Author Note

Hi there and welcome to another chapter of Nidaime no Sairin.

I was thrilled to hear your responses to last chapter. Most of you supplied with ideas about his pairing and I have taken this time to write possible scenarios for all four women. I'd like to say that I have already chosen his future pairing and sorry but I will keep it a secret for now. This Naruto will be secretive in many of the skills and knowledge that he possesses. So, it makes sense that his relationship follows this norm. And I can say that this woman is from Konoha. I have already worked the details of the story up until the Shippuden era. Furthermore, normally, I would take this short space to answer some of the reviews, so let's get to it.

Nightwing991 - Considering that the woman I chose is from Konoha like I said before, there isn't many examples to choose from. As such, an older woman pairing (and not Tenten since she is only one year older than him) would be either Anko, Hana, Kurenai, Yuugao or Shizune. Though like I stated last chapter, his pairing will be appearing more as the story progresses.

Guest - Someone I don't know who asked me to do a NarutoxMabui story. It would be indeed a good idea, but I have chosen someone from Konoha, in the end.

Tokishimaharuto19 - I thought about doing an OC, but I have already done this idea in Cursed Eyes, so I thought differently.

theronjohn325 - I do plan on returning to the other stories, though after I finish one of the FSN stories.

Now on with the chapter and I hope it is to everyone's liking.


Nidaime no Sairin

Chapter 8 – Wave Mission Part II


The boat kept on navigating throughout the sea waters amidst the heavy mist all around them.

Neither of the shinobi could very much rely on their physical senses as sight, taste, smell and hearing were impaired in many ways. In fact, only the man that guided the small boat appeared to have any knowledge of direction. Naruto, Asuma and Kakashi were each busy expanding their own senses so as to catch sight of an attack. If the Demon Brothers were any indication, then the chances of the jounin coming also from Kirigakure was a high probability. As such, the shinobi from Konoha were at extreme terrain disadvantage. It was imperative that they finalized the crossing as soon as possible. Naruto, in the meanwhile, was having fun on his own.

By each step he took on top of the water, he expelled short bursts of chakra through the tenketsus localized on his feet.

Doing so, he could feel himself connected to the very nature he is most attuned to. Asuma and Kakashi were both focused on both the protection of the boat and the possible existence of threats, but Kakashi occasionally looked at the blonde walking by their side, apparently without much trouble.

Of course, chakra capacity wasn't an issue to Naruto, being not only an Uzumaki but also the jailor of the fox.

However, keeping a constant flow of chakra through the tenketsu can lead to overstrain in time. As such, for those still in training, at least until some time as a genin, this practice was extremely ill-advised. But, not only does Naruto not appear to feel any sort of strain, but Kakashi could feel complete serenity in his chakra flow. As if he was already accustomed to it. It made Kakashi wonder about the potential that lies in front of him.


===Wave Country===

Some fifteen minutes later and observing Tazuna's creation, the teams reached Wave Country as the boat maneuvered towards a wooden dock where they could step into.

The genin all looked at Naruto who stepped out of the water and calmly cleaned the sweat from his forehead. No matter how much accustomed to being on the water as he was, travelling like this took a slight toll on his still developing tenketsu. Hinata was by his side immediately in clear concern while Asuma and Kakashi were waiting for Tazuna to say his goodbye and appreciation to the man who transported them at the cost of his life. Naruto smiled at his teammate as she eagerly placed a comforting pair of hands on his shoulder.

"A..re you okay, Naruto-kun…?"

"I am, Hinata, thank you. Can you take a look at my chakra network to see if there is a strain?"

Hinata smiled timidly and with a blush, acquiesced to the request, activating her byakugan.

This was actually not the first time that the Hyuuga has ever used her dojutsu on Naruto. When they sparred together, despite having perhaps the strongest taijutsu style in the village, she felt like an academy student when facing Naruto. The difference was not reliant in Naruto's taijutsu style, which were a mix of the style taught at the academy and a few others she didn't recognize. In terms of skills alone, she would still be superior. However, both his strength and agility far exceeded her, making it almost impossible to face him without her dojutsu activated.

And Hinata was surprised at first upon seeing highly developed tenketsu as opposed to the others. Naruto was easily chunnin material based on his tenketsu development.

"Ah…just a slight strain on the tenketsu on your left feet, but not...not concerning, I think."

She blushed at his appreciation. To this day, it was still hard for the timid girl not to avert her eyes and blush at his intense gaze.

"Thank you…let's go then."

Soon, they walked and approached Shikamaru who was busy looking at the clouds for a while. He stopped being surprised at his teammate's display a long time ago. It would be too troublesome otherwise and Shikamaru theorized that he would be surprised many times in the future as Naruto would never stop showing something no one thought he could do before. Shikamaru was actually focused on his parents never finding out about Naruto or else he wouldn't hear the end of it from his nagging mother.

So, the teams continued walking at the same formation as before they reached the sea.

As they walked, it was clear to some that the tension became more palpable. Despite not being visible, both Kakashi and Asuma's shoulders were hardened, despite their mastery in making it look like neither of them were bothered about anything. Sasuke and Naruto, both second in command, looked around their location as Hinata and Kiba focused their scouting abilities. Hinata was activating her eyes every now and then while Kiba was using his extra-sensitive nose to spot on possible enemies. Though, their skills were impaired by the heavy presence of mist in the air slowly creeping on the group.

Because of this, Kiba and Akamaru's nose were hindered. Also, the mist made it difficult for Hinata to look around.

Soon, the group turned to a halt when Akamaru bolted towards a nearby bush, alerting everyone and making Tazuna and Sakura's heart rate skyrocket.

"K…kiba…control your mutt."

The Inuzuka snarled at the pink-haired genin, before the teams went to see where Akamaru went to. As soon as Kiba stepped inside the bush that Akamaru went, he was surprised to see his partner snarling at a white-fur rabbit, who looked scared for his life. Kiba then grabbed the rabbit by the neck and showed to the group, earning another scolding from Sakura and even Tazuna who was focused in controlling his heartbeat. The jounin both looked at the creature in Kiba's hand and then looked at each other with an understanding nod. This species certainly did not belong to Wave Country, which meant that perhaps their new foe shall make its appearance soon.

Naruto certainly felt the spike in their chakra in response and got ready as well as Sasuke.

The sudden and swift movement from the heavy forest alerted Kakashi and Asuma, before Kakashi screamed for everyone to get down just as a boomerang came charging at them, threatening to slash them in half.

Everyone went down as the sword passed through them, before being lodged on the tree in front of them, before a grown-up appeared standing on top of the zanbatou sword handle. Kakashi, Asuma and Naruto looked up immediately at the sudden spike of chakra and rest soon followed. This newcomer wore bright blue pants and black and white camouflage arm guards and leg guards. His face was hidden by white tape and the scratched Kiri headband was plainly visible for everyone to see. Naruto saw this man's eyes looking down upon them as he could feel the amount of chakra and killing intent from this guy.

While not close to Tobirama's, this one was on pair with the jounin sensei easily. That alone made him cautions.

Those chunnin from before were nothing compared to this guy.

"Kakashi…" Asuma's tone was enough for Kakashi to nod as he took a step forward to greet the enemy.

"Well, well, it if isn't the Rogue ninja from Kirigakure, Momochi Zabuza". The scarecrow jounin appeared aloof to the level of threat and both his hands were inside his pockets. The man named Zabuza just looked at both jounin from his vantage point as he saw Kakashi about to lift his headband that covered his right eye.

"I assume you are Sharingan no Kakashi and Sarutobi Asuma…well, no wonder the demon brothers failed in their assignment."

The man's rough voice echoed around the clearing and it brought chills up the green genin's spine. Certainly, Sasuke was appalled at the nickname he heard from his sensei and looked at Kakashi for clarification. Meanwhile, Zabuza was more interested in focusing on the jounin as he finished talking. "Sorry but I'll have you hand over the old man. If you do, then I promise not to kill any of your precious little genin. If you don't comply, though, well, their lives will be forfeit." Asuma and Kakashi stood in front of the genin as they stared at the level of threat…facing a member of the Seven swordsmen of the Mist certainly wasn't what they expected at all.

"Everyone, form a perimeter around the client…none of you shall fight him, this one is above your league."

The genin were alerted by Asuma's orders as Kakashi focused his entire attention on Zabuza.

"Well, I'm honored to be meeting the famous sharingan so soon." The genin and the jounin looked around as the mist began to envelop the clearing even more. Zabuza noticed as the genin all circled the client to protect him. He then focused on Asuma and Kakashi, before vanishing from his position and landing on top of the small river by their side, before focusing on the ram seal. Everyone could sense the spike in Zabuza's chakra as the man began his assault.

Ninpou Kirigakure no Jutsu (Ninja Art: Hidden Mist Technique)

Whereas the mist was already thick around them, now it became almost impossible to even see a thing. Asuma by this point had both his trench knives on his hands and Kakashi stood in front of the group as they tried to see where Zabuza was. The heavy mist made it impossible for they to see past a couple meters. Hinata used her byakugan and relied the information that Zabuza was no longer on top of the river, but she couldn't tell where he was.

His chakra was all over the place.

"Momochi Zabuza, the expert in silent killing, indeed." The genin looked at Kakashi. "As the name suggests, it's a killing skill that's implemented in an instant in silence. By the time you realize it, you are dead." The genin flinched at being in the presence of such a foe, though Naruto quickly expanded his senses, taking advantage of the high humidity in the air. As he closed his eyes, he extended his senses past his position.

Before he could pinpoint Zabuza's location, the group was surprised to hear his voice echoing once more.

"Eight spots…larynx, the spine, lungs, liver, the jugular and the subclavian veins, the kidney and ultimately, the heart. Now, which vulnerable spot would be good?" The casual way in which he spoke sent shivers up Tazuna's throat at perhaps feeling himself being stabbed in each and everyone of these spots in his body. Certainly, the amount of killing intent spiked in the area, making most of the genin tremble in slight fear. Sasuke and Naruto were better off as Sasuke had his sharingan activated. Still, his one-tomoe sharingan was more useless than Hinata's byakugan. The most that Sasuke could count on right now was slight better reflex, but only helped him if he could actually see the enemy.

"Asuma, try clearing the mist."

The old Sarutobi nodded as he quickly made some hand seals and ushered a heavy gust all around him.

Kaskashi did a similar with his own chakra, spiking it to review his own killing intent so as to match Zabuza's. The end result was that the mist cleared for a while, but because they were surrounded by the ocean, Zabuza's mist easily enveloped them once again. Also, the area now became even more saturated with killing intent, not only from Zabuza, but from Asuma and Kakashi as well. Sasuke felt it immediately and it made him remember the bad events of his life at the hands of his brother Itachi.

The pressure in the air was unbearable and it made the Uchiha gag, having trouble breathing.

Sasuke's troubled mind didn't even register when a kunai appeared in his own hand. The Uchiha was about to take the easy way out when he sensed a hand on his shoulder.

"Sasuke, use your chakra and ease your mind." The Uchiha turned to Naruto who was narrowing his eyes at him.

"Wha…Naruto…"

"This is killing intent, they are spiking up their chakra to match Zabuza's. Flare up your chakra to regulate your breathing."

It may have been a tip for Sasuke, but the rest of the genin all suffered more or less the same thing and did what Naruto instructed. Kakashi and Asuma smiled at the kid from their position.

"Well said kid, though it's time for you all to die."

The sudden voice alerted everyone and Naruto could now pinpoint Zabuza's position as being actually inside their own circle of protection. Still, even before he began moving to take Tazuna away from Zabuza's swing, Kakashi had already looked straight at Zabuza's eyes and charged with a kunai, piercing Zabuza's stomach. Still, the fact that from the wound, it leaked water instead of blood alerted Naruto to the usage of a Mizu Bunshin, before he saw another Zabuza surge behind Kakashi and slash his body in half. Though, just like it happened with Zabuza, water erupted from Kakashi's body. Naruto was surprised and in awe upon seeing the speed in which Kakashi had used a Mizu Bunshin as well.

This is it…this was a fight between jounin.

Kakashi then positioned a kunai from behind Zabuza, but this Zabuza turned out to be bunshin as well and appeared behind the shocked Kakashi. Asuma took this time and charged with great agility and stopped Zabuza's zanbatou, before it could reach Kakashi. The swordsmen of the Mist tsked at the sudden intrusion to his fight as he parried Asuma's trench knives. He then dodged a swing from one of the knives, but was surprised when he sensed his face being scratched and blood coming out. Zabuza then looked at the trench knives and at Asuma's knowing smirk.

"So, you are using wind chakra through that weapon of yours, Sarutobi Asuma. How unoriginal."

The unrelenting assault between them kept for a while, but Asuma was surprised when Zabuza used the sword handle to slam Asuma's kneecap, making the bearded jounin kneel in pain at the strike. Zabuza was about to follow with a swing with his sword, when Kakashi appeared and parried with his kunai. The vein popping on Zabuza's forehead was evidence enough of his frustration.

"You two are starting to get on my nerves!"

Zabuza snarled as he used brute force to force Kakashi backward, before swinging at Asuma once more, this time with no one to stop him. Asuma saw the attack coming, but the weapon was too big for him to completely evade. Zabuza's swing ended up hitting Asuma's leg, causing a deep gash at the bearded jounin's left thigh, earning a scream in pain. Zabuza suddenly had to evade a continuous assault as he saw a great load of shuriken charging at him and not from Kakashi's position. When he looked, he could see the blonde kid with the hand throwing motion. Zabuza snarled at the genin, before Kakashi came in once more, this time, in short-range fighting. Only once more, the swordsman used the mizu bunshin exchange once Kakashi managed to break Zabuza's guard.

The real Zabuza appeared behind Kakashi and tried to kill him with the zanbatou, but he had to evade because of Asuma's knife flying towards him carried by wind chakra.

Still, Zabuza was unrelented as slammed his sword on the ground and used the handle to propel his body, before aiming a strong kick at Kakashi's chest that sent him flying towards the lake. Kakashi was disoriented because of the blow and sank below water immediately, instead of using water walking to skid on top of the water. Asuma tried getting up, but the wound on his leg was too deep and rendered him useless against Zabuza, who for his part had ran straight towards the lake to deal with Kakashi.

The scarecrow jounin, for his part, emerged from the lake and looked around, wondering Zabuza's location.

He realized a second too late the sudden increase in chakra around the lake as Zabuza appeared behind Kakashi.

"Hah, fool! Suiton Suirou no Jutsu (Water Release: Water Prison Technique)!"

Kakashi looked backwards at the smirking Zabuza as he was suddenly enveloped by a dome of water. The scarecrow jounin cursed his carelessness as he should have climbed on top of the water immediately. With Zabuza, he couldn't allow himself to get captured. As he noticed, then, the mission had suddenly went against them. Before, they were two jounin against Zabuza and now Asuma was gravely injured and Kakashi was trapped.

"I guess I will have to deal with you later, Kakashi. I have an old man to kill to finish my mission and perhaps even kill Sarutobi Asuma…his bounty will serve me plenty."

The silver-haired jounin looked at Zabuza with dread, not at all expecting this level of skill from him.

Asuma didn't even need to hear the conversation to know that Zabuza would come to them next. It was times like these that he cursed not knowing iryou-ninjutsu to at least stop the bleeding from his leg. The bearded jounin turned his eyes back to the lake and saw that Zabuza had just summoned two mizu bunshins, no doubt, to deal with the genin and the client. Turning to the genins, Asuma needed to formulate a suitable strategy to not only rid of the bunshin but also free Kakashi. Right now, only he can deal with Zabuza head on.

"Listen up everyone…Hinata and Sakura…" the girls looked at the bearded jounin, wondering what they could do if the jounin were being thrashed by this enemy. "I need you two to patch me up. This wound of mine needs closing." Hinata was the first who walked and Sakura followed through. Hinata had previous knowledge on first-aid from her family. "Shikamaru and Kiba, you two shall protect Tazuna." Shikamaru visibly complained, but this time it was more laced with dread than actual boredom and the slight sweat on his forehead indicated his fear at the situation.

Naruto and Sasuke immediately stepped forward, knowing that they would be the next line of defense because Asuma was down for the count.

The two Zabuza bunshin observed Sasuke and Naruto stepping to face them and one of them sneered.

"Huh, how pathetic, Sarutobi Asuma, placing genin to face me. Konoha has sure became weak indeed." As the clones stepped forward, Naruto and Sasuke both tensed and that alone made Zabuza laugh. "huhhh, wearing that headband all so proudly, children thinking they can behave like shinobi. A real shinobi is one who has hovered between life and death numerous times. In other words, only those who are worth being listed in my bingo book deserve the title of shinobi." The clones, then, lifted the mist once more to attack the genin.

"Let's go Sasuke!"

Sasuke nodded as they charged. Sasuke with his sharingan activated managed to pinpoint his own while Naruto's senses worked in his favor.

Naruto debated with himself that with this mist, he could allow himself some freedom and he did just that.

He really wanted to let loose with his suiton, but that would be too revealing. Using Asuma's tips about wind chakra and the training he had already made with Tobirama-sensei, Naruto unleashed his sword and like Asuma, he focused wind chakra throughout the extension of the blade. He had also released his pent-up chakra throughout his limbs to increase his pace, surprising the first Zabuza bunshin. As soon as he moved within inches of the first bunshin, his sword parried against Zabuza's as the swordsman began to look at Naruto more closely while they parried swords.

Naruto, then, managed to untangle from Zabuza's sword and they fell into a kenjutsu battle with Naruto mixing his attacks short and long-range.

Zabuza clone snarled at the blond genin when he managed to slash the bunshin in the arm. Naruto, then, dashed backward and threw a couple of shuriken, before using hand seals, surprising Asuma and even Zabuza.

Fuuton Repusshou (Wind Release: Gale Wind Palm Technique)

The two projectiles increased in speed, catching the first bunshin right on the chest and it turned into water.

Meanwhile, Sasuke's sharingan allowed him ample movement of his Zabuza clone and with a kunai, he was able to move much faster and kept with Zabuza clone. Sasuke's speed was impressive. Still, his speed wasn't enough to be a threat to the clone. Asuma realized that he needed to aid Sasuke and used his skills with the shuriken as well as using wind chakra to guide his knive to attack the Zabuza clone. The bunshin snarled at the downed jounin, allowing Sasuke to make hand seals, before gathering air inside his lungs.

Katon Goukakyuu no Jutsu (Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique)

Sasuke spilled a gigantic fireball that took the Zabuza clone by surprise.

The four regular genin just looked at Sasuke and Naruto, dealing with the bunshins so fast that it made all of them rather self-conscious about their own growth as a shinobi.

Still, Hinata was able to somewhat alleviate Asuma's wound, allowing him to stand with Sakura's help. The fireball kept on charging though and went straight towards the real Zabuza who was holding Kakashi at bay. The amount of heat from the fireball was enough to evaporate some of the mist around the area and Zabuza was still holding Kakashi, while both looked at the approaching fireball. The ball approached in slow motion and Zabuza saw no other alternative rather than release the technique holding Kakashi as the fireball passed by them, releasing Kakashi, much to everyone's enthusiasm.

The swordsman of the Mist snarled as he had to block Kakashi's kunai with his sword.

"Huh, damn kids…" He snarled even more as he laid eyes with Kakashi's sharingan. Just the look in the scarecrow jounin made Zabuza shiver slightly.

Both then jumped away from each other as Sasuke and Naruto observed the battle shift.

Sasuke noticed Kakashi's fully matured sharingan in play while Naruto noticed as both shinobi performed a long series of hand seals…hand seals for a technique that he had only began to read about in Tobirama's scroll of suiton ninjutsu. No matter how much ahead he was in the techniques, Naruto was still barely venturing the B-ranked ninjutsu. All this time as per Tobirama's instructions, he was focusing on improving the element's control and reaching his sensei's skill in using the molecules in the air to produce the suiton ninjutsu. Still, for him to reach enough skill to use this one technique without a nearby water source it will take a while.

Still, his eyes were rather focused on observing the two and he could expand his senses to learn from them.

As Zabuza and Kakashi finished the forty-four hand seals sequence with the seal Tori, Naruto was excited to see an A-ranked ninjutsu materializing as two dragon heads made of water lifted from the river and battled each other.

Suiton Suiryuudan no Jutsu (Water Release: Water Dragon Missile Technique)

No sooner had the techniques canceled each other, the two jounin went at each other with their respective weapons clashing. Still, as the two battled for supremacy, Zabuza couldn't help but look at the sharingan and wonder about what happened just now. As far as he knew, the sharingan was a tool capable of copying ninjutsu. However, Kakashi made the exact same movements as he did and at the same time, mirroring the same chakra output down to perfection. It was like looking at a mirror. Right now as they moved, Zabuza became mad that he saw Kakashi once more mirroring his every move.

"You damn monkey…you're just copying, you're a pale imitation…you won't be able to beat me!"

Zabuza cursed as Kakashi said the exact same phrase back to him. Zabuza, now pretty mad, went through another series of hand seals and Kakashi obviously followed through with the same. This was so off-putting that it made Zabuza miss a few seconds of concentration. That allowed Kakashi time to use the very same technique that he had just copied from Zabuza's. The water below Kakashi started spinning like a swirling typhoon, before growing towards the irate looking swordsman, hitting him square on.

Suiton Daibafuku no Jutsu (Water Release: Water Vortex Technique)

Zabuza cursed Kakashi's existence as the swordsman was dragged away from the river. A part of Naruto was practically salivating at the prospect of doing these types of jutsu in the future. Then, he remembered the narrowed look from Tobirama-sensei and frowned. The man always said that being a shinobi isn't just about using flashy techniques like the ones he had just witnessed. The Nidaime Hokage would have just obliterated Zabuza with half the necessary chakra wasted by Kakashi just now and in half the time.

Back to Zabuza, he was dragged by Kakashi's jutsu until his body was slammed on a thick tree.

He cursed in pain as many ribs were broken and he was practically out of chakra.

Still, Kakashi wasn't about to let the enemy time and finished the fight with four kunai in each of Zabuza's limps. Kakashi had one more kunai on his hand for the final hit to end Zabuza's life when he saw two senbon hitting Zabuza in the neck, surprising everyone. The man's eyes widened to impossible proportions, before dropping dead on the ground like a sack of potatoes. The scarecrow jounin looked surprised and then turned to the source of the projectiles. Naruto narrowed his eyebrows at the newcomer, taken aback that he didn't sense this person, before he appeared and attacked Zabuza and that scared the genin.

To see someone sneaking up on everyone like that and no one being any wiser, made Naruto wary.

Kakashi jumped from where he stood and he landed near Zabuza's body as Asuma and the rest approached him as well.

The scarecrow jounin placed two fingers on Zabuza's neck and found no pulse.

"Well, he's definitely dead."

Kakashi then saw the newcomer closer. Long silk black hair gathered in a white bun holder, the outfit consisted of the standard Kirigakure pinstriped outfit which stopped at his knees. Over this he wore a green haori with white trimmings and around his waist a brown sash with a fringed trail wrapped around his waist twice. He also wore light-brown platoon sandals with straps in the same colour as the kimono. The hunter-nin mask was a dead giveaway for Kakashi as he somewhat recognized this person's assignment.

The hunter-nin bowed in respect towards Kakashi.

"I thank you…I have been waiting for the chance to kill Zabuza." Kakashi narrowed his eyes at the intel.

"By your mask, I presume you're a hunter ninja from Kirigakure." The nin in question merely nodded as he eyed Kakashi warily.

"if you don't mind, I shall take his body now. I must get rid of his body, because it contains many secrets."

Kakashi and Asuma nodded as the Kiri-nin lifted Zabuza's body and shunshined away from there.

With Zabuza gone, then the atmosphere in the area lessened considerably as the genin breathed easily. Even Tazuna now carried a much heathier disposition with his heartrate in more adequate levels. Asuma was still being carried by Sakura while Shikamaru and Kiba followed them. Naruto and Sasuke were closer to Kakashi as the scarecrow jounin covered his sharingan eye, before returning his hands inside his pants pockets as if the fight just moments ago never happened.

"Okay, then, this mission isn't over yet. We still have to take Tazuna to his house." The old man let out a heart filled laughter.

"Yes, thank you all for saving me, you can all rest in my house." As such, the group started walking once more. However, as soon as Kakashi took a step forward, his entire body had frozen and he simply fell on the ground.

Some of the genin went to him immediately in concern while Asuma chuckled at the situation.

"It appears to be the case of chakra exhaustion. Naruto and Kiba, would you two be so kind and carry him. Sasuke, you and Hinata shall walk together up front in case we are under attack once more." The genin did as instructed as Sasuke and Hinata followed up front with Tazuna, since he knew the direction better. Meanwhile, Naruto and Kiba lifted Kakashi and carried him. Asuma and Sakura were next to them. Shikamaru for his part stood close to Naruto as he pondered on the situation.

"Naruto, what can you tell me about the hunter ninja?" The blond genin was carrying Kakashi's shoulder and looked at Shikamaru who was busy contemplating the events.

"It's strange that he managed to hide his presence like that…neither Hinata nor Asuma-sensei could feel him nearby." Shikamaru let out a thinking sound with his throat as Naruto continued. "Plus, even now, I could barely feel his chakra. Such level of control is unheard of…aside from that, nothing much. Why do you ask?" The Nara genin stopped looking down and looked at his genin companion as they could see a wooden cottage up ahead. Asuma was content to hear the conversation.

"Not sure, the weapon of choice seemed strange. I never knew senbon could be used for killing. Plus, I remember my dad saying that hunter ninja dispose of the body right away, but this one merely left with Zabuza." Naruto now began to ponder about what Shikamaru had said. Nara Shikaku is Konoha's jounin commander and one of the Hokage's most trusted advisors.

"One thing I can say that the hunter-nin appeared to be not much older than us."

Asuma's chuckle made Naruto and Shikamaru turn to him.

"Age alone isn't guarantee of anything, Naruto. In our world, there are shinobi and kunoichi out there perhaps younger than you and stronger than me or Kakashi. Though, I believe that Shikamaru's doubt has merit. I have some doubts of my own, but it's best to wait until Kakashi awakens." With that, the talking ended as Tazuna opened the door to his house and announced his jovial return to his daughter.


===Tazuna's house===

Tsunami soon appeared to greet the teams and quickly ushered them all to a room where she had fixed two futons for Asuma and Kakashi. The scarecrow jounin was still down for the count and Asuma's leg was still due to be fully healed, however he was still conscious and thus second in command.

"We appreciate the hospitality, Tsunami-san." The blue-haired woman blushed at the gaze from the bearded jounin and bowed in respect.

"Think nothing of it, you guys saved my father. This is the least I could do. I will be preparing dinner for everyone, so please get some rest, shinobi-san."

The woman soon left the room, while the genin awaited for Asuma's orders.

"Well, not much we can do aside from staying here for a while at least until Kakashi awakens. Naruto and Shikamaru, lay some traps around the house perimeter and then come back." Naruto nodded at the order and sighed once he heard Shikamaru complaining, much to Hinata's giggle and Asuma's chuckle. It there was one thing he wished more than anything right now was for his suiton ability to come public, then he could use some water whips on his comrade every time he heard the word 'troublesome' from Shikamaru.

Once outside, Naruto and Shikamaru turned to work on some physical traps placed in strategic locations around the perimeter.

Naruto, while seeing Shikamaru placing the traps, quickly chose four spots around the house and gathered four fuinjutsu tags of his making inside his kunai holster. Aside from storage scrolls, Naruto had learned from Tobirama's scroll how to draw these tags that once applied in a specific formation, can be activated by the user. If any intruder pass through these tags, then Naruto would be alerted immediately. Naruto learned that aside from ninjutsu, he had found himself rather drawn to the subject of fuuinjutsu. The only problem was that he needed to henge into someone else to buy the necessary supplies for the craft.

A situation that so far still baffled him when he went inside one shinobi tool shop and was practically denied service by the store owner.

Then, when Naruto henged to appear like a random genin, it was like a flip of the switch.

Since that day, Naruto used the same skill in every shop he went and got what he needed. He at first considered going to the Hokage and register a complaint, but then he would only be increasing the animosity. Plus, Naruto wasn't certain that the Hokage would even believe him. To this day, the old man had yet to tell him about his status as a jinchuuriki. So, going to him and openly stating that people refused to take his money because of him being a jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi no Yoko would certainly follow with the Sandaime questioning Naruto as to how he was made aware of the fox.

In other words, like Shikamaru likes to say, it would be too troublesome.


===Next Day===

Next day and Kakashi was still due to awake from his chakra exhaustion, Asuma's wound still needed more care and Tsunami had volunteered to help him heal. Because of this hospitality, the bearded jounin was prohibited by the woman from leaving the room at least until he was fully healed. Asuma just couldn't find himself to object to the kind but nagging woman's care and relented. Still, because the mission technically was still under way at least until Kakashi awakened, Asuma was left with six genin with nothing to do.

He could at least usher them away for a while, allowing some rest and recuperation.

"Naruto…" The genin in question lifted his head to look at his sensei. "Since you know a couple of chakra control exercises, you could teach your peers about tree walking."

The Uzumaki genin blinked a couple of times, but complied as he got up and ushered everyone to follow him outside.

"Tree walking…what the hell is that?" Asuma could only hear Kiba's boisterous voice echoing at the house's halls followed by Naruto's short answer mixed in humor.

"Oh, you'll see…" Asuma snorted at the blond genin.

"…no doubt he will fall a lot." The bearded jounin turned to the gruff voice coming from his partner jounin and grinned, while taking a cigarette from his pocket and lighting it.

"About time you have awakened, Kakashi." Kakashi slowly got up from the bed as he looked at Asuma.

"Actually, I had awakened two hours ago, Asuma. I just didn't want Tazuna's daughter nagging at me like she does with you."

Asuma chuckled at that as he released a good old smoke.

"So, what shall we do from here…" Asuma laughed once more as he saw the change in Kakashi's tired disposition.

Back when he was Anbu, the scarecrow jounin was all business and rarely complained about anything. Now, though, it became clear that Kakashi very much preferred to rest. The bearded jounin found himself wondering just when did they stop focusing on their careers and started slowing down. Certainly, Asuma's time with the Fire Daimyou's royal guard came to mind. He knew that Kakashi had his fair share of bad experiences as well.

"Not sure…though I'm afraid to say that our good friend Zabuza is still amongst the living." Asuma's cigarette fell slightly as Kakashi confirmed his own suspicions. "And now we can assume that he will not face us alone next time." Asuma took a long drag from his cigarette before throwing it away. He was already regretting continuing this mission.


Author Note

Ok that's it for now. Next chapter is the end of the Wave mission.

Well, not much to comment, so I appreciate everyone who favorited or followed this story. Please, give me your feedback. Last but not least, I'm in search for a good beta for this story. So if anyone knows a good one or is interested in helping me, please inform me.

Thank you all.

Next update: Fate Shadow Spear