Chapter 8- Paranormal waves part II

One day had passed since the battle between team 7 and Zabuza, formerly of the seven swordsmen of the mist. Kakashi stirred as the light hit his eyes and he overheard squabbling amongst his genin. "Explain now! How can you do what you can?! You never showed any of these abilities in the academy and now you're able to fight off Jonin." This was said by Sasuke as his frustration reached an all time high due to a mix of lack of understanding and now without a doubt no longer being the strongest genin on the team especially to Naruto of all people.

"I don't have to tell you jack, And if you feel so entitled to know my secrets why don't you tell me about the sharingan and your clan's secrets or are you going to be a hypocrite again and expect information to be given only on my side." accused Naruto.

Sasuke stiffend at this and glared at Naruto for a bit before he sighed and said something he didn't expect "What do you want to know". This shocked all in team 7 including the now awake Kakashi knowing how secretive clans are with their knowledge especially Sasuke now that he was responsible for all of his clan's secrets.

"...What," Naruto said dumbly.

"Don't play dumb I said I'll share information of my own within reason of course" Sasuke said as his curiosity and desire to grow stronger from thom learning said information trumped whatever clan secrets he was hiding from others.

Naruto was honestly baffled as he honestly could give two shits about Sasuke's clan secrets. He was mainly just using the whole tell your secrets first excuse to shut Sasuke up, but here they were Sasuke putting his pride aside and to his mind compromising with Naruto in order to learn from him. Naruto continued to look hesitantly at Sasuke in contemplation, but after a few moments he accepted that these were now his teammates and that it would be beneficial if they had some understanding of his abilities, and even if it meant nothing to himself he knew Sasuke came from a major clan and what he was willing to do was a good show of faith so he finally decided to say "You don't have to tell me your secrets as I really don't care, but in regards to my strength… I have the ability to draw from a secondary source of power that gives me unique abilities separate from chakra called cursed energy. It is much like chakra in the fact everyone has it but not everyone has a lot of it and it's abilities are conjured from negative actually scratch that i'm the only person I've met with as much as I have with everyone else having so little it's almost laughable to me. Well everyone except Hinata and a few others from class including you Sasuke." Naruto explained with Sasuke perking up at the end of said explanation. "While yours and Hinata's levels are nothing like mine they are impressive compared to everyone else's.

"So I can do what you do with said 'Cursed Energy'?" Sasuke asked, getting excited at the thought of making an invisible barrier which makes him nigh immune from getting hit.

"No and yes, while I don't have full understanding of cursed energy or my abilities I do know they are similar to the kekkei genkai in the terms of everything outside of enhancing physical abilities appears to be unique to the user as when I read your cursed signature I can tell it's… different from my own." He finished.

Sasuke was deep in thought from the revelation but before he could say anything Sakura spoke up and asked "What about me do you also have this cursed energy thingy?"

"As I said everyone has it like chakra, but to answer your question I don't feel enough Cursed Energy from you to be able to utilize it properly sorry" he said to the now deflated Sakura. "Don't feel bad Sakura Sensei over there has only slightly more than you and you know how strong he is, which is kind of impressive as I noticed that most people older than our generation have really low cursed energy levels." Naruto said.

"What do you mean?" Kakashi said Startling Sasuke and Sakura as they just noticed he had woken up when he spoke.

"I mean almost everyone more than a year older than us has really pitiful levels of Cursed Energy with you and a few other adults being exceptions. It's like for some reason nature gave our generation more Cursed Energy as your generation's cursed energy levels are typically like a droplet of water. With ours being a bucket of water with people like Sasuke and Hinata being closer to a pool and mine an ocean." Naruto lectured.

"Hmm interesting we will discuss more about this cursed energy as the hokage had informed of its existence but nothing more. However we have more pressing matters as I theorize Zabuza is still alive." Kakashi theorized.

"Yeah Naruto also came to that conclusion as he explained to us anbu protocol when it comes to body disposal and how that policy is universal across all villages." Sasuke said.

"Good, so you are also aware that the hunter nin was likely his accomplice and not mist shinobi?" Kakashi asked as they nodded in affirmation. "Good, So you all must be ready for them to return and complete their mission especially you Naruto as they now also see you as a serious threat and shinobi of his caliber are never caught off guard twice." Kakashi explained as they discussed training in between guardian Tazuna as Kakashi recovered.

As they discussed this Tazuna entered the room and said " ah you're awake that's good, wouldn't want you to die on us especially in my house of all places" Tazuna said teasingly.

Kakashi's sweat dropped from this but Tazuna continued "Come down stairs my daughter prepared dinner" and with that the team made their way downstairs with Kakashi being handed a pair of crutches to help him walk.

"Man i've gotten rusty for that to take me out" Thought Kakshi as he also thought it was time for him to take his own training seriously again.

##Tazuna's Kitchen##

The Team had been provided a hot meal courtesy of Tazuna's daughter Tsunami, It wasn't much but it did look and taste like it was made with love. "Please enjoy, we aren't often given the opportunity to host others like this" she said with care. The people of land of the land of waves were going through a severe famine due to Gato and his goons hogging all the resources, and being able to feed and house team seven really took all the family had.

"Why are they here, they're just gonna die anyways" After that the whole room turned to a little boy who appeared to be around 8 years old, said boy was Tazuna's grandson and Tsunami's son Inari.

"INARI" Scolded Tsunami at his rude remark, as Tazuna simply sighed, understanding why the boy was such a pessimist.

"Don't yell at me, it's true! They don't know what it means to suffer coming from their nice big village and never have to worry about when their next hot meal will come. Who do they think they are some kind of hero's, we know that's a lie because it's been proven heroes don't exist as any who try to be one end up getting themselves killed." Complained Inari.

"Don't speak on shit you don't understand brat" Said Naruto in a very cold voice. "I understand and can see your angry about something" and this was literal as the boy radiated cursed energy and an amount that actually impressed Naruto. However Naruto continued and said "but don't assume you know anything about us. You say we know nothing when it's you who doesn't understand, as you have a loving mom and grandfather who care for you thats more than I can ever say I had. You also have never experienced the trauma of those around you wishing you nothing but harm and kicking you out of an orphanage at only five years old being forced to eat garbage or spoiled food because they hate you for something out of your damn control!" Naruto said shouting at the end as his temper spiked and he leaked a bit of cursed energy and chakra causing the table and foundation to shake, shocking everyone in the room.

"NARUTO CALM YOURSELF!" scolded Kakashi.

Naruto released a few deep breaths to calm himself down and said "Sorry, if you excuse me I need to step out" and with that Naruto got up and left the house.

Everyone was silent for a moment, but then Sakura broke the silence and said "Kakashi sensei, Naruto wasn't telling the truth right there is no way the village would put a child especially one of our own."

Kakashi didn't say anything for a moment but soon replied with "Everything he said is true, Naruto had for lack of better words a terrible life… the Village saw him as something he wasn't and this lead to the village abusing Naruto in a way no person should have to go through especially a child in his case. He never knew the love of his parents as they both died on the day of his birth at the hand of the nine tails and due to him being a reminder of that day to the minds of the civilians they would often try to bring him harm whenever given the opportunity. All of those factors are likely why he is the way he is, he flaunts his strength now to show those within the village he isn't one to mess with and to prove them wrong and is also deserving of their respect. While I also believe being loud and rambunctious is who he is at his core his arrogant and cocky nature I believe is a shield or coping mechanism to shield himself from the loneliness and anger he feels much like someone else I know." Kakashi said, eyeing Sasuke.

The explanation brought mixed emotions to everyone within the room. Tazuna was looking at the boy, no young man in a new light, feeling a mix of sadness and respect for him for overcoming such an experience. Tsunami was tearing up as she couldn't imagine any child going through a situation like that and felt disgust towards the citizens of the leaf wondering how they justified such actions. Sakura now really felt like a piece of shit, as even before she realized she treated him too harshly but to know she played a part in him having such a miserable childhood she felt as if she couldn't even look into a mirror. Sasuke on the other hand already knew Naruto received unfair treatment but he was now feeling something he thought he never would towards Naruto… Respect. He simply thought teachers and others in the academy simply didn't like Naruto due to his pranks and went overboard in how they treated him, but now he knew Naruto had gone through hell like him and while different he had a valid reason to be as driven and confident as he was.

Inari was beginning to cry as well due to Naruto lashing out on him and hearing how wrong he was about him, and before he could wallow Kakshi said "Listen kid Naruto understands where your coming from, but what he won't accept is you mitigating what others go through and complaining about life and not doing anything to change your circumstances. Now you're still a kid and don't think you can go fight full grown men but to complain and give up like your grandfather isn't doing everything in his power to save this village is an insult to those who choose to stand up for themselves and others." Kakashi said as Inari got up now full on crying running to his room with his mother chasing after him.

Tazuna sighed but responded with " Thank you, I think he needed it that" and as he thanked Kakashi and explained events prior to the Gato taking over the village and how Inari' stepfather Kaiza saved the village from a massive flood becoming the village hero and how when Gato took over he was the sole individual to stand up to his tyranny. However this is when the story took a somber turn as Gato used his thugs to overpower Kaize publicly torturing and killing him and he used the man as an example of what would happen if anyone tried to stand up to him, scarring Inari and the villagers mentally. The team minus Naruto as he wasn't present used this as motivation to complete the mission as they could not allow such injustice to continue

##With Naruto##

Naruto was currently just roaming around the village lost in thought as he roamed a voice only he could here spoke to him and said "Well it's been a while since you let yourself get worked up like that and to a brat no less, if you had been someone else with the seal as loose as you made that's all I would've needed to take you over" The kyuubi teased.

Naruto chucked at this and replied "Like I have said before you are more than welcome to try as not only is my chakra reserves at biju level by myself that coupled with my cursed energy and unique abilities more than likely puts me in the same playing field as you."

Kyuubi just scoffed at the remark saying "Again, don't let your ego get yourself in trouble… but as always I will admit you are special compared to the rest of your kind."

"Ha thanks again for letting me know how much of a freak I am" Naruto said sarcastically.

"Anytime" The kyuubi said with just as much sarcasm. "Now when do you plan to start learning how to use my chakra"

Naruto stopped in his tracks at the question "Oh wow is the oh so might Kyuubi finally deciding to grace me with the opportunity to use his power"

"Don't flatter yourself I just want to see how my abilities and your's would mesh if put together" The kyuubi said not wanting to admit over the years he had started taking a liking to Naruto and his company and was even contemplating telling him his name.

"Oh sureeee" Naruto teased as the Kyuubi growled and cut the connection. "Ha, yea go back to sleep then furball" and with that Naruto felt he had calmed himself enough to head back to his team.

As he made his way back he could hear two thugs cornering a child and their mother in an alley. "Please leave my child alone he won't do it again" screamed the mother.

"That little shit stole our lunch, and do you know what we do to thieves we chop off their hands." one of the thugs said much to the horror of the mother and the child.

"Please no! I will do anything" Pleaded the woman.

"Oh anything you say" said the other thug as both men started to look at the women with sickening lustful gaze.

The woman caught on to this and tried to take her child and run but was grabbed and held down by one of the men as the other grabbed the child who attempted to help his mother while yelling.

"Shut up you little asshole your mother is just gonna pay us back for this mistake so use this a lesson not to fuck with us again" Said the first thug.

Before the man could begin to ravage the woman a figure made its way into the alley and said "No matter where I go I always find trash in human skin" Naruto said in a condescending tone.

"The fuck you say boy!" As the the thugs got up releasing the mother in child as they cowered in fear by the wall. "It seems we gotta teach you a lesson as well." With that one of the thugs raised their fist to strike Naruto, however before they could do so they felt an immense pressure come down on them as their body's collapsed flat on the ground.

"WhAt ThE … FuCk" the two man said in a pained and struggling voice as their entire bodies were being crushed by an unknown force as Naruto just look down upon them with a sadistic smile, and soon everything went black for the two as they passed out.

Naruto noticing this released his technique and made his way to the mother and child who looked on in astonishment. The mother quickly recovered and said " Thank you so much. I can't imagine what those monsters would have done if you hadn't showed up."

"No worries and soon your entire village won't have to worry about these guys anymore." Naruto stated.

The women perked up at this "Wait, are you one of the shinobi Tazuna went to hire to protect us while he, my husband, and others in the village build the bridge?" She said hopefully.

"Sure am," Naruto said in the affirmative.

"OH thank Kami!" If you can do what you did to those men to the rest of Gato's thugs our village will be saved. Those monsters have started doing unspeakable things as of recently even if they don't admit it." the woman said.

"What do you mean?" Naruto asked.

The woman looked at her child and started to speak in a whisper not wanting him to hear even though Naruto was technically a child himself and said "They have been killing those in the village which isn't new, but how they have been doing it is… inhumane. Bodies have been found mangled and mutilated at the docks with their bodies left in an unrecognizable state. I knew they were monsters but what we have found will haunt me as long as I live, and it's almost like the spirits of those killed now haunt the docks as now a frightening presence envelopes the area" Said the woman as she held herself still mentally scarred from the state said victims were left in.

This caused Naruto's mental alarm to go off as he asked "where are these docks?"

The woman was surprised by the question and simply pointed him in said direction as he nodded and thanked her and left in a blur. The woman and her child were left astonished by the feat as they were mere civilians and the young boy said to his mother "Mom can I do that one day?" with a sparkle in his eyes as Naruto had just become the boy's hero.

Not wanting to crush her child's dream she said "Maybe someday."

##Village docks##

Naruto arrived at the docks and what he felt upon his arrival answered the question in his mind "Do you feel that Kyuubi?"

"Yeah it's a similar feeling that comes off of you, but it lacks that human element to it" said the Kyuubi.

"So it's like that night with Hinata… a creature made up of cursed energy is here." Naruto knew the mission just got a lot more complex and for some reason he knew he would be the only person capable of dealing with this threat. As for now Naruto made his way back to the house and found everyone to be asleep which he decided to do himself preparing for the next day and thinking how he would address and handle the new situation.

##Unknown hideout##

A short man walking with a cane and wearing a nice suit, black shade, and spikey orange hair made his way to the room followed by two thugs. Said man was Gato and as he made his way to the room he spoke and said "Those damn shinobi aren't worth the shit off my shoe if all it took was some kids to send them running, and also you all better find out which of you sick fucks is killing those fuckers at the docks. Their worthless nobody's but I still need bodies to work and I won't have that if y'all keep killing them!" Shouted Gato as he scolded the goons beside him. Gato was frustrated at the needless death and mostly at the fact Tazuna was still alive with the so-called demon of the hidden mist out of commission. He soon made his way into the room that Zabuza was in and saw Zabuza being cared for by his student/assistant and said "I deserve a fucking refund on my down payment if this is how you operate business."

Zabuza turned and glared at the man, finding the arrogance he held with so little strength infuriating and if not for the payment offered for the mission he would've already killed the man. "Fuck off" Zabuza simply said.

Gato turned almost red at this and walked up to Zabuza while shouting "Now listen here you worthless piece of…" However, before he could reach Zabuza's assistant now without his mask grabbed Gato's arm and said "Zabuza sama said to leave so I suggest you do so." Said shinobi had a tall, skinny and almost feminine body and face that one could easily mistake him as a girl, and said shinobi's name was Haku Yuki.

"If I'm not mistaken you fuckers work for me and if you AHHH" and before Gato could finish his arm was crushed by Haku he screamed in pain with his thugs knowing they stood no chance simply cowering away.

"We will complete the mission as you requested and we will receive our payment and you will never see us again. Now once again leave." threatened Haku.

Gato and his thugs felt their blood run cold from the Killing intent Haku was releasing and they ran off with Gato saying "JUST MAKE SURE IT GETS DONE" as he held his now broken arm and left.

Now alone Haku spoke to Zabuza and said "You should be fully healed again soon. I will go out tomorrow to gather more herbs to complete your treatment."

"Good, I got a bone to pick with that entire team, especially Hatake and the blonde brat," he said with anger.

"How should we handle them? The blonde shinobi you speak of possesses a formidable kekkei genkai if he was able to hold off your attacks like that" Haku questioned.

Zabuza answered with " I thought of that and I know I am the best match for Hatake, but I feel you and your illusive abilities will be the best for the blonde brat as obviously straightforward attacks won't work on him with the other two being a minimal threat from what I have seen." With that they continued to scheme as they made their plans to complete the mission and handle team 7.

##Next Day land of waves forest##

Kakashi had brought his team to the nearby forest so he could train and prepare them for their second encounter with Zabuza and his unknown accomplice. "Alright team today we will be climbing trees"

The team gave a confused face at this reaction with Sasuke saying "how would climbing trees help us in battle?"

Kakashi answered this by saying "Not climbing in a traditional sense but climbing with your feet alone".

Sasuke and Sakura only got more confused but Naruto commented in recognition saying "Oh this is supposed to be a chakra control exercise well I'm good as I can already water walk".

Kakashi simply raised an eyebrow at this somewhat impressed as he said "Wow that's advanced for what is expected of the typical fresh genin. Well why don't you show the others what I mean, since you already have the practice mastered".

Naruto simply shrugged and walked over to the tree and placed one foot on and then the other simply walking up it no different if he were to be walking on the ground. This shocked both Sasuke and Sakura even though they should have learned by now Naruto was full of surprises. "And when did you learn that?" Sasuke asked in a passive aggressive tone getting fed up with Naruto's ability to do basically everything in his eyes.

"I don't know, like a year or two ago" Naruto answered nonchalantly.

This time Sakura spoke well and actually shouted and said "WAIT! You could do that in the academy, i'm seriously beginning to wonder why you portray yourself the way you did for so long."

The answer was simple, Naruto had his chakra control hindered due to the kyuubi for a long time and that was on top of his reserves being massive so even without the kyuubi it would be hard to learn to control it. However Naruto wasn't going to out right say hey I have monster levels of chakra which makes chakra control a bit hard and on top of that I have a literal tailed beast fucking with my chakra so it made that hard to control chakra basically impossible to control; so instead he simply said "Don't know, and doesn't mater".

Sakura and Sasuke scowled at the answer however before they could pry any more Kakashi interjected with "I might still be a bit exhausted still, but I'm strong enough to watch over Tazuna and the bridge. Naruto why don't you give them pointers while I do that" This was utter bullshit as Kakashi just wanted to be away from them so he could read his 'book', and with that before Naruto could respond Kakashi left in a puff of smoke.

"How the fuck did that guy make Jonin with that personality" Naruto wondered aloud. "Whatever, why don't you guys give it a shot and we go from there Sasuke you can already do ninjutsu so this should be easy for you and Sakura you're smart so I expect you to get it fast as well."

The way Naruto ordered them to do it kind of pissed them off, but they didn't say anything as they proceeded to begin with the exercise. Like Naruto Said Sakura got it on pretty much her first try, however much to his frustration Sasuke kept applying too much or too little chakra falling on his ass every time. His frustration only grew as his attempts kept ending in failure, but thanks to Sasuke putting his pride aside and with the tips from both Naruto and Sakura Sasuke was able to progressively make his way eventually to the top of the tree.

"Yayy Sasuke you did it" celebrated Sakura.

Naruto simply nodded at this, but soon Sasuke walked up and asked "cursed energy you said I have it can you show me how to use it?"

Naruto knew this would come at some point after he let Sasuke know of cursed energy said "you did a lot today already maybe-"

And before he could finish Sasuke said "No I am fine, show me".

The two just stared at each other however Naruto soon looked at Sakura and said " Hey Sakura why don't you go with sensei Cursed energy for those who can't use it can be a bit… frightening".

"I'm okay Naru-" then Sasuke interrupted her just like Naruto and said.

"Do as he says Sakura, he has the most experience with it so you should take his word" Sasuke didn't really care how cursed energy would effect Sakura or others for that matter, but he wasn't gonna lose this opportunity to learn how to harness it especially if it gave him another tool to challenge Itachi.

Sakura, not wanting to upset him did as she always did and did as he wished. Soon Naruto and Sasuke were by themselves and Naruto said "Sasuke are you angry or better yet do you feel immense hatred?"

Naruto knew the answer to his question but asked nonetheless which confused Sasuke "Why do you ask" Sasuke said.

"Just answer" replied Naruto.

Sasuke hesitated wondering where this was going but soon said "Yes, its all I really ever feel anger and a burning hatred to a singular man to the point all I wish for is his agonizing death by my own hands."

Naruto smiled at this and said " A bit edgy but hey you got the foundation of cursed energy down already."

"Wait what?" questioned a now confused Sasuke.

"Your hatred and anger is cursed energy in a sense and learning to control these negative emotions is how you learn to wield it as a weapon." Naruto explained as this caught Sasuke's immediate attention as he was now paying attention to everyone of Naruto's words. "You made it very clear there is someone you hate with all your being, so I want you to manifest that anger look for it within and call upon just like I am now" Said Naruto as he channeled cursed energy to his fist to provide Sasuke an example of what he meant.

Sasuke studied the energy coming off of Naruto, and after he felt he had studied it enough he focused. He remembered how Naruto explained how cursed energy worked and he decided to bring himself back mentally to the worst day of his life. Sasuke was now deep in thought he remembered his confusion as the smell of blood filled the air and how that confusion soon turned into panic coupled with fear as he saw the gore filled streets littered with the slain bodies of his clansman. Then he entered his family home and saw a sight that will haunt him till the day he dies.

This is when Sasuke had become enthralled in his thoughts as he now received mental flashes. 'Thump'. "To test my strength," Said Itachi. 'Thump'. "Mangekyou Sharingan" Itachi followed as Sasuke remembered all the horrors Itachi forced him to witness by placing him under a powerful genjutsu providing him details of how he slaughtered the clan and their own parents. Sasuke was beginning to hyperventilate, and Naruto contemplated helping him but stopped himself sensing Sasuke's cursed energy was bubbling to the surface. 'Thump'. Sasuke recalled collapsing to his knees and vomiting as Itachi said something he will never forget "You are not worth killing". 'Thump'. Sasuke was at his breaking point mentally however his mind mentally flashed to a memory he could not recall as what appeared to be his hand reached out to a crying and fearful girl wearing a blue and white school uniform, and as she was about to take his hand a loud BANG could be heard as some projectile made impact with the girl's head instantly killing her.

"AAAAHHHHHH" Screamed Sasuke as he went into a feral state due to panic and fear as cursed energy formed around his fist as he attempted to attack Naruto who quickly activated his limitless and stepped out of the way of Sasuke's cursed energy enhanced strike as the strike made contact with a tree completely shattering it.

Naruto could've just stood there with his technique activated as Sasuke's very telegraphed attack wouldn't have even made contact with him or anything else for that matter, but Naruto wanted to see just what Sasuke was capable of with cursed energy. "Well damn" said Naruto as he observed the aftermath of Sasuke's punch as he could now almost guarantee that Aside from him Sasuke had the highest Cursed energy levels in comparison to anyone else he ever met including Hinata.

Sasuke could not register what Naruto had just said as he looked to be out of it mentally much to the concern of Naruto. "Yo earth to Sasuke you alright?" Naruto asked as he walked over to Sasuke placing a hand on his shoulder and shaking him out of his self induced trance.

Sasuke was now mentally back to reality but he still seemed a bit off. With that he looked at Naruto and simply said "I-I need to be alone", and with that Sasuke left back to Tazuna's house much to the confusion of Naruto.

"Damn… maybe that wasn't the best idea" Naruto said to himself, as he decided to leave Sasuke to his own devices as he obviously needed to handle whatever mental turmoil was going on with himself with a silver lining to this being Sasuke could now call upon cursed energy. Therefore Naruto decided to train himself working on chakra control and thinking up new applications for cursed energy which he did all through the night.

##Next day##

Naruto was currently leaning against a tree and appeared to be deep in sleep. A figure approached the boy and said figure wore a pink dress, had long black hair, and a feminine figure. Said person was Haku and he contemplated pulling out a kunai to slit the boy's throat but as he reached for it he stopped himself and shook his head obviously disagreeing with the action he was about to commit. Naruto had sensed and saw the person a good while ago but wanted to see what they would do, as he observed the person he saw them reaching for their kunai and activated his limitless. Much to his relief the figure stopped themself as he didn't want to hurt what he thought to be a beautiful girl and said much to the shock of the person in front of him "You know it's impolite to sneak up on someone".

Haku startled by this jumped back on guard but quickly composed himself and said "My apologies I simply wish to retrieve the herbs next to you as my friend is hurt"

"Ahh I see, well let me help you collect them." said Naruto as they both began to collect the herbs and talk about their lives and stances on life obviously not in too much detail but enough to not make the interaction awkward.

Soon they were done collecting all the herbs as Haku spoke and said "Thank you Naruto and it was a pleasure meeting you".

"No worries, who wouldn't want to help a beautiful lady." Said Naruto.

Haku just smiled and walked off but they soon stopped and spoke, catching Naruto's attention saying "By the way I'm a boy".

This caught Naruto completely off guard as he just stood there completely baffled. Haku giggled at this an continue to walk away as Naruto soon gained his bearings and said "Well… that's something, well take care of Zabuza and tell him see you soon" and Naruto flashed away after saying this as a dozen senbon soon stabbed into the tree where he once stood.

Naruto had flashed away with cursed energy near Tazuna's house after his interaction with Haku, he made his way to the house and as he did so he said aloud "well he definitely be Hikari's type" with a chuckle. However after saying this he stopped mid step and thought to himself "Wait who the hell is Hakari?"

##Tazuna's house##

Naruto had entered the home of Tazuna and found Both Kakashi and Sakura trying to talk to Sasuke who appeared to have a glazed look in his eyes. Sakura noticed Naruto and rushed over to him in spoke to him in an accusatory tone "What did you do to him! He was fine just before I left and when we came back we found him just roaming near the forest and he's been a zombie ever since!"

Naruto defended himself by saying " Calm down I didn't do anything aside from helping him wield his cursed energy and to use it you need to call upon negative emotions and memories, and I'm assuming the memories he saw… triggered him".

Kakashi took note of this and said "You should have waited for me to do that Naruto I atleast could've helped him cope with whatever he saw" Kakashi said knowing what Sasuke likely recalled mentally.

Naruto was a too prideful to outright say sorry but he then said "I'll do that next time"

Kakashi sighed at this and Sakura glared at Naruto blaming him for Sasuke's condition then went over to Sasuke and placed a hand on his shoulder to comfort him. However before she could say anything Sasuke lashed out and said "DON'T TOUCH ME YOU FUCKING MONKEY". This outburst shocked and confused everyone including Sasuke himself who got up and went to bed not knowing how to even explain this outburst.

Everyone just stared at him awkwardly as he went upstairs and when he was out of sight Kakashi looked back at Naruto who said "Details now". With that Naruto explained everything that happened with Sasuke in detail not expecting him to be in this bad a condition mentally, as even if he wouldn't outright say sorry he did feel bad.

After explaining everything in detail they all agreed to give Sasuke space as Naruto also explained what he learned about Zabuza and Haku as they made plans to deal with them. Once all plans were made They all went their own way as they prepared for the next day with Naruto specifically talking to Inari indirectly apologizing to him for his outburst the other day and just making casual conversation.

The night had then passed thus Naruto, Kakashi, Sakura, and Tazuna made their way to the bridge. The team tried to get Sasuke up but even with him being better than the day before he still seemed off so they left him to rest. Once the team made it to the bridge they stood guard to Tazuna and what was left of his men, however the calm did not last as a thick mist enveloped the area with Naruto being enveloped by a dome of ice mirrors and a man with a large sword engaging Kakashi as the massive sword and a kunai clashed with one another.

"It's time for payback you bastard and this time we're ready for you and the blond brat" Said the now identified swordsman Zabuza.

At the same time inside the ice dome Naruto stood with his arms crossed as a figure moving at unbelievable speeds jumped from mirror to mirror. "Well Haku… guess this is the way things had to go" said Naruto removing his headband from his eyes exposing the majesty of legendary six eyes once more.

Haku was silent for a moment then agreed saying "Unfortunately it appears so". With that the final battle among these formidable shinobi begins.

Authors note-

Another chapter down, thank you all for the support and I know I said in the last chapter hopefully work calmed down giving me more time to write, however as you can guess by how long it took me to get to this chapter it did not until now…lol. As always critique the chapter as needed and hope you all still enjoy the direction of the story and see you all in what will likely be the final chapter of this arc. :)