Sorry again with the late upload. But I'm sticking to uploading on wednesdays so... that's got to count for something, right? Anyways, please enjoy and be sure to comment about who you wish to ship with sakura, and any critiques or suggestions you have for the story. They're always appreciated.
LB Cat - who said anything about Sasuke reviving the clan?
SirLink - thanks for the story suggestion, I'll be sure to check it out! PS-Who's the author?
markingraypeter - It must be the app because it's all there for me, and no one else has commented on that.
I do not own Naruto - that privilege is reserved for Kishimoto and other creators of the anime/manga
Haku was lost. Ever since Zabuza had taken him under his wing, Haku always had a purpose. Now what was he supposed to do? What use does a tool have to a master who can no longer use it? Hearing footsteps approaching, Haku looked up to see Sasuke walking towards him. Sitting down next to Haku, Sasuke pulled the boy's head to his shoulder, hoping to give Haku some sort of comfort.
Nobody spoke out against Sasuke's actions. It was clear the battle was over, and even though they had won. There was nothing to celebrate. Naruto was sitting on the ground with his head in his hands. He was terrified, not by the power that filled him, but by how easily he lost control of himself. 'Was that the fox's chakra? It felt so… good. But I had no control… what was there to stop me from turning on Sasuke and Hinata?!'. Seeing Her teammates in such a vulnerable state, Hinata felt her own walls fall a little. She was terrified of the monster Naruto had become, but she also knew that the foreign red chakra she had seen in him was the reason behind it.
In a rarely seen act of compassion, Hinata walked up to Naruto and placed a hand on his shoulder, snapping him out of his thoughts. "You're not a monster. You're Naruto Uzumaki of the Leaf and a member of team 7. Remember that teme". Naruto started tearing up, and a small smile could be seen on the corners of his lips. "Thank you, Hinata" was all he said, and it was all that had to be said.
Kakashi was recovering from the rollercoaster of emotions he was just on. When he arrived he was relieved to see the seal hadn't broken, then he was terrified at the uncontrolled power his pupil wielded. Now he was confused and filled with sorrow, looking at the current situation. Sasuke was now comforting the enemy who just lost his master to Naruto, who was now trying to understand what had just happened. Seeing Hinata go to comfort Naruto, Kakashi let out a breath he had been holding. Deciding to talk with Naruto later, Kakashi went over to Sasuke to try and move Zabuza to be buried, and hopefully get the kid holding him to join his team back to the leaf. "Haku is it?" Kakashi said, temporarily directing Haku's attention from his mourning. " I know what you're going through. More than I care to tell. We'll give Zabuza a proper burial, but we need to seal him and move, so you don't get a cold from the water. Don't dishonor Zabuza's memory by making his sacrifice meaniless". Haku didn't speak. He silently nodded, allowing for Kakashi to seal Zabuza's body in a scroll. Sasuke helped Haku up, grabbing Haku's wrist to guide him further.
An evil laugh cackled throughout the disappearing mist, getting the attention of the leaf ninja. Haku still closed off from the world. "I knew that ninja was too pricy, but now that he's dead. I guess that problem is now taken care of. I guess I thank you for that. Now since Zabuza couldn't finish the job. I've decided to take care of it my way". A cheering of thugs being heard after the speech. Haku's head slowly rose, the air around him cooling, freezing the rain that came too close to him. Turning to face Gato, Haku walked towards Gato, stopping about 50 feet in front of Gato and the horde of thugs and lowlifes behind him. Another horde coming from the otherside, trapping the ninja and the missing Tazuna on the bridge.
Sasuke was about to join Haku when Kakashi placed a hand on his shoulder. Letting his genin know to let it be. Sasuke reluctantly listened to his sensei and left Haku alone.
"Oh look, it's the kid. What do you want, kid? I'm not looking for someone like you in my ranks. Although, you might make a nice whore" Gato taunted. Many of the thugs laughing at their employer's comment. Haku said nothing. Instead he placed the half of his mask left back on his face and started making hand signs. Gato scowled, annoyed with the boy. "That's it, kill the ninja and those working on the bridge. Leave everyone else!". The flood gates had opened and the two hordes charged forward, a variety of weapons in hand.
Haku finished his hand signs and slammed a hand on the ground, "FLASH FREEZE JUTSU!". The bridge became covered in an inch of ice, encasing everyone but Haku's feet. Haku wasn't done yet. Performing singled handed signs with both hands, "ICE SABER JUTSU"! A pair of ice swords forming in his hands.
Using his chakra to not slip, Haku disappeared in a fearsome display of speed, tearing through the horde in front of his. Blood coated the ground, freezing shortly after falling to the ice. Within minutes one of the two hordes of thugs were killed. Gato was the only one left, having hid in the back. He had used a club to break the ice and was making a poor attempt of escape. Haku seemingly appeared in front of him, blood soaked in his close and both swords turned crimson. Kneeling, Gato tried to plead for his life, "P-please. I'll give you anything. You want money? I've got money. Just name your price you'll have it". Haku was silent, feeling his anger build up like water behind a dam. "The only thing I want… is your life". Before Gato could react to defend himself, Haku had decampitated him. The head rolling off the body and freezing to the ground.
Finishing his killing spree, Haku looked at each member of Team 7, finally resting his eyes on Sasuke, his first friend. Exhaustion catching up to him, Haku fell backwards, the ice on the bridge melting and what was left of his mask falling off his face. Hinata vomited at the sight, and Sasuke was clutching his head, trying to suppress the memories of the massacre. Naruto taking a weak fighting stance, still recovering from his outburst.
Kakashi saw the state of his genin and knew Naruto was not combat ready, physically and mentally, just like the rest. Taking out a food pill, Kakashi ordered, "Naruto, take care of your teammates, get Haku and escape. I'll stall them for as long as possible". Naruto was about to refute, saying he was fine and wouldn't leave Kakashi, but was silenced by the sounds in his teammates and the look in Kakashi's eyes. Nodding his head in understanding, Naruto went over to Hinata, rubbing her back and ripping off the sleeve of his tattered jump suit for her to wipe her mouth with. He then proceeded to hand her his canteen of water and a granola bar from his pack ordering her to eat. Hinata's initial instincts were to tell Naruto to shove off, but she bit her tongue, knowing he knew better than her at the moment, and did as he ordered.
Turning his attention to Sasuke, Naruto shook Sasuke's shoulder to gain his attention and then began breathing exercises to help calm him down. Sasuke had started shaking when Naruto had first arrived and now was still, focusing on his breathing. Using Naruto to help him get up, Sasuke weakly nodded to show he was okay. Naruto then ripped the other sleeve to his jumpsuit off, using it to blindfold Sasuke.
Making two clones, Naruto got Sasuke on his back. When his clones returned they had Hinata and Haku with them. For the sake of time, Haku was carried bridal style. Hinata was still feeling nauseated and couldn't walk on her own, so like Sasuke, she reluctantly had an arm over Naruto's shoulder for support.
Kakashi watched his genin hobble off, turning back around to face the army of thugs that started to charge at him. Popping the food pill in his mouth, Kakashi felt his chakra reserves artificially refill. Sighing, he took a fighting stance, ready to make his final stand to protect his genin. Then the voice of a young boy could be heard over the horde. The army stopped, irritated at the little boy who dared interrupt them, ready to kill him as punishment. As the thugs turned, they were met with the entire village armed with gardening and cooking tools, with Inari standing at the front with a plunger on a crossbow, a pot on his head to act like a helmet.
"You have tormented our village for the last time! It is time we took back our village! I hope you took a good look around you thugs, cause this is the last you'll see of this village. Attack!". Inari finished his speech and the town charged forward at the thugs. While there were a lot of them, the village outnumbered them 3 to 1. One of the dumber thugs yelled out " they're just villagers! What can they do…!" He was cut off at the throat by Kakashi slicing it. After seeing this, the thugs realized even if they did take out some of the villagers, there was no getting out of this alive.
In a movement of mass chaos the thugs started running in any direction that wasn't towards the charging villagers. They started running at the recovering genin, but soon stopped after Kakashi appeared in front of them, kunai in hand. Finding themselves cornered, they started throwing themselves off the bridge, landing in huge and repetitive splashes in the water. Those we didn't jump over the edge were dead, or about to die. The villagers were constantly pressuring one side, beating any thug that was within their reach. Kakashi's focus was not letting any thugs get to his genin, and held his ground, cutting down any who got too close.
Hinata felt a little pride in Inari as he led his village against the thugs. In a way he was her kindred spirit and seeing him so strong and confident made her happy. 'Now you've become the village hero Inari'. Sasuke and Naruto were amazed at the sight in front of them, this was the last thing they had been expecting to happen today, placing Haku's outburst in second.
Within 30 minutes the bridge was clear of thugs. Well at least the alive ones. There was a small pile of bodies in front of Kakashi. He was panting having to fight two battles back to back. He smiled at the cheering villagers and turned to the genin. "Let's get some rest, I don't think we have to worry about any more thugs attacking today". Everyone nodded in agreement and started to trudge to Tazuna's house, daydreaming about flopping onto the guest room floor.
As they passed the celebrating villagers, Inari ran up to Hinata, hugging her.", "We did it!". Hinata smiled back as she returned the boys hug, temporarily letting go of Naruto. "You did it Inari! You led them against their enemies, you've become a hero to the village. Just like Kaiza" Hinata said, pride evident in her voice. Inari's grin went from ear to ear, "I was only able to do this because of you Hinata. You acted as my hero and helped me with my suffering. I may not know much about your mother, but I know you've become a hero just like her!".
Hinata was taken back by Inari's words. She had always strived to be strong like her mother, but to hear it actually be said brought tears of joy to her eyes. Although she held them back and said, "Thank you Inari". The boy smiled again and ran off to find his grandfather who had been hiding under building supplies during the fight.
Turning around Hinata let the tears slowly start running down her face, as she put her hand on the Naruto clone's shoulder for support. Naruto said nothing, knowing how it felt to be told that your hard work payed off. Instead he just slowly walked with Hinata, letting her set the pace. "You know, before this mission, I thought you were just a stuck up noble, who was incapable of kindness," Naruto said. Hinata balled her fist, ready to poof this clone out of existence at any second. The clone Naruto continued, "But, I've found that's only partially true. You're kind, compassionate, and hard working. Or at least around others". Hinata was surprised by these words, her fist slowly releasing. "I know we really started off on the wrong foot, and I'd like to apologize for my previous actions. You see, I actually owe your family service". Hinata became confused at these words, 'what service does he owe the Hyuga?'. "You see, when I was very young, I was being chased by some people and had been gravely hurt. Thankfully, I was rushed to the hospital and was healed. My savior is the woman who has been the closest thing I've ever had to a mother. I only knew her for 3 hours, but she changes my life so much that day, she's someone I'll never forget". Hinata was wondering what he was getting at, but kept quiet, waiting for him to explain. "That woman was Hitomi Hyuga, and I have considered myself indebted to her ever since".
Hinata's eyes widened. All the pieces had finally clicked into place, "You were that boy that crashed into the park?!". The clone nodded in confirmation, letting Hinata ask the next question. "How did you know she's my mother?" ask Hinata, suspicious about how Naruto had made the connection. Naruto gave a weak smile and scratched the back of his head, "well you see… your father was kind of worried about you and… asked me to protect you". The last part was nearly too fast to make out.
Hinata felt anger boiling up, 'he thinks I can't handle myself?! Does he really think so little of me?!'. Naruto noticed her anger and made an attempt to stop it. "He didn't ask me because he thought you were helpless. He asked me because he thought that you'd get in over your head because you let your pride get the best of you. Apparently though, you've also reserved that stuck up pride for me as well, or did the idea of death humble you?". Hinata was silent for a little while, continuing to walk with Naruto to the house.
"I don't always act the way I do because I think I'm better than people. It's because I find it foolish to make bonds with people that are eventually going to die some day and leave you behind. Contrary to popular belief, I don't take much pride in my fighting unless I know I can win". Naruto was confused by this, "and did you not bond with Inari?". Hinata took a second to process this, "I suppose I did. Although, he also suffered the same pain I did, so I'll make an exception for him".
After minutes of silence between the two passed, Naruto asked a question."If I can promise you something, do you think we could be… friends?". Hinata looked at him quizzically, "that depends teme, what are you promising?". Naruto answered without any doubt, "I promise that I won't ever leave you behind".
Hinata was taken back by Naruto's bold statement. She had never heard such conviction in a person's words. It almost made her believe that he would keep it. "And how can you guarantee that?" she asked, finding herself wanting to be friends with him. " Because I never go back on my word, that is my nindo, my ninja way" Naruto finished. Hinata considered it for a little bit and answered, "fine, teme. But don't expect me to be all chummy with you, we're friends, not best mates".
Naruto's smile was warm enough to melt snow country, he was so happy he finally was able to crack his teammate's shell. Hinata gave a small smile in return, the smile eventually turning into a smirk, "Now about that service you owe the Hyuga". Naruto's sweat dropped, "Wait, just because we're friends doesn't mean…" Hinata interrupted him, "doesn't mean what? You said you never go back on your word, was that a lie?". Naruto grumbled something and reluctantly asked "what do you want me to do?".
" I want you…" Hinata dragged it out to tease the boy a bit more, "to have me pick out a new set of clothes for you". Naruto was dumbfounded, 'that's it?!'. "Oh and I also want you to steal and destroy Kakashi sensei's book" she added. Naruto nearly fainted, "destroy his book? He'll kill me!". "You were the one who said he wouldn't leave me behind, so you better make it out alive" Hinata teased, knowing full well what could happen to the boy. "You're the worst, you know that," said Naruto. "Only around you if I recall correctly, and you're the one who asked for my friendship. You should've thought about what you were signing up for". Naruto grumbled something about their friendship and stayed quiet, hoping he wouldn't get his original self into any more trouble than he already had.
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Upon reaching the house, the clone poofed away, leaving Hinata alone. Naruto had just finished putting Haku down to rest on a futon when the clone's memories flooded his mind. After sorting them out for a few seconds, Naruto paled as he turned around to the smirking face of Hinata. This time, he really did pass out, though, a big reason was because of his mental exhaustion from the events of today. Hinata let out a small giggle at this, finding his reaction to be quite entertaining.
Laying down on her futon, Hinata let her eyelids close, as she prepared for some much needed rest. Thoughts about actually having a friend being the last thing she thought about before falling into her slumber.
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A Week Later…
After Gato's forces were driven out and those who had been kidnapped, returned to their homes, the people of the village all started working on the bridge. With the 528 people working, the bridge was finished in record time. Once that was taken care of the people celebrated their victories with a festival. Restaurants setting up booths all over the village, and local artisans bringing out their wares that they had been hiding for the past few years. It was a complete 180 from when the leaf ninja first arrived.
Since their mission was technically complete, Kakashi allowed his genin to go and enjoy themselves. He hoped it would help Haku get out of the house and start healing after recent events. While he was their enemy only a week prior, Kakashi knew that it was just a job, and didn't hold a grudge against him. Actually, Kakashi felt himself feeling sorry for the boy, he knew what it was like to have no one left. He was also curious about Sasuke. Both Hinata and Naruto had forgiven Haku and had tried to comfort the boy, but Sasuke seemed to have never held a grudge against the boy and spent a large amount of time trying to talk to him.
Kakashi walked through the house, heading towards the guest room to start packing up his things. As he approached the room door, he saw Sasuke and Haku heading out. Apparently Sasuke had been able to convince Haku to go to the festival. 'That's interesting, I wonder…', shaking his head of his thoughts Kakashi continued to the room, seeing it was empty except for him.
As Kakashi pack, Naruto and Hinata were walking through the festival, Naruto wanting to play every game the villagers had to offer, and Hinata following to make sure he kept out of trouble. "You act like you've never been to a festival before," Hinata complained, tired of all the walking she had done. "Well, this technically isn't my first festival, but it's the first one where I haven't been… kicked out upon entry" Naruto replied, trying to avoid dragging Hinata into his problems.
Hinata noticed his hesitation and made a mental note to ask her father about him. 'Why are you always hiding something Naruto?'. She was broken out of her thought when Naruto grabbed her wrist and led her to a test of courage that some of the local elderly had set up for the young generation. With some of the parents pitching in to act as the jump scares. "Hinata we have to do this one!". The Hyuga was hesitant, she had never done one before because of how scary people had made it seem and still had her fear of the activity. She started to take small steps back, "I don't like this one". "Have you done it before?" Naruto asked. Hinata looked down and admitted, " no". Naruto was confused by this, "Well how do you know you don't like it? You'll never know if you never try".
Hinata's head shot up at Naruto's last sentence. The same phrase her mother would say to her when she was little. Gathering her courage Hinata said, "alright, let's try it. But, whatever happens in those woods, stays in those woods!". Naruto smiled and nodded, excited about this test of courage, he had no idea what it was about, but he had heard that it was really fun. The pair walked up to the elderly woman working the booth and waited for their turn to enter the spookified woods.
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Haku and Sasuke were drifting throughout the fair, Sasuke trying to get Haku to participate in some games, or try some food, and Haku ignoring it all, feeling guilty for being hired against this town and now enjoying it's festivities. He had only agreed to come because the others had been bugging him about getting out of the house and finally gave in when Sasuke asked earlier, telling him he wanted to bring him somewhere. 'If you're trying help through the festival Sasuke, I'm afraid you're just making matters worse'.
Sasuke looked back at his depressed friend and sighed, he had hoped that the fair would take Haku's mind off things, but it seems that was a failure. Turning to his friend he decided it was time to show him "Haku, I have something to show you". Haku raised his head a little, hearing Sasuke's more serious tone. Silently he followed Sasuke away from the festival and towards a hilltop.
When they reached the top, Haku noticed a lump of dirt with a cross of stick above it. "Sorry for it being so crude. We buried him the day after the battle. We had tried to bring you along but you were still in shock over his death and didn't respond. I'm sorry". Sasuke finished standing a ways back, letting Haku walk up to the grave by himself. Haku felt tears start to fill his eyes. This was exactly what Zabuza would've wanted and he was so wrapped up in himself that he didn't even attend the funeral. Haku felt tears snake their way down his cheeks, falling off and watering the grave. He felt the memories of when Zabuza first found him resurface. When Zabuza taught him how to throw senbon, make hand signs, the first time they went on a job together. Haku always found Zabuza's training harsh, and Zabuza would always say he needs a strong tool or no tool. But, Haku now knew that wasn't the case. Zabuza was hard on him because he wanted him to live, to be able to walk out of a battle alive. 'Zabuza, why did you have to leave me? Now I'm a tool without a master! I have no purpose'.
Sasuke watched solemnly, sympathetic to the emotions running through Haku. After a few minutes Sasuke turned to the woods and grabbed something behind a tree. Returning, he carried Zabuza's giant sword in hand. "I didn't know Zabuza like you did… but I think he would've wanted you to have this". Haku turned, eyes widening at the sight of his master's sword. As Sasuke handed it over the him, Haku felt as if he was reconnected with a little part of his former master.
After another few minutes of memories and tears, Haku said "thank you, Sasuke". Sasuke gave a small smile and replied, "no problem Haku". The two walked back to the house, neither one was in the mood to rejoin the festivities.
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Naruto and Hinata found the test of courage to be quite entertaining and terrifying. Terrifying because of the actual attraction, and entertaining because of each other's reactions. At one point Hinata had heard something and hid behind Naruto, causing Naruto to laugh at her antics. However, after a few feet a ghost had gotten the jump on Naruto. Naruto jumped 13 feet into the air in fright, a short but loud gasp of terror along with it. Hinata had seen the ghost hiding in the shadows and was to be found holding back laughter at Naruto's reaction. Naruto landed and walked on embarrassed, being thankful for Hinata's rule of whatever happens in the test of courage stays in the test of courage.
When they finally exited the woods, both Hinata and Naruto were found a little paler than usual, and with a lot of blackmail against the other if one of them breaks the rule. "I think I've had enough of the festival, how about you Hinata?". Hinata silently nodded, still recovering from the jump scares. The two walked back to the house, the moon now up to light the way.
The two stayed close, still recovering from the test of courage and finding the situation to be quite ominous. The bridge connecting to Tazuna's house had just come into view when it happened. It started with a scuttling through the leaves, then the hooting of an owl. The two continued now on guard, and watching for anything lurking in the shadows. Naruto was turning when he saw a mask half hidden behind a tree for a second, but as soon as he turned to face it, it was gone. A few seconds later the same thing happened to Hinata. The two were now back to back, turning in a circle to try and spot the mask again.
Kakashi suppressed a chuckle. He saw Naruto and Hinata enter the test of courage and couldn't resist giving them a scare himself. 'Time for the big ta-da'. Kakashi got low to the ground and blitzed towards his genin, swiping their feet out from under them. As soon as they hit the ground he brought himself to his full height, his back to the moon to hide the details of his clothing. Naruto and Hinata were both breathing fast and had a look of terror in their eyes. Using a voice modifying jutsu, Kakashi made his voice deeper and made it thunder throughout the wood. "YOU TWO HAVE BROKEN THE SACRED RULES! PREPARE TO BE PUNISHED!". Naruto, in a panic, asked "W-What do you m-mean? What r-rules did we b- reak?". Kakashi grinned and started "YOU TWO…", reverting to his normal voice, bending down so they could see his face, and lifting a finger as if to scold them, he continued, "didn't hold hands while taking the test of courage".
Both Hinata and Naruto's terror vanished instantly, instead anger arose in both of them. Together they said, "You were the one doing all that?!". Kakashi's eye turned upward into a smile as he nodded. Knowing that it wouldn't be long before his genin shook off their shock and started chasing him, Kakashi took off at full speed to the house. He had planned on camping out on the roof tonight and had already set up everything to remain hidden by anyone passing by. Their sensei's retreat snapped the genin out of their shock and they then took off to try and catch their teacher.
After an hour of searching, the two decided to call it a night. They were me tally exhausted from all the scares, and physically exhausted from the last hour of searching. When they opened the door to the house, they saw Haku and Sasuke sitting at the table, playing a card game. Zabuza's sword leaning on the table next to Haku. Naruto absently waved hello to both of them and trudged off to sleep. Hinata doing the same, but actually saying hello to both of them before joining her blonde teammate for some much needed rest.
Haku turned to Sasuke with an eyebrow raised in question. Sasuke shrugged his shoulders and continued their game.
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The Next Day
Team Seven, plus Haku stood in front of the newly constructed bridge, saying their farewells to Tazuna and his family. "Just like I promised, we'll repay once we get the money," said Tazuna. "Double the normal price?" asked Kakashi, making sure Tazuna didn't try to back out of their deal. "You betcha!".
Naruto, Sasuke, and Haku had already said their goodbyes and were standing off to the side. "So Haku, what are you going to do now?" Inquired Naruto. Haku thought about the question for a little bit before responding, "I don't know, for the longest time I' e been Zabuza's tool. Now I don't have any purpose to fulfill". Sasuke found himself disappointed at this. He had just solidified his friendship with Haku, and now he was about to lose him. Naruto saved the day when he suggested, "Hey, what if you come back to the hidden leaf with us? Jiji will welcome you into our ranks and you can do missions for the hidden leaf! Then you'll have a purpose and we'll be able to see you more!".
Haku was surprised by how sure Naruto sounded, 'how can he be so certain about something like this?'. Shrugging, Haku said, "I guess it couldn't hurt, worst case scenario I'm turned down and captured as a criminal, so I guess that's better just wandering around aimlessly". Naruto jumped for joy at this, excited that his new friend would stay around. Sasuke let a small smile form, containing his happiness. Naruto then started telling Baku all about the hidden leaf. Things like the best restaurants and going into detail about all of the weapon smiths in konoha.
Hinata was the last to say goodbye to Inari and had intentionally said goodbye to Tazuna and Tsunami first. "Do you have to go nee-san?" asked Inari, the disappointment evident in his voice. Hinata was startled for a second by being called nee-san, but found herself happy by it. "Yes, I have to go. I have my own home and family to return to". Inari pouted at this, then hugged Hinata while saying, "you'll visit right? I don't know how long I can be a hero alone," squeezing a little tighter at the end. Hinata smiled and said, "of course I'll visit. I don't know when it'll be, but I can assure you I'll see you again". Inari smiled and gave her one last squeeze before letting go and saying "Goodbye nee-san". Hinata's smile softened as she responded "Goodbye ototo-san".
Before the shinobi left, Tazuna asked everyone, "So what should we name this bridge?". Narjto suggested his name and was immediately shot down. "How about Zabuza?" suggested Sasuke, knowing Haku would've felt too guilty to suggest it. "Hmm I like it. Zabuza Bridge. Has a nice ring to it" said Tazuna, happy with the name, and knowing full well how much it meant to Haku.
Haku was stunned, 'would they actually name the bridge after Zabuza-sensei?'. He looked over at Sasuke, seeing a small smile adorning the Uchiha's face. Tazuna smiled at Haku's reaction, "well it's settled, this will be the Zabuza Bridge, in honor of a father's love for his son". Haku started tearing up at this, a smile of gratitude on his face. "Thank you" was all Haku said, and it was all that was needed.
Kakashi saw that things had come to a close and decided to get his teenagers on the road, "Okay, now it's time to get back! Reports to fill, training to do, and book club meetings to attend". The genin of team 7 had their sweat drop at the last activity listed.
The quintet walked off, heading home for some relaxation and their own beds to sleep in. Tazuna's family waved goodbye to them as they left, hoping to see them again. Once off the bridge, they started to run, so to go at a more comfortable traveling pace. The journey to the land of waves was long enough, and none of them felt like spending another week traveling.
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2 days later
The ninja arrived at the gates of Konoha with a mix of emotion throughout the group. Naruto was excited at first, ready to get rid of his tattered jumpsuit and enjoy some ramen. Then he remembered Hiashi's warning and shivered. Hinata was relieved to see home again. She had missed over the last 2 and a half weeks, and was looking forward to a dip in the hot springs. Sasuke and Haku were both nervous about whether the Hokage would allow Haku into the village. All Kakashi was thinking about was when the next club meeting was, so he could get caught up.
They were greeted by Kotetsu and Izumo. They were some of the few people who didn't mistreat Naruto. They understood some of the mistreatment he suffered through. Being an openly gay couple was rare and many people(mainly civilians) regarded them as a disgrace.
"So who's the new girl?" asked Kotetsu, almost leaning back enough to tip his chair. "This is Haku, we… picked him up along the way" to which Kakashi replied. Both Kotetsu and Izumo were stunned at this news. Kotetsu forgot to balance himself and ended up falling back in his chair. Izumo, who had started taking a drink of water, had a spit take at the news. Haku nervously chuckled, seeing their reactions. As for the rest of the crew: Kakashi let out his own little chuckle, Naruto was on the ground in laughter, Sasuke trying to contain his, and Hinata keeping a neutral expression, giggling on the inside. "Well we're off to the Hokage's office, see you later you two" said Kakashi, leading his group into the village.
Standing in front of the Hokage, Kakashi gave a report on the mission, and the new form of payment agreed on. Hiruzen nodded in understanding, happy that the younger generation wouldn't leave behind a village in such a desperate situation. Now Hiruzen turned to Haku, "So I take it you're one of the assassins?". Haku nodded, guilt clear on his face. "Hmp. Well that does complicate things, the council will be in chaos about letting in a foreign shinobi" said the old Hokage. Haku's head lowered at this comment and Naruto was getting ready to let loose on Jiji. "That is unless, you have jutsu that you could give to the village" finished the Hokage, knowing full well that, as long as new jutsu is given, the council won't care about this boy's past. Haku started rapidly nodding his head. He then formed some one handed signs, impressing the old Hokage, and saying "flurry jutsu". Snowflakes started to form and fall from the ceiling.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was amazed by this display, "You're able to use the ice element?". Haku nodded, proud of himself. But then remembered hearing things about ninja villages putting people with kekkei genkai in the CRA if the kekkei genkai clan is too small. Fear filled his face, and Haku slowly started to back away. Getting ready to make a run for it. The old Hokage noticed this and gave a sympathetic smile. "Don't worry, I banished the Clan Restoration Act long ago. You are free to love whomever you like without the council making decisions... Although, that doesn't mean they are not going to try anyways". Haku relaxed at this, thankful he wouldn't be forced into any arranged marriages. "However, you will be helping us train those who are able to use the ice element by combining water and wind" said Hiruzen, making sure the boy understood that he'd still be giving up his kekkei genkai to the village to an extent. "It'll be my pleasure sir" said Haku, barely containing his excitement.
The Hokage smiled and said, "Well it's settled then. Haku, you are now an official shinobi of the Hidden Leaf Village!".
And that was Chapter 8! Sorry that it's not as polished. I'm still working on my writing schedule. Now here's some other good fanfics to check out.
Story - Author
She who loves only herself - UrBoiPedro12
The Honoured Guest - Ziltoid
Hyuuga's Downfall - Randrigriae
My Story - Danny vs A Month