The Conqueror of The Shinobi World Chapter 31 (Wave) (Patreon)

Ao

As he was returning back to the secret camp of the Rebellion, his mind returned back to Uchiha Itachi.

Everything he said, Ao felt a shiver from his words alone, he mentally wanted to kick himself for being caught off guard that easily from him, he should have been able to see him, especially his words when he tried to escape his Tsukuyomi.

Ao panicked seeing Itachi, immediately activating his Byakugan, the Uchiha butcher didn't look impressed.

"That little toy in your eye socket doesn't work against me," Itachi simply stated before narrowing his right eye, much to Ao's confusion, he kept his left eye closed all the time.

"Now, I believe Mei send you here," Itachi started.

"Sama," Ao added, Itachi just looked at his with a raised eyebrow.

"She's Mei-Sama, she will be a Kage after the rebellion ends," Ao finished, in his eyes, Mei was someone who loved her people and would give everything for them.

"There's only one person in this world that I would call 'Sama' and Mei is not that one,"

Ao escaped his thoughts hearing the voice of the scouting group landing in front of him.

"Ao-san, Mei-sama send us to inform you that she needs a report immediately," the leader of the scout group stated, Ao felt a headache as a sigh escaped his lips, Let's hope I survived this...

Konoha

Naruto was lying naked on his bed, Anko resting her head on his chest, a smile on her face, her naked body pressed tightly against him, Naruto quite liked the feeling of her, she was warm, nice, enjoyable to talk with, funny... sometimes, but the best part was her sadistic side, Naruto quite enjoyed it, that was something Anko appreciated.

Last night, they had been loud for hours until Anko got exhausted and decided to sleep, thankfully Naruto knew Fuinjtsu, therefore a Silence Seal blocked all her screams and moans.

The Office of the Hokage

Naruto, his sensei, Ino, and Shika were summoned by the Hokage on a mission some days after the events with the Land of Tea.

"You summoned us, Hokage-sama," Asuma said as he, Ino, Shika, and Naruto walked into the room.

"Yes, I did, and I appreciate your everyone arriving so promptly."

"So, what do you need us for, Hokage-sama?" Ino inquired.

"I summoned you all because I have a crucial task for which I need your assistance."

Naruto was happy to hear this, while Shikamaru groaned in frustration, Ino hoped it wasn't long since she had some business with Anko.

Of course, Asuma remained more solemn, knowing that given the seriousness of the Hokage, there was more to this than a simple task.

Asuma said, "And what precisely is the task, Hokage-sama?"

"The task entails sending you to Wave Country to assist Kakashi and his team in protecting a bridge builder called Tazuna," Sarutobi said.

"Excuse me, Hokage-sama, but why are you sending us to accompany Kakashi and his squad on a mission that is plainly a C-rank task?" Asuma said after hearing this. He continued, "Surely Kakashi can manage everything that may happen on a C-rank assignment."

"Normally, I would agree with you, Asuma," the old Hokage said, "but this is not your average C-rank assignment, since it seems that the client Tazuna lied to us when he asked our help."

"How Hokage-sama?" Asuma inquired.

"According to Kakashi's communication, it seems that Tazuna is being pursued by a guy named Gatō."

"Gatō? As in Gatō Corporation, the rich shipping mogul and boss of the shipping company?" Naruto inquired.

"The same, however, according to current information, Gatō's export and import firm is a cover for importing illicit products and selling narcotics. As a consequence of this, Gatō has become one of the wealthiest individuals on the continent."

Ino, Asuma, Shika, and Naruto all nodded their heads in agreement at this point, and Naruto then spoke out.

"How is he connected to this mission, Hokage-Sama?" Naruto wondered.

"Well, it seems that Gatō has established his headquarters in Wave Country, since the country is strategically located for maritime commerce between Fire Country and the majority of the other island countries. He then utilized his shipping monopoly to gain control of the nation's economy, enabling him to gradually gain control of the country. Tazuna, on the other hand, is threatening all of this with the bridge he is constructing to link Wave County to the mainland, which would end Gat's stranglehold on Wave Country. As a result, he has hired a bunch of Shinobi to kill Tazuna," the Sandaime said.

"If that's true, why didn't he reveal the truth? We could've sent a squad more suited to the task than a group of Genin and their Sensei," Asuma said.

"According to Kakashi's message, Tazuna-san and his workers spent most of their remaining money on the equipment and supplies required to construct the bridge, leaving them with little money to seek a higher rank task, which is why he lied when he sought our assistance."

"So what did Kakashi do on the assignment that caused him to call for backup?" Asuma wondered, knowing that Kakashi was no pushover and that he would require support if he did.

"Well, it seems that Kakashi and his crew were attacked by the Demon Brothers, Gzu and Meizu while heading to Wave Country. After conveying word of what had transpired, Kakashi and his squad simply eliminated them and allowed them to be apprehended by our men. After that, he and his squad continued on with the assignment, but when they arrived on Wave Country, they met Momochi Zabuza, the legendary Kirigakure no Kijin (Demon of the Hidden Mist)".

Asuma's eyes widen when he hears this since he has heard about Kiri's fabled Nuke-nin. Even Naruto had heard of the former member of the Kiri no Shinobigatana Shichinin Sh (The Seven Shinobi Swordsmen of the Mist), who had led a failed assassination on Yondaime Mizukage and had been forced to escape.

Naruto secretly smirked at this; he had already planned to send clones to locate him and get access to Kiri's Rebellion Army; with him, the blonde could easily acquire Mei Terumi's confidence by assisting her in the Rebellion; murdering Yagura would give him Kiri's allegiance and the Bijuu in his hands.

With that done, one out of five big powers would be in his hands, that left only Suna and Kumo.

Asuma murmured to himself, "The Demon of the Hidden Mist...no surprise Kakashi asked for support."

"You don't have to worry about Zabuza," Sarutobi said, "since Kakashi reported that he fought him with the assistance of his team, after which Zabuza was slain by a Hunter-nin who had been monitoring Zabuza."

This startled the four Shinobi, particularly Naruto, who understood that the only way Sasuke and the others could have aided Kakashi in any manner was if they collaborated. This surprised him since he hadn't expected Sasuke to cooperate with his teammates, much alone that they could work together in the first place.

"But why do we need to help the Kakashi squad if Zabuza is dead?" Naruto inquired, intrigued, as though there was more to this.

"Although Zabuza is no longer alive, we can't be positive that he and the demon brothers were the only ones paid by Gat to kill Tazuna. This is why I'm asking you all to rally behind him and Team Seven, since Kakashi was severely weakened after his fight, even with Zabuza dealt with, who was most certainly the biggest danger. For a time, Kakashi will be unable to protect Tazuna," the Sandaime said.

Although Asuma abruptly spoke out again, the four Shinobi nodded again in agreement.

"Permit me to ask, Hokage-sama, why are you sending us on this assignment since this is clearly something for a more senior group?" Asuma enquired.

"Normally, I would do so, but our troops are so small that sending a more senior squad would weaken our defenses, so I'm sending you three. Whatever happens on this assignment, I'm certain you'll be able to manage it with Kakashi's support. While Naruto, as you both know, is already a proficient Shinobi capable of holding his own in most circumstances, I have no doubt that he will be of assistance whatever occurs."

Asuma just nodded after hearing this, and he, Shika, Ino, and Naruto exited the room to prepare for their mission, which they left the town for Nami no Kuni two hours later.

After Three Days

The Konoha boat had finally reached the Land of Waves, and Team 10 was preparing to depart for their second mission.

"This is where I'll drop you all off. Be careful now." The sailor wished them.

"Always do, Tyoki. And thanks" Asuma said with a wave.

"Thank you, Tyoki-san" Ino said with a respectful bow.

"Yeah, thanks a bunch" Shikamaru said lazily

Team 10 then jumps off the boat, and landing on the beach. The sea-vessel then began to sail away back to Konoha, leaving them on the sandy ground of the Land of Waves.

"Alright, lets head to the Bridge Builder's house. Team 7 should probably be there by now." Asuma ordered his team.

"Do we have a location?" Naruto asked.

"Yes, his home address was included in the scroll. Let's get going." Asuma said, as he began to lead his team to the bridge builder's house.

THE BRIDGE BUILDER'S HOUSE - NIGHT-TIME

As Team 10 finally made it to the small yet very comfortable looking house, they then knocked on the front door. It took a couple of seconds, until somebody finally answered.

It was Sasuke with a Kunai at hand, as his guard was up, and preparing for an intruder. But his guard immediately lowered, when he saw the Konoha team in front of him.

"Greetings," Sasuke said, somewhat irritated, "so you're the ones that the Hokage has dispatched to help us."

"Correct," Asuma said, "could you kindly bring us to Kakashi?" Sasuke just nodded and led them inside the home.

When Asuma, Ino, Shika, and Naruto followed Sasuke inside the home, they saw a young lady in a tiny kitchen, most likely preparing the group's evening food. They then saw an elderly guy sipping sake at a table, most likely the bridge builder Tazuna. Sakura was busy doing nothing, and Sasuke was presumably daydreaming about the day he would murder Itachi.

When Naruto and his companions came, the young lady in the kitchen looked around and grinned, saying, "Oh! Are they the newcomers who Kakashi-san stated would arrive to assist?"

"Indeed, we are," Asuma answered.

The woman's grin widened as she said, "Then you have our gratitude...my name is Tsunami."

"It's great to meet you. My name is Asuma, and here is my team: Uzumaki Naruto, Ino Yamanaka, and Shikamaru Nara."

"It's great to meet you all...please make yourself at home, I'll get some more things ready for supper," Tsunami said.

"Thank you, it is really good of you," Ino said respectfully, drawing a snort from Sakura.

"What brings you here? Things were within our control!" Sasuke, visibly enraged, takes a step forward, much to Team 10's chagrin.

"Kakashi, send assistance; it is not your place to question your Jonin's orders, boy," Asuma said coldly, sending chills through Team 7.

"W-we are alive," Sasuke answered proudly, "Kakashi got trapped, and I battled Zabuza alone." The boy boasted.

"And you unfortunately survived," Naruto countered irritably.

Sasuke took a step towards Naruto, as Ino, and Shika chuckled.

"Enough of this, boy, leave us," Asuma said sternly. Sasuke clenched his teeth and walked away, closely followed by Sakura.

Asuma inquired about Kakashi, to which Tsunami pointed to the room next to them, indicating that Kakashi was there.

UPSTAIRS - KAKASHI'S AND CHOJI'S BEDSIDE

Kakashi and Choji are now lying on their beds with blankets over them. Choji was unconscious, as Kakashi was struggling to stay awake.

"Alright Kakashi-san, I have done all I can, but you and Choji just need some time to rest." Tsunami informs them, as she finished bandaging Choji's left shoulder.

Shikamaru looked at the unconscious form of his chubby best friend, and couldn't help but feel worried. He had never seen Choji so injured before.

"Is Choji going to be okay?" Shikamaru asked with worry in his voice.

"He's just exhausted. Some minor bruises and cuts but nothing too serious. He might be out for a while, but we will never know. In the meantime, I'll go downstairs to prepare dinner." Tsunami said with a warm smile, at the idea of cooking so much food for all her guests.

She always loved cooking, and she greatly appreciates when people enjoy her food.

But oddly enough, the mentioned of food was some sort of 'coma-cure' for a certain Akimichi.

"DINNER! WHERE?!" Choji yelled out, as he suddenly awakens from his slumber, startling everyone in the room.

"Wow, that's one way to wake someone up." Ino said in disbelief.

"Thank you, Tsunami-san, for your hospitality. You are too kind." Asuma said with a warm smile for the pretty looking woman.

"Not at all, Asuma-san. It is the least I could do. After all, you are all here to protect my father and help our Land. I am very grateful." Tsunami said with her own smile.

"Tsunami, I would like to discuss some things with them before dinner. Would you mind giving us the room?" The bridge builder, now named Tazuna, asked his daughter.

"Of couse dad, if you need anything, just let me know." Tsunami said, as she exits the room, leaving Tazuna alone with the 2 Jonins and 6 Genins.

Naruto then walks-up to the bed-ridden Silver-haired Jonin, with a concerned look in his eyes.

"Geez Kakashi-Niisan, you look like shit" Naruto commented, concerned for his 'Big Brother'.

"Hahaha nice to see you too, Naruto. I heard you completed your first C-rank mission. Congratulations." Kakashi said with an eye-smile.

"Not just any C-rank mission, a C-rank turn A-rank mission. Now we are here to make it two-for-two." Naruto said with a confident tone.

"So...Zabuza Momochi huh. Tell us what happened." Asuma asked his fellow Jonin Sensei.

"Well..." Kakashi then explained their entire situation from the very beginning.

About their first enemy-ninja encounter with Gozu and Meizu a.k.a The Demon Brothers.

Tazuna admitting that he lied about the mission parameters due to lack of funds.

Gato's dictatorship over the Land.

And finally their fateful battle with the infamous 'Demon of the Hidden Mist' Zabuza Momochi, an A-Rank Missing-Nin from Kirigakure, and one of the Legendary 'Seven Ninja Swordsman'.

In the past, Kakashi had fought against many powerful foes and won, but the odds were not in his favour in this battle.

Zabuza had the geological advantage given his elemental affinity for Water, and Kakashi had to worry about protecting his team along with Tazuna.

He even told them that he was caught in Zabuza's Water Prison Jutsu, much to his bitter disappointment for himself.

If it wasn't for the combine efforts of Sasuke and Choji, Kakashi would have never escaped the dense water-bubble without drowning. While Sasuke dealt with Zabuza's surprisingly strong Water Clone, Choji used his Human Boulder Jutsu to leap into the air, and was sent crashing down towards the original Zabuza, who was still trapping Kakashi.

But the Rogue Swordsman used his giant sword, The Kubikiribocho, to block Choji's boulder-form with just the sheer raw-strength of his only free arm.

But with both of his hands occupied, Zabuza was left vulnerable for Sasuke, as the Uchiha fired his Fireball Jutsu straight towards him, causing him to let go of the Water Prison, and freeing Kakashi, otherwise risk being burned alive.

But Choji got hurt when he collided with Zabuza's sword, as he could feel some part of his skin was cut by the sharp edges of the giant blade.

Kakashi and Zabuza then fought with all their might. The Silver-haired Jonin even managed to copy two of the Rogue Swordman's Water Jutsus with his Sharingan.

In the end, Kakashi was the victor, as he pinned Zabuza against a tree with several kunais.

But when Kakashi was about to finish the Rogue Swordsman off, A Kiri Hunter-Ninja suddenly appeared and threw several Senbons at Zabuza's neck, 'killing him' instantly.

The hunter then took Zabuza's body and shunshin away.

Afterwards, Kakashi collapsed from Chakra exhaustion due to the overwhelming drained from his Sharingan. One of the many risk of having a transplanted Dojutsu.

"And that's it." Kakashi finished his story.

Asuma then placed his finger under his chin, as he couldn't help but think about what Kakashi had just told them.

"But there is ONE THING that concerns me..." Kakashi said, as he looked at Asuma and then at Naruto.

The trio nodded at each other in agreement, as they all had reached the same conclusion.

"Zabuza is still alive." Kakashi, Asuma and Naruto spoke in unison.

"W-What? How could he still be alive, Kakashi Sensei? You checked his pulse yourself." Sakura said with fear in her voice.

"Kakashi-Niisan said the Hunter-Ninja used Senbons..." Naruto started.

"...Which is an odd weapon for assassination. And if used properly, it can target a person's nerve point, sending them into death-like-state..." Asuma added.

"...Also, it is essential for the Hunter-ninja to destroy their target's body on the spot. Except the head, as they are required to remove it from the body, to bring back to the village as proof of their target's demise..." Kakashi added.

"...The 'Hunter-ninja' took Zabuza's body away, instead of doing it then and there. That was a Red Flag already." Naruto finished.

"So...does that mean..." Ino asked

"The 'Hunter-Ninja' is working with Zabuza" Kakashi, Asuma and Naruto said in unison once again.

"W-What do we do, Sensei?" Choji asked with a bit of fear in his voice.

"Well, Zabuza's nervous system is probably still damaged from the Senbon attack, and he is without a doubt suffering from Chakra Exhaustion. I say we have about seven days to prepare for him." Kakashi informed them.

"So what do we do, until then?" Shikamaru asked.

"We train, of course" Kakashi said with an eye-smile.

MEANWHILE - ELSEWHERE

"Damn that Kakashi. It's been a while since I fought someone that strong." Zabuza said while limping.

"Are you alright, Zabuza-sama?" The 'Hunter-Ninja' asked

"I'm fine, Haku. I just need some rest." Zabuza said, as he laid himself on a bed, while the hunter ninja placed a blanket over him"

"I'm sorry...if I had joined the fight earlier..." The now identified Haku tried to apologize, but was interrupted.

"I told you, that I can handle it myself. You did what you were told, and stayed put. So I can't be mad at you for that." Zabuza said.

"Well, in the meantime, I'll go find some herbs and medicine to help you recover faster. It will take a while for your nerves to fully heal." Haku said.

"Good. And remember to...""Tell anyone I encounter that I'm a boy. I know. I still don't understand why I have to do that though, Zabuza-sama." Haku asked with her monotone voice.

"This world is full of Degenerates Haku. And our current employer is the biggest one of them all. By saying those three words alone, you will scare them away immediately." Zabuza said, with a surprisingly fatherly tone, which did not go unnoticed.

"Very well. Thank you for your concern, Zabuza-sama." Haku said with gentle smile.

"I'm just making sure that you don't draw any unwanted attention to yourself. That is all." Zabuza said as he closed his eyes.

"Very well. I'll be back soon." Haku said, as she got up from her chair, and headed to her room, to change into her civilian clothes.

"...Be safe, Haku." Zabuza said under his breath, with a bit of concern in his voice, for his surrogate daughter.