Chapter 15 Naruto's Resolve and Enter Momochi Zabuza

"Firstly, Sakura, I didn't expect you to be that scared, but nevertheless, good job for not being completely shocked. As for Naruto and Sasuke, good teamwork. And Team Ibiki, you guys were as good as the rumors tell," Kakashi remarked, observing the performance of the genins, noticing the frowned expression on Tazuna's face as Naruto and Ranpo continued tying them with a rope.

"Hey! Don't give me a scare like that. If you could do it, why did you leave it to the kids?" Tazuna asked Kakashi, his frown deepening, uncertain about whether they would continue or not.

"That's because I wanted to be certain of something," Kakashi said, his demeanor cold as Ranpo finished his next sentence.

"Whether they were after us Konoha Shinobi or a certain liar, right? Kakashi-sensei," Ranpo said, concluding his deduction with a touch of boredom evident in his thoughts. 'How boring!!! It didn't even require one percent of my brain. Not even 0.0000001 percent of my deduction capabilities.'

'Although I can't blame you for calling him a liar, but you are correct, and not to be blamed, which should be attributed to you, Mr. Tazuna. Am I correct?' Kakashi confronted Tazuna.

"W-what are you talking about?" Tazuna asked hesitantly, a worried expression plastered across his face.

"They were after you, weren't they? Mr. Tazuna. Oh! How delightful, our guests just woke up it seems. We can confirm directly through them," Kakashi said, turning his gaze towards the demon brothers.

"Okay, now tell me who you were after and who sent you?" Kakashi asked them, to which they responded with defiance.

"We aren't telling you even if you kill us," they said, unwilling to disclose any information even under threat of death.

"Arara! So what? We could certainly use other ways," Kakashi said as he pulled out his headband, revealing his other eye, one of the strongest Kekkei Genkai and Dojutsu, the Mangekyo Sharingan, already developed, though for them, the normal Sharingan was more than enough.

"Hahaha! Well, now will you kindly talk or you know what?" Kakashi said, addressing the brothers, who attempted to disrupt the chakra within them as a possible genjutsu countermeasure, but...

"SHARINGAN!"

Kakashi exclaimed as he used a basic genjutsu via his Sharingan eye, forcing the victims to tell the truth no matter the circumstance. He could simply see through their memories, but hearing them might prove useful to Tazuna.

"Who sent you? Whose life do you wish to take?" Kakashi asked them in a cold tone.

"We were sent here by Zabuza-san. To take the life of Tazuna, the bridge builder, on the orders of Gato, who assigned a mission to Zabuza-san to kill him for a huge sum," one of them confessed at Kakashi's behest. Hearing this, he quickly turned off his Sharingan to conserve his chakra.

"Well, now that the truth is out, mind explaining why this Gato, who is clearly one of the richest men in the world, is after you, Mr. Tazuna?" Kakashi asked him, observing Tazuna's tightened fists as Tazuna gulped.

"Gato. He came to Wave Country a bit more than two years ago. At first, we didn't think much about it, but soon he had bought up all the shipping industry of our nation. You see, Wave Country is an island, so we are dependent on shipping to get goods. But that wasn't the worst part. He used his monopoly to drain the country dry," Tazuna explained, his voice tinged with frustration and despair.

"The people live in poverty. Many lost their houses to Gato. Whoever protested was killed. He takes what he wants with his hired thugs, ensuring nobody dares to oppose him. His shipping business covers his criminal activities. He deals with drugs, alcohol, rare goods, even slaves. Everything and anything that brings him money. The only thing he fears is the bridge I'm building. If I finish my bridge, his monopoly will be rendered obsolete, and our country will be back in business because we will be connected to the mainland," Tazuna continued, his tone resolute.

"So why didn't you just tell the truth to Hokage-sama?" Kakashi glared at him.

Tazuna threw his hands up, "I couldn't! Wave country has been sucked dry. We don't have enough money to pay for more than a C-rank mission."

"So what should we do in your opinion, guys?" Kakashi turned to his Genin team.

Dazai was the first to answer, "Protocol dictates that during times like these, the assigned genin team is to immediately abandon the mission and report back to the village for reassignment."

"But..."

A certain someone spoke up.

"I think we should help the old man," Naruto asserted.

"And what is your reasoning for it, Naruto?" Kakashi asked, directing his attention to the spirited Uzumaki.

"Well. Although like Dazai-kun said, we must return immediately in this situation, I don't think I can become Hokage if I can't even save a small village. Plus, hearing about this Gato, I don't know why it pisses me off. I just can't stand him," Naruto expressed truthfully, his emotions evident in his voice.

"But you know, Naruto..."

Dazai interjected suddenly, capturing everyone's attention.

"I get it you want to help and all, but those rules are not made blindly; they have serious criteria which must be fulfilled for specific reasons," Dazai answered objectively, his tone firm.

"What the heck are you talking about? You mean we just leave this old man and the village to get demolished?" Naruto retorted to Dazai, his frustration bubbling.

"No, just as I guess, you are nothing more than an idiot," Dazai remarked, mocking Naruto. Suddenly, Naruto swung at Dazai, aiming for his cheek, but Dazai effortlessly caught his fist.

They locked eyes for a few intense seconds. Dazai was impressed with Naruto's determination, but he remained steadfast in his perspective.

"Okay then, let me ask you a question, Naruto. Why do you wish to protect this old man and his village? Although I like your determination, I don't appreciate your illogical approach. After all, we gain nothing but misfortune in this situation," Dazai stated coldly.

"Well then, I don't like you at all. Do you really think we should let this old man and his village suffer? What did they deserve to get such treatment?" Naruto retorted, his resolve unwavering.

"Hai hai~ I get your point, Naruto, but I think you're missing the main point. You don't seem to know this guy named Momochi Zabuza. If he wants, he could easily defeat any Genin, not to mention both your Kakashi Sensei and this Zabuza earned the same rank: ANBU. Not to mention we can't be sure that only Zabuza is our enemy. There are many unseen possibilities..."

"Also, this is the world of Shinobi. With your naive outlook, you won't be able to become a Hokage if you can't see the bigger picture at all. Also, taking your punch, I can bet you are already Chunin level in terms of strength. But let me tell you one thing, Naruto..."

"With the way things are going, you won't be able to become a Chunin at the upcoming Chunin exam and the next one. Because you are a hopeless kid who doesn't deserve it, so forget about the Hokage Hat. After all, you can't read the situation at all," Dazai concluded, his remarks directed firmly at Naruto.

"Blah blah. Shut your mouth, you bastard. Also, what do you mean by this 'reading the situation' thing?" With this, Dazai finally smiled in an amused tone, clearly enjoying the dynamics unfolding before him. Seeing all this drama, Sasuke and Kakashi finally understood what Dazai was aiming for.

"It's something you lack, Naruto... Something called 'discernment.' Which any Shinobi must possess for this kind of situation," Dazai answered him, satisfaction evident in his tone. Then he continued.

"Now, you might think, 'What is this bastard saying?' But have you ever considered this? What would you do if your Sensei here suddenly got captured or defeated? Do you think you could win against the enemy? Yeah, if we win, the Land of Waves might be safe, but in case we fail, you would lose the right to be a Shinobi permanently and achieve your dreams. Think about it for a second, isn't it true, Sasuke?" Dazai addressed Sasuke with a sly grin, a part of his plan to gather information.

'Wait, what the heck is this guy planning? At first, he didn't mention me at all, and now he remembers me at the last moment, making me not focus on this discussion. He made me think that he was going harsh on Naruto to finally ask me this question for a particular purpose. But all I can guess is he wants me to react to the exact 'same future' most possibly Kakashi getting trapped in the water prison he described just now, so he could confirm me as a reincarnate and maybe get the information from me. So, I will just answer him with the perfect answer I have in mind.' Sasuke deduced in a single second as he continued.

"Well, I guess if the exact same scenario in your head turns out the thing we are about to do might be illogical. So, I think you are right, Dazai," Sasuke responded to Dazai's question, while Naruto grew disappointed. But he missed something crucial. He had underestimated Dazai deeply.

While Naruto's reaction was once again a mix of surprise and sadness as Sasuke agreed with Dazai, while even Sakura noticed something.

"Oya~ But your wording contradicts with your actions." Said Dazai in his ever playful tone.

"Huh!? What do you mean?" Naruto asked, startled, not realizing Sasuke's agreement with him.

"Yare yare. Sasuke basically said he thinks both you and Dazai are right, Naruto. Also, although Dazai acted like he doesn't care about your opinion, he too has the same opinion. After all, he was just testing you whether you would help the old man or not? Basically, his way of evaluating you. After all, he was partly right. Imagine what would happen if we failed to protect Sakura against the enemy," Ranpo chimed in.

"Ahhh~ Ranpo-kun, you demolished my fun time with my new friend over there. Sigh* anyway, Naruto, sorry for testing you. You passed with flying colors, but still, you won't make it as a Chunin unless you do something about your mental capabilities too," Dazai finally revealed the truth, admitting that he didn't dislike Naruto's opinion. Also, to confirm something from Uchiha Sasuke. With this, both Ranpo and Dazai thought.

'This Ayanokouji no Sasuke brat has the key to solving this world's problem.'

"What!? Then you weren't opposed towards me from the beginning at all?" Naruto asked, his expression one of shock. Dazai revealed, "Partly. Although I wish you to be a Chunin, the way you are now, you won't make it. As my friend said, if such a situation arises, what will you do? Can you save the pinky over there?"

"Then. Hey hey, what can I do to become a Chunin? Since it will bring me closer to my goal of being the Hokage. Although I know it, there is no secret nor shortcut to become one," Naruto asked for Dazai's help or rather his opinion.

"It's actually pretty simple, Naruto. There are two things actually which I want to tell and ask you. Don't worry it won't make it four, just one tell and another ask," Dazai said in his ever-charming tone. But now he suddenly turned serious.

"Now choose. Which shall it be?" Dazai asked him. And then Naruto thought for a while and said. "First off tell me, then ask me."

"Alright, let's start with reading the room, observation, seeing what's around you, deducing clues, and taking action like that," Dazai explained to Naruto, outlining the qualities needed to become a capable Chunin. He emphasized observation, critical thinking, continuous learning, emotional intelligence, adaptability, memory enhancement capabilities, communication skills, and strategic thinking.

Then, Dazai posed a serious question to Naruto, "Naruto, have you ever considered that embracing your weaknesses and learning from them might be the key to unlocking your true potential and becoming even stronger? Also you must have the "resolve" to make it happen."

'This dazai kid might just be a great influence on Naruto.' Kakashi thought as he spoke.

"If you guys are done bonding, remember we have a mission to complete, right?" Kakashi reminded them, prompting Naruto to reflect on his situation and commit to becoming a better Shinobi.

"Yes, Sensei," they all affirmed, resuming their journey.

Meanwhile, in a certain building deep in the forest...

"Did you say you failed? Do you know how much I paid to hire you? To kill that old geezer who isn't even as powerful as a genin," exclaimed a short man, none other than the enemy who ordered Zabuza to eliminate the old man.

"Stop your damned grumbling...!" an extremely dangerous-looking man retorted, pointing his huge sword, Kubikiribocho, at the man dedicated to killing Tazuna for personal gain. This dangerous man was none other than Zabuza Momochi, once known as the Demon of the Mist.

"Next time, I will kill him personally with this Kubikiribocho," Zabuza reassured his client.

"I-Is it going to be okay? It seems the enemy has hired capable shinobi too," Gato sought reassurance from Zabuza, who responded by proudly asserting his former title as the Demon of the Mist.

"Well, this is as far as I can take you. See you around," said a boatsman who had just finished traveling alongside Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke, Kakashi, and Tazuna. Although their journey with Team Ibuki was challenging with the large group, it was worth it.

"Yeah, you've been a huge help," Tazuna expressed his gratitude to the boatsman, who replied, "Be careful," as he departed.

As they traveled toward the wave, they suddenly sensed something in the bushes. As they shifted their focus, Naruto took the initiative. "Hey there," he exclaimed, swiftly drawing a kunai and hurling it towards the suspected spot, which turned out to be occupied by nothing more than a rabbit.

"Aah! Naruto, what the hell did you do? Because of you, this cute rabbit got hurt," Sakura scolded, her voice filled with concern. Naruto quickly picked up the wounded rabbit, apologizing profusely, "I'm so sorry, little rabbit. I really didn't mean it."

His apology elicited a deadpan reaction from everyone. As Kakashi contemplated about it's skin color. Suddenly, Kakashi's urgent shout broke the silence, "EVERYONE, DUCK DOWN!" He propelled Tazuna out of harm's way, while Sasuke pushed Sakura down, and Naruto followed suit.

"I see. With you here, there's no way the demon brothers would succeed," Zabuza remarked, standing tall on Kubikiribocho, which he had thrown and impaled into a nearby tree. He turned back, casting a cold glare at them.

"Well, well, if it isn't the Demon Of The Mist, Momochi Zabuza," Kakashi greeted his adversary with a hint of amusement.

"Hmph, Kakashi, I have no busine—" Zabuza's words were cut short by Kakashi's interruption. "Cut the bullshit and let's just do it."

"Fine. Let's do it, as you say," Zabuza acquiesced, launching a direct assault on Kakashi. His speed seemed like teleportation to ordinary observers like Tazuna. He attacked Kakashi, who stood firm, blocking Zabuza's blade effortlessly with a single hand and a kunai.

"What? Not gonna use your fancy Sharingan?" Zabuza questioned, perturbed by Kakashi's refusal to employ his Sharingan against him. It hinted that Kakashi wasn't unleashing his full potential. What was Hatake planning?

"Sorry, I won't need to bother with it. Unless you actually force me to," Kakashi replied, his signature eye-smile ironic. Zabuza felt a pang of irritation but quickly composed himself. He backed off momentarily, only to rush forward again, aiming for a massive slash. Kakashi evaded it with moderate difficulty, keeping the tension high between them.

"This bastard!" Zabuza cursed Kakashi in his mind as he weaved some hand signs and said, "Water Style: Water Clone."

Suddenly, five Zabuza clones emerged out of nowhere, half of them rushing towards Tazuna and the others targeting Kakashi. Witnessing the onslaught, Kakashi decided to mirror Zabuza's tactics, summoning five Shadow Clones.

One of Kakashi's shadow clones intercepted Zabuza's water clone, engaging it in battle. Zabuza's clone slashed at Kakashi's, but the clone evaded effortlessly despite the immense power behind Zabuza's strike. However, Zabuza's speed was lacking compared to his strength.

The clone managed to pin Kubikiribocho to the ground and attempted a forceful kick at Kakashi, who had already anticipated the move and sidestepped flawlessly. Kakashi then countered with a stab, barely blocked by Zabuza's clone in the nick of time. However, Kakashi's superior strength allowed him to push the Kubikiribocho away with just a kunai, creating a crucial opening he had prepared for.

Kakashi's enhanced strength stemmed from his dedication to training, influenced by Sasuke. After their encounter, Sasuke had imparted personal training to Kakashi, elevating his abilities beyond even Sasuke's without resorting to his Mangekyo Sharingan.

With precision, Kakashi's clone swiftly dispatched Zabuza's water clone, matching Zabuza's earlier speed with his kunai. Eventually, all of Zabuza's clones were defeated, leaving the original Zabuza at Kakashi's mercy, kunais poised at his throat.

"It seems it's my loss, Kakashi. Do it," conceded Zabuza, resigned to his fate. Without hesitation, Kakashi slashed, but to everyone's shock, including Sakura's, it was just a water clone.

"T-then that means the Zabuza that attacked us from the beginning was just a clone?" Sakura's voice trembled with disbelief at the revelation.

"Yeah, you're right, pinkie. It was the clone's loss, not mine," Zabuza remarked as he body flickered towards the center of the guard, just a meter or two away from Tazuna. All the genins, except the four, glanced back in fear; Zabuza's killing intent was palpable, though Naruto seemed unfazed.

In a sudden burst of determination, Naruto rushed towards Zabuza, only to be swatted away with a single punch. As Naruto tumbled to the ground, Zabuza kicked Tazuna high into the air, eliciting a groan of pain that nearly caused Tazuna to lose consciousness. Two figures sprang into action to help – Sasuke and Kakashi.

Kakashi reached Tazuna first, catching him skillfully before hurling him to safety while parrying a few of Zabuza's blows. Meanwhile, Sasuke caught the injured Tazuna with precision, ensuring a safe landing.

'So, this is the original Zabuza, huh? This guy he...' thought Kakashi, contemplating Zabuza's strength after engaging him in direct combat.

'...is just as strong as I am, it seems. Although a bit weak.'

'Horra~ I was talking about this exact situation, Naruto. I wonder what you will do against him and the demon who brings nothing but disaster. Now, I could easily defeat this small demon called Zabuza, but against that demon Fyodor Dostoevsky, I am not sure. After all, he had the freedom to do anything, unlike me, who had to grow in a village following the damn rules,' Dazai pondered with his iconic smile, observing Naruto and hoping for the child of prophecy to end Fyodor.

Hatake Kakashi :- 495000 [ Mid-Kage Level ]