Naruto: Princess of the Moon

CH 7: THE ASSASSIN OF THE MIST

The ninjas and bridge builder passed through a foggy lake in a small boat to get to the Land of Waves, a man rowing quietly as the Genin looked around in awe.

"The bridge should be visible soon. When we reach the side of the bridge, we'll be in the Land of Waves." announced the rower. On cue, the enormous construction appeared in front of their eyes, not even the mist able to hide it.

Naruto's eyes sparkled the moment he saw it, yelling in excitement, "WOW! IT'S HUGE!!"

"K-Kora! Please keep it down." scolded the rower, sweating heavily, "Why do you think we are hiding in the mist and not using the engine? If they find us, we'll be in deep trouble."

The blonde covered his mouth hurriedly, the other Genin looking at the man questioningly.

Seeing this as the best opportunity, Kakashi turned towards Tazuna, expecting the man to finally give them an explanation, "Tazuna-san, I want to ask you something before we arrive at the pier. The identity of your assailants, and the reason why they are after you. If you don't tell us... our mission may end when you make landfall."

The shinobi waited patiently for the man to talk, their eyes locked on him the whole time.

After a while, Tazuna looked up at them, "It appears I have no choice but to tell you. Frankly, I'd like you to listen. Just as you said, this may be beyond the scope of your mission. Actually, I am being targeted by a terrifying man."

"A terrifying man? Who?" asked the Jounin softly.

"You guys have probably heard at least his name before. A shipping magnate by the name of Gatou." at his answer, Kakashi opened his one eye wide, completely taken by surprise, "What? Gatou... of the Gatou Company? One of the world's richest men?"

[Name] placed a finger on her chin, nodding in understanding, "That's just on the surface, though, Kakashi-san. Officially he runs a large shipping company, but in reality, he sells all kinds of illegal items. Going as far as using shinobi and gangs to take over businesses and countries."

"That's right, ojouchan." smiled Tazuna at the princess, but it vanished just as quickly from his face at the remembrance of what Gatou had done to his home and family, "...About a year ago that same man fixed his eyes on the Land of Waves. He used his wealth and violence to enter this country, and before anyone knew it, he had taken complete control of the island's maritime transportation and shipping. Having a tight grip on the ocean, in an island nation like the Land of Waves, means having control of finance, the government, the people... everything. The one thing Gatou fears... is the completion of the bridge..."

"Sokka. Since you're the one building the bridge, you've become a hindrance." muttered Sakura with her hand on her chin, Sasuke trailing off at the learned information, "Then, those Shinobi from before were Gatou's men...?" [Name] puffing a sigh at the news, "Most probably."

While Naruto just stared at the older man in complete confusion, not getting a thing.

"But I don't understand. Your opponent is a dangerous one, who will even use Shinobi. Why did you hide that fact from us when you made your request?" asked the Hatake.

The bridge builder looked down at his feet, "The Land of Waves... is a very poor nation, and even Daimyo have no money. Of course, we ordinary citizens have no money either. We cannot afford to make requests of B rank or higher..." the ninjas stared at the man in pity, that is until his tone completely changed, "Well, if you pull out of the mission when I land ashore, I will, no doubt, be killed. Killed sometime before I make it home. But there's no need for concern! Should I die, my cute grandchild who will turn eight... will only cry his heart out! And... my daughter will only blame Konoha Shinobi for the rest of her life and grieve in solitude! Oh, it's not your fault at all!"