Chapter-13: Journey to the Wave

Sorry guys for the delay! Busy with college and then the Olympics came around. Didn't get much time to write.

Another announcement from now on chapters will be posted once a week. Multiple chapters in a week will only happen if I got holidays. Other than that, one chapter a week it is from now.

Thanks! Enjoy!

"This is Storm, target is in sight. Assistant go behind" the voice snickered. "Assistant in position, Flower you ready" the now named assistant replied. "Yep, on my mark 1,2,3" The moment the countdown was down two boys jumped from either side on their target giving it no place other than to jump above where it caught by the final member.

"Great job Team 7" Kakashi congratulated. "yeah yeah, when will we do a mission" Naruto grumbled. "These are missions Naruto" Kakashi replied. "Like I told you before I refuse to accept these glorified chores as missions" He retorted. "Whatever Naruto, let's go return our target to the client" Kakashi ordered.

Inside the three genin smirked at their target that is Tora the demon cat's torture by its owner. "Thank you, dearies, for bringing her back" The Fire Daimyo's wife thanked. "No problem, ma'am" Sasuke replied back.

Once she left Sandaime said, "There is a still time, so do you guys would like another mission" Kakashi replied "Sure we will Sandaime-sama"

"Very well, you can paint fences, babysit" "Nope, not anymore" Naruto butted in. "I want a mission not a chore" The blonde added. "Naruto you can't just demand missions as a genin" Sandaime replied. "Your jonin sensei need to approve of it" He explained further. On this blonde looked at Kakashi desperately. "Please sensei it's been a month, I would like a mission too" "Me too sensei" Sasuke and Sakura added in with their looks of plea.

Finally, Kakashi sighed and gave in. "Fine we would like to have a C-Rank Hokage-sama" The trio of genin cheered as Hiruzen called in their client.

Their client was an old man in his late 50s probably wearing a straw hat on his head. The man had beard as grey as his hair and was wearing specs. Although why was he drinking in the afternoon. "This is my security three brats. They look like a rabbit could beat them" The drunk said annoyed. The genin glared at the man but before they could speak Kakashi intervened "These are three of the best genin Konoha has to offer. So, don't worry they can handle any rabbit, boar etc. Besides if things get worse than I as jonin could handle it" The client just gulped and nodded. Seeing Kakashi's professional side made Naruto remember despite the laid-back attitude how awesome Kakashi is.

Hiruzen coughed, "Team 7, this is a Tazuna a bridge-builder from Wave. Your job is to protect him till he completes his bridge" Sandaime ordered. "Hai Hokage-sama" Kakashi accepted the scroll as the rest gave a bow.

They told Tazuna that they are gonna depart tomorrow at 7 and asked him to meet at village gates before leaving to prepare.

Sakura Haruno was making her final preparations for her first mission outside the village walls. In the past month she has grown a lot to what she was before and its credit goes her team. It didn't take much to realize how outclassed she is compared to her teammates and that put her mood to damp. Naruto and Sasuke were amazing shinobi hailing from great clans compared to them she was just a civilian girl.

She was really feeling she might never make her place in the team but that changed due to her teacher. Kakashi despite his laidback attitude was an exceptional shinobi. She still remembers their conversation after their first training session.

Sakura was panting hard as they finished their first team training sessions. After a basic warm-up of stretching 100 push-ups, 100-squats and 10km run they started team training drills. Practicing standard formations etc and she was out.

Currently Kakashi has taken her aside, "Sakura why did you become a shinobi" the sudden question surprised her. "I don't know sensei, when I unlocked my chakra, my parents were so proud and then I just joined the Academy" she replied a little nervous since she didn't have any grand reasons to join.

"Don't worry most start like this. Even I started the same way with the difference being coming from a shinobi family" Hatake soothed her. "You find your reasons somewhere down line. I did the same although initially they were wrong or misguided. It took someone really close to me" he trailed off before continuing "to knock them out of me"

"Good advice but where are you going with this" The pink haired girl asked. Kakashi sighed and responded "Sakura your current mindset is not for a shinobi, you are worried about being ideal girl for Sasuke then being an ideal shinobi of Konoha" Sakura on hearing these words lowered her head down feeling ashamed. "So, what can I do, I can't just stop loving him sensei. I really like him" she grumbled out.

"I am not asking to give up on Sasuke, just put it on hold. You are talented girl Sakura, your chakra control is far superior to your teammates. You can be an amazing kunoichi if you work hard. First become that and then you can worry about Sasuke" Kakashi advised. "Wait my chakra control is better than Naruto and Sasuke" she mumbled surprised. Yeah, she heard Kakashi telling her the same thing that Sasuke said in Academy. But she was surprised that she had something better than those two.

"Yup, your chakra control is one of the best I have seen naturally and you have got a very sharp mind. You can be great at genjutsu, iryo-ninjutsu, taijutsu, stealth, traps and even fuinjutsu" Kakashi explained. Sakura was stunned she could have never thought she could excel at these many fields.

"Do you really think I can be a good kunoichi if I try" she asked. Kakashi gave her his signature eye smile and replied. "I believe you can be" Sakura blushed at that. Except her parents nobody ever believed she could be great once she joined Academy. Legendary kunoichis were rare and those who reached that level always came from some big clan. A civilian born like her were never expected to have the same potential. But here somebody was telling she can become someone special.

"Alright I will try but I not giving up on Sasuke. I will do both become a kickass kunoichi and win his heart at the same time" Sakura responded determined. Kakashi just chuckled

Since that Kakashi gave her, special training first improving her physical condition with exercise and proper diet and then flourishing her in shinobi arts. He has started teaching her genjutsu which she really liked. And she has been working on her own for traps and asked Naruto about fuinjutsu which she realized she wasn't as fond of. It was useful but was too complicated and time consuming. No wonder many didn't go for the esteemed art.

Speaking of the blond her opinion of Naruto has really changed as a shinobi Naruto was as good as Sasuke and even as guy, he was alright. A little too bright sometimes but all and all he was a good person. So, now she doesn't understand why Naruto had the reputation he had. Even now her parents asked her to stay away from him, she just nods and ignores their word. Because Naruto was her teammate and he hasn't given her no reason to be mistrustful of him.

Collecting her last thoughts and items she departed.

Sakura reached the village gates and was surprised to see Kakashi already there with Naruto. Returning Naruto's greetings she asked "You are on my time" "Now that's just hurtful Sakura. I am never late on my own fault" Hatake mock sobbed. Sakura and Naruto gave him the look of you are not fooling anyone which he ignored.

Sasuke joined in "Was the princess doing her hair" Naruto snickered. "At least I am with my bag unlike someone who probably forgot" Sasuke retorted. Naruto just pointed to his pockets and muttered "Fuinjutsu".

"You sealed your bag inside. Can you do the same for us" Sakura pleaded and Sasuke joined to, it would far easier to carry a scroll instead of bags. Naruto nodded and drew two storage seals. Tazuna joined them at last.

"How are you drinking at the morning" Naruto asked. "Brat when you are my age every hour is an our to drink" the drunk gave his wisdom. "Drink advice aside let's depart" Kakashi said. "Team 7 Manji formation. Sakura at front, Naruto and Sasuke at sides and I will take the rear" The team surrounded Tazuna as told and moved.

They were doing the ideal chatter to pass time asking Tazuna about Wave, his work etc before it happened. Two chains rained from puddle behind Kakashi cutting him in half. The Uchiha-Uzumaki instantly took action. Sakura screamed before collecting herself and guarding Tazuna. "Puddle when there hasn't been rain. How did we miss that" She thought as she saw her teammates engaging their attackers.

The enemy nin threw chains at the advancing duo but multiple kunai from Sakura from behind took care of it. The duo pounced immediately Sasuke giving a roundhouse to his opponent while Naruto slipped past his opponents by going orthodox to southpaw in seconds giving the second one an uppercut. The genin brought out their swords to parry the shinobi who brought their chains again.

On back Sakura groaned she can't throw kunai since all of them were engaged closely and she can't leave Tazuna in fear of the same thing happening to him as Kakashi-sensei. She wrenched when thinking about her teacher.

Sasuke narrowly dodged a chain due to his Sharingan he could see what his opponent was trying and he allowed him to play that game. The Uchiha jumped in the air ready to strike his shoulder before a chain captured his sword. The missing nin smirk soon faded as the Uchiha smirked himself before going down and lilting his sword up by electricity. The thunder travelled from sword to chain shocking the nin out.

On the other side Naruto instantly put wind in his sword his anger mixed his bijuu's chakra. The Uzumaki ruthlessly attacked his opponent who tried to parry but against the relentless wind assault his chain broke out. That was the moment Naruto capitalized going in cutting the point-blank Gunshot in half due to his heightened reflexes as he slashed the missing nin's torso. Blood gushed out but Naruto didn't give him any time slamming his handle on the gash knocking him out.

"Good work Team 7" their teacher's voice called out. Relief spread through their faces as Sakura gave him a hug for being alright and Sasuke gave a smile too. He expected another hug when Naruto got close but instead got a punch. "What was that you jerk. You had us scared" Naruto screamed. "Easy there Naruto, you really didn't a couple of morons could take me out after knowing me for so many years" Naruto blushed on that.

"But then why did fake your death sensei" Sasuke asked. "That was for two reasons. First, I wanted to see how would react in real danger and congratulations you passed" He gave them an eye-smile before he glared at Tazuna who gulped. "And the next was to see what were they after. These were the Demon Brothers of Mist, usually Mist doesn't attack Konoha now. So, I allowed it play out to see whether they were looking for quick fame or something more" His glare hardened. "Why are you looking at me" Tazuna asked nervous.

"Because they were after you Tazuna-san. If they were after me, they would have tried to escape with my body but since they didn't so you were target. Explain" Hatake asked in a no-nonsense tone. The genin looked at their client too.

Tazuna sighed before he spoke, "When I said I need protection it wasn't from bandits or wild animals. I have someone far worse on my life" On seeing the looks he asked "Have anyone of you heard of Gato" "You mean the billionaire shipping magnet Gato" Kakashi asked stunned "Why would someone like him after a bridge builder like you"

"Because under that shipping business he is a bastard. He controls the Waters because of Wave. He took over the town buying every port and ship eliminating every competition. Now he controls the land since Wave's most revenue was generated by trade. He charges sky high prices and taxes from us making us poor and our economy crippled"

"I am sorry but how does a man take over a country. What about Daimyo and shinobi" Sasuke asked he couldn't believe someone how rich they may be can do anything without law apprehending them.

"Gato got deep pockets, he first sided the with Wave Daimyo with him by promise of growth and profits before killing him. And we don't have shinobi kid we were dependent upon Mist before the Yondaime's terror reign began. The Godaime I have heard has put the Mist back to track but Gato has made sure no Wave citizen comes contact with Kiri"

"That's why I decided to oppose by making a bridge that would connect Wave to Fire ending his monopoly. He found out and now is after me, I barely managed to escape to Fire to ask for Konoha's help" Tazuna explained with sorrowed expression.

"Then why didn't you tell the Hokage truth. He would have helped" Naruto asked sure that old man would understand. Tazuna snorted "I told you kid we don't have money. I can't afford to pay for high rank mission and no shinobi village would help for the good of its heart" The genin wanted to say their village wasn't like that but restrained after realization of what shinobi were.

"That's a sad tale Tazuna but I can't continue this mission. You lied to us making our contract null. These are just out in the field genin. I can't allow them to take on this mission when even I can't determine its rank" Kakashi's words were met by Tazuna's nod which was surprising before the old man wept.

"It's ok I understand. Now I just hope my poor widowed daughter understands why her father's protectors left him and my dear grandson. He would be heart broken losing his only grandpa. I just hope Wave doesn't curse Konoha's name like they do of Gato every moment. They probably will understand shinobi rules are above their suffering"

Kakashi ignored him but unfortunately his three genin couldn't. "Sensei why don't we continue this mission" Sakura said. Before Kakashi could explain the girl Naruto joined in. "Come on sensei we can do it. Me and Sasuke have better training than most and Sakura is awesome too. Besides we have you one of Konoha's finest. Between us we can definitely can kick that Gato's butt" The Hatake just sighed at looked at his last student to be logical.

But the Uchiha was on his team's bandwagon "I agree to sensei, as shinobi we have to prepare for unexpected." Kakashi groaned mentally before finally speaking. "Fine we will continue the mission but all of you would do whatever I say. No arguments" The genin and Tazuna nodded at the man's serious tone.

"Thank you I would definitely tell stories of your bravery" The drunk went full 360 in his mood as they departed far more cautious.

Two days passed without any incident and has just crossed the sea to enter Wave. "Goodbye Tazuna, take care" The helmsman said. Tazuna had a contact with the helmsmen that allowed him to cross to Fire without getting noticed. "Thank you Shiro. Don't worry I will definitely complete the bridge" Tazuna said assuredly.

The Konoha-nin then finally stepped in Wave, not on the mainland but on the dense unused outskirts. They were walking when suddenly Naruto threw a kunai pinning a rabbit. "Naruto you scared the poor rabbit. Don't be so jumpy" Sakura chided. "Wait Sakura, a white rabbit in summer" Sasuke barely finished hypothesis before Kakashi screamed to duck.

The genin instantly followed and the copy nin pushed Tazuna down with himself. Over the genin was a large sword buried in the tree. Standing over it was tall man with his mouth wrapped in bandages wearing a Kiri headband. "Hatake Kakashi, no wonder the Demon Brothers failed" the man spoke in a gruff voice.

"Zabuza Momochi, so it's true you returned to Kiri" Kakashi spoke getting up and gestured his team to stay behind. "Yup, I just hated Yagura and now he is gone I can serve my village again." The now named Zabuza replied. "I have you to thank that for. You and your comrades surely did help a lot. So, to return that favour why don't you just give me the bridge builder and I will let you leave" Zabuza proposed.

"Interesting proposal but no. I would like to give you a counter-proposal but I think you wouldn't agree" "Yup" Zabuza replied. Kakashi lifted his headband of his eye exposing his Sharingan. "The copy nin's legendary Sharingan. I am honoured you know when the war had just ended. Everyone in hunter-cops was said to vary of Konoha's wolf. His white hair and red eye would be last thing you would see before your death" Zabuza said with appreciation. "It will be an honour to take your head" with those last words he muttered Hidden Mist Jutsu

Mist covered the whole forest as the swordsman released his killing intent. Tazuna gulped so did the genin. Sasuke's sharingan turned on its own. "Eight points, there are 8 points in human body that can kill in an instant. Larynx, spine, lungs, liver, jugular, subclavian artery, kidneys and heart. What will it be? Whom will it be?" Zabuza voice echoed in the mist.

"What king of pressure is that. If I even blink my eyes, I would be dead" Sasuke's body shook. Naruto pinched the Uchiha to move him out of his stupor. The blonde Uzumaki himself was shaking. "Sasuke don't worry I will make sure nothing happens to you" Kakashi said releasing his chakra. "Oh really" Zabuza taunted arriving in between the genin and Tazuna. His sword ready to pierce the bridge-builder. But before he could move a muscle Kakashi arrived piercing his kunai in Zabuza's stomach only for him turn into water.

The swordsman than appeared behind Kakashi cutting him in half who also turned into water. "Brilliant, you copied me in the mist" Zabuza chuckled as Kakashi appeared behind him with his kunai on his jaw. "But you are nothing but a cheap imitation" Zabuza said as the real Zabuza appeared behind Hatake kicking him for that also to disappear into smoke.

Zabuza instantly brought his sword to defend Kakashi's kunai. "Had I not been in the civil war, that would have gotten me" Kakashi admitted. "Had you not been in civil war, that genjutsu would have gotten me" Zabuza retorted back as he pushed Kakashi back.

The swordsman charged flickering in front of Hatake starting his assault. Kakashi barely could block with chakra enhanced kunai. The way Zabuza wielded his large sword was exceptional. Except Kisame he hasn't anybody wield a blade of that size with strength, speed and precision. Kakashi jumped to duck the slash in his stomach and landed on the blade before slamming his knee Kiri-nin's chin before delivering a kick to his right jaw sending him back. Hatake didn't wait to unleash a Fireball which Zabuza countered with Gunshot creating steam.

The genin were awe in the display they have never seen their sensei fight seriously. Even Naruto and Sasuke could barely track their movements. Naruto in particular was in awe, so this was Kakashi's level and he wasn't as good as Pervy-Sage who himself admitted being weaker than his dad. Naruto then thought how good his dad must have been, can he ever reach that level. He then realized he have to after all Madara was as strong if not stronger.

Mist has been created again by Zabuza as Kakashi cursed. His time in Kiri has made him adaptable to the Mist but he wasn't as good as Zabuza. He now really was thankful Zabuza betrayed Yagura if the man has been there would definitely be more loses. After Kisame and Mangetsu he was definitely sure Zabuza was the best of Mist Swordsmen.

Kakashi dodged Zabuza's sword, that reach was annoying. Hatake then created four earth spikes to attack the Kiri nin from all four direction. Zabuza's eyes widen as he barely dodged using Kubikiribōchō to block the spikes for spit second giving him enough time to land.

Kakashi then negated the mist with a Wind Breakthrough just the moment Zabuza sent multiple shurikens towards. Hatake forced to cancel jutsu in between to save himself didn't see Zabuza arriving at his side the moment he substituted, kicking him in water.

"Earth and Stone Bamboo Shot I never thought would see that jutsu outside Iwa. But against man who copied over 1000 jutsu that should be expected." Zabuza praised. Kakashi came out of water and came to a realization "Fuck" "This water feels heavy" Zabuza just chuckled as he made the sign for Water Prison capturing Kakashi.

"I apologise but I soon realized I have no chance of beating you in one-on-one combat, so I had to improvise. Don't worry I won't kill your brats as thanks for freeing us" Zabuza said as he created 10 water clones.

"Oye brats just give me old man and run" Zabuza said. The genin gulped still scared for their sensei. "Like hell we would" Naruto confidence was fake even Tazuna could see it. "Naruto don't be stupid just take Tazuna and run" Kakashi screamed. "Kakashi if you think we can outrun someone like him with civilian then water has gone into your head" Sasuke retorted back.

Zabuza laughed "Well at least you brats have some sense. But not enough" he said sending his clones. "Sakura you are the back-up and guard" Sasuke said running with Naruto sword out. There assaults were blocked by the clones. "Do you brats think you can beat me in sword fight. Even if these clones contain less than a tenth of my strength it still is enough to kill you all" Zabuza mocked as his clones overwhelmed Naruto and Sasuke who were barely keeping up. "Sasuke follow my lead" Naruto said before flickering away behind the clones as the Uchiha soon follow. The water clones just turned around.

They are gonna play with the brats before killing the old man and Kakashi. The Uchiha smirked as he saw Naruto's hand signs and followed his lead. The Uzumaki released a powerful steam from his mouth using Wind Style: Violent Whirlwind, the clones never expecting that from a genin were taken by surprise as three clones at upfront dispelled into water. But the boys weren't done as the Uchiha unleashed his own Blaze Whirlwind creating an inferno killing four more clones before the last three dispersed with a combined Water Wave.

"You damn brats, you aren't ordinary genin. Who are you" One of the clones asked. "The name is Uzumaki Naruto" "Uchiha Sasuke" the boys replied. "Uchiha and Uzumaki no wonder" a clone muttered. "Haruno too" came the voice from behind as the clones in the attack's surprise has forgotten the third member who threw a kunai throw one clones dispersing it before it exploded separating the last two for the boys to clean up with Vacuum Sphere and Electromagnetic Murder respectively.

"Nice shot Sakura" Naruto said. "We need to free Kakashi, we can't win if he decides to finish him and come after us. My lead" Sasuke signalled in Konoha's morse code.

The other two genin nodded as Naruto and Sasuke went ahead only to jump back when multiple chains of water attacked them. "You brats really though you can pick up fight with me in water" Zabuza grumbled angry. Naruto and Sasuke tried a combination attack again only to blocked by water walls. "Damit we can't get close till he is water and I can't use Lightning due to sensei being trapped" Sasuke muttered.

Naruto signalled something before releasing a large gust of wind on the ground creating a dust cloud. "Your kids are funny Hatake first facing me in water and now using dust to hide from me" Zabuza saw some leaves fall in to the ocean and chuckled "Looks like your brat knocked out a tree" he yawned, he soon was flabbergasted as he realized instead of the usual green the leaves were brown. The mist nin instantly broke the genjutsu waking himself again. "Autumn Fall when? Who?" he muttered before dodging two large Fuma Shurikens from Naruto and Sasuke. "Fuma Shuriken really" he was stunned again when those two shuriken multiplied into four coming from all sides. He dodged two while blocking two with his sword. "Nice but not enough"

"Oh really" Sasuke spoke as one shuriken turned into Naruto who released a Wind Blade from his sword towards Zabuza's unguarded side keeping Kakashi. In air unable to move his sword Zabuza was forced to either free Kakashi or lose his hand or even shoulder. He cursed before releasing the Hatake.

Naruto flipped him as he disappeared into smoke. "Shadow Clones, just what are they" Zabuza cursed. "My precious little troublemakers" Kakashi said before he glared at Zabuza.

"Great work Team 7. Sakura brilliant genjutsu, Sasuke good idea to access the situation and Naruto amazing plan. All and all an A+ on your first real assignment" Kakashi praised. "And as for you, should have killed me"

"Such arrogance, do you really think you have a chance against me in water" Zabuza said releasing a Wave Slicer met by Kakashi's own. "Did he just copy me at the same time"

"Copy this" Zabuza growled as he started weaving hand signs for Water Dragon, Kakashi doing same. "Impossible how he can keep up" Zabuza muttered before he was bewildered "How are you faster" he spoke out. "Impossible you shouldn't be able to do this" he gasped again "Unless you can see the future" he spoke "Yes and your future is death" were the last words he heard before he saw Kakashi's dragon rising first and slamming into Zabuza's half formed jutsu sending the missing nin crashing into a tree barely alive.

Kakashi went to finish the job before he flipped back dodging multiple senbons. On the tree he saw someone barely couple of years older than his genin wearing a hunter mask. "This isn't over Hatake" he threatened as carried Zabuza away in the Shunshin.

Kakashi passed out as he saw them leave barely hearing his team's words of worry.