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Previously on Naruto: The Second Kaido.

Chapter 2 Recap:

As graduation day arrives, Naruto, now known as Kaido Naruto, feels a mix of excitement and determination after years of secret training. During the team announcements, his new moniker causes tension among his siblings, but he finds unexpected support from Ino Yamanaka, whom he boldly asks out on a date.

The next day, during their survival test with senseis Kakashi and Kushina, Naruto's swift attack incapacitates Kakashi, and he effortlessly takes two bells. Challenging his mother next, Naruto blinds himself to sharpen his senses, easily evading Kushina's attacks and claiming the remaining bells.

After awakening Kakashi, their senseis witness the team's selfish demands and Naruto's display of leadership. Disappointed, Hiruzen and other village leaders watch as Naruto admonishes his teammates, emphasizing the importance of teamwork over individual prowess. With newfound understanding, Team 7 passes their test, united under Naruto's leadership.

Naruto: The Second Kaido

Chapter 3: D-Ranks and Waves

Team 7's first C-rank mission had taken a perilous turn. The puddle, meant to deceive the genin, only caught Naruto's keen eye. "Idiots," he muttered, the disdain clear in his voice. "Disguise yourselves as rocks, anything, but a puddle in a drought? Amateurs."

When the masked ninjas struck, his teammates gasped. Their senseis, however, displayed no surprise. Kakashi's lazy eye twitched. "Naruto, a sensor type, huh? This just got a lot more serious."

In a blur of speed and steel, Naruto countered the ambush. His Sky Splitter Greatsword, an imposing weapon, cleaved through the first attacker. He followed the momentum, twisting and piercing the second ninja's heart.

As his team gaped at the aftermath, Naruto remained grim-faced. Kushina, ever the mother hen, approached with worry furrowed across her brow. "Naruto... you just... Are you alright?"

"Killed two people? They came for Tazuna. It was them or us." Naruto's voice held an unsettling calm. "It's not killing, Kushina-sensei. It's protection."

Sakura, ever the textbook student, interjected. "But... you didn't need to kill them! You could have subdued them!"

Naruto shook his head, a hint of dark humor in his eyes. "And leave them tied up for backup that'll never arrive? Genius. What if they escape and target Tazuna's family? You defend them, Sakura? Or you, Sasuke? And when we leave, who protects them from further attacks?" He eyed them pointedly. "Sometimes, taking a life is the only way to save many. Isn't that Konoha's creed? Sacrifice even your own for the village? As jonin, you should understand this."

His words hit harder than any fist. The genin, confronted by the hard reality of their chosen profession, hung their heads. Kushina and Kakashi exchanged a troubled look. This was no longer simply a mission.

"Those were the Demon Brothers," Kakashi revealed, his voice grim. "Their employer is Zabuza Momochi, a missing-nin on the cusp of S-rank."

Kushina nodded grimly. "And who knows what other forces back him. We can't risk four genin on such a dangerous mission. Tazuna-san, we will have to return to Konoha."

The bridge builder dropped to his knees, his plea laced with desperation. "Please, you must help Wave! Another year of Gato's rule, and countless lives will be lost!"

The team's resolve began to waver. Then, Naruto spoke, his voice quiet yet carrying undeniable weight. "Lead the way, Tazuna. I'll help. Even alone, I'm enough."

"Naruto!" his senseis protested, but he'd already turned to Tazuna, a mischievous grin spreading across his face "Climb aboard, old man. Get ready to fly!"

Before they could stop him, he scooped Tazuna up, and with a series of explosive kicks, vanished into the treeline. "Geppo!"

Sakura and Naruko could only squeal "How cool!" while their senseis paled. Sasuke and Menma fumed, demanding to be taught Naruto's techniques. Naruko, ever the schemer, hatched a plan. A punishment for Naruto that would work to their advantage….

On their flight to Wave, Naruto sensed a familiar presence stalking them. A shadow in the bushes, another closing in from behind. With a sudden clang, the attacker's massive sword struck his neck. Both ambushers froze in shock.

"Your sword needs sharpening," Naruto quipped. "Haku, come out. You're not fooling a sensor. And that Kiri mask? Smart, but your figure gives you away."

Haku, flustered, emerged, followed by a gruff Zabuza. Naruto studied them. "Zero killing intent. You do this for someone else, not Gato. Am I right?"

Tazuna, stunned by Naruto's perceptiveness, offered an explanation about Zabuza's failed coup against the tyrannical Mizukage.

Naruto grinned, a predatory glint in his eye. "Gato's just a money-grubber. You need his funds for weapons, don't you? I admire your guts... but this plan is doomed. How about this – I help you take down the Mizukage. In return, you protect Tazuna and his family, and help me take out Gato. His riches can be split - half for Wave, half for your rebellion. Deal?"

Zabuza hesitated. "Bold words, kid. But words are cheap. Show me you're worth my trust."

Naruto's smirk widened. "With pleasure." A surge of invisible, crushing force slammed into Zabuza, the sheer power evident in the Demon of the Mist's pained cry. Haku rushed to his side, pleading.

"Stop! Please!" Naruto relented, breathing calmly. "That was King's Haki. A taste of the power I hold. Well, Zabuza? Convinced?"

The legendary shinobi, gasping for breath, managed a strained nod. It seemed that Wave, and Team 7, had just gained a very unorthodox ally.

To Be continued…

Updated May 2, 2024.