Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!
The Headless chicken; Thanks! Yeah, Konan joining is going to be rather interesting.
MDM11; Mangetsu and Suigetsu will have some good roles going forward. Yeah, those three could become Jonin. Yeah, those teachers for them would be pretty cool.
ShadowUzumaki55; Yeah, they've met Zabuza and Haku. Fighting hard against them, only to be interrupted by some of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. Shisui showed his skills huh, fighting off multiple enemies, and taking down a few people, even working well with Ryouta, and combining their skills together.
Silver crow; Thanks very much! Maybe in the next chapter, this ones more about set up than anything else. He might do. Yeah, he's developing a few skills under Shisui. Yup, they're being attacked~ Yeah, Haku and Ryouta met last chapter, and will bond a bit more this chapter. Sugaru is going through quite a bit. Basically, that's how Zabuza felt, and that's how I think Shisui would approach a conflict like that. Glad you liked their little fight. Shisui doesn't really like fighting yeah. Zabuza is pretty strong, and could take probably all bar Kisame in a one on one fight. Shisui was just protecting his little brother having to see such carnage at such an age, although knowing he'd have to see it sooner or later. Zabuza will have a few things to think about when it comes to Ryouta. Yeah, he might be able to take some down. Yeah, we'll see what happens with Zabuza and Haku rather soon. Yeah, that sounds great for RWBY. I don't know yet about that. He'd probably get some kind of power like AFO, if it's AFO or a perfect copy of it, who knows. Re-Destro's son would be rather weathly, and yeah, probably would go to a school with Momo. He probably wouldn't really even think about wealth. They probably would do. Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Skull Flame; They did yeah~ It seems that they are planning that.
Anime PJ; Yeah, it's fun to play around with them and spend more time with them. It's going to be quite the explosive battle. Sugaru's got an arc to go through, and seeing him go through some change.
War Sage; They could do yeah. Ryouta might have to kill, and he's preparing for that eventuality. Well you never know, they might add him to their bingo book, or at least the Seven Ninja Swordsmen might try and go after him in the future. He might be able to copy some of their Jutsu yeah. The Hyuga incident has happened. If he really wanted to, Ryouta could do that in the future. It's very possible it could evolve into that. Yeah, he'll learn how to use a few weapons. Yeah, he could be around there. Ryouta right now doesn't have any suspicions about Tobi, since Tobi's only interacted with him for minutes. You'd think all would be involved within the war huh. I can't reveal about that right now. Thanks for the suggestions!
Andrew123456; Yup, I surely am.
Guest 1; Yeah, I've got one up about that story~
lord web of life of destiny; Yeah, that sounds like a great idea! Thanks for the suggestion! He could have something like that. Him facing Kisame would be pretty cool. I can't reveal how he's going to awaken the Mangekyou, it would be a pretty big spoiler. All I can say is that it will be quite emotional.
Pinkflamingwarriorofjustice; I don't know when I'll be doing them, but I will be doing them eventually. Yeah, he could do something like that, sounds great to me! Thanks for the suggestions!
Brainstorm Sorcerer; Yeah, they managed to fight off a good number of people last chapter. He could make a fire clone, would be cool to see. Yeah, Sugaru's going through quite a bit right now, the emotions he's not supposed to have are beginning to resurface after seeing the acts of kindness people like Shisui are giving to him. Those would be cool for Haku. Yup, that's what Zabuza wished for. Eventually, I'm sure they would make some comparisons. Right now, probably not, but after the massacre, he could be. With his Sharingan's ability to copy all Jutsu that aren't Kekkei Genkai, it's possible that he could see some Water Releases, and add them to his arsenal. Tobi will be having a few conversations with Ryouta over the course of the story. Shisui and Ryouta could have a heart to heart about how he awakened his Mangekyou. I'm sure Shisui wouldn't want Ryouta to go through that kind of pain yeah. Yeah, despite being enemies, Ryouta and Shisui went back to help them out, to learn more, and also deep down knowing they weren't truly evil. That would be awesome if Ryouta did something like that. Things definitely are getting quite action packed.
Lightwave; Yeah, they had quite the fight alright~ It would be quite the fight huh~? They're going to have to pull together to fight off the enemy alright~
Guest 2; Yeah maybe, if I think of good ideas for them!
Well, with those lovely reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
Planning for the Mist!
Having managed to flee the scene where the Swordsman of the mist were, and making sure that they weren't being followed, Shisui managed to place Zabuza under a Genjutsu so he didn't try to attack them, so he could learn more when they arrived at their destination.
Haku wasn't pleased about it, but realistically, she wouldn't be able to do anything against Shisui.
Never mind the fact that Ryouta was there, someone she saw as an equal on the battlefield due to how they fought one another, Shisui was someone that she knew she'd not be able to take down in a fight, even if she tried to do a sneak attack, there was no way for her to win.
"We should be coming up on the village in a few minutes."
Shisui began, carrying all of the people with them, so they'd be able to get there the quickest, and to make sure that Haku didn't try anything. He didn't think she would, but since she was with Zabuza, he didn't know what she'd be capable of doing, and for the fact that she had Ice Release, she was someone that could be considered highly dangerous.
"Shi-chan, is it alright for us to go there though? What if those people try and attack us there? They'd be caught up in the violence, and from what you've told me, they don't even have any Ninja's..."
Shisui understood the reservations of his little brother.
Even he had many times considered not going there.
But he also knew something that would make it impossible for them to not go towards them.
"Realistically, they'd be defenceless due to us not being there. They'd know of this village, and if they can't find us, then they'd torture and kill the innocents there. Ryou, these people don't hold back because they're innocents. Kirigakure are known for being blood lusting, you saw it yourself."
Ryouta did remember what had just happened, and how dangerous they'd be.
"Shi-chan, can we win right now?"
"I think that I'd have a good chance of beating what I saw back there, but there always might be a surprise or two waiting for us. I can also see that there's some more chakra signatures out there, and it seems that they have a good deal of it, so they aren't weak. We can't be sure if they have others with them that were waiting to spring some traps on us, or if they have some traps if we try and confront them. We should group together, and take an area for ourselves, to get the drop on them. There's a risk that there might be more people that might come, but we also will be more prepared by then. Even if they have many, quality can beat quantity Ryou. Also, intelligence is just as good of an asset as power. Remember that."
Ryouta nodded.
He knew that it took brains as well as brawn for them.
They didn't know what the enemy had up their sleeves.
Ryouta was going to be careful as well as Shisui.
They eventually made it to the very small village that their original destination was supposed to be.
They were greeted kindly, but when told of the situation and saw Zabuza, they became panicked, and unsure of what they were going to do.
It was understandable why they were this panicked. Even Ryouta would be if they brought a man like Zabuza towards the
"Don't worry, we wont allow this wonderful little village to be ruined by our Ninja's fighting. I'll try my best to resolve this conflict. And if not, then I promise that we'll do our best to make sure this village doesn't suffer, and you all shall be safe."
"But that man..."
One of the villagers spoke up, before a rude man interrupted.
"It's the Demon of the Mist, isn't it? Why is that monster here?"
"T-That guy, he's ruthless, he'll slaughter us all!"
"What should we do?"
"Lets kill him!"
"Yeah, we'll kill him!"
Shisui wasn't able to deny it either why they were reacting like they were.
It was perfectly reasonable that they'd want to get rid of Zabuza.
"Yes, it is true that this is the Demon of the Mist. However, this man is also someone that will have valuable information for the safety of this village, and for all of you. I assure you, allow me to take care of him. We will be out of the way soon enough. We will protect you from the oncoming attack, I'm sorry for this."
Shisui tried to reassure them.
Though he knew they had every right to be anxious.
But eventually, after Shisui convinced them, they did just that, and allowed Shisui to take care of it.
As they did, Ryouta saw that Shisui summoned a crow, with a message tied to its back, and sent it towards Konoha.
Giving them a spare room in a what appeared to be a place for barnyard animals to be placed in, Shisui brought Zabuza with him.
Ryouta then watched as Shisui placed Zabuza on the ground, and despite the protests of Haku, bound Zabuza so he didn't try anything with Ryouta or himself.
"Shi-chan, what are we going to do?"
"That's a good question. I've sent word to Konoha about this, and see if they can send any backup. If we can get some aid, then we should be able to be fine. But, it seems that I've brought you to a dangerous location, something I had hoped to avoid."
Ryouta shook his head.
"Please don't be worried about that Shi-chan, it happens. We should try and get out of this as safely as possible-"
"I doubt that's going to happen so easily."
Shisui turned to Zabuza, seeing his cold eyes on his form.
It seemed that Zabuza had come out of the Genjutsu that Shisui had placed upon him.
Since it was only to stun for a while, Shisui wasn't surprised to see Zabuza alert now.
"Zabuza, care to tell me why they are after you?"
Zabuza huffed.
"Tried to kill the Mizukage, work out the rest from there. Though I'm surprised that those bloodthirsty guys are even bothered about that. Maybe it's because it is a mission to fight us or something, I don't really care. Now, undo these binds."
Shisui scoffed.
"Yeah, right. Do you think I'm really going to do that?"
Zabuza furrowed his brows.
"If you want my help, then you should do."
"Your help?"
Zabuza inclined, and tried to move, but felt some stiffness within him.
Ryouta tried to get closer, but Zabuza shot him a look, so Ryouta remained still.
"That's right. Look, you've got a kid as support, and no offence kid, but not even Haku can help during this situation, so I can't see you helping your big bro either. These aren't ordinary Ninja, they are killing machines. They don't even care if their comrades are killed, that's how ruthless they are."
"...Are you like that?"
Ryouta asked, drawing a raised brow from Zabuza.
"Hmph, of course. I revel in killing. I killed many of the students at the Academy when I was a kid."
"You're the reason they stopped that practice, isn't that right?"
Shisui asked, Zabuza didn't deny it.
"Correct, now undo these binds."
"I can't just let you go-"
"Listen Uchiha boy!" Zabuza growled, flaring his demonic aura, but Shisui didn't back down, something Zabuza actually liked to see. "You don't understand what you're up against! I acknowledge your skills are good, you're able to adapt to fighting me and I saw you moving very fast. But they will come with backups next time, Jonin. And I'm not talking one or two, I'm talking at least ten, probably more. Kushimaru, Jinpachi, are very dangerous, and they will not hesitate to slaughter you guys! So if you know what's good for you, let me go right now!"
Shisui understood what Zabuza was saying.
Even with the threatening tone that Zabuza used.
Still, Shisui wasn't going to be intimidated by him.
"I let you go, you turn around and slit my and my little brothers throats. You already tried to kill us before."
"Well, that's because we thought you guys were our opponents, since you tried to kill us."
"We didn't do that. You guys came after us, we defended ourselves."
Ryouta argued, Zabuza smirked.
"That's right, it seems you didn't. Most likely, it was a tactic by the Seven Ninja Swordsmen...well, I should say two, since only two were there. Didn't know who the white haired one was, maybe a new recruit or something. And that kid with him, probably his brother. Heh, brothers all around it seems."
Shisui wasn't sure what to do.
He looked between his brother, and Zabuza.
Ryouta on the other hand saw that Zabuza was trying to hide the fact that there was a wound on his body giving him trouble.
"First of all, Zabuza-san. That wound on you, needs to be taken care of."
Zabuza chortled.
"What? Are you a Medical Ninja too?"
"Ehe, no, I'm not. But someone's taught me some stuff about first aid, and things like that. If you want us to trust you, you have to first trust us, isn't that right Shi-chan?"
"Right."
Zabuza huffed.
"Fine. But Haku, make sure they don't poison me."
Ryouta looked offended, especially considering Zabuza freely admitted to killing his entire class back at the Academy, but chose to let it go, knowing that even if he did say anything, Zabuza would have just ignored him anyway.
"Yes, Zabuza-sama."
Ryouta walked closer to Zabuza, who stared into his eyes coldly, almost evilly.
But Ryouta didn't back down and continued getting closer.
Zabuza tried to move his hands, but since they were bound, he couldn't do anything.
"You can't break free out of my binds, Zabuza."
Zabuza huffed at Shisui, and watched as Ryouta began treating his wounds the best he could, under Haku's watchful eyes.
Zabuza looked back towards Shisui who had eyes like a hawk, and then posed a question.
"You'll have to let me go eventually, you'll need my assistance if you want your little brother to live."
"Is that a threat?"
Shisui said with a low tone.
He wouldn't have anything happen to his little brother, there was no way he'd allow it.
"No, just a promise. They wont hold back because he's a child. He's an Uchiha, right? They might see that as sport even, so you'll be in danger if you don't do as I say and let me go."
"Say that I let you go, how do I know that you're not going to turn on me?"
"I have an honest face."
Shisui raised a brow, while Zabuza stared at him with an almost snake like look.
"If you say so. For now, you're staying bound and guarded at all times. Which means Haku, you will also be."
Zabuza gave a small laugh.
"You're going to bind a kid?"
"No, just watch and be careful, that's all."
Shisui replied to Zabuza.
Zabuza shrugged.
"Fine, I'm hungry. Make me some food, I'm your prisoner, right?"
"Demanding, is this why they kicked you out?"
Shisui joked, Zabuza growled.
"Just make me food boy! Don't make me ask again!"
He flared his demonic aura once more, fully expecting Shisui to not be frightened.
But what he didn't expect was that Ryouta wasn't either.
That...drew curiosity from him.
"Hmph, little Uchiha. I've got a question for you."
Ryouta looked up towards him.
"What's that?"
"Ever killed anyone before?"
"No."
He replied, so Zabuza tried another tactic instead.
"Ever been near death?"
"Yes."
He replied, remembering Yashiro, and what he did to Izumi and himself.
When he said it, Haku could see that there was some deep emotion about it.
Ryouta hid it well, but she could see, and she wondered what it was that made Ryouta feel deeply.
She wished to know more, but didn't know how to start a conversation like this.
Zabuza became intrigued, but Shisui put a stop to it.
"Alright, can we not ask my brother these questions?"
"What's wrong with being inquisitive, partner?"
Shisui almost shuddered at that.
An unlikely partnership with Zabuza.
"Tell me, speculating on your part, how long are we talking before reinforcements arrive?"
Zabuza hummed.
He looked out of the small window in the barn, his eyes looked through the damp trees, the locals outside going about their business.
"Considering their losses we gave them, and our current location from what I can tell by looking outside along with my general knowledge of the area beforehand, I'd give them a three day period. Even those two Heartless Duo aren't complete idiots, they saw us beat them, they'll want some fodder, as they'd call them, to come and fight and then they'll try and catch us off guard. So be prepared for that."
"Three days...even our fastest Ninja might not make it in time..."
"That's why, we work together. Two heads...or should I say, four heads, are better than one? Counting the kids that seem a bit abnormal, at least Haku can handle herself, and your brother kept up with Haku, they might be able to lend a hand for us to achieve victory, what do you say?"
Zabuza's cold words, made sense to Shisui.
They had borrowed time.
Now they would have to look for some assistance from kids, it wasn't something Shisui wanted to do.
He wanted to keep Ryouta safe, but if there were many Ninja's coming…
He also thought about making a break for it, but with the people in the village possibly getting caught up, his conscious, and Ryouta himself, wouldn't allow him to leave only to make sure Ryouta was safe, Shisui knew that so it was difficult in knowing how he was going to proceed.
Ryouta looked towards Shisui, and then to Zabuza.
"Shi-chan, I'll...I'll also fight if we are in danger."
Shisui did appreciate his brother trying to offer assistance.
"Ryou, it's dangerous-"
"Haha! This kid holds no hesitation in his eyes! It seems that he already has seen the darkness of this world!"
Zabuza interrupted Shisui's words.
Shisui himself looked towards Ryouta, and saw that he seemed determined.
He didn't know if determination itself was going to work the best here.
"Yes, he has. Now, Ryou, I'm gonna have to ask you to cook. I'll watch these two."
"Okay Shi-chan."
Ryouta stood up, bowing his body, and walked out of the area they were in.
Shisui folded his legs as he sat down, overlooking the group before him.
Zabuza stared at him, Shisui stared back.
Sighing, Zabuza allowed his body to relax, as much as he could do considering the situation that was at hand.
Meanwhile, back within the Mist village, a young woman with auburn hair, and green eyes was beginning to notice that there was something...wrong with what was going on.
For a few days now, she had seen less and less of some of the villages Ninja, and now it was becoming quite apparent that something was happening, so she tried to see the current Mizukage, only for her to be rejected by the Mizukage.
So she took it upon herself to find out herself what was going on.
She didn't like the secrecy about this, she knew that at the heart of it was Jinpachi and Kushimaru, two people she had an intense disdain for, and with them bringing out more Ninja's, it seemed as if something strange was happening.
The woman's name was Mei Terumi, and she was sure to find something.
After digging for what seemed to be hours, she saw that a woman with a toothy grinned called Ameyuri decided to come into the room she was looking through.
"Ameyuri, can I help you with something?"
Mei tried to remain calm, but due to the nature of this woman, it was hard to discern what she was going to do.
"A little bird told me that you're looking for Kushimaru and the rest of them."
"That's right. Do you know what's happening? They've requested too many Ninja for a simple tracking mission. I believe they're locating Zabuza?"
That's what Mei found in her research anyway.
"That's right, it seems that they're also going after some Konoha Ninja."
Mei furrowed her brows.
"What?"
"Right, unconfirmed report is that it could be that famous Uchiha boy."
"Famous Uchiha...boy did you say?"
"Right, the one that moves fast. That's why they've recruited some more Ninja than necessary. But, it seems that the Mizukage rejected that, but still they're going. That's why, you've got a mission to retrieve them."
Mei tightened her hand.
"So I've to retrieve them?"
"Right, that's what he wants. Ask him yourself, he's about to summon you."
"But, I was there a few hours ago, and I was rejected from seeing him."
Ameyuri shrugged.
"Hey I don't make up the rules, I just do what I need to do for my village that I love so much."
Mei knew she was lying.
Ameyuri didn't care about the village.
"Then I'll go see him for myself. Forgive me for mistrusting you, but I'd like to see it for myself."
"Naturally. I'd hurry though, they have a bit of a head start on you."
Ameyuri watched as the young woman turned and walked out of the room.
Ameyuri then smirked, and giggled away happily to herself.
The next day, early in the morning Ryouta felt unsure of what he was going to do, he fought Yashiro once, but these Ninja were a bit different.
They were used to murdering people, Yashiro had admitted that he didn't like killing unless he had to, these Ninja would murder him without question, without hesitation.
Even though Shisui was there, and he believed in his elder brothers capabilities, he wasn't entirely sure if Shisui was going to be able to handle every since Ninja, so Ryouta kept thinking about what he'd be capable of doing for him, how they'd be able to fight together.
"Shi-chan, if help doesn't come...we'll be fighting on our own, right?"
"Yes...I'm sorry Ryou, I didn't intend for this to happen, I didn't want you to have to go through this kind of mission. I'd say that this has turned from a very simple D Rank, to an A Rank at least, perhaps even S Rank considering who our enemies are going to be."
"Shi-chan...I don't know about Zabuza-san...but Haku-san doesn't feel evil to me...she looks as if she was just caught up in a situation she didn't have much say in and had no other choice."
"You're right. And the people here...I'm sure if we tried to lead them away, they'd only turn here, and attack this village. We're left with little options, we have to face them around this village to protect it."
Ryouta wasn't thrilled to hear about how they were essentially caged and wouldn't be able to do much.
"Shi-chan, there's innocent people here, if the Kiri Ninja try and do something then they could be caught up and be hurt, or even worse. I don't want anything to happen to these innocent people...I'd be worried about them you know?"
Shisui nodded.
"Right, these innocent people need to be protected. I have a few ideas on how to protect them, but we need to set up some safe areas for these people to evacuate to in case the people try and attack the village directly."
"How about we make some underground areas for them to go Shi-chan? Like...a tunnel or something for them to escape into. We have a few days...so, maybe we'd be able to at least help them get away with that."
Shisui liked that his brother thought like he did.
It made sense, and it also made him happy.
"It's a good idea. But you remember your fight with Yashiro? I don't like thinking about him, but you set traps up for him, and I've seen you delve into sealing Jutsu's, and what not. Can you make more paper bombs?"
"Erm...I've never tried making a paper bomb before Shi-chan, but I might be able to if given enough time. I understand how to make them anyway, I'll give it a go."
Ryouta explained, Shisui acknowledged what he said with a smile.
"Good, then you try that, then we can blow them backwards with some paper bombs. I've also got some wire, it could be used to alert us to their presence, or how you told me you trapped Yashiro. But unlike them, we'll be able to slice through them with sharper wire than that…heh, you know, I wanted to one day go on a mission like this with you. Where we'd work together, and fight. I didn't think I'd do it when you're this young, but I believe that we can achieve this by doing it together...and I'm sorry, but you might...if it comes down to it..."
Shisui tried to speak about it.
But it was hard to speak about the act of killing to his younger brother.
Ryouta also understood what Shisui was trying to say, so he brought it up instead.
"Shi-chan, I'm training to become a Ninja...I know eventually, I might have to kill people."
Shisui didn't want to address it.
But with the circumstances behind what was going on, he knew that Ryouta might have to take someone's life.
"Yeah. In life, I tend to not like killing people, and I don't like the idea of you killing people either. But if it comes down to it, I know that you'll do what's necessary and that it's okay."
"I know Shi-chan...I know. If I have too...I will kill to protect."
Shisui couldn't say anything else, everything that needed to be said, had already been said.
Ryouta was going to prepare himself for what was going to happen next.
As that happened, Haku and Zabuza talked to one another, very quietly. Shisui stood with Ryouta when they were having their conversation, at a distance, keeping an eye on Zabuza.
"Haku, that boy, you have to take him captive when gaining the opportunity. Don't try and free me just yet. If you try, then Shisui will kill us. He is above me in skills, and above you, and us put together. I hate admitting it, but there's a reason why he's feared among Konoha Ninja."
Zabuza's words hit home for Haku.
For even Zabuza to acknowledge Shisui's power, it showed her that he truly did think Shisui was stronger than him.
"Yes Zabuza-sama. When the opportunity comes, I'll strike."
Zabuza glanced at the brothers once more, seeing the smile that Ryouta had for Shisui and vice versa.
Setting his emotions aside, he decided to do what he believed was necessary.
"Good, then we'll make our escape. They can handle the Swordsmen, I don't have time for that crap. Knowing the mist, they'll send more enemies, and I can't die until that bastard Mizukage is gone."
Haku looked towards Ryouta and Shisui...feeling guilt that they'd be leaving them behind to deal with this situation.
But if that's what Zabuza wanted, then that's what she was going to do, no matter how she felt about the situation at hand.
Sometime later, Ryouta sat within the area Zabuza and Haku were, a Shadow Clone of Shisui watched over them as the real Shisui made sure the civilians had a way for them to get out of the area if it came to it.
Haku overlooked what Ryouta was doing, using the Sharingan to perfectly help him copy what he saw before him, she didn't exactly know how the Sharingan was helping him, but it seemed to be helping him get even the smallest of details correct.
Zabuza's eyes went towards Ryouta, who was trying to perfectly mimic a paper bomb with some ink, and infusing his chakra into it.
"They teach them young at Konoha, don't they?"
Ryouta glanced back at him.
"I'm sorry?"
"The paper bombs, can't remember me ever doing that when I was your age. Then again, when I was your age, I was slaughtering the lives of the people within the Academy, and that was before I even joined! You should have seen their faces as I killed..." Shisui's clone shot him a look, Zabuza huffed. "Well, that was a long time ago now. Tell me boy, does this not bother you? You could be killed in a few days."
"Shi-chan is here, I have faith in him."
"Faith wont save you, in the end. In fact, faith is the thing that will get everyone killed."
Zabuza said it with a callous tone, trying to instil fear into him so Haku could take him easier later on.
Ryouta nodded, agreeing with Zabuza to his shock, even Haku looked surprised.
"Faith alone wont do it, but I'll help Shi-chan anyway that I can. If it is making paper bombs, or doing other things. I know I'm not strong enough to fight like him, but I'll do my best to make sure that he's alive after this battle, even if I have to kill people myself."
"Killing, is that something you're able to do?"
Haku asked this time, surprising Zabuza.
"I haven't ever killed anyone...but, for the life of Shi-chan and myself, and these innocent civilians...I'll protect them."
Haku wore surprise.
She didn't think she'd hear that from a boy her age.
"I see. Tell me one more thing."
Zabuza asked, Ryouta nodded.
"Yes?"
"Those eyes, I've heard of them before. The Sharingan, while I'm not fully sure on how you get them, I do know that they have to be awakened somehow, is that right?" Ryouta nods. "So, did you get it during your supposed near death experience?"
"I did."
Ryouta's reply intrigued Zabuza even more.
Something about the way Ryouta looked at him, told Zabuza that there was more than meets the eye with this child.
Especially with the fact that despite Zabuza being there, releasing killing intent, Ryouta wasn't flinching, he wasn't showing fear, it showed that the depths of fear it took for him to truly be afraid was something deep.
"I could use good strong allies, say wanna leave Konoha, and join my group? I could get an Uchiha on my side, maybe even your big bro might want to come?"
Haku wasn't sure if Zabuza was joking, being serious, trying to play on the boys emotions, or whatever else he could be doing.
"Thank you for the offer, but I want to stay in Konoha, and defend the village I love."
Clone Shisui smiled at what Ryouta said, proud of his words.
Zabuza shrugged.
"Well, if you ever want to leave, try and find me. I'd have use for a Sharingan user, and someone that can match Haku in a battle. It's rare to find talent so young, even rarer ones that can fight against Haku as well."
"I'll keep it in mind."
"Be sure that you do boy."
Zabuza spoke with a grin.
Shisui didn't like the grin, but kept silent and made sure they didn't try anything.
Ryouta continued for a good few hours, making the bomb and what was needed.
They didn't have much time left, if things turned sour soon, then it would be really dangerous.
After lunch, Ryouta was beginning to set up some traps for the enemy Ninja, like Shisui had taught him how to do. Setting up some paper bombs, trip wire so sharp that it would slice through peoples bodies, along with some other things Ryouta thought would be useful like pitfall traps, lined with some paper bombs to cause a good deal explosion.
As he was, Haku came closer, and closer.
She thought about Zabuza, and how he was trapped.
If she could take Ryouta hostage, then Shisui might allow Zabuza to go free.
She knew Shisui was a lot stronger than her, but if she could get Ryouta, then perhaps it would work.
Haku walked closer, senbons between her slender fingers.
She thought like an assassin at that moment.
Pushing the inner doubts and worries down deep.
She didn't like doing this.
She didn't have anything against Ryouta.
She didn't have any reason to truly hurt him.
But for Zabuza, the person that she had decided to follow, she was going to try something.
Ryouta noticed Haku's approach, but didn't stop her.
He had a feeling that there was something inside of her that told him she wasn't a bad person, she was good, and she wasn't going to truly hurt anyone or anything.
Haku continued approaching Ryouta.
Her eyes set onto Ryouta's body.
Tightening the grip around her senbons, she was fully prepared to fight and get one up on him.
That's what she was going to do, she had the full knowledge she needed to disable him...
But then she stopped herself, when she saw Ryouta allowing a squirrel to run up his arm and onto his shoulder, and gently nuzzled against his face, Haku's face lifting up at the sight, seeing that he truly wasn't a bad person if the squirrel was approaching him in such a manner.
"Hey there little guy~ Hahaha, that tickles~"
Haku watched as Ryouta gently petted the little animal before allowing it off his shoulder.
Haku then pulled the senbons back into her outfit, and walked to the right hand side.
"What are you doing?"
Haku began, Ryouta smiled.
"Setting some traps for those Ninja, while Shi-chan prepares to help evacuate the village if something was to happen. Want to help?"
"Ah...sure."
Haku took some of the paper bombs, and began placing them down around the location Ryouta had marked on a map.
"Ooh right, I haven't officially introduced myself, my name is Ryouta Uchiha. I know your name...but do you have a last name?"
"I belong to the Yuki clan...I mean I did belong to the Yuki clan, I don't know if I could be considered that now."
"Haku Yuki...that's a beautiful name."
Haku looked surprised that Ryouta said that.
She hadn't thought of it as beautiful before.
"My name...is beautiful?"
"Hehe, right~ It is~ But Haku-san, if I might ask...erm...why are you with Zabuza-san? If you don't want to answer, then I'd understand..."
"It's…a bit of a long story, I didn't start out with Zabuza-sama. However, before I answer, I'd like to ask...that near death experience you had, why did you have it? Since we're young, I'm surprised you are even out on a mission with your brother."
"I'm here because this was supposed to be just a simple delivery misson, a gift for my achievements...and what happened to awaken my Sharingan...it wasn't to do with a mission...it was my clan...a member of my clan, tried to kill me."
He revealed, stunning Haku quite a bit.
It reminded her, of her own past.
"A...member of your clan tried to kill you?"
"That's right, they tried to kill me, and then...well, it was a really hard night, I was placed into a life and death battle. He came at us with a sword, Fire Release Jutsu, and all sorts of tricks to try and murder me, and Izumi-chan. Why he did it...was because another member of my clan...the leader of it, acts cold and dismissive towards me, and the man that tried to kill me, thought that was a sign of hating me, and wanted me to die, so he tried it himself."
"Does he want you to die?"
Ryouta had to think about that.
Before the Yashiro fight, he didn't even know if Fugaku wanted him to exist.
Now, it was a little more complicated.
He seemed to praise him, yet remained distant and cold.
Ryouta wasn't trying to impress him though, he didn't care if Fugaku ever acknowledged him, because he knew he was going to do really well with Shisui, and that Fugaku might hate him, but if he treated Satsuki better, then that was going to mean the world to him.
"...To be honest, I can't tell what is going on in his mind. When he looks at me, his emotions are all over the place. Hatred, sadness, loneliness, I get these, and more feelings off of him, and I can't be sure what to think about it to be honest with you."
Haku listened deeply to what was being said, and couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow for him.
Since he was truthful, she also revealed a bit about herself.
"...To answer your question, my clan...because of my Kekkei Genkai, people in my land didn't want me around. My Father...he killed my Mother, and then tried to...he tried to kill me..."
Ryouta bowed his head.
"I'm sorry for asking..."
"No, I also asked something difficult, so you also have the right to ask me...but yes, he tried to kill me, however I didn't want to die, I protected myself, and made sure that he couldn't hurt me ever again."
"You killed him."
"Yes...that man from your clan, did you kill him?"
"At the time...we couldn't, but if I had to...to protect Izumi-chan...erm, she's someone I consider to be like my sister...I would have stopped him by any means necessary. But my brother ended up killing him in the end, to stop him from hurting the rest of us with some kind of weird Jutsu sealing or something like that."
Haku exhaled slowly.
"My Father turned on me...and your clan turned on you...what about your parents?"
"They both died before I was born...technically, during when I was born, for my Mom. I think it's a reason the head of my clan doesn't like me...people say that he was really close to my Mom, and Dad...so maybe he blames me for my Mom dying due to my birth..."
Haku felt sorry for him if that was the case.
Something he couldn't control, and he was being hated for it.
It was the same as her.
Who had the Ice Release.
She couldn't control that, and now she was never going to have a longtime home, though she seemed alright with that.
"That sister figure of yours, is she someone worth protecting?"
"I'd die for Izumi-chan, so yes she is."
"Why would you die for her? She isn't your real sibling. Your brother in there is."
That's what Haku wondered, trying to understand more about the young boy.
Ryouta chortled lightly.
"I'd die for Shi-chan too, I'd die for Izumi-chan. They're...my precious people, I don't have many of them, but they're important to me, and to see them hurt, dying before me...I'd want to do anything I could, have any kind of power that I could wield for me to go and do my best...you know? Do you have that with anyone?"
"Zabuza-sama saved me from the streets, after the actions with my Father, and others. I was left to fend for myself, and then eventually, he came into my life. He had the same eyes as myself, he showed me a better way to live, how to be useful...before then, I felt like I wasn't needed, but now I am needed by Zabuza-sama."
"You're needed by him?"
Haku inclined her neck.
"Yes, I am."
"But...if you're fulfilling his dreams, what about your own?"
Haku...paused.
Her...dreams?
She hadn't considered it.
"My dreams currently don't matter. I only dream about being his tool for his usage, if I can fulfil his dreams...then I will be satisfied."
"But they're your dreams, aren't they? Don't you want anything...like the freedom of those with Kekkei Genkai like yourself in the Land of Water? Or, maybe to help others like you or something Haku-san? Dreaming to help others dreams come true is rather noble...but, you can have dreams too."
Haku thought about it.
It was nice to think that maybe one day that people would treat people like her with kindness, and not fear and anger.
If she had dreams too…
She wondered if they would be like how Ryouta described them.
She wondered...if those dreams would be truly great.
"...My goal is to protect Zabuza-sama. With that goal in mind, I think someone like me can become very strong."
"After you've become strong, then what?"
Haku once again hadn't contemplated it.
She hadn't been challenged like this...ever.
She didn't think of herself, other than a tool for Zabuza.
Now that he had these questions...even Haku had to admit that these words were very curious for her to even think about, much less have an answer for the young Uchiha.
"I...I don't know. I am his tool, I'll die for his survival, and I'll make sure that he can have his dreams come true."
"You'd throw your life away for his?"
"Within a heartbeat. Isn't that what you'd do? For your brother? For this Izumi-san?"
"Yes, but I also have goals of my own. I think the idea of protecting someone is beautiful, but you also have to think of your own future. Shi-chan would hate it if I only lived for him, he'd want me to have goals of my own. My dream...my dream is to protect those who can't fight for themselves, to bring a future to those...who need help. My Mom and Dad...I never knew them, I don't want anyone else to have to suffer through that if I can help it."
Haku blinked slowly.
"It's...a nice dream to have, to want to help others. I can respect that."
"You could do that too Haku-san."
"My dream is to live for Zabuza-sama's sake."
Ryouta cocked an eyebrow upwards.
"My dream is to also protect the people I love and cherish too. But, I also have other dreams. You can dream too, Haku-san."
Haku blinked a number of times, while Ryouta just smiled towards her.
She hadn't ever even considered these things before.
She...could dream too.
Dreaming wasn't something she thought she'd be able to accomplish.
"Ryouta-san...I think that to truly be strong, is when they have someone important to protect. You, have that already, so I'm sure you'll be very strong."
"You too Haku-san...but, ignoring that, do you want to have some fun?"
"Fun…?"
"Yeah, lets play a game. Who can set up more of these. I have ten for this little area, we have to set them up, and whoever gets more set up, wins!"
Ryouta knew it was a serious time.
But from what he saw, Haku didn't have many, if any, opportunities to just relax, and have fun with people her own age.
Haku's lips curled upwards, taking some of the paper bombs.
"I see, so it is a challenge. I, will accept the challenge."
"Hehe, then lets do it, Haku-san!"
Haku nodded, and began running together with Ryouta for the little challenge.
Though it was simple, Haku was beginning to enjoy herself.
He couldn't remember a time where she'd just be able to relax like this.
Ryouta was also glad that he could help her out like this.
Even if it was only a small gesture, it meant a lot to Haku.
Sometime later, Zabuza sat, with his eyes looking at the intentions between Ryouta, and Haku.
He saw something he hadn't really seen before…
Haku's happiness.
He wasn't the type to make people happy anyway, but seeing Haku looking rather happy, was something that filled him with conflicting emotions.
He didn't really understand why Haku was happy.
Shisui overlooked him, seeing Zabuza so focused.
"What are you thinking about?"
"Your death."
Zabuza lied, trying to intimate Shisui.
Shisui though laughed.
"Ooh Zabuza, don't make me feel sad. It isn't nice at all~"
Zabuza huffed.
"Whatever, when are you going to let me go? I want to be free now."
"Not until they come. I can't be sure if you'll turn against us or not. They were your former group, you say. They could be working for you, for all I know."
"Cautious, I like that."
Zabuza admitted, Shisui let out a small laugh.
"Never thought I'd be speaking to you, Demon of the Mist."
"Never thought I'd be speaking to you, Shisui of the Body Flicker."
Shisui hummed, looking towards Zabuza who looked back outside.
"I've been meaning to ask. That girl, how did you meet her exactly? If I'm not mistaken, the Ice Release belonged to the Yuki clan, I heard they were all in hiding or dead."
"She's someone I picked up a little while ago, living on the streets. She's, got a Kekkei Genkai as you've seen."
"From what I saw, she's pretty skilled."
Zabuza inclined his neck.
"That's right, I saw potential within her, and decided to take her with me. So far, it seems she is working out rather well. Though, there is something that holds her back from being a true weapon to me."
"What's that?"
Zabuza glances outside again, seeing Ryouta and Haku chuckling to one another.
"Her heart, it's too kind. I despise it."
Despite saying that, Shisui could see that when he said it, there was a slight...emotion within his voice, something that he didn't use when he spoke about other things. Though it was only a hunch and he had no concrete evidence to back it up, he wondered more about Zabuza, and how he felt about Haku.
"My Mother would say that kindness isn't a weakness."
"In this world, you have to be hard, and cold."
"Perhaps, but you also can be warm and bright. You don't always have to live in the coldness of an era. I was young when I was in the Third Ninja World War, so I know how it is to be a child solider, I'm sure you're also aware of it."
"I am. So tell me, since we're having a heart to heart. Ever kill anyone?"
Shisui's face didn't change, but he did remember those who he had killed.
"Yes."
"And, what did it make you feel?"
"It made me feel as if it was an act that I didn't want to experience. But, it was something I knew I'd have to experience. I also took out a member of my clan before, though those circumstances weren't anything that I'd like to speak about."
"Killing members of your own clan? Now, that's rather intriguing to say the least."
"I killed him, because he was someone that tried to kill my little brother."
Zabuza raised an eyebrow.
"Someone tried to kill that kid brother of yours? A member of your own clan? Damn, Uchiha are messed up."
"It seems that we can agree on something. So tell me why you tried to kill your Mizukage? Since we're being so open with each other."
Zabuza began laughing.
"The Mizukage in our land, is a little bastard. Never liked him, so I thought killing him would be best. Clearly, didn't work out, and I managed to escape. Perhaps that's why the Swordsmen of the Mist are coming for me now. Well, I've got Shisui on my side, so I guess we'll be able to accomplish something."
Shisui gave him bemused eyes.
"I'm fighting for my brother, this village and myself."
"And I'm fighting for myself."
"What about Haku-san?"
Shisui asked, seeing that Zabuza left her off.
"As I said, she's a tool, only useful for one thing. Being a shield for me, being my weapon. That's what tools do, aren't they? She's like my sword, I hold no such sentimental feelings towards her, one way or the other."
Shisui truly believed that Zabuza was...either hiding something, or even unaware of something deeper.
"You know, you don't know what you've got, until its gone. You clearly must have some thoughts about her, since you keep her around, and don't say it's for this tool business. I feel like it's deeper than that."
"You're looking for things that don't exist, Shisui. I don't know what else to tell you. She is a tool that will fight for me, die for me. It's as simple as that."
Shisui furrowed his brows, and looked on curiously.
Zabuza on the other hand tried to take advantage of Shisui's apparent lack of concentration, and attempted to grab a knife nearby with his teeth since he himself was bound…
But was stopped with Shisui appearing before him, kunai in hand, holding it to Zabuza's neck.
Zabuza looked up towards him, and gave him a cold look.
"Damn."
"Thought I'd let my guard down huh? You should know better."
"Next time I will. Still, doesn't change the fact you're going to need my help to survive. These people aren't jokes."
"We'll see."
Zabuza didn't know what to think about it.
He wasn't sure what Shisui was thinking, how he was going to proceed.
Whatever they were going to do, he thought for sure that the Mist Ninja's coming weren't going to be a joke.
Meanwhile, Suigetsu and Mangetsu watched as Kushimaru and Jinpachi got a number of people to their side. Seeing them, Mangetsu knew the truth that they wouldn't be able to match up to the likes of Shisui or Zabuza.
However, Mangetsu couldn't get out of his head what Zabuza did, and how he fought on his own, even when taking injuries, he showed his skills, and power, along with the blade that Mangetsu wished to wield himself.
Suigetsu wanted to see the carnage also, and was glad that he could see this as an opportunity.
Mangetsu watched Kushimaru and Jinpachi plan on the attack, and heard their ways...he didn't like it.
How they'd have others fight at their behest.
He thought that a true warrior would fight right alongside his men, not allow them to do all of the work themselves.
He thought of Zabuza, how he fought, and how he didn't back down either.
It was something that Mangetsu truly did find rather amazing.
Mangetsu walked off from the others, and looked at the sword he required from the deceased body of the man that was apart of the Seven Ninja Swordsman, the Kabutowari blade that was an axe and hammer tied together.
Suigetsu walked over to his brother, seeing that he was in deep thought.
"What's going on brother?"
Mangetsu gave a calm smile.
"I've been thinking, about the future of you and me."
"Yeah? We've got our dream, to join the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, you already have, and I soon will."
Suigetsu stated with a surprising scary look for a child to have.
Magetsu relished in the fact his brother was as blood lusting as he was.
But he also knew that he'd have to be smart to make it through the world as well.
"That's what I've been thinking about. These people, are they really apart of the Ninja Swordsmen? They show cowardly actions, and being apart of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen means being ruthless on the battlefield. These guys, do you think they're ruthless and ready to fight. Or do you think they'll allow others to fight their battles?"
Suigetsu furrowed his brows.
"Well...maybe you're right. But it's still our village, isn't it? We're apart of the greatest one, right? We can kill and do anything that we want to do with our enemies. We even get to slay everything!"
"This mission wasn't something the Mizukage approved of, little brother. Zabuza-sama, sure. But Konoha's Ninja, I don't think he'd want something like that."
Suigetsu raised an eyebrow.
"Well...maybe so..."
"To be honest, I'd rather be beside Zabuza-sama. Seeing him the other day...aah, that was a Demon. I'd love to learn from him, be beside him, and fight together with him. I'm not bothered about these Heartless Pair anymore, these aren't the Ninja's I thought they'd be. Only Kisame-sama is the one that I acknowledge to be a true Ninja Swordsmen besides Zabuza-sama."
"Eeeeh? But, if we'd leave..."
"We'd start our own Seven Ninja Swordsmen, these guys think they'd beat Zabuza-sama. But I saw his abilities myself, they're less skilled than Zabuza-sama. We could also take their blades, and travel with Zabuza-sama."
"But, would he even want us? He is still a Demon, and if it was me, I'd not want any weaklings with me."
Mangetsu chortled, patting his head.
"Damn straight, we'll show him why we aren't weaklings Suigetsu. Besides, I've heard that he wants to take out the Mizukage, I can get behind that goal. I also don't like him either."
"This is too hard for me to understand..."
Mangetsu chortled once more, patting his brother on the head.
"Leave it to me little brother. We'll become Demon's very soon, and under the tutelage of Zabuza-sama, we shall fight and live to see another day, and become the best Demon's right beside the original Demon of the Mist, we'll be the Second Coming."
Suigetsu liked it.
Being able to become strong, and wield the blades of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.
He also believed in his brother, and his capabilities.
So he decided to do what his brother was gong to do.
Night had drawn in, and Shisui was off making sure that everyone was safe, while Haku slept on the floor. Ryouta himself had stayed awake, trying to make a few more paper bombs just in case, preparing for the worst, and hoping for the best.
Zabuza, still tied up, kept his eyes on the form of Ryouta, trying to work the young boy out.
Ryouta's eyes wandered towards Zabuza who kept a cold expression on his face.
"...Can I ask you something?"
"Go for it kid."
Zabuza didn't seem to care.
"Then, Haku-san...what does she mean to you?"
"She's a tool, nothing more."
Ryouta felt disheartened when he said that.
He didn't like that Zabuza seemingly was uncaring about the girl that he was taking care of, basically raising.
"But...she's an innocent girl."
"Perhaps, but she's chosen to follow my life and stand for me. So she's a tool that I'm crafting to be the perfect weapon for me. Stronger than any kunai, any sword. She will be my right hand, and fight beside me and kill those who get in my way."
Ryouta couldn't see Haku killing so easily.
Granted, he didn't know her that well, but he did know that she was a gentle soul.
Envisioning her killing someone, he could do, if it was for Zabuza.
"What...about her dreams though?"
Zabuza shrugged.
"Not my problem."
"...Why are you so cold about her future? Don't you care about her at all?"
Zabuza chuckled hollowly.
"Caring about people in this world, leads to tragic circumstances kid. Love, is not in the world of Ninja's, you best learn that if you're serious about becoming a Ninja."
"It's better to love someone, and lose them...than to lose someone you don't care for. She's...a good person Zabuza-san, don't you want her to have a good life too? I mean...I know you saved her from being on the streets, that's an act of kindness."
Zabuza didn't even show anything other than a hard expression on his face.
"I saw potential, nothing more. If she was a burden to me, I would have cut her out of my life a long time ago, or simply ignored that she was there when I saw her, that's all."
"...I just can't understand...you've been with her for so long...what if she died? She said to me...she'd die for your sake...would you care if she died?"
"No."
Ryouta closed his eyes briefly.
His sadness for Haku's existence kept growing and growing.
Seeing how she wasn't going to have a good life.
She might be content with the life she had, but she wouldn't know of love, family, if Zabuza treated her as nothing more than an expendable object.
"Haha, do you hate that I said that?"
Zabuza said with intrigue, seeing Ryouta's eyes on him.
"Of course I do. She cares about you...but, you'd toss her away without any care? You've been together for so long...do you look at her as expendable?"
Ryouta's questions made Zabuza pause for a few moments.
How he truly considered Haku.
He hadn't given it much thought before.
He didn't even think of what she could be to him.
"She's like any tool that I'd carry in my hands, one day they break and you discard them. You might think that's cold, but that's the way the world works. You have to harden your heart, and become as cold as ice, to survive this world. Didn't your battle with that Uchiha member you fought teach you that?"
Ryouta felt sad for Haku.
Her life at being a runaway after her Father tried to kill her.
Only living for Zabuza, and having no dream.
Zabuza's callous words about the girl that he thought was very kind and caring.
"My battle with Yashiro Uchiha, taught me that this world has many forms of darkness within it, that many people are different, and suffer in many ways. This world might be cold...but, there is warmth too. My brother...he's shown me that happiness can be obtained as a Ninja. Truly being strong when they have someone important to protect. Haku-san told me that."
"Heh, your words, do you want me to agree? Because I wont simply agree because you display them beautifully to me. Even the most beautiful things fade with time, and so will this conversation. So will Haku, you, and I."
Ryouta knew people like this existed.
But he thought that perhaps both sides were cold and content.
But Haku...she wasn't evil.
She was a good person.
He learned that while being with her.
"...If you don't care about her...what kind of life is she going to lead? Being a tool of yours...and dying without experiencing what the world has to offer? While I think her wanting to protect someone is beautiful...but if she's just living for you...if you disappear...what will her life become?"
Zabuza's eyes focused in on the boy.
What he said...Zabuza thought about it briefly.
What he saw with Haku, laughing.
For the first time in her life, that he could remember.
The fact that they acted like normal kids.
It was...something he never experienced.
Ryouta's eyes scrunched upon Zabuza who stared back defiantly.
"You know, what you did for her, rescuing her from the life on the streets was kindness, whether you want to admit to it or not...she cares about you, Zabuza-san. Maybe it's hard for you to see...but, I can see it. She looks up to you...she'd die for you...you're her precious person...is she not yours? Does your time together...mean nothing?"
Zabuza turned his face away from Ryouta, who did the same thing from Zabuza.
Zabuza's eyes went to the sleeping Haku, remembering what Ryouta had said.
He didn't think anything Ryouta would say to him, would bother him.
But these words, these simple yet impactful words, caused Zabuza to think about what he was doing.
Not that he'd change who he was, but bringing someone like Haku with him.
Someone that didn't have evilness within her heart.
He was someone who he believed couldn't be redeemed.
But Haku, she had a lot to offer.
She truly was gentle...
Shaking his head of the thoughts, Zabuza looked back to Ryouta who was busy preparing for what was going to happen next, Zabuza felt the corner of his lips tugging ever so slightly.
"This damn kid...making me think...Haku, maybe you'd be better off with him...you always were too kind anyway..." His eyes shifted to Ryouta and laughed. "Speaking to me without fear...I like you kid. Don't die young, I want to fight you one day, like your big brother."
Ryouta looked back towards him, but Zabuza by that time had faced away once more, lying on the floor.
Ryouta didn't know what to make of Zabuza, his feelings, and how he looked at life.
But what he did know was that maybe deep down, Zabuza had more emotions than anyone ever got to see.
Morning had broken, and Shisui, Ryouta, Zabuza, along with Haku sat down together, discussing what was going to happen.
With the sun beaming down, Ryouta could feel the intense atmosphere surrounding them, it wasn't something that was hard to understand.
Soon would be the time they'd have to fight for survival.
"It seems that they'll move earlier than we predicted. I've sent crows to scout out what's going on, and they've got a good number of Ninja with them now, they've got us surrounded. By nightfall, I'd say they'd make their moves. They wont attack during the day for obvious reasons...but at night, they'd think to have the advantage."
"What about Konoha Shi-chan?"
Ryouta asked, Shisui wore a disheartened expression.
"Still a day away, even if they ran at high speeds. If we had just one more day...but, we don't. It seems they made their way here a day faster than Zabuza predicted. We have to make a stand now."
Ryouta looked down, Zabuza growled.
"Then that's it, we've got no place to run. Alright, now it's time to let me out of these things Shisui, we have to prepare ourselves."
Shisui stared into the eyes of Zabuza.
He truly considered what he should do.
He did need all the help he could get, but while he could use his Sharingan to control Zabuza, it wouldn't be the most effect use of his powers at the moment, he needed all of the chakra he could get.
In the end, he needed Zabuza's help, while also conserving the amount of chakra he had, and the concentration, and he wouldn't waste using his Mangekyou power here, just in case that was absolutely needed.
"...Alright, but one instance of you showing threatening behaviour to me, or my brother, and I'll not hesitate to kill you."
Zabuza shuddered at the cold gaze of Shisui.
So he simply nodded.
"Fine. We need to work together."
"Best friends forever, right Zabuza-san?"
Shisui joked, Zabuza smirked at the joke.
"Forever, and ever."
Shisui undid Zabuza's binds, who stretched, and reached for his sword.
Shisui watched him grab his oversized blade, and hold it before him with a scowl on his face.
"Right, then I think the obvious thing we need to do is come up with a plan of attack. Shisui, tell me your Jutsu you've got, I'll tell you mine, and we'll go from there. With your blasted Sharingan, maybe we could pull off a collaboration technique?"
"I guess that we could. Alright, we've only got...I'd say at most twelve hours before they launch an assault. We'll have to move the villagers to the safe location, and then begin using the traps. It wont take them all, but it will help us even out the number of people attempting to attack us here."
"Right, we should also think about field advantage, what kind of Jutsu we can pull off and where we can do it. If I remember right, there's a good sized pond near here, I'll be using that for my Water Release."
Zabuza added, Shisui inclined his neck.
"Right, then with the Heartless Pair, I've heard they work better together, than apart, so perhaps we should find a way to split them up..."
Ryouta and Haku watched on, seeing the two more seasoned Ninja speak about the best battle strategies.
Whatever was going to happen next, Ryouta knew that it would be dangerous.
They didn't have time to run away.
They didn't have time to even think about what could happen next.
All they could do was try their best against the enemies at hand, and make sure that the people that lived in the small village would be safe and sound.
End chapter!
So, this was the set up chapter for the big fight that's going to take place next time! With Ryouta and Shisui working together, making sure that the village they are in is safe, and its civilians. But with some bonding going on between Haku and Ryouta. Haku tried to follow Zabuza's command, but in the end, she couldn't go through with it after seeing the kindness that Ryouta had, and was even thinking a bit about her place in the world, and if she could dream.
Zabuza seemed to be hiding his true emotions, something Shisui was able to pick up on, while also seemingly curious about Ryouta and his abilities, even jokingly offering him to join him. Mei and Ameyuri were also introduced, with Ameyuri seemingly got some kind of plans, while Mei is doubting a few things that are going on. Mangetsu and Suigetsu are planning something all on their own while Kushimaru and Jinpachi are planning to attack together with a bunch of Ninja.
Then at the end, despite not sure if they could trust Zabuza, left with little choice Shisui decided to at least try and allowed Zabuza free so they can fight together.
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Ryouta; Satsuki, Sakura, Naruko, Hinata, Ino, Haku (fem), Kurotsuchi, Karin, Konan,