"How do you know if your mission in life is finished? If you're still alive, it isn't"
Richard Bach
Chapter 2: All Change begins with Knowledge
Part 1 – Debriefing…
Anko and Ibiki stood hidden on the roof tops as they watched the group approach the gates. At first glance you would think it was a group outing returning. Hatake walked with his usual nonchalance, head buried in the porn, that Anko once stated 'was obviously rotting his higher brain functions'. Standing on each side of him were two of his genin, Uchiha and Haruno. The girl looked exhausted and annoyed, all though the annoyance was hidden behind her constant adoring looks she kept sending the Uchiha.
"Sasuke-kun, want to grab a meal before we head home?" her whiny voice came to them, causing Anko to shift in annoyance. She hated fan-girls.
"No," the Uchiha's voice was cold with hidden annoyance underneath.
They than turned their eyes onto the three walking behind them. This caused Ibiki's concern, why the hell is Hatake letting Zabuza at his back?
Taking mental notes he watched the three as they came into view. He glanced briefly at Uzumaki, who was still wearing that obnoxious bright orange outfit, and was bouncing around the other two, his voice raised in childish delight, as he spoke of…Ramen? Oh god, I thought they were kidding when they said the boy had an obsession.
He turned his focused onto the other boy. His eyes rose in astonishment; dressed efficiently, with long hair in a bun, with a body type that, to Ibiki's eyes, screamed born shinobi. He was very slender, but moved as if he was pure muscle. This boy was built for speed and flexibility and his face had already taken a slight wariness, as if he could sense the watchers already. This intrigued Ibiki, as he himself could only barely sense the chakra signatures of the hidden ANBU. So Hatake was right, the boy was near Jounin level, Tokubetsu at the least.
Next to him was a man, roughly Hatake's age, with what could only be described as a 'big ass sword' on his back. His lower face was covered in bandages, wearing a sleeveless mesh shirt and camouflage shinobi pants, no other weapons in sight. His chakra, while tightly held, was menacing and high. He was looking at the gates and the surrounding area with interest. He, like his apprentice, was aware of the watchers, but unlike his apprentice he didn't seem concerned.
"Ibiki, I get the feeling this is going to be one odd mission," Anko said softly next to him. "You might be better off getting Raido or Hayate to try and connect to him. Their both swordsman, and that might be the way in," she heard Ibiki grunt in agreement, "That is one bad ass sword, I think they'll both agree just so that they can spar against one of the Seven Swordsman of the Mist, or at least to test his style against Konoha's styles."
Suddenly they both went silent as the group made it to the gates. As Hatake checked in with the guards, they overheard Kotetsu's voice. "Oi, Kakashi, Hokage-sama is expecting your whole team for debriefing, better head straight in, don't think their up for your lateness today."
"Hai, Hai," Kakashi said, waiving the group in, although he took the back spot this time, so that he could watch the group walk through the streets. "Sakura, Sasuke, lead the way to the tower."
Anko and Ibiki shared a long look after they watched the following team dynamics. The Uchiha kept walking as if he hadn't heard the command, and the girl stared at Kakashi, before chasing after the boy, sending a glance to the three behind her. Uzumaki just seemed to brace himself, and than placed a huge grin on his face as he led the other two into the village.
Anko and Ibiki, along with the ANBU followed the group through the village. Ibiki after a while realized that Anko had begun to tense, and he glanced at her. She met his eyes, and then motioned to the villagers and shinobi moving in the village, and their reaction. Looking closer, Ibiki almost grit his teeth as well. The feel of the village streets altered the moment that they saw the blond Jinchuuriki. The disgust, rage and hate almost gave off a subtle KI all of its own, purely aimed at the boy, who just grinned harder and acted as if he couldn't sense the hatred aimed at him.
As they watched though, they saw Zabuza suddenly reach out and grab the blond to pull him closer, and whisper something to the boy which then had an honest smile appear on his whiskered face. They watched as the blond started walking quietly next to Zabuza, and how the other boy, Haku also walked closer, as if both drew strength from the older man. Zabuza began to look coldly at the villagers and shinobi who looked at them harshly. It suddenly changed the feel of the streets again, and Ibiki glanced at Hatake, to see that he had noticed as well.
Over the ear pierce he heard one of the ANBU speak up, "Very interesting, isn't it Ibiki? For a supposed Demon of the Mist, he is very protective of children in pain. I would honestly say that is not purely for effect to the watchers, he really didn't like the way Konoha treated Yodaime's legacy."
Ibiki didn't respond, he just watched. But he knew the ANBU was right, either that was a well played attempt to gain entrance, or Zabuza was really what Hatake said, someone who wanted to protect Naruto, the same way he protected his own apprentice. Yes, interesting is what I would call it.
* §§ *
The miss-matched group of ninja finally headed into the main mission building. Upon entering they headed up to the debriefing area, only to arrive and be told to take a seat and wait. As the three genin sat, Zabuza and Haku leaned against the wall alongside Kakashi.
"Kakashi-sensei, why are we being debriefed like this? Don't we usually just turn in a mission report?" Sakura finally asked.
Smiling down at the girl, he said, "Although rare, on occasion some missions are badly miss-classed as this one was. In those instances, the shinobi involved are usually debriefed in person so that they can get a feel for what happened. Also, since this was your first mission outside the village and higher then D-rank, they probably want to see how you handled the mission."
Before Sakura could ask another question a door opened to one of the debriefing rooms, and a tall shinobi in a jounin vest, wearing a bandana and chewing on a senbon came out. He looked at them all for a moment, and then spoke without removing the needle. "Oi, Kakashi, who would have thought that you would take on a team and to have that as your first real mission? Well go in, Hokage-sama wants to meet with you and your guests."
Kakashi nodded and led the entire group into the room, noticing out of the corner of his eye that the jounin was eying Zabuza and Haku with curiosity. He turned back into the room and was surprised to see that the Hokage and the elders were already waiting. He wondered how they were planning on handling the debriefing and the nuke-nin. "Hatake Kakashi reporting Team Seven in from C-rank mission, Hokage-sama."
He watched from the corner of his eye as Zabuza and Haku glanced around the entire room, before focusing on the three before them. He tensed as he heard Naruto shout out.
"Jiji, Obasan, Oyaji," he shouted, only to be hit in the head by Sakura, who was then silenced by Kakashi.
"I am glad you made good time Kakashi," the Sandaime said, smoking on his ever present pipe. "Now Team Seven, as you had an unexpected mission, we want to use this as a chance to meet with all of you on a mission debriefing. Normally, such actions are only for failed missions, but as you are a fresh rookie genin team we want to use this as a chance to allow you to see how 'unexpected' missions are handled. If you could please follow Kakashi into the next room while I speak with our guests for a moment."
Kakashi turned and motioned his team to follow him, which Sasuke and Sakura did easily. Naruto looked at the elders and the Hokage for a moment, but a slight wave from the Hokage sent him following his team into a side room.
* §§*
Zabuza studied the old man in front of him. He was very curious about the current Hokage, as this was the oldest current Kage. From the feel of his presence, even if his strength had decreased, his knowledge made him a dangerous opponent. He could also sense a strong presence from the two others who sat on either side of him. He could feel just the subtlest chakra sense for at least four ANBU in the room, or at least stationed within reach. He nodded his head at the three in respect, and felt Haku also nod his head.
After a few moments of silence, the old man sitting next to the Hokage spoke, "Momochi Zabuza, you have placed an interesting invitation in front of us. Even more, your actions in front of Hatake Kakashi and the ANBU who have been watching since you entered the village speak highly of your intentions. If it is all right with you we would like to quickly debrief Team Seven and then perhaps we could discuss your situation?" the old man looked at him questioningly.
Zabuza smiled under his bandages, "Ah, I would hate for our conversations to be rushed. Where would you prefer Haku and I to wait?" he asked in the same smooth tone.
Suddenly the door behind him opened, and the jounin with the senbon entered. "If you will follow Shiranui-san, he will take you to a waiting room, where you can have some refreshments and relax in peace."
He and Haku both nodded their heads again, and they turned to follow the jounin out. They walked quietly behind him as they were led to a lounge. "So, snacks are on the table, water in the pitcher, let me know if you need anything else," the jounin said, sitting down in the chair by the door, picking up a magazine to read.
Zabuza turned to Haku who raised an eyebrow at him. This village is truly strange, Haku's face said.
Zabuza grunted in agreement and went to sit on a chair by the window, looking out at the village. His eyes were caught by the mountain surrounding the back side of the village. It was Hokage monument that the brat had spoken about. The boy was right, it was impressive. He could also understand what Naruto had said, 'the only problem with it is that the faces are looking at the village, and they are not smiling. It is almost like their scowling at the village instead of scowling at our enemies.'
It makes you wonder if maybe the past leaders are aware something is going wrong in their village.
* §§*
Sarutobi looked at his two teammates, waiting on their response. He was not disappointed.
"I still wish to talk to him before officially agreeing, but I would say he is all that the letter showed," Homura stated quietly. He looked at Koharu who nodded with a slight smile. "The reports that Ibiki's team gave were very complimentary and their attitudes just now were quite welcoming and properly handled for the situation. Quiet diplomatic, unlike what you would expect from what outside reports would state."
Koharu nodded, and then spoke up, "Ah, but we need to first focus on Team Seven, and I also feel we need to have a talk with Hatake. I can understand Uzumaki acting in that way; it will take a while before he learns the proper way to behave, but that girl."
"I agree. Kakashi should have gotten the girl to stop acting out violently to her teammates in these types of situations at least. She, unlike her teammates, received lessons for proper behavior. What has that boy been teaching them, I wonder," Homura spoke up.
"How do you want to handle the debriefing?" Sarutobi asked, taking another hit from his pipe to keep from laughing. He wondered what the two would say if they knew that this was typical behavior of the team.
"Based on the situation, normally I would say bring in Hatake first, then speak to him and have him sit in on the rest of the team," Koharu said, "but perhaps it would be better to leave him to last. I am interested in getting a feel for this team without him there to guide them. Then afterwards, we will have a better idea of what to address to Hatake, including his team's dynamics?"
The three looked at each other and nodded. The door opened again, letting in a chuunin aid. They nodded to him, and then Koharu decided to take the lead, and told him to bring Haruno Sakura in. The aid walked to the side door, and opened it. Looking inside he said, "Haruno Sakura, please come in."
* §§*
Sakura looked around the side room, trying to control the urge to snipe back at Kakashi-sensei. The moment they had come into the room he had given her a dark look and the preceded to tell her why what she did was wrong. Like it was wrong, the Baka deserved it as he shouldn't call the council a bunch of old people, right? Sasuke-kun had even looked at her disapprovingly, while Naruto had just jumped into one of the couches and sprawled out. She waited to see where Sasuke-kun would sit so that she could sit next to him, only to grind her teeth, when he had sat down next to Naruto.
Hearing Kakashi clear his throat she sat down and looked up at him.
"Now what happens now is they pull us in one at a time to discuss the mission and any concerns they may have. You're to answer all questions clearly and concisely. Unless they ask you to don't over elaborate, no grunting replies," he said giving a sharp look to Sasuke-kun, "and try not to antagonize them," this time glancing at Naruto.
"What about the Zabuza situation, do we talk about that?" Sakura asked.
"What ever they bring up you answer. Remember Sakura, these three run the village and keeping things from them is tantamount to falsifying missions or betraying the village. On that note, they aren't going to grill you harshly as they know the mission was a success."
With that he had sat down next to her and started to read. Shrugging, she started watching Sasuke as he sat staring (not brooding) into the wall. She ignored Naruto who was mumbling something about old people preventing him from getting ramen.
When the door opened, a chuunin poked his head in and spoke up, "Haruno Sakura, please come in."
Scared that she was called in first she looked to Kakashi, who looked up from his book and smiled at her in encouragement. "Good luck, Sakura-chan, don't worry the old guys are pretty nice," Naruto shouted.
"Thanks Naruto," she said, picking herself up to go outside the room. She followed the Chuunin, who lead her back into the room, and pointed her to a chair in front of the leaders of the village.
She smiled nervously at the Hokage, who nodded to her.
"Now Sakura," Koharu started speaking softly. "We would like to hear your report on the mission, why don't you start with when you left Konoha?" she smiled trying to encourage the girl to give her report.
Taking a deep breath, Sakura remembered Kakashi-sensei's words and spoke of what she remembered.
"After leaving the gates, we walked for about a day or so when we were attacked by two Kiri-nins. They had been hiding in a genjutsu or ninjutsu that looked like a water puddle, one that we hadn't noticed. They took out Kakashi-sensei, and I moved in front of Tazuna to protect him. Sasuke-kun fought them for a bit and then Kakashi appeared knocking them out. Kakashi said that the mission was higher ranked and that we would have to go back since Naruto had been injured. At-"
"I'm sorry Sakura, but you said Kakashi and Sasuke fought them, how then did Naruto become injured?"
"Well he joined in at the end to help Sasuke as he had frozen up a bit, and he got hit by one of the gauntlets the nins wore. Kakashi had said it was poisoned, but Naruto bled it out and said we should continue on." Sakura saw them nod and write a few things down, before continuing. "We headed out and made it to Wave country, where Tazuna had a boat waiting to take us across. While we were crossing, he told us about Gatouu and what was happening in Waves."
"Sakura, if I might interrupt," Homaru interjected. "Why did the team decided to continue on, instead of returning?"
"Naruto wanted to go on and Kakashi put it to a vote. He said it was up to the three of us; Naruto and Sasuke-kun wanted to go on, so we did."
"Did you not want to go on," at Sakura's small nod, "why did you not think you should continue?"
"Well we're only genin, and we have only been out of the academy for a bit. I thought that the mission was too far beyond m-us. But Sasuke and Naruto kept saying how they were able to take out the chuunin, and how it would be wrong to not complete a mission assigned. They were right, in the academy Iruka-sensei said you can't know if something will go wrong on the mission, but you always finish what you start."
At the elders nod, she continued on. "After the boat ride, we were traveling quietly to Tazuna's house when Naruto threw a kunai. It almost hit a rabbit and then Kakashi-sensei screamed for everyone to duck. A giant sword swung through us and smashed into a tree, where Zabuza appeared. He and Kakashi had words, and Kakashi ordered us to watch Tazuna while he fought. At some point Kakashi got trapped in a water prison, which Sasuke-kun and Naruto managed to free him from. Kakashi and Zabuza continued with their fight, when a hunter-nin appeared, disabling Zabuza before Kakashi could kill him. He took Zabuza away from the battle, and Kakashi passed out from chakra exhaustion.
"We took him back to Tazuna's house, where we waited for him to awaken. When he woke he told us that the hunter nin was a fake or an accomplice of Zabuza. He said we would start training in the morning to fight, that we probably had about a week. The next day he took us out to the forest and showed us Tree-climbing to help with our chakra control. The next day I started going with Tazuna to the bridge to guard, while Sasuke-kun and Naruto kept working on tree-climbing."
"Why were you sent to the bridge as a guard?" Koharu asked.
"I did the exercise right on the first try, and after working on it that day, mastered it."
"I see, continue."
"By the end of the week, Naruto and Sasuke-kun had completed the training exercise, and he said all of us would start going to the bridge the next day. The next morning, Naruto stayed behind because he had tired himself out training. When we got to the bridge, a slight mist hovered over the bridge and all the workers were disabled. Zabuza appeared with the hunter-nin and created some Mizu Bunshin. Sasuke-kun took them out, and he and the hunter-nin started fighting. At some point I think I saw Haku use one-handed signs and create ice. When Kakashi-sensei went to go to his aid, Zabuza started to fight him. He called forth more mist, and I stayed with Tazuna to protect him.
"At some point, I heard Naruto join in fighting with Sasuke-kun, shortly after there was this feeling in the air. I'm not sure what it was, but it made me freeze up. A horrible scream rent the air, and then loud crashing noises. This mist disappeared and I saw Kakashi and Zabuza rushing to where Sasuke-kun had been fighting. I waited to see what happened, and after a bit Kakashi-sensei called me over. Naruto was on the ground, Zabuza was taking care of the Hunter-nin, and Sasuke-kun was unconscious. That's when Gatouu showed up with an army of mercenaries. He started posturing about how weak Zabuza was, and how his men would take care of everything. Kakashi-Sensei and Zabuza…they slaughtered the mercenaries, and Zabuza took Gatouu's head. We all headed back to Tazuna's at that point. After a few days everyone was up, and mostly better. I took up guarding Tazuna at the bridge, while Sasuke-kun and Naruto recuperated. Once the bridge was complete we headed back."
Finished, Sakura waited nervously as the three elders watched her closely. She knew that they would probably have more questions and wondered what they were, or if she would know the answers. She started to look to the ground waiting on them.
"Sakura if I may ask, other than guarding Tazuna, did you take part in any of the fights?" Koharu asked, after a moment of silence.
She looked up with a puzzled expression, "No ma'am, I was always watching the fights to make sure nothing got through."
"But couldn't you have provided long distance assistance? Such as casting some minor genjutsu to disable the opponents, or throwing weapons to buy the time for your teammates to regroup?"
"I don't know any genjutsu that could be used to help, and they were moving so fast I could barely see them, let alone use my weapons to hit the enemy instead of Sasuke-kun."
"What about after the battles I am assuming you provided first aid to your team, when needed?"
"Well I helped re-bandage Sasuke-kun after the battle on the bridge. Kakashi-sensei and Tsunami, Tazuna's daughter patched everyone up. Oh, and Zabuza patched up Haku. Haku also put some salves on Naruto to help him once he woke up."
"Sakura, I am most curious," Homaru addressed her finally. "As your parents aren't current active shinobi, have they provided you with training outside your team? Or have you taken up training with other shinobi outside your team."
"No Sir, they aren't exactly happy about me being an active shinobi," Sakura stated quietly. "Also, after training with my team, I'm usually too tired to spar with anyone else."
"What about going to the shinobi library to access scrolls that genin are permitted?"
Sakura remained quiet. She didn't know how to tell them that outside of her team time, she usually spent it chasing Sasuke and watching him train, instead of training on her own.
"I see, well that should be all for now, you can head home. I am sure your parents will be happy to see you. Also, until Kakashi tells you that the mission has been cleared this mission shouldn't be discussed."
Sakura nodded and grabbed her bag by the door, to head home. She felt somehow that they were disappointed in her. But she couldn't figure out why. Just outside the door she stiffened, the last few questions they asked repeating in her head. Oh no, they think I didn't do enough on the mission, she felt her shoulders drop, and their right. Even Naruto did more then I did for the mission.
* §§*
The silence in the room was telling as the young girl left the room. All three took a few moments to write down some notes, before they sensed a small flair of chakra from one corner of the room, which Sarutobi responded too.
"Ibiki," he looked over as the T&I head stepped out. "I am aware you have been listening and we understand that you may want to state some points to what you heard, but perhaps you can compile it into the reports you will be providing on Team Seven, we do want you to watch them since it seems that if Zabuza joins the village, he will be interacting primarily with them."
Ibiki nodded, and then moved back into the corner.
"That was very disappointing, Sarutobi," Koharu said. "I would have thought by now she would have started to take her training seriously. Perhaps we need to pull her into a more suited role?"
"Her obsession with the Uchiha has not decreased, and she appears to be nothing more then an extra body in the dynamics," Homaru answered. "One that is appears to be hurting the dynamics more then helping, as well."
"We will address this to Kakashi; I will suggest that he have her do additional training with the medics. Her chakra control is phenomenal and the team is set to be a combat team. If she still shows no desire towards anything but the Uchiha she will be removed for a better teammate," Sarutobi said. He then nodded at the chuunin who came in. "Bring in Uchiha Sasuke."
* §§*
Sasuke walked into the room, and upon direction sat in the chair facing the Hokage and elders. He kept his face blank, and awaited their questions. He resisted the urge to glare at them as they stared at him.
"Uchiha Sasuke," Homaru said. "We would like to hear your report on the mission, why don't you start with when you left Konoha?"
Giving another glare, Sasuke started talking. "We left Konoha a few hours late, as Kakashi was late. About a day and a half after leaving the village we were attacked by two nins. They attacked Kakashi first, appearing to tear him up using a chain they wielded between them, before they then turned to take out Naruto. When he froze; I jumped in and managed to deter them. At that point they re-directed their attack at Tazuna, who Sakura jumped in front of to protect him. At that point Naruto joined me in fighting them long enough for Kakashi to show up and knock them out. We found out that the mission was miss-classed. Naruto and I agreed to continue on, when asked."
"Why continue on?"
"As Naruto told Kakashi, we accepted the mission, besides those two Mist nins were easy to take out."
"I see how did you feel about Naruto freezing up?"
"I doubt he has seen action before, so it wasn't unexpected," Sasuke said with a shrug. Probably would have to, if not for HIM.
"What happened next?"
"We traveled on till we made it to the boat to take us to waves. On the boat we heard about Gatou and his hold on Waves, and Kakashi warned us that the next attack would most likely be stronger. Naruto noticed something in the bushes, which turned out to be a white rabbit; that was when Zabuza attacked. Kakashi told us to stay back while he fought Zabuza. He lifted his hitai-ate showing his sharingan," Sasuke paused, remembering the killing intent that Zabuza had unleashed on them and his shock at Kakashi having his clan's bloodline. "He and Zabuza fought, and at one point Zabuza almost got through. Kakashi got trapped in a water jutsu and Zabuza sent a water clone that attacked us. Naruto and I got slammed away. Naruto returned the attack which he got pushed back from, but it seemed he was only after his Hitaite which Zabuza had knocked off him.
"He asked me to help him, as he had a plan. He created a bunch of clones to push the Mizu Bunshin back, and threw me a fuma-shuriken, which when I caught I realized was him in Henge. I threw them both at Zabuza, who ducked them only for Naruto to un-Henge and attack. It forced Zabuza to free Kakashi. Once free Kakashi and Zabuza began to battle again, and Kakashi managed to get the upper hand. Just as he was about to finish Zabuza a hunter-nin attacked. The Hunter-nin took Zabuza's body and Kakashi passed out from chakra exhaustion. We then made it to Tazuna's, and when Kakashi woke he told us the Zabuza was still alive. We started training the next morning, and at the end of the week, Zabuza attacked at the bridge. Only Sakura and I were with Kakashi, as Naruto was still at Tazuna's."
"Why was Naruto still at Tazuna's?"
"He had over trained the night before, and Kakashi said to let him sleep."
"What happened at the bridge?"
"The hunter-nin, Haku and I wound up fighting; I was holding my own against him in speed, until he started using ice jutsu against me. After a bit he pulled this weird jutsu in which I was trapped inside an ice mirror dome. Haku was in every mirror that made up the dome. He kept attacking from the mirrors throwing senbon. I tried to destroy the mirrors using a fire jutsu, but the fire just bounced off. Naruto showed up inside the dome to help, and he started creating clones to fight Haku. His clones would attack forcing Haku out of the mirrors, and after a while it was starting to work as I almost hit him with another Fire-jutsu. I noticed that Haku was aiming a full blow at Naruto who was too exhausted to duck in time and I took the hit. When I woke up, Kakashi was taking us back to Tazuna's. Naruto passed out on the way back."
The room was silent. The three looked at him, and then finally Homaru spoke up. "According to Kakashi's report your sharingan awoke on this mission, when did this occur?"
Sasuke glared, "Fighting Haku in the ice dome."
"Why did you take the hit for Naruto in the dome?"
Sasuke shrugged, not answering.
"How did you feel when you woke up to see the battle was over, and that Zabuza and Haku were now allies?"
Still no answer.
Frustrated at the lack of answers, Homaru tried another direction. "What type of training have you done outside team training?"
"Read jutsu scrolls, practice on my own. Sometimes Naruto and I spar on our days off."
"That will be all Sasuke, keep in mind that the mission details should not be shared until Kakashi gives you the okay."
Sasuke nodded, and then left, his face almost sullen.
* §§*
As the door shut, Homaru spoke up first. "That has to be the most that boy has said in years."
Sarutobi laughed softly. "He seems to have at least opened up to Naruto, if not Kakashi and Sakura. Although he appears to still be isolating himself which is of great concern. I am not entirely happy that he is forming only one connection to this village. I would be happier if he was forming smaller bonds with many, then one strong bond with one."
"You fear he may be tempted to evolve his sharingan?" Homaru said softly.
Sarutobi did not answer, and the other two shared a look, before nodding to the chuunin to send in Uzumaki Naruto.
* §§*
"Hey Jiji, Obasan, Oyaji," Naruto said cheerfully, his grin covering his entire face as he moved into the room. He sat on the chair and grinned at the three.
"Naruto, a little respect, at least for this meeting," Koharu said scolding.
"Keh, what did you wanna know?" Naruto's face had moved into a slight pout, pushing out his cheeks childishly.
"Tell us about the mission," Homaru said, "Start from the beginning."
"Well we met at the gates and the old drunk Tazuna…" the three softly sighed, realizing this was going to be long.
* §§*
"…the stupid teme was smirking the whole time to."
"Naruto," Homaru interrupted. Seeing he finally caught the boy's attention, he continued on. "Why did you freeze up?" They all watched the boy scowl, he seemed to be upset remembering, and they barley made out his mumbling. "What did you say?"
"There was no killing intent," they heard him spit out quietly. Sarutobi closed his eyes realizing that for Naruto battles and violence were always accompanied by killing intent, for a calm shinobi battle with no killing intent issued; he hadn't known how to react.
"I see, so after Kakashi fixed you hand, you guys continued on?"
"Ah, we headed to the site where the drunk had…"
* §§*
"…hehehe and it was all because of me that Kakashi-sensei was freed from that water prison."
"Naruto, when did you learn to combine Henge with your Kage-"
"He has known how to do that for a while now," Sarutobi quickly interrupted Koharu. The last thing he needed is for her to find out about Naruto combining his Oiroko no jutsu with Kage Bunshin.
"Alright, please go on," Koharu said, giving a narrowed look to Sarutobi.
"Well after that Kakashi-sensei passed out…"
* §§*
"…Haku left and Sasuke-teme showed up-"
"So you met Haku before the bridge?" Homaru interrupted.
"Yeah, he was real cool although he dressed like s girl, a real pretty girl," Naruto mumbled softly. "He left saying we would meet again, and that he knew I would be strong. See I always told-"
"Did you sense no ill intent from Haku then?"
"No, I told you he acted like a really cool Nee-chan; at least till he told me he was a boy."
"I see, and what happened next?"
"Well as I was saying," he gave a dirty look to Homaru for interrupting, "Sasuke-teme showed up and we started working on tree climbing again."
* §§*
"…so I entered the dome and-"
"Naruto, how long did you survey the situation before going into the dome?"
Naruto scratched the back of his head in embarrassment, "Hehe, I kinda didn't. Sasuke ripped into me for jumping inside, something about breaking the jutsu from outside."
"I see, what happened in the dome?"
"Well we started fighting; I created Kage Bunshin to try and catch the hunter-nin and Sasuke started tracking him. Eventually Sasuke managed to get him with a fireball, just the tip of his clothes, but it was working, ya know? I think that's when his eyes developed the sharingan? Any ways, I guess that was when Haku decided we were to big a threat, cause he started speeding up and throwing those senbon faster. He aimed at me, but I was feeling sore and tired from all the ones I took before that I couldn't move in time. That's when the bastard jumped in, taking the hit for me. I caught him as he fell and he started fading out. I asked him why he did it; you know what the Teme said? 'My body moved on its own.' I mean what the hell? Then he started saying stuff about how he wanted to kill his brother before he died, and then he was out. I thought he was dead."
All three noticed that Naruto became very silent at that moment.
"Naruto," Sarutobi said softly, "What happened next?"
The silence was stifling until Naruto took a deep breath and looking at the wall continued in a soft tone. "I'm not sure. Haku started saying stuff about watching a friend die, and how it was a noble death, and I started getting really mad. Things got fuzzy for a moment, and I started to feel strong, real strong. I put Sasuke down, and I screamed at him that I would kill him running at the mirrors."
"And?" Koharu asked softly.
"Don't remember, I woke up next in Tazuna's house," Naruto said after a moment.
All three could tell he was hiding something, but knowing what they did from Kakashi's letter, they knew the boy wouldn't talk about it.
"You realize you tapped into the Kyuubi?" Homaru watched the boy closely. He saw the flinch and tensing of the boy. "Naruto-kun, you did nothing wrong. The seal was designed for the Kyuubi's chakra to leak out and merge with your own, and when you resonate with the beast, like when feeling anger, you can pull chakra from him to aid you." He saw the boy pick up his head; the eyes were hopeful and guarded. "But you must be careful, don't play around with that chakra, only when no other option is available. You need to make sure you don't lose your temper, or innocents might be hurt," he cautioned. They all breathed easier when the boy nodded, no longer looking terrified.
"So, Naruto how did you enjoy your first mission outside of the village?" Sarutobi asked trying to get the boy back to happy. He knew that when Naruto was upset, he was impossible to get anything out of.
"It was awesome, Jiji. You should assign us more," Naruto's wide grin was back.
"What do you think of Haku and Zabuza?"
"I like 'em," he said grinning wider. Suddenly the grin faltered, "Can they really stay?" he asked looking at them seriously. His eyes were fearful and hopeful all at once.
"We'll see, Naruto," Sarutobi caught his breath as Naruto smiled softly. He hadn't seen that smile on the boy in a while.
* §§*
Kakashi walked into the room, and by the stone cold faces of the three in front of him, knew he was in trouble.
"Hatake, what have you been doing with this team?" At his wince, Koharu continued on, "Let's discuss your missive on the mission and bring us up-to-date. We will speak about concerns we have about your team. Also, you will join us for meeting Zabuza, as you have had enough time to get a feel for him."
"Hai," Kakashi said, and braced himself for a grilling. Crap, I am in deep-
* §§*
Haku looked up from where he sat as the door opened. Shiranui-san stood quickly and nodded to the four who walked in, taking his leave, he left them alone with Haku and Zabuza.
Haku after a quick glance at Kakashi, studied the other three closely. He knew the Hokage was the one in the white and red robes. A pipe was at his lips with a relaxed air about him. Yet, Haku could feel the power behind the man. He was in no way weak, nor were the other two with him. The woman was in a fashionable robe, her hair pulled back in a tight bun that he saw a few senbon was holding up. The man, also in robes, wore glasses that partially hid his eyes.
"Momochi-san, I apologize for the wait. Allow me to provide introductions," the Hokage said. He sat down, and continued, "I am the Sandaime Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen," he tilted his head to the right, "this is Utatane Koharu," and tilted his head to the left, "and this is Mitokado Homura, they are my advisors who assist in the running of the village."
Zabuza, who had stood at their entrance, nodded his head in each direction. As he moved towards the table, subtly motioning for Haku to join him, he introduced himself. "As you know, I am Momochi Zabuza, formerly a Jounin of Mist, this is my apprentice Haku."
Haku who was standing just behind Zabuza after he had sat down, tilted his head made a choice, "Fabuki Haku, former hunter-nin of Mist, presumed dead." He felt Zabuza-sama's shock at the introduction, and the others sensed it as well, as they turned to look directly at him. He felt their judging gazes, and responded to the unspoken question.
"I bore another name in Mist, but as I have embraced my mother's clan's Kekkei Genkai I feel that I should honor her name," seeing their curios gaze, he continued, "My father does not deserve to have his name carried on in me, as he slew my mother and attempted to slay me for our heritage."
At the elder's nods, they each assessed each other, and the negotiations began.
Edited by Beta: Treyvoni Fox 5/24/2009
AN: Wow longest chapter yet… Won't be another for about 2-weeks, since my mind is fried… Hope you liked…
Fabuki Haku – White Snow Storm (Haku – White) (Fabuki – Snow Storm)
This name was chosen by me and the peanut gallery (which now includes Uchia na Kage – give her a big Hello!) Trust me when I say when it came to Haku's clan name, the names were thrown out all over the place… But well what finally tipped the scale to Fabuki…a) it just rolls off the tongue nicely… and b) as UK suggested, it is a name representing something in nature, similar to Uzumaki Naruto (Maelstrom of the Whirlpool)
