Naruto: The Rabbit Prince.
This Fanfiction is a crossover with The Naruto series, Darkstalkers, Summer Wars featuring: King Kazma, with elements of Watership Down.
Rated: M for violence, blood, swearing, physical combat, mentions of sexual content, murder, and death.
Fair warning, this fanfiction contains the following tags/clichés: Competent Naruto, Fūinjutsu (not master level) Naruto, Kekkei Genkai (with conditions) Naruto, Potent Chakra Naruto, Rabbit Summons Naruto, Animalistic Naruto, and Good Kaguya. Antagonistic Sasuke and Sakura within.
Pairings: None unless they are adults because the plot doesn't revolve around romance.
Summary: What if Kaguya wasn't as evil as everyone perceived her to be and the Chakra Fruit drove her mad? What if she had another son that turned out to be her official firstborn that was to be the King of the Rabbit Summons? What if her son adopted Naruto and cared for him as if he was one of their own? And what If Naruto had another Godfather? As Naruto grows into a fine shinobi, he must face the many trials that come with his growth.
Disclaimer: I do not own the following Anime, Books, and Games. Naruto is rightfully owned by Masashi Kishimoto. Darkstalkers is rightfully owned by Capcom. Summer Wars and King Kazma are rightfully owned by Madhouse. Watership Down is rightfully owned by Richard Adams.
Chapter 19: Prelude to the Rematch.
It was now daytime, and Naruto hadn't come back from last night's escapade. Kakashi was in the kitchen by the door, worried. He had seen Naruto become irritated and enraged before due to his teammates, but it wasn't like that. What Inari said was a bit over the line since he hadn't even lived long in his life to experience suffering like that.
Kakashi pinched the bridge of his nose as he closed his eyes. Something had to change, not just with Naruto, but with his teammates as well. The real question was: Where was he?
This wasn't going as planned; he had hoped that Sakura and Sasuke would start treating him better as the month rolled by, but they never changed. As long as they kept treating Naruto like a spoiled brat that needed to be put in his place, Kakashi would never teach them a thing until they got their act together.
Somewhere in the forest...
Naruto was sleeping by the base of a tree. The scene around him was littered with beauty as grass, tall trees, and sunlight peering through the gaps created such a magnificent spectacle. Not far off, someone had noticed him from a distance with a basket filled with herbs in hand.
It appeared to be a young woman with long shiny black hair and beautiful brown eyes. She dressed in a pink sleeveless kimono decorated with purple swirls and red edges that went down to the ankles. The waist was tied with a white obi styled into a bow and she wore light brown sandals with dark straps. She had a very benevolent air about her as birds began to perch themselves on her shoulders, and she gave the most benign of smiles. This was Zabuza's accomplice, dressed in more casual attire. When she noticed the blonde, her face became dreadful.
It's him, she thought with such fear and conflict. I-I have to take him out or else...
Naruto slowly stirred awake as the young woman hesitated in her attempt on his life. She then put her hand on his shoulder to cover up her act and shook him awake as she spoke softly, "Are you alright?"
The Human Prince opened his eyes to the benevolent voice, now fully awake. He blinked a few times, his guard completely down. "What?" He rubbed his eye as he came to his senses. "I'm sorry, yes, I'm fine."
"That's good," responded the young woman. "But you really shouldn't be out here. Especially since Gato's men are lurking around."
Naruto's expression didn't change as he acknowledged the woman, but he was skeptical about her. Looking all over her person, he noticed that she had a basket filled with a lot of medicinal herbs. Naruto had also sensed regret coming from her as well, raising even more suspicion. "Then why are you out here?"
That many herbs? Why does she need that much? There's more than just enough to treat basic wounds. The Human Prince observed.
The Anbu responded, "Someone I care for is hurt, so I'm gathering herbs for their recovery."
She's the Anbu that was helping Zabuza! Naruto thought in alarm as his suspicions were confirmed. Her voice is the same as the Anbu's as well. If I remember her body type, it matches up with the ninja perfectly.
The blonde was now scared more than ever. If this woman was Zabuza's partner, then that meant that more difficulties had to be faced. If this Anbu was molded by Zabuza in his image, then she was probably strong enough to take out his teammates effortlessly. But due to her answer, Naruto had concluded that she wasn't as strong as a regular Anbu was expected to be. They formally introduced themselves as Naruto was trying to find the words to say to the accomplice.
"Why are you out here, Usagigetsu-san?" asked the false Anbu in a curious tone. "It's early in the morning, and I didn't expect anyone to be out here at this time."
Naruto looked a bit skeptical as he replied, "Oh, well... let's say that I had a falling out with someone last night, and I needed my space."
The formally introduced Haku hummed in acknowledgment and decided to switch the topic. "So, why do you fight as a shinobi?"
She's being genuine in her emotions, Naruto thought, a bit content. "I became a shinobi for my family. They took me into their clan at a young age and cared for me as if I was one of their own; I was very fortunate."
"So, you have something precious to protect then?" Haku asked, which made Naruto think.
He knew that the Usagigetsu was fully capable of protecting themselves, and they were in the summoning realm, one of the safest places to be, depending on the summon. Not only did the Human Prince think about his family, but he also thought of those that were willing to die for others.
"Well, I only have a few friends outside my clan that I care for, but now that you say that, I do have people worth protecting," Naruto answered honestly.
Haku smiled warmly, happy with not only the boy's answer but getting to know him as a person. However, it was time for the false Anbu to take her leave. She got up and gave her final words to the blonde, "You will be strong, as long as you don't lose sight of who you are."
She walked away, and as she got distance, she believed that the Human Prince wouldn't pull anything. However, Naruto got up and called out to her, "Wait." She turned around to face the blonde. "Tell me, why do you work for Zabuza?"
It was asked straight out of the blue, but before Haku could even get away in alarm, she was stopped by the Human Prince raising his hands. "Wait! Don't leave, I only want to talk!"
"H-How did you know?" Haku stuttered in shock. She honestly believed that she looked like just an ordinary civilian.
"First: Your voice was familiar, and it gave you away easily," Naruto admitted. "Second: The basket of herbs you have is a lot for one person, which was even more obvious." This made Haku looked down, embarrassed in her acts as a shinobi. "Third: You were very close to me as soon as you woke me up. I sensed regret coming from you the entire time." Naruto then went in for the kill. "You don't want to kill or harm me, do you?"
Haku stepped closer to him a bit, knowing that she wouldn't be harmed. "Yes," she admitted honestly. "I don't want to hurt you, your team, or that old man. Please, let Zabuza-sama finish his mission so we can be on our way."
Naruto was upset, but he had to find out more. "Why do you serve Zabuza of all people? From what my sensei had told me, he's a killer like no other and would slaughter many without a moment's hesitation, so why?"
Haku's gaze turned so cold that she froze the blonde in place. "That man has done so much for me that you could not even comprehend."
There was something about the false Anbu that made Naruto squint his eyes in suspicion. There was something this woman was hiding from him, but he had to restrain himself from asking any more questions due to the potential of provoking her; it would be risky to make her an enemy.
It was a wild guess, but one could suspect she had a Kekkei Genkai. In Kirigakure, the Yondaime Mizukage had passed a law that all those with a bloodline would be killed and hunted for the natural abilities they possessed. And as a probable result, Haku was where she was now, with a nukenin that had shown he had mercy and softer side to him. And from the way she admitted it, any lie she told would be uncovered by the boy's Emotion Sensing.
"So Zabuza is only working for money?" asked Naruto in bewilderment. "Gato is a small man that hides behind his hired mercenaries and thugs. There's no point in serving him if you can just kill him with ease."
"You see, but that's the point, El-ahrairah-san. Gato is a famous shipping tycoon. If word got out that he was killed, it would prompt an investigation from the shinobi villages across the continent, and we would be tracked by Anbu, not just from Kiri. We would be in more danger than ever if we just killed him out of the blue."
"But it seems much better than killing the man that wants to liberate this nation," Naruto desperately insisted as he raised his hands to emphasize the gravity of the situation. The Human Prince knew he had to convince her to stop Zabuza's attempts on the bridgebuilder's life.
Haku was empathetic towards the boy, but she knew that it had to be this way. "I'm sorry, El-ahrairah-san, but it must be done. We need the resources, and Gato is the only one paying a high price for our services. Please, don't hold it against us." She began to walk away once more.
Naruto knew he had to do something. He had to convince her through the pride she had in Zabuza himself. "I-I don't see why Zabuza serves a man like Gato. Honestly speaking, isn't Gato below him? If anything, he's just a hired blade serving a weak coward."
This struck a chord within Haku. While she knew that her master was strong, she also knew that he wasn't a fool to trust a man like Gato. However, she was suspicious of the blonde as her eyes squinted at his words. "What are you getting at, El-ahrairah-san?"
Naruto knew he had to take measures to ensure that Haku could at least convince Zabuza otherwise on his plans. "I'm just saying, Zabuza's potential is wasted working for such a man while that pig gorges himself on the wealth of this nation. If you're that worried about Anbu, you should really think again. Despite Gato's death, do you really think your master can't cover it up and make it look like something else?"
Haku flinched as if she was being scolded. It was true, Zabuza could do something like that, and they could get away with it if they wanted to. But she was enraged by the Human Prince's audacity. "And who are you to talk?"
"I'm talking like any shinobi that sees what options are there before them," Naruto retorted. "If you really don't want to kill for money or for your master, you need to convince him to kill the monster that has enslaved this nation. Gato is a weak man, and Zabuza can just take his life without a moment's hesitation. I'm not a killer, but I know one day I must kill for the sake of others to live, or because it is my duty as a shinobi."
Haku thought hard on this as she began to look down and rub the bridge of her nose in frustration. Throughout her life, she refrained from killing, and she would never truly take the life of another person. One day, the time would come when she would actually have to kill. What the blonde said was right; why not kill the bastard and just take the funds needed?
However, Naruto wasn't finished. "We don't have to fight, Haku. All my team wants for Nami is for the bridge to be completed so we can be on our way. Talk to Zabuza, or else we'll all suffer."
There was nothing else to be said, so Haku took her leave. As the false Anbu walked away, Naruto's other teammate, Sasuke, was seen in the distance, getting closer to the blonde. The Uchiha crossed paths with her, not noticing a thing.
As the Uchiha closed in on his teammate, Naruto got up. His body language portrayed hostility towards the Uchiha from their previous conflicts, and he wasn't going to take any chances. "What do you want, Sasuke?"
"You've been missing since this morning," replied the dark-haired boy. Not long after, the Uchiha changed the subject. "Now, how much would I have to pay for one of those chakra fruits you talked about?"
Naruto's gaze almost became a glare. "Forget it, Uchiha. That's clan property, and it stays in the family."
"Hmph, you're forgetting, dobe, your clan isn't part of the village. I have privilege over you when it comes to that," Sasuke sneered arrogantly. "I'm going to say this once: How much for a kekkei genkai from the Tree of Blood? No price too high, Uzumaki."
"Listen here, you self-absorbed prick. Even if you wanted one, or wanted to buy one, you'd be rejected by my father and my clan!" retorted the Human Prince in a rage. "The Tree of Blood Ceremony is a time in a Lapine and summoner's life when they come of age and enter the path to adulthood. I will never sell out my own family and our traditions to an outsider like you. I don't care how much money you offer. The answer is NO."
Sasuke became irritated. He wasn't going to take no for an answer. "I need that power, dobe. You could never understand my reasons."
"Understand your reasons?" Naruto's eyebrows furrowed. "Uchiha, I very well know of your past. Your brother took it upon himself to slaughter your entire clan, and the only thing you desire is power for vengeance. Nothing more, nothing less."
Sasuke didn't deny it, but he was still persistent in his demands. "Don't you dare speak of that, Dobe. I'm offering you the chance to be capable of living in financial comfort for a while. Just summon your father and let me get what I need."
Naruto looked down, his hair covering his eyes. "Uchiha... years ago when I was adopted, my father told me that he took out the eye of your father, Uchiha Fugaku, when he rejected my adoption into the Usagigetsu clan. I'm only guessing you remember that day when he came home missing his right eye? Do you really want to meet the same fate has him?" the blonde jeered, hoping to get a rise out of the Uchiha.
Sasuke was shocked. After all this time, it was the dobe's father that took out his father's eye that night. He became enraged as he was about to charge the Jinchūriki. "You bastard!"
"Stop right there!" shouted the Human Prince as his left arm became enshrouded in Black Lightning. "Kakashi isn't here to save you. Stand down!"
However, the Uchiha didn't listen to his order. Instead, he went through a few hand seals and took a deep breath in.
"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"
A large fireball made its way towards the blonde. Naruto immediately counteracted and threw his own jutsu.
"Lightning Style: Black Rabbit of Inlé!"
A horse-sized black rabbit made of lightning broke through the fireball and made its way towards the Uchiha. Sasuke managed to dodge, but the impact of the Black Rabbit caused a violent shockwave that sent him flying to the nearest tree. As the Uchiha hit the bark, Naruto closed in and kicked his stomach, knocking the wind out of him.
In the time of vulnerability, the Human Prince got close to Sasuke's face. "Keep trying to make an enemy out of me, Uchiha. We'll see where that gets you."
Naruto turned to walk back towards Tazuna's home, only looking back once towards his so-called comrade. He wasn't concerned about the Uchiha, but cautious of his behavior and what he'd do when his back was turned.
One day, dobe. One day I'll get back at you, and you'll know to respect your betters like the worm you are, Sasuke venomously thought as Naruto walked away.
As for Naruto, he hoped that Haku could convince Zabuza to change his plans and kill Gato in exchange. Now all he could do was wait.
In Tazuna's home... A half-hour later...
Kakashi was done waiting; he was going to look for his Genin. But a second after he made up his mind, his blonde student came in.
"N-Naruto? Where did you go last night? You weren't even in your room."
"I slept in the forest last night. I'm sorry, sensei," Naruto answered and apologized as he bowed.
"It's fine, but do you know where Sasuke is? I haven't seen him since this morning."
Naruto became irritated at the mention of his teammate as his eyes narrowed in annoyance. "You'll find the Uchiha writhing on the forest floor after his little stunt."
Kakashi pinched the bridge of his nose as he sighed. "What did he do?"
"Oh nothing, just another day out of the week," answered Naruto cynically. He went on to explain all that had happened between him and his teammate.
Kakashi groaned as this was another wake-up call for the team. Shortly afterward, Sasuke entered the house and tried to walk past both his sensei and teammate. However, he was stopped by the Jōnin. "Sasuke, wait. All of us are going to have a team meeting."
Sasuke sat down at the table opposite of Naruto. Sakura then came in and sat on one end of the table with Kakashi on the other side. Now that they were all there, Kakashi began his lecture. "For the past month, this team hasn't been getting along. If I don't see improvement, I won't be teaching you all to the best of my ability."
Sakura was quick to join in. "Well, if Naruto-baka wasn't-"
"So how is Naruto the key root in this problem?" Kakashi questioned as he cut her off. "You blame him for everything wrong but fail to look at yourselves when you're quick to point the finger. So, Sakura, how is Naruto the root of the problem?"
"He became a shinobi only because of special treatment from the Sandaime—" She was cut off once more.
"Oh yes, because it's not like you antagonize him over something like that all the time. And it's not like you make him out to be a horrible person when he is actually a good student that takes my lessons to heart," Kakashi sardonically agreed. Sakura flinched at the tone of his voice. "Grow up, Genin. If you're going to blame Naruto for everything that happens in the team, then you don't belong to it because you're the problem. Both you and Sasuke's animosity towards Naruto is the real problem on the team that keeps me from taking your training seriously."
Kakashi went on to simply say that if they didn't start treating each other better, he wouldn't officially train them and only have them on basic teamwork exercises until they got their act together.
Naruto was okay with this. In fact, the Human Prince was happy that his sensei decided on a fair way to train them. However, Sasuke and Sakura saw this as a battle of wills; they would never treat Naruto with any respect and would never change until the blonde bent to their convictions, nothing more, nothing less.
As if I would ever treat the idiot better. He deserves it, Sakura maliciously thought. He's a dobe, a spoiled dumbass that deserves to be treated like shit. He is nothing! Sakura's eyes turned to the Jinchūriki, glaring at him.
Sasuke stayed silent throughout the exchange, angered by the Jōnin's words as he clenched his fist. I'll make sure you suffer, dobe, just you wait. You're just another obstacle in my way.
Little did these two inconsiderate brats know that this would lead to their downfall.
With that little bit of business done with, Naruto decided he was going to tell Kakashi about his encounter with Zabuza's comrade when they were alone. For now, it was best to hope that Haku would do her part.
There isn't much to be said, but do you all like the new dialogue between Naruto and Haku?
Yes, Haku is a girl in this story, and I am going to follow down that trope.
I'd like to thank my Beta, Conejo-sama. I could not have done this without her help, guidance, and oversight.