38 Hero of Wave

THREE DAYS LATER

After the gruesome battle on the bridge, Teams 7 and 10, along with Zabuza, Haku and Ranmaru had called for a truce. Kakashi and Asuma hold no grudges against their former enemies since they were just doing a job.

Ranmaru, was very depressed for the death of his dear friend Raiga. While the late swordsman was no doubt psychotic, he truly cared for Ranmaru.

The little boy was once shunned by everyone around him, due to his Kekkei Genkai, since he was from the Land of Water. When Raiga found him, and decided to take him under his wing, Ranmaru finally had a place where he belong. But now that Raiga is gone, Ranmaru was once again, all alone. Ranmaru hardly spoke to anyone ever since...until Naruto finally approached him.

The Blonde Uzumaki was able to symptomize with the purple haired boy. He spoke kindly, and showed great compassion that the little boy has never experienced before. Naruto eventually got Ranmaru to open up, and comforted him when the little boy finally cried and grieved for his dear friend, Raiga.

Ranmaru only spoke to Naruto ever since, but Naruto wanted the little boy to feel the warm embrace of a family, since he told the blonde Uzumaki; that he grew up alone, with no love or support. But luckily, he was able to convince Ranmaru to get to know Tazuna's family more. Tsunami was very kind to him, and would even let Ranmaru help cook everyone's meals with her. Ranmaru even played some games with Inari, and learned the fine art of Bridge Building with Tazuna.

Ranmaru didn't know why, but he was now beginning to grow very attached with the Bridge Builder's family. They were very good and loving people. Naruto offered Ranmaru to come with him to Konoha, but the little boy respectfully declined, and decided to stay in the Land of Waves, with Tazuna and his family.

Naruto respected Ranmaru's decision, and wished him all the best. But Naruto gave him one of his Marked Kunais just in case, and told him to simply channel his chakra into it if he needs him, and he'll come in a flash. Whatever that means, Ranmaru wondered.

But later, Naruto decided to visit the home of the criminal, the one Naruto had tortured and had begged to spare and said that he had a little sister that needed saving.

Naruto had asked Tsunami about direction, she told him to check in the orphanage, arriving there, a man asked what he needed but Naruto just said that he needed to find a girl who had a big brother, thankfully, Wave was a small country, soon with the help of the man who apparently knew of who Naruto was searching for.

"I know the boy, he visits the orphanage every day, brings Akas toys and food, while I know the job he does to get the money is not the cleanest, can you blame a man who wants to help their only family," the man had said to Naruto leading him to a small room.

"I will be waiting outside," the man said before opening the door for Naruto.

Naruto walked inside, seeing a girl around five to seven years old.

"Who's There?" The girl asked hearing the sound of unknown footsteps.

"You are Aka, my name is Naruto," Naruto introduced him.

"Who are you? Why are you here, your heart sounds sad?"

"I have bad news, your brother, he is..." Naruto stopped when the little girl exhaled, her breathing got heavy, as her pale eyes started welling.

She went silent, her eyes not looking anywhere, silence fell over, before she stood up.

"Can I go to his grave?"

Naruto of course led her to her brother's grave, she cried for hours. Naruto stood there not wanting to leave.

"I knew his job wasn't a good one, but he had no other choice," The girl cried, clenching the grass in her hands.

The following day, Naruto talked with Tsunami and Tazuna, both agreeing to take care of her, since she was alone now.

THE NEXT DAY - WITH NARUTO AND SASUKE

Naruto and Sasuke made their way to the forest area, where the Genins did their Tree Climbing Exercise. Naruto was surprised when Sasuke suddenly approached him, and asked him to follow him.

Naruto complied, and wondered what the last loyal Uchiha wanted. "Sasuke, what are we doing here?" Naruto asked, as they finally arrived at the training site. Sasuke stopped walking, and turned to face Naruto, with a burning determination in his eyes. "Fight me" Sasuke simply said."....Now?" Naruto asked with a raised eyebrow.

Sasuke just nodded his head, with his onyx eyes never leaving Naruto's."Umm sure, but why?" Naruto asked curiously. "Because I want to see how much stronger you are compared to me," Sasuke answered.

"Can't we do this when we return to Konoha..."

"NO! We do this now." Sasuke interrupted him, with his voice becoming slightly angry.

"Okay, okay don't get your knickers in a twist.....Fine. We'll fight. What are the rules?" Naruto asked, with his toned becoming slightly serious.

Sasuke gave a grateful smile to the blonde, meaning that he appreciates Naruto taking their spar seriously. "Last man standing wins," Sasuke said, as he took his Interceptor Fist stance.

"If you don't mind me asking, but why the sudden rush, Sasuke?" Naruto asked curiously, as he stretches his arms for the upcoming fight. "I.....I need to test myself. And today is the day...where I will finally beat you, Naruto," Sasuke said with great determination in his voice.

"Very well than. Whenever you're ready." Naruto said, as he took his Stance. Naruto decided to go easy on Sasuke, for the blonde, this would be the last chance he was going to give Sasuke, if the Uchiha decided to see the truth, then Naruto would accept him, but if Sasuke learned nothing then Naruto would permanently cut him off from the future plans.

It was a moment of silence, until Sasuke finally yelled out.

"BEGIN!" Naruto and Sasuke charged forward towards each other, and clashed in an impressive display of strength, that sends out loud echoes throughout the forest. They were locked in an intense Taijutsu fight, with Naruto's Wing Fist, against Sasuke's Interceptor Fist. Naruto was never the one to strike first, since his fighting style is more defensive. So Sasuke needed to strike first, and strike hard. And knowing the blonde Uzumaki's level of skill, he must show no mercy, if he wants to win against Naruto.

But Naruto was still not an easy opponent. The fight was long and intense, and Naruto appeared to be winning. Sasuke then activated his Two Tomoe Sharingan, hoping to give himself a slight edge against the blonde. But to his surprise.....he cannot predict Naruto's movement's, nor copy them. His focus was broken, when Naruto landed a strong kick on Sasuke's chest, and he was sent flying a couple of feet away, landing roughly on the ground.

"What the hell is going on?! Why can't I copy your moves?!" Sasuke asked angrily, as he tried to stand back up. "First of all, Sasuke, that is SO not cool. You can't just steal my moves...." Naruto said with a mock-hurt tone, then he continued with a smirk "...which is what I already predicted. So luckily I came prepared." Naruto finished with the smirk never leaving his face.

"What do you mean, Dobe?" Sasuke asked with a raised eyebrow, as he stood back up on his feet. "Well, after Asuma Sensei told me about his fight with Raiga, he mentioned a fascinating fact about Ranmaru-kun. More particularly....his unique Dojutsu, and the powers they possessed. Specifically.....the ability to counter other Dojutsu's visual prowess, like your Sharingan."

"T-That...that is impossible!"

"I'm afraid it is. I got a little curious, so I asked Ranmaru-kun how his eyes work. After he told me everything he knew, I came up with an ingenious idea...to replicate that power, by using Fuinjutsu."

"So what you are you saying is....." Sasuke asked, with great hesitance in his voice. "You can't predict....nor copy my moves or Jutsus Sasuke, and Byakugan can't see through me." Naruto said, as he rolled up his sleeve, and a tattoo-like seal appeared glowing on his right forearm.

Sasuke was seething his teeth in anger. Naruto is always one step ahead of him, and now he can't copy his Jutsus.

"Damn it...than I guess I'll get a little serious," Sasuke said, as they formed a couple of hand-seals, and took a took a deep breath. "Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!" Sasuke blew out a very large ball of fire towards Naruto, who simply stood his ground. Naruto was smiling and then made several hand-seals of his own.

"Water Style: Liquid Bullet!"Naruto spit out a large orb of water towards Sasuke's fireball, cancelling each Jutsus out, leaving behind a very thick steam in the process. Because of it, Sasuke managed to disappear from Naruto's line of sight.

Naruto closed his eyes, to track the Uchiha's whereabouts. He snapped his eyes open when he sensed Sasuke threw several projectiles towards him. They were shurikens, with ninja-wires attached. Instead of hitting Naruto, they merely circle around him, trying to tie him up against the tree behind him. Naruto managed to take out two kunais and channelled Wind Chakra into them. He was able to slice his way through the cables, and, afterwards, threw both kunais towards Sasuke, but not before making several hand-seals.

"Ninja Art: Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu!" The two Wind Chakra enhanced kunais multiplied into hundreds, as they flew towards the Uchiha. But thanks to his Sharingan, Sasuke was able to see through the multitude of kunais, and made several hand-seals, and took a deep breath.

"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu!" Sasuke unleased his strongest Fire Jutsu towards the kunais, stopping their momentum. The Fire Dragon-head managed to push on through the wall of kunais, and was then sent straight towards the Blonde Uzumaki.

Naruto was able to dodge the incoming dragon fire, and made several hand-seals. A large stream of water was then pulled out of thin air, circling around Naruto, as they took the shape of a Dragon.

"Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!" The Water dragon was then sent towards the Uchiha, hitting him directly, as he was sent crashing towards a tree. Sasuke could barely stand anymore. The Water Dragon wasn't as powerful but it was strong enough to knock him down.

Naruto quickly took out a single Kunai, and threw it towards Sasuke's direction. He then follow-up, by making a couple of hand-seals, and thrusted his open hand forward.

"Wind Style: Gale Palm!" The concentrated wind force blew the Kunai towards the Uchiha in incredible level of speed. Seeing this, Sasuke had lost his concertation, and with the help of his Sharingan, he was able to dodge the flying knife in time, by leaning his head sideways, as the kunai missed, but grazed his cheek a bit.

But unbeknownst to Sasuke, the kunai was marked with Naruto's Hiraishin Seal, and the blonde had suddenly disappeared, but then he reappeared right behind Sasuke, holding the same kunai that was thrown earlier, right near the Uchiha's throat.

Sasuke's eyes widened, as his Sharingan turned back to normal eyes."Looks like I win, Sasuke," Naruto said, with a serious look and tone."H-How did you do that?" Sasuke asked, not moving a muscle.

"Family secret. You fought well, Sasuke. You should be proud of yourself." Naruto said, as he removed the kunai from his throat, and stepped back, as Sasuke fell to his knees in shame. Sasuke was gripping the grass beneath him, as he gritted his teeth in anger and frustration.He had lost....again.".....I'm not....I still can't beat you.....Why? WHY ARE YOU SO STRONG, NARUTO?!" Sasuke yelled out with anger.

Naruto was surprised by his sudden outburst. But he decided to let him finally vent it all out. "I DID EVERYTHING RIGHT! I STUDIED SCROLLS! I TRAINED EVERYDAY! AND YET.....I STILL I CAN'T CATCH UP TO YOU! You're Just Like HIM" HE SAID THE Words with venom, the blonde didn't flinch, he knew of who he was talking about.

Naruto was worried about the desperate tone in the Uchiha's voice, and decided to say something before it escalates.

"Sasuke....you are one of the strongest person I know. You say you are weak, but I know your heart is filled with strength." Naruto said kindly.

"It still doesn't matter. I.....I still don't have enough hate." Sasuke said, remembering Itachi's words.

"Life was very cruel to both of us. And I'm afraid, it is only going to get worse from here on out. But I want you to know....that if you want, you don't have to be alone, this world is full of hatred, we all make choices, what will you choose?" Naruto finished, whatever Sasuke knew or not, he had a choice, and Naruto will see now what was Sasuke's choice.

The Uchiha heard his words, he saw the hand Naruto was offering him, but all he could think of was his family, his father and his mother, all that disappeared because of Itachi, and Naruto was reminding him of Itachi.

Instead of accepting his hand, Sasuke growled before slapping his hand away.

"What Do You Know? You know Nothing, Just Because You Were in Our House a Few Times Doesn't Mean You Understand what Family Is LIKE. You Don't know what Is Like to Lose your Parents. YOU NEVER WILL," Sasuke screamed out at the end, Naruto's blue calm eyes turned to ice cold.

Right now, Naruto wanted nothing more than to slice his throat and be done with him, but Itachi had wanted a second chance, and Naruto gave him a second chance and he decided to throw it in his face.

Sasuke expected Naruto to scream at him, but to his surprise Naruto kept his calm, almost as if he never said anything.

Suddenly Naruto's eyes looked at him, Sasuke recognised that look, the same look Itachi would give him whenever he did something he didn't like, a look of disappointment.

Naruto said nothing and did nothing, Sasuke walked away, walking past Naruto, the blonde thought of Itachi.

Opening his pouch, Naruto grabbed a kunai before cutting his thumb, spreading the blood across his palm, slamming it in the ground.

"Summoning Jutsu"

The white smoke disappeared, revealing a dark crow, one would think the crow was normal, but both his eyes were Sharingan, they were Shisui's eyes, only Itachi and Naruto could summon this particular crow.

Naruto wrote something on a piece of paper, he knew Itachi wouldn't like it, but he needed to understand that Naruto was done giving Sasuke's chances.

Attaching it to the crew, disappearing in a puff of smoke, Naruto sighed before returning back to the house.

THE NEXT DAY - AT THE FINISHED BRIDGE

Almost everyone in the Land of Waves was gathering to say their goodbyes to their heroes and former enemies. Tazuna, Tsunami, Inari, Ranamaru and everyone else were both happy and sad to see the brave shinobis return home.

"You all have our eternal gratitude. We could never had finished the bridge without you. Especially you Naruto. Your clones were a big help. I can't tell how much we're going to miss you." Tazuna said with a smile.

"Do be careful on your way home" Tsunami said with her own smile."It was a pleasure to help this country. The people here deserve their freedom. And now they have it." Kakashi said with an eye smile."Hehehe well I hope that means, you might consider giving me a little discount." Tazuna said shamelessly, regarding his full payment for the C-Rank turn A-Rank Mission.

"No chance old man. You still need cover the full payment for this Mission, to the Hokage." Asuma said with a small chuckle.

"Well, it was worth a shot." Tazuna said with a laugh. "And misfired greatly" Naruto whispered to Ino, which made her giggle. "Of course I will pay. It will be my honour. I have already send a letter to the Hokage, and he agrees that once business here has been restored, we will submit the full payment immediately." Tazuna said with a reassuring tone.

Naruto then noticed Inari was about to cry, so he then approached and knelt down to the little boy. "Why look so gloomy Inari-kun?" Naruto asked. "D-Do you really have go Naruto-niisan?" Inari asked the blonde. "Of course little man. I have my own home to go back to. But don't worry, we'll come visit if we can." Naruto said with a smile, as he patted the head of the little boy.

"Y-You swear you will?" Inari asked with teary eyes, and a hopeful smile. "Of course. What kind of a big brother will I be, if I forget about you." Naruto said with a bright smile.

"N-Niisan." Inari said with teary eyes. "Also, here..." Naruto gave Inari a small brown book. "....consider this, a going away present. It's a copy of my favourite book. It helped me became the shinobi I am today. And remember little brother.....your father will always be with you. And so will I." Naruto said with a smile. Inari couldn't fight back the tears any longer, as he engulfed Naruto in a very tight hug.

"Thank you Niisan." Inari mumble his words in Naruto's chest. Tsunami, and Ino couldn't help but cry as well, at the very sweet scene before them.

Naruto happily returned Inari's hug, but he couldn't help but think that this feels very familiar. Naruto then gently broke the hug, and stood back up on his feet. He walked back to his team and waved goodbye to the people of Wave, as he and the rest of the Konoha and Kiri Shinobis walked towards the other side of the bridge, and finally heading home. Little that they know, Tazuna had decided to name the Bridge after their Blonde Whiskered-face Hero.

"Goodbye everyone!" Ino happily yelled out, as she waved goodbye and walk alongside Naruto. "That was very sweet of you, Naruto-kun," Ino said with a loving smile, as she reached out her hand to hold Naruto's.

"Thanks Ino-chan. Hey....when we get back to the village, and of course, after a long overdue rest, what do you say, you and I go on a date?" Naruto asked, giving her a warm smile.

"N-Naruto-kun, don't tease me about that," Ino said with an embarrassed blush and a cute pout. "I'm not teasing Ino. What do you say?" Naruto asked honestly, as he looked into her sky-blue eyes, and she couldn't help but smile at him.

"Oh whiskers. Of course! I'll be happy too" Ino said with a bright smile, as she wraps her arms around Naruto's, and lean her head against his shoulder, as they continue to walk back home. Asuma and Kakashi couldn't help but smirk at the scene of the blonde couple.

"Look at that Kakashi, your 'little brother' and my student is a real chip of the old block. Saving an entire country and going home with his girl. Quite a story to tell, wouldn't you say?" Asuma asked the silver-haired Jonin.

"Hahaha I guess so. I still can't get over the fact that Naruto knows how to use Minato Sensei's signature Jutsu. Any chance you taught him that?" Kakashi asked curiously. "Nope. But I can only assume, that dad has a hand in it. Also, Naruto has been studying Fuinjutsu for quite a while now. I guess it was only a matter of time before he masters it." Asuma said.

"I supposed so. I guess it was alot to take in. But right now, I just can't wait to get back home." Kakashi said with a tired sigh. "Missing your 'Yugao-chan' already?" Asuma asked teasingly. But Kakashi simply scoffed at the tease.

He wasn't embarrassed. "I guess I am. It still feels a little weird though. To have someone to come home to, I mean." Kakashi said. "How long have you guys been living together?" Asuma asked.

"About six months now. I guess I got used to living alone for so long, that I forgot what its like to live with someone. I just hope I can adjust as soon as possible. I don't want Yugao-chan to worry."

"Haha don't worry man. You will. Yugao might likes to cut things but she's not crazy, but she's a good person. And I can tell that you guys really care about each other. I'm just surprised you didn't just tie-the-knot with her already." Asuma said with a smirk.

"Little ways down the road, my smoke-coholic friend. But Enough about me. How about you and Kurenai?" Kakashi said with his own teasing tone."W-What? What about me and Kurenai?" Asuma asked blushing his cheeks out.

"Now now Asuma, you don't have to play the fool with me. It is pretty clear that you guys are together. Besides, you had a major crush on her since we were in the academy."

"I-Its not that obvious, is it?" Asuma asked, hoping that all of his friends didn't know about his long-time affection for the raven haired beauty.

"Only to those with eyes." Kakashi said with a teasing eye smile. Asuma wanted to continue his denial, but realized it was a futile against the Copy Ninja. He might as well talk to him about his secret relationship, since he never talked to anyone before.

"Well.....It has been great. We've been seeing each other for several months now...God, it's so good to finally said that to someone else, for a change," Asuma said with a smile. "Haha well, you can talk to me about that whenever you want, Asuma. It'll be nice to talk to someone my age about relationships for once. Before this, it was just Naruto."

"Thanks man, I appreciate it. But just so you know, Kurenai-chan and I, still want keep our relationship a secret, at least for now. So I hope you don't mind."

"My lips are sealed. Hahaha I guess the only one who hasn't got a girlfriend yet in our year, is Guy" Kakashi said with a small laugh, but then he heard a very loud sneezing from the horizon, followed by an echoing yell out of 'Flames' and 'Youth' from afar.

"I'll pay big money, to see that happened." Asuma said, as he removed the finished cigarette from his mouth, and replace it with a new one.

"But let's move on to a new topic....Do you think they are ready? For the Chunin Exams, I mean?" Kakashi asked. "Well, my bet is on Naruto. That kid is a total beast. Ino is strong, and she will follow Naruto to hell if need be. Shikamaru is the brains, but his strength is improving every day. So yeah, I think my team is ready. How about yours?"

"I'm still worried about Choji and Sakura. As for Sasuke....well, let's just say my money is on him. This mission has really helped him grow as a shinobi."

"Hahaha I'm getting the feeling, that the next Chunin Exam is going to be really interesting."

"You and me both"

Soon, both Zabuza and Haku left, saying goodbye to Naruto and the others.

"Thank you for being kind Naruto-kun, I hope we meet soon," Haku said as they left, Zabuza was more withdrawn but still said goodbye, he was eager to return to the Rebellion.

Itachi

He was alone, Kisame had fallen asleep, the Uchiha suddenly saw a crow flying towards him before landing on his shoulder. Itachi noticed the small scroll, grabbing it, the crew disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Opening the paper, Itachi read the message before releasing a sigh, foolish little brother.

"Sasuke is a Loose End"