Chapter 18: Of Mist and Mu
Hey everybody, it's me again. I hope you all enjoyed the last chapter, I certainly enjoyed writing it.
Zabuza and Haku will finally appear this chapter, and I, for one, am glad, because I have some interesting plans for both of them.
Now it seems my calling Tazuna a liar was not well received by some. Their position is that he simply may not have known that Gatō had hired missing-nin to kill him and that if Gatō had already hired Zabuza et al. that Tazuna never would have reached Konoha. I respectfully disagree. Tazuna is an old man, Gatō's thugs could have killed him easily, they did kill Kaiza after all, so the whole "the thugs couldn't get the job done so then Gatō hired ninja" theory has a hole in it right there.
Did Gatō hire Zabuza to kill Tazuna from the get-go? I don't know, but the fact is Zabuza had a hideout in Wave and Gatō knew where it was. Anyway, Tazuna probably at least suspected that Gatō would send professionals after him by the time he reached Fire Country. Does that make him a liar? Well the mission went from "Protect me until I get home" to "Protect me until I finish the bridge"; he knew the shit would hit the fan even if he wasn't sure if it would be in the form of thugs or ninja. Do you as readers have to agree with me, of course not, but Tazuna's original story was a half-truth and that's enough for a whole lie.
Now that I got that out of my system, on with the chapter!
In a small boat headed towards Wave, six people rode in silence. The boat's owner had agreed to take the four ninja and their client, but only under the cover of either fog or night, whichever came first. During this journey a blonde genin was thinking of everything that had led up to this point.
I'm glad we're helping Tazuna-san but I'm not entirely happy with how we agreed to continue this mission, Naruto thought.
"What exactly do you mean?" Kurama asked his human partner.
"Well Tazuna-san, I believe my student asked you a question," Kakashi asked, although his tone was civil it was clear that he wouldn't tolerate lying.
"I have no idea why missing-nin tried to attack anyone, maybe they're just strapped for cash or something," Tazuna suggested.
"I'm curious Tazuna-san, how did you know that these two were missing-nin?" Naruto asked.
"Uh, I, well that is," Tazuna tried to get out.
He knows he's caught, Naruto thought. "Tazuna-san if you don't want to admit it we could always see if these guys have orders on them," Naruto suggested, as he started rummaging through the pockets of the unconscious Demon Brothers.
"Find anything Naruto?" Kakashi asked.
"Did I ever," Naruto said pulling out a piece of paper and looking it over, "These are orders if I ever saw them."
"Alright, I admit it, there is someone after me and he's probably hired more than just these two," Tazuna said in a panic.
"Gotcha," Naruto said.
"What?" Tazuna yelled.
"These are orders, more specifically a shopping list," Naruto said as he handed the list to Kakashi.
"Gallon of milk, loaf of bread, stick of butter, copy of 'Babes in Hitai-ates', I'll have to check that out myself," Kakashi said.
"So Tazuna-san, you said you would admit to something," Sakura said, tired of seeing Kakashi and Naruto torture the old bridge builder.
"A man named Gatō wants me dead," Tazuna finally admitted.
"Gatō, as in the head of the major shipping company?" Naruto asked.
"That's just a front for his real business. He made his fortune as a smuggler of illegal goods and selling drugs. Gatō has become the richest man in the world as a result, and will go to great lengths to protect his interests through blackmail and murder," Tazuna explained.
"Clearly," Naruto said.
"The bridge I want to build is a threat to his monopoly in Wave," Tazuna continued.
"Which would lead to people asking questions about where his money comes from down the road," Naruto added.
"That's entirely possible, but my only concern is saving my country from what he's done to it," Tazuna said.
"I feel for you Tazuna-san but you lied to us, this is no C rank mission. It warrants at least a high B rank, and that means it's too dangerous for new genin," Kakashi said.
"I understand, but because of Gatō, Wave has been become an impoverished nation, a C Rank was all we could afford, I never wanted to put children in danger," Tazuna explained.
The genin in question seemed to have mixed feelings about Kakashi's statement. Sakura was scared but she didn't want to turn her back on the suffering of an entire country. Sasuke didn't want to back down from a challenge. Naruto just seemed to be deep in thought.
"We need to head back to the Village, maybe we can sort things out," Kakashi said.
"Hold it!" Naruto shouted, earning looks from his team and from Tazuna.
"Yes Naruto?" Kakashi asked.
"Sensei, although it is true that in the event of a breach of contract no shinobi is obligated to complete the mission, it is also true that if a majority of the shinobi involved wish to continue the mission the contract can be renegotiated at a later time," Naruto stated.
"That's true Naruto but that usually only pertains to chunin or higher," Kakashi countered.
"I don't like arguing with you sensei but that's not true, the clause in question makes no mention of rank," Naruto said.
"What?" Kakashi asked stunned that a genin was winning an argument with him, even if the genin was Minato-sensei's son.
"Luckily, I have some law books on me," Naruto said, as he unsealed some books from a storage scroll. Grabbing the one pertaining to Shinobi Contract Law, Naruto found the clause he had mentioned and showed it to Kakashi. "That's the most recent edition, Sensei, just so you know," Naruto stated before Kakashi had a chance to voice an objection.
"Alright Naruto, have it your way we'll ask your teammates if they want to continue," Kakashi said, knowing that he was beat. Not surprising I suppose, in my younger days I may have always followed the rules of being a shinobi, but I never had much interest in studying law, Kakashi admitted to himself.
"Well, even if you decide not to continue, it's no big deal. My daughter will just spend the rest of her days cursing Konoha and all of its people. And my poor grandson, oh I shudder to think what will happen to him without me," Tazuna said in a transparent attempt at garnering sympathy.
Sasuke and Sakura agreed to continue the mission and the group continued on its way.
If that bullshit sob story is any indication I don't think Tazuna-san thinks too highly us, Naruto thought.
"After insulting your intelligence like that, I would have gone back to Konoha as a matter of principle," Kurama said.
It was tempting and I could tell the thought crossed their minds as well, butif we abandoned this mission we would never hear the end of it, Naruto responded.
As the boat reached the shore, the fog had started to lift. In contrast to how dark it had been during the trip once the group had reached the shore the sun was shining rather brightly.
"Best of luck Tazuna," the boat's owner had said as he took his leave.
"Thanks, you be careful too," Tazuna responded.
"So Naruto, what are we up against?" Kakashi asked.
"From what I saw in the Demon Brothers' memories, Gatō also hired a man named Zabuza and someone named Haku," Naruto told the jonin.
"The only Zabuza I can think of is Momochi Zabuza, a former member of the Seven Swordsmen," Kakashi said. After a bit more thought Kakashi finally said, "The most recent edition of the Bingo Book doesn't mention any Haku though."
"If it helps this Haku guy has a rather feminine appearance and is only a few years older than the three of us," Naruto said pointing to himself and his teammates.
"What kind of tactics does this Haku person use? Maybe we could identify him that way," Sakura suggested.
"The Demon Brothers have never actually worked with Haku, all they know is that he has knowledge of pressure points and medicinal herbs," Naruto answered.
"So all we can really do is keep our eyes peeled," Sasuke said.
"That's easier said than done Sasuke. Momochi Zabuza is a master of the Silent Killing Technique which involves using the Kirigakure no Jutsu, even with the Sharingan all you'll see is chakra-laced mist," Kakashi explained.
Sasuke looked like he had something to say but was cut off by a loud 'thunk'. Naruto had flicked a kunai into the bushes after noticing them rustling.
After she went to check, Sakura came back out to scold Naruto, "Naruto you scared the hell out of me, and you really scared this rabbit." To prove her point she held up a snow rabbit that was indeed shivering with terror.
"Uh Sakura, do you notice anything strange about this rabbit?" Naruto asked.
"Other than the fact that it's scared out of its mind, not really," Sakura said.
"A snow rabbit, with a pure white coat, at this time of year, and you don't find that odd?" Sasuke asked.
"Thank you Sasuke," Naruto said. Then noticing a large amount of bloodlust Naruto said, as calmly as he could, "We should probably…"
"Get down!" Kakashi shouted as a giant sword came spinning through the air and lodging itself into the tree that Team 7 and Tazuna were in front of.
After Team 7 and Tazuna had gotten to their feet they noticed a tall and noticeably muscular man with pale skin, short spiky black hair, brown eyes, and small eyebrows standing on said sword. He was wearing bandages like a mask over the bottom half of his face and wore his hitai-ate sideways on his head. After getting a good look at Team 7 the man said, "I had heard the bridge builder went to Konoha for help, but I didn't expect you to be here Hatake Kakashi."
"Momochi Zabuza, Demon of the Hidden Mist right?" Kakashi asked, gravely serious.
"So you've heard of me, I'm flattered," the now identified Zabuza said as he dropped to the ground and dislodged his weapon from the tree.
"Well when a coup is attempted in one of the Five Great Ninja Villages that tends to get around," Kakashi said.
"Hmph, I just met you and you've already managed to piss me off," Zabuza said as a thick mist started to set in, apparently the failed coup was a sore spot.
This mist is the result of a jutsu so I guess we won't be able to sense this Haku person's chakra, so I guess you're up Kurama, Naruto told his partner biju.
"Alright, just pay attention. If that kid was trained by Zabuza then we should be able to sense bloodlust from him too, right?" Kurama suggested.
That would make sense but it's never that easy, Naruto responded.
"I'm not hearing any better ideas," Kurama barked back.
Sorry, I just wasn't able to glean much about the other guy's personality from the Demon Brothers' memories, for all we know he's an emotional cripple who will treat this like juct another job, Naruto told Kurama, hoping to pacify the kitsune.
"Okay then. Also, you might want to see if the Uchiha is alright he's pointing a kunai at himself," Kurama warned.
Oh for the love of…, "Sasuke, deep breaths," Naruto said to his teammate.
The bloodlust emanating from Zabuza had caused Sasuke to have a panic attack, and he could not hear what Naruto had said.
Luckily Kakashi could and he turned to Sasuke and said, "Sasuke don't worry, I won't let my comrades die."
That seemed to do the trick because Sasuke had calmed down and said, "Thanks, I needed that."
Since his students were alright Kakashi figured he could focus on the battle, and to that end he lifted his hitai-ate to reveal a fully matured Sharingan eye.
This revelation had shocked Sasuke, who couldn't help but wonder why Kakashi had a Sharingan eye when he was not an Uchiha but he figured his questions could wait. But I am getting answers, either from Kakashi or Naruto, I'm sure he knows why Kakashi has that eye, Sasuke thought.
The battle started with Zabuza taking a swipe at Kakashi. Kakashi managed to dodge but Zabuza's quick recovery showed everyone present that he could more than handle his weapon and that he was not to be underestimated.
"I knew it wouldn't be that easy," Zabuza said as he fell back to the lake that occupied the other side of the path Team 7 had been following. Pushing chakra to his feet, Zabuza stood on the water and created more mist. As he was fading from sight he said, "Hatake Kakashi, the Copy Ninja, the Bingo Book says that with that Sharingan eye you've copied over 1,000 jutsu. It also says that it allows you to predict your opponent's movements, but you can't predict the movements of someone you can't see," Zabuza said, convinced that he had this battle won.
As the mist got thicker the genin began to get worried, Kakashi's warning about the Silent Killing Technique had them on edge. As if sensing their fear Zabuza decided to add to it, "Eight choices: kidneys, heart, liver, lungs, spine, cervical vein, neck vein, brain. Which one should I go after?"
If I get my way you won't get close to any of them, Naruto thought, as he set up several Mu Barriers to keep Zabuza at bay. Three is my maximum, but we should be good as long as Zabuza doesn't find a way past them. If I could use Interdiction I could be of some help, but the glow they give off would tell Zabuza exactly where we are, Naruto thought.
Zabuza was indeed having some trouble with Naruto's barriers, and the idea of being stopped by something he couldn't see only served to make him angrier. I don't know what kind of trick Kakashi is trying to pull but he's not going to stop me like this, Zabuza thought as he swung his sword with all of his strength. Upon impact with Naruto's barrier a loud crack could be heard. It wasn't the sound of metal cracking though; it was some sound that had never been heard by anyone on that battlefield before.
"Wha-, what was that?" Tazuna asked.
"My Mu Barrier he broke it," Naruto said in disbelief.
Fortunately the sound attracted Kakashi, who made to stab Zabuza. Kakashi's attack was a direct hit but Zabuza just burst like a water balloon; he had switched places with a Mizu bunshin. Knowing better than to let an opportunity like this go to waste, Zabuza took another swipe at Kakashi and cut through him like a hot knife through butter. True to his moniker, Kakashi had copied Zabuza's strategy with the Mizu bunshin.
As he held a kunai to Zabuza's throat, Kakashi said, "It's over."
Zabuza wasn't impressed though, because as soon as those words left Kakashi's mouth he started to laugh. "Hehehehe, 'It's over' that's a good one. Know this Kakashi: you can't beat me just by copying me. I will admit that I find it impressive that you managed to predict and copy my movements in this mist but…" 'Zabuza' trailed off as he burst, revealing himself to be a Mizu bunshin. The real Zabuza appeared behind Kakashi and finished his bunshin's statement, "it will take more than that to beat me!" With that Zabuza swung his sword at Kakashi, who managed to duck. That was exactly what Zabuza was hoping for as he landed a sweeping kick into Kakashi's stomach.
Zabuza's attack had hit Kakashi hard enough to send him into the middle of the lake, much to the dismay of his students. As Kakashi reached the surface of the water he noticed something was off about the water, This water's heavy. Why? he thought.
"Now I've got you!" Zabuza exclaimed as he appeared behind Kakashi. He then called out, "Suirō no Jutsu!" The water then formed into a sphere around Kakashi, who had no counter measure ready and was now trapped because of it. Zabuza then proceeded to gloat, "We can finish this later Kakashi, but right now I think I'll eliminate the brats." After that statement Zabuza summoned a number of Mizu bunshins.
To say the genin were shocked was an understatement. Their sensei had been sent flying into the water by the missing-nin and was now trapped inside a sphere of water. Now copies of the enemy who had trapped Kakashi were coming after them. As if sensing his students' shock and fear Kakashi called out an order, "Take Tazuna-san and run, Zabuza can't move as long as he's keeping me trapped in this prison and his clones can't go too far from his real body."
"Too late for that!" a Mizu bunshin yelled as it kicked Naruto in the side, which sent Naruto flying and knocked off his hitai-ate in the process.
"You kids don't deserve to call yourselves ninja, not until you're good enough to be listed in the Bingo Book. Until then you're nothing!" Zabuza shouted, to emphasize his point he had his bunshin stomp on Naruto's hitai-ate.
Naruto who had been in a stupor until now because of what had happened to his barriers was knocked back to his senses when he heard the word 'nothing'. "You know what Zabuza-san?"
"What kid, if you're going to beg for your life then you're just proving my point," a bunshin responded.
"No, I just want to say that you shouldn't underestimate Nothing," Naruto answered back. With that he summoned Interdiction and made a beeline for the bunshin that kicked him. Interdiction was humming louder that even Naruto had ever heard it before. Naruto had no idea how fast the dark matter that made up his ethereal blades was vibrating, but he was sure that it was fast enough to cut through anything. It worked, Naruto had managed to cut through bunshin and retrieve his father's hitai-ate. After he retied it, he turned to Sasuke and said, "Sasuke I have a plan, but I need your help, you in?"
"Big talk from someone who was borderline catatonic just a minute ago, but sure I'm in," Sasuke said.
Otou-san, so far all I know for certain that I inherited from you is your hitai-ate,your house, and your looks, for all of our sakes, I hope I also inherited your brilliant mind, Naruto thought.
And scene, er chapter.
I think I'll save Haku for the next chapter. I'm sorry I didn't update last week, this chapter wasn't easy to write, and it gave me my first serious case of writer's block.
"Babes in Hitai-ates" is based off of a running joke in the Phoenix Wright franchise. In the first three games, when Phoenix goes to visit Criminal Affairs and examines the wall behind the desk in the background he sees what he at first believes to be a picture of a female police officer, only to then realize that it is the latest "Babes in Uniforms" calendar.
I know I mixed up some of the events of the first fight with Zabuza but I hope you all aren't too mad at me for it.
As for the whole "Zabuza cracking the Mu Barrier" thing I took my inspiration for that from Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories. When Sora uses the Xemnas enemy card he gains the ability "Omni Barrier" and ability that protects him from enemy combos after they land two hits on him. The ability itself lasts until the deck Sora is using is reloaded twice. I guess it is kind of a stretch, but it gives Naruto a need to get stronger and not just a desire to get stronger.
Just so you all know, I'm not trying to make Sakura seem stupid, but it will be awhile before she accepts that Naruto might not actually be an idiot. Don't forget, Sakura's mind set was that of a student rather then a ninja for the better half of Part 1. I'll see what I can do about it in the chapters to come though.
Next chapter another attack in Naruto's arsenal will prove in effective. Try to guess which one.
Until next time, read and review.