Chapter 9
Hi everyone! Let's see how today story will go.

Kurama speaking/thoughts
~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
'For someone who doesn't sleep you know how to fake it well.'

'Is that a compliment?'

'Take it or leave it!'

'I'll do both.'

'You can't do both.'

'Says who?'

'Says-Oh look pretty ice boy arrived.'

'And you say humans are ugly.'

'Pile of bones I swear to the-'

Naruto opens his eyes, as he block out the rest what furball was going to say, the moment Haku shakes him awake.

"As warm as you look you'll catch a cold out here." Haku said and smile warmly at him. Just like before his long black hair down and wearing a sleeveless pink kimono with a white obi. 

Naruto blinked and slowly risen up. Lift his scarf up slightly. "Slept through worse than this but thanks."

"Oh? Really now."

"The streets were fun."

Haku open and close his mouth slightly. Head down a bit. "I know that feeling."

Naruto stared at him and back at the basket. "Those are herbs. Right?"

"Correct. I have a friend of mine who really hurt."

Zabuza.

"Hmm do you want some help?"

"If you like."

Soon Naruto and Haku were gathering herbs. Now and then they'll have a small talk. It was nice in a way. But Error didn't like the fake smile. He understands it too well. As surprising as it sounds he use to have a fake smile. Now the smiles he ever did show were terrifying to others. Just to play the role as the destroyer.

Besides those rare moments.

"May I ask why you were out here sleeping here early?" Haku looked at Naruto.

"Mostly training." Naruto glance at him.

"Hmm so your ninja?"

"Yep.''

"That's amazing."

Naruto wince slightly. "Not much of a choice."

"Oh? What you mean?"

"Let's just say I wasn't given much option with my situation." He shrugged. "I don't mind it. It has its ups and downs. But hopefully can help in the future with my dream."

"Oh and what dream is that."

"Tsk, tsk I can't just tell you. Maybe one day you'll see it."

Haku stared at this child and his face soften slightly. Very different behavior. Almost didn't expect it. He almost wanted to believe it. "Alright you keep your little secret Naruto."

"Won't always be a secret."

"May I asked is it a person?"

"Pardon?"

"This little secret of yours is it for a person? Someone precious too you?"

Error stared at Haku for a long time. He shouldn't been surprised by the question. Yet, it still caught him off guard. His mind wander a bit at the question. Along with past events when he arrived her. Along with Naruto memories. All different yet at the same time some similarities.
Precious.

"Yes and no. It's for them but also for me." Place the herbs in the basket. "Do you have a precious person?"

"I do, he like a father to me." Haku grabbed the basket. "You will get very strong Naruto."

Naruto nodded slightly.

"Goodbye Naruto. I hope we'll meet again."

"Same with you too Haku." Haku began to walk off but stopped. "Oh, by the way, I'm a boy."

"Same here on the papers."

Few minutes later.

"There you are dobe." Sasuke arrived and see Naruto standing up. "Thought you were dead."

"Morning to you too chicken butt and only in your dreams."

"By the way you missed breakfast."

"Whatever." About to walk back. "Coming along."
"I finished."

Naruto soon walking back as he passed by Sakura and Kakashi. Just nodded as he headed back. Once he arrived at the house he sees Tsunami cleaning up.

"Oh Naruto I left you a plate to eat."

"Oh um thanks." Looked at the food.

'Just eat it before they find is suspicious.'

'Fine.'

When Tsunami returns back she was surprised the food was already gone. "You must have been really hungry?"

"Yeah sure." He tilt his head and notice the basket.
"Heading off?"

"I'm going into town to pick up a few things. Care to come along?"

Naruto think it over. It shouldn't be too crowded. Plus, he can look to see about Gato and his men. He has an idea what to do but wanted to be prepared. "Sure."

He grabbed his bag and walked out with Tsunami.
The walk was nice and along with small talk.
The soon arrived at the village and Naruto glance around the place. You can defiantly tell this village was defiantly hit hard financially, not many stores were open, and how there were people in the streets. He stood a bit closer to Tsunami. The amount of people didn't bother him too much. But he didn't like how some men looked at her.

He stood outside one store as Tsunami was checking in to see what was available. He glance and see two kids at the corner of the store. Just watching him. He takes in their appearance of how dirty their clothes are and no shoes. He stared at the bandage feet.

When Tsunami walk out she didn't see Naruto at first. Till she turn her head to the right hearing happy giggles and a loud 'thank you'. Turn and wanted to tear up a bit of the sight.

Naruto was making sure no one can see them, besides Tsunami, as he helps out the kids. Last thing they needed to be jumped or someone get greedy.
The two kids were now wearing a pair of decent strapped sandals. The clothes they were now wearing weren't too flashy but casual. Not to grab too much attention. While Naruto was brushing one kid hair the other was eating an apple happily.

"Thank you ninja!" The kid looked up and smile at Naruto.

"Yeah, yeah imp." Error waves it off and put her hair in a small ponytail. "You sure you don't need me to bring you both to your folks."

"We're sure. It's best not you follow. Gato thugs around."

"Not making it easier you two." He then pulled out a small backpack from his backpack and handed it to her. Small hand sign on the bag and tap it. "There if anyone tries to take it. It'll go straight back to you. There some apples and carrots. I know I'm asking much but try to spare some to any of your friends if you can. A few treaties but don't eat it all. Along with some seeds to plant if your parents can. Along with extra clothes. Some money to if need be."

The two siblings stared at Error, the little brother almost dropped the apple.

Soon Naruto was being hugged by these two kids. He took mental breath to remind him their children. Just like the others were. He pat their heads awkwardly. "Alright you two be safe. I'll try to come by tomorrow to check in."

"Okay." Both smile up at him happily and ran off in the alleyway instead of the streets to not be caught.

"That was sweet of you." Tsunami walked up to him.

"They don't deserved this. None of them do." Naruto glance around the whole village. "Gato needs to be taken down soon."

"The bridge will help."

"It will but people like him need to take out the equation. Last thing I want to happen if your boy is on the street next."

Tsunami nods slightly. That was always a deep fear of hers. "Come on let's get back."

Soon they arrived back at the house.

Naruto goes to see the others. Kakashi stayed a little longer till he headed back. Sakura soon followed along after she exhausted herself with today tree climbing exercise. Naruto stayed with Sasuke and somehow they were racing a lot on the trees till it was almost nighttime.

"How are you not exhausted?" Sasuke panted as Naruto was helping him walk back to the house.

"Chakra."

"No, duh dobe." Sasuke growled. 

"Well it's true. Just a lot of chakra and energy." Naruto shrugged and carried his taller companion back.

"Your marks."

"What about them?"

"There more to it isn't there."

"Maybe."

"Ever going to tell?"

"Ever going to properly asked for help?"

"Hn."

The two now arrived back at the house as dinner about to be served. Naruto dumped Sasuke on his seat. Sasuke grunted but slowly sat up.

"I see you both went at it again." Kakashi stared at the two.

"Chicken butt lost the race."

"I hate you so much."

"Get in line buddy on the hate train." Naruto glance around and see Inari head down. But eyes looking at them both. He notice as they were tearing up.  About to hear the out bust again like before.

"Why are you all trying so hard with this stupid training?" Inari slammed his hand on the table and looked at them all. "It just a waste of time. Gato got a whole army! They'll beat you down and then they'll destroy you. Even with all these cool things you all say they don't mean anything! The strong always win, and the weak always lose!"

Silence at first.

Flick.

"Ouch!" Inari whimpered and touch his forehead.

"You know I can say many thing but I have to remember you're a child. A child who very lucky unlike many others. You want to be scared, terrified, and be negative fine. Go ahead and cry away in your nice bed. You have a right with what happen to your stepfather. But don't ever tell someone what they're doing is a waste of time. We are doing this with our own free will because this is your home, the people here deserved to be free after all the crap Gato done. Those kids on the street deserved hope and chance to grow up better. Your grandfather risking his life to do because he has hope. You can hate and be angry all you want. But doing nothing like a coward is worse." Stand up and stared down at the child with a calm look. Till he walk out the room. "Be outside."

"Naruto stop that was-"

Door closed shut.

"Inari-"Tsunami reached out ready to hug him. But he soon ran off to the dock.

"I'll go talk to him." Kakashi stands up and goes to follow the kid.

After a few minutes everyone went to their rooms to get sleep. But their minds deep in thought what Naruto said.

'You alright?'

'I'll be fine.' Error sitting on the roof and sighs. His mind wonder a bit of what those voices would say. Crueler and different unlike the kid. But still got him. 'Never thought I have to talk to someone like that.'

'What about those Charas and other kids?'

'I guess.' Error stared up in the night sky. 'I'll stay tomorrow and hope the plan work.'

'And if it doesn't.'

'If I have to pay Zabuza myself I will!' Earned an amused snort.

They stayed up to talk a bit longer till Error goes back inside. He slipped in the room he sharing with Sasuke and goes to lay down. He close his eyes and 'sleep'.

When it was the next day Naruto slept in like before while the others leaved with Tazuna. He stayed in a bit longer to sleep to wait for those two thugs to show up. After an hour or two he hears the door get destroyed. Teleported and waited outside

Glass was breaking. Along with Tsunami screaming. She pleading she'll do anything to keep Inari alive. Then he hears Inari crying. He wanted to jump in immediately but force himself to stop. This actually helped Inari like before.

'I hate this.' Error grunted and soon in the trees to stare across on the boardwalk.

'But like you said this help out.'

'Yeah, yeah.' Glare seeing the two thugs walking off with a tied up Tsunami. Then his face relax slightly.

"Stop!"

Inari standing across from then with a determined look.

"Well, well. If it isn't the little tough guy." The taller of the two thugs smirked.

"Inari!" Tsunami yelled out to her son.

"How cute the little tough guy coming to save his mommy."

"Get away from my mother you creeps!" Inari charged at them.

"Inari no!"

"Guess the deal of." The taller thug smirked cruely and pulled his sword out.

"Take him down so quickly so we can bring her to Gato." The shorter of the two pulled his sword out next.

"Don't you dare hurt my son!"

"AHHH!"

CLING

"Seriously this is how strong you two are." Naruto in front of Inari and using one kunai to block the two swords. Look like he wasn't having trouble at all. No, struggling and staring at the two guys dully.

"What the heck!"

"Where you come from!"

"Anti-Void."

"What?" Catching both guys off guard and both being pushed back like nothing. Growled and ready to use the woman against him. Both turned and gapped. She was gone. They turn back too see she was now behind the blonde brat. But there were now two of them.

"You both okay?" Naruto looked at Inari and Tsunami.

"N-Naruto its you." Inari stared in shock.

"Yep." Glance at the kid and pat his head. "You did good. Next, time use a weapon but all and all you did good. Good distraction to send a clone to get your mom."

Inari blink, a bit embarrassed, but smile slightly.

"Now you wait right here. I got to have a little chat with these guys." Look back at the two guys.

"Ha! What a little brat like you going to do!"

"Get him."

"Your hearing must suck." Naruto stared dully at the two.

"What the heck you yammering about bra-GAH!"

"AH!"
Both guys getting hit from behind hard of the two extra clones that appeared.

Few minutes later.

SLAP

"OUCH!"

"CRAP!"

"Oi wake up you two."

The guys awake, along with tied up together, and staring at the blond brat that caught them off guard. Inari close and glaring at the two as he stood protectively by his mother.

"You're going to pay brat-"

"Save the threats another day. I want answers." Look at the pair. "What else is Gato planning?"

"What are you talking about? You should already know or that stupi-"Stop with a kuani to the cheek.

"Straight answer now before you lose another eye." Trail the blade to the side and press into close to the side of his head.

"Y-You don't have the guts brat!"

"Try me." Press the blade deeper and looked at the two. "I would go back inside. Don't need you to see this.

Tsnuamo quickly brings Inari inside.

The two men suddenly gulped at the blonde staring down at them with a cold gaze.

"Now I'm going to ask again. What is Gato planning?"

One of them didn't want to admit but they peed in their pants.

Back at the bridge that is covered in mist.
Kakashi and Zabuza were still going at it!

Sasuke now trapped in Haku Kekki Ice prison. He was getting badly hurt. Even after getting his Sharingon early he couldn't keep up. Even his fire wasn't effective.

Sakura, who was guarding Tazuna at beginning, ran to help Sasuke and throw a kunai to distract Haku. But Haku grabbed the Kunai. His body halfway out the Ice Mirror. Sakura stared in shock.

Sasuke groaning and trying to get off the ground.

"Now let's end this-"Haku ready to throw the kunai but then was stopped as a shurikin slammed into his mask. Grunted and ready to go back in the mirror. Till his shirt was suddenly grabbed and pulled out from the mirror. Thrown to the ground. A crack can be heard from his mask. It caught off guard and no longer focus to keep the ice mirrors up.

"Everyone stop now!"

Naruto.

Everyone, even Haku and Sasuke who were a bit hurt, look at the blonde. With another clone of his by his side. But in the middle were the two tied up thugs shaking in terror.

"Naruto what is going-"

"Zabuza and Haku! Yes, I know it's you! But right now you two are about the betrayed behind the back." Glare down at them. "Tell them what you told me or it's the fingers."

"Gato hired thugs to finish you off! He wasn't going to pay you at all! Even if you did kill the bridge builder and the ninja!"

"Get this brat away from us please!"

"WHAT!?"

Thirty minutes later as the mist began to disappear.

"Zabuza what the hell! I paid you to finished him off-" Gato stopped to see Zabuza glaring at him across. Haku by his side with sendon needles out and no longer wearing a mask. Two of his own goons trying to cower away from Naruto. Kakashi helping Sasuke with Sakura. Tazuna standing close by them.

"Not what I heard." Growled and raised his blade up. "So, going to double cross me behind my back."

"I don't-"

"Don't bother lying. Your two thugs told us all." Haku glared harden. "Should have broken your neck."

"Easy Haku the midget mine."

"Great father and son moment about to go on a killing spree." Naruto looked at the pair.

"He not my-"

"Lie all you want Mochi."

Silence.

"As sweet as this sounds. But this family moment about to cut short. Boys bring me theirs head. Oh but keep Zabuza dog alive. I want to get rid of him myself." Gato smirked.

Just like that Zabuza attacks Gato.

"Huh protective dad after all." Kakashi wince as they hear the businessman screamed in pain. Haku still stunned after what he just watch.

"Duh."

"He killed Gato!"

"Dammit who going to pay us now!"

"Look there more of us than them! Let's get passed them and ransack the village!"

An arrow almost landed on the guy foot.

"Gotta get past us first!"

Everyone turned to Inari with a crossbow. All the citizen of the Land of the waves appeared with any weapons they could get.

The army Gato stared in shock and began to worry. Maybe the money not worth it after all.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Okay Chicken Butt and Ice Flower enough with the glare off." Naruto place a card down.

The past few days been well interesting.

First, off once they got those thugs and bandits of the Land of Wave they ransacked into Gato Empire. They found the wealth and money he been keeping to himself. Zabuza took his fair cut while the rest went back to the village.

Tazuna and his crew went back to fixing the bridge with brighter hope in their eyes. A new future a head.

Kakashi and Zabuza decided to hold of the fighting. But there was tension between the two. It was amusing to watch them bicker.

Sasuke recovered and healed up.

Naruto spend his time with Haku. The two having a good time. Naruto found it amusing when Sasuke and Sakura learned Haku was a boy. Thir reaction was amusing. He notice how Haku began to lighten up more lately. Then again he did notice, while hiding, Zabuza pat Haku head affectionately. Inari would join with them now he was still a little weary with Haku. But able to give him a chance. Along with Sakura.

When Naruto not with them he actually checking on the kids he meet on the street. He meet the two kids folks and were grateful what he has done. Meet the kids' friends and they all enjoyed being around Naruto. He was pleased one of the bigger building were being set up to help the children with living conditions. It's a slow process buts it a start to at least get them off the streets. Without letting anyone noticing he took his time to sew them clothes, with the help of his clones, and donate it for the children. Along with adults in need.

Now here he is now playing a card game with Sasuke, Sakura and Haku. Inari passed out at some point close to him. He found is amusing how Sasuke and Haku interact. Then again their battle was technically halted. So, the two doing whatever they can to out beat the other.

"Hn." Sasuke grumble and place a card down.

Haku smiles and place another card down. His hair in a low pony tail with an ice blue ribbon that Naruto made for him "I win."

"Again."

"You know losing is an option."

Sakura mentally groan at the two.

Naruto rolled his eyes at the pair but smirk slightly.

The next day arrived and the bridge was completed.

"So, what's the bridge going to be called?" Sakura asked and marveled in amazement.

"Hmm I got it. How about the great Naruto bridge."

"Um no?" Naruto blinked at him. "Why not the Bridge of The New Wave?"

Many murmured around and began to grin. Liking the new name.

"Alright the Bridge of the New Wave it is." Tazuna chuckles and suddenly pulled out the empty sake bottle. "For you brat."

"Yes!" Naruto grinned and put it inside his bag.

No, one dare asked why.

Soon everyone began to say goodbye as Team 7 were about to head off. Then same with Zabuza and Haku as well.

A lot of kids hugging and crying Naruto.

Inari hugging Naruto next and tearing up.

Sasuke and Haku having a stare off but each smirking at the other. A look in theirs eyes of a promise for a future battle.

Tsunami gifted Naruto with a local planet here as she remember him talking about it. Along with a motherly worry tone to try and eat.

Naruto named the plant Frederick. Frederick will like Lillian.

Then Naruto and Haku said bye to each other.

"You take care and I hope to see this dream of yours."

"You too and take care of Mochi."

"Stop calling me that!" Zabuza yelled at him.

"Be happy you don't have Cyclopes." Kakashi sighs and pat his shoulder.

They said their goodbyes and soon headed off.

Heading back to the Village Hidden in the Leaf.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
And were done with Land of Waves!

Yes, I did skip some fight scenes but I have mention I won't always focus on them. Even though I will admit this fight was important.

Oh and Naruto did make another hat for Inari that he left at his desk.

Plant name Frederick belongs to Susianna2
We shall see Fredrick again just like Lilian! Along with another potted planet in the future!

You can still give out names for future potted plants if you want.

What shall happen next? We shall only fine out next time!

I don't think I have anything else I should mention.

Until next time!

Bye, bye!