Chapter 9 Enemies to Allies
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.
(Tazuna's Home)
The time has come to face Zabuza and Team 7 was all ready to go. Naruto was dressed in his black jacket with his baldric holding his blade while the rest of the team were in their usual outfits, "Alright guys it's time to go. Zabuza is waiting for us I'm sure" Kakashi smiled.
A smiling Tsunami looked worriedly at the group, "Be careful you guys." Tsunami said nervously. She was aware of how Zabuza and Kakashi's first fight left him and although she didn't know much about the ninja world, she did realize it would be equally as difficult the second time around
"If you're that worried Tsunami how about you give Kakashi sensei a kiss for good luck." Naruto teased causing Tazuna to growl and Tsunami to blush.
"Only if you guys go on ahead. I need to keep the mystery of the mask for now?" Kakashi smiled clearly okay with the prospect.
Tazuna was about to protest, but Naruto grabbed him by the arm and gave a firm grip, "Works for me. Let's get going old man. We don't want to keep your workers waiting. Plus, I doubt you want to see your daughter make out with a ninja who you hired." Naruto snickered.
"Fine fine" Tazuna growled since Naruto was right.
"Don't worry guys I'll catch up" Kakashi smiled as the group moved away.
"So, about that kiss" Tsunami smiled.
"How about we talk inside." Kakashi smiled and Tsunami couldn't hide a blush.
Back with Naruto and the group. Tazuna was still furious but he understood the ninja in front of him played by their own rules. Two of them were having sex in his guest room and their teacher slept with his daughter, "I still can't believe your teacher is sleeping with my daughter" Tazuna grumbled.
"Look on the bright side. We could've easily left you after the demon brothers and not only would you be dead, but your daughter would be without a father. Plus, I doubt she's this been happy for a long time." Naruto countered.
"Damn brat" Tazuna grumbled since he was right.
"Besides there's no need for any of us to be worried since this battle has already been decided." Naruto smirked.
"What are you talking about brat." Tazuna said angrily.
"Remember that hunter ninja who helped Zabuza."
"Yeah I do what about him." Tazuna replied.
"Well for one thing it's not a him. Her name was Haku and we've grown a little close." Naruto smiled bashfully.
Tazuna recognized that look, "Seriously brat. You mean that all four of you got some?" Tazuna said in disbelief causing Sasuke and Sakura to blush.
"Yep and the best part is she made a deal with Zabuza so that this encounter is a formality. All that's going to happen is Haku's going to help Sasuke awaken his Sharingan and we're going to relax." Naruto smiled devious since he had a plan of his own.
"So why did you make my daughter worry" Tazuna said indignantly.
Naruto's expression turned from jovial to serious in an instant, "Look at the trees Tazuna." Naruto said calmly. Tazuna did so and his eyes widened.
"What are those marks?" Tazuna said in shock.
"Sword marks. If I'm a betting man Gato sent some of his thugs to kidnap Tsunami and sensei is staying behind. By now they should be at the house." Naruto smiled.
"What!" Tazuna panicked before Naruto smiled.
"Relax old man. The point of keeping sensei back is because those guys are no match for him. He'll kick their ass and join us later." Naruto said in order to calm him.
"Or he'll just stay and sleep with Tsunami some more." Sasuke smirked.
"Or that" Naruto smiled also. They really didn't need sensei for this since the battle was over and it gave sensei an excuse for one last fling.
"You brat that's my daughter you're talking about."
"Hmm I wonder what would happen if we don't show up. Maybe Zabuza will get rid of his offer and everyone will be in danger." Naruto said in a sing song voice to drive Tazuna nuts.
"Why you!" Tazuna growled and he was about to do something before a surprising voice interrupted.
"That's enough Naruto. Annoying drunk or not he's still our client" Kakashi smiled as he moved to join the group.
"That was fast" Sasuke smiled.
"Shadow clone. The real me figured that Naruto would do some stuff to taunt him and decided to send somebody to watch." The clone smiled.
"Whatever." Naruto huffed and the group got moving.
"Good grief." Tazuna groaned knowing that this group had been far more trouble than he expected.
"Well let's get going." Sasuke smiled and the group made their way to the bridge. The prospect of awakening his sharingan was more then enough for him at this point.
(Scene Skip)
Arriving at the bridge the group was pleased to see Zabuza and Haku were waiting for them. The recovered Zabuza was in the same outfit from before while Haku was in her hunter uniform sans mask and her hair was also flowing. "Before you start accusing me of something, I told your workers to scram without hurting them." Zabuza said in a gruff voice.
"Thanks" Tazuna deadpanned.
"I was getting worried for a bit Naruto." Haku said with a smile.
Naruto was about to respond before Sakura spoke up, "Hold on. THAT's the hunter. She's so pretty." Sakura said in shock.
"Why thank you. Admittedly it's not often I actually act like a girl, but this was a special occasion." Haku smiled.
"How the heck did a pretty girl like you fall for Naruto." Sakura spoke up causing Naruto to twitch and pretty much everyone else to snicker as well.
"I've been using the hunter ninja trick with Zabuza for about three years now and Naruto was the first person to ever figure it out. Combine my surprise with my circumstances and well he deserved a reward" Haku praised.
Naruto was a bit embarrassed at the praise, "My sensei taught me well, but since we have a little while until Gato gets here, how about we kill some time." Naruto smirked.
Haku smiled widely before surprising everyone by vanishing with a burst of speed and appearing in front of Naruto, "I would've thought you were against it after last time but clearly I was wrong." Haku said with a tease as she draped over Naruto.
"Damn it Haku, I meant for you to fight Sasuke." Naruto shouted with a blush over his face.
"I know. I just wanted to see you lose composure for a bit." Haku smiled before backing up.
"I don't know whether to be proud or annoyed right now after that display." Zabuza chuckled. Haku was like a daughter to him and he couldn't help the fatherly instinct of looking at his daughter's first boyfriend like that. Then again, the way she teased him was brilliant.
"Be proud. Very few people are able to make Naruto lose his composure like that." Sasuke chuckled.
"Laugh it up Sasuke because you're the one she's fighting." Naruto smirked causing Sasuke to shut up.
"Right" Sasuke smiled and everyone gave the two teens space to fight.
"So Naruto, how will Sasuke fair in this fight?" Sakura wondered.
"Let's put it this way. This is a matchup that Sasuke would have a hard time winning with the Sharingan. Without it he's in deep trouble." Naruto surmised.
"Deep trouble is an understatement kid. As the person who trained Haku and somebody whose fought a few Uchiha in his day, I can tell you that this won't be much of a fight." Zabuza smirked.
"Yes, but since it's a spar, it's exactly what Sasuke needs." Kakashi acknowledged.
"Get ready Haku." Sasuke said calmly although internally he was terrified. Haku's brief display of speed showed she was faster than even Naruto at full strength and that meant this was going to be tough.
"Alright Sasuke, I'm not going to hold back." Haku said calmly before vanishing in a flash of speed yet again.
"Fast" Sasuke said in awe. Before he could even put up a guard Haku nailed him in the stomach with a powerful kick sending him flying briefly before he slid on the hard concrete of the bridge.
"Sasuke!" Sakura shouted nervously.
"Man that hurt" Sasuke smiled happily. This was a challenge and one that would surely push him to the limit that he needed to get his sharingan.
"If that's all you got this spar won't be much. I'm beginning to see why Naruto seduced me." Haku smirked.
"Hey, you're the one who came onto me." Naruto deadpanned.
"Says the man who disguised himself as a rabbit and hid in my room. It takes a special type of pervert to hide inside a girl's room like you did. I bet you were waiting for me to drop my guard and have your way with me." Haku teased some more causing Naruto to blush.
"We went over this already Haku. I figured that you'd drop your guard and I could use the opening to get information from you without Zabuza finding out. Plus, I had no idea you were a girl until later." Naruto protested.
"Can you two save the flirting for later. I kinda have a Sharingan to awaken." Sasuke deadpanned.
"I can do both but alright. By the way you should've used that opening to attack me. Big mistake."
"And I would've walked right into a trap. I know nothing about your style and trying a sneak attack when I don't know what you can do is suicide." Sasuke countered. It was something Naruto and Kakashi told him about.
"Kid's got a point." Zabuza spoke up.
"Then how about I show you what I can do." Haku smiled as she began flashing hand signs.
'Now this gets fun.' Naruto thought to himself.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu" Haku shouted as the water dragon formed in front of him.
'That was stupid.' Sasuke thought to himself and as the water dragon rushed towards him, he easily dodged it jumping back as water exploded all around him. He was wet but that was it.
"Well done but now I have you right where I want you." Haku smiled as she began making hand signs
"What is she up to" Sasuke wondered as he began to see the signs.
"Get ready Sasuke Ice Style: Shattering Ice Spear
"What!" Sasuke yelled and he rapidly flashed the signs for a substitution jutsu. It was a good thing to because he would've been skewered by a powerful group of ice spikes appearing from the puddle below.
"Ice Style" Kakashi said in shock.
"Yeah. Her bloodline is particularly nasty, but I'm surprised she used that technique." Zabuza admitted.
"I rarely get to use my ice style, so I felt like showing off." Haku smiled.
"Good for me. Hey Naruto, you were hiding this from us weren't you." Sasuke groaned. He barely dodged that attack and now it was clear this wouldn't be a fun match at all.
"Yeah, if you knew she'd use ice style you'd try to fight her differently." Naruto smiled causing Sasuke to twitch.
"You'll pay for that later." Sasuke growled before focusing on Haku again.
"Hey brat how long do we have to wait. I'm getting bored." Zabuza growled.
Naruto agreed and came up with a fun idea to kill the time, "Then how about you and I have a little spar of our own. How does first blood sound?" Naruto smiled.
"Naruto are you crazy!" Kakashi's clone shouted.
"Absolutely not" Haku shouted having overheard Naruto's words.
Sasuke smiled since Naruto's words gave him a chance, "Now it's my turn. Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu"
Haku cursed internally before easily dodging the attack and preparing her own counter, "Water Style: Water Gun Jutsu" Haku shouted before blasting a stream of water at Sasuke.
"Not good" Sasuke groaned as the water gun nailed Sasuke perfectly sending him flying.
"Sasuke"
Zabuza was amused by the thought, "What makes you think you can go against me even in a spar?" Zabuza wondered.
"I don't but I'm the one watching your baby girl. I figure this way you know she's in good hands." Naruto replied.
"Really Naruto" Haku blushed.
Zabuza couldn't help but laugh at his confidence, "Alright kid. Let's find a spot that Haku hasn't messed up yet. I assume you mean blade on blade?" Zabuza asked curiously.
"Yep. Simple and relatively painless." Naruto smirked as he and Zabuza moved away.
'Naruto no. You don't just get into a simple fight with Zabuza." Haku protested ignoring Sasuke again.
"You know a guy could get offended by being ignored like that." Sasuke said with a slight grumble as he got to his feet.
"If you're so worried awaken his Sharingan already. Until then we have time to kill." Naruto replied unbothered by Haku's concerns.
"I don't know whether to be proud or ashamed of you kid. You're being brutal to both." Zabuza smiled as the pair prepared to fight.
"Call it both. Works easier that way." Naruto replied.
"Damn it, Naruto." Haku yelled just for Sasuke to punch her in the face sending her flying.
"The idiot knows what he's doing Haku. Your fight is with me." Sasuke taunted hoping to get the focus back on him. Naruto went through the trouble of setting this up and he had no choice but to go along with it despite how painful it would be. At least he would get his Sharingan out of all of this or at least that was the hope.
Haku scowled at the situation and realized she had to play a little dirty, "Since this is only a spar, I didn't want to use this technique, but you leave me no choice." Haku frowned as she began making hand signs. "Secret Jutsu: Crystal Ice Mirrors"Haku shouted and Sasuke was surrounded by a dome of ice mirrors.
"Nice" Naruto smiled as he prepared to fight Zabuza.
"You're not concerned. Even I have some trouble getting out of this technique." Zabuza admitted.
"Then Sasuke will have to focus hard to awaken his Sharingan." Naruto said nonchalantly as he removed his blade from its position on his back with his right hand.
"Fair enough but let me ask you again. Are you sure you want to do this?" Zabuza said calmly.
Naruto got into his stance which had his blade in front of his body and with a strong base, "Of course not. I'm up against a member of the Seven Swordsmen in a blade only battle. My kenjutsu sensei would probably kill me if she ever found out I did this." Naruto groaned in annoyance.
"Your sensei is familiar with the Uzumaki style. Now that's a surprise." Zabuza said calmly causing Naruto's eyes to widen.
"How do you now about that?" Naruto said in shock.
Zabuza smiled as a fond memory came back to him, "When the last iteration of the Seven Ninja Swords was just starting to make its name known, we got into a battle with your mother Kushina. She kicked all of our asses by herself using that style and her blade. After that, all of us got serious and many of us probably haven't forgotten that day." Zabuza smirked.
"How do you know about Kushina being Naruto's mother?" Kakashi wondered. That was a major secret in their village and for an enemy ninja to know was incredible.
"After she kicked our ass. The Hidden Mist used countless spies to learn everything we could about her including her infatuation with the man who became the Fourth Hokage and even about their eventual marriage. When I heard she died I admit I shed a small tear. As for knowing he's her kid. The name is a dead giveaway and that blonde hair blue eyed combo is perfect fourth." Zabuza smiled.
"I see" Kakashi replied noting that for future reference.
"So kid, let's see if you can do your family proud and if I can trust mine with you." Zabuza smiled.
"You asked for it" Naruto smiled as he charged Zabuza blade at the ready for an upwards slash.
Over with Sasuke the last Uchiha was in trouble. The crystal ice mirrors surrounded him and now he was at Haku's mercy. "Well damn now what do I do?" Sasuke wondered.
"Endure" Haku spoke from one of the mirrors and soon the true horror of Haku's technique revealed itself as she pulled out a senbon before multiple copies of her appeared in the mirrors.
"Oh you've gotta be." Sasuke cursed as he dodged senbon.
"Consider yourself lucky. Normally I would have senbon raining down on you, but this will merely be target practice."
"Lucky me" Sasuke groaned sarcastically
"You won't be saying that by the time we're done." Haku smiled having picked up on Sasuke's sarcasm. As the clones began to rain senbon down on Sasuke it was clear that he would pay a painful price in order to awaken his sharingan.
Back with Naruto his clash with Zabuza was proving every bit the challenge he thought it would be, "Not bad kid. To keep up with me like this in a spar says something." Zabuza smiled as he parried Naruto's latest swipe and moved to counter. What Naruto lacked in strength, he made up for with speed, but it was a speed that Zabuza could easily keep up with.
"Thanks, but I'm not getting anywhere. By the time Gato and his cronies get here we still won't have this settled." Naruto groaned as he settled in and prepared for his next attack.
"How do you know when he'll get here." Zabuza wondered.
"Sent a shadow clone to watch the area leading up to the bridge this morning before we left. His instructions are to vanish the minute he senses anybody."
"Smart. So how long do you think we have." Zabuza wondered.
"No clue. The clone is about five minutes out. I haven't heard anything from it yet." Naruto replied.
"Alright but, I'm curious about one more thing.".
"What's up."
"How would you have fought against Haku if she used that ice mirror technique. You seemed unusually calm when she showed it off."
"Early on, I realized that my kenjutsu technique left a lot to be desired. To make up for that I came up with ways to help myself. One of the ways was fusing wind chakra with my blade my original blade. After making a special order to change my blade to chakra metal, I developed a few techniques to utilize that new function. If I was against those mirrors, I'd simply use one of those techniques" Naruto admitted.
"I see" Zabuza smiled.
"Why do I not like the look in your eyes." Naruto said nervously.
"Because I want to see what you can really do with that blade. You'll need it moving forward." Zabuza smiled causing Naruto to frown.
"What do you mean by that?" Naruto wondered.
"I'll tell you if you impress me enough." Zabuza smiled as his sword stood at the ready.
"Alright" Naruto replied as he concentrated for a moment just for a thin layer of wind chakra to appear on the edge of the blade.
"If all you've got is the ability to add wind nature to your blade you won't impress me." Zabuza lectured.
"Good thing it's not that simple" Naruto smiled as he charged Zabuza again preparing for a basic vertical slash.
Zabuza simply smiled before preparing to parry the attack. However, he noticed something odd about the thin layer and instead of parrying it moved back to dodge, "You're one clever little bastard." Zabuza snarled.
"So you noticed" Naruto smiled despite his trick being known. He used a principal similar to the compression aspect of a Rasengan to hide a serious amount of wind chakra in the thin layer around the blade. If Zabuza had gone to parry his attack, it could do serious damage to his blade.
"That's right. I don't want to lose my blade and if I had blocked your attack that's exactly what was going to happen." Zabuza smiled back.
"Well then that leaves us in a rather…. Damn it." Naruto groaned as the memories from his clone appeared.
"I take it your clone has news." Zabuza frowned.
"Yeah and that means training is over." Naruto said calmly before turning towards the ice. "Hey Haku funs over. We've got guests coming." Naruto shouted. The ice mirrors shattered instantly and Haku and Sasuke were revealed.
"Sasuke!" Sakura gasped when she noticed that her crush was a practical pincushion.
"That looks brutal. Didn't know you had it in you Haku." Zabuza praised.
"Neither did I." Haku admitted as she walked over to Naruto and draped her arms around him, "I did my part so how about my reward." Haku smiled as she leaned in to kiss him, just for him to put his finger against her lips.
"Sorry but Gato's goons are on the way. After we take care of them and get everyone back safe and sound, we can have some fun." Naruto replied taking his finger away.
"I'll hold you to it." Haku smiled happily.
"Well Naruto, your new girlfriend is brutal but effective." Sasuke chuckled as he walked towards Naruto with his Sharingan active and one tomoe appearing.
"That's good but you should probably sit this one out." Naruto smiled.
"You've got that look in your eyes." Sasuke said nervously as he stood next to his comrade
"Yeah. I've got a few new tricks I've been wanting to try and since they interrupted my fun, I figure it's time to make my displeasure known." Naruto replied his smile never leaving his face.
Sasuke turned towards his sensei and said, "Code Seven. We have a definite Code Seven." Sasuke said nervously.
Kakashi's eyes widened, "Got it. So, let Naruto do what he wants."
"What's a Code Seven and why do you look more scared then when we fought." Haku asked curiously.
"To keep a long story short, I've been training with sensei and Sasuke for years even before we became an official team. Code Seven refers to a warning that I'm going to use one of the powerful jutsu I developed in my spare time since the academy was a waste."
"I see" Zabuza smiled eagerly as the group stood in wait. Soon enough Gato arrived at behind him was a group of thugs.
"What do we have here? I can't believe, The Demon of the Hidden Mist can't kill a group of kids. How pathetic." Gato scoffed. Gato was a small man with shaggy brown hair and small black circular glasses that hid his eyes from the group. The massive group of thugs behind him all snickered alongside them.
"And yet the little man-child thinks he can do a thing about it?" Zabuza countered with a sneer of his own.
"You guys are all worn out from your fighting which means my boys here can take over." Gato smiled.
"Hey buddy I think all the mist has fogged up your glasses." Naruto smiled.
"That's right because I'm feeling pretty good." Zabuza added with a growl of his own. As the group got a good look at Zabuza their expression went from confidence to nervousness.
"Uh boss. He looks pretty good to me." One of the thugs said nervously.
"You fools, he's just one man." Gato chastised.
"Funny story actually." Naruto smiled before walking towards the group and making his favorite hand sign. "Shadow Clone Jutsu"
"What the" Gato gasped as 10 more Naruto's appeared.
"Yep and I can create a lot more." Naruto smiled before most of the clones vanished leaving one by his side.
"But we only need 1 more clone to school you guys." The clone smiled as the pair of Naruto's began flashing through hand signs.
"Get him!" Gato yelled and the thugs charged.
"Too late" the two Naruto's smiled.
"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough" the clone Naruto shouted before exhaling a massive stream of air that seemed to cover the whole bridge.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu" The real Naruto shouted as a water dragon appeared from the water right in the midst of the breakthrough but instead of clashing with each other the two attacks fused causing the already large dragon to double in size with some of the Great Breakthrough wrapping around it .
"Secret Art: Leviathan's Wrath" the two Naruto shouted as the combined dragon roared towards the thugs. The rest of the group looked on in shock as the beast's maw opened wide as though it was going to swallow them whole.
"RUN!" one of the thugs shouted in fear but it was far too late. The fused dragon barreled into the thugs sending most of them flying into the water where they would drown due to their lack of chakra. As for Gato, the attack was coming at him fast.
"No. No. NOOOOOOO" Gato shouted but it was too late as the dragon crushed him.
"That's what I'm talking about" Zabuza roared with glee.
"Oh my" Haku smiled.
"Oh wow" Sakura gasped not expecting that.
"Damn" Sasuke smiled wishing he could've watched that with his Sharingan active. With one attack Naruto had the battle won and the fact he couldn't copy the attack was a buzzkill.
"Nice and I didn't even need the seal I prepared." Naruto smiled as the clone vanished with its work done.
"There was more" Kakashi said in shock not aware that Naruto set up more seals.
"Yeah when I was working on the bridge, I set up a shock seal that we could use as a worst-case scenario." Naruto smiled before Haku slammed into him.
"That was truly amazing Naruto." Haku shouted peppering kisses on his cheek.
"I'd love to be angry at this sight, but Haku is right. I haven't seen something that impressive in a while" Zabuza chuckled.
"Since I'm a bit occupied can you guys take care of the rest of these goofballs." Naruto said bashfully since a few thugs survived the torrent.
Kakashi was ready but he noticed something else, "How about we leave it to them." Kakashi smiled as he pointed towards the other side of the bridge where Inari and a group of townspeople gathered their weapons.
"You won't take this town from us anymore" Inari shouted as the townspeople shouted with glee.
"Hey guys… let's go" one of the thugs shouted. The rest of the thugs weren't far behind and the battle was over.
"We did it!" the townspeople shouted.
"I believe that wraps things up from here." Kakashi smiled.
"Works for me. Now I believe I have an icy girl to thaw out." Naruto smiled.
"That was terrible Naruto" Haku deadpanned before turning towards her adopted father. "After we have a little fun, we'll take care of Gato's fortune.
"Alright but don't take too long." Zabuza smiled.
"No promises." Haku smiled before she and Naruto vanished via a shunshin. It was a complete victory for the group and Naruto among others were planning to celebrate deep into the night.
(Scene Skip)
A week had passed since the battle at the bridge and things were working out pretty well for the group. After having a little fun, Haku and Naruto claimed the rest of Gato's vast fortune which included property he took from the people of Wave during his rampage. To say that Tazuna was stunned when he learned that the Wave was keeping 80 million dollars and that all they would give up is 20 to Zabuza the man was in tears.
With Gato dead and the bandits defeated the only thing left for the large group to do was help finish the bridge. With Naruto's shadow clones and a little help from Haku and Zabuza it was a simple task. When the group wasn't working on the bridge, they were training to get stronger. Naruto spent most of his time sparing with Sasuke to help him get used to the Sharingan but Haku and Zabuza joined in on occasion to give him something else to deal with, though mostly Haku since Zabuza was well out of their league. Sakura was getting a bit stronger though she was still far from her two teammates. Overall, the group was doing good but like most good things, this came to an end and it was time for the group to leave.
"I can never thank you enough for everything you've done." Tazuna smiled as the group stood in front of the bridge. Tazuna and Inari were there along with Tsunami. Zabuza and Haku said their goodbyes the day before which meant that the young woman was free to join her newest lover and her team who stood near the forests ready to leave.
"Pretty sure Tsunami thanked sensei a bunch." Naruto snickered causing Kakashi and Tsunami to blush while Sasuke Sakura and Haku smiled.
"We just did what our mission dictated and that's all." Kakashi replied trying to be humble.
"Yes and because of it you've gained a few new comrades in the process." Haku reminded them.
"Well with the bridge and the money you guys got from Gato, Wave will be up to speed in no time." Naruto smiled.
"Yes it will, and when that happens, we'll be sure to repay every penny we owe you guys and more." Tazuna said happily. When he asked them for help, he never imagined he'd get this lucky.
"Well it's time for us to get going." Naruto smiled as the group prepared to leave.
"One more thing" Kakashi smiled before walking over to Inari to the group's surprise.
"You're going now huh?" Inari said solemnly. When training was done for the day Kakashi spent plenty of time with Inari due to his relationship with Tsunami. It wasn't an exaggeration to say that Kakashi had become a father figure to the boy.
"Yeah but the Leaf is only a few hours away for a ninja like me. I'll come visit you and your mom as much as I can." Kakashi smiled ruffling the young man's hair.
"Don't worry I'll make sure he does." Naruto smiled.
"Thank you." Inari said happily before Kakashi moved to leave. With the group gone a smiling Tsunami remembered something important.
"You know we never did name the bridge did we." Tsunami wondered.
"No, we didn't, and I have the perfect name" Tazuna smiled.
'What's that grandpa." Inari wondered.
"The Bridge of New Beginnings. Arriving in the Land of Waves changed everything for a lot of people and if people see our bridge, I want them to smile and know that the future is bright." Tazuna smiled.
"Sounds good to me." Tsunami smiled.
"Yeah." Inari smiled. The wave's future was secured and now everyone could look forward to the next chapter in their lives.
(Scene Skip)
The group stood before a calm Hokage as Kakashi finished explaining what was going on. The Hokage was doing his best to keep his reactions calm but Naruto could tell the Hokage had mixed feelings, "Well done Team 7 and you'll receive pay for an A-Rank mission. You will also be given a week off to recover from these extraordinary circumstances." The Hokage said calmly.
"Thank you Lord Hokage." Kakashi smiled.
"Hey Gramps, what about Haku?" Naruto wondered focusing more on his new lover.
The Hokage focused on Haku before taking a deep breath, "Due to your history with Zabuza we must hold you for a little while before we can properly integrate you into our forces. You will be given an ANBU handler who will watch over you until then."
"Of course." Haku replied calmly. She knew it wouldn't be simple to join the Leaf, but she was willing to do what she had to in order to be with Naruto.
"Neko please come here." The Hokage shouted and Neko appeared to Naruto's surprise.
"What is it Lord Hokage?" Neko asked calmly.
"I'd like you to watch over Ms Momochi. We'll have her in a cell for a few days and have Anko and Ibiki talk to her after that's all done." The Hokage said calmly.
"Of course" Neko replied before escorting Haku out of the room. Naruto would've been more concerned if anybody other than Neko were watching over her, but he knew Neko would be fair.
Once Haku was gone the Hokage turned to Team 7 and smiled, "You are dismissed for now."
Sasuke narrowed his eyes before nodding, "See you later Naruto. Get some rest buddy because you'll need it."
"Tell me something I don't know Sasuke" Naruto retorted as the last Uchiha left the room with Sakura not far behind. Once they were gone the Hokage smiled.
"Leave us" the Hokage shouted and the remaining ANBU that were hidden around them left leaving the group for a private conversation.
"Naruto mind making us a privacy barrier." Kakashi said calmly.
Naruto was already making hand signs and when he was done dropped to the ground slamming his palm to activate the barrier in question, "You knew Tazuna was lying the whole time didn't you." Naruto deadpanned.
"Give me a little credit Naruto. I'm no fool and plus the Leaf has been watching the Land of Waves for a while now."
Naruto smiled because he realized the truth, "So you killed two birds with one stone. You needed me to calm down and sending me against enemy ninja was a nice way to do that." Naruto said with understanding. It was hard to be angry since it worked out so well.
"That's right but before we let you go there's one more thing, I wish to discuss with you and that's the real reason I've kept you back."
"And what's that" Naruto wondered.
"Tell me Naruto, have you ever heard of the C.R.A." The Hokage said with a grin on his face.
Naruto looked at the old Hokage with an odd expression, "No I haven't. That's one of the few things I didn't learn about." Naruto answered.
The Hokage smiled, "To put it simply the C.R.A is known as the Clan Restoration Act. A person under the CRA's umbrella can have as many as three wives at once legally and there are two requirements. The first is that you be the last male member of a major clan and second is that you obtain the rank of chunin."
Naruto was thrilled but then a sad realization occurred to him, "That's great and all but three isn't going to cut it anymore." Haku complicated things slightly.
"Well then it's a good thing you aren't limited to three." The Hokage smiled.
"Huh!?" Naruto said in confusion.
The Third Hokage merely smiled before replying, "You have access to not only your mother's clans but your father's which means you have room for six.
Naruto's eyes widened again since now everything was in place. With the CRA he could be with Hinata Yakumo and Tenten without any problem and even add Haku to the mix once she's off her probation, "What do I need to do to sign up." Naruto said happily.
The third smiled before reaching under his desk, "Simply sign here Naruto. The rest of the forms have been filled out already for you."
"How's that possible" Naruto gasped.
Kakashi stared at him in his version of a smile, "Because Genma Yugao and I have been preparing for you to join the CRA ever since you saved Yakumo and she made her interest known. We would've waited until you actually became a chunin but"
"Thanks to my temper tantrum you realized that you needed to come up with a quicker solution." Naruto interrupted.
"Correct. All you need to do is sign a few forms and then we'll bring the motion before the council. Even though you won't be in officially we can start making arrangements for when you actually become a chunin" The Hokage smiled.
Naruto gladly signed the forms to bring him into the CRA. Now all that remained was coming clean to his girls about Haku a task that wasn't going to be as fun.
That's it for Chapter 9 and yea things are getting fun. Next chapter it's time to come clean.