Author's Note - I can't apologise enough for not updating this story for so long. This is not a note to say that it's been abandoned or just a one-off update. I started writing again and would like to continue this story and a couple of more (probably Harry Potter or something else). The issue with that is I haven't been in touch with Naruto for a long time, and I don't remember where I was taking the story earlier. You might see some inconsistencies throughout, and the story might take a totally new turn. I'm really excited to be coming back to this story.

Important note - I'm still looking for a beta. Please let me know if you are interested. The update schedule will be one chapter per week (for each story).

Disclaimer - I don't own Naruto, Naruto Shippuden or any related properties.

Chapter 7 - Building bridges

Nami no Kuni

Naruto was sitting by Zabuza's bed, sipping the tea that Haku had prepared for them. "This is really good tea."

Haku was standing at the foot of the bed, alert as always. She didn't say anything, instead opting for a simple nod. Although Zabuza apparently trusted this man and was going to follow him, Haku's loyalty lay first with Zabuza.

"Ya know, if I wanted to, I could have killed him that day," Naruto smirked at her. The corner of her mouth twitched, but she refrained from displaying her real emotions. Taking a deep breath, she stood waiting for Naruto to finish his tea. "As I was saying before, I can help you guys take down the Mizukage. I'll drop by tomorrow. Ja ne."

As Haku was leading him out, Naruto suddenly turned serious. Haku tensed up, expecting a scuffle or a fight. She cursed herself for not having anything other than a couple of senbon needles on her. Finally, Naruto said, "Don't try to run out on me. I'd really like to have tea again tomorrow." With that, he left a confused Haku and a sleeping Zabuza in the house.

Konoha

Back in Konoha, Team 7 were hard at practice. Kakashi had started training with Guy in the mornings, and was quickly improving as a result. This all started a week after the bell test. Kakashi, who should have been a high S ranked ninja by now, had been slacking off ever since Rin died. His defeat at the hand of a freshly minted genin (regardless of the identity of the genin's original sensei) had jolted him to this fact. It took a week for him to suck up his pride and approach Guy.

Flashback

"Hey Guy, I was thinking about getting some taijutsu practice…" Kakashi had just started with his trademark eye-smile, when Guy passionately responded, "Of course! We will be starting training right now!"

That night Kakashi, sore from forty laps around the village and sparring with Guy, cursed him and his idea of a light workout.

End Flashback

The other members of Team 7 had been progressing at a rapid pace, as well. At the end of the two months, Sasuke begrudgingly went up to Naruto for advice regarding training. Naruto (the blood clone left in Konoha) had shown him the tree climbing exercise, and struck up a tentative friendship. Sasuke didn't interact much, but he scowled less often, and was even talking to Sakura these days.

As for the other member of Team 7, Sakura had quickly understood her lack of skills as a ninja, and gone to Kakashi and Naruto for help. Kakashi had provided her with a few genjutsu scrolls, which she had been studying day in and out. Naruto had helped her with the tree climbing exercise, and then the water walking exercise. They had struck up a good friendship and could often be seen hanging out at Ichiraku Ramen.

Today was a typical day for Team 7. They had done a D ranked mission before training for the afternoon. Today was the day Sasuke finally mastered the tree climbing exercise, and the team was in a good mood. Kakashi suggested that all of them have some barbecue at Akimichi's BBQ to celebrate.

"Sakura, you seem to have developed a taste for ramen of late. I see you with there all the time, " Kakashi eye-smiled. Sakura had a light blush on her cheeks, while Naruto seemed oblivious to the teasing.

Sasuke had a slight smirk on his lips as he said, "I think the dobe is too stupid to realise that she li…" He yelped, while Naruto looked on in surprise.

"He must have bitten his tongue," Sakura smiled thinly while having some of the meat. "Ne, Naruto-kun, now that I'm almost done with water walking, what should we do next?" Sasuke leaned in to hear the blonde's response.

"Well, the next exercise is creating chakra threads. Your control's superb, though, and you should be done by the end of the week, " Naruto beamed at her.

Sakura blushed at the praise, while Kakashi started teasing her again.

Author's Note - That's it for this update. I know this was a short one, but you can expect 1.5-2k word chapters every week from next week. Also, let me know if I should do a Harry Potter story or something else. Haku didn't talk much in this chapter because she is still coming to terms with her master following Naruto. As for OP Naruto, I have started forming some interesting ideas for enemies who might be stronger than/comparable to him in raw power and talent. There will, of course, be enemies who will use their cunning and smarts to really challenge Naruto. Hope to see you guys next week.