Katon: Gyuki no Jutstu: Jutsu
"Naruto!": Bijuu talk
'Naruto!': Bijuu thoughts
'Naruto!': character thoughts
"Naruto!": Regular speech
[tragedy: an event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress, such as a serious accident, crime, or natural catastrophe.]
Sunlight reflected off the kunai shaped dark structure. Illuminating many names of Konoha Shinobi who had fallen in battle. Ninjas like Minato Namikaze, Ikkaku Umino, and Obito Uchiha to name a few. Kakashi was currently paying his daily respects. He stood still in front of the memorial stone, lost in his thoughts and memories. This was the closest thing to therapy he had. And because of that the Jounin was very contemptuous with his own silence. Isolation was no stranger to the grown man.
This tranquil setting around the memorial could be found nowhere else in Konoha truthfully. Observing his reflection in the depressing monument one last time the Jounin left and took a stroll through the graveyard. He planned to greet his deceased father but another presence in the yard caught his attention. A teenage boy surrounded by three young dogs. He was lighting a candle that was buried in the grave. Finicking with a kunai as his eyesight never left the tomb. Judging by the marks upon his face Kakashi connected the dots and assumed that he was an Inuzuka. The dogs surrounded the boy and kept watch diligently, particularly focusing their attention upon the twenty-eight year old. Maybe Kakashi could catch up with his father on a later date; right now he had a team waiting for him at training ground three. While fleeing the scene Kakashi couldn't help eavesdropping.
"Good morning Tou-san, Hana couldn't make it today. She's working a double shift in the hospital under Tsunade-sama's watch. But she hasn't forgotten about you. She told me to inform you that she is doing her utmost best to be a kunoichi that you'd be proud of. I finally taught Akamaru how to throw shuriken with his tail also!" Kakashi decided to tune out the Inuzuka's ramblings, comfort is different for everybody.
000
"He is late again! This is seriously unprofessional for a Jounin." Sakura complained as she balanced herself in the middle of a lake. To pass time on waiting for her sensei she decided to perform an exercise Naruto advised her to do. He claims that if she took time to explore her chakra network then her jutsus would be stronger.
"Forgive our sensei Sakura. He's paying respects to the dead." Her Uzumaki teammate informed as he threw kunais at her, forcing the girl to hop out of the way. A favor that he himself took upon to do. This time one of the knives he hurled sliced off small strands of her pink hair, luckily Sakura dodged by ducking at the last second. Unfortunately she lost her concentration. Causing her to submerge into the lake.
"Are you trying to kill me you knucklehead!?" The kunoichi accused, as she pulled herself out of the body of water.
"I could throw the kunai underhanded if you want." Naruto's snarky remark made Sakura suppress a very strong urge to hit him. Sasuke, who was on the sidelines, paid little attention to the duo as he scrutinized his sword with his mature sharingan. If one were to pay attention to the Uchiha closely, the faintest of smiles would be seen portrayed on his face. It was at this moment Kakashi decided to arrive.
"Goodmorning my cute little genin, gather around." The trio stood front and center as they paid attention in unison.
"What's the routine for today sensei?" Sakura asked as she formed a ram hand seal. Surging chakra all throughout her pores to expel all forms of liquid that clung to her clothes.
"Well first will start our morning routing by heading to the Hokage tower. To start our day with a nice and refreshing d-rank mission." Sasuke grew uneasy as for the past week team seven had been completing D-ranks. Well mostly him and Sakura had to complete these boring tasks. Naruto refused to help when it came to menial chores like painting fences, or restocking a civilian's fridge.
A trait Sasuke turned a blind eye too. Sakura, on the other hand, was quite miffed at first. Eventually she grew to accept his choice every time her eyes landed upon the scar that ran down his left eye. With no complaint or objection the squad marched back into the village. Heading straight for the Kage tower.
000
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in his kage throne as he chatted with his last two loyal students. A saucer of sake swished around in his hands as he listened to Tsunade's medical reports.
"After Shizune's recent Jounin promotion, I've decided to entrust her with the second in command position regarding the Hospital. Hana and Ino are developing quite nicely but Ino shows impressive strides. Fatal injuries have decreased by thirty percent according to my comparison with last last year's report. Sensei I think it's time to implement the medic regime as circular in the academy." Tsunade read off a paper clip board as she enjoyed her Yamanaka alcohol.
"I remember you pushing for that idea before you defected Tsunade-hime. I wonder why it was never established." Jiraiya added onto the conversation as he also read the manuscripts on his own paper clip board.
"It was in time of war, Jiraiya-kun. At the time it was more important for students to pick up a kunai and fight, than to cultivate their ability to nurture." Hiruzen greatly enjoyed moments like this. Conversation with his students really did make the old man reminisce of the old times, the times when he had all three of his genins.
"Jiji we have arrived!" Naruto energetically bursted through the door with his team following in tow.
"Brat, what have I told you about respecting your superiors. You call sensei Hokage-sama when you're in this building, got it?" Tsunade scolded as a vein gradually started to reveal itself on her forehead. Naruto laughed as he placed his hands behind his head.
"I'll never change my ways Baa-chan, dattebayo!" Tsunade shot up from her chair as she rolled back her sleeve menacingly. At this moment Sasuke took a step in front of Naruto, cutting off the slug sannin from committing whatever kind of punishment she had in mind.
"Oh I see you also need to be taught some manners too Uchiha." A sour face expression formed on the boy's face as if he had swallowed a lime. But the Genin still somehow managed to form an awkward smirk.
"Bring it." Luckily resounding laughter from both Hiruzen and Jiraiya eased the atmosphere drastically. Sakura let out a breath of relief that she had no idea she was holding.
"Calm down Tsunade-hime, Naruto's nicknames are terms of endearment that I allow. Now I assume team seven is here for a mission?"
"Yes Hokage-sama. Team seven reporting for our daily D -rank mission." Kakashi stood front and center as he addressed his leader.
"Ahh lets see what we have here. Would your Genin like to paint 's fences? Or wouldyou like to capture Tora again? It seems that slippery cat has gotten loose once more." Hiruzen continued to suggest more mundane tasks as he sorted through his desk full of scrolls with D's printed upon them.
"Kakashi we need to take on a C-rank mission. These chores are not suited for capable Shinobi like us." Sasuke demanded before he was stuck with even more house chores.
"I agree with Teme. We've been hammering out D-rank missions this whole month! We need excitement, Kakashi not boredom." Naruto added his two cents.
Kakashi's gaze landed on Sakura. His attention prompted the girl to voice her own opinion.
"A change of scenery would be nice Sensei." Sakura stated.
"Looks like team seven has come to a unanimous vote for a C-rank mission. I don't see why we should deprive them of the experience, Sensei." Jaraiya vouching for the squad brought smiles upon the Genin faces (except Sasuke). Hiruzen had agreed wholeheartedly so he decided to ping his assistant.
"Send in Tazuna." A grey-haired, bespectacled man with a large beard and dark eyes walked through the wore a sleeveless v-neck shirt with an obi, pants and a pair of sandals. He also carried a towel around his neck and wore a pointed hat on his head.
"So these are my escorts? They're all a bunch of kids!" Tazuna tried his best to act professional but his flushed face was a clear give away that he was intoxicated.
"Great as if we didn't have enough drunk adults in this room." Sasuke's off-handed comment ignited Tsunade's wrath.
"What was that brat!"
"Sasuke!" Sakura cried out in terror as she consoled the Uchiha who was now sitting on the floor. Nursing his head. Naruto stood by in shock. In all the years he knew his best friend this was the first time he saw the avenger be humbled. It was uncomfortably humiliating.
000
Tazuna eyeballed a crimson apple. Currently he was restocking on provisions before he regrouped with team seven. After being introduced to his carriers the silver haired Jounin instructed him to rendezvous at the north gate in three hours. Tazuna had let out a stressed sigh. He was grateful for the three hours as he needed it to shake off his drunkenness.
But in all honesty the man wasn't quite ready to leave this beautiful village. The civilians here lived in a tone of tranquility. Vastly different from the daily oppressions he was accustomed too. Placing the apple in his plastic bag he went to the vendor merchant. He bought an assortment of breads and lunch boxes.
'Good I have just enough ryo for the boat ride into Wave. Time's almost up..might as well make my way over there.' When the old man arrived at the north gate he found the three familiar children conversingating casually. Their backs facing towards him as they were huddled together. Naruto snapped his attention towards Tazuna before being followed by Sasuke, then Sakura.
"Goodmorning Tazuna-san! Hope you're ready to travel all the way back to your country." Sakura waved at him as she greeted the bridge builder.
'How did they know I was approaching. No way they could hear my footsteps. I'm way too far away for that.' Tazuna decided to bury his curiosity and label their actions as 'ninja senses.'
"Your leader is late." The old man rebuttals as he shoots an accusing finger towards them. Not even a second later Kakahi landed behind him.
"No worries Tazuna-san I'm quite punctual when it comes to my profession. Sakura blanched at Kakashi's words but before she could object Naruto intervened.
"Yata! Finally it's time to get this show on the road!" Naruto took lead confidentiality. Kakashi gave a nod of his nod to Izumo and Kotetsu as he and his squad bypassed them. For a while the group traveled in silence.
Kakashi, Naruto, and Sasuke stayed on high alert. Sakura was busy brainstorming future paths she should take for her career. A genjutsu specialist interested her but having an Uchiha on the team made that role quite useless. The second option that crossed her mind was becoming a medical nin. She wondered if she had what it takes to be on Tsunade's level of expertise. She was cut out of her musing by a gentle nudge from Naruto.
"Incase if you're back is against the wall, use this explosion tag. I modified it to create a super big explosion! You should keep your distance before you use it if you don't want to get caught in the fire." Naruto retrieved a yellow paper that was attached to kunai. The piece of paper was designed with intricate markings and was about the same size as a normal tag.
"Aww thanks whiskers." Naruto stiffened at the nickname.
"No. I forbid you from calling me that!" After he finished forbidding Sakura, Naruto crossed his arms to form an X. Sakura laughed.
"You know Ino told me that you're self conscious of your whiskers. You should embrace that rare feature of yours." Sakura said. Naruto perked up after realizing who she hinted to.
"You went to see Ino?"
"Yeah after having our talk when we trained that day. I've come to realize that maybe our friendship was on the rocks because of my cold feet." A confectionery smile graced Sakura. A smile that was contagious. Soon she had Naruto mimicking her action.
"That's great to hear cherry blossom." Sakura shook her head. Some nicknames worked, others did not.
000
Tazuna and the gang traveled across the land fire at moderate speeds. They had made good time for traveling with a civilian. Finally they arrived at a discreet dock. Where Tazuna had a conversation with a fisherman. There the bridge builder swindled his way into a good deal by paying for a one way boat ride into his village. The land of waves. The paranoid fisherman steering his dinghy boat, which had seen like it had enough adventures.
In Sakura's opinion the trip was lackluster. Until they passed by a giant unfinished bridge it reminded her of a hand dusting away as it reaches for nothingness.
"So this is your project Tazuna? Wow you really did earn your bridge building title." The redhead whistled at the impressive project. The sheer size of the construction could have anybody admiring it. The dingy they were in was at least the size of each column holding up the bridge.
"Hush! I can't believe I have to order ninja to quiet down. This is a huge favor I'm doing for you Tazuna and I refuse to get caught for it." The captain of the boat hissed in a subdued tone.
'Hn that must be why he hasn't turned on his motor.' Sasuke thought offhandedly as he continued to stare into the fog. Soon after they entered a tunnel that was constructed with blue bricks. At the end of the tunnel shined a bright light. Passing through the ways of sunshine they ended up in Tazuna's home town. A small fishing village with the majority of buildings being supported by stilts in the sea. Boardwalks were used as pathways.
But what really caught Sasuke's eyes was a male civilian that was observing him and his squad for a little too long. Eventually the raven haired teen dismissed him. It must not be everyday this village gets tourists of the ninja kind.
"There should be a path to my house right about this way." Tazuna said as he hopped off of the boat. His bone's ached as his joints popped and crackled while he stretched. With team seven taking guard, Tazuna led the band of Shinobi to his humble abode.
000
"Gato-sama! It looks as if Tazuna returned with reinforcements. I also believe that his bodyguards are shinobi!" The conspicuous man who was stalking team seven earlier; had now barged into a room that was occupying a meeting. A meeting between Gato, founder of Gato Company, and his hired mercenary rogue ninja employees.
"Shinobi you say? That sneaky rat Tazuna, oh well they will be dealt with." Gato who was currently enjoying a meal spat out threats cockily.
"Ninja from what village?" Zabuza, an ex member of the Legendary Seven Swordsmen, asked the informant.
"They had leaves carved into their headbands. I think they are Konoha ninja." replied the informant. Zabuza retrieved a bingo book from his back pocket. He started flipping through pages before he handed it to the spy.
"Stop reading at page thirty-five. See if any of those ninja look familiar." The bland looking man started sorting through the pages. Until he took a pause at a certain data entry.
"I'm certain he was one of the ninja's guarding Tazuna." His shaky voice didn't instill confidence but Zabubza did not care. Fear makes people less likely to inform incorrectly. Especially when that fear is being forced upon you by Zabuza himself. Gato to a lesser extent, his presence was still commanding..to some degree. Gato was a man with a short temper that made questionable decisions on a whim. Truly a monster in his own right.
"Kakashi the copy cat nin huh? Gozu, Meizu, follow me. We are going to nick this problem right now before the Konoha ninja can settle. Haku we're going to prepare for war, something tells me that your kekkei genkai will be needed."
"Yes Zabuza-sama." And with that the Kiri nin left Gato Headquarters to greet the Konoha shinobi with a warm welcome.
000
"It's been four years since we last saw our little Uchiha friend. Look, he's all grownup!" The white half of zetsu said in a playful tone. Unfortunately his narrative feedback got on his other half's nerves greatly. The designated spy for the terrorist was connected to a tree limb. He kind of resembled a seedling sprouting its first stem.
"Could you speak any louder you simpleton? I need to know if my gift is being put to good use. and with all of your yammering I might miss the results."
"Why did we even fork over that taijutsu scroll to him in the first place?" Black Zetsu withheld a very heavy sigh. He knew he didn't need to entertain his other half's consistent questions. The only reason why he does is so that he can discover obvious flaws in any of his schemes.
"That Uchiha will bring forth a commanding presence in the Shinobi world. All he needs is a little push." The plantlike akatsuki member continued to follow team seven in the shadows.
"He's probably not thinking about you at all."
"Can you just shut up now."
000
The trek to Tazuna's house had been uneventful so far. Kakashi being a veteran member of team seven, did not favor the normalcy. No, danger would likely reveal itself right about now. When genin are lax and not expecting a thing.
"Kakashi I sense two presences hidden up the road and two other ninja hidden in the trees nearby. Judging by the potency of the chakra signatures it seems like one Jounin and three Chunin." Naruto spoke up. The redhead retrieved a kunai and subtly took the lead after he announced that.
"Sakura get in front of Tazuna and protect him. Naruto, Sasuke you two will deal with the Chunin threats. I'll take care of the Jounin threat." Kakashi put away his Icha-Icha series as he got ready for battle.
"I'll take the two hidden up ahead of the trail." Sasuke announced lowly as he rested his hand upon his tanto. His Uchiha blood rushed with eagerness at the thought of battle.
"I'll deal with the one in the trees I guess." Naruto secured his hitate more as he bit down on the handle of his kunai. Rookies fresh from the academy were about to encounter their first battle with enemy ninja, what a rush. Sasuke and Naruto were determined to win. Sakura was anxious but kept her mind on the mission objective. A giant cleaver sword was sent hurtling toward the squad but it was easily swatted with Naruto's chains.
Shock ran through Zabuza's face as he saw his executioner blade easily dismissed by a mere Genin. Acting fast he brought his fingers up to his ears to turn on his communicator.
"Haku. I want you to take on the redhead. Kill him immediately, permission to use your kekkei genkai is and Miezu kill the Uchiha." After the rogue Jounin barked his orders over the microphone. His subordinates immediately went on to attack.
"You got it boss!"
"You got it boss!"
Gozu and Meizu simultaneously yelled out their coffirmatives. The duo jumped out of the puddle to bisect Sasuke in half with a metal chain that connected the two of them. Sasuke smirked as he unsheathed his tanto. Syphoning lighting chakra into his blade. The avenger took a swing at the chain. Smoothly severing the wire of metal in half. The two brothers drifted apart from each other, surprised they weren't connected anymore.
Naruto's sixth sense was on high alert as he shifted his foot to avoid a single needle made out of ice. One senbon turned into two. Two turned into ten. Eventually the weapons multiplied enough that the redhead couldn't count them all. Irritation showed on the jinchuriki's face immediately. The next action he decided to do was jump head first into the forest to seek out this hidden assailant. Naruto was tired of the needles and he wanted them to end now.
Meanwhile Zabuza landed by his sword and picked it up. Pointing it straight to Kakashi's head as if to declare war.
"Copy Cat ninja Kakashi Hatake. Your luck will not save you today! You're protecting a very valuable person over there and unfortunately for you I need to eliminate him." Zabuza took a couple steps forward, never breaking eye contact. Kakashi looked behind him and signaled Sakura to take Tazuna away.
"Oh I see. Well our client Tazuna cannot die today." Kakashi lifted his hitai-ate to reveal his sharingan.
"So we've come to a disagreement."Zabuza's shoulders tensed. His grip on the blade tightened.
"It seems so." Kakashi took a step forward. With no more words shared between the two men. They clashed.
000
The brothers looked wickedly wary as they gave each other nod before running circles around the Uchiha.
Suiton: Suidan no Jutsu
Suiton: Suidan no Jutsu
Powerful torrents of water pinched the Uchiha. Sasuke wasn't worried as he effortlessly replaced himself with a log. Coming out of the forest nearby he sheathed his weapon and activated his mature sharingan. Oh how much did the Uchiha love activating his dojutsu. From the way how easily he could read the panicked breaths of Gozu. To how the leaves rustled in the wind. Everything just seemed clear. Holding out his hand in a taunting motion, Sasuke tried to aggravate both of his opponents with a grin on his smile. He really liked playing with his food.
"Gozu, he has the sharingan, don't look him in the eyes!" Sasuke let out an offended scoff before he rushed into Meizu with a kick forcing the Chunin to take a step back.
Then he had to twist his head to dodge a hook thrown by Sasuke. Gozu appeared from behind the Uchiha and took a swing at his cranium with his giant metal gauntlet.
Sasuke dropped low and stabbed Gozu with a kunai right into his torso, ending a water clone's life. His combo wasn't finished as he twisted and swept Meizu's legs, who was still recovering his balance.
Now on the floor Meizu panicked and threw a couple shuriken at Sasuke's neck. The avenger caught the stars easily and threw them right back. Landing all of the metal projectiles into Meizu's thighs, severing veins.
"Get away from my brother you little shit!" Gozu threw some kunai attached to paper bombs with deadly precision. His accuracy was spot on but unfortunately for him Sasuke had seen the attack come from a mile away.
Dropping to the floor he grabbed Meizu before he could stand and used his body as shield from the minor explosions. Painful gasps were heard from Gozu as the Uchiha threw Meizus body away so effortlessly.
Before Sasuke was about to end this battle a huge explosion in the distance stopped him dead in his tracks.
Gozu was also distracted by the explosion,but he brought his attention back upon the Uchiha. Unfortunately for him he looked right into Sasuke's sharingan in the process. Everything then went black.
'I hope that was Kakashi's jutsu.' Sasuke grimly thought as he proceeded to tie up Gozu's unconscious body.
000
Naruto was in a staring contest with his masked foe. Standing on a branch that belonged to a towering tree. He was about five meters in the air, the way he stood reminded Naruto of an owl. The fake hunter nin observed Naruto's every move as his long hair fluttered in the wind.
"So you're the one who keeps hurling those tiny needles! If you actually think those senbon could kill me then you're in for a serious wake up call." The jinchuriki goaded his opponent. Haku did not respond verbally but instead with action. Said ninja started to weave hand signs with just his right hand.
Hyoton: Makyō Hyōshō
His chilling voice was heard throughout the forest. A mirror made of ice then formed directly behind the redhead. His assailant zoomed out of it with a kunai in hand. If Naruto wasn't a sensor he for sure would have been stabbed in the neck right then and there.
Dodging the attempt at his life Naruto retrieved a kunai of his own and parried Haku's slashes. After two countered jabs Haku decided to engage with taijutsu.
Each punch Haku threw was met with Naruto's knuckles, elbows or shin. The shinobi from Kiri was sweating bullets at this point; he wasn't prepared for Naruto to be so proficient at hand to hand combat. He practically buckled against the sheer amount of force behind Naruto's kicks and punches. Finally our whiskered protagonist managed to land a solid punch on Haku's mask.
The punch sent Haku sprawling to the floor. But the masked ninja managed to throw a couple of senbons while falling. His mask however completely shattered on impact.
The sheer speed and accuracy in close proximity overwhelmed Naruto and the needles found themselves in his neck. Haku was shocked seeing the boy turn into a cloud of smoke.
"I didn't expect you to be this skilled. You might actually pose a threat." Haku said as he searched his surroundings for the Uzumaki.
"Ninjas who underestimate their opponents don't last long in this world." Now the roles were reversed. Naruto was looking down upon Haku as he stood on the same branch. But the air of seriousness around the jinchuriki faltered when he noticed Haku's femenine face."Wait I thought you were a guy this whole time!"
Growing tired of his enemy's banter, Haku once again started to weave one handed seals.
Hyoton: Hissatsu Hyōso
The tree Naruto was standing on was torn through with giant ice spikes. One of the spikes managed to skewer the genin. But once again he substituted with a shadow clone, surviving the chilling jutsu. Haku stumbled with his stance as he was now surrounded by an army of shadow clones.
Acting on instinct the ice ninja started to cast his ultimate jutsu. Naruto sensed the massive amounts of chakra build up he was gathering and ordered his doppelgängers to stop him.
Hyōton: Makyō Hyōshō
The group of clones were now surrounded by a dome made of ice mirrors. But Naruto still had the upper hand since he surrounded Zabuza's pupil. A serious bout of taijutsu commenced between the two. Haku spent the next minute weaving and deflecting quick jabs mixed with axe kicks that came from each direction of his surroundings. Suddenly Haku was very glad of the tortuous stamina drills Zabuza had put him through. If he hadn't been fast enough to react to this opponent he would have surely been beaten to a pulp by now.
One clone caught his eye as he soared through the skies, dropping from the heavens. A sealing matrix made out of ink covering his palm. Haku's danger instincts went through the roof so he started to cast a jutsu. Whatever that technique was, he did not want to find out.
Hyōton: Hyōrō no Jutsu
A block of ice formed from the ground up, and ensnared Haku. Naruto then pounced upon the block of ice. A sealing array formed and started to ingrain itself onto the frost..
"If this ice works anything like Gaara's sand then you're surely paralyzed." Naruto dismissed his clones after he finished his verbal observation. A huge explosion went off in the distance. He recognized that power instantly. 'Sakura!' The dome of ice was still up and Naruto scowled.
"Kurama I need you to lend me some chakra!"
"Oh so you finally remember I exist." Naruto was flooded with bijuu chakra. About one's tail worth. Gaining beast-like features upon his face. His nails grew to small claws. Then his stomach expanded to the size of a bowling ball.
Fūton: Diatoppa
Slapping his stomach the young boy burped out ferocious winds. Galestorms threw Haku out of his glacier like a cool breeze carrying loose paper through the air. Shattering the ice dome. Then turning that said ice into crystallized dust. Hurling the mist mercenary right into the canopy. Breaking a few bones as he most certainly flew quite a distance.
'Hehe thanks furball-chan.' An offended scoff was the fox's response. What followed next was Naruto making a b-line straight for where the blast appeared.
000
Zabuza brought down his massive sword in a wide windmill swipe. Kakashi side stepped to the left and thrusted a kunai to Zabuza's head. The ninja ducked down and twirled the kurobicho into a high swing. Attempting to decapitate Kakashi. The leaf Jounin threw his arms into the ground as he bends backwards. His feet clipped Zabuza's chin as he brought both of his legs up for a backflip. The man ate that kick and seemed to respond with anger instead of pain.
Fixing his stance he replicated the form of a batter getting ready to swing. Charging suiton chakra into his blade. Zabuza swung, a mighty wave gushing out the sword. Kakashi was baffled by how quick the demon of the hidden mist could handle such a heavy weapon.
At the last moment the silvered haired man substituted with a log that was ripped apart as if the piece of wood was paper. Seeing an opportunity, Zabuza performed Kiri's signature jutsu.
Kirigakure no Jutsu
Kakashi was about to ram a Raikiri right into his foe's heart. But fortunately..or unfortunately, who knows at this point. He was surrounded by a thick haze. The sharingan became unusable because of the chakra induced covering.
Two clones then attacked both of his blind sides in tandem. The duo tried to bisect him by cleaving his torso front both sides. Thanks to his reflexes Kakashi hopped straight up and kicked both of their heads. Effectively turning them back into water. Another clone entered from the veil of mist. But unfortunately he stepped on an explosive tag that was placed earlier by Kakashi. The jutsu collapsed and the water turned into vapor. Rejoining the thick fog that controlled the setting.
The mist then lightened, allowing Kakashi to see his surroundings more clearly. Then the gray haired man looked towards the direction of Sakura and saw Zabuza running towards her. Acting on instinct he raced to intercept the straggling clone. But was nearly stabbed because he was cut off by Zabuza throwing his executioner blade like it was a kunai! The blade embedded itself in the ground right in front of him. Nonetheless he backpedaled just before he was cripally wounded. His pause in movement was just enough time for Zabuza to finish his A-rank jutsu.
Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu
Rushing waves started to form the structure of a dragon and rose behind him. The jutsu took moisture from the surrounding trees and grass to energize it,leaving behind dried up grass and withering husks. The water dragon then gunned straight for Kakashi. Luckily the veteran Jounin summoned an earth wall to tank the attack. As he was about to go underground, Zabuza vaulted over the wall and sent a drop kick towards his cranium. Kakashi threw himself to the ground and rolled away from the incoming kick. As he got up to engage his foe he found himself trapped in a dome of water.
Suition: Suiro no Jutsu
"It's a good thing you forgot about the puddle my earlier c;lones had left ex-mist Jounin announced Kakashi's foil tauntingly. Suddenly a big explosion combusted behind Zabuza. Even he was surprised by the attack.
"Sakura! I have to get out of here now!" Kakashi banged against the water, trying his best to break through the prison.
"Well it's over Hatake, after you drown I'll go on to finish off your brats." Zabuza gave no mercy to his exiled man relished having Kakashi under his bidding so much that he almost did not notice the intrusion on his chakra network. Unsheathing his Kubikiribōchō, Zabuza clashed his sword against Sasuke's tanto.
Little did he know the Uchiha's blade was charged with lightning chakra, so he managed to cut right through the legendary weapon. Managing to leave a large bleeding gash on his back in the process.. His spine felt like it was on fire as he canceled to the water prison.
Kakashi fell to the floor harshley as he let out a crippling cough. After he threw up some water he brought his attention right back onto his female genint. Naruto flew by wickledy fast as he investigated in her direction. There was no time to relax on the battlefield. The retired Anbu captain then got back onto his two feet. Kakashi was confident that Naruto could handle whatever situation Sakura had gotten herself into`.( then grabbed a summoning scroll from his front pocket on his the roll of paper Kakashi then ripped off a piece of his skin by biting his thumb. He then smeared the blood across the scroll. Seven summoned dogs now stood guard in front of the leaf Jonin.
After a silent command from their summoner, all of the canines went on the attack. Zabuza tried to cut paku, a pug wearing a mini blue vest, in half with what remained of his blade. But was once again thwarted by Sasuke's tanto. Eventually the man was taken down with the combination of all six dogs, dog piling him. Sasuke and Kakashi then approached the downed mercenary. From Zabuza's perspective the sunlight blinded him and made the duo look like two silhouettes. But what he had seen clearly were three red glowing eyes. Tomoeo's spinning slowly as they stared into his very soul. The man was slightly frightened but scoffed at their attempt to unnerve him.
"It seems you and your child bested me. Well then? What are you waiting for! Finish me off!" Zabuza yelled definitely but was still held in place by the canines. Each dog had a limb pinned down the floor as they bit him. The sound of a thousand birds started resonating from Kakashi's palm. Sparks of lightning danced and popped before it coated his hand entirely. The Konoha Jounin then plunged the lightning blade right into the defeated ninja's heart. Zabuza Momomichi was no more.
000
Moments before
Tazuna was trying his best to run for his dear life. Honestly Sakura was impressed with the old man's speed. Even though she wasn't pumping chakra through her legs, the alcoholic old man was keeping up with her in strafes.
"Hey Tazuna-san, do you know why we were attacked all of the sudden?" Sakura asked as she kept up a brisk jog next to the bridge builder. Tazuna came to a halt as he placed his hands upon his knees. His lungs expanding and shrinking repeatedly like an accordion on a solo.
"Are we huff far away, huff, enough yet, cough ninja girl?" The duo had been running ever since Naruto swatted away the giant sword with his chains. Of course Sakura wanted to stay and help her teammates fight. But alas the goal of this mission was to protect and escort Tazuna-san no matter what. She took it upon herself to handle this duty with her best of fact that her teammates believed in her fully, motivated her greatly. She will make sure Tazuna-san gets home safely.
"Honestly I doubt so, we need to cover a lot of distance to shake off a Jounin. But sir you need to answer my question. Is there somebody after you?" Sakura continued to interrogate her client. Tazu broke eye contact as a look of guilt was expressed. It only took a frown from Sakura for the man to start talking.
"Look the truth is there's a powerful man that doesn't want me building my bridge. He's a tyrant that rules over my village from the shadows. Ever since he and his thugs established their rule, traders from neighboring countries and villages have forgotten about us. The man responsible for all of this is-" Tazuna stopped his monologue as Sakura suddenly pulled out a kunai from her pouch.
"Tazuna get behind me and start running now!" Approaching was none other than Zabuza himself. Casually holding his blade like a hobo carrying a bindle. Sakura was glad by his relaxed posture, which meant he underestimated her. And for the pink haired genin that could possibly be the deciding factor for surviving this encounter.
"Move aside little girl, I have business to do." While this water clone was significantly weaker than the original. The clone still had enough of killer intent to unsettle a rookie. Haruno's legs started to shake, she tried her best to keep a calm mind. Haste causes obvious mistakes, obvious mistakes cause quick deaths. A mantra she kept repeating to herself, loud enough for the clone to hear if his dark chuckles indicated that.
"I..I won't back down. Tazuna will be brought home today. And I put that on my ninja way!" Sakura charged in with a kunai in her hand. Her small body allowed her to dodge the wide swing from Zabuza. While his sword was stuck in the ground, Sakura threw a left hook. She tried her hardest to clock Zabuza but the man simply leaned back. Seeing a small frame opening, Sakura twisted her body fully, sending a roundhouse kick to his bandaged neck. The legendary swordsman simply caught her foot and threw her away.
The two week training program she went through after graduation helped her significantly as she rocerved in mid air. Unfortunately Zabuza took his attention off of her and booked it for the fleeting bridge builder. Luckily Sakura had created a regular clone earlier that was hiding behind a tree a little distance further.
Said clone hopped out of the shrubs and barged in Zabuza's way. Trying her best to slow him down just for a second. With a slash the construct of chakra was no more. But that allowed Sakura to bombard him with shuriken flying at impressive speeds. The man scoffed before batting away the metal stars with his sword.
"You know you're pretty stubborn for a kid. I guess I have to make another example." For the first time since the battle started Zabuza had chosen to take Sakura seriously. Approaching her with Jounin speeds our little genin had no time to react. Or better yet she couldn't react until it was too late. Instincts took her, she brought her kunai up to clash with the incoming kubikiribocho but her kunai simply wasn't sturdy enough to keep the mass of metal at bay.
The next thing she knew her right arm laid right at her feet. Before she could even muster a scream the poor girl caught an elbow straight to the chin. Sending her down to the floor. Forced to watch Zaubza dismiss her. Each step he took closer to Tazuna, who was far away at this point but could be easily caught up to, made another tear laid there losing consciousness by the minute. Her heart ached, her bleeding stum burned, and her mind ran rampant.
'I failed. I failed. Now the mission is over. No! I refuse to die and accomplish nothing!' She was in excruciating pain but her adrenaline kicked in like a train. Fingering inside her tool pouch she cursed. All of her tags were just paper; none of them were attached to a kunai. Even though the nuke nin was close, she had no strength to throw a tag accurately. Crumbling one would make lots of noise also in turn that would alert her fleeing foe. She then felt a tag attached to a kunai. It was the bright yellow explosion tag that Naruto gifted her earlier. Zabuza was now just a few steps away from her. Time really does slow down when one is in critical situations. Pumping all the chakra she could into her arm she chucked it towards his back.
"KAI!" A guttural war cry that had no business coming from the mouth of a lady alerted the a blinding light enveloped the two before a nuke of an explosion was brought upon them. The explosion was so big that any person that was passing by could see it a kilometer away. The results? A massive crater that had a five yard radius and was four feet deep. At the very center was a charred body that was covered in dust and dirt; no clone in sight. This was what greeted Naruto as he arrived at the very edge of the crater. His bijuu cloak flickering because was in pure shock.
"Sakura!" Naruto's desperate cry echoed throughout the clearing. Stumbling down the crater he came to a crashing stop at the burnt body. The boy was in pure distress and he wiped off dirt mixed with blood that covered the body. His tears singed and evaporated as they came into contact with the charcoal black sin. Her hair was nonexistent and her face was barely recognisable. Most of her clothes had been burned off but what really made the redhead cringe was her missing right arm.
'How did this happen Kurama?' Naruto slowly cradled Sakura's body in his arms for comfort. The fox made no attempt to answer. Naruto knew his teammate was still alive albeit barely. Her chest rose very little. The naked eye would certainly miss it completely but Naruto felt her lungs breathe in air for only a second. Her chakra signature was also dulled greatly but she still was emitting small amounts of chakra. She was on death's door and she would soon be deceased if nothing were to be done. 'I thought we were going to become stronger enough so we could avoid this! What exactly were we doing for the past five years!?' Once again the fox made no attempt to answer.
The sound of wet footsteps snapped Naruto out of his despair. The ninja who he had defeated earlier now stood in front of him. His clothes were littered with holes as he was bleeding severely with many cuts littering his arms, chest, and legs. His left leg was concerningly stiff as he stood in an awkward position. His hair practically stuck to his sweaty face. In all words the guy looked like absolute death.
"It seems your teammate sacrificed herself for the greater good so she could complete her mission." Naruto didn't choose to respond but instead opted to listen. "She is a true ninja.. one worthy of honor. Is this the first time you've seen an ally perish in battle?"
"Yes." Naruto's answer was simple yet strained.
"This is part of what it means to be a ninja. To die for one's village." Haku said as he looked around the clearing. But what did he know about loyalty? Naruto didn't see a headband on his body before or now.
"Your sensei killed my teammate." Naruto accused through clenched teeth. His grip on Sakura tightened. Haku was not threatened at all and simply stared back at him with an empty gaze
"I see, will you now strike me down for revenge?" Haku asked with haggard breaths. Barely able to stand as he was swinging side to side.
Flashbacks started to assault Naruto once he heard the word revenge. Memories from the day he met Kurama and he was tortured by the civilians. Who punished him for revenge. Memories from when Gaara was almost killed by his own uncle. Itachi slaughtering his whole clan. Finally now this where Sakura laid bleeding out and mangled in his arms. No, Naruto didn't want revenge at all.
"Then what do you want Naruto?" Kurama had been waiting to ask this question ever since the day his jinchuriki gained that scar over his left eye.
"I want to change the world. I want to change the world for the better!" Raw emotion guided the Uzumaki's judgement.
"That's a hefty goal, you certainly can't enforce that as you are now."
'No.. but with your help I'll achieve that goal. I need to be unstoppable so my influence can never be prevented. This world is ran on blood and that needs to change!'
"Excellent, you've finally realized your calling Naruto. Now wake up to reality!" The chakra cloak around Naruto instantly receded. The eternal wound over his left eye vanished without a trace. Kurama deemed that his host didn't need a reminder to fuel his ambition anymore. No, what happened today would be enough.
Naruto then made eye contact with the mutual that stood before him once again.
"No, I don't want revenge. Instead I want your name." Naruto then started to undo the wrapping that covered his sleeves.
"Haku Yuki, and yours?"
"Naruto Uzumaki. Why did you come here? To this crater I mean." Haku looked up into the sky as he heaved a heavy sigh.
"Like you, I saw the explosion. It took me a minute to get back onto my feet but I followed the blast; hoping that I could support my sensei in whatever battle he was in that caused...this." Naruto raised an eye as he finished wrapping both Sakura's legs.
"You could barely stand right now but you were planning to jump into confrontation. Why?"
"I'll do anything to protect those that are important to me." Naruto gave an understanding nod as he finished wrapping his teammate. No more words were shared between the two. But a mutual respect was gained.
This was when Sasuke and Kakashi decided to join the scene as they came to a skidding halt when they viewed the catastrophe. The latter pulled his headband over his sharingan as a shadow eclipsed his other eye as well. The man was visibly shaking. Sasuke on the other hand didn't know how to react, so he decided to fall into anger and tried to finish off Haku.
Naruto raised his hand right before the Uchiha could spill anymore of Haku's blood.
"There's been enough bloodshed today. Let him live, he's no longer a threat to the mission nor us." Sasuke looked at his teammate as if he was ludicrous but didn't challenge his decision. Then Sasuke turned his attention towards his sensei for confirmation. But the man clearly wasn't fit for a final say as of now. Kakashi's gaze on the wrapped body looked lost. He stood solemnly and his guard was let down.
Naruto then pointed behind him in the same direction the sharingan duo arrived from. "Walk that way and you'll find your sensei's corpse Haku." The ice ninja then limped away never to be seen again.
"Naruto is that Sakura in all of those bandages?" The raven haired genin inquired as he sheathed his sword. Naruto didn't respond but instead gave a depressed look. His silence spoke a thousand words to Sasuke.
"I'm going to place a stasis seal on her so she doesn't die. When the seal is active anything inside will be temporarily frozen in time and space. Hopefully Tsunade-baachan can save her when we return home." The nine tailed jinchuuriki placed his hand on top of the mummified girl. A sealing array spread across the mummified genin. Picking her up, bridal style, Naruto stared ahead. Then a chakra signature from the forestry alerted him. But when he checked for the presence was gone.
'Oi fox did you sense that?' Naruto asked as he kept trying to sense the chakra presence.
"Looks like you need to watch out and stay alert. You've got a little stalker." Naruto shutters with discomfort. The thought of having a stalker did not sit right with the Uzumaki. Naruto then raised his fist. Kakashi and Sasuke didn't react. But both knew of the hidden signal.
"Let's go get the old man." Naruto then carried his poor teammate as he proceeded to walk. Team seven would then later find Tazuna down the road, severely out of breath.
000
Snow had started to fall at a steady pace as Haku approached his sensei's dead body. His head was severed cleanly off. Haku concluded one of the Konoha ninja must have decapitated him for his bounty. Kubikiribocho was on the ground right next to him. One of Kiri's natural treasures left for the scavengers. Icey tears seeped out of his eyes as his vision became blurred. He failed his sensei when he needed him in his most critical time. But Haku's resolve wouldn't die here, no. Crouching down the ice ninja heaved as he dragged the executioner blade through the sand.
"Don't worry master, your dream won't die with you. Kiri will be freed by my hands or I will die trying." Haku struggled desperately as dragged the great sword behind him as he limped away from the battlefield. His blood seeped through his wooden sandals, leaving bloody footprints and a fine line trail in the snow. It was a pitiful scene for Gozu to witness as he stumbled upon his partner in assisnation.
The now retired demon brother caught Haku before he fell face first into the ground. Haku was visibly surprised as he initially thought he had been the only survivor. "Oh Gozu, I see you survived.. good." Gozu's rebreather was gone and the single horn on his forehead protector was bashed off. Now showing an angular face that was accompanied by a row of sharp teeth.
"That Uchiha brat killed my brother Haku. I want revenge..but as we are now we most likely don't stand a chance." Gozu said.
"Instead of revenge, how about we focus on another goal.I plan to liberate Kiri from Yagura. If you help me accomplish that, then we'll have a whole village to challenge the Uchiha once everything is said and done." Gozu cupped his chin as he thought about Haku's plan.
"You plan to defeat Yagura?" Gozu asked.
"Yagura will only be a stepping stone in restoring Kiri to its former glory. It's what Zabuza wanted and I'll be damned to let his dreams die." Haku spoke with emotion and determination.
"Alright I'm in. Even though your claims are suicidal, it will be fun to see how far we'll get in this endeavor." The duo then adventured onwards to the Hidden Mist. Legends soon to be created.
000
The remaining members of team seven were currently in Tazuna's house having dinner with his family. The trip on the way to Tazuna's abode was deadly silent. A moment of silence agreed upon between all four males for their fallen teammate/bodyguard. But as soon as they were housed Tazuna got to spilling all his information he knew about Gato. Coincidentally, Tsunami, daughter of Tazuna, had finished cooking supper and offered meals to the Shinobi. Kakashi, the oh so master of hospitality, accepted her graces. But while the leaf ninja were filling their gullets they also discussed their next course of action.
"So how do you two propose how we handle this Gato situation?" Kakashi asked in the most business tone Sasuke and Naruto have ever heard from him.
"I want Gato to be held accountable. His greed is the reason why Sakura ended up like this." Naruto went first to state his resolve. Tsunami who had been the closest to the mummified Haruno took a step back. She desperately hoped that the bandages didn't contain a body but now that she got confirmation, she kept her distance from the 'package'.
"On what level do you want his punishment to be." Sasuke asked as he finished his steaming bowl of stew. Naruto sent a look towards Sakura and then thought about all the suffering the land of waves had to endure. Not only that but he forced unnecessary blood to be shed so he could stay on top. A tyrant if the Uzumaki's had to describe one.
'Kill the human, to me it doesn't seem like he will change his views. That insect holds too much power for an arrogant human.' Kurama tried his best to influence Naruto. But the redhead had to agree with the fox this time. Naruto doesn't want murder to be an answer all the time but for this situation, it had to be done.
"He needs to be executed. Immediately, tonight to be exact." Stated the jinchuriki.
"I agree with you Naruto, but what if Gato sends henchman to take out Tazuna as soon as we leave him unaccompanied?" Kakashi addressed immediate concerns as the sun had started to set. Calming orange light illuminating the room.
"Naruto is a sensor remember sensei? Even if he does we should encounter whatever thugs he sends on the way." Sasuke spoke as he stared longingly out the window.
"Also Gato may be rich but I don't think the man is stupid. Knowing the status Zabuza carried I bet he and his gang were the strongest ninja he had to offer. He wouldn't even think of sending an army of bandits to wipe us out. If he did there wouldn't be anybody to keep the village in check or to stop them from revolting against him; if news somehow got out that he wasn't protected." Naruto put in his two cents as he finished his bowl of food.
"Then it's settled we will-" Kakashi was cut off by a loud slam on the table. It was Inari, son of Tsunami, who had banged his hands upon the wooden structure. The child looked like he had strong opinions for team seven.
"Why do you guys even bother trying so hard? In the end you all will be no match for Gato's men. He'll just kill you like everybody else!" Naruto's mood turned sour at Inari's burst. The jinchuriki retrieved a kunai from his pouch slowly, startling both Tsunami and her son. Ramming a kunai knife into the table, Naruto's pupils became slits as he stared into Inari's eyes.
"Listen kid, I may not know of your past. But one thing I do know for sure is that we both have bad blood with that sick bastard. Mark my words Inari before sunrise, that man will pay." Inari's tears came to a stop. Unrivaled discomfort settled up on the child. Not knowing how to respond to the ninja, Inari bolted up the stairs and retreated to his room. Slamming the door behind him shut.
"Please forgive my son. He witnessed his stepfather get executed by Gato not so long ago. Ever since Kaiza was made an example of, Gato's name became taboo in this house." Naruto's pupils morphed back into their regular circle shape. And his whisker marks became significantly less defined.
"It's alright Tsunami. We'll bring back proof that hope always prevails for Inari, Believe it!" Tsunami sported a small smile as she collected everyone's dirty dishes.
"Looks like it's time to act on that promise Naruto." Kakashi informed as the orange sky shifted into an endless dark abyss that was littered with three Konoha ninja then set out for Gato's headquarters. All with different goals. One for justice, one for revenge, and one for closure.
Before they Naruto summoned a single shadow clone to surveil their clients. Standing at the door the chakra construct kept an eye out for Tazuna's family with full attention.
000
Gato's Headquarters was a two story building that had a one way see through bow window centered on the front of the second trio had guessed that was where Gato was hiding. The window had a perfect view of the bandits and thugs that had set up camp around the purple structure. Naruto, Kakashi, and Sasuke stood on the outskirts. Stalking in the night as they observed on branches that were high up in the trees.
"Naruto from here on out I am going to mold you into a prime example of a leader. Incase if I'm ever incompacitated you will be second in command. Starting now I want you to devise a plan on how to eliminate Gato without alerting any of his followers. Another requirement I'm placing is that all thugs and bandits need to be erased. Or else you'll reach high risk in them taking asylum in the village." Kakashi's commanding tone took over as he explained. Sasuke, who was listening as well, refrained from asking why Naruto was chosen to be second in command. Not only did it make the Uchiha look like even less of a choice for the position. Questioning your Jounin sensei on a mission would be highly unprofessional.
Naruto struck a thinking pose before an idea popped into his head. Reaching into his pouch he retrieved vials filled with watery purple substances.
"Ino-chan has recently gotten into medicine and has taken a liking to create sleep poisons. Now whatever in these bottles may just be liquids; but she somehow fixed it so that the liquid would turn into gas whenever it comes into contact with oxygen." Sasuke then raised his eyebrows at the scientific explanation. From what he had known of his surrogate brother is that he was more tuned with calligraphy arts. He didn't peg Naruto for a scientist.
"She gave me at least six vials filled with this toxin. I'll create five clones to strategically place them so the majority of his henchman will be affected." After Naruto distributed the vials to the group of shadow clones he had just summoned, his doppelgängers then proceeded to spread the sleepy gas. Naruto then turned his attention to Kakashi. "While all of this is happening Kakashi-sensei will go into the headquarters and take care of Gato. When completed we will wait for the signal." Kakashi nodded before the man disappeared in a swirl of leaves. One minute went by a chorus of snores assaulted Naruto and Sasuke's ears. Another minute and soon the duo heard howling from a pack of dogs. Naruto then smiled at his Uchiha teammate.
"Alright Sasuke it's your time to shine! One thing I didn't mention was that the toxin was highly flammable." Sasuke didn't waste any time before he spat out a fireball towards the nearest barrack. All it took was one fire release jutsu to turn the whole campsite into a bonfire. Agonizing screams deafened the natural background noise from nature. Grown men rushed out of their tents like bats spewing out of a cave. Naruto looked away, the preteen did what he had to. Sasuke was entranced by the flames but soon the smell of burning flesh hit him. He tried his best to hold back a gag. Kakashi then shot out of the flames like a bullet. Orange will-o-wisps licking his attire as he landed on the branch. In his hands, a severed head, the Genins assumed the skull belonged to the infamous Gato.
Naruto had to repeatedly remind himself that he was committing monstrous acts to be seen as a hero. Another example as to why this world has to be reformed. Right now Naruto could only play along to the vicious beat. But everything will change soon.
'One day.' Naruto thought solemnly. "Mission complete, right sensei?" Kakashi gave a nod before he placed Gato's head onto a sealing scroll that he retrieved from his vest. After applying a little bit of chakra to the paper, Gato was no more in this world.
"Alright team let's head back, from now on we continue this mission with no issues."
000
That disappearing chakra signature from earlier had made Naruto on edge. Even as a clone he was on high alert as he guarded the house. So far for a while nothing seemed out of ordinary. The shadow clone started to ponder that whatever he sensed was after the original and the squad. Unfortunately his musings were proved incorrect when he heard Tsunami scream from inside. Barging in, he saw Tazuna holding up a kitchen knife threateningly as he protected his daughter and grandson. The threat in question was a humanoid monster with green hair. He or it was inside a Venus flytrap plant that adorned a black robe with red clouds.
'How did I not manage to sense him?' Naruto then noticed the monster was holding onto Sakura. Rage. "Let her go!" Without a second thought golden chains shot out of his back and went to impale the intruder. But to his avail the nuisance had performed a black flip, cleanly dodging Naruto's attack. Then the man started to sink into the floor. Naruto was so perplexed with what he had just witnessed, that the clone tried to dispel a genjutsu. He was in no illusion. And now the mysterious figure had completely sunk into the ground. His teammate vanished with him.
Sakura was just kidnapped in front of him. Once again he was powerless the second time today. Tuning into his sixth sense he tried finding Sakura's diminishing chaka source. She wasn't even in his vicinity. The clone let out a mighty roar as he punched the ground. His strike was so powerful that it broke the floorboard and dismissed the clone.
000
Team seven were returning to Tazuna's house at a casual pace before Naruto suddenly stopped dead in his tracks. His shift in movement concerned Kakashi and Sasuke as they came to an abrupt stop too.
"Sakura has been kidnapped." Kakashi's eyes widened before he demanded an explanation. "All I remember is bursting through Tazuna's front door to see a guy that was half white and half black that was enveloped in a plant. Wearing a black robe with red clouds on it holding Sakura already. I tried to attack him but he was slippery. Then the monster sunk into the ground with Sakura!" Kakashi raised his eyebrow wondering if this explanation was fabricated on the spot. Sasuke instantly recognized who Naruto was talking about thanks to the vivid description. His sharingan always remembered faces.
"I might know who kidnapped her. Well not on a personal basis but I have met him before. I never really got a chance to get some data on him but the man gave me a scroll on taijutsu some years back. What could he possibly want with her? She is barely alive!" Sasuke announced.
"Sasuke, I want more details on that encounter later. For right now we will hurry back to Tazuna's house and search for clues as to where he could have possibly gone." The duo gave a nod before they proceeded to race back to the safe house.
Heyyyy I'm back with a new chapter. So what do you guys think? Should I continue with 10k chapters, or should I stick with 5k chapters that get to the point. honestly would like to hear your guys opnions. the next chapter will focus and Knohamaru and the beginning of the chunin exams. What hapenned with Sakura? I don't know(cap) she may be dead or alive. Well thats allI have to share.