Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter XXXVI: Her Existence

'I'd like to think of her as one of us.'
'She's not.' He answered on a humorous tone, finding his fondness of the girl entertaining. He watched her long pink hair sway in the wind, her smile aimed at the boy standing next to him but faltered when his own eyes made contact with hers. His own smirk fell too.
'Perhaps not...' The boy next to him murmured, captivated completely.

Haku. How did you get here? Pushing the memory out of his mind, trying to focus on fighting Kakashi. Sweat dripped of his forehead, his muscles were aching for rest. Tightening his grip on the kunai in response to what he was feeling. He knew he couldn't win, deep inside underneath a lot of proud, ignorance and disbelief. He had lost the first time, using his full power. How was he supposed to win now with only half of his strength? With only half of the man he once was… His eyes looked at the young girl, fighting another demon. He felt guilt seep in. A demon he had send to her. Why wasn't he helping her? He looked back at Kakashi, who was beyond angry but lacked energy and strength to defeat him. Breathing heavily, his one eye closed, blocking the Sharingan to drain him any further. Obviously he had been on the battlefield too long. And that was the sole reason they were still fighting. That he was still standing.

Half of the man he once was…. Zabuza glanced at her again. His pride shattered at the thought that somehow she had managed to possess a part of him. But he had to acknowledge she had managed to get in. He tried to swallowed the feelings away again, push the thoughts of touching her out of his head. The warmth of her body and the smell of her hair… He sighed. He wanted it all so bad, he could taste it on the tip his tongue.

'Zabuza.' Kakashi's voice sounded strained, his eyes where aimed at the pair behind him, 'She's losing.'
'Of course she is!' He hissed angrily, though it was more aimed at himself. He had tried to hide it from himself, he had tried to fight this losing battle. And now look at where it had led him… He wasn't going to become Mizukage, he might die here on the filthy ground of Kirigakure…He might lose her.
'Kakashi.' He let out a deep breath, 'Don't interfere.'

He wasn't the man she wanted him to be and he wasn't going to be the man he wanted to be. Not now, not ever. He had found it too hard to accept the fact that it was over. That it was never going to be Zabuza, the Demon of the Hidden Mist again. And she was never going to be his tool. Because… Because one simply didn't care for tools, tool were just objects. Just objects…
He had cared for her just as much as she had for Haku. He cared for her more than he had cared for him. No, that was a lie. He just cared for her in another way, there was no measurement. The man he was today simply wasn't the man he was before Haku passed. That man could still hide his feeling underneath a cold collected façade. The one standing here, on this very ground, could no longer hide the fact who he was. That he too was capable of human traits and acted upon them when presented, longing, caring, wanting... Perhaps Sakura had come into his life to show him that and he had resented her for that from the very first moment her green eyes had looked at his. He felt a little pulse go through his hand, as if to remind him of their first memory.

Now looking at Kakashi, he realized he was fighting to keep her with him. Kakashi was in the way, he had reminded her of Konohagakure. Of home. A place to return to. Looking at his surroundings, he realized the wasn't home to him. It had always been hell to him and to so many other people. Home was where his mother had lived. Where he and Sakura had slept. Where she had given herself to him and he had greedily taken whatever she gave to him.

Kakashi reminded him once more that it was better to cease their fighting and aid Sakura. He grinned at the man. Obviously this man had no idea of her potential. He believed in her capabilities, of course she wasn't going to win but she was able to stand her ground long enough for him to first defeat Kakashi.
'Kakashi… I'm not giving her back.' He announced, readying himself to attack.
'I don't think it's your decision.' He hissed back, annoyed by his attitude and his arrogant way of thinking. With a cry he launched an attack at him.

They became a blur to the people surrounding them, only the meeting of their Kunai gave away there location. Another struggle between the two erupted, Zabuza noted his Senbon-attack had worked, making Kakashi's arm look like the back of a hedgehog. Smirking at his own work, Kakashi let out a growl in response. He was obviously in great pain but refused to give up.
'Of course it is,' He answered, turning into his usual taunting persona that took pleasure in his prey's pain, 'She does everything I ask.' Why didn't he just give up?
'Every little thing I ask, she does. I make all the decisions and if not… She still choses me over you.' He could see the burn in his eyes, the pain of the comment and the final blow to all his pride. He wasn't the type of man to do this against a worthy opponent but he want him to stop. Stop chasing after her. To give up and leave, he wanted her all to himself. You greedy bastard, he thought to himself with a grin. Perhaps this was his only way of winning, breaking him bit by bit, slowly devouring him with his guilt and shame.
'We'll see about that.' It was a poor comeback, and he knew it but Kakashi did seem to believe his own words. Perhaps he too had noticed that she had fallen out of character when he had mentioned Konohagakure. It made him cling on to thin hope.
'Do you know, Kakashi,' He whispered, getting a little closer to the man before him, 'What she gave me?'

He could see him crumble, his strength decreasing, falling underneath his grip. Just a little more was all he needed. With all his power Zabuza tried, the earth underneath his feet cracked, his arms trembled and he could feel them give up. He needed just a little more….
'She was a good girl, Kakashi.' The feeling of victory flood over him as the Shinobi underneath him crashed to the ground, with a growl he unleashed the last bit of his strength, in hopes to crush his opponent to death. Physically he felt victorious but his mind thought differently, seeing the hate shine in his eyes and, though he was on the ground, Kakashi had yet to collapse underneath his grip.

In the corner of her eyes, she saw the two figures struggle. A part of her felt as if she was betraying Kakashi by not helping him, by not stopping Zabuza. She didn't know what he was trying to do and she had foolishly thought he had accepted his defeat. But then he had to change everything, she stared at the blue skinned man before her eyes, who was giving her a toothy grin, while his sword stayed in aimlessly in his hand, but it tong reached out and licked the remaining chakra. She took a glance at the wound it had inflicted on her arm. It wasn't much, some deep scratches but enough to weaken her.
'Stay focused.' He reminded her, disappearing before her eyes to then reappear above her. She jumped away just in time, landing a few meters away from him.
'Would you consider making Zabuza the new Mizukage?'
'That is what I said, not?' He let out a laugh at her question, his eyes darter from Zabuza back to her for a split second, a humorous smirk took place on his face, 'You sure replaced him quickly.'
The comment made her falter. It inflicted pain she hadn't seen coming and it paralyzed her momentarily. 'N-no…' She muttered in disagreement, quiet and almost undetectable. But he had heard her, making his smirk widened.
'Truth is… it's not up to me.' Kisame confessed, 'He makes the decisions here, pointing his sword behind her. Turning her head, she looked up to the tall tower where they had been on minutes ago, seeing a tall figure in the distance that was calmingly overlooking the sea of chaos and death that surrounded him. She felt spark inside of her, his chakra signature felt oddly familiar… yet not. Where had she felt it before? Had she at all?

'But I doubt there will be much left of Kiri after this.' Kisame spoke up, making her snap back to reality and look directly back at him, wary of his movements. He seemed in no rush, and she could tell he had been playing her this entire time. It annoyed her, mostly because she was already having trouble keeping up.
'Just like Konoha…' He snickered but his laughter disappeared and he took on a more serious expression, as to emphasize the meaning of his next words, 'It's all useless. It meaningless…'
'Why Konoha?' She asked, hoping to get some answers, which she knew was highly unlikely she'd get from him.
He just shook his head, 'You dedication to him…' Nodding his head to Zabuza, 'Is saddening, little kunoichi.'
'What does that have anything to with it!?' She screamed annoyed, taking a few steps forward and repositioned herself to start the fight again.
'Everything, our dedication is futile. This world is doomed. It's almost saddening to see, how he uses you and you let yourself be used while you use others.' This time pointing at Kakashi.
Something inside of her broke, she wasn't using anyone. She didn't want Kakashi to come after her, he chose that on his own! Sure she was happy he was here, it gave her strength. He was her fallback, her lost hope, her… it dawned on her she was somewhere relying on him, always had since the back of her mind told her how dedicated he indeed was to her and how he'd never walk away. She knew that. She knew that all too well.

'You lack experience.' He noted, 'But other than that… You're not bad.'
Though it was a supposed compliment, for the moment it felt as if he was just mocking her. It angered her how he kept speaking to her as if she was child, ignorant and naïve. Deciding they enough chitchat, she made the appropriate hand-seals. Readying herself to give it her all, she did take notice of how his grin widened but decided to ignore it since he was probably doing it to provoke her.

'Your sensei couldn't beat me with that technique, I doubt you will.' Taunting her a bit more, 'But feel free to try.'
She let out a huff, aggravated by his talking, 'Will you shut up already?'
'Feisty, huh?' He snickered back.
Ignoring him, she unleashed her water Dragon bullet attack, it wasn't as huge as the one Zabuza had created during his first fight with Kakashi but it was still rather impressive. It startled a few Shinobi that were near but it aimed for its only target, and he seemed to be seemed surprised at the sight. She grinned, he hadn't expected this, either that it wouldn't work or either that it would only be a tenth of what he had encountered before. Watching him swirl into the open air, she jumped after him once the Dragon disappeared again, charging with a more physical attack, her sword held tightly into her hands. The bastard kept smirking at her and when he opened his mouth, thinking he'd give her another taunting comment, water actually came out. A huge amount creating a sphere shaped prison. She held her breath and ceased her actions, noting how slow she was within water. Her eyes widened at seeing Kisame with what appeared to be some sort of copy of what she had done but in Shark form, surrounding him. His speed was so superior she knew it was over before the impact, making her fall down to the ground. Hearing her own body collapse to the ground, she noted how numb she was feeling. Water washed over her weak state. When he came to stand before her, she held her breath. Holding his sword up above her, its skin met hers and drained her of her last bit of chakra.

For once he stayed serious. No taunting words, nothing. His black eyes that held no human shape bored into her. She had to fight to stay conscious and after opening and closing her eyes a couple of times, she found herself surrounded by darkness, unknown what her opponent would do next. She felt herself fall without being able to do anything to stop herself.

'Sakura!' With a cry, Kakashi unleashed all his power, making Zabuza fall back and meet the ground a couple of times before rolling away a few meters. The impact had created a crater, surrounding him. He looked at the ruthless man who was standing above her. He found unbelievable strength in his feet and started running towards her, seeing her lying lifelessly on the ground, her pink hair sprayed and the Kubikiribōchō a meter away from her body, standing up with its tip into the ground. Moving at a tremendous speed, he placed well planted blow on the Shinobi's shoulder. Instead of the crack he was anticipating, he moved through it, making the figure disappear. It had been was a water-clone. The water that splashed on his face brought him back to reality and with cat-like reflexes he hovered above Sakura, keeping himself up with all his strength. He didn't know if the droplets that landed on her face were his sweat or the water of the clone, but the fact she moved her head a little in reaction made room in his mind for relief and slowly ebb away the fear.

'The great thing about war is, the fighting never ends.' Kisame spoke up, standing just next to him. Kakashi couldn't tell if he was being sarcastic or not. He threw him an angry glare in response.
'Popular, isn't she?' He then snickered, 'A little young for us… but she doesn't seem to mind now, does she?'
Kakashi turned white in seethed angered, having enough of men talking about her as if she was nothing but an object. He didn't believe a word Zabuza had said but it had made him falter when he had needed to stay strong. He cursed at himself, his weak mind. Slowly getting up, feeling hands and knees tremble, out of anger. Out of tiredness. Out of frustration.

'The famous Kakashi Hatake.' He mocked bowed his head at him. Kakashi took note of how he had physically changed, meaning he had already took in a large amount of chakra. Turning his head to look at his student, he bit the inside of his mouth when he realize a large portion was probably hers. He late. Again.

'Though you're not in much of a position to fight.' He noted, seeing Kakashi's body tremble and how his one eyes kept shutting off the Sharingan. Kakashi felt disoriented and he knew that if he did not lay down soon, he'd lose conscious which was something he could not afford. But neither was rest.
Yet his body gave out and he kneeled beside Sakura, his one eye took a glance at her face, which held a serene expression. It made his mind falter and forget his surroundings but the nice feeling disappeared at the thought that this could his last memory of her. No matter how serene she might look, he wanted to see her smile one more time and mostly, he wanted to die before her.

'Too bad.' Kisame clicked his tongue, and in one swift motion he aimed at Kakashi with his sword, who noticed he wasn't going to just absorb chakra but truly take the life out of him. He tensed but couldn't move himself or Sakura quickly enough to duck.

A Kunai hit his arm, making Kisame stop and hiss out in pain. He looked at the man who threw the sharp object at such a distance. Zabuza kept his head down for a good minute before looking up, between his mouth sat another kunai, while his arms hung aimlessly by his sides. Obviously he too was drained but just like Kakashi, he had found his last bit of strength.

'You lied.' His grit his teeth at his former comrade while holding on to his last hope, 'You was never going to let me become Mizukage… Look at this place. It's burning. You are going to destroy it. Like you plan on destroying Konoha!'

Kisame pulled the kunai out of his arm, and threw it aimlessly at the ground. Grinning at the man, this time not being able to hid his the malicious pleasure he felt when thinking about it, 'Of course.'
Zabuza simply glared at him but his eyes travelled to the ground to the small figure on the ground and then up to Kakashi. When their eyes met, Kakashi knew immediately that something had changed. He gave him a firm nod, as if he had accepted things for what they were.
'Weakling.' The hissing comment that left Kisame's mouth was cut short by a man Kakashi had never seen. Dressed in usual Akatsuki gear but wearing an orange mask. His aura held something threatening and he spoke his comrades name with a chilling cold. 'Kisame.'
Turning his head to the man, Kisame's face fell, 'You?'
'Where is your partner?' He asked nonchalantly, not paying much attention to the people surrounding him.
'Itachi?'
'Find him.' He commanded, now turning his attention to Kakashi. It took him a moment to figure out he wasn't looking at him but at Sakura, noticing he had only one eye hole in his mask. When he turned his head lightly and his one eye locked with his, Kakashi's eye widened in fear. A Sharingan.
Blazing red. Locking his eye with his. Both right. A small stupid idea flashed in his head, followed by a voice he hadn't' heard in years. He shook his head at his own foolishness, that wasn't possible. He had died.

He broke contact with him. When he looked up, he saw Kisame nod at the man and actually obey and leave. It surprised him and frightened him, if a man like Kisame listened to him that meant he was not only above him in ranking but most likely above him in skill. He had seen the fight between Sakura and him in the corner of his eyes. It was impressive to say the least.

'You are pathetic.' He bit out. Kakashi rose an eyebrow at the remark but stayed silent. Zabuza had been silent the entire time but had stumbled forward standing closer to the pair now. He took on a more defensive pose. He felt confusion wash over him, making him stare at the Shinobi for a long time.

'Protecting her?' The strangers voice didn't sound humored or angered, it was more of a murmur. As if he was reminiscing on something. Underneath the words lay a sound of slight surprise.
Waiting for his attack, Zabuza tried to stand tall and fight when needed, holding on to his last bit of strength. 'He… He's the one…' The voice made both Kakashi and Zabuza look back, watching Sakura trying to open her eyes. 'To talk… Zabuza...'
'I believe she is under the illusion that titles such as Mizukages still matter… Forget about Kirigakure.' He shook his head at the two startled and confused men, 'It's useless… Once our plan is set, everything you ever wanted will be yours.' He spoke up eloquently and calm, despite the chaos surrounding them, 'A dream world… Where she,' Pointing at Sakura, 'Will be yours.'

To whom he was speaking to when he said yours, Kakashi didn't know. But he ignored him and grabbed Sakura's hand softly, hoping she wouldn't force herself to speak again.
'Kakashi…' Zabuza spoke up, '…Protect her.'
He nodded wordlessly, hearing the missing-nin's voice crack, 'But remember…' He took a breath, 'Scum like us can never redeem our sins. Not even when we delude ourselves in being a part of her existence.'

Though the words held something enigmatic, Kakashi had deciphered the meaning of them immediately with each word spoken. He felt a vague feeling of camaraderie for him, in spite of everything. The journey to take her home had been longer and more complicated than he had thought but it had made him think about so many things. About how every Shinobi had to deal with the same darkness, how he and him both wanted her halo to shin upon them. He took it as a sign, Zabuza was finally letting her return to him. His demon claws were untangled from her.
Grabbing her hand tighter, knowing she wouldn't understand when she regain copiousness. But he'd be there for her.

The masked man stayed quiet, watching the scene unfold before his eye. He shrugged when he saw Kakashi nod in the direction of the other Shinobi, as if he found the whole ritual of goodbye ridiculous and exaggerated. For him, it was all already done. Soon it would be over. For him, the whole word…Everyone!

'Tobi!' The cheery voice sounded shrill, and the white mass that appeared out of the earth startled everyone in the surrounding area, except for the masked man, who blankly remained staring at the three.
'It seems Pain is struggling… The jinchūriki of the Kyubi, Naruto, is a worthy opponent. It is really worth seeing… I don't know if he's going to win, though.' He added in afterthought, the creature held a ridicule tone and turned his head around when he spoke, as if trying to understand his own words when speaking.

Kakashi kept his focus on the two, but couldn't help his mind from spiraling out of control at the idea that Naruto, that little knucklehead, was keeping Konoha safe.
'Jiraiya, The Sannin, is dead though… He couldn't win…' He muttered on, faking grief, 'Though he seemed to have told the boy the secret to defeat Pain…'
He didn't quite understand what he meant by that but he did understand that the chance of Konoha surviving the attack had just increased. He also fully understood that Pain clearly wasn't the true leader of Akatsuki. Jiriaya's passing brought grief to his heart but kept his emotions on check, there simply wasn't time to mourn for the moment.

A short nod, he looked back at Kakashi, 'Let's see if you can keep her safe.'
'You're going?' Zabuza spoke up, quirking an eyebrow at the man's illogic way of doing.
'Others will finish you for me.' He noted, looking beyond the three. Kakashi slowly turned his head following Zabuza's example. He didn't know what Zabuza was feeling but he felt himself freeze, knowing what was awaiting. Suddenly the idea of him sacrificing himself seemed foolish and useless and it would be another thing Sakura wouldn't be able to forgive him, no matter how many times he explained it. To let him get killed by the murderer of Haku…

'Anji, was it not?' Zabuza said, false smirk on his face, probably trying to hide his own emotions at the small but sinister reunion with his student's killer.
'No matter what dream world we may live in in the future… The present reality of killing you with my bare hands is all I live for.' His cold eyes on Zabuza.

I worked a little longer on this chapter than usual but I really wanted it to be as close as perfect. I hope you liked it!

NOTE: Only two chapters left! I don't know yet but I might post them simultaneously, so it could be next update the story is filed under complete!

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