Back and rolling! Thanx for all of you who continued to read this story, and the reviewers of course! And flamers (can't forget about them)…high criticism is necessary at times, well at least, it'll be helping me to improve my writings. I'm honored, and I'll take your advice to heart. bows so thanx.
Also, some people asked if the Third will be saved or not. My advice: don't assume anything.
As for the plot, my
dear flamers, there is always a plot. (You just don't know it
yet…it'll come around once I gather the necessary character in
place.) One clue: time-travel always have consequences.
Chapter 7
Sometimes it is difficult to let go of a dream that you desperately wanted. It is difficult to admit that it will never happen, never to become a reality. And such painful truth is hard to accept, hard to embrace. And thus, you don't. You don't let go, can't admit, and won't accept. It is when you deny the very real facts do you lost to your emotions, longing in eternity for something that will never be yours.
Haku was one of those people; a person who cannot accept the painful reality. Many nights he lied to himself, saying that it does not matter, repeating over and over again that he was to be a human-tool.
Yet, killing; it was something that he could never accomplish. For joy, for necessary, for survival, for Zabuza-sama. It does not matter for who or what, he could not do it. Yet, in his dreams, it was a field of red.
He screams, he cries, the blood kept pouring down. Tainted, unwanted, a tool for his master; Haku tried. He tried hard to be a good tool, an obedient tool. But never in his wildest dream did Haku thought it was possible, to be something else.
Naruto; the mere name brought forward a new sense of hope. Perhaps, he could be more than a tool. Perhaps, he could be something else…no more red, no more blood, no more killing, no more running. Haku would not just be a tool for Zabuza-sama, he could be something else; a companion, a friend, a precious someone.
It was a dream that could never be reached he knows, yet Haku dreamed, couldn't stop hoping. It was a dream that he refuse to let go. A truth that he couldn't admit to. A reality he won't embrace. So he dreamed, hoped, whished, and it was on that bridge did his dream, hope, wish came very close in becoming a reality.
Kakashi grimaced at the development that had taken place. Although he knew that Zabuza lived, and that the hunter-nin was an accomplice, he still feared, not for himself, but for his students. He understands that both Sasuke and Sakura had gotten strong with the tree-climbing exercise, however; he is unsure if it will match up to the hunter-nin's abilities. From what he had seen, the hunter was stronger than Zabuza.
The mist had concealed so much. Will Sasuke and Sakura be able to detect the enemies? Kakashi worried. A good attack would be a surprise attack, and it seems that Zabuza and his accomplice is planning just for that.
Sakura stood on before Tazuna, tensed. Although she had managed and received some extra training from Kakashi-sensei, she can not help but feel anxious. It is no secret that she was the weakest among her team.
Sasuke was the graduating number one rookie and Naruto was Konohagakure's loudest and most surprising idiot – err, ninja. Meanwhile, Sakura was just an average kunoichi. Yet, she have confidence, no matter how small it was, she wanted to get stronger, she wanted to be stronger, she is a kunoichi, and she will be a proud one.
Sakura's change on outlook of life did not go unnoticed, especially not with the air of a true kunoichi that she now gives off.
Kakashi made a mental note that if his students made it out of this fight safely, losing or winning, he would nominate his team for the Chuunin exam.
Haku stared at the opponents in front of him; Naruto was missing. Looking around, Haku's heart sank a bit. Despite his inability to let go of his dream and hope, the truth now stands right before him, in the absence of Naruto.
You are a tool, and there is no way out, killing is your job.
Haku slowly let his own heart go numb. Now, there is no place for second guessing, Zabuza-sama needs him to do his job. Haku needs to fight, and kill for his master.
"So it seems that we meet again," Zabuza grinned at the Kakashi, "You're students seems frighten – he is shaking already."
Haku turned his attention to the shaking boy that Zabuza-sama pointed out. No, Haku thought as Zabuza's water clones advanced toward the group, that boy isn't shaking out of fear…he is shaking out of excitement!
"I'm not shaking because I'm afraid; I'm shaking because I'm excited!" Sasuke smirked, confirming Haku's deduction, taking down the water clones.
Haku tensed. Both of them, the girl and the boy; they had gotten stronger. I should watch out for the both of them…especially the black-haired one.
Zabuza looked slightly impressed. "Haku," he laughed, "Look like you have someone to play with."
Haku nodded. It would seem so.
Both opponents came forward, facing each other. Through the holes of his mask, Haku stared coldly at Sasuke. "I don't suppose you would forfeit?"
Sasuke sprain forth, fist aiming for Haku.
Thought not.
Haku jumped upwards to dodge, and rained down his needles. But his opponent had long disappeared from the spot, as if Sasuke had anticipated the action. Haku narrowed his eyes as he felt a presence appear from his left. Defending himself with his needle, Haku intercepted the attack; metal clashed.
Sasuke growled at the interception, and with as swift motion, he twisted his body to the right, raising his leg for a kick,hitting Haku square in the chest, sending him flying.
"Haku," Zabuza frowned, "still being soft?" he inquired.
Haku stood up shakily, "Sorry, Zabuza-sama."
"Then stop being so easy on him."
Haku nodded, "I understood."
Sasuke glared. Easy? His opponent was being easy on him? Well, then, he would just have to get his opponent to start taking him seriously.
Haku walked toward Sasuke again, "You sure you won't forfeit?"
"No," Sasuke answered coldly.
Not wasting time to reply his acknowledgement, Haku attacked, swing his needles once more. Sasuke jumped away – Haku followed, landing on a small puddle of water; metal clashed once again, halting both parties. Haku smirked under his mask; an advantage. With one hand, he started to make signals.
Sasuke's eyes widen as did Kakashi. What? He can make signals with only one hand?
Without even another warning, needles sprang up from the puddle, many hit its target.
Sasuke fell back.
"That is one of Haku's specialties." Zabuza stated smugly.
Not wanting his student to chew off more than he can swallow, Kakashi prepared to interfere. If that is one of his specialties, I don't want to find out what are his others. Sasuke can't handle this guy.
As if knowing what Kakashi was thinking, Zabuza blocked the copy-cat ninja's way. "Your fight is with me, Kakashi."
Kakashi glared. Damn! Kakashi thought, blocking Zabuza's descending sword.
Meanwhile, not far off the bridge, a flash of orange was jumping from tree to tree, closing in on the battlefield.
Sasuke hissed at his injuries. Damn, it seems like he had underestimated his opponent. Unwilling to give up and swallow his pride, Sasuke got ready to release a batch of shuriken. However, before he could even draw the shurikens out, Haku had already started on a string of hand symbols.
Haku never thought he would have to use such thing, but he wanted to end this fight soon. The silver-haired ninja seems strong, and Haku wanted to help Zabuza-sama as much as he can. Performing his bloodline was the last thing he wanted, but for Zabuza-sama, he would have to. Finishing his last signal, Haku shouted, "Makyou Hyoushou!" and watched as the water puddle beneath him quiver – ice mirrors erupted from the puddle, imprisoning Sasuke within.
Sakura watched on the sideline in horrors. "SASUKE!"
It was too late; Sasuke was not prepared for such assault. Within the ice prison he was, unable to get out.
Haku entered the mirrors, becoming one of its reflections. Needles rained from every direction.
Sasuke glared. What is this technique? A bloodline? Dodging every needle that rained at him, Sasuke shouted out his most powerful technique, "GOUKAKYUU NO JUTSU!" A giant fireball flew at the mirrors.
Despite what scientific logic might have said, Sasuke's Grand Fireball did not metal the ice mirrors – or even leave a scratch for that matter. Instead, it flickered around it edges, surrounding the mirror completely, before dying out into nothingness.
Outside, Sakura saw the event in awe and fear. Awe at such powerful display, and fear for that her precious Sasuke-kun is in trouble. Sakura was torn. Her duty prevents her from leaving her site, yet her teammate is in trouble.
Tazuna noticed the poor girl's turmoil, and gently pushed Sakura toward the ice prison. "Got ahead, help your friend," he smiled understandingly.
Sakura hesitated, "But-,"
"I'll be fine," he ensured.
Nodding her gratitude, Sakura grabbed out her holster and threw it directly at the mirror which Haku reside in.
From the coroner of his eyes, Haku saw the incoming attack, and glided out of his mirror to grab the weapon. Without another beat in time, Haku once again retrieved back into the safety of his mirrors.
Sakura let out a gasp of terror. It seems like nothing would work as long as Haku have his mirrors up.
Inside, Sasuke panted heavily. No matter how fast he attacks, Haku is always faster, dodging and gliding from one mirror to another, all the while raining down needles. Nothing would break the mirror either, and an outside attack was also useless as Sakura had demonstrated. Sasuke don't know how much longer can he dodge. Offensive was clearly not working, and defensive would only get him nowhere. Sasuke was in a dilemma.
Kakashi hissed in frustration as he blocked Zabuza's latest attack. With each moment he is fighting Zabuza, his student is losing in those ice incased mirrors.
"It seems like this will be the end of your students," Zabuza taunted.
Truth to be told, Zabuza was unsure at first about letting Haku fight alone. But now, Zabuza is happy. He is happy that Haku is doing so well and that he; himself can fight such a strong opponent. And more so, Zabuza is happy that the blonde kid wasn't there. He wasn't sure why he felt so uneasy around the kid, but from the last encounter with the kid, he was certain that the blonde was trouble.
Jumping away from the swing of the sword, Kakashi stated firmly, despite the building anxiety, "Don't underestimate my students. Sasuke, who is fighting your friend over there is this graduating year's number one rookie and the last member of the Uchiha clan. Sakura is the smartest girl in her class, and Naruto," Kakashi grinned, "Naruto is Konoha's most surprising ninja!"
Almost as if it was a signal for Naruto's entrance, the hero of the story appeared.
"THE HERO IS HERE!" Naruto shouted, jumping out from the smoke.
Zabuza snapped his head toward the appearing menace. It's that brat!
Not forgetting the encounter, and how troublesome the blonde can be, Zabuza, taking everyone's temporarily surprised state, and threw his shurikens at Naruto.
Clearly unprepared, Naruto could only watch as the weapons approached him. Unknown to the on-viewers, Naruto was ready to perform Kawarimi no Jutsu, but was denied the chance as Haku's needles intercepted the attack.
"What is the meaning of this, Haku?" Zabuza glowed slightly.
Haku glide out of his mirrors, "Please, Zabuza-sama, let me take care of him."
Never one to see Haku requesting - wanting to fight someone bad enough to intercept one of his own attack, Zabuza hesitatively agreed.
Turning back to the blonde, Haku discovered that Naruto had sneaked into this mirror prison. What is Naruto-kun thinking?
Inside the prison, Naruto stood next to an exhausted Sasuke, "Are you alright, teme?"
Sasuke looked incredulity at the blonde. "Dope! What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to help you, teme!" Naruto glared.
"Inside?" Sasuke snorted. "You're just more trouble!"
Naruto hissed a bit, and claimed haughtily, "We'll see about that! Kage Bunshin no Justu!" Several shadow clones appeared, "Let's take those mirrors down!"
"Naruto wait!" Sasuke cried out, "Don't!"
But it was too late, the shadow clones attacked, only to be repelled.
As one shadow clone jumped upon the mirror in which Haku resided in, he whispered, "Haku-kun, I need to you knock Sasuke out. I have something important to discuss with you…"
Haku's eyes widened. What exactly is going on here?
Although Naruto was now fighting in the opposite side of the field, Haku trusted his new friend. Giving Naruto the slightest of a nod, Haku jumped rapidly among the mirrors, aiming for the black-haired boy.
Sasuke cursed. His opponent is taking things seriously now that Naruto had entered the battle. Dodging no longer seems to be an option. In circumstances like this, under pressure to dodge, protect a teammate, and take down the enemy, something happened; something unexpected.
For the first time, Sasuke was able to see his opponent's movement. His eyes were able to follow and detect – his red eyes.
Sasuke had awoken his bloodline.
Haku watched, astounded that an untrained fledgling was able to awaken his bloodline. But that does not stop Haku's attacks. He needed to knock the Uchiha down.
Naruto frowned inwardly. Although he is happy for his teammate for awakening his bloodline, it puts a problem in Naruto's plan. Naruto had hoped that they were able to out Sasuke earlier in the battle, giving Haku and him enough time to diverse a plan to occupied Zabuza and Kakashi-sensei long enough for his fox to bring the body.
Now, however, it would take more effort to knock Sasuke out. Naruto just hoped that there is still enough time to stop Kakashi-sensei from using the chidori.
Throwing Haku a subdue look that said, "Attack me!" Naruto made himself the target, standing the center of the prison.
Haku was confused by the change of instruction, but did as Naruto had requested. Throwing his needles straight at the waiting blonde, Haku pray that Naruto-kun knows what he is doing.
The red orbs followed the movements; Sasuke saw the direction of the needles. Unsure, not even thinking, Sasuke threw himself in front of Naruto.
The needles pierced his body.
"Sa-Sasuke!" Naruto faked disbelief. "Why?"
"How do I know, dope," Sasuke coughed, "My body just moved on its own."
Naruto cradled his teammate gently.
"I promise that I won't die until I kill him…that man, my brother…." Sasuke grinned in pain, "but, promise me…that you'll live."
Naruto nodded. Regardless of acting, the speech still warmed Naruto's heart. It's good to know that at the moment, in the past, Sasuke had considered him as a friend…a brother almost.
Sasuke closed his eyes, his conciseness faded.
Naruto laid the boy down softly on the ground. Rest, Sasuke-kun. Everything will be alright.
Standing up, Naruto called Haku out.
"He's alright, you know," Haku stated.
Naruto nodded, "I know, but that's not the most important thing right now."
Haku stared. "What are you planning?"
"I had sent one of my fox to kill Gatou. He was going to double-cross you anyway." Naruto explained, "My fox will bring the body here, along with your payment." Looking at the silent boy in front of him, Naruto continued. "Without an employer, you have no reason to fight us. Take the money and go."
Haku concurred slowly.
"We need to stall Kakashi-sensei and Zabuza though," Naruto added. "I know that Zabuza won't win against Kakashi-sensei. We need to stall them long enough for my fox to bring the body."
"How?" Haku asked.
"I don't know…" Naruto confessed sheepishly. "I haven't thought that far yet."
Haku giggled at his friend's antic, before turning serious again. "The mist, we could use it to our advantage. We can…."
"Trade partners," Naruto interrupted.
Haku looked startled. "But Zabuza-sama is powerful. Are you sure you can take him on?"
"We don't need to win, we just need to keep them busy enough," Naruto confirmed. "You can trap Kakashi-sensei in this ice prison, while I'll just make sure to stay alive long enough."
Exchanging nodes, both boys parted their ways.
The mirrors faded away, as the boys darted out.
Naruto just managed to intercept Zabuza's water dragon with an on slaughter of shuriken, while Haku's mirror once again erupted around Kakashi – trapping him within.
Both jounin was surprised by the change in development, but wasn't given any time to think, as both boys rained down one attack after another upon them.
They are buying for time…and it's time they will get.
The brown fox, whose name was Nix, was running as fast as he can toward the bridge. But, man was this Gatou heavy – and the big pouch of money was heavy as it is.
Killing the fatty was easy; however, it was the mob that is now chasing after him hard to loose. It wasn't his fault that the fatty just had to be in a meeting with the mob when Nix found him. Nix was ordered to kill the fatty, and a quick bite at the neck the fatty was dead…how was Nix suppose to know that the mob would get angry? But Nix isn't worried, just as soon as he get to Naruto-sama, he can go back to sleep in his warm den, away from the stupid, angry mob.
Thus, the poor fox panted heavily as he continued to run toward the bridge. Just a little bit more now.
Nix arrived just on time, as Kakashi broke free of the ice prison by using chidori. Naruto who had been holding just fine, allowed himself to be throw across the bridge by Zabuza.
"Nix!" Naruto shouted in glee.
The fox yapped, and throttled up to the blonde. Dumping the body and the pouch at Naruto's feet, Nix whimpered a bit, head pointed toward the approaching mob.
Naruto nodded at the fox, and thanked it for its hard work. "I'll handle it from now," he told Nix, and relief the fox of its duty.
Said the fox was more than happy to leave. And poof, Nix was gone.
Kakashi, Zabuza, and Haku stared at Naruto, stunned. None of them knows how to take this turn of event.
It was, surprisingly, Zabuza first to speak, "Kakashi," he informed, "it seems like I no longer have a reason to fight you."
Kakashi nodded dumbly, alarmed at Naruto's interaction with the fox.
Enraptured in their state of astonishment, Kakashi, Zabuza, and Haku failed to notice the mob.
Although, Naruto was aware, it still did not prepare the Kyuubi container for the many flying sharp-thingies (to name all the types of weapon would take a while).
Dodging and knocking many away, Naruto was still unable to get away unscratched.
A flying blade sailed toward the occupied Zabuza, caused one loyal Haku to jump into the way. The blade hit Haku near the heart.
The atmosphere of the air suddenly dropped several degrees. An intense blood-lust washed over the mob. Zabuza, the demon of the mist, clenched tightly at his tool.
Knowing full well that Zabuza could take down the whole mob, but worried that he would be consumed by his emotions, Naruto immediately preformed the Kage Bunshin. Kakashi picked up Naruto's train of thought and contributed his own Kage Bunshin.
The mob of samurais and mercenaries faltered a bit at the sight of the clones, but stood their grounds.
Standing near the angry Demon of the Mist, Naruto hissed lowly, only to let Zabuza to hear, "I'll take care of this, but right now, Haku-kun needs you the most. Stop his bleeding."
Zabuza didn't argue, but did as Naruto had instructed and began to bandage the wound, hoping to stop the bleeding. No matter what Zabuza had told Haku about him being only a tool, Zabuza had truly cared for the child.
"Do you really want to take us on?" Naruto shouted to the mob.
"Yeah! Do you?" a proud voice echoed behind Naruto.
Everyone turned – there it was: Inari and the town, all were armed.
A bow from Inari struck the ground. It was all it took to break down the mob's determination. The mob disbanded, each and every one of them, ran in fear for their lives. Cowards, all of them.
Naruto smirked, "You know, I'm surprised a little brat like you can raise an army," he teased.
Inari stuck his tongue out as the whole town cheered.
It was a great day in the Wave Country's history for it was the day that Gatou was killed, never to terrorize the people again. It was the day in which the great bridge was finished, promising a new start for the Wave citizens. It was a day of great achievement.
Naruto grinned. In the end, everything did turn out just fine.
Sasuke recovered nicely, as he was never in real danger anyway. Although the brooding Uchiha was slightly angry and disappointed to miss out on conclusion of the battle, Naruto made sure Sasuke was given the censored version of what happened. And since the mist had covered the battlefield, Sakura was unable to catch most of the events that took place.
Haku recovered without much of a problem, and Zabuza and Haku had once again left in hiding form the hunters. But with the money that they had received from their late employer, Naruto had no doubt that those two would be fine.
More so, in order to keep contact with his friend, Naruto had given a small white fox kit to Haku. There is now way that Naruto is going to loose his new friend over long-distant traveling, especially since he had lost him the last time.
The mission was overall a success, in more than one way.
Depart the Wave, and the Great Naruto Bridge, Team Seven was contempt.
"Naruto, that reminds me," Kakashi asked, "How did you get a fox summoned?"
Kakashi closed in as Sakura and Sasuke walked far ahead, unnoticed.
"Na-nani? (Wh-what?) What fox summon?" Naruto laughed nervously, "They aren't summoning, the foxes just likes me," he lied, "I've been friends with Nix since I was a kid. He just doesn't like to come out a lot, though."
Eyeing Naruto with suspicion, Kakashi didn't say anything else. Mentally, Kakashi noted to talk to Hokage-sama about this…now where was he in Icha Icha Paradise?
End! Whew! Finally finish this chap. Temari and Gaara gonna come in next chapter, yay! You may not know this but Gaara is one of my fav. character.
Can't wait till the exam start!
I thought Nix would make a cute fox name ne? Lucky Haku! I want a fox kit! (The reason I made sure Naruto and Haku keep in contact is because Haku is need later on…can't call in friends if you don't know where they are can you?)
Uh-oh, Kakashi is suspicious. Don't worry; hopefully a talk with Hokage-sama will help Kakashi be more understanding and pay attention to Naruto a bit more.
Sakura didn't have a big role in this chap, but I'll make sure she gets more parts in the next one. We need to train her a bit more for the upcoming chuunin exam.
Anyway: Thanx you for reading! bows
