I don't own Naruto.
Naruto and the others were at the Konoha gate early the next morning. The only problem was that Team 8's client was nowhere to be found! Ludicrous? I know! Naruto was pacing back and forth mumbling under his breath.
"Don't tell me you're still mad at Tazuna for his side comment that he made yesterday?" Shikamaru laughed.
Naruto had a good half mind to hit Shikamaru upside the head but decided against it. It's not worth it, he kept repeating to himself.
For this mission, Naruto had packed a few extra shirts and pants, with an extra set of kunai and shuriken. Naruto's current outfit consisted of a pair of baggy black pants, with a black and orange shirt. His trademark orange jacket was tied around his waist, due to the hot weather.
Still despite the hot temperatures, Shino refused to take off his jacket. Shikamaru shook his head as Naruto argued with Shino to take off his jacket.
"You're making me hot Shino!"
"That's very unfortunate Uzumaki-san."
"What a drag."
5 Minutes Later...
Asuma and Tazuna arrived at the gates five minutes later, bewildered by the current scene. All three boys were sitting calmly sipping tea, like they had all day to wait for their late sensei and client. Still, it was a very comical sight. Naruto poured himself another cup before turning to Asuma with a frown on his face.
"You're late Sensei. I do hope you won't make this a habit. Good morning to you as well Tazuna."
Asuma's and Tazuna's eyes widened as Shino and Shikamaru greeted them calmly. Asuma and Tazuna were still confused, when they heard a distant noise behind them. Thanks to years of ninja training, Asuma was able to dodge multiple incoming kunai and pie. Tazuna...wasn't so lucky. What a great start to a great morning…
"All right everyone! Let's get going!"
The boys formed a triangle formation with Asuma at the front as the group started moving. Naruto held up the rear, with Shikamaru and Shino on either sides of Tazuna. Shino pushed his black shades up further to his face, when he spotted a puddle on the side of the road.
He tensed slightly, trying to get the other's attention. Winking, Shikamaru rubbed the back of his head. Shikamaru messed with his jacket for a few moments, before pulling out a small jug.
"Sensei, I forget to refill my bottle. Is there a stream nearby?" Asuma frowned.
"You should have taken care of that before we left. Besides you know that there aren't any rivers near by." Naruto decided to add in his own two cents.
"But Sensei, there's a puddle here and it hasn't rained for weeks!"
Everyone, including Tazuna tensed as they passed the puddle. Now that they were closer, Asuma could see two shapes moving inside the water. Team 8 passed the puddle and nothing happened after a few minutes of silence. Naruto felt his chest loosen in relief as the puddle got further and further away with each step. Maybe the worst was over…
Naruto felt a "swoosh" sound go by his head and felt his body move on his own. Luckily, Shino used his kikai bugs to distract the unknown ninja while Shikamaru and Asuma moved in a defense position in front of Tazuna. Naruto narrowed his eyes as the ninja with the gauntlet on his right hand, tried attacking Shino behind his back. Running, Naruto kicked the ninja in the side and landed next to Shino with a huff.
The men slowed down as the bugs began working their magic. Taking this opportunity, Naruto ran over to both ninjas, and dodged both of their gauntlets. He tried punching the closet one with a kunai, but the enemy only blocked it. His companion used his left hand to try to swipe at Naruto's face. Bending backwards, Naruto slid to the ground, as Shino appeared and kicked the ninja back a few feet. Pulling Naruto up, Shino threw a few kunai at the other ninja, forcing him into the shadows as well.
"Shadow possession jutsu complete."
All four members of Team 8 smirked.
"Who are you guys?" Naruto kicked the one closet to him in the butt as he repeated his question.
"We're not talking!" Asuma signed.
"They're known as the Demon Brothers. They're from Kiri."
The now identified demon brothers glared at the members of team eight. Their mission had been compromised, and they had been defeated by a bunch of fresh genin. Stuff like that can ruin a person's image, you know? The moment the pineapple haired kid, released his jutsu, they were tied against a tree by the jonin.
The jonin rubbed his stubby beard as he took another smoke. He tightened the ropes as he repeated his question. "Why are you here? I thought you worked only in Kiri."He inspected them more closely and found their headbands. Scratched out.
"Now that's interesting."
"Why do you think we're here?" Gozu, who wore the gauntlet on his right hand asked. His brother Meizu wore the one on the left hand. Gozu spat in Asuma's direction as the rope squeezed him tighter.
"That is just rude. I didn't want to do this but, that kid right there," Asuma pointed to Shikamaru, "he's part of the Nara clan. Unless you guys want to be strangled in the worst possible way…I suggest you coöperate."
"We're not scared!"
Shikamaru cracked his knuckles for added effect as shadows seemed to surround him. Gozu and Meizu eyes widened.
"Did I mention he has a very short temper?"
Half an Hour Later….
Team eight stood around Tazuna wearing different levels of emotions. All of them were ranging from pissed to lazy. Tazuna shook his head, as he told the team of the troubles that Wave had been experiencing.
"Please, if you won't do it for me, then please do it for my grandson."
Silence.
"My sweet poor grandson. You couldn't possibility want him to grow up and become a pathetic old man like me would you?" He watched the team's expressions. Naruto rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"That's true. You are pretty pathetic." The others nodded.
"Alright Tazuna. We will help you save Wave." Asuma ordered Team 8 to get back into the triangle formation as they continued moving along the road.
The next Day…
The team came across a river later that afternoon. Tazuna and Team 8 had been quiet the entire way, locked away in their own thoughts. Everyone was on edge since the last ambush. Naruto and Shikamaru had switched positions during this time as well. A rustling in the nearby bushes caused everyone to tense, as Shino tossed a kunai in that direction.
Unlike the others, Tazuna visibility relaxed as a scared white rabbit walked out. Naruto and the others relaxed as well for a moment, before Asuma pushed everyone to the floor. It wasn't even a second later when a "swishing" sound passed over their heads.
A sharp blade passed through five trees before making it halfway through the sixth. A pale man stood in the trees above them, smirking (even though they couldn't see it beneath his bandages). The man's forehead protectors was sideways but Naruto could still make out the four waves symbol. Scratched out.
'Damn it." Asuma placed himself in front of the others, giving them a chance to stand up again. Out of the corner of his eye, Asuma grimaced as he noticed the boys shaking. If it was from fear or anticipation, Asuma couldn't tell.
"Stay focus everyone. This guy is the real deal."
The man in question only cocked his head to the side, grabbing his blade out of the tree showing a big dent. Naruto felt his breath catch in his throat as the man's voice appeared from everywhere.
"I feel honored that the son of the Professor knows of someone like me. Hand over the old man and I won't send your beloved father his son in a casket." The voice was gruff and held a certain sadistic edge to it. Naruto felt a clammy hand placed on his shoulder, and in his panic he turned around coming face to face with Shino.
"Calm yourself Naruto. Everything will be fine." Besides the fact that Shino used his first name, Naruto couldn't help but feel that Shino was lying through his teeth to comfort both of them. Nonetheless, Naruto nodded as the man's voice ranged through his ears loud and clear.
"Do you little kids really believe that "everything is going to be alright" speech? When I'm through with you, there's not going to be a single hair left to show you even existed."
"Zabuza Momochi. I've heard of you. They used to call you the 'demon of the mist' for a reason".
"Demon?" If the situation weren't so dire, Naruto would've laughed at Shikamaru's pale face.
No sooner than those words spoken, Asuma appeared in front of Naruto, blocking a direct attack from the now identified Zabuza.
"Oh please, stop. You're flattering me." As Zabuza spoke he applied pressure forcing Asuma back a few feet. Team 8 backed away, giving Asuma enough room to step back again, before throwing Zabuza off him. Zabuza reappeared moments later on the lake in front of them.
Asuma held his trench knifes in front of him, his eyes never leaving Zabuza's. Team 8 gathered their own kunai, preparing themselves for another attack. Zabuza chuckled to himself as he charged forward meeting Asuma head on. The two parried attacks, but Asuma's eyes narrowed when he stabbed Zabuza in the heart.
Why?
Zabuza melted into water.
With Team 8...
On sheer luck, Naruto moved the arm holding his kunai to his left as Zabuza reappeared in front of Team 8. Shino immediately sent his kikai bugs to attack Zabuza as Naruto pushed his blade against Zabuza's. The man wasn't even trying to overpower him, opting to play around first.
Shikamaru could practically see the smirk underneath those bandages as Naruto struggled to stay rooted to his spot. Asuma kicked Zabuza in the side as Naruto faltered. Shino moved to his side guarding him as he caught his breath.
"Naruto! Can you stand?" Naruto glanced at Shikamaru and nodded as he caught his breath.
With Asuma and Zabuza...
"Tell you what Sarutobi. If you let me kill the old man, I'll spare those kids and kill you instead."
"I have a better idea. We all survive in one piece and we keep our client. Sound good?"
Neither shinobi moved for a minute, until a distant wind picked up. Zabuza began doing hand seals as Asuma charged at him.
"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Jutsu!" A large dragon formed out of the water, focusing its crimson eyes on Asuma. Letting out a giant roar, the dragon charged at the leaf jonin head on.
Asuma waited till the last second to sweep under the great dragon, calling out his own technique "Wind Release: Dust Cloud Jutsu." Asuma cupped his hands in front of him, blowing a high pressured wind directly at Zabuza.
By now the two shinobi were only mere feet apart, just like Asuma had planned. Zabuza only had a second to react using his sword to block the attack before he felt his entire body blown across the water. Flipping himself one more time, he landed on his feet, swaying slightly. Gripping his sword tightly, he chuckled once more.
"Not bad. You managed to cut up my shoulder pretty badly."
"Do you always talk this much when fighting?" Asked Asuma, who was panting slightly. Asuma swore under his breath as the air around them began to thicken.
Mist quickly rolled in the area, making it hard for everyone to see anything. Turning his head, he turned to the others.
"Shikamaru! Shino! Naruto! Get Tazuna out of here now! I'll cover you."
Distracted, Asuma felt his breath catch in his throat as a kunai buried itself in his right shoulder. Pulling the body towards him, Asuma stabbed towards where the heart was, muttering again when it turned into water. In a side way slash, Zabuza appeared at his side and sliced Asuma in half.
"Asuma" exploded however, knocking Zabuza back a few feet. Zabuza felt a stinging pain in his left arm and right leg, as Asuma pressed a blade against his throat. The blade tickled Zabuza's neck as pressure was applied. The blade cut through the bandages surrounded around Zabuza's neck like paper. Zabuza pressed himself against the blade exploding into water.
Asuma covered himself as the clone burst, before he felt himself covered in water. Not even realizing he had closed his eyes, Asuma found he wasn't covered in water, but surrounded by water.
"I hope you like this technique. It took me a while, but it worked." Glancing to his right, Asuma saw Zabuza holding the prison with his hand. The mist lessened slightly allowing Asuma to spot his team.
"Shikamaru! Shino! Naruto! I thought I told you guys to get out of here! Run now!" Naruto and the others stood in place petrified.
Zabuza chuckled, shaking his head. "That's what you get for bringing mere children into this. Oh well." Another Zabuza began walking towards the boys laughing.
Asuma gritted his teeth as watched Zabuza stalk towards the boys.
With Team 8...
Looking at the others, Naruto noticed that their faces had paled considerably. Stepping forward, he held his kunai to his chest sideways, with his other palm facing up. Breathing calmly, he took another breath trying to keep his heart rate even.
Zabuza's clone shook its head as it watched Naruto preparing to defend himself. Springing forward, he was surprised when he felt himself stopped cold. The other boy held his fingers together, panting harshly. Naruto ran forward tossing his kunai at Zabuza aiming for the heart. The clone broke free of Shikamaru's jutsu, dodged to the left, continuing his charge.
Naruto's eyes widened as the man ran past him, pulling out two kunai, and aimed at Tazuna! Shino moved in front of the blades, deflecting the first, and missed the second. Shikamaru moved in front catching the blade in his left shoulder. He grunted as the kunai buried itself deep. The boys ignored Asuma's pleas for them to run, as Zabuza charged again. Shino's bugs swarmed themselves around Zabuza, but he acted as though they didn't exist.
He struck a punch at Shino, who moved to the right, trying to sweep Zabuza off his feet. Grabbing his foot, Zabuza threw Shino in the surrounding forest, efficiently knocking him out. Distracted, he didn't notice Naruto until he felt a cold hand on his shoulder. Zabuza caught a glimpse of orange, before he felt two legs surround themselves around his neck. Naruto tighten his grip, hesitantly stabbing the clone in the back. The clone grunted, before melting back into water.
The real Zabuza whistled as Naruto turned to him. He made a "come here" motion taunting the boy. It seemed to work as Naruto charged at Zabuza. Pulling out a fuma shuriken, Naruto threw it at Zabuza.
Zabuza moved to block the kunai by easily deflecting it with his sword, but hesitated when the shuriken turned out to be another Naruto. Slicing through the boy, Zabuza was surprised when he turned into smoke.
The forest was quiet as the smoke cleared and Naruto was nowhere to be found. Two kunai appeared from two different directions forcing Zabuza to release the prison. He wasn't able to move two steps before he felt something encase his feet to the water.
Asuma immediately put distance between the two, landing to an equally surprised Naruto.
"Naruto how did you-" Asuma was caught off as Zabuza hacked through the crystalized water with his Kubikiribōchō.
Zabuza stared at Naruto for a moment, raising his sword again. He charged at Asuma, but changed his direction at the last-minute. Asuma cursed as watched the sword nearly cleave Naruto in half. Nearly. A wall of crystalized water blocked Zabuza's sword cold. Seeing his chance, Asuma grabbed Naruto while throwing kunai at Zabuza.
Grabbing his sword from the wall, Zabuza avoided all but one kunai, which planted itself in his other arm. By now, all the shinobi were panting from either exhaustion or pain. Zabuza stilled suddenly as senbon launched themselves in his neck, instantly killing him. The man hit the water with a huge splash, as a boy no older than Naruto's age appeared.
"Thank you for tiring him out. I'm-"
"…from Kiri. You must be one of their hunter nins, correct?" The boy nodded. Grabbing the body, the hunter nin quickly vanished leaving Team 8 alone.
Asuma and Naruto met Tazuna and the others back on the land. Shino had regained consciousness five minutes ago, opting to help Shikamaru get the blade out of his shoulder.
Asuma swayed on his feet, glancing at Naruto saying, "Naruto. We have to talk later." With those words, Asuma promptly fainted onto said student.
"What a drag."
End Chapter. Was it good? Was it bad? Review if you have the time. I want to thank those who have reviewed, favorite, or alerted this story! Ja né!
EDIT:5/29/2015