The next morning after breakfast, using crutches to walk along, Kakashi took his three little genin out to train as he'd told them despite Tsunami's warnings that he was going to push himself to hard and be useless in a fight.
Sasuke, Tochi and Naruto, simply followed him without question, as he led them through the forest, to a clearing surrounded by nothing but tree's "Hey Kakashi-sensei, what exactly are you going to teach us" Naruto asked once they came to a stop.
"Yeah, is it like some cool attack sensei" Tochi asked, glancing at Sasuke, and squealing inwardly, he looked so handsome and she really, really wanted him to notice her, maybe if she got strong enough and learned this technique, it might make him realize that she was the perfect choice for him.
And finally Sasuke, he stood there arms crossed over his chest, wishing he was back home with his family "Don't leave us hanging" he grumbled out eventually as Kakashi gazed at each one of them, then turned to face them fully.
He cleared his throat, "As ninja we use chakra of course, there are these exercises that help you get stronger" Kakashi started "Take for instance the tree climbing exercise, simply focus chakra into you're feet and you'll be able to do this" he smirked beneath his mask.
Placed his foot on the tree and walked right up it, crutches and all, his three little genin stared in awe, well Sasuke pretended like he wasn't massively interested in the technique and as acting nonchalant and trying to be cool at the same time.
Above them in the tree's, Sakura snorted 'Is this guy for real, for maximum effect, he should be teaching them the water walking exercise' she thought rolling her lavender eyes, having decided to spy on the shinobi for the afternoon.
Leaving Haku to deal with Zabuza, who refused to even rethink his decision on her part in the fight that would be happening in a weeks time, anger swelled within her heart and Sakura bit down on her cheek harshly drawing blood that she spit out a moment later.
Sakura shoved her hurt to the side, she knew logically Zabuza was right, if she got hurt or taken out of the fight to soon because of her dislike for fighting, then there would be no one to heal him or Haku when it was over.
Instead she focused on keeping a vigilant watch over the Leaf Shinobi brats and their sensei, he was teaching them that tree climbing exercise, again Sakura snorted, baby stuff, if they really wanted to become true shinobi, they would have to face the real world.
Kakashi walked back down the tree "Now you try" he moved off to the side, pulling out his book to read while his genin practiced, he had this feeling that the fight that would go down in a weeks time wouldn't be easy, he could just feel it.
Tochi, Sasuke and Naruto stood before a tree, gathering chakra into the soles of their feet, before taking off at a run, the first one to fall was Naruto, for he used to little chakra and merely slid back down landing on his head.
The second one to fail, Sasuke, he went a few feet up the tree, before getting pushed off, he had used to much chakra, breaking the tree, but unlike Naruto, he landed gracelessly on his feet, ready to try again much like the blonde.
And for the female on the team, Tochi, she was the only one to understand the concept of chakra control "I see the only girl on the team has the best chakra control, that means she'd be more likely to become Hokage" Kakashi praised the brunette.
She was proud of herself, she was the only one who got this down on the first try, Tochi glanced at Sasuke, but unlike how she thought he'd react, Sasuke was glaring at her, while Naruto was pouting, 'No matter, I'll prove that I can be the best' she thought.
Sakura leaned back in the tree she was perched in and sighed, the leaves rustled next to her "What is it Haku-kun" she asked already knowing who it was, Sakura's lavender eyes locked with doe brown as the boy settled next to her.
"Zabuza's being a bit unmanageable, ordered me away from his side" Haku admitted "I know Sakura-chan, that you're hurt, but really it is for the best" he winced as Sakura's head snapped in his direction, before her shoulders slumped in defeat.
And then in a small voice "I know, but I can't help but feel as if I'm no longer useful, he won't even tell me why I have to stay out of the fight" Sakura murmured tears clinging to her lashes and she hastily wiped them away as Haku's arm curled around her waist.
Haku frowned, while he knew Zabuza was right, it was still a little unfair, "It doesn't matter Sakura-chan, so long as he lets you stay with us, you can still be useful" he stated in a matter of fact tone, he wouldn't let her leave him.
Because, he closed his eyes, because kami he loved her, and those beautiful lavender eyes, "Thank you Haku-kun" Sakura gave him a beatific smile, a tear trailing down her cheek and he reached up to wipe it away for her.
Her breath caught in her throat as Haku leaned forward ever so slowly, distracting her from her self assigned task of making sure the brats weren't going to be to much a problem, and then his lips met hers in the barest of kisses, it was pure and innocent.
And she knew then "Sakura, promise me that no matter what you won't get hurt" Haku pulled back and stood, her head tilted back to take the young preteen in, her heart squeezed, and Sakura nodded lips trembling as that feeling of dread increased.
"I promise" Sakura whispered, lips becoming dry, and then he was gone, the tension that had filled the air leaving with Haku, and she rubbed her arms as a chill settled within her heart, it was a chill that she use to get whenever Zabuza would try to suffocate them with his killing intent.
It was of death, not hers, but Haku's and Zabuza's, she grabbed fistfuls of leaves and threw them, because she knew there was nothing, absolutely nothing she could do that would prevent her most precious people from dying.
Kakashi raised his head as leaves drifted towards the ground, crinkled and torn, "Stay here" he ordered, onyx eye narrowed, his students paused in their training just as he body flickered to the tops of the tree's.
Sakura was long gone, off to visit her bear Nagetsuke, he and Morosa, and that rabbit of Haku's would all she'd have left, once they were gone, if her gut feeling was right, and it usually was, her heart ached painfully, but she would be brave for them.
Minutes after his departure, Kakashi returned, having found nothing, though he was certain that there had been someone watching them, sure he hadn't felt their chakra, signaling the person was strong, it was just this gut feeling, he shrugged it off though and returned to his reading.
That was the first day, the second day, Sakura stayed indoors, to Zabuza's and Haku's surprised, both males had thought that the pinkette was still a little angry at them for basically telling her to stay out of the fight.
It was Haku who dared ask first "Is everything okay Sakura-chan" he inquired drawing her lavender eyes onto himself, distracting her from her reading, Zabuza shot him a look just as the pinkette spoke.
"Everything's fine Haku-kun, I just didn't feel like watching those idiots attempt the tree climbing exercise today" Sakura quipped in an upbeat voice, not letting on to the fact that she felt like she was dying on the inside.
Haku tilted his head to the side before shrugging "You sure brat, cause usually you're out and about wandering around" Zabuza spoke up next, and those lavender eyes rested on him, "Well" he snapped wanting to know.
Sakura sighed and closed her book with a snap "Maybe I wanted to stay here today, so that Haku-kun can take a break" she huffed, anger leaking into her tone, Zabuza didn't comment on it, and the raven haired boy looked surprised.
"Right then, I'll go out and keep watch" Haku escaped from the hideout, feeling the tension rising in the air, Sakura was upset, was it because of him, had he gone to far by kissing her yesterday, she hadn't seemed angry when he'd done it then, but then girls were strange.
And so Zabuza found himself alone with Sakura, it was awkward now as she opened her book and tried to immerse herself in reading once more, but it was obvious she felt pretty guilty for snapping and he found himself wishing she would just talk to him.
He would never admit it of course, that he missed the constant chatter from his two apprentices, and while they were still the best of friends, they didn't annoy him purposefully like they had when they were younger.
The tension got thicker and more awkward as the minutes ticked by, until Sakura gave up all pretenses of reading and tossed her book down, "I'm sorry Zabuza, for snapping at you, I'm just a little on edge" she spoke.
So he'd noticed, "You've been on edge since Gatou approached me" Zabuza grumbled, wishing he knew what to do to help his apprentice, Sakura was so sensitive, and it was a wonder she was even still with them.
"Well yeah, Gatou's bad news, there's just something about him that's wrong" Sakura shuddered on the last word, her lavender eyes expressing her worry over this whole debacle and the mess that they were currently in, hunter nin were one matter, a man with a creepy eye was another.
Zabuza frowned, bandages bunching up as he did, this was the first he'd been told of such things and he cursed himself for not paying attention to the signs, it was no wonder Sakura refused to reveal herself to Gatou.
But it was a little to late to back out of this so late in the deal, where else would he get the money to complete his goals "Even so, he's still going to be paying us a lot of money" Zabuza pointed out and Sakura sighed.
"Even so, I still don't like him" Sakura snorted, fat little man was ugly as all hell, Zabuza rolled his eyes, there she went mocking him again, but at least the tension was dissipating, thankfully and Sakura was relaxing enough to joke about as she did.
He settled back in the bed "What exactly do you add to that little concoction of yours, whenever Haku makes it, it doesn't have the same effects as yours" Zabuza shifted trying to get comfortable, if he was asleep, Sakura wouldn't have to babysit him.
Sakura's eyes snapped to his, she'd just reopened her book to read, now she lowered it once more in confusion, then her lips pulled upwards into a smug smile "Sleeping powder, you kick up such a fuss anyway, so.." Sakura trailed off.
His eye twitched in irritation "Why can't I taste it then, I would know if you add sleeping powder" Zabuza grumbled, stupid little brat, he swore the girl tried to drive him to plead insanity and just turn himself over to the hunter nin sometimes.
Laughter filled the tree house from the pinkette "That's because of the other herbs, they are strong to help you're nervous system heal from the damage and restore you're chakra at a rapid rate, it might be disgusting, but at least it helps" Sakura explained.
"Brat" Zabuza snorted rolling his brown eyes again "Well are you going to make that or not" he snapped suddenly, shocking Sakura into jumping up from the couch, it was about time for the medicine after all and she hurriedly clambered down the ladder of their hideout.
He sighed inwardly, the things he did for those stupid brats, spoiling them, treating them well, they'd changed him and while he still wanted to complete his goals, Sakura and Haku came first, but it was difficult for him to reveal his true feelings for them.
Though Zabuza had no doubt the two brats knew, they didn't badger him constantly about it, fifteen minutes later Sakura returned with a bundle of herbs in a wicker basket that she carried on her back, then moved over to the mortar and pestle and tea kettle to make the medicine.
Just so he knew she was telling the truth, Sakura pulled out one of her homemade sleeping pills and crushed it with the mortar and pestle, before Zabuza's eyes, then poured the hot water over the herbs letting them stew before bringing it over to him.
"Here you go Zabuza" Sakura smiled brightly, trying her hardest not to let her real feelings show, if they died in five days time, then she would honor them as shinobi and engrave her memories into her heart, so she could never forget them.
She tilted the liquid into his mouth and moments after it was finished off, Zabuza was dosing off "Stinkin brat, go find Haku" he ordered before he was out for the count, Sakura blinked, and blatantly disregarded the command.
Instead she sat down on the couch again and opened up her book to read, though after a couple hours, Sakura eventually grew bored and decided to venture out for awhile, and maybe find Haku, she just couldn't ignore an order no matter what.
Sakura found Haku watching over the genin from the Leaf Village "Hey" she called softly chakra suppressed to nonexistent levels, it was something Zabuza had worked tirelessly with them, her especially on so that if he got caught, they could carry on his goals and possibly save him.
Haku jolted and almost fell off the branch he was perched on "Oh Sakura-chan" he smiled turning to face her, heart fluttering in his chest, as a few long silky strands of that beautiful pink haired blew passed his face.
"Didn't mean to startle you" Sakura smiled settling on the branch next to her best friend and anchoring herself to it with chakra, like she said this was baby stuff, now if those genin brats really wanted to improve, they'd have to learn the hard way like she and Haku had.
He tilted his head to the side "I thought you were going to stay with Zabuza today" Haku asked facing forward again, doe brown eyes locked onto Sasuke, Naruto and Tochi again, as they continued their training from the day before.
An irritated sigh passed through Sakura's lips "He ordered me away, told me to find you, but that was a couple hours ago, Zabuza's still sleeping though" she shrugged nonchalantly engraving this moment with Haku into her mind, the memory would stay close to her heart forever afterwards.
"Zabuza's fond of doing that" Haku sniggered quietly, reminding himself not to be to loud, Kakashi was already suspicious and he'd had to move tree's seven times already, he really didn't want to have to move again.
Sakura's eyes scanned the ground, then locked with his brown eyes "Yeah, though we had a lovely heart to heart" she quipped dryly, and Haku chuckled softly in amusement, eyes snapping to the clearing just to make sure Kakashi hadn't caught on to their presence.
"About what Sakura-chan" Haku inquired a moment later, placing his hand down on top of hers, it might just be just a silly crush, or it could be true love, he didn't know, but all he knew was that if anything, anything at all ever happened to Sakura, he'd go insane, like with Zabuza.
A smile curved her lips upwards and those lavender eyes filled with warmth and fondness "Why I've been so on edge" Sakura stated in a smooth voice, after speaking to Zabuza, the tension had faded, she still didn't like Gatou, but the least she could do was be happy.
Her mouth became dry at the thought of losing her loved ones, then she'd be alone again "I see" Haku smiled and turned on the branch, staring out over the clearing "Meet me on the beach later tonight" he said suddenly, wanting to give her a gift, but without prying eyes.
"Okay Haku-kun" Sakura nodded, curious but knowing that he wouldn't tell her what he wanted, he was a very private person, much like Zabuza, but that was something that hadn't rubbed off on her, she was a very open person, spreading her emotions with everyone.
Two hours later, Kakashi and his team left heading back to the bridge builders house, while Sakura and Haku simply returned to their hideout, Zabuza was awake looking quite miserable "Damn it brats" he growled, but secretly he was glad Sakura had listened to him and had left.
"Oops, looks like someones cranky" Sakura giggled padding forward across the wood flooring barefoot after removing her sandals, his eye twitched in irritation "Does Zabuza need something to eat" she pulled a scroll out of her pack.
Haku bit his cheek, trying so very hard not to burst out laughing, he was supposed to be the more quieter of the two of them, "When I get out of this bed brat, the first one I'm going to hit is you" Zabuza snarled as Sakura peeled and cut an apple, along with a pear and a banana.
Then with the chopsticks, since he still wasn't able to move very much, fed him each bite of his very healthy dinner until Zabuza's grumbles died down "I'll go gather the herbs" Haku called before Sakura could and she smiled preparing the tea kettle to make the medicine.
"What did you and the brat do while out there" Zabuza asked suddenly, now that Haku was gone, Sakura glanced over her shoulder at him, lavender eyes filled with amusement, a couple minutes later she finally answered him.
In a completely amused tone, "You and you're fondness of ordering us away from you're side while you're in this kind of state" Sakura snickered to Zabuza's annoyance, but he couldn't deny it that he did it constantly, so he remained silent.
Just then Haku returned with a wicker basket full of herbs, and passed them over to Sakura, who quickly prepared the medicine she'd created to help Zabuza recover quicker, in order to fight Kakashi in just five days time.
Once the herbal remedy was taken and Zabuza had dozed off, Sakura and Haku did their own thing, which basically consisted of reading, until "In thirty minutes come to the beach" Haku closed his book and disappeared out the window.
Sakura squirmed in anticipation, barely being able to wait that long on a regular day, the minutes ticked by slowly and she couldn't concentrate on reading, and then finally thirty minutes had passed and she was leaping out the window, long pink hair trailing after her.
Quickly Sakura made her way to the beach, speeding through the little village until her bare feet hit the sandy grains, as she ran, sand kicked up after her, most likely getting in her hair, but all she cared about was finding Haku.
Five minutes later, his silhouette caught her lavender eyes and Sakura skidded to a halt right next to him "I'm here Haku-kun" she breathed, heart racing with her chest and lungs heaving as she tried to catch her breath.
He stayed facing away from her, silent for a long time, then turned "Sakura" Haku gazed into her eyes, his own heart pounding in his chest, beating a tattoo against his ribs, her attention was irrevocably focused on him and it made him more nervous than ever.
"Yes" Sakura asked softly wondering what was going on, ever since that, her cheeks flushed at the thought of it, kiss, Haku had been acting strange around her, as if expecting her to get angry at him, when it was impossible for her to do so.
Haku took a deep breath "It took a long time to make this, trying to figure out how to work my chakra and make it permanent, but here a ice crystal cherry blossom flower pin for you're hair Sakura-chan" he produced the gift from his pocket, it was in a nice cherry oak box also created by him.
Those lavender eyes lit up "Oh Haku, it's beautiful" Sakura squealed softly taking the item with careful hands and sliding it into her hair, pinning back the bangs on one side revealing part of her red dots that always stayed on her forehead.
"I thought you might Sakura, for there is no more beautiful flower than you" Haku cleared his throat sheepishly, cheeks burning hot like fire as he stole yet another kiss from the girl he liked, and Sakura cherished it, all while trying not to break down crying.
Then together, holding hands with each other, they went back to the hide out, that hair ornament was placed gently in it's box and sealed away, Haku and Sakura curled up on the couch in their spots and drifted into a restful sleep.
The rest of the week passed by at an accelerated rate, Haku having a meeting with Naruto, early one morning because the stupid blonde had stayed out all night training, and finally it was the day of the second round with Zabuza and Kakashi.
Before that though, Gatou had finally learned of her presence, Sakura ground her teeth in aggravation just thinking of that stupid fat man, maybe they should just turn on him, at least the Leaf Village nin wouldn't think any less of them.
"Are you really going to do this Zabuza" Sakura had to ask one last time, she was going to be hiding on the get away boat, just below the bridge, ready to use her sense dulling mist, he glanced in her direction attaching his executioners blade to his back.
So quickly she wasn't sure if she was seeing things, his brown eyes softened, then hardened "Yes, that Kakashi will learn not to underestimate me" Zabuza nodded and Sakura sighed softly, then pressed her lips together suppressing her chakra completely.
A thick mist crawled over the edge of the bridge and screams erupted, it would only be a matter of time before Kakashi and his team arrived bringing with them Tazuna, "Don't worry Sakura-chan" Haku's soothing voice floated into her ears and her lavender eyes opened.
"Good luck Haku" Sakura smiled one last time, that gut feeling telling her it would be the last time she'd get to smile at him like this, their lips meeting for one final time, in a soft, tender kiss, and then Haku was standing on the bridge, the fight starting moments later.
It was difficult standing there, hidden in the shadows of the bridge and the mist, keeping out of the fight, knowing that she would be able to increase Haku's and Zabuza's chances of living to another day, but Sakura fisted her hands into her kimono and forced herself not to move an inch.
It started out like a normal day, they'd arrived at the bridge for babysitting duty, but something was wrong, Kakashi cursed under his breath realizing what was wrong, the workers on the bridge were dead and Tazuna's heart froze in his throat.
"What the devil happened" the old man asked gazing around warily, just as that crazy laugh he'd only heard once came from within the mist, then Zabuza appeared before them in all his glory, thanks to Sakura's medicine, he was back at full strength and by his side Haku.
Kakashi had known it all along "So it was all an act" he questioned smugly, and Zabuza chuckled maniacally, "Of course, I knew you weren't dead all along" Kakashi stated lifting up the edge of his headband, not wanting to be caught unawares.
Zabuza smirked beneath his bandages "Haku here played his part perfectly, he's the best tool I've ever acquired" he glanced quickly to the raven haired boy, then briefly thought about the pinkette that had also been with him, since the start of his journey.
"I see that brat is still trembling" he suddenly pointed out, shaking those thoughts off, and gesturing at Sasuke, at the insult, Sasuke glared but in a cocky tone of voice, told Zabuza exactly what was going on.
"That's because I'm trembling with excitement" he smirked, as Zabuza created a few water clones, that was quickly taken out by Sasuke, Kakashi was proud of his little student, while Zabuza and Haku rolled their brown eyes.
Tochi stood off to the side as Kakashi praised Sasuke "The number one rookie of the year, Sasuke Uchiha, as you can see he's gotten stronger this passed week" he said "And of course Tochi Tachibana, has the best chakra control I've ever seen" Kakashi glanced at the brunette.
"And of course the number one hyper active knuckle headed ninja, Naruto Uzumaki" Kakashi smiled fondly of the blonde idiot on his team, "And we won't let you hurt Tazuna" he pulled a kunai from his pouch and held it before him.
Zabuza glanced to Haku "You can handle the boy can't you Haku, Kakashi's mine" he ordered, then leaped forward charging at the copy nin, executioners blade held before him, if anything happened to him, this sword would go to Sakura, and no one else.
Haku leaped forward senbon needles held in his hand engaging Sasuke, leaving Tochi to stand guard over Tazuna, he smirked beneath his mask, what a fool Kakashi was, to have only one person, a measly little girl protect the bridge builder.
"You won't win" Sasuke boasted kicking out with his foot, but Haku grasped his ankle and knocked him away from him, "Kakashi won't loose against that monster" he smirked trying to goad the other boy into making a mistake.
What he didn't know, was that Haku already knew what he was doing and remained aloof and uncaring of Sasuke's insults to his master, Zabuza didn't need him protecting him from something like that, all he had to do was beat the Uchiha.
Several feet away from them in a heated battle, Kakashi leaped away from Zabuza throwing some kunai at the demon of the hidden mist village "That Haku has never lost" Momochi taunted, "You're brat's not even on equal grounds with him" Zabuza chuckled darkly.
"Don't underestimate Sasuke, he might have a stronger bite than you think" Kakashi threw back, and for one split second Zabuza looked shocked, but it was so quick, he couldn't really tell as they leaped at each other again their weapons clashing against each other creating little sparks.
Zabuza frowned inwardly, he hadn't known Sakura had made contact with the copy nin, he'd just have to ask her after this fight, because that was something only the pinkette would say, Zabuza shook his head and shoved against Kakashi with all his might.
Just as Haku and Sasuke jumped away from each other, Haku landing next to him, and Sasuke next to Kakashi, then they were attacking each other again, flinging weapons left and right, moving further away from them.
The fight continued until Zabuza eventually grew bored as did Haku, as the boy simply surrounded Sasuke with his kekkeigenkai, Crystal Ice Mirrors, and he created his mist, making it so there was zero visibility.
Now that Kakashi couldn't see him, Zabuza smirked, Haku would end his fight soon, he'd win against the stupid silver haired copy nin, kill the man's other two genin brats, off Tazuna, get paid and then with Haku and Sakura in tow they would leave this stupid place behind.
Of course nothing ever goes his way, and even though he'd managed to cut Kakashi, and get so close to his goal, that stupid man had found a way around his thick mist, and used some stupid earth style jutsu called fanged pursuit jutsu.
He got caught, by a bunch of dogs as they lunged at him, "What's this, I think the mist is finally clearing" Kakashi, that cocky ass bastard smirked gleefully behind his mask, able to see Zabuza perfectly now that the mist was gone.
Down below, Sakura bit harshly on her knuckle, feeling the waning chakra of Haku, that blonde had joined the fight, her eyes clenched shut tightly but she forced herself to open them, keeping her head clear not allowing it to get clouded with thoughts of what could have been.
Above she could feel chakra charging in the air, and the crackle of something horrific entered her ears, her hands clenched tightly into fists again as the shattering of Haku's mirrors sounded on the bridge, she knew he was speaking of his history, she was the first one he'd told.
Then, imagining it within her mind, Sakura could see Haku throwing himself in front of Zabuza, just as she'd known would happen all along, and his chakra flickered out, her first friend, her best friend now dead at the hands of the copy nin, Kakashi Hatake.
Her heart stalled, and that hole ripped open becoming ever larger, an empty feeling settled into her, weighing her down, but Sakura didn't so much as cry, not yet, a ninja never revealed their emotions after all.
The fight continued, Zabuza gaining more injuries, both of his arms useless now "Well, well, well, looks like you got yourself into a mess huh Zabuza, the Demon of the Hidden Mist" Gatou and his hired thugs appeared, just as she'd known they would.
"Gatou" Zabuza spat, trying so very hard not to look at Haku, who lay between him and that fat man, he should have listened to Sakura, but he'd just had to be stubborn and fight Kakashi again, if he had, Haku might still be alive.
A round of insults and shouts, mostly from Naruto, erupted on the bridge, as he defended Haku, against Gatou and Zabuza, and for the first time he cried, "You're words cut deep, deeper than any blade" he said, brown eyes narrowed in determination.
Naruto jerked around to look at Zabuza in shock, still held back by Kakashi, "Give me you're kunai brat" the man said and he glanced to his sensei, Kakashi nodded and Naruto pulled his last kunai from his pouch tossing it over to Zabuza.
Who caught it in his mouth, though he would be leaving behind someone important, Zabuza knew that Sakura could go farther than he or Haku could have ever gone, she didn't need them, never had, but yet she'd stuck with them.
He charged forward slashing through as many of Gatou's hired thugs as he could, getting impaled in the back by spears, until he finally reached the man himself, bloody coward that he was Gatou had tried to run, and then it was done, Gatou was no more.
More weapons pierced his flesh, he'd lost to much blood and he fell to his knee's, Kakashi came to stop at his side, Zabuza couldn't even move any more "Take me to him, I want to see him one last time" he asked, though this was only one favor, he had for the copy nin.
Kakashi lifted Zabuza into his arms and carried him over to Haku, and for the first time, he could free the emotions he'd locked away in his heart, his words were soft as he spoke to the raven haired boy, until it started snowing and he knew it was Haku.
He was fading quickly, but there was one last thing to do, Zabuza swallowed thickly tasting blood, and flared his chakra, it was weak, but Sakura would feel it, Kakashi tensed, so did the remaining thugs on the bridge as a thick mist crawled over the bridge.
Out of that mist came, Naruto, Sasuke's and Tochi's eyes widened "Kakashi-sensei, it's that girl" Tochi shouted pointing at the breathtaking pinkette, her eyes were shut, and tears were pouring from her cheeks dripping onto the ground, feet encased in sandals that wrapped around her ankles.
And a sky blue kimono with clouds, Kakashi cursed louder this time "Do me a favor, take her with you back to you're village, give her a home" Zabuza's voice stalled him from attacking the girl rashly, she had a monstrous chakra, yet she didn't so much as look at them.
Until finally the girl reached Zabuza's side "Why didn't you listen" Sakura snapped angrily, not able to open her lavender eyes, until his hand reached up and cupped her cheek, she jolted, but held absolutely still.
"Stupid girl, no Sakura, perhaps I've just been looking for an excuse, a reason to die, I've known for sometime that Yagura, the fourth Mizukage is dead" Zabuza sighed wishing she'd open her eyes "But I didn't expect Haku to fall with me" he grit his teeth.
Her eyes opened slowly revealing shining lavender eyes, filled with tears, that clung to her lashes before trailing down her cheek in a river, landing on the ground "Oh Zabuza" Sakura threw herself across his chest, having known all along that he cared, but he hadn't known how to show it.
Kakashi stood back shocked that a girl would dare act so friendly with the demon of the mist, he hadn't even known she was there, a shudder rolled through him, her chakra was strong, possibly stronger than Haku's had been.
Not to mention she had Hyuga eyes, Kakashi briefly wondered if she'd pillaged them from a corpse, but didn't speak up, he'd honor Zabuza's last request after all, take the pinkette with him and his team back to the Hidden Leaf Village.
"My blade is yours now Sakura, as you are the last of my apprentices to survive" Zabuza's voice weakened even more, he had little time "Be proud, cherish you're memories, be you" he coughed, heart stuttering to a stop just as a sob ripped through the air.
It was quiet, Naruto, Sasuke and Tochi feeling the depression leaking into the air from the pinkette, letting everyone know of her sadness, of her loss of two of her precious people, the only remaining survivor of Zabuza's apprentices.
Then she stood on her feet, lavender eyes blank of any emotion, moving forward slowly until she reached the executioners blade, Sakura grasped the handle flooding chakra into her arm and hefted the sword into the air.
A tingle of fear ran down his spine at the sight of the innocent looking girl wielding such a massive and deadly blade, Sakura faced the remaining thugs and charged forward hacking her way through them, blood splattering across her face, and clothes, coating her pink hair.
It soaked in the liquid like a sponge, the thugs scattered running for the hills, but another tragedy struck, Tochi who was still standing guard over Tazuna, was taken out by a stray sword, that had been thrown, it struck her through the chest, and she was no more.
Sakura fought until no one of her enemy remained, only then did she lower the Executioners Blade, "Do with me as you will, but don't begrudge them a burial" Sakura spoke to Kakashi, who lowered his headband over his sharingan eye.
"Zabuza and especially Haku deserve that much" her lavender eyes filled with more tears still as her loss hit her hard again and that hole, that aching emptiness, became deeper, she feared that nothing would ever fill it at this rate.
Kakashi sighed before bending and gathering his now dead female student, she'd been an orphan, with no family, "Very well Sakura" he chose to say her name, but the pinkette merely sealed that massive sword away in a storage scroll and left, he knew she wouldn't run.
For she had no where to go, soon enough all three of the dead were buried, Sakura watching over from the treetops, saying a silent farewell, ice crystal cherry blossom flower hair pin, placed in her hair and Haku's rabbit and Morosa in her arms, clean of blood.
Then after that, the days flew by, until Tazuna had finished the bridge, more chaos erupted as Nagetsuke burst into the village rampaging around, looking for Sakura, just before Kakashi tried to take the bear out, she appeared before him.
"Nagetsuke, I am here" she called in that soft voice she'd been using and Nagetsuke stopped in his rampaging, padding forward until he reached her, butting his head gently against hers, feeling her sadness, then Kakashi was herding them all back to the Leaf Village.
