Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Inner Secrets ❯ Chapter 4

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

 

Warnings: Violence, course language, romance in later chapters (yaoi, yuri, and het.)

 

Pairings: This will be, as I mentioned in chapter one (I think), Itachi/Naruto; Kakashi/Iruka; one sided Hinata/Naruto; Shikamaru/Neji; Kiba/Hinata; Lee/Sakura; Sasuke/OC (he has to carry on the clan after all ^^) There will likely be more but those are the for sure pairings.

 

A/N: Here is the chapter you have all waited for, the chapter where things take a bit of a twist. Now all the major twistyness will appen during and after the Chunnin exams so just hang in there. I apologize for the wait on this chapter, work has been utterly crazy! They are having me come in at SIX AM!!!! Crazy people. Also school is crazy, so nwo without further ado here is the next installment of Inner Secrets.

 

Chapter 4

 

"Alright guys, now we will be working on your chakra control." Kakashi said as he leaned lightly on his crutches.

 

"What's chakra again?" Naruto asked as he ran a hand over the back of his neck. 'Like anyone could be stupid enough to forget one of the fundamental basis to being a ninja.' He added with a sigh.

 

'This is so not good... Almost as bad as Zabuza still being alive...' Kakashi inwardly sighed as he looked over at Sakura and gave her the go ahead to explain the thing, which she did while he thought over all he had told his students after having woken up. He honestly couldn't believe how foolish he was to believe that the boy was a real hunter nin. He knew that they disposed of bodies on spot, making that the obvious flaw in the story. 'He'll come when he'll come... I just hope were ready...' He thought as his female student finished her explanation.

 

"Now a true ninja has complete mastery over their chakra, and can use it without a second's thought. How do you do this you ask? Simple, you climb trees." He stated with a happy quirk to his eye. "Without hands." He added after noting their confused looks.

 

"How?" Sakura dead panned as she regarded their instructor as though he was short several screws.

 

"Like this!" He said happily as he walked over to the tree, using his clutches with practiced ease and he stepped onto the tree before walking up the vertical plant, using only his feet and the support of his crutches. He walked until he was several meters over their heads before he moved to the underside of a large branch.

 

"Just remember to focus your chakra into your feet making sure it is a balanced amount. Too much and you will be propelled off the tree, too little and you'll slip right off." He explained. "If you can master this, no jutsu should be beyond you." He said smiling down at his amazed students.

"Now," He began as he withdrew three kunai knives from his pocket and launched them down at the three, each striking a few feet before one of the students, "I want you to use those kunai to mark your progress up the tree, but I do not expect any of you to do it on your first try. Your goal is to get higher and higher every time. Perhaps a running start would be of use..." He suggested.

 

'Great... purposely failing at this will be difficult... unless...That's it!!' Naruto thought as he and his teammates each plucked up a kunai before eyeing three separate trees. "Ready or not, here I come!!"

 

The three genin raced forward. Sasuke he ran to his tree and up several paces before he felt the bark beneath his feet give way, in a hurried move he scratched a mark in the tree before being propelled backwards into a flip before landing with catlike grace.

 

Naruto ran and took one step before falling flat on his head, while Sakura made it onto a high branch. "Well that was easy." She gloated hoping for Sasuke to give her approval.

 

"It would seem the female member of our team has the best chakra control." Kakashi commented. "Meaning you get guard duty with Tazuna and I." He said with a smile before looking over at the two males. "You two will stay and practice until you have it down." He ordered happily as he motioned for Sakura to follow him back to the bridge builder's home.

 

*

 

Hours had trickled by and Naruto had only slightly improved whereas Sasuke had mastered it. The sun was preparing to descent over the horizon as the Uchiha took his leave back towards Tazuna's home, inwardly pleased that at least he had beaten the dobe to the top.

 

Naruto waited a good fifteen minutes after his last teammate had left before releasing a sigh. "Finally!" He quietly exclaimed as he moved over to the tree and walked up it without a second thought and once he reached the top he marked his point before descending, occasionally nicking the wood to make it look like he spent a lot of time focusing on this exercise. After all he did need an alibi and the tree would prove to be just that.

 

In a whirl of wind and leaves, Naruto vanished from his spot, moving deep into the heart of the forest, far away from prying eyes. He moved to a luscious place, untroubled by man-kind's hands, untainted by their vile ways.

 

'It is time...' Kyuubi stated as the blond pulled his backpack from his shoulders and dropped it to the ground. 'You mustn't make any mistakes.' the fox added as the blond opened up the secret compartment within his pack.

 

'I will not fail. I must be strong.' Naruto said in reassurance that he could do this as he eyed the scroll he withdrew. 'Makimono Kokonotsu Furuiokosu; The Scroll of Nine Summons. A long lost art.' the blonde thought with a smile as he slowly unrolled it with gentle hands. 'Knowledge of this piece has been lost for over a millennia. If not for you Kyuubi, such know-how would not be within my grasp.' he explained happily.

 

'I told you kit. I've been around, and I've seen much. Remember when I told you that so long as you dedicated yourself I would be there to guide you?' Kyuubi asked with a smile of pride as he observed the boy cut his hand before he began to draw a series of symbols open the kanji encoded scroll.

 

'Yes, how could I have forgotten? It is set in my mind more sturdy then steel.' the blue eyed genin answered as he finished his symbol drawing. 'I owe you more then any I have ever met. Though you are of no relation, you have become a part of me, literally and non literally. You are much the older brother, or perhaps grandfather that I never had or have ever known.'

 

'Your words flatter my aged heart and I am proud to say that I view you as the child I have never had.' Kyuubi whispered softly, the soft-spoken words sticking deep into the blond's soul.

 

'Thank you.' Naruto sincerely said as he placed his hand palm down on the parchment and closed his eyes. 'Cheers.' He finished before he focused bright blue chakra through his hands and into the symbols which changed from crimson to black as a great light engulfed the area.

 

 

He was falling, plummeting through nothingness and everything. Light and dark merged together, noise gone but there. He felt great pain, death beckoning, and great peacefulness, heaven's charm. The world had become one large paradox. Combining and twisting in ways no words or gestures could explain.

 

'Kyuubi...?' He called out into the rushing nothing beyond, the words echoing from his very soul. 'Did I fail?' He asked having received no answer from his counter part.

 

"Uzumaki Naruto." A sharp voice cut through the air, the sound seemingly androgynous, being neither male nor female.

 

"Kage Gesshoku." A second voice rang out, twinkling in unknown amusement.

 

"Shadow Assailant." Rang out the third voice, this time it was a deep baritone that was obviously male.

 

"Vessel of Kyuubi." A woman said next, her voice seemingly strict.

 

"Son of Lord Taiyo Hoshi." A second androgynous voice stated, the sound soothing to the very soul.

 

"Son of Lady Hana Amadare." A mid-toned male voice said.

 

"Heir of Dragons." Cut in another male voice, one more silky than a mortal could have.

 

"Lord of Time." A childlike voice added in.

 

"Child of Destiny." A ninth and final voice cut through, the sound cheerful and obviously female.

 

As the last word was spoken Naruto seemingly landed in the nothing, eyes glancing each way in search of the voices' owners.

 

"You come to us with a pure heart and honest intension. Your soul cleansing with its purity. Darkness and pain hover over your heart. Kindness and love radiate from your being." The none voices spoke at once, though sound combined was as great as it was horrifying.

 

"I, Great Ruler of Dolphins, have judged and accepted you. We will meet soon." The voice that had first spoken said as a kanji chakra seal momentarily appeared on Naruto's forehead before it vanished.

 

"I, Great Lady of Sanshouo, have witnessed your hearts ambitions and have accepted you. We will meet soon." The second voice said, her voice still amused.

 

"I, Great Lord of Okami, have tested your courage of heart and mind and have accepted you. We will meet soon." The baritone voice said lightly.

 

"I, Great Lady of Kitsune, have judged your mind's intentions and have accepted you. We will meet soon." The strict feminine voice said.

 

"I, Great Ruler of Kaeru, have lain view to your honest beliefs, and have accepted you. We will meet soon." The second androgynous voice whispered lightly.

 

"I, Great Lord of Tori, have lain witness to your soul and have accepted you. We will meet soon." The mid-toned voice stated.

 

"I Great Lord of Neko, have viewed the testimonies of your life and have accepted you. We will meet soon." The silky voice purred.

 

"I, Great Young Lady of Uma, have judged your past, present and future, and have accepted you. We will meet soon." The childlike voice spoke out.

 

"I, Great Lady of Saru, have written your path which my yet be altered. We will meet soon." The final voice said before Naruto plummeted from the realm of nothingness and into consciousness.

 

*

 

"Sasuke." Kakashi's voice cut over the breakfast table where everyone was slowly eating their morning meal. "Could you please go out and find Naruto. I'm worried he might have overworked himself. I'd go myself.. .but..." The man trailed off as he looked down at the crutches sitting on the floor beside him.

The Uchiha nodded before standing and leaving without a word.

 

*

 

A young, very effeminate figure walked through the forest, a basket clasped in his hands. Occasionally he would stop his walk to retrieve some herbs that would serve the purpose he had needed them for. 'Someone is there...' The young boy thought as he approached the blond haired genin. 'Him...' He thought with a slight frown that turned into a smile as the boy slowly regained consciousness.

 

"You'll catch your death of cold if you continue to sleep upon the ground." He said gently as he shook the blond's shoulder.

 

The voice slowly regained alertness and sat bolt upright his eyes on the figure before him. 'Isn't he...' "Huh? Who are you?" Naruto asked in confusion as he purposely ignored Kyuubi who was moving through the blond's memories of the nothingness encounter.

 

"I am a simple person, doing that which sings to my heart." The boy answered as he spotted a special herb with rare properties. "My name is Haku, and before you ask, no I am not a girl." He said with a chuckle. "How about you?"

 

"My name is Uzumaki Naruto! I'm a ninja in training who will one day become Hokage!" The blond cheered.

 

"Is that the only thing you are training for?" Haku asked quietly.

 

"No I train to be acknowledged and respected. To protect all those that I care for and even those I don't." Naruto said with a smile.

 

"Do you have a precious person?"

 

"Yes. I have a few." The fox vessel answered honestly.

 

"That is good. After all, when someone is protecting someone or something they care deeply for, they become as strong as they need to be." Haku finished with a small smile.

 

"I know all about that."

 

The long haired boy smiled at those words before moving to his feet. "You will get stronger, I know we will meet again."

 

"Upon the bridge, to fight for our precious people. Right Hunter nin of the mist?" Naruto asked as he too stood up, carefully dusting the dirt and grass from his clothes.

 

"I see you've recognized me, yet you make no move to attack. Why?" The boy asked as he tilted his head to the side.

 

"Your heart is pure, and your soul in untainted by the blood that tarnishes your hands. I feel... that if the situation had been different you and I could have been friends." Naruto answered seriously his mask half gone.

 

"Perhaps. You have four days to prepare. Farewell and good luck... Naruto." Haku said in farewell before he turned and left. 'Whose heart is stronger?'

 

Silence trickled by the tired teen. 'Kit... You did it.' Kyuubi spoke breaking the silence.

 

'I did, didn't I?' The blonde stated more then asked. 'I am shocked that the Masters of the Nine spoke directly to me. It was an honour not worthy to mine eyes, ears, or heart.' He said happily as he sensed the approaching chakra signal of his teammate.

 

'You are a special one. If your titles are anything to go by anyways. After this mission I will need to tell you something of importance, something that has just come to my attention.' The fox said before falling silent.

 

'Alright Naruto stated before running at the tree and cutting lines all the way up to the top to make it look less suspicious before he returned to the ground looking as exhausted as he felt just in time for his teammate to arrive.

 

"Dobe? Why did you come all the way out here?" Sasuke asked in annoyance as he glared darkly at the blond.

 

"Don't call me that Teme!!! I came here because this tree is way bigger! Meaning I went higher then you 'cause the top of this tree is higher than yours was!" The blond exclaimed before falling to his bum in sheer tiredness.

 

"Come on, lets get back already." Sasuke said as he grabbed his teammate's arm and pulled it over his shoulder while placing his other hand on the blond's waist, helping the blond stand.

 

"Bastard..." Naruto mumbled under his breath as they set off towards Tazuna's home.

 

*

 

"Kakashi-sensei, do you think Naruto made it to the top yet?" Sakura asked her instructor as they walked over to the training spot that Naruto had left for in the morning after Sasuke had fetched him from the heart of the forest.

 

Before he could answer a kunai struck the ground before them, causing both of them to look up in shock at the blond who was lying on the branch clearly exhausted on the outside, though inside he was brimming with energy.

 

"Naruto can climb all the way up there?!?" Sakura exclaimed in shock as she eyed the blond who was on a branch at least fifty metres above ground level. 'Amazing...'

 

"See! I'm really high up!" Naruto cheered as he climbed hurriedly to his feet, though he suddenly lost his balance and began falling backwards off of his perch.

 

"You idiot!" Sakura screeched, her eyes wide.

 

"No! If he falls from that height..." Kakashi exclaimed his voice trailing off. 'I'm not healed enough to--' he stopped as he watched the blond attached his feet to the base side of the branch.

 

"Psyche!" Naruto said as he spat his tongue out. 'That might have looked a little too good...' He thought with a sigh as he pulled his chakra back allowing his feet to separate from the tree, his eyes going wide. "GYEAAHHH!" He shouted as he fell, though the downwards motion was stopped by a hand on his ankle.

 

"Sasuke?" Naruto mumbled.

 

"Idiot..." Sasuke sighed as he looked down...er up at the boy as he stood how the blond was just moments ago.

 

'Well... they are coming along nicely.' Kakashi thought with a proud smile only visible by the curve to his one eye.

 

*

 

It was dinner time, and the atmosphere was tense for the group as they all quietly ate their meals, well everyone but Naruto was quiet as he was devouring the food like a starved man would. A sudden bang echoed through the room causing all heads to turn towards the small boy, Tazuna's grandson; Inari.

 

The boy was standing, his hands pressed firmly against the rough grain of the table as he trembled with some emotion. His face was towards the ground, eyes hidden by hair. "Why do you tire yourself out training?!?!" The boy demanded as he looked up, tears running down his cheeks. "No matter how hard you try you will never be a match for Gato and his thugs!

 

"You act all cool and tough, but you're all talk and no walk! Those who talk the loudest are compensating for weakness!" The boy raged, his eyes boring darkly into the blonds's eyes. "They'll destroy you..."

 

"Shut up! I'm not you! I will not lose, not now not ever!" Naruto responded in a dangerously low voice as his eyes narrowed at the accusations thrown at him, the words reminded him of all the hatred that the villagers had shown him. The kid was treading on dangerous grounds.

 

"You're ticking me off! You run your mouth off while you know nothing! This isn't even your village!" Inari cried, his hands curling into fists. "You don't know a thing about me! You are always clowning around and goofing off. You don't have a clue what suffering or loneliness his!" the boy concluded eyes closed to try and dampen his extreme emotions.

 

"Shut up." Naruto ordered in a serious voice that wasn't a normal tone from the boy. "Do you think you are the star of a melodrama and that the people around you are guests in your pity party?

 

"It takes a real big man to sit around and cry you crybaby!" Naruto seethed as he went to his feet, ignoring Sakura who said he had gone too far. Without a look back, the blond exited the house, having barely even touched his pile of food that was cooling on his plate.

 

*

 

Later that night found little Inari seated on the wooden dock next to his home. "May I join you?" Kakashi asked as he appeared behind the boy. He didn't wait for any approval before he sat down beside the emotionally scared child.

 

"You know... Naruto can be a brash brat, but he wasn't trying to be mean or to hurt you. He simply lacks the finer ability to be show things in a calmer fashion." The silver haired Jounin began as he looked up at the half sickle moon above them. "Tazuna-san told us what happened to your father. Naruto also grew up without a father." He explained as he looked over at the boy in time to catch his shocked expression.

 

".. actually, he grew up without any parents. He has no memories of either of them and doesn't have a single friend. His whole life has been one painful memory." He said sadly.

 

"R..Really?" Inari asked as he felt shame rise up in his chest.

 

"Yet... In all the time I've known him he hasn't once shed a tear. He never uses problems as an excuse to sulk or be a coward. Not once." He said with a smile as he thought of his student who resembled someone long gone.

 

"He always tries his hardest, hoping that someone, anyone would give him notice, praise his good deeds, or pat him on the back. That is his dream, and he is willing to risk all he is just to achieve it.

 

"My guess is that one day he must have gotten sick of crying." Kakashi continued as he looked down at the water in an almost sad expression. "He understands what it means to be strong. He knows what it costs and that it is worth it...just as your father did.

 

"Naruto probably understands you more than any of us ever could." He concluded.

 

"What?" Inari asked as he looked over at the ninja sitting beside him.

 

"He can't leave you alone, you've gotten under his skin." Kakashi turned to the smile boy, his one visible eye curving into the look that said he was smiling.

 

*

 

The sun dawned bright an early the next day as Kakashi, Sakura and Sasuke stood just outside Tsunami's home, Tazuna by their side. "Please take good care of Naruto." Kakashi said with a smile. "He has worn himself out so much that I doubt he'll be able to move for the rest of today." He said as the group began to head off towards the bridge, the silver haired jounin no longer using the crutches.

 

 

"What?!?!?! I over slept!!!" Naruto shouted as he sprang from his bedroll and raced over to the bedroom door and opening it and peering out while still wearing his pyjamas. "Hey!" Naruto greeted hurriedly as he clutched the door frame of his room while looking at Tsunami who was knitting something with Inari's help. "Where'd everybody go?" He asked as he tilted his head to the side.

 

"Oh! Naruto! What are you doing up, you should stay in bed. Kakashi-san has given you the day off!" She explained as he eyed the boy in shock before he sprang back into his room, only to reemerge seconds later, dressed in a pair of snugly fitting black pants, a crimson tank top, his combat boots, and his regularly worn wrist bands, his pack on his back.

 

"I knew it! The first chance they'd get they ditched me!" He exclaimed, though an underlined hint of pain echoed through his voice.

 

"I'm out of here!" He rushed out living two bewildered individuals behind.

 

He rushed through the trees, moving at a relatively quick pace before coming to a halt on a tree branch. 'Oh shit! How could I have been so dumb!' He silently berated himself before he pulled an about face. He had spotted a forced trail through the woods, one made by people bearing weapons and they were fresh and moving in the direction he had just came from. 'Hold on...'

 

 

*

 

"What the hell?!?!" Sakura's voice cut through the silent air, causing the three males with her to cringe at the sheer high pitched volume.

 

They stood on the bridge, where no work was being done and all was quiet as all the bridge builders were unmoving on the ground, blood pooling thickly over the sturdy surface of the bridge.

 

Tazuna hurriedly raced over to the one who was still obviously breath, though with great difficulty. "What happened?" He asked hurriedly as he gently pulled the man into his strong arms.

 

"M...m...monst....ers" The man said before coughing out a bunch of blood before he succumbed to death's dark embrace.

 

'Could it be...?'

 

*

 

Two men stood outside the slightly run down home that belonged to Tazuna and his daughter. Both wearing smirks as they withdrew their toward form their scabbards, demented smirks on their faces.

 

"Inari could you please help me with the laundry?" Tsunami's voice rang out loudly, causing the two hired samurai to smirk in a predator manner.

 

"Okay mom! Just give me a minute! I'm in the bathroom!" Inari called back from within the bathroom.

 

*

 

A thick mist slowly rose up around the group on the bridge. "They're coming!" Kakashi informed them as their client stood from the lifeless form of his friend and moved closer to the silver haired ninja and the two Genin.

 

Weapons drawn, they each scanned their surroundings for a hint of the enemy. 'I was right, he did survive and now he's back to finish things.' Kakashi thought with a frown as he dropped into the basic Taijutsu stance, while his students pulled out kunai knives.

 

*

 

Young Inari had just stepped out of the bathroom to aid his mother when a loud crack and bang rang through their home, as the two thugs smashed down the door, swords held loosely in hand. "Tsunami, the bridge builders daughter." The smaller of the two said as he eyed the woman with lusty eyes. "Aren't you the looker..." He commented with a perverted and cocky smirk. "Sorry hun, but you are coming with us." He concluded.

 

The two advanced on Tsunami who looked terrified beyond belief. "Leave my mom alone!" Inari shouted angrily, feeling of rage swell up inside of him. He had remembered the blond's words well. He would be strong.

 

"Get lost brat." The larger thug said as he advanced menacingly on the boy. "Or should we take him captive too?"

 

"No...get rid of him, we only need one hostage." The smaller of the two stated nonchalantly as he waved his hand in dismissal of the boy.

 

His words caused the larger one to smirk deviously as he stepped towards the boy, sword held at the ready. "Wait!" Tsunami's voice rang out causing the man to halt in his advance. "If you so much as harm a single hair on his head I swear that I'll bite my tongue and allow myself to bleed to death." Tsunami said in a serious voice.

 

"Yo! Hasn't your mother taught you two any manners?" A voice from the door broke through causing all four of them to turn.

 

There at the door stood the blond in all his glory, arms crossed over his chest as he leaned against the doorframe. "What the-- Who the hell are you?" The younger of the two demanded as the larger moved towards him.

 

"I am Uzumaki Naruto, your executioner." The blond answered as he withdrew two kunai knives and launched them at the thugs, striking them both neat and clean through the foreheads killing them instantly. "Pathetic... they weren't even real samurai..." He muttered dejectedly before glancing over at the two in apology.

 

"Sorry about the mess!" He said as he ran his hand sheepishly over his neck while his other hand motioned towards the two lifeless corpses. "I'd clean them up but I'm needed at the bridge." He explained before he raced back out heading towards the bridge.

 

"Momma.... What just happened?" Inari asked as he edged around the bodies and moved towards his mother, who embraced her dear son tightly.

 

"I'm not sure..."

 

*

 

"Kakashi-sensei! Isn't this that hiding in the mist technique?" Sakura demanded in a shrill voice.

 

The mist grew thicker and thicker and Sasuke slowly began trembling.

 

"It has been a while Kakashi-san." A familiar voice cut through the fog, seemingly coming from no where and everywhere at the same instant. "And I see you still have those brats trailing after you. Oh! And look, the boy is trembling, the poor thing." The man commented in amusement.

 

"I'm shaking with the eagerness of a rematch." The Uchiha said with a smirk as twelve water clone versions of Zabuza made their appearance in a circular formation around the four beings upon the bridge.

 

"Go ahead Sasuke." Kakashi said with a happy smile directed at his pupil. Without further need of encouragement the youngest living Uchiha tore forward and effectively sliced through each clone in a blur with only two kunai knives, one in each hand.

 

'There...' The genin thought with pride.

 

"Obviously my precious water doppelgangers were no match for you! It seems that the brat has matured much in only one week." Zabuza commented in amusement. "Perhaps a worthy rival for you Haku?" the man asked as he looked at the masked boy at his side.

 

"Indeed." The boy's voice rang out apathetically as he nodded in agreement to his precious person.

 

"I was right." Kakashi commented as he eyed the two who were now visible in the mist. "Our masked friend is on Zabuza's team."

 

A loud noise of fire-crackers sounded out through the air causing all of them to turn with 'what the hell?' expressions on their faces before Naruto appeared through the mist. "Uzumaki Naruto, reporting for duty!" Naruto greeted with a foxy smile. "I would have been here sooner, but I had to stop some seriously ugly looking thugs from kidnapping Tsunami-san and hurting Inari-san." He explained as he ran a hand over his neck in mock embarrassment.

 

"Zabuza-sama. I wish to fight this boy." Haku stated as he turned towards the blond, completely ignoring Sasuke.

 

"Fine, you do what ever you please to him, I'll keep my mitts off." Zabuza stated with a shrug as he turned his attention away from the blond and towards the real threat, Hatake Kakashi.

 

"Not so fast!" A thickly accented voice cut through, pulling everyone's attention to a man heavily shrouded by the mist.

 

'This guy... I didn't even sense his approach.' Naruto thought as he squinted blue eyes towards the figure trying to make out who he is.

 

"Zabuza-san, I'm afraid you'll just have to wait for a moment before you carry out your plans of destruction." The man said as he fully stepped into view.

 

He was a giant, standing at least seven feet tall, and he was beyond buff. Hell! His muscles had muscles. His long rich black hair was bound in a leather strap while his dark brown eyes stared darkly at the group before him. He was wearing simple black hakama and strapped at his waist were five katana. He was a samurai, and by just looking at him, one could tell he was a well seasoned one at that.

 

In his hand he clenched a thick metal chain, one that was connected to a collar worn by a colossal beast. It was a monstrous hound that's shoulders reached its owner's elbows with ease.

 

It was a sleek black and well muscled with black flames billowing from its paws and acidic drool leaking ominously from its powerful jaw that was decorated with jagged fangs.

 

"Satsujin-sama!" Zabuza stated as his eyes grew large. "To what honour do we owe your's and your hell hound's presence?" the nuke-nin asked.

 

'Satsujin... that sounds familiar...' Naruto thought as he eyed the new comer.

 

"Well... I'm here to execute someone who has committed a crime against me and my organization." The man began in his thick burly accent. "Some punk destroyed Rise and Set, leaving me only one base of operation and I'm pissed!" He explained ignoring everyone's varying expressions. "That bastard was a slippery one to trail, but Hikaru here managed to sniff him out and he lead us straight here." The man concluded as he eyed the silver haired Jounin with a dark look.

 

"Do you now the name of he or she who destroyed them?" Haku questioned the man.

 

"Not the true identity no, but he is known as the Kage-Gesshoku, or the Shadow Assailant."

 

'So that's where I recognized him from! My bingo book! Oh crap...' He thought with a sigh as he eyed the giant dog.

 

"Wait! Back up! Hold the phones!" Sakura called out. "Are you saying that THE Kage-Gesshoku is here?!" Sakura squealed. "I've heard so much about him! He is incredible!" She said in a fangirl moment causing everyone to look at the nutter.

 

Satsujin cleared his throat angrily. "Silence child! That man is a bastard. Hikaru! Locate!" He ordered as he released the chain in his hand allowing it to tumble to the ground with a mass amount of chinkling.

 

Hikaru raised his massive muzzle into the air and howled ominously before it began to stalk forwards, heading in the opposite direction that all save one of the present thought it would. It moved forwards and only stopped as it was a mere foot away from the blond, the creature easily taller then him. "...N...Nice doggy..." Naruto said as he took a step back.

 

"What!?! Satsujin-sama, is Hikaru ill? Cause I can assure you that brat doesn't have the skills or knowledge required to be the Kage-Gesshoku, hell that man is listed in the red section of my bingo book!" Zabuza stated as he eyed the hound and the quivering blond with an appraising eye.

 

"Odd..." The great samurai of a man moved forward, his traditional wooden sandals clunking eerily against the cement structure. "At ease." He ordered and his hound quickly sat down as he moved to stand before the boy, everyone else to frozen to move.

 

Blue eyes met dark brown in a clash as the man stared down at the seemingly terrified boy. "Boy! What is your name?" He asked sharply.

 

"U...U..Uzumaki...Naruto." Naruto answered all his normal flare completely gone, but none could blame him. 'Crap! Crap! Crap! My resources said nothing about that beast of a hound! How am I supposed to pull off being innocent when my scent is the same found at the bases' previous sites!?!?!?'

 

"Are you the Kage-Gesshoku?" He growled darkly as he grabbed the small boy's chin in a rough hold so that he could stare deeply at the boy's face.

 

"...N...no..." Naruto said in a trembling voice that no one had ever heard.

 

"Tell the truth!" The man roared as he backhanded the boy sending him flying back several meters.

 

"Naruto!" Kakashi and Sakura simultaneously shouted as they edged forward only to be cut off by Zabuza and Haku who stepped in their path.

 

"I'd advise you not to move." Zabuza stated as he looked over his shoulder at Kakashi, the genin and the bridge builder. "Haku, keep them occupied." He ordered and the masked ninja didn't need to be told twice as he stepped forward with a hand seal flashing over his hands too quickly for the others to see.

 

"Yes Zabuza-sensei! Makyou HyouShou HiJutsu!" The young ninja cried and suddenly a circle of mirrors appeared around the group in a dome of pure ice mirrors.

 

"A Kekkei Genkai!" Kakashi exclaimed as his one visible eye-widened. "I'm going to need this yet again." He stated as he grabbed the edge of his forehead protector and pulled it up so that his Sharingan eye was yet again exposed. "Everyone, protect Tazuna!" He ordered as they all fell into a circular formation around their client.

 

 

"Now child, will you surrender your knowledge. I know who you are now." The man said as he walked towards the boy and squatted down before the blond who was sitting on the ground, holding his red and bleeding cheek.

 

Blue eyes widened as he looked directly up at the brown eyed man who bore inhuman strength.

 

"You are the Kage-Gesshoku's errand boy." The man said with a sigh. "I should have known that he wouldn't have left a sent trail, but of course his assistant wouldn't be skilled enough to discreetly conceal himself." The man said with a sigh. "Look kid, I don't like hurting children, but I need you to tell me where he is.

 

"He destroyed two of the five things I have worked hard on and cherish deeply. Rise and Set, named after the very sun, the inspiration for all things." The man explained as he sadly eyed the boy. "All my life I was taught the value of true craftsmanship, and I will do all within my power to protect those standing in such light.

 

"That started my idea to create the Kompku Renpo, an organization devoted to acquiring the greatest masterpieces this world has ever known. I admit we do this task the wrong way, we kill, we maim, we steal and we blackmail. But it is all to protect things that deserve to be respected." He said with a not of pride in his voice.

 

"W..What are... the three other things... you worked so hard on?" The blond stammered out as he slowly dropped his hand from his abused cheek.

 

"Rise and Set as I had mentioned, Solar, my third and last remaining base. The one that holds the greatest pieces in existence. I mourn the loss of those that were kept within my other two bases. The fourth is my skills and power. I had devoted my youth to gaining the strength that I have now.

 

"And lastly... my daughter... Arcanania, named after her dearly departed mother. She is only seventeen and I work hard just to make her happy... but lately she hasn't smiled. But that is enough of that boy. I will leave you a message: Kage-Gesshoku, I challenge you to a battle, one to defend all that I hold dear. Just for my daughter." He finished as he stood and moved to his hound and grabbed its chain leash.

 

"Zabuza-san. I apologize for interfering with your mission, but I had to get that done." He said with a nod to the nuke-nin before he turned and began to walk off.

 

He had only made it a few paces before he stopped and looked over at the boy who was still on the ground. "Naruto..." He said as though testing the boy's name on his tongue. "I suggest you do not accompany your master to our battle." He said before he continued on, him and his beast vanishing into the mist.

 

 

Haku silently stepped into the nearest mirror and soon enough he was seen within every mirror.

 

"Katon Goukakyuu no Jutsu!" Sasuke said as his hands flowed through the seals before he expelled a mass breath of golden flames, raging war towards the ice mirrors before him.

 

"Such a pitiful flame will not destroy my mirrors." Haku admonished as the flames dispelled leaving a darkly charred ground with the ice mirrors unscathed hovering just above the cement of the bridge. Not even a scratch.

 

"Sasuke, if I take Tazuna and Sakura out of here, do you think you can handle this boy?" Kakashi asked as he wearily eyed each mirror individually.

 

"Yes." Sasuke answered, and the words had barely escaped his lips when the three others inside the ice mirror prison vanished with a puff of smoke.

 

"They may have escaped, but at least I still have one prey that can not be helped. After all Zabuza-sama will keep the others out of my way." The mist ninja stated as all versions of him in the mirrors simultaneously withdrew senbon needles which glimmered in a threatening way. "Surrender and you will live."

 

"Never." Sasuke said as he dropped into a defense stance.

 

"Then die!" Haku said quietly as every version launched a barrage of needles, that seemingly came from every direction.

 

 

"Naruto!" Kakashi exclaimed as he, Sakura and the bridge builder reappeared outside of the prison in a puff of ninja smoke. Two mismatched eyes spotted the boy on the ground, seemingly in a daze as his blue eyes were focused on a point beyond the fog. "Naruto!" He said again as he took a step forward.

 

"Not so fast." Zabuza stated as he appeared before the Jounin. "Let the boy be, he is in a bad situation." The man explained as he moved his sword in a threatening manner, taking pleasure in the girl's and the bridge builder's obvious fear.

 

"What do you mean?!" Kakashi demanded having missed everything that happened while he was within the mirror dome.

 

"Simple, he failed his master and must report the embarrassment while telling him of the challenge." The man answered in a way that would confuse many before he launched forward, only to have his blade halted by a small kunai.

 

"You do realize that a ninja's secret weapon should be used with great reserve, not flaunted about at ever random face you see." Zabuza sneered as he leaned forward to glare at the mismatched eyes before him.

 

"You should feel honored, you are the first to ever see my Sharingan eye twice, and none shall view it a third time." Kakashi said as he forced the nuke-nin back.

 

"You may have what it takes to kill me, but not Haku." Zabuza said with pride, after all he had trained that boy into a powerful young weapon.

 

'There is no way that the masked boy is more powerful then Kakashi-sensei.' Sakura thought nervously as she pulled her hands up to her chest in a nervous gesture.

"Since he was but a toddler I beat all of his skills into him and he has prevailed against even the strongest of adversaries. He has lost all regard for his own life and has essentially become a killing machine, a true shinobi.

 

"His skills are far beyond even my own and he bares the formidable legacy of a bloodline within his very veins. Meaning I have forged and I carry a weapon that has no match, the exact opposite to the brats that you carry... well maybe two of them, the third I have yet to decide upon." He trailed off his eyes momentarily flickering over to the blond who was finally pulling himself to his feet.

 

 

'Have I played being shocked long enough?' Naruto asked with boredom in his voice as he continued to sit unmoving on the cement bridge.

 

'Yeah, you have. Now I think you ought go assist your teammate, seeing as your sensei will more then likely be able to handle Zabuza of the mist.' Kyuubi responded with a shrug and the boy began getting up ignoring the feeling of eyes on his person before he rushed forward towards the dome. Sasuke needed help and he wasn't going to let him down.

 

 

"I will give you credit, you have lasted much longer then I thought you would." Haku said towards Sasuke who had various needles sticking out of his body and was huffing heavily with exhaustion."But now, it's over!" He shouted before he launched a mass barrage of senbon at the boy.

 

Sasuke closed his eyes in anticipation for the impact but it never came, the only sound being metal striking metal. Dark eyes slowly opened revealing a certain blond genin standing before him with a kunai in hand, the needles scattered around him on the ground. "Alright there bastard?" Naruto asked as he peered over his shoulder with a mischievous smirk.

 

"It's about time you got here dobe." Sasuke said with an amused chuckle.

 

"Hey! You bastard! Is that anyway to save someone who just saved your butt?" Naruto demanded hotly as he returned his attention to the mirrors before him.

 

"Impressive... you stopped those senbon with ease..." Haku commented. "Perhaps I ought turn things up a bit." He concluded before he began his assault anew.

 

"Why are you doing this Haku?" Naruto demanded as he and Sasuke leapt over several needles before ducking under another set.

 

"You recognized me?" Haku asked as he came to a halt, all versions of him regarding the two before him before each had rose and removed the mist hunter mask, revealing his very feminine features. "That is a surprise as it has never happened before..." He trailed off in thought. "Tell me, when did you figure it out?"

"When I saw you in the forest." He answered honestly.

 

"Then why did you not attack?" Zabuza's living weapon asked.

 

"It wasn't the right time." Naruto answered honestly. "We were all preparing for this confrontation, meaning it would not have been honorable to have just attacked you there and then." He explained sheepishly. "I felt that had we met in another time and place with different circumstances we could have been friends." He finished with a small but honest smile.

 

Sasuke looked between his teammate and his enemy with a frown. 'What is the dobe going on about...?' He silently questioned.

 

Haku smiled a gentle smile. "I feel that had we indeed meet under different circumstances we would have made great friends." He said honestly before his face turned expressionless. "But things don't always go as we would have liked." He said as he brought his mask back up and replaced it back on his face. "I have to kill you Naruto-kun, for Zabuza, my precious person."

 

"I understand, but I will not loose, I have to accomplish my dream." Naruto said as he pulled his hands up into the cross-shaped seal. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!!" He shouted and in a puff of smoke twenty clones appeared.

 

With a battle cry they all launched forward, the original included, though their advance was short lived as they were struck down by senbon needles, causing the real Naruto to skid backwards with several needles embedded in his flesh. "I feel like a pin cushion..." He mumbled before climbing back onto his face, noting the wide eyed expression of his teammate.

 

"Naruto! Can you do that again? I have a plan!" He informed the other as his eyes turned from black to red with two black comas swirling in them.

 

"Yup!" He shouted as he leapt up to his feet. 'He's finally activated his Sharingan. The late bloomers tend to be the strongest of the bunch.' He thought as he jumped backwards to dodge another needle barrage. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!!" He shouted as he brought his hands up in the cross seal.

 

A second time an odd twenty or so Naruto moved forward, the Uchiha tracking them keeping a close eye on the mirrored Haku's. 'There!!' He thought with wide eyes. "Katon Goukakyuu no Jutsu!!" He said before exhaling a golden flame which raced towards the airborne Haku who was racing between mirrors launching his needles.

 

The mask nin saw the oncoming flame and dodged it leaping into the closest mirror. "Impressive." The fake hunter nin of the mist commented as he looked upon the slightly singed hem of his hakama pants. "You are the first to cause me harm, however small it is, within this jutsu." He said with a hint of pride in his voice.

 

"Teme!" Naruto shouted as he pulled a senbon out of his arm. "Is that all you can do!?!?" He cried out in annoyance as he walked over to the Uchiha and glared at him, hand on hips. "For someone who brags a lot you suck!" He said hoping that his words would cause the boy to try harder.

 

Haku saw the major opening in the boy's stance and hurriedly launched a barrage at him.

 

Sasuke saw the needles with his Sharingan and hurriedly shoved the blond out of his way taking several of the needles directly to the neck.

 

"Sa..Sasuke..." Naruto whispered quietly as he looked on in horror. In a swift move he moved forward and caught the falling genin before he hit the ground and he held him gently on his lap. "Hang in there teme!!" He shouted with tears in his eyes.

 

"Heh.. Dobe... I didn't do it..." Sasuke mumbled out, blood flowing from his parted lips.

 

"Shh." Naruto said, "Try to conserve your strength."

 

"I never reached ...my dream... To kill him.. my brother...." He whispered before succumbing to the numbing chill that signified death.

 

"Sasuke!!!!" Naruto cried loudly eyes clenching shut in pain as he clutched the cooling body tightly to him. 'And the winner for the best actor goes to Uzumaki Naruto for his dominating performance in 'The Death of an Uchiha!' Naruto thought as he imaged himself shaking hands with some big important person while hold a shiny award. 'I'd like to thank all those who have given me their support-' He began only to be cut off.

 

'Kit! Though, I commend you for your lack of creativity at this scene, I'd like to point out that you should probably stop your mask's bawling and give a show to that boy, one so great he can't help but die happily at the end of all this. It is the least we can do...' Kyuubi said sadly.

 

'Let's get serious!' Naruto thought as he reopened his eyes which were no longer blue but instead a red as deep as blood.

---------------------

 

End of Chapter

 

Sorry about the short chppy, but I felt the need to be evil and leave it off there. ><* Couldn't resist the temptation! T.T OH well...

Thanks for reading and please review!!