I know, I know! I'm late! Better late than never I guess… Had a few problems with the computer, making me even more late… I just had the worse day! Hopefully yours was better…
To make it up to you: an extra-long chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto
Chapter X : Weapon of Choice
It had been quiet between the three of them, after Sakura had healed most of Zabuza's wounds she went to sit down, leaning against one of the massive wooden boxes that surrounded them. Haku seemed to keep himself preoccupied by sharpening his tools, while Zabuza had silently watched them, obviously thinking to himself.
Sakura had been thinking too, questions involving mostly around why.
Why her? Why had he come for her? Why didn't Kakashi make it on time… Why had she agreed on this?
She wondered where Kakashi was and when he would be coming. If he would be coming for her at all… She still hoped the boys were actually alright but her hope was beginning to falter.
It had faltered when she had seen Zabuza fight so merciless and cruel, if Haku was anything like him… She shuddered, Please be safe, you guys…Whenever she closed her eyes she would see the people from last could still smell their blood on her clothes.
I must look like a real mess right now… I feel like mess… What am I doing?
She couldn't suppress a shiver running down her spine, making her curl up, trying to cover her bare skin, trying to fight off the cold. Everything had happened so fast and she couldn't erase the memories, not one moment, not one second. Those men… they were so ruthless and didn't ask any questions they… They just did what they were told, Sakura. Her logic mind told her in a strict voice.
This is the life of Shinobi… This is what every textbook said… We are tools. Her sullen thoughts pulled her into a swirl of questions, Am I a tool? Can I erase my feelings? …am I now his tool? Staring at her captor, who seemed to notice when her eyes were on him since he looked up the second they landed on him. They kept staring at each other for a few seconds until Sakura pulled away and looked at her feet. Feeling sad and defeated by the whole situation. 'Haku.' Zabuza's gruff voice interrupted the silence that lingered in the room. Sakura immediately looked up from the boy to the man. 'Sakura is in need of clothing.' He nodded towards her, making Haku look at her. Feeling embarrassed she looked back down.
'Right…' Haku smiled his usual incomprehensible smile and opened his personal backpack to find something for her to wear.
When he found he what he was looking for, he extended his arm to give her the clothes. He was humming happily when he sat back down and continued his former activity. It was then that Sakura noticed he wasn't only sharpening his tools, he was cleaning them too. Her eyes briefly landed on the dry blood before looking up at the boy whose smile never seem to falter even when doing the most sinister activities.
Standing up, she warily looked at Zabuza, who remained unresponsive until he noticed that she was somewhat waiting for him to give her permission to let her leave so she could change in private. He nodded his head to the large wooden box behind her, implying she could change there. Grateful that she didn't have to undress in front of them again, she quickly stepped into the narrow made up hallway between a box and the wall of the ship.
Tough she was grateful and relieved that she did not have to undress in front of them, she wondered what had changed between now and just a couple of days. Grabbing the green oversized shirt she pulled it over her head, I have to fight his enemies as his own… but I'm no way near their level of skill, I'm nothing like… them. How am I supposed to do this? How am I supposed to fight ANBU? I don't even have any weapons on me!'Miss Sakura?' Haku asked, his tone was hesitant and friendly but underneath she could hear a threatening tone. She couldn't even change in peace. Heaving a sigh, 'Yes!' walking out slowly, surprised to see he was already standing up, with a kunai in his hand no less.
I thought I was going to be part of the… team? No I'm not… but still, we have a deal. Just what are these two anyway? They seem… close and distant at the same time.
'I believe these are yours?' Haku asked her politely grabbing a pair of shoes out of the same bag. 'I was… going to sell them.' He smiled sheepishly. Sakura felt a little awkward because of his confession, so she didn't say anything in return and simple accepted them, immediately putting them on.
'We need to discuss some things.' Zabuza's voice once again interrupted, both nodded and waited for him to continue, both giving him their full attention, though Sakura was still adjusting her clothes a little here and there. It was obviously something that was too big on Haku too.
'It appears…' He paused to look at her, then grinned, 'Sakura will be staying with us a bit longer.'
Sakura scowled at him, he made it sound as if it were her choice, the only thing she had been offered was his sword until he gave her the choice between fighting or failing. She wasn't going to fail Kakashi. And that was the sole reason she was sitting with them!
'We are going to the Land of River and this is our ride. It's free and while we're here we'll be making some money too. The ship seems to have a problem with piracy…So prepare yourselves.' His eyes threateningly lingered on Sakura, 'We're not alone, seems our current employer is wealthy man. Be wary of the others.' He slowly got up, 'I have still some things to discuss with him. Keep yourself preoccupied and stay out of sight.'
With that he left the room, as he walked out Sakura's eyes stayed on his back. Wondering how on earth she could prepare herself on fighting pirates or other criminals…
'Miss Sakura, what exactly is your weapon of choice?' Haku was sitting in a down rather comfortable with legs crossed, apparently his task was done and he wanted to talk. Sitting down mimicking his position, she felt a little awkward doing so but tried to relax herself. The clothes she was wearing now were more of a Shinobi-outfit then the former one she had received from him, giving her more free space to move.
'I don't really have a… weapon of choice.' She answered hesitantly. Thinking about the question she sincerely added, 'I guess a kunai…'
'That is a Shinobi-standard tool.' He pointed, a look of disappointed washed over him. 'Surely you can wield other weapons?' Looking at her, intrigued and obviously anticipating her answer.
Sakura knew she would end up giving him another disappointed answer. 'No… not really… Shiruken's and I don't really go well together.' She made a face at the memory, disliking how she had made such a fool of herself in front of team Seven. The same image made her heart bleed when she thought about her team but Haku's laughter distracted her too much to dwell long on it.
'I believe Kakashi-sensei referred to you as his brightest student…' Haku smiled, recalling the memory.
'You heard that?' Sakura asked surprised, He had called her she hadn't been feeling bright at all, rather lost and useless.
He simply nodded in return, 'I don't think anyone could get a much bigger compliment then that because a wise mind defeats even the greatest power.'
The flattering comment made Sakura blush, to think he had so much faith in her made her feel ridiculous and foolish. 'I don't think so…' She simply muttered.
'You are too modest.'' He smiled.
I think you don't realize who you are talking to. Sakura Haruno, a nobody… I'm surely not the smartest, that title belongs to Shikamaru.'Just because I can memorize textbooks doesn't mean I'm wise.' She pointed.
'Smart then.' He corrected himself, still finding the conversation pleasant since he was still smiling his usual smile. Even though Sakura seemed to be a little aggravated by the whole thing, her behavior was unnoticed by him.
'I'm glad you decided to stay with us, Miss Sakura.'
'I didn't decide.' Sakura hissed back, now getting truly annoyed by him. 'He made that decision for me!' Pointing at Zabuza's sword.
'He did?' Haku asked surprised.
'Yes! It was either this or dying!' Sakura answered raising her voice in the progress, getting annoyed by his childish reactions, as if he was still a kid, he was her age! Act like it!
'So it was your choice then, no?' He pointed out, 'It was you who choose to be here.'
Sakura looked at him, being utterly speechless. She bald her fist, hating how he pointed that out. When had the world turn upside down? She did not want to be here! They made it both sound as if she had just been recruited after she begged them to. If it weren't for them she would've been long back in Konoha with her teammates!
Deciding not to argue with him, Sakura stayed mute. Much to her annoyance, Haku continued talking. 'Don't misunderstand, but do you think you'll be able to handle the situation should we need to fight?' No.
'Don't worry.' He gave her a reassuring smile, 'We'll have your back.'
We.
She didn't want them to have her back.
He handed her a the kunai he was holding earlier, 'For the time being…' The words lingered in the air, unspoken followed a "till you have your weapon of choice".
She simply nodded and tried to give him a thankful look, which was hard for her. At least they trusted her enough to have a weapon.
Maybe… Maybe she could escape? She inwardly snickered, Yes, Sakura, just a few hours earlier you saw him slice people in half, oh and to top it off you are on a ship, meaning you are surrounded by nothing but water and this entire ship's content is illegal and about nighty percent of the crew is too!'Miss Sakura?' Haku asked concerned. When she looked up she realized she had been staring at the kunai the entire time. She muttered some unintelligent words, looking even more embarrassed then before. Eventually ending her rant with 'Nothing.' 'What is in the Land of River?' She asked after a few moments of silence. Her temper had calmed and the tone she used to speak was softer. She actually did that because she didn't want have an awkward silent-moment. Plus it wouldn't hurt to know just what exactly they were planning.
'Nothing.'
'Nothing?' She asked again, surprise evident in her voice. 'You don't know?'
'No.' He answered politely. 'Something always comes along.'
'I see…' She whispered, more to herself tough, They don't have a plan. Well, they are missing-nins, staying too long in one place isn't the best idea.
'Do you miss them?'
'What?' Sakura asked baffled by his question. Them? Her team? Family? Friends? Village?
'Your team…' He continued. 'Do you miss them?'
'Yes.' She snapped, giving him a strange look. Why wouldn't I miss them?
It was the first time actually that she and Haku actually had a conversation. He seemed to be just as confusing in conversations as in actions.
She saw a look of disappointment wash over his face. Does he think I'll be like him? Leave everyone behind?
'…Your village?'
'That too!' She raised her voice at the ridicule question, 'Why would I not miss them!? My whole life is there. I miss my team, my friends, my family, everything!'
'Of course.' He answered, his smile had faltered and he wore a vacant expression and seemed somewhat sullen by her answers.
'Why would you ask that? Don't you miss your family?!' Aggravated by his reaction the question left her mouth before she could stop herself, the minute she asked she regretted it. Not that Haku's showed any type of emotion but she could tell he pulled his mask back on by giving her his blank smile and squinting his eyes as if he was excited, 'Not really.' He lightly answered, with that the conversation was abruptly ended as he got up, 'I'm going to inspect the ship a little. I've always wanted to be on a big ship like this, I think I'll go on deck and see the sight of the sea.' His tone was childishly exciting.
As soon as the words left his mouth the sight of Zabuza caught her attention, making her too late to say something to Haku, who was already walking out the door, humming to himself. She didn't know what to make out of it, for a second she thought she had offended him or upset him, but he didn't seem anything like it. Zabuza gave him a curious look but did not bother to ask him where he was going.
Grabbing his massive sword, he inspected a little before starting to clean it. Sitting down before her, he ignored her presence keeping himself preoccupied with his weapon. Sakura remained silent and stared at the sight, watching his hand go over his blade and return. It made her wonder, weapon of choice… Kakashi had never mention it, not to her, not to Naruto or Sasuke. Well he had mentioned once that Sasuke could probably wield a sword well too…
Her eyes followed his hands again when he repeated the action, though this time he stopped in mid-motion, making her look up. He gave her look and then grinned, shaking his head while he inwardly snickered, he continued, Ignoring his audience.
'What?' She asked, quirking up an eyebrow.
'Nothing, kid.' He answered, he gave her a smirk but it faltered and was followed by a glare, telling her if she were to ask again, it would be daring him.
Sakura bit her lip, and tried to ignore the scene. She once again followed the action when continued, completely sunken in her own thoughts.
When Haku returned he seemed just as cheery as before, perhaps even more. It seemed very little could falter his mood. Sakura shrugged it off as he continued to be kind towards her, even talking to her about training with her once they were on land, all in front of Zabuza, who listened carefully but never commented on any of it. He only answer with a nod or short answer as yes or no when Haku asked him a question.
When it was time to sleep, though Sakura couldn't say since she had not left the room once and she couldn't what time it was and the fact that the room was dark all the time, she was allowed to sleep somewhat alone. She slept in Zabuza's sleeping bag, Haku's in his. While Zabuza kept watch, because apparently sleeping here wasn't safe, Haku gave a vague explanation that the about the other hired criminal not wanting to share the money.
She couldn't sleep. Not because of the rocking of the ship that made her nauseous, not of the constant cracking the ship made whenever a wave hit it, not because of footsteps that never seemed to cease, not because she was still with her eyes wide open staring at her captor and his weapon, no, not at all. Because she just couldn't close her eyes without seeing that man before being split in two, he had gradually turned into Kakashi. So now she was too afraid to close her eyes. Sighing, she turned around again, this time seeing Haku, who seemed to be blissfully unaware of the chaos. Or perhaps the chaos was something that only reigned in her head.
She still wasn't asleep when Haku took over from Zabuza, and Zabuza came before her eyes to rest, he seemed to be aware she hadn't been able to sleep since he didn't look surprised to see her with her eyes wide open.
Sakura was only half aware that days seemed to pass on the ship. She was becoming depressed from always being inside, and she wouldn't have mind to wash herself once in a while. Haku and Zabuza seemed to be used to it since they made no point of it nor ever comment on it. They however took turns to leave the room, obviously also feeling suffocated by the dark room.
She and Haku had talked a bit more but mostly about banal things. She had even sparred once with him but they had to keep it to a minimum since they could not damage the ship or any of its cargo. There was also very little room to move, so they had stopped quite early during their match. All under the watchful eye of Zabuza, who spoke less than usual.
When the moment arrived for Zabuza to leave the room, Sakura immediately got up to follow. 'Can I come?'
Her voice seemed to echo in the room, Haku had only just entered and had probably not even heard her question but gave them both an odd look.
'Don't make me sit here all day again…' Sakura argued, 'I need some fresh air…' She silently added. She did, her head never stopped thinking, every night she slept a little less and the activities to keep herself preoccupied had been done too much to keep her attention for long.
Zabuza slowly turned around. He gave her a blank stare but soon the corners of his mouth turned up into his usual smirk, even though it was hidden underneath the bandages that were wrapped around his face. She decided she liked him more without.
'Of course.' He answered nonchalantly. 'I think today it is actually inevitable…'
'How so?' She asked, walking towards him. Over the past days she had found the courage to speak up more often or perhaps they had more tolerance towards her, either way it made the situation more bearable.
'I can smell it.'
She could see his sharp shark-like teeth underneath the cloth, giving him a hesitant smile in return. Noticing his persona when fighting was shining through his cold uncaring mask, exciting and impatiently waiting to fight. Haku simply nodded and joined them back to the deck.
As they walked, everyone watched them, or mostly their stare would stay on Sakura. Feeling uneasy, she kept fumbling with her clothes or kept putting a loose strand of hair back in her braid, who stubbornly refused to listen and kept falling back out.
Once up, the cold air hit her, making her shiver all over. It hadn't been warm in the storage room either but it was a lot colder outside. The sight wasn't spectacular either, they were surrounded by mist. Strangely that made her think of Zabuza who was standing on her right, she gave him a look but he didn't seem to notice, he was staring at few other hired fighters.
'Ah, yes…' Haku said, 'Those are Kaisou's men.' The three stared at the rather large group, who stared back, stopping their conversations and whisperings to glare and give them glimpses of swords and other weapons. 'It appears it is them that do not wish any other presence on the ship.'
To fight off the piracy, Mr. Heki, a man who refused to say just who was the true owner of the ship was and what exactly it was that they were transporting, had paid several high listed missing-nins or other fighters to guard the ship against a specific problematic group of men that had taken over the entire ship three times now. Mr. Heki's employer was furious to say the least, hence why he hired an over-amount of men to avoid another catastrophe. Unfortunately, Kaisou wasn't willing to share the money, something Zabuza suspected he would want to take care of before heading to shore. Of course about that, Heki did not care as long as the job was done.
Sakura only now realize what Zabuza's warning meant when he had told them about a person wanting to liquidate fellow fighters. They did not seem as a group to not be concerned about, most look dangerous, vicious and above all, violent. Zabuza looked less threatening compared to them, or perhaps she had gotten used to his appearance?
'I think I'll go ask the captain just how long it is before we reach our destination.' Haku said, not taking his eyes off the group. 'I'll be right back.' They both just nodded in return.
Zabuza ignored them now, walking to the hoardings of the ship, leaning on them on his elbows. Sakura took followed him but took one more glance at the group, who now were just smiling at her, making a few obscene hand gestures and whistling sounds. Turning beet-red she turned on her heels and huffed once she stood next to Zabuza, her nails pressing into the balustrade of the ship.
She heard Zabuza snicker next to her, 'Pink.'
What?
Though she did not ask the question out loud he did answer, 'It just because you have pink hair.'
'What?' She repeated, out loud this time.
'You're a girl. You have long pretty hair,' he explained, looking amused, 'to top it off, it's pink.'
'So!?' She snapped, feeling her cheeks redden.
'Don't pay attention to it.' He shrugged nonchalantly, not bothering to explain it any further.
Unwillingly she couldn't help it to, examine her hair, which seemed to amuse Zabuza even further, as he kept his eyes on her and her pink hair.
'Your mother?'
Sakura grinned, 'No, my father.'
She heard him laugh out loud, allowing herself to smile a little at the reaction.
It turned quiet after that. Both did not speak up, staring at the sea of white mist and water. A perfect day to attack, Sakura mused. Inventible, he had said. She agreed.
'Kakashi…' Her muttering made him look back at her, 'How will he know where I am?' The question wasn't really directed at him, more as if she was thinking out loud and she was sharing her thoughts with him. Sakura looked back, patiently waiting if he would answer or not.
'I already told you, don't underestimate Kakashi.' He answered, his eyes turned cold at the mentioning of Kakashi, and it seemed that the scene from a few minutes ago had been her imagination.
'And you?' She then asked, 'Do I underestimate you?'
'You don't know me.' He simply answered.
'Exactly.' She pointed out, 'So why would I believe you?'
'You don't have a choice.' His tone didn't change, nor did his temper rise by her questions.
It was that that gave her the courage to ask the next question, 'Why do you care so much about a rematch between you and Kakashi?'
He remained silent for a few minutes, contemplating on what to answer her. Taking a breath, he finally gave her an answer, 'I don't fight for the same reasons then you, kid.'
Before she could reject, that the answer was not pleasing and her name was not kid, he made a movement that froze her entire being. His hand reached out and placed the unruly strand of hair behind her ear, 'We fight for different reasons. I have my reasons.'
'Perhaps one day, you'll know why.' He mysteriously answered.
'You'll tell me?' She asked surprised.
'No.'
Then how am I supposed to know!? Sighing at his evasive answers, she turned her head back to the sight, staring at the endless nothingness in front of her.
'We are to arrive in two days… He says it is the first time it's taken them so long…' Haku muttered, suddenly standing next to Zabuza.
'Perhaps…' Zabuza answered, 'They are well informed…'
'I think so too…' Haku agreed. 'Sakura?'
She didn't answer but nodded instead, understanding the situation immediately.
'How—' Before she could answer she saw that Haku had already left again.
'Some further investigating.' Zabuza explained.
'Oh.' She simply answered.
Haku… He's just as hard to decipher as you…
'Is he… Did he say anything?' She asked uncertainly.
'What do you mean?'
'I… I said something a few days ago—'
Cutting her off, he grinned, 'It takes more than words to hurt Haku or upset him. And I doubt he be affected by our captive.' The last words were said snidely, making her claw her nails back into the balustrade again. Feeling stupid to ask such thing and feeling even more stupid to be bothered by it, Sakura completely stayed silent this time.
She felt something wet on her hand, looking at her hand she saw a drop of water sliding off. Looking up, a few more followed. Soon it was raining, making the cold almost unbearable. Just as she was about to say she wanted to go back in, Zabuza whispered, 'Prepare yourself.'
Her senses kicked in and she straightened her posture, he then added, 'Stay close and don't get yourself into trouble.'
As both turned around they saw a large ship gaining up on theirs, ramming into the ship, soon ropes followed and a herd of men entered the ship.
Zabuza ran to the middle, taking out the Kubikiribōchō, taking a fighting pose. Soon to be followed by Sakura and Haku, who mimicked his action.
When she looked around, counting she knew that this could not end well. When they had spoken of a ship of pirates, Sakura had thought of fifty men, tops. But in front of her stood at least two hundred men, not counting those who were still on the other ship.
She could feel a drop of sweat running from her neck down to her spine.
There you have it… Next chapter will be up real soon! (I hope…)
Oh and thank you, thank you, thank you for all your lovely reviews! Really, they mean the world to me! Thank you so much!
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