Chapter 3:

Sakura, as usual, shouts, "What! What do you mean sensei? Aren't we suppose to fight only thugs?"

Naruto glared at Sakura with a heated KI shutting her immediately, in a calm voice Naruto speaks, "Sakura, Kakashi-sensei must have known something which we haven't. So shut it and listen, then complain."

Kakashi who now gained everyone's attention start again, "Okay, our client here is targeted by Gatou who controls the ship company in Wave Country. By monopolizing it, he manages to gain his own advantage; money and power. Tazuna have tried to gather every possible donation from the villagers; however due to the poor economy there he manages to come up with payment for C-class mission only. Therefore, since this has jumped to a high B-class or even A-class mission, would you like to continue?"

Sakura was confused what to answer and Sasuke was in deep thought; he couldn't wait to face a challenging opponent, an opponent in testing his skill level. Naruto as if sensing his thought was thinking of a way so he wouldn't face an opponent that might very well take his life.

While Naruto was thinking shortly, Sasuke in his mind was grinning after gaining a conclusion, 'Oh, a powerful opponent. Now I can test myself against them; see if I'm good enough to go against him.'

However, that line of thinking was cut short by Naruto, whom interrupts it by stating, "Kakashi-sensei, I say that these two should go back and inform Hokage and we two continue." This definitely cut the thoughts of his teammate.

With what KI Sakura and Sasuke could muster, they yelled, "What!" both from different thoughts, Sakura with 'How dare he orders Sasuke?' and Sasuke with 'Damn that Dobe, I'll make sure I beat him to a pulp. Though his strength is also one other thing I should consider; I've don't know how skilled he really is.'

Kakashi and Naruto both sighed, with Naruto trying to reason with them, "You see, you two aren't fit as shinobi yet. With your current skills, you were nearly dead from those attacks. Anyhow Kakashi-sensei here has the authority so let's just ask him, shall we?"

Sakura then was about to make a smartass comment when Kakashi interrupts, "I hate to admit it, but Naruto's option is our best choice. You two can rejoin us; with the back-up team; after talking to Hokage of course. How 'bout it?" Kakashi finishes with his eye smile.

Grumbling, Sakura and Sasuke muttered "stupid blonde" and "lazy ass teacher" but nevertheless they agree; not without seeking vengeance with Sasuke now thinking, 'Let's see how the dobe does against an Uciha. Oh, it would be priceless' this trail of thought makes him bouncing in excitement in showing who's the boss; soon they started to go back since it's nearly midnight and they are a day away from Konoha. After seeing those two off, the remaining shinobi turned against Tazuna. Kakashi then states to them to camp for the night, through the night nothing happens and they each manage to sleep with Tazuna gaining a full 6 hours and each Naruto and Kakashi gaining 3 hours for staying up and guard the camp. Early dawn, they pack their camp and started to move.

Then they motion him to be in the middle between them. Tazuna then muttered a thousand apologies and thank you; forgetting to do that yesterday. After walking for a while, they manage to arrive at the lake. Now Tazuna was talking about meeting a guy there, however Naruto silently motion him to jump to Kakashi's back saying about" being more silent and faster". Tazuna argues and they finally settle with leaving Naruto's clone to explain it to the guy they were to meet.

Finishing their arguments, Kakashi with Tazuna on his back and Naruto water walk the lake. Reaching the other end, Naruto notices a presence and threw a senbon needle; only to see a white rabbit jumping away. With that, the only thought coming to Naruto and Kakashi was, 'White rabbits are at cold temperature; now is summer. Then it means, oh shit!' Naruto takes out his sword while Kakashi jumps to the side.

Naruto's sword was unsheathed and blocks an incoming spinning Zanbato. Soon a chuckle is heard throughout the forest and there stood a male with camouflage pattern pants, shirtless with a strap from the shoulder to his midsection with a mask covering his lower face. His eyebrows weren't there though and he stops his chuckling, "Well, well. A mere kid stopping my sword. I must say I'm impressed. Though tell me kid, how good are you with the swo-?" His statement was cut short as his sword was returned in a similar way it was thrown. However the man caught it and laughs maniacally, "Now I'm really impressed! What do you say one-on-one kenjutsu only, huh?"

Naruto now was grinning, seeing he has a chance to test his skill, but before he could reply, Kyuubi interrupts him with her piece of thought, 'Remember kiddo, and don't be too cocky. He's still an A-rank missing-nin after all.'

Naruto just mentally sighs, 'Alright Kyuu-chan, only 'coz you say so' at this time, Naruto took a slight pause to remember his when he ask Kyuubi about his extra-ordinary healing capabilities, and how much he owes it to his now soul mate (Pun intended : P)

Flashback

There was Naruto, sleeping in his bed; but what no one sees is that he is in his mindscape, fulfilling his deal to meet the Kyuubi.

Inside his mindscape, Naruto was standing inside the cave, meeting Kyuubi again. "Hey Kyuu-chan, you there? There's a question that keeps bugging my mind!"

A grunt, which was his only response, so he decides to go to her 'bedroom' where Kyuubi was just dangling her feet at the edge of the bed. "Hey Kyuu-chan, I wanna ask you something."

Kyuubi who was just doze off, remembering her terrible past was startle to find Naruto was next to her sitting on her bed, slightly blushing at their closeness she manage to choke out, "Hmm… huh? Oh, sure"

Naruto concern about her attitude does what he does best, ask, "First off, you alright Kyuu-chan?"

Kyuubi, yet again was slightly startled, "Umm… Yeah I'm fine"

Naruto sighs in relief, "Anyways, what I really wanna ask is do you have something to do with my Healing Abilities?"

Kyuubi just nod in response

"But why?"

"Kiddo, I've seen you're life; and since it was somewhat because of me being in you, I thought it was my responsibilities to at least help you."

"Oh… but you know that I don't blame you, righty Kyuu-chan?"

"Still kiddo, it just doesn't seem right"

Next thing what happen, shook the depths of Kyuubi's heart, Naruto hug her and mutters out a 'thank you'. After regaining his composure, Naruto sobs a little after a full minute of sobbing and calming him down; in Kyuubi's part; he began to talk, "You know Kyuu-chan, you're like a mother I never have. You're the only one who always look-out after me"

Kyuubi blushes at the compliment, but she mutters an "it's alright" but what she had in mind was different 'I was hoping to actually be his mate, though I doubt it could happen. But still, he's still a nice kid.'

Naruto then said, "Thanks, from now on, I'll listen to your advices for us to have a better chance staying alive; since in one way, I do own my life to you."

Kyuubi said "How? Who? When? Why do you know about it?"

Naruto then decided to speak up about his knowledge, "You see Kyuu-chan, I study the seal from dad and notices that our souls are intertwined, so I die you to, you're released forcefully, I die. So since you're nice to me and all, I don't want you to die."

End Flashback

Naruto then release a deep breath, "I accept your challenge Zabuza, Demon of the Mist. A one-on-one kenjutsu only battle." With that, Naruto went into his stance, a foot or so distance between each foot with his right slightly in-front left hands crossed diagonally in his front touching his shoulder. Then his right hand, his sword-wielding arm, at the back with the blade pointed downwards from his middle of the back.

Zabuza chuckles at his acceptance, "I see Konoha's brat knows about me, guess not all of them are green" with his statement he charges forth, intending to overwhelm by speed and strength.

Meanwhile, Kakashi who knows about Naruto's skill steps to the side whilst guarding Tazuna, after all; mission first, right? Tazuna however, was scared of the brat's life, so he shouts, "Hey, you're his sensei right? Why don't you help him? He might die you know?" fear lacing each and every word.

Kakashi just replies to him with his eye smile, then the battle between kenjutsu users were off. Clearly shown in the battle, the intensities of two kenjutsu master; both trading each blow with a dodge, block, counter or parry. While Zabuza mostly blocks and strikes, due to his superior strength yet lack of speed and his sword which is a feet longer then his height, Naruto dodges, counter and strikes with superior speed and agility from his small figure and smaller blade.

"You know brat, you're pretty good. You're blades also nice, handling my Kubikiri Hōchō with your own sword for that long" Zabuza blurted out during one of their stalemate in the sword locking with each other, where both struggles for dominance.

With a sudden jerk, Naruto pulling his sword a bit, slips from Zabuza's front, where suddenly Naruto appear to his side doing a cross slash movement. Zabuza's superior experience gives him a better reflex, just after being momentarily caught off-guard by the sudden release in power from his opponent, he stumbles forwards where he feels a sudden wind to his side and immediately reacts accordingly, bringing his Zanbato upwards to block the attack.

Seeing his surprise combo not working, Naruto jumps back a few feet; however this action provides an opportunity for Zabuza who immediately shot forwards. Naruto realizing his condition where his guard slips, decides to test a new swords art he has been learning, bringing his normal stance forth, Zabuza who has been closing in give a burst of chakra enhance leap; aiming on a vertical slash. Sensing the danger, Naruto decides to counter, aiming a weak spot on Zabuza's blade which he happens to notice have a very subtle crack.

Risking his chances, Naruto brought his sword to a reverse grip and with an over-extended diagonal swing and back bringing to a sudden halt where he calculates his aim. Then the next thing happen in slow-motion for both swordsmen and Kakashi who has been guarding Tazuna with his Sharingan open. What happen was after Naruto has his sword in place, he thrusts forward towards the crack with an extra push from his other hand on the hilt; Zabuza not realizing the crack thought of the boy's action as suicidal just continues forth with extra force. Then time returns to normal as the blade clashes, with added force of both swordsmen, Zabuza heard a loud 'Crack' looking carefully at his blade, he sees his nightmare; his Kubikiri Hōchō has a visible crack at the edge were both blades meet.

Cursing, Zabuza falls back, settling to a defensive position, "Damn you're good brat, unfortunately we'll need to stop our kenjutsu battle, I still have a mission to finish."

"I guess it's alright, I've gain enough experience. Now come forth, show me a true shinobi battle!" With that shout, both kenjutsu based shinobi start their own techniques, using a long sequence of hand seals. Though each with different hand seals and speed, they stop at the same time to shout their respective attacks.

"Water style: Water Dragon technique/ Water Style: Passage Bringer"

With that a water dragon forms around Zabuza circling him and shot straight through to Naruto, as it closes in and nearly devouring him full, Naruto bought his palm forward only to have the water dragon and the water beneath to separate with two meter circumference; obliterating the water within that radius in a straight path to Zabuza. Zabuza, shocked at the display was stunned for few brief moments; moments taken with full efficiency by Naruto, who immediately continue his chain of hand seals.

Just when Zabuza was out of his confusion, he sees Naruto at the last hand seal and only one thought in his mind, 'Crap'.

Naruto shouts his technique, "Water Style: Heat Finisher" With that, water encompasses Zabuza, his skin started to become blue; losing heat quickly. However, before all of his body heat is loss, three senbon pierces his neck and a swirl of water tower appear; a hunter-nin wearing a the mask where there's four wave pattern where between the eye slits and a swirling wave pattern across the mask. The hunter-nin wore a green kimono hugging tightly across the body.

All the while, Zabuza realizing his death coming near was ever grateful for the senbon piercing his neck, one thought crossing his mind, 'Where would I be without Haku? I owe her a lot.'

"I appreciate your help in ending Zabuza's life, I've been chasing him a while to find the right moment for him to be finished off. Thank you." Naruto was amused at the feminine voice coming from the hunter-nin; which sounded a little gruff, like there's voice changing equipment being used.

Naruto exhausted by that display dropped to one knee panting hard, all the while managing to muster the energy to speak a sentence, "Your welcome, though I wished for you to act sooner" panting all the while with each word spoken. The Hunter-nin just nods and takes Zabuza's body while disappearing into a swirl of mist. Kakashi was next to him in an instant, just before he collapse.

Releasing how much his body is worn out, Kakashi asks Tazuna, "Would you mind taking us to your house, he'll need quite a bit of rest. Besides it would be a while until reinforcements arrive." Tazuna to stun at the display of power by one so young nod dumbly whilst leading the way.

Not five steps of walking, a sudden blur of 4 people appears before them. Kakashi whom now have Naruto on his back and Tazuna walking was tense, after encountering an enemy it's only natural for them to be like that. Though they immediately relaxed when they saw the Konoha headband, Kakashi then talks first, "So Yuugao and Hana are the one being ordered to help, and I see both of you prefer to come along; Sasuke, Sakura." All four nodded, though that happen only a second after which both Yuugao and Hana stared at Naruto and gasp in shock; a certain memory coming back to them seeing him unconscious, the first time they saw him.

Hana's flashback

There in the forest, stood a four-year old blonde in scrapes and bruises all over his body, panting heavily as if he just run for a full day. That blonde is none other than Naruto, he indeed have run the whole day from mobs of villagers; having caught once by the mobs, which are the source of his injuries, he manages to escape to this forest. Having no more strength to stay conscious he drops to the floor near the tree he is standing face first.

Just as the 'thud' rang through the forest, a mob of villagers with mixes of both retired shinobi and civilians appear near the blonde; all cackling madly at their luck. They however consist only of small numbers 10 – 15 only and 2 retired shinobi with having rank no more then genin during his life. Just as they were about to advance and have their fun with harming the blonde a kunai whizzed between them and hits the ground between them and their prey.

Next thing which comes is a blur of 6 with 4 small blurs and 2 large blurs. There stood the clan head of Inuzuka family and her companion; Tsume Inuzuka and Kuro. Besides them are the clan heiress and her companions; Hana Inuzuka and the Haimaru triplets (Haifu, Imagi and Ruki). Seeing the clan head of the Inuzuka, they hurriedly scrambled away before anybody gets the chance to be beaten to an inch of their life.

Hana who was having a curious expression suddenly smell blood and rather strong at it asks her kaa-san, "Kaa-san why do I smell blo-" she was about to finish her question when she turns to her kaa-san, then suddenly out of the corner of her eyes she saw a boy younger than her unconscious, "Kaa-san, there's a boy and he's injured. C'mon kaa-san lets help him". In an instant, she is next to the boy crouching next to him.

Naruto open his eyes for a brief second, seeing a blur in front of him he suddenly blurted out in a small voice; though loud enough for the sensitive ears of the Inuzuka, "Are you a tenshi?" then he drops back to land of the unconsciousness. Hana blushes a beet red, being called tenshi and all that (I think tenshi is angel).

Tsume who sees it smiles fondly and she started to pick the boy up gently, then they started moving back towards the village. Meanwhile, Hana decides to speak her mind, "Kaa-san, why is he chased by the villagers? He seems nice."

Her kaa-san just sighs, "Musume, this boy carries a burden that brings back awful memories and most cannot look pass the past."

Hana then just stared at the ground while speaking softly, "I see"

End Flashback

After that incident, Hana and her kaa-san comes rescuing the blonde more often until he is five. Seeing as he suddenly disappear every now and then.

While with Yuugao, her memory wasn't as heart-warming as Hana, her encounter was when she started ANBU and she still held her grudge towards the container of the nine-tailed fox; Naruto

Flashback

It's nearing night time as she watches Naruto, this is her third time on protection duty, during the first two times she watched over him; she helped, although only when he's inches away from death. Yuugao Uzuki is her name, although she is a respectable kunoichi, she has a flaw in her greatness. She during the Kyuubi attack watched intently as her parents died from the destruction of Kyuubi, then when seeing as it is sealed to a baby, she promise; she swore vengeance. Now though as part of the ANBU, she tried to cast her feeling as she wants to be seen as a professional. Yet, her despise for Kyuubi couldn't be melted away instantly; therefore the results of the first of her two protection duty on Naruto.

Though this third time she starts to reflect back at what she knows of the blonde, he seems cheerful; unbelievably so; yet at the time the mobs catches up to him he just seems to admit defeat and he just cries and tried to crawl into a fetal position. That was her first duty and she helped him; though only when the mob started to decide their through with it; her second time, she started to doubt her view of him as Kyuubi; so her second time was used for conflicting her thoughts and she nearly forgot about her duty and again Naruto was nearly beaten to death. Now, a pang of guilt enters her heart seeing that the one she's guarding is no more than an innocent child as a victim of circumstances; her eyes are starting to tear up at what terrible fate she must've inflict on him.

When she snaps back to reality, she saw that Naruto was already trapped; after her remorse, she jumps to action and the mob shouts profanity at Naruto but only when she leaks KI did they scramble away. Naruto seeing the ANBU, smiles a sad smile and mumbles, "I thought you hated me, you seem to only help me when I'm about to die. It seems I'm wrong" with the last part being drawled as he slips to the world of the unconsciousness. As if adding salt to the wound, Yuugao starts to sob she hug the boy close and shun-shin them to the hospital, Yuugao during the trip decided that from this day onwards she'll support him since, just because of her lack of action, a boy becomes more wounded than he already is. Arriving at the hospital she barks orders to treat Naruto.

End Flashback

True to her words now, she had supported Naruto though until he started to stop appearing very often. Now looking at the sight of the same boy in a similar state; bar the wounds; she starts to panic.

Hana being the mother hen she is when it comes to Naruto faces Kakashi with a stern glare and speaks, "Kakashi-sempai what happens to Naruto and how come is he unconscious? Is he hurt? How far has he been like this? Is-" That was when she was cut short of her question by Kakashi raising his hand.

"Ne, Hana, he's just facing mental exhaustion. He was facing a Jounin opponent"

A scoff was heard, whirling around their heads; the higher ranked shinobi turned to face Sasuke, "Tch, yeah right. A dobe like him must've passed out from sheer terror! No way is he strong enough to face a Jounin, besides he probably just have the mental of an ant!" Then he froze, yes that happens to genin feeling three KI of 2 ANBU level shinobi and one angry woman; you know what they say, 'Hell hath no fury, like a woman's scorn'

Yuugao growled menacingly and surprisingly bestial, "You Uciha, that is as far as you get on talking. I don't care of your lineage; badmouth Naruto-kun once more; consider your life forfeit."

Just as powerful as it is, the KI was washed away in an instant; though now all are tense, especially after the outburst of said Uciha. Kakashi decides to break the ice, "Alright, now that that's taken care of, Tazuna if you would kindly lead us to your house again?" eye-smiling as he talked.

Oh Team Seven, Yuugao, Hana and the Tazuna House-hold are so going to face one of their toughest week in their live. Not just the tense atmosphere of being in a high-ranked mission for such a newbie batch, but also because of how protective were the new addition that arrive to help the mission.

A/N: That's all folks, now Would you please be so king to vote who should be added to be close to Naruto? (and I'm utterly sorry for being so long before updating; at a loss of idea and not being able to focus and all that, hehe XP)

Should it be:

-Fem Haku

-Fem Itachi

-Fem Sasuke (he/she would only start to show her/his true gender more openly after wave incident)

No matter which though will be having a meeting with Naruto like Haku and Naruto in the manga; the day before the big-fight.

Btw sorry guys for the very long update, besides this chapter went to the wrong story. I put it in the Kyuubi and Fenrir when it should've gone to the other one, sorry guys hehe XP.