Naruto reimagined: Minato and Kushina raise Naruto

by ShadowofFire93

What if Minato and Kushina didn't die in the Kyubi incident? Minato is presented with a way to save both Naruto and Kushina without sacrificing himself in the process. The events from now on will take a different path.

11. Chapter 11: The battle of the bridge

Chapter 11: Battle of the bridge

Deep in the mangroves, near Tazuna's house.

Tenzo and his students arrived at the location where the people they'd rescued were staying hidden. The former prisoners were filled with relief when they saw their saviors arriving. They'd feared they hadn't made it. Hinata wasted no time and rushed to help those who needed urgent attention. Tenzo had ensured her involvement in the fight was not intense so she could still perform medical jutsus. In moments like this, he regretted not having learned medic jutsu. Tsunade-sama had told him that she suspected mokuton had inherent healing abilities, and by learning medical ninjutsu, he might be able to unlock them. However, he refused to learn medical ninjutsu. Tenzo's gaze was fixed on the children they'd rescued. He knew he couldn't take the people back to the hospital or the orphanage. They needed to stay hidden until he had dealt with Gato. As exhausted as he was, Tenzo gathered as much chakra as he could and performed a series of hand seals – Mokuton: Shichuka no jutsu! – Wood pillars emerged from the ground aggressively, intertwining with each other until a large wooden house was formed in the area. The house was big enough to act as a refugee and treatment camp. Everyone was shocked by Tenzo's jutsu. Naruto's and Sasuke's jaws dropped. Naruto noted seal tags attached to the house. Tenzo-sensei was amazing. He had created the house out of nowhere and included barriers and concealing seals on it. He doubted any sensor shinobi would be able to detect them with those. Once everyone was settled inside the house, Tenzo sent Sasuke and Naruto for Tazuna and Tsunami. It was almost sunrise when they came back.

Tsunami and Tazuna gathered people from the village who they could trust to help to look after the injured. Taking turns to look over them to not raise suspicions.

Gato's factory.

Gato stood on a clearing in front of his factory, watching it burn to the ground. He was wearing black pajamas and an overcoat. His forehead vein was pulsing out of anger. He was so pissed that he broke his cane in two. The two samurais stood behind him. Gato was focused only on the factory. However, they looked with awe at all the dead bodies in the area. There were nearly 200 hundred men guarding the factory, and nearly 150 more they sent from the manor after they saw the explosion. Gato-sama thought maybe the villagers had finally decided to stand up against him. However, this was not some simple villagers' doing. There might not be signs of ninjutsu, but only a group of shinobis could've handled so many mercenaries on their own. This was Konoha's doing for sure – What do you want to do, Gato-sama? – questioned one of his guards. Gato threw his cane away – I will find whoever did this and make them pay! – said an angry Gato. The second samurai replied – This was Konoha's shinobis doing. There is no way the cowardly citizens of this lame country had the courage or the strength to do it – Gato smirked and then started laughing maniacally. Both samurais looked at each other, puzzled – Zabuza will deal with them soon, and even if he fails, there are already two S-ranked shinobis on their way. Not even that Bonebreaker and Zabuza together would stand a chance against that man. Once they're dead, I'll demand retribution from Konoha for the losses they caused me. As for you two, get rid of the head of the orphanage and the hospital, as well as anyone who helped in this operation. We must erase any evidence of what this was. Understood? – both samurais nodded and bowed to Gato – It shall be done, Gato-sama.

Temporary shelter: the following day

Tenzo and his students stayed in the shelter for the day. However, they needed to go back with Tazuna to the bridge – Time to go, boys! – Sasuke and Naruto nodded and joined their sensei when he called them. Tazuna was standing next to Tanzo. Before leaving, Sasuke gave Hinata the oak acorn Tenzo gave him during the assault at the factory – Tenzo-sensei said to channel our chakra through it if we needed help. We are going with sensei, so we don't need it – Hinata hesitated but she took the acorn from Sasuke's hand – Thank you, Sasuke-kun! – Sasuke blushed and turned around to join Naruto and Tenzo. Shortly after, they left for the bridge.

Tazuna hadn't said a single word on their way to the bridge. Tenzo assumed he was mad at them for what they did. He had warned him not to go against Gato, but he didn't listen. They were almost there when he finally broke the silence – You put all of us in a dire situation, Tenzo-san. However, I'm genuinely grateful for it. I must confess we all suspected what was going on in that factory. We … we're just too weak. After Kaiza's death, we just lost all hope and will. It was safer for us just to look to the other side and pretend nothing was happening – Tazuna's voice was starting to break. Tenzo and his pupils noticed the grim on his face. They wanted to say something, but their thoughts were cast away as they saw a suspicious mist covering the bridge – So they're back at last – said Sasuke. He seemed excited about it. He wanted a rematch badly – It appears so, Tazuna-san, you … – Tenzo hadn't finished speaking when Tazuna ran into the mist. He needed to make sure his crew was OK – Damn it! - said Tenzo as he and his students also ran into the mist. They found Tazuna kneeling on the floor, trying to get the pulse of one of his men – Suiton: Suigadan! (Water fang bullet) – two water projectiles formed from the sea and shot at high speed from each side of the bridge. Tenzo ordered his students to be ready to dodge. However, the water projectiles were not shot at them. Both projectiles clashed with each other in the air above them. The collision caused the water to spatter all over the bridge. Tenzo and the others couldn't see or sense Zabuza and the Ice-release man. Tenzo wished he had brought Hinata with them – Suiton: Suichutotsu! (Water pillar thrust) – a column of water rose and thrust from the sea below the bridge as a geyser. The force of the geyser was so strong that it made a hole in the bridge. The geyser reached even higher. When it reached its maximum height, it started spilling water all around. Naruto and Sasuke thought for a moment it was raining – Hyoton: Sensatsu Hyosho! (thousand flying ice needles of death) – the falling water drops from Zabuza's geyser froze and turned into falling ice needles. Tenzo watched this stunned and barely had time to react – Mokuton: Mokujoheki! (wood locking wall) – a wooden dome formed around Tazuna, Tenzo and his students. Everyone inside could hear the ice needles hitting the dome, and some of them managed to penetrate it. It didn't surprise Tenzo. If his techniques had managed to pierce Guchiguma's skin, it was sure that the wooden dome wouldn't be able to resist much. An ice needle hit Tazuna on his left calf, and some others grazed Sasuke and Naruto; only Tenzo managed to dodge the few needles that went through his dome. Naruto and Sasuke's wounds were insignificant. They were both glad to have Tenzo-sensei. It would've been almost impossible to dodge all those ice needles.

Tenzo removed his dome. It was bad enough not to be able to see or detect Zabuza and the other man in the mist. Being trapped inside the dome made them an easy target. Tenzo was shocked to see the fog was gone once he removed his dome. Zabuza and the other man were standing at the bridge entrance. Tazuna cursed them as he saw ice needles in his crew's corpses – You, bastards! You're after my head! You didn't have to kill my men! – Tazuna, despite the pain of his hurt leg, stood up. His eyes were full of tears – Let's just end this madness and kill me once and for all! – said the old man as he limped towards them. However, Sasuke and Naruto blocked his way – hey, geezer! You seem to have forgotten we're still here! They'll have to kill us first! Ain't that right, Sasuke? – You're damn right, Naruto! These two will die here and now! – Tenzo just smirked – Did you hear that, Haku? Looks like these two have grown a pair! – said Zabuza in a mocking tone. Haku pulled a senbon from his pouch and took a fighting stand – shall we teach them some respect, Zabuza-san? – Zabuza raised his hand to sign Haku to stay put. Zabuza was about to speak, but Tenzo spoke first – Tell me, Zabuza. Why did you help us two nights ago? – Zabuza frowned. Tazuna didn't understand what he meant by that – Don't test your luck, bonebreaker – said Zabuza as he unsheathed his sword – Enough talking. Haku, make it quick – Haku took a deep breath and exhaled a cold breath. His breath was freezing everything in its way. When his cold breath reached the area where Tenzo and the others were standing, the water that was splattered on the ground rose rapidly, turning into ice spears. His face was hidden behind his mask, but he was smiling. Tenzo took Tazuna and jumped away. Sasuke and Naruto also jumped to escape from the ice spikes. Haku moved too fast for them to react in the middle of the air on time. Haku kicked both of them, tossing them into the sea. Naruto and Sasuke managed to recover their balance before they landed on the water. They were standing on the sea, looking at their opponent, atop the bridge side barrier. Tenzo knew his students would be disadvantaged if they stayed in the sea. He placed Tazuna back on the floor and was ready to jump into the ocean with them, but Zabuza attacked him with his sword – Let the children play! I'm your enemy – Tenzo was able to dodge Zabuza's attack.

Sasuke and Naruto knew they needed to get back to the bridge. Fighting Haku in the middle of the ocean was extremely dangerous. Sasuke believed his raiton might come in handy against Haku if they were forced to fight in the water. However, he was still unable to direct his raiton while in water, preventing it from spreading through the water body in all directions. If he used it, he risked hurting Naruto too. Sasuke bit his lip. As if Naruto had read Sasuke's mind, he spoke – Do not worry about me, Sasuke. Your raiton might be the only way we can win this fight – said Naruto with a smile. Sasuke responded with a smirk – You want to play cool, knucklehead? Huh, just don't complain later – Naruto laughed.

Haku vanished using a shunshin no jutsu. He appeared again behind Naruto and Sasuke – You're mine, now! You stand no chance – Naruto and Sasuke felt a shiver as they heard him and felt his cold breath on the back of their head – Hyoton: Hyoro no Jutsu! (ice prison technique) – They felt their feet were being covered by ice. The ice was spreading. Haku heard what they said earlier. That Uchiha boy was a raiton user. He posed a major threat to him. The ice on Sasuke's leg grew faster. Haku controlled the ice composition, making it heavier than usual and heavier than water. The excessive weight of the ice made Sasuke sink into the ocean's depths.

Naruto pulled one of his seal tags from the wooden box from his back. Haku thought it was an explosive tag, so he jumped away from him. However, it wasn't. Naruto placed the tag on the growing ice. He started to sink as well. His body was almost entirely underwater when he performed a hand seal to activate the tag. Naruto hoped it wouldn't blow up his legs in the process. The tag activated and released a fireball. Sasuke had helped Naruto store some of his fire jutsus for the fight they knew was eventually coming. The effect of the fireball was reduced underwater, but the initial release blast was still able to break the ice on Naruto's legs. He swam deep into the water to catch Sasuke, who continued sinking. He was about to lose his conscience. Naruto placed a second tag on Sasuke's body. The ice had covered most of his body by now. Most of the ice shattered into pieces after the Katon was released. A few pieces of ice were still adhered to Sasuke, but he could swim now.

Tenzo saw everything from the bridge, unable to help his pupils. Zabuza laughed – How pathetic! I was expecting those two would give Haku a better fight! We did the Hokage and Wicked Eye Fugaku a favor by freeing them from the burden of such weak sons! – Tenzo frowned. He performed a series of hand seals – Mokuton: Sashiki no Jutsu! (cutting technique) – Tenzo extended his hands, and wooden spikes were ejected as projectiles at high speed towards Zabuza. Spike after spike, Zabuza dodged them. However, Tenzo didn't stop launching these spikes. Wherever Zabuza moved, he followed with his spikes. Zabuza could finally jump over Tenzo, spinning in the air behind him. He was about to throw his giant sword at Tenzo from his back – You're a fool, Zabuza – said Tenzo as spikes now formed at his back and launched like the other spikes. Zabuza didn't expect Tenzo to create spikes in his entire body. He tried to dodge, but one spike pierced his leg. Once inside Zabuza's leg, the spike grew, expanding into more branches. The new branches skewered into Zabuza's side. He yelled in pain.

Haku had placed his hands on the water. He could sense Naruto and Sasuke had managed to release themselves from the ice and were emerging. He was about to cast a jutsu to attack them underwater, where they were defenseless. However, he heard Zabuza's scream of pain, and his attention was lost. He was preparing to jump to the bridge when Sasuke emerged, propelled by Naruto's technique (Futon: Reppusho "gale palm"). Sasuke was in the air, facing a surprised Haku – Katon: Hosenka no Jutsu! (phoenix sage fire technique) – Sasuke spat a volley of small fireballs towards Haku. Haku jumped backward to dodge them. Unexpectedly for him, the fire projectiles changed direction and followed him. He had no option but to block them – Suiton: Suijinheki! (water wall) – a wall of water formed from the ocean to block Sasuke's Katon. Sasuke landed on the water, and as Haku's water wall dispersed, Naruto emerged from the water right below Haku, kunai-handed. Haku barely dodged Naruto's attack with his kunai. Not unscratched, though. Haku jumped backward, noticing how his mask split in two and fell apart. Naruto blushed a little bit when he saw Haku's face. He had some feminine facial features. He looked pretty. Sasuke didn't blush, but he thought the man's beauty was comparable to Kushina-san.

Zabuza landed on the ground, wounded. He used his sword to cut the spikes and then removed them from his body. He was bleeding; he needed to put a tourniquet on his leg. Tenzo was so relieved to see Naruto and Sasuke emerging from the depths of the ocean alive. Zabuza took advantage of Tenzo's loss of concentration during the battle by using his headband as a tourniquet in his leg. The bleeding from his side wound was not to worry, at least not for now – Looks like those brats are not as useless as I thought – said Zabuza, catching his breath. Tenzo turned around to face Zabuza again. Both jounins prepared to resume their battle.

With Hinata

Hinata, Tsunami, and some other villagers were attending to the people Hinata, and her team had rescued a few days before. Tsunami was surprised by how many volunteers there were there. They knew they were risking their lives by helping them, yet there they were. Konoha's shinobis actions had ignited that same flame that was extinguished all those years ago when Gato killed Kaiza publicly. Even her son, Inari, seemed to improve his mood. He had been peeking these last days. He ran away whenever he was caught looking at the shelter and what they were doing. He didn't want to acknowledge he had high hopes for the future – I'll get more clean water and bandages, Hinata. It won't take me long – said Tsunami as she stood up and took a couple of buckets to get water from a spring nearby – Hai, Tsunami-san. Be careful – said Hinata with her distinctive kindness. Tsunami exited the shelter Tenzo had built. However, when she was outside, she screamed. Hinata rushed outside. She had been reckless. She hadn't been using her Byakugan to guard the area since she was focused on treating the injured.

Gato's samurais were standing outside the shelter. One had Inari by his hair – No wonder we couldn't find you. Those are concealing seals. I presume the Senju placed those seals here – said one of the samurais. Inari tried to free himself. The samurai just pulled his hair. He started to cry – I'm sorry, Mom! They followed me! It's my fault they found this shelter – Tsunami was about to run towards her son, but Hinata pulled her back – Wait, Tsunami-san! They can't get inside this place. Sensei's seals prevent them from getting inside! – Tsunami didn't get it – How come? We've been bringing people to this place to help. Why can't they get inside while the others do? – the samurai holding Inari pulled his hair once more to make him scream – Interesting ways those seals work, I must admit. That girl is correct, though. However, girl, you either let us in and surrender all those valuable organs inside it, or I kill this boy – said the samurai as he placed his free hand on his sword's handle. Tsunami was scared and tried to run again. Hinata knew she couldn't let Tsunami get in the middle of the coming battle. She activated her Byakugan and, thrusting forward, hit Tsunami with her gentle fist. Tsunami fell unconscious – Mom! What have you done? You're supposed to protect her! – said Inari, crying and sobbing – Don't worry, Inari-kun. She's fine. She's just unconscious – Hinata stepped forward – I'm not letting you in, and I won't let you harm Inari-kun – Hinata took a fighting stand. She would protect the people from the village at any cost.

Hinata jumped forward, and in the middle of the air she hit the air – Hakke Kusho! (Vacuum palm) – both samurais jumped to dodge the attack. In the process, they let go of Inari. Hinata landed next to Inari, took him, and threw him into the shelter. Inari landed abruptly on the shelter's entrance deck, next to his mother. He groaned in pain for the brusque landing. She had to dodge as soon as she threw him. Both samurais attacked her with their swords – That must be the famous Byakugan, Zori – said the tallest samurai – ohh, is that so? Mifune-sama said its power is formidable. Looks like we'll have some fun, Waraji – said the other one that was holding Inari earlier.

Hinata knew she couldn't waste time. She pulled her arms and then pushed forward – Hakke Kuhekisho! (vacuum wall palm) – she sent a shockwave through her palms. The samurais couldn't see the vacuum wall approaching, but they knew something was coming their way. They jumped sideways. However, they didn't realize the reach of the wall. Hinata's technique hit Zori in the middle of the air. The impact threw him away and hit a tree with his side. He spit blood when he rose – Bloody technique this one has. How are we supposed to dodge something we can't see? – Zori said as he cleaned the blood dripping from his mouth – Waraji looked intently at Hinata – Well, we just have to prevent her from performing any jutsu – said Waraji as he tightened the grip on his sword. The sword ignited in chakra. Zori did the same. Hinata stuttered – I thought Samurais didn't use chakra – Waraji frowned – Not in the same way you shinobis do. We focused on controlling the spiritual energy, girl – Hinata looked at their chakra flow. They could call it whatever they wanted, but she could see them channeling their chakra to their swords. Something Sasuke had been trying to do for months. Zori and Waraji swung their swords. Chakra crescent blades were launched at her. The size of the blades was impressive. She managed to find a safe route to dodge, thanks to her Byakugan. One of the chakra blades hit the shelter behind her. However, Tenzo's barrier activated and dispersed the attack. The second chakra blade went through the mangroves, cutting everything in its path. Hinata was in awe, looking at all the falling trees as the blade advanced.

Zori thrust towards her faster than she could react. He could've cut her with his sword. However, he just hit her with his sword's butt in her thorax. Hinata lost her breath. Zori then kicked her, throwing her to the side – Why didn't you just kill her? – asked Waraji. Zori started walking towards Hinata – We need her to get through that barrier, you idiot – Waraji looked insulted. Zori was almost next to Hinata, ready to pick her up, when she got to her foot and jumped away from him – she's tough – said Waraji, smirking. Hinata pressed her right hand on her stomach. Her hand was covered in a greenish-blue chakra. She was healing herself. She could feel her breath getting better – It was laido what you did before – said Hinata as she recovered her composure to stand tall again – Interesting. I didn't expect a young girl like you would know what laido is – Zori was interrupted by his teammate – forget about that, Zori. Look at her. She's healing her wounds. She's a medical shinobi – Waraji had an evil smile on his face – Gato-sama will reward us highly if we take you to him. He's always in need of more medical shinobis. You could help us get these precious organs out of those forgotten souls inside that shelter now that you and your friends killed all our doctors – Hinata's expression hardened – I would rather die! – she then ran towards Waraji. She was fast. She was aiming to hit him on his chest using two fingers to close the tanketsus closer to his heart. Waraji, however, used his sword to block Hinata's attack. Hinata had anticipated he might block her attack. Hinata used her raiton to send an electric shock through the sword. The electric pulse caused Waraji to let go of his sword. Hinata took it and jumped backward – You idiot! A Samurai never allows his sword to slip his grip! I should kill you myself! You have dishonored our ways! – roared Zori – Cut that crap, Zori! We've both already dishonored our code! Didn't Mifune-sama cast you away as well? – Zori's forehead vein was pulsing. Hinata took advantage of the discussion. She jumped on top of the shelter.

Hinata stood atop the shelter, looking down at Zori and Waraji. They were not trying to attack her. They knew they couldn't get near the shelter because of the barrier. Hinata stuck the sword on the roof rafter and performed a series of hand seals – Raiton: Jinraisen! (thunderclap arrow) – Hinata shot a lighting projectile toward Waraji since he didn't have a sword to defend himself with anymore. Before Hinata's technique could hit Waraji, Zori swung his sword, sending a crescent chakra blade that clashed with it – Don't be a coward, girl! Get down here and fight us! – said Waraji. This seemed to bother Zori. He gave an evil look to his teammate and was about to speak when he was interrupted – You dare to call her a coward? There are two of you against her! If there is someone here who is a coward, that's you! – Hinata was shocked to see Inari called out to them like that. She even blushed a little. She had a slight chance against them in a one-on-one fight, but she was in trouble against the two of them. Then it hit her. She felt the oak acorn Sasuke gave her in her pocket. She took it out and held it in her hand. She concentrated her chakra on it as Sasuke had told her. Roots started to grow from the acorn, which rapidly turned into branches that intertwingled with one another until a wood clone of her sensei was standing next to her – That was amazing, sensei! – said Hinata in awe. The clone smiled at her – Thanks, Hinata. So, what's the situation? – asked the clone. Hinata pointed down at the two samurais and explained to him what was going on – he placed one hand on her head and rubbed her hair – Taking a samurai's sword out of his hands is quite an achievement, Hinata. You did well. Now, let's finish this! – said Tenzo as he pulled Waraji's sword. Hinata and Tenzo's clone jumped towards the samurais. Now, the ground was even for both sides.

Back on the bridge.

Haku, Naruto and Sasuke stood on the water. No one moved – What is it? Do you guys have a crush on me? – asked Haku as he took a fighting position. Naruto and Sasuke shivered. Naruto even blushed a little bit – Are you crazy?! How can you say things like that in a situation like this? – asked Naruto with a shaky voice. Haku laughed, and then he thrust forward with a senbon in hand. He was aiming for Naruto since he seemed more distracted by his previous comment. However, Sasuke pushed Naruto away. Sasuke's kunai clashed against Haku's senbon – Now Naruto! – yelled Sasuke. Naruto seemed to cast away some thoughts. He performed a series of hand seals – Futon: Toppa! (breakthrough) – Naruto inhaled deeply and then released a gust of wind towards Haku. Sasuke expected him to dodge it. He could then attack him as he tried to dodge. However, Haku just smirked. He used his free hand to perform a series of hand seals – That's impossible! – yelled Sasuke. Haku completed his jutsu on time – Hyoton: Hyogan Domu! (Ice Rock Dome of Magnificent Nothingness) – an ice igloo-like dome formed around Haku and Sasuke. Naruto's technique hit the dome, creating a few cracks in it. However, it didn't collapse – That was an impressive Futon. You should thank me, Sasuke-kun. I just saved you from being hit by your friend's technique – said Haku, followed by a giggle. This made Sasuke uncomfortable. He was surprised Haku could perform jutsus with only one-hand seals. He'd never heard of this being possible. He pushed forward with his kunai and jumped backward at the dome's edge behind him. Sasuke performed a series of hand seals – Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu! (great fireball) – a huge fireball was shot at Haku. He vanished in a shunshin no jutsu before it could hit him. The fireball hit the dome from the inside, melting it and shattering it into pieces.

Haku was nowhere to be seen. Naruto and Sasuke knew this was dangerous. There was no mist this time, and still, the tension was as extreme as that first encounter with Zabuza. Naruto gulped when he heard Haku's voice. It was as if the wind was carrying it away sinisterly – You're mine. Hyoton: Mo fubuki (blizzard)! – Haku emerged from the ocean. A cold whirlwind formed around him, creating an intense blizzard. It grew bigger, and as it spread, everything froze in its way. A seagull flying by froze in a block of ice as it got caught by the blizzard. They had no place to run. Haku was standing on their way to the bridge and land. Haku's control over the storm he was creating was impressive. It continued growing in Sasuke's and Naruto's direction. However, it stopped at the edge of the bridge. Haku didn't want to get in Zabuza's way during his battle.

As they were running away from the blizzard, Naruto looked back from the corner of his eye. He noticed something that could give them a chance to stop Haku's jutsu – Hey, Sasuke. I've got a plan. But you ain't gonna like it – Sasuke looked stunned at him. It was not common for Naruto to come up with a plan before him – I'll take anything you have to offer, knucklehead. If we keep running, we'll reach the Land of Fire – Naruto laughed. He then explained his plan to Sasuke – ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND? That's too risky. You could die! – Sasuke was flabbergasted – I know! But unless you come up with something else, I don't see another way – Sasuke was worried. He wouldn't admit it, but he feared losing his best friend – Why don't you use a clone? – Sasuke questioned. His voice was oddly low – Naruto had a serious face. The clone would disappear instantly and wouldn't have time to carry on the plan. It must be me – Sasuke said nothing. His mind was working as fast as it could, trying to find a way to stop the blizzard. He concluded that Naruto's plan was their best shot – Alright, then. Don't die, Naruto – Naruto smiled at him – I won't. Ready? – Sasuke nodded.

They sped up. They needed to get as much distance between them and the chasing blizzard as possible. For Naruto and Sasuke, seeing through the blizzards was too hard. They could barely distinguish Haku's shadow. However, Haku could see clearly through the blizzard. He found it odd to see them stopping – So you've given up. What a disappointment – Haku said to himself. Sasuke pulled out a smoke bomb from his pouch. He activated it with a kunai since throwing it into the water wouldn't work. From the cloud of smoke, two fuma shurikens emerged. The smoke dissipated, and Naruto and Sasuke were standing there – Now, Sasuke! – yelled Naruto. Both started performing hand seals. Sasuke launched his jutsu first – Katon: Hosenka Tsumabeni! (phoenix sage fire technique) – Sasuke spat small fireballs that reached the fuma kunais. These soon became fire whirls. Naruto shouted – Futon: Daitoppa! (great breakthrough) – Naruto blew an intense gust of wind that increased the speed of the Fuma kunais and made Sasuke's Katon even stronger. Haku smiled. He had to acknowledge them for that combination. The fuma kunais penetrated the blizzard. Their speed and fire intensity diminished. However, they were still getting closer to Haku. Haku undid the seal he was holding to keep growing the blizzard. However, the blizzard didn't stop; it just stayed where it was. Haku formed a spear of ice from the air, and with it, he hit both fuma shuriken, which had already slowed down considerably, and the flames were almost extinguished – It was a smart move, but not enough. That combination of Katon and futon is still not strong enough to beat my Hyoton – said Haku, smirking. Haku's blizzard was so intense that it froze the ocean's surface, creating a layer of ice all over the blizzard. Haku was getting ready to retake the expansion of his blizzard when the ice surface below him broke. Naruto emerged from below. Haku jumped backward – So foolish of you to try that trick again. It looks like you're not too bright – said Haku while he was still in the air about to land. He smirked when he saw Naruto was starting to freeze and could barely move. He even felt pity for him. Naruto managed to throw a kunai before being completely immobilized by the ice. Haku landed on the ice a few feet in front of Naruto. Naruto's kunai landed weakly next to Haku's feet. Haku raised his hands, ready to create another ice spear to break Naruto into pieces, when - What is this? – Haku's voice was full of surprise for the first time. He couldn't move. He looked at Naruto, completely frozen before him. Naruto had a smirk on his face – it can't be! How did he manage to do this? – Haku looked at the ice surface below him. Then he saw the kunai. It had a tag attached to it. A seal had formed on the ice around the kunai. A paralyzing seal was attached to the kunai. On the other side of the blizzard, Haku could see how the Naruto, standing next to Sasuke, disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Naruto knew that it had to be his original self who launched the attack. The intense cold of the blizzard would've made the clone disappear instantly. His body would resist long enough to launch the kunai. Haku wouldn't try to dodge it because it wouldn't be a threat to him. The plan worked, sort of.

Haku's blizzard didn't stop even though he was immobilized. Naruto remained frozen in a block of ice. Sasuke looked from the outside. He could distinguish two shadows. None of them was moving. He assumed Naruto had succeeded since the storm wasn't growing anymore. There was no way he could get into the blizzard to save him. He cursed himself and headed to the bridge to join his sensei. Perhaps He could find a way to rescue Naruto. Tenzo and Zabuza stopped their fight for a moment – It looks like they've got to an impasse. I must admit that Kushina's son's got talent. Too bad he'll die here – said Zabuza while he rested his sword on his shoulder. Zabuza knew Haku could undo the ice below him to break the paralyzing seal. However, if he did so, Naruto would unfreeze, too. The guy had proved to be a threat. Haku would have little time to react. Zabuza was sure that Naruto would be ready to attack as soon as he was free from the ice. Tenzo kept the grip on his kunai. Tenzo knew he needed to create a distraction to use his mokuton to get Naruto out of the blizzard. He couldn't rely on Haku's running out of chakra so the blizzard would stop. He wasn't sure how much damage would Naruto get the longer he stayed frozen. Shortly after that, Sasuke landed next to him – Sensei, Naruto – Tenzo interrupted him – I know, Sasuke. Once I handle Zabuza, we'll save Naruto – Sasuke pulled a kunai and took a fighting stand – This is my fight, Sasuke. You keep an eye on Naruto – Sasuke was shocked – But, sensei, I can help – Sasuke felt useless. Naruto had stopped Haku almost all by himself. Now, Tenzo-sensei wouldn't let him help. How could he help Naruto if he couldn't get inside the blizzard or see inside? It was as if Tenzo was reading his mind – Look over there, Sasuke – Sasuke got closer to the bridge barrier. Zabuza followed him with his gaze. Sasuke looked below, and he could see Haku immobilized, and Naruto trapped in a block of ice. They were closer to the bridge, so it was easier to look inside the blizzard – Naruto! – Sasuke was about to throw his kunai at Haku. He felt Zabuza's killing intent and stopped. He looked at Zabuza and frowned. He didn't care if the swordsman killed him. If he killed Haku, he could save Naruto. He threw the kunai at Haku, followed by a katon. The kunai barely penetrated the blizzard and was repelled by its force – I already tried that, Sasuke. Haku may be immobilized, but he can still mold his chakra. He keeps the blizzard strong enough to repel any attack from the outside – Sasuke seemed disappointed – Haku could free himself of Naruto's jutsu if he wanted to. But that's too risky for him. Look at Naruto's hand – Sasuke looked again at the blizzard. Naruto was holding a scroll – Haku could melt the ice around him. However, my guess is he would need to stop the blizzard to do so. In the rare event we don't attack him as soon as he stops his jutsu, he would need to free Naruto to free himself by melting the ice that keeps Naruto's seal active. I have no idea what kind of scroll Naruto's holding, and I'm sure Haku won't risk finding it out under an unfavorable situation – Sasuke nodded. He was impressed by Naruto and his sensei. He had deducted everything so fast – If you notice Haku's jutsu weakening, you have my permission to act. Keeping that kind of jutsu for too long will drain his chakra's reserves. Sooner or later, he'll have no option but to release his jutsu – Sasuke jumped atop the bridge barrier. He would be ready to act and not waste time when he sees an opening. He gave a quick look at Zabuza. He wondered why Zabuza had stayed so calm all this time. He didn't even try to prevent them from regrouping. This bothered Tenzo as well. He was too confident. Tenzo wondered why.

Tenzo formed a wooden spear from his body. The spear was made of Isunoki, the hardest and densest wood on the continent. Instead of a steel head, it had a sharpened stone created with Tenzo's doton. He needed a weapon that could help him keep a distance between him and Zabuza. Zabuza was more dangerous in close-distance combat, and that kubikiribocho sword was problematic. Tenzo was ready to attack when Zabuza started laughing maniacally. A dark aura rose from Zabuza, creating a demon-like figure. Sasuke, whose attention was focused on Haku and his blizzard, shivered as he felt Zabuza's demonic presence. He gulped – Enough games, bonebreaker! Let's settle this – Zabuza thrust forward at high speed. Tenzo spun his spear, and as Zabuza got closer, he let go of the spear, launching it forward. Before it was beyond his reach, he grabbed it from its butt. He used the impulse of the spear and changed its trajectory into a crescent moon. The tip of the spear hit Zabuza's sword, pushing it down. Zabuza's sword got stuck in the bridge's deck. However, Zabuza didn't stop. He pulled a kunai from his pouch as he approached Tenzo. Tenzo swung his spear. Zabuza dodged and stuck his kunai in Tenzo's side. He had aimed at the stomach, but the mokuton shinobi managed to move and prevent being stabbed in a vital organ. Zabuza twisted the stabbed kunai, making Tenzo roar in pain. Tenzo focused his chakra, and a series of branches emerged from his side, forcing Zabuza to retreat. Tenzo took his spear and jumped back. Tazuna was on the floor, looking in awe at the battle.

Zabuza's dark aura was still rumbling around him. So, this is the power of the seven swordsmen of the Mist. Tenzo thought. Zabuza ran towards his sword. Tenzo knew he couldn't allow him to recover it. He took his spear and threw it at Zabuza as he was about to pull his sword from the deck. It was as if Zabuza's instinct and reflexes had sharpened due to this odd aura. He took the spear in midair and, using the spear's momentum, he spun and threw it back to its owner. Tenzo dodged. The spear hit the bridge deck and perforated it. Tenzo was shocked. Zabuza had put so much force into throwing the spear that it somehow had managed to perforate almost entirely the bridge deck. Both shinobis pulled their weapons from the bridge – We're even now, Bonebreaker! – said Zabuza as he held his hand on the wound infringed by Tenzo's Sashiki no Jutsu. Tenzo smirked and thrust forward with his spear. Zabuza did the same. However, once Tenzo was close enough. He threw his sword upwards and performed a series of hand seals – Suiton: Suiryusho! (azure dragon palm) – Zabuza's fists connected with Tenzo's spear, and a spiraling torrent of water was unleashed from Zabuza's hands. Tenzo was pushed backward by the torrent. As he was being pushed by the torrent, he stuck his spear on the deck to resist it. Tenzo noticed Zabuza was "surfing" the torrent. He was getting closer, brandishing his mighty seversword. Tenzo couldn't maneuver. He was struggling to fight against the torrent. He couldn't defend himself from Zabuza's incoming attack. When Zabuza was about to strike him, he let go of his spear and let himself be carried away by the torrent. Zabuza followed. Tenzo performed a series of hand seals as he was being washed away – Doton: Doryuheki! (earth wall) – he spat mud, and as it came out of his mouth, it solidified, and an earth wall rose, blocking the water torrent. Zabuza was forced to stop at the base of the wall. On the other side of the wall, Tenzo placed his hands on the wall – Doton: Jisuberi (landslide)! – The earth wall started to collapse on Zabuza. As he dodged – Mokuton: Daijurin no Jutsu! (Smothering Binding Technique) – wood branches emerged from behind the walls. Zabuza was cutting branches as he dodged falling rocks. The branches continued growing after he cut them. He knew he needed to get to the source, i.e., Tenzo Senju. He used his demoniac instinct to get through the sea of branches that kept emerging from Tenzo. Tenzo sensed the danger, and when the Kiri-nin was close to him, he released his jutsu and jumped backward. Zabuza was getting ready to attack when …

– Mokuton: Daijurin no Jutsu! – Zabuza heard Tenzo's voice coming from another place. When he turned, he saw a clone of the bonebreaker standing on the shore, branches of wood emerging from his hands and getting into Haku's blizzard. Standing next to him was the Hyuga girl. He noticed immediately the two swords on her back. Those were those samurais' swords. The girl and the clone had defeated them, no doubt. Sasuke looked from the bridge barrier at how Tenzo's branches got all the way through the blizzard and caught Naruto, who was still frozen. Haku knew he was in danger. Once the shinobis of Konoha managed to rescue Naruto, they would attack him. He broke the blizzard. He focused all his chakra and melted the ice around him. Although, in doing so, Naruto's block of ice started to melt, too. When the ice melted, the kunai that kept the paralyzing seal sank into the water, breaking the seal. He jumped to get away from Sasuke's range, who had been expecting an opportunity to attack him. Sasuke was preparing a jutsu when he heard an explosion. Naruto's ice melted halfway through midair as Tenzo's branches were taking him away to safety. However, out of instinct, Naruto activated the scroll he was holding, hoping to attack Haku. The scroll summoned a series of explosive tags, creating a domino effect of explosions. The explosion shattered Tenzo's branches to pieces, making Naruto fall into the sea. The ice had numbed his senses. He couldn't move. He tried to mold chakra and prepare for landing. However, he didn't have the strength. The ice was gone, but it didn't make it any better. He was freezing inside. Sasuke realized Naruto wasn't slowing down as he fell. He stopped his jutsu midway through and jumped to catch Naruto. Haku enjoyed his victory as he got away. However, this didn't last – Raiton: Jinraisen! (thunderclap arrow) – an electric shock hit him in midair. Raiton was his weakness, being a suiton user. Hinata had attacked him and prevented him from regrouping with Zabuza.

Zabuza performed a series of hand seals. Tenzo recognized them and prepared for what was coming. However, Zabuza's mizu bunshin emerged from the seawater before Tenzo's clone and Hinata. The clone emerged at high speed. Tenzo's clone was almost out of chakra after fighting the samurais and using his mokuton to save Naruto. The clone had no chance to react. Zabuza's clone cut him in half, turning him back into a piece of wood. Zabuza's mizu bunshin rushed toward Hinata, who was keeping the electric shock active on Haku. He kicked her side, sending her away until she crashed into the bridge abutment. Zabuza's clone jumped and landed next to Haku, who had just landed on the sea, breathing heavily – You've had enough playtime, Haku. Kill these little brats now! – said Zabuza's clone before turning into water again. Back on the bridge, Tenzo tried to join his students. However, he was blocked by Zabuza – I have told you many times now, Bonebreaker! I am your enemy. If you dare as much to interfere in Haku's hunting once more, I will rip your beloved students apart. Limb by limb. Is that understood, Konoha scumbag? – Zabuza's voice was full of anger. His dark aura got even heavier. Tenzo felt as if the air around them was oppressing him.

Sasuke caught Naruto before he fell into the sea. Naruto was shaking and pale blue – Stupid Knucklehead! You almost get yourself killed! – a weak smile formed on Naruto's face – The always-cool Sasuke was worried, huh? That's news – Naruto's eyes started to close – Don't you dare to die on my watch, Knucklehead! – said Sasuke. He needed to take him to Hinata to get healed. He landed just as Zabuza's water clone turned into water again next to Haku. Hinata was healing her shoulder – Hinata! Hurry up! Naruto is fading – Hinata rushed and kneeled to listen to Naruto's heartbeat. A green-bluish chakra formed around her hands. She placed them on Naruto's chest as Sasuke stood up, kunai in hand. He stared at Haku, who was still standing on the sea where Zabuza's clone had disintegrated moments before – He's gathering chakra. Be ready, Sasuke-kun – said Hinata. Her Byakugan was activated. She knew it wouldn't take long to heal Naruto. She just needed to warm him up and slow down his blood flow. His heart was pumping blood too fast, trying to warm his body. However, if his blood flew through his heart too fast while his body was still cold, it could stop and cause his death. Haku had kept the blizzard going for too long. Even with his impressive chakra reserves, he needed a little time to recover from that. Haku formed the Tiger seal to start gathering chakra. A few minutes later, Naruto woke up. He tried to stand up – Easy, Naruto! Take your time! – Naruto felt dizzy. He stayed sitting on the floor. He realized Haku was just standing there, doing nothing. He could also listen to the intense battle Tenzo-sensei was having against Zabuza. The bloodlust coming from Zabuza gave Naruto a spine shiver – We don't have time, Hinata – said Naruto as Haku broke the seal and stopped gathering chakra – You should have stayed unconscious, Naruto. Death is coming your way anyway. It would've made things easier – said Haku as he performed a series of hand seals – Suiton: Mizurappa! (wild water wave) – a water wave rose from the sea and expanded toward Team 7. When the wave was close to washing them away, it exploded – Hyoton: Makyo Hyosho! (Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals) – the falling water from the wave explosion turned into ice mirrors surrounding Team 7 – What is this? – asked Naruto as Haku used a shunshin no jutsu. He appeared behind one of the mirrors and spoke to Team 7 from behind it – This is your end – said Haku as he stepped into the mirror. Team seven was shocked as Haku's reflection appeared in all the ice mirrors surrounding him. Back in the bridge – This can't be true! That technique, that's – Tenzo was beyond impressed. All this time, he had feared that the boy could use the Ice Crystal Magic Mirror Technique – It is as you fear, Bonebreaker. That's the Sandaime Mizukage signature technique. He rejoiced in making his victims suffer. He would kill them slowly inside that mirror trap, savoring their pain and despair. Haku's not as strong as the Sandaime, not yet at least, but your students are no match for him. It's just a matter of how long they can entertain Haku's curiosity – Zabuza attacked again. He wouldn't let Tenzo aid his students.

Sasuke wasted no time. He performed a series of hand seals – Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu! – Sasuke spat a great fireball. Haku's reflections stayed unmoved. He smirked as the fireball clashed against the wall of ice mirrors. The fire was extinguished, and the ice mirrors remained untouched – That pitiful flame will not be enough to melt my ice, Sasuke-kun. Now, let me show you what I can do – said Haku as his reflections pulled senbons from their pouches. Naruto stood up; his legs were still weak. He pulled a kunai. A shadow emerged from one of the mirrors, moving too fast for them to react, jumping from one mirror to another. Naruto got a cut on his hand, which made him drop the kunai. A senbon pierced Sasuke's left thigh. Only Hinata somehow managed to dodge in time. The next second, the shadow entered another mirror and stopped moving around – Interesting – Haku's voice came from all the ice mirrors at once – Those white eyes of yours. Zabuza-san said they can see everything. Let's test them, then – said Haku as Hinata took a fighting stand. Haku started moving again, teleporting among his mirrors. He attacked. Hinata used her vacuum palm to hit the air before Sasuke. Haku simply modified his route and entered another mirror, emerging from another side. Hinata now forced him to retreat from injuring Naruto. Haku sped up. Hinata could barely keep up. Sasuke and Naruto saw, feeling powerless, how Hinata kept pushing Haku away from them, but in doing so, Haku had taken the opportunity to attack her. He was faster than her. Cuts appeared on Hinata's forearms and legs. Haku stopped his attack again – You have a good sight, Hinata. But you're slow – Haku was interrupted by Naruto – Shut up, you coward! Come out and fight us face-to-face! – Haku frowned – Coward? Three against one, and yet you dare to call ME a coward? Let's see how well you three do against this – said Haku as his reflections pulled more senbons. He started launching them from all directions. Team Seven pulled their kunais to block the senbons. However, the senbons were coming from all directions. They couldn't block all of them. Some senbons pierced Sasuke's and Naruto's back and chest. Hinata had only a senbon pierced on her right calf. Haku increased the speed of his attack – Shugohakke Rokujuyon Sho! (Protecting Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms) – Hinata yelled as she moved to stand behind Naruto and Sasuke. They prepared for the incoming attack. However, no senbon reached them. They were puzzled. They realized Hinata was blocking all the senbons from all the incoming directions. They were shocked. They didn't know about Hinata's technique. Hinata was hitting the air in all directions, expelling extremely thin, sharp chakra blades from her fingertips. These chakra blades were hitting and stopping the senbons. Naruto and Sasuke could see the senbons falling to the ground as Hinata knocked them down. They smirked – Take that, bluffer! – said Naruto – Not so arrogant now, aren't we? – said Sasuke as he pulled the senbons from his chest. The pain was intense but endurable. Suddenly, Haku's attack of senbons stopped. Hinata had been training on this technique with Tenzo-sensei for a while. She still hadn't perfected it. However, it was the only way she could protect her friends. It didn't matter if – How pathetic and lame you two are – Haku's voice echoed all around – You just stood there allowing your friend to protect you while she was being slowly killed. I must praise her. She didn't even yell in pain despite all those senbons stuck on her body – a cold shiver went through Naruto's and Sasuke's spine after those words. They turned around to look at Hinata. She was smiling at them. Her eyes barely open, blood dripping from her mouth. Her white jacket now looked mostly red, wet with blood. Dozens of senbons stuck on her back and chest – Hinata! – her teammates yelled simultaneously – I … I'm al… alright, guys. I … just need to take a … short nap … – said Hinata, still smiling as her eyes closed and fell frontward. Naruto caught her in time to prevent her from hitting the ground – Hinata! Wake up! – Naruto's eyes watered. Sasuke was in shock. He tried to speak, but it was as if his voice had been stolen. Sasuke stared in horror at the scene. Naruto kept yelling at Hinata, shaking her and asking her to wake up – You were so pleased for not being pierced anymore that you didn't notice what was happening to her. She stood behind the two of you, knowing you wouldn't even bother to look back at her. Had you looked, you could've shielded her the same way she was shielding you. Yet, YOU LET HER DIE! – Haku's words echoed in Naruto's and Sasuke's head. They had let her die. They did nothing to protect her. Hinata was the medical shinobi. They had no way of curing her. Naruto could still feel a weak heartbeat but weakened after every beat.

– I'll spare you two from the pain. Just give in, and I'll give you a quick, painless death – said Haku as he prepared more senbons when a chakra shockwave hit. Sasuke and Naruto yelled, enraged. Sasuke fell to his knees. An excruciating pain went through his body. His eyes were sore. He put his hands to his eyes. He felt his eyes watering. He couldn't hold it anymore. Tears poured down from his eyes. Haku looked awestruck. Sasuke's eyes were covered in blood tears. It looked like Sasuke didn't realize. Haku was more worried about Naruto. The chakra he was emanating was feral, evil, even darker than Zabuza's demonic aura. Haku resumed his attack. Senbons were thrown at Team 7 at full speed. Sasuke looked at Haku's mirrors, wrathful. His gaze gave Haku a shiver. Sasuke's eyes were now crimson red. A black tomoe formed in his eyes. Blood tears continued pouring down. A second black tomoe formed in his eyes. Sasuke pulled his kunai. Naruto was still in shock – I can see them. I can see their path – Sasuke's voice was serene. He jumped. He managed to block most of the senbons. He wouldn't let his friends get injured again. He used his own body to block the few senbons he couldn't deflect. He got less than a dozen senbons pierced on his right arm and leg. He ignored the pain – where did all that power come from? Those eyes, that's the Sharingan – Haku frowned. He was perplexed after seeing Sasuke's speed increase that much abruptly. He had managed to predict his attack. How? Is the Sharingan able to predict the future? Haku wondered. Minutes before, Sasuke had been helpless against his attack. He needed to get rid of him now. Sasuke performed a series of hand seals – Katon: Ryuka no Jutsu! (dragon fire technique) – a giant flame erupted from Sasuke's mouth. The heat of the flame was more intense than his previous jutsu. When it hit the ice mirrors in front of him, they got engulfed by the scorching flames – I told you already, your fire is not strong enough against my – Haku didn't finish. He was shocked to see small cracks forming in a few mirrors – This is impossible! – Haku's stupefactive expression amused Sasuke – I will make you suffer for what you did – Sasuke performed more hand seals – Raiton: Raikyu! (lighting ball) – spheres of electrical energy appeared around Sasuke. He used his chakra to launch a sphere into every single mirror. Once they hit them, an electric shock went through the ice mirrors. Haku looked astounded at how the rest of the mirrors started to form small cracks. He frowned. He used his chakra to restore the mirrors – It is useless, Sasuke-kun. You might have been able to damage my mirrors, but as long as you don't shatter them to pieces, I can regenerate them – Haku was impressed and annoyed. Never before had someone been able to damage his mirrors. He looked at Sasuke and smiled. Sasuke was breathing heavily. He seemed exhausted – I see. This is your first time using that Sharingan of yours. I bet it drains a lot of chakra, especially those jutsus you just used. They were pretty impressive, I must admit. However, it seems that you're running out of chakra. Can you keep up with me? Can you protect your friends? – said Haku as he prepared a new attack. Sasuke looked at Naruto. It was as if Naruto had lost consciousness. He continued yelling and crying. However, his eyes were pale white. What disturbed him the most was that orange chakra forming around him. They seemed for a moment like chakra tails.

Back on the bridge, Tenzo and Zabuza continued their fight – One down, two more to go – said Zabuza when the jounins felt Hinata's chakra fading. Tenzo wanted to help them, but there was no way out of Zabuza. Tazuna paled when he heard Zabuza's words. His leg still hurt, but he ignored the pain. He stood up and got closer to the bridge barrier. Then he saw her. He saw Naruto holding Hinata in his arms – Noooo! – yelled Tazuna. Tears pouring down his eyes. He felt his heart sink. He was drowned in sorrow. He looked at Naruto. The poor boy must have had a psychological shock. He was still screaming even though he was unconscious. Moments later – It seems like the the Uchiha boy finally awoke the Sharingan. The mighty Sharingan and Byakugan, what better prize I could ask for! – said Zabuza in a mocking tone. Tenzo frowned. That's when they both felt Naruto's burst of chakra. They both froze for a moment – That chakra! So, that boy is the Kyubi's jinchuriki, huh? It's too bad he doesn't know how to use the beast's chakra, as the Yondaime Mizukage does – Zabuza tried to hide it, but he was worried. If the jinchuriki lost control, Haku would be in serious problems – How's this even possible? We're so far away from Kushina-sama! There is no way Naruto's chakra could resonate with the Kyubi's being so far away from her – Tenzo thought.

Haku attacked again. Sasuke was keeping up with his speed. However, Sasuke knew he couldn't use more jutsus. He would run out of chakra if he did. He needed to knock Naruto off his shock so he could help him against Haku. Haku changed his attack. He started jumping from one mirror to another and hitting Sasuke in the process. However, Sasuke blocked all his attacks until Haku shifted in the middle of his attack and directed toward Naruto. Sasuke saw it coming, thanks to his Sharingan. However, his right leg failed him. The pain from the pierced senbons had numbed his leg. He didn't jump in time to protect Naruto. Haku pierced his senbon with all his strength on Naruto's left shoulder, and then he vanished inside his mirrors again – Naruto! – Sasuke yelled. Naruto's eyes came back to normal, sort of. Naruto's pupils were not human. They looked like animals. Naruto's eyes were filled with rage. His fingernails grew and looked more like claws than nails. Sasuke was speechless. He was rushing toward him. However, he froze when Naruto looked at him. It was as if a beast had taken control of Naruto. Sasuke's voice trembled – Naruto? Are you Okay? – Sasuke felt Haku coming from the mirror behind him, aiming at him. He was about to turn around to defend himself when Naruto charged. Naruto went straight to Haku. However, in the process, he used his new claws to push Sasuke out of the way, scratching Sasuke's forearm. Sasuke yelled in pain. Haku reacted just in time to alter his path. He managed to get into a mirror on the side before being caught by Naruto. For the first time in his life, Haku was afraid. Naruto looked around. His rage increased by watching Haku's image all around him. He yelled, expelling an impressive amount of chakra. The chakra wave's force was such that it created bigger cracks in all the mirrors than Sasuke's jutsus had done. However, the wave also pushed Sasuke and Hinata away. Hinata, still unconscious, rolled on the ground until she hit one of the mirrors. Sasuke was pushed backward. When he hit the mirror, Haku emerged behind him. Holding him back with a senbon on his jugular. Only the upper half body of Haku was out of the mirror. Naruto turned, looked at his enemy and charged. He didn't care Sasuke was in his way. He thrust forward. When Haku noticed Naruto was not slowing down despite the danger he was putting Sasuke in, he let go of Sasuke by pushing him forward to hide back in his mirror. Naruto continued his charge to the mirror. Once again, he injured Sasuke in the process.

Naruto found himself in his mother's mindscape. He didn't understand how that was possible. He stood before his fox friend, Kurama, who looked at him astonishingly – This is impossible! You are far away from the Village, boy. How did you get here? – The kyubi knew Naruto could communicate with him by being in contact with Kushina or during his sleep when Naruto's chakra synced with his. However, for that, Naruto needed to be near Kushina. But now, Naruto was on an island kilometers away from the Village. There was no way he was here – What happened, boy? – asked Kurama, concerned. Naruto raised his head to look at his friend. His eyes were a mix of hate and sorrow. He was crying – She's gone, Kurama! She's gone, and I couldn't do anything to protect her! – Kurama lowered his ears and looked at the boy with sorrow. He extended his arm beyond the cage that kept him trapped inside Kushina. Naruto sobbed, extended his fist and bumped Kurama's. Through the contact, Kurama could see everything Naruto had been through recently. He saw Hinata covered in blood, but he could also see how Naruto had lost control due to the presence of his chakra – Naruto, listen to me. Somehow, your rage was strong enough to bring you here despite being so far away. You know very well you have a portion of my chakra within you. We bijus are ancient creatures. Throughout our lives, we've accumulated hatred, resentment, and sorrow. Your loss and hatred were strong enough to awaken my chakra within you, but you can't let those feelings guide you now! My chakra will adapt to your own feelings. If you let the hate and bloodlust blur your judgment, the feral and primal instincts of my chakra will take over. You won't be able to recognize a friend from foe. Do not let your desire for vengeance take over you. Remember what I told you long ago: vengeance poisons and kills your soul until there is nothing left of it but a feral bloodlust. Focus on what matters! Protecting your friends! Let that goal be your lighthouse when dark feelings storm your mind and soul! – Kurama was interrupted by Naruto – Saving my friends? Hinata is gone! Sasuke is the smarter one. He can find a way to survive Haku without me. … I don't want to live in a world without Hinata – Listen to me, Naruto! Stop pitying yourself! First of all, Hinata is not dead yet. You are forgetting about what that girl carries with her. That invention of Hashirama's granddaughter – Naruto's hope was raised suddenly. How could he have forgotten about that? There is still hope for Hinata. Tsunade-obachan can save her! Naruto wiped his tears – I'm going to kill that bastard! – said Naruto. He seemed pumped suddenly. However, Kurama frowned – You're not paying attention, Naruto! Those dark feelings will cloud your judgment, allowing the primal instincts of my chakra to take over. Right now, you're going on a rampage! You – Kurama hesitated. If he continued, it would hurt Naruto. However, Naruto needed to know this if he wanted to control his emotions – You have already attacked Sasuke twice as you attempted to kill this Haku boy – it was as if Kurama would've thrown at him a cold-water bucket – I hurt Sasuke? That's not possible! – I'm sorry, Naruto, but that's the truth. As we talk, your body is reacting on its own with primitive reflexes. In your eagerness to kill Haku, you've injured Sasuke twice – Naruto was shaking. He was the worst. He hadn't protected Hinata, and now he had attacked Sasuke – Listen, boy, I can feel our connection is about to break. I'm honestly surprised it lasted this long, or that it happened at all, for that matter. Remember what I told you. Let your desire to protect your loved ones be your lighthouse. Do not let revenge cloud your mind – Kurama's voice faded as everything went dark, and Naruto came to his senses. He stood in the middle of the ice-mirrors cage. He looked around and saw Haku all around. He could feel how the rage overflowed in his body. Then he saw Hinata on the ground, unconscious and slowly dying. Then he saw Sasuke, who had scratches on his arm and chest. Sasuke looked at Naruto with fear. Naruto felt ashamed – Naruto! Listen to me! You need to calm down! – Sasuke pleaded. Naruto calmed himself down. He could feel Kurama's power flowing through his body. No, it was his own power, he wouldn't let the Nature of this chakra take control over him ever again. It resided within him, and it will be bound to his will, not the other way around. His eye's pupils came back to normal. Although the orange chakra kept bursting around him – I'm sorry, Sasuke. I lost it for a moment, but I'm better now. Let's defeat this guy and save Hinata – Naruto said with a shamed look. Sasuke gave his teammate a broad smile and thumbs up. Naruto cheered up.

Naruto jumped next to Sasuke. Haku was still so engrossed and shocked by Naruto's power that he stayed paralyzed inside his mirrors. Naruto whispered something to Sasuke. They nodded – Do not worry about these scratches, knucklehead. It's nothing. You're not as strong as you might think – Both smiled. They jumped and landed next to Hinata. That's when Haku was taken back from his trance. He performed a series of hand seals. This time, ice spears were launched from the ice mirrors in all directions. Naruto and Sasuke performed hand seals, too – Katon: Ryuka no Jutsu! – Futon: Daitoppa! – Naruto's futon increased the power of Sasuke's Katon, creating an intense flame whirl around the entire dome. The intensity of the fire was impressive. Haku's ice spears immediately melted. The entire ice-mirrors cage was engulfed in fire. Naruto's chakra had increased beyond Haku's comprehension the effectiveness of the katon. All his mirrors started to crake severely. Sasuke and Naruto charged at the same time. They were fueled by the desire to save Hinata. Their speed was something they'd never been able to achieve before. One by one, they destroyed the mirrors. The real Haku jumped from one mirror to another as they were being broken. Thanks to Sasuke's Sharingan, he could tell which one was the real one. He coordinated with Naruto until only one mirror was left. Naruto's orange chakra burst even stronger – He's all yours, knucklehead – said Sasuke as he jumped next to Hinata. He took her pouch from her belt and started looking for something – Naruto performed a series of hand seals – Futon: Fujin no Jutsu! (dust cloud technique) – Naruto blew a stream of high-velocity wind, carrying on its way dust particles and rocks from the ground. The force of the wind stream, in addition to the small pieces of rock that worked as projectiles, shattered to pieces the last ice mirror. Naruto thrust forward at high speed, landing the final blow to break it. As the ice mirror broke, Naruto felt how his fist came in contact with Haku's face. The force in Naruto's punch was such that Haku was thrown away several meters until he crashed his back against a tree. He roared in pain and spat blood as he fell to the ground. He tried to stand up, but his back was severely injured. Meanwhile, Sasuke pulled a seal from Hinata's pouch. The paper tag seal had some engravings on it. He held it between his index and middle fingers. Sasuke channeled his chakra to the seal to activate it. Then, he placed it on Hiata's chest. The seal tag started glowing green-bluish, as the medical shinobis' hands do when healing. At the same time, ink characters Sasuke couldn't read emerged from the tag seal and started spreading on Hinata's body. Once her whole body was covered in this green-bluish chakra aura and ink characters, Hinata's body disappeared in a cloud of smoke. The seal continued glowing. Sasuke took it. Naruto landed next to him just as Sasuke picked up the tag seal from the place Hinata laid seconds before. Sasuke stood up and gave the seal tag to Naruto. He placed it inside the wooden box he carried on his back. Sasuke tied Hinata's pouch to his belt. Then, they turned to look at Haku, who was standing, supporting himself with one hand on the tree log he had crashed into. He was obviously in pain. Sasuke took a quick look at Naruto. Where did Naruto get this impressive chakra and strength from? A single bow of him, and he had almost broken Haku's back.

Years ago, after Tsunade had resumed practicing medical juts, she started research into developing a new jutsu she had abandoned after Dan's death. Jiraiya, Sarutobi-sensei and even her grandmother, Mito Uzumaki, had told her back then that storing living things in a storage seal was impossible. She had seen before how Jiraiya had sealed a clone inside a storage scroll. However, they told her a clone is not, in essence, a living thing. It is a manifestation of chakra with the shape of a living human. That didn't mean the clone was "alive" per se. For Tsunade, being able to seal a human inside a storage scroll was vital. She knew that if she managed to achieve it, countless lives could be saved in a war or a mission. If a severely injured shinobi was sealed in a storage scroll, that shinobi would be in a sort of limbo, frozen in time, allowing that shinobi to have a chance to survive. The injured shinobi would remain sealed until the seal tag could be taken to a hospital, where a medical shinobi could be prepared to attend to them as soon as the seal was released. After years of studying medical books and some sealing books from the Uzumaki Shrine, she achieved it. Jiraiya had helped, of course, but the most challenging part of the seal had been developed and created entirely by Tsunade. Creating these seals was no easy task. It needed experienced medical shinobis and fuinjustsu masters. So far, only Tsunade, Shizune, Mikoto Uchiha, Mukai Hyuga, Santa Yamanaka and Natsu Hyuga were able to create these seals with the help of Jiraiya, Minato, Kushina, Homura, Hiruzen and Tenzo. The seals not only kept the shinobi in a limbo where their condition wouldn't progress but also continued healing them as the healing chakra stored in the seals healed them. Ever since every team was dispatched with four seals carried by the medical shinobi—one seal for each member. Creating the seals was hard; using and activating them was something any shinobi could do.

This is what Team 9 (Team Jiraiya) used when Mukai almost died in their fight against Roshi of the Lava Release. Chapter 9.

Meanwhile, on top of the bridge, Zabuza lost concentration for a second when he saw Haku being thrown away. Naruto had proven to be his mother's son. Zabuza wished he could've seen the Yellow flash of Konoha in the war to see with his own eyes whether the stories about him were true. Their son had talent, although he was a little bit stupid. Zabuza let his guard down. Tenzo thrust forward and almost impaled Zabuza with his spear. However, the swordsman could dodge in time and jump away. He landed on top of some shattered wooden pieces from previous attacks from Tenzo. Tenzo had a victorious smile on his face. He dropped his spear and performed a series of hand seals – Mokuton: Mokusatsu Shibari no Jutsu! – branches grew from the pieces of wood Zabuza stood on. They intertwingled with each other around Zabuza, trapping and immobilizing him. Tenzo held his hands together, and the branches got tighter around Zabuza. A branch grew around Zabuza's hand and pressed his hand until he let go of his sword. Tenzo started to drain Zabuza's chakra – This is the end, Zabuza! You've experienced my chakra-draining branches before. Haku is out of combat – Tenzo thanked Kami that Naruto somehow managed to control himself. If he had succumbed to the Kyubi's chakra, Sasuke and Haku would be dead by now – We'll take you both to Konoha as our prisoners. As for Gato … – Tenzo was interrupted – What about me, Bonebreaker? – Tenzo turned to find Gato standing at the base of the bridge. At least two hundred men behind him, all heavily armed. Mercenaries, no doubt – You are a complete fraud, Zabuza! The demon of the Mist! Hah! The Seven Swordsmen of the Mist are overrated. As for you, Bonebreaker, Tenzo Senju! A wielder of the so-desired Mokuton! Any village will pay a high price for you. The son of Tsunade Hime, a direct descendant of the Shodaime Hokage and heir of the Mokuton Style. I'm sure the Raikage will be more than interested in you – Gato raised his cane and pointed at Tenzo – Kill everyone except for that one. I want him alive! – The mercenaries charged. Tenzo rushed to grab Tazuna, who was closer to the mercenaries. He couldn't let the bridge builder die. There were too many mercenaries, and his chakra reserves were almost empty. He couldn't fight them all, even if they didn't use jutsu. He grabbed Tazuna and jumped backward, landing next to Zabuza, still trapped in Tenzo's jutsu. However, the branches had stopped draining his chakra – Stay behind me, Tazuna-san! – Tenzo ordered. Sasuke and Naruto ignored Haku, who could barely move and jumped to the bridge to join their sensei. Kurama's chakra started to fade away and Naruto felt all the exhaustion on his body strike him all at once. Sasuke was no better; his Sharingan had been draining too much chakra from him. He was forced to deactivate it. Back on the shore, Haku tried to use his shunshin no jutsu to join Zabuza, but just molding the chakra caused unbearable pain in his back; he fell to his knees and spat blood. Tenzo, Sasuke and Naruto started fighting the mercenaries. Sasuke used Itachi's gift sword; Naruto used his kunais, while Tenzo used his spear. There were too many. They wouldn't be able to hold them all off. He had to fight them and protect Zabuza and Tazuna at the same time. Konoha needed the information Zabuza could provide from Kirigakure. He wouldn't let Gato kill either of them.

– Oi! Bonebreaker, release me! You need me if you want to survive! – Zabuza said from his wooden prison. Tenzo looked at him from the corner of his eye but said nothing. It was Naruto who spoke – Are you out of your mind? – said Naruto as he stuck his kunai in one mercenary's chest – You and your comrade tried to kill us and Tazuna-san! – continued Naruto as he punched another mercenary, knocking him down – That's true, boy, but that was when Gato was my employer. As you can see, I'm much of a target of these mercenaries as you are, and I won't be much of a use for Konoha if I'm dead, won't I, Bonebreaker? – said Zabuza as he laughed – Tenzo looked at him again, pondering the situation and every possible scenario – What warranty do I have that you won't flee as soon as I release you? – question Tenzo – You've got to be kidding me, Sensei! Are you considering his offer? Haku almost killed Hinata! – Sasuke shouted as he kicked two mercenaries in the face, then used them to propel himself to stick his sword on another one's chest – I will give you some collateral if you may – said the Kiri-nin – what do you mean? – replied Tenzo – northeast from here, deep into the mangroves, close to the spring at the base of the hill, is my Hideout. There you'll find a jounin from Kirigakure. She's one of the most trusted shinobis of the Yondaime Mizukage. She's unconscious in a coma. I've kept her alive, but neither Haku nor myself have medical training. Your mother is the best medical shinobi. If you bring her back, she'll give you more insight into the situation in Kirigakure than I can offer. Besides, I won't run away. I want to kill that bastard of Gato myself – Tenzo was surprised. If he was telling the truth, that was a good deal. Despite their precarious situation, Tenzo felt warmth as Gato and Zabuza referred to Tsunade-sama as his mother. Truly, she had taken him in and raised him as her own son, just like she did with Shizune. However, neither he nor Shizune referred to her as "mother", even though they thought of her as such – That's a lie! Hinata used her Byakugan to inspect the surroundings. She would've found your Hideout with her Byakugan – Said Tenzo. The offer sounded tempting, but he needed to make sure it was true. There was no way Hinata would've missed the Hideout. Zabuza laughed – Kirigakure obtained the Byakugan in the last war. I was part of the same division as Ao. I know how to conceal a place from the Byakugan – This caught Tenzo's attention. It was indeed possible to conceal a place from the Byakugan. A powerful seal would do it. Danzo had these seals on some of the Root headquarters' rooms when he was the leader of the Root. Zabuza might be telling the truth. Tenzo saw how Naruto and Sasuke were being injured despite having the upper hand. However, they were exhausted. If they continue this way, they'd make a mistake and get killed sooner or later. Tenzo performed a hand seal and the branches around Zabuza retreated, releasing the swordsman of the Mist. Tazuna fell on his back. He was shaking. The kiri-nin was standing right in front of him. Zabuza turned and looked at the bridge builder from the corner of his eye. Then he kneeled to grab his sword and joined Team Seven in the defense. Zabuza was beyond exhaustion. He was injured from his battle against Tenzo, but furthermore, the Bonebreaker had drained a portion of his chakra before he was interrupted by Gato and his henchmen. He felt tiredness in his arms and legs. Despite that, he charged at the mercenaries. He was a killing machine. He moved through the mercenaries as a knife through butter. Mercenaries dropped dead behind his path.

Half of the mercenaries had been killed. Gato started to panic. He wondered where the Samurais were. He had sent them to kidnap the bridge builder's daughter and grandson. However, they never came back. Those S-rank shinobis he hired to kill Zabuza should be here, too. He would get them killed by Meio. Gato started to step back slowly as he saw the four shinobis killing all those mercenaries. Zabuza had almost run out of chakra. He was getting clumsy. Tenzo was helping his students fight a group of mercenaries. Zabuza stuck his sword on a mercenary stomach. He felt a group of more of them coming from behind. His legs and arms were too tired, he could barely move. He knew he wouldn't be able to dodge the swords of the mercenaries. How pathetic it was. He was going to die by the hand of some simple mercenaries. At least Haku could live on. Konoha would take him as prisoner, yes, but Konoha was known for being just to their prisoners. Hopefully, the Hokage would spare his son's life in exchange for Nanigashi and the information she could give them. His son. He never told Haku the truth. He knew, even now as his end was near, that he had made the right choice by not telling him about him being his father and about his mother's lineage.

Flashback

Zabuza stood atop a snowy hill. He was wearing a Kiri Jounin uniform. He had a baby in his arms, a dark-haired boy. The baby was sleeping peacefully in his father's arms. Before him, a pale-skinned young woman with long, black hair stood. She wore a simple, light-brown kimono with black edges and worn black ankle boots. She had a kind expression as she gently touched the baby's face – Are you sure about this, elder brother? – asked the young woman – I don't think this is what Hyori would've wanted. The boy will need his father – baby Haku giggled as the woman tickled him – He will have a father – replied Zabuza. Taki's expression saddened – Batta and I will raise him as our own child if that's what you decide. But it will never be the same as having his real father with him – Taki and her husband had longed for a baby for too long. However, they had been unable to procreate. She couldn't deny she wanted to be a mother desperately. However, she believed raising the child would be good for Zabuza. Ever since the incident in the pit where he had killed all those children, he had changed. Seeing his son grow up would soften his heart. Hyori had already managed to break through Zabuza's defenses. Zabuza had fallen in love with her, and Zabuza had found a new value in life with her. All that came to an end a couple of weeks ago. Hyori died giving birth to their son. Taki feared Zabuza blamed the boy – the boy will only know pain and suffering with me. It is better to have two loving stepparents than a cold-hearted single father. I can't do this without Hyori – Zabuza's eyes grimed as he mentioned his late wife's name. Taki touched Zabuza's cheek gently. She then took the baby from his arms – I promise you I will love him and look after him as if he was my own – Zabuza nodded – He must never know the truth, Taki. Also, remember that you must never tell Batta about Hyori's lineage. If someone knew about Haku's bloodline he would be in great danger – I will not tell a soul about it, not even Batta, you have my word, brother. He doesn't even know we're not blood siblings after all – Zabuza took a last look at his son. Then, he vanished in a shunshin no jutsu.

Years later, Zabuza was in a small town on a mission with a fellow swordsman when he heard the news that a boy with the cursed kekkei genkai of the Yuki Clan had killed his father and run away. Zabuza knew instantly it was Haku they talked about. He then found out what happened to Taki. He went to the village where they lived and gave his little sister a proper burial. Batta, believing Taki and Zabuza were blood siblings, and given the fact that Zabuza had been under direct orders of the Sandaime Mizukage, thought Zabuza and Taki were members of the Yuki Clan when he saw Haku using the ice release accidentally. He assumed Taki and Zabuza changed their last name to avoid being linked to the Yuki Clan. Unknown to Batta, it was Hyori, Haku's mother, who was part of the Yuki Clan. Batta killed his own wife, Taki, and tried to kill their adoptive son, Zabuza's son. Zabuza wept at his sister's grave. He had doomed her the moment he asked her to look after her son. That boy had killed Hyori and now had caused Taki's death. He would put an end to it himself. He tracked him down to a village in the mountains. He found him. He was ready to kill his own son. However, when he saw him, he couldn't do it. Haku's resemblance to Hyori was breathtaking. He tried to force himself to take his son's life. He just couldn't do it. He watched the boy for days. He was pondering if letting him live as a stray boy like he and Taki had done when they'd escaped the orphanage or rescue him and take him to his side. He followed him from the shadows until, one day, some guys at the market almost beat him to death. He had had enough. The boy was the last thing he had from Hyori and Taki. The decision was made. He would take Haku with him. However, he would never tell him the truth.

Back to the present

Zabuza had made amends with his past with Taki and Hyori and his failed coup d'etat attempt. He was ready to die, knowing his son would be safe. He felt the mercenaries' swords getting closer. He was about to be stabbed. He wouldn't accept dying being stabbed in his back. With the little force he had left, he turned to receive the sword on his chest. It was as if everything was happening in slow motion. When the swords were about to pierce him, a cloud of smoke formed before him. The swords went through the cloud of smoke. Blood spattered on his face. When the cloud dispersed, he saw his son stabbed in the stomach by two swords. Haku had used all his strength and sheer will to use a shunshin no jutsu to protect his master, his savior – Nooo! Stupid boy! What have you done? – Zabuza grabbed Haku, preventing him from falling. Tenzo's spear passed through the mercenaries that had stabbed Haku, impaling them. Tenzo turned; he saw Zabuza's expression and how his eyes watered. He then understood everything; Haku was not just his pupil. Zabuza kneeled, holding his son in his arms – Why, child? – Zabuza said as he pulled the swords from his stomach – You must live, Zabuza-san. Your dream must live on – what about YOUR dream, Haku? – Haku smiled – You took me in after my father killed my mom and tried to kill me. You gave me a reason to live. You are the father I always wanted. YOU are my dream – said Haku as his voice went quitter after each word until he lost consciousness. Zabuza placed Haku carefully on the ground and stood up. It was as if his sorrow had numbed all his pain. He took his sword. He will wield his mighty Kubikiribocho one last time. The dark demonic aura covered him again. Darker than before. All the mercenaries shivered – Stay out of this. These bastards are mine! – said Zabuza as he thrust forward. He started killing all the mercenaries. Swords and spears were pierced in his body. He didn't feel any pain. He didn't feel anything at all. Mercenaries continued falling one after another. Zabuza was bleeding out from his wounds, but he continued. Scared wouldn't describe what Gato felt as he saw Zabuza getting closer. Gato was sweating. Zabuza had managed to kill all the remaining mercenaries. The demon of the mist stood before him, brandishing his giant sword. Daggers and swords were pierced in Zabuza's body – This is your end, Gato. You will die slowly. I'll make you suffer, ripping you apart. I'll feed the sharks with your fat body – For every step forward from Zabuza, Gato step backward – We can come to an agreement, Zabuza! I can pay you so much money! You can get a new sidekick! That ice boy was useless! He lost against the Konoha boys! – Gato's words just infuriated Zabuza even more. Team Seven looked in awe at the bloodshed Zabuza had left on his path. Zabuza took his sword and charged at Gato. A cloud of smoke appeared before Gato. Zabuza's sword clashed against a metallic surface. The sound of the steel clashing echoed around the bridge. When the smoke cleared, a very tall, muscular man was standing there. He had a shark-like appearance, with pale, blue-grey skin. He had small, round, white eyes, three sets of curved markings under his eyes, and sharp triangular teeth. His hair was dark blue. He wore a long, black cloak with red clouds and a chin-high collar. His fingernails were painted dark purple, and a ring ornamented his left ring finger. He also wore a brown sash across the front and back of his cloak. His forehead protector had the symbol of Kirigakure. However, it was slashed across. He held a large sword wrapped in bandages. The hilt had a small skull at the base.

– It was about time, You bastard! Where is the other one? Never mind, you will suffice – said Gato as he wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief. Then, he started laughing – You're all dead! Finish them now! I want their heads adorning my fireplace – said Gato, pointing at Zabuza and Team Seven with his cane – Kisame, what are you doing here? – asked Zabuza, breathing heavily. Kisame? This was bad. Tenzo knew the name. Hoshigaki Kisame, another member of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, also known as the tailless beast of the Mist. For once, Gato was right. They'd lose if they had to fight that man in their current condition. Not to mention that Gato said there was another one. Someone was staying in the dark, looking at them. He would do whatever he could to allow his students to escape. Kisame's clothing and the slash on his forehead protector intrigued Tenzo. Was he another rogue ninja from the Mist? What in hell was happening in Kirigakure for two swordsmen to leave their village – Is that how you greet an old friend, Zabuza? – said the shark-like man as he pushed Zabuza's sword back. Zabuza stumbled backward but didn't fall – So, you've come to kill me, old FRIEND? – replied Zabuza. Kisame laughed out loud – Sort of. You're half dead already, anyway – said Kisame. Zabuza chuckled. Kisame lifted his sword. Zabuza didn't plan to show any resistance. He was ready to die. However, Kisame swung his sword low as he turned around, cutting Gato's feet at the level of the knees. Gato fell on his back, screaming in pain and blood pouring down from his severed legs. Everyone was surprised by this, Gato the most – What have you done, you bastard? Meio will have your head for this! – Gato might be a coward, a disgusting man, but they all had to acknowledge him for not passing out. A regular man would've fainted immediately. Apparently, the stubbornness of the man was as big as his mouth. Kisame laughed as he stepped on Gato's chest – You have broken the rules, Gato. It turns out that Meio is paying us more for your head. He disapproves of your attempt to control the Land of Waves – Gato stuttered – No way! I can pay you more! Save me from his wrath, and I'll make you a wealthy man! – Kisame laughed. Before Gato could continue these pleadings, Kisame cut his head off. Kisame leaned forward and picked up Gato's head from his mane. He straightened up and turned. He saw Zabuza walking back to his son's side, dragging his sword. Zabuza kneeled next to Haku and touched his face gently. Kisame followed him, resting his sword on his shoulder and Gato's head hung in his left hand. Gato's tongue was hanging from his mouth and leaving a blood trace on his path. Kisame didn't even look at Team Seven as he passed them by. Tenzo and his students were in a defensive position. Sasuke and Naruto were glad the shark-man didn't pay them attention. They felt they were about to collapse from exhaustion.

Kisame stood beside his former teammate – I'm sorry for this, old friend. Did you ever tell him the truth? – asked Kisame with a voice almost gently. Zabuza denied with his head – I see. What are you going to do now, Zabuza? – I'm already dead, Kisame – said Zabuza as he took his sword, ready to impale himself. Naruto couldn't believe it. Despite everything, Naruto felt sorry for him. It was evident that Zabuza cared deeply for Haku. Naruto stepped forward. His body moved out of instinct. He wanted to stop Zabuza, but the Shark man lifted his sword, pointing at Naruto – stay out of this, little brat! – said Kisame. He then turned to look at Zabuza – Are you sure about it? You could join us – Zabuza denied again with his head – I leave Kubikiribocho to you, Kisame. Find it a new master – Kisame nodded. Zabuza then pushed his sword through his own stomach. The sword was so big that it pierced his chest as well. He spat blood but didn't yell. He lost consciousness and fell on his back, landing next to his son. Kisame returned his sword to the sash on his back and pulled Zabuza's sword out of his body. After that, the wind carried an evil voice that laughed maniacally. Tenzo felt a shiver through his spine. He started shaking. Sasuke and Naruto were aghast. The voice had scared them, too. However, they had never seen Tenzo-sensei shake out of fear. Whose voice was this? They wondered – Kukukuku! What a wonderful gift Minato sent my way! – said the voice. Tenzo's shaking increased. Painful memories from his childhood came back when he heard the voice – How considered of the Yondaime Hokage to send me the Uzumaki, Uchiha and Hyuga bloodline to me. But most importantly, my dear guinea pig. I thought all of you had died. It looks like that old war hawk deceived me, kukuku! – Kisame, Naruto and Sasuke had no idea what the voice was talking about. But Naruto was upset – Tell me, my little rat lab. What is that seal tag the Uchiha boy used on the Hyuga girl? Sealing living beings in storage scrolls is impossible. That must be Tsunade's doing. She worked on that years ago, kukuku! – Tenzo felt like a little child again. He had trained all these years with the goal of defeating that man, and yet, here he was, breaking down at the mere sound of his voice. A voice that had tormented him for years in his nightmares – Cut that crap. We must leave. As much fun as it would be to fight your old teammate's pupil, we must go. We have our orders. We have no business with Konoha – said Kisame as he stared at Tenzo – Not for now, at least – and he laughed – How boring you are, Kisame-kun – said the voice as a figure emerged from a whirl of wind behind Tenzo. The man wore the same black cloak with red clouds as the shark man. Naruto and Sasuke couldn't believe it was possible, but this man was even creepier than the shark man. He looked like a snake. He had very pale skin, golden eyes with slit pupils, purple markings around his eyes and fang-like teeth. His tongue was abnormally long. He hissed his tongue in Tenzo's ear like a snake as he said – Is this the way you greet me after all those years? Tell me, my boy, did you miss me? – Tenzo's spine shivered. He jumped to get away from the man. Tenzo knew that man was more dangerous than Kisame and Zabuza together. He ordered himself to pull himself together. He needed to stay strong for his students. He couldn't let anything happen to them. His shaking stopped. He gripped his kunai and gathered as much chakra as possible with the bit of strength he had left – I've waited for this day for years. I'm going to kill you, Orochimaru! – The snake man laughed maniacally.

Orochimaru? Sasuke and Naruto started shaking. This man was Tsunade-obachan and Ero-sennin's former teammate. One of the strongest shinobis from Konoha. They still couldn't make sense from all he said to Tenzo-sensei – ohh, is that so? - said Orochimaru as he walked towards Tenzo. Tenzo stood his ground. However, just like Kisame did earlier, Orochimaru just passed him by. When he was next to Tenzo, he said – Why don't you try it, boy? – he chuckled and continued walking towards Kisame. He kneeled next to Haku and Zabuza – Such a shame your friend killed himself for nothing – said Orochimaru as a snake emerged from his sleeve and bit Haku's neck. A seal formed on his neck – What do you mean? And what the heck did you just do? – asked Kisame. Orochimaru was a creepy, odd guy, even for his standards – Orochimaru stood up. A bigger snake emerged from below Orochimaru's cloak. It intertwingled around Haku's body and rose, holding Haku straight as if he were standing. Haku's breathing got stronger. Kisame would've sworn the boy was dead – You bastard! You knew the boy was alive and still let Zabuza kill himself! He could've joined us! – Orochimaru gave a killing look at Kisame. The shark man stepped back – We have enough swordsmen. There is no need for another one. Unless you wanted him to replace you, MY DEAR FRIEND – Orochimaru now turned to face Team Seven – Now, let me have some fun with my dearest fellow villagers, kukuku – Orochimaru was getting ready to attack when a wall of fire rose before him, forcing him to stop. Three figures stood on the bridge barrier behind Team Seven when it extinguished. Two of them were wearing the distinctive ANBU cloaks and masks. One wore a crow mask; the second one had an owl mask. Standing in the middle was Orochimaru's former teammate, Jiraiya the toad sennin – Funny you said that, Orochimaru. We can have a sparring like we used to do in the good old times – said the toad sennin. Kisame looked in shock. A fight between two legendary sannins is something worth watching. He would stay and see how it unfolded despite his leader's orders – Ero-sennin! You're here! Kick this snake-creepy-looking man's ass! – said Naruto effusively. Jiraiya's face turned into a funny expression. Kisame found it amusing how the child referred to a mighty shinobi known and feared among the five great villages casually and disrespectfully. Orochimaru started laughing – It seems like your reputation precedes you, Jiraiya. The boy knows you well. Nevertheless, you seem too confident. Sarutobi-sensei is not around to stop the match to save your skin. Are you sure you want to be humiliated in front of your pupils? – said Orochimaru, followed by a giggle – Stay out of this – ordered Jiraiya to the ANBUs. He then jumped and landed between Tenzo and Orochimaru. Both sannins were getting ready to attack. They burst their chakra. The pressure of their chakra was impressive. The concrete deck below them started to crack around them. Naruto and Sasuke gulped. Naruto had never seen his godfather acting so seriously. He never imagined his sole presence could be so oppressive – This should be fun – said Kisame. However, before Orochimaru and Jiraiya could engage in battle, another creepy creature emerged from the ground behind Orochimaru. That thing looked like a Venus flytrap. Half of his body was white; the other half was black. The black side of the body spoke – Enough of this, you two. The leader ordered not to engage in a fight with Konoha. Collect Gato's head to deliver it to Meio and leave – the creature sank on the ground and disappeared – Orochimaru hissed in rage – Another time will be, Jiraiya – said Orochimaru as he, Kisame and the snake that held Haku vanished.

Jiraiya was troubled. The other two men wore cloaks similar to Orochimaru's. The plant guy had said their leader had given them orders. Orochimaru wouldn't submit before anyone unless. Their worst suspicion came true. Orochimaru's working with Madara, and not only that. It looked like Madara was recruiting quite dangerous shinobis. He needed to inform Minato and Sarutobi-sensei – Owl, attend the wounded. Crow, keep watch in case another weird shinobi shows up – said Jiraiya as he turned to face Tenzo. Jiraiya placed a hand on Tenzo's shoulder. He was still holding the kunai – It's Okay, boy. He's gone. You did great. I'm proud of you – said Jiraiya with a smile. It was as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders – How did you know we needed help? – asked Tenzo. Jiraiya smiled – Guchiguma sent a message to Mount Myoboku. It was a coincidence I was in the village. Minato and I decided to send Owl and Crow to your aid. However, before they departed, we got another message from Sarutobi-sensei. He suspected Orochimaru was after your team. He didn't explain much in his message. Team Ten is still out on its mission, so I decided to come along - Naruto pulled the medic seal tag from his wooden box – Oi, you! Hinata! Hinata needs medical attention! Heal her first! – the ANBU with the owl mask kneeled in front of him. He took the tag and saved it in his cloak – it is not safe to release the seal here. We'll heal Hinata-sama when we get back to Konoha's hospital – said the man as he stood up and got close to Sasuke. He could tell he was the one that needed more urgent attention. However, Sasuke rejected the help – Heal Tazuna-san first – the ANBU chuckled – You are just like your brother. Very well, then – Owl healed the bridge builder, and after that, he healed Sasuke and Naruto. Meanwhile, Tenzo spoke with Jiraiya – Sensei! We need to find Zabuza's hideout – Tenzo explained to Jiraiya what Zabuza had said – Owl and Crow, take them back to safety and stay alert. Tenzo and I have something to do – The ANBUs nodded. Owl took Tazuna, and they left. Sasuke and Naruto led the way to Tenzo's shelter.

After a while, Jiraiya and Tenzo found Zabuza's hideout. Jiraiya and his student noticed the seal tag on top of the front door – So that's the seal that kept it hidden from Hinata's Byakugan. I wondered who created that seal. It is not as strong and efficient as Danzo's, though – said Jiraiya as he removed the seal. They entered the place. They entered the room where Nono was sleeping. Jiraiya and Tenzo were astounded – This is Nono-san! She made it! All these years, we thought she died in his infiltration mission, but she made it! She's alive! – Tenzo was genuinely happy. When he first arrived at the Root, only Nono-san was kind to him – Unbelievable! Tsunade is gonna be so happy! – said Jiraiya. Both shinobis wondered what intel about Madara Nono would possess.

What's coming next:

Chapter 12: One chapter for a Team 8 (Uchiha Izumi, Kiba, Shino & Sakura) mission

Chapter 13: One chapter for a Team 10 (Hiruzen Sarutobi & Ino-Shika-Cho) mission

Chapter 14: Back to Team 7.