Travel, with a Wind clone. Where would you rate it?"
"Heh... Told you someone else thought my art was true art!" Deidara shouted at the hunchback. "give me full details!"
The cloaked man gave the full set of details. "Wow... that's just... wow... 6 stars!"
"Thought you might like it. By the way, the one that did this is a Jinchuuriki. Later!" The man dissolved into wind.
"Wait... WHAT?"
"Now, I'm curious. Let's call the others."
"Wait! He said this was a Jinchuuriki, so it must have been the Rokubi, but he's already been captured, hasn't he?" Deidara asked, posing silence as his answer. "We must think on this. Call the others. We need to let them know."
-random cave-
Several holograms appeared. "Deidara. Sasori. What is your report?"
"We have some interesting news. Deidara was out-staged by a Jinchuuriki in Wave Country in his specialty. The only one that seems to have been capable of it would be the Rokubi, but he's already been captured." Sasori stated.
"I saw that explosion from Lightning Country." Another one said. "I am not sure which one, but I am about 2 days away from it. Shall I retrieve them?"
"No. Go and observe only. We have no reason to capture this one yet." The one that would seem to be the leader replied.
"Wait. Kakazu, I have shown you my C1 Dragon, and it's results. Which one is bigger? Or flashier?"
"The one in Wave. Bigger, no, about the same size. Maybe a little bigger. Flashier? Definitely." The man replied.
"Oh, I so gotta meet this one!" Deidara shouted, before dissolving.
-Wave Country-
Naruto suddenly felt a shiver on his back. "It seems words gotten out about your little explosion."
'You call that little?'
"Compared to some I've seen, yeah. Compared to most? Hell no."
'Thank you. I take pride in my art.'
"You call that ball of flames your art?"
'No, my art is the art of...' Naruto could feel Kyuubi at the edge of his seat. 'PRANKS!' The facefault in the head was a given. 'You SO had that one coming!'
"Oh shut up." Kyuubi replied, before cutting the link. 'Still, I wonder what Deidara would think of that one?' A cloaked man, which Naruto instantly knew was his Wind Clone, appeared.
"From the description, he gave 6 stars."
"Sweet."
"And I sugarcoated the description."
"Even better." Naruto replied. "Good job, man."
"Hey, I am you, after all."
"I know. Just dispel. I seriously need a break after that." Naruto said, earning a nod, and continuing towards Tazuna's place, where Hinata was waiting on the roof.
"let me guess... You caused the explosion?"
"Yeah, multiple sets of 30 Youki Bombs, along with some of Gato's High Yield Bombs. I think the screen said Flayer or something." (A/N: Fleiya, from Code Geass. Gato only had 2, but a Third one was being built.) "They weren't finished, but they were primed, and ready to go. I only had them add to my explosion, giving off what you saw. You remember Deidara from Iwa in that Bingo book we found?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Wind Clone gave a sugarcoated description, and he rated it 6 stars."
"And he's the pinnacle of Explosions."
"And now you see that I'm honored to have caused such an Explosion." Naruto told her.
"You would be." hinata told him. "And gato?"
"Haku took the head, I blasted everything else in the explosion. They never knew what hit them."
"Then Gato's dead. Why am I not surprised?"
"Because you probably saw it coming."
"You're right, I did." Hinata siad. "That's probably not a good thing."
"Nah, it means you can predict where not to be when I'm in a pranking mood." naruto told her.
"True. Now come on, let's to sleep. Word will get around that Gato is dead."
"With what I told Haku to do with his head, I'm thinking about spreading word of a new monument in the morning. Posters are being set up as we speak."
-the next day-
There were fliers everywhere and they all said the same thing.
Head to the Execution grounds of a Hero to see redemption.
When the villagers did, they expected several things, but not what they saw.
There was a head on a Spike. The head still had hair on it. Below it was a plaque.
Never underestimate a hero
You'll end up dead
at the hands of his ghost
-Kaiza and his living representative:
Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze
This had instilled courage in everyone, who roared in approval, while Naruto slept peacefully. 'Another day, more people helped out. That was a good run.'
00000x00000
Chapter end.
Well, this is a good end. What about Kakuzu, you might ask?
He was told to observe, but no one will know for sure, as he won't truly make another appearance, nor will he attack Naruto until later.
Why not? Why is Naruto not going to be attacked? How long will it take for the bridge to finish?
The latter and more will be answered...
NEXT TIME!
Okay, the bridge will take 2 days, and they will leave the Third. Not enough for him to get much. You've got maybe 800 Shadow Clones, and possibly 50 workers. You can't expect it to not go fast.