AN: Finally, after you read this and the next Interlude we are officially at the Chuunin exams. Yosh! I hope you enjoy this, and just so you know CH 5is primarily told from Team 7's POV, and is Team 7 centric…
"Many people believe that humility is the opposite of pride, when, in fact, it is a point of equilibrium. The opposite of pride is actually a lack of self esteem. A humble person is totally different from a person who cannot recognize and appreciate himself as part of this worlds marvels."
- Rabino Nilton Bonder
Chapter 4: Teaching requires more than understanding…
Part 3 Humility
Zabuza sat waiting for Ibiki, his patience tested, though none would know it to look at him.
Today was the first of a few meetings to take place before the final evaluation of his acceptance into Konoha was to take place. If everything went well his sword would be returned to him. He could begin to be tested so that his abilities would be recorded as a shinobi of Konoha. He could take missions again and be able to spar properly with other shinobi. His official probationary period, one that Haku was almost done with, would begin. In three more months, he would once again be a shinobi affiliated with a village– no longer a nuke-nin.
Though Konoha was not the haven he had always been led to believe it would be and darkness ran rampant through it, compared to Kiri this place was still salvageable. The corruption, fear and darkness that ran through it had not passed the point of redemption. He finally, after three months, saw that Haku was right…If Konoha is no longer the place it once was, then how can any other village be saved… To change Kiri we need an ideal to live up to; if Konoha has fallen, then it needs to be saved first, so that others will try again to live up to them once more.
Konoha had fallen from the ideals it was founded on, but any village will change over a century. Yet, Konoha had not fallen so far that it couldn't be returned. Naruto was the key to it. If the boy could be seen as he was meant to be, a hero… If the boy was finally accepted… yes, Konoha could be returned to the ideals that had led to the creation of the shinobi hidden villages.
He calmed himself again, trying to find some patience as he felt a presence outside his door. After a moment he heard the door open and, glancing out of the side of his eye, he saw that it was Ibiki entering. He held in his hand a box filled with files. A part of him felt the urge to scream and rage. He didn't because after all every shinobi who attained a rank higher then genin eventually realized; the one true evil in the world was paperwork.
"Hello, Momochi-san," Ibiki said moving to place the box on the floor. He sat down across from him. "I hope you haven't waited too long. As you know the next few days you and I need to go over the information you have provided, I would also like your insight on information we have that you might be able to shed some light on," Zabuza nodded. "I also personally wanted to… advise you on what will happen over the next few months."
Zabuza sat back and grabbed the glass of water in front of him. "Ah, I figured. I am not exactly happy about it. I think I have enjoyed the past few years of being a nuke-nin as it meant an escape from bureaucratic crap."
Ibiki snorted, "A wonderful side effect, but alas I think it always catches you in the end," Ibiki leaned down and pulled out a folder. "So let's start with…"
Zabuza sighed, leaned forward and let his head hit the table. This is going to be a long week…
* § *
Haku laughed as he listened to Yachi and Naruto argue. Haku had returned from his mission to find a note stating that Zabuza-sama was meeting with Morino-san, and that the 'blond delinquent' was with Yachi. After washing up and grabbing a bite to eat, he had decided to pop in and see what they were up to. Turns out Yachi was once again trying to teach Naruto to make food other than Ramen. Apparently she tried this every few months, and every few months it triggered the great 'You can too live off ramen' debate.
Currently, Naruto was standing on the tip of his toes, waving his arms hysterically and shouting that he was fine so it had to all be a lie. Yachi had been trying to win the argument by pointing out that ramen lacked many of the nutrients a young body needed. Honestly, Haku had never seen someone fight so hard for the right to eat fast food.
"Naruto-kun," Haku finally got control of his laughter and decided to interrupt.
"Haku-nii, you agree with me right? Ramen is all I need; I don't need to cook vegetables?" Naruto looked at him with a pleading look, his eyes wide and watery.
"Sorry, Naruto-kun, I have to agree with Yachi-chan," Haku fought the giggle that surfaced at the shocked look of betrayal Naruto wore.
"But-but," Naruto fell to the floor in shock.
"I honestly am very surprised that you haven't become malnourished eating nothing but ramen. Not to mention diseases that you should have acquired," reaching forward he lifted Naruto's chin off of his knees that he was hugging while crying 'no' over and over again. "You have been very lucky, mostly in that the only negative effect you seem to have gotten from all the ramen is that your height is slightly below normal."
"Hey, I am not short!" Naruto jumped back up.
"Yes, actually you are, but then again so am I for similar reasons," seeing he had caught Naruto's attention. "You see as a kekkei genkai wielder of an elemental version, I have unusually large chakra reserves. Not as high as yours, but much higher than normal. Also, I developed my bloodline very young, which spurred my coils and chakra reserves to start growing fast at a younger age. That resulted in what happens to many shinobi, higher metabolism."
"A higher metab-metablism?" Naruto asked, his face scrunching up.
"Metabolism, it means the rate at which your body burns the food you eat. You know, that high stamina that Kakashi-san and Zabuza-san are always congratulating you on," Yachi said, she sat down next the boy who was finally calming down. "You see ninja have very high metabolism due to the use of chakra. We grow our reserves higher than civilians, and as such we need to eat more. You have exceptionally high reserves so you need a lot of calories. Now ramen is good for you as a calorie burner, but it is bad because it doesn't provide the other nutrients your body needs. I am not saying you can't eat all the ramen you do. In fact, you need the high caloric intake since you use chakra."
"That is why Zabuza-sama lets you gorge on ramen after some training sessions," Haku pointed out.
"Ah," Yachi said nodding her head. "Your chakra is also keeping you healthy. As you know, shinobi tend to be healthier then civilians because of their chakra reserves. But, you still need certain types of food to grow; you should be at least a few inches taller then you are now."
"Haku-nii, did you eat too much ramen? Is that why even though you are a few years older than Sasuke-teme and me and are not much taller?" Naruto had a horrified look on his face.
"No, remember before Zabuza-sama found me I lived on the streets. I was starving most of the time, and that stunted me. My body had to burn charka to support itself, which cost me some of my growth. When Zabuza-sama found me, he had to feed me a special diet for several years before I started to grow properly and was truly healthy. Unfortunately, once that happened we were on the run again, and food could be scarce at times," Haku saw the sadness in Naruto's eyes and smiled at him, "Don't worry, the medics here have already gotten me certain health drinks and food pills to help correct this. I won't achieve my full height. But I will hit another growth spurt soon, as my body tries to gain as much height as possible."
"Oh," Naruto looked serious for a moment, "should I be taking stuff like that?"
"Well, maybe you can ask Haruno-san the next time you see her? Otherwise, eating more vegetables will work also," Yachi said.
"Fine," Naruto pouted. "I'll eat the stinkin' vegetables."
Yachi shared a smirk with Haku.
* § *
"I-b-i-k-iii," someone sang from outside the room.
Zabuza looked up in curiosity to see a kunoichi enter. He couldn't help but run his eyes up and down her athletic yet curvaceous body, covered in only full body mesh and a small tight skirt. Her trench coat hid and yet exposed her body in a very flattering way. The way she was grinning manically and twirling a kunai was even more interesting.
"Anko," Ibiki sighed. "What can I do for you?"
"Oh, nothing much. Just wanted to see if you had decided to release the security tapes from the infamous bar brawl last month. I soooo want to see Gai get soaked by booze,' she grinned and walked to the table, jumping up and sitting on it.
Zabuza moved back to avoid the swinging arm still twirling the kunai.
"Oh, am I interrupting something?" the woman asked looking between Ibiki and himself.
"You know you are Anko," Ibiki had a scowl on his face. "Why are you really here?"
The woman pouted; looking strangely similar to a certain blond Zabuza had been spending a lot of time with, "You are no fun," Leaning forward so her face was close to Ibiki, "Can I have Haku for the chuunin exams? I think he would be good for my part in it." She batted her eyes pleadingly.
"I had wanted him for the first part," Ibiki looked thoughtful, "but sure you can ask him. I haven't had a chance yet. I think he came back from a mission this morning."
"Yes!" she turned to look at Zabuza. He was caught by her eyes; they seemed very cold for a moment, before going back to playful. "Oh, we haven't met yet have we? Ibiki, introduce me to Zaza-chan," Anko ordered.
Choking, "Zaza-chan?" Zabuza stared in shock, and felt his hand twitch for a weapon.
"Mitarashi Anko this is Momochi Zabuza," Ibiki introduced his face reflecting his enjoyment of the situation. "Zabuza, this is Anko."
Narrowing his eyes at her, "Mitarashi-san," he nodded to her, still feeling his hands twitch.
"Oi, call me Anko," suddenly she was behind him faster than he could react, her kunai knocking against his cheek, as she looked at him from the side of her eye.
Twitching his shoulder he knocked her hand and caught the kunai in his teeth and bit down hard. He felt her hand clench to hold on, but eventually she lost the kunai to him. Spitting it out, and enjoying the fact that the blade now had scratches and dents on it he smiled widely, flashing his sharpened teeth. "Than call me Zabuza, I insist."
She looked him in the eye, still not moving off his shoulder, finally smiling a blood thirsty grin, one that would have done any Kiri ninja proud. "Oh, I think I am definitely going to like you," with that she was up and out of the room.
"Later Ibiki," her voice carried into the room from the hallway.
Zabuza stared at the door and turned to look at Ibiki who was smirking at him. "So that was Anko. Unfortunately you handled her wrong."
"What do you mean?"
"You took her blade and didn't get scared. Now she is going to be all over you all the time," Ibiki said laughing slightly.
Zabuza felt a chill at those words, and especially at the laugh. Turning back to the papers he had been reviewing he tried to forget the encounter. After a few moments he lifted his head. "Mitarashi? Was that Orochimaru's apprentice?"
"Why yes." Ibiki looked up and smirked. "She happens to be in that small group of Konoha ninja labeled 'Just sane enough to work'."
"'Just sane enough to work'?"
"Yeah, like Kakashi and Gai," Ibiki hid his grin behind a folder.
* § *
Haku stared at the two boys in front of him fighting the urge to rub his head in aggravation. Zabuza was still having his meetings with Morino-san and earlier today Kakashi had asked him to assist in today's training for the team. When he had arrived he knew that agreeing was not the right choice.
Sakura had been leaning on the bridge staring at Sasuke as if his next words would tell the meaning of life. Said boy had been leaning on the bridge subtly trying to edge away from the girl and Naruto... Sighing, Haku gave in and gripped the bridge of his nose in hopes of heading off the headache forming. It might not have been bad; Hatake had even arrived on time. As a group they had headed off to the training grounds. Hatake had told the group that since Haku was joining them, there would be no D-rank missions; just training. To which the boys had shown some enthusiasm, and the girl had sighed.
After a few hours of basic drills and exercises Kakashi had left them in Haku's care. If Haku hadn't seen the messenger hawk circling the village he would have argued. It didn't stop him from fighting the urge to knock all three out with senbon. Seeing the three together like this without Kakashi to keep peace only allowed Haku to see that the kids still didn't work together, at least if it wasn't a mission. Mission, that might work.
"Okay you three," he called them to attention, stopping Sakura from punching Naruto again, and bringing Sasuke's focus back to the group. "How would you three like to work on team strategies?"
He was shocked by the groan from all three.
"Haku-nii, please don't," Naruto sank to his knees hands together in pleading motions.
"What?" Haku backed up confused. "Don't you like working on strategy?"
"Hmph," Sasuke actually sneered.
"Haku-kun," Sakura started off, "Please don't tie us together again."
"Tie…you…together?"
"Yeah, Kakashi-sensei says to work on strategy we need to first work together. So to make us work as one he ties us all together," Naruto answered.
Staring at the three, Haku started laughing. Images of the three working together tethered assaulted his mind. "Oh, that's too rich. No, that wasn't what I was talking about," he finally got out, still holding his sides.
Seeing that the three were looking at him hopefully, he decided to lead them off the training field. "Here, we are all hungry so let's go to a barbeque place and we can do this training there."
"What type of training, Haku-kun?" Sakura asked her face hopeful.
"Simple, I will give you a situation and you three will come up with a plan of action. We will walk through each situation, and at times I will suggest a problem that will occur. You three will then tell me how you would respond. That is what I meant by working on strategy."
The three suddenly seemed happier and they followed him for food. After all, they couldn't fight as much while eating, right? Either way, Haku was killing Kakashi later.
* § *
"Achoo," Kakashi sneezed.
"Think your team is cursing you, Kakashi?" Asuma asked, lighting up another cigarette.
"Hm, no, probably Haku. I did leave him in charge of the three," he answered flipping his book back to page he had been reading.
Asuma stared at him for a moment, "Haku, you mean Fabuki Haku? The new kid that my nephew Konohamaru has been talking about?"
"I forgot, Konohamaru does hang out with Haku and Naruto sometimes," Kakashi looked up, squinted his eyes in the form of a smile. "Hai, I asked him to help my students when I got the message, so I left them in his care."
"I didn't realize that you knew the kid. In fact, how does Naruto know him?" Asuma leaned against the wall next to Kakashi.
"Oh, we met him and Zabuza on a C-rank gone badly. They came back to the village with us," he eyes Asuma out of the corner of his eye, "Why, did you want to meet him? I would warn against it, the kid is a little off."
"Off? How?"
"Well, besides being the prettiest boy I have ever seen, he likes to dress like a girl. The scary thing is he's probably hotter than Kurenai when he does."
He giggled softly at the odd look Asuma gave him, even more so when Kurenai came over and asked what they were talking about. He hunched down when he felt and heard Gai outside the room. He had managed to avoid Gai since the incident in which Haku froze Neji to a field. He wasn't sure how Gai felt about it, and honestly didn't want to hear about it seeing as he just knew that a long speech about YOUTH would be involved somehow.
He tried to ignore everything around him until he felt the Hokage and Iruka come into the room. He lifted his eye slightly to look up and see that everyone was moving to stand at attention.
"You have been assembled for only one reason," the Hokage started off. "It should be obvious by the members here."
"It's already that time," Kakashi mused aloud.
"It's already been reported to the other countries. I saw them in the village," Genma muttered back. "So when is it?" he called out.
"In a week," the Hokage answered.
"Wow, that soon," someone muttered.
"Well, I'll announce it properly. Seven days from now, on the first day of the seventh moon," Sarutobi paused for dramatic effect, "the Chuunin Selection Exam will commence!"
After a few moments the noise in the room quieted down.
"Now," the Hokage caught everyone's attention. "First we will hear from those who are watching over the new genins."
He watched as Kakashi, Asuma and Kurenai walked forward to stand in front of the Hokage and the rest of the people assembled.
"Kakashi, Kurenai and Asuma… well?" He watched as both Asuma and Kurenai looked to Kakashi. "Are there any genin that you would like to enter into this chuunin selection exam? I don't have to tell you this, but after a genin has properly completed at least eight missions they may take the exam if nominated by their sensei. Of course completing more missions than that is the norm. Now, starting with Kakashi," he looked with at the one eyed man with a small smile.
Kakashi put his hand in a ram position and stood up straight, "The Kakashi led Team Seven, Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, Haruna Sakura…Under the name Hatake Kakashi I nominate them to take the Chuunin Selection Exam."
After a moment Kurenai mimicked his pose and replied, "The Kurenai led Team Eight, Hyuuga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba, Aburame Shino…Under the name Yuuhi Kurenai, the same as to my left."
Asuma inhaled and exhaled and mimicking the other two, "The Asuma led Team Ten, Yamanaka Ino, Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Choji…Under the name Sarutobi Asuma, the same as to my left."
"Hmm, all of them how rare," the Hokage said leaning back. He glanced to the back of the room to see Iruka leaning against the wall. "No objections, Iruka?"
Many in the room turned to eye the chuunin teacher who had often been known for his over protectiveness of new genin.
"Sadly, no," Iruka said stepping forward. "Hatake and I have already spoken about the exam and he pointed out that there is no better place to take the exam for the first time than on home ground. I highly doubt any are ready, but this will at least give them a safe environment in which to test themselves and see how far they have to go," Iruka said. "Besides I did some checking, Team Eight has done twenty-five D-ranks and one C-rank, Team Ten has done twenty D-ranks and one C-rank, and Team Seven has done twenty-five D-ranks and one C-rank that was re-ranked as a high B-rank that could have easily turned A-rank. If that isn't above rookie level, I don't know what is. I have to agree they should be given the opportunity, if for no other reason than to see where they stand."
Kakashi felt a smirk forming as many of the other jounin instructors and the chuunin exam examiners whispered. Intimidation…of course this will mean the older genin will be gunning for them, but that only makes it better.
* § *
Kakashi stared at the degenerates standing before him. HE felt offended, and honesty pissed at what he was told. Haku had left after he had returned, and before Kakashi could mention the chuunin exams that little emo-brat Uchiha had uttered the first words.
"Could you repeat that?" he asked in a flat tone.
Kakashi noticed that Sakura was giving him a scared look, occasionally glancing at Sasuke. Naruto had laughed uncomfortably and backed up a little. The Uchiha just glared at him.
"I said that you should have left Haku in charge. We learn more from him," the black haired boy answered with a glare at him.
"What did he say?" another voiced growled out from behind the three.
Kakashi glanced for a second at Zabuza, who had showed up just as the Uchiha repeated his earlier words. He became even angrier when he saw that the Uchiha had paled slightly at Zabuza's words, yet not at his own voice.
"Well, I am waiting." The large man loomed over the Uchiha after moving to stand shoulder to shoulder to Kakashi.
"It's true," Sasuke said after a few more moments. "All the training exercises we do when Kakashi-sensei is in charge are to try and make us work as a team or to refine our basics, which only Sakura needs at this time. We learn newer stuff with you, and Haku taught us a lot today."
"What did you learn with Haku, if I might ask?" Kakashi asked.
Sakura was the one to answer, her voice hesitant and anxious. "Haku-kun took us to lunch and had us discuss what strategies we would use on different missions, and how we would adapt if something were to go wrong."
"I see, and you think the work you have done with me has not helped you in that regards?" his voice was chipper with a dark undertone.
"No," the Uchiha growled out.
"What about you, Naruto?" Kakashi turned to the blond who was watching everything with worried eyes.
"Well," Naruto scrunched his eyes as he thought; a small bead of sweat formed on his forehead as if he was terrified to answer. "I think Haku forced us to think, but the stuff you had us do allowed us to answer his questions?" his tone had a shaky questioning tone to it, as if he was asking more than answering.
"How so?" Zabuza asked.
Strangely Sakura answered again. "Well, all the stuff Kakashi-sensei had us doing has made it so that we know each other's strengths, weaknesses, and how we would react in certain circumstances. With that information we were able to come up with plans that would allow us to work together better."
Kakashi smiled, "Well answered, Sakura, and you also, Naruto. The two of you may leave and go find Haku. Haku is very good at basic field medicine, and I am sure he would be glad to help you with those classes Sakura."
Zabuza followed up, "And Naruto, Kakashi checked and your element is listed as primary for Wind. Since Haku is able to use both, you can ask him for a chakra training lesson that is good for wind users."
Both Naruto and Sakura shared a glance before nodding and leaving, neither willing to look at Sasuke.
Both Zabuza and Kakashi shared a look before staring at the pissed off Uchiha.
"You can come with us."
* § *
Sasuke stared sullenly at the two before him. He didn't move or drop his eyes, opting instead to slowly build his expression into a glare.
"So," Zabuza said, slowly moving to walk around him in circles. "You think the exercises you have done with Kakashi are of no use to you?"
"Hn."
"Well," Kakashi began circling him in the opposite direction of Zabuza slightly offset, "he is Uchiha, and they were known for the belief that they by themselves were a whole team." Sasuke stiffened as he tried to follow the two men as they circled him in conflicting patterns. "Of course, Sasuke here hasn't seemed to learn that before you can have the arrogance to call yourself the whole team you have to learn the different pieces that make a team."
"Oh, I agree," Zabuza growled out.
Sasuke spun around trying to eye Zabuza as he spoke from behind him. He felt his tension rise as he realized that he was getting dizzy watching the two and unable to anticipate who would speak and where they would be.
"Well, let's see if he can be a team." "Yes, I agree let's see if he can hold against us."
"As if I can stand up against two jounin," Sasuke growled, his hands fisting in confusion, anger rising to cover the fear inside. The way the two jounin circled him reminded him of stories his brother had told him of how animals would circle prey before attacking.
"Oh, we will be fair." "You can use weapons, taijutsu, genjutsu and ninjutsu." "We will only use taijutsu." "No weapons or jutsu of any type." "We won't even use our full speed." "Hell, you can even have a five minute head start." "You can even use your Sharingan in this fight…" "But I won't…"
As their voices faded, Sasuke spun in a circle as the two men vanished from his view and left him in the field alone. He couldn't see or hear them, let alone sense their chakra. He realized that the two men were hiding somewhere and he was out in the open. Moving swiftly he jumped into a tree while grabbing a kunai out of his pouch. He started moving silently through the trees trying to hide his presence.
"Five minutes up," a voice whispered behind him.
Turning swiftly, he saw nothing behind him. He froze, and in that instant a leg came out of nowhere and slammed into his side, knocking him from the tree. He rolled back to a standing position and eyed the area, but whoever had hit him was gone. Hearing a slight sound to the side, he threw four shuriken in hopes of driving the person out. He heard two hit the tree and waited. Crap! He dived out of the way as the other two shuriken flew back at him.
"You forgot about me." He fell to the ground as he got hit from behind.
Rolling again, he came back up forming hand signs and taking a breath in. Seeing Zabuza, he blew out his breath releasing the fire ball. As he moved back to take in another breath of air, he saw that Zabuza had been pulled out of the way by Kakashi. His eyes widened as Zabuza used the momentum by grabbing Kakashi's hand and swinging Kakashi towards him. As he took the hit from Kakashi he started to panic. Kuso!
Sasuke felt impending doom, and it came down upon him. For the next hour he was driven around the field taking hit after hit and never allowed make one jutsu, weapon or punch connect. By the time he was collapsed on the ground unable to move he realized that he was so far behind the other men it seemed impossible that he could ever be at their level. The way the two tag-teamed him made the first bell fight against Kakashi seem like child's play, confirming in his mind that Kakashi had been playing with him all those months ago.
"How?" he breathed out harshly. "How do you expect me to compare?"
Kakashi and Zabuza moved to squat on the ground in front of him.
"Sasuke how many times have Zabuza and I fought each other?" Kakashi asked him.
Still trying to catch his breath, "Twice?" he asked in confusion.
"Twice is correct. Now if we only fought twice, how did the two of us work together so well right just now?"
Sasuke stared at them, obviously still confused. He felt like he had failed some how when the two men sighed in unison and shook their heads. It was once againf Kakashi who spoke up.
"Sasuke, both of us barely used any skills other than basic taijutsu tag-team that all shinobi learn. Do you know what makes a good shinobi? It is not the amount of jutsu or how good at taijutsu they are, it's the ability to control a battle. If you control the fight you have won it. The first step to controlling a fight is to know the players. When Zabuza, Haku and I showed the three of you how to do the team exercises, do you think we spent months in advance learning how to work together?"
Frowning Sasuke sat back, "You couldn't have. So how were you able to work together so well?"
"That is what we have been trying to teach you. If you learn how to work with your genin team properly, eventually you can move into any team or group and be able to fit in seamlessly. When you reach that point the next step is to learn to control any fight you walk into, whether you are fighting with allies or alone, one enemy or many."
"That is what has made some of the best teams in Konoha in fact," Zabuza said finally. "Konoha is known for some of the best three men teams. The Legendary Sanin, the famous Ino-Shika-Cho team, even the Sandaime and his advisors were once a famous three man team. And that is to name just a few. But, for all that those groups of three worked so well together, that isn't what makes them dangerous as shinobi."
"You see, Sasuke, each of those people had such good skills in blending into a team that they could be moved into other groups and still function at their best," Kakashi caught his attention. "Did you know that the Sannin never ever agreed with each other? Those three couldn't stop fighting on or off the field. Yet the moment they engaged an enemy, they fought as one unit. Each of them could be taken from the 'legendary team' and be put with others and find that same cohesiveness. It is that which made them leaders. They were able to take the symbiosis and bring into any group, 'controlling' those with them for the best results."
"So, you are trying to teach us that?"
"Yes, you little degenerate," Zabuza snapped out. "The first and most important thing about being a shinobi is survival, and teamwork is what makes survival possible. You three have the potential for it; you just can't seem to use it except on rare occasions."
Seeing Sasuke's confusion, Kakashi elaborated, "Naruto and you used those abilities in your first fight against Zabuza," Sasuke's eyes widened in realization. "Together the two of you forced Zabuza to let me go. That is what I am trying to teach you. Do you get it now?"
Sasuke nodded slightly.
"Good, get out of here. Tomorrow you have team training again, and I expect better results."
Suddenly, Sasuke was alone in the field with only silence to answer any doubts or questions he had. Perhaps that was best. Sasuke was never one to ask; not since the massacre.
* § *
"Think he got it?" Zabuza asked.
"I have no idea; I can only hope. If he doesn't, I may have to change my mind about the chuunin exams," Kakashi pulled out his book.
"So you will hold off on giving them the applications?"
"Ah, depending on how tomorrow goes."
"Well I guess that is best-"
"Oi, Kakashi!"
Both men turned to see two shinobi heading towards them. As they came within speaking distance, Kakashi called out to them. "Genma, Raido what are you two up to?"
"Oh, well we were going to fetch Haku-kun and figured you might know where the kid is," Genma answered, his senbon in his mouth clicking against his teeth.
"Ah, well I think he is with Naruto. Why? You three have another mission?"
"No, just wanted to see if he was up for some sparring. Pretty boy has some interesting moves," Genma eyed Zabuza. "Momochi, good to see you," he nodded.
Zabuza grunted.
"Oh, Zabuza have you met Raido?" Kakashi jumped in.
"No, we haven't though Haku speaks highly of you," Raido answered. He held out a hand. "In fact, if you ever want, I happen to be a bit of a kenjutsu specialist and wouldn't mind fighting you."
"Oh," Zabuza eyed the man in front of him. From his bandaged face, scars and build. "I wouldn't mind having someone to spar with once I get Kubikiri Hōcho back."
"Well, I am all for it. But, I think Hayate has been pleading with Haku to introduce him. He might kill me if I spar with you first," seeing Zabuza's confusion. "Gekko Hayate, he is a sword master. He is dying to try his skills against a member of the Seven Swordsman of the Mist."
Zabuza laughed. "Well, tell him once I get my baby back he can help me get back into shape. After all, I have been without her for a while, so best way to get back is a good opponent. "
Raido grinned. "Will do, just so you know you might wind up with quite an audience."
"Fine by me."
* § *
Haku, Naruto and Sakura walked, carrying a few bags of supplies after a short shopping trip.
After Kakashi had sent the two to Haku, they had been taken by the teenager to a small training field where Haku sat the two down. He had handed a blade of grass to the boy and told him how to sharpen his chakra into 'wind chakra' and to work on trying to slice the grass with his chakra alone. While Naruto worked on that, Haku had gone through several questions and notes that Sakura had for the field medic class. Naruto had eventually given up on his exercise to listen in on the two and ask his own questions. After a few hours, Sakura, encouraged that Haku was with them, asked Naruto if he could show her the shop he had bought his new clothes and the colored tape from.
Ecstatic that Sakura wanted to spend more time with him, Naruto had grabbed her hand and started heading over to the stores Iruka had taken Zabuza, Haku and himself to. Seeing Sakura's widened eyes, Haku had followed behind them. When they had arrived at the area all the shops were in, Naruto had asked her which she wanted; shinobi clothes, colored mesh or the colored bandages. After hearing that, Sakura squealed in joy and shrieked 'All.' Haku and Naruto were in charge of showing Sakura all the shops.
This brings them back to now; walking through Konoha carrying bags of supplies for the young girl who had gone on a shopping spree.
"Ne, Sakura-chan, you sure bought a lot," Naruto said.
Haku started walking slower; not wanting to get caught in what might be another Sakura beat down on the boy.
"Of course I did Naruto. I saw stuff that was of better quality that I usually get, and it was nicely priced and useful. Ino-pig will be so jealous."
Deciding he didn't want to deal with more aggravation, Haku moved forward and stopped Naruto from responding. As Naruto shrugged, the two of them both stopped walking to turn around and see a cardboard box. Sighing, Naruto walked over and dropped his bags on the box.
"Konohamaru, how many times do I have to tell you rocks aren't square?" the shout echoed, causing Haku and Sakura to flinch.
"Boss!" Three voices wined.
Picking up the bags, the box was flipped over to show three young academy students who moaned before standing up.
"You said you would play with us!" Konohamaru pointed at Naruto in full righteous eight year old rage.
"I said I would play when I had time. I've been training all day," Naruto countered, folding his arms to glare down at the kid.
"Haku-nii," the young red headed girl said, walking towards him and Sakura. "When can you and Naruto-nii play with us? You guys have been so busy lately."
"Sorry, Moegi-chan," Haku answered. "I have been busy with missions, same as Naruto-kun. I will see about making some time for you all okay?"
"Hai," the girl smiled brightly at him before glancing over at Naruto and Konohamaru who were arguing loudly as Udon watched from the sidelines.
"Come on, you never have time to play Ninja," Konohamaru sulked.
"Ninja playing ninja?" Sakura snickered, "how lame."
"Hey, who are you?" Konohamaru was suddenly in Sakura's face.
"That's Sakura-chan, she is on my team," Naruto walked over to stand next to the girl, once again carrying the bags.
"Hey, are you carrying her stuff?" Konohamaru squinted his eyes before jumping backwards. "Oh, wow, are you too…" he crooked a finger at them.
"Hehehe, you got it in one, Konohamaru," Naruto laughed, only to be swatted down by Sakura.
"As if," Sakura sniffed.
"Sakura-chaaannn," Naruto whined at her let down.
Seeing Naruto's face, Konohamaru decided that the girl in front of him was not worthy of his great leader.
"I should have known," he said leaning backwards and folding his arms in a serious manor. "No way can you be boss's girl. You aren't pretty enough, not to mention that wide forehead of yours. You also have such an uncool attitude, beating people up. Sure you're not a guy?"
Naruto started backing away, and Haku no longer resisted the urge to groan. Sakura, hearing those words lost her temper. Hands fisted, face bright red in rage, they could almost see steam leaving her ears.
"Naruto, run," Haku shouted.
Yet, even as he said it, Naruto had grabbed Konohamaru and started running, Sakura charging after them. Sighing, Haku looked down at Moegi and Udon, picking up all the bags, "Come on, let's go rescue Kono and Naruto."
Udon followed Haku, while Moegi hugged one of his arms. Ughh, I am so killing Hatake for this day. I was supposed to be resting after a long mission, not dealing with pre-pubescent drama. Haku froze though when he heard the shouting up ahead, along with strange chakra signatures.
Putting the bags down, "Moegi, Udon stay here, okay?" When the two nodded, he moved silently forward to see what was happening.
Arriving a few blocks ahead he saw a Suna genin holding Konohamaru in the air, a Suna kunoichi sighing behind him, and Sakura staring at them in fear. Looking to the side he could see Naruto, fist clenched, trying to figure out how to get Konohamaru. Confused by Naruto's lack of action, he closed his eyes and extended his other senses. Ah, chakra strings. Naruto either sensed them, or he's already caught in them.
Just as he was about to intervene, he felt a familiar presence and another chakra signature that felt off some how. Looking towards it, he saw the Uchiha in the tree with another Suna genin hiding himself behind him. Sasuke looked slightly beat up, and apparently was unaware of the genin behind him. Watching, he saw Sasuke throw a stone at the one holding Konohamaru, forcing the nin to release the boy. Naruto took advantage of the moment to grab the boy and move back to Sakura, placing both of them behind him.
"Picking on children, how unbecoming," Sasuke sneered.
"Why you," the Suna genin moved to grab the pack off his back.
As the blond Suna girl started complaining, Haku felt killing intent coming off the hidden Suna boy. Moving silently, he stopped till he was behind the kid.
"May I ask what is going on?" he asked quietly.
All of the kids froze, and the red head turned to look at him. For a second his dead eyes flashed fear before he jumped down from the tree, almost as if trying to put space between himself and Haku.
"Kankuro, Temari, what do you think you are doing?" he asked harshly, his killing intent rising and aimed at his teammates. "I should kill you for this."
"Gaara, sorry-" Temari stuttered out, the other boy was backing away from the red head. The fear radiating off the two concerned Haku.
"Enough," Haku said, leaking a small amount of killing intent to counteract the boy, Gaara's. Flipping off the tree he moved towards the three Sand-ninja and glanced briefly at Sakura, Naruto and Konohamaru. "May I ask what you think you are doing as guests of this village? You should know better than to start bullying children, and I doubt your village or sensei would be glad to hear that you threatened the Hokage's grandson." He watched as the girl and boy shared concerned glances, and the red-head started glaring at him. Sasuke jumped down from the tree to stand beside Naruto.
"Look, we were just walking around when that brat ran into me without any concern. Hokage's kin or not, he should have been more careful," Kankuro snarled back.
Haku focused his attention on the boy until he backed down. He glanced to Konohamaru to see his head hung in shame, "I think everyone overreacted, and unless you want me to take you all in for fighting in the streets, everyone should just apologize and move on."
Seeing a chance to escape, Temari moved forward and hit the tall kabuki painted boy's head, "Sorry, my brother is just irritable. We just arrived from Suna and have been traveling for days. We apologize for the misunderstanding, don't we?" she snarled at her brother.
"Hey, they started it!" Kankuro snarled.
"Konohamaru, apologize," Naruto muttered. He had sensed that this needed to be cleared up, as he kept glancing at the red-head who was still producing a killing rage.
"Sorry for bumping into you, I just wasn't watching where I was going," the kid muttered.
"See, all good," Haku said with a small smile. As kind as his smiles usually are, the edge in this one encouraged everyone to stay quiet. The three Suna nin nodded and the blond and her brother started to turn to leave, the redhead still glaring at Haku.
"Wait. Why are you here?" Sakura called out as the three started to leave.
"I assume they are here for the chuunin exams, Sakura-chan," Haku answered. Nodding to the three and keeping an eye on the red-head, "I suggest you head back to your hotel."
"Thank you," Temari bowed her head and took off with her brother. The red-head eyed them once more before disappearing in a swirl of sand.
Haku turned to look at them all, shaking his head. "This was supposed to be a nice easy day off."
Edited by Beta Treyvoni Fox 10/24/2009
Re-Edited with help of InARealPickle 11/1/2009