Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!
Isao Gin; They would fit in yeah.
Morregan; It is, it allows him to be more mentally prepared for his future events.
ShadowUzumaki55; He has yeah, he'll be dealing with it in his own way. Glad you enjoyed the fights! He did yeah, Zabuza seemed to have a humanizing moment. Mangetsu and Suigetsu have yeah~ Shisui might have to explain a few things about that yeah~ They could be yeah~
Onxio; Thanks for the suggestion!
MDM11; Yeah, they could do. Those would be pretty cool. Some of them could be Sensei's yeah. Tenten having that would have made sense so she could do here. Naruko will be getting some of those at the later parts of the story. Ryouta could train them yeah~
Silver crow; Thanks. He'll be appearing again. You never know, he might do one day. He will bring it up. They'll have some conversations. Haha, I'm sure he was. Yeah, Haku and Ryouta managed to take down some Ninja together. Glad you liked the fights! Suigetsu's abilty can be tricky, but for Haku and Ryouta, they figured out how to subdue him. I'm sure Haku would do~ Tobi didn't care about the others. Shisui handled himself pretty well. Mei did yeah. He'd wrap them around the shurikens, between the sharp points and around the blades. Yup, he's got his Sharingan fully activated. He'll speak about his Mangekyou. Haku had a cute reaction yeah. Yup, they managed to work together to take down the summoning. Probably not match, but good assets nonetheless. Yeah, probably with just Luna. He probably would like his grandmother, and have disdain for his father. He could have a Quirk like that. Dabi would be yeah. I do like Overclock, always looked pretty cool. It does seem like an upgrade of that. He will when they get back. He'd be strong yeah. Mei could be like that. It would be cool if he did say something like that. Yeah with his Sharingan, it would be possible. Thanks for the suggestions! Ameyuri's gonna be busy there. They could do yeah, just gonna wait to see more of what they actually are before writing about them. I might right a Great Red son fic, that could be fun. The interactions between him and Ophis alone would be fun to do.
Guest 1; Haku could learn some Medical Ninjutsu yeah. That's a pretty cool attack~
Skull Flame; Yup, it seems that he is. Kushimaru did yeah, there's a reason why he survived. Haku's going to be going through some stuff.
Brainstorm Sorcerer; Thanks very much! Yeah, it showed some human moments from Zabuza, who passed Haku onto the Uchiha brothers, knowing that she'll have a better life there. There might be, Ryou and Shisui will make sure that she's safe. Satsuki might have a few things to say~ Yeah, they'll be taking about the Mangekyou in this chapter. Ao definitely remembers Shisui alright~ Ryouta did yeah, he's trying his best. He'll be meeting Danzo, can't reveal when but when they do...it's going to be quite something~ As far as I'm aware it has to be closely related. Ryouta will have a summon yeah~ I guess it would be rare for someone his age to have a fully matured Sharingan. I could see Orochimaru would like it. Tobi's got plans for Ryouta yeah. He'll become quite good at Fuinjutsu. That would be cool if he could help Kakashi like that. Glad you liked those moments! He will be developing more of his Genjutsu abilities as we go forward. Those ideas with ice are pretty cool~ Yeah, Suigetsu and Mangetsu wont fill the gap Haku left for Zabuza, but he does have some teammates now. Thanks, Zabuza showed that he did care for Haku. I'm sure Mei wouldn't~ Yeah, it's going to be fun~
War Sage; Thanks! He'll be learning a bit about the Mangekyou yeah. Maybe they could do something like that if they have Senju DNA also. I can't reveal that just yet~ It could be Black Zetsu. He might have meetings like that with them. I've narrowed it down to a few names for the Mangekyou yeah. Yeah, that would be possible perhaps~ He's got some plans for his Ninja career. If Hiruzen gave it to him then yeah he could do. We'll learn more, some in this chapter. Yeah, Shisui will be training Ryou a bit more. Thanks for the suggestions!
Andrew123456; Yeah probably.
AlphaOmega; It has yeah. I'm sure Danzo might have something to say about this. Zabuza has entrusted Ryouta with Haku yeah. Maybe yeah.
Guest 2; There probably would be something's to think about. Thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 3; Thanks very much! Glad you enjoyed them so far! It is quite a difference.
Clarent excalibur; Yeah, we might get the full thing later on~ Ryouta's will be quite cool. It could have a weapon like that.
Well, with those lovely reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
Haku's new start!
A few minutes had gone by since Zabuza had disappeared, Haku had gone unconscious. Looking around at the village, some of the houses had been destroyed, the area had been devastated a good degree.
With the explosions, the attacks they did, and things that could break the ground also.
Kushimaru was being detained, as were the Ninja that had survived the attack. Since Jinpachi was dead, his corpse was being recovered.
Mei walked over towards Ryouta and Shisui.
Shisui's eyes went towards Mei, who held up her hand in a defensive manner, knowing that if things went south, then she could potentially die, knowing from Ao about how strong Shisui really could be, she didn't want to have a fight with him.
"Wait, I understand that this has been a clear misunderstanding."
Shisui knew much about the Blood Mist, and how, dangerous they could be.
While being cautious, Mei didn't seem to be the type that was going to attack him or Ryouta.
"Very. These Ninja, they were sent to try and take down Zabuza?"
"Actually, it's a little more complex than that." Mei began, her eyes dancing between the two Uchiha men. "They were told to locate him, then we'd think of what to do next. They never were told to engage, we know how strong Zabuza is, and the fact that they needed more allies is proof enough for me to say that they weren't able to handle it on their own. Though, that could be due to your unexpected appearance. Still, they defied our Mizukage, and we were sent to stop them."
Mei said while her eyes glanced down towards Ryouta, seeing the resemblance of Shisui quite strongly, but also had some difference between them as well, but what she was most intrigued by was the fact that Haku was on the ground, wearing an outfit that resembled more Land of Water, than Land of Fire like Ryouta, and Shisui were from.
"Zabuza said that we attacked him, but it seems that the Seven Ninja Swordsmen used some kind of transformation Jutsu to impersonate us. I can only conclude that they did it because we happened to be around."
Mei stroked her chin.
"I see, so that's how it went down. All I can offer is my apologies. Despite my homeland being nicknamed Bloody Mist, we all aren't blood thirsty, this was a mission to track down Zabuza due to him attacking our Mizukage. We weren't supposed to involve you, or anyone. Least of all this village. But they took things too far, and even had other Ninja from our village come and help them fight you guys."
Shisui exhales slowly.
"I understand."
Mei overlooked Shisui, then her lips curled upwards.
"My, I have heard of you Uchiha men, but looking up close, you're rather cute."
Shisui blinked several times, gazing into the eyes of the young woman who batted her eyelashes.
"Well...that's kind, thank you."
Mei moistened her bottom lip, attempting to move closer to Shisui…
When she saw Haku being attended to by Ryouta.
She couldn't hold back her thoughts anymore, wanting to know what was going on.
"That girl...is she with you?"
"Well...it's tough to explain. I'll try my best."
Shisui, knowing that Mei wouldn't be satisfied with a simple explanation, began explaining the best that he could do.
As he did explain, Mei mused over what was being said.
"I see...so, she's a Kekkei Genkai user, of the Yuki clan?"
"As far as I'm aware, that's what she is yes."
"Will you...hurt her?"
Mei shook her head at Ryouta's question.
"It isn't my business in hurting children."
"She has a Kekkei Genkai...Haku-san told me, that Kirigakure don't like people with Kekkei Genkai."
"You're correct. To be truthful, I have two Kekkei Genkai, so if anyone is to be more hated, then it would be me rather than her."
Ryouta looked astonished as Shisui raised an eyebrow.
"Though Ryou does bring up a point, are you going to do anything with her?"
"Technically, she was also taken in by Zabuza, my current Mizukage would hate someone of her existence. If I brought her back under Mizukage's rule as it is, she'd most likely be killed, at least locked away for such a long time. That would be the easier of the sentences, death is the most likely one that will happen."
Ryouta looked down at the sleeping Haku, and could see how dangerous it was going to be for her.
Even though she was a good person, the fact that she'd have to deal with all of this going forward…
He felt as if it was truly terrible.
Ryouta spoke up.
"But...she's an innocent girl! You can't let her die!"
"I agree, young man. However, that is the reality."
"But...what if Konoha...take her? Zabuza took her...we could say we saved her...she could become a member of Konoha..."
Mei furrowed her brows.
"What you're saying does make sense to me. If that's what you think could happen. But, would your Hokage allow such a thing?"
"Explaining her circumstances could allow us to take her in yeah. Most likely, I'll have to consult with the Hokage before saying a definite."
Shisui added, Mei nodded slowly.
"Then that's settled. You should contact that Hokage of yours, I can agree to say that she wasn't here."
"...That's really kind of you, thank you."
Ryouta bowed his head, Mei overlooked Ryouta's form, then looked towards Shisui, who cocked his head curiously.
"...That's fine. Anyway, we should begin settling exactly what went on here, any information would benefit us."
"Right, I'll deal with this. Ryou..."
"I'll take Haku-san to get some treatment from the doctor."
"Good boy."
Ryouta took Haku away, while Shisui glanced at Mei, who kept her eyes on his form.
Feeling slightly awkward, he excused himself, while Mei released a breath "How cute." before going off to do her own thing.
The next morning, after the events of the battle, Ryouta stayed beside Haku's side, and made sure that she was taken care of. Her wounds weren't that deep, thankfully, but she had fallen unconscious, so he made sure that she would be alright.
Shisui was currently dealing with the village as a whole, and the Kiri Ninja's also.
Ryouta also knew that some Konoha Ninja had finally arrived to his relief so they'd be able to help also.
He was relieved that it was a situation that Konoha were there now.
As he waited, he saw that Haku's eyes slowly opened.
He pulled closer, peering into her eyes.
"Hey there, Haku-san. How are you feeling?"
Haku sat up, feeling a small pain within her abdomen.
"...Zabuza-sama. Where..."
Haku's full memory of the event hadn't come back to her, so Ryouta filled her in.
"He's...gone, Haku-san. Don't you, remember?"
Haku's face fell, realty was beginning to catch up with her sleepy mind.
"He's...gone. So that wasn't a dream... He disappeared...I must have outlived my usefulness as his tool..."
Ryouta's hand placed itself on top of her own, drawing her attention.
"No, Haku-san. Don't think that. You're not a tool Haku-san, you're a person."
"I...I was a tool...I protected him, Zabuza-sama saw that as...my last time I'd be useful. So he left his broken tool behind..."
Ryouta could hear the sadness in her voice.
It was truly heartbreaking to look at Haku's face.
She was trying to keep it in, but she felt abandoned.
Alone within the world.
"Haku-san, it's true that Zabuza-san did leave you...but, I think that he was trying to do an act of kindness towards you...like he did when he took you with him."
"Kindness…?"
"I can't prove it of course...but, I saw him when you were falling in and out of consciousness. He said...with me, you'd have a dream. But more than that...I saw his eyes...he might've not said anything...but he was thinking about you, and even if he wasn't...he left you here, with me. And I'll...make sure you're okay, Haku-san."
Haku looked down at the bed sheets.
She wasn't sure what to think.
Her whole world crumbled…
Yet Ryouta was still beside her, trying to comfort her.
"...Is it okay, if I'm left alone for a little while? I...need to think..."
Ryouta nodded.
"Of course, I'll be outside if you need me. Shi-chan and everyone...are rebuilding this small village. It shouldn't take long..."
"I see..."
Ryouta saw how the sadness inside of her was trying to escape, so he walked out of the room.
Once he was gone, her eyes began to display tears.
The fact that Zabuza had gone, she couldn't help but cry.
Feeling as if she had failed him.
Feeling weak for not being able to be of more service to him.
That she didn't die for him.
Ryouta stood outside, and he could hear her slight whimpering sounds.
She tried to keep herself silent, but she failed in doing that, something Ryouta could understand rather well.
He glanced back in, to see her hands covering her eyes.
"Poor Haku-san...all this time, she had been kept going by being Zabuza-sans right hand...but I really do think that Zabuza-sans done her a true kindness, by allowing her to experience a new life...Zabuza-san, I'll take care of Haku-san"
Ryouta then left, leaving Haku to sort out some of her feelings.
Whatever she was going to be feeling now, he'd stand with her, and make sure that she was okay.
That she didn't have to suffer anymore.
Meanwhile, Shisui was helping with the reconstruction of the area, due to the battle, and speaking to some of the residents of the village.
Mei also looked towards him, seeing his compassion, held a slight smile on her face.
She then walked over.
"I thought I should let you know, that we're sending people back to Kiri in small groups. I'll be personally escorting back Kushimaru, who's the most dangerous. After this situation has been dealt with."
"That's probably wise, he can be dangerous with his sword."
"Yes, we'll also make sure the sword is safe." Mei's eyes wandered to the place that Ryouta was in. "That little brother of yours, he hasn't left that girls side all night. Even though she could be classed as his enemy."
"That's just how Ryou is, he's quite the kind and gentle boy. Though I can tell he's dealing with having to kill someone. It can be difficult for someone so young...I remember it well."
"Rare to find someone like that nowadays. Or perhaps, that's just true for my village. And yes...you're right, the first one can be the hardest, and someone so young...still, it's best to understand young the life of a Ninja, lets you be better prepared." Shisui agreed with Mei's words. "But either way, it's refreshing to see that you aren't as scary as I have heard your reputation is supposed to be."
"Hehe, I'm not all that scary~ Just when my enemies try something or attempt to hurt my brother, then I become scary." As he said it, Ao jumped to the side of Mei. "Oh, Ao. It's been a while, hasn't it?"
Ao's face fell when Shisui smiled towards him.
His bottom lip trembled, he felt sweat dripping down his face.
Mei also noticed that Ao was acting odd.
"Ao? Is something wrong?"
When staring at Shisui, he could feel his face paling.
He didn't want to have to deal with him anymore.
"N...No, of course not, I'm fine..."
Mei gave curious eyes as Ao was shaking while staring at Shisui, then shook her head.
"So, Zabuza? Did you track him down?"
"We got ambushed by Mangetsu Hozuki and his younger brother. From what I can deduce, they have decided to join Zabuza Momochi. We tried tracking them all night, but the three Demon's...they managed to take down a fair few of the Ninja I had with me."
"The Demon strikes again. This time, he's got Mangetsu and Suigetsu, prodigies of the village. Still, I'm not entirely surprised, they always had an appreciation for Zabuza."
Mei said while biting her lower lip.
Ao though surprised her by shaking his head.
"Actually, no one died."
That surprised Mei.
"He...didn't kill them?"
"He even ordered the other two to not waste time with doing it. I'm not sure why, but that's how it went down. They eventually got away unfortunately, I'm sorry."
Mei shook her head.
"Don't apologize, Zabuza is a tricky man to deal with, and so now he has two of the most promising Ninja with him. It makes sense to me that an outcome like this happened. Either way, now that we've at least apprehended these men and women who had betrayed our village, we can at least report that to the Mizukage."
As she said it, Shisui sensed a darker tone.
As if she didn't care for the Mizukage.
If he was right, then he understood why due to how the Mizukage was reported to be.
Sometime later, Ryouta walked around the village, seeing the villagers looking rather peaceful despite two Ninja village members being present. Perhaps they weren't used to it, or they really were that relaxed, he didn't know.
But he was glad that at least the village was getting better again.
He happened to come upon Mei, who was on her own, attempting to help rebuild a house. Seeing her move the items around, and how she was using her Water Release Jutsu to rid the excess water away from the area so they had a dry surface to move on.
He walked over towards her, to see if there was anything he could do for help her.
"Mei-san, is there anything I can do to help you?"
Mei looked down, and saw Ryouta, before smiling.
"I was waiting for that brother of yours, but it seems he's found something else to occupy his time. He truly is an elusive boy." Mei looked over Ryouta, before tilting her head. "But, you seem like a strong young man, perhaps you could help me."
"If I can, I'll try."
Mei claps her hands together.
"Wonderful, then I need you to hold up this piece of wood, while I hammer it in place for the ceiling."
"Of course~"
Ryouta did as she asked, while Mei did what she needed to do.
As they did, Ryouta thought about what she said about her village, and her own Kekkei Genkai.
"Mei-san, your Kekkei Genkai, are they Nature related?"
"That's right, Lava and Boil Release."
She replied, with Ryouta smiling.
"That's really cool, you have two different Combined Nature Transformations."
"At least someone thinks it's cool. From where I'm from, they think I'm..."
Mei paused as she thought about how to speak about it, so Ryouta continued.
"Mei-san, your village...I heard from Haku-san that they aren't happy about...Kekkei Genkai users, right?"
"That's right, my Kekkei Genkai are something that people despise due to...well, a long reason that would be difficult to go into now. Why do you ask?"
"I was just thinking...if it's so bad, why do you stay?"
Mei hadn't been asked that before.
So she was stunned to respond.
"Then they win, don't they?"
"They?"
"The people that dislike me and my Kekkei Genkai. If I don't stay, then nothing will ever change."
Ryouta smiled lightly.
It was great to see that Mei wanted to make a change, and didn't accept the circumstances around her.
"I see...you want to change your village?"
"I'm not sure how yet, but yes I'd like to change it. It is a rather barbaric place to live, I want to make it into something...more beautiful, wonderful. I want it to be a village people can be proud to be apart of, not one with the most Missing Ninja, or at least one of the higher number of Missing Ninja."
"Zabuza-san, he wanted to kill the Mizukage. That's why he's a Missing Ninja, isn't it?"
Mei wore surprise.
"So you know of that?"
"Yes, I heard about it while being here. Is he, the Mizukage...really so bad? Or is Zabuza-san just wishing to kill him? If you don't mind me asking."
"He...The Mizukage is someone that has brought more blood to Kiri than ever. Though he still is Mizukage, unless I want to become a Missing Ninja like Zabuza, all I can do is minimize the damage as much as I can, and think of a solution to this problem."
Ryouta gained some respect for Mei.
She knew she had limited options, yet she wanted to make changes to her village. But she wasn't sure on how to proceed. Still, the fact that she didn't like the violence of her village, was something Ryouta really did like to see.
"One day, I'm sure you'd make it a great place Mei-san. I wish I could help you. Just because you're born with Kekkei Genkai's...you shouldn't be hated because of it. You can't help how you're born."
Mei was rather touched by his words.
Though he was young, it was clear that he had a good deal of experience with dealing with people that weren't nice, that could hate just because someone was different, it seemed that while their circumstances might be different, they did have a good understanding of one another.
Mei gave a small chortle.
"I'll have to think about it, maybe one day you could help us out. It seems I might have to keep an eye on you, Ryou-kun. So young, yet your words are rather wonderful to hear."
Ryouta nodded strongly.
Mei couldn't help but feel that Ryouta was a nice kid at the end of the day.
Even though they were from different villages, it seemed that they could get on rather well.
That night, Ryouta had just finished having a bath, and went into his room, when he saw Haku sat there, on his bed.
Ryouta walked closer towards her, then sat down beside her, giving her a kind smile.
"Are you okay?"
"I...didn't know where else to go. Even though the Kiri Ninja don't seem to be out to get me, I felt uncomfortable around them. I only feel comfortable when I'm in your presence, so can I stay in here with you?"
"Haku-san, of course you can."
Haku felt relieved, so they sat together for a few minutes.
Neither said anything.
Haku though kept moving closer towards Ryouta, and by the time he noticed, she was practically hugging onto his arm.
"Haku-san, Shi-chan said that you'd be able to come with us, back to Konoha."
"Would I...find my place there?"
"We'll do anything you want to do, I'll help you with whatever you want. Though I'm sorry you can't go back to Kirigakure, because it would be too dangerous for you."
"I have no ties there, I don't mind that I can't go back now."
"Konoha is a nice place, full of different people. No place is perfect of course...but there's lots of fun people. Like Naruko-san, Sakura-san, Ino-san, Satsuki-chan, Hinata-san, Karin-san and Lee-san, among other people. You'll make lots of friends, in no time flat."
Haku thought about it.
She never had any kind of real life.
She didn't have any friends.
She didn't know what it meant to have friends.
She was so used to following Zabuza, that anything else was alien.
"...Ryouta-kun, would my life...be different in Konoha?"
"Your life...can be whatever you want it to be. You said that truly protecting someone can be something that makes you strong, right?"
"Yes, that's how I believe someone becomes truly strong."
"I know you cared about Zabuza-san, and he did save you...which I'm grateful for since we got to meet...Zabuza-san, he gave you the chance to truly be free...to find your own way in life. Find another dream, Zabuza-sans kindness was that Haku-san. Find something new to protect, that can be anything. An ideal...a new person, Konoha, Kiri, it could be anything. Maybe your Mom's dreams..."
Haku continued to think about it.
She liked that she could have something to protect.
Have something to fight for.
While her feelings about Zabuza hadn't gone, she still cared about him…
The fact that Ryouta spoke these words, made sense to her.
Maybe she could find a new dream.
A new goal for her.
"Ryouta-kun...my dream was to make Zabuza-sans dream come true...could I also do that...for you?"
"My dreams? Well...you could help my dreams come true, but what about dreams for yourself?"
Haku furrowed her brows.
"A dream for myself…? I've never thought of myself having a dream beyond helping others dream. I...I always felt useful when helping others dreams, Zabuza-sama's dreams come true. Without that...I feel...I feel as if I'll be thrown away..."
"I wont throw you away Haku-san. It's okay to dream for yourself. To see it through until the end. Helping others is wonderful, but it's also okay to be selfish."
Haku smiled subtly.
It was something that she expected him to say.
It brought her comfort in away.
Allowing her to find new things in life, to have a new journey ahead of her, and she wouldn't be alone either.
"I...I...I could help make people with Kekkei Genkai free again..."
"Yeah, that would be a great goal for you Haku-san."
"Yes...but realistically, I'm not sure I'd be able to achieve it."
"Well, I'll be right beside you, Haku-san. And help you, anyway that I can."
When he said that, she believed him.
Somewhere deep within her, she felt reassured.
She trusted in Ryouta.
He had known her for a little amount of time, but was there for her, even when Zabuza had disappeared. Even though she attacked him first...he wasn't going to turn her away now, she felt quite happy because of that feeling.
"Ryouta-kun...you wont...abandon me, right?"
She presumed he wouldn't.
But clarity was what she was seeking.
Ryouta shook his head.
"Unless, you don't want me around, I wont ever abandon you Haku-san."
Haku let out a small breath, revealing a kind yet gentle smile.
She allowed herself to hold onto his arm, Ryouta did one better, and held onto her hand.
She felt a small tinge of redness dusting her cheeks.
Her eyes met with his own, and they smiled at one another.
"Haku-san, I know what happened with Zabuza-san...was terrible for you, and it wont be easy...but I'll stand beside you, and help you with anything. Shi-chan told me once, when I was upset that people in my clan were being mean to me...that the world is beautiful, and sometimes it might be hard to see...but, it's there, if you look."
She understood the meaning behind his words.
He'd be there for her, and help her come out of the darkness that was now her former life, give her goals, things to aspire to, and make homes in new places. While Zabuza was on her mind, maybe she didn't have to be alone, and she could carve herself a new path. It might be a hard road to envision right now, but with Ryouta by her side, she was sure that she'd find a new reason for her to live, and to be free, and happy.
She then silently hugged onto Ryouta.
He looked mildly surprised.
But he didn't say anything, and silently hugged her back.
As that happened, Itachi sat in his home with Izumi leaning against his shoulder, casually reading a book, as he read some reports. Satsuki sat before them, and was playing some game by herself...when she stopped, and looked slightly annoyed.
Itachi noticed it first, and raised a question.
"Something on your mind, Satsuki?"
"I don't know why, but I feel as if someone has just taken a few steps closer to Ryou..."
Izumi raised an eyebrow.
"Wow, got ESP or something?"
Satsuki gave her a curious look.
"I have no idea, but it feels strong...whatever it is, I feel like I've just gained a new rival..."
"Awww, that's basically admitting that you have a cute crush on Ryou-kun~ I think it's so sweet~"
Satsuki's face flew through several shades of red, shaking her head several times.
"O-Of course not! I just appreciate that he's strong, that's all!"
"Well, he's due back in a few days." Itachi added. "I'm sure you'll discover then."
"I hope he comes back sooner, all I've got to speak to is Hinata, and while I don't mind her..."
"You want Ryou-kun back to cuddle~"
Satsuki twitched an eyebrow as Izumi giggled.
"Well, I know you and big brother kiss behind the house so I wont tell Shisui-san if you keep quiet now."
Izumi's face went darker red, while Itachi kept composed.
"Don't give him ammunition!"
"I wont have to if you don't tease me Izumi-san."
Izumi clicked her tongue.
"And that's what I love to do as well...fine, whatever. You win Satsuki-chan."
Satsuki smirked to herself, while Itachi gave each girl a curious look, before shrugging and going about his business.
The night before they were going back to Konoha, Ryouta stared towards Shisui, ever since he saw the weird green giant hand, and the weird pinwheel pattern within Shisui's eyes, Ryouta couldn't get it out of his mind, what that was.
He realized it was some kind of Sharingan ability, but he hadn't ever seen anything like that before.
He hadn't seen a Sharingan ever do anything like that before.
Shisui, upon noticing that Ryouta was staring at him, raised an eyebrow.
"Is something wrong?"
"Erm...well...erm, Shi-chan...I just want to ask...what was that green hand? And why did your eyes change?"
Shisui expected it to happen.
That he'd be questioned about it.
Shisui couldn't hide it.
"...Well, you see, it's the next stage of the Sharingan."
"Next stage? I thought...that the Tomoe were the stages..."
"Yes, that's technically right. But this could be called more of an evolution."
"Evolution...it allowed you to...make a green hand?"
Shisui began chortling.
"Haha, sort of yeah~ The eyes are called Mangekyou Sharingan."
"Mangekyou Sharingan...I've never heard of it before Shi-chan. How do you get them?"
"...Well, that's something that's been debated for a long time. Some believe that you have to kill someone you truly love to gain the ability, to experience such a loss which would awaken them. But, you don't have to be the killer...you just have to feel the deep emotional impact of losing someone. It has to be a deep emotional trauma for the person, my eyes awakened like that."
Ryouta took that in, and thought about it.
Shisui must have suffered such a trauma that he gained Mangekyou Sharingan.
He could only think of a few people that it might have been.
"Then...did you get it with Mom...or Dad?"
"I would have...if it hadn't happened before either of their deaths. You see, before you were born, the Third Ninja War was going on, and despite Mom and Dad not wanting me to, I decided to also become a Ninja to fight in it. So, I was placed on a team, and I had...a friend."
"So...your friend, died?"
"Yeah...he was so talented, strong. One day, we were on a mission...and we were attacked. The attack was rather scary, I was only seven when it happened, so your age. And my friend and I were running away. But…he tripped."
"Tripped..."
Ryouta knew there was more, so he prodded.
Shisui nodded, and continued.
"Right...when he did, I held back. Just for a moment...I hesitated. My own weakness...it stopped me from providing assistance...then he died. He died right before me, killed violently, and I would have been next, if it wasn't for Mom coming in with Dad, and destroying the platoon single-handedly. It was over a hundred Ninja, all Jonin level, and they took them down within seconds. They had been deployed somewhere else...but when hearing about where I had been, and hearing of the situation, they came running to my defence."
"Shi-chan..."
Shisui placed a hand to his forehead, trying to keep his sadness in from that event.
"I...I was weak, and it got him killed. My eyes are a reminder of that. The time that I allowed my emotions to take over me, and stop me from saving his life."
Ryouta understood something now.
"Shi-chan...you didn't do anything wrong. You were young...you had to fight in a war..."
Ryouta's words were comforting to him.
Shisui though tried his best to remain calm, not wanting to worry his little brother.
"...I thought Mom and Dad would be so angry at me, so disappointed that I froze. I was angry at myself, I hated that I had allowed that emotion to control me. But, Mom didn't hate me, neither did Dad. Deep down though...I always felt guilty, and my eyes awakened into the Mangekyou Sharingan, Dad also showed me his own Mangekyou Sharingan."
"Dad had it too?"
Shisui inclined his neck.
"That's right, he had them also. When I awakened them, I realized that I had gained a new ability in my eyes."
"The green hand thing?"
Ryouta asked, Shisui inclined his neck, but then further explained.
"That's another ability of the eyes. No, the ability I gained was called Kotoamatsukami, it was in both of my eyes."
"Koto...amatsu...kami…? I've never heard of that power before."
Ryouta confessed.
He didn't even know what it did only based on the name of it.
Shisui nodded slowly, and continued.
"It's exclusive to me, no one else in the world has it. My eyes allow me to cast a powerful Genjutsu on people, to make them do whatever I want them to do without anyone, not even the victim, knowing they were under a Genjutsu. They'd be forced to do whatever I order them to do, but unlike the controlling aspect the Sharingan can give people, this one makes them act the same as normal, but without fail, the order will have to be done."
Ryouta was beyond shocked.
A Genjutsu like that indeed would be very powerful.
And also he could see why many would want that kind of power.
It was a Genjutsu of the highest calibre in his eyes.
"W-Wow...t-that's strong..."
He couldn't fathom what someone could do with that Jutsu.
The sheer scope of it was mind boggling.
"There's a catch of course, it isn't like I can pull this out whenever I want. And some people gain different abilities in each eye, according to what Dad said. I gained the same one in each eye. Then, the final ability, after awakening the Mangekyou Sharingan in each eye, is the hand you saw, the Susanoo."
"Susanoo..."
Hearing that name, Ryouta could feel deep inside that it was something strong.
He didn't know why he felt like that, it was as if something had stirred within him.
"Right, it's a creature of chakra, manifested from our eyes. It can manifest more than a hand, it can manifest a full bodied version, that's quite tall, strong, and durable. It could be called the ultimate ability that all Mangekyou Sharingan share, power, defence, it's something amazing. But, it does place a heavy strain on the user, and their eyes, to the point that blindness will occur if overused. Not just Susanoo, but using the individual abilities also."
"I see...so, it's an exchange. Power...for the use of your sight."
Shisui inclined his neck.
"You're right. That's why...I would prefer you never having to suffer a loss so hard that your eyes awakened like mine did..."
Even now, Ryouta could see that years later, it played heavily on Shisui's mind the split second pause he made when he was a very young child, he didn't want Shisui to end up blaming himself so much.
Ryouta pulled in closer, placing a hand on top of Shisui's own.
"Shi-chan, I have known you since I was born...and all you ever do for me...is make me feel happy...safe...and you do your best for me. What Mom and Dad said was right...I'm sure one day...you'll be able to tell your friend...how sorry you are about...what happened."
Shisui's lips curled upwards.
"One day...I hope I get the chance to do that...but yeah, that's what they are. I thought that since you're the age I was...when I was told, that I'd tell you after you saw Susanoo. It only seemed right, that you'd be armed with that knowledge."
Ryouta was happy that Shisui had enough confidence and belief in him that he'd share his ultimate secret with Ryouta.
"I'm glad...Shi-chan, you don't...have to worry, I love you Shi-chan. Everyone has weak moments...we all have, I have…but what we do is...do our best, going forward..."
Shisui smiled at the maturity that he had, it was beautiful in his eyes.
"Yeah...I'm with you on that. Just remember this though, the Mangekyou Sharingan are eyes that hold great power, but great sadness has to come in order to gain them. And also...it goes without saying, that this conversation stays between us. Not many people know about my Mangekyou Sharingan powers, if they did...there would be people that would wish to abuse the power of my eyes."
As Shisui said it, Ryouta thought about it more and more.
He didn't want to experience any loss either.
"Yes...I wont tell anyone Shi-chan. I wont, I promise."
"I know. But, how are you feeling now, Ryou? With your first...kill?"
Ryouta exhaled slowly.
It was something that played on his mind.
Due to being young, it was difficult to think about.
"It's...It's something I had to do. I...I think I'm getting better now..."
"It's best to know now if you can handle it, some people can't. I'm sorry that you had to do it so young, I also did it when I was young too. I didn't have much of a choice, I wanted you to have that choice."
"It's okay Shi-chan...I'm alright. I know that I'll have to do it if it comes down to it. This has taught me...that I can do it."
"Yes, it's because you're quite strong, Ryou."
Shisui was proud.
He knew it could be difficult for Ryouta.
But he was still going strong, and showing that he was okay.
Even after everything that happened, he was going strong.
The day they were leaving, Ryouta, Haku and Shisui along with some Konoha Ninja stood on opposites sides to Mei, Ao, and some Kiri Ninja, along with some tied up Ninja, and Kushimaru also who had his sword taken away from him, and kept in a safe location with Ao.
Ao kept looking towards Shisui, feeling sick as he did.
"Ao, it's too bad we didn't get to have more time together. Remember the time that-"
"Y-Yes, I remember. No need to go into any details."
Ao said with a nervous touch to his tone.
"What's wrong Ao?"
Ao looked at Shisui, and thought he was staring at some kind of Demon.
It was terrifying for him.
He felt unable to even think clearly.
Shisui merely tilted his head, but that worried Ao even more, wondering if Shisui was going to try anything against him.
Mei rolled her eyes.
"Well, this is where we depart. It's been fun getting to know some interesting Uchiha. Sometime, we should contact one another. We already have sorted out how to do it after all, it would be nice to hear what the Uchiha men are doing every now and again."
Mei's eyes went towards Shisui, who chortled awkwardly.
"Eeh, yeah, that would be nice..."
"You never know. One day, Kiri and Konoha could come together. Well, that might not happen until the Mizukage disappears...either way, it's nice to know that there are some nice, and cute Uchiha men out there."
"That's really sweet of you Mei-san..."
Shisui saw that Mei was trying to move closer, so he moved to the right hand side of Ryouta, who glanced up towards him.
"What's wrong Shi-chan?"
Shisui looked towards Mei, who winked, he lightly chortled awkwardly, feeling a bead of sweat rolling down his cheek.
"O-Oh, nothing at all. I just wanted to stand here, that's all."
Ryouta shrugged, then looked towards Mei.
"Mei-san, it was nice to meet you!"
Mei gave a kind smile down towards Ryouta, bending down towards the boy.
"In a few years, you'll definitely be as handsome as your brother."
"Is that so?"
Ryouta asked innocently, the girl inclined her neck.
"It is yes. If Shisui-kun isn't a viable man, then perhaps when you're of age Ryou-kun, you could look me up. An up and coming Ninja with a cute face, and is definitely going to be strong like Shisui-kun, I wouldn't mind having that for a husband."
"H-Husband?"
Ryouta murmured, Mei giggled.
"That's right, I'm looking for a great one, I don't mind waiting a few years~"
She joked, finding it rather fun to see their reactions.
Shisui pushed Ryouta forward, who looked back curiously.
"Sure, have him."
"S-Shi-chan?"
"It's just, you'd be great together...I'm sure. Yes, that would be the best."
Mei gave a cute smile.
"My, it seems as if Shisui-kun is trying to escape me?"
Shisui kept up his smile, but wasn't sure how to respond.
"No, not at all~"
"It's okay, I'll just wait for your little brother~"
Shisui raised an eyebrow as Mei smiled cheerfully.
"Anyway, we should be going, say goodbye Ryou, everyone! Lets go!"
Mei continued to smile as she moved closer.
"Well, this is goodbye for now, Shisui-kun." Her eyes go down towards Ryouta, bending down, giving Ryouta a bright smile. "Goodbye, Ryou-kun. Remember to keep that girl safe, and become very strong, but stay kind."
"Yes, I'll do my best! Goodbye Mei-san! I hope you achieve your goal!"
"Yes, and I hope you also achieve any goal you have. I'll be waiting, Ryou-kun."
Ryouta tilted his head as Shisui gave a curious smile.
Mei giggled sweetly, as Haku glances up towards Mei, seeing her smile towards Ryouta.
Haku then ended up holding onto Ryouta's arm, something that Mei saw, and raised an eyebrow at.
"Goodbye Mei-san, everyone!"
Ryouta and the others then walked off together.
"What interesting boys...I'll have to keep my eye on their progress."
Mei exhaled slowly, before leaving the area.
Though their meetings had been brief, it was nice for all of the parties to be able to coexist for a short amount of time.
Maybe one day, they could truly be at peace.
Heading back to Kiri, Mei and her group continued to press on for over a day while being cautious.
Kushimaru was tied up, locked so he wouldn't be able to escape, they were being as careful as they could.
Ao had his Byakugan activated, and kept scanning the area, looking for anything that could ambush them.
And it came to be when he saw a figure pulling closer.
"Ameyuri…"
When he said that, Kushimaru's eyes lit up.
He made no intentions to hide his excitement that she was coming.
"She's coming here?"
Mei demanded, Ao nodded.
"I don't know why, perhaps Mizukage-sama has asked for her to come and meet up with us."
Mei didn't like it.
She was sure Ameyuri was up to something.
She told everyone to "Stay on guard." and waited for her to arrive.
She did so minutes later, and she winked towards Mei.
"So, you managed to capture him then?"
She said with a carefree tone.
A tone that Mei didn't like at all.
"That's right, as you can see. But why are you here?"
Ameyuri played it nonchalantly, but Mei suspected that something deeper was going on.
"I came on the orders of the Mizukage. That's all. He was getting worried that you were bringing this guy in on your own. Maybe someone was going to attack you guys..." As she spoke, she secretly went into her pocket to get something. "...we have to make sure our assets are taken care of rather well..."
When she was distracting them with her words, Ao grabbed Ameyuri's wrist, yanking it out of her pocket, to reveal some kind of potion.
Mei's face fell slowly, knowing that Ameyuri would be up to something.
"What is that?"
Ao said, with Mei narrowing her brow.
"It's just a knockout potion, that's all~ Have to be prepared in case Kushimaru here tries something~"
Ameyuri playfully sang.
"You're lying."
Mei accused, Ameyuri stuck out her tongue.
"Why would I lie about that?"
"I don't know, but you're here for..." As she spoke, Mei saw Ameyuri drop the bottle towards the ground, and brought out her hand to smash it open as well as holding her breath. Mei's face fell considerably. "Hold your breath!"
She yelled, and then she did so within a moment.
Some weren't as lucky though and were caught up in the confusion, with the gas being released, only Ao and Mei being able to do it in time, and saw that she sliced open the binds on Kushimaru, before turning her gaze towards Mei, and charged forward.
"Come on then, Mei!"
Her swords lit up with lightning, but Ao got in the way with his kunai, blocking the strike. But the lightning released from the blade travelled up the kunai of Ao, and caused his hands to feel a numbing effect.
So Mei weaved through some hand signs, and then inhaled deeply.
"Lava Release, Melting Apparition Jutsu!"
From Mei's mouth, a stream of acidic mud shot out at close range for Ameyuri who jumped back several times in a back flip motion, the mud followed her, melting the ground as she went, so Ameyuri twirled her swords around, flinging them towards Mei herself.
"Lightning Release, Lightning Fang!"
From her blades, she shot off a multitude of lightning bolts to deal with Mei, but Mei moved her mud to intercept it, blocking off the strikes easily, and continued with the acidic mud flow towards her, so she grimaced.
However, Ao then turned towards her, and charged, so she brought her swords above her head, and unleashed another Lightning Fang Jutsu for him, only for Ao to use his Byakugan to help aid him in dodging the lightning bolts.
"Alright then Ao-kun, are you going to stand in my way?"
"For attacking us, I'll have to charge you with treason."
Ameyuri giggled, then she sliced the ground with her blades, before jumping backwards.
"Come on then, show me what you've got."
Ao followed pursuit, only to see that some lightning unleashed from down below the place she cut into.
Ao used his quick speed to dodge out of the way, as Mei used her acidic mud to try and lock down Ameyuri, who used the trees surrounding her as a blockade of sort. She cut down one tree, and sent a bolt of lightning against it, electrifying it as she used incredible leg strength to kick it towards Mei.
Mei did look surprised that she could accomplish such a feat of physical strength, but she didn't stop with her acidic mud, melting through the tree despite the lightning surrounding it, Ameyuri clicked her tongue about that.
"Honestly, I always thought you'd be annoying! Still, I wont give up!"
Ameyuri yelled, ducking behind some trees as Mei's acidic mud came at her. Ameyuri exhaled, and weaved through some hand signs unseen by Mei.
The trees didn't last long, and Mei's Jutsu finally managed to hit her, causing her to scream as the acidic mud melted her…
However, that seemed to be a rouse as the body of Ameyuri suddenly burst into electricity.
"A Lightning Clone! Ao! Find her!"
"Already on-"
As he spoke, Ameyuri came down with her swords, stabbing him in the shoulder, and sent electricity through him.
Before he could be completely killed, Mei unleashed more of her acidic mud towards her to melt through her.
Using her Kiba swords, she unleashed lightning right for Mei's mud attack as she landed on the ground, but the acid mud managed to break through the lightning, and continued for Ameyuri, who winced.
"Even though her acid mud is a combination of Fire and Earth, with the Earth part being weak against my Lightning, I'm still not able to break through her Jutsu. She isn't a joke after all...heh, well, that's also a good thing that she's so tough. Makes this very interesting~"
Ameyuri saw her technique be blown through by Mei's Jutsu, so she pulled backwards.
However, Mei wouldn't allow it, and she weaved through some hand signs…
Only to see that Ameyuri tossed lightning from her swords towards Ao and the others.
"Shit..."
She knew that if she unleashed her attack, Ao and the others could be killed.
Ao seemed to feel the lightning's effects on him, he was barely able to move, so she used "Water Release, Water Wall Jutsu!" and formed a wall of water after spewing it out of her mouth, protecting her comrades from certain death.
As she did, Ameyuri came twirling in for Mei, almost like a dance routine, and got in close, slashing for Mei, who blocked it with a kunai, only to follow up with a straight kick towards Ameyuri's right hand side.
"My, so the Princess can fight."
"I can do more than that."
"But without your bodyguards, you're not going to be able to beat me."
Ameyuri teased, but Mei just grinned.
"Is that how you think of me? Some weak willed person without my guards?"
"Damn straight."
Mei huffed.
"I'll show you then, some of my Jutsu. Do you only think Lava Release is my specialty? Did you forget that I have control over a few Chakra Natures?"
Ameyuri blinked, wondering where she was going with this.
Mei weaved through some hand signs, and then opened her mouth.
"Water Release, Water Bullet Jutsu!"
From her mouth, a stream of water shot out. It was so powerful that Ameyuri did sweat slightly at the power behind the Jutsu.
Ameyuri used her swords to slice through it several times, dispelling the water which either scattered around her, or evaporated depending on how strong Ameyuri managed to land her powerful lightning swords.
Even Ameyuri had to admit that the pressure of the water attack was more than she had guessed, it was strong and she had to put in a good effort to dispel the water away from her.
Mei tossed a number of shuriken towards her, Ameyuri giggled at the sight.
"Is this really it? This is Academy stuff!"
Ameyuri yelled, and then tried to shoot Mei with her lightning swords…
But then saw that Mei had jumped up into the air, with her finishing some hand signs.
"Water Release, Water Dragon Jutsu!"
Using the water that she had already shot out, ones that Ameyuri had dismissed, she collected it together, along with adding more water from inside her body, and created a giant Dragon within the air.
Ameyuri whispered "Aah...shit..." knowing she'd not be able to build enough power to destroy it completely, so she tried charging up her blades power as much as possible, as the water Dragon came shooting down towards Ameyuri.
"Ameyuri-chan!"
Kushimaru tried to help her, but despite his binds being released, the area he was in prevented him from truly moving.
"Ooh shut it Kushimaru!"
Kushimaru winced.
Ameyuri then yelled "Don't underestimate me!" to Mei and unleashed a powerful lightning strike, but it didn't do much to fight the onslaught of the Water Dragon. Mei's power was on another level compared to her own, and she was swept away with the water, after taking a decent sized chunk of it out, but still got slammed against it.
Smashing through the forest, Ameyuri felt blood leaking out of her.
Mei, wasn't a joke in a fight at all.
She thought she'd be able to catch Mei off guard, but Mei was proving why she wasn't a weak woman.
Ameyuri, desperate to make sure that Mei couldn't defeat her...or rather, she couldn't follow her, charged up her lightning swords.
Mei rushed towards her, fully intending to take down the enemy with her acidic mud Jutsu.
Ameyuri however had other plans, and allowed the lightning to increase, stronger and stronger, the swords were charged, and around Ameyuri, a field of electricity was beginning to be formed, it even caused the air to be lit up with electricity also.
"Ameyuri, what are you thinking about doing?"
"You should know Mei-chan, I've got a fun time to deal with, gotta find someone to give these blades a true challenge."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Heh, wouldn't you like to know. In Kiri, there's no way that I'd be able to continue living a normal existence. That's why, I've got to make a new existence for myself, and I'll be taking Kushimaru with me, I've got to have some kind of entertainment. Though I don't really care for Kushimaru sometimes."
Kushimaru blinked rapidly at her admission.
Mei narrowed her eyebrows considerably.
"I don't know what you're thinking about, but I will say it here and now, that you wont be taking Kushimaru with you. Even if you aim an attack at me, I will fight against it, and I will stop you. You're not strong enough to defeat me."
Ameyuri tossed her shoulders upwards.
"You're right, I wont deny that. But..." Her dangerous eyes went towards Ao and the others that were downed. "...can you say they can take a Jutsu of mine? We are from the Bloody Mist, can you say that you'd be able to watch your comrades die so you can take me down? Or are you as soft hearted as I believe you are?"
Mei felt like yelling at Ameyuri.
But she didn't have the time, as Ameyuri crossed her blades in an X shape, and took aim for Mei's comrades.
Mei pulled back as Ameyuri stabbed into the ground, as lightning shot into the air.
Mei looked to see the lightning dancing high in the air, and on the ground also.
Seeing it aimed for her comrades, she gritted her teeth, and moved to intercept the attack.
"Lightning Release, Thunder Gate!"
Unleashing her attack, Ameyuri sent lightning bolts down from the sky, and devastated the area that Mei was in. The trees got blown away, charred, and destroyed by her powerful Jutsu.
"AMEYURI! THESE LIGHTNING BOLTS ARE GETTING CLOSER TO ME WITH EACH HIT!"
Kushimaru screamed when seeing the lightning bolts dancing around him, carefully missing his body.
Ameyuri ignored his cries, and shot many bolts down towards Ao and the others, all converging on them.
However, Mei, in the nick of time, used a Jutsu.
"Water Release, Water Formation Pillar!"
Kneading chakra within her body, she opened her mouth, and shot out a highly dense curved torrent of water near instantaneously, and created a circular barracade to block off the strong bolts of electricity raining down towards her, and the others.
But in that, it allowed Ameyuri to go towards Kushimaru, and grab him by the hair.
"Honestly, it takes me saving your sorry ass. I knew letting you go off solo would be a mistake. Geez..."
"I knew you'd come for me!"
"Don't get the wrong idea, I only want some company. Now either come with me, or I'll feed you to the wild dogs. What do you want?"
"Hehehe, you know me too well. Goodbye Kiri, hello Ameyuri."
Ameyuri punched him in the face, then kicked him forward, along with his blade.
"Just run idiot."
"No, lets take her together!"
"We can't, she's too powerful for the pair of us."
Ameyuri admitted.
She wasn't an idiot.
Mei was powerful, if she didn't aim for the allies, Ameyuri knew that Mei would be able to take her, and Kushimaru with her Lava Release alone, and added with water, then she knew it would be too dangerous for them to deal with.
"I told you to run Kushimaru, do it now!"
"Geez alright, don't have to yell. I might have to kill you for that."
"You can try Kushimaru, you wont get far."
Kushimaru chortled and took off running, as did Ameyuri.
By the time that Mei had fought through the Jutsu, she saw that Ameyuri and Kushimaru had gotten a good distance away.
She went to give chase, when she saw that a crab had been summoned to deal with her.
"So...they had the foreknowledge to deal with me like this..."
Mei looked on with an annoyed expression, knowing that she'd have to defend the others, and regrettably allow Ameyuri and Kushimaru to escape, while she swiftly dealt with the summon.
Dodging its first attack that was its claw trying to grab her by using a Water Wall Jutsu to block the claw so none of the others would get caught up in it either.
She then weaved through some hand signs.
"Lava Release, Melting Apparition Jutsu!"
Inhaling and then exhaling, she spat out her acidic mud, melting the giant crab out of existence. The creature tried to fight against the mud, but the melting powers of the mud was more than the creature could handle, and it disappeared out of existence within a minute of being first hit with the Jutsu.
But due to that, they got away, confirmed by Ao moments after Mei had dealt with the creature.
"Damn...Ameyuri...what are your goals...?"
"They also summoned a crab...perhaps Kushimaru and Jinpachi got the crab summoning scroll from Ameyuri..."
Ao suggested.
Mei shrugged.
"It doesn't matter, the crab wasn't meant to hurt us...it was meant to block us, and it did its job pretty well...damn it."
Mei sighed, trying to work out what Ameyuri meant by her wanting a challenge for her blades.
Was she trying to find a worthy opponent to die in battle?
Or, was it something Mei wasn't aware of?
All Mei could do was make sure that her comrades were safe, while figuring out what to say to her Mizukage about this.
After a few days of moving through the areas, Ryouta, Haku, Shisui and the Konoha Ninja finally arrived back to Konoha's territory.
Rushing through the trees, they eventually could see from a distance the giant gates, Ryouta was glad to see them.
While enjoying the mission, experiencing a true mission were anything could go wrong, which did happen, and was glad to meet Haku, he also couldn't wait to get home either, to see his friends again.
Haku's eyes looked at the giant gates from a distance, then her eyes drifted towards Ryouta.
Many feelings began to fill her.
This wasn't something she was used to.
In fact, she was about to begin a new journey into a life she wasn't sure on what was going to happen.
However, Ryouta then spoke up, to reassure her and make sure that she knew that everything was okay.
"Don't worry Haku-san, everything will be okay."
Haku gave a thankful expression on her face.
She was happy, Ryouta was able to make it hurt less that Zabuza was gone.
"Yes, though I'm unsure of how this is going to be...I will try my best."
Ryouta gave a strong nod of his head.
"Right, and I'll be right there beside you, Haku-san. To make sure that you're safe and happy now."
Haku did feel good that she had someone help her.
She honestly didn't know how she was going to do it on her own.
But, she wasn't alone.
Ryouta was there, beside her.
"Still, Ryou-kun. May I ask...if I join the Konoha Academy, would I be in your class?"
"Erm...yeah, I don't see why not."
"Then, I wouldn't mind joining."
She thought that if she was beside Ryouta, she'd be able to accomplish many things.
She had grown to trust in him, and gain emotional support back.
She hoped one day, she'd be able to give back the support he's given to her already, and more that he probably would give to her.
She didn't want to be useless, but she also wanted to be someone that could make some new changes.
She had seen darkness' of the world, Ryouta had also, which made it perfect for her to speak to him, since he also understood the concept of loneliness and sadness, but also how to rise above that and become a stronger, both physically, and emotionally.
Ryouta though did have a question for the young girl, something that had been on his mind for a little while at that point.
"Do you want to be a Ninja? I mean, you don't have to be one now, you know?"
Haku understood that she could do anything she wanted.
But, what she wanted, required her to become a Ninja.
Someone that could fight.
"I realize, but I have decided that I wont allow my skills to go to waste. I'd like to help people with my Jutsu. Maybe...I can't be useful to Zabuza-sama anymore...but there are plenty of people that I could be useful too."
Ryouta was glad that Haku seemed to be able to shift her focus.
He could see that Zabuza was prevalent within her mind, but she could see past Zabuza, and see a new life as well.
"Yes, that's right Haku-san. There are many people out there that need help from us. Maybe we could do that together, help those people that need us."
Haku allowed a soft smile to appear on her face.
The thought of being with Ryouta and helping others, did appeal to her.
That she'd finally find a place she could belong, and do something useful.
"I'd like to be with you, Ryou-kun."
Shisui silently smiled to himself, and looked at how Haku was quietly holding onto Ryouta's hand.
From his perspective, it seemed that Haku had gained a crush on Ryouta for what he's done for her, and continuing to do for her.
But more than that, she really did appreciate the fact that he was there for her, and would help her with whatever it is that she wanted to do.
Then after travelling for a little while longer, they stopped outside of the gates.
Haku looked towards Ryouta who kept his hand within hers.
"Ready, Haku-san?"
Haku, gaining the confidence she needed to try and pursue a new life, even if it was one that she didn't think she'd ever have, she was going to try and grab this new life with both hands, and do what was necessary for her to try her best, and become someone that could be considered a good person, help people that could be in situations like her.
"Yes...I'm ready."
Ryouta smiled, and together, they stepped into Konoha, Haku taking her first steps into something much bigger.
Into her new journey.
End chapter!
So we got the wrap up to the little arc of the mist. Haku going through different emotions, but with Ryouta helping out, Haku began to see maybe it could be a start for a different kind of existence, while keeping Zabuza within her mind. Mei fought against Ameyuri, who came as a surprise attack to take Kushimaru with her, there's a reason why she chose to take him with her despite her seemingly being annoyed with him.
Shisui also explained a bit more about his past, and the Mangekyou Sharingan, how he awakened it, and what his powers could do, knowing that Ryouta would ask about it, and deserved to know about it. Now Haku has arrived back in Konoha together with Ryouta, and while she isn't truly sure yet, she has Ryouta to help her out.
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Ryouta; Satsuki, Sakura, Naruko, Hinata, Ino, Haku (fem), Kurotsuchi, Karin, Konan, Mei,