Waves -1

Two days later, we arrived at the mission desk to pick up our last C-rank mission. As soon as the Chunin at the desk saw me, he visibly gulped. I shot him a sharp glare, my frustration about the previous mission still simmering. The mission was to be bodyguards for a bridge builder named Tazuna in the Land of Waves. We headed home to pack, and I took some time to review the Ninja info cards for the Demon Brothers, Zabuza and Haku. A sense of unease settled over me as I noted their capabilities.

When we met at the village gate to start our journey, Tazuna was already waiting. Our trek to the Land of Waves was slow and grueling, constrained by Tazuna's unhurried pace. As I walked, I contemplated our upcoming encounters with Zabuza and Haku, mentally preparing for the fight.

The journey unfolded much like in the canon. We dealt with the Demon Brothers, and Itachi summoned his creatures to handle them. Shortly after, Konoha ANBU arrived to take the brothers away. We decided to press on with the mission.

Crossing the river, we entered the Land of Waves. As expected, a sword came hurtling towards us. Naruto, ever the genius, sealed it with his sealing technique. I couldn't help but giggle at his cleverness. Zabuza's fury was palpable as he demanded his sword back. My confidence grew, thinking this mission would be straightforward.

But then chaos erupted. A masked figure, Obito, appeared with a pretty boy, Haku, dragging him along. The sight of the notorious criminal and the mysterious figure took me by surprise. Itachi's eyes met mine, and I gave him a determined nod.

"Naruto, Sasuke, protect Tazuna," Itachi commanded, his voice steady.

As Itachi engaged Obito, I squared off against Zabuza. I left a shadow clone behind with Tazuna and prepared for the fight. Zabuza used his signature Mist Jutsu, but I wasn't worried. With my lightning-based abilities, I had a significant advantage. I coated my hands with lightning chakra, preparing to strike the area where I sensed Zabuza's presence.

"Arrgh!" Zabuza's pained cry confirmed my hit. The battle escalated into a fierce exchange of kunai and taijutsu, with me layering Genjutsu over him.

"Lightning Release: Great Dragon!" I declared, unleashing a powerful attack that overwhelmed Zabuza. I swiftly tied him up with anti-chakra ropes, ensuring he couldn't escape.

Meanwhile, Naruto and Sasuke's fight against Haku mirrored the anime's events, though the boys used more advanced jutsus. When I sensed Naruto's chakra flaring uncontrollably, I intercepted him as my clone tied up Haku and began healing Sasuke.

**In Naruto's Mindscape**

Navigating Naruto's turbulent mindscape, I used the Will of Fire and my Canine Friend technique to calm the Kyuubi.

"Nee-chan…" Naruto's voice was trembling, filled with doubt and fear.

"The foxy looks a bit sad, doesn't he? Why not imagine a forest for him to play in?" I suggested, my voice gentle.

"You don't think I'm a monster?" Naruto asked, his voice tinged with vulnerability.

"Of course not," I reassured him, my heart aching for him. "You're not a monster, Naruto. You're my friend, and I believe in you."

After Naruto created a more kid-friendly mindscape, I dispersed the chakra I had injected into his seal and hurried back to the battle.

Itachi was locked in a fierce struggle with Obito, who seemed to be more skilled with his Sharingan than Itachi anticipated. The ground was a battlefield of destruction, with layers of genjutsu and intense ninjutsu exchanges. Obito's space manipulation made him a difficult target.

I watched as Itachi's exhaustion became apparent. The strain on his Mangekyo Sharingan was taking its toll. My heart raced as I saw him begin to falter. Despite his immense skill, he was overwhelmed by Obito's relentless attacks.

As the battle reached its peak, Obito used Kamui to escape, leaving a taunting farewell, "Tobi needs to go now. Bye!"

My worry for Itachi intensified when I saw him collapse, blood seeping from his eyelids. I rushed to his side, my heart pounding with fear.

Gently cradling Itachi in my arms, I felt a surge of concern and helplessness. His eyes, usually so calm and composed, were now closed in pain. I could see the exhaustion etched on his face, and my own heart ached at the sight.

"Itachi!" I whispered, my voice trembling. "Please, stay with me. You've pushed yourself too hard."

Itachi's eyes fluttered open weakly, and he managed a faint, reassuring smile. His hand reached out to touch mine, and though he was clearly exhausted, there was a tenderness in his touch that spoke volumes.

"You did well," he murmured, his voice barely audible. "You were amazing out there."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I squeezed his hand, the warmth of his touch providing a small comfort amidst the chaos. "Thank you," I choked out. "I was just trying to keep everyone safe."

Despite the severity of the situation, there was an unspoken connection between us—a bond formed through our shared struggles and the care we had for one another. It was a fleeting moment of solace in the midst of the chaos.