Act 1: Wave arc
Chapter 12 Finally! A c rank mission: to wave country
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto so please excuse me I want to sob in a corner.
'' this means thoughts
Bold letters inner Sakura speaking
Italics are flashback or dream sequences
Authors Notes: hey I'm back with the next chapter, this chapter will contain more info on Genjuro and Akeshi hope you enjoy it.
(Time skip: one week later after the training was over)
(Location: Konoha village district fire country territory)
After their horrible inhuman torture called training at the hands of Genjuro Sasuke and Sakura were finally ready to take missions as ninjas of Konoha, expecting that they will get a worthy mission to show the results of their training yet that's not what they got. They weren't the only one s but Naruto and Akeshi were also expecting a kick ass mission to prove them worthy of being true ninjas, so why did they feel like they weren't up to the missions they were assigned to? The answer was quite simple, the missions they have been doing are not what you very worthy or even fitted for true ninjas, and it was very annoying.
So here they were in front of a house from one of the villagers doing one of their missions, extracting the weeds from the older woman's garden so much for having a kick ass mission. Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura and Akeshi were probably thinking the same thing that they wanted to yell at the Hokage for giving them shitty missions. Sasuke felt like burning the whole garden with his fire jutsu, he grinned at the thought but he knew he will get in deep trouble if he does such a thing. Akeshi was probably thinking the same thing as the Uchiha, she wanted to burned the whole garden with her fire jutsu the thought was sure tempting. Naruto wanted to use one of his wind jutsus and blew the whole garden along with the house, as for Sakura well she felt like extracting all of the good lawn and leave the weeds only.
Genjuro was watching his team doing the simple mission with a smile on his face, it was fun to watch his strong team doing something that it was more fit for an eight year old than a couple of early teens. Although he could tell that they weren't happy in the least with their mission, he could feel the negative energy coming from them that they hated this mission a lot. He shook his head he knew he was going to hear the complains from his team especially Naruto how much of a loudmouth he is, he just hope they don't end up going berserk because of all the easy and silly missions they have to finish. He sweat dropped seeing that Naruto looked very annoyed with the chore.
Naruto growled seeing that there are still a lot of weeds to take out Sakura was also annoyed along with Sasuke and Akeshi.
'Damn it I hate this were ninjas not freaking gardeners' thought the annoyed Naruto.
'This missions sucks' thought Sakura.
"CHA! What kind of missions is this?"
'I hate this' thought Sasuke.
'Is this a mission or a house chore?' thought Akeshi.
'That's it!' thought Naruto getting up finally had it with the stupid missions" guys we will never finish this mission if we continued like this, so leave this to me!" he made a cross hand seal" shadow clone jutsu!"
POOF!!!
Ten Naruto clones appeared ready to do their work Sasuke, Sakura and Akeshi were impressed at the sight never seeing so many clones before or the fact that Naruto could actually make a real live clone when he couldn't even make a normal clone.
Genjuro smiled at the sight' well he's finally using his head about time.'
"All right everyone let's get rid of all the weeds!" the real Naruto said.
"Roger!"
They started doing their work taking all of the weeds giving a big helping hand to his teammates, naturally they would protest however since they were annoyed that they were doing crappy chores they just smiled at their blond teammate.
'That was a great idea from Naruto-kun' thought Sakura with a small blush.
"CHA! Naruto-kun is the best."
'Not bad Naruto' thought Akeshi with a smirk.
'I can't believe the dobe knows shadow clone jutsu and he couldn't do the clone jutsu, I don't believe this he's really that strong this is all sensei's doing I need to get strong too' Sasuke thought not wanting Naruto to get stronger than him.
In a matter of minutes Naruto was done with taking all of the weeds from the woman's garden, the beautiful grass and the flowers were the only plants left turning it into an appropriate garden. The owner of the garden came and was very happy with the work they did, now she knew she could rely on this team when her weeds grow again. She gave Genjuro their pay before heading back to her house, the jounin took a scroll which it was the list of their D rank missions while the team was expecting that his was the last of their crappy missions.
"Okay team time for our next mission" Genjuro said happily while the genins frowned at his comment.
(Time skip: Konoha forest)
Team seven was now doing another crappy missions which it was cleaning the forest from any trash, they had large baskets on their back with a stick to pick any trash including paper wrappings and cans. Naruto was getting more stress and annoyed with the kinds of missions he was getting along with the rest of the team, Akeshi was frowning the same with Sasuke and Sakura was annoyed like Naruto. Genjuro was seated behind a tree enjoying the relaxation since it was very unusually that he had breaks in the middle of missions, of course it's to be expected when you're doing D rank missions. Naruto finally had it and he did the same thing with their last mission, he summoned his shadow clones and they started cleaning all of the garbage in the river.
The rest was very grateful that Naruto speed up the mission with his clones, they managed to do the mission quickly. Genjuro smiled seeing that they finished already, of course he knew it was all thanks to Naruto. Just looking at their relief faces it was enough to make him smirk in amusement he took the mission scroll ready to announce their next mission, however he didn't realize the glares coming from the genins.
(Time skip)
Once again they got another worthless mission as they were now walking some old man's dogs across the forest Naruto had a bull dog while Sakura had a Chihuahua Sasuke had a poodle and Akeshi had another Chihuahua. Unfortunately Naruto's dog was bigger than the others and he couldn't get him to stop from walking forward. Everyone sweat dropped when the dog was heading to a mine field from the Konoha concentration camp area, Naruto was trying to make the big dog to stop but he couldn't. Eventually the dog entered the mine field causing the blond to have a couple of burns and bruises because of the land mines. Sakura healed him with the medic kit and a low level medic jutsu that she managed to learned all by herself she succeeded because of her perfect chakra exhaustion.
"There Naruto-kun you're all healed now" Sakura said with a smile.
The blond growled looking at the bull dog" this is your fault!"
His outburst caused the dog to bark at him and chasing him across the forest while the rest of the team sweat dropped, Genjuro who was near only sighed as he took the mission scroll to checked for the next mission.
'Loser.' thought Sasuke.
'I hope we get a better mission next.' Akeshi thought with a sigh.
'Damn it I want a cool mission!' shouted Naruto mentally frustrated because of the bull dog chasing him.
(Time skip: Konoha forest)
"This is ramen addict I spot the target and ready for action papa bear."
"This is cherry blossom I also have spotted the target papa bear."
"This is avenger I have a visual on the target and ready to take action."
"Wicked witch here I also spot the target just say the word papa bear."
"Stop calling me papa bear! I never gave you any codes names to begin with" he heard that they were chuckling through his head set "all right capture the target now!"
The four genins jumped on the small shadowy figure not giving it a chance to escape, suddenly a loud screech was heard which it belongs to a cat. Naruto was fighting for his life he was facing a powerful opponent he tried to block the strong slashes of the cat he was holding. Sakura was just smiling while giggling because it looked like an adorable and cute sight and Akeshi was smirking in amusement. Sasuke was smirking but he quickly went to his communication head set.
"Confirm the target make sure he has a red bow on his right ear" Genjuro's voice.
Sasuke saw the red bow on the cat's right ear" yeah target confirmed this is the cat."
"Good work everyone mission accomplished" Genjuro said happily" time to report back to the Hokage."
"CAN WE GET A COOL MISSION!!!" Genjuro covered his ear from the loud yell that came from Naruto' does he wants me to go deaf?'
Sasuke sighed while gazing at Akeshi" wicked witch?"
The raven haired girl just shrug her shoulder" it sounds cool I like it."
She never saw that smirk on the Uchiha's face like he was amuse at her choice for a code name.
"Sakura-chan please get this crazy demon cat away from me!" Naruto shouted in fear.
"All right Naruto-kun just hold still."
"I can't he's scratching my entire face ouch damn it that hurts!"
"Just let me get a good hold on it" Sakura managed to get the cat off the blond only for the cat to picked a new target as he started scratching her face" YOU SON OF A!!!....FREAKING CAT FROM HELL!!!"
(Time skip: Hokage tower mission admission office)
Team seven was standing in front of reception desk where the clients admit their missions so they can be given to any available ninjas Sarutobi was present along with Iruka who was helping the Hokage assisting him with the missions reports. Genjuro was being his normal usual self but his team wasn't happy in the least, they were annoyed that they have been doing stupid missions that they were confuse by house chores. Naruto and Sakura who had their faces covered in scratches thanks to the cat they just retrieved, but things weren't so bad as both of them grinning evilly as they watched the cat being squeezed by a fat woman who was obviously her owner.
"Oh my poor Tora are you all right I have missed you so much my poor baby!" the woman was still squeezing tightly while the cat Tora was trying to break free from the horrible torture.
'That's right you had it coming you stupid cat' thought Naruto with a grin.
'Yeah take that you freaking cat from hell' Sakura thought with an equal evil grin.
"CHA! Squeeze the cat tighter until he dies hahahahaha!!!"
Akeshi sweat dropped at the sight' I can see now why the poor cat ran away in the first place.'
The woman who was the wife of the fire daimyo the man responsible for giving Konoha a huge economic boost to maintain the village's life value gave the money to Iruka as she left the room happily with the poor Tora who wanted to die.
"Congratulations on another mission well done team seven" Sarutobi said inhaling the smoke from his pipe.
"Well it wasn't a job not so well" Genjuro said gazing at Naruto and Sakura's scratched faces.
"Now let's see, for your next mission will be babysitting the fire lords' son or go grocery shopping with….."
"NO!" shouted Naruto who was very annoyed with the missions the Hokage was giving them" old man I am tire of doing these lame missions come on give us a real mission!"
Iruka groaned at his comment" Naruto have you forgotten what I taught you back at class? You're just rookies and rookies take low ranks missions until you're qualified to take high rank missions…"
"That is right" Sarutobi said" genins at first start taking D rank missions until they have fulfilled the acquire number to qualify to take other rank missions like C rank missions and B ranks missions, higher rank missions are extremely difficult and life threatening so the more experience doing low rank missions the higher the possibility that you will be appointed to a high rank missions. But right now team seven needs to take D rank missions since this is your first week doing missions"
Genjuro sighed' Naruto why is it that you always find a way to put me in trouble? I won't hear the end of this from Sarutobi-san.'
"Old man listen to me" Naruto said in a serious tone different from his high tone" we all have trained real hard to become as strong as we are now, I'm telling you training with sensei is no walk in the park I thought he was torturing me at first but he has been preparing mentally and physically."
A vein pop in Genjuro's forehead for the comment about torturing' I am going to get even with him for saying that.'
"I'm telling you old man we are ready to take on high rank missions, after all we were trained by the best" Naruto said.
Sasuke nodded in agreement even if he didn't get along with the blond, he wanted a real mission to test his skill against other strong ninjas to prove he was strong so he can someday take on his brother. Sakura was in the same boat as Naruto, she has been through hell because of Genjuro's training and for what? so she could be doing lame missions like picking trash, catching a hellish cat she wanted a real mission to test the results of her hard training. Akeshi was feeling the same way too she had it with doing these crappy missions, and it was time to take on something more challenging anything that wasn't considered to be a house chore.
"Naruto that's enough you're not allowed to demand a high rank mission to Hokage-sama because you're new to doing missions so please follow the rules like everyone else" Iruka said.
"Sarutobi-san if I may speak?" asked Genjuro getting the attention of the group" my team is very exceptional in skills and teamwork and they have done the D rank missions quite quickly, so if you like to give them a higher rank mission then that will be fine with me I know they have what it takes to handle it."
The team smiled at their teacher willingness to take their side, however Genjuro gave them a look that said you guys owe me big time for this.
The elder Hokage sighed in defeat because if he argue any longer he will have to heard Naruto's big mouth again" all right I will approve your request of a high rank mission, I actually have an available C rank escort mission the client is already here you can come in now!"
The door to the room opened revealing an older man in his middle fifties with glasses a bear wearing a straw hat and fisher man's clothes he was holding a bottle of sake so he was obviously a little drunk, the old man grunt seeing the teens" what these are the ones who are going to be escorting back to my village, just a bunch of kids I don't like them especially the short one with the stupid face."
"Yeah the short one with the stupid face…." Naruto said with his fox grin.
Sakura sweat dropped" Naruto-kun he's talking about you."
"Yeah he's talking about me….hey what the hell?! What's your problem you old goat?!" the blond didn't took his comment lightly and he wasn't the only one but Sakura was glaring daggers at the old man for insulting her best friend.
'Who the hell does he think he is coming here and insult Naruto-kun?'
"CHA! No one insults my Naruto-kun without facing the consequences he's going to get prank!"
Genjuro stopped the rampaging Naruto while Sasuke and Akeshi were sweat dropping at the sight" now Naruto calm down you can't kill the client of the mission."
"Can I kill him after were done with the mission?"
Everyone sweat dropped at his comment although he sounded like he was joking while the old man snorted" I don't feel comfortable having a couple of kids escorting me back to my village I'm not in the mood for babysitting."
"I assure you these aren't ordinary kids" Sarutobi said.
"I see well anyway the name is Tazuna I'm a bridge builder from wave country, as long you can escort me back to wave I'll be fine just make sure you brats don't screw up."
They sweat dropped at his comment.
'I don't like him' Naruto thought with a frown.
'I don't like him one bit' thought Sakura while inner Sakura was cracking her knuckles ready to pound him.
'He's annoying' thought Sasuke.
'Talk about a sour apple' Akeshi thought.
"Gather your gear and meet me at the village gate we'll be leaving in an hour" Genjuro said while the team nodded leaving the room with the jounin and Tazuna.
Iruka watched them leaving feeling a little concern for his formal academy students especially Naruto.
"Don't worry Iruka" Sarutobi said" they'll be fine Genjuro-sama has trained them and he'll be with them, besides it's just a C rank mission the worst thing they could encounter are bandits."
The chunin slowly nodded before looking at the exit' Naruto everyone good luck I believe in all of you.'
(Time skip: Genjuro's house Akeshi's room)
Akeshi opened her closet taking a long wooden staff, until she unsheathed it revealing a regular size sword with a sharp blade and tip. The handle of the sword had the drawing of the legendary fire bird phoenix, she smiled this sword meant her whole life it seems like yesterday when her parents gave her the sword as the symbol of her clan. She quickly dried the incoming tear from her left eye before strapping the sword on her back in her waist, she finished gearing up making sure she had packed her kunais and shurikens and any available scrolls at her disposal. She finished packing her back up with some snacks and her futon, she was ready for the mission and she couldn't be any happier that they finally got a high rank mission she made a mental note to thank Naruto for opening his big fat mouth to have a high rank mission.
"So you're finally taking it with you?"
Akeshi smiled seeing Genjuro on her doorway" yes I am, now that were going on a official mission It's better to take it with me besides Iruka sensei told us that a ninja must always be well prepare especially when it comes to have all the tools and weapons."
"You're right I'm glad to see that you're taking this mission seriously."
"Of course sensei I'm not like Naruto he's probably jumping up and down because we're finally going to have a cool mission."
The jounin chuckle" come on let's get going everyone is waiting for us."
She nodded as they left her room and she closed the door.
"You know Akeshi I never told you this before but I'm sure your parents must've been very proud of you."
"I know I'm proud of having great parents like them and I'm also proud of having a great teacher."
"Likewise I'm proud of having you as my student, just remember Akeshi no matter what kind of opponent we will run into in this mission don't use it okay?"
The genin nodded knowing what he was talking about" I know sensei I won't use it I don't like relying on it anyway."
"Of course you're already strong as you are using it will make you to strong, you could be chunin easily."
"Thanks sensei but I don't like being cocky I like to rely in my own skills and my jutsus."
"I already know that and I wouldn't want it any other way."
(Time skip: Konoha main gate)
Team seven were ready to leave the village for the mission, Naruto was excited along with Sakura Sasuke was brooding as usual and Akeshi was smiling still feeling happy for the mission. Tazuna however wasn't so happy he still wasn't convinced that he was in good hands, Genjuro went to the group before looking at Tazuna.
"Well let's get going."
"Yeah! This going to be so cool!" Naruto cheered.
"Why are you so happy dobe?" asked Sasuke.
"Because this is my first time out of the village so yeah I'm that happy" replied the blond.
"Yeah me too" Sakura said.
"I guess I'm a little excited that were finally leaving the village" Akeshi said.
Tazuna sighed looking at Genjuro" are you sure I'm going to be safe being with these kids?"
"Yes Tazuna-san these aren't kids they are ninjas of Konoha, besides I'm a jounin you're in good hands Tazuna-san" Genjuro said.
"Yeah were ninjas and guess what? You're also looking at the future Hokage believe it!" Naruto said.
Tazuna snorted at his comment" the Hokage it's the strongest ninja in the village I doubt a small fry like you can become one."
Naruto growled" what?! You just wait someday I will become Hokage then everyone in the village will acknowledge me!"
"Whatever I still don't believe someone like you can become Hokage" replied the old bridge builder.
'He's really pushing it with Naruto-kun' Sakura thought upset.
"CHA! He is so going to get prank!"
Sasuke grinned a little at Tazuna's comment while Akeshi sighed knowing that the blond was going to act annoyed.
"Tazuna-san I advice that you don't underestimate Naruto, he may look small but size doesn't matter he's capable of handling this mission."
"Yeah that's right I'm stronger than I look!" replied Naruto.
"Sensei is there any chances that we'll be fighting strong ninjas on the way?" asked Sasuke.
"Not likely this is a C rank mission so the least is that we might run into bandits nothing serious but anyway,we should get going it will be a while for us to reach wave country" Genjuro said.
They nodded as they started walking away from the village Sasuke has take notice on Akeshi's sword strapped on her back, he admitted that he was interested in the blade although he didn't said a word for now.
Not so far from their location they were being watched by two figures hiding behind the trees.
"I can't believe we have to get through Genjuro to get to the old man this won't be easy."
"Just relax as long as we have the element of surprise we'll be fine."
"I don't know this is Genjuro were talking about here the guy have probably sense us already as we speak."
"Let's get this over with he will be the first to go down."
"Right"
They were walking through the forest path that leads away from Konoha, although it was a C rank mission they might run into low level fighters like bandits but it was nothing they could handle. Minutes later they passed a puddle which they all notice that it was strange for a puddle to be in the ground, when it was very sunny and it hasn't rained for days.
'Something its up better keep our eyes open' Genjuro thought after gazing away from the puddle.
After they passed the puddle two ninjas came out of the puddle wearing masks and the headband of the hidden mist village in their forehead, they also had a large metal claw tied on a chain. They quickly charged at them, their first target was Genjuro which they shred to pieces with their claws. The team gasped in shock but Akeshi was quick and she cut their chain with her sword while Sasuke jumped on them and kicked them both. The mask ninjas didn't care that their chain was cut and went to next victim which was Naruto, however the blond was frozen in his place unable to move everything has happened so fast that he couldn't think straight. Sasuke was the one kicked the ninjas again saving Naruto in the process, the ninjas got back to their feet and this time they went to the real target.
Sakura gasped seeing the ninjas heading her way because she was next to Tazuna, she quickly took a kunai going behind the bridge builder" Tazuna-san just stay behind me and don't move!"
Before the mist ninjas got to Sakura and Sasuke and Akeshi got to them they were grabbed by Genjuro who was holding them with a tight grip and a glare, he recognize the ninjas very well" hello boys it's been a while since I last saw you."
The mist ninjas were dead scare seeing the jounin's glare they could feel the killer intent coming out of his eyes, Genjuro knocked them out before they got a chance to talk.
Sakura went to check up on her best friend who was still frozen" Naruto-kun are you all right?"
"I…..yeah I….am Sakura-chan" Naruto was still shocked in fear he didn't have time to think or even act.
Sasuke grinned seeing him acting like a coward" are you all right scary cat?"
Naruto growled at the comment while Sakura glared at him" shut up Sasuke!"
"You okay Naruto?" Akeshi asked worry.
"Yeah I'm okay don't worry about me."
"Don't feel bad Naruto this was your first time experiencing real combat a lot of people get frozen the first time" Genjuro said.
Naruto then took a kunai and stabbed himself in his hand shocking everyone.
"Naruto-kun what the hell are you doing?!" asked the shocked Sakura.
Naruto flinched in pain" I swear on this wound that I will never run away, this will be my oath of pain."
"That's very brave of you Naruto" Genjuro said with a sweat dropped" but if that wound is not treated it will get infected and you could die from blood loss."
Naruto started screaming before Sakura frowned at him" Naruto-kun why do you have to be such a masochist?"
"Calm down Naruto I will check on it" Genjuro said looking at his hand he saw that the wound was been heal already' looks like the Kyuubi is already healing the wound so he'll be fine.'
"Everything is all right Naruto that wound is not life threatening" Genjuro said.
"Thank goodness" Naruto said relief.
"I'm so glad" replied the relief Sakura.
"So sensei why did you let yourself get caught in the mist ninjas attack?" asked Akeshi.
"Because I wanted to see who they were after" Genjuro replied looking at the bridge builder" so Tazuna-san care to explain me why you have ninjas after you?"
Tazuna sighed" I knew I will have to say it sooner or later, the truth is my life is in danger somebody wants me dead."
Everybody was shocked at the confession from the bridge builder.
"What somebody wants to kill you?!" asked the shocked Naruto.
"I'm afraid so it's true" replied Tazuna.
"If that's true then this mission is not a C rank escort mission it's a bodyguard mission, but with the threat of mist ninjas this could be a B rank or maybe an A rank mission" Genjuro said pointing to the bodies of the mask ninjas" these guys right here are the demon bothers and they are chunin rank ninjas from mist, the next time a ninjas will come after you it won't be a chunin."
"I'm sorry I know this missions is suppose to be a higher rank but I couldn't afford to request a higher rank mission because I don't have enough money, I really do need protection." Tazuna said.
"Well I apologize Tazuna-san but we have agreed to do a C rank mission not a higher rank mission, this mission is too dangerous to take so with all due respect we'll be heading back to Konoha" Genjuro said turning away ready to head back.
"What sensei we can't do that?!" Naruto said.
"He's right sensei he's in danger we can't just abandoned him!" Sakura said.
"I agree sensei we can't let an innocent life be taken away" Akeshi said.
"I'm with them too and besides this is the mission we'd be looking forward to take to prove our skills" Sasuke said with a grin' especially I will test my own strength against other strong ninjas.'
"Yeah this is way better than those lame missions we've been doing back at the village" Naruto said.
Genjuro sighed" this is not a game this is a real life and death mission, not to mention that this the first time this team will be taking a high rank mission on its first week of doing missions."
The rest of the team went in front of him crossing their arms.
"Sensei we are a team and we all agree in continuing this mission" Naruto said.
"But you're all forgetting that I'm the one who's in charge of this mission and I say we go back to the village and forget this mission" replied the jounin.
"I can't believe you sensei" Akeshi said" I thought you told the Hokage that we were a team exceptional in skills and teamwork that we have what it takes to handle a high rank mission."
"Yeah don't you believe in us?" asked Naruto.
"We have trained hard under your rule sensei you have prepared us for this kinds of mission so please don't drop your trust in us" Sakura said.
"Hn" Sasuke said agreeing with the rest of the team.
Genjuro sighed in defeat" you're all unbelievable fine we will continue this mission, but you all know how dangerous this mission will become."
The genins nodded feeling happy that they will continue the bodyguard mission.
"Tazuna-san you're lucky my team is very softhearted otherwise I would've left you a while ago however I'm expecting you to tell us about who is after you and why."
The bridge builder nodded" of course I will tell you everything I know"
Genjuro nodded" good let's continue it will take us at least two days to arrive at wave country, we will camp later before it gets dark."
(Time skip: nightfall forest region border of the fire country)
They were sitting in front of a fire they were eating because Genjuro killed a rabbit, it was quiet Naruto was stuffing his face with the rabbit the same with and Sasuke and Akeshi were eating like regular people. Tazuna was eating his food calmly while his throat was dried since he has drunk all of his sake from his bottle, before Genjuro offered him his water canteen. The bridge builder took the canteen and drank the water until his thirst was satisfied before handing it back to the jounin.
"Now Tazuna how about telling us the truth about this mission" Genjuro said.
The genins were still eating but they were now paying attention to the bridge builder, expect for Sasuke he has already finished eating.
"Sure thing you already know that I'm bridge builder from wave, however a man name Gato wants me dead."
"Gato?" asked Genjuro confuse" as in the owner of the Gato corporation I heard he was a big time business man in the fishing industry, why in the world he wants to kill you?"
"Well that's what he's supposed to be, but the truth is Gato is a crime lord very corrupted and he doesn't care how many people he kills as long as he gains a lot of money."
"What a horrible person" Akeshi said between bites.
Tazuna nodded" right now Gato has taken control of wave and he has put a monopoly on our economy, he's stealing all the money while we're in the brink of poverty that's why I only have enough money to afford the C rank mission instead of a high rank mission."
"All right I understand that but why he wants you dead?" asked the jounin.
"It's because of the bridge I'm building, I'm planning in building a bridge that will reach to the other countries in the water country so we can start having economic trades with those countries increasing our economy and change our way of living for the better."
"I see so he wants to kill you to prevent you from building the bridge and trade with the other countries?" asked Sasuke.
"Yes that's right if I finished the bridge and we succeed in trading with those countries Gato's rule will be finish for good."
"So you're a threat to Gato's plans" Sakura said.
"In other words you're a big stepping stone between his plans" Akeshi said.
"Yes however I can't finish building the bridge with my life at risk that's why I requested this mission."
"All right we'll do it!" everyone turned to Naruto who was done eating" don't worry Tazuna we will make sure nothing happens to you, as long as you have us your life is in safe hands" he smiled' although I still think you're a drunk annoying old man.'
"I think Naruto has speak for all of us with his speech, Tazuna-san we will protect you we can't let Gato get away with this" Genjuro said.
Tazuna nodded" thank you I'm in your debt."
"But what about the ninjas?" asked Sakura" that Gato is desperate to get rid of Tazuna-san he will most likely send stronger ninjas next time to do the job."
"I know Sakura this is exactly why it's supposed to be a B rank mission" Genjuro said' but depending what kind of ninjas were dealing with it might be an A rank mission, the demon brothers were chunin so that means that next time it will be a jounin.'
"It matters not we will take care of them" Sasuke said coolly feeling very confident with the results of his training.
'Acting cocky as always eh Uchiha boy?' Akeshi thought with a smirk.
"I will have to agree with the teme those ninjas doesn't stand a chance against us, we will beat them" Naruto said.
"All right I think that's enough we should get some rest so we can wake up early in the morning" Genjuro said.
"Sensei does Tazuna-san has a futon to sleep?" asked Sakura.
"That will be all right I brought another futon just in case I will go prepare it"
"Thank you I really appreciate it" Tazuna replied.
They left the campfire while Naruto and Sakura prepare their futons, Akeshi went to prepare her futon before Sasuke went to her.
"Something on your mind Uchiha boy?"
"Yeah….it's about that sword you have."
She reached for the sword strapped on her back" what about it?"
"I didn't know you had a weapon like that…"
"Well I do have one but to me this is more than just a sword, this is a memento of my parents this is the only thing I have left that reminds me of them…." her eyes softened a little.
The Uchiha nodded and left without saying another word, he understood the pain of the past especially about himself, Akeshi and Genjuro. Genjuro has told him about Akeshi's clan massacre because of the bloodline massacre at mist, and after hearing he felt closer to the two because he had people who understood his pain a lot.
(Time skip)
It was the middle of the night and everyone was sound asleep everyone except for Naruto, he had to leave because nature was calling him. When he returned to the camp site he notice that Sakura was missing she wasn't in her futon, he saw that she was next to the snoring Tazuna. Sakura already knew that he was watching her of course she wanted to see what she had in mind.
"Sakura-can what…."
"Shhh…quiet" she took a black magic marker.
Naruto grinned knowing what she had in mind" you are so mean Sakura-chan."
"I know it may be childish but this is payback for insulting you…" she grinned as she started writing on Tazuna's face with the magic marker.
"He'll be very surprise in the morning" Naruto said chuckling.
"I know" she chuckle back.
"CHA! This is what you get for messing with Naruto-kun you old drunk fart!"
(Location: abandoned cabin wave country water country territory)
A short man in his early fifties with a mop of grey hair glasses and wearing a black business suit was glaring at a man sitting in front of him, he was obviously upset.
"Your men failed Zabuza!"
"Enough!" the masked ninja seated wearing a mist headband and a large sword bigger than himself said, he took his large sword pointing it at the short man" Gato I had about enough with your shouting, although I wasn't expecting that the demon brothers will failed" he was in deep thought' that means the old man must've contracted bodyguards and if they defeated the demon brothers then they must be quite good.'
"You better make it up to me I'm paying you good money to get the job done, I won't tolerate failure Zabuza!" Gato said.
"Just keep the money coming I will handle this myself, that bridge builder is as good as dead."
"Just make sure you don't fail" grumble Gato.
"I never fail when it comes to doing my job."
(Time skip: the next day forest region border of the fire country)
Team seven has woken up and they were ready to leave to continue their journey to wave country, however things were a little different as soon as Tazuna woke up. Naruto and Sakura were chuckling while Akeshi was holding her laughter and Sasuke was grinning slightly at the sight. Tazuna hasn't realize a thing so far until Genjuro saw him he sweat dropped at the sight.
"Um…Tazuna-san I suggest you wash your face at the river nearby…"
"Huh what's wrong?" asked the bridge builder.
"Just go wash yourself at the river."
The bridge builder just shrugged his shoulders as he went to the small river, when he went to wash his face he saw his reflection and gasped. His whole face was written in black magic marker, they were things written that said annoying old drunk who smells like poop.
"WHAT THE HELL THOSE STINKING BRATS!!!"
Naruto and Sakura were trying to hold their laughter until Genjuro was staring at them with an upset look.
"What's wrong sensei?" asked the nervous Naruto.
"When we returned to Konoha you two will be doing two hundred laps around the village are we clear?"
Both genins lowered their heads" yes sensei."
(Time skip: rive region wave country water country territory)
They were now using one of the boat to crossed the bridge that Tazuna is building, one of Tazuna's companions were giving them the boat ride.
"Sensei?" asked Sakura.
"What is it Sakura?"
"I've been wondering are they any ninjas in wave country?"
"Wave doesn't have ninjas it's just a regular village that doesn't run on a ninja and mission system like Konoha and other hidden villages, but if that was the case why would they bother and request help from Konoha."
"Yeah I guess that makes sense."
"But wait" Sasuke interrupted" I know about that but this is water country the hidden mist village is in this region so why wave doesn't request help from them instead of us when it's much closer than Konoha?"
"That's a little difficult to do" Tazuna said getting the attention of the team" mist has been passing through some rough times for a couple of years now, they are having their own problems with its government and military system so they are in no position to accept help from a nearby village like wave anyway I don't know much about the details though."
"Mist won't help because of the consequences from the bloodline massacre." Genjuro said in neutral tone.
Sasuke saw his expression and Akeshi's face too and he could tell that it was hard for them to talk about something as delicate about the war that caused the deaths of their clans and families.
"Bloodline massacre" Tazuna said shocked.
Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura were listening while Akeshi was quiet not wanting to hear the story, she was trying to ignore that she was listening right now.
"It was a law that the Sandaime Mizukage made in an attempt to prevent any people from turning against him, let's just say that he wasn't worthy to have the title of a kage. But anyway once the law was passed down it turned into one of mists worst events ever, clan heads and members of the clans that possessed blood lines limits were killed. Some people escape the village with their lives, the incident caused a lot of decreased in the village population."
"How terrible I can see now that a village that has killed their own people will be willingly to accept help from other countries like wave" Tazuna said.
"Things aren't so bad the Sadaime died of a disease and the Yondaime took over he's trying to bring back the village to what it used to be before the Sadaime took over, however it won't be easy healing all the damage done by the bloodline massacre…." Genjuro said.
"I can't believe that a leader of a village is capable in ordering to kill his own people just for fear that his own people will turn against him, that's not what a true leader of a village will do" Naruto said softly.
"That's right you want to become Hokage I still don't believe you had what it takes" Tazuna said with a chuckle.
The blond frowned at him while Sakura giggle and Sasuke was staring at Akeshi who hasn't said a word since Genjuro started talking about the bloodline massacre, he actually felt like saying something to make her feel better but he couldn't because he didn't know what to say.
Genjuro stood quiet before he knew it he was thinking about the past, the one memory he will never forget in his entire life.
Genjruo was holding the body of a woman in her late teens with short brown and blue eyes, she was covered in blood and she didn't have too much time. Next to her was a young man who seems to be the same age as her with dirty blond hair but he was already dead, the girl had tears in her eyes while Genjuro pulled her closer to him.
"I'm sorry……I'm sorry I was too late to save you…." Genjuro let a couple of tears fall.
"Don't feel like that….it's me the one who should be sorry….I couldn't save him…I couldn't save Kenshin and I….I love him very much…I never got the chance to tell him how I feel it's a horrible feeling…" she coughed a lot of blood.
"Yuzu please don't talk you'll only making it worst…..I…"
"It's too late for me….you already know that…I was about to safe Kenshin but he came and caught me off guard I'm sorry big brother I……." she was no longer breathing she was dead.
Genjuro let a couple of tears fall before embracing her body, he felt anger towards the man responsible for her death" I promise you Yuzu I will avenger you he will die I promise…."
"Sensei….sensei?" Sakura asked Genjuro who was still not listening.
"Hello sensei are you there?" Naruto said.
"Huh…what what's wrong?" the jounin finally snapped back from his thinking.
"Were finally here sensei this is our stop" Akeshi said as she got off the boat with Tazuna and the rest of the team.
"I see then let's go…" he got off from the boat.
The man from the boat gazed at Tazuna" this is as far as I can take you Tazuna."
"Thanks this is enough don't worry" replied the bridge builder.
The man nodded and left as the team continued walking forward, as they were walking the forest path they have notice that the place was surrounded by mist.
"The mist is so thick here" Naruto said.
"That's strange I don't remember this part of wave having mist before" Tazuna said.
"Everyone stay on your guard I have a bad feeling about this" Genjuro said as the team nodded and continue walking.
They didn't know what far away they were being watch, Zabuza was staring at Genjuro only' well no wonder the demon brothers were defeated who would've thought I'll be running to you again Genjuro, this is going to be such a great friendly reunion.
To be continued
I know cliffhanger but don't worry I will try to update again soon, please review and I hope you enjoy this chapter farewell until the next time.
Next chapter: Clash of the two swordsmen
(Omake title: Tazuna's revenge)
Tazuna grinned evilly as he went to the sleeping figures of Naruto and Sakura, after what they did to him he wasn't going to let them get away with their little prank. He took a small jar containing fire ants, it was his grandson who actually picked these ants since he was going to put them in his ant farm but it looks like he was going to put them to good use. In any case he was going to give a good excuse to his grandson telling him that he lost the ants on his way to the village accidentally dropping them into the river, it was a good excuse indeed. He opened the jar and let the ants go wild on the two genins, he quickly left going back to his futon chuckling to himself however Genjuro was awake and sweat dropped at the sight. He wasn't going to do a thing because he was tire, besides after what his students did to him it was better like this with this they'll be even.
"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!" both Naruto and Saura were screaming loudly scratching their bodies feeling the fire ants biting them without mercy.
Their shouting eventually woke up everyone Sasuke was annoyed because they woke him and Akeshi sweat dropped.
"AAHHHHHHHHH DAMN THEY HURT!!!" Naruto shouted.
"OOOUCHHHHH GET THEM OF OFF ME!!!" shouted Sakura.
"Damn ants where did they come from?!"
"I don't know let's go to the nearest river and wash up!"
"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH STUPID ANTS!!!" they shouted in unison.
They left running still screaming in pain because of the ants painful punishment while Tazuna couldn't hold his laughter anymore, he laughed hard while tears were falling it seems for the bridge builder revenge was truly sweet.