Chapter 6 Deception
I don't own Naruto. Anything I use from the story is the property of its creator Masashi Kishimoto. Same with anything I use from other stories.
(Mission Office)
A smiling Naruto stood with his team behind Kakashi as they addressed the Hokage ready for the day's events. Naruto was thrilled to get a C Rank mission, and he knew Sasuke in particular would enjoy the chance to test himself. "So, Lord Hokage what mission do you have for us." Kakashi said calmly hiding his own excitement.
"Due to the success of your team on your D Ranks, I've decided to give you a C Rank mission." the Third revealed to the shock of the group and Iruka.
"Lord Hokage, they've been shinobi for a week. I know Naruto was holding back during his time at the academy and Sasuke is skilled in his own right, but this is too early for C ranks." Iruka protested much to Naruto's annoyance.
"Let me get this straight sensei. You knew I was holding back but trusted me enough to let it go and now you want to question things" Naruto replied trying to calm down.
Iruka flinched since it was a bit foolish, "Naruto I" Iruka started to say before Kakashi interrupted.
"Listen Iruka. I've been training with Naruto since he was six and he and Sasuke have been training partners for three years. I know what their capable of and I promise you they're ready." Kakashi spoke up.
"Alright" Iruka pouted realizing that there was no argument.
The third smiled since it worked out, "Send in Tazuna." The third instructed and after a few moments an old man walked in. He had gray hair and spectacles and was wearing a black sleeveless V-neck shirt with an obi, black pants and sandals along with a towel on his neck and a pointed straw hat. However, his appearance was not what Naruto focused on.
'Oh lord this guy is a drunk.' Naruto cursed mentally. The man wreaked of booze and he was certain that Sasuke and Kakashi realized the same thing.
"This is Tazuna of the Land of Waves. Your mission is to escort him home and protect him from bandits and the like." The third said calmly.
"This is the team protecting me. They don't look like much." Tazuna scoffed
"Keep telling yourself that you old drunk." Naruto retorted finding the man's lack of faith to be just as irritating as Iruka's.
"That's enough Naruto" Kakashi scolded before focusing on the others, "Team 7 meet me at the East Gate in an hour. Be ready for a long mission." Kakashi ordered.
"Right!" the group shouted.
(Scene Skip)
Naruto made his way towards the gate and he was ready to go. 'I can't explain it, but something stinks about this mission.' Naruto thought to himself.
'I assume you're not talking about the old man's constant booze smell.' The fox said mentally.
'Yeah. If I remember correctly the Land of Waves is a simple fishing village. There's no reason this old guy should need ninja for anything.' Naruto replied. From the moment the Third explained the mission, Naruto had a bad feeling in the back of his head and decided to bring his blade along for extra oomph.
"Wait Naruto!" a voice shouted to his surprise. As he turned around, he saw Hinata Yakumo and Tenten running towards him.
"What's up girls." Naruto wondered admittedly confused as to why they were here.
'We heard from Yugao that you were headed on a C rank and we wanted to see you before you left." Hinata said with still haggard breath. From the looks of it, the girls were the same but Hinata was the first to speak.
Naruto could appreciate this but now wasn't the time, "As much as I'd love to talk, I really need to go." Naruto said reluctantly. As he turned to walk away, he was surprised when Tenten dashed in front of him blocking his path.
"Naruto you're not getting away that easily." Tenten said sternly.
"Tenten" Naruto scowled before he felt Hinata wrap her arms around his back and hold him tightly.
"Naruto please just wait for a minute. C-Rank missions are dangerous, and I don't want our last memory of you to be you saying you need a break." Hinata said as tears flowed from her eyes.
"She's right you know" Tenten continued before walking up and hugging him from the front. "I have a feeling I know what's bothering you, but right now that doesn't matter. We just want to show the guy we care about some affection before his first big mission." Tenten said warmly.
"Unfair, there's no room for me." Yakumo pouted.
'They really care huh.' Naruto thought to himself. Seeing as how he was occupied with the others, Naruto gave Tenten and Hinata a nudge so they could move away, which they did, before he spun towards Yakumo with open arms. Yakumo used the chance to to run into his arms and nuzzle against his chest before Naruto used his right hand to pull her chin up, "Is that better." Naruto said warmly.
"Yes" Yakumo replied before leaning up in order to kiss Naruto who gladly reciprocated. They kissed for about a minute before Yakumo pulled away.
"My turn" Hinata said happily before quickly taking Yakumo's place and like the Kurama heiress clashed tongues with Naruto for a minute.
"Saving the best for last huh?" Tenten smirked.
"Just get over here Tenten" Naruto retorted before spinning back around so Tenten could get her moment which she did before pulling away.
"When you get back from this mission, and you'd better get back, we're going to figure this all out." Tenten said firmly before poking his chest and moving next to Yakumo and Hinata.
"Got it." Naruto replied before making his way to the gate with his three girls watching him go. It didn't take long to find his team and it was time for the mission to start.
"Glad you could make it Naruto. Care to explain why you're late." Kakashi wondered a bit rhetorically.
"A few lovely ladies wanted to wish me luck." Naruto answered causing Kakashi and Sasuke to crack a smile since both knew what that was about.
"Then let's go" Kakashi said happily and the group was on their way.
(Scene Skip)
For ninja, it would take a few hours to reach Wave but due to having to deal with Tazuna the trip would actually take a few days. As a result, the group camped out halfway into the journey so they could get some rest+. Naruto and Sasuke took one tent with Sakura taking her own and Kakashi staying with Tazuna in the third. With dinner over it was time to relax and the two boys reflected on what was going on. "To think we've come this far." Naruto said with a smile as they sat in the tent.
'Yeah. Shame we're only getting this because of your hissy fit the other day." Sasuke smirked
"How'd you know about that?" Naruto twitched since he thought that was a secret.
"Kakashi told me since he's my advisor, now that I'm rid of those two old bastards Homura and Koharu" Sasuke scowled.
"Who?" Naruto replied in confusion.
"About a month after Itachi slaughtered my clan, I was approached by the Hokage's two advisors Homura and Koharu. They wanted to help me deal with my new situation and I agreed to make them my advisors. It turns out they're greedy bastards who don't have any power but rely on the fact they're the Hokage's old teammates to influence things." Sasuke scowled.
"Sounds brutal." Naruto twitched. Genma had acted as his advisor for a long time so he didn't have to deal with that stuff.
"Yeah, they tried to steal most of my fortune before Kakashi found out and put a stop to it. Now he's my advisor and sensei which suits me fine"
"That's rough but at least you're on the right track. For now, I just want to focus on this weird mission.
"So, you think it's odd too?" Sasuke questioned.
"Oh yeah. The old drunk is hiding something."
"I agree. Well let's just stay focused and look out for anything odd."
"Will do. But now you should get some rest since Kakashi should be coming to get me for my watch pretty soon." Naruto replied.
"Actually, it's already time for your part of the watch, but I couldn't help but listen to your conversation." Kakashi said from outside.
"Which part?" Naruto wondered curiously.
"Everything and I also agree something's odd about this mission. Be ready tomorrow guys because I get the feeling his stench is going to be the least of our problems soon." Kakashi warned.
"Oh well. For now, you guys relax, and I'll watch over things." Naruto said calmly as he got out to do his watch. Leaving Kakashi and Sasuke to rest. Naruto found a small clearing where he could sense everything around him and gaze at the moon.
"So kit, what do you think the old man's hiding." The fox wondered.
"I don't know but we'll find out tomorrow." Naruto groaned as he continued his watch. A part of him wanted to scout ahead but he decided against it for now.
(Scene Skip)
The next morning the group was up and ready and Naruto Sasuke and Kakashi knew they needed to be ready for anything. Naruto and Sasuke walked in front so they could talk without the old drunk hearing them, "Did you scout ahead?" Sasuke wondered. With shadow clones it was a simple task to do.
"No. If somebody was waiting to ambush us, I didn't want to trigger it. Recklessness is the last thing we need." Naruto replied calmly.
"Smart. Then again we'll know soon enough." Sasuke replied. They were reaching the point where they were far enough away from the village where somebody could set an ambush without running into Leaf ninja and this was where the mission really began.
"Hey Tazuna, what is it you do that's so important?" Sakura asked bluntly to the shock of everyone else.
"What's that supposed to mean." Tazuna scoffed.
"The Land of Waves isn't a big place at all and you're not a noble. What makes you so special that bandits would even consider attacking you." Sakura wondered.
'Maybe there's hope for you yet Sakura.' Naruto thought to himself and Sasuke was equally pleased.
"Don't worry about it, Sakura. He's our client and that's all that matters." Kakashi replied sternly ruining the plan.
'Damn it Kakashi' Naruto and Sasuke internally cursed but both noticed a sigh of relief from the old man. An hour later and the first sign that something was wrong finally appeared in the form of a puddle of water in the middle of the road. It hadn't rained in weeks and a quick glance between Naruto and Sasuke showed that both boys knew what that meant. That wasn't an ordinary puddle and the question became who was waiting for them. They were certain Kakashi noticed also and all three were ready.
"Hey old man, are there any ninja in the Land of Waves?" Naruto wondered just as he passed by the puddle stomping his foot a few inches away from the puddle.
"No there aren't brat. We're just a fishing village." Tazuna replied.
"I see. If that's the case how did you get to the Leaf safely. We're protecting you from bandits, but they could've easily got to you on the way here." Naruto smiled viciously causing the old man to freeze.
"I… I got lucky I guess." Tazuna answered nervously.
Kakashi wanted to step in but this time Sasuke spoke first, "He's got a point. If you weren't in danger when you left the village, but you are on the way back. That makes no sense at all." Sasuke continued. The old man was sweating bullets now and they trapped him.
Sakura's eyes widened due to her teammates discussion and she couldn't help but speak up, "Oh come on guys. You make it sound like whoever the old drunk is worried about didn't care if they left the Land of Waves, but really doesn't want them to come back." Sakura spoke up.
A part of Kakashi was furious that his team didn't allow the ambush, but it was too late at this point to do anything, "That's exactly right Sakura but we don't need to ask the old man. We can as the ninja hiding in that puddle." Kakashi shouted so his opponents knew they were exposed. At that moment two figures slowly appeared from the water ready to fight. The brothers were wearing matching gray outfits with joined gauntlets and they were ready to fight.
"Sorry but you guys aren't going anywhere." Naruto shouted before putting his hands in a half ram. Out of nowhere a circular seal with the symbol for lightning appeared underneath the two men and bolts of electricity shot up the ground. Because they were still dripping with water, the electrical burst caused major damage.
"That's gotta hurt" Sasuke winced as the two men convulsed before fainting in an instant.
"What the heck was that" Sakura gasped never seeing anything like that.
"It's a lightning trap seal. I'm crap at using Lightning chakra for most jutsu, but I can put a decent bit into a seal that would electrocute those guys the moment they went above it. I set it up when I walked by the puddle and since they were hidden in water, it caused major damage." Naruto chuckled. His trap seals were one of the things he hid from people and they were a secret weapon.
Kakashi was beaming with pride at the ruthlessness Naruto showed and he was well aware of who his student just took out, "You just took out two C Rank criminals with a single seal. Well done Naruto" Kakashi said happily. The two men Naruto defeated were known as the Demon Brothers and they were by no means easy foes for anybody to beat.
"Let's tie these guys up and then deal with the elephant in the room." Naruto said coldly before turning towards the old man, "Or rather the rat" Naruto said with a vicious grin.
"I'm supposed to give the orders… but you are right." Kakashi acknowledged before moving to tie the Demon Brother together with rope before Naruto came over and used another seal to ensure they wouldn't move since they still had their weapons. Despite how easily, they were taken out, the two were C rank ninja in a bingo book., "Now that we're done with these two, it's time to tell us what's really going on." Kakashi said sternly as he focused on Tazuna.
Tazuna knew he couldn't lie his way out of this one, "It's because I hold the Land of Waves future in my hands." Tazuna said solemnly.
"And why's that" Sasuke scoffed finding the idea laughable.
"The Land of Waves is currently under the control of a man named Gato."
"You mean the business tycoon Gato" Kakashi questioned.
Tazuna could only nod, "The very same. A few years back Gato arrived in town and using some thugs he hired took over the place. Ever since then he's controlled the Land of Waves with an iron grip and anybody who opposed what he did was silenced in a very brutal fashion."
"That's horrible" Sakura gasped as Sasuke and Naruto's anger grew by the second.
"That's right. The Land of Waves is a harbor town and since Gato controls the ports there's no way for anybody to do anything without him knowing at least until I began working on my bridge."
"A bridge?" Sasuke questioned.
"That's right. I'm in charge of building a bridge that will connect The Land of Waves to the mainland in the hopes of being able to free the town from Gato and that's why he's after me." Tazuna explained.
Kakashi's expression was muted since this was a nasty situation, "Tazuna while I understand your problem the fact remains that you lied to us. This is not a C Rank mission at all but an A Rank due to ninja being involved.
"Yes I know, but the Land of Waves is poor thanks to Gato's greed. There's no way I could've afforded an A Rank mission." Tazuna protested.
"Now it all makes sense. Gato allowed you to leave because he knew that if you did there was little chance of you coming back." Naruto growled.
'What do you mean Naruto?" Sakura wondered.
"When it comes to the shinobi world there are very few rules when it comes to handing out missions and Tazuna broke the number one rule which is not to lie. Ninja are staffed for missions based on what the client tells us and if the client lies, you could find yourself in a situation like this where you have ninja who are dealing with a mission that's over their heads." Naruto explained.
"I had no choice. Thanks to Gato I was barely able to get enough money together for this mission."
"That's true but it doesn't change the fact that you still lied. There's no telling how much danger you could've put my students in" Kakashi said angrily. He was incredibly torn between how close he was to two of his students and the understanding he had of the plight of the Land of Waves.
"In that case how about we compromise." Naruto suggested realizing the issue that Kakashi had and offering a solution that would work for everyone.
"What did you have in mind Naruto." Kakashi wondered.
"We still have those two captured and ready to interrogate and I'm sure you've picked up a few genjutsu that would make them more willing to talk. If they can give us a rough idea of who Gato has, we can determine how dangerous this really is. Gato probably assumed that he would fail and that the Demon Brothers would be enough to deal with what you would get on a C Rank mission. If they're all he's got we're fine. If he's got more, we can find out and be better prepared."
"But what if he's got a lot more waiting for us." Sakura asked nervously.
"We call for backup duh." Naruto shrugged.
"I agree with Naruto. We accepted this mission lie or not and if we complete it the old man WILL pay the full price for not only us but any of the other forces. The Land of Waves is valuable if we can get it running again." Sasuke spoke up.
"Fine but only because you said so Sasuke." Sakura gave in.
Naruto and Sasuke both chuckled before nodding towards their teacher, "I don't like it but fine. We defeated the Demon brothers fairly easily and that's the only reason I'm willing to do this." Kakashi answered.
"Thank you" Tazuna sighed knowing that he dodged a bullet.
"Don't thank us yet old man. If you screwed up too badly, we still might abandon you. Now if you don't mind, I need to take a leek" Naruto replied before going into the bushes.
"Naruto!" Sakura blushed.
"Good grief" Sasuke chuckled. While Naruto went to relieve himself Kakashi interrogated the Demon brothers.
(Scene Skip)
A smiling Naruto returned from his leek to find a frowning Kakashi, "What did I miss?" Naruto said nervously.
"Well there's good news and bad news. The good news is that Gato only has one other ninja in his employment. The bad news is that it's Zabuza Momochi".
"I see" Naruto mentally cursed.
"Whose Zabuza Momochi" Sakura wondered.
"Zabuza Momochi is an A-Rank ninja known as the Demon of the Hidden Mist which if you knew the history of the Hidden Mist, you'd understand what a monster he is." Kakashi said calmly.
"What history?" Sakura wondered.
"The Hidden Mist was known as the 'Bloody Mist Village' because in order to graduate from their academy you had to kill a fellow student." Naruto explained causing Sakura to pale. "It gets worse from there. Zabuza didn't just kill one student, he killed every one of them."
"How… how can a person do that?" Sakura gasped.
"Easily. The ruthlessness that Zabuza used is something that's found in most shinobi from that era. We're much more relaxed now, but there's no doubt that shinobi like that exist. When I was your age, I was fighting in wars and Zabuza is from around my time." Kakashi said calmly.
"I see" Sakura said with her eyes wide. The ninja world was truly terrifying, and she was learning that soon.
"Well let's get going. We don't know when Zabuza is coming, but I have little doubt we'll meet him soon enough." Kakashi acknowledged
"Right" Team 7 shouted.
(Scene Skip)
Arriving in Wave was a relatively easy task, although given how hesitant Tazuna's friend was to help it was clear that very few people believed in Tazuna and his mission. The group was currently walking through a forest before Naruto got a bad feeling in the back of his head. Somebody was watching them, and he didn't know who or what. It wasn't a harsh killing intent but a curiosity. "Heads up guys we're being watched." Naruto warned.
"Are you sure" Sakura said nervously.
"Yes I am, and I say we say HI!" Naruto yelled as he reached into his pocket and tossed a kunai towards a group of bushes nearby. When nobody jumped out, Naruto walked into the bushes leaving the site of his teammates for a moment to bend down and find what his kunai may or may not have hit. To his shock it was a white rabbit which he brought out to the team.
"A rabbit. You can't be serious" Sakura shouted.
'Well played Zabuza well played' Naruto thought to himself. "Come on out Zabuza, I know you're hiding somewhere." Naruto shouted.
"Naruto what are you-" Sakura started to say until a figure flashed into the middle of the road they were on.
"Impressive. How did some snot nosed kid figure out I was hiding?" Zabuza Momochi said in a gruff voice. Zabuza was a tall and noticeably muscular man with light grayish skin, short spiky black hair, dark brown eyes, and small eyebrows. Zabuza was shirtless but had blue pants with vertical stripes held up by a belt and cow print wrist and leg warmers. On his back was a holster for his blade which was currently hidden from view.
"This rabbit's fur is white and that would be virtually impossible unless it was raised indoors. My guess is that you raised it to use for a replacement jutsu."
Zabuza raised his eyebrows at the comment and smiled, "That's right and is that a blade I see on your back. I can't imagine that the Leaf has too many genin who want to take up the blade." Zabuza said curiously.
"We don't, and as much as I'd love to match blades with you, I'm afraid that would be a horrible idea for both me and my team. You know since you're a legendary swordsman and all" Naruto admitted.
Zabuza chuckled, "True and since I can appreciate that how about we make a deal. You give me the bridge builder and I'll let you go."
"Pass" Naruto smirked with an idea popping into his head, "How about this offer instead. After I get this cute little guy out of the way, you face off against us. If you're so confident let's see what you've got"
"Naruto are you crazy" Sakura yelled.
"Fine by me. It's not like you can win and I find you amusing." Zabuza chuckled.
"Thanks" Naruto replied before walking into the bushes away from view. He arrived back a few minutes later and his team was ready.
"Naruto Sasuke Sakura protect the bridge builder. I'll face Zabuza" Kakashi ordered.
"Fine with me." Sasuke nodded and he Sakura and Naruto formed a protection detail around the bridge builder with Naruto in front as Sakura and Sasuke formed a triangle around him.
Zabuza brought out his blade which looked like a butcher's knife with a circular hole at the top, "It's an honor to face Kakashi of the Sharingan." Zabuza acknowledged before putting his hands into the air.
'Uh oh' Naruto shouted before quickly blowing through hand signs knowing that he only had a little time until this got annoying.
"Hidden Mist Jutsu" Zabuza shouted but just as the mist began to form, Naruto was done.
"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough" Naruto shouted before blowing the newly formed Mist away.
"I would face a wind style user." Zabuza growled. That meant his Hidden Mist jutsu was useless and now it was a much more annoying fight.
"You should be focused on me Zabuza" Kakashi yelled using the opening to aim a kick at Zabuza's exposed stomach sending him skidding back.
"You'll pay for that Kakashi" Zabuza warned as he began flashing hand signs. If the Hidden Mist Jutsu wouldn't work, he'd attack another way. "Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu" Zabuza shouted as he formed a water dragon to attack with. Unfortunately, his opponent has the same idea.
"Shall we Zabuza, Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu" Kakashi shouted as he began to form his own attack.
"Incredible it's like looking into a mirror." Sakura said in disbelief.
"That's the point. A mastered Sharingan is capable of mimicking an opponent's movements and hand signs to the point that it's a mirror image." Sasuke said happily seeing the Sharingan in action.
"Yes, but even if you copy the jutsu it won't matter if you're not skilled enough to use the same technique at a similar level to the person you're copying. Water Style is to the Hidden Mist what Fire Style is to us and the fact that sensei to be able to go toe-to-toe with Zabuza shows his ability." Naruto continued.
"So now what?" Sakura wondered as he two high level shinobi clashed. Every move Zabuza made was countered by Zabuza.
"We wait. We can't get involved in this fight unless something stupid happens or it'll mess up sensei." Naruto frowned.
"Hidden Mist Jutsu" Zabuza shouted causing Naruto to curse.
"Like that" Sasuke deadpanned.
"Yeah" Naruto pouted running through hand signs.
"Not this time brat." Zabuza growled appearing in front of him with his blade ready to strike.
"Shit" Sasuke cursed as he quickly grabbed the bridge builder and Sakura and got out of the way, but Naruto wasn't so lucky since he was still making his seals.
"No!" Kakashi screamed as Zabuza slashed Naruto in the stomach.
"Bad move Zabuza" Naruto grinned as he vanished in a puff of smoke and a glowing seal with the words paralyze appeared in front of him.
"Shit!" Zabuza said in shock and before Zabuza could say anything a powerful jolt of electricity blasted the rogue ninja.As the Kiri ninja screamed in pain a gust of wind appeared blowing the mist away as Naruto appeared from the bushes yet again and Naruto walked out.
"I never imagined that my trap clone jutsu would work that well." Naruto said happily.
"Trap clone" Zabuza groaned as the electricity still coursed through him. He wasn't finished but with the electricity he wasn't going anywhere.
"That's right. The seals I made just before you attacked weren't for Great Breakthrough, but for a replacement jutsu that switched me with a trap clone."
"When did you set that up." Zabuza cursed.
"The rabbit" a safe Sakura said in shock.
"Yep. When you let me move the rabbit, I took the chance to make the clones in secret before coming back. I figured you'd use water style so having an electric trap clone worked out nicely. Admittedly it didn't work as well as with the Demon Brothers but oh well"
"Clever." Zabuza coughed. He should've known something was wrong when the brat didn't simply let the rabbit go, but Zabuza got sloppy. The situation got worse when Kakashi approached.
"It's all over Zabuza. Are you going to give up or do I have to get rougher?" Kakashi scowled his eyes promising murder as he approached Zabuza. He attacked Naruto and Kakashi wouldn't forgive him for that.
"Do your- UGHH" Zabuza grunted as two senbon hit his neck out of nowhere.
"What the hell" Sasuke growled and soon a new figure appeared in front of them. The figure had black hair that appeared to be held in two bun white bun holders with a bit framing their face which was simply a porcelain mask. The figures outfit consisted of a green haori with white trimmings and a brown sash with matching skirt with sandals with straps similar to his haori. It was hard to miss the symbol for Hidden Mist on their forehead protector. "Thank you very much for making my job easier." The person said in a voice that made their gender ambiguous but made it clear they were very young.
"Your welcome but what is a Mist Village Elite Tracking Ninja doing here?" Kakashi frowned.
"Tracking ninja?" Sakura wondered.
"Think of them as our version of the ANBU Black Ops. It's their job to deal with rogue ninja." Kakashi answered.
"Correct and I'll be taking Zabuza now." The person replied.
"Sure, but I'm wondering why you waited until we dealt with him before you showed up. We could've used your help." Naruto scowled.
"Teaming up with enemy ninja without knowing the situation is foolish. Plus, against somebody like Zabuza my senbon won't be much help." The person answered.
"Alright. We have to get going now so take good care of him." Kakashi replied calmly appreciating the logic the ninja employed even if he didn't like the interference.
"Of course" The person replied before grabbing Zabuza and leaving the group alone.
"Phew that was close" Sakura said with relief now that the battle was over.
"Yeah but if you don't mind, I need to collapse now." Kakashi grunted before falling to the ground.
"Sensei!" Sakura screamed as she and Tazuna went to grab him but Sasuke and Naruto were both calm.
"Hey Naruto, do you know how Kakashi got his sharingan." Sasuke wondered.
"Yes I do, but I can tell that's not what's on your mind" Naruto replied.
"Yeah. I get the distinct feeling we've been played." Sasuke answered.
"Oh, we definitely got played, but we'll worry about that once sensei is up." Naruto confirmed.
"Fine" Sasuke replied as Sakura moved towards their teacher. Both were aware that this was just the beginning and neither liked it.
(Scene Skip)
A now awake Kakashi sat up to greet his team having safely arrived in Wave. They were currently staying with Tazuna, his daughter Tsunami, and his grandson Inari. "Well we managed to get to Wave successfully." Kakashi replied in a sarcastic manner.
"Shame that we got lucky" Naruto spoke up.
"Naruto!" Sakura chastised.
"No Sakura, Naruto is right. Zabuza is very much alive." Kakashi frowned as Naruto and Sasuke kept their cool.
"But how. You said it yourself that the ninja would take care of him." Sakura said in shock.
"Yes, but that's only if he was a real tracker ninja" Kakashi revealed.
"Huh!?" Sakura gasped.
"That ninja was working with Zabuza. My guess is that they're some sort of partner who helps in case Zabuza gets in trouble. It's actually genius, since there aren't many shinobi that could take him in a fair fight without tons of damage. They'd be too tired to question the Ninja's validity." Kakashi explained. Case and point, he would've questioned it had he not been put through the wringer by Zabuza.
"I see. So, what do we do now?" Sakura asked nervously.
"We train. I'll be good to go tomorrow and it's a great chance to get you up to speed Sakura." Kakashi said with a bittersweet expression on his face.
"Right?" Sakura sighed. Naruto and Sasuke were much stronger than she was, and she needed to catch up fast.
"That sounds good to me but there's one problem." Sasuke spoke up.
"Huh?" Sakura said in confusion.
Kakashi leaned up having realized the same thing, "Sasuke is right. Where is the real you Naruto?" Kakashi glared at his stared at the calm blonde.
"What do you mean sensei?" Sakura wondered in confusion.
"The Naruto in front of you is a shadow clone and the reason I know is because of what he did when Zabuza attacked him." Kakashi explained.
"You mean that trap he set."
"Yes. He never uses seals in an active battle and that's especially true of the replacement jutsu. His battle style means he doesn't need them." Kakashi scowled.
Naruto looked at the group sheepishly before smiling. He was caught and there was nothing to be done, "The boss is doing some investigating of his own." The clone admitted.
Kakashi sighed knowing that Naruto was the troublesome type even though he rarely acted on it due to his respect for the ones who helped him as a child, "Alright but make sure the real Naruto knows that he'll be in for it later." Kakashi warned.
"Got it" the clone replied. He couldn't vanish until later since the family knows he's there. Hopefully the real Naruto was okay until then.
(Unknown area)
The real Naruto was perfectly okay, but he found himself in an interesting situation. When he moved the rabbit to a better location and let it go, he decided to follow it while sending a shadow clone to the fight since he had an odd theory about the rabbit's origins. His thought was that, somebody like Zabuza would never use a rabbit and he figured it belonged to a partner that Zabuza might have with him. He discovered that the rabbit was annoyingly fast but thanks to dealing with the Tora mission, he was able to track it without too much trouble. They eventually arrived at what he assumed was Gato's compound and watched as the rabbit shot up the side of a wall and watched it stop at a window that it slowly opened. Naruto would've normally been impressed but he put that to the side in order to shoot up the wall and grab the rabbit just as it opened the window and dropped into the room before using a smaller version of the paralysis seal to stop it from moving.
Taking a moment to look around, he wasn't impressed at all. The room was a simple bedroom painted a rather dull grey with a single dresser opposite the window and a bed to the right of it with the door to the left and a small clothes closet with a single grey door on the opposite wall hiding the contents inside. Admittedly It was pretty smart to set up the room that way because it meant that if somebody snuck into the window Zabuza's partner would be able to attack from a blind spot. With his task done, he opened the closet just enough to toss the rabbit inside and transformed into it before getting into the cage. 'And now we wait' Naruto thought to himself.
Ultimately Naruto waited fifteen minutes until the door opened and a person walked in. The person's outfit reminded Naruto of the Kiri Tracking Unit that he learned about when he asked Yugao about the other villages ANBU units or equivalents. He couldn't tell if the person was male or female due to their mask but considering this was their room he would know soon enough. The person walked towards him the mask still on before opening the cage, "I'm impressed Mister Ninja, I didn't think somebody would be able to follow my little Chappy back to our hideout."
'Shit' Naruto cursed mentally since his plan was backfiring already and he had no idea how.
That's it for Chapter 6 and yeah, it's cruel on you guys to stop here but it'll make the wait that much more fun. Next chapter Naruto's investigation yields interesting results and back at Tazuna's house the group learns just what a monster Gato is. Get ready guys because things are about to heat up.