Naruto: Way of the Ninja

by Mikazuchi

Chaos is approaching, as an unknown force seeks to envelop these lands in fire and blood. With his friends by his side and the path he has chosen, Naruto must fight against all odds to realize his destiny, and change the very world… [NaruHina]

9. Night of Melee

Chapter 9- Night of Melee

~The Water Country is spiralling towards bloodshed of an unimaginable scale, and any hope of stopping it is seeming less likely with every new development. Kirishaku, leader of the anti-bloodline movement and member of the Royal Family is being puppeteered by agents of the MaShin Empire. Not only are we trying to achieve peace while that fanatical madman steers this land towards genocide… the people manipulating him are near unstoppable, demon-enhanced warriors. At this point a new civil war seems inevitable… but I can't give up. I know that if I fail, millions will die on both sides. I will never surrender, and I will continue to fight for a future of peace for everyone in this land… regardless of their birth.

-Uzumaki Naruto

(Water Country, Bloodline Encampments)

It was morning in the Mist Province and people all over the land were just beginning their tasks brought on by a new day. Rays of sunlight shone down, penetrating the thick forest mist where the six camps stood. Far from the sounds of the city… in this place, one can truly appreciate the clear tranquillity of the forest…

"NAAAAANIIIIIIII!?" a scream could be heard clear across the horizon. Flocks of birds took flight, and all eyes turned to the scream's point of origin… Encampment 6. Suddenly, what went bolting through the gates of the settlement at blinding speeds was described by witnesses as a frenzied animal red in the eyes and foaming at the mouth… but to the trained eye, it was just Kiba. "NARUTOOOO!" he roared as he charged into the woods.

Despite the cold, Naruto had worked up quite a sweat due to his intense training. "Hmm?" he turned his head, seeing his companion suddenly appear. "Huh? Oh hey there Ki-BAAA!" he screamed when Kiba grabbed him by the shirt and began to violently shake him, "WAAH! STOP IT KIBA! LET GO!"

"BASTARD! DON'T EVEN BEG FOR MERCY!" Kiba screamed in Naruto's face, "YOU'VE REALLY DONE IT THIS TIME! I'LL KILL YOU!"

"NO!" Naruto screamed, "I MEANT THAT YOU'RE…!"

-BAM-

"GAK!" Kiba screamed when Mizurei punched him in the back of the head.

"…in the way." Naruto sighed. He took a step back, letting Kiba slide down and flop to the floor. "Uh… Kiba?" Naruto squatted down and reached for a twig to poke him. Kiba's body twitched a bit and stopped moving altogether.

"Oh crap!" Mizurei exclaimed, looking at Naruto, "I think I just killed your dog!"

(Some Time Later)

Kiba was sitting cross-legged on the ground with a large scowl on his face and an even larger bump on his head. Seated in front of him was an apologetic Naruto and Mizurei.

"Eh… sorry about that." Mizurei rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. Since Naruto was aiming to get strong, there's no substitute for actual combat experience and physically Mizurei was the closest one to his level. "Me and Naruto were having another match when you suddenly just jumped in… and… yeah."

Their sparring matches seemed closer to life-risking duels than practice fights. Their common enemy was not one who would show mercy, and that in mind, they couldn't afford to hold back for reasons of safety… risking injury or worse to push themselves to the limit and gain real battle experience and instinct. It was by some miracle neither had been gravely wounded in the process as it wasn't unusual to see them going at each other armed with bladed weapons… which thankfully for Kiba, wasn't the case today.

"Well now that that's out of the way, what did you want?" asked Naruto

"Grrr… NARUTO…!" Kiba snarled with his shoulders hunched… "Do you have any idea what time of the year it is…?"

"Um… Happy Birthday?"

"THE CHUNIN EXAMS GOD DAMMIT!" Kiba suddenly screamed, "I just learned they'll be starting REAL soon… and you know what else? WE'RE GONNA MISS IT!"

"Oh, they're starting already?" Naruto blinked. Since they were staying in this country for an indeterminate length of time, it was unlikely they'd be back in time to take part… "It doesn't matter… This is way more important. It's not like becoming chunins would magically make us stronger! As for you Kiba… it wouldn't kill you to wait, would it?"

"NO, BUT IT JUST MIGHT KILL YOU! AND BY IT, I MEAN ME!" Kiba screamed in his face, shaking him harder, "I DON'T SEE WHY I HAVE TO MISS MY CHANCE TO BECOME A CHUNIN JUST SO WE CAN STAY HERE BABYSITTING YOU!"

"-AHEM- The hands Kiba. Remove them before I neuter you with a dull kunai." The burning glare Kiba received from Naruto gave him the feeling he wasn't kidding…

"Grrr… dammit!" Kiba let go of Naruto and stormed back to the camp with his fists clenched. "I SWEAR! IF I GET BACK TO THE VILLAGE AND SEE THAT EVERYONE ELSE BECAME CHUNINS, I'M GONNA KICK THE CRAP OUTTA YOU!

"Well that was entertaining…" Mizurei whistled "Come on, it's about time we head back" picking up their things and started heading on back to the sixth encampment.

Ever since Naruto's revelation about the MaShin plot, the Konoha nins have been working hard to sharpen their skills in preparation for battle. Normally Kiba and Akamaru would be practising their combination techniques in the woods while Shino was meticulously cultivating his swarm of insects with additional chakra to increase their strength and numbers. Ebi had been upgrading their weapons, turning their standard-issue equipment into master crafted weapons. Hinata was undergoing rigorous training comparable to that of Naruto, under Kurenai's direct supervision; the purpose was to increase her overall level to compensate for the fact that she could not use her powers.

"Hey Naruto" While they were walking, Mizurei spoke up, "The Chunin exam… isn't that the test you ninjas take to move up a rank?"

"Yeah… I took part in it once. It totally sucked that I had to go through all that crap up to the very end just to fail due to a sudden outbreak of war and a lack of witnesses when I was really starting to kick ass… story of my life, I guess." Naruto rested his arms behind his head and let out a sigh, "But I guess the whole experience was pretty fun… I did get to beat up Kiba, and that always makes for a good time… I still think that the whole victory against Hinata's cousin Neji should've counted for more!"

"Hinata's cousin?" Mizurei blinked, "Is he strong?"

"Crazy strong, and he does NOT know the meaning of letting up! His entire fighting style is about crippling you bit by bit and then finishing you off once you're nice and helpless!" Naruto exclaimed. "Of course I now know he's a pretty cool guy, but he went totally overboard in his match with Hinata! Saying horrible things to make her feel inferior, crushing her hopes of changing herself. Also, he totally tried to kill her!"

"Uh-huh… sounds like a 'pretty cool guy'. I mean who hasn't engaged in a bit of attempted family murder?" Mizurei sweatdropped. "I take it that you avenged her?"

"Yeah. As luck would have it, I was selected to be his opponent for the finals. Believe it when I say… it was not pleasant." Naruto cringed. Just remembering the 64 palms made him feel sore. "But thinking back to her fight… even though Hinata lost, I think that was the first time I really noticed her," he said thoughtfully. Back only thought of her as some strange, quiet girl who disliked socializing. "Even when facing a battle she knew she couldn't win, she still wouldn't give up. No matter how many times she fell… she would just get back up. That day, I saw this incredible spirit within her…"

"You two really care about each other." Mizurei commented, unable to suppress a smile. "I always thought you ninjas were supposed to be cold and heartless, but the two of you are completely different from all I've heard. Being such an affectionate couple…"

"HUH!?" Naruto jumped at that word, "W-WAIT A SECOND! Hold it! We're not like that!" He exclaimed, waving his arms frantically and his face going to a deep red.

"Really? That's… unexpected." Mizurei looked genuinely surprised. He remembered how Naruto reacted when Kirishaku threatened her, and her reaction when Naruto was injured, "From the way you're always acting around each other, I thought…"

"We're just friends, okay!?" Naruto said through clenched teeth.

"You're not just pulling my leg? I mean it's plainly obvious that the two of you are…"

"No! Uh… what I mean is… it's complicated and… uh… what I'm trying to say is… ARGH! JUST SHUT UP ALREADY!" Naruto screamed, stamping his feet to the ground

"Whatever you say Naruto. Just remember, denial ain't just a river in Egypt." said Ebi

"First of all Ebi, screw you. Secondly, when the hell did you get here?!" Naruto shouted, not even bothering to turn around and look at him.

"Eh, I thought I'd go sell my wares in the city and make a little money…" Ebi replied, whistling as he flipped through a large wad of cash.

"Oh COME ON!" Naruto threw his arms up in disbelief, "In case you hadn't noticed, the people in that city don't particularly like us! What are you thinking, selling them weapons that they most likely intend to use on us?"

"Well you're in luck then, I was only selling dru…" Ebi stopped mid sentence as they stared at him wide-eyed. "DRUMS! Yeah that's it! Nice, wholesome and completely legal drums. Fun times for everyone. Can't have a party without drums!"

"…" the two of them stared at Ebi for a long period of time. "Uh… Ebi? I don't want to pry into what you do in your own time, but…"

"Then don't!" Ebi snapped back. The three of them proceeded to walk in silence.

"Hey, Naruto? Is it… normal for Ninjas to be involved in shady businesses on the side?" Mizurei leaned over and whispered.

"He's always been sketchy, but I think the recent career change from fake sennin to literal hobo just made him a lot less subtle about it…" Naruto whispered back.

"I can hear you, you know!" Both Naruto and Mizurei cringed.

"So… Ebi, you've really been around haven't you?" Mizurei quickly changed the topic.

"Yeah, pretty much everywhere. If it's someplace I haven't, I at least know about it, why?" Ebi asked. He and Naruto noticed the eager look on Mizurei's face…

"Well, it's just that until now, I've never actually left the city. Heck, I rarely left the slums even… and all those times I did, let me tell you, the people know how to make you feel unwelcome…" Mizurei rested his arms behind his head as he looked up at the sky. "After seeing all those other places, how would you rate the Mist?"

"Well truthfully… I don't hold it in very high regard. That city is the most divided I've ever seen." Ebi answered regretfully, "The open discrimination terrible enough as it is, and the gap between the rich and poor is tremendous. The nobility spoil themselves while the poverty-stricken working class live and toil in squalor, and many of them go uneducated. It is for that reason that people are still clinging to old superstitions and fear of those with advanced bloodlines." Naruto and Mizurei listened as Ebi continued speaking, "Their society is in decline. The nobles do nothing to fix the problems, and it is for that reason the slums remain as dangerous as they are today. The only visibly active politician out there is Kirishaku, but he's using his power to spread hate. As for the highest authority, the Shogun, I don't know if he has the same views as his brother, and it doesn't even matter. There is so much separation between the nobility and the people that whatever goes on in the streets is unlikely to ever make it all the way up to him."

A look of disgust could be seen on Ebi's face as he continued speaking, "As for the Hidden Mist village, they have gone to extremes in raising shinobi, pairing up the young students and allowing them to grow up together, making sure they become close, just so they can make them fight to the death, to kill or be killed their by their best friend, just to test their loyalty and make sure they are as cold and emotionless as they believe ninja should be. Even though they've stopped that tradition in the last decade, I know for a fact that their council is trying to reinstate it. They would happily sacrifice the lives of half their village's children just to prevent the mere possibility that someone among them might get emotional during a mission, which is already unlikely enough to begin with! This country already has the highest number of missing-nins, those elders just won't accept the fact that it's their rules and traditions that are causing people to turn on them!" Ebi exclaimed, "I'm sorry, it just slipped out. I apologize if I offended you"

"No, it's all right. I've always known there were problems with this country… I just never realized there was this many…" said Mizurei

"Hmm… I remember Zabuza was hoping to overthrow the Mizukage and take over the Hidden Mist village. I'm really starting to wonder what would happen if he had succeeded." Naruto thought out loud. "He may have been ruthless… but then he had no trouble going against tradition and accepting those with bloodlines. If he took over… would things have been better?" Naruto wondered if people like Haku, Mizurei and Hinata would be more widely accepted, "Did we really do the right thing by stopping him…?"

"Who knows? No sense blaming yourself for it…" Ebi shrugged. "Though this country has many problems, you are fighting for a worthy cause. It may not solve everything, but it's a start… and that's what this land needs more than anything. The rest are matters that only they can resolve… and hopefully your actions may influence their future."

"I guess you're right…" Naruto smiled, feeling a little better. "The training is going well… I've definitely learned to fight better, but I still can't move my chakra as quickly as I want to. At this rate I'll be older than Tsunade before I completely master it."

"Really? Even with the Kage bunshins?" asked Ebi

"Hm? What do Kage bunshins have to do with it?" Naruto wondered.

"You know, the shared experience of the clones? Especially with your insane chakra pool… you'd be able to divide the work among them and speed up the progress a thousand times over!" Said Ebi, "You DO know about that part… right?"

"WHAT!?" Naruto screamed at that statement… "GOD DAMMIT! WHY DIDN'T ANYONE TELL ME ABOUT THAT SOONER!?" If he knew he could've done that, he'd have used it to master a million jutsus by now!

"I definitely recall seeing it mentioned several times in the instructions." Ebi remembered reading that same scroll in the Hokage's office. "…you skimmed it, didn't you?"

"I… might have… just a bit… I was in a big hurry… SHUT UP!" Naruto shouted and then quickly changed the subject. "Anyways! Right now, I've learned all I can by fighting Mizurei. My next move should be to develop some new jutsu!" He quickly changed the topic. It's true that Naruto had noticeably improved as a fighter, now able to quickly read the movements of an otherwise versatile opponent with a very different fighting style. "I'm still nowhere near Yashiro's level. It'll take years just to get anywhere close… but if I can at least stand up to him… even if just for a little longer…" he clenched his fists. No matter how strong Yashiro was, no one was truly invincible. "I'll find a way to win."

"You'd better come up with something amazing, because that man has killed jounin-level ninja with ease." Ebi was familiar with Yashiro's capabilities. "In all honesty, I just can't imagine a way to win… you might be able to resist him a little longer, but that'll be it. Borrowed time. He can still kill you just like he could've last time."

"I know, but I can't back down. We're the only ones who can do anything." Naruto said in a serious tone. There was no one they could look to for help. They were alone on this one. "I know I don't have anything that can stop him, but I have something in mind." he closed his eyes and put his hands together, "TAJYUU KAGE BUNSHIN NO JUTSU!"

"GAH!" Mizurei jumped back in surprise, this being the first time he saw Naruto perform this technique in bulk. In front of him stood at least a hundred perfect copies!

"We need to take Yashiro down, period. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to create a new jutsu… one that'll really give that bastard something to cry about!" The real Naruto spoke. He then motioned with his hand to the deep forest, "Come on everybody, let's go!" The rest of them cheered before stampeding into the woods, out of sight.

"Hey, wait a second! What are you planning?" Mizurei shouted over to them

"Heh-heh!" the last Naruto turned around and grinned, "Sorewa HI-MI-TSU! (It's-a-secret!)" He then went leaping across the branches and was gone.

"I still don't can't figure out if he's a genius or an idiot…" Sighed Mizurei

"Bit of both." Ebi nodded, "But where many others have failed, he just may succeed. More than anything else, he can be quite 'unpredictable'."

"I'll take your word on that… whatever Naruto's got planned, I'll believe in him!" said Mizurei as they finally reached the encampment.

As soon as they passed through the entrance, Mizurei was met with warm welcomes all around. As he walked through the settlement, people were pausing on whatever they were doing to look at him, waving and giving him friendly smiles the moment they saw him while children were trailing behind him cheering him on… Mizurei looked at the ground. Whichever of these camps he went to, he was always greeted in this very same fashion. Before they were all sent to live here, such behaviour was unheard of. This was a place where people did not fear him. Mizurei frowned, for some reason, he began to think of his past… the years he had spent in the Mist Capital slums as a child.

The underside of the Mist Capital was like a whole other world, ruled by violence and fear. To find a dead body in the streets was an everyday event. Almost as if there was a curse on that place… people grew savage. This was a merciless environment with a low life expectancy, even for hardened criminals. For a child to survive in that place, it should have been impossible… but he had exceeded all odds.

Memories of the past were hazy, like trying to remember a dream. Wandering through the narrow dark streets without any knowledge of the world, nor even a name. Before he even learned to speak he had already learned to fight. He lived like an animal, barely human… guided by instinct… he quickly grew strong. Fighting every day, destroying entire gangs and eliminating some of the most vicious criminals, he quickly became feared. It wasn't until he was older that he discovered his unique powers, and with it he gave himself a name… Mizurei. He was the strongest, and he ruled the underworld.

"Ugh…" Mizurei sighed, rubbing the back of his head. He wondered why he was suddenly reminiscing on those times. Here in the encampments, he lived among people like him. Without the stigmas of bloodlines to divide them, they could live together in harmony. However, for Mizurei… even though life in these Encampments was in every aspect an improvement compared to how he once lived… he felt anger towards the people who sent them here… anger for the sake of the people he now protected. These kind people who had lost everything. "(Just because I have suffered… that doesn't mean they should too…)" he thought, looking around him. These people were the only ones who had ever shown him kindness… and he would defend them at any cost.

It was at his request that Naruto and the Konoha nins did not share information of Yashiro with the other denizens of the encampments. Though there were hundreds of individuals all possessing special powers, they weren't soldiers; he did not want them putting themselves in danger. As a matter of fact, when he first encountered the Konoha nins to stop them from finalizing the alliance, his original intent was to go alone…

"Mizurei-kun? Ebi-san?" Both the Bloodline camp's leader and the Konoha scholar came to a stop as soon as they heard Hinata's voice.

"Yes Hinata?" Mizurei turned to see her. By the looks of it, Hinata had only just returned from her training drills with Kurenai.

Hinata was following a very strict regiment, consisting of intense physical work coupled with lengthy periods of quiet meditation and chakra refinement. All of this would have been impossible for the otherwise fragile girl in the past… but she had changed. Hinata's newfound determination forced her to push herself further than ever before. From the quivering delicate girl she once was, she had become far more energetic, although she still retained a certain degree of shyness… a trait that had won her much popularity among the local villagers. The children and elderly loved her, and she had caught the eye of many of the local young men.

"Ano… I see you've just returned," she said nervously. "Um… Naruto-kun isn't with you?"

"Sorry, no. He stayed behind to train. Who knows, he may be out all night." Ebi shrugged.

"I see…" She looked down. Mizurei noted the look of disappointment. She had really wanted to see him…

"You know… the guy's been WAY too caught up in training lately, I really think he's starting to lose touch. It wouldn't kill him to have some company!" Mizurei added, giving her a friendly smile and motioned towards the village gates.

"Oh…!" she gave a light gasp at the suggestion… "Well… maybe… maybe I should go check up on him… just in case!" she took a step towards the gate…

"You sure you want to go like that, Hinata?" said Ebi, pulling a mirror out of his pack.

"OH!" She exclaimed, stopping and seeing herself in the mirror, "I… I can't go out like this…! I'm a mess!" her hair was messy and she could see dirt stains on her face and clothes, souvenir from her earlier lessons. "I-I'll go clean myself up first…!" her hands on her cheeks, she ran over to the cabin built for her and Kurenai.

The two of them smirked, watching her disappear into the cabin with an apprehensive look on her face, "I think I can safely say…" Ebi spoke up, "Naruto owes us BIG."

"Hmm?" Mizurei turned his head, hearing nearby sobbing. He could see the members of his gang all gathered, most of them were crying "What's wrong with you guys?"

"ANIKI…!" one among them said through tears, "It's our Hinata-hime…!"

"Hinata-hime…?" Mizurei blinked at that statement.

"Oh boy…" Ebi sighed. "It would appear Hinata has reached idol-status, and now she even has her own otaku-following…"

"Long has she captivated us with her beauty and gentle kindness… it was only a matter of time till she had stolen all our hearts!" he cried "But now we realize she will always remain out of reach, for her heart belongs to Naruto and no other!"

"…" Mizurei stared at them speechless, until… "BAKAYAROOOOUUUUUUU!"

Everyone cringed at the sight of the savage beating Mizurei dealt his gang, while parents covered the eyes of the young ones. In a few moments, Mizurei's followers could all be seen with massive bumps and bruises, missing teeth, black eyes and bloody noses dealt by their leader "DAMMIT, SHE'S LIKE HALF YOUR AGE!" He shouted before sending the lot of them flying with one last kick. "Ugh! That was WAY more than I'd ever wanted to hear. I'm just glad for their sake, Kurenai isn't around to hear that…"

"Actually, she is." said Ebi, pointing at the group.

"YOU PIGS! DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT TOUCHING HINATA! I'LL CASTRATE EVERY ONE OF YOU!" yelled Kurenai as she chased the already-injured gang, wielding a kunai in each hand, her eyes burning white and her teeth resembling fangs like some demon while they fled for their dear lives.

"I see… uh, do me a favour and bury any of the ones she kills? I kinda have a job to do" Heading over to his hut, he soon came out carrying his spear over his shoulder.

"Where are you going?" asked Ebi, watching him heading to the exit

"Our food stocks are running low and winter is almost here. I have to hunt so that we can last until spring… hopefully we'll be able to start farming by then." he answered

"Good luck then." Ebi nodded as Mizurei left the village.

As Mizurei wandered into the forest… little did he realize what was awaiting him. The Encampments behind him, the people living there who loved and respected him, the first time he had ever known peace… it was all coming to an end. This was the last time he would see them all. The gears of fate were now in motion…

(Mist Capital, Shogun's Castle Audience Chamber)

"Surely you must understand! They are a menace to our country!" Kirishaku shouted. "If we do not act now, we will be endangering our people!" he clenched his fists "Do you not hear me? BROTHER!"

"I cannot allow this, Kirishaku." Seated upon a raised platform with a great banner bearing the symbol of the royal family hanging behind him, dressed in the finest robes and tall headdress… it was the Shogun. "While I understand your… concerns… I simply cannot condone such drastic action."

Within the walls of the Mist Castle, Kirishaku was presenting his case to the Water Country's highest power. Once again, he tried to argue that simply having them exiled from the city was not enough. "I am telling you, we must enlist the Mist Shinobi! With their support, we could finally be rid of this curse on our land!" Things were not going as he had hoped. Despite Kirishaku's status, he was neither the ruler nor the Mizukage, he could not simply call the ninjas of the Hidden Mist to do his bidding, it had to be passed through the highest authority. Once again his request was being denied…

"What you are suggesting is wholesale slaughter of our citizens. I have heard your arguments, but this goes too far." the Shogun spoke calmly but firmly.

"It is only because of our lenience that they have grown so defiant!" he growled, "They've hidden among us and spread their tainted bloodlines for far too long! And now that we finally have the means to root them out, we cannot even touch them!"

"Enough." the Shogun raised his hand, silencing his brother. "I cannot condone such an act. The Shinobi of the Hidden Mist exist to defend our country. I will not allow them to be used as tools for genocide. We shall discuss this matter no further."

"Grr…!" Kirishaku growled, but then backed down, "As you wish… honourable brother." he seemed to struggle with those words, bowing his head to his elder brother. He turned and calmly left the audience chamber, restraining himself with every fibre of his being. "That useless old fool…!" he spoke to himself as he stormed through the halls, giving no regards to the servants as they hurried out of the way. "Day by day, he lazes on the throne… we all know I am the one running this country!" It was thanks to him that their city was free of the tainted bloodlines! The masses loved him, he was their hero! If only that useless ruler was out of the picture, he would be in command! A wicked smile crossed his lips… "Now there's an idea…"

The Shogun only had a daughter, still too young for marriage! Therefore, Kirishaku was considered next in line for the throne. "That's right… if I become the Shogun, my word will be law!" He could command not only the armies of the surrounding provinces, but the shinobi of the Hidden Mist! Everyone would obey him without question! "All for the sake of the Water Country…!" he laughed, but soon calmed down… all in good time. Right now he had a more pressing matter at hand.

Those vermin from the encampments who humiliated him, they would suffer… most especially their leader and that one defiant ninja from the Leaf. "I lost some good men that day," Kirishaku growled. Those four Yojimbo that Mizurei trashed were too physically battered and emotionally scarred to continue serving as bodyguards. Though they weren't the strongest of samurai, what mattered was that they were obedient. "They'll pay in blood, and seeing how little value it is, we'll be taking a lot!" Though the Shogun offered no support in his goal, that didn't matter. With or without the services of the Mist Ninjas, he will manage. "I shall be this country's saviour…!"

As his laughter echoed through the long hallways of the Mist Castle… the sun was beginning to set, a sinister air seemed to be looming above. Little did he realize, this would be the last time he would ever set foot within the Mist Capital.

Kirishaku, next in line for the throne and the man responsible for the anti-bloodline movement… a man who could sway the will of the masses… his purpose has been served and his fate was sealed.

(Meanwhile in the deep forest)

"Man, that took a lot longer than it should have. It's already nightfall!" Mizurei said to himself as he was walking through the forest, returning from the hunt hauling his prize… a gigantic wild boar several times larger than himself! Even among the giant boars commonly found deep in the forest, this one was monstrous. This enormous beast had put up a great fight, tearing through numerous trees in its attempts to gore him, but finally succumbed to a skull-crushing blow. Mizurei smiled triumphantly; the meat from this animal, combined with the rest of the food stocks… if they rationed it properly, they wouldn't have to hunt for the rest of the season!

Suddenly Mizurei stopped in his tracks, and his smile faded completely as he let go of his prize, the trees shook as the giant carcass hit the ground. "Who's there?!" he shouted, drawing his spear and looking around him. Tightening his grip on his weapon, he could sense something was approaching. It wasn't any animal. Even the most aggressive beast did not exude this kind of killing intent. "SHOW YOURSELF!"

"Hmm… so you sensed my presence?" A cold wind blew as he stepped into the open. Dressed completely in black, with two curved sabres hanging by his side and ghostly white hair rustling gently in the breeze. Though he had a smile on his face, his stare was colder than ice. He was the source of this malevolent aura… "So you are Mizurei."

"Yeah, and what of it?" Mizurei growled, just looking at this man made him feel sick to his stomach. Dark and twisted… he instantly knew he was faced with a killer. Remembering Naruto's description of his clothes, hair, swords and most of all that evil aura that seemed to radiate from that man… "You are… Yashiro?"

The killer raised a brow. He hadn't expected Mizurei to know his name. He was an outsider, a man whose existence shouldn't be known by anyone on this continent… unless… "I see fox-boy has been tattling, hasn't he?"

"That's right!" Mizurei shot back, assuming that by 'fox-boy' he was referring to Naruto, though he didn't quite understand the odd choice of a nickname… "I know you're the one who brought that damn technology over and manipulated this country through Kirishaku!" He shouted, "It's because of you, my people are suffering…! And for what purpose!? Just so you could see us go to war?"

"That is correct. But do tell me this… with such a grand scheme, why do you think I am out here in the middle of nowhere talking to you?" asked Yashiro, "It is amazing what you have accomplished. Thousands of people with bloodlines reside in those encampments, enduring hardship and grief to no end. With their numbers and powers, they could easily rise against their oppressors… yet they have not. Why?" His eyes narrowed on Mizurei, "You may not realize it, Mizurei… but you hold tremendous influence over these living-weapons. You are the last barrier holding back the outbreak of war." he continued, "They have suffered so much already… and what if something 'tragic' were to happen to their hero? What kind of bloodshed would they unleash?"

At that statement, Mizurei grew even more furious "Grrr…! And just what makes you think I'll just stand by and let you go through with your plans?"

"It will certainly make my job a lot easier…" Yashiro gave a wry smile, "In order for our plans to proceed, you need to die."

"Or maybe… I'LL JUST KILL YOU HERE AND NOW! he roared, immediately charging forwards towards Yashiro, "HAAAA!" he thrust with all his strength. Calmly, Yashiro swerved his body to the side, completely avoiding the spear and stepping to Mizurei's right side while drawing his sabre in the other and swinging it to his neck, "AH!" Mizurei quickly arched his back and tilted his head as far back as he could, the blade passed right above his chin. "RHAAA!" quickly straightening himself, Mizurei tried to punch Yashiro… but the killer had already moved out of Mizurei's reach. "DAMN YOU!" he screamed, grabbing his heavy spear with both hands and wildly swung it over and over, but he couldn't even touch him! It was like trying to fight smoke!

"That's some impressive strength," said Yashiro, feeling the wind from Mizurei's swings. He had seen men twice this boy's size who could barely handle a weapon so heavy. But natural strength and self-taught skills weren't enough to overcome him. Drawing his second sabre, Yashiro shifted his feet and took a dual-wielding fencing stance… and suddenly darted forward. To anyone watching, it would appear as if Yashiro had suddenly passed through his opponent in the blink of an eye. A frown crossed Yashiro's face as he turned around, and Mizurei was still standing.

"Is that all you got?" Mizurei stood there, a few visible cuts could be seen on his body, but nothing that would affect his performance. As he clutched his spear, many markings could be seen over the shaft, left by the sabre. He had successfully deflected the killing strokes. "Namen jane. (Don't you underestimate me.)"

"(He is certainly worthy of his reputation. Even without using his powers, to have achieved such a level at his age without proper training. Definitely a genius of rare calibre.)" Yashiro thought. That move which defeated Naruto before he could even blink, Mizurei had successfully withstood. Yashiro returned his left-hand blade into its scabbard and approached Mizurei. "You have some talent, but you still have yet to learn how big this world is. Allow me to teach you the difference between a 'Genius' and a 'Master'." He suddenly swung his blade and left a cut across Mizurei's cheek.

"AH!" Mizurei's eyes darted down, feeling the sharp sting and blood running down a long cut. Shaking it off, he jumped back in order to put some distance between himself and his opponent in order to effectively use the deadly point of his weapon. A successful thrust would no doubt kill Yashiro, but the chances of actually landing one was close to nothing. For this reason, Mizurei proceeded in attacking with powerful sweeps. Even if the sharpened point didn't make contact, the impact from the iron shaft would be enough to break Yashiro bones and leave Mizurei free to follow up with a deadly thrust.

Yashiro returned his right-hand sabre into his sheath, "I admire your persistence, but this duel already bores me." Suddenly he darted forward, evading Mizurei's swing and dropping down to one knee. Mizurei looked down and gasped as he saw Yashiro place his hand on the grip of his sabre in the quick-draw stance…! "It needs more blood."

"URGH…!" Mizurei's eyes opened wide, as he felt indescribable pain in his side. "AAAAAH!" He screamed out loud, as Yashiro's sabre was embedded into his waist!

"Hmm?" Yashiro blinked, feeling surprised…

"GRRR!" Mizurei's expression hardened as he clenched his teeth tightly… "HAAAA!" he screamed, delivering a powerful hook from his right fist, smashing directly into the side of Yashiro's head, sending the demon carrier's entire body sliding to the left, also pulling the sabre out of his body. "(Pant… pant…)" he gasped desperately, one eye closed and his right hand clutching the wound.

The white haired demon carrier shook his head for a moment, and then straightened up. His gaze turned downwards to his The blade seemed as sharp as ever… "Strange. I had intended to cleave you in half." He commented, "Did I put too little strength into the swing, or is your flesh simply tougher to cut?"

"Kuso…! I'll die at this rate!" Mizurei gasped, falling to his knees. Everything he did, everything he threw at him, it was all useless! Just one hit from his fist wasn't enough to take down an opponent of this calibre! This man who had also defeated Naruto was far beyond his level. He couldn't win… unless he did the forbidden.

"(If I use my powers… I may stand a chance…)" Mizurei thought to himself. The problem was that unlike when he first encountered Naruto's team, he was still in range of the city. Every single sensor would be triggered! "(Using my powers is a death sentence… but if I don't use them I'll only die sooner!)" he thought, looking at his opponent. He couldn't afford to hold anything back. "To hell with the law and to hell with the consequences! Only one thing matters now!" he shouted, and glared at Yashiro, "For all the suffering you have caused, I'LL DESTROY YOU EVEN AT THE COST OF MY OWN LIFE!"

Yashiro suddenly jumped out of the way when a giant ice shard tore through the ground where he stood moments ago. Had he not moved, he could have been skewered. "You won't escape me…!" Mizurei snarled, clenching his fists even tighter. "GRAAAAA!" unleashing a savage roar, the full power of his bloodline erupted forth. Mizurei's bloodline power gave him dominance over water… and in this country water was everywhere; within the many rivers and streams, below the surface of the ground, even in the air in the form of mist, he had an unlimited supply. Jagged spires of ice were erupting from the ground, tearing everything apart!

Yashiro was constantly on the move, bounding off the side of the rising ice towers. The trees gave him no foothold, as they were all being uprooted from below. "(If I got caught in that, I wouldn't make it out with just a few scratches)" He thought, seeing the fallen trees gnashed apart by the deadly glacier; truly a frightening example of what would happen to his body if he stood still. "I never expected to see so much destructive power in a mere Bloodline. You really are a living weapon."

"DON'T YOU EVER CALL ME THAT!" Mizurei roared, as he focused his power through his weapon, "HAAAA!" he hurled the great spear with all his might, his sights set directly on Yashiro's heart. Yashiro swerved his body to evade the spear, but what he didn't realize was that it was just a distraction! "HYOKEN! (ICE FIST!)" by the time he had turned his head, Mizurei had already reached him, a thick layer of ice covered his fist…

CRACK!

The impact lifted Yashiro right off the ground, sending him flying and hitting his back against a tree. The MaShin swordsman simply stood motionless, his head hung low. "How long has it been…" a small laugh could be heard coming from him, Mizurei stopped and stared. "…since I fought an opponent this persistent?" still facing down, Yashiro straightened himself up. "It is indescribable… those who draw strength from within… those who fight with all their heart… nothing gives me a greater thrill than finding such an opponent… and seeing their faces twist in despair…!" he raised his head, his eyes opened wide with a wicked grin across his face, even Mizurei was taken back. The horrific aura that hung around Yashiro intensified! "HYAA!" Yashiro suddenly spun around, his sabre passed right through the tree. The trunk had been cleanly cut through and it began to tilt in Mizurei's direction…

"WHOA!" Mizurei jumped back to avoid the falling tree… "EI!?" He exclaimed, turning his head and seeing Yashiro was suddenly right behind him! "ARGH!" he cried out loud as Yashiro slashed him across the back! Growling, he formed a thick layer of ice over his fists and shins as he spun around, attempting to retaliate with a flurry of punches and kicks, but not one of them even hit! "NGH!" he winced again as he received another cut on his shoulder. He was fighting harder than he could ever remember, but this man was completely overwhelming him! The number of his wounds were rising, but no matter what, Mizurei just kept on fighting…!

"AH…" Mizurei suddenly stopped. He stood completely still, the ground beneath him soaked in his blood. "(cough) D… damn… you… Yashi…" Mizurei finally succumbed. The last of his strength left his body, and he fell to the ground. Mizurei had been defeated…

Yashiro looked down at the bloody form of his victim. Mizurei had fought valiantly, but the difference between them was simply too vast. Two hits. That was all he had achieved… two completely ineffective hits.

Yashiro still sensed life in that body. Approaching Mizurei, Yashiro lifted his sabre "All that is left is to remove the head." he said out loud, imagining just how they would react when they found it skewered on his own spear right in front of the Encampments?

THUD!

"UGH!" Yashiro gasped in surprise when he felt an impact against the back of his head. Turning around, his eyes widened with surprise, "You!"

"Get away from him, Yashiro!" Ebi spoke threateningly, standing ten feet from him.

"I did not expect to find you here. When did you even get into this country?" wondered Yashiro, "More than that, you even attacked me. Until now… you've always fled. Why the sudden change of heart?"

"I have no need to answer you!" Ebi replied, a bead of sweat ran down the side of his face, wondering what on earth possessed him to put himself in such danger. Concealed by his sleeves, he held five shuriken ready in each hand. "Step away from Mizurei!"

"You know him?" asked Yashiro, before he quickly began piecing things together. "I get it. You are also in league with fox-boy." Yashiro turned away from Mizurei and began to approach Ebi. "You must have realized that leaf village could not protect you. And in your typical parasitic manner… you tagged along with fox-boy, thinking you've shaken us off your trail." He smiled, "Just were the odds of running into us here?"

"An unfortunate coincidence…" Ebi cursed inwardly. Yashiro was just too perceptive; he understood everything the moment he saw Ebi. Whatever strong front Ebi tried to put was doing nothing… he was afraid, and Yashiro knew it.

"There is no such thing as coincidence." Yashiro grabbed his sword, "The scroll you stole and worked so hard to keep from us… you know better than to entrust it to anyone at that village. It's on you right now!" He pointed his sabre at Ebi. No matter how hard Ebi tried to hide his expressions, Yashiro could read him like a book. "I'm taking it back!"

"AH…!" Ebi gasped as Yashiro suddenly lunged at him before he could even react! When suddenly… Yashiro's eyes widened as the roots of the surrounding trees erupted from the ground, wrapping around his arms and legs so tightly that he couldn't move!

"That's as far as you go." a woman's voice spoke from above. Yashiro turned his head to see a woman standing up in the trees. It was Kurenai! Her hands were forming a seal. She had used her genjutsu to bind his movements!

"Your timing couldn't have been better…!" Ebi said in relief, before turning to Yashiro. "And here I thought you knew me better. Facing you alone is suicide… which is exactly why I had Kurenai accompany me in secret."

"Another one?" Despite his unfavourable position, Yashiro didn't look intimidated; his expression was a mixture of annoyance and boredom. "Just how many more of you ninjas do I have to kill before your village finally stops throwing them at me?"

"You are in no position to insult me." Kurenai leapt down from the tree branches, landing neatly on her feet. "Yashiro! For attempted invasion of the Leaf Village and murder of five shinobi, you are wanted Dead or Alive!"

"Attempted? You're making it sound like I failed. As I recall, I walked in and out of your puny village without any difficulty whatsoever. As for that murder bit, I'll happily plead guilty to that one." Yashiro gave her a mocking smile. "Now that we're all clear on that, why don't you go refresh your mascara or something? The men are talking."

"And just for that… we can forget about 'Alive'." Kurenai scowled. A number of roots crept up Yashiro's body and tightened around his neck as Kurenai drew a kunai…

"I was thinking the very same thing." Yashiro smiled, when suddenly he stepped forward as if completely unrestrained, and delivered a mighty uppercut to Kurenai!

"KURENAI!" Ebi shouted, as Kurenai gasped and stumbled back… unable to move properly. That blow to the chin had dazed her… but even more stunning was that the roots that were binding Yashiro seconds ago had all vanished! He had broken the illusion!

"(How?!)" Kurenai shouted inwardly. "(I sensed no chakra! How did he break my genjutsu!?)" Not wasting any more time wondering how he did it, she thrust her kunai towards Yashiro's throat… only for the killer to catch her wrist.

"I believe you need both hands to perform those 'jutsus' of yours," Yashiro stated simply, tightening his grip even further. Kurenai winced in pain from his grip… this man was physically much stronger than her! Ebi immediately whipped out two handfuls of shuriken and was about to throw them. "Don't even try it!" Yashiro yanked Kurenai's arm, pulling her between himself and Ebi, stopping him from throwing.

"And just who do you think you're using as a shield?!" Still unable to break out of his grip, Kurenai suddenly performed a cartwheel, flipping her entire body and swinging her leg towards his face. "Damn!" she gasped inwardly when Yashiro caught her leg in his other hand. Before she could try anything, Yashiro swung her entire body over his head and slammed her down against the ice-covered ground.

"You're a jounin… So what? If you can't use your jutsus, you're nothing but an ordinary woman." Yashiro pulled Kurenai off the ground by her hair and slammed her back against a tree. She opened her eyes and was about to fight back, only to feel the sharp blade of a sabre pressed against her throat, causing a drop of blood to run down. "Don't stop now, go on!" Yashiro dared her to fight back. Kurenai knew the instant she did, Yashiro would kill her. "And I suggest you drop your weapons too." he called over to Ebi.

"Damn it all…!" Ebi cursed. Naruto couldn't beat him, Mizurei couldn't beat him, even Kurenai couldn't do it! Ebi opened his hands and dropped his weapons to the floor.

"Finally… it's back in our grasp!" Yashiro smiled victoriously, "Hmm?" he felt something. Looking at the hand clutching the blade at Kurenai's throat, he saw what it was. "A bug? At this time of the year?" his eyes narrowed. Suddenly, he felt something strange. Looking down, his eyes opened wide. More insects! They were crawling up his legs! "WHAT?" he exclaimed, he could feel them, they were all over his body! From beneath his shirt, more insects came crawling out onto his hands and up his neck! "ARGH!" He screamed out loud as they started attacking his eyes!

"Unfortunately for you, you didn't realize there was one more shinobi." the usually silent Shino stood there, carrying Mizurei over his shoulder. He had unleashed the swarm of insects on Yashiro! "Sensei! Ebi! Hurry!" The two others nodded and fled into the forest.

"RHAARGH!" From the corner of his eyes, Yashiro could see them escaping into the woods! In his rage, he unleashed a horrific wave of killing intent… which caused even Shino's bugs to scatter and fly away. "YOU'RE NOT GETTING AWAY!" holding both sabres, Yashiro dashed into the woods in hot pursuit, moving faster than any of them. "GRRR! WHERE ARE THEY!?" His eyes were darting left and right. Birds took flight and beasts cowered, sensing unimaginable danger as he stalked these woods. Suddenly, Yashiro caught movement, and saw them leaping across the treetops in the distance, "I SEE YOU!" He chased them deeper into the woods… and eventually vanished from sight.

Meanwhile, in the branches up above where Yashiro just stood, the leaf shinobi all let out a sigh of relief, knowing how narrowly they had just evaded death. All three of them had their hands formed into the common Bushin seal. "It worked…" Ebi sighed in relief. He had instructed them to use basic bunshins in order to draw Yashiro away. "Okay, let's move. And be careful with Mizurei!" he glanced over to their unconscious ally.

"Hold it!" Kurenai's hand grabbed Ebi, stopping him from moving any further. "You owe us an explanation, and we will not aid you any further until you tell us what I want to know!" she shouted angrily, "That man had killed some of the finest ninjas our village had to offer and overcame my genjutsu without any difficulty whatsoever! Just who or WHAT is he… and more than that, what is your connection with him?!"

"I will answer your questions, but not right here! We only managed to distract him temporarily! It won't be long until he figures out the truth and comes back to kill us!" Ebi shook her off, "We have to find a safe place…" he turned to Shino, who was carrying the injured Mizurei. "Let's move!"

They had fled far from the site of battle into a very dense part of the woods. By now night had fallen, the place they were in was nearly pitch black, but not impossible for the trained ninjas to navigate. Sensing that they had finally lost him, they placed Mizurei's body on a makeshift bed of dried leaves and grass before Ebi leaned in closer to examine Mizurei. "Good." he sighed in relief, closing his eyes. "He is stable."

"Are you certain?" asked Shino, eyeing the blood all over Mizurei's body

"He seems to have developed a natural defence mechanism. Blood is largely composed of water, and even unconscious, his powers are preventing further blood loss." he then turned to face Kurenai and Shino. "I believe you had questions?"

"Indeed." Kurenai glared at him. "My first question is about our enemy, Yashiro. Not only was he able to overtake me in combat… but for a man who obviously has no training or knowledge in basic ninjutsu or chakra, how is it that he was able to break my illusion and yet fall for your cheap diversion?"

"The answer I'm afraid is very simple." Ebi looked down with his arms crossed, "Not only does Yashiro possess tremendous strength and skill, but he has an extraordinarily powerful mind, with mental fortitude that far outstrips our own. Your genjutsu surprised him, but there is no way a mind-manipulating technique could hold him long… a mind that surpasses anything human." Kurenai took note of those particular words, "Invading his mind is an exercise in futility… but it is still possible to trick him. That is why the basic bunshins worked in this situation." He finished. Kurenai's intuition told her that there was more he wasn't telling her, but she wasn't going to press for it yet…

"My next question." said Kurenai, "You came to this country knowing what Naruto's mission involved… Naruto, who also had encounters with these men." After seeing Yashiro for herself, she couldn't believe that boy actually WANTED to fight him! That killing intent she felt from Yashiro… just what in the world was he?! "After Naruto decided to stay here, you changed the nature of our mission to make sure we remained as well! While that killer happened to be in this country, I should add! Did you keep us around in case he came for you? That's not all… you were fully aware of the Bloodline discrimination in this land, and hired us knowing full well of Hinata's power!"

"I assure you, I had no intention of dragging you all into such a dangerous conflict. I selected your team for their tracking skills. For what it's worth, I was reluctant to bring Hinata to this place, knowing the local circumstances… but I have full confidence in her. Hinata is one of the few to have fully earned my trust." Ebi answered. Kurenai stared at him, unable to detect any sign that he was lying. "I honestly had no idea Yashiro was in this country. In fact, one of the reasons I came here was in the hopes that he would still be searching for me in the Fire Country. That plan completely backfired."

"Very well… that is all for now." said Kurenai, still sensing Ebi knew far more than he was letting on, but chose not to press for more information… at least, not directly from him… "We'd better return to the camp."

"We must travel carefully. In his state, moving Mizurei-san may kill him." Said Shino. They couldn't jump across the treetops as usual, they would have to carry him through the woods. Quickly getting to work and building a makeshift stretcher, they began to travel as quietly as they could, praying that they did not encounter Yashiro…

(Meanwhile)

In another part of the forest, not far from the encampments there was a clearing where a spring could be found. In the center of that very spring, a lone figure could be seen standing on the surface of the water, that figure was Naruto.

"(huff… huff…)" Naruto was panting as sweat poured down his face from hours of constant chakra activity. Ripples formed in the spring with every step he took. Turning his body, he punched into the air and carefully observed the mist displaced by his attack. The movement of the mist… that was the key to this training. A smile formed on his face, he had been successful, he had completed it! "Almost got it…!" he grinned, looking down at his fist. Using the Kage Bunshin no jutsu as an 'exp multiplier' for his techniques, he was able to succeed in his training! He also made a mental note to go and kick the asses of Kakashi, Jiraiya, Ebi and all the other guys who likely knew this exploitable trick and never bothered to tell him.

His primary goal of the night had been achieved: mastery of chakra-fortification techniques. Naruto had finally reached the level where he could instantaneously shift his chakra without needing to stop and concentrate. Compared to the time he fought Nergui, where the only thing he could really do was punch and block, he has now become quick and versatile enough to use this in combat against other shinobi! Currently he was working on creating a new technique… which he trained by observing the movements and rotation in the mist with every punch and kick. Once complete and properly incorporated into his taijutsu… his fighting style would be completely revolutionized…

"Hmm?" he suddenly heard a rustling in the bushes and turned his head.

"N-naruto-kun?" emerging from the bushes, Naruto was surprised to see Hinata!

"Hinat-AHH!" Naruto yelped. He had lost his focus, losing his foothold on the water's surface, causing him to sink! "GAH!" He quickly regained his concentration and stopped himself from sinking any further than his ankles. "Urk…" his eyes suddenly opened wide, "That's… COLD!" he screamed, jumping into the air and continued hopping around, "OW-OW-OW! Frostbite! Frostbite!" dropping down on his butt, kicking off his wet sandals while exhaling warm air onto his hands, then furiously rubbing his ice-cold feet.

When everything had finally calmed down… Hinata sat on her knees next to Naruto, "Ano… I'm sorry Naruto-kun. I didn't mean to cause you so much trouble."

"Ah, it's no problem, Hinata! I've had worse happen to me tonight, a LOT worse!" He grinned, remembering the unfortunate side-effect of training with shadow clones that Ebi also neglected to mention: the sudden rush of accumulated exhaustion that hit whenever the clones vanished. Had he known, he would have taken certain precautions… like bringing along a cushion for when he collapsed, or simply NOT standing up in the trees…

"All in all, I'm completely satisfied. All my training's paid off, I'm feeling stronger than ever!" This statement was true. The awkward stiffness in his movements when controlling the chakra was finally gone, and combined with his fighting experience built up with Mizurei, Naruto was certain he could take on most jounin-level opponents!

"I know what you mean…" Hinata nodded.

"Oh yeah, I heard about your training under Kurenai-sensei. How's that been going?"

"I don't remember being so exhausted in all my life." Hinata replied. Kurenai, who usually went easier on Hinata, respected her wishes to grow stronger and revealed just how tough she could be. "I can't believe I was able to withstand those drills… but thinking of how hard Naruto-kun was trying… It gave me strength to continue." she smiled. Her cheeks grew even pinker as she looked down, "A-ano! I… brought you some dinner, Naruto-kun…!" in both her hands, she presented him with a box wrapped up in cloth. Removing the cloth wrap, Naruto saw it was a nicely prepared bento meal, "This is… it was made just for Naruto-kun…" The box consisted mainly of rice and barley, some vegetables and a little bit of dried meat procured from around the camp. Hinata was worried as to whether such modest fare would be to his liking…

"Wow…! Thank you Hinata!" Naruto shouted, startling her a bit. The sight of food reminded him just how hungry he was! "ITADAKIMASU!" taking a pair of chopsticks, he dove right in. Hinata giggled at Naruto's antics. Words could not express how happy she felt that he was enjoying it so much… "ACK!" …a little too much. Hinata gasped as Naruto clutched his neck and his face was blown up and turning blue! He was choking!

"AAHH! Naruto-kun!" she cried in horror, and quickly started to shake him, "Please hang on!" she gave him a hard slap on the back, causing him to cough it out. "Naruto-kun! I'm so sorry! Are you all right?" she asked desperately

"Whew… thanks Hinata!" Naruto smiled and thanked her, and then picked up the box and started eating again. Hinata stared at him with wide eyes, mouth agape. "What?" he asked, noticing her staring, "Sorry, do I have rice on my face?" After a moment, Hinata started laughing, and Naruto laughed along with her… though he still didn't get it.

"You never change, do you Naruto-kun?" Hinata shook her head and let out a sigh. She was smiling brightly, seeing this side of him always cheered her up. "But really, I'm glad… glad to be here on this mission helping you." Though their time in this country was not meant for fun and leisure, she was thankful to be able to spend this time with him. "Wow!" her eyes brightened up as she looked at the spring in front of them. The pristine water was sparkling under the glittering starry night, and the moon shone its light on the spring. "It's so pretty…!" she clasped her hands together.

Naruto smiled as he watched her, enjoying the view of the water. "So, you sort of have an idea of what I've been training on, but what about you? What have you been working on, Hinata?" he asked curiously

"I have been practising my taijutsu so that I can fight without relying on my eyes." Hinata started growing a tad shy at the question. "But I have also been working on something else. I am trying to perfect a new jutsu of my own."

"A new jutsu!?" Naruto exclaimed excitedly, "Ne! Ne! Hinata! Can you show me!?"

"Ano… I don't think it's ready yet…!" she looked down nervously, "What if I get it wrong?"

"It's alright, Hinata. No need to feel embarrassed over it! I'm sure you'll do it perfectly!" Naruto reassured her. Hinata thought about it until she decided to show him.

"Okay…" she nodded with a smile, while still having a bit of a blush. Hinata stood up and proceeded to unzip her sweater and slowly remove her coat.

"(GYAAAAA! What is Hinata doing!?)" Naruto was trying to keep a straight face, but inside his mind, he was going ballistic. "(Kuso! I can't look at this! I don't wanna become a pervert like the old man!)" He screamed mentally, covering his eyes, not wanting to risk his chastity by seeing what he thought he was going to see…

"Can you hold this, Naruto-kun?"

"Eh?" Naruto then opened one eye and saw that Hinata was actually finished; she had only taken off her coat. Naruto was lost in a state of mind, though. "(WHOA.)" those were the only words he could process, for the first time seeing her without a coat on. Hidden beneath that bulky jacket was an amazing figure. She was wearing a thin, almost skin-tight black shirt. "Hai…" as he took the coat from Hinata, Naruto's cheeks were still pink, almost getting impure thoughts. He could see more curves, also noticing she was a bit more 'developed' than the other girls from his class. After thinking that, Naruto raised his palm, and gave himself a firm slap across the face to banish the thoughts.

As Hinata walked towards the edge of the lake, she performed the ram seal to gather chakra to her feet. After getting enough chakra that she needed, she advanced, walking on the surface of the water, going to the middle of the pond. Naruto wondered what was going on as he stared at Hinata in confusion. Hinata looked back, nodded with a smile and stopped at the center of the spring. Hinata then began what she was going to show him.

From Naruto's point of view, he was totally captivated by the sight. Hinata, silhouetted in the moonlight, performing the katta, in a way, it seemed almost as if she was dancing upon the spring. Her movements were filled with such grace and beauty, while the water spiralled through the air and encircled her form… it was the most magical thing he had ever seen. Finally, the chakra dispersed and the water fell like rain. It was over.

When Hinata finished, she started walking back towards shore. Naruto was still speechless by Hinata's performance, he hadn't moved a muscle. When she finally reached shore, Hinata asked, "Ano… so how was it, Naruto-kun?"

Naruto did not say anything because of the state he was in. A minute later, though, he finally shouted, "WHOOOAAAAA! THAT WAS AWESOME, HINATA!" Hinata was blushing throughout Naruto's applause, but had a smile of appreciation.

Later on, the two sat right next to a tree as they were staring at the scenery under the starry night. Neither one said anything, until Naruto finally spoke. "Ummm… nice night. It fits with the scenery and everything, ne?"

"Yes," Hinata answered. "It does."

True the spring under the stars and moon did look pretty, but that didn't seem to matter to him, he wasn't looking at the water. He was watching her. Her pearly white eyes seemed to glow like the moon and stars reflecting the light in front of them. That wasn't all, but her silky dark hair, her creamy pale skin and her gentle smile…

"(Ah!)" Naruto suddenly exclaimed mentally, turning away when he realized he had been staring at her. Thankfully she hadn't noticed. Slowly, he turned his gaze towards her once more, he could feel his heart beating, "(How come I never noticed before…?)" He asked himself. Just looking at her, he was enthralled by the sight… he just realized it for the first time. "(She's… beautiful.)"

The more he watched her, the more he began to think about the times he had been with her. From the time they had sat next to one another in the chuunin exams, when she had presented him the medical cream after his match with Kiba, when they had spoken before his big upcoming match with Neji. Then there were the more recent memories, they quickly grew into close friends. She comforted him when they were on the bridge and she had not abandoned him when they were facing certain death against Nergui. No matter what sort of obstacle he faced, she stood by him. "(I've never met anyone like her. No matter what, she never gives up… and she's always there for me. But there are times when I'm around her… I feel something I just don't understand…)"

He began to remember other moments between him and Hinata. The times their hands accidentally touched, the way his arms wrapped around her when they had defeated Nergui, the times she had gently embraced him… every time Naruto thought of them, he could feel that very sensation stirring inside. "(I feel as if… as if I want something more than friendship. But is this really alright…? For us to be more than friends…?)" Naruto's expression then changed to a sad one. "(But she doesn't know what I am… the vessel of that damn monster. I… I've worked so hard just to gain this friendship we have now… but how will she react?)" Once again, that thought haunted him. The image of her looking at him, trembling in fear… "(If she becomes afraid of me… if she doesn't accept me… I… I just don't know what I'd do…!)" he closed his eyes and looked down in despair. Suddenly, he opened his eyes and raised his head, when he felt her soft hand placed on top of his own. "What?" he turned his head, to see her smiling face.

"Cheer up, Naruto-kun. I'm sure everything will turn out fine." she smiled brightly.

"Hinata…" he felt his heart beating faster. He could feel his doubts and uncertainties melt away… from his perspective, she looked more beautiful than anything he had ever seen… "HINATA!" He exclaimed, pulling her in close and wrapping her in a tight embrace.

"N… Naruto-kun!" Hinata gasped, unable to believe what is happening here and now. Naruto was holding her tight. She could feel his heart beating against hers… she felt so warm… when Naruto suddenly let go.

"I… I'M SORRY!" Naruto quickly backed away from her and looked down in shame. "(Why…? Why did I just do that! I ruined everything…!)" a tear formed in the corner of his eye, and he expected her to scream and run away any moment…

"No… you don't have to be sorry for anything… Naruto-kun! You did nothing wrong." she grabbed his hands, clasping them tightly in her. She also looked down. "When Naruto-kun feels something, I feel it too. When I see your smile, my heart feels warm. When I see you are sad, it aches. I can never be angry with you, because to me… Naruto-kun is the most important person in the world… and someone I want to be with… always…"

The two raised directly into one another's eyes. Without fully realizing it, they began to lean in closer towards each other, their faces just inches apart…

"Na… Naruto-kun…" Hinata whispered softly… unable to believe this was happening… it had to be a dream…

"H-Hinata…" Naruto uttered in a daze… giving in…

"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!" they suddenly heard a scream

"AAAAH!" The two of them screamed, nearly jumping out of their skin. Both backed away from each other and straightened up, breathing heavily as they looked into the woods, then turned to look at one another.

"W… what was that?" she gasped, trembling from the sudden jolt back into reality after being such a vulnerable state of mind.

"I… I don't know…" Naruto trembled as he clenched his chest. He felt like his heart was going to beat right out of his chest. "That scream… it came from the direction of the camps! Hinata… we gotta check it out! Come on!" he suddenly ran off.

"Naruto-kun… I… I'm coming!" Though shaken, she knew they had to check out whatever it was, but just a moment ago… she couldn't believe it was possible… they had almost…! "OHHH!" she shook her head in frustration. Getting up to her feet, she ran after him.

(At the encampments)

As they emerged from the woods, both Naruto and Hinata gasped at the terrible sight before them. Terrified screams filled the air, people were fleeing from soldiers and the camps were on fire!

"HA-HA-HA-HAAAA!" From within the sixth camp, Kirishaku's voice could be heard, "YES! RUN! SCURRY LIKE THE RATS YOU ARE! ACCEPT THE PENALTY FOR YOUR CRIMES!"

"That voice…! IT'S KIRISHAKU!" Naruto shouted.

"NARUTO! HINATA!" The two of them suddenly heard their names being called, both turned to see Kiba running towards them, "Where the hell were you?!"

"Kiba-kun!" Hinata exclaimed, "What's going on!?"

"Kirishaku's attacking the camps!" Kiba shouted, "I was just outside when all of the sudden, soldiers started swarming this place and setting fire to everything!"

"No…!" Naruto gasped, he was trembling… he could not believe what was happening…! "WHERE ARE THE OTHERS!?"

"I don't know! You two are the only ones here!" Kiba shouted back

"Damn it…!" Naruto growled, turning around. All the camps were burning, but Kirishaku was focused on the sixth encampment! There were armed soldiers surrounding it, keeping people of the other encampments from helping and preventing residents of the sixth from escaping, all the while Kirishaku and his men continued to ransack it from the inside! Naruto suddenly ran towards the entrance, two of the guards turned around and saw him charging in their direction! "GET OUT OF MY WAY!" Naruto instantly smashed the face of the first man, before jumping into the air and drop-kicking the second.

Two more soldiers charged at Naruto from behind, only to be intercepted by Kiba and Hinata. Kiba let out a roar as he kicked the soldier's legs out from underneath him, knocking him to the ground, before finishing him off with a stomp to the head. Hinata struck her palm against the other soldier's chest, sending chakra right through his breastplate and stunning his lungs. As he collapsed, more of the soldiers surrounding the camp perimeter came running towards them.

"KIBA! You stay behind and take care of these guys! Don't let any more of them through!" Naruto shouted as he and Hinata dashed through the entrance

"Got it, but watch out! I can smell plenty more inside!" Kiba shouted back, as a spear wielding soldier charged at him. Kiba swayed his body and avoided the weapon, "HAA!" he smashed the back of his fist against his face, knocking him out. Suddenly, another one emerged behind him about to strike, but Akamaru leap out of nowhere with his fangs bared, biting him in the face! "NICE JOB AKAMARU!" he shouted as the man ran around screaming, the dog still hanging from him. Kiba smirked and turned around, as more and more soldiers came rushing towards him… "YOOOOSH! KAKATTE KOI! (BRING IT ON)!"

Within the camp, Naruto and Hinata were running past the blazing houses, fighting their way through soldiers just as Kiba had warned them. Naruto growled as he looked around, he saw a number of bodies belonging to the residents here. Making his way to the heart of the camp, Naruto grit his teeth at what he saw.

People were being forcibly rounded up and by armed soldiers. At the very center of the camp, overseeing the entire raid and accompanied by a retinue of samurai was none other than Kirishaku! Right now, he was cheering on his soldiers as several of them at once were beating down a villager who had tried to fight back.

"STOP IT!" Naruto screamed, he and Hinata both ran to the villager's aid. A soldier had lifted a large rock and was about to smash the victim's head, when suddenly he felt the impact of both Naruto's fist and Hinata's palm, which sent him flying and crashing through the walls of one of the burning houses. The other soldiers turned to face Naruto and Hinata, "Let's see how YOU like being ganged up on! KAGE BUNSHIN NO JUTSU!" Naruto shouted, as a dozen of his clones suddenly appeared and surrounded the men, before pouncing on them and beating them up. Naruto and Hinata both kneeled by the victim,

"Are you okay!? Speak to me!" Hinata exclaimed.

"Yes… thank you…" He answered weakly. Naruto felt some relief; he was okay. "They were threatening my son… I tried to stop them, and they…" the man trailed off, feeling his consciousness slipping away. "Please… stop Kirishaku!"

"Grrr…!" Naruto growled, turning his sight onto the one responsible for all this… the man laughing at the mayhem he wrought. "KIRISHAKUUUUUU!"

"Hmm? AH! IT'S YOU!" Kirishaku gasped, seeing Naruto closely followed by Hinata. His bodyguards drew their swords, but Kirishaku motioned them to hold… for now.

"What is the meaning of this!? Why are you attacking these people!?" shouted Hinata

"Be quiet! You have some nerve speaking directly to me, you disgusting little wench!" Kirishaku snapped at her. Naruto growled, ready to pound him into dust just for that remark, but Hinata held him back. "These animals have broken the law once more and used their powers! There is no point in denying it, every single Lantern in the city had alerted us! Yet they still refuse to confess their crime! I am just bringing them to justice!"

"J… justice…? You call this justice…?!" Naruto said in a state of disbelief, "YOU BROUGHT THE ARMY TO RANSACK THE VILLAGE, BURN THEIR HOMES AND MURDER INNOCENT PEOPLE! WHAT KIND OF SICK JOKE IS THIS!?"

"The denizens of Encampment Six have forgotten their place! They humiliated me, and their rebellious behaviour was beginning to infect the rest! I am merely restoring order." Kirishaku smiled arrogantly, "I will make an example to all of them, by having everyone in this encampment executed! I also have something extra special in mind for their leader Mizurei… who has yet to show himself! My men have reported no sight of him! That coward who claimed to be their protector abandoned them just to save his own skin!"

"Do not speak that way about him! Mizurei-san is a greater man than you could ever hope to be!" Hinata shouted, "How can you treat human beings like this!?"

"Human beings? BAH! Your kind isn't fit to be called human!" Kirishaku shouted back, "You are freaks of nature! The lowest and most despicable creatures in this world! Your very existence is a crime!"

"You…" Hinata was trembling with anger, "YOU ARE COMPLETELY INSANE!"

"SHUT UP! I WILL NOT STAND BY AND BE INSULTED BY A FREAK!" Kirishaku howled in anger, "As for you…" He then turned to Naruto "I'M SICK OF YOU! YOU'VE POISONED THIS COUNTRY ENOUGH! NEITHER OF YOU WILL LEAVE HERE ALIVE!"

(Naruto and Hinata go chibi, anime style.)

"Hey Hinata," Naruto suddenly smirked, "If I didn't know any better, that almost sounded like a threat!"

"Oh no! Whatever shall we do?" She gasped with her hands pressed to her cheeks.

(End Chibi-mode)

Kirishaku was burning red with anger. These two were mocking him!

"I say… WE KICK HIS ASS!" Naruto shouted, suddenly grabbing a flaming piece of timber and hurled it at Kirishaku. The nobleman screamed as the burning projectile hit him and set his decorative ornaments ablaze!

"AAAARGH! EVERYONE! FORGET THE FREAKS! I WANT THESE TWO DEAD THIS INSTANT!" Kirishaku screamed. Obeying his orders, they turned away from the villagers, giving them the opportunity to run to safety. Only a select few remained… namely, Mizurei's gang, who were all adept fighters. Naruto, Hinata and Mizurei's men stood ready as soldiers and Kirishaku's samurai bodyguards surrounded them.

"So what do you think of the odds?" Naruto smirked.

"Completely unfair." Hinata replied with a smile. "They don't stand a chance."

"ATTAAAAACK!" Naruto, Hinata and Mizurei's companions all charged into battle. Naruto roared as he smashed a samurai's face in a spray of blood and teeth. As the samurai fell to the ground, Naruto grabbed him by the leg and gripped tightly… "HRRRGN!" He swung the heavily armoured samurai in circles before throwing him into an oncoming group of soldiers. "KAGE BUNSHIN NO JUTSU!" Naruto formed five copies of himself, all of which immediately went charging into the mass of soldiers with their fists flying!

Without activating her bloodline abilities, Hinata smoothly evaded the weapons of her numerous opponents and proceeded in striking with her open palms. Armour did absolutely nothing, as her chakra passed right through their protective plates and struck their vital organs!

While nowhere near the strength of their leader, Mizurei's men were all natural born warriors, their lineage gifting them with tremendous strength and skill. Even without use of their special powers, they held their own against superior numbers!

"ARGH! DAMN IT! YOU'RE ALL USELESS!" Kirishaku shouted from afar, not liking the way this battle was going. Even against a hundred soldiers of the Mist Province, this disgraceful rabble was actually holding its own!

"We may have powers, but we have not used them! Do you know why?" Hinata asked, as another soldier fell before her Gentle Fist taijutsu, "It has nothing to do with that law you wrote! We have no need of them against the likes of you! And before you call anyone useless, Kirishaku… just what have YOU accomplished?"

"That… does it!" Kirishaku snarled and drew his katana. "You disgusting… white-eyed bitch…! I'LL KILL YOU MYSELF!" he suddenly charged towards her

"Why you…!" Naruto was about to intervene, but Hinata motioned him to stop.

"You concentrate on what is really important… Naruto-kun!" Hinata drew a kunai and took a ready fighting stance, "I'll fight him myself!"

"Heh…!" Naruto stared at her and smiled warmly, while holding up a soldier with one hand by the front of the shirt and repeatedly punching his face with the other, "You can do it!"

"HAAAA!" Kirishaku screamed, swinging his katana…

-CLANG-

The sound of metal rang through the air, as Hinata's kunai had completely deflected Kirishaku's sword. "(Not even a chip!)" She could see Kirishaku's master-crafted katana didn't leave so much as a scratch on the kunai Ebi had forged. She had to thank him later. Kirishaku continued to swing his sword while Hinata continued to dodge and parry everything he threw at her!

"KUCHIYOSE NO JUTSU!" Naruto's voice echoed into the sky. There was a great burst of smoke, and many soldiers screamed when Naruto was standing with his arms crossed on top of a giant armoured toad the size of an elephant! "YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE!" He shouted as all eyes turned to him. "This match is strictly between the amazing Hinata and the asshole otherwise known as Kirishaku! All you nameless henchmen, get the hell out!"

"Who… who do you think you are?! We serve Kirishaku-sama with honour! Do you think you could scare us away with your… sorcery!?" One of the soldiers shouted, but started to sweat nervously when the toad turned towards him… "AAAAAAH!" he screamed when the toad's tongue suddenly shot out and grabbed him, pulling him into its mouth.

"Anyone ELSE wanna argue?" Naruto glared at the soldiers, who now quaked in fear of the monster. Naruto closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "LISTEN UP! You've got till the count of ten to get your asses out of here, before I treat froggy to an all-you-can-eat buffet! TEN… NINE… EIGHT…!" The army began frantically pushing and shoving as hard as they could, many threw down their weapons in their haste to escape this monster. "TWO… ONE!" Naruto finished his countdown and smiled in satisfaction as he watched the screaming soldiers fleeing the camp.

"BLEH!" The giant toad spat out that one soldier who stood up to him, who immediately proceeded to run away with tears in his eyes and crying loudly for his mother.

"Heh-heh! Sorry big guy!" Naruto dropped down to one knee and patted the toad's head, "I forgot you guys eat bugs, not garbage!" The toad merely replied with a croak.

"YOU COWARDS!" Kirishaku screamed as he could see his men running away, "COME BACK HERE AND FIGHT! I ORDER YOU!"

"You are all alone now, Kirishaku!" Hinata spoke harshly, pressing against his sword with her kunai, "There is no one left to fight for you!"

"Do you honestly think you can defeat a jounin of the Mist!?" Kirishaku growled, finding it incredibly difficult to deflect this girl's attacks!

"Even if you were a ninja at some point, you spent all those years basking in luxury… you are weak." She spoke boldly, "There is no way I would ever lose to you!"

"Shut up! SHUT UP!" Kirishaku continued to hack wildly at her, growing tired with every swing. In his prime he made it to the chuunin level, and from there on he simply used his influences to gain the Jounin rank. It has been over thirty years since he had taken part in any missions, let alone physical work. He was slow, heavy, and absolutely no match for this girl! "JUST DIE ALREADY!" he raised the katana over his head and swung down with all his strength, "WHAT!?" Hinata glared up at him, having caught the blade above her head between her palms!

In his moment of shock, she took advantage of it. Hinata disarmed him and flung his Katana to the side. She raised her palm, gathering chakra… "AH…!" Kirishaku gasped, remembering the devastating effects of the girl's palms on his soldiers, and this time she had gathered so much chakra it was visible! Her palm shot towards his heart! "AAAAH!" Kirishaku screamed as her palm struck him and he fell to the ground. He lay on his back for a moment, and blinked in confusion. He was… alive?

"Were you expecting me to kill you?" Hinata looked down on him. She hadn't struck him with any chakra, she merely pushed him over. "You are a pitiful man… completely blinded by your prejudice. You caused so much suffering, and really do deserve to die." she glared at him. Kirishaku was on the ground, trembling, with a terrified look on his face. "I am not like you. I will not resort to murder so readily. I just want everyone to see for themselves just how pathetic you really are." As if on cue, villagers were coming back. Those who had fled because of the attack, they all looked down on the quivering Kirishaku. Kiba ran into the scene, and stood quietly and watched.

"G… grrr!" Kirishaku growled, standing up. His knees were trembling. All around him, he could see the stares of the people he had so viciously tried to harm…

"You are not welcome here." Hinata spoke firmly. "Get out, and never return."

"You… you haven't won!" sweating nervously, Kirishaku tried in vain to put on a strong front, "I'll… I'll be back…! With more men! I won't stop until EVERY last one of you monsters is rotting in the ground!" he shouted, but there was no response from anyone… "HUH?" he gasped as he felt something large and sticky press against his back.

"Wrong answer, asshole." Said Naruto as the toad grabbed Kirishaku with its tongue, "You can return as many times as you like, with as many men as you can get… but always remember, we'll be right here waiting for you." Naruto hopped down and walked to Hinata's side. "Get him out of here!" He called out. The toad croaked in confirmation, and with a huge swing of his tongue, he flung Kirishaku into the sky.

"YANNA KANJIIIIIII! (Author's note: Or as you may know it: 'Team Rocket's blasting off again!)" Kirishaku went sailing over the horizon and vanished out of sight with a 'ping'.

"Thanks!" Naruto gave the toad his thumbs-up, indicating the job was done, and the toad promptly vanished in a burst of smoke. Naruto then turned to Hinata and smiled fondly at her, "You were amazing… Hinata."

"It… it was nothing, Naruto-kun…!" she suddenly exclaimed, blushing a bit. Her shyness seemed to have returned… (clap, clap, clap) "Ano?" Hinata began to hear clapping. From all around her, the clapping began to grow…

"LET'S ALL HEAR IT FOR HINATA!" Naruto suddenly shouted, throwing his arms into the air and urged the crowd. "THREE CHEERS! BANZAI! BANZAI! BANZA!" There was a roar of applause and cheers. Kiba whistled loudly with his fingers and Akamaru let out a howl.

"AH!" startled by the surge of cheers, Hinata let out a surprised yelp and stumbled forwards, bumping into Naruto. "A… ANO…!" Hinata's cheeks turned pink when she realized she was clinging to him, while many in the crowd whooped in excitement.

"Eh-heh-heh… hi." Naruto grinned nervously, red in the face as the girl held onto him. For the first time in her life Hinata was the center of attention… tonight, she was the hero!

"AHHH! MIZUREI-SAN!" someone screamed, and the cheers came to a sudden halt. The crowd immediately parted as Ebi, Shino and Kurenai brought in Mizurei on a makeshift stretcher. There were many horrified gasps and screams, adults covering the eyes of their children. Mizurei lay on the stretcher, with many open wounds and covered in blood.

"MIZUREI!/MIZUREI-SAN!/ANIKI!" Naruto, Hinata and Mizurei's followers ran to him

"Stand back! Give him some space!" Ebi shouted.

"What the hell happened to him!?" Naruto asked desperately.

"He… he was attacked by Yashiro." Ebi looked down, clenching his teeth.

"WHAT!?" Both Naruto and Hinata gasped

"What happened to the camps?" Ebi looked around at the burnt-out ruins. Many of the houses were still smouldering, "Never mind… tell me later! We have to treat him now! Are there any structures left standing?"

"That one over there! The fire hasn't reached it!" one of Mizurei's companions pointed.

"Come on! Help carry him!" people moved out of the way as Mizurei's men carried him inside and placed him down as gently as they could. With a small blade, Ebi cut open Mizurei's shirt. "His water powers are holding back the blood loss, but it's only temporary! We need to act now!" Ebi passed Hinata a piece of paper and a bundle of herbs. "Hinata! You know medicinal herbs better than anyone here. I'll need you to mix these formulas while I treat him! Everyone else, please step outside!"

Naruto was hesitant to leave and turned to look at Hinata, who responded, "It's okay, please do as he says." she rolled back her sleeves, preparing to get to work. For a second it looked like he was about to say something, but Naruto nodded silently and left with the others while Ebi and Hinata got to work on Mizurei.

Outside the hut, a despondent Naruto began to wander aimlessly… and saw the sorry state of the camps. Most of the houses had been destroyed. "This is bad…" He gritted his teeth, knowing they lacked shelter and winter was almost here. The sight of Mizurei's wounds were fresh in his mind. "(Mizurei's in an even worse state than I was after fighting Yashiro… and unlike me… he doesn't have a demon to keep him healed.)"

So many thoughts were going through Naruto's mind right now… it was overwhelming. Mizurei was in critical condition and might not survive the night… The MaShin's plot to destroy this country was growing ever closer to fruition, and their offers to join them… The attack Kirishaku had led on the encampments, in which so many had died tonight… but most of all… back at that spring, what almost happened between him and Hinata…

Naruto did not know how long he waited… but eventually Ebi and Hinata exited that house and approached him. "We've done all we could. Now it's all up to him." Ebi said somberly.

"I see…" Naruto looked down, while a number of villagers went in to tend to Mizurei.

"Mizurei is very resilient. I'm certain he'll be okay." Ebi then looked around, before leaning in close and speaking quietly to both of them. "Naruto, Hinata… I would like you to come with me. There are matters that need to be discussed in private." They followed Ebi outside the village, while being careful to make sure no one else followed them. Now, certain that they were alone, Ebi turned around, "I will tell you everything."

"What is it you wanna tell us, Ebi?" Asked Naruto

"You two trust me, do you?"

"Well, yeah. Sure we do." Naruto shrugged, and Hinata gave an affirmative nod.

"You're the only ones. The rest of your friends aren't nearly so trusting, and who can blame them? You guys know nothing about me." Ebi crossed his arms.

Naruto and Hinata stood in silence. It was true… they had taken him for a friend while barely knowing him. They never cared to question why he declared himself a sennin and at worst, they saw him as a bit of an oddball whose eccentricities could be written off as textbook behaviour of a friendly yet socially inept genius.

"The reason I am telling you this, is because you two are directly involved. Everything ties into the ancient scroll the two of you fought so hard to recover from Nergui…" The two remained silent. They obviously remembered the artefact they had risked their lives to reclaim from Nergui, but never knew its significance. "It all began years ago, in a mission given to me by the third Hokage."

"The old man!? He knew about them?!" Naruto gasped, while Hinata watched silently, "What kind of mission did he give you!?"

"An ongoing mission, one that continues to this day." explained Ebi, "The Third Hokage was one of the few people who knew of the existence of MaShin… the fallen empire that once brought this world to the brink of destruction, and the artefact that was said to contain the knowledge that made them so powerful. Such knowledge is too dangerous to be left unchecked… and its contents would be a threat to the world should it fall into the wrong hands. Could you imagine if Orochimaru had acquired it, and achieved the immortality he so desperately seeks?"

Naruto and Hinata shared a glance and both winced at the thought.

"I was the one charged with the task of tracking down the MaShin secrets. In order to ensure secrecy, the mission was strictly kept off-the-record. I took on the label of 'Sennin' as a cover. Similar to Jiraiya, I was exempt from taking part in missions and given the freedom to travel outside the village whenever I deemed necessary… no questions asked."

"HA! I KNEW IT! You really are a fake sennin!" Naruto pointed at Ebi.

"This is NOT the time!" Ebi snapped at him

"Sorry-sorry!" Naruto apologized, "But still, what was all this secrecy for!? That scroll was practically walking distance from the village! Hell… it was so easy to get, you even hired a genin team to pick it up!"

"I am getting to that." explained Ebi, "After uncovering many hidden sources, I discovered the MaShin Empire is very much alive and active… operating in secret. I had joined them and infiltrated deep enough into their ranks to steal that scroll. They marked me for death, and I've been on the run ever since." He frowned. "At one point I was so certain they would catch me, I hastily left the scroll in some abandoned shrine on Gakido Peak… a last ditch attempt to keep it out of their hands a little longer, while I continued to flee. Eventually I made it back home… to Konoha Village."

"And that's when you met me…!" Naruto exclaimed in realization

"News travels further than you might think, and I heard quite a bit about your exploits. Your battles in the Wave Country, your victory against Hyuga Neji and Gaara of the Sand… along with your 'other' abilities." Ebi added. Naruto knew that he was referring to the demon… "I specifically hired your team, and even goaded you into that fight to gauge your level myself. I wanted to see if you would stand a chance if the MaShin got involved, and went as far as to show off my flashiest techniques to make you want to learn them." Naruto's eyes widened at the lengths Ebi went. "When I was satisfied, I went ahead and sent you on the mission. I would remain in Konoha where my pursuers were likely watching for me… and some genin team they had no interest in carried on with its business. Unfortunately… they caught onto the plan, and you got caught up in the fight to reclaim this scroll…" from his bag, Ebi held it up, "The MaShin Scroll."

"That's the scroll we fought for!" gasped Hinata, "So that scroll was really theirs?!"

"The MaShin Empire possesses power beyond anything you can imagine. Technology centuries ahead of our own, military might that dwarfs the Fire Country… and the origin of their power is right here." Ebi held the ancient MaShin scroll. "With this knowledge… you can unleash plagues that can erase nations… construct weapons with the power to annihilate armies… even call demons into this world and bind them into human beings."

"If… if the knowledge inside is so dangerous, why don't you just burn the damn thing?!" Naruto shouted. Hinata stared at him, unsure why that last bit had him so agitated.

"I… was arrogant." Ebi admitted shamefully, "I dared to think that if only I could escape the MaShin long enough to study its secrets, we could wield these powers against them… It was not until you had returned it to me that I could see this scroll for what it truly is…!" Naruto and Hinata could see Ebi quivering. More than anyone, he understood the terrible knowledge contained within. "It offers so much power… so great… so absolute and all-consuming! It… it just isn't meant to be seen by mankind!"

Naruto and Hinata remained silent as Ebi composed himself. Just what had he seen inside the scroll that was capable of driving him into such a state?

"That's when I learned something else…" Ebi clenched his teeth. "I have attempted every known art of destruction our village has, and they were all useless. The MaShin scroll is completely indestructible."

"Oh great. Simply wonderful. I'll keep that in mind the next time I get a mission that involves travelling to Mount Doom…!" Naruto crossed his arms.

"When you had left for your mission to finalize the alliance between Leaf and Mist, I assumed my pursuers were still looking for me in Konoha, so I brought it with me. That was my next mistake, as we all soon learned, they are here too." Ebi frowled. "Now that Yashiro knows I'm in this country, we are all in grave danger. If he thinks I'm staying with the rest of you in Encampment 6… and there would be nothing we could do to stop him." Neither Naruto, Mizurei nor even Kurenai was capable of standing up to Yashiro. "Hinata? I apologize… but I must speak to Naruto alone. What I am about to discuss is classified under direct orders of the Third Hokage. Please, go and get some rest."

"Ano…! I-I…" Hinata looked like she was about to protest. Naruto too looked reluctant for her to leave, but he understood this was a matter of secrecy. As Ebi was their Team's client, she relented… "Goodnight Ebi-san… goodnight… Naruto-kun."

"It'll be alright Hinata…" Naruto said gently, "I'll find you in the camp, okay?" She nodded and made her way back to the encampment.

After Hinata left, Ebi made absolutely certain that no one was listening before he continued "When you fought the MaShin, have you ever used the power of your demon?"

"Once… when I fought Nergui. I never got the chance to use it against Yashiro." said Naruto, "But then… even when I used the fox's chakra, the instant Nergui unleashed his own demon, he was stronger. It was only by some miracle we won."

"The MaShin Empire's ranks are filled with demon carriers, and among them Nergui is only considered average. The demon he carries should be no match for the Kyubi… ordinarily that is." explained Ebi, "No matter how powerful the Kyubi is, the method in which it was sealed into you is different." He looked down at Naruto's stomach, "The Fourth Hokage's seal was created solely to keep the demon imprisoned. A tiny portion of the fox's chakra seeps through, but you must keep your emotions in check or risk the demon being set loose. The MaShin soldiers have no such concern." Ebi's eyes narrowed, "The binding methods used by the Empire allows for the full power of the demon to flow through. What's more, the demons they summoned into this world are willingly bound to their warriors, knowing their power will be used for carnage and slaughter. As a result, the MaShin soldiers can fight without any restraint." Ebi closed his eyes, " As for Yashiro… he is among the empire's very best."

"Then it's hopeless!" Naruto looked down. Whenever an enemy proved too strong for him, he could always count on the powers of the Kyubi to pull him through. But if his ability to harness the powers of a demon was below that of the average MaShin soldier, what could he expect to do against the likes of Yashiro who outclassed him in every single aspect?

"There is a way…" smiled Ebi. "In order to fight MaShin, we must use their knowledge against them." he straightened his glasses, "I am confident in my ability to craft weapons, and I will put my skills to the test. You may not be able to channel the full power of Kyubi, but what if we were to construct a weapon that allows it?"

"You can do that…?" Naruto gasped, "How…?" His question was answered when Ebi held up the scroll, and Naruto immediately understood.

"No one is more heavily involved with demons than the MaShin Empire. They have the ability to summon and merge them with living humans, so it's not a stretch to think they have the technology to create weapons that utilize the power of demons as well. However…" Ebi looked down, "To create a demonic weapon will require much time and effort, as well as a number of rare components. Of course, I do have the necessary ingredients to craft just about any weapon in the scroll, except for one… the most powerful one of all…" he scowled, "There is a weapon that requires a rare metal that possesses unique properties that affect demons… so scarce that it has reached legendary status. It is said that the first Hokage once owned a necklace made with that legendary metal, a huge chunk of it no less. If only we had that mineral, even just a piece the size of a grain of sand… I can create a weapon holding powers we can only imagine…"

"You mean this?" Naruto held up the necklace he got from Tsunade

"SWEET HOLY HELL!" Ebi screamed, nearly suffering a heart attack. "LET ME SEE THAT!" he grabbed it and examined it closely, "This… this is the real thing…! How did you…?"

"Heh! I guess you can say it was a gift from Tsunade-obachan!" Naruto grinned.

"I see… and with this much of the metal, we can make a truly incredible weapon…!" said Ebi, "But I also understand that it may hold sentimental value as well. Whether you would want it to be used to make a weapon, it's your choice. I can just make another weapon without it. Whatever decision you make, I will respect it."

"Hmmm…" Naruto looked down. The necklace he had won from Tsunade was his symbol of victory in mastering the rasengan… but so much was at stake. Yashiro's plot was coming into fruition, and they were powerless to stop him. They needed it. "Ebi… if I give this to you, can you really make a weapon as great as you say?"

"I swear on my life." Ebi answered, "With this mineral, I will forge the strongest weapon you will ever see… one that unleashes the full might of the nine tails in every swing. A blade that only you can wield."

"Then take it." Naruto pulled off his necklace and handed it over. Ebi held it carefully in his hand, as if it were the most valuable treasure he had ever laid his eyes on. Though Naruto felt some regret for giving up such a precious necklace, he decided that in a way it wasn't really being destroyed, but reborn…

"I promise you, you will not regret this decision." Ebi spoke, eyeing the necklace.

"Ebi… I want you to know something though…" Naruto said seriously. "MaShin is too powerful, and the only way we can stand any chance is to turn their own powers against them. But… to use knowledge from that scroll…" he glared at the thing he had fought so hard for, not knowing its evil, "We are doing this out of pure necessity. After this, I don't want anything more to do with that scroll. Even if whatever secrets locked inside could give us the power to utterly crush MaShin… I refuse to use it."

"You have no idea how glad I am to hear you say that." To Naruto's surprise, Ebi smiled. "I have no intention of handing it over to the Leaf. Now that the Third has passed, I can no longer trust Central to treat it with the proper caution… or 'factions' I know will try to use it." He scowled, thinking of a certain bandaged old man, "In the short term, we would gain the power to match the MaShin… but at what cost? It won't end there. Once they start using these powers, they'll become addicted. How long till we start unleashing it against other villages? Other countries? Against the world? We won't defeat the MaShin Empire… we'll turn into them." Even if the weapon designs weren't the most potent secrets contained within, they were already taking a risk by opening this scroll. "Once our work here is complete and we return to the village… I will resume my efforts to destroy this scroll and end this curse on humanity." Looking at Naruto's face, Ebi could see that he was very tired. "You must be exhausted after everything that's happened today. Get some rest, while I get to work. Good night, Naruto…"

"Good night Ebi." Naruto nodded, turned around and left.

Ebi moved deeper into the forest until he reached a rocky area with few trees. This was a good location to work. Ebi closed his eyes and took a deep breath, steeling his thoughts as he prepared to gaze upon the contents. If he got careless for even a moment, he could lose his mind and his soul. He began to recite a series of strange words in a strange, unknown language as the world around him began to recoil. All the creatures that inhabited the woods went silent, the sounds of nature ceased and even the wind seemed to stop. Something about these words was so incomprehensibly vile.

Ebi's lips cracked and bled while his tongue burned like fire as the words left his mouth. The bindings began to glow and unlock, and the MaShin Scroll unravelled. As he pulled open the scroll, a ghastly red light emanated from the words, and Ebi's eyes began to bleed as he gazed into the forbidden knowledge within…

Naruto entered the village once more. Many of the houses had been burned down, and people had formed makeshift shelters with the materials they had left, whatever they could do to keep a roof over their head. As he was looking for the other Konoha nins, he was suddenly stopped by Kurenai. "Naruto." she spoke

"Hai, Kurenai-sensei?" Naruto replied

"Come with me. I would like to have a talk with you." she motioned him to follow. Naruto let out an audible groan. He was exhausted and just wanted to sleep…!

She led him to an isolated area within the encampment. Knowing there was no one around, she turned to him. "Today, I fought the man who had injured Mizurei… the same man you intend to fight." Naruto looked surprised. She fought Yashiro? "I am ashamed to say, it went poorly. If it weren't for the assistance of my student, I would not be here now." She then gave him a stern look. "Today, a man who was not even a ninja with zero knowledge about chakra was able to break my Genjutsu. I questioned Ebi-san and received no answers… answers, I'm certain you have."

"What's there to know? You lost because he was stronger than you. Join the club." Naruto scoffed, his arms crossed and eyes shifting to the side. Kurenai could see he knew what she wanted to know, and he wasn't intending to say anything. However, she had her own ways of extracting the truth from him…

"We have another pressing matter to discuss…" Kurenai spoke firmly to him, "That matter being… what exactly is going on between you and Hinata."

"Ah…!" Naruto gasped, his eyes opened wide, "W… what are you talking about? H-heh…! There's nothing going on between us…"

"I am not blind Naruto." She said sternly. "Throughout this mission, I have watched the two of you. You've grown very close… perhaps even fallen for one another…"

"EI!?" Naruto's pulse suddenly skyrocketed, "T… that isn't…! And even if it was, that's none of your…!"

"It is my business if it concerns my student!" Kurenai silenced him, "If getting involved with you means she will be placed in further danger, then it will be my responsibility to separate you for her own safety." She finished, leaving Naruto trembling.

"I… understand." Naruto calmed himself, staring at the ground. "It's the demon… that's what's bothering you, isn't it?" Kurenai was surprised by this question. While the demon inside Naruto was certainly a concern, she didn't expect him to go out and say it. Where was he going with this? "You are right to be concerned. Even caged up inside me, it always attracts trouble, and Yashiro has taken interest in me for that reason." he looked up at her, and Kurenai's eyes began to widen "…because they are like me."

Kurenai let out an audible gasp, "Are you saying…?"

"The people who attacked the village, the man Hinata and I fought, and the one I seek to challenge right now… they all carry demons within them." said Naruto, "If Yashiro was immune to your genjutsu, then Ebi was telling the truth. He was indeed too powerful to be affected by a human mind, because the mind you attacked was that of a demon."

"All this time… they were…!" Kurenai was at a loss for words "And Hinata? She knew?!"

"She knew nothing. Hinata is innocent. I'm the only one to blame." Naruto tried his best to protect her by directing all of the blame to himself. "I kept lying to everyone because I didn't want anyone to find out. I wanted to fight them all myself… so that way, no one would ever have to know." he looked down, knowing how childish his answer sounded. "You're right to want to take Hinata away… getting involved with me is dangerous… but she… I…" he clenched his fist, he simply didn't know what to say.

"Just what does she mean to you?" asked Kurenai

"Hinata… is my friend… more loyal and devoted than anyone I know." Naruto spoke, "More than anyone, I respect her for her inner strength. She has stood by me through everything, and I care deeply about her for that reason. I know that I am not the strongest shinobi… and chances are, I may not even live to make it home… but…" he looked up at Kurenai, "Hinata means more to me than anyone in the world… and I'd sooner die than allow any harm to reach her."

"Hmmm…" Kurenai looked down. Naruto's answers about the demon vessels has left her with even more anxiety than before. She had understood that these enemies were strong, but she didn't realize just how far their power extended until now, but… "I have seen your honesty and determination, and I must say, I am pleased." she said, surprising him. "It is for that reason I shall entrust her to you."

"E… entrust her to me…?" Naruto stared at Kurenai… his face growing red at those words…

"I may be her assigned instructor, but I cannot always be around to protect her from harm." Said Kurenai, "Whenever that time comes, I trust you to take care of her."'

"Then I will swear on it, by my way of the ninja." Naruto placed his hand over his heart.

"Very good." Kurenai said with a serious but sincere smile. Looking at him, she could see that Naruto was clearly exhausted, "You should go get some rest now. Good night." As Naruto walked off, Kurenai thought back on her words. Naruto's reaction was understandable, depending on how you interpreted what she meant by 'entrusting' Hinata to him… Kurenai smiled, "Hinata chose well. I know you will not disappoint me."

After searching for a while, Naruto found the area where the other Konoha nins were resting. He could see Hinata, who was sleeping soundly right now. Sitting down next to her, he smiled fondly as he looked down at her, brushing a few strands of hair away from her face. Naruto yawned and then lay down beside her, his eyes begun to close… "Goodnight… Hinata…" he said one last time before drifting off…

"IT'S BULLCRAP! I missed all the action!" Kiba's loud voice suddenly shouted, and Naruto's eyes opened wide.

"I just don't understand what you're so mad about, Kiba." Shino replied, "You fought plenty of soldiers while you were here."

"That's right, soldiers! A fancy word for 'nameless henchmen who die in one hit'! While I was mopping up trash, you guys took on the real boss!" Kiba huffed.

"We almost died! You were lucky to have not taken part in that fight! How could you be upset about missing it?" Shino said in disbelief

"Because…! Ara? Naruto?" Kiba just noticed him, "Hey Naruto!" Naruto grumbled and sat up, glaring at Kiba. "What happened just now? What did Kurenai-sensei call you out for?"

"Nothing much," Naruto said sleepily, "Ebi didn't satisfy her, so she called me out to have a 'little talk'. I gave her what she wanted, and she said she was pleased. Didn't look like she was faking either…" Naruto plopped down on the floor and fell asleep.

"WHAAAAAAAAT!?" Kiba screamed, absolutely shocked by those words… getting a completely different idea of what he meant. "Holy shit…! I've never known this side of Kurenai-sensei…! AND WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE YOU!?" he screamed in jealousy.

"Don't misunderstand Kiba, it is nothing like that." Said Shino, "After seeing Naruto-kun and Hinata spending all this time together, most likely Kurenai-sensei wanted to make sure that he would be good enough for her…"

"Oh really…?" Kiba stared at him, and then growled. Lunging down at Naruto, he grabbed him by the shirt and lifted him up, "YOU BASTARD! SO MY HOT TEACHER WASN'T ENOUGH FOR YOU, AND NOW YOU'RE PIMPING ON HINATA!?" he shouted. His growls became even louder when he saw Naruto was snoring, with some drool hanging from the corner of his mouth and a snot bubble at his nose… "OI! WAKE UP DAMMIT!" He began slapping Naruto over and over. "…ara?" Kiba stopped when he saw Naruto had woken up…

"GRRRRRRR…" Naruto growled

KAPOW!

Shino looked up into the air, feeling rather impressed by the height Kiba reached while Naruto dropped to the floor and went back to sleep.

(Meanwhile)

"I swear…! They'll pay for this! They will rue the day they crossed me…!" Limping through the forest using the empty sheath of his katana for support, Kirishaku was making his way back towards the Mist capital. "Next time I'll bring an army…! No! I'll hire missing-nins! The most vicious ones I can find! And then…!"

"Are you quite done?" a voice spoke. Kirishaku looked up to see a figure standing in his path. A thin man with catlike eyes…

"Who are you?" asked Kirishaku

"In this land, I am but a humble palace guard…" Kintentsu gave a courteous bow, smiling happily. "But I come to you now as a messenger from Yashiro."

"Yashiro?" hearing that name, Kirishaku straightened up. "What does he have to say?"

"He says you have played your role splendidly, but now you are of no further use to us." Maoyan answered happily, "He also expresses his deepest regrets that he could not be the one to kill you himself!"

"W-what!?" Kirishaku gasped, "But Yashiro is my most trusted…!"

"In order for our plan to proceed." Maoyan raised his hand, causing Kirishaku to jump back as lightning suddenly began crackling at his fingertips…! "You will have to die!" he suddenly darted towards Kirishaku…

Across the night sky, a blood curdling scream echoed throughout the land…

(In front of the Mist Capital)

"Hmm? What's this?" A guard on patrol noticed something on the ground. It was difficult to see through the heavy mist. As he approached it carefully, he shone his lantern onto the figure, "AH…!" he gasped, nearly dropping his light as he gasped in shock… "T… THAT'S…" turning around, he ran away. He had to alert everyone!

As more guards arrived, many of them recoiled in horror while several vomited. The man who lay ahead of them was in multiple smoking pieces, while his face had been left fully intact. It was none other than the brutalized remains of Kirishaku.

"T… this is…!" one of the guards gasped, as a medic examined the shredded corpse. "Who… what kind of monster could have done this…?"

"H… his death was slow. They tortured and ripped him apart." the medic spoke, trying to keep composed. "T… these wounds… this was not done by human hands… nor man-made weapons…" all over his body were signs of powerful electric shocks and cuts that could have only been inflicted by claws. "There is only one thing that could have killed him in such a way. Bloodline powers…"

"It… it was them! They actually did it…!" the guards began to tremble in outrage… "THOSE MONSTERS HAVE MURDERED KIRISHAKU!"

Throughout the city, houses and buildings were lighting up, as people were running onto the streets. News of Kirishaku's death was spreading like wildfire, and before long, everyone in that city knew what had happened.

"IT WAS THE FREAKS! THEY KILLED HIM IN COLD BLOOD!"

"THIS IS AN OUTRAGE! WE WILL NOT STAND FOR IT!"

"HE TRIED TO WARN US! HE TRIED TO WARN US, AND THEY MURDERED HIM FOR IT!"

All over the city, similar statements could be heard. Earlier tonight, every single sensor had been triggered which meant the Bloodlined freaks had broken the law and activated their powers. There could be no other explanation!

Standing from above, watching the scene of public outrage spread through the people, Yashiro smiled. Kirishaku had actually done something useful for a change! By attacking the Encampments and killing a number of them, the Bloodlines were feeling the exact same anger towards the people of the Water Country! "Truly these people amuse me to no end…" He laughed as the people continued to dance on his palm, "Everything is going exactly as planned…"

The MaShin plot is coming ever closer into fruition, as the attack against the Bloodline Encampments and the death of Kirishaku has successfully stoked the flame of mutual hatred and moved this land ever closer to war. Despite Naruto's effort to train and defeat Yashiro, even resorting to using the dark sciences of the MaShin… it may already be too late to stop the conflict…

(To Be Continued)