Of Foxes, Toads, and Ninja

A/N: Chapter eight is up, bringing with it everything from Zabuza to Haku to some Naruto Hinata action thrown in. Just a head's up, once the team is finished in the land of waves, expect a lull in plot development for just a couple chapters while you get to see some home life adventures of your favorite ninja. For now though, just find a chair and get comfortable, because this chapter's a little longer than others. For everyone that's reviewed or favorited the story, your support is always appreciated. For people that haven't but want too, you can review it if you find time in your schedules. For now though, just enjoy!

Copyright Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, nor do I own any characters from said franchise. If I did…well I wouldn't be writing on here.

Chapter 8: Times are Changing

"Leaf ninja, welcome to my home." Tazuna said more cheerfully than normal as their group of five entered a small, two story house. They were greeted by a young woman that appeared to be around Kakashi's age with long dark hair, caring eyes, and a cheerful smile.

"Father, welcome home! Hello everyone, my name is Tsunami, I'm so happy that you brought him home safe and sound." the woman said, earning smiles from the entire group. After their recent scuffle with Zabuza, friendly faces were a welcome sight to the group.

"Hello Tsunami, my name is Kakashi Hatake, and these are my students Hinata Hyuuga, Naruto Namikaze, and Sasuke Uchiha. We're very grateful for yours and your father's hospitality." Kakashi said, smiling underneath his mask as the team got situated inside. It didn't take long for Tsunami to start making dinner and Tazuna to help get everybody a place to stay.

"I know it's not much, but it's nicer than sleeping outside." The bridge builder said nicely as he showed the ninja to their rooms. Kakashi and Sasuke were rooming together while Hinata and Naruto shared another.

"Um, are you sure you're ok with this Hinata?" Naruto asked politely after they were told the arrangements.

"It'll be just fine, there's separate beds and everything, so you don't need to worry about being uncomfortable." Hinata said, giggling at how chivalrous her crush was being. 'Such a gentleman, just another reason he's so perfect' the Hyuuga thought to herself while the two joined the rest of the group downstairs.

"Man, I thought you two got lost for a second." Sasuke said jokingly as Hinata and Naruto entered the kitchen, both blushing slightly as they took seats on either side of him. Kakashi was seated next to Tsunami, Tazuna, and a younger boy that had just walked in.

"Inari, your home just in time for dinner. Why don't you say hello to our guests? Their ninja all the way from the land of fire here to help your grandfather." Tsunami said brightly while the boy just stared at the ninja group.

"Who do you people think you are, heroes or something?" Inari asked coldly, shocking not only the leaf shinobi but Tsunami and Tazuna as well.

"Well kid, I wouldn't call us heroes, but we are here to help save your country." Naruto said, his happiness not at all hindered by the boy's cold attitude.

"Yeah, well there's no point, you're just going to get killed by Gato and his men anyway. Heroes aren't real; you're just a bunch of liars!" Inari yelled before running upstairs, once again surprising all present.

"What the hell was that kid's problem?" Naruto said angrily, confused why the small boy was so hostile towards them.

"I apologize for Inari's behavior; he wasn't always like this you know. His attitude has deteriorated ever since someone precious to him was taken and killed right in front of him by Gato and his thugs. The man was considered a hero here in wave country, still is. Gato saw him as a threat however, and had him executed publicly to set an example to those that thought about resisting him. Ever since then, Inari has never been the same. No longer does he smile or laugh like he used to, and his kind eyes have been replaced with those filled with sadness and anger." Tazuna said, Tsunami crying silently beside him.

"That's horrible, how could that man do such horrible things to innocent people?" Hinata asked, horrified by how cruel this Gato person was.

"It is the way that some people think Hinata. There are those that believe that power brings with it the ability to do whatever a person desires. Gato exactly like that, believes that great wealth and power make him superior to others." Kakashi said, his face remaining emotionless the entire time.

"It's for that reason that I wanted to build the bridge to the mainland, to keep men like that from destroying this country. It is the only way to free wave country from Gato's tyranny." Tazuna said, his expression passionate and determined.

"Well you'd better believe that we'll be helping as much as we can. People that pursue power at the cost of the innocent make me sick." Sasuke said, his eyes filled with determination.

"I like the attitude kid, I'm glad to have such passionate individuals on our side." Tazuna said happily, Tsunami nodding her head in agreement. The group continued eating, the conversation turning to happier subjects as the night wore on. The moon was up by the time everybody started heading to their rooms for the evening, everybody exhausted from the day's events.

"Goodnight Naruto." Hinata whispered as the two settled in to their separate beds. An hour or so had passed when Hinata screamed loudly, sending Naruto shooting out of bed with a kunai in hand, ready to defend her.

"Hinata, what's wrong, is someone there?" Naruto asked as he stood defensively over the girl, who was now sobbing quietly.

"N-No Naruto, it w-was just a nightmare." Hinata stuttered out, scaring Naruto even more. Hinata never stuttered anymore unless she was extremely afraid or nervous, so her nightmare must have been bad to shake her up this much.

"It's alright Hinata, it wasn't real." Naruto said softly as he wrapped his arms around the shaking girl, trying his best to soothe her. It didn't take long for her to calm down enough to stop shaking, although she didn't release the hold she had on the blonde.

"Naruto, will you hold me tonight? I don't want to have another nightmare." Hinata said, praying that the blonde would stay with her.

"Sure, anything to make you happy." Naruto said as he flashed her his normal dazzling smile, causing the Hyuuga to blush. The two got situated and before long, the only sounds to leave the room were those of the two breathing, both happy that they got to spend two night's together now.

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"I'm going out for a little while; I'll meet up with you guys later." Sasuke said as he left the clearing the three genin had been training in.

"Just be careful Sasuke, we don't know if Zabuza is fully recovered yet." Hinata said, Sasuke nodding and waving back to acknowledge her before he dashed through the trees.

"Don't worry Hinata, he'll be fine. Let's get back to sparring." Naruto said as he created more clones to surround Hinata with. The three of them had been working on helping Hinata with reaction time when attacked by multiple opponents, further developing her skill with the Byakugan.

'If we weren't training, this would be a dream come true' Hinata thought to herself, giggling at the thought of being surrounded by Naruto's, all of them sweating from exertion. Her day dream was cut short though as the clones began charging at her, forcing her on the defensive. Meanwhile, Sasuke continued flying through the trees, simply wanting to explore the surrounding forest. He was the fastest out of the group as far as traveling speed went, hence why he went by himself.

'Such a beautiful place, how anyone could try to crush it is beneath me' Sasuke thought to himself as he took in the scenery around him. The forest itself was multiple shades of green, with the sounds of wildlife filling the air with a calming collection of background noise. 'This looks like a good place to stop for a bit' the Uchiha thought as he landed in a large clearing that appeared to be filled with several different types of plants. If he hadn't landed, he would have missed the girl that was in the clearing as well, picking herbs and placing them in a basket. She didn't seem to mind him being there though, even sending him a small smile while she worked. This caused Sasuke to do something he thought he'd never do…he blushed.

"Um, hey there, what are you doing this far out of town?" Sasuke said, his train of thought suddenly unclear as he took in the girl in front of him. She had long, flowing dark hair that went well past her shoulder blades, vibrant blue eyes, and wore a simple light blue, sleeveless dress. From Sasuke's point of view, she was absolutely breathtaking.

"I'm picking herbs for various remedies and medicines. The best medicine I've ever made has come from fresh ingredients, plus I enjoy the calm and serenity that comes with being this far from civilization." the girl replied, recognizing the boy from somewhere. She was sure she couldn't forget his dark eyes, something she was immediately drawn to.

"Well, we have the calm and serenity thing in common. I'm Sasuke by the way, Sasuke Uchiha." Sasuke said, reaching out to shake the girl's hand. She looked to be a couple years older than him, something more apparent when she stood up to shake his hand. Not only was she slightly taller than him, but she was easily more developed than any girl he'd met his own age.

"It's very nice to meet you Sasuke; my name is Haku, Haku Momochi." Haku replied, adding her master's surname in to appear as normal as possible. She noticed a quick glimmer in Sasuke's eyes before it went away, not paying it any attention. She couldn't help but notice that the Uchiha was very attractive, but she was good at hiding it.

"So Haku, are you from wave country?" Sasuke asked, already knowing who the girl was. The logical part of his brain told him that he should strike now while she's unarmed, but everything else said otherwise. 'What the hell is going on' Sasuke asked himself as his stomach did a flip when she smiled at him, a smile that was so warm and sincere.

"No, I'm merely visiting for now. Are you visiting as well? Surely a leaf ninja doesn't live in wave country." Haku said, pointing Sasuke's headband on his forehead. He smiled at her then, causing her to blush slightly. 'What on earth is this strange feeling' Haku asked herself, just as confused as the Uchiha was.

"You definitely aren't from here if you know about ninja. But your right, I'm here visiting with a few friends." Sasuke said, trying not to hint at too much while at the same time not wanting to lie completely.

"Interesting indeed. Why did you travel here by yourself then if you're here with your friends?" Haku asked, curious why he'd want to travel on his own.

"They didn't need me for training today, and I wanted to go exploring the area. I travel fastest by myself, and the calm is relaxing." Sasuke answered, curious if she even knew who he was at this point.

"Why were you not needed for training?" Haku asked, even more curious now than before.

"Let's just say that my best friend has certain skills that I don't that allow him to be more effective than I would be." Sasuke replied, thinking of all the shadow clones Hinata would be cutting down.

"This information does not make you jealous at all?" Haku asked, completely baffled by the boy. She had been raised that only the strongest survive, so to see this boy talk of his friend that was possibly stronger so calmly had blown her mind.

"No, because I know that it doesn't matter how strong either of us gets, we'll always have each other's backs. Plus, I'm sure my friend he's training with will enjoy the alone time I gave her." Sasuke said, chuckling at the image of Hinata fainting due to the many sweaty Naruto's surrounding her.

"Ah, so your friends are a couple then?" Haku asked, now curious about the more personal issues.

"I'm sure she wishes they were, but no, they aren't. They will be someday though; you can see it in his eyes, even if he won't admit it. He only sees her when it comes to girls, despite him not realizing his feelings for her." Sasuke said, chuckling at how dense his friend was emotionally.

"Do you wish to be like that someday?" Haku asked, confused as to why she was so nervous to hear his answer.

"Well, up until now I never thought I'd meet a girl that was not only beautiful but also fun to talk to and be around." Sasuke answered, blushing as Haku slowly realized what he had just said.

"Well, I certainly hope that you are able to obtain what you seek. I fear that I must leave now. Perhaps we will see each other again." Haku said before smiling at him, not even realizing how red her face was as she stared into his dark eyes. 'I only wish that we were able to meet on different terms' Haku thought to herself, incredibly sad that she would have to meet this dark haired ninja in combat eventually.

"I have a gut feeling that we'll meet again, so don't go saying goodbye just yet." Sasuke replied with a smile as he courageously took a step forward to hug the girl. She didn't shy away, actually returning the hug with equal warmth. 'I have to find a way to keep us from fighting' Sasuke thought to himself, unsure if he would be able to do battle with the beautiful ninja he held in his arms.

"I have a feeling your right, Sasuke Uchiha." Haku said before turning to walk away, disappearing in a gust of icy wind as soon as she was out of the clearing.

"Fuck Sasuke, what have you gotten yourself into." Sasuke muttered to himself as he dashed back through the clearing, desperately needing to talk to Hinata.

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"So Sasuke, what did you want to talk about?" Hinata asked, curious why her dark haired friend that was normally so calm and collected looked so nervous. She and Naruto had been taking a break from sparring when he had appeared out of the woods, asking to talk with her alone. Naruto had been surprisingly ok with it, stating that he was going to practice sealing now that he had a quiet environment to work in. Agreeing to talk, the two had walked for some time before Hinata finally broke the silence.

"Alright, first thing's first, you know that I would never do anything to hurt you or Naruto right?" Sasuke asked, Hinata nodding her head immediately. The Hyuuga trusted Sasuke with her life, and his and Naruto's bond was even stronger than that.

"Good, I just needed to hear it. Before I proceed though, could you describe what it's like when you're with Naruto?" Sasuke asked, wanting to hear anything that sounded similar to how he'd just felt with this Haku girl.

"Oh Sasuke, it's the most wonderful feeling in the world knowing how close we are. When he smiles at me and looks at me with those perfect blue eyes, my heart melts. Just being near him makes my stomach to flips in the most wonderful way. When he hugs me and holds me close, I feel like the most special person in the world. I could go on and on if you wanted me to." Hinata said, her eyes suddenly dreamy as her mind traveled a million miles away to a place where her and her crush could do whatever they wanted.

"Hinata, I think I just ran into someone that makes me feel that way, although nowhere near as intense as your feelings are." Sasuke said softly, Hinata suddenly breaking out of her trance to look at him in shock. "Why are you staring at me like that?" Sasuke asked, confused by his friend's reaction.

"I'll be honest with you, this was the last thing I expected to hear from you." Hinata said, her voice suddenly serious. 'Who on earth could he have met to bring out this side of him' she thought to herself.

"Well, I was traveling through the woods when I spotted a nice little clearing to take a rest in…" Sasuke said, continuing on with his story of how he met Haku and how they had talked for what felt like forever. He was sure to describe how he had been feeling the entire time he was around her, earning more than a few 'aw, how cute' comments from Hinata. "Finally, we stood to say our goodbyes, and I took and chance and hugged her, only for her to hug me back! Hinata, it's the greatest feeling I've ever felt!" Sasuke said, a light smile on his face as he finished his story.

"Sasuke, I'm so happy for you, which is why I wish this situation were different. You do remember that she's allied with Zabuza, right?" Hinata asked, not failing to notice how sad her friend had become so quickly.

"Yeah, which is why I'm going to find a way to bring her home with us. I don't know if I can fight against her Hinata…" Sasuke said quietly, feeling unsure of himself for the first time in his entire life. He felt Hinata's hand on his shoulder, her eye's full of determination.

"Sasuke, if you truly strive to achieve this goal, then I'll be damned if I let my best friend do it alone." Hinata said, flashing Sasuke a reassuring smile.

"If I'm your best friend, then what does that make Naruto?" Sasuke asked with a chuckle, Hinata smiling slyly at him.

"Oh, he's much more than my best friend, he just needs time to realize what's right in front of him." Hinata said, a flirty look on her face as she thought of her blonde crush. Sasuke could only laugh as he thought of shy little Hinata corrupting his blonde friend. "Speaking of my blonde heart throb, you should tell him about Haku. You know he'd do everything he could to help you with this situation." The Hyuuga said, Sasuke nodding in agreement.

"Oh, I know he would. I just wanted a girl's opinion on it first before I told him." Sasuke said in a matter of fact voice, causing both of them to chuckle. "We should go find him though before we go back to the house, I'd rather sensei didn't know about this." Sasuke said as he and Hinata dashed back through the woods, finding Naruto writing in various scrolls in the same spot they left him. He was so focused that he didn't even notice the two coming until Hinata snuck up and hugged him.

"Holy hell, Hinata you scared me." Naruto said with a chuckle as he turned in her arms to hug her back, enjoying the contact they shared.

"Enough cutesy stuff, I have to talk to you." Sasuke said with a smile as the two separated from each other, Naruto giving his friend his undivided attention. Taking a breath, Sasuke passed on what he had told Hinata, choosing to leave out some of the mushier details he was sure his friend didn't care to hear. When he was finished, Naruto simply stared at him for a moment before smiling widely at him.

"Sasuke, you should already know by now that I'll stand beside you through anything. You're my best friend, almost like a brother I've always wanted. So you damn well better believe that we'll find a way to bring Haku with us!" Naruto said excitedly, Sasuke not able to contain his smile from spreading ear to ear.

"Come on; let's head back to the house before Kakashi wonder's where we've gone to." Hinata said as the three walked back to the house, a new determination now present in their eyes.

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"So Haku, how did scouting go today?" Zabuza asked, curious if his apprentice had found any other useful information besides the daily routine of the bridge builder.

"I'm sorry master, nothing new to report today." Haku said half-heartedly, something Zabuza had noticed.

"Haku, what distracts you? We've been here a week now, yet you've been walking in a daze since our second day here. I can't afford to protect you in battle because your mind isn't in it." Zabuza said, trying to sound colder than he actually meant. He would deny it to his grave, but he secretly held a soft spot for the girl, almost like that of a father and daughter.

"I'm fine master, and rest assured that you need not worry about protecting me when the fight eventually comes." Haku said, trying to sound as sure and determined as possible. Zabuza merely looked at her closely for a moment before nodding his head.

"Good, because I'm feeling well enough that we should be able to strike tomorrow." Zabuza said, wanting to finish this assassination as soon as possible so he could get his money from Gato and eventually kill the short bastard.

"As you wish, you know I live to serve you master." Haku said, suddenly having doubts for the first time since she had met the mist jonin.

"I know Haku, now get some rest. We will proceed with the plan as soon as the sun's up." Zabuza said before shutting off the light, confused as to why he saw a flicker of doubt in the young girl's eyes.

'Oh Sasuke, if only we could meet on different terms. I only pray that you forgive me for what might happen tomorrow' Haku thought to herself as she shed silent tears before falling asleep, wanting more than anything for things to be different.

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"Alright Sasuke, you're sure you'll be alright staying back?" Kakashi asked as he, Naruto, and Hinata prepared to join Tazuna at the bridge today. Kakashi was back to full strength and insisted that they be there to help in any way possible. Sasuke had volunteered to stay back in case any thugs came to the house now that the rest of the team was gone.

"It's no problem sensei; I just hope that those creeps actually try to make a move here while I'm around." Sasuke said, trying to sound convincing as he put on a fake grin. Truthfully, he didn't want to be there in case Zabuza and Haku appeared, as he was still unsure if he would be able to face the girl of his dreams in combat.

"Alright, we'll see you later. I'll radio you if shit hits the fan at the bridge." Kakashi said, handing Sasuke a small radio before he left. Sasuke in turn silently prayed that it would be a calm day today. He watched as his team headed off in the direction of the bridge for a little while before taking a spot atop the house where he could observe everything that was going on without being spotted himself.

"Man, these two are just asking for it." Sasuke muttered to himself as he watched two men approach the house from the woods, both wearing swords on their hips. "Bet you think your cool with those fucking swords." The Uchiha muttered as he dropped in front of the men, chuckling as he watched them jump back, the looks on their faces showing how scared shitless they were.

"Hey kid, just who in the fuck do you think you are?" one thug said as he drew his sword, glaring at the boy who stood so calm in front of them.

"Yeah, we're going to have to teach you a lesson in respect now." the second thug said, grinning as he drew his own sword, both of them charging full speed at Sasuke now.

"Pitiful…Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!" Sasuke yelled as he leisurely made the hand signs, breathing out a massive ball of fire that engulfed the two thugs. The two men screamed in horror and agony as they were incinerated, nothing left but molten metal and ash by the time Sasuke released the jutsu. 'Damn, I think I'm getting better at it' Sasuke said with a chuckle as he walked back into the house, feeling no remorse for what he had just done. He knew that they would have killed an innocent woman and child if he hadn't done them in.

"Sasuke, come in! An unnatural fog is covering the bridge, becoming thicker by the second. If your hearing this, come to the…idge imm…signal cut…Kakashi out" the radio chimed in as Sasuke stood there, taking it all in. He looked in the direction of the bridge, noticing the unnatural fog that had swept over the area suddenly.

'Fuck, so much for a peaceful day' Sasuke thought to himself as he took off towards the bridge, knowing his team needed him. He just hoped that Haku wouldn't be there this time around.

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"Kakashi, so glad you could join us today. I was worried that I'd get bored toying with your students." Zabuza said with a chuckle as he and Haku suddenly appeared in front of the trio of ninja. Tazuna could only look in horror at all the workers that lie unconscious all over the bridge, some more bloodied than others.

"Zabuza, you don't need to do this. I know that you can't enjoy taking orders from Gato, we could take him down together." Kakashi said, trying to get the mist jonin to see reason. He didn't want to have to kill him, but he would if forced to.

"Trust me when I say that the offer is tempting, but no dice. I've never missed a mark, and I'll be damned if I ruin that streak today." Zabuza replied, knowing that the only reason he continued after the bridge builder was for the money offered by Gato.

"Fine then, Naruto, Hinata, protect the bridge builder. I'll deal with Zabuza." Kakashi said as he raised his headband, revealing his sharingan.

"No, this time I take your students out of the equation. Haku, attack the kids!" Zabuza yelled, Haku simply nodding before disappearing in a gust of cold wind, reappearing behind Hinata and sending her flying across the bridge with a swift kick.

"Hinata no! I'll destroy you!" Naruto yelled angrily as he charged after Haku with a burst of speed, not caring that she was the object of Sasuke's affection. Nobody laid a hand on his Hinata without him returning the pain tenfold.

"Forgive me, I wish it were different." Haku mumbled to herself, glad for the fact that Sasuke at least wasn't there. She charged after Hinata, only to be stopped suddenly as the Hyuuga caught her punch and delivered her own in one swift movement. Hinata had intentionally aimed for her arm, hoping to disable her without doing too much damage.

"Haku, you know we don't have to be enemies." Hinata cried out as she exchanged blows with the mist ninja, neither one gaining any ground on each other.

"I have no choice, I live to serve Zabuza." Haku replied, trying not to hurt the girl who was Sasuke's friend too much.

"You leave her alone!" Naruto yelled as he suddenly appeared behind her, kicking her hard in the torso and effectively launching her across the bridge.

"Naruto, have you forgotten the plan already?" Hinata cried out as she grasped onto Naruto's arm, only to stare confused into a pair of red eyes. It didn't take long for them to soften though, and they returned to a gentle blue as he realized that she was unhurt.

"I haven't forgotten Hinata; I was worried about you is all. I let my temper get in the way when she kicked you." Naruto said, his eyes filled with worry as he looked upon the girl in front of him.

"I'm alright Naruto, let's just finish this out." Hinata said, the two turning to face Haku, who had risen to her feet and stared at them.

"Looks like your apprentice is evenly matched with my students, and Sasuke isn't even here yet." Kakashi said smugly as he and Zabuza sized each other up, looking for any openings.

"Don't get cocky yet Kakashi, Haku hasn't even revealed her ace yet." Zabuza said with a smirk, knowing that his apprentice could drop even powerful jonin with her abilities.

"I wish I didn't have to do this, but I fear I have no choice. Sasuke, forgive me for what I am about to do." Haku said softly as she disappeared in another gust of icy wind, reappearing between Hinata and Naruto, kicking Naruto far away from the two before turning to face Hinata.

"Haku, you can come with us. You don't have to stay with Zabuza for the rest of your life, come with us and be with Sasuke instead." Hinata said, hoping to reach a part of her that violence would never reach.

"The Uchiha is precious to me, but Zabuza is precious as well, and I will always serve him." Haku said as she flew quickly through hand signs. "Secret Jutsu: Crystal Ice Mirrors!" the girl yelled before a mirror made of solid ice appeared between the two kunoichi. Hinata watched in shock as the mist ninja stepped into the mirror, becoming even more shocked when she became surrounded by a dome of identical mirrors.

"Byakugan!" Hinata yelled as she activated her blood line trait, staring in awe at the equal amounts of chakra every mirror shared.

"I regret to say that this is as far as you go." Haku said as she began throwing senbon while jumping between mirrors, moving fast enough to make it appear as though all the mirrors were throwing at once. Fortunately, Hinata had been training against something like this as she began to dodge and evade the senbon launched at her.

"Hinata, are you ok?" Naruto yelled from outside the dome, trying everything in his power to get inside to help her. In the split second she was distracted, Hinata began to get hit by the needles, her movements slowing gradually as she was hit more and more. "Hinata, no!" Naruto yelled as he watched in horror as his girl was cut down before him.

"Ha, looks like your students couldn't handle Haku after all." Zabuza said while Kakashi listened to Naruto's cries of agony. He went to charge after Haku when the massive mist ninja appeared in front of him, effectively barring the way. "No interfering, your fight is with me, unless of course you forfeit the bridge builder's life." Zabuza said menacingly, Kakashi realizing that he would be forced to fight now.

"Don't worry Kakashi, I'll protect Tazuna. You just kick this guy's ass." A familiar voice said as a dark haired boy landed near the bridge builder.

"Sasuke, your timing couldn't be any more perfect. Zabuza, we finish this now!" Kakashi said as he collided with the massive mist ninja, the two jonin attacking each other at full power. Sasuke could only watch in awe before an agonizing scream caught his attention.

"Hinata, don't go, please don't leave me…" Naruto cried out as the Hyuuga hit the ground, her body now resembling a pin cushion from all the senbon. "You, I don't care if my best friend cares for you, you've taken her from me…I'LL KILL YOU!" Naruto yelled in pure fury as a shroud of red chakra surrounded his body. In his fury, he failed to notice the faint breaths that escaped the Hyuuga's lips, his eyes only seeing the girl from the mist. Slowly, the chakra formed a cloak over him, a single tail protruding from the end.

"Kakashi, what's happening?" Sasuke yelled out as he watched his best friend transform. It was then that he felt the massive surge of energy radiate off his friend, effectively freezing him in his tracks.

"Kakashi is that…" Zabuza asked, recognizing the chakra signature as one that he had felt many years ago. It was a signature that had brought destruction and chaos with it over twelve years ago to the village hidden in the leaves, a chaos that was felt all the way in the village hidden in the mist.

"It is, I just don't understand how." Kakashi said, now fearful for the safety of everyone on the bridge. 'Is it possible that the seal is weakening' the jonin asked himself.

"What kind of power is this? Tell me blonde one, who are you to possess such power?" Haku asked, now scared for her life as she stared in horror at what had become of Naruto. She doubted that he would listen to her about his friend, his eyes only seeing bloodlust and hatred.

"YOU KILLED THE GIRL I LOVED; NOW I'M GOING TO MAKE YOU WISH YOU WERE DEAD!" Naruto yelled as he jumped high into the air, only to come flying down like a streaking red meteor as he slammed through the ice dome, the entire dome exploding in every direction except for where Hinata laid, Naruto using his body to shield hers. As Haku landed on her feet, she was terrified at the speed the small demon possessed as he appeared in front of her almost instantly, slamming his fist into her with such force that the mask she wore shattered to pieces. She slammed into the ground, lying in wait for the killing blow that never came.

"Naruto, please stop this." Sasuke cried out as he stood defensively over Haku. "There has to be another way, you showed me that!" Sasuke said, begging his best friend to stop before he destroyed the girl he held dear to him.

"SASUKE, WHAT ARE YOU DOING!" Naruto yelled as he watched his best friend stand between him and Hinata's killer. "SHE KILLED HINATA IN COLD BLOOD, AND YOUR PROTECTING HER?" the boy cried out in agony, feeling more betrayed than ever.

"Naruto, I understand the pain of losing someone you hold dear, but does taking her life bring Hinata back? Revenge isn't the answer; it'll only bring you more pain." Sasuke replied, thinking of the time in his life before he met Naruto when his only goal was to seek revenge on his older brother. "There has to be another way…" Sasuke pleaded before Haku stood behind him, the pained look in her eyes due to her clashing emotions more than the physical pain Naruto had caused.

"Naruto, the girl who is precious to you, she lives…" Haku said, Naruto's eyes softening slightly at her words. In a flash, he was at her side, listening for any signs of life. Kakashi and Sasuke both released a sigh of relief when they saw the red chakra begin to dissipate from Naruto, replaced with him sobbing as he held Hinata in his arms.

"Words cannot describe how sorry I am Sasuke." Haku said quietly as she placed a hand on his shoulder, surprised when he didn't shake it off.

"Your student…he stood in the face of death itself to protect someone he held dear." Zabuza said, not knowing what to think after what he had just witnessed.

"It just proves that friendship and companionship can overcome all hatred." Kakashi said, surprised himself at the strange turn of events. He wasn't complaining when Zabuza hefted his sword back into its sheath, turning to face the silver haired jonin.

"Perhaps you are right, and perhaps I have been foolish in thinking that strength can only be acquired through revenge and killing." Zabuza said, the truth in his words apparent as Haku and Sasuke turned to face the jonin. Naruto was busy removing the senbon from Hinata slowly and carefully, all the while staring at her with a look of realization in his eyes.

"Zabuza, don't tell me you've gone soft now. We had a deal, and it looks to me like you just broke it." An arrogant voice yelled from the end of the bridge. As the mist receded, the two jonin were shocked to see a massive crowd of what appeared to be thugs and criminals standing there with Gato in the front.

"Yeah, well I'm smart enough to know when I'm beat. To go against that blonde kid would be a suicide mission, so consider our deal off. I'm done taking orders from you, you short, greedy bastard." Zabuza said coldly as he reached for his sword while Kakashi drew a kunai.

"What do you say; want to try working together on this one?" Kakashi asked as he prepared himself to attack, Sasuke and Haku following his lead.

"Fuck it, what's the worst that could happen against this rag tag band of tough guys." Zabuza said sarcastically as he flew into the crowd, effectively rending the heads from the shoulders of any that were unlucky enough to be in his way. Sasuke had thrown himself into the fray, launching a massive fireball to clear a path as he landed, incinerating all that were caught in it. Kakashi began throwing kunai into the crowd while Haku threw massive icicles, the two objects impaling any thugs that weren't paying attention.

"Come on, stop them!" Gato yelled from the back as he watched his men get cut down in one bloody kill after the other. Suddenly, the short man felt a massive presence behind him before he felt the sword enter the middle of his skull and exit through his groin. Zabuza chuckled coldly as he watched the two severed pieces fall to the ground into a pool of blood, the man's insides spilling all over the ground.

"Alright, as you can see, your leader is dead. Therefore, I'm giving you exactly one minute to clear this bridge and never come back before I show you what I can really do!" Kakashi yelled menacingly as he watched the remaining men throw themselves off the bridge, swimming to the boats they had come in.

"If they were smart, they won't come back." Sasuke said as he watched the boats sail away, leaving the land of waves forever.

"I'd say that if their intelligence doesn't save them, then the simple will to survive will work just as well." Haku said, standing beside her second savior.

"Regardless, with Gato gone, we can finish the bridge in peace and save this land!" Tazuna said happily, appearing from behind a pile of bricks. While everyone had been distracted by Naruto's transformation, the old man had taken the time to hide out of sight.

"Yes, I suppose you can. You really aren't worth the effort anyway." Zabuza said sarcastically as he joined the four of them. It was then that Kakashi looked over to see Naruto finally walking towards the group carrying Hinata in his arms protectively.

"Naruto how is she?" Kakashi asked, knowing he was probably on the best terms with him right now.

"She's alive, but she needs rest. Sasuke, I'd like to thank you for stopping me from doing something I would have regretted." Naruto said, giving his dark haired friend a small smile. The blonde then turned to Haku, his face returning to its prior seriousness. "Haku, you are precious to Sasuke, therefore I will do anything in my power to help him keep you safe. However, don't expect me to trust you right away. I'm being as generous as I am because it's what Hinata would want, not because I want to." Naruto said indifferently to the girl before setting off at a brisk dash towards Tazuna's home.

"I am surprised to see him be so accepting after what just happened. I do not deserve such patience." Haku said sadly before Sasuke put a hand under her chin, forcing her eyes to meet his.

"Give it time, and I promise you on my Uchiha name that he'll grow on you." Sasuke said, giving the girl a small smile. She smiled back before looking at Zabuza, the smile suddenly gone.

"Zabuza, I am sorry that I have failed you…" Haku said, the tears now streaming down her face as she waited for her master to yell or scream at her. When it didn't come, she was surprised to see what looked like a smile on his face.

"Haku, once again you have proven your great wisdom despite your young age. By you showing mercy to the Hyuuga girl, you have shown me that perhaps the cold-hearted life I've been living for so long is not the way. With that being said, I ask that you continue to travel with Kakashi and his team and learn from them. For that boy to have such strength simply by fighting for another, it proves that you can learn much from this team." Zabuza said, already knowing that Kakashi would have no problem accepting the young girl in.

"But master, what about you? Are you simply going to travel the nations alone?" Haku asked, not wanting her master and the closest thing she had to a father being all alone.

"I will, but only until I can find myself, find a new reason to keep fighting. Kakashi Hatake, I, Zabuza Momochi of the Village Hidden in the Mist, hereby request to be an ally of the leaf. I wish to aid you in times of peace and war, you need only ask. As proof of my commitment, I grant you my apprentice, Haku Momochi." Zabuza said, bowing slightly to the silver haired jonin. He then leaned in to where only Kakashi could hear him. "Keep her safe, I see now that she will be happy with the Uchiha boy, happier than I could make her on my own. I promise that we'll meet again, only next time it will be as allies." Zabuza said, a look of determination in his voice.

"Very well, I accept. Good luck, and may you find whatever it is you search for, friend." Kakashi said as he bowed back to the mist shinobi, a newfound respect for this new ally developing. Zabuza simply stepped back a few feet before fading away into the mist. Haku could only stare as his outline faded away before bursting into tears, Sasuke pulling her into his arms to try and soothe her. 'Time heals all wounds, trust me' Kakashi thought to himself as their group began the return trip to Tazuna's house.

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"Hinata, you're finally awake! I was so scared that I'd lose you forever, I thought I was going to go crazy." Naruto said happily as the Hyuuga girl finally opened her eyes, only to be caught in the warmest hug she'd ever received from a teary eyed Naruto. She returned the hug, enjoying the contact as much as he was.

"I'm fine Naruto; you didn't have to worry so much. How long was I out, a few hours?" Hinata asked, watching the look on Naruto's face go from worried to laughing in seconds.

"That's a good one, try over two days." Naruto said, watching Hinata go from content to shock. "I've had a lot of time to think in these two days, and I um…well, I really like you, and I think you really like me, and I know it's not the most romantic place, but…" Naruto stuttered out before Hinata silenced him by pressing a finger to his lips.

"Naruto, I would love to be your girlfriend." Hinata said sweetly, giggling as she saw him smile the widest she'd ever seen before.

"Really? Oh wow, this is great! I didn't think you'd actually say yes…" Naruto said before he was silenced again, this time by Hinata hugging him with crushing force.

"Naruto, sometimes you talk too much." Hinata said cutely as the two held each other, both sighing contently as they thought about how it only gets better from here.