Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any other characters, Masashi Kishimoto and studio pierrot does.

AN: To the concern that this is just slightly to no different from the canon thing. Yes it is. But that is because I am following the plot of canon till chunin exams. From there the real diversion happens. It will take about 4-5 chapters to reach the chunin exams and the diversion. I just didn't want a sudden jump to the part with diversion with a completely different paragraph and load of content as flashback. So that is why I have written the canon part I want to include, with a Naruto with different characteristics. I have written a few chapters in this time and will be uploading them fast.

Thank you all for spending time here.

Chapter 8:Missions

It was a lovely day, which had started to enter its sleeping phase. The sun was still in the sky but it was starting to get redder and blanketing itself around with an orange blanket. Within the orange blanket and amongst the ground between tall green trees, there ran two kids who had a similar recognizable feature. That being both having red hair.

One was a girl. She had her red hair, flowing freely which was long enough to reach her mid-back. She wore a violet full-sleeved top with a similar color skirt. She wore navy blue sandals that extended and went to the middle of her calf, also acting like leg warmers. She had blue eyes, except that she looked a lot like her mother. Yes, this was Namikaze Mito.

She was along with her brother, Namikaze Menma. He had straight red hair that even covered his forehead (AN: Imagine Shoto's hair from MHA, just the fully red). He had purple eyes and a face shape matching his father's. He wore an off-white half-sleeved shirt, standard black pants, and same-color sandals. He also held a blue hibiscus in his hand. Overtaking his sister, laughing, he tauntingly said, "Looks like you will lose again Mito."

"Don't be so sure Menma. I won't make it easy that's for sure." Replied Mito, trying her best to overtake her brother. It was hard to do so, due to the continuous zig-zag pattern they needed to go by because of the dense forest.

Both of them raced to their house. As they reached an area where there was an open grassy field, with a wooden bungalow at the edge. Menma yelled, "Kaa-chan, tou-chan we are back and completed our task, of finding and bringing a blue hibiscus flower."

Minato was sitting on a chair on the porch of the house. Seeing the two he gave out a faint smile. He then just said, "Good."

Kushina came out of the house and in a cheerful tone said, "Wow this must be both of your quickest times. Isn't it Minato?"

"I guess it is." He said plainly.

Menma threw the flower at his mother, which she caught, while he was saying, "When are you two gonna give us meaningful tasks? You say these tasks are equivalent to the mission we would have been getting. But these are meaningless chores."

Before anyone could say anything, the boy was punched in his head by his mother. He wailed in pain while Kushina in an angry tone said, "This is no way you give someone flowers…And stop complaining about the task which we give. Just do as we say."

"Kaa-chan I can't disagree with Menma…I mean most of the things we do is look for certain plants and bring them, or clean the porch, cut the grass and things. I don't get how this can help us. I mean till now we did rigorous training, but all of a sudden, these things. I really don't get it." said Mito.

Both the siblings were trained by their parents in various ninja arts. They were good for their age. Both parents consider their skill set to be between high-genin to low-chunin level. They had also taught both to use their external chakra. It was relatively easier for the twins to handle than all had initially thought. They hypothesized that the absence of the controlling being made kyuubi's chakra less dangerous and easier to use.

To Mito's concerns, Minato calmly replied, "Tell me Mito and Menma, when you run back to home. Is it always the same path?"

Both of them shook their head saying no. Minato continued, "The sudden obstruction of trees forces you to make sharp turns. Increasing your agility. And we always ask for to find a rare plant, so that your scouting abilities get better. And others too are similar to the D ranks mission you would have gotten if you were in the leaf village. They are meant to increase the familiarity between the team and increase teamwork and improve basics in some cases."

The parents had told both about where they belonged. They had told almost about everything, from the kyuubi attack to their reason for hiding which was escaping assassination and training them to be the best. They had chosen to hide the fact they were in exile and another truth that they were too dreaded to accept to someone other than themselves and couldn't believe how they committed it.

Whenever now Minato thought about it, he just couldn't believe how he chose this path. He would also constantly think about why he used to hear a voice in the initial years to continue this path. Why had that voice been there? That was a question he often asked himself.

"Isn't our teamwork good enough that we could go for a C-rank equivalent now?" Asked Mito.

"Sorry, that can't be done. Even if we create an equivalent task a real mission will have a different experience. This is due to the difference in the thinking you will have. No matter what we set up here you will always think and know nothing much wrong can happen. But that's not the case with real missions. I'll think of ways to stimulate a C-rank-like condition, and when I get one I will tell you of it." Explained Minato.

Menma then immediately, in a bit irritated tone said, "Then when will the great Yondaime Hokage return to the leaf…Come on how long we will stay in hiding? Aren't all of us strong enough? What's stopping you? Aren't you one of the strongest ninjas in all of Elemental Nations?"

Kushina not liking the tone her son was using scolded the boy, "Menma correct your tone and don't trouble your father too much."

Menma just snarled a bit. But Minato in a sombre tone said, "We will go back…when the conditions and circumstances are right and meet…" His voice stuck, and was unable to say further.

All took notice of the change of nature in Minato. Kushina before anyone, said, "Both of you go wash your hands. Dinner is ready I will bring it out in a few minutes."

As they entered the house Mito punched Menma's shoulder with a bit of force and said, "Did you have to remind tou-chan of his home? You know that he gets sad due to thinking of it from the past few years."

Menma with guilt said, "It was not my intention…I will be more careful next time."

"You better be." Said Mito.

Standing on the porch Kushina just asked, "Can't stop thinking about him?"

Minato slowly shook his head and said, "Neither can you. He must have begun his ninja journey…I just at least would like to know how he is. Is he fine? Is he well and happy?…I know now that it was the wrong decision and my stubbornness the following years destroyed essential things for…", Minato now had a tear escape from one of his eyes, "…our boy, he needed us and because of me, we left him…I left him."

Kushina too was hardly holding back her tear but hadn't shed one. Because this is how life is supposed to be right, be strong for your loved one. It was not that she never shed tears for this reason. She did, and at those times her husband didn't shed tears and stayed strong for her. Now she had to be strong.

She said, "I am sure Sandaime-sama must have taken good care of him."

Minato was now continuously shedding tears. In a bit incoherent voice he said, "Maybe yes…but don't you want to know how he is? What does he look like? How does he perceive things? What does he like? Or any other thing…I always ask them in my letters but they are never answered…Jiraiya-sensei too told us that he isn't allowed to see or visit him. And we haven't seen sensei too for two years. He always says he is busy with the toad messengers I send him…We have no knowledge, whatsoever neither of Naruto nor of Konoha…Sometimes it kills me how the hell I made that choice… Say Kushina…why did you support me that day?"

Kushina stumbled a bit at this question. Minato had never asked her why she had supported him. It was growing hard to keep hold of herself. In a quivering voice, she said, "I...I thought you couldn't be wro-wrong and went along with this decision."

"I see…I shouldn't have let my mind wander to that direction. It is all my fau…" Minato wasn't able to complete his sentence when he felt a hand wiping his tears.

Kushina was now sitting on her knees in front of Minato. She had cupped his cheeks and with her thumbs wiped off his tears. She too had a stream flowing down but not as large as Minato's. Minato just stared at her. She in a gentle voice said, "It was not your fault. It was our fault…And when we get our chance, even if we shouldn't be forgiven, we will try. And also try to make things right. We will make it right…I promise. Believe it."

With that, she showcased a gentle and sad smile. Minato hearing his wife say these things got a bit more confident and said, "Yes we will." With that, he too wiped Kushina's tears off her cheek and he too showcased a sad yet gentle smile.

At the same time across the vast stretch of land, in Konoha, there sat a jonin looking at his three students. He was sitting on the wooden veranda of the backyard of a big house. They had been given a mission to clean, cut grass, and basically do all the chores to make the fenced backyard look brand new. The veranda too was excessively decorated with vases and bonsai. It showed the amount of wealth the family possessed. Team 7 had got this mission in the house of a wealthy merchant, who also held a position in the civil council.

The three genin had finished their chores and walked towards where their sensei sat. At the same moment the woman of the house, dressed in an expensive kimono came out. She looked like one of those traditional noble Japanese women. The said lady, with a smile, brought out two trays of snacks and two glasses of juice. Both Sasuke and Sakura were a bit ahead and took the provided refreshments as they were a bit hungry after work. Kakashi saw the unequal number of plates to genin. He knew why it happened. And he wouldn't let that just slide. He then said, "There is one more."

The woman didn't hide her distaste. In a bitter tone, she just said, "We don't serve food to beings like him. He should be honored and respectful that we even allowed him to enter and complete his mission."

Naruto acted like he didn't hear it. And started to play with his kunai, nothing much just tossing it and then holding it. He didn't want the civilians, especially one in the council know that he was good. While doing this and looking at a particular, elegant vase, he just thought, 'Hymn that vase looks quite expensive and she also never allowed me near it, though it was my job to clean the vases. She called Sakura to do it instead…I think it must be important to this family.' With fake pity, he continued, 'So sad they will be losing it…I might cry.' He couldn't let the disrespect slide. Should he?

Sakura and Sasuke heard the conversation. They had never heard someone use such a tone to another person, who you don't particularly know. But before anyone could say anything. Naruto said, "Hey Kakashi sensei look you said that my shurikenjutsu needs work right?...Look at how I am juggling this…Maybe two more."

With that Naruto was juggling three kunai. Kakashi knew the blonde was up to something. He just hoped the boy didn't do too much. Sasuke had left his eating and observing the human puzzle in front of him. Sakura too gave a questioning look. She knew that Naruto's shurikenjutsu was good. After three weeks of training and teamwork exercises, she was now able to make her accept fractions of Naruto's strength. But before she could raise a question, another voice erupted.

"You vile thing! Don't do that you will break something. These are important and expensive things!" Shouted out the woman.

Hearing the shriek the merchant came towards the backyard. He was a bit fat in figure, showing that he didn't do any chores or exercise. He wore an expensive suit and blazer, and a pipe in his mouth. He removed his pipe and said, "Dear, what is the matter?"

The woman pointing at Naruto said, "Look at it."

The man turned towards Naruto. Saw what the boy was doing. In a loud voice, he said, "BOY! Stop that now or else it won't be good."

Naruto pretended to be startled and he pretended to slip two kunai from his hand. He had directed them at two expensive vases. And with that, the ceramic art pieces were broken into many pieces. Both the husband and wife looked in horror as two of their most expensive vases were broken. The women gasped. The man was red in anger and yelled, "You damn monster!"

He moved forward to hit Naruto. But Kakashi came and stood between them. He just said, "You are not going to touch him."

While Naruto from behind said, "Oii, fat man it is your fault anyways. You shouted and distracted me."

He took a step further and yelled, "What did you say?! Just wait I will have the council take action against you. Your vile presence is just so bad that even a black cat would get bad luck. I don't get why are you still alive."

At this Kakashi in a stern and dangerous voice said, "Oh you want to go to council…So the Hokage will also be there and will call for witnesses…So would you like me to tell him what all you just said and call him now?"

The merchant paled at the warning. There was silence for some moment. But there was a mummer from the women that Naruto heard. He just grinned at the confirmation of the vase which he thought to be important, was indeed important. The merchant just said, "Fine I will let it slide…Now please go."

With that Kakashi headed to the side fence door in the backyard, followed by both Sakura and Sasuke. At the door, Sakura asked, in a low whisper. She was speaking in such a manner so Naruto couldn't hear, who was still in the backyard. She asked, "Kakashi sensei…may I ask you something about Naruto if you don't mind?"

Kakashi thought a bit and said, "Okay." He directed both to walk ahead while he was walking in a backward manner and seeing what the blonde had done. Sakura in her whispery voice asked, "Sensei…why does everyone call Naruto a monster or demon?…I mean I have called him dumb or freak but not a monster or demon and not with the hate-filled voice like they do…I have even heard it once or twice from my mother and father also…"

Naruto had stayed a bit longer. He was just showing his kunai juggling again. The merchant snarled, "What are you looking at? What do you want?"

Naruto just showed a sinister smile. He knew the man had easily fallen into his trap of using the words forbidden to identify him. He didn't even have to say the law, another person did. Now he could do whatever pleased him. He chuckled a bit and then said, "Nothing but as you can see one kunai is still left…so I was thinking of some target practice."

With that, he threw the kunai at the most valuable vase. Value is not always in terms of money but in emotion also. Both the husband and wife tried to stop the kunai. But their efforts were in vain as the kunai reached its target and broke it. The woman fell to her knees and tears came out of her eyes. She could only mutter, "My mother's vase…Her last ever present to me is gone…gone forever…"

The man too stood frozen. Naruto cheerily just said, "Well thanks for having me and letting me have some practice…Sayonara."

The man in anger could just yell, "You have a special place in hell!"

To which Naruto in a loud and cheerful voice said, "Yeah I know and that place is called the throne…Next time think twice before messing with me as you will have my judgement when I see you in hell."

Kakashi was the only one who completely saw and heard what happened. The other two only heard the shout at the end. This was due to them being too engrossed in the question that Sakura was asking.

Before Kakashi could say anything. Naruto beat him in speaking first. Naruto while walking past them said, "Sakura even if you whisper, I can hear it."

"I…I...just didn't want you to hear it as it might not be pleasant to your ears…" Said Sakura truthfully. She had started to accept she was the weakest of all in the team. She for now as a team and wanted to bind them.

"I understand it and respect your concern…but there is nothing to explain…Many rubbish rumors are roaming around…Whatever you hear. Please believe it. I don't have the will or the energy to explain them to either of you…And yeah if you want you could add anything you like if you catch anything…I don't mind. Now excuse me I am going."

"Naruto wait…Sasuke, Sakura both of you are dismissed for the day. Report tomorrow again for missions. Bye." Said Kakashi.

Both Sasuke and Sakura left with a forced bye. Kakashi then in a gentle tone asked, "Do you want to go on Yondaime's sculptured head to talk and cool off?"

Naruto just hummed. With that Kakashi kept a hand on Naruto's shoulder and shunshined them to their destination. The sky was growing dark with multiple twinkling stars. The land below was lightened up by the street lamps and neon lights of stands. The rest of the places where this light wasn't available. They were glimmered by the silver light of the full moon. In such light stood two figures. Both Naruto and Kakashi looked at the village from the rock sculpture of the fourth Hokage.

They stood in silence just admiring the view. Breaking this silence, Kakashi said, "It was not necessary to break the last vase. The first two may be okay. I too heard her mummer. She was thanking God for keeping her mother's vase safe…You shouldn't have attacked her emotions. Your last action was unnecessary and uncalled for…You know, you won't reach your destination if you start throwing stones at every dog that barks at you. And weren't you successfully able to ignore these things before?"

Naruto just snarled a bit and said, "I am able to ignore. I don't always react. I measure the amount of hate that I can withstand and then do things. There is a brim of every container...And why do you care for their emotions?"

Kakashi just said, "Let's reverse that question. Why don't you?"

Naruto said, "I don't care about anyone's feelings that I hurt anymore, apart from a few people. That is because when mine were involved nobody except those few cared. And let that also be the price of their greed."

Though Kakashi had an idea, he still asked, "Greed?"

Naruto in a calm tone said, "I know you too interpreted their greed…There is no need to frame sentences like this…We both know all they want is to have a connection in future politics...We were given this mission and didn't have a choice to drop it. That means they specifically asked for us…They know Sasuke will become the head of his clan, no matter what. You being one of the strongest jonin always have a say in many decisions and maybe they also think due to you two, Sakura may also grow up to become an influential figure…They wanted good connections from you three. I was the bitter attachment that they had accepted to take a risk of letting near their house, to get close to the other three."

Kakashi hummed and said, "Well I won't deny what all you said and I have to say you interpret things well…But then too hurting one's deep emotions isn't the best thing…even to an enemy it can be too much."

Naruto just snorted and said, "It is perfect for an enemy."

"So, you consider them and most of the villagers as enemies?" asked Kakashi.

"To some extent yeah…I sometimes wonder how it would be without them. All of them not in sight." Answered Naruto truthfully.

"So, you don't like them being alive?" Asked Kakashi cautiously

"I would rather say their way of thinking must be dead than the body. It would be better that way." Said Naruto.

"Hymn…I have realized this just recently, when I look back at my life, I notice these next few sentences are very applicable, which I have heard from a movie…Stop thinking that an enemy's life is a curse…It can be a blessing too. A wise man gets more from his enemies than a fool from his friends."

Naruto just hummed thinking about the statement. Kakashi then asked, "Do you remember what you said when I asked what type of person you would like to become years ago?"

Naruto just turned the direction of his head, away from Kakashi. Indirectly saying he recalled but he didn't want to say it. Kakashi just sighed at the reaction. He just thought about the circumstances when he had asked Naruto something.

Flashback

It was evening time and a toddler Naruto wanted to see the setting sun. It was Kakashi, that is Anbu Inu, who was babysitting him for the day. To show what the boy wanted to see the Anbu took the toddler to the top of the Hokage monument. The little buddle of joy had stars in his eyes when he saw the majestic scenery of the village and the setting sun in front of him.

Kakashi just asked, "You seem to like the view."

The energy-filled Naruto said, "Yeah, yeah! It is so beautiful. Look how small everything looks…"

The blonde started to say everything that amazed him. Kakashi just chuckled at the reaction. The sun had set behind the horizon and both were gazing at the distant jewels of the night sky. Naruto now was sitting on Kakashi's lap like a toddler would do with his father or elder brother. Kakashi held Naruto as they sat near the edge and didn't want the toddler to get up and wander.

Out of nowhere, Kakashi asked, "Say Naruto what kind of man do you want to become?"

Even Kakashi didn't realize why he asked this. Naruto simply still looking at the stars, said, "Hokage."

Kakashi clarifying his questions said, "I mean what attribute would you like yourself to be associated with?"

"Ohh…Huuuh…" Naruto turned his head up to look at the Anbu with a dog mask. Naruto with a gentle smile adorning his face, glowing in the silver moonlight. In a calm and soft tone, he said, "Kind."

Flashback End

Kakashi just thought, 'Trying to be cold when you have the sweetest soul is the hardest thing you could do. And you have been trying that for a few years now.'

Naruto as a reply only said, "I know that I am changing. I am no longer that little boy who dreamed of a wonderland with everyone in it. That boy doesn't exist anymore. He is dead."

Kakashi sighed and said, "You know that's not the complete truth. You still can be kind, and I know deep down you are. For instance, you still decided to become a shinobi and help the village. You very well know that being a shinobi meant you had to protect and help civilians. It was your kindness that allowed you to become one. The little boy hasn't died yet."

Naruto now looked at Kakashi with a bit irate expression. Kakashi continued, "And then your kindness of not leaving the village. I know that once or twice this thought must have crossed your mind. I will not blame it nor say it was incorrect. But you haven't. You could have easily escaped being a shinobi that way. We know you can hide very well. I without any doubt can go as far as saying that you are one of the best in the village when it comes to being a spy and doing espionage activities…Not leaving was a result of your kind and soft side. You don't need to suppress or hide that side of yours."

Both were now looking at each other. Naruto exhaled to calm down a bit and then said, "Well that is not the complete truth. I won't deny that I don't have thoughts of fleeing…I had one recently a day or two before I graduated…I was lying under the shade of a tree during twilight. I watched some birds coming back to their nest. Then I came across a question I always had whenever I saw them…I always wonder why birds stay in the same place when they can fly anywhere they want…But that day was the first time I asked that same question to myself."

Naruto then turned and again viewed the village. Kakashi too was now looking at the village. He wanting to know what the blonde had to say, asked, "What answer did you arrive on then?"

Naruto remembering the events that mattered, in a sombre tone said, "Promises…A promise that I made to someone I can't forget…"

A new day, another D-rank mission for the team. This time they had taken up the notorious task of capturing the feudal lord's wife's cat, Tora. Like any other time all the while doing this mission, yes the team had done this mission quite often and the other teams too, had radio communications systems on them.

After searching for a while the team had got the position of the brown cat, with a red ribbon tied around one of her ears. Kakashi through his microphone asked, "All in position? over."

All of them were in distant positions from each other, either on the roof or the ground, surrounding the cat. "Affirmative. Over." Said Naruto with Sasuke and Sakura saying the same sentence.

Kakashi then said, "Sasuke go, capture it. over."

"Negative. over." Said the Uchiha with some distaste in his mouth.

"Mind explaining?" Asked Kakashi in a lazy tone.

Sasuke then complained, "It is always me holding that damn cat. It always scratches me. I am not doing it this time."

Kakashi sighed and then asked, "Sakura?"

"No, no, hell no. I don't want my skin to get scratched by those nails. That's not a cat it is a fur of trouble in disguise of a cat." Said Sakura fearing her skin would be harmed by the scratches.

Kakashi then turning to the last member said, "Naru…", he didn't need to complete his sentence. That's because he heard a loud screeching meow from the cat and knew the job was done. "Well assemble."

All three arrive at the spot where Naruto is. All were shocked to see the cat nuzzling Naruto while being in his hands. Sakura unable to keep her amazement any longer asked, "How the hell is she not scratching and hurting you?"

Naruto while rubbing the cat's head said, "I don't know maybe she likes me."

Sasuke getting out of his shock said, "The hell! This is not fair. The times I hold it she throws tantrums and scratches me. The moment you took hold she is nuzzling and purring…What was the loud screech in the start then, if she is so friendly to you?"

"The screech was due to immediately catching her. It surprised her. But after that one second, she has been acting like this…" The cat then started to lick Naruto's cheeks. As always, his whiskers felt the touch and he wasn't able to hide the ticklish feeling. "Tora stop…", he said while giggling a bit.

All the three again looked at the blonde now. Sasuke and Sakura were in astonishment at how the cat behaved, and also Naruto, as they had never seen him chuckle, and giddy truly ever before. Kakashi looked at it with delight as this was more like the kid that he used to handle. Kakashi then said, "Mission, Capturing Tora success. Now let's go to the Hokage tower to give Tora back to her owner and get another mission."

Team 7 had returned Tora to her owner. The owner, the wife of the Diyamo, had given the cat a bear hug and taken her. It was visible that the cat hated it and no wonder it ran away quite often.

Now the Hokage seeing the team free for another mission took out a scroll and started reading out, "So you could choose from fixing fences, or babysitting a councilor's year-old child, or taking some dogs for a walk, cleaning the…"

"Oi Jiji how about a real mission this time?" said Naruto in a bit irritated tone. A month of doing chores in the name of mission was kind of tiring.

Sasuke too was on the same page but won't say anything about it to their leader, the Hokage. Sakura wasn't against what Naruto said but she didn't like how he disrespected their leader. She thought the word Jiji was an insult to the age of their Hokage, by calling him grandfather. She in a bit loud tone said, "Naruto! Call him Lord Hokage or Hokage-sama. Don't disrespect our leader."

Naruto just scowled at the lecture of the pink-haired girl. While Hiruzen chuckled at this. He knew the reason why it was foreign to them Naruto referred to him as grandfather. Naruto while his team was around actually never spoke to the Hokage. It was mostly Kakashi doing the talking on what mission they would take.

Hiruzen then said, "It is okay Sakura. He has been calling me Jiji since he started to talk. And Naruto do I have to explain to you about the mission system?"

Sakura and Sasuke we a bit stunned to get the knowledge that Naruto called their leader his grandfather since he was a little kid. They had no idea that Naruto was close to the Hokage. On the other hand, Naruto getting more irritated, showed a tantrum. He sat on the ground and stubbornly said, "No, no, I am not accepting a chore this time. Doing it for the past months was enough. We all know that a real mission can only progress our growth now. I won't go or move till you give a real mission."

Kakashi just sighed at the display Naruto was showing now. "Naruto cut it out." That was all he said.

Hiruzen just chuckled a bit and asked, "Kakashi, do you think they are ready for a C-rank?"

Now all eyes were on the jonin. Kakashi thought about the question for a moment. 'Hymn are they ready?...All I have done is many teamwork exercises…It has increased by a very small factor…As far as skill goes, both Naruto and Sasuke should be able to handle a C-rank…The only thing is my inclination toward teamwork building has kind of kept their skill level the same. Sakura might have to be on her toes more than others. But it is a C-rank, I will also be there. What could possibly go wrong?'

"Yes Hokage-sama, I think team 7 can handle a C-rank mission." Said Kakashi.

All the three genins had their eyes lit up at the prospect of getting an actual mission. Hiruzen hummed and thought, 'It is true this team needed a real mission. I was just unable to decide when…Now let's see which mission looks good for a first C-rank…'

Hiruzen then said, "Okay team 7, I am assigning you all, your first C-rank mission. You Have to escort a bridge builder named Tazuna to his home in the Wave Country. And then also give him protection till the time the bridge is completed. It should be a month-long mission at most. So do you accept this mission?"

"Hai, Hokage-sama." Said Kakashi.

Hiruzen then said, "Bring Tazuna in." His personal Anbu understood it was an order to them and with that, one Anbu left to signal the client.

Moments later an old man entered the room. He had dark eyes and spectacles over them. His hair and beard are grey in color. He wore a dark sleeveless V-neck shirt with an obi and similar color pants. He also had a traditional kasa (straw hat) on him. The bridge builder was already preoccupied with chugging down a bottle of sake. After finishing it he took a look at the room. Even drunk he was able to add two with two. He then said, "Hey how do you expect me to believe these little kids can protect me? Are they even Ninja?"

All three genin let the insult from the drunk man slide. The Sandaime then said, "Tazuna-san you don't need to worry this is one of the best teams that I am offering you. Don't go by their ages, or else you will be too shocked."

Kakashi added to it, "And I too, a jonin, will also be accompanying. So, you are in safe hands."

Tazuna just gave another look to the three genin and then said, "Okay…Listen up you three. You have to protect me at any cost even if it means you have to put your life on the line."

"That's our duty." Said Sakura to end the conversation. In truth, none of them liked the current behavior of their client. And she knew that none of her other two teammates would reply.

Kakashi then said, "All pack equipment worth for a month and meet back in two hours, at the eastern gates to start our journey."

All three in unison said, "Hai."

Kakashi had done with his packing and was walking to the gates. In his mind, he was again thinking about his team and the mission. 'Well, I still think I would have said yes. But I have no idea why a part of me is a bit agitated. I mean it is a C-rank and my team should be capable of handling this even without me…I guess I am overthinking a bit.'

Similarly, the other members who would be accompanying the jonin on their way to the gates had their minds swimming across a lake of thoughts. Sakura had her mind tangled between her team, mostly about a specific member of the team. 'I can't believe it! Me and Sasuke-kun will be going on a trip out of the village…Ugh it would have been much better if it was only the two of us. But anyways I can just ignore the others and try harder to persuade Sasuke-kun for a date.'

On the other hand, Sasuke too thought about his teammate. But it wasn't Sakura. 'Naruto, what kind of puzzle are you? It is usually that a person after many observations comes to a conclusion. But the more I observe. The more varied conclusions I come up with. You always showed yourself as the dumbest. But you aren't, I know that now. In truth, I don't know where you rank, but I know one of your biggest weapons is your brain. Where do you rank? Where do I rank?...' His pride taking the better of him, 'What the hell am I thinking! How could I compare a Uchiha to a Uzumaki!'

The Uchiha had gone to the clan's library and searched for the clue Naruto had given him about his little prank. The clue is his name. He went through the pages of many books and finally found pages that gave him information. It was kind of a stun to him knowing that the blonde too was from a clan, a cousin clan of the Senju no less. He soaked in as much information as he could and got to know the trick Naruto used. Continuing his thoughts, 'I am the best amongst all the genin and chunins. And it won't take long to surpass the jonins of this village too…Just wait Itachi…I will be coming for you!'

Naruto too was immersed in his thoughts about his teammate and rival, 'Uchiha Sasuke, the Last Uchiha. Are we similar? Or opposites? It is hard to say. In terms of becoming a shinobi, we were nourished in a similar fashion. This resulted in us being good at most ninja skills. In some, you are better, while in some I am. Most of our spars result in ties. Which I truly wasn't expecting. Maybe it is because you have stopped underestimating me. Also, to be noted that our spars have solely been taijutsu, shurikenjutsu and kenjutsu…Even with a similar mentor in the past years, there is still one main thing that differs us. Our thinking…Now thinking of the mission, I hope it will be a memorable one. It is also the first time I will be going out of the village…I think things will be interesting.'

Tazuna who was at the gates already, stood against it and grimly looked at the path out of the hidden village. He had by some miracle able to make the deal he needed in the nearby commercial village. But he knew that the news of his absence from his home place won't be hidden for long. To get protection, he had arrived at the famous Konoha. The bridge builder could only think, 'I hope nothing much happens…God, give everyone the strength they need. I know some extent I am wrong, but I didn't have a choice. And damn my drunk mind! I should have been more adamant and asked for an older team. If something happens to one of these kids, I don't know if I can forgive myself.'

Now the bridge builder looked back at the village and saw the jonin walking towards the gates. Kakashi seeing their clients said, "Ahhh, Tazuna-san it seems you are quite eager to go home."

Tazuna fixed his glasses and just said, "Yes, I am."

Next arrived Sakura and she couldn't believe what she saw. Kakashi was on time! She with a surprised face went near Kakashi and poked the jonin a bit. She was bewildered at the confirmation that this was no illusion but the jonin himself. It was then she noticed the questioning look of the other two that were present. She gave out a nervous laugh and truthfully said, "Ah, haha…Sorry sensei I thought you were a bunshin or a genjutsu. Due to seeing you on time…It's not your thing you see…You should do this more often."

"Yare, yare, such low trust in me Sakura?" He said lazily.

"On the matter of being on time, the answer is yes." Said Sakura.

Kakashi noticed one thing, and said, "Well all that at the side. Now we should start our journey."

From two converging paths, from one came the Uchiha and the other the Uzumaki. Both looked at each other while walking towards the rest. It was enough for the two to convey the sentence running in their mind. 'Dobe/Teme this mission will show why I am the better one.'

Kakashi seeing all members of this team had arrived said, "All of you have a last check of your backpack. And if there is anything you can't find which should be there. Go and bring it as fast as possible."

While Sasuke and Sakura checked through their backpacks, rattling sounds came as they checked their supplies. On the other hand, Naruto just looked at the various seals drawn in the interior of his backpack. Kakashi seeing all were done with their last checks said, "All right then, we begin our mission of protecting Tazuna now." With that, all of them started their journey to the Wave country.

The group had been traveling for quite a while now. The journey till now had been a quiet one. Most of the members didn't mind it. Rather they liked it. Tazuna wanted to avoid talking as much as possible. Kakashi was able to read his book in silence. Naruto and Sasuke could have their mind thinking on various things while also keeping a check on the surroundings. The only person who had the silence getting into their mind was Sakura. She felt it was very awkward for a journey to be quiet and without a conversation.

With that Sakura asked, "Say Tazuna-san you are from the Wave country, right?"

Tazuna said, "Yes, what about that?"

"I was just curious if the Wave country has a ninja village?"

Kakashi was the one who replied to this, "The answer to this is no. Maintaining a ninja village is an expensive process at the start when missions aren't being issued. The five Great nations along with some smaller villages are only able to afford to establish these shinobi systems. Many smaller nations like the wave aren't able to start a ninja system."

Tazuna hummed in approval at the explanation. Sakura also nodded. Going a few steps forward there was something that caught the eyes of three in the group. Kakashi, Naruto, and Sasuke all noticed two puddles at the opposite edges of the path. It was a sunny day with no history of rain in the past week. There wasn't a chance of a puddle to be made, naturally. None of them showed they had noticed it. All walked forward.

Kakashi was at the hindmost position. As soon as he passed the two puddles. Two ninjas came out of it. Both wore an all-black get-up with black tattered cloaks and a mask with an air passage section on it. Both had their Hitai-ate around their forehead, one had a one-horn-like feature, while the other had two horns. They each had one arm coved by a big metallic claw-like structure attachment to their hand. It had a hole through which a spiked chain-like structure came that connected both their mechanical appendages.

The two ninjas using this chain wrapped it around the jonin who appeared shocked. The next moment Kakashi was squeezed to death scattering blood and flesh everywhere. Tazuna was shocked to the core on seeing this. The jonin was supposed to be his surety of his safety. But he had faded away so easily. Sakura seeing her sensei being split into many pieces froze due to utter tremor.

It was only Naruto and Sasuke who had been able to see what had happened. But they too had a varied reaction. The reason they had been able to see the hidden tricks was because of their dojutsu. Both of them, due to the sudden actions, involuntarily activated their Sharingan and deactivated it the next second. All this happened simultaneously.

Sasuke thought it was his skill and instinct that enabled him to perceive the trick and predict the moves of the enemies. As he still didn't have the knowledge, he already had his clan's dojutsu. With that, he jumped into action. While on the other hand, Naruto knew what had just happened. He saw the slowed movements of both the ninjas. He knew no one could have seen the momentary change in his eyes, due to the genjutsu on his eyes. But just activating it, even involuntarily felt so wrong, that he shut his eyes. He with the help of his Sharingan had predicted few moves. So with shut eyes, he went into action. Quite illogical of him.

Both of them had identified the spike chain as the main threat. The two threw a kunai at it. The only problem was, that both threw the kunai at the same point. Instead of embedding the chain in a trunk of a tree, the two kunai collided with each other.

Sasuke saw what happened and looked at the blonde. He was stumped to see Naruto had his eyes closed with a bit bitter expression on his face. 'What the hell is he doing?! Is he scared?' There was not much time before the two ninjas closed on them. He threw another kunai this time it made the chain embed into a trunk. This forced the ninjas to disconnect their chains. Sasuke by then had also yelled, "Sakura guard Tazuna."

Naruto opened his eyes after the moment he heard the sound of metal clashing. He had expected the chain to be gone. But it was not. He didn't stress on it and had started preparing for his next moves. But his reaction time was slower than Sasuke's, due to which the Uchiha took charge and gave the order to the pink-haired girl.

Sakura had taken out a kunai and stood in front of Tazuna as she was said. Sasuke took a forward approach and jumped to make a kick on the ninja in his way. On the other hand, Naruto had taken a step back giving him some more distance for the ninja to come and he waited for the attacker to come closer. He then jumped and had a perfect kick placement to the head of his opponent. This was because the ninja thought that Naruto was going defensive due to his step back, he hadn't expected the sudden kick. The ninja received a painful blow to his head, lost his balance, and impacted his head to the ground. Rendering him unconscious.

While on the other hand, the ninja attacking Sasuke had anticipated the kick perfectly. He dodged it. However, he didn't stop and attacked back. He kept moving forward towards, Tazuna and Sakura. Sasuke and Naruto saw this and immediately started to take action. Sasuke shunshined himself in front of Sakura and waited for the leaping ninja to close in. While Naruto was in the middle of the action of throwing four kunais at the ninja.

Naruto had to immediately stop his action as the ninja was stopped. The attacking ninja was stopped by none other than the silver-haired jonin. Kakashi out of nowhere came in front of Sasuke and with a single arm held the ninja by his neck. The ninja was choking now. And Kakashi did chock the ninja to unconsciousness.

Kakashi dropped the ninja and lazily looked at the unconscious bodies. Before he could proceed, he heard a loud shriek.

"Kakashi sensei, you are alive! But you-you were…" Said a frantic Sakura and then looked at the place where Kakashi had been attacked, instead of human flesh there were many pieces of wood.

"As you can see, I had used kamiwari with a log and then cast a genjutsu, showing that I was indeed killed." Said Kakashi. With that, he went on to tie the two ninjas, who he had identified.

Sasuke looked at the direction of the Uzumaki. He thought he had figured out the reason why Naruto had closed his eyes. With a smug smirk, he said, "Yo! What got to you, that you closed your eyes?…Or rather what scared you? You scaredy Cat!"

Naruto didn't look at the emo. With anger noticeable in his voice, he said, "Temee! Shut up!"

"Cut it out you two. There is no need to quarrel now." Said Kakashi while tying the two ninjas. But before he could complete his work, he was again interrupted. Tazuna being a bit irate said, "If you had anticipated this and could dodge. Why didn't you come earlier and finish the job? Why did you let the kids do the fighting?"

Kakashi then glanced at the bridge builder with his eye scanning anything it could. He then said, "Well there were two reasons. First, I needed to know how would my team react. You all did commendable work. Good job. Also, I needed to know who was their target…So Tazuna-san, mind explaining to me why the demon brothers from Kiri are behind you?"

"Wh-what do you mean?" Asked Tazuna who sweated a bit now.

While Sakura asked, "Sensei, you know about these two?"

In a serious tone Kakashi said, "Yes, I do. These two are called as the demon brothers of Kiri, the hidden village of The Water Country. They are rouge chunin. That is, they are somewhat dangerous. They aren't normal bandits, and they were going for a kill…So Tazuna I ask you one more time. Why were they after you? If they were after us for any grudge against our village then they would have stopped and tried to kill and not dodge and go ahead."

"I am telling you I have no idea." Said Tazuna frantically.

"This mission automatically does to a B-rank. Which is beyond what our village was paid for. We will have to leave according to protocol." said Kakashi.

Sakura with an apologetic face and tone said, "Sorry Tazuna-san we are just fresh genin. We aren't at this level yet."

While Sakura had been intimidated by the word B-rank. Naruto and Sasuke wanted to know more before reaching a decision. Both of them eyed at the bridge builder. Kakashi in a warning tone said, "Tazuna I am giving you the last chance to explain your position…Spit it out."

Tazuna contemplated a bit. He sighed and then said, "Fine…Do you know about Gato."

Kakashi then asked, "You mean the Shipping tycoon Gato?"

In a grim tone, Tazuna continued, "Yes that one…Well, you see over a year ago he set eyes on our country for trade. We are a small island country with not many villages and don't have a united organization amongst them. It was easy for him to come and set up his business. We all thought that prosperity would arrive. Instead, he ran a regimen of terror and illicit activities, like drug dealings, trafficking, and more. He was also draining our country of what little economy and resources we had. As I said we are an island nation so the person who controls the sea, controls the nation. He was exploiting us…To stop this we decided to build a bridge so we could fight back, with me being in charge of making the bridge. The bridge would help us connect to the mainland. Directly with your Fire country and indirectly with the other ones. But as soon as Gato got to know about this, he tried to suppress us. But some like me haven't stopped. And lately, he has identified me as the main person in building the bridge. He isn't mistaken in identifying me…But now he is after my life. And I do not doubt that he was the one who hired these two to finish me."

"Hymn it is interesting how this information wasn't caught by us…You should have told the truth to Hokage-sama. I have no doubt he would have found a way to help you and your country." Said Kakashi.

"Gato has cut all kinds of passage for the people of the wave to go out. It was a miracle that I was able to find ways to do so. And yes, you are right, I should have told the truth to the Hokage. But to relieve my stress, I drank a bit too hard. I was drunk and took some wrong steps." Admitted Tazuna.

Tazuna joined his hand and pleaded, "But please don't leave now. I beg you! I will certainly be killed. This bridge is the last hope for our survival. If I go then the bridge also goes away. I beg you please don't leave."

Kakashi sighed and then turned to his students, "Hymn...I think you three should go back to the village. I will handle this problem. But I will give you the choice to select what you all to do. So, what do you all want?" Internally Kakashi hoped that they would go back and inform the Hokage, while he alone would go with Tazuna to solve this situation in the wave.

Sakura then with a bit sad tone said, "It is not like we could make any difference. I mean we are just genin."

Naruto with a determined voice said, "Before you start anything, you should learn how to finish it. Tazuna is determined to finish the bridge that he started. And I am determined to finish the mission I requested and started. Don't expect me to back out."

"Neither am I ready to back out." Said Sasuke.

Sakura looked at both with disbelief at the confidence both held. Kakashi to have surety of what they said, asked, "Aren't both of you scared?"

Sasuke just shook his head. While Naruto said, "Scared of who?...I walk around disliked and I am still untouched."

Kakashi hummed and said, "Well it is a two is to one case. Tazuna all of us will be continuing our mission. You are in luck."

Tazuna bowed down and said, "Thanks for this decision. Whatever happens I will forever be in debt to all of you."

A few hours later

In a small lair deep in the woods, on a couch sat a muscular man. And in front of him stood a dwarf man in a formal attire consisting of a suit set. He had light brown shaggy hair. He also wore sunglasses. Behind him stood two large men, the dwarf man's bodyguard. This dwarf was Gato himself.

Gato had an irritated mood. He then said, "I had paid to kill that bridge builder. And that hasn't happened. What do you have to say for that?"

The man in a dangerous voice said, "Well I hadn't expected him to hire protection for himself. So I sent people who I thought could do the job."

"Now what are you planning to do? I am not paying my installments if the work isn't done." Said Gato.

"I will go by myself this time." Said the man on the couch.

Gato scoffed and then said, "Are you sure? Reports say Tazuna has hired a highly skilled jonin. Can you take him on?"

Gato now whimpered back a bit. This was because a large, no, a humongous sword was held in front of him.

The man still holding the huge sword said, "I too am a jonin don't forget that. And don't doubt me. Also, now the task of killing the bridge builder will cost you more. Four times the original deal…No negotiations."

Reaching the coast they all found a fisherman with his boat waiting for them. Tazuna had made the arrangement of it. All of them sat on the boat. Though it had a motor engine they didn't use it. It would have made a lot of sound, giving away their location. The two countries were separated by a strait, whose waters were usually calm. However, for some reason, there was light mist in the area.

Tazuna in the middle of their journey suddenly said, "I still can't really understand why and how you still agreed to come along. But regardless of that, I would again like to thank all of you for helping me to complete this bridge."

He had finished while also pointing at one structure in the middle of the sea. Showing off his bridge. All four shinobi looked at the massive pillars and the platform which it supported. They were amazed by the marvel the man was able to build at the location. Naruto was the first to speak, still looking at the structure through the mist, he said, "Have to give it to you. This is one heck of a bridge."

It was Sakura who spoke with awe, "The bridge is so big, and tall. How did you manage to make this?"

Sasuke just hummed in appreciation. Kakashi added, "It is quite a thing you have built."

Tazuna having a prideful smile said, "They don't call me the master bridge builder for nothing." With that, he gave out a small laugh.

As soon as they reached the shore, they got off the boat. And then the fisherman said, "All the best to all of you. And be careful."

All of them nodded while Tazuna also expressed his gratitude, "Thank you for the ride."

The fisherman who had already pushed his boat back to the sea said, "You can thank me by completing that bridge. You are that thing which is the last hope of this country."

Tazuna showed a thump up. He then turned his attention to Team 7 and said, "My home is a little further along the shore from

here. We should first go there and have some rest."

All nodded and started to go along the shore. It had been not much time since they had been walking. Naruto found it interesting how calm the sea was and normal vegetation not very far and little to no sand on the ground, and a thin layer of grass all around. He just took a glance at a bush to his right. He felt like something moved there. Within a split second took a kunai and threw it in that direction.

This action surprised all the others. Sakura immediately yelled, "Naruto don't scare us like that."

Naruto didn't pay attention. He wanted to know if his instinct was right or not. He went towards the bush. Sakura not liking the fact she was ignored, was about to yell again. Before she could speak Naruto peeked behind the bush. A white rabbit jumped out of the bush and it was trembling a bit.

"Naruto look you scared that poor rabbit!" Scolded Sakura.

Naruto again didn't pay attention to his teammate but headed forward kneeled down and extended his hand towards the rabbit. He then said, "Forgive me. I was just a bit too attentive I guess."

Naruto just crouched down at looked at the rabbit that froze due to fear. For some reason he was intrigued. On the other hand, Kakashi was thinking about an odd thing that didn't fit in his mind. 'A white rabbit at this time of the year. It's summer now and the color of a wild rabbit should be brown…Unless it was raised in captivity and brought to used kamiwari!'

Naruto at the same time of Kakashi's realization said, "You have white fur…Wait white!" The realization hit him hard as came to the same reasoning as Kakashi. The jonin then yelled, "Everyone, duck and take cover!"

All followed the order. And his call was right. As a large sharp object came in like a shuriken which would have cut them into two. The blade was a very large sword. The length with its handle was as much as that of an average male human and the width too was about a foot. The sword had a circular hole near its end and a semi-circular curvature at the handle end.

All of them were down on the ground. They looked at the huge sword stuck to a tree. Naruto was nearest to the sword. The rabbit was long gone fearing its life. Naruto looked at the sword. He just thought, 'My tanto is like a matchstick compared to the size of this blade.' While getting up he carefully looked at the blade and recognized it, and what it meant. With complete shock in his eyes, he subconsciously said, "Th-this is Kubikiribōchō."

The next second a man shunshined near the blade. The said man within a split second kicked the nearest person, which was Naruto. The kick was packed with a lot of strength and made contact with the blonde's chest. Naruto tried to defend but he wasn't fast enough, this was also due to him being stunned on realizing who he was facing. The kick sent Naruto tumbling and skidding back across the ground where the rest of his team and Tazuna were. Kakashi caught Naruto before he could tumble and skid more. Kakashi helped Naruto stand. But Naruto quickly fell down to his knees coughing out blood from his mouth. All the others except Kakashi saw this with horror in their eyes. Naruto was kicked and punched many times but never this hard. He wiped his mouth and looked at his opponent.

The man with a single hand took out the sword stuck in the trunk of the tree. The man in front of them was muscular and hadn't worn a shirt, just some leather straps to hold his huge sword. He wore blue colored striped pants. He had cow-skinned arm and leg warmers. The man had short black spiky hair, dark brown eyes, and short eyebrows. He also had a mask made of bandages that covered his mouth and surrounding areas. He wore the Hidden Mist village's Hitai-ate sidewards, around his head.

In a serious tone, Kakashi identifying the man just said, "Momochi Zabuza…Demon of the Hidden Mist." 'This easily turns the mission to an A-rank. Encountering a higher A-class shinobi, now a rouge ninja. A former hunter ninja of the Hidden Mist Village (Kiri) and one of the seven ninja swordsmen of the Mist.'

The assailant in a deep tone said, "Well, well, well, it seems you know me, Copy Ninja Hatake Kakashi."

Kakashi scoffed a bit and said, "It would be foolish of me if I did not keep information about shinobi like you."

Zabuza hummed a bit and then said, "We don't need to fight Kakashi. My target is the bridge builder. Hand him over to me and I won't attack you or your genins."

Kakashi looked back at Tazuna and Sakura who were trembling. Sasuke who too trembled a bit due to the killing intent by both the jonins were releasing now. He glanced at his side now at Naruto. He couldn't help but with shock thought, 'What the Hell?! He is smiling! In such a dangerous situation.'

Naruto had got composure of himself after the pain had relived a bit. Naruto very well knew the information and accolades of Momochi Zabuza. Naruto still couldn't help but madly grin. Something about this life-threatening situation had made him feel alive. He then brought full composure to his face too and stopped the grin, which only Kakashi had seen.

Kakashi just said, "Sorry no can do."

"Fine then…" With that Zabuza ran to the sea. All except Kakashi and Naruto were surprised to see their enemy able to walk on water. It was a common technique all ninjas knew except fresh genin, who weren't or didn't train on all aspects.

Zabuza had taken a stance and was getting ready to attack. Sasuke and Sakura had taken out a kunai. While Naruto had unsheathed his tanto. He accepted it was a crazy idea but he wanted to use his tanto. Kakashi was ahead of all and facing towards Zabuza. He held out his hand and said, "None of you will engage in battle. That's an order. He is strong. It will be difficult for me also. Unless I use…"

On the order, Naruto had sheathed his tanto. But the other two genin hadn't kept their weapon. Kakashi proceeds to shift the cloth of his Hitai-ate that covers his left eye. He then showed his left eye which had a red iris and had three tomes on it. It was his Sharingan.

Zabuza in an excited tone said, "Ahhh…So you are taking out that eye so early. I am honored. Now show me why they call you Kakashi of the Sharingan."

Hearing The name of his clan's dojutsu Sasuke moved a bit and saw the sharingan Kakashi had. He could only think, 'How the hell does he have the Sharingan!' Due to the amount of killing intent in the air was still making all except the jonin and Naruto tremble. Sasuke without knowledge was about to slice his thigh. Kakashi noticed this and said, "Sasuke calm down!...Don't worry…I will never let my comrades die."

Hearing that all the others relaxed a bit. Kakashi then took a few steps forward and took a similar stance as Zabuza. Zabuza then said, "Suiton: Kirigakur no Jutsu (Hidden Mist Technique)"

The area was starting to be surrounded by a layer of mist. Kakahi then said, "Three of you form the Manji formation around Tazuna. And be on your toes. Zabuza is the master of silent killing."

All three had complied with Kakashi's order, and now were surrounding Tazuna. As if Zabuza's voice was echoing around, "Eight points, liver, lungs, spine, clavicle vein, jugular vein, brain, kidneys and the heart. Which one should I strike?"

Naruto went through a set of hand seals and was about to perform his jutsu. But suddenly he felt someone breathing near his neck. Zabuza had easily penetrated their defensive formation. He was just behind Naruto and face near his ear, he said, "What do you think? I will give you a chance to complete whatever jutsu you were trying."

Naruto quickly took out a kunai and turned to strike. But he had to stop. This was because Kakashi had already jumped in where Zabuza was and sliced him. Zabuza had exploded into a mass of water after Kakashi's attack. Naruto and Sasuke mused at this, 'A mizu bunshin (water clone)'

Kakashi then came forward a bit away from his team. He then mockingly said, "Come on Zabuza where are you? Scared to come out?"

Zabuza then shunshined behind Kakashi and using his huge sword he sliced Kakashi from the middle. Surprise, surprise that too was a Mizu Bunshin. Zabuza gave out a chuckle and said, "Already copied a jutsu."

Kakashi then jumped from a tree and attempted a strong kick to the head. Zabuza easily blocked it with his free arm. While Kakashi was still in midair. Zabuza turned around and swung the flat side of his sword at Kakashi. Kakashi was able to hold off any pain but couldn't nullify the momentum. With that, he was thrown into the sea. Before he could stand up and scan what was coming for him. Zabuza had appeared behind him and said, "It's over…Water is my territory…Now watch with horror…Suiton: Suirou no Jutsu (Water Style: Water Prison Technique)"

The water around Kakashi started to rise and formed a spherical prison around him. He was detained in that sphere now. He tried to move a bit but wasn't able to. Zabuza then said, "You can't escape this water sphere, Kakashi. Though it is water I have modified it so that it is harder than steel…But I have also modified it so you could speak to your genin…Now scream. I want to hear your agony."

Kakashi didn't let his mind get rattled due to the taunt. He genuinely said, "The three of you run. Take Tazuna and run. You all are no match for him. Get out of here!"

Sakura and Tazuna had completely lost their cool when Kakashi had been captured. Naruto and Sasuke too were also a bit rattled as they hadn't expected Kakashi to get stuck in such a way. But the two boys maintained their cool.

Zabuza sensing the overall feeling, gave out a laugh, an intimidating one. He then said, "You all are no ninja. Just brats who think after knowing some things you can go out and start playing ninja-ninja…When I was your age, I already had blood on my hands. You all are pathetic."

Sasuke getting a bit angry at the dig said, "What do you mean?!"

It was Naruto who gave a reply, "Sasuke don't let him get into your head…One misstep from us then we are done for…After all, we are dealing with a former member of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist."

It seemed Sakura hadn't processed what Naruto said. As she her reply to the taunt was, "Whoever he is! We are not gonna fall for your lies and we are full-fledged ninja."

Zabuza again laughed at the girl's comment. Naruto getting a bit angry at the wrong interpretation of his sentence, shows a bit angry eyes to the girl that shuts her up. Naruto then said, "What he said wasn't a lie…Unlike our graduation, the mist years ago had a test where all the students had to fight each other brutally sometimes even to death to pass…In one slot there was a kid that killed hundreds of his classmates to pass…And since that day the mist village disbanded that test and that kid earned the name Demon of the Hidden Mist."

Both Sakura's and Tazuna's eyes widened in shock at the information they heard. Sasuke too was shocked but didn't show it. Zabuza laughed even harder. He then stopped and said, "Th-that day felt so…good…Hey blonde gaki you are quite well informed and you also knew the name of my sword, you sure are something…That's why you will be going down first."

Zabuza made a mizu bunshin while keeping his concentration and contact with his spherical water prison. Kakashi in a desperate tone yelled, "Naruto take everyone and get the hell out of here. That's an order!"

Naruto still remained unfazed. Not willing to sacrifice the man who had taken care of him since his birth. But the other two genin had mixed feelings. This was turned around when Tazuna said, "This all is my fault…Forget about me and do what you need to…and that is freeing your Sensei."

Naruto bringing out a familiar cross-hand sign made many kage bunshin while saying, "Sensei did you forget what you taught us in our bell test?! Sasuke be ready to go into action."

"Damn it Naruto. This is not the time to be a hero! The mizu bunshin can't go too far. Just run." Yelled Kakashi. While Sasuke nodded to Naruto's statement.

Naruto just said, "No can do that." With that, all of the kage bunshins, about twenty, ran towards the mizu bunshin. All the kage bunshin were now over the mizu bunshin. Zabuza's clone easily pushed all of them off him. Naruto while sliding back due to the pushes took out a foldable fuma shuriken from his bag, while the bunshins had disappeared. Naruto yelled, "Sasuke!"

Sasuke then then unfolded it and locked it. He jumped high and then threw the fuma shuriken. The shuriken travelled towards the Mizu bunshin. But it swinged and changed direction mid-air and went for Zabuza. He just calmly said, "Ahhh…so targeting me directly."

One of Zabuza's hands was used up in controlling the jutsu he had cast. With his free hand, he easily caught the fuma shuriken. All, except two, saw this with dread as they thought the attack had failed. Zabuza was about to give another taut but he saw ahead another fuma shuriken heading towards him. He in an appreciative tone said, "So you had hid another skuriken in the first one's shadow…"

Tazuna and Sakura were again seeing with hope. When the fuma shuriken came near Zabuza, he simply jumped up and let the shuriken fly behind him. Zabuza then said, "You all are too naïve." Hope was soon turned into horror. But Sasuke smirked. That is because their plan had worked.

Zabuza then heard a poof sound from behind. He turned and saw the blonde, mid-air holding three kunais in a single hand. The others too were surprised at what they were seeing. But before anyone could ask anything, Naruto threw the three kunai towards Zabuza. There wasn't much distance between them…Zabuza had to act fast. This resulted in him losing concentration and letting his jutsu go. A kunai has also been able to draw out some blood from the area near his eye. Zabuza with all anger in his eyes looked at Naruto, who was now submerged in the sea.

Kakashi as soon he was out of his captivity jumped towards the shore, which was more difficult than he had expected. Being pressed for such a long time had made him a bit numb. This resulted in his jump not being able to reach the shore. He was now kneeling on the water's surface.

Zabuza though didn't act on this. He with anger now looked at Sasuke. His question was asked by an astonished Sakura, "How?"

Sasuke still looking forward said, "That second shuriken was Naruto henged into it all this time. While the one here was a kage bunshin." Tauntingly he then said, "So Zabuza how do you feel now being outsmarted by genin. Now Kakashi is out. He will annihilate you."

Tazuna in a bit reprimanding voice yelled, "Brat don't get so cocky. This was just a fluke that worked." Sakura on hearing this didn't say anything but thought, 'You can say it was a fluke if you want but it was astounding how those two were able to formulate a plan and execute it. That two without saying more than one word!'

Zabuza gave out a good laugh and said, "What do you think Kakashi can move now? He is numb after being in my jutsu. He won't be able to move properly for a few minutes now. He is no threat to me now."

Sasuke's eyes had widened now. He took a look at Kakashi and saw what Zabuza said was true. His brain running through thoughts like, 'Is it over?...Was our plan nothing but a delay to your deaths?...I can't die now. I still need to fulfill my goal. I can't die now!' Kakashi just gritted his teeth. Sakura and Tazuna were again trembling now. Zabuza in a haunting voice said, "So who will die first…Is it you, you emo?...Or the blondie?"

All then realized one thing. Naruto was nowhere in sight. Zabuza in an irritated tone said, "Where is that blonde bastard?!"

Immediately, out of the sea, a hand with fingerless gloves came out and grabbed one of Zabuza's ankles. Zabuza in a blink of an eye was pulled into the deep sea. All had got their answer but were too stumped to think anything.

Naruto originally after throwing the kunai had planned, would jump out of action. Letting their sensei complete the job. He had immediately caught the odd movements of the leaf jonin. He then swiftly thought, 'Sensei can't fight immediately. I will have to buy some time. I too know how to walk on water but that's no good. If sensei couldn't defeat him on water then how can I?...' Naruto's mind came across an idea, which made him smirk.'…If I can't fight him on water, then how about in water?'

Naruto then allowed himself to sink a bit. While in mind saying, 'Suimenka no Kisoku (Breathing Underwater Technique)' His idea was to fight underwater. Chakra which helped them be afloat by releasing it via the feet. The same could be used as a propulsion system underwater. And also, he knew Zabuza couldn't use his sword effectively underwater. The reason is that the buoyant force on it will be quite large due to its huge volume. The difference in weight he would feel, would undoubtedly cause him problems. His tanto won't be affected as much as Zabuza's sword. He tried to get accustomed to the propulsions via chakra emission from his feet. And then went where Zabuza was.

Zabuza saw he was pulled into the deep sea. There weren't many fish there just blue water all around and a dark abyss below, not showing the sea bed. Zabuza too subconsciously had activated the underwater breathing technique. He then thought, 'I am sure something pulled me…Or did I lose my chakra control?' He then started to swim towards the surface. All of a sudden, he saw the blonde who had a grin on his face bolt towards him.

Naruto using his speed in water then kicked on Zabuza's face and sent him deeper down. Zabuza felt his anger surpass its limits. He then turned his head looking at the blonde who was now going along an arc. He just thought, 'How the hell is this bastard able to swim this fast?!' He then saw Naruto unsheathed his tanto. He mockingly thought, 'So you wanna play kenjutsu now kid? Bring it on!'

Naruto was now going along a long arc to gather speed. He knew that Zabuza's slice would be very fast, more than he would usually do. He didn't want to give the Mist jonin a lot of reaction time. Zabuza stayed in his place and prepared for an upward swing. He wanted to cut the blonde into two and send it to upward so it would teach the other genin, not to mess with him. Naruto now had started his approach towards Zabuza. When Zabuza felt the time was right he swung his sword, with one hand in total confidence. He was shocked when his sword went too fast. The swing was done before Naruto could come in range. At this, Zabuza thought, 'Shit!', due to his missed swing his full upper body was open for a strike.

On the other hand Naruto thought, 'Now!', with that he increased his propulsion and closed in. Zabuza tried to lean back and dodge but was only able to keep the cut a bit but not too shallow. Naruto went for a downward slice, giving Zabuza's entire upper body a diagonal cut, releasing a lot of blood. He then bolted out of there to escape any counterattacks.

Naruto again repeating the process went in an arc. He saw Zabuza still not changing his place. The water near Zabuza had gotten red now. This time Naruto closed in with a varying speed to confuse Zabuza. But this time Zabuza faked a slight swing of his sword. By which he predicted Naruto's path. He then caught the boy by his neck. Now he didn't just want to kill Naruto.

He wanted to break the blonde into a thousand pieces for what he had done. Keeping Naruto at a suitable height. He first punched Naruto straight in the face. Breaking his nose. Zabuza caught the boy before he could drift too far away. He then kicked Naruto in his chest, at the exact same place where he had already placed a kick. This also sent Naruto speeding to and out of the surface.

Above all the four were in suspense of what was happening. When the blood had started to make one area of the sea red, their blood started to run cold. After a while, they saw Naruto blasting out of the surface. All saw Naruto kneel down on the surface of the water and again cough out blood like he did a while ago. But this time he did this continuously and also the amount of blood flowing was way more. They then noticed the slightly crooked bleeding nose of the blonde.

They themselves had confirmed that the blood they had seen was of Naruto's. Then Zabuza came out on the surface. All first looked at his eyes that bore anger. Wait no, it was fury. They then took a look at the long cut across his torso, blood still dripping out of it. They all took notice that Naruto's tanto was unsheathed and in his hands. The implication blew away everyone's mind.

Naruto was still knelling down and coughing. The sea near Naruto and his hand covering his mouth had become red due to the amount of blood flowing out. He thought he heard someone mention him. But he didn't pay attention. He was too occupied in his coughing. He just thought, 'Damn this internal bleeding…I must have lost quite an amount of blood by now.' His instincts kicked in and he looked up. He saw Zabuza in a dangerously close proximity.

All saw Zabuza making a run toward Naruto. The boy was still kneeling down, his nostrils and mouth flooding out blood. Unknown of the danger racing towards him. They all yell his name out trying to get his attention, but their attempts were in vain. Subconsciously Naruto's sharingan, under the genjutsu got activated. Naruto tumbled backward on the surface. He was only able to bring his tanto up to protect himself due to his sharingan he perceived the world at a slower pace.

Zabuza had packed a lot of strength in the strike. His whole body cried for revenge for his humiliation. The two blades collided. And clang! Naruto's tanto snaped. After a long while Naruto felt, he was going to die. This time he did feel some fright, some euphoria, and a lot of adrenaline. He saw the huge sword come down on him in slow motion, thanks to his dojutsu. He just thought, 'Sharingan, how cruel! Showing me, my death in slow motion…'

Just an inch apart from slicing the Uzumaki into two, the blade was stopped. Kakashi somehow managed to run the distance and catch the sword, by the upper hole it had. Zabuza was surprised to see Kakashi move he had predicted it would take more time for him to move. Zabuza in an extremely angry tone said, "Kakashi go back and let me kill this little blonde bastard. I will let all of you go just let me slice him into two."

Kakashi in a dead serious tone and eyes filled with rage said, "Don't even think about touching him anymore…If you touch him one more time…I will slice you into a billion pieces."

Kakashi then kicked Zabuza, making the latter skid back. Kakashi then said, "Naruto you did very well, just try to go to the shore as soon as possible. I will handle him from now."

Naruto nodded and started walking towards his team and Tazuna. On reaching there, two of the three looked at Naruto in awe and astonishment. He was not coughing now but blood still flowed out of his nostrils. He then said, "Stop staring and bandage me one of you."

Sakura took out her bandages and knelt down as Naruto sat on the ground. Sakura knew she had to straighten the nose and then bandage it but was a bit afraid. Naruto interpreted this and he did that task himself. Sakura getting a bit creeped out said, "Naruto don't do that too much…It won't be fixed then."

Naruto then said, "I saved you some part…now apply the ointment and bandage fast." Sakura nodded and proceeded to clean the stream of blood from Naruto's mouth and nostrils and then applied the ointment and bandage. Sasuke just looked at the blonde with a mixture of jealousy and appreciation.

In the fight both the jonin now had completed a big set of hand-seals. Zabuza had seen the last few seals that Kakashi used and internally said, 'He is copying my hand movement!'

Both said, "Suiton: Suiryuudan no Jutsu (Water Style: Water Dragon Projectile Technique)"

The next moment two large columns of water rose with a dragon head on them. The two water dragons danced around each other, attacking each other and cancelling out each other.

Zabuza made some movements and Kakashi did the same. Zabuza again started to go through hand seals and Kakashi went through the same hand seals.

In an irritated voice, Zabuza said, "My moves. He is…"

"Reading them." Completed Kakashi.

"Is he reading my mind?" Zabuza thought out aloud.

"Yes, and that is pissing you off a ton." Said Kakashi, again finishing Zabuza's sentence.

"Shut up all you are doing is coping me." Yelled Zabuza.

Kakashi had done the hand seals at a faster pace and completed the jutsu. So instead of a taunt, he said, "Suiton: Daibakufu no Jutsu (Water Style: Gaint Vortex Jutsu)"

A water vortex was formed and its size kept increasing and then swirling water rose and started to make its way towards Zabuza. The Jutsu hit him at his dead center. The water took him and slammed him against a big tree trunk.

Kakashi had jumped on the tree which Zabuza was slammed into. Zabuza just asked, "How?!...Can you see the future?"

Kakashi replied, "Yes…And this is your last battle."

Kakashi had taken out kunai to end things. But before he could do anything Zabuza was hit by two senbons at his neck. He fell to the ground now completely immobile. All looked at the direction from where the senbons came from.

Standing on another tree was a person wearing a green haori and brown striped pants that stopped at the knees. Around his waist a brown sash with a fringed trail wrapped around his waist twice. He also wore light-brown platoon sandals. He also had a white porcelain mask with small curved eye slits. The mask also had the symbol of the hidden mist.

The person said, "Thank you for your help. It has been quite a while since I am hunting him down. The Mist village apologies for the trouble he must have caused."

Shunshining in front of Zabuza now the person was about to leave. When Kakashi said, "Wait I would like to check his vitals before you mister tracker take him away."

"Sure." Said the person.

Kakashi checked the vitals and he couldn't feel anything. "Okay, you can take him."

With that, the tracker left with Zabuza. Kakashi covered his sharingan and then looked at his team. He looked at Sakura, 'Well she followed all orders given to her even when she was scared, I have to give that to her.' Focusing on Sasuke he thought, 'He kept his cool and regained whenever he lost it. He had a great planning with Naruto and execution of the plan.'

He then looked at Naruto who had stopped coughing, all bleeding stopped and his nose was bandaged. He thought, 'It took me a while but I now know what you did and what you thought…People in the village like to call Sasuke a generational prodigy but you just fought like one… What you did was brilliant.'

He then asked, "Naruto will you be able to walk?"

Naruto replied, "Yes."

"Fine then let's go." Said Kakashi. After taking one step Kakashi fell to the ground. But before he went unconscious, he was able to say, "Chakra exhaustion."

Naruto in a deadpan expression said, "And here he was asking me…Oi emo and Tazuna-san could you carry sensei? I would but it won't be preferable to immediately stress my body."

Tazuna said, "Sure why not."

Sasuke reluctantly nodded. With that, they continued their journey.

Thanks for reading and criticism is welcomed.