The Lord Hokage was reading a special diplomatic dispatch he had just received from the newly installed Fifth Kazekage. "Ku, ku, ku to think Minato's woman would become the ruler of Suna! I certainly never expected that!" Despite the potential seriousness the Hokage seemed quite amused. "What a small world."

"And what does the Kazekage say?" Kabuto asked politely. Despite his youth and inexperience he had been promoted to the position of head of Medical Services and been made a special assistant to the Hokage. He'd also been given another very important job that no one knew about; spymaster for the Hokage.

"Minato's widow condemns me and Konoha for the assassination of her predecessor and for the attacks within Suna. She formally denounces me, is breaking off diplomatic relations, is cancelling our alliance, declaring a trade embargo, and, oh yes, withdrawing Suna from participation in the Chunin exams."

"She stopped short of declaring war though," Kabuto noted.

"It seems she has that much sense at least." Fugaku shook his head as he tossed the message aside. "To think those idiots made someone like her their leader. No doubt they just want to capitalize on a famous last name. She'll probably be nothing but a figure head for the Council."

"She might be rather formidable," Kabuto noted. "She has a strong reputation."

"Having slept with the Yondaime Hokage and having raised a demon does not make one a worthy leader." He dismissed the idea with a wave of the hand. "If she wants to play leader out nin the desert that's fine. I need time to stain this village with my colors. I want peace for now."

"What about Itachi and Hinata?"

"I want you to begin spreading rumors that my, 'son' was plotting to kill me and take over leadership of our clan. Also that Hinata and the Hyuuga elders were supporting him. We'll deny any claims he makes from Suna as delusional lies from a traitor and a patricide."

Kabuto nodded. "Any wild rumors about you're being possessed will seem to be nothing but desperate attempt by him to discredit you."

Fugaku nodded. "Yessssss, I think so."

"That reminds me, it's almost time to prepare the final arrangements for the Chunin exams."

Fugaku sent his assistant an annoyed look. "You expect me to allow a flood of foreign ninja into my village? Don't be ridiculous, cancel the exams."

"Cancel them?" Kabuto said shocked. "But they're scheduled to begin in just a couple weeks! If we cancel them now the other villages will be very upset."

"I care nothing what the other villages think or want," the Hokage snapped. "The exams were the ridiculous invention of the Third following the last great ninja war. He had a foolish notion that the competition would help create bonds between the ninja villages. Utter idiocy! We are all enemies always plotting against one another. When we do cooperate it is only because we believe we can use the other party to further our own ends. Friendship? Trust? These words should be alien to all ninja. We will not bother with this nonsense any longer. From now on I will decide who is worthy of promotion."

"Yes Hokage-sama," Kabuto answered. Though this will not help our relations with them.

XXXXXXXXXX

Shikamaru arrived at Konoha hospital with his usual bored expression and approached the desk. "I have an appointment with Shizune about my blood pressure."

XXXXXXXXXX

"I'm glad you decided to come in and see me about this Shikamaru," she told him as she strapped on the equipment about his arm. "You'd be surprised how many of even out young ninja suffer from this."

"Well it would be troublesome to have to deal with later," he muttered sounding bored.

Alone in the examination room Shizune carefully leaned over to whisper to him. "I am in contact with the Lady Tsunade. Itachi and Hinata are both safe, but the Kazekage was killed by Konoha ninja. Kushina is now Kazekage, she and Naruto agree to help you. They will go to war in the proper time."

Shikamaru gave a relieved sigh but no other sign of his pleasure. "Thank you," he whispered back. "Please tell the Kazekage and Naruto we are committed and will do our part to be ready as soon as possible."

Shizune gave the barest hint of a nod. Leaning away from him she read the gage. "Well, it's a little high, but not too bad. Just cut back on your salt intake and that should be fine. Please feel free to come in and see me any time you think you need to. I am at your service."

He nodded. "It'll be a real drag but if something important comes up I'll definitely be by."

Shikamaru then went home without drawing any special notice.

XXXXXXXXXX

Zabuza and Haku were walking the streets of Konoha. The people here were used to having ninja walk among them. However there was something about Haku that caused people to give him an extra wide berth. The snake hitai-ite he wore did not help. The people of Konoha had never really trusted the bodyguards, and since the attack they were seen as last remnant of Orochimaru's presence in the village. Most had hoped the Hokage would disband and banish them. That he seemed to be relying on them more and more and was even still recruiting for them was worrisome.

Zabuza noticed the way the people tried to stay clear of him. It pleased him. "Nice to know these dumb sheep know a wolf when they see one."

Haku frowned ever so slightly. "I would prefer if we were more accepted by the people here."

"Don't get too comfy Haku, I don't want you getting soft." Zabuza told him.

"Yes, Zabuza-sama."

"Just remember this is only temporary, we'll be going back to Mist one day."

"Yes Zabuza-sama," he sighed.

Zabuza glanced at him. "What's wrong with you?"

"Do you… not like having a real home again Zabuza-sama?" Haku asked respectfully. "Here we can live in peace and safety. Is this not better than always running and hiding in fear of being discovered by the hunter nin?"

Zabuza chuckled nastily. "Yeah, I admit it's better that living in some hole in the ground scrounging out anything we can. That's the whole reason why we came here. But I don't intend on spending my whole life just serving another. My ultimate dream is to become Mizukage and rule my homeland. Never forget that."

"Of course not Zabuza-sama," Haku replied. "My only dream is to help you reach your dream."

"Good boy," he said and rubbed his head fondly.

Haku smiled back at him happily. Receiving his master's approval always made him happy.

As the two of them were crossing a street a certain girl was coming the other way and happened to spot them. "Hey, you!" She called out.

The two of them looked and saw her come over to them. Haku recognized her immediately. She was a very pretty girl with long dark hair and brown eyes. She had on the same beige pants and dark blue jacket as last time. The jacket bore a large Uchiha fan symbol.

Haku turned to her and bowed politely. "Hello again."

Zabuza saw her and frowned beneath his bandages. "Aren't you that annoying brat from the other day?"

Hisa came to a halt and sent the imposing Zabuza and angry look. "Who are you calling a brat? I happen to be Uchiha Hisa, a ninja of Konoha and niece to the lord Hokage."

Zabuza's nonexistent eye brows jumped. The Hokage's niece? He could of course see the attention she was giving Haku. Now this has possibilities. "Are you now? Well pleased to meet you again, let me introduce myself," he gave her a formal bow. He could be courteous when the situation called for it. "I am Momochi Zabuza and this is my adopted son Momochi Haku."

"You're his son?" Hisa said in surprise.

"I do have that great privilege," Haku said proudly. "Was there some reason why you wanted to talk to us?"

Yeah! Because you're hot! Her face flushed a bit. "Uhm… I was curious since you're obviously a foreigner about what you thought of Konoha."

"Haku, why don't you buy you and her something to eat and you can tell her all about what you think of this place." Zabuza told him.

Haku looked at him in surprise. "But Zabuza-sama we have training scheduled."

"You can skip it, it's fine." Zabuza said.

Now Haku was really surprised. Zabuza never permitted him to miss training. "But…"

"Thank you sir!" Not wanting to miss such a golden opportunity she grabbed a startled Haku by the hand and swiftly led him away.

Zabuza watched with an amused smirk. Good luck Haku, I hope you survive the experience.

XXXXXXXXXX

Hisa led him to a place called Café Miruki and they were soon seated at a small table. Hisa leaned over and put her hand over his as she whispered conspiratorially. "This place let's couples on their first date eat free so pretend to be my boyfriend, ok.?"

"What?"

A waitress came over and saw them sitting closely. "Are you two on a first date?" she asked.

"Yes we are," Hisa looked at him with a teasing grin. "Isn't that right dear?"

"Ah, yes," he said hiding his nervousness.

"Well that's wonderful; your meal is on us then."

They put in their orders and the waitress left.

"That wasn't necessary," Haku told her. "I have plenty of money."

"So do I," she told him. "But this way is a lot more fun."

"Do you do this often?" He asked curiously.

"Yes, but only with really, really cute guys."

A little color touched his cheeks.

"You're blushing," she told him.

"I am sorry."

She grinned. "No need to apologize, you look even cuter when you blush."

Haku felt the heat in his face rise.

"Now you're blushing even more," she teased. "What's wrong? Do I make you nervous?"

"Yes," he answered honestly. "I am not used to these sorts of situations."

"You haven't been on many dates?"

"This is my first."

"Well that's hard to believe, I'd expect a guy like you to have had a whole bunch of girlfriends."

Haku shook his head. "My life up until now had been dedicated to survival and growing stronger. There has never been any opportunity for socializing."

Hisa looked closely at him, now very curious. "What sort of life have you had?"

"I prefer not to speak of it," Haku told her politely.

"Oh? You trying to be a man of mystery?"

"No, it's simply my past is not a happy one and I would prefer not speak of it."

"Hmmm, well o.k., I won't push if you don't want to talk about it. Tell me, what do you think of Konoha?"

"I like the village very much. Truthfully I would like to remain here for some time."

"And what do you think of the girls here?" She teased.

He looked her in the eye with a calm expression. "I find them to be quite beautiful, especially you."

Hisa felt her heart suddenly begin to thump.

"You are blushing," he told her.

XXXXXXXXXX

Haku returned to the tower in training ground 44 where all the bodyguards were stationed. Zabuza was sprawled over a couch having a beer when he entered. Seeing clothes on the floor Haku immediately began picking them up.

"So how was your first date?" Zabuza asked with a chuckle.

"It was not a date Zabuza-sama," Haku informed him. "We simply had a meal and talked for a time."

"Hate to tell you this Haku but that is pretty much the definition of a date. Did you have fun?"

"I am not sure," Haku said as he put the clothes in the hamper. "It was very interesting and I rather enjoyed talking to her. But I remained on my guard the whole time."

"Well, you never let your guard down completely, but if you're with a pretty girl you should relax a little and enjoy yourself. She won't bite. Well, she probably won't, there was this Geisha I knew back in Kiri though." He sighed fondly. "Ah, good times. Anyway did she give you her phone number?"

"Yes Zabuza-sama."

"Good, when do you plan to call her?"

"Call her? I did not plan to; I accepted her number out of simple courtesy."

"She's the Hokage's niece; this is too good a chance to pass up. You're dating her."

Haku stared. "Is that an order?"

"Yes."

"Very well, if that is your will Zabuza-sama I will date her. Though truthfully I don't know how to."

"I figured, o.k. have a seat Haku, I'm going to explain just how to deal with women."

Haku sat down in a chair as Zabuza put something on each hand.

"Why are you putting socks on your hands?" Haku asked.

"They're visual aids, now pay attention. This," He lifted his left sock covered hand. "Is me. And this," he lifted his right. "Is a good looking woman. Now I'll demonstrate how I deal with women." He mimed having his left hand walking up to the other.

"How much?" he asked in his usual voice.

"You want full service or the usual?" He answered in a high pitched voice.

Haku sat there rigid and unmoving as Zabuza gave him his version of the 'talk.' It lasted for about twenty minutes; all the while Haku was wishing he could stab kunai into his eyes.