Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, but it's fun to write fanfiction for it
Battle Preparations and Hinata's Feelings
The group continued on their journey into the land of waves. Their journey was relatively uneventful.
"Hey, Zabuza, why don't you take your mask off? We're all friends, right?" asked Naruto.
Zabuza remained impassive, not saying a word.
"Even I don't know how he looks under that mask," replied Haku, "He's never taken it off in all the time I've known him. I wouldn't be surprised if he bathed while wearing the thing."
"Hmm... sounds like someone I know," spoke Kurenai. "What does Kakashi look like without that mask on? He never takes it off. What's he hiding? Can't be any worse than that scar over his Sharingan eye."
The boat made it to port in the Land of Waves. The group from Konoha kept a cautious stance as they approached the home of Tazuna.
"Hey Zabuza, besides yourself, who else has Gatou hired?" asked Kurenai.
"He has his regular army of thugs, but they're more about numbers than strength. I could take the whole lot of them out single handed. I wouldn't be surprised if he looked for someone else once he realizes I'm not interested in serving him. To be honest, I planned on killing him after he paid me."
Everyone looked at Zabuza. None were really too surprised to hear his response.
"About how long do you think it would take for Gatou to gather another group to come after us?" asked Naruto.
"Hmm... he'll probably run under the assumption you managed to defeat both me and Haku. Probably about a week. That's how long it took for him to dig me up. In this area, the only individuals able to handle ninja are all from Kirigakure."
Tazuna led the group to his house. His daughter, Tsunami, was there, cooking dinner. She was surprised to see so many with her father.
"Tsunami, I found some ninja to look after me while we work on the bridge. These four here are the team I asked to join me from Konoha."
"I'm Yuhi Kurenai, leader of the team. The young blond is Uzumaki Naruto. The young man in the sunglasses is Aburame Shino. The young lady in the jacket is Hyuga Hinata."
"These two here used to work with Gatou, until young Naruto convinced them to leave Gatou," explained Tazuna.
"I'm Momochi Zabuza, and this is my daughter Haku."
"That's quite the... unique group you have with you," replied Tsunami.
A little boy came walking down the stairs, looking at the group of ninja that were with his grandfather.
"You all should leave, before Gatou kills you all," spoke the boy.
"I've seen Gatou before. He's nothing without his men," spoke Zabuza.
"His hand was easy to crush," spoke Haku.
"If it was so easy to do that, then why didn't you just kill him!?" asked the boy.
"He was our boss at the time," replied Haku.
"We were going to kill him later, if it makes you feel any better," explained Zabuza.
The boy ran down the stairs, and punched both Haku and Zabuza in the leg. Both of them sighed, and looked down at the boy.
"Kid, if that's the best you can do, you might as well do yourself a favor, and run back up those stairs," spoke Zabuza.
"Inari, that's not how we treat our guests," spoke Tsunami, as the young boy ran out the door. "I'm sorry, he's been this way for quite some time."
"What happened to him," asked Naruto.
Tsunami was silent. Tazuna looked at the torn picture on the wall, drawing everyone's attention to it.
"Is it related to what happened to the picture?" asked Kurenai.
"In a sense," replied Tazuna.
"Please don't bring that man up," asked Tsunami.
"I'm sorry, but I must explain it to them. It's the only way they can truly understand what has gone on here. The Land of Waves used to be a prosperous country. Everyone was able to get by. We would have been easily able to afford things such as new ships for trade, to an A-rank mission from your village. And then Gatou came. He took over the economy of our country. All trade had to go through him, and he always demanded a high amount of money. Those who could afford to do business through him could not continue for long. He took all their profits. After he took over trade industry, he used it as a front for illegal drugs and smuggling. And then we come to what happened to Inari. Inari's real father died when Inari was young. He grew up without a father figure in his life. The one day, while dealing with some bullies, young Inari met a man named Kaiza. This Kaiza helped out Inari, and acted as a father to him. Over time, he became a friend of our village. He used to help out the fisherman with increasing their catch. He even helped save the village when the dam almost burst. And then Gatou came. He took Kaiza, and publicly executed him as a way of getting us to listen to him. That's why Inari is as he is. He lost his hope, as did most of the people of the village. That's what makes this bridge so important. It will bring back hope to this village, along with the prosperity we once had."
"I see. The boy lost what was most important. No wonder he's become so cynical," said Kurenai.
"At least he hasn't been forced to be alone. He's always had the two of you," replied Naruto.
Inari returned to the house as Tsunami finished with her cooking. The group had a wonderful meal, until Inari stood up, and looked at the group of ninja.
"You all look so happy. Do you have any idea how hard I've had it? How can you all be happy at all knowing you're going to die!" shouted Inari. At that point, both Naruto and Haku were fed up with the child.
"You think you've had it so hard!?" shouted Naruto.
"My father tried to kill me! I have the scar to prove it!" shouted Haku.
"I had no parents, and was beaten and nearly killed on several occasions!" shouted Naruto, as he revealed the scars covering his body. "At least you've had your mother and grandfather, and a roof over your head!"
The boy was silent, thinking over what the two ninja had just said to him. The boy began to cry. The two ninja kept a straight face, saying nothing at the sight.
"It's okay to cry, and let it all out," spoke Tsunami and Kurenai.
"Women..." thought Naruto.
"Watch your tongue, Kit!" shouted Kyubi.
The group finished their meal. Tsunami set up places for them to sleep. They all drifted off, with varying thoughts running through their minds. The next day, Kurenai woke up the group. After Tsunami prepared breakfast, Kurenai assembled the group of ninja, including Zabuza and Haku.
"Okay, since we have a week before any more attackers show up, we're going to use this time for training. I'm going to teach you how to develop your chakra control skills. Without proper control of your chakra, you'll be unable to effectively use your skills, and end up wearing yourselves out quickly in battle," explained Kurenai, "One of the simplest uses for chakra is for climbing trees. You have to properly regulate control of chakra to the bottom of your feat. Too little, you'll fall off. To much, and you'll bust through the tree."
Kurenai tossed her genin kunai.
"Use those to mark your progress. Each mark should be a goal for your next climb," explained Kurenai, "let's see what you can do. Choose a tree, and try to climb it using your chakra. You may want to try running, you don't have the experience to just walk up the tree."
Naruto, Shino, and Hinata attempted the tree climbing exercise. Hinata was the first to fall, making it up roughly five feet. Shino was able to make it up about ten feet, citing his bug tracking as giving him experience in using his chakra in this matter. Naruto didn't run, as Kurenai suggested, and simply walked up to the top of the tree.
"Sensei, if it's all the same, you mind if I train with Haku and Zabuza?" shouted Naruto from the top of the tree.
Kurenai wasn't surprised Naruto found the exercise effortless. The Hokage told her about how he had been through "intense" training, though he never mentioned anything about what that training was..
"Alright, you can train with Haku and Zabuza. I'll be keeping an eye on Tazuna today. Shino and Hinata, you two continue with the tree climbing exercise." Shino and Hinata nodded in response to their sensei's orders. Kurenai went off to look after Tazuna. Naruto jumped down the tree to join Zabuza and Haku.
"So, what kind of training do you two do?" asked Naruto.
"I often practice water jutsus with Zabuza. On my own, I work to improve my hyoton techniques, while Zabuza practices his kenjutsu," explained Haku.
"These hyoton techniques... are they a part of your kekkei genkai. I've heard of ninja being able to manipulate ice before. I'm curious as to what makes your techniques different," spoke Naruto.
"Makes sense you would think that. I don't just manipulate existing ice, I can use my chakra to form and mold my own ice. My ice is different in that it's not weak against katon jutsus, like regular hyoton techniques," explained Haku.
"You'd be impressed by her technique, kid. Not to mention her speed," replied Zabuza.
"I think I'll train with Haku, then. My arm is still a little sore from our duel the other day," spoke Naruto.
"Alright," Zabuza said, as he jumped onto the lake. He summoned several mizu bunshin to spare with.
"So, what's your best hyoton technique? I would like to study it with my Sharingan." asked Naruto.
"I can show you, but you won't be able to copy it without my kekkai genkai," explained Haku.
Naruto chuckled to himself. He was deciding if he wanted to absorb Haku's kekkei genkai into himself. Kyubi asked Naruto if he was interested.
"Makyo Hyo Sho!" shouted Haku, as she was surrounded by several mirrors made of ice. She moved through them rapidly, and then threw several senbon at a point in the middle, all with high speed.
"Impressive... I think I might have to integrate this kekkei genkai. Might come in handy later," thought Naruto.
"Very well, ask her if she's willing. You know what to do from there," replied Kyubi.
"One more test... Katon: Goukakyu no Jutsu!" shouted Naruto, as he sent a large fireball at the dome of ice. As his fireball dissipated, the ice remained, untouched by his technique. "Impressive. This is a handy technique. Haku, can I ask a favor?"
"What is it, Naruto?" asked the curious ninja.
"I have a way of copying kekkei genkai into myself. If you don't mind, I would like to have your kekkei genkai. You don't need to worry about anything, it's harmless to you, and then you'll have someone to practice hyoton jutsu with," explained Naruto.
"Alright. I am curious to see what kind of technique this is," replied Haku.
"Ninpou: kekkei genkai heigou! (Ninja Art: Kekkei Genkai Absorption)!" shouted Naruto. A red chakra emerged from Naruto, and wrapped itself around Haku. Haku looked around, wondering what was happening. Haku felt an odd tingling sensation. Soon after, the chakra returned itself to Naruto's body, flashing a bright red before dissipating.
"Hmm... I wonder if it worked... Makyo Hyo Sho!" Naruto shouted. Several mirrors of ice appeared around Naruto. The mirrors at the top of his dome were relatively weak compared to the others. Naruto tested merging with them, and throwing his shuriken. His speed was not nearly as great as Haku's. He was satisfied with his test of the jutsu, and dispelled it. "That was fun, a little tiring, though. Looks like this jutsu needs a lot of chakra."
"Amazing... I didn't know it was possible for someone to do that!" exclaimed Haku.
The two continued their training for the rest of the day. By the conclusion of the day, Naruto's ice mirrors were almost as strong as Haku's. Zabuza was quite surprised to see the boy so readily able to use a technique he originally thought unique to Haku. The ninja spent the next several days continuing their training. Over that time, Haku and Naruto were quickly becoming friends. Given their common childhood memories, they had a lot of comfort in one another. Hinata wanted to see what Naruto was doing on the third day of training. After having completed the tree climbing exercise, she was curious to see what her teammate was up to. She caught Haku hugging Naruto, saying she was glad she found someone her age she could relate to. Hinata, while happy for Naruto, felt upset at the same time. She ran off, telling Shino what she saw. Shino was not quite able to help as much as Hinata hoped.
That night, Hinata asked Haku to join her for a walk outside after dinner. With Hinata being the only other girl of the group, she didn't mind joining her fellow kunoichi.
"Haku-chan, what do you think of Naruto-kun?" asked Hinata.
"He's a great person. This is the first time I met someone like him. We have so much in common. I would really like to get to know him better. Why do you ask?"
"Oh... i-it's nothing..." Hinata stuttered. "No, this isn't going right. If I don't say something, Naruto-kun will fall for her. I have to say something, but how?"
"Okay then. Well, while we're talking about him, can I ask how long you've known him?"
"W-well, I-I..." Hinata stuttered again, not sure of what to do.
"Hinata, are you okay? You seem to be kind of warm? Are you catching a cold or something?"
Hinata didn't know what else to do. She didn't know what to say. She knew Haku had a lot more in common with Naruto than she did, but she's always admired Naruto.
"I-I'm okay, r-really..."
"Are you sure?"
Hinata shocked herself with what she said next. "I'm fine, it's just that... I like Naruto-kun!" Hinata blushed upon saying this, hoping the blond couldn't hear her, as loud as she was shouting. "Oh my... I didn't mean to blurt it out like that..."
"You like Naruto? Does he know?"
"W-well, y-you see... when we were really young, before Naruto was kidnapped... I used to watch him all the time. I started training with my father when I was really young. I worked hard and diligently, but no matter what I did, I could never meet my father's standards. He told me I was too weak. I was always sad when he said things like this to me. I went outside our clan house every night, to get away from my father and his unkind words. And then, one night, I saw Naruto-kun. I caught him pulling a prank on this old man. He kept making sounds, confusing the man. I know it wasn't kind, but I couldn't help but laugh at the man's troubles. I laughed at most of his pranks. I think my favorite was when he painted the Hokage monument. It may be the sign of our village, but it was so funny. He always made me laugh. I wanted to spend time with him, but... I was too shy to say anything. I was about to ask him if I could join him one day, and then he was kidnapped, and disappeared. And then he appeared at the academy. He was wearing his mask, and I couldn't recognize him right away. I just knew he was familiar. I was so excited he was on our team; I fainted when I found out. And then he revealed himself the other day by removing his mask. He makes me laugh. He's such a great person. I've always wanted to tell him this, but I never could."
"Hinata... you're worried I'm stealing him away from you, aren't you?"
The shy kunoichi nodded.
"I guess you've had it a bit rough, having your father be so cold towards you, not showing you the love a father should. At least I had the privilege of feeling the love of my parents before the day my father found out about my kekkei genkai. Hinata, I like Naruto, too, but, if you really feel this way about him, then you should tell him," Haku said, a tear in her eyes, "I can't bring myself to take him away from you."
"Thank you, Haku-chan. I'll tell him, as soon as I can."
"No, tell him tomorrow, during your training. Come train with us tomorrow. I heard your sensei say something about water training. We mist-nin excel in suiton jutsus."
Haku and Hinata continued their walk, discussing things related to being a kunoichi. The next day, Hinata asked if she could train with Haku and Naruto to work on the water walking technique Kurenai was instructing Shino and Hinata to perfect. Kurenai knew better than to ask Naruto if he was able to do it. The group headed off, as Kurenai teamed up with Zabuza to look after Tazuna. Hinata quietly asked Shino if she could talk to Naruto alone. The bug user appeared to understand, as he walked off to another body of water.
"Where is Shino going?" asked Naruto.
"He's probably looking for somewhere that has bugs," answered Hinata.
The group continued over to where Haku and Naruto had been practicing Hyoton jutsus. Haku left, saying she forgot to bring something with her. Hinata and Naruto were left alone.
"It's now, or never..." thought Hinata.
"I wonder what it was that Haku forgot?" asked Naruto.
"A-about Haku... what do you think of her?" asked Hinata.
"She's a great person. We have a lot in common with one another. We've been working hard with her hyoton jutsus. I've even managed to use my trick to be able to perform them myself. Why do you ask?" spoke Naruto.
"W-well, I-I... there is this person I know. He used to make me laugh all the time. I really admired this person, and I wanted to tell him how I felt, and... and then he left, and I never got the chance. But then he came back one day, and... I want to tell him, but I don't know how."
"Well, who is this person you admire? Is it someone I know? Is it Sasuke?"
"No... i-it's..." Hinata looked up at Naruto, blushing. She grabbed Naruto, and hugged him tightly, a tear in her eye.
"Hinata..." Naruto returned the hug. "It was you, all those times... you were the one watching..."
"You knew?"
"I saw you, I even did some of those pranks for you... you always laughed... I was happy to see someone recognized me, but I was scared to say anything... scared you would treat me like the others..." Naruto had a small tear in his eye. Meanwhile, Haku hid herself behind a tree, watching the entire thing, smiling to herself, glad that Naruto was happy.
"I've had Zabuza to look after me. Those two have been looking after each other, even if they didn't know it. Well, if there is one great guy in Konohagakure, maybe there's another." Haku smiled to herself. Haku decided to leave the two alone. She decided to track down Shino. She didn't have to go far; Shino was also watching. After Hinata spoke with him, he suspected this was why Hinata asked him to train somewhere else.
"Well, we have another spy?" asked Haku.
"I was merely curious. Hinata brought this up last night. I take it she spoke to you as well?" replied Shino.
"Yes, she told me last night. Care to train? I think we should leave them be for a little while." spoke Haku. Shino and Haku went off to train themselves. Naruto and Hinata spent the rest of the day practicing the water walking exercise, with Naruto helping Hinata to work on the technique.