Mission to the Land of Waves - 4

After sending a message to Leaf and they abandoned the Demon Brothers they continued on, still rattled that they had been ambushed so early. After a quarter of a mile, Anko stopped walking.

"Tazuna-san," She said solemnly, "Let's get one thing straight here. I'm not an idiot. I did indeed notice those two morons earlier, but I still chose to let them attack us...because I had to see what or who they were after."

The genin halted, understanding her meaning.

"When we accepted this mission, it was C-rank: standard protection from robbers and highway men and whathaveyous..." Anko continued matter-of-factly, "But those Mist nin sure came a heck of a long way up to the Fire Country and not without a reason," She frowned, "You never said you had ninja after you...that's different from having some jackass try to rob you, wouldn't you say?"

"Why would ninja be after you old man?" Naruto was genuinely curious.

Gaara and Haku listened intently for his answer.

"You're right," Tazuna's scratchy voice lowered, "Those ninja intended to kill me."

"Why?" Haku had a hard time not sounding alarmed.

"They were sent by Gato, a shipping magnate who's been smuggling drugs and illegal goods in and out of the Land of Waves for many years now, holding a tight grip on the lives of the people who live there..." Tazuna explained, "I'm constructing a bridge though, one that will connect our village to the mainland and increase trade and commerce."

"Bet the greedy bastard wouldn't like you freeing your town and messing with his crime ring, huh?" Anko quickly understood, "So he kills you and this bridge of yours doesn't get built? Fabulous. We're in deep over our heads this time. It was selfish of you to ask for cheap, low-level protection when these genin have so little experience."

"But why didn't you just say you had ninja after you in the first place?" Naruto asked.

"My village doesn't have the money to pay for high-level protection," Tazuna admitted, "The people there are suffering from sickness and poverty. I can't afford to hire shinobi who are above trainee level."

"We're beyond the scope of our mission if you have other shinobi after you." Gaara said simply, making the old man glare at the ground.

"So, I suppose you'll quit on me because I don't have the money for you, eh?" Tazuna inquired darkly, not looking at his temporary guards.

"Are you kidding?" Anko grinned, "Money or no money, this is gonna be great! It's been a while since I've had a mission as unpredictable and meaningful as this! And it'll be good training for the maggots! They need to learn to adapt to dire-straits missions!"

The three genin gave Anko nonplused looks. Tazuna hadn't counted on her to still be willing to protect him. The idea of it excited the genin after a few moments and Anko's confidence made them bold.

"Yeah old man! We'll get you home!" Naruto grinned at him, "We've got you covered!"

"We've already set out and it would be pointless to turn back," Haku figured, "It'd be a good experience to help you return to your village and build your bridge Tazuna-san."

Haku felt the need to be as objective as possible while on a mission.

"Hn." It was Gaara's way of agreeing while maintaining his detachment.

The details of the mission had changed and Anko was more thrilled by the prospective danger than repelled by it. Team 2 continued on, hoping the real-world experience would be payment enough for their efforts.

Later as they crowded into a less-than-roomy motorboat to cross a bay enveloped in mist, Haku was again lost in his thoughts. Occasionally he looked up to survey their surroundings.

'When those ninja attacked I...I just froze up,' Haku was still unable to forgive himself, 'I just stood there like an idiot! I'd definitely be dead if it hadn't been for Naruto.'

He looked out onto the water which was surprisingly calm, 'I can't be a burden anymore. This is real. I'm a ninja now and I have to get serious!'

Haku was frustrated that Gaara and Naruto handled the situation so remarkably well. Weren't they even slightly frightened? 'Well, Naruto might have been...but Gaara fears few things in life...and I can't say that it's a good thing.'

He paused, wondering what good berating himself to be a coward would do, 'No, I won't feel sorry for myself. It's pointless. I have to focus on the mission and protect Tazuna and everyone else, for that matter. I can put my team at risk if I don't focus.'

"Hey Haku, are you feeling okay?" Naruto turned to him, remembering the ambush from earlier, "You're not hurt or anything, are you?"

"I'm fine, Naruto-kun."

The blonde nodded and leaned back in his spot and turned to Gaara, who also looked tense, "What about you Gaara?"

"This water makes me nervous," The red haired boy admitted, "I don't swim well."

Naruto laughed but quickly muffled himself after he recalled that they were still in enemy territory. Haku looked at Gaara, understanding that he did know how to swim, but that he wouldn't be able to with a cumbersome gourd attached to his back. It was now completely comprised of sand and the weight would be unmanageable in water.

'We're all mortal,' Haku firmed his resolve after talking to his friends, 'This mission can only succeed unless we all work together. The next ninja we meet...I'll be ready.'