Welcome back to the Daybreak Treasure arc, or Taki Town arc, ladies and gentlemen. Today I bring you all the fight scenes, aka my eternal nemesis. Major news will be that Mr. Unpredictable Author (aka yours truly) will be writing for the Eisenwald arc, which would be follow more closely to its canon counterpart. And a bonus is, you'll be meeting who I have replacing Erza. I wonder who it could be…

Shikamaru: Just don't make it too obvious for the readers.

Well, I am trying my best here. Don't Shadow Possess the author. I have enough crap to deal with from Puppet-man and the Uchiha.

Kakuzu: Hmm… I have a bad feeling about the next arc.

Probably just those masks you have on your back.

Kakuzu: You're probably right.

While I am at it, thank you shade4390 for favoriting this fanfic. Means a lot to me.

And with that out of the way, time to end the arc.

Alright, Haku, we're at the end of the arc, your job is simple.

Haku: Understood. The author does not own the plot of Fairy Tail nor the characters of Naruto.

Thank you, and on with the chapter.


Chapter 5: Iceman Cometh

Regret.

If there was one emotion that Haku would never let himself show, it would be that. Even though that deep down, he would regret having to kill Hinata in the long run. But that didn't matter to him. In his eyes, people like Juzo needed someone to serve their dreams, and he would gladly be that person.

Which made it harder for him when she kept blocking his ice attacks.

Hinata was someone who proved to not back down, despite her initial fears regarding the mission. The Seven Swordsmen were people she knew not to take lightly. And her cautiousness has so far helped her, given that she was now dodging some of Haku's ice needles and performing a backflip to avoid tripping off the ground. After a few seconds, Hinata retaliated by throwing some Twin Lion Fists along the way.

Unfortunately, Haku was someone who knew how to avoid that, as he jumped backwards to avoid the damage.

"Seems there is someone that the Gentle Fist magic couldn't touch," Hinata mused, "Not surprising, but not good at the same time."

"For once, we are at an agreement." Haku nodded, "But that doesn't mean that I will make it any easier for you."

Haku decided to use the end of his sentence to create senbons made of ice. He swung them at the raven head, who managed to keep the Twin Lion Fists enough to parry them. She blocked one more swing from the senbons before they ended up falling into shards, with each one scattering down the floor between them.

"I guess your magic managed to touch my senbons," Haku retorted, stoic as usual. "Ice Make: Storm of Spears!"

Five spears spawned from the command, and Haku sent each one flying at the woman. Only three of them managed to leave some minor cuts on her body.

"Gentle Step Shinken: Air Wave Palm!" Hinata shouted as she thrusted her palms at the air, creating a wave that pushed Haku backwards, if only for a little bit.

"I must say, I am impressed." The boy smiled, "So far, you have the first opponent to manage yourself against my ice attacks. Part of me wonders how the case may be,"

"My case is because I share the same reasons as you do," Hinata answered, "Like you, my loyalty has kept me going in this world. Like you, I have friends who believe in me the same way you do with the Swordsmen. And I stay true to my own perspectives, same case as you do.

"But the only thing that has bugged me about you," she kept going, "is your reasons. What made you serve the Swordsmen in the first place? What made you stay loyal to the point of discarding your humanity?"

Haku widened his eyes at that statement. He gave Hinata the best answer he possibly could.

"Because they gave me something that people like you and your friends have. A purpose. Something that can tell the world that I mean something to them." He then began to grow serious and determined, like his convictions never wavered at all, "But if you want to find out, you're going to keep fighting me. I don't hand out my backstory whenever it's convenient."

Then I guess words are meaningless to this kid, she sighed to herself in regret. In the end, I hope I did the right thing.

"Unfortunately, you made your point clear, even more then I wanted to admit. If your gonna keep being blind to those maniacs, then I'll have to beat it out of you."

Haku smirked to himself, and the two once again traded blows.


The same situation applies to Naruto and Juzo, who kept parrying the jinchuriki's lightning powers with his sword. That doesn't mean he was owning the fight either, as the weapon wielder kept swiping the air whenever he would swing at him.

"Just stay still, already." The swordsman growled as he kept swinging his sword, "You're making my job harder than it needs to be."

"Glad to disappoint you." Naruto smirked, "But I doubt you came here just for some boring old treasure."

Juzo couldn't help but snicker at the comment. "You don't really know what it is you're protecting, do you. How pathetic for a ninja mage like yourself."

The jinchuriki couldn't help but sneer, but in spite of himself, managed to keep his composure. "If you want pathetic, just look at your whole group. Ninja mages like myself aren't responsible for turning this place into a ghost town."

"Then they should have done more to fight back." He responded apathetically, keeping the same smirk, as he pointed to his sword, which was large complete with two different sized holes, one of them half-formed on the blade. "Unfortunately, you're gonna share their fate with my Executioner's Blade." He got into an offensive stance. "Mist-Magic: Sphere of Execution!" Juzo swung his sword around the air, somehow creating a ball made of mist.

"Like I'm afraid of mist." Quipped Naruto as he rolled to the side, successfully evading the magic. "Lightning Beast Kunai!" He yelled as he threw kunai made of lightning at him. That strategy didn't work so well, because Juzo managed to counter every one of them with his sword.

"Well, I'll be," Juzo whistled, "The rumors about you are true, then. Imagine the power we'll have knowing that we defeated a real life jinchuriki."

"Just keep dreaming." He growled, not wanting to hear any more talk from him, "Lightning Beast Claw!"

The blonde channeled his lightning power into one of his arms. He opened his hands, and managed to slash at Juzo's face, sending him sliding across the ground.

"Damn you!" the swordsman sneered angrily, "Mist-Magic: Cross-Slash!" He slashed his sword in the shape of an X, sending a gust of mist flying at him. Naruto ran towards him, unaware of the shape heading his way. This would prove to be greatly erroneous as he was hit with the attack, and it sent him flying into the edge of one of the houses.

"Like I said, you really are pathetic," taunted Juzo, "I was hoping to see more from a jinchuriki like you. But, that wouldn't be much of a fight now would it."

"On that we can agree," Naruto admitted, "but either way, it still won't be much of a fight. Lightning Beast Bomb!"

Naruto threw a small bomb that rolled in front of Juzo, who did his best to avoid laughing to death. Big mistake, because when he let out a single chuckle… the bomb went off, emitting lightning around and at him.

Damn, Juzo cursed to himself, That little punk got me good.

"Kurama, now!" Naruto yelled.

"On it!" he grinned. He jumped right at Juzo, while making sure that he wasn't hit by the lightning along the way. And with a single scratch, Juzo Biwa fell unconscious, signifying his defeat.

"All taunting and no power to back it up." Kurama scoffed, "Why was he even a Swordsman in the first place?"

"He was probably a new guy," Naruto thought, "I heard that the last guy who wielded his blade quit, so maybe they were just hasty with the recruitment process."

"Unfortunately, I have no choice but to agree with you." The fox sighed to himself.

"Gripe after the mission, I'm not in the mood. Now come on, let's go see if Hinata needs out help." He told him as he left the site.

"At least the damage isn't as bad as the last mission." Kurama muttered, "I guess my attitude is paying off."


In another portion of the town stood a battle between two other mighty foes: Fuguki Suikazan of the Seven Swordsmen and his opponent, the new Fox Tail mage, Hotaru Isoroppia. Like with Naruto and Juzo, they were just busy trading blows, mostly clashing, but with a few hits here and there. Hotaru stood there with her hands covered in a red aura.

"Just when I thought my day couldn't get better, and I have to fight someone who knows Fury Magic." Fuguki smirked. "Something about that power just makes me squeal on the inside."

"Save it for someone who cares," she glared at him, "Fury Fist: Firefly Combo!" She kept throwing punches at him. The results were mixed: some landed at him, while he managed to dodge the rest.

"You'll probably care more if you knew more about my blade." He unsheathed his sword, a weapon covered completely in shark scales with a mouth on the tip of a blade. Hotaru's reaction was as expected, a look of shock consuming her facial features.

"So that's Samehada." The blonde exclaimed.

"Indeed it is," nodded Fuguki, "and your magic isn't safe from it. Even a single physical attack means your magic goes straight to it." He gave off a sinister grin as he said the next sentences. "Fair warning though, Samehada doesn't look like it just for decor. Because it doesn't simply slice your limbs off. It shreds every last body part into ribbons. Organs and magic included."

The scowl on Hotaru's face told her everything that she needed to know. She was screwed against him either way. But after evading a few blows, an idea formed in her head, and she decided to use it to her advantage.

"Answer me this, fish head." She started, "Don't you think you've grown dependent on that blade of yours? I hate to think that you're overcompensating on your own magic."

Fuguki sneered at the words. "This sword has made me what I am today. Why rely on magic when I can use a weapon to take care of myself?"

"Only five seconds and you managed to prove my point for me," she grinned, "Now I know how to beat you. Fury Magic: Firefly Stinger!" She jumped up and tucked her legs in, while her feet began to glow white. She had prepared a well-placed kick to Fuguki.

"Heh, like I'll let you land a hit on me," he taunted and raised Samehada. Too bad that was what she was aiming for. Hotaru kicked the sword away from him, just enough for him to release it. The sword fell right on the ground, tumbling away from him as she gave off a confident smirk.

"You were saying?" She asked him. "Fury Magic: Firefly Tempo!" Hotaru covered her hands in a white aura, punching Fuguki five times in his upper body before defeating him.

"How about you show me what magic you're really capable of?" She smirked at him. As she said them, she heard the sound of an explosion nearby. Knowing that could be one of her guildmates, Hotaru ran towards the explosion, leaving Fuguki unconscious in the middle of the street.


The source of the explosion, Jinpachi Munashi, spent some time evading Mu, all the while blowing up houses here and there to hide from him. The mummy's reaction was as expected from someone as callous as Jinpachi.

"All of these houses and all of these people," Mu seethed beneath the bandages, "Have you no regard for any human life?"

"That's the thing of being a ninja mage," Jinpachi smirked smugly, "You lose count of the blood on your hands. It becomes nothing more than a mere memory."

"Would those memories of yours involve the people in this very town?"

"Well, that and some other guilds. Consider about seven of them extinct for what it's worth." The swordsman laughed maniacally.

"And guess what," he kept the smile on his face, "It's all thanks to this, the explosive Splatter Blade. Abilities self-explanatory of course."

"You monster," the ninja mage scowled in disgust, "Your lack of honor will be your undoing someday. Particle Magic: Atomic Dismantling!" He created a hand sign in the form of a sphere, as a pillar of light shone down on Jinpachi, who smirked as he used a technique to counter it.

"Explosive Blade: Spider Mines!" He swung his sword, resulting in an explosion that outdid Mu's atomic pillar.

"And you know nothing of what it takes to be a real ninja mage." Mu stated to the heartless weapon wielder.

"Oh, please, spare me the self-righteousness," He groaned in a playful way, "If I had known most of you guys are new here, I wouldn't have bothered educating you, did I?" He raised his eyebrows suddenly, "But come to think of it, you do give off a familiar feel. You don't exactly look like someone who here for a first mission."

"I wonder what makes you think that?" Mu asked him, "Particle Fission!" He split into two clones, each one giving off an angry look as they floated towards Jinpachi, both of them landing some hits on Jinpachi.

"I remember you as nothing more than a madman," one of them told him, "Always someone looking for people to kill and for things to explode. And a heartless streak as big as your sword."

"Got me figured out," he smirked while fighting both mummies off, "But that leaves off a potential plot point for me. What, were you one of my victims or something?"

"You could say that," Mu responded, "but two close people of mine were your victims. Two victims, a couple named Osamu and Mukai Gemini, the Couplet of the Atoms, and my own parents. Blown to stew meat by one of your rampant sprees."

"They brought that on themselves." He told them dismissively. "Do I have to pin you down as another avenger, then?" He raised his voice with every letter in anger, "Well, I have a message for people like you. Explosive Blade: Dynamite Howl!" He sent out a wave of explosion at the two, hoping to kill them once and for all. He partially managed to succeed, since one of them, what he assumed to be the true Mu Gemini, popped up from the resulting cloud.

"Originally, I would be." He smirked, "But you don't seem worthy of vengeance. Particle Magic: Atomic Dismantling!" He created another pillar, this time hitting him and sending him flying into a wall, where he laid unconsciously.

Still worth it though. Mu thought in satisfaction, leaving Jinpachi Munashi there for Mayor Tazuna to pick up.


Fortunately for the town in the long run, Mangetsu Hozuki was not a fan of creating carnage. He was busy dealing with Suigetsu Leorio, who made a sword of water to counter his own blade, a sword that look more like the upside of a beetle. Conveniently, the section they are fighting in appears to be more barren than the usual spots.

"I swear, you look like you could fit to be my past self." Mangetsu muttered, something that Suigetsu caught on to.

"Not exactly appropriate for a battle," Suigetsu taunted. "What, couldn't think of a way to start a conversation?"

"I'd prefer to settle our battle with words, if you don't mind." He scoffed, "So let's get straight to the point and settle this without any bloodshed: what is the Daybreak Treasure and where is it?"

"Nothing that would really interest you at the moment. Now, let's make this quick, I have a job I need to get done."

"Your loss then. Forgive me if I don't feel like staining my Hiramekarei with blood. Weapon-Make: Hammer!"

Hiramekarei opened up to reveal a blue hammer radiating with pure energy. He slammed it onto Suigetsu, who rolled away from it in the last second.

"Torrential Blade!" Suigetsu swung his water-blade at Mangetsu's hammer. Both blades clashed at each other, each one doing the best they could to gain the upper hands. A few minutes went by, and ultimately Suigetsu was the one to win the battle of will. Mangetsu wasn't willing to give up easily and increased the length of his sword. He kept clashing at Suigetsu, who was keeping his guard up with his own blade.

Aw, crap, Suigetsu thought, Forgot I can do that. Man, Sasori was right, I am a battle junkie.

Suigetsu liquefied himself into a puddle, surprising the swordsman that tried to kill him.

Liquefying magic, huh? Mangetsu thought to himself, This guy is craftier than I took of him. Maybe it had something to do with appearance.

The ninja mage reformed behind him, karate chopping him in the back of the head, thereby knocking him unconscious.

Got a bad feeling about how easy this was. Suigetsu thought to himself. Oh well, maybe beating a so-called legendary swordsman will get me some cred with the girls.

A smirk ran towards his face as he ran off towards his friends, who he imagined were done with their fights.


Some fights were more finished than others, the latter of which is being exemplified by those like the current one, which consists of the Scorch magic user Pakura Vergito and the hammer wielding Jinin Akebino.

The reason why it was taking longer because Jinin was busy reflecting Pakura's fireball magic with his hammer. In this case, reflecting means bouncing the fireballs away from where it would hit him.

"A bold kunoichi mage," Jinin complimented, "but you will have to rely on more than simple fireballs in order to hit me."

"You say that like it's going to stick to my head." She snarked. "Scorch Magic: Phoenix Feathers!" She blew out a flurry of fireballs at Jinin (think Phoenix Flower Jutsu), who as expected, bounced them away with the hammer end of his weapon.

"Just like the fact that that thing is supposed to be a sword." She took note of his weapon, which consisted of a hammer and an axe held together by a small chain.

"My boss has an interesting mindset when it comes with weapons." He confessed, "Trust me, you are not the only one to tell me that."

"What, are you going to kill me too? Your comrades seem to do a good job on doing that instead of asking us where the treasure is."

"Believe me, I'm not like most of my comrades and their bloodthirsty shenanigans." He grimaced. "The only thing I plan to do is defeat you, and then take the treasure to my boss."

"Well, if you seem so confident, Mr. Hammerhead, you're going to have to prove it against me. Scorch Ninja Dance!" Three fireballs circled around her. Jinin got his hammer ready, thinking that he would have to deflect them again. Big mistake, because Pakura was closing in on him, fireballs still circling her.

Jinin used this to swing at her with the axe. She dodged this, flipped behind him, followed by an elbow to his nose.

"Fireball Trigram!" She released the fireballs, which formed into the shape of a triangle, flying straight at the swordsman. Jinin swung the hammer end of his sword, deciding to deflect the attack like he did with the others.

Which proved to be a terrible strategy.

The fireballs hit Jinin in the stomach, defeating him in a similar manner like the others. Pakura sighed in relief, finally knowing that she had managed to hit Jinin Akebino at least once. And like with everyone else, she left him there, leaving to catch up to her friends.


The next fight occurring was between two women: The Kiba wielder Ameyuri Ringo and Karui Arielle of the Fox Tail guild. Both of them were clashing each other with their respective blades, each one trying their hardest not to give up.

"Cloud Formation: Lightning!" She slashed her sword, creating a medium-sized black cloud. Lightning emitted from the cloud, with three bolts charging towards the female swordsman. She held both swords in front of her, absorbing the lightning. Karui looked at her with a surprised expression.

"Your naivete is clearly showing when you chose to fight me," bragged Ameyuri. "These blades have a reputation of being lightning rods of the highest order. Not only can I use them to create it, but I can also absorb it. Just like that jinchuriki friend of yours. Lightning Cross Slash!" She swung her blades to create an X made of lightning. Karui parried it with her blade and decided to use another attack.

"Our guild has been known for not planning ahead," the ninja mage grinned, "but we consider that to be more of a benefit than you'd care to admit. Cloud Formation: Rain!" She created another black cloud, with this one floating to reach the top of Ameyuri's head. The swordswoman continuously slashed at it, only for the rain to pour on her head. She glared at Karui as her hair was dripping wet from the rain.

"Aww, did I ruin your hairdo?" The mage snarked.

"Nope," grinned the swordswoman, "I'm just angrier about that magic you just did. Can't believe that I have to fight someone with Weather Magic."

"If I really had weather magic, I would've dispelled the snow your apprentice carried." Karui explained, "I can only create weather, not control it. Otherwise, I'd have been too overpowered to even consider being a mage."

"A respectable point," Ameyuri admitted, "But a futile one regardless. Lightning Blade's Fang!" Lightning surrounded her swords as she charged towards Karui. The latter kept blocking her attacks with her sword, not letting go in the slightest.

"Cloud Formation: Twister!" She spun her blade to create a small twister. Before her opponent even it, the swordswoman was flying in the air, twirling like a top. She was forced to release her blades due to her increasing dizziness.

"Cloud Formation: Lightning!" She created thunder that surrounded the twister, shocking Ameyuri. She dispelled both of them, resulting in Ameyuri falling to the ground, lying there defeated.

"Try harder with your attacks next time." Karui told her as she stared at her fallen foe.


The last swordsmen left undefeated, Kushimaru Kuriarare stood tall against Sasori Kentri. Both were getting tangled up in the process due to their respective magics, with Sasori's hands and Kushimaru's Sewing Needle taking up the brunt of the other's attacks.

"Sewing Spider-Web!" Kushimaru yelled as he created long threads underneath the ground. Sasori jumped up and stretched his arms towards Kushimaru.

"String Possession: Ballet Formation!" He took control of the strings Kushimaru prepared and sent him swirling in mid-air.

But there was something that Sasori didn't account for. Kushimaru grinned beneath his mask, and sensing an opportunity, took it with every chance he could get.

"Spider Cuffs!" Kushimaru created more threads from the Sewing Needle, which took hold of the mage's hands, releasing Kushimaru from his future dizziness.

"Seems that your hands won't be helping you out so much." The swordsman laughed maniacally. "Good thing too. The fight was starting to feel a little lopsided. Since I've got time to kill, you get to pick your fate. Either you tell us where the treasure is, or I use my string magic to sever your fingers."

"I don't think you'll find the answer to be satisfying," Sasori responded, "What's to say that you wouldn't dismember me even if I told you?"

"Yeah, you're right," Kushimaru admitted, "Truth be told, I don't really need you to answer the question. Truth be told, we were hired as a distraction so that our boss can get the book."

"That would actually explain a lot." The redhead deadpanned. "But you won't get a chance to kill me. String Possession: Unravelling!"

Sasori fiddled his fingers, forcing the threads to loosen, thus freeing himself. He spread his arms as he was ready to call out another attack. "String Possession: Scarecrow Formation!"

Kushimaru felt a tugging on his shoulders. He looked around, and widened his eyes, although his mask prevented Sasori from seeing it. He saw invisible strings touching his shoulders, and eventually his ankles and elbows, as he was sent flying to a wall of a house, hanging there like a scarecrow.

"Well, at least I can end this fight quickly." Sasori muttered to himself as the masked swordsman groaned from the wall.


Back to Hinata and Haku, there were still going at it, although this time there were bruises and cuts covering most of their faces. Both were panting from the attacks they gave each other, trying their hardest to catch their breaths.

"You're stronger than I had given you credit for," Haku admitted, "but unfortunately, I have to kill you. Please don't resent me for this."

"I'll try not to," Hinata responded, "but I still have enough energy for one more attack. Gentle Step Shinken –"

"String Possession: Marionette!" Sasori's voice rang from the background. Due to the invisible strings, Hinata couldn't unleash her attack, despite her best efforts to resist. Haku was surprised at what he was seeing, despite knowing that he might not get a chance. Then everyone showed up from their fights, as Sasori started to speak.

"It was a distraction. They weren't here to just take the book. They were here to stall us, and the same goes to the ice man."

"Wait really?" Naruto asked, "Guess that explains why they were so easy to beat."

"Not going to lie, I was actually expecting a challenge." Mu admitted in spite of Suigetsu's resulting grin.

Does that mean… Haku thought. Then she must have…

"I believe I can give you the answer." Haku told them. "It is likely that our client must have known about the treasure as you were talking to the Mayor about it."

"Your client?" Pakura asked, puzzled about the scenario. "I didn't think that you guys were just hired guns."

"It's a long story," was his response, "Come on, we have to find the mayor."

"Right," they all nodded.


Meanwhile in the Mayor's office, Tazuna was dealing with the masked figure from earlier. The results were not in his favor, as the figure just kept approaching him like it was nothing.

"It's a shame that the treasure was easy to find," the figure said in a feminine voice, "But I am afraid that you are going to have to die." The figure glared beneath her mask, causing Tazuna to instantly die of a heart attack. She grabbed the book after checking to make sure he was really dead. Afterwards, she skipped around the office, singing like a little kid would.

"Honestly, if I knew of how easy this would be, then I shouldn't have sent the Seven Swordsmen after the town." She muttered to herself. Before she knew it, there seemed to be snow falling from inside the house. Knowing who was responsible for this, she saw Haku dash by and slash at her with his ice senbons. Fortunately, she dodged the attack with relative ease.

"Golly," she said in a high-pitched voice, "I was just thinking about making some snow-angels in the house."

"Spare me your jokes," Haku glared, "I want to know what else you plan to do with them."

"Well now, there's no need to be so rude about it." The figure scoffed playfully. "Say," she elongated the word, "do you think you can make me some ice cream while you're here? It's early in the afternoon and I'm so hungry."

"Sorry, no treats for you." Naruto said from the background. "Lightning Beast Fang!" He created a lightning-based face of a fox, and sent it towards the mysterious being, who just rolled away from it.

"Awww, you're so rude!" The figure whined. "There's no reason to attack a stranger!"

"Wouldn't be so strange if we knew who you are, you know." Naruto responded.

"Thank you, what a nice man." She responded in the same childish tone. "My name is Guruguru. Let's be friends, please."

"Sorry, not happening." The jinchuriki responded.

"Oh well. And please don't wake up the Mayor. He needed to take a nice nap." Guruguru giggled like she was telling an innocent joke.

"That sentence told me all I needed to know," Haku responded. "I can't let you leave here. There are some people I cannot let down."

"I don't blame you. Deep down, I just wanted a playdate." There was a swirling vortex that began to envelop the woman. "It was nice to meet you. I can't wait to read the book." She waved.

"Get back here!" Naruto ran, hoping to get the book before she left. He had a surprised look on his face when he just passed her, unable to touch the book as she disappeared.

"Dammit." He sighed. "Looks like we failed."

"Don't beat yourself up over it." Haku comforted him. "You managed to protect the town from us. That was at least part of the mission you were given, right."

"I guess that's true." Naruto smiled in spite of his mood. "What are we going to do with you and your gang though?"

"Truth be told, I don't know." Haku admitted after a few minutes of thought.

"Actually," Hinata smiled as she walked up to him. "I think I have a plan for her."


It was a busy day in the Fox Tail guild. Everyone was chatting, playing games, yelling at each other, and a few brawls here and there.

To the ninja that live there, it was Thursday.

"So someone had taken that Taki Town job already," Tenten said as she was looking at the board with Hanzo.

"Yeah," he told her, "And I heard it was a lot of money too. Mayor Tazuna was offering 2 million Ryo for this job."

"Not to mention," Ino piped in. "That the mission involved fighting Kiri's Seven Ninja Swordsmen."

"Serves me right for hesitating," frowned Tenten. "I would have loved to see those weapons of theirs up close and personal."

"I'll ask Naruto and Hinata to fill in the details for you." Konan assured her.

"So, Naruto and Hinata, teaming up once again." Kisame smirked, "I think I smell something beautiful in the air."

"You're already interested in the gossip." Kurotsuchi stated, "Didn't peg you as that type of person."

"I'd just focus on the fact they're fighting the Swordsmen." Shikamaru added, "Gives us the easier missions to deal with."

"Enough with your lazy talk, Shikamaru." She yelled at him. "Don't forget we need as much money as we can to pay the rent."

"Smart choice, actually." Hanzo stated, "That's why I go for those with a large amount of rewards."

"A respectable code," Kakuzu responded. "But Kisame does have a point. It's interesting that Naruto would pick Hinata to accompany him."

"It's because they accomplished a lot of things for the guild." Ino answered him, "Such as rescuing Kakashi and defeating that Hyena."

"It's like I always say," Jugo added, "real men stick together through thick and thin. Maybe Naruto has found someone to do that alongside him."

"Honestly, I don't get why Hinata would do something with thunder-breath." Sasuke interrupted. "She has a bunch of people going with her. He should have just picked from that tree and let her do her own thing."

Everyone involved just stared at him like he had trash on his head, not even adding a sentence. "What? What did I say?"

"Sasuke, buddy," Ino answered, "where are your clothes?"

He gasped as he realized that he was only in his boxers. Then the door opened, revealing everyone who went to Taki Town, complete with Haku. With the obvious exception of Sasuke, who was busy putting on a shirt, everyone smiled at the sight.

"Hey, welcome back. Tenten has some questions to ask you." Greeted Ino.

"We didn't bring the weapons, we're sorry we didn't get pictures, and we didn't get the money." Pakura answered forlornly.

"Maybe my rantings should be saved for later." Tenten scratched her head sheepishly.

"Sorry about the mission." Jugo told him. "But it seems that once again, you brought someone with you."

"We'll explain when Master's here." Hinata said for Naruto. "How about you introduce our friend here for us?"

"Are you sure it is safe for me to be here?" Haku whispered.

"Of course I am." Naruto smiled. "You'll fit in just fine with them."


It was a few hours later at the Fox Tail guild, where Haku was sitting in an office with Hiruzen, who wanted to know more about the boy.

"I see," Hiruzen nodded. "A former mercenary allied with the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of Kiri. What exactly are you looking for in your life right now?"

"A purpose, Mr. Sarutobi." Haku answered firmly. "That was something that I had when I was working for the Swordsmen. They treated me like I was one of them, like I belonged."

Low self-esteem, it seems. Guessed the guild master. "And why did you feel like you didn't have a purpose? What happened to you that made you so fanatic regarding Juzo and the Swordsmen?"

"Well, it's not a simple backstory." Haku shifted his eyes to the floor. "When I was growing up, my parents were famous ice wizards, in the Olietta family. They created ice sculptures for the people of my home, and I helped them a couple of times."

Hiruzen smiled at the memory but frowned once again as he knew where this was headed. "And then what happened?"

"Do you remember the hunts?" Haku asked him.

Sarutobi's eyes widened after hearing that question. "I… think I do. That means they were coming after you, weren't they?"

"Unfortunately, yes. But my parents protected me from the people that were after me. They died doing that, and until I met the swordsmen, I had to hide around the world in order to preserve my freedom."

Hiruzen closed his eyes in somberness.

To think that he was one of the kids that they were after. He thought.

"What if I tell you there is another way you can have a purpose in your life?" Hiruzen asked him.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that I want you to join our guild. We are always willing to accept new members." He smiled.

"Really? But I tried to kill them for the people that took me in. Why do you want me to join you after everything?"

"I am more of a forgiving man than people would want." Hiruzen confessed. "Now no questions. Pick a color and a place you want your mark."

Haku genuinely smiled at what had happened that day.


As this is happening, Naruto, Kurama, Hinata, and Sasuke were having a conversation in the bar, where Ino and Konan were preparing drinks for another contest between Guy, Tsunade, and Kakashi.

"Any idea what you two are going to do after that dilemma?" Sasuke asked them.

"So far, we don't know." Naruto answered, "Probably take some more missions, fight some goblins terrorizing Ame Port."

"Well, should have thought of that sooner," Sasuke replied, "Tenten, Iruka, and Choji took that mission recently, so you better pick something fast."

"Aw, you worry too much, Sasuke." The blonde teased. "We can just pick a mission any time. It's not like a first dibs scenario."

"Unless you want to deal with her, then pick one fast."

"Wait, her?" Hinata asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion. "Who is exactly is this person?"

"The Titania," Kurama answered her. "One of the strongest ninja in the guild along with Ino and the Master."

"Yikes," she winced, "With a name like that, I'll be sure to stay out of her bad side."

"Surely you must have heard of her," Kurama responded.

"Don't worry I have." She smiled, "Such as her taking down a mountain, and killing two giants that terrorized an entire city. With a reputation like that, it's no wonder I feel nervous."

"Don't let it get to you," Naruto assured her. "She's nice once you get to know her."

"Really, and how would you know." Sasuke taunted. "You get on her bad side more often than you wish to."

"Oh, like you're any better." He responded angrily, "Don't forget she hits you as often as she does me."

"Keep telling yourself that after your recent nightmare involving her."

"Yeah, right. Like I'm scared of her." Naruto scoffed.

"We know the drill, Naruto." Sasuke snarked, "You do something stupid, she scowls at you, you stiffen up, and you end up with a bump on your head."

"Don't deny you end up in the same situation, stripper!"

"Quit calling me that, whisker-face!"

Hinata stood there, deadpanned as Naruto and Sasuke were entering a fighting cloud.


In another town, nearby the guild, the citizens stood in the sidewalk as they looked at the sight before them. A pink-haired girl walked around the streets, as she carried a monstrous tooth with her. The people moved away, as they sensed an intimidating aura emitting from her.

It's been a long time since I was in Fox Tail, the girl thought. I wonder how much things have changed.


And thus ends the Taki Town arc. And now you know who is taking the place of Erza Scarlet. And this version of Team Natsu, or in this fic, Team 7, shows its face before the Eisenwald arc: Lightning Jinchuriki Naruto Uzumaki, Gentle Step Artist Hinata Hyuga, Plasma Wizard Sasuke Uchiha, Exceed Fox Kurama, and Titania Sakura Haruno. Or Naruto Dragneel, Hinata Heartfilia, Sasuke Fullbuster, Kurama, and Sakura Haruno (her name is not changing).

Naruto: Yes, Sakura's going to be Erza! Believe it!

Sasuke: Don't get too excited, loser.

Sakura: Can't wait to see my portrayal!

Kakashi: I can't believe I'm not even in this iteration.

Kurama: I can't believe I'm not sealed up in this fic.

What do you think? You knew this would happen as soon as I made you Happy.

Kurama: Yeah, but I'm a tiny boi. I wanted to be Pantherlily.

Deal with it. You're not going to be Lily as long as Naruto is Natsu.

Ino: It's like their dream come true.

Oh yeah. That reminds me, although it may seem obvious…. I'm not splitting up Team 7.

Naruto: My fantasy has come true!

Sakura: Naruto, I thought your fantasy was going to be Hokage.

Well, he had a lot of fantasies, and I already achieved the 'not-being-hated-by-everyone' fantasy.

Sasuke: The more obvious fantasy existed ever since my retrieval arc in his canon.

Oh, shut up. Be glad I'm not making you revenge obsessed.

Sasuke: I know, it was not my proudest moments.

Sakura: I have a pretty good feeling about how you are going to portray me. But if I have to ask, since Sasuke's not going to be Jellal, who would I be paired up with?

Just wait and see, Sakura. Wait and see.

Tsunade: I think I'm starting to like Erza based on what I've read of her.

And the fans will see why later.

Important message for you readers out there is to leave reviews for the fanfic if you haven't already. It helps me grow as a writer and I'll explain to you about certain decisions that I made in the story as well. This is mostly due to the fight scenes I will be showing in the chapter, and I was hoping what you guys are thinking about how I am handling them so I can make them less of a bitch.

In addition to reviews, constructive criticism would be greatly appreciated, and all flames will be fed to Pakura, the Scorch Eater of the commentary.