Ch. 24: What Could've Been

A week of walking became a week of training my charka control and zone. I never really had the time in the village and headway I do now. I've even trained Mira in a couple techniques from the Exotics with my surplus of time. I've suffered enough savage beast attacks to pick up a few tricks.

"If you can predict it, you can learn it."

My old master told me that once. It sounds like a watered down Uchiha mantra too.

I've permitted Mira freedom to run about and Kakashi told me to use her as our tracker seeing that she's coming of age. I didn't have a problem with that. Mira needed to run about more and use up most of her pent up energy anyway. She's annoying when she's hyper and worse when hungry.

Kaguya has stuck close to me. Apparently, she learned a technique from her Tiger God of a Grandfather. One that's cause me as much trouble as attention from my travel companions. She's been a bit difficult for some reason and clashed with Mira not too long ago. I've no time for female animals to play like this especially a big cat with a small dog like a child…

SCRATCH!

I grit my teeth as the stinging sensation of a cold blade sliding through my skin hit me. I glared back to the cat on my shoulder and she snort at me with a smile. I still don't understand how a cat can smile. They don't have the muscles to even do that. Still, this little kitt…

Kaguya rose her claws again and swiped downward. She stopped just millimeters from the center of my left eye. I stood wide eyed from this. I forget she can feel my emotions. Most of the time she and I aren't this close for this long. Our times together are numerous but short because of our union. This must be a symptom from the Bond. I felt she could read my mind but that's impossible. She just knows when I'm thinking negative, maybe insulting, thoughts about her.

"Forgive me," I said to the tiger with my hands up in a surrendering fashion.

"Forgiven," she jeered before resting back on my shoulder. She wrapped around the back of my neck like a scarf to rest like usual. Shrinking down to the size of a kitten has made traveling easier. I didn't have to explain her to Kakashi-senpai either. Normally, Kaguya would be out scouting ahead but hit a road block a day ago.

We're traveling through the thick mist of Wave now, and Kaguya can't see or track as well as Mira in the Mist. Apparently, she's more comfortable near me especially since I've added elemental manipulation to my chakra manipulation experiments. My Zone extends over my clothes a centimeter. I've used water manipulation constantly to unsaturated the air around me.

"Disgusting humidity," Kaguya growled under her breath. Cats don't like to get wet, Kaguya included. The moisture makes breathing labored and 80 degrees feel like 100. It's annoying but Water manipulation here could potentially make you powerhouse if you've the charka for it. You can pull it from the air, the grass, the trees, and the massive water sources we've passed by numerous times. I read the Second Hokage could manifest water from the atmosphere. It'd be interesting to mirror that, but pushing away the moisture is good enough, for now.

"When will you relax, Naruto?" Kaguya questioned quietly. She didn't even need to whisper. Only I can understand her car speak anyway.

"When I can shrivel this paper in my Zone with ease," I declared.

"Making a hexagon shaped Zone in my hands has made it somewhat easier; let me show you." I showed her my Zone. I made it a bit bigger with the square paper resting in the center, spinning in the transparent shape. I've yet to experiment with it fully on how to combine elemental chakra to it. I still struggle with rotation hand thing but with seals it's becoming easier. I can make a seal turning my hand into a conduit of lightning manipulation just by making three lightning, two control, four water, and one wind sigil. An old Jager technique consolidates lightning into the palm of my hand. It's a quick discharge meant to flow into your brain or heart for quick assassinations.

"So fascinating," Kaguya dismissed my life's work with a sneer. "You train too much and barely give me any attention." She rubbed her cheek to mine. "Pet me right now."

"Stop acting spoiled," I shot back but still dropped my hands breaking my field. I caught the slip of paper in two fingers then pocket it. I rose one hand and focused on the seals etched on my gloves and the other rose to Kaguya ears to give her attention like she wished.

The five point Zone began to take shape. Once the edges form they developed a slight glow then crackled. Lightning began to form in my hands striking from one point to the next at random.

My smile inside could be labeled as insidious.

Goddess, it feels great to be out of the village away from the eyes and whispers. Out in nature, traveling, and feeling the life around me for once. This world is rich with Od that I can saturate in. It's calming my mind and body knowing I'm reverting to a familiar state. I realized this once I got over the boredom and quiet. Bypassing the obstacle called "Responsibility" is pushing my abilities to the next level. I can make more than a spark now and almost lite up the tree I was in last night.

Shock Hand: the perfect tool for quick assassinations.

Lightning in the hands of man is a double-edged sword, but if strong enough in mind and body, it'll follow your instructions. In this regard, I found the slight crackling, bursting light, and atomizing electrons quite the sight.

This vacation from work is paying off.

"Naruto," I heard from the rear.

"Yes," came out my mouth directed to the broody teenager. I closed my hand into a fist from ppinky to index silencing technique.

The Uchiha's eyes centered on my hand before switching to my face. "How's this look?" He presented his hand for me to look. I glanced back to what he was doing and like me he had a few papers of his own. I examined the piece and the concentrated of charka surrounding it. It was fluctuating from fire to normal chakra. He's applying more chakra too it as response to this. While this might burn the paper eventually, its like starting a fire with two twigs instead of your lighter, and thus wastes energy and precious time.

These little exercises have many parallels to training Od. The end state is total control of energy and it's shape. I've always practiced physical shape manipulation of Od mostly for bodily augmentation, not magic.

My breaths came in and then out as I switched from Researcher mode to Teacher mode. "You're wasting too much energy." I instructed evenly.

I rose my hand to the paper and extended my Od towards it. With a flick of the wrist my Od began dismantling the charka surrounding the leaf. During my charka training I've discovered that Od is the unnatural medium making charka possible. It allows a union between Chi and Ki to generate, like glue of sorts. Remove that link and it all falls apart. It's an idea derived from a seal in my book making chakra almost unusable. It's meant to seal a person's chakra but fashioned it for other usage.

The Uzumaki clan was right to be feared and eliminated because any technique capable of breaking apart Charka is dangerous. Imagine a Kage brought to his knee with such power. Panic and fear would spread like wildfire. But I really need a name for this new set of Jutsu and techniques I'm recreating.

Maybe… Yoton?

World Release since this is based controlling what shapes the world. If the Uzumaki had religion, then the Fabric that makes up the world was important to them. My tome eludes to this and how to bend that fabric. Possibly even unravel then sew it back together.

I skipped ahead in my tome to one seal and deciphered maybe ten percent of it before the headache hit me. My mind nearly frenzied. If the Uzumaki were capable of sealing away a person's chakra, even burn it down from the roots, then I wondered are there some technique without use of seals.

Charka Chains came to mind as an example. It can seal movement and chakra but slow from what I've read. It's designed against tailed beasts, not humans making it useless for my targets. The lesson it teaches is how Od can shape Chakra not just fashion it together. The use of Od from Onizuka helped tremendously what I could understand. For a being so quiet he's power is very boisterous.

The brands came alive as the Od flowed to the paper causing the small flame to die in moments. This is the extent of my abilities until I complete my core. I felt my partial core shiver from that small demonstration that earned the fascination of the Uchiha. I'm still breached but it's healing as a gift in disguise. I shattered my spirit body and so causing it to adapt this body as it healed. If I had continued with a complete soul straight out if the Void the body would've imploded and brain exploded. Because I'm restoring my soul and body simultaneously my core is forming and circuits awakening naturally.

All the pain isn't for naught. It shown when I've influenced chakra from another. In my excitement I couldn't help but show off a tad. Kensei and Onizuka have assisted me with mending the crack around my sternum and my core is like a part the human body. Even when injured if used while hurt it'll heal stronger than before. Just need a bit more time.

The Od that I could only see receded back into the brands under my gloves and sleeves. "There's too much non-elemental chakra and no control over it. Non-elemental and fire charka are constantly shifting back and forth erratically. While the fire chakra will utilize the normal chakra as fuel, you'll be sacrificing 39% more chakra than is necessary. That chakra can be employed elsewhere. Work on chakra control before moving on to elemental." I took a breath and coughed. I'm talking too much these days with all these questions I've received from these two.

"I see." Sasuke focused on his paper between his fingers. Its just normal paper too just carrying a seal of mine to resist charka, of course, he doesn't know that. Why tell your student you've added weight to the dummy?

"Are there more than tree climbing then?" He questioned having already become quite proficient at it. I've shown him a couple exercises and walking on surfaces was the first technique I learned after waking up in a shinobi world. If I can do it anyone can.

"Yeah," I nodded my head and took out my journal. I turned to my training page for the list I made, recording every technique and jutsu I've experienced into it. "There's mud sailing, water walking, air gliding, rock shifting, waterfall rising, and many others." I said listing off only a few. There's a charka control exercise in every country that I've planned to take advantage of. I rubbed my head with a sigh and said, "Sadly, I've only mastered five so far." Managing a crime family isn't easy on my time.

"You've done a lot of training and research huh, Naruto." Sakura stated the obvious.

"Some. We'll talk training once night comes as usual." I turned back to the front pondering what to train them in later.

It started out with me telling these two what to do so they can leave me to my studies, mostly Broody. He literally asked me to help him in his very Broody Uchiha fashion. That pride of his almost exceeds mine at times and yet swallowed it enough to commit. With his cheeks a flame from embarrassment he called "Hey, Naruto," with a bashful expression on his face. "I need some pointers." That day I stood astounded. Broody took time out of his day to ask ME for help. Not Kakashi but Me. My ego skyrocketed after that which was quickly shot down when Fives decided to play puppy by following after.

It's been sort of nice telling them what to do. Being Team Leader is a modest position and gives me another billet for the bio. The kids listen to when I speak for even kids know when they're outfoxed.

I felt another spike like cold needles stabbing into my spine once more. I nearly lurched from the sensation.

This constant pain from the black blood is more noticeable than ever. In Konoha I barely noticed it. It's been lessening with my training in chakra and elemental chakra, but it remains a constant reminder of my first Bloodsuck this year. I feel moving under the skin as it mutates my body to match my soul. I know this because Od is becoming progressively less poisonous to my circuits.

I should find that chimera once more, experiment on him a little, and unlock the secrets of his body. His blood is a potential gateway to making the next Covenant of Jaeger, if I desired it. Enriching my blood has always been the key to higher power. Hiroki might've opened the doors without me noticing until now. His blood is forcing doors open in my body, and I'm struggling to keep up but surviving with benefits.

One detriment are The Whispers. The blood speaks to me telling me many, many things. Most of the time they whisper how easy it'd be to cut off the head of the girl with us. That's just one example of the Sins it wishes for me to commit as if desiring the spread of fear and misery. Spread the plague of sorrow to the many souls of the land. Hiroki must've been a very terrified and miserable individual to the point that I feel him in marrow of my bones. His hatred and feels of betrayal curses my thoughts at times.

I fear that one day The Whispers will soon speak to those bonded with me. Yakumo and Shion are bonded to me now, but I know there'll be more. Many more now that I've broken through the first threshold. I'm desiring others to share this burden with me; shave off impending madness.

Now that I think of it, I need a male to bond with. I cupped my chin even at the thought. Bonding with too many females and not enough males will appear a little… bizarre. The only male I could ever think about bonding with is the Old man Hokage but he's much too old by this point. I could probably re-create an anti-aging seal or maybe a Grand Bodily Resurrection seal instead to make it possible.

I mused but shook my head.

The old man has lived his life and suffered his own scars. I've no right adding many more on top of those from what I've read. The abandonment of his prized pupil being one of many. The death of my father and mother another. The Fall of the Slug Princess one more. I've looked at so many files on the old man and those around him. Many of which are highly classified.

I put that thought behind me for now.

My lightning training is one of many steps to appease my blood. Now I just need to relearn how to focus Ki at certain points of mu body. If I can manipulate lightning at precise points on my hand, then that would be a new surprise for the first man I fight when I finally employ it. I've so many ideas and that's only one element out of three I'll use for not only confrontations but everyday life.

I'm discovering that seal capability is limited by our finite imagination. From my extensive research and experimentation, a seal can have the same effect as any jutsu with minimal cost. The downfall is preparation time. Seals take time to create whether simple or complicated. Of course, I skipped ahead in my book and was rewarded with a headache for an hour figuring this out. I can't wait to get past my current chapter to the life-force restricting seals or the elemental trap seals.

My first attempt to create one of the latter seals, while walking, ended with the damn thing nearly blowing up. My compression scroll barely worked long enough for me to place it in another then a third to keep it from going off. An unstable lightning bomb is the end result that has a chance of blowing me up at any moment. I can still use it for later. I think the fuse has another ten seconds before it blows.

My constant training, morning and night, makes time fly by. I know a week past only by asking some time ago. Not sure just how long ago now that I thought of it. Could've been two minutes or two days with a single constant. I don't really sleep so its all a blur now.

"I want to thank you all for this again," the old man said breaking the eerie silence the Mist shrouded water brought. I blinked and came back to reality away from my training at this nagging phrase I've heard multiple times. The sound of the rocking boat and water surrounding completely ruined my concentration and the momentary pause after the old man's words. I didn't have anything to say about his little gratitude nor did I care for it. "I mean it, I was worried you wouldn't help us for a moment."

"Old man," I finally said after the sixth thank you speech up to now and counting. For the love of any god in this blasted world it's been nonstop for days. Not every damn day, I think. Maybe every other day. I've held my tongue but enough is enough.

"We had every right not to come and in truth the only reason we did is because it suits our own personal goals. What I want and what I do to get it are closely tied together. That means if I had suspicion that I couldn't profit from this mission of yours you'd be alone right now. Be happy this isn't the case, old man. Instead of being thankful for us being heroes consider what we are: Ninja. Heroes don't kill for sport like ninja do. Neither do they protect expecting compensation like us."

I turned my head back to the front on the boat and silence once again followed me. I looked down to Mira who was resting on my lap and sighed in relief. I don't want to wake her from her nap. The quiet may have been ominous but I was too engrossed in my chakra Zone exercise to care. Didn't even realized we were on a boat. Last I remember we were walking.

I found a rubber ball in one hand and plastic ball in the other. I'll assume I've been practicing my rotation exercises. Wind for the plastic and lightning for the rubber. My training is based on focusing the pure energy on one point of my fingers in the palm of my hand and like my leaf plus kunai twirling exercise. I used my chakra and the fingertips to make them rotate.

I thought of firearms for some reason once I took note of the engine on the boat. A rifle would be nice to have and shocked such hasn't been made yet in this world. Maybe I'll get TenTen to fashion one. I know what's required for it to work but not so much how to build it. So much of the same culture from my world exist here. Heh, for all I know I might be in the future than an alternate world. A long time in the future though perhaps even thousands of years. I thought back to when a bullet left its chamber and barrel it leaves in a sort of corkscrew rotation traveling not only faster but increases the piercing power of the fast-moving projectile. I asked myself, can the same be mimicked using chakra?

Maybe, who knows?

The real challenge is forcibly shaping the chakra. Chakra can be shaped and molded into anything, so I brought a medium to act ad a baseline. The chakra simply rotates on the slick and smooth surface, but no matter how fast I move the chakra, nothing changes. Encasing it in a field doesn't help. I manipulated it within the ball to close to the same effect. I may hjust continue my current training with my chakra hexagonal field instead. I'm close to a breakthrough I think, but I'm still missing something crucial.

What will it look like and what will be the aftermath of my jutsu?

What do I call it once it's finished?

I'll wing it like always, but I know it needs a name but until the final product I'll think on a good one.

I let my thoughts fade for my current situation to come back to the world of Mist. I learned a long time ago that when I regress into a state of trance time slows. So far, my mental home is coming along nicely with the Fox resting on his pillow, like it requested. Apparently, his last container was terrible, and it's not used to being given comforts. It's the little things that count.

I still remember the first couple weeks and his annoying whispers until I shut him up. His persistence to make a deal with me wore on me just like the old man and his speeches. I remember the whispers got so annoying that I walked to his old hole in my Mental Home. I'd walk into the basement to tell it to shut up while I'm trying to study or reminisce on previous lessons.

The fox didn't like that.

"Is he always like this?" The old man asked.

"Like what," Kakashi answered.

"Like that. A brat that can't take thanks when it's given." The old man gruffed.

"No not really I…"

"Really think it is rude to talk behind his back like that Sensei." Broody said surprisingly in my defense.

"I agree with Sasuke-kun, Sensei. It's really rude," Fives stated backing up the Uchiha throwing the jonin for a loop.

A smug smile rose to my lips. I looked back to Kakashi so he could see how disgustingly arrogant it was. He turned away from me surrendering the victory. I would've mirror until Broody, who was literally sitting behind me, peaked over my shoulder to see what I was doing.

"Can I help you?" I ask impatiently, ready to get back to my experiments.

"Maybe," the Uchiha admitted. "What are you doing?"

I rose an eyebrow at the brat behind me. For the last week and a half he has been struggling to sneak a peek at my projects or my training. Even more so when we took out those two chunin leveled opponents in seconds. It was our first time in combat together and our little exercises actually paid off. It must've took a lot of curiosity for him to look past his pride and flat out ask me a question like that.

Might as well humor him a little.

"A Zone control and manipulation exercise," I said deciding to play along with the poor boy. At least stroke the fire of interest he has kindled towards my secrets. "Would you like to know more?" I asked in a teasing tone.

The Uchiha stared at me blankly then the sphere in each hand. "Sure." He replied.

"Well," I began turning on trainer mode. "The chakra control we learned in the schoolhouse is basic but are the beginnings of much grander forms of training." I rose hand holding the rubber ball. "Molding your charka in your body is possible for anyone with enough determination, but how about molding it outside the body?"

"Like sticking a leaf to your forehead, your scrolls to chest, your sword to your back, and kunai to your legs all at the same time," Broody pointed out. He's been watching me closely as of late.

"Yes, like that. But instead of sticking another leaf to your skin you push it off the first."

"But Naruto that doesn't make sense. How could you push chakra off the leaf? It would fall if you put too much chakra into it." That was a good question from the girl and nodded approvingly towards it. Sakura blinked then averted her eyes from me for some reason.

"Exactly, that's why," I flipped my hand upside down to show the ball sticking to my hand making a couple brows rise. They weren't impressed for obvious reasons. "When you push you make sure to control just how much you push." The rubber ball in my hand began to rise off of my hand but it did not fall as they all expect. Instead it stayed levitating above my palm an inch at the most connected to an invisible spiral of chakra. "Then after you provide the force to push it off along with the control to hold it in place you…" I paused as the ball began to rotate and turn. Once it was balanced out I pushed my Zone outwards to add the next ball. It hung an inch below the rubber one. This made eyes widen this time.

"…Then manipulate the chakra coursing through this medium for the next. That is why I call this control and manipulation." For a bit more flare I allowed wind Chakra to circulate around the plastic orb giving it a greyish hue. One day I'll manipulate two elements on one hand and it'll be amazing.

"Hn." The Uchiha watched as the crystal white winds revolved around the balls in white traces. I stopped the flow of wind and cut it off with Od. The white streaks on the spheres faded away then they rose up to my palm. I caught both then let my hands drop.

"The theory behind extending your influence like this came from a book Kakashi-sensei gave us." I pointed out. The man himself nodded once the other two looked back at him.

"That ah, that was impressive," the old man admitted.

"That was something. And you came up with that on your own Naruto?" the pink one asked awed by something so simple.

"Yes."

"But how does it help you get stronger?" Sasuke questioned.

The lesson must've been missed or his one track mind is that legendary. I sighed regardless and said "It depends on your definition of strength, Broody." I turned back around officially losing all interest in the lesson. "My training isn't about strength but control. If you're wondering where my strength lies it because of…" I put a finger up. "One simple, little thing."

"What is it?" Sakura asked.

"That's… a secret." I felt the boat rock and burst in and out of the water. I looked back to both twiddle d and twiddle deuce face first, feet up, faulted into the boat.

"Hey kids, be careful with that!" The boat man snarled. "Damn kids never showing control."

Kakashi chuckled to himself even Tazuna had a small smile on his face. "Your kid is strange."

"I know and I prefer it sometimes."

"Only sometimes," I mused.

"Only sometimes." He responded.

"Naruto, you idiot!" Sakura jumped at me with red demon eyes and her hands out to strangle me. I leaned down to hear a loud splash a second later. The girl gasped for air once she broke the surface.

"Now that wasn't very smart," Kaguya yawned from her spot on my shoulder. One that Mira hasn't gotten back for the last couple days.

"Indeed." I reached down and took the girl by the collar. I picked her like a carrot out the water. "Huh?" I rose a brow giving her a small shake. She's really light. Maybe 50 kilograms.

"Ahh, I'm all weeeett!" Fives whined and broke down into lengthy sobs and me out of my trance.

"Broody, shift back a step." The Uchiha did as ordered and freed the seat behind me and placed Fives in place. She hugged herself and broke down into shivers.

Her jade eyes burned holes into me. "T-this is a-all y-y-your fault N-Naruto!"

"But you tried to strangle me though. Should I have let you throttle me?" I reasoned to calm her down before she did something stupid again.

"Yes!"

SNAP!

"AHHH!" Fives' hands left her sides and cupped that large target of a five head.

"Annoying little girl," Kaguya spoke what I was thinking as I put my hand down. I even sheathed my finger from my signature finger flick.

"Wrong, that's not going to happen, Fives." I wagged my finger in her face chastened her like the child she is. "Now do yourself a favor and get dry."

"How am I…" I waved a large towel in front of her face. Fives flushed faintly but took the towel silently. I watched her wrap herself in the warm cloth. She grew further red under my gaze and even turned a bit away so not to suffer my full stare. "D-Do you have to stare at me like that?"

"No, but focus more on getting dry over me," I countered. Fives groaned but continued to dry herself off.

"Where did you even have this thing?"

"Don't ask questions. Get dry."

Once we disembarked from the small boat we walked towards the trees in the distance at my recommendation. I let a sleeping Mira rest in my coat and Kaguya took to a tree to overlook us. I faced the shivering girl with my arms crossed. "I can dry your clothing, but you have to change out of them first." I pointed to a couple trees in the distance and back to her.

"W-what!" Sakura covered herself dramatically as if she had anything to show for right now. I did muse on if she will in the future. Hinata, from when I watched her train in that tight black outfit not to long ago, needs a bra already for her chest. Even Ino has a little more going for her and they're the same age.

I found this amusing but a waste of brain cells.

"You're wet, cold, and in unfamiliar territory. There's no telling when we might get attacked by the enemy or who's watching us. I need you to hurry and get dry."

"B-but…" She stuttered and stammered. Her bashfulness slowly awakened the inner bastard within giving me an idea.

I walked up to her and leaned in close until our nose almost touched. "If you want, I can change you myself. It'd take only a moment."

"N-Naruto!" Fives growled. I could imagine a tick mark forming over her forehead at that quip. A fine signal showing that she was angry and annoyed.

My lips arc into a smirk. "Then you should go before it happens. After all, I am physically stronger than you. All I need is ten seconds to make the choice for you." I rose my hands up with my palms facing me holding up all eight fingers and two thumbs. Slowly, I began to count down.

"You better go before I hit zero," I cooed. A flash of hesitation and fear laced her eyes as the ten became a seven then four. On the two she was in the brush changing into her backup red outfit. I snort then leaned on a tree. Broody had a smile on his lips for once and wasn't brooding. The client and Kakashi stayed between myself and him for good measure.

Kakashi looked toward Fives' direction then back. "How long do you think it'll take for her to get dressed?"

"Hn," Broody grunted in response.

I shrugged. "She's female in That stage. I would say ten minutes max. Seven to complain and rant, two to strip, and the last to get dressed."

Kakashi rose an eyebrow at me. "You think so?"

I tapped to my ear with my eyes closed. I picked up her movements and the distinct tone of her voice amidst the natural sounds. "I can hear her right now calling me a pervert, you a pervert, the old man a lecher…"

"Hey!" The old man shouted. "I am not that old." I opened my eye and gave the man the most deadpanned stare I could manage. Broody even opened a single eye to the old man before returning to his brooding. "I-I mean…"

"Too late old man," I shook my head. "Much too late. Anyway, she's calling me the worst names and of course Broody is the only one left out of her rant. It's mostly the usual compliment and announcement on his good qualities. It's sort of stalkerish if you ask me. I didn't know you wore pink hawk underwear once Broody."

"Hn," he grunted in response but with an angrily twitching eye.

The old man snickered but attempted to cover his mouth to muffle it. "Geez boy in my day if my friends and I would wear something like that we would have been hung on a pole by them." The old man switched places with Kakashi so he was closer to me than Broody.

"What else does she know?" I focused my hearing a little to humor Broody's request.

"Its official, all fan girls are stalkers." I know Hinata is probably the greatest stalker a guy could ask for. She has a ton of worth from her noble status alone, but that girl's dirt on me is legendary. She probably knows what I ate yesterday despite being back home. I pray no one breaks into her mind. If I have a weakness, she knows it.

I gave Broody a shrug to his question though. "I wouldn't worry about it." That did the job of unnerving the brooder, unsettling the old man, and amusing Kakashi like I wanted. In all honesty she never said a thing about Broody or the old man. I've dirt on everyone to include my teammates. She mainly complained about me but not much else. She did say some interesting things that made me wonder. What did she mean by being lost and drowning in the team? I suppose that's a question for another time.

"I'm finished." Fives announced as she appeared from the bushes with a pair of dripping wet clothing in her hands and her backpack on her back. I looked her over and frown at her wet and unruly hair. Fives seemed to jitter in place unsettled by the four different set of eyes on her all with different emotions in each.

"W-what?"

Broody grunted angrily but nothing else.

The old man looked away to the side.

"It's nothing Fives." I presented my hands to her. "Let me see your clothes." Little girl did as she was told. I formed a zone around then and in an instant they steamed over from the lightning charka I poured into it. The sparks made her jump backwards in shock.

"Done." I gave them back to her and she awed that they were in fact dry with a little static on them. I waited as she folded her clothing and placed them in her pack. She faced me after she was done, looking down to her feet.

"I…I."

I stopped her right there with a scoff. I placed my hand down and pointed upward towards my face. "My head and eyes are up here Fives."

She scowled for a moment but got control swiftly. Jade eyes met my cerulean ones. "Thank you, Naruto," she sighed. "And sorry for trying to hit you."

I shrugged at the effort she put into the apology and accepted it with a nod. "It's fine," I waved it off. "I did threaten to undress you after all." I walked around her and took her wet strands in hand.

"Naruto, what are you doing?"

"Don't move," I commanded shutting her mouth once more. The girl grit her teeth from my tone but turned her back to me so I could work. I placed my hands on her hair and little by little dried it all the way to the roots. I comb lightning enriched fingers through pink strands and finished it in a ponytail, wrapping bandages from a quarter up to where her hair reached her shoulders. The entire time she was moaning faintly and relaxing like putty in a master sculpture's hands.

"There." I stepped back to admired my masterclass grooming skills. Her hair is sensitive, which is unusual but interesting to know. The thought of pulling it crossed my mind but quickly kicked that into mental pavement. Nanami truly has left her mark on my soul. Damn that woman and her violent, sadist antics.

"Y-yeah you." Sakura reached back and rubbed her hands through her hair. "My hair is so soft and smooth! How did you do that?" She shot in front of me with glistening eyes. "Please tell me how… this is amazing!"

"Oh," I hummed slightly bemused. I leaned in just as much as she leaned in towards me. "What are you willing to give me if I tell you?" My suggestive tone flowed past my lips. The girl's cheeks turned a rosy pink, almost as pink as her hair. Charming a girl like this is too easy.

"Y-you want something?" She stuttered, visibly shaken.

"Of course, this isn't a free world, and everything has a cost."

"I-I will buy you a bowl or ramen later." I irked when my only admitted weak point was poked with a stick. I felt my stomach cave at the mention of ramen from it's old addiction. Getting that fix sounds nice but held strong. I have money to get it myself to get it myself and practically own Ichiraku Ramen. I can get a free bowl at anytime I want in the village.

"N-no." I bite my tongue.

Sakura's eyes widened then narrowed slyly. "Are you sure? You stuttered," she smirked. I just rolled my eyes at her attempt to tease me.

"No," I said firmly this time. Sakura snapped her fingers.

"Fine, what do you want? A date or something?"

"No. You have no interest in me so there is no point." My answer was smooth and to the point.

"Then what? What can I give you."

"Your first kiss, Sakura." I pointed at her lips and felt a swipe across my cheek. I glared at Kaguya which she returned with a dry one.

"That was a terrible joke," the tiger chastened me.

"You want my first kiss." Sakura deadpanned. She looked at Kaguya and smiled. "Even your kitty doesn't like it."

"True," I admitted. "But a kiss means the world to a girl and my secrets mean everything to me. If you want to know then you have to do this."

"No way that's gross." I chuckled and pat the top of Fives' head before walking away. She's be surprised just how many females I've had kiss me already. All ages with the oldest being 29 years I believe. It would be sort of gross if hygiene wasn't a thing.

"Such a cute and innocent girl." Kaguya chuckled a bit. I couldn't help but agree.

"Oh, and Naruto." I heard behind me and glanced back to pinky. She smiled at me sort of cutely.

"You called me Sakura." I scoffed a bit, but I did call her Sakura just now didn't I? I supposed I've been leaning off the nicknames. I think those are more up my Naruto Half's alley than my Jaeger one.

"She ready to go?" Kakashi asked me.

"Yes, senpai. She's mission ready."

"Good, let's go then."

Team seven took from their respected places in the clearing and followed the client's directions. I took rear flank and Kakashi the front. Sasuke took left and Sakura the right.

"Hey Naruto," I opened my eye to the voice of some girls voice and found it was her from before. That fives girl again. "About those guys you let go before. You think they'll attack us again?"

Why is she bringing this up now after days on the road? Fear perhaps or uncertainty. Those ninja attacked with the intent to kill so maybe she's worried. "If they do I'd be surprised for one. How I see it, they'll target the weakest or the strongest first like before. Since the latter happened they'll come for you first and Broody will be targeted next afterwards. I'm sure you both together can handle them though." I explained first earning a look of nervousness from the girl.

"We'll keep you safe so don't worry." I gestured to the other men in the team. Kakashi did say if I didn't keep my two teammates alive he'd personally destroy my life. I don't want him to get into my business or see what he has planned. Even the old man included some of his own words into this as well in the same regard. Guys like them are men of their word.

"Thanks, I guess." Fives frowned. "But why wouldn't they target Tazuna?"

Tazuna? Who the… right the old man. I shrugged my shoulder missing an animal on it. "They want the old man," I repeated their words with a glance towards the drunk. "That means unspoiled. Their boss has plans for him and we're in the way." The old man winced I'm sure imagining what this Gato could want with him. I can think of a few reasons and most include indentured servitude.

My thoughts went to back the Mist ninja and possibly army of mercenaries we'll contend with. According to my book they defected with a Swordsman of the Mist, Zabuza Momochi. I imagine that Zabuza is going to attack us soon in this mist meaning Kakashi-sensei will have to handle him. I'll have to disable his reinforcements that might come.

If this is the typical team of mist nin we're dealing with then I bet half my revenue on there being operatives in the shadows somewhere. One of the few things that's ingrained in a ninja are essentiality of teams. Never travel alone without someone watching our flank. Unknown factors can lead to fatal wounds or death. A team of four is most common, and so far we've encountered two members. It's a possibility of a third member awaiting us, hiding in the shadows waiting to strike. That's why Kakashi placed me in the rear. He wants me to search for this person's soul, because if I hate one thing, it's to be blindsided when I could've prevented it.

"Sakura," I said firmly.

"Ah!" The girl jumped, startled by this.. "Y-yes?"

"If worst comes to worst you'll have to ready to run. Be wary of assassination attempts and ambushes." I told her very firmly "So, if we're attacked you won't be able to hang in the side lines like during the bandit raid a month back. You'll have to fight or die."

"You make it sound so simple, Naruto." She huffed. "As if you've been in that sort of situation or killed anyone."

'If only you knew,' I thought with a shake of my head. This girl is so innocent and ignorant. She really doesn't know anything.

"In the life of a shinobi, mercenary, cook, Inn Keeper, and even a bridge builder it's life or death. I've chosen life more times than you could imagine." I let that subliminal confession set in. I don't regret harming my foes or even taking their lives. There's only three times I've regretted and that's before this life.

"Senpai," I called out.

"Hm," I felt the needles on my neck once Kakashi looked down at me.

"When's my mediator going to arrive? I've waited 9 days now." It may have taken us days to travel with escort but a lone anbu should've arrived a week ago. She's late and I need her with me and soon. I need someone to grip the hilt so I can be used rightfully, and keep the council off my ass.

"Any day now," he answered loosely.

"Ugh," I grunted not at all amused by this wait. I'm anxious for her arrival. I felt Sakura suddenly appear next to me and looked over my two companions. Mira slept with her head poking out from the center button of my coat and Kaguya resting on my shoulders.

"That girl has been looking at me every hour Naruto," Kaguya reported. I thought back to calling the big cat a kitty which speaks volumes. "She thinks I'm probably a stray you picked up. A cute one."

"She'd be wrong," I muttered to the cat before scratching the spot behind her ears. Kaguya purred and rubbed her cheek against mine. "You're the prettiest cat in the world without rival."

"Why thank you my Bond mate," she joyfully said from the praise. I don't give it much.

"So cute." I heard from Sakura.

"Tell her I'm beautiful not cute Naruto." Kaguya ordered.

"Kaguya isn't cute she's beautiful," I stated with a dull, empty tone.

Fives giggled with a smile on her lips. "Of course. She's very beautiful. Can I pet her?"

"What?" Kaguya nearly growled. "This little girl dares to even dream of having the privilege to gaze upon Princess Kaguya let alone pet her! She's lucky this tiger deity even acknowledges her presence and existence!"

"Oh no," I groaned audibly. You know Kaguya is irate when she talks in the third person. Kaguya is very pretentious and picky about who's attention she'll accept. Took me nearly dying in that tree incident to gain hers. Kaguya spared the girl a look of scorn for her desire then yawned. "She won't touch this deity outside of a dance Naruto," Kaguya answered for herself and rested back on my shoulders

"Unless you wish to fight her you can't pet her," I translated since Kaguya refuses to talk to her directly.

"Fight her?" Sakura questioned.

"She's a Skirmish Tiger from the Cat Clan. A warrior if you will."

"I thought she's your pet kitty." Kaguya grumbled with an eye opening. Her energy was becoming progressively aggressive at the lack of respect from Fives.

"Tiger." I corrected. "It's best you render her the proper respect she deserves or pay the price. She'll hurt you." I warned.

"Oh, what is your little kitty…" I shot back and covered her mouth with my hand. The girl muffled with eyes wide as dinner plates. Her tone was playful showing she didn't take me seriously. I had hoped to stop her before she got to far but failed. Kaguya was off my arm and on Fives' very same arm with her fur shivering as she began to transition into the Tiger Assault Form from the clan. The Tiger growled, her claws began to protrude out from her paws and razors for fangs grew. She's in position to take Sakura's neck in an instant.

"Kaguya," I warned her with my eyes narrowed on the self-proclaimed tiger deity's form. My hand dropped and stepped back a bit to give myself some Quickening room. I'll be on her in moments if she even thinks about going for the kill. Kaguya knows I won't allow her to harm Fives. While I don't necessarily care if she ended up with a gushing neck, I'd rather keep that off my record.

It took a couple seconds but Kaguya turned her eyes to me. I crossed my arms at the tiger expecting her to do the right thing and return to me instead of being a volatile beast. We live in a society where cutting first isn't always the best method. Had to learn that the hard way.

Kaguya growled until Fives giggled and reached up and picked the tiger up from her shoulder into her arms. I think that shock on my face paled in comparison to what I felt from Kaguya as Fives then proceeded to cradle the little kitten and pet her between her ears.

"Ah! Stupid human," Kaguya spat out angrily but didn't move from her spot. Fives was patting Kaguya and treating her like a little kitten with soft musings. Even went as far to call her a beautiful kitty. My Kaguya was practically purring from this.

"She's so cute." Fives smiled up to me.

"Uh, yeah." I shook my head. She doesn't understand just how close she was to death just now. Best I keep it that way for now. At my request Fives handed Kaguya back to me. Once out of Fives' hands the tiger returned to my shoulder back into her resting position as if nothing happened. While a shock that was interesting. The prideful and strong little tiger was putty in the hands of a little girl. If I told Tomoe I can only imagine the walk of shame Kaguya would take as punishment. To be willingly disrespected in such a way and do nothing about it. Oh yes, Fives just gave me some blackmail material for later.

"Her fur is so soft," Fives noted.

"Yes it is," I frowned at the girl. "Try not to make a habit of that." Fives blinked in confusion. "Just don't excite her wrath. Okay?"

Fives blinked once then said, "Okay, Naruto?" She's confused but that's fine.

"Naruto." Kakashi spoke up from behind me. Kaguya glared at the man in my stead. "Control your partner."

"I'm not at the rank to give her orders."

"Do your best."

"Yes senpai." I shrugged. I glanced back to the tiger that immediately turned her head away from me. I think she turned a shade red if it's possible for a cat to blush that is. I smirked at the feline and faced back to the front.

"Not a word Naruto," she growled, her tone threatening.

"You never pounced me then Kaguya," I replied. She's been holding that over my head for the last couple days to get her more meat. Kaguya leaned back in shock making my grin grow further. The tiger said nothing but just grumbled at me. I pat her head and scratched behind her ears earning a purr. She glared at me still, but it wasn't heated.

As we walked through the mist I felt something in the distance. I could spot life in the distance and charka in the air. I pushed my makeshift field out in a pulse to disrupt the charka around me to see more clearly. I'm becoming blinder the deeper we dive into this mist if I'm using my charka sense. Someone is preparing a sneak attack.

"We're being watched and have been for the last half an hour," Kaguya said in her relaxed state. She's not wrong. We've been stalked for a while now but its kept a distance. I left it alone until I felt a chakra signature to our flank, closer than before. I rose my left hand and pulled my wrist back. A whish noise like a muffled gunshot resounded as a senbon left its port stamping into the tree to the side. My eyes shot forward following the smell of blood in the air forward. I got a hit on something and it's human. I might've skinned him.

"Naruto, what is it?" Kakashi walked up to me.

"We're not alone," I whispered before walking over to the bush to a rabbit frozen in fear. I took my senbon from the tree to examine it. I noticed a small trace of blood on top. It's a male's scent. I pulled down my mask and placed my tongue out to clean the senbon of blood. Once it touched my tongue, I felt my body respond. My blood burned the information into my mind.

Target is a Shinobi above chunin level. The wave like pains symbolize a predominate water Chakra user. If they can control mist of course they manipulate water. They're physically excellent but not on the level of Master Gai but physically stronger than Kakashi. The target is a professional killer. The darkness in their soul is deep with an inkling of light. This might be the Swordsman of the Mist those two idiots mentioned and here for the old man.

I loaded the senbon and gave some attention to the rabbit. The rabbit had white fur and mud on its paws on dry ground and that mud was recent. There's a water source nearby then this man substituted from that source.

I leaned down and picked the little guy… yes guy up. He cowered before me understandingly so. "It's okay," I allowed my ki to seep through my fingertips and spread my influence out from the tone of my voice. The rabbit calmed down and allowed me to reach out and pick him up. "Thank you for trusting me," I told the rabbit. I felt it beginning to get comfortable in my arms.

Such a shift I've suffered. In my previous life I wouldn't have bothered with this animal and might've eaten it. This time I'm talking to it and even comforting it.

I hugged the bunny to my chest in a manner that would be strange to the me before. I shook my head of these thoughts and walked up to Kakashi to show him the rabbit. "Look sensei." The man peered down at the rabbit and nodded. He understands we're not alone anymore and placed his hands down to reach for a kunai. I pushed out my spirit sense to find the soul of our adversary. I felt another disturbance and drew my sword.

"DOWN!" Kakashi yelled to everyone once I drew my sword. My field spread over my Ketsugetsu covering it in a small series of arching lightning. Covering body and skin in a field is difficult, same with extending it out past the clothes, but pushing it through a conductive medium is elementary. I leapt up with my sword in hand spinning in the same direction as the coming zanbakutou. Where you have electricity, rotation, and metal (even with humidity as the conflicting element) you can turned metal into a magnetic for a time. The timing had to be perfect. This will be a good test to see how far I've gotten.

I gripped my sword tightly in my left hand praying this works. Being cut in half isn't the way I wish to die. I continued my spin until the flat of my sword came into contact with the flat of this large sword made of pure iron. My magnetized sword took hold and my zone smothered the sword.

The force of momentum behind this sword was stifling.

'Oh hell,' I grunted from the weight of this blade. This man is very strong to send this sword sailing cleanly through the mist.

I tensed and absorbed the Ki for a transfer. With it, I let out a ki infused kick creating a seismic boom twirling me around. I had to really use my own weight as counterbalance if I wanted to send the sword off its course straight towards the lake in sight. I amped up the lightning to generate heat causing the attraction to wane until the blades detached. I sent the sword right back to sender. My field fell as I hit the ground with a slight pant. "Damn," left my lips in a harsh breath with my head spinning from the strain. Even the rabbit resting in my arms was dazed.

"W-wow," the old man gasped.

I panted softly as the mist around me was lit up by the residual energy field around my sword. I compressed the field into a lesser variation with wind flowing to counter the lightning until the field faded away completely. I looked down to the rabbit as it nipped my fingers a little seemingly unaware of what just happened.

"Naruto." Kakashi muttered. He was obviously disappointed with the display.

"It's fine," I said to Kakashi. "And I'm just a bit winded," I tried to say but it was a lie. Generating that much lightning my sword had some backlash. The lightning broke through my zone and shocked me a bit. I felt it in reach my heart, and it might've skipped a beat or two. I'll need a couple minutes to recover.

"Naru-nii!" Mira scratched at my chest. She must've been woken up from her nap after my fits of acrobatics. I didn't even noticed when she jumped out my hood and crawled in front of me.

"Stay with the target Mira." I stabbed my sword down and climbed to my feet. The wolf dog barked defiantly until I glared down to her. Hesitantly, she rushed to the old man's side. "Kaguya, keep the two pups alive." With power like that I'll have to fight unencumbered. The tiger gave me a look. I nodded and she jumped off to stand between Fives and Broody.

"Hmm, not bad for a brat." An ominous voice rang in the air from seemingly every which way. "Lightning manipulation huh. You must the fucker my lackeys told me about." A sudden weight bared down on me. This sheer amount of murderous intent…

I panted again but used my sword to climb back up to my feet taking it with me.

"Sakura," I said getting the girl back in focus. "Hold him for me." Sakura looked down to rabbit and took him. "Thanks, I'm going to need both hands." I won't hold back against a ninja of his caliber. I'm confident in my abilities enough to know I can stand toe to toe against most chunin level ninja and some jonin. Jonin have their own skill groups and this man is near the same level as Kakshi and Master Gai. I sense Cat would have some trouble with him as well.

"Might need to take this seriously hunter…" Kensei whispered in my ear. I was included to agree.

I walked out towards the water with my hand back to grab my hood. I faintly had to apply this lately; when I begin to lose myself to the Jæger spirit. I've shown Kakashi this once at his request once and almost defeated him. He underestimated me but still outclassed me. My hood began to shadow my head until I felt someone stop me. I looked up to Kakashi who had risen his hand out stopping me cold.

"Naruto, you stay with the client." He pulled my hood back down and pointed to the rear with his thumb over his shoulder.

"You'll need help." I've enough in me to provide some good support. He knows this I wager. This is a mist assassin that's using a mist justu to cloud our perceptions. He has all the advantages right now so better safe than sorry.

"Ye hath little faith Naruto," he joked at first but then turned serious. "Rest. Lightning isn't a toy." He turned away from me after that. I grit my teeth. My move shocked my body because I couldn't control my field that well or maybe because it wasn't strong enough. I'm not sure but my breath is heavy, and I feel I'll pass out at any moment. I'm not sure what I did and don't have time to figure it out.

"Very well." I stepped down and opt to lean on my sword to rest instead.

"My boys are begging for a rematch with you boy, but color me surprised that Konoha made something like you. An executioner just like me." I frowned harshly at that. "I can see it in your eyes kid. You kill and take pleasure from it. You and I, are not so different." I pushed out my spirit sight to inspect this man. Who is he to make such a claim believe he's like me? I see much blue with a purple shade surrounding his body. A demon's shade at his back but unrealized based on how it quivers. This blood lust is very familiar almost nostalgic. This man is different from anyone from Konoha making me curious. Curious of what life would look like under his tutelage instead of Master Gai and Cat. It'd be interesting and bloody, of that I'm sure.

The voice chuckled at my lack of response seemingly amused where there is none.. I can't fault his words. I've enjoyed taking some of the lives and ruining others. I've killed relentlessly and without remorse. I feel no guilt for the lives I've destroyed. A part of me felt shame for this but shame is a weakness I've cut into pieces time and time again.

"Naruto."

I heard that name again but questioned if it was really my name. I've heard it a thousand times, but the parallels are hard to denounce. In my previous life I've committed crimes and ruined lives. It was a time of murder, blood money, slaughter, and many other atrocities as a Jaeger committed for a false god. A life where becoming a beast was my only means of survival. The beast inside me agrees with my choices that cost others their lives. Even now it's whispering sweet words laced with honey in my ears.

What's the difference between then and now?

Wealth and Her Empire.

I wished to build it all behind the scenes. It became my mission for years. I've saved those useful to me but removed any that stood in my way. Sex, age, and race. Nothing was saved from my blade. Despite the lives I saved it all came down to how many I killed to do it. Most of my money is Blood Money.

I'm drawn to carnage.

I left the village and became the Guardian of the Fire Princess as well as the Dragon Champion providing bodies to pile. Now I find myself here in Nami in a country needing assistance knowing this would happen. Then there's Mist in the middle of war calling to me to enter it. I can only imagine the opportunities and nothing about the people.

Nothing is different.

Even now, I'll have to kill again and I'm… eager.

I felt my hand shiver and looked down to my sword. It beat softly in my hand leeching off this hot emotion swirling in my body. Yes, Zabuza and I are a lot alike. We've our own demons and appease them through red stained iron.

"Naruto!"

"I'm fine," I reassured Kakashi. I stepped back to the old man and took my place in the front like in the beginning of this mission. I chose to leave this for later. I need to focus now.

"Tell me brat, why lump yourself with this rift raft?" The Mist ninja questioned. Silence filled the air void of voices of any kind. Suddenly the sound of footsteps on water a dark chuckle penetrated the air around us. The mist even became five times denser than before saturated in chakra around us.

The Hidden Mist Jutsu. A signature area Jutsu thrusting the user and all into a heavy mist that damps sound and sight.

I lifted my hand in front of myself but found it quite difficult to see it. The shadow of Kakashi was at an unknown distance. I clenched my fists and pushed Od out of my brands. I felt the chakra around me crumble and mist dissipate from around us. My eyes locked onto the target in the mist. His soul was bright as Kakashi's as a jonin.

"How about you kill those two behind you and come with me. You can kill as much as you want where I'm going," he offered. I thought on it. I'd be easy to kill both the girl and boy behind me. The old man too would only take moments to knock out. Kakashi would have to deal with Zabuza and would probably die in this area against him. With this man I could probably live my life like the past. I closed my eyes and chuckled a bit. I heard my name once more and shook my head.

If I had met this man before Yuuki I would've accepted his offer. Being a Mist assassin would've been interesting and like old times. Much more familiar than what I'm doing now, I wouldn't have been tied to the village and my disappearance wouldn't have crossed anyone's mind, and my life with him would be simple compared to mine now.

"If I had met you months ago my answer would've been yes." My confession sparked reasonable doubt and fear in both my teammates and Kakashi.

"And what about now?" the demon in the mist questioned. I drew my eyes to my target, and it wasn't Kakashi. My brands burned with Od pushing back the mist after a strong pulse shocking my team members at this suddenly display of talent. Breaking apart charka like this is child's play if slightly costly.

My vision cleared enough to see Kakashi clearly same with pick up their scents. I still couldn't make out Zabuza that well but knew where he was. "Currently, I hunt monsters for my ward only." I rose my finger and pointed straight at that man. "To include ones that wear the faces of men. That's my role for now."

I hunt for Yuuki not myself. Until that changes offers like this will fall on deaf ears.

Silence took us once more. I struggled to make out the Mist ninja through this obscuring jutsu. Even with my Od I could only push the Mist out at about a five-meter radius. My sense of smell was studded as the mist grew cloudier. It must cost a lot to use this ability for long, but this man is an A-rank ninja and a former member of the Seven Swordsman of the Mist.

A disgruntled sighed resounded around us. "Surrender the old man and I'll make it quick then." The man finally made himself known when he actually came into sight. Dressed in camouflaged cargo pants, shinobi sandals, bandages wrapped around his mouth all the way down to his neck, and the mist headband on his forehead with a slash mark through it, the man appeared quite strong with a bounty of over 1 million ryo - dead.

"Zabuza Momochi." I declared slightly enthusiastic. One of the Swordsmen of the Mist I've read about. Those two fools weren't lying when they stated they were with an actual legend like this. I've read all about this man and the mist from my desire make a new style. If the Mist Ninja are savage and ruthless to their allies then imagine what happened to their enemies.

"Who?" Sakura asked and Sasuke remained silent.

"A mist assassin and one of the best if my research spawned anything. He wields a blade made of iron on top of that." Out of all the Swordsmen of the Mist he was the one that earned the Moniker of Assassin. Even more so than the cannibal that is Kisami Hosuke. In my current form I wouldn't survive a direct sword fight, but I'm confident I can overcome him if I Contact. Sadly, I still can't Truly Contact like before. My soul isn't restored yet and my demons reject me whether willing or not. I need another week still to recover completely. This man isn't alone either. The scent of fresh lavender was to my rear. To my front I could see the soul of two not being Kakashi and Zabuza. We're surrounded by enemy ninja in their territory.

Kakashi was relieved that I wasn't about to betray the group and faced the Mist ninja. "Sorry, we're protecting this man and can't do that." Kakashi said even though he wasn't really sorry. That point was sent across well enough.

"Good," the swordsman bellowed. He gripped that huge sword prepped for the coming battle. The mist surrounded him and in seconds. Zabuza was gone from our sight and the Killer Intent of the pressed down upon us.

"Not bad," I felt this heavy on my shoulders. I brushed it off with ease. I've felt worse from Hiroki before at the tournament. Cat has used this on me as well during our training to get me used to it. Such a fascinating phenomenon to parade your desire to kill in a manner it's felt physically. I don't see the point behind it.

I heard a bark from Mira. "Naru-nii, there's one behind elder," she reported this new development.

"Hey old man." I called back.

"H-huh?" The old man broke out of his trance from all the blood lust in the air.

"If you want to live, duck." I shot back and took the old man's shoulders in hand and drew. Ketsugetsu slipped through the mist and met another blade bring it to a halt, right about the old man's head. This water scented charka construct just assaulted the bridge builder? I thought they wanted him alive as I would. My vision darkened and my body reacted deflecting the massive blade upwards. There's little strength behind his blade and it's weight didn't feel authentic. I shot pass the old man and shoulder bashed the target in the chest forcing it back. That bash didn't feel firm meaning I didn't hit flesh.

"Water clone," I whispered to myself. That makes this easier for me. The clone rose its blade, but I was in his chest and kicked into its stomach before it could drop. I grabbed its hair and planted my foot in his flesh with ease landing a knee to the side of the clone's head dazing it. I think my strength shocked the clone. I pulled back on its hair and pulled the clone down. I landed with my sword down and this target fell right on top of it. I pulled my sword eviscerating before returning to my previous spot. The water clone bled fresh water then melted for lack of a better word.

"Hehehe," the chuckle came back. "Kid didn't even hesitate." I let my breath go and took my place back in the front past a shocked Broody and Fives. My heart was going a mile a minute. I've gotten too comfortable in the village if I'm this rattled.

Suddenly, the mist up ahead began to clear.

"Naruto! Is everyone alright?"

"Hmm," I turned to the old man then back. "Yes, and I've the rear covered. You can take care of the front."

Kakashi reached for his headband and rose it all dramatic like. "Ah, the sharingan. I am honored." I sort of wish I could see it right now. I've haven't seen the sharingan in person in a while. Years I have once but can barely remember it.

"You will be more than honored before this is done." Kakashi warned, his tone turned more menacing.

"Okay, let's do this." The mist ninja chuckled.

I stabbed my sword into the ground in case we have anymore clones in the distance. I can't reach out far because of this chakra mist and my vision is restricted. Mira kept her senses sharp and Kaguya waited patiently to see this unfold. I watched the fight carefully. This is the first time I've seen two jonin level ninja battle now that I came to mind. Most of the time I conflicted with them myself but never witnessed a dance between two personally. This is a learning experience that can't be ruined just as long as those three lurking around don't attack.

I'm so curious on how it works. In the tournament I battled one jonin level surviving only by shredding my soul. In the village most of my encounters were carefully planned sneak attacks. Two Jonin on uneven ground facing off is valuable for my notes. Thankfully, the old man was forgotten with the "real" threat in both men's thoughts. I watched as Kakashi-sensei and Zabuza assessed each other, testing the waters bit by bit. Zabuza was stronger than Kakashi, but Kakashi's ingenuity more than countered this.

The mist ninja is straight forward especially with his massive sword. How can he even wield that so well? I don't think I could in this lifetime. My broad sword is already big enough for me. Not like I'm compensating for anything. A couple of unfortunate souls can attest to that. My thoughts went to Nanami and three others.

Like death defying performers, they danced collectively, striking, dodging, and pushing through hands signs for different Jutsu. Kakashi began to copy Zabuza's moves to a key on top of this, getting under the Mist assassin's skin. They both used a Water Dragon Jutsu suddenly that clashed ending with a stalemate in the water. I wondered if I could learn something like that. I made sure to take out my book and copy the seals. Thankfully, they sounded them out from start to finish ending with Tori. Being intoned to Water charka, I'm positive I could use it.

The conflict dragged on for five minutes, and the entire time I felt that Kakashi's mind isn't on the fight. I glanced back to the two Genin behind me as they shook and shivered in place. Sasuke was starting to panic. With the Kunai he had in hand he brought it over his stomach.

Harakiri huh? Not the best way to die.

"Hey Broody," I called back to the Uchiha breaking him from his mood. "It's hard to take a life but easy to end your own. Tell me, does dying here serve any purpose than to diminish the mission?" I looked back into his black eyes. "Don't you have something to do before you can die?"

"What?" He asked dumbly.

"Don't you have something to do before you die?" I repeated. The memory of his words that first day echoed in my mind even now. Funny, I thought Broody was talking about me. It wasn't until I started rooting around that I found out just who it was that caused him to brood all the time. I'd still like to meet the man that slaughtered an entire clan in one night. I'd get his autograph before I try to kill him for the bounty and his eyes.

To my question a look of realization crossed over his eyes. "You've a purpose and yet to fulfill it so get yourself together," I finished before facing back to the fight. It's really getting interesting now.

Little by little Broody calmed down enough to place his letter opener down. Fives noticed the Uchiha calm down and followed along with us. I focused back on the fight and face palmed when Kakashi jumped into the water in a fight against a water ninja. I groaned as I watched Kakashi get trapped in a jutsu. It was like a water prison with Zabuza holding the Jutsu together drowning my teacher little by little.

"Got ya," the swordsman gloated as he turned his attention to us.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Fives yelled horrified from our sensei's predicament.

"Ugh," I rubbed my head. "How did that even happen?" I rose my voice at the man. Did all that time in the village rust his instinct that badly?

"Now's not the time Naruto! Take the client and run," Kakashi ordered. Ignoring such ignorance spewing out of his mouth, I stepped forward to a water clone spawning in my way. We've nowhere to run with Zabuza, his clones, and his lackies in the shadows. It's hunt or be hunted by this point.

"Naru-nii!" Mira barked, worried for my safety. I put up a hand to keep her in place. I looked towards Kaguya and nodded. She can't help me on the water and would be a hinderance to me. She understood and walked to Fives instead. I looked towards Mira and she made a move towards Broody.

"You all stay here and guard that man's head with your lives. I'll get sensei out." I said as I approached the clone.

"But Naruto, he said…" Fives started to speak until I pulled my sword out from the ground. I sheathed Ketsugetsu and drew Kanryō instead.

"There's three others ninja in the shadows." I alerted them of our guests in the mist. "My two companions will assist you in battle and alert you of their positions," I told the four of them. Mira barked signaling her understanding and Kaguya nodded. "Kaguya is your main support in combat and Mira will be your alert. If she barks twice that means you have a threat in killing range. Once if one's approaching."

"What about you dope! You think you can do this on your own. You're not that strong!" Our little Uchiha spoke out. I could almost mistake that for worry.

"Strong enough." I muttered before walking over to the water with my sword out.

"Naruto, I said run!" Kakashi ordered.

"To what end? This man will hunt us down after you drown, and then we'll be surrounded and picked off." While I could survive to fight another day, I know the death of Kakashi and the Uchiha would be placed on my head. The council wouldn't forgive this even if I returned with the mission accomplished. The old man warned me before leaving what the consequences of sole survival would mean for me. Liquidation of my assets, seals placed on my body, and turned into the living weapon Danzo wished for. If I don't and go missing ninja Yuuki would be in danger. By all intents and purposes, Yuuki doesn't exist in the village by order of the Damiyo and I her sole protector. The Old man wouldn't be allowed to shield her under my requested missions anymore if I lose my standing in the village. I could petition the Damiyo but even he has limits on his reach in the country's militaristic powers.

This mission must be a success with everyone crucial surviving to reach the village. That means, "Running isn't an option, and only a coward dies with his back turned." I repeated my master's words the day after the Linking. I can't afford to let the three here die. Even if I die Shion could continue my missions in my stead but not if I'm proclaimed a traitor. To the village, I'm expendable compared before my team with all bets against me. Big shocker.

"I like your spirit brat. Too bad I have to kill you." With that over eight clones spawned on the water. It seems I might have to use a couple tricks I've been hiding. A small scoff escaped my lips in response to his comment of killing me. If I had 1000 ryo for every time I've received a death threat, I'd own the village by now.

"Kill me?" I reached down to my mask on my belt. I've yet to test this mask out. This will be the best opportunity to gauge my current level. "Death and I are old friends." I've sent many souls to this domain and stared the force down more times than once. "And if you want," I said as the mask latched onto my face fitting almost perfectly. "I could introduce you."

"Heheh," Zabuza chuckled. "You think you can kill me?"

Instead of answering I reached up Ketsugetsu in his sheathe and felt needles puncture my fingers before it dulled into obscurity. I pulled my hood over head then rushed out to the water with my vision turning a mixture of red and black. Purple and red in front but blue in back. Thankfully, Ketsugetsu doesn't need to be drawn to drink my blood and curse me with this gift of altered sight. My feet touched that water but instantly my body reacted to the change in surface with the proper chakra manipulation exercise so I could run on top of water.

I heard Mira bark once and pushed my senses back. Two are on the move and one remaining stationary. No, I need to focus on the task at hand. I kept on moving.

"H-he's running on water!"

I jumped up in a tuck and roll over one of the clone's swords slashing through two necks at once killing those clones. I braced my legs to catch a downward slash with a fair amount of strength behind it. It wasn't enough to pressure me. Master Gai and Cat stuck harder and faster than these little clones. I kicked outward into the stomach of the clone and twirled cutting it in half with some resistance. I've never cut through a water clone before. It's much easier than cutting through a waterfall. Cat had me cut that damn waterfall again and again to strengthen my horizontal kata. Nice to see her training and style worked so well with my body. She's really one of the best teachers I've had.

Suddenly, over five clones jumped towards me with their swords coming down upon me. I grew curious to see how much pressure I'm capable of withstanding atop the water. I've done some water surface spars with TenTen and Cat but nothing that can be classified as life-threatening. I braced for the force as the swords contacted my own. The pressure nearly slammed me down through the water's surface. My right arm creaked from the weight but held firm. I sharply rose up deflecting their strikes upward with all of them in my zone. I keyed on every charka signature feeling my form shift.

Quickening.

I became wind as I flowed with every step cutting into the innards of the surrounding clones. I stopped in my starting position with a knee on the water by the end, and the clones all burst into water around me. Speed is where I shine in this life time. When meshed with my reactions and counters, I'm nearly infallible. These clones aren't my match even in bulk but only reveal a margin of my targets true strength. I placed my hand on the surface of the water and stood back up to my feet. I'm suddenly thankful for my full body charka manipulation training. My entire body can have a layer of chakra on it allowing me to stand on the water. Though, hitting the water to quickly is like hitting a stone road if compared to soil. I'll need to be cautious taking downward blows.

My senses rang and a few more clones approached me. By the gods, is this what it feels like to deal with clone spamming? I'm beginning to feel guilty subjecting my opponents to this.

My foot rose up and contacted the flesh of the closest water clone's knee snapping it back. The clone roared in rage, but I shut him up with a slash across the throat. The clone gasped but lasted only seconds before turning to water again. I charged my Od then let it burst out my arm pushing back the Mist. I was completely surrounded at all sides by the clones.

"Now what boy?" One clone placed his sword at the ready.

"We have you surrounded."

"What now?"

"Ready to die boy?"

I looked around for it and found it almost instantly. I rushed to one clone that had yet to draw his sword and tossed a kunai at it. The clone turned his head letting it sail behind him. I rose my hand when I was in quickdraw distance but was instantly cut down or so they thought. I appeared with help of the substitution jutsu in place of the kunai and rose both hands in a tiger seal. "Katsu!" The seal on the kunai detonated instantly in an artful explosion of bright red and orange fire. The blast propelled me forward toward the real Zabuza even more. I was halfway there.

This wasn't too different from sparing with a rough combination of Cat and Master Gai. This ninja has a strength build matched by his larger than life weapon. Taking it from this perspective, this wasn't impossible for me to handle. Out of nowhere a pressure blasted into my sides forcing me back. I suffered another blow from the back. I righted myself once I touched water and bent over to assess the damage. I was punched in the stomach and slammed down toward the water with one water clone's executioner's blade. The sword on my back saved me from certain death but the strength behind that blow was shocking from a water clone. I didn't feel any pain from this.

"Nice try brat, but I have more than where that came from."

I looked up to at least ten more clones than before. "I'm seconds from spamming Shadow Clones," I muttered to myself. I heard swift movement and aimed along it's route. A senbon fired from my wrist toward the noise impacting something just inches away from me in the head. It fell over bursting into water. I turned around and pulled back on the three springs for my launcher and let them fly.. two clones were hit and the other narrowly dodged it. This gave me a window for my signature move.

"Clone no jutsu!" five shadow clones spawned around me in a protective circle. I rose to my feet with my hands together.

"Clone Illusions. Pathetic." I smirked inwardly. My clones attack with a keen curiosity taking his by surprise. Actual illusions are pushing back against his providing me much appreciate time to breath.

I drew Ketsugetsu prepping my next assault. My field in chakra manipulation, my ability to walk on water, and my solid clones are basic but carrying me well though this, but best let my Od take stage as well. I used my spirit sight to lock on to every clone conflicting with the water based ones. As long as I can key onto a signature I can shift towards it in seconds.

I closed my eyes pushing my senses to the max in the mist. I waited until the closest clones lethal area turned red before making my move. I shifted forward and slashed through my clone and the water ones he was surrounded by. I keyed in the next and stepped once more with a single horizontal slash. Two more ones fell leading to two more shifts only to be brought to a halt suddenly. A loud clang filled the air and my eyes opened.

"Enough brat. I'll kill you myself." I heard from the being in front of me. I pushed my sword back with strength almost triple of the clones. Enough to push me back, dragging my feet into the watsr. Then his foot lifted to spear through me. I stepped, shifting back narrowly escaping his attack landing in a crouch.

What had happened?

I cut, stabbed, and slashed anything in my way up the real Zabuza not a clone. I drew my senses to the Water Prison to see jet plain chakra. The man had a water clone switch positions with him at the Water Prison? I didn't even think that was possible. You need charka to sustain it meaning that clone's limited charka has to hold it. It placed him on a time limit, to kill me before the clone's chakra runs dry. Maybe he sees me as enough a threat to step in because his clones are no match for me. If I had reached him he'd be dangerously disadvantaged with a lack of arm and stationary to hold that jutsu.

"Your not half bad boy but now…"

Clang!

Zabuza's eyes widened as his sword met mine. I didn't bother let him finish. "Quickening," I whispered this call to arms. Kensei within grunted but supplied the Od I needed to activate the Shift Release with me. I felt my body vibrate as I slipped through the folds attacking left and right. I flowed around him searching for a weakness in his armor but this ended in an clash pressing his strength to mine.

"Tssk," I clicked my tongue. He's strong, really strong. I'm barely holding off being crushed by Zabuza's superior strength. I grit my teeth before the pressure.

"Not bad brat. But…" I coughed losing all the air in my lungs. Zabuza pulled his fist from my stomach. "Not good enough." The man forced his sword down. I slipped to the side and leapt back to get some distance. Before firing right back at him. I slashed only to hit the hard metal of his massive blade. This man isn't swift with that massive sword but his defensive play wasn't lacking. It shown each time when Zabuza rose his sword and swat me away with ease. He swung it over, but I slipped right parrying it off my sword before shifting back away to reset. Zabuza gave chase as my Quickening took hold further. I slipped through the folds once more to his left flank avoiding a strike and retaliated with a slash of my sword to keep the pressure. Of course, he pulled the hilt of his sword out and stopped my blade with slight recoil on his side.

He's truly strong to stop me cold like this.

I threw a bomb seal wrapped kunai and threw up a half seal. "Katsu," I triggered the bomb blasting me back away same with Zabuza. I needed some distance to think. He's a Swordsman of the Mist, and while his swordmanship is slow in comparison to Cat or Root, it's still highly effective. I try gaining an angle on him and he turns to match it or shifts his blade to block me. If I tried to ride the sword or parry, he'd manipulate its angle forcing me off course.

The strength behind his punches and kicks demand respect from years of torturing himself to reach that level. Master Gai would win in a strength contest but he can crush my bones with this force without spiritual enforcement. I just can maneuver around his blade. My size is my advantage by avoiding most of his attacks, for now. He's finding gaps in my defense just as I in his offense. I've sustained a cut on my shoulder at testament.

My target suddenly cut through the smoke around him with a heavy swing and began to go through seals. "Water Release: Water Fang Bullet!" A stream of water in the shape of a spear head or fang poured out the water and fired towards me.

I sheathe my sword and began to run through my own seals the moment I saw his. Once finished I grabbed my samurai katana ready to draw. "Wind Release: Wind Fang Slash," I said with a special technique I've fashioned from the lessons from the Tigers and Cat. It can be used with my claws for close range or extended out with my sword instead. I drew my blade and felt it erupt with the carving winds of my jutsu. I lashed out and cut the fang in half with a vertical slash. The water blasted past me but the winds pushed forwards. Zabuza grunted and rose his sword. With a massive cleave my wind jutsu was battered away but not until the winds slipped around his sword cutting into his arms and shoulders. I shifted above and kicked the air with a devastating kick forcing me back down. I positioned my sword to slash downward upon him.

Zabuza glanced back at me, his eyes piecing my own.

Just like I thought, he's a jonin through and through.

Zabuza whirled around with his sword flying at me. I kicked again out of it's arc and placed a hand on the side flowing past it to the water. I slammed into the surface then shifted around to his side. I attacked once more.

CLANG.

"Tssk," I clicked my tongue. Of course, he blocked it, but it was close. The edge of my sword was just inches from his neck.

"Quick little shit."

Quick? He think's speeds like this are quick? It's probably a bit faster than Hiroki whom I could barely track. Though if I could track him at by far my weakest physical form then this is child's play for thus mist ninja. Then again I'm using Jager techniques to slow my perceptions to keep up. Now I'm eager to use more of my abilities against this man to see how I stack.

I've waited so long to pit myself against a powerful foe like this in mortal combat. In the village most of the ninja I've killed are through poisoning and ambush. Most of my straight fights are in spars or small-time altercations. I don't believe I'll need my Jager spirit against this man, but I'm sensing my fatigue from my prior training and water walking. Even with my mask on I've noticed sluggish responses from my arms and legs at times. My body isn't accustomed to the Od I'm using well. My arm was visibly shivering with Od radiating from it. I'm sure my soul as well is creaking under the strain.

Irrelevant for now.

I took a breath to begin building Ki around my core. I dropped into the most basic of sword stances with my sword in front of me in both hands, knees bent, able to defend or attack from any direction. It's a stance I've never cared for in the past until Cat ingrained it into my arsenal. She beat me with the basics solidifying its importance. I took another breath as I poured chakra into my sword. The samurai metal ate up my charka hungrily shifting into a charka blade. The blade grew to the size of a nodachi and crackled from my lightning seals on my arm.

Cat shown to me how to use a samurai sword once with her own chakra. It wasn't that difficult to mimic it.

"Wind and lightning? You're full of surprises boy." Zabuza growled. He placed his sword on his back then began to run through seals.

"I've more where that came from," I responded with an even tone.

I stepped through the folds to Zabuza's flank. I rose my foot up to separate his hands. He moved back but I shifted again and this time behind him. I fired off from the water and twirled with my sword flowing like northern cold winds through the air towards the man. The mist ninja caught my sword with his playing into my clutches. The lightning charka powered by the reserves of a demon container like me isn't to be trifled with. I pushed slashed through his blade and inch and kept up the pressure. With every clash I progressively wielded through his sword a centimeter at a time.

I got halfway through his sword, before Zabuza grew tired enough to switch to taijutsu. His leg to kick me back instead once our swords clashed once more. I slammed the butt of my sword against his leg and swung mine to take his once more. I'm too close from cutting through his sword to stop now. HHe whirled around evading my blade with his other leg cutting through the air. I couldn't escape it this time and felt my brain shake from the impact of this kick. I rolled back right onto my feet back into my stance before jumping back into the fray.

The battle dragged on for what felt like hours but could only be classified as seconds. I'm straining my body to move at jonin level speeds to keep up. At this level every single moment could spell death in this Dance of Blades. Trading blows and narrowing escaping his slashes excited my senses that flared alive unlike ever before. Jonin levels of speed are worth gawking at. Such speeds, I'm not accustomed to them to the point that my own speed beginning to wane. I've an ocean of charka and my sword is with me every step in the way, but sadly, I can't afford a battle of attrition against this foe; this hunter won't let me rest for long.

The last clash ended with my back to the water from a roll. My seals blackened and charka blade diminished into its prior state. I looked down to my seals already guessing what had happened. My guess was confirmed as the ink of the seals slowly dripped down, blackening the water below me. I've only administrated seals to last for one element.

"Ugh," a disgruntled grunt left my lips because of my predicament. Just how long is the damn clone of his going to last? My senses spread out towards it driving towards total exasperation. That clone has more charka than I gave it credit for. After all this time its not even 25 percent deficient. I'm guessing it can last about three minutes but Kakashi even less.

Zabuza needs to be defeated and now.

I can only blame myself for all the time lost. I wasted most of it practically "toying" with his clones and "testing" my skills against what I perceived as a "worthy hunt." Now against the real thing I'm being further pressured every passing second.

My attention waned as it crossed between my teammates to the rear and my sensei before me. I could feel them both pushing against the twins. The Uchiha is handling one with Mira as his support to help him in the mist. The other is targeting Sakura. Kaguya's her support so nothing to worry about. She's my equal after all. Then my senses reached out towards my sensei. Kakashi is drowning in that water prison and even jonin have limits. He can hold his breath for extended periods thanks to chakra. He can slow his heart rate and limit any movement extending that time. He's another two or three minutes before he dies.

I need to free him, now.

My last thought shot to the last signifier that's yet to make its move. Its in the mist, watching this dance closely, studying me and my team. If they dint attack that means they've been tasked to observe instead which is potentially more dangerous for us.

My thoughts ended as I felt one signature approaching fast. I crossed blades with the mist ninja and pushed myself back. He gave chase one last time before I stopped to clash instead of exchange. I held his sword in place. "I'm done," I told the man as my mind began to empty. My hand inched up to my anbu mask to cover my face. Whether or not my foe responded didn't matter anymore. Time to use a few Jaeger techniques.

"Perseverance." My brands began to aflame as Onizuka responded to my call. The right sleeve to my coat began to break down and with it my arm bulked to nearly twice its original size. The squelching sounds of bones breaking, muscles tearing, vessels popping, and then all rebuilding into a much large form resounded in the mist. If not for my mask I'm positive I'd be in immense pain, but I feel nothing as the seals in the mask regulate my brain activity and null my nerves.

The Akamichi Clan and their jutsu fascinated me. It brought forth memories of the Blutjaeger Fenris. The body augmentation he performed was almost monstrous. Its no surprise I was tasked to hunt him before his Fall-Out. This mutation of sorts was frowned upon, and in the past I wouldn't have humored such techniques. Then I found my foes becoming increasingly more difficult to contend with. I had to level the playing field. Previously, I used Empusa for this technique but Onizuka was made to support it. The effect is much quicker and can double, potentially even triple, my current strength for a time thanks to him.

Zabuza's eyes widened. That shock earned him a slam of my fist into his gullet. He gasped as he was pushed back. Its reminiscent to the time he punched me in the gut. As Anko would say before the chase, "Payback is a bitch."

I stomped down and slashed outwards slamming into his sword. This time his feet began to skid back against the water. The shock on my foe's face shown a second of weakness I took advantage of. Before he could land his eyes back on me, I've already slipped under his chin with a swift Quickening and Ki infused step. I've noticed that he's stopped my blade every step of the way being why I've sheath Kanryō. I think his senses are keen towards sharp objects but what about hands and feet? I figured CQC, my specialty, would prove effective.

I took to the air and rose my leg in a kicked up to the man's neck. My muscles bulked as my foot connected right under his guard.

"GAH!" he grunted when that kick landed. I touch the water and charged into his chest pushing back his blade once he rose it. I climbed up his body, sticking my foot to his clothes. I reach up to grab his head but suddenly he grabbed my wrist. His eyes shot up glaring bloody knives at me. I stamped my feet on his thighs then drew a circle to reverse into a grab of his wrist instead. My arm slithered like a snake around his arm, breaking down the joints until I grabbed hair. I locked fingers shut so he couldn't escape this time.

"Reject this," I hissed as seemed to freeze once I took my position with my claw up to strike. To this moment he's shrugged off many of my attacks but let's see how he contends with another old move. I felt an unseen Cheshire cat like smile curse my lips at the look of disbelief on my foe's face. These techniques of mine are uncommon. In the tournament they dragged my pathetic meat suit through it till the end. Now though, I feel… good.

Blue aura encased my right clawed hand with chi flowing out from the tips. They tensed then slid across my foe's neck drawing blood like a hot sword through butter. It slashed to the side, covered my fingers in its intoxicating scent. I couldn't celebrate from my first clean cut. Zabuza narrowly escaped having his throat cut out. At the last moment he pulled his head back losing the strands of hair I gripped to keep him still.

"Ahh! You Fucking brat!"

I felt something impact my mask launching me back. A heavy pressure exploded in my chest blowing air out my lungs. I couldn't feel it but can see the knee planted in my chest. The massive Executioner's blade barreled at me with the flat side pointed towards me. I tucked leveling my feet to it and pushed off it away into the water. I righted myself with ease back to my feet taking a harsh sigh. I threw away the hair in my fingers and prepped to reset.

Can't believe what just happened. Son of a bitch headbutt me? What self respecting Jonin headbutts someone? I'm not accustomed to that from any shinobi even when pinned.

Blood dripped from my claws, red velvet and silky smooth. I rose my fingers to my mask and lifted it up a bit to have a taste on impulse. My first reaction was to spit it out, the metallic taste of blood is sickening, but the beast within reveled in it. I felt my arms tighten up and something poke into my lips. I think it was my canines. My eyes focused on the red bandages around my… prey's neck.

I Want More.

I want…

I felt my back quake and arms quiver from the whispers from The Beast. It demands release. The Bluttrance desired usage. Sadly, I can't let this ability unleash as of yet. Especially from the blood of a man like this. The shock of the attempt nearly shattered my back. This is why I stick to virgin blood or that of an innocent. Theirs isn't corrosive to my raw, virgin circuits. Having just awakened my meridians recently, taking in blood of such a dark individual is dangerous. With it though, I know the kind of man he is. He would've made the perfect Blutjaeger if not for this hunt forcing us into this Dance. I've his weakness now. I just need a way to exploit it.

I really wished my attack would've dug a little deeper. Those bandages are wrapped tight and his reactions are truly worthy his rank. He realized if I had connected his neck would be gushing out like a river.

I took a breath as the Od began to recede back into my arm. My arms broke down and reversed back to their prior size if a bit crippled. I shifted my wrist and arms to soft cracks in some places. Without pain I might've exceeded my current limit. The trade might've been worth it. My eyes focused on my adversary; he's wary of me now. I could smell the anger and rage both aimed at myself for my impudence and himself for underestimating me.

He won't be as "excited" to press the attack now. I may be a genin but I can bite back.

The demons returned back to their rooms forcing me to lose my strength enhancement and Quickening. Kensei took too much out of my body if that's the extent of Onizuka's manifestion.

I climbed back up to my feet at the ready. My plan was all coming into a head now. I'm not too far from Kakashi now being only maybe 20 feet away. I drew Ketsugetsu, now without Od from the demons to fuel my Jager abilities, I have to compensate with this. The effects of its leeching barely factored in my mind as the sword shot needles into the pads of my hands. With a sword like this my range has extended but at a loss of stability with the added sized.

"You're starting to piss me off kid." Zabuza sheath his blade then shot through a short series of seals. He rose his hand up and took a peculiar stance as if calling to a higher power almost. "Hidden Mist Jutsu."

"Interesting," I studied the effects of this Justu as the charka saturated mist began enveloping me. My vision was completely useless by this point but so is his. It's impossible to see through this fog and charka sensors would be smothered by it. Cat would most likely lose to this man if they Danced. I rose my nose up to the air taking in a couple whiffs. I can still smell his blood, if faintly. The cuts from my jutsu and claws stink of his life blood. I licked my fingers once more feeling my Bluttrance creeping up to the surface.

Let me Kill! Kill! KILL!

My vision darkened leaving only a single light before me. I quickly shook off the influence of The Beast. That disgusting emotion known as Envy cursed my soul. The darkness in men's souls normally is a subconscious anomaly silently influencing out decisions. Mine is coherent, intelligent, and full of want. An entire entity on its own I'm forced to contend with. Im envious towards anyone that's not cursed to suffer this indignation.

Thanks to Od I can see his soul as it moves. I feel his movements through the water and can react accordingly. I can survive despite being in critical condition, but this is wasting time I can't afford. Kakashi needs me to let him out now.

I took a breath before breaking into a run towards the Water Prison to release Kakashi. I couldn't sense his charka because of the Hidden Mist Jutsu, but I could see his lifeforce. I shifted my body under a sword slash through the mist and leapt up into a kick aimed from him. I connected his hand with Ki pushing him back. "The fuck was that!" he roared but I kicked off towards the prison avoiding another strike.

Every step of the way Zabuza intervened and started to avoid a few of my attacks as well. The disparity between Ki to chakra is rare in this world. Pushing the folds and doubling the force of impact is very useful against cautious foes. Sadly, it's not doing enough damn to keep him at bay.

The man isn't defensive by any means. What few clashes we've had in this mist ended all the same. I've landed kicks and punches, but he's shrugged them off as if they're nothing. Any cuts I've made drew blood at most but nothing lethal. I'm beginning to get flashbacks of the time I was in the Root Anbu base fighting in pitch darkness, but this battle isn't going anywhere. He can't see me well enough to get a solid hit I can't dodge but strong enough to brush off my attacks.

This hunt has divulged into a game of "Who's the better Assassin" between the two of us. I can see his soul but moving across the water without being heard or felt is difficult. I've gotten the jump on him a few times, but his senses are top notch despite the shared handicap. In one instance I dropped down upon him with my sword pointing downward only for him to turn my way and block me. His eyes were closed, probably this entire time, and didn't notice until I drew close enough.

When he did open them I saw the most concentrated intent to murder I've ever seen in a long time. This feeling is intoxicating.

I was pushed back and he gave chase only for me to slip into the mist once more to reset.

"Not bad brat but we both know you'll never save Kakashi at this rate." I hate to agree with his taunts but can't dispute this. I've wasted so much time dancing with this man to test my current level. I'm proud to say I can keep up with a jonin but at the expense of precious minutes. We're both using our other sense at the loss of sight as well. This game could last hours, days even if we allowed it, but I was too close now.

When I finally reach the ball, I noticed the clone before me still holding up. It held enough charka to outlast Kakashi. The charka in his lungs was faltering. I moved to take him until my senses told me to stop. I did so only for a blast of water to blow in front of me. I tried again only for another strike to slid through the mist forcing me back into my previous distance keeping me at bay.

Water jutsu coupled with his kenjutsu, what a deadly pairing. Because of it I can't get close enough to act and clones I make end up dead in moments. I can't even recollect how in this mist. He's pushing me into a box masterfully knowing I'll get sloppy or anxious eventually. Like any assassin worth his name, he'll abide his time for the perfect moment to strike.

This is so much fun. If only I wasn't on a time constraint. I've finally crossed paths with a worthy opponent. He's playing this game with me to draw out time and make one final decisive blow. Any good assassin requires only one shot to get the kill. He's waiting for that shot. I think back to the life I mightive had with this man as my Carrier until strong enough to branch out. It would've been interesting.

These couple seconds to think are a blessing. I receded into my mind to extend my time to think. I need to take out that clone or disable an A ranked shinobi. These are my only options to succeed. I've a minute at most to save my target or slaughter my prey.

This is beginning to be a thrilling hunt.

A hunt?

I've used that term a couple term already. Yes, this is a hunt and in a hunt a hunter must use every tool and ingenuity to overcome it's prey, not just brute strength. This led me to an idea.

My vision cleared from the darkness of my mind back to the mist of reality. I felt him circling around me and leapt back with my hands reaching for my kunai pouch. I reset my position sending kunai in a certain direction to simulate footsteps before landing. I landed with my hands swiftly flowing through seals. I stopped at a ram then pulled out a scroll. Just as quickly, I bit my thumb tracing a red line of blood through the seals. A couple of the seals changed on top twisting the characters for Contain into Finite. It's interesting how seals are actually activated. Just changing verbs and adjectives to mirror the desired effect.

"Fuin," I whispered in the mist so not to alert Zabuza of my position. The seal glowed red as it activated. I quickly rolled up the scroll and prepped the next part of my plan.

This man is like a beast, a Blutjager, meaning that I need to think with the muscle that counts, the brain, like a Blutsucher. There's a limited amount of options while on water but trapping a beast is as old as fire. If I learned anything from Deidera as well it's how to save a big finisher til the end. If Zabuza is going to taunt me by waiting me out, then might as well liven up this lake like a fine piece of art.

Firstly, I need bait being myself. I pulled my mask from my face bracing for the coming fatigue. Fatigue though was an understatement. The sheer amount of exhaustion that plagued me dropped me to my hands and knees. It felt like my knees were kicked in and a hammer battered into my back for hours. I breathed in as much air as I could but choked. This humidity and mist was killing me.

Swiftly, I reached down to my collar the pulled my face mask over my mouth and nose. My breaths became less labored after that. I guess his mouth is covered with bandages for a reason. Worse yet was the gasp the left my lips from the pain of my injuries. My arms are ablaze with fire to the point they fell limp to my sides. My chest and ribs felt shattered with a heated spike on my back with every movement.

This is a lot of damage but I need it. He needs to believe, the hunter needs to believe the prey is weak. He needed to hear my real gasps of pain.

My senses flared. "There you are!" I shot quickly to the right and rolled against the water. Something large and heavy impacted the water pushing me back further. He heard me loud and clear in the mist.

"Come on kid. Don't you wish to save your sensei?" I heard in the mist. Instead I moved softly away careful not to create disturbances in the water. The smallest step can be felt meters away. With my plan beginning to formulate, I reached for a couple of my clonia. I shot up and run across the water openly. I felt Zabuza reflect that on the opposite side of the Water Prison. I threw my clones in every which way during my frantic rush around.

I picked up the scent of blood and looped around way from it. A massive heap of iron slammed into the water in front of me. My feet left the water then my neck was grabbed. I choked then slamming on top the water. My sight turned white, pain from my wounds took me. I broke through the water but kicked way deeper into the water. I keyed on a clone and substituted back to the surface.

"Damn," I coughed. It seems a Jonin of this caliber is still too much for me in his territory. Still, that afforded me time to finish my plan.

Od covered my arms and chi flooded my pathways. I used ki to make my bones sturdy for my arms fought to stay still limp at my sides. I can't afford being down two arms. I pulled out my scroll and said "Kai," then seal burned red hot once more. It was ready with ten seconds on the clock.

Suddenly, the mist around me pushed away revealing the prison only meters away. Behind me I could smell his blood and feel the sword looming over me ready to take my head. He caught up to me quickly. "It's over, boy." I looked back then up to the Executioner's blade that was seconds from coming down on my head. I've no Quickening to save me and in this position any movment wouldn't be enough. If I attempt to lock on a kunai he'll noticed it.

I'm pinned.

"Naruto! MOVE!" Kakashi yelled from his perfect position to witness my death. Instead of moving though, I chuckled. My chuckled turned to hysterics and even that grew.

Zabuza narrowed his eye at me and stopped his attack. "What's so funny?"

I chuckled a little more and pointed to his feet. Zabuza looked down to what happened to be my containment scroll. The one he couldn't see me rig because of the mist. I rose my hands together as it began to light up then crackle with electricity.

"That elemental bomb scroll that will explode in less than five seconds."

Zabuza roared but a clone appeared slamming into his back with a few others to follow, grabbing limbs and his head pinning him in place. I felt my body fly though the air to the familiar sensation of a substitution with a clone at the edge of coming Zone. I heard the kunai burst into clones of me all with their hands up like the ones I can perceive at this distance.

"Now!" I commanded the clones releasing the seals on my wrist and the clones did the same. We formed a five point circle around Zabuza utilizing every bit of experience from training to create a massive Zone. I've learned to extend it past the mortal body but only to a point. This caused me to create seals to break past this limit but then came the next issue. I can form a zone in the palm of my hands but the size isn't effective in battle yet.

Then I came up with the idea to instead turn clones into the points and extend the zone from one point to the next. Like I can do with my hand I can recreate a zone with four clones using seals to force massive amounts of charka and Od to keep it together. I simply need to hold it until the explosion dies down.

I looked up with a mad smile as my experimental seal went off within the protective field of our zone. A box more in the shape of a pentagon spread out incasing Zabuza. I doubt anyone other than myself can see these zones. I can see Od as far as I know and im a natural charka sensor. For the audience we have this'll probably appear magical.

In a flash, the insides of my Zone burst, arching with lightning. I'm sure if the bomb doesn't kill him the electroshock will. We held the field against the force of lethal energy that shocked its walls then Zabuza. My chakra control on my feet waned forcing me into the water a tad. My sword began to slip and my clothes slack. I was determined to hold the line until this bastard was cooked well done.

Un-expectantly, the seal shot lightning to the ceiling of the box and battered against myself and my clones. Instead of being a simple lightning bomb it was more like an electrical storm being contained and held in place like an enraged bull in cage. It was persisting longer than the perceived 2 seconds as well.

"Ahh!" I felt a sudden jolt but held strong. I didn't expect the lightning to strike any more than twice. I didn't think my seal would create a constant stream of energy like this. Suddenly the almost constant stream the lightning struck piercing all in its wake.

The world was filled with Zabuza's agonizing screams wrought from pain and probably rage. The same screams I heard elsewhere when my experimental trap struck the surround water. I noticed one of my clones had snuck down low enough to lose concentration. The Lightning struck his core causing him to burst. Memories of having my insides cooked filled me with something unfamiliar. I'm wasn't sure what it was even when that very same lightning broke through the Zone and reached my core. I saw every second of it happening.

One by one my clones hit the water and where electrocuted by the seals within the collapsing zone. As the points of the circle disappeared the difficulty to hold it grew too much until it was my turn.

My feet gave and water came up to my chest. I watched, it was almost in slow motion, as lightning flew my way hitting the very same water I was in. The white light slammed into the water then all I saw was white when it finally hit me.

For an instant, I saw something or someone. A woman with red hair. She was familiar but not enough for me to identify her. Then the picture faded. What came afterwards shocked me to the core. Pain unlike anything I've felt up to this point. So much that it burned. I turned cold. My heart seized and my lungs smoked. My insides liquefied as if molten metal was poured down my throat.

"AHHHHHH!" I heard but it wasn't from Zabuza. I know it came from my lips until it all went silent. All that was left is the nightmare as thousands of volts rushed through my body. Swimming through me like blood, living and enraged, the lightning is seeking retribution for attempting to harness it's great power.

I couldn't breathe.

I couldn't feel anything.

I couldn't even see.

I was dying.

No, I am dying. Dying after so long. After so many years of having near death experiences, I was dying for real. Again and again the pain came in waves until finally, the blinding light began to fade. The light centered in front of me, growing dimmer, taking the pain with it. I felt some measure of relief for the loss of the feeling of broken bones, burst blood vessels, and roasted insides. This calm… it was soothing.

This was like some manner of fever dream almost, floating and sinking into the darkness.

The emptiness… it was everywhere.

I tried to move, to fight, to struggle my way back to the light above, but it was useless. My body wouldn't respond; the pull was too strong. The hitherlands called for me, growing louder the deeper I sank.

Bump bump bump….

The image of that woman appeared again with many more after that. I saw a life, it wasn't my own. It was through the eyes of another.

I saw Konoha and a younger version of the old man. I saw Kakashi as a child and Uchiha everywhere. I saw a man with blonde hair and a white long coat. Then the dream turned dark as a man with a mask descended upon me. I felt the loss of something important that ended in sorrow. Before me laid a child, quiet and alone. I felt remorse for this child would have to grow up alone.

Bump bump…

I relived the moment I faced my first demon. When I watched my mother die before me in the plantation fire. When I failed to save my sister from the pigs that used her. When I became a Blutjager under my master. Moment I stopped being… human and felt cursed enough to face my true enemy. Its fall wasn't salvation but damnation. I cried for the third time, alone full of regret, as I fell into perdition.

Bump… Bump.

Then it came to the child years of myself as Naruto Uzumaki. When they tried to kill me with kunai. Poison me after inviting me for dinner. The three that used and abused me for hours, days until I was readjusted once more.

The ramen people adopted me for the most part and saved me.

I remembered how the old man brought me my first apartment. How I turned out to be the nine tailed fox jinchuriki.

How Cat, the anbu that always protected me, would always take me for walks and be nice to me. Inu who always complimented me on my stealth for being able to prank anbu like him.

Both treated me well.

The dreamed ended in bed with a special pill in my hand. One I believed would make me stronger. I believed that strange man's words until the end as my head hit my pillow.

Bump…

Then it all came to an end. I was alone with the faint light above, growing dimmer and dimmer.

Bump.

There was figure above, but I couldn't make it out. My eyes are so heavy for the first time after days awake.

Tired… I'm so tired.

Bum.

It was so cold, like being dropped in the snow and stuck in the freezing cold for hours until numb. The cold invited a slow and painless end.

Bu.

It grew silent and with it the silence consumed me.

... ... ...

Then there was nothing left but the void as it's waters dragged me down, deep into the abyss.

A/N: Christ this is a long one. Hope I didn't lose anyone during but probably did. Anyway this is the end of the first part of the story now to move on to the second. New countries, characters, and hunts are ahead. Can't wait to post them and hope they're interesting to anyone still reading.