Chapter 12: Demon of the Hidden Mist
Team Seven soon arrives within the Land of Waves after two weeks of travel. Due to having to walk at Tazuna's pace, it took significantly longer for the shinobi to arrive. The five of them sat quietly inside of a boat as an older man paddled them across the lake. The fog's intensity was thick, blocking everything around the boat from view. Once they got to the shore, Kakashi decided to speak up and address something that was bothering him.
"Mr. Tazuna… While our mission was to escort you and remain with you until the bridge was finished being built, it has now unofficially changed to protect you from any enemy shinobi. If you wish for us to remain here and carry out this mission, I need you to answer a question of mine, and it needs to be truthful. If not, then I'm afraid we'll have no choice but to turn around and head back to the village." Kakashi says with a firm, yet soft tone. "If you knew there were shinobi after you, why did you lie? We could have provided you with a team that was better suited for you than a team of newly graduated Genin?" Kakashi asked.
The aged bridge builder looked down, clearly having a sense of conflicting emotions. He lets out an ashamed sigh before addressing the masked shinobi. "The truth is… The Land of Waves isn't as prosperous as you may believe. Our people are starving, and the children are homeless… Not even our Lord is making ends meet… Even paying for a C rank mission is pushing things, that's why I hide the truth. I was afraid that if I revealed the truth, we'd be turned away and I'd never be able to make it back home to finish the bridge." Tazuna explained with a hint of remorse in his voice.
Tazuna then looked at Kakashi. "If you turn away now, then I'll most certainly be killed." Tazuna admitted before a sudden change in his demeanor caught them all off guard. "Oh well! That isn't really your concern, now, is it? Haha! You won't have to worry about seeing the reaction of my daughter and granddaughter when they learn that I've been killed. Haha! No worries, it's alright. You guys can turn back around, thank you for the help!" Tazuna exclaimed, clearly masking his fear with an overly excited and nonchalant attitude.
"I guess it can't be helped and you did answer honestly. Looks like Team Seven is going to continue on." Kakashi states, giving Tazuna a thumbs up.
Team Seven and Tazuna proceeded on and as they were walking, Naruto began to feel a sensation inside of him. For some unknown reason, Konoha's Jinchuriki was on edge, like it could explode at any time. Kakashi felt this and it made the masked ninja worried. He knew that they'd most likely have another encounter, probably against another Jonin this time. It would be too much trouble to keep a constant look on Naruto and the others if he were to face someone of that level. Without any hesitation, Naruto flicked a kunai towards the grass, impaling and killing a white colored rabbit.
"Hey! What the hell was that? I'm getting pretty sick of you just throwing weapons like they're toys!" Tazuna shouted.
"Naruto, take it easy. You could hurt someone with those kunai." Kakashi said before suddenly giving the order for everyone to get down. Sasuke tackled Tazuna while Kakashi pulled Madara to the ground. Naruto just looked on at the flying projectile, seeing it was a massive blade that connected to the tree. Appearing on the handle, a man with brownish skin, bandages across his face, and a hidden mist headband strapped to the side of his head, stood before the group. Kakashi looked up at the man with a hint of exhaustion. "Well, well, well. If it isn't Zabuza Mommochi, the Demon of the Hidden Mist. What's a rogue ninja like you doing in a place like this?" Kakashi asked.
Zabuza turned to face Kakashi, an interesting expression on his face. "Ah, Kakashi of the Sharingan. Who would have thought that I'd get the chance to encounter you so soon?" Zabuza asked. "But that's not why I'm here. Just give the old man up, and I might just let your little Genin go." Zabuza said.
"Sorry, but I'm afraid I can't do that." Kakashi says as he raises his headband to activate his Sharingan. However, Kakashi saw in the corner of his eyes, his two Genin shaking. Sasuke held out a kunai, clearly overwhelmed by the killing intent of two Jonin level shinobi. Naruto on the other hand, was shaking with excitement.
'He's different from the other two…' Naruto thought to himself while licking his lips.
'Gee… This is going to be a long day…' Kakashi thought as he looked at Naruto. "Naruto, settle down. This guy isn't like those two from before. I want you to join Sasuke and Madara in the Manji formation to protect Tazuna. Do you understand?" Kakashi asked.
"No! You took my last kill! It's my turn!" Naruto growled out at his sensei. This earned him a sigh from his Jonin sensei.
"Naruto, Zabuza is a former member of the hidden mist village's Anbu Black Ops. Even with the power of the nine tailed fox, you won't stand a chance. Now, stand back, you're in the way." Kakashi said. Unfortunately, Naruto's stubbornness was showing, and he wasn't about to sit back while Kakashi got to have all the fun.
"If you get in my way, Kakashi… I'll kill you." Naruto warned, glaring dangerously at Kakashi. The masked man looked intently at Naruto before giving him an eye smile.
"Well, I suppose when you put it that way, I don't have much of a choice, right?" Kakashi asked in a sarcastic tone, which went unnoticed by Naruto. The boy's attention then turned to Zabuza.
"So, you're the demon of the hidden mist, right?" Naruto asked.
Zabuza's focus then shifted to the boy in front of him. He could tell there was something off, but there was also a sense of familiarity from this kid. The look of a predator, the desire to kill. It was almost like Zabuza was looking at his former self. So, he decided to indulge the brat. "Hmph… That's right… I'm the Demon from the Hidden Mist Village." Zabuza said. This earned him a chuckle that came after a scoff.
"You're a demon? Don't make me laugh. I'll show you exactly what a demon really is." Naruto exclaimed as the crimson chakra started to form around his body. "Come on, eyebrows! Show me what the Demon of the Hidden Mist can do!" Naruto shouted. He then lets out a loud demonic roar and charges towards Zabuza, who was slightly caught off guard by the sudden direct attack. He crossed his arms, protecting himself from Naruto's punch before delivering a kick to his stomach. Naruto was sent back, but he was quickly able to flip backwards in the air and land on all fours.
Appearing from the lake, two clones of Zabuza emerged, each with the Executioner's blade in hand. "Let's see how well you handle these, Gaki." Zabuza said and the two clones charged towards Naruto, planning to slice him to pieces. Naruto quickly jumped in the air and his chakra arms grew in size, crashing down on both water clones. However, he didn't prepare for the original Zabuza to jump down, preparing to slash his massive sword downwards. Thanks to the crimson chakra around Naruto's body, two more chakra hands formed as they were able to prevent Zabuza's sword from slicing him into, though he was struggling. "Not bad, kid… You certainly have some skill, for a Genin. But if you think you're going to win, then I'm sorry to disappoint you." Zabuza says while applying more of his physical strength down on the sword.
Naruto was clenching his teeth while trying to keep the sword from cutting him. The second tail formed and went to create a fist. This fist connected to Zabuza's stomach, punching the man and sending him backwards with some of his skin burnt. Naruto growls and then blitz's Zabuza, but is sent flying by a kick to his jaw, breaking the bones in his face. Thankfully, Kyuubi had already begun healing the injury given to his vessel.
Zabuza noticed this and had a hint of confusion. Even if the kid knew medical ninjutsu, not only would it take time to feel the wound, but he wouldn't be able to remain in his fighting stance. There was something more to this kid, something darker and beyond his own understanding. He then began making hand seals, ox, snake, and ram. "Water Style: Hidden Mist Jutsu." Zabuza muttered and appearing around everyone, a much thicker and higher density fog appeared.
Kakashi's Sharingan wasn't able to see through the fog's thickness and he quickly told both his Genin to be alert. Madara had her Sharingan activated but kept her focus on her sensory ability. This was usually more effective than the Sharingan anyway. Sasuke remained startled, he had not gotten over his shock from the killing intent and Kakashi could see the fear in his eyes.
"Sasuke, relax. I will not allow my comrades to die. I promise." Kakashi blurts out. Sasuke suddenly calmed down, feeling a sense of reassurance from his Jonin sensei.
In the center of the fog, Naruto closed his eyes as he stood still, the back of his jacket was suddenly slashed and the steel from Zabuza's blade cut through his skin. The same thing happened to his front, and on his legs, and then his arms. Little did the rogue ninja know, this was all part of Naruto's plan, giving the man a false sense of security. With a sadistic smirk, Naruto takes the deepest breath he could muster before releasing it all with his loudest shout ever. The vibrations from Naruto's demonic roar caused even the fog to weaken, giving everyone a clear sight of the battlefield before them.
'How the hell did he do that?' Zabuza asked himself. This brat was able to break through the fog with only his voice. Before Zabuza could think any further, he was met with a fist to his chest, knocking him back. Before he could recover, Naruto appeared over him, slamming his own head into Zabuza's head. The demon brat then followed up with multiple punches to the face and torso of Zabuza. Suddenly, appearing behind Naruto, three water clones formed and they quickly flashed through the hand seals for the Water Style: Water Prison Jutsu. Even though Naruto's two tails struck two of the clones, one of the water clones remained and they were able to trap him inside of a water prison. "Haha… Sorry, kid. But it looks like you're trapped." Zabuza said. "Keep him locked up, I've got to go deal with the bridge builder." Zabuza says and he walks over towards the other members of Team Seven and Tazuna.
As quickly as Zabuza turned away, he then looked back at the boy who managed to break free of the water prison, a third tail of crimson chakra shooting out, giving Naruto a much more sinister and animalistic appearance. "K… Kakashi, what is this kid?" Zabuza asked.
"That's Naruto Uzumaki, Konoha's Jinchuriki of the Kyuubi no Kitsune." Kakashi declared, causing Zabuza's eyes to open wide. He was no stranger to Jinchuriki, remembering when he fought the Fourth Mizukage and nearly getting killed.
"This brat contains the nine tailed fox?" Zabuza asked for confirmation.
"That's right and trust me, Naruto's been on edge ever since our encounter with the Demon Brothers you sent." Kakashi explained with a casual tone. Zabuza was fuming before he recollected himself, letting out a chuckle.
"Well, things just got interesting. It seems I've been underestimating this kid's potential." Zabuza states as he walks towards Naruto, his Executioner Blade tightly gripped. "You want to go, fox? Let's do it. Show me why you're known by all and feared by all!" Zabuza exclaimed. Naruto leaped forward, extending his left hand to slash at Zabuza. Before the blond could make contact, Zabuza finished making the proper hand seals, tiger, ox, tiger, rat. He then released a stream of water that connected directly at Naruto's chest, sending him backwards.
Naruto lets out another roar and charges again, using his three chakra tails to take the form of a fist. Zabuza creates five more water clones as they charge on, leaving the original Zabuza to begin making the hand seals for his Water Style: Giant Vortex Jutsu, tiger, ox, monkey, hare, ram, boar, ox, horse, monkey, tiger, dog, tiger, snake, tiger, ox, monkey, hare, and bird.
"Water Style: Giant Vortex Jutsu!" Zabuza roared and the lake of water rose and charged towards Naruto, completely flooding the area. Kakashi quickly grabbed Tazuna while Madara grabbed Sasuke and they moved to one of the nearby tree branches that were untouched. "Haha! Don't think that's it!" Zabuza shouted and he resumed making more hand seals, ox, monkey, hare, rat, boar, bird, ox, horse, bird, rat, tiger, dog, tiger, snake, ox, ram, snake, boar, ram, rat, monkey, bird, dragon, bird, ox, horse, ram, tiger, snake, rat, monkey, hare, boar, dragon, ram, rat, ox, monkey, bird, rat, boar, and bird. "Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!" Zabuza shouted.
A massive dragon of water formed over the flooded area, and it dove downwards, racing towards its target. Even while submerged in water, Naruto's form was struck hard, almost like he was hit by a truck sending him up in the air. That's when a second water dragon formed and gave one final strike, sending Naruto into the multiple trees that surrounded the battlefield. Zabuza landed on the water's surface, breathing heavily with a wicked grin. "Hmph… Y… You're tough. But not even you could survive that attack." Zabuza muttered out.
Instantly, a large crimson burst of chakra formed, and Naruto was racing back, clearly being driven by his strong blood lust. However, instead of attacking, something else was going on. The demonic chakra was flowing all around, growing thicker, heavier, and significantly darker. Naruto's crimson slitted eyes began to glow red, covering the entire eyeball. His teeth were sharpening even more, and his claws were growing as well. Kakashi saw this and his eye went wide.
"Come on, we need to get back, right now!" Kakashi exclaimed. Sasuke looked at his sensei with confusion and asked why. "Naruto's drawing on more of Kyuubi's chakra than normal. We need to give him some space, if not, he'll kill us all." Kakashi explained.
Madara's eyes were narrowed as she looked at the Jinchuriki, noticing how some of Naruto's skin was burning off, but was quickly. She had never seen such a thing before, and it made her curious to see what would happen. Madara quickly makes a shadow clone, silently giving it the orders to remain hidden and keep an eye out. The clone nodded and then vanished via body flicker while the original moved on back with Kakashi, Tazuna, and Sasuke. 'Well, Naruto… Why don't you show me exactly what you can do? Show me just how much power the fox has given you.' Madara silently thought to herself as the battle began to unfold between the Demon of the Hidden Mist and the Demon of the Hidden Leaf.
Author's Notes
I thought this concept was neat, Naruto against Zabuza. I knew Zabuza was significantly stronger and more experienced, but I also took into account at how likely Zabuza would underestimate Naruto since he was a Genin. To be quite frank, I'm not really sure how a cannon battle would go between those two, so I decided to try my best and to write out a decent scene.
I promise, this is going to be what causes Naruto to stop relying on just Kurama's chakra because even though he'll be given a fuck load of power and destruction, it'll come at a hefty price, a price that's going to affect him greatly during this arc.
Madara has seen the full power of Kurama, but she has never actually fought against a Jinchuriki, plus, she's curious to see just how strong Naruto becomes while fighting Zabuza.
Would Kakashi actually let his student fight Zabuza and was he afraid of Naruto's threat? I considered how it would go and while normally, like in cannon, Kakashi would do the fighting and tell Naruto to stay out of the way. But in this story, Kakashi can detect the growing blood lust in Naruto and figured that he could always use his Mangekyou Sharingan to subdue Naruto if things got out of hand. That's why he was so casual when Naruto threatened him.
I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and I'll try to produce one more at some point today. I've also got an interesting idea for the next chapter, one that is either a hit or miss. I figured I've practically have gone in the opposite direction as damn near every other fan fiction, so what's the harm and doing something else that isn't so popular? Thank you all for the constant support of this fan fiction and I hope you all will continue reading. I'm also accepting ideas for another fan fiction that I'll be starting once the Land of Waves Arc is done. Feel free to drop down an idea along with whoever you'd like to see shipped. Genderbending is allowed, no harems, and honestly, feel free to throw whoever you want. I just hope to continue providing all of you with as much entertainment as possible.