plan for battle

"Naruto," Kakashi calls over to him.

"Yes sensei," Naruto asks as he walks to him.

"With the herbs Haku gathered we can expect Zabuza to be ready for action soon," he said. "While I would like the full team there, we do need to worry about other targets."

"You think Gato will target Tazuna's family," said Naruto.

"Yes," he said. "If we are lucky, he will just send his muscle but if not."

"He could send other ninja he has hired without Zabuza knowing," said Naruto. "I do not think that would be the case from what we have learned he is very cheap and may be even planning on betraying Zabuza."

"I agree but it is best to plan ahead," said Kakashi. "I would prefer you at the bridge but,"

"Sakura would get killed at best against those grunts and Sasuke would abandon the family if he even thought he was missing a chance to prove his strength," finished Naruto.

"Yes," said Kakashi hanging his head down. not for the first time cursing the fate that made him take those two on.

"don't worry sensei i will guard them. if it turns out to be just grunts, I will leave a few clones after they are taken care of. if it is shinobi I will either fight them or run depending on who it is," Naruto said.

"Good," said Kakashi. "don't announce yourself and look for an opening to strike. leave Zabuza to me and prioritize helping Sasuke."

"I will," said Naruto.