Naruto, Haku, Mei, and Zabuza finally arrived at the Mist Village, their long journey coming to an end as the village's gates came into view. The guards stationed there immediately recognized Mei and Zabuza, nodding respectfully before allowing them entry. Mei looked back at Naruto and Haku, offering them a warm smile before turning to Zabuza.

"Zabuza, come with me. There are a few things I need to discuss about our next move," Mei said, her tone all business now that they were back in the village.

Zabuza grunted in agreement, following Mei as they headed off towards the Mizukage's office. Haku watched them leave, then turned to Naruto, her eyes filled with warmth. "Looks like we have the day to ourselves. Why don't we head home? I'm feeling a little hungry after that long trip."

Naruto smiled, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, that sounds good. Plus, it'll be nice to relax after everything that's happened."

The two made their way through the Mist Village, the bustling streets and the cool mist that constantly shrouded the village creating a familiar and comforting atmosphere. They reached their home, a modest yet cozy place that Naruto had grown fond of during his time in the Mist.

As soon as they were inside, Haku headed for the shower, wanting to freshen up after the long journey. Naruto took the opportunity to tidy up the living area, arranging a few things here and there while waiting for Haku to finish. When Haku emerged, refreshed and with her hair still damp, she made her way to the kitchen and began pulling out ingredients for a meal.

Naruto joined her, eager to help. "What are you planning to make?" he asked, leaning over to peek at the ingredients.

"I was thinking of making some miso soup and grilled fish," Haku replied, smiling at him. "Simple but comforting."

Naruto nodded enthusiastically. "Sounds perfect. I'll help with the fish!"

Together, they worked in sync, Naruto expertly handling the fish while Haku prepared the soup. It was a quiet, serene moment, filled with soft conversation and shared smiles. Haku would occasionally glance at Naruto, her heart full seeing how far he had come—from the lonely boy she first met to the strong, kind person standing beside her now. Naruto, in turn, admired Haku's grace and warmth, grateful to have her by his side.

As the meal came together, the delicious aroma filled the kitchen. They plated the food and sat down at the small dining table, enjoying the simple yet satisfying meal they had prepared together. The comfort of home, the warmth of a shared meal, and the closeness they felt made everything else fade away.

"This is really good," Naruto said, taking a bite of the fish. "I've missed eating your cooking."

Haku blushed slightly at the compliment, her smile gentle. "I'm glad you like it. I enjoy cooking for you, Naruto."

They continued to eat, savoring the peaceful moment. The worries of the world outside seemed distant as they both enjoyed their companies.

Mei and Zabuza entered the Mizukage's office, greeted by Ao, who had been diligently managing the village affairs in her absence. Ao stood up straight, bowing slightly as Mei approached her desk.

"Welcome back, Mizukage," Ao greeted her respectfully. "I trust your trip to the Leaf was fruitful?"

Mei nodded, settling into her chair as Zabuza leaned against the wall, arms crossed, observing quietly. "Yes, it was. We've secured the alliance with both the Leaf and the Sand Village. It's a good step forward for us," Mei replied, her tone confident. "But enough about that. Are there any updates while I was away?"

Ao began his report, detailing the usual village affairs. "Nothing too drastic. We've continued with standard missions—escorts, rebuilding efforts, and dealing with some rogue ninja in the surrounding areas." He paused, his expression becoming more serious as he pulled out a file. "However, during a review of our old files, we discovered something… interesting. It appears that we once had another jinchūriki within our ranks. His name was Utakata, and he was the host of the Six-Tails. His existence was kept secret, even from most of the higher-ups."

Mei's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Utakata? I've heard whispers about him, but nothing concrete. What happened to him?"

Ao continued, "Utakata left the village some time ago when things were going downhill, during the bloody era under the previous Mizukage. We lost track of him, but recent intel suggests he may be hiding on an island south of the Mist Village. Our ANBU have been sent multiple times to track him down, but they've failed to locate him and lost contact on their last attempt."

Mei considered this, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "So, Utakata is out there, and he's evading us. If he's still a jinchūriki, he could be a valuable ally—or a significant threat if he falls into the wrong hands."

Ao nodded, sharing her concern. "That's why I hesitate to send more troops. Our ANBU have already struggled, and if Utakata's powers are unchecked, it could turn into a disaster."

Mei tapped her fingers on the desk, deep in thought. Then she looked up, her eyes determined. "Then we send someone who can handle a jinchūriki—someone who understands that power. Naruto is also a jinchūriki, and he's proven himself more than capable. He can connect with Utakata in ways our other shinobi cannot."

Ao frowned, clearly uneasy with the suggestion. "Mizukage, sending Naruto into such a situation is risky. We don't know Utakata's mental state or if he's hostile. Naruto is valuable to our village—and to you. Are you sure you want to put him in that kind of danger?"

Mei's expression softened, but her resolve was clear. "Naruto's strength isn't just in his power; it's in his heart. He knows what it means to be alone, to carry that burden. If anyone can reach Utakata, it's him. And he won't be going alone—Zabuza and Haku will accompany him. With their combined strength and Zabuza's tactical experience, they can handle this."

Zabuza smirked slightly, finally speaking up. "I'm in. Plus, it'll be interesting to see how this kid handles another jinchūriki."

Ao sighed, understanding that Mei had made up her mind. "Very well, Mizukage. I'll prepare the mission details and inform Naruto, Haku, and Zabuza of the assignment. But be careful—this could get complicated."

Mei nodded, her expression firm. "I trust them. We need to bring Utakata back—whether as an ally or to ensure he doesn't become a threat. Prepare the mission, Ao. We don't have time to waste."

As Ao left to make the necessary arrangements, Mei looked at Zabuza. "This will be a challenging mission, but I believe Naruto and Haku can handle it. Keep an eye on them."

Zabuza nodded, already preparing himself mentally. "Don't worry. We'll bring Utakata back one way or another."

Mei watched Zabuza leave, confident in her team. She knew the mission would test Naruto, but she also believed it would be another step toward him embracing his new path as a shinobi of the Mist.

Naruto and Haku stood by a small, serene pond just outside their house, enjoying some rare downtime after their meal. The morning sun reflected off the water's surface, casting shimmering patterns that danced around them. Haku giggled softly, enjoying the playful atmosphere as she splashed water at Naruto, who grinned in response.

"Hey, watch this!" Naruto exclaimed, stepping back with a mischievous glint in his eyes. He cupped his hands together, focusing his chakra. A small orb of swirling water began to form, expanding as he concentrated harder. The water wobbled and splashed around the edges, clearly unstable, but it held its shape just long enough for Naruto to proudly present it to Haku. "I call this… the Water Balloon Jutsu!"

Haku laughed, charmed by Naruto's enthusiasm. "Naruto, that's great! You've gotten better at manipulating water chakra," she praised, her eyes sparkling with genuine delight. She reached out, poking the water balloon gently, which promptly burst, splashing them both with cool droplets. Naruto scratched his head sheepishly, but his smile remained as bright as ever.

"I'm still working on it," Naruto admitted, shaking water out of his hair. "But I figured since we're in the Mist Village, I should try to learn more water techniques. Plus, I'm pretty sure I can make this even better with some practice."

Haku nodded, thinking for a moment before an idea struck her. "You're on the right track, Naruto. But let me show you something that can help refine your control." She took a step back, her expression turning focused and serene. "This is called the Water Prison Jutsu. Zabuza-sensei used it often; it's great for capturing opponents. Watch closely."

Haku gracefully manipulated her chakra, drawing water from the pond into a swirling, dense sphere. The water solidified into a larger, shimmering ball, stable and powerful, trapping an invisible target within its liquid walls. The sphere hovered in the air, pulsing slightly with the force of Haku's control.

Naruto's eyes widened in amazement. "Whoa, that's awesome! Zabuza used this on Kakashi-sensei once. So, this is how it's done…" He stepped closer, examining the structure of the jutsu, feeling the faint pull of Haku's chakra.

Haku smiled, releasing the water prison back into the pond. "It's all about creating a strong boundary of water and maintaining it with a constant flow of chakra. Your Water Balloon Jutsu is a good start; you just need to learn to stabilize the shape and pressure. Here, try it with me."

Naruto nodded eagerly, and Haku guided him step-by-step, showing him how to channel his chakra more precisely. Naruto tried again, focusing deeply. This time, the water balloon grew larger, more stable, and began to resemble the basics of the Water Prison technique, though still imperfect.

Haku placed her hands on Naruto's, helping to adjust his chakra flow. "Good, Naruto. You're getting it! The key is balance—too much chakra, and the sphere will burst; too little, and it won't hold."

Naruto concentrated, feeling the shift in the water's tension as he adjusted his control. Slowly, the orb became more defined, nearly forming a stable prison. He grinned, thrilled with his progress. "I'm almost there!"

Haku squeezed his hand gently. "You're doing great, Naruto. With more practice, you'll have this down in no time. And maybe one day, you'll be able to create your own unique jutsu, combining what you've learned."

Naruto blushed slightly at the encouragement, feeling more confident. "Thanks, Haku. I'm gonna keep at it—after all, I've got something to prove now, especially since I'm the son of the Fourth Hokage."

Haku nodded, proud of him. "And I'll be right here to help you every step of the way." They smiled at each other, the bond between them growing stronger with every shared moment. Together, they knew they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Jiraiya entered Tsunade's office with his usual flair, leaping gracefully through the window. Tsunade barely glanced up, used to his unorthodox entrances, before resuming her paperwork. She set her pen down and turned her chair to face him fully.

"Back already?" Tsunade asked, her tone tinged with the slightest hint of weariness. "Naruto and Haku left this morning. He's growing stronger every day."

Jiraiya nodded thoughtfully, understanding the bittersweet sentiment behind her words. "Yeah, I heard. The kid's doing well out there, and honestly, the Mist Village suits him. But I've got something we need to discuss—about Sasuke."

Tsunade's expression hardened. She leaned forward, focusing intently on Jiraiya. "What did you find?"

Jiraiya pulled a scroll from his cloak and laid it out on Tsunade's desk. The map marked the Sound Village, with annotations detailing sightings of the Sound Four—Orochimaru's elite guard. "They've been spotted recently near the Sound Village. From what my sources have gathered, it looks like Sasuke and Orochimaru have been here. It's a dangerous situation, but we still have a chance to act."

Tsunade's eyes scanned the map, absorbing the intel. The weight of her responsibility pressed on her shoulders as she contemplated the best course of action. "I've been thinking about this since Sasuke left. We have to be careful, Jiraiya. One wrong move, and we could lose more people. I don't want another tragedy like the Uchiha Massacre."

Jiraiya crossed his arms, his face serious. "Exactly. That's why we need to assemble a team that can handle this. We need to strike hard but smart. Sending Naruto isn't an option; he's a Mist ninja now, and it's up to us to deal with this."

Tsunade sighed, nodding in agreement. "I feel bad that Naruto isn't involved in this. He'd want to bring Sasuke back more than anyone, but he's not ours to command anymore. And this is the Leaf's responsibility." She paused, thinking over her options. "I'll assign a task force. Shikamaru will lead; he's the best strategist we have. Kiba, Shino, Choji, and Neji will accompany him. They've grown a lot since their days as genin, and their teamwork is solid. They should be enough to handle the Sound Four and gather intel on Sasuke's whereabouts."

Jiraiya nodded, trusting Tsunade's judgment. "That's a good lineup. Shikamaru's tactical mind, Neji's Byakugan, and the others' strengths make for a well-rounded team. I'll go with them to ensure they have backup in case things go south. We can't afford to lose anyone on this mission."

Tsunade leaned back, her mind racing with potential outcomes. "I don't want to send any more kids to their deaths. If Orochimaru's involved, it's going to be dangerous. But this team has the best chance of success." She placed a firm hand on her desk, her resolve clear. "Bring them back, Jiraiya. No matter what, we have to bring them back."

Jiraiya placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I'll make sure they come back, Tsunade. We'll get Sasuke back, too, or at least figure out what Orochimaru's planning. We owe it to Naruto, to Kakashi, and to the whole village. I'll start gathering the team right away."

With a final nod of agreement, Jiraiya exited the office through the window, leaving Tsunade to her thoughts. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but she knew that with Jiraiya and the team she'd assembled, they had a fighting chance. As she watched Jiraiya disappear into the horizon, Tsunade hoped that this mission would finally bring them a step closer to saving Sasuke and mending the broken bonds within the Leaf.

Jiraiya stood at the village gates, surrounded by Shikamaru, Kiba, Shino, Choji, and Neji. Each of them was focused and determined, understanding the gravity of their mission. The early morning sun cast long shadows on the ground, and the air was thick with anticipation. They were ready to confront the Sound Four and do whatever it took to bring Sasuke back.

Jiraiya looked at the assembled team, his expression serious. "Listen up, everyone. This isn't just another mission—this is personal. We're dealing with Orochimaru's elite guard, the Sound Four, and they're no pushovers. Each one of them is dangerous, and they'll do whatever it takes to protect Sasuke and serve Orochimaru."

Shikamaru nodded, his analytical mind already formulating strategies. "We know the Sound Four are tough. They've got some unique and powerful techniques, so we have to be careful. We'll need to work together and cover each other's weaknesses."

Kiba smirked, his enthusiasm unshaken. Akamaru barked in agreement, standing alert at his side. "We've got this. Akamaru and I can track their scents and locate them. Once we find them, we'll hit them hard and fast."

Shino adjusted his glasses, his calm demeanor unwavering. "Their abilities are formidable, but we have the advantage of surprise. We can overwhelm them with our teamwork."

Choji clenched his fists, a determined look on his face. "I'll use my strength to hold them down. They won't know what hit them."

Neji's Byakugan activated, scanning the area as he assessed potential threats. "With my Byakugan, I can see through their tricks and identify their weak points. We won't let them get the better of us."

Jiraiya crossed his arms, impressed with their resolve. "Good. Keep your guard up at all times, and remember—our primary objective is to capture them and extract information on Sasuke. If we can't take them alive, we need to neutralize the threat. But above all, keep each other safe."

Shikamaru glanced at his team, his confidence in them unwavering. "We've been through a lot together. We've faced worse odds, but we're stronger now. Let's make sure we bring everyone home."

The team nodded, united in purpose. Jiraiya looked at each of them, pride swelling in his chest. Despite their youth, they were some of the best shinobi the Leaf had to offer, and he knew they were up to the challenge.

"Alright," Jiraiya said, turning towards the road ahead. "Let's move out. We've got a long journey to the Sound Village, and there's no time to waste."

With that, the team set off, their expressions hardened and determined. The road to the Sound Village stretched before them, winding through forests and across rivers. They moved quickly but cautiously, knowing the danger that awaited them. Each step brought them closer to their goal, and the weight of their mission pressed on their shoulders.

As they traveled, they discussed strategies, reviewed intel on the Sound Four's abilities, and sharpened their resolve. They knew this mission would test them in ways they hadn't been tested before, but they were ready. Together, with Jiraiya leading the way, they were determined to bring Sasuke back—or at the very least, make Orochimaru and his minions pay for taking him away.

Naruto and Haku walked away from the pond, the sun casting warm rays that flickered through the trees. As they moved closer to the house, Naruto suddenly felt his surroundings fade away. His vision blurred, and he found himself standing once more in the dark, oppressive space of the Nine-Tails' cage. The towering form of Kurama loomed behind the bars, its red eyes gleaming with a mix of malice and dark amusement.

"You again?" Naruto snapped, trying to sound defiant, but the dread that came with being in front of Kurama was impossible to hide.

Kurama's lips curled into a sinister grin. "You think you've found happiness, boy? You think this little dream you're living will last?" The fox's voice was deep, mocking, and filled with a sense of inevitability. "You're fooling yourself. The real world isn't as kind."

Naruto clenched his fists, his anger boiling. "I'm not listening to you! I'm getting stronger every day, and I'll protect the people I care about. You don't know anything about me!"

Kurama's laughter rumbled, echoing through the vast, empty chamber like a thunderstorm. "Oh, but I know more than you think. I see everything, Naruto. Every moment you're too weak, every time you hesitate. And let me show you where that leads."

Before Naruto could react, his vision shifted again. He found himself in the middle of a dark, unfamiliar battlefield. The sky was gray and stormy, and the air was thick with tension. His heart sank when he saw the scene unfolding before him: Sasuke, with a determined and cold expression, his Chidori crackling violently in his hand.

Naruto's eyes widened in horror as he realized where Sasuke was aiming—straight at Haku. She stood defenseless, her expression shocked and pained as the blue lightning drew closer to her heart.

"Sasuke, no!" Naruto shouted, reaching out, but his voice was lost in the wind, and he could only watch helplessly. The sight of the Chidori piercing through Haku's chest sent a jolt of terror through him. The image seared into his mind as he felt powerless to stop it.

The vision shattered, and Naruto found himself back in the Nine-Tails' cage, breathing heavily, his heart pounding in his chest. Kurama watched him with a wicked satisfaction, relishing the fear that flickered in Naruto's eyes.

"That's your future if you keep pretending this fantasy of yours can last," Kurama said, his voice dripping with disdain. "Your strength won't be enough. Not if you keep playing house with her."

Naruto gritted his teeth, anger mixing with the sickening feeling of dread. "You're wrong! I'll change that future. I won't let that happen to Haku or anyone else!"

Kurama's grin widened, exposing his sharp teeth. "You can try, but remember, Naruto—I am always watching. And when reality crashes down, you'll see the truth."

With that, Naruto felt himself being pulled back into the real world. He stumbled slightly, catching his breath as he regained his posture. Haku turned around, noticing the sudden change in his demeanor.

"Naruto, are you okay?" she asked, her eyes full of concern.

Naruto forced a reassuring smile, trying to hide the fear Kurama's vision had instilled in him. "Yeah, I'm fine," he said, his voice steadier than he felt. "Just… lost in thought."

Haku gave him a gentle look, sensing something was off but not pressing further. Naruto took a deep breath, determined to push past the fox's taunts. He knew Kurama was right about one thing—he needed to keep getting stronger, not just for himself, but for everyone he cared about. No matter what darkness lay ahead, Naruto resolved that he wouldn't let Kurama's twisted visions dictate his actions. He would fight for his happiness and protect it, no matter the cost.