Uzushio
"Hiruzen thinks he can trap me with these childish plays." Naruto spoke as he sat on top of Kurama meditating and thinking about the team training he had with the genin teams.
He has come here to free his mind because Kakashi informed them that they will be leaving for a mission tomorrow morning.
What that mission is yet to be told.
He opened his eyes to see the ruins of Uzushio. He looked at how the enemy came and raped his home.
If it wasn't for Lord Aizen everything would have been destroyed. These barriers and the environment around Uzushio have preserved their history.
It was impossible for anyone to survive the stormy weather and wild Whirlpools that surrounded Uzushio. It was like the very sea is angry at what happened and it probably is.
And even if you somehow managed to get past that the barriers won't let you enter the island.
It was the perfect defense but it came a little late. He imagined how his life would have been if Uzushio wasn't destroyed.
Maybe he would have been sent here to be raised by his clan and family instead of Konoha. The Hokage would have seen how he was treated and then decided to send him away.
He imagined children running around the island and playing on the beaches. He imagined shinobi training and people chatting but it was all just imagination.
He was robbed of a life he could have had by people who couldn't control their greed and fear.
His thoughts came to the present as he felt Kurama turn under him. The giant fox has made it his mission to only sleep. He doesn't eat, walk or even get up. All he does is lay here and sleep.
Maybe he should do something to change that.
"Why have you come here Naruto?" Kurama asked, a little annoyed.
Naruto never said what he really wanted to say and instead decides to dance around the subject and Kurama hated that.
Naruto heard the fox and knew that he needed to speak his mind. Kurama hated when he dodged the real subject.
He sighed and jumped from the top to stand in front of Kurama. The fox opened his eyes to look at him as he sat down with one leg raised and rested his hand and head on it.
"Do you think I made the right choice?" Naruto asked and Kurama closed his eyes again.
Kurama knows what he is talking about. The contract that the Hokage made him sign and the agreement they had.
Personally Kurama doesn't care about them but Naruto seems to value them. Perhaps it has something to do with the third hokage.
He opened his eyes to see the troubled expression on the boy's face. Sometimes Kurama forgets that Naruto is still a boy and he needs someone to show him the right way.
But Kurama won't be able to always help him so he let Naruto come to the answers on his own with little help from his side and he decided to do the same here.
"Why did you sign them? What was your reasoning behind it?" Kurama asked.
Naruto thought about it for a moment and answered, "because I had no choice. The moment the third announced that he knew I was no longer your Jinchuriki I knew he was up to something.
The scrolls gave it away. I know he knew that he wouldn't be able to stop me from leaving Konoha and I knew he cared about me enough not to outright execute me for treason so I took a gamble and told him the truth.
The scroll presented me with an unique opportunity, one which I didn't want to miss.
I knew for a fact that If the third hokage wants , he can easily make sure that I don't see the sunlight for the rest of my life but even then he is offering me a choice.
All I had to do was maintain a connection to Konoha. I hate Konoha and all its people but it is still not enough for me to destroy it so it was no big deal for me to maintain a relationship with them.
Even if I don't have you sealed inside me anymore I still am the only son of their Hokage and once they learn about my abilities and how only I am the key to you, they will try everything to make sure I remain in Konoha and the third gave me a free pass from them.
I am not naive enough to believe that they will accept the terms that I and the third have agreed but it still gave me time to prepare myself.
I have already made sure that no one aside from Hiruzen knows about our agreement and he can only reveal it once I leave the village.
It gave me time to prepare myself while the third didn't look over my shoulder consistently.
When I am ready and do leave the village and if Konoha respects the agreement I won't have to worry about them and if they don't then I will be more than capable to handle them.
In both scenarios it only benefits me and as for the marriage agreement, it's a tricky situation.
On one hand I do have to marry someone but now I have to make sure it is someone from Konoha and I can't help but think I made a mistake there."
Naruto finished and Kurama hummed as he listened to the boy. He was right the agreement between the third and Naruto only benefited the boy but the marriage agreement was a masterstroke by the aged hokage.
It will bind Naruto with Konoha for generations. Kurama doesn't think it's a bad idea. Above all else he wants Naruto to be happy and if his happiness is in Konoha then so be it.
"Don't worry too much about the future. We will deal with it when it comes to it but I don't think you made the wrong choices that day.
Even if you had to sign the marriage contract you are still the one who benefits the most." Kurama said and Naruto looked both relieved and confused.
Kurama gave a small smile and continued. "I am a biju and I don't understand what marriage really means but I know that it is sacred.
My father also married someone he loved. Devi married Aizen and in both cases I have never seen them so happy before they married the person they loved.
You have high goals for your life but you also need to enjoy your life too Naruto.
You asked me why you haven't been able to make the symbol whole on your right hand." Kurama said and Naruto nodded. The symbol is almost fully coloured but no matter what Naruto does or thinks nothing seems to solve how to fully colour it.
He asked Kurama for advice but the fox ignored it. Seems like he was about to answer now.
"It is because you are still lacking. Ever since you released me and Devi, you have concentrated only on your training.
I have observed how you increased your regimen and how you train yourself to exhaustion everyday.
And it is because you are lonely. You had me and Devi but now both of us are no longer there for you all the time and you miss it so you try to busy your mind with training to avoid thinking about how lonely you are."
Kurama's words made Naruto look down in shame. The fox was right. He was lonely but not like before. This time he just misses Devi so much. She was everything in his life and now she is just gone.
Kurama sensing his emotions reached with his finger to lift his head. "Devi wanted you to achieve your goal and become strong but she also wanted you to be happy and so do I.
There is more to this world than training. My father experienced it, Devi experienced it and now it is time for you to experience it too.
You think this marriage agreement is a mistake but what if it leads you to happiness.
Go and have some fun with your life. Make friends and talk to people. I know you don't want to be close to anyone from Konoha but what about your team or that girl Ino who you keep mentioning so fondly."
Naruto blushed a little seeing Kurama mentioning that he talks about Ino fondly. He tries to deny this but the fox reminded him that he can sense emotions.
Ino has become a special figure in his life. Her constant nagging and continued presence in his life has made him consider her much closer than the rest of Konoha.
"What I want to say is." Kurama continued ignoring his inner dialogue. "Go and understand how the world works and how people work. Enjoy different moments of your life and different emotions.
You have worked hard to understand yourself and your chakra and the result is in front of you but you still lack on a fundamental level.
You have mastered the physical aspects of chakra but you are still far away from mastering the spiritual aspects and that's why you are still lacking.
When my father shared his chakra with his followers it was not about ninjutsu, taijutsu or genjutsu. It was about understanding each other.
There are some truths that can't be spoken. Some emotions that can't be expressed and chakra helped in understanding those things.
My father thought that through chakra we will be able to understand each other, that we will be able to understand the joy of others and feel the pain of others.
When my father preached about chakra it was not to weaponize it like shinobi did but to use it to understand and help each other and that's what Ninshu is.
But this understanding doesn't come so easily. You have to understand yourself first before you try to understand others.
Even before he became the jinchuriki of the ten tails, my father was incredibly powerful.
I have never met anyone as powerful as him including the Biju and that was because he understood and controlled the very nature of this world.
Now it is time for you to understand something that is everywhere like my father did before you.
There is something in nature that very few could grasp and my father was one of them and only when he experienced his life did he was able to understand nature.
You need to do the same. Meet different people and see the world. It will help you gain new perspectives and develop you as a person.
Every person is different from each other. They train differently, eat differently, speak differently and feel differently and you need to understand this basic pattern.
I am not saying you have to read their minds but you have to be able to at least feel their emotions.
The true usage of chakra was to connect with people. To create something not to destroy so work on creating something with your chakra instead of using your chakra to only destroy.
The day you can use your chakra to create instead of destroying will be the day you have truly mastered it and only then will you be able to derive the truth of nature and bend it according to your will.
My father learned it with the help of a friend. Even your first hokage Hashirama was able to attain a part of this truth and that's why they are known as Sage.
Devi and I have always told you that you are different from every other shinobi because of your chakra and it is because it resonates with nature much more strongly than the rest.
You have a strong foundation to work on. Now you just have to experience life and it will come naturally to you.
Chakra resonates with your emotions. You have experienced pain, happiness, loneliness, exhaustion and now it is time for you to experience love and friendship.
This love is different from the love you have for Devi or me.
The more you experience this world and all it has to offer the closer you grow to it and one day you will be able to achieve the feat that my father did.
And that will be the day the mark will bless you with its whole form and all of its abilities.
Once you have the nature within your grasp you will be able to bend it to your will like you do with your chakra but until then go and have some fun with your life."
Naruto has been worried about the mark but Kurama manages to ease his worries once again.
Love? He never thought about such things focusing only on his goal but perhaps he should ease a little.
There is more to life than training. What is the point of being strong when you can't be happy?
Naruto promised Devi that he will be happy and enjoy his life and now it might be a great time to start working on it.
He should also work on learning the power of Nature that Kurama talks about but first he needs to prepare for his mysterious mission with his team.
Naruto decides to leave his distant facade and try to be a bit friendly with others. Maybe it will lead him to more fulfilling experiences like he had with Devi and Kurama.
But it was not easy, was it? Years of being ostracised by the people of Konoha has left a bitter taste in his mouth. He should still try.
"Thanks Kurama." He replied to the fox who already went back to sleep and returned home to rest because tomorrow he is going on his first mission outside of Konoha.
Hokage Office
Sunlight streamed through the windows of the Hokage's office, illuminating dust motes that danced in the air like lazy fireflies.
Naruto stood with his hands inside his pockets. Beside him, Sasuke stood straight, eyes closed in quiet contemplation, and Sakura stood upright, determined to impress.
The Third Hokage regarded them kindly. "You think they are ready Kakashi.." He asked their Sensei.
Kakashi who was busy reading his book just nodded and the third sighed seeing his promising jonin acting this way. Can't he put the book away for some time.
"I asked you a question Jonin." Hiruzen said a little irritated.
Kakashi recognised the irritation and carefully put the book away before the third could burn it with a fire jutsu like he did that one time.
Kakashi glanced at his students. Naruto and Sasuke were both ready for a C rank mission and while Sakura still lacks Kakashi hopes this mission will be a huge motivation for them.
"Yes Lord Hokage. I believe they are ready." He replied. He has already chosen a mission for them yesterday and now they are just completing the formalities with the paperwork.
Hiruzen nodded and called for his secretary to send the client.
The door opened, and a gruff, bearded man stumbled in, holding a sake bottle. "These are the brats who'll protect me? I hope they're stronger than they look."
He said as soon as he laid eyes on them but when he saw Naruto a look of surprise crossed his face before he quickly replaced it but not fast enough for Naruto to miss it.
"I assure you that Team 7 is capable of protecting you, Tazuna san." The third addressed the client before he turned towards them.
"You have an hour to leave the village with Tazuna. Kakashi will brief you about the mission. Good luck on your first mission outside the village.Dismissed." He finished and Team 7 along with Tazuna left the office.
Naruto and others were briefed by Kakashi as soon as they left the mission and asked Tazuna to meet them at the main gate in one hour.
They are going to the land of waves where Tazuna is building a bridge. Their mission was to protect Tazuna throughout their journey and only return once the bridge is completed.
It was a month long mission and so Kakashi dismissed them to pack accordingly and meet him in one hour at the gate.
After an hour Team 7 assembled at the gate where Tazuna was already waiting for them.
"You guys have everything you need.?" Kakashi asked his team and they all nodded.
Kakashi looked at Naruto and saw that he was not carrying a backpack and said, "since you don't have a backpack I can assume that you have a storage scroll with you."
Naruto nodded. Kakadhi knows that he is good at sealing and deduced that he would have a simple storage scroll to carry his stuff.
What he doesn't know is that Naruto has improved the storage scroll. Although he still doesn't need the scroll because of his mark, he still made an improvement in which wherever you put the sealing formula turns into a storage capacity.
It doesn't matter if it is your clothes, a scroll or even your headband. All you need is the formula and chakra.
Sasuke and Sakura looked at their heavy backpacks and sulked. Naruto looked at them and decided to help them a little.
He produced three hand bands that he has customised to store things for his team and presented them to them.
"Here, I made them for you. The blue one is for Kakashi, the purple one for Sasuke and the pink one for Sakura. It has enough storage capacity for you three.
You can wear them on your hands and to use them all you need to do is touch the item you need to store and channel your chakra and it will get stored in the band.
When you want that item back you just have to channel your chakra and imagine that item and it will be in your hands immediately."
He said as he gave them to his team. Sasuke took it without questions and immediately went to store his bag inside it.
Sakura looked a little surprised by his gesture but took it while giving him a smile and a thank you and Kakashi gave him an eye smile.
Naruto didn't do this to form friendships. He just knows that it will help them during the mission and won't slow them down.
"Now that we are ready thanks to Naruto we should move out immediately. Naruto produce 5 clones and have them transform into us to create a decoy for any enemies we might face.
Sasuke and Sakura you will guard Tazuna from the sides while Naruto you will take the front while I guard the back. Let's move."
Kakashi gave orders and they all followed. Naruto created the clones and ordered them to keep some distance from them.
Within minutes team 7 headed out of the leaf for their first C rank mission.
The journey was filled with silence . Birds chirped overhead, and the road was quiet.
Kakashi read his book and both Sasuke and Naruto prefered the silence. Sakura and Tazuna on the other hand were fidgeting nervously.
"No need to be so nervous Sakura. This is only a C rank mission. The most we could face are some bandits and I am sure you all can handle them." Kakashi said trying to ease Sakura which seemed to work as the girl stopped fidgeting but Tazuna on the other hand became even more nervous.
They carried on for another hour in silence but it was enough for Sakura. She looked at Tazuna and thought about the Wave.
She had never heard or seen anything about Wave so she decided to ask the client they were guarding.
Sakura glanced toward the old man walking ahead of her, his straw hat bobbing slightly with each determined step.
"Tazuna-san," she asked, stepping up beside him, "can I ask you something?"
"Hm? What is it, girl?" he replied, not slowing down but turning his head slightly toward her.
"What kind of place is the Land of Waves? I mean… I've only read a little about it, but I'd like to know more. And, well, why are you building this bridge?"
Tazuna grunted softly, his lips twitching into something that resembled a tired smile as he thought about his birthplace.
"The Land of Waves, eh? It's small. Real small. We don't have shinobi like the bigger nations. No daimyo's palace. No mighty cities. Just villages, farms, and the sea."
Sakura nodded, listening intently as the group continued walking. She wanted to ask something but Tazuna spoke again.
"It's beautiful, though," he continued, his voice softening. "Mist in the mornings, stretching out over the water like a blanket. Fishing boats bobbing in the harbor. The kind of quiet that seeps into your bones."
He sighed, then looked ahead with a firmer expression.
"The bridge… it's hope. We've always relied on boats to reach the mainland. But for some time now the sea seems to be angry with us.
The ocean has become home to wild storms and dangerous whirlpools. It has become difficult to row a boat in these harsh conditions and as a result we have become much more isolated from the world than we wanted.
This bridge will connect us to the rest of the world. Trade, travelers, medicine, opportunity—things we need will reach us without any disturbance. It will also attract the rest of the world to us."
Tazuna left the part where the bridge will also make sure that Gato and his tyranny ends as the wave once more becomes part of the world. That man has made sure to take advantage of their isolation.
He paused, his gaze distant for a moment. Imagining a future where Wave will once again be as beautiful and as prosperous as he remembered from his childhood.
"I'm building it so no child in Wave has to wonder if they'll see something better out there. So our people don't feel so cut off… so forgotten."
Sakura was quiet, the weight of his words sinking in. The bridge seems to hold much more importance for him than she thought.
"I never thought a bridge could be that important," she murmured.
Tazuna chuckled dryly. "Most people don't. But sometimes, all it takes is a path… and the will to build it for the betterment of the future."
Naruto could relate to that sentiment. All it needs is someone with a will to take the first step and soon they will be on the path to making a better future.
"Why don't you have shinobi?" Sakura asked again. It was weird for her to think of a village without shinobi.
Tazuna looked at Naruto. The boy's red hair and that symbol on his back and chest is no mystery to Tazuna.
He had a suspicion about who the boy was but he just needed to be sure. In a Shinobi world you can't trust anything.
There is something in Wave that only a few know and if this boy is who he thinks he is then he needs to tell him about that secret.
It seems like fate has dragged him to Konoha to look for help. It seems like once again it will be the Uzumaki who will provide protection to them. He glanced at the curious girl and replied.
"We never needed them. In the past when the sea was silent the people of Wave used boats to travel. We mainly relied on sea business for our economy and we had no fear of someone attacking us or of pirates coming to loot us because of our ally of the sea.
The wave had this close ally ever since it was founded and it was the people of Uzushio. Uzushio was an island near Wave and the home of the Uzumaki clan."
At the mention of the Uzumaki clan both Saskue and Sakura looked at Naruto who seemed to mind his own business.
Thanks to Kakashi they know about the Uzumaki clan and that the symbol that Naruto wears is the symbol of his clan.
"They were strong fighters who used to protect us." Tazuna continued. "But some years ago they were invaded and destroyed by the enemy nations and ever since that day we have lost our protectors.
It was the same time when the sea changed its nature and became so dangerous. It was like even the water around Uzushio was angry for them.
I met only a few Uzumaki in my life but I can tell you they were a strong bunch of people. Even when the three great nations attacked them it was still not enough to completely wipe them.
The people of my age from the Wave have known a story that has been passed around. A story of what happened that day when the Uzumaki were attacked and what was promised."
"I think it's enough for now. Don't you think Tazuna san?" Naruto interrupted before Tazuna could tell his team something they didn't deserve to know.
Tazuna looked a little disappointed by being interrupted but when he saw Naruto's eyes he nodded. Sometimes the few people know something the better it is for them.
The boy reminded him of the Uzumaki and his interruption only proved his suspicions.
"You are one of them aren't you?" Tazuna asked and Naruto only nodded his head as he looked forward.
"Do you believe the story?" Tazuna asked again. He didn't even know if the story was true or just a legend but if the boy also knows it then there must be some truth to it.
Naruto didn't answer him and silence reigned again. Sasuke and Sakura looked suspiciously at Tazuna and Naruto while Kakashi narrowed his eyes.
There seems to be a lot of things that Naruto is hiding from them. The destruction of Uzushio was a sore spot for Konoha and yet Naruto seems to know more about that than what he presents to know.
They walked for a full day before deciding to rest for the night. Naruto sent his clones to secure the perimeters while Sasuke made a tent for everyone. Sakura was sent to hunt for something to eat and Kakashi just sat there and read his book.
Sakura came back with some edible mushrooms and fruits and a large rabbit and eyes full of tears. Seems like killing the rabbit took a toll on her.
They had dinner while Kakashi explained to Sakura why killing is necessary and then retired for the night. Kakashi took the first watch then Sakura. After her it was Sasuke and Naruto took the last watch.
They started moving early and now Tazuna was a little hungover from all the drinking he was doing so they needed to walk a little slowly.
It was frustrating for him to walk so slowly. But within some hours Tazuna was all well and they resumed their pace. Another day went the same and they retired for the night.
The next day they were doing the same with Naruto sending transformed clones ahead as decoys and the team guarding the bridge builder when suddenly he stopped.
"What happened?" Sasuke asked, seeing his sudden stop.
"My clones were attacked by two shinobi. They have captured one while the other ran away." Naruto replied as he resumed his walk.
Soon team 7 reached a Shinobi hanging in the air by a chakra chain courtesy to one of his clones.
Tazuna seems very interested in the chain. Maybe he is remembering the Uzumaki he met.
"Well done Naruto. Now if you excuse me I have some questions for our guest here."Kakashi said as Naruto dropped the shinobi and Kakashi dragged him away.
The more time Kakashi took the more nervous Tazuna seemed to be. Naruto also looked at him suspiciously.
According to the memories he got from his clones these shinobi were at least chunin level judging from their chakra and they attacked the bridge builder not his team which meant they were after them.
Naruto clearly remembers from the mission briefing that they were hired to guard Tazuna from bandits and thieves, not from Shinobi.
Kakashi returned with his sharingan open for everyone to see and went straight to Tazuna.
"You know what I hate the most. When someone lies to me. Now Tazuna san care to tell me why you lied about the mission and why there are A rank shinobi targeting you." Kakashi said as he looked at the bridge builder.
Tazuna was sweating bullets from fear. It didn't help that Kakashi looked really pissed at him.
"I am sorry." Tazuna replied as tears came to his eyes. "I don't have a choice. There is a man named Gato who came to Wave a few years ago in the name of business and captured our country.
He has some men working under him and if anyone tries to stand against him Gato kills them.
He kidnaps children and women, kills father's and son's. He is a monster who is destroying the Wave.
This bridge is our last hope to escape his tyranny and I understand if you don't want to help me but please don't kill me. I still need to go back to complete the bridge even if Gato kills me."
Tazuna was now on his knees begging Kakashi who looked exhausted. Kakashi cover his sharingan and dropped the unconscious shinobi.
"What should we do?" Kakashi asked the team.
Naruto looked at Tazuna. He could feel the truth coming out of his mouth. He could feel the pain and suffering. This is what is wrong with the shinobi world.
There is just no way that none of the shinobi villages knew about Gato and yet they did nothing because it was not their village.
Even if they know Tazuna was going to die fighting for the freedom of his home Konoha wouldn't care about it because it was not there mission.
But Naruto is not like them. He will never abandon a man to his fate. Wave was once protected by Uzushio and Naruto will accept his duties as a Uzumaki.
"I will continue the mission and make sure Tazuna remains safe." He said and everyone looked at him surprised except Kakashi who only narrowed his eyes.
Tazuna looked so grateful to him like he was god but Naruto is only doing what he should do as an Uzumaki.
"I agree with Naruto. We can't just leave him here to die. I also want to continue the mission." Sasuke spoke next but his reasons were completely different from Naruto.
He too wants to protect Tazuna but he also wants to face powerful opponents to gauge how far he has come and this mission is the perfect opportunity for it.
Kakashi nodded and turned to Sakura. "What do you think, Sakura?" He asked his only female genin.
Sakura looked at her teammates with nervousness. They are strong and ready to fight stronger opponents.
Sasuke was the topper of the class and Naruto is stronger than all of them so it was no surprise that they wanted to continue.
But Sakura is weak compared to them. She couldn't fight strong opponents on her own. Sakura shook her head. How long is she going to be a coward? She looked at Tazuna and saw his pleading face.
She will do it. She will prove that she is a worthy shinobi of the leaf and she will make sure that her team remains safe.
"I also want to continue." She replied resolutely.
Kakashi looked at his team. All three want to continue but for different reasons. He knows that this mission is not what Genin is supposed to do but this should prove to be a necessary experience in their development.
Nothing trains you better than a hard and dangerous mission. Kakashi knows thanks to his sharingan that Zabuza Momochi of Kiri is waiting for him along with his apprentice and one of the demon brothers who ran away.
He also knows that Gato has hundreds of henchmen working for him and a mysterious masked figure who seems to be his right hand man and even stronger than Zabuza.
Kakashi thinks he can continue the mission but he needs to make sure that the village also agrees with his choice.
"Tazuna san we will continue this mission but seeing the dangers that now surrounds us this has now become an A rank mission plus we have to request for some backup based on the information I have gathered and so you now have to pay us for two A rank missions instead of the C rank you booked."
Kakashi explained. There was no way the village council would accept him putting these genins in danger for only a C rank mission but two A ranks payments might help him explain to them why he continued the mission.
Tazuna looked down. He just barely managed to pay for the C rank and now he has to pay for two A rank missions. Even if he sells everything he owns it still won't be enough.
"I am sorry but I don't have any more money. I used everything I had to buy necessary equipment for the bridge construction and used the rest to hire you guys. There is nothing more I can give you."
Naruto could feel for the bridge builder. What a hopeless situation he found himself in. To think that Konoha would still try to benefit itself from such a poor person is pitiful.
Naruto walked towards Tazuna and helped him get up. "You don't have to worry. I will pay for it on your behalf and in return you have to make sure that you build a bridge that no one has ever seen."
Naruto has no shortage of money thanks to the various bounty hunting he did and the fortune he inherited from his parents. No to mention the loot he recovered from some bandit camps he raided on his outings.
Hearing his words Tazuna lowered his head to touch his feet. He thanked him with so much emotion that it even overwhelmed him.
Kakashi wanted to say something else but Naruto stopped him, "I am doing this whether Konoha wants or not. Now it is up to you to decide what you want to do."
Naruto made his stand clear. He is going to the Wave one way or another. He can't just leave people to suffer. Devi will never forgive him.
Kakashi sighed, "Fine, we can continue the mission." He said as he took out a scroll to request for backup. Once he was finished he tied the unconscious shinobi to a tree and summoned his dog.
They all have already met Pakkun but this one is new. "Gorou, I want you to take this scroll and give it to the Hokage. Do this as fast as you can, okay."
The dog nodded and took the scroll in his mouth and ran at full speed. Naruto has to admit he has never seen someone run so fast.
Kakashi turned to them and said, "Now we march forward." and with that Team 7 and Tazuna continue their journey.
After travelling for one more day and travelling through the boat for the first time in his, Team 7 entered Wave.
They saw the bridge that Tazuna was building and it was really something to admire.
While on the boat the waves seem to get wilder and wilder and Naruto might have an idea why that is.
During their journey Tazuna told them everything. He told them how Gato had completely ruined the country and killed everyone who stood against him.
He told them about Kaiza, a man who stood by his principles until his last breath. He told them about his daughter and grandson and about the condition of the people of Wave.
The more he tells them the more Naruto finds himself to find this Gato and roast him alive.
He knows enough about what happens to childrens and womens when they are kidnapped and this Gato ticks all the wrong boxes for Naruto.
Soon he will meet his end, Naruto will make sure of it. As they neared Tazuna's home a strange silence surrounded them.
It was quiet but a little artificial and a thick mist began to spread. The place became pin drop silent as they walked.
Until it wasn't.
As they traveled deeper, suddenly the mist thickened. A killing intent unlike anything they had felt descended on the team.
All of them froze as the pressure increased. Naruto felt someone move but it was little late.
"Everyone down!" Kakashi shouted as he pushed Tazuna to the ground and Team 7 followed his example.
A massive blade spun through the air and embedded itself in a tree. A man with bandages wrapped around his chest and face stood atop it, arms crossed, eyes cold.
"You all did well to survive the demon brothers." The man spoke as they all got up. "But the show is over. Hand over the bridge builder to me and I will let you escape." He finished.
Kakashi pulled up his headband, revealing the Sharingan and said, "I am afraid we can't do this. You see, we are on a mission to protect Tazuna here. So I must ask that you return back to your client because we are not leaving."
Kakashi released his own chakra and suddenly the pressure was lifted from them. Naruto took some heavy breaths.
Some people are down right dangerous. He knows from the bounty books who this person is.
"Well well well, If it isn't kakashi the copy ninja and with his sharingan revealed so early. I must say I am honoured.
I was hoping that you decide not to leave the builder, now not only will I get to cash the large bounty on your head but also get to show these brats what a real ninja is." Zabuza spoke as he removed his blade from the tree.
"Protect Tazuna, I will handle him." Kakashi ordered and they surrounded Tazuna who looked like someone who pissed their pants.
The fight began in an explosion of mist and speed. Kakashi and Zabuza vanished into the fog.
Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura huddled around Tazuna. Naruto tried to follow them with his eyes but they were too fast for him.
Sakura was trembling with fear. She couldn't see them but she could hear the sounds of battle.
Did she make the wrong decision? No, She has full confidence in her team and knows that they will win.
But the fear was real.
Suddenly Zabuza appeared in between them, blade ready to cleave through Tazuna but Kakashi appeared out of nowhere to stop him.
A slash from his Kunai and Zabuza turned into a splash of water.
"You did well in the first round Kakashi. Now come and I will show why I was called the Demon of the mist." Zabuza called out to Kakashi as the mist thickened.
They could no longer see anything. Zabuza's voice seemed to come from all directions as he told them about how he graduated as a genin.
The killing intent rose again and this time it was even more powerful than before.
Sakura's kunai dropped as she trembled in fear with tears in her eyes. Even Sasuke couldn't stop shaking. Naruto looked around to sense Zabuza.
There were several chakra signatures surrounding them. He is using water clones to surround them.
Kakashi looked conflicted between leaving them alone or to stay and give Zabuza the chance to corner them.
Naruto decided to step up and help him. It was his idea to continue the mission so it was up to him to make sure everyone is safe.
He took a step forward and inhaled as a large amount of chakra gathered in his throat, he released a powerful wave of air as he did a 360 degree turn and soon the mist faded revealing three Zabuza surrounding them.
"Well well, looks like the kids are not so hopeless after all. That was some great use of wind chakra but would it be enough." Zabuza said as two of the three Zabuza charged them while one remained behind.
Kakashi created a shadow clone and met Zabuza head on. The shadow clone of Kakashi just grabbed Zabuza and exploded leaving only a puddle of water destroying the water clone.
Meanwhile the real Kakashi used the fire ball jutsu to blind side another clone of Zabuza which jumped to avoid the jutsu but Kakashi was waiting for him.
A slash from his lightning coated Kunai and another clone was down.
Before Kakashi can appreciate his victory the real Zabuza charged him. Sword crashed with Kunai as two Jonin level ninja fought.
Naruto has never seen someone fight at such speeds. He couldn't follow their movements with his eyes. This is what an elite ninja fight looks like.
Suddenly they both came to a stop. They looked at each other like sizing each other down.
Kakashi gripped his kunai as he corrected his posture. Zabuza places the sword on his shoulder and removes the bandages from his mouth to show them a creepy smile.
They observed, they prepared and then they vanished.
Kakashi's eye tracked the sudden movement—but just barely. Zabuza's sword came screaming down, water exploding around them.
Kakashi leapt aside, the blade carving a crater where he'd stood missing him by just inches.
Kakashi countered, slashing his kunai across Zabuza's chest—but the mist-nin twisted his body mid-swing and retaliated with a spinning kick.
Kakashi caught the leg, but Zabuza's free hand drove a punch into Kakashi's ribs, sending him skidding across the water.
Kakashi flipped upright and dashed back in, kunai glinting.
The two clashed again and again—Zabuza's brute strength and wide swings meeting Kakashi's precise parries and counters.
Steel rang, water splashed, and the mist around them churned from the shockwaves of each strike.
Zabuza ducked low and swept his leg under Kakashi's feet, but Kakashi flipped and launched three shuriken mid-air.
Zabuza tilted his head, the blades grazing past, and retaliated with a one-handed Water Style: Water Bullet Jutsu.
The sphere of water roared toward Kakashi.
Kakashi weaved hand signs at blinding speed.
"Water Style: Water Wall!"
A spiraling dome of water surged up, blocking the attack. The impact splashed high into the air, casting droplets in all directions.
"Not bad," Zabuza said, stepping forward through the steam. "Using my strength against me."
Kakashi adjusted his stance. "Works well for me."
Suddenly, Zabuza threw two smoke bombs and disappeared again into the thickening mist.
The silence was deafening. Kakashi slowed his breathing, letting his Sharingan guide him.
He heard it—a faint sound behind him.
He ducked—
But it was a feint. Zabuza's real strike came from the left, and though Kakashi turned just in time to block, the force of the blow sent him flying towards the water.
Before he could regain footing—
"Water Clone Jutsu."
A second Zabuza appeared behind him and struck low, sweeping Kakashi's legs.
Kakashi completely lost his balance. The real Zabuza surged up and clapped a hand to the surface of the lake.
"Water Style: Water Prison Jutsu!"
A swirling vortex burst upward, catching Kakashi mid-recovery. Water spiraled around his body, forming a perfect sphere of liquid that suspended him helplessly inside.
Zabuza's hand was pressed firmly into the surface of the sphere, maintaining the jutsu.
Kakashi struggled against the crushing pressure, his body straining. Air bubbles floated around his mask. He glared through the prison, Sharingan spinning furiously.
Zabuza loomed outside, his clone already dashing toward the distant shoreline.
"You were quick," Zabuza muttered, "but not quick enough."
The water rippled with Kakashi's fury. To think that just one mistake would cost him so much.
From Inside the sphere, his gaze never left Zabuza.
Outside it, Zabuza smirked. "I've killed dozens of jonin stronger than you. Now that I am done with you, time for the children."
Sakura cried out Kakashi's name as she watched Zabuza catch their sensei. Zabuza turned to look at them and Naruto braced himself.
He never thought that Kakashi would lose to Zabuza. From everything he knows Kakashi is a lot stronger than him but even then he lost.
But they could still survive from here. All they need to do is free Kakashi.
Zabuza is constantly channeling chakra to maintain the jutsu that captured Kakashi.Which means all they need to do is cut the flow of Zabuza's chakra before he could suffocate their sensei.
"Now kids, give Tazuna to me and I will let you all go back home but if you decided to be stubborn like your sensei then I must show you the difference between you and me." Zabuza called out as he created one more water clone to join the other.
"Take Tazuna and run. You are no match for him." Kakashi shouted from inside the prison and Naruto scoffed.
Run and leave Kakashi behind, Never. Not that they would even be able to run far away before Zabuza catches up to them.
There is still another chakra signature observing the fight. Naruto has to assume he is Zabuza's accomplice which means they have two enemies to worry about.
He turned around to look at Sasuke and Sakura. "Listen, We are no match for this guy and Kakashi is our best choice.
I have a plan. Zabuza needs to consistently channel chakra to maintain his jutsu. All we need to do is distract him long enough to stop this and Kakashi would be free."
Naruto made sure to keep his voice low so that Zabuza couldn't hear him. Sakura was fearing for her life but Sasuke seemed receptive to his words.
"What do you have in mind?" Sasuke asked.
"Out of all three I have the best chance against this guy. We need to think about Tazuna's safety too so you two remain behind in case one of his clones gets past me.
There is also another person watching us so we have to be careful about him too. So here's what we are gonna do…."
Just as he finished, suddenly a water clone of Zabuza appeared between them and Kicked Sasuke away.
Naruto watched him fly away as Sakura cried in fear and quickly summoned his wooden sword to deflect the swing coming for his head.
He misjudged the strength of the swing and was forced to jump back.
"You brats were taking too long." The clone said as he looked at the shivering Sakura who was holding a kunai as she stood in front of Tazuna.
Naruto commended the girl's bravery.
Zabuza smiled evilly and brought his sword down with a swing ready to dissect Sakura.
Sakura looked at the sword coming for her and closed her eyes. This is it. She is going to die here away from her home, her parents and even without achieving anything in her life.
She waited for the judgment but when nothing came for her she opened her eyes to see Naruto standing in front of her stopping the blade with his wooden sword.
"You okay." He asked and she nodded a meek yes.
"Good now make sure Tazuna remains safe and I will handle this guy." Naruto said as he pushed the clone back with power.
The clone stumbled a little and before he could gain his footing a flying Sasuke came towards him with a kick to his face.
The kick connected and the clone was sent back.
Naruto looked at Zabuza and Kakashi. His sensei is looking at him intently but Naruto can tell he is having trouble breathing.
Naruto needs to finish this quickly. There are two clones and Zabuza can create more so he has to catch him off guard. Luckily he has just the thing to pull this off.
Naruto grips his sword with both hands and channels chakra into his legs. With a burst of chakra he moved with speed and aimed his sword at the clone.
The clone's eyes widened seeing him suddenly in front of him but he quickly blocked his sword. Naruto just needed to touch the clone and soon the game will be over.
Naruto tried to get under the clone but the clone kicked him in the stomach and sent Naruto flying.
Naruto quickly recovered his footing and charged once again. This time as he reached the clone he created two shadow clones behind the water clone.
Zabuza's clone was surprised by the sudden appearance of clones and turned to block their attacks and that's exactly what Naruto needed.
"Sasuke now." He shouted and Sasuke was already ready to go.
"Fire style : Great fireball jutsu."
A large ball made of fire charged towards the clone and Naruto was also ready. He channelled chakra into his lungs and released a powerful gust of wind which enhanced the fireball even more.
The clone tried to move but chains erupted from the ground and grabbed him in place and soon he was engulfed by the jutsu coming for him.
The second water clone attacked him immediately but Naruto was ready for him.
"Water style : water serpent jutsu."
The water clone called out as a serpent made of water attacked his shadow clones, erasing them from existence and then turned towards him.
Naruto took a step back and waited for the serpent to reach him. As the jutsu neared him he waved his hand activating his special seal and the jutsu vanished.
Another wave of his hand and Zabuza's own jutsu was heading for him.
As the water serpent chased the clone Naruto turned his attention towards the original. The real Zabuza was looking at the serpent in surprise.
Naruto used this technique exactly for this reason. To divert his attention from him if only for a moment. It was enough for Naruto to do what he had planned.
Naruto glanced at Sakura who was looking at him and nodded. This might be their only chance.
Naruto gathered chakra into his legs and converted it into lightning. He read about how the Raikage is able to channel lightning chakra through his body to harden it and make him faster.
Naruto is trying to achieve something similar even if it is going to be temporary. Lightning crackled around his legs as he released his chakra.
In a blink of an eye Naruto was in front of the real Zabuza, his sword aiming for the hand holding the jutsu that had captured Kakashi.
Zabuza's eyes widened as he saw the red haired kid suddenly in front of him. He has only taken his eyes from him to watch the jutsu he has pulled against his clone.
It was something he had never seen before. Another shinobi using their opponents jutsu to attack them.
That moment of distraction and appreciation for his enemy seemed to be fatal for him but he quickly used his free hand to swing his own sword towards the attacking red head.
Surprise covered his face when he watched his sword phase through the brat attacking him. He immediately recognised the genjutsu attacking him and released his chakra to break the illusion.
But it was too late. As he came to his senses, Zabuza watched the red head's sword connecting with his hand and he had to let go of the jutsu.
Chains erupted from the brat and wrapped around him. He couldn't channel his chakra to stay on top of the water.
Anger filled him as he was bested by three genins from Konoha.He grabbed the chains coming out of the red head and jumped away from the water.
Zabuza yanked the boy towards him with force using the chains and grabbed him.
Naruto was happy that his plan worked. From the moment he attacked the first clones Sakura was subtly applying a genjutsu to Zabuza.
It was enough for him to deceive the mist ninja but before Naruto could enjoy his victory Zabuza landed away from him and soon he was flying towards the demon of the mist.
Naruto tried to let go of the chains but Zabuza's hand grabbed him and slammed him on the ground.
"You bastard." Zabuza shouted angrily as he picked up Naruto again and slammed him again and again.
All the air left Naruto as he tasted blood in his mouth. Zabuza grabbed him by the hair and punched him in the abdomen.
Naruto kneeled over in pain as the enemy dropped him to the ground. He lifted his face just in time to see the powerful kick coming for him and darkness overtook him.
Naruto slowly opened his eyes and the first thing he saw was the roof. He knew immediately that he was inside someone's home.
He slowly got up and checked his body. Nothing seemed out of order and there was no pain. His Uzumaki healing once again worked its miracle.
Naruto walked towards the door of his room and descended the stairs.
He entered what seems to be the living and dining room and found Team 7 along with Tazuna sitting around the dining table and a young woman in the kitchen.
"You're up early." Kakashi was the first to notice him but he didn't look at him, busy with reading his porn.
Everyone turned to look towards him as Kakashi spoke and Sakura jumped to hug him immediately with tears flowing from her eyes.
Naruto didn't know what to do. He is not used to people suddenly hugging him, especially from Konoha.
He just stood there awkwardly as Sakura released the hug.
"Sorry, I am just happy to see you well. It's just you worried us when you didn't wake up for the whole day." Sakura spoke as she looked at him.
Zabuza must have pummeled him hard if it took him nearly a whole day to properly heal.
"What happened.?" He asked no one in particular. He was curious as to how they got here.
"Well after Zabuza pummeled you into the ground." Sasuke replied, smirking a little clearly enjoying the memory of his beating. He will repay the bastard in their next training session.
"Kakashi sensei came to your rescue. He matched Zabuza jutsu for jutsu and soon he was lying in front of sensei waiting for his death.
But before Kakashi could finish him another figure attacked us and used the hidden mist jutsu to take Zabuza away.
After that we carried you here to Tazuna's house and Kakashi sensei told us that your body was healing on its own and so we were waiting for you to wake up." Sasuke finished.
That mysterious figure must be the one who Naruto sensed. Which means they still have to worry for Zabuza and his accomplice.
Not to mention this time they will be more prepared but so will Naruto.
"Okay so now what? What's the plan going ahead?" Naruto asked Kakashi as he took a seat on the dining table next to Tazuna.
Kakashi hummed and then giggled like a little girl as he read his story. Naruto stared at him while Tazuna tried to peek at the book.
Kakashi closed his book, "Now we wait for the backup and make sure until they arrive we all remain safe and healthy." he said and once again he went back to reading his book.
Naruto nodded. That could work. Once the backup arrives then they can plan their attack on Gato.Dinner was served and it was really delicious.
After dinner Naruto offered to help Tazuna's daughter Tsunami with the dishes and all of team 7 retired to sleep, exhausted from the long trip.
After helping Tsunami with her work, Naruto went outside to apply some seal that might come handy if Gato decides to attack the home.
Once done with his work Naruto too went back to sleep missing the person watching him from the trees.
Three days. It has been three days since team 7 arrived at Tazuna's home.
During this time Kakashi made his mission to train Sasuke and Sakura to the ground while Naruto did some light training with his speed and chakra control.
Kakashi wanted him to join the team training too but Naruto suggested that one member should be with Tazuna all the time and he wanted to be that person and Kakashi agreed with his logic.
While team 7 was busy with training themselves for their next confrontation with Zabuza, Naruto spent the time exploring Wave and helping around with anything he can.
Everyone who is the same age as Tazuna or older recognised his clan symbol and red hairs. People telling him how happy they are to see an Uzumaki after such a long time.
According to Tazuna, Him being here and helping people has brought hope in the older generation of Wave.
Every morning when Tazuna went to work on the bridge Naruto would accompany him and when they reached there he would create 500 shadow clones to help with the construction.
He will also send 200 clones around the country to help anyone who needs it. The people of Wave have never seen anything like that and it had a huge positive impact on them.
Naruto helped people with carrying their stuff or playing with the children. He also made sure to buy lots of food which was available for the hungry and orphan kids.
Seeing an army of Naruto helping in the construction of the bridge has brought the workers who left the work in fear of Gato back to work and Tazuna couldn't be more happy.
The construction of the bridge has accelerated significantly thanks to Naruto clone's and the majority of workers returning to work.
Naruto has also promised to place seals around the bridge to provide extra strength and stability.
All in all, in the short amount of time that Naruto has spent here, he has managed to at least change a little bit of the atmosphere around the place.
But it still wasn't enough. The tyranny of Gato has sucked this country dry. There was no money, food or even the basic essentials for living and it was all due to Gato and his men.
Naruto couldn't wait to get his hand on him and that was why he was even more excited today because Team 10 has just arrived as their backup.
"When I sent for backup I didn't think they would send you." Kakashi said as Team 10 just entered the house with their sensei.
"Me too, but according to the Hokage the Anbu are busy with missions and he doesn't have any more ninja available for you.
According to your report we have to face Zabuza Momochi, his accomplice, one of the demon brothers and Gato's henchmen.
The hokage thought You and I will be enough for this, not to mention he thinks it will be a good opportunity for the kids to experience what it is like to handle a dangerous situation."
Asuma replied as he took a seat next to Kakashi.
Kakashi nodded, The Kyuubi attack and the Uchiha massacre has left the leaf scarred.
Not to mention they were still recovering from the third great ninja war. The number of ninja that leaf have is much lower than what it used to have.
That's why it was so important for this generation to be ready for the inevitable.
"So, what's the status?" Asuma asked.
"Naruto, brief Asuma Sensei on our mission status." Kakashi commanded. He has made sure to prepare them for every aspect of being a Shinobi.
He had them write mission reports and briefing the mission office after completing missions. It was to prepare them when they became chunin or jonin and took their own missions.
Naruto nodded and stood up as he faced Asuma and team 10. He has just returned from the bridge with Zabuza and has yet to speak to any member of Team 10.
"We received a C rank mission from Lord Hokage which was about guarding Tazuna as he traveled back to his village from bandits and then stay here in Wave until he completes the construction of the bridge.
We left the Leaf on July 15 at 9 am sharp. After that we travelled towards the Wave for nearly two days when my clones which I sent ahead as decoys were attacked by the demon brothers.
I immediately alerted the team about their presence and my clones managed to capture one of the attacking ninja while the other escaped.
We arrived at the scene and Kakashi Sensei interrogated the enemy to obtain information.
From the enemy Kakashi sensei was able to gather information about Gato, Zabuza and his men and that they were the one's targeting Tazuna not simple bandits.
Due to this information the threat level of the mission rose to A rank and after discussing the matter with our team Kakashi Sensei decided to continue the mission but requested for backup.
Once again we started moving towards the Wave and after sometime we were attacked by Zabuza Momochi.
I will not bore you with the details but Kakashi Sensei defeated the mist ninja but before he could deliver the finishing blow his accomplice attacked team 7 and left with Zabuza using the hidden mist jutsu for distraction.
After that we arrived at Tazuna's home and for the last three days we are helping him with the bridge construction and guarding Tazuna and his family.
During these three days we have located Gato's mansion and the various bases he has all around the country.
And now on the eve of the third day Team 10 along with their sensei Asuma Sarutobi have arrived as our backup."
Naruto took a long breath after the long briefing. Why do they waste time with verbal briefing when they have to submit a written mission report for every mission they do.
Asuma nodded, impressed with Naruto's mission report.
"See, that is how you brief your superior." He said to team 10 and they all have different reactions to his words.
"I don't remember the last time Naruto spoke for so long continuously before." Sakura agreed with Ino's words but Naruto chose to ignore both as he took his seat next to Choji who offered him a bag of chips.
"What is the plan now that they have arrived?" Naruto asked, wasting no time. He was itching to meet Gato and now that their backup is here they need to attack as soon as possible.
"We wait. Now that team 10 is here we will spend the next few days making sure you all are ready and in sync.
According to my calculation it will take Zabuza at least a week to recover from the injuries I gave him.
We need to use this time to our advantage and be prepared for anything." Kakashi replied but it was not the reply Naruto wanted to hear.
They don't need to wait for the enemy to gain full strength. They should attack tonight while they are still weak and catch them off guard.
"We shouldn't be wasting time. As you said Zabuza might still be wounded so we have to act first and fast. We should attack tomorrow night.
With the help of my clones I have found his base. While you two devise a plan to attack the enemy, I can use my clones to scout the enemy and once we have enough information we can launch a surprise attack on them and finish the job.
The more we wait the more advantage we are losing. They still think it is just team 7 they need to face but if we wait they might find out about our backup and prepare accordingly."
Naruto replied a little angry at Kakashi. Naruto fully believes this is the right time to attack.
Asuma and Kakashi are enough for Zabuza and Naruto and Sasuke can take care of his accomplice.
With the help of his clones, Sakura and Team 10 are enough for Gato's men. It was a simple and efficient strategy. Why wait when victory is in front of them.
"Naruto is right. The more we wait the more they prepare. What is to say they will even attack us again.
They can wait for the bridge to finish and us to leave and then they might attack. No matter how much we want, we can't stay here forever to protect Tazuna. We need to attack first."
Sasuke supported his decision. In his eyes Naruto made sense. Why wait when you have the advantage.
Kakashi shook his head as he watched his two wards agreeing on something dangerous once again. If it involves fighting Sasuke is always eager for it.
Their words made sense but Kakashi knows it won't be as easy as they made it sound. Who knows what Gato is planning for them. He doesn't seem like a man to waste time.
It was better to fight them on their turf instead of going into the enemy's den. If he was still in the anbu he would have infiltrated Gato's base long ago but this was not Anbu.
One wrong move and he might regret the decision for the rest of his life. He can't take chances, not with his genin.
Kakashi looked at Asuma who seemed to convey the same emotions that Kakashi felt. These children are much more precious to risk on a chance.
Their best bet was to use the time to be as prepared as possible and that's what they are going to do.
"You both are correct in your thinking but it is never in your advantage to fight on the enemy's turf. We will wait and use this time to train and prepare ourselves and when they attack us again we will be ready for them."
Naruto wanted to say something but Kakashi silenced him, "that's an order genin."
Naruto closed his mouth and looked away in anger. It was not like Naruto loves to fight or he just wanted to kill Gato.
Naruto has seen what the people of Wave are going through. Every moment in their life is like hell. There is no hope in their eyes for a better future.
They have been dying every day for years and the great nations have been silent. Wave is suffering and they still want to wait.
Will they say that to the girl Naruto found who hadn't eaten in weeks. Will they ask the vegetable seller grandma whose son was killed and daughter-in-law kidnapped by Gato and his men.
Naruto shook his head. These people didn't care about that. They just care about their village, their people and their peace.
Hypocrites.
He slammed his hand on the table and walked toward the main door.
"Wait, Naruto, where are you going?" Ino shouted from behind.
"I need some air. Don't wait for me at dinner." He replied and left the house to go and vent his anger.
No one tried to stop him and silence reigned around Tazuna's house. All of this was observed by the little boy named Inari who watched the genin from Konoha so eager to fight Gato.
Hokage Office : Konoha.
The office was quieter than usual. Outside, the last rays of sun vanished behind the horizon, painting the village rooftops a faint of gold before surrendering to the night.
The chatter of the people as they went about their business attracted him as he watched the village from his office.
A sudden knock on the door brought his attention back to his office. He turned around and gave permission to enter.
Danzo Shimura in all his glory entered his office. One bandaged eye and arm, a cane in hand and an emotionless expression on his face.
There is no mistaking Danzo even if he was standing among thousands of people.
This is someone who Hiruzen considers a friend even after his many atrocities. Hiruzen has known him a long long time and one thing he can say for sure is that Danzo loves Konoha.
But his love is platonic. While he will do everything to protect Konoha, he will also not hesitate to burn the rest of the world and that is why he can never be hokage.
"You are late." Hiruzen said as he took his seat and picked his pipe to have a smoke. These days only his pipe is giving him some comfort.
Everything else, as any Nara would describe, is too troublesome.
Danzo looked at Hiruzen. He was summoned by the hokage today. There are still some things to do before he can come here to listen to anything Hiruzen has to say.
How someone so talented and knowledgeable could lead the village in the direction that Hiruzen has is incomprehensible to Danzo.
Only if Kakashi had succeeded that day, then Danzo would have been the one to be sitting there and making sure the leaf remains on the top.
But that is not the case and now he has to come here whenever Hiruzen demands and present himself like a loyal dog.
"There were some things to take care of." Danzo is a man of few words and he prefers to avoid unnecessary discussions.
"Don't you think you should relax a little in your old age?" Hiruzen said.
"Someone has to do the necessary work when we have a hokage like you." Danzo uttered those words with enough venom to even reach Hiruzen.
Hiruzen smiled as he took a drag from his pipe. Danzo was predictable. His anger and his emotions which he tries to bury are all so predictable.
Seeing Hiruzen smile only angered Danzo more. Hiruzen never took anything seriously and the village suffers because of it.
"Why have you called me?" Danzo asked, coming straight to the point. He doesn't think he can tolerate Hiruzen much longer.
Hiruzen sighed. Seems like Danzo wished this to be over as soon as possible and go back to doing god knows what.
"I am in need of your special services." Hiruzen said as he placed a scroll on the table.
If it involved Roots then it must be serious. Well Hiruzen has been making some good decisions for the village in the past month and Danzo can at least appreciate that.
But it was too late. This village has already suffered the mistakes made by his once teammate.
Danzo looked at the scroll but didn't pick it up. He waited for the hokage to fully explain what he wanted.
"I know you keep track of Tsunade so don't try to deny it. I want you to make sure that Tsunade returns to Konoha before the chunin exams that we are hosting.
I have been easy on her and that is a failure on my part. She is not the only one who has lost something in war.
We are shinobi, everyday we sacrifice something to protect our home and yet I gave her the luxury to abandon her duties and roam the elemental nations.
Anyone else would have been marked as a rogue ninja long ago and yet I didn't do anything."
Hiruzen always had a soft spot for his students. That is why Tsunade is not in the village, that is why Orochimaru is still alive and that is why Jiraiya has yet to visit them or even provide them with some vital info.
All of his students have abandoned the leaf and Hiruzen didn't do anything about it.
He looked at the war hawk and spoke, "but all that stops now. I have already summoned Jiraiya.
This scroll is meant for Tsunade. If she didn't show any sign of returning after reading this, you can use your means to make sure she returns.
Times are changing and we need her, we need her knowledge if we want to survive."
At least something has instilled some sense into Hiruzen that he is taking some necessary steps.
Danzo looked at the scroll. It was easy for him to make sure that Tsunade returned home. He was waiting for something like this.
In his eyes you either served the leaf or you stopped breathing. To think that Hiruzen has allowed her to waste her talents for so many years is absurd.
"It will be done." Danzo said and Hiruzen nodded but the wark hawk didn't leave his office.
"Anything more you want?" The hokage asked.
"What are you planning? I know that you have instructed the jonin to make sure their genins are trained properly.
I also know you are planning to overhaul the academy's training program and have been talking to Shikaku about making sure the shinobi of the leaf are training properly.
What are you preparing us for.?" There must be a reason behind this. The Hiruzen he knew wouldn't suddenly wake up and make all these decisions.
Hiruzen smiled. Danzo always wanted to know everything. He thought of telling him nothing but maybe he could use the war hawk more efficiently.
"War. I am preparing them for war. Past years have been peaceful for us but I can sense that the clouds of war are looming over us and if we are not prepared then they will drown us."
Danzo can agree with Hiruzen there. Even he knows that the great nations are just etching for another war.
They are shinobi and as ninja they thrive in chaos and destruction. Peace won't suit them for a long time.
Soon someone will make the first move and they will return to those old times. That is why Danzo is still needed to make sure the leaf remains on the top.
He remembers the scroll he got from Orochimaru a few days ago. He looked at his friend.
Yes, Hiruzen was his only friend and what Orochimaru is offering might be the end of him. Danzo hasn't said anything to the snake sannin.
He will make the decision most favourable for the leaf. But one thing he knew for sure is that Orochimaru needs to die for the betterment of this village.
Danzo changed the topic. There is something more important that needs to be discussed and since Hiruzen seems to be in the mood he tried his luck.
"The Uzumaki compound is once again occupied. I believe you told him the truth." He asked and the hokage nodded but said nothing.
"What are your plans regarding the jinchuriki?" The male Uzumaki could be their ace. He has seen reports about his performance with the team and so far he was impressed with the boy
"His name is Naruto." Hiruzen warned him in a dangerous tone. Danzo just stood there to see if the old hokage was serious.
He gritted his teeth and corrected himself, "what are your plans for Naruto." Danzo said a little angrily.
"You don't have to worry about that. I will handle that issue." Just the way Hiruzen brushed him made Danzo angry.
It is a sore reminder that Hiruzen is hokage and he is not. Hiruzen is still thinking about this with emotions.
The boy is talented and yet he remains a risk. The jinchuriki should be trained to be completely loyal to the village and yet Hiruzen has left the boy to do whatever he wants.
The compound contains all of Minato's jutsu including that one and if Naruto ever learns it, his threat level will skyrocket.
They need to ensure his loyalties before that and if he can't be loyal then a new jinchuriki must be selected.
They can't be emotional here. Just because he was an Uzumaki and Minato's child doesn't mean they should blindly trust him.
"Hold your thoughts right there." Hiruzen said with authority and Danzo looked at him with murder in his eyes.
Hiruzen shook his intent and said, "I told you I will handle it. If I so much as found you or your men looking towards Naruto then I will remind you why I am called the professor."
Danzo slammed his cane, "this is the kind of thinking that has led this village to the cliff and if we foolishly follow your beliefs then soon this village will only be a memory.
How can you be so naive Hiruzen, that boy is a risk and we need to deal with him."
"Enough." Hiruzen got up from his seat as he slammed his hands on the table. Killing intent rose as the table cracked under the pressure.
They both stared each other in the eyes before Danzo turned around to leave the office but not before saying, "Mark my words, one day this village will pay for your foolishness Hiruzen."
With that the wark hawk left the office, leaving Hiruzen alone to his thoughts.
A\N
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