-Author POV-
With his team in tow Kakashi leads Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke to the bridge too watch over Tazuna for the day as they arrive they find all the workers unconscious with a heavy mist in the air mentally preparing for what is coming Kakashi tells his students to protect Tazuna.
-Sakura POV-
'Zabuza' my mind crys out in alarm as the mist thickens to zero visibility 'WHY I thought he had changed he was so kind to me' my mind screams out shaking my head I leave my position and run up to Kakashi-Sensei "Sensei Zabuza isn't a bad person he was so kind to me please we don't have to fight him" I beg.
"I know Sakura this is just part of his plan" Kakashi's calm voice carries over to me instantly soothing my nerves "Now get back to your post we have to let this play out exactly how Zabuza wants" he commands and I go back to the others standing guard in front of Tazuna once again.
"What the hell was that about Sakura" Sasuke hisses at me from my left "Nothing Sasuke" I purposely leave off the suffix to his name not sure if I like him anymore after the stunt he had pulled on me a few days prior.
I glance towards Naruto to see him trembling I reach over and pat his arm in a calming gesture hoping to convey what I could through touch before refocusing my attention back on to Kakashi-Sensei who was nearly invisible in the heavy mist.
Tension rises and crashes over us as Zabuza's laughter sounds throughout the mist "Well Kakashi back for round two I see" Zabuza taunts hoping to draw Kakashi into his trap or well in this case plan.
-Zabuza POV-
"This is it Haku this is where our lives will begin after this we will have our freedom and not be hunted down any longer" I announce to Haku before taunting Kakashi hoping to draw him forward into my mist.
Nodding to Haku I take off using the mist as cover before landing in between the bridge builder and the brats noticing that the girl was with them letting a grin spread across my face I lean forward letting my breath hit her ear "Hello Sakura" I whisper before disappearing.
Landing just off to the side hidden in the mist I hear the startled scream of Sakura before laughing "This is too easy Kakashi I could of killed them and you wouldn't have even known" I taunt him once again.
"Enough games Zabuza" his voice shouts through the mist reaching me I'm startled when a small hand grabs my arm and I look down to see Sakura standing there next to me leaning down "What are you doing girl" I whisper causing her to smile brightly.
"Zabuza thanks" and with a small hug she disappears back through the mist to her teammates shaking my head at the strangeness of the pink-haired girl I focus on Kakashi's incoming attack "Prepare yourself Zabuza."
"I'm already ready Kakashi" I taunt merely side-stepping the thrown kunai I let laughter ring through the air "You'll have to do better than that if you want to hit me Kakashi" I growl out quickly becoming bored with our cat and mouse game.
-Kakashi POV-
Sighing as I throw a few shuriken in Zabuza's direction I realize that Zabuza was having entirely to much fun with this delicate situation "Fine then Zabuza I'll come find you then" I throw out before speeding in his direction.
Hooking my hands into his shirt I careen us in the opposite direction of my team and further into the mist to have a little chat with him "What are you doing Zabuza" I growl out once far enough away where the rest couldn't hear us.
"Just having a little fun Kakashi got a problem with it" he answers in excitement causing me to sigh again "Well don't over-do yourself then" I smirk in retaliation causing him to frown at my insult "Very well then Kakashi I'll stop the head games" he grins before disappearing.
Spinning around I search for his chakra only to find it near my team eyes widening I sprint in their direction when a scream pierces the air 'He's serious' I choke out in my thoughts.
Breaking through the mist I see Sakura and Tazuna unconscious Sasuke underneath Zabuza's foot and Naruto on the ground looking on in fear and I shake my head knowing that some of them would be having nightmares for a few weeks after this ordeal was over.
-Zabuza POV-
Raising my gray eyes to meet Kakashi's onyx colored eye I grin as if to say 'Is this good enough for you' before putting pressure on the boy's chest watching him gasp and struggle for air.
Peering down at him menacingly I take pleasure in watching him flinch in fear before I kick him in the side sending him rolling across the bridge to Kakashi "The boy's weak Kakashi haven't you taught him not to take on someone bigger and stronger than him" I taunt hoping to get a rise out of him.
-Sasuke POV-
"What did you just say" I spit out letting my temper out at the jab to my abilities "I'll show you weak Momochi" I yell out rushing towards him kunai raised high only to end up back on the ground "Damn it" I curse spitting out the blood that had flooded my mouth from the kick
"You'll regret that" I scream starting to charge forward again only to be held back by Kakashi "Let me at him Sensei" I yell out throwing a glare over my shoulder to the jonin holding me back.
"Enough Sasuke don't let your temper blind you" he replies not even flinching "Now go help your teammates while I handle Zabuza" he orders me before rushing forward catching Zabuza by surprise and sending him flying backwards into the mist.
-Sakura POV-
"Ugh" I groan sitting up clutching my head as it throbs painfully "What hit me" I ask looking around only to find Sasuke and Kakashi-Sensei missing Tazuna unconscious and Naruto just a few feet away sitting on the ground.
"Naruto" I whisper crawling over to him "Naruto" I ask again when I receive no response "Naruto" I say a little louder shaking him slightly "Sakura-chan" he whimpers out hugging me.
"It's alright Naruto I'm here" I pat his back gently comforting him before pulling away "Now what's going on where is Sasuke and Sensei and what happened to Tazuna and me" I ask quickly looking around for any signs of movement.
"It was Zabuza Sakura he knocked you guys out and he kicked Sasuke that way" he points in some random direction "And Kakashi-Sensei went after Zabuza" he says after a few seconds of silence.
'Now I remember Zabuza knocked me out' I think to myself before standing up holding out a hand for Naruto to pull himself up with I tense feeling the oncoming chakra and move in front of the still unconscious Tazuna pulling Naruto with me by his hand.
Raising a kunai in defense I wait for whoever was headed our way "Be on your guard Naruto" I whisper right as Sasuke breaks through the mist "Sasuke" I shout relaxing slightly still looking around for anything else.
Once Sasuke reaches us I immediately ask him "Where's Sensei" "I don't know" he answers with a shrug of his shoulders frowning at his attitude I ignore him intent on protecting Tazuna even though I know all of this is part of Zabuza's plan.
'Well he does need to make it seem like he's really trying to kill us' I joke in my thoughts getting a little humor out of the situation I'm startled out of my thoughts when a hand grazes my back "Sakura" a voice whispers and I recognize it as Haku's.
"Stay here" I call out to the others before speeding off in the direction of Haku's chakra stopping in front of him panting slightly "What's wrong" I ask upon noticing the frown "Gatou's here" he answers before disappearing as quickly as he had come.
Running back I'm almost hit with several kunai and shuriken thrown from nearly every direction once I'm with Sasuke and Naruto is only when I notice that the mist is dissipating 'It's almost time' I think quickly.
-Zabuza POV-
"What do you say we end our little game Kakashi" I taunt spitting out the blood upon feeling the presence of Gatou in the area I swing my executioners blade towards Kakashi only to miss narrowly "What kind of swing was that Zabuza" he taunts as well before going through a set of handsigns.
"Let me introduce you to my own technique" he growls out causing my eyes to widen at the chakra gathering in his hand "Now hold on Kakashi this isn't part of the plan" I say backing away from him "Don't move" he responds before darting forward with his hand stretched towards me.
I watch as he swerves at the last second and slams his hand into someone else causing me to nearly sigh in relief standing straight knowing that it was time I allow the mist to fade allowing full visibility once again.
"Well well well what do we have here" is the first thing I hear after the mist was gone and there at the end of the unfinished bridge is Gatou "You SWINE" I grind out through clenched teeth.
Feeling Haku appear at my side I throw a quick glance at Kakashi only to find his attention focused completely on Gatou and I take a second to whisper to Haku "Go to the others they may need you" I order quietly before doing the same as Kakashi.
"Very well Master Zabuza" Haku answers before disappearing in a swirl of wind "Your end is now" I flash a deadly smile at the idiot that breaks through the group standing behind Gatou and swing my sword cleaving the man in half "Is that the best you can do" I taunt.
Allowing my aura to suffocate some I charge forward killing all in my way feeling Kakashi do the same "This is the most fun I've had all day" I laugh maniacally letting all of my tension out in the heat of the moment watching Kakashi punch a whole through someone as we draw closer and closer to Gatou.
-Author POV-
The next few minutes are a flurry of activity as the two adult's fight their way through the mercenaries that Gatou had brought with him and Haku appears before the three teammates.
-Haku POV-
I am unprepared for the raven-haired boy's attack when I appear before them "YOU" he screams charging forward only to be stopped by Sakura "WHAT ARE YOU DOING SAKURA" he yells struggling in her hold "STOP SASUKE HE ISN'T OUR ENEMY ANYMORE" she screams back.
Allowing a tiny smirk to flit across my lips briefly at the kindness of the girl "She's right you know this was all part of Zabuza's plan apparently only Sakura knows what's going" I tease before dodging the kunai he throws at me.
"Haku don't taunt him" Sakura berates before once again grabbing hold of the boy as he starts forward again "Enough Sasuke" she demands in a cold voice before shoving him backwards into the blonde.
"I'm sorry Haku Sasuke doesn't have any manners" she says smiling sweetly before throwing a glare over her shoulder at the boy taking my hand in hers I allow her to pull me forward just as a small groan floats across the small distance.
"Tazuna" she asks stopping and letting my hand drop "What's going on" the bridge builder asks upon sitting up "Well" she lets out a nervous laugh "Zabuza knocked you out but everything is going to be ok now" she finally answers with a sheepish smile.
"What do you mean everything's going to be ok" he asks warily looking around "Well Zabuza and Kakashi-Sensei are going to stop Gatou and you'll be able to live in peace" she announces nearly laughing at his expression.
-Naruto POV-
"Have you gone crazy Sakura-chan" I yell out running over to her and pulling her away from the strange boy "I haven't gone crazy Naruto" she mutters out slapping my head lightly before going back to standing next to the new kid.
"Then what's going on here why are you protecting Zabuza and him huh" I point out completely confused wondering what the hell I had missed and why our supposed enemy was now helping us out.
"I'm protecting them because they protected me Naruto" Sakura blurts out looking warily at Sasuke noticing "What's going on between you and Sasuke I haven't heard you ask him out in days now" I ask feeling the tension thicken.
"Well I uh you see it's not important Naruto" she stutters out completely avoiding my question "Then what is important" I grumble out wanting to get to the bottom of everything.
"What's important Naruto is that we protect Tazuna and with Haku here we have a better chance at that" Sakura replies right as someone charges at her knocking her to the ground with a cry I jump forward only to be stopped by Sasuke as Haku swiftly takes action and in a few seconds the man is dead.
-Sakura POV-
"Ow" I cry out upon impact before standing up slowly not letting my pain show "See what did I tell you" I grin at Haku before walking over to him and grab his hand pulling him closer to the group "Thanks Haku" I whisper in his ear.
"It was nothing" he replies standing slightly behind Tazuna in case someone were to try and sneak up behind us and with all of us on constant watch we wait in silence hoping that this day would soon come to an end.
"Man this sucks" Naruto complains after several minutes of nothing happening rolling my eyes "Be quiet" I mutter out whacking him lightly on the arm "Oww Sakura that hurt" he whines "Oh you big baby" I mock in exasperation.
Giggling at his expression I relax slightly once again finding humor at our situation "Dope" Sasuke mutters under his breath instantly getting a rise out of Naruto who jumps forward "TEME" he screeches lunging towards Sasuke "Stop" I command "You two are acting like 5 year olds and not ninja focus" I order.
Instantly both boys stop but Sasuke glares at me but I ignore him refocusing my attention on the clashes of weapons that was slowly coming closer to where we were standing "Heads up something's coming our way" I announce moving into a protective position in front of Tazuna while the others do the same.
-Kakashi POV-
Wiping the sweat from my brow I run my kunai through another mercenary that had come to close kicking off the next one I jump into the air looking for Zabuza through the throng of people and see him no where in sight.
Landing back onto the ground I speed forward catching a few by surprise I finally locate his chakra heading in the direction of my students cursing silently I knock through a small group.
Upon arriving I notice Zabuza locked in a deadly battle of sword to sword leaving Gatou unprotected and unwatched allowing him to move closer towards my students sprinting forward and in front of Gatou I allow a smile to cross my face "Gotcha" I announce catching him by surprise.
Swinging my kunai at him he dodges just barely and I kick my foot out towards him hoping to knock him off of his feet but that misses as well I flip over his head throwing a fist at him catching him in the shoulder lightly "Aren't you worried about your students" he taunts causing me to cease my attacks.
Growing frustrated at his words I step forward only to stop as a scream pierces the air "What did you do" I growl out stepping towards him and grabbing hold of his shirt "I just sent some of my men after them they are as good as dead now" he mocks.
Looking up to see Zabuza approaching I throw Gatou at his feet "He's all yours" I announce before running towards my students hoping that none of them were hurt and that they were still all safe.
-Naruto POV-
"SAKURA" I yell out watching as she falls to the ground bleeding from the sword that had sliced through her stomach "Your next kid" the man smiles menacingly before stepping towards me sword raised "Naruto move" Sasuke growls out shoving me out of the way and taking the hit in his shoulder.
"Sasuke" I cry watching as he too falls to the ground I look around wildly hoping for an escape route or something when I see Sakura standing up and moving towards the mercenary with slow shaky steps.
Finally after what seemed like a lifetime Sakura is standing behind the man and with her kunai slams it into his throat killing him instantly "Sakura" I choke out in disbelief at seeing Sakura kill someone brutally.
"It's what had to be done Naruto" she whispers out leaning down at Sasukes side before deciding that the wound wasn't serious before moving towards Haku who had been knocked out.
I move towards her only to be knocked over by Kakashi-Sensei "Sensei" I yell in relief "Is it over" I ask "Not yet Naruto but it will be are you alright" he asks "I'm fine but Sakura, Sasuke and Haku are hurt" I announce.
"I'm fine Naruto" Sakura mutters out weakly before falling to the ground unconscious once again "Sure you are" I huff out "Stay here Naruto and don't move" Sensei orders before heading back towards the direction he had come from.
I sigh as I sit next to my hurt and unconscious teammates wondering when this nightmare of a day would end "Naruto thanks for not giving up on this village" Tazuna says groaning in exhaustion as the events of the day catches up to us "Yeah your welcome old man" I say utterly exhausted as well.
-Zabuza POV-
Holding Gatou in place with my free hand I wait until Kakashi returns "If anything has happened to that girl your death will not be swift" I threaten him "What makes you so sure she isn't dead already" he taunts.
Slamming my sword in the ground I backhand him across the face splitting his lip open "What's the matter Zabuza your not one for letting your temper get the best of you" Kakashi announces his presence with a taunt.
"Enough Kakashi let's end this swine together" I grin maniacally down at the short man that had ruined the lives of many people in the village causing them to retaliate by building the bridge.
"I bet you never thought it would end like this did you Gatou" I ask setting him on his feet without letting go of his shirt letting all of my anger go in that single instance as I reach for my sword.
"Do you want to do the honors or shall I" I direct the question to Kakashi "You can have at him Zabuza" he replies just standing there watching "Very well then" I grin once more picking up my blade and letting him go at the same time.
Swinging my executioners blade in a wide arc I allow it to fly through the air and hit Gatou who had started running killing him instantly walking over to the pathetic excuse of a man I pick up my blade and hook it onto my back.
"Well Kakashi we make a great team" I say as we head towards the brats once we reach them we find them all asleep and injured "Look's like they've had one hell of a day" I laugh out rolling my eyes when Kakashi glares at me with his visible eye.
"Oh come on you had to admit that that was fun" I grin before nudging Haku in the shoulder "What ever you say Zabuza" he grumbles out and bends down picking up the one of the two boys "Naruto wake up" he orders.
"I'll get the girl" I supply and without even waiting for his response I have her cradled in my arms "Yeah just come on Sasuke and Sakura needs some medical attention and then we have the trip back home" he calls out jogging at a fast pace with Naruto and Tazuna at his heels.
"Let's go Haku" I order catching up quickly to Kakashi and within a few moments we arrive at the bridge builders house entering we startle the woman and she begins screaming "Calm down Tsunami they are our allies" Tazuna soothes and I throw a confused glance towards him.
"Sakura told us what was going on" he responds to my unasked question causing me to softly smile at the unconscious girl in my arms "Is she alright" Tsunami asks "She's fine just a bit injured and more than likely exhausted" I answer in a gruff voice.
"Well then we ought to get these children into bed then" she commands instantly turning around with a follow me gesture and having us place the two unconscious ones in separate rooms.
"Thanks Kakashi" I say preparing to leave but am stopped with a small hand on my arm looking down I see Sakura blearily looking up at me struggling to stay awake for just a few minutes "Don't leave" she begs coughing slightly.
"Alright" I sigh knowing that I had no choice but to stay now since she had asked "Haku please tell the young woman that we'll be staying as well" I order before settling down next to Sakura as she falls asleep once again.
-Haku POV-
'Zabuza's really changed since coming into contact with her' I think with a small smile before heading downstairs and quickly locating Tsunami "Zabuza has asked me to tell you that we will be staying after all" I announce quickly "Very well then would either of you like supper" she asks kindly.
"I'm sure Zabuza would appreciate it as would I" I answer before turning and heading back upstairs to stay close to Zabuza and Sakura 'humph seems that I too have gotten rather attached to Sakura' I muse within my thoughts.
Soon enough Tsunami comes through the door of the room bringing two plates full of food for both myself and Zabuza "Now eat up both of you" she orders before gracefully leaving the room.
Scanning the room once more I deem it safe before slowly falling asleep exhausted from the days events and a little sore from being knocked out by the mercenary unaware that Zabuza had also fallen asleep as well.
-Author POV-
The next several days are a flurry of activity as Sasuke and Sakura rest from their injuries and Zabuza and Haku prepare their belongings and after everything is set they set off from the Village in the Land of Waves heading for the Hidden Leaf Village more than a little hopeful that Zabuza and Haku would be allowed to stay with them.
And after three days of travel they reach the gates and head straight to the Hokage of the village all a little weary from their mission unsure of what to expect they reach the door and wait for the all clear to enter ready to face anything and protect their new friends even at the cost of their own lives.