Chapter Soundtrack: "Snow Country" by Kenji Kawai
Chapter 10- A Land of Endless Snow
Sakura had stopped outside of Tsunade's office. She was leaning against the wall, deeply absorbed in reading the note in her hands. There was some urgency, maybe even panic in what Gaara had written down, "He said he needs to see me? He's worried?" Her concerns faded after she read about his nomination to become the Fifth Kazekage and the lack of other candidates.
She had been trying to handle the situation calmly, but there was no helping how her heart was pounding in her chest. Sakura stepped outside onto the balcony for some fresh air. She looked down on the city, and it suddenly looked much different than it had a few minutes ago. The village had been shaded in sepia by the setting sun.
On the one hand she was thrilled for him. Gaara was being recognized for the accomplished warrior he was, and his presence would do immense good for both Sand and Leaf. He was young but unbelievably mature, and she had complete faith that if he did take the position he would most likely be the best Kazekage of their era.
The other hand was a clenched fist. Sakura was bitter over the notion, even slightly envious. Not of her boyfriend, oh no, but the people who would have his time every day…the people who would have his attention. She would be in the back seat after that and, eventually, inevitably, she would phase out of his life completely. She sobbed for a moment and then got a grip on her emotions.
She loved him; there was no use in dancing around the matter. 'It's not fair! I only got to have him for a little while and then they just stole him…they stole him away from me!' Inside she was throwing a tantrum. She wanted to point her finger at the officials of the Sand Village, but Gaara, being who he was, was bound to be noticed sooner or later for his ability.
'But he said he was leaving the decision up to ME.' She recalled, glancing back down at the message, 'I could just say no and that would be that.' She also agonized over the fact that just because he wouldn't be the Kazekage didn't mean he would be able to come home to her whenever she beckoned. To deny him the position was almost cruel. But to allow it would be denying herself…something she had grown accustomed to.
"If I had known that I was going to lose you this way I would've kissed you harder." She laughed to herself, "Heck! I would've run away with you too!"
The truth came a bit too late, and she couldn't rewind and decline Tsunade's offer to mentor her. Or, for that matter, go back and beg Gaara not to leave. The choice was here and now. She split down the middle, on an invisible seam of heartache.
Sakura rubbed at her eyes, distraught, 'I'm sorry, Gaara-kun…I guess deep down I'm just as selfish as you said I was…'
The trip to the Hot Springs Ryokan was brief and once there, Ino was surprised when she was informed that the passes the daimyo's wife had given her were for VIP treatment. The woman had unwittingly just become one of her new best friends. She and Shikamaru enjoyed a quick meal before splitting up for separate onsen.
It appeared there were a few other guests at the springs but most were leaving or prepared to go home. Business was slow at this particular inn anyway, and servants wished their departing customers a safe trip home on their way out. The Nara felt a bit odd entering the spring that was totally devoid of life, with the exception of himself.
He had been told these were gypsum springs. The minerals were supposed to be good for aches and the suchlike. The water was bitter. Shikamaru sat back against a smooth stone and sighed, letting every care in the world slip away from his consciousness.
He couldn't help but notice the fence to his left shuddering and creaking. The oak divider was the only thing separating the men and women's baths. Shikamaru suspected some pervert to be the culprit trying to poke through, and jumped in startlement when one of the planks was easily wrenched away.
"Shikamaru, you there?"
Of course it was Ino. His nerves settled a bit. "Yeah…Ino, what are you doing?" He grumbled.
"Come over here and talk with me. I'm wearing a towel for God's sake." She hissed, and he scooted over to the gap, "There, that's better!"
"Is this necessary?" Shikamaru asked, nearly whined.
"Well I haven't gotten to say you in days and I'll be damned if I can't talk to you just because of this stupid wall." Ino leaned onto the stone ledge, "So get on with it and tell me about your mission."
He leaned onto the sill as well, beginning to recap it in pieces, "The desert really is the shitiest place to live. I won't be going back to a place as troublesome as that." She nodded, agreeing even though she'd never been there.
"Things improved near the coast. Guard duty was tiring since we were entrusted with overseeing the plant's construction…" He yawned, then continued, "Gaara wasn't a happy camper since I didn't bring Sakura along, but the team I did have with me did well. I was surprised they fought off the thugs as well as they did."
She was lost, "Who? And what thugs?"
He recounted the nukenin who Tama and Sato had held off in an impressive display of teamwork. He skimmed over the parts where they had frozen up in panic, and focused more on the success of the mission.
"We're a formidable team ourselves." Ino observed smugly. She went on to talk about the mission they had gone on with Neji, and how it just wasn't the same. He tried to pay attention, his chin propped up in his palm, but for the life of him couldn't get over how bare she was. Normally Shikamaru made a point to avert his gaze when the kunoichi was indecent, but at the present time he could not help himself.
Ino didn't seem to take notice because by then she was busy rummaging through a shopping bag she had with her. She drew out a pair of sunglasses, and without a word, fitted them on Shikamaru's face. "I got those two days ago in the market. I couldn't resist."
He sighed, watching her from behind the dark lenses. Ino observed him for a moment before commenting, "Wow…I never thought that you could look less enthused than you usually do." She smiled, "You've proven me wrong."
Shikamaru let their hands linger together after she had adjusted the glasses. With his free hand he pushed the shades up to the crown of his head, "Are these mine to keep, I'm guessing?"
"Sure, just…don't wear them in public, because they're kind of effeminate."
He smirked. She laughed at the thought of it, hoping she could at least get Asuma to see him with them on. There was a strange pause then, and Ino had stopped laughing and realized that Shikamaru was studying her face like he would a puzzle. She jumped a little when he leaned in and captured her lips. She was certainly not expecting a kiss, even though she had been hoping for one.
She settled into it, very pleased with his clueless, never-kissed-a-girl-before technique. She pulled away after a moment and told him, "You know you could have just said something if you had a thing for me, Shika."
"Why would I bother when you were after that Uchiha all the time?" He pointed it out as if there was no contest.
"You actually took that seriously?" Ino raised her eyebrows, "How could I like that guy, I ask you, when he nearly got you and the others killed? That's unforgivable!"
"I don't know…women are mysterious like that."
She rolled her eyes at his excuse and then kissed him again, chasing away his notion of inferiority. Shikamaru found it unfortunate that he couldn't get any closer to her thanks to the gap that was barely over a foot in width. He drew back, frustrated, "This is unbelievably troublesome."
She was laughing again. Shikamaru recalled how a room had come with their passes which he thought preferable to tearing down the rest of the fence. He couldn't pay for damages like that anyway. "It's time to get out of here." He informed her.
Ino wasn't thrilled, "Huh? But I wanted to soak for a while longer…"
"Go to the room, Ino, or this fence is coming down."
She relented, disgruntled, but knew they could always come back later. Shikamaru withdrew from the gap, moving through the water sluggishly before he noticed a sumo wrestler inching his way into the onsen. The newcomer couldn't help but see the conspicuous space in the fence.
"There's some crazy chick trying to get in here." He told the portly man, "Watch yourself." He exited and the wrestler looked concerned.
Shikamaru navigated back to the room where they had left their belongings. Ino was already there, looking a bit stilted when he entered. He closed the door without having to be reminded.
"Turn around please. I want to change." She told him.
He wasn't listening at that point, because he wasn't willing to wait for the next opportunity to kiss her. Ino was a smidgen alarmed by his haste, "Wait…will you? Sheesh…impatient." She managed between breaths, "This is unlike you…where'd the procrastinating go?"
"I'm sick of it." He said, "I'm allowed to change my preferences aren't I?"
She shrugged, supposing it was a welcome change, and sighed when he kissed her deeply. Ino wished she'd had the wherewithal to dry off earlier because she was starting to shiver.
Shikamaru acknowledged how as a Chunin he knew better than this, and how teammates were unspokenly off-limits. He was unable to heed any of the taboos; he was too busy feeling. Since the Retrieval Mission he felt completely grown up, and along with that the burden of all the missions and lives he had been trusted with had been slowly crushing him. 'I want to be able to depend on someone else.' He thought, 'If I could let my guard down for a bit and the people who need me would still be alright…'
Pushing a requirement like that on Ino was a little unfair, he knew, but he had always been waiting for recognition that saw beyond his unmotivated façade. Inside he was a mess of guilt, worry, and longing; struggling to become a stronger person worthy of the rank he had achieved. Ino had understood that as easily as every other part of him she had witnessed.
She clung to him, her head foggy. "Is this alright?" She asked him for confirmation.
He didn't really know, and the best he could do was kiss her again. Ino had only meant for it to be a relaxing afternoon between friends, but Shikamaru's unpredictability was becoming increasingly predictable. Her back hit the wall and his hands that were once anchored to her waist began to roam. She felt fidgety but found the opportunity to examine him as well. He was not a kid anymore.
Ino couldn't give him enough credit at any other time to admit he was sculpted with a chest and stomach that belied muscles that had probably always been there and been ignored. Her nails traced a line from his elbow to his shoulder and left gooseflesh in their wake. Shikamaru kissed her neck, descending, and she tensed only for a moment when he slipped off her towel. His eyes were scanning her, every curve and detail searing into his retina, completely entranced with her pale form.
She shuddered. Suddenly Ino couldn't place why she wanted to invite Chouji or Sakura before him.
Haku packed only a few necessities for his solo mission. He was going far beyond the Water Country, this time, and inwardly glad that Zabuza would not be shadowing his step. He stopped by Hiroshi's teashop briefly to make some last preparations.
"What possessed you to dress that way today, Haku-kun?" Hiroshi commented on the boy's appearance, "It's a bit stifling, wouldn't you say?"
"Not for where I'm going, Hiroshi-san." Haku assured him. He was wearing weighted clothing of black and dark ash gray. If Hiroshi had been even remotely aware of the amount of concealed senbon quivers that were on him, he may have very well had a breakdown. The added thickness of the material would also compare to light armor, something he was counting on. His task this time had a much higher risk than previous missions.
"You're not going very far, you said?" Hiroshi checked, growing concerned.
"By land, I meant. I'll be crossing the sea." Haku wore a carefree smile, "It's my kind of territory, if you know what I mean."
His fat friend was unable to stop peppering him with questions, "Then it might be dangerous if something should happen? Oh…perhaps it would be best if you didn't go alone this time…"
"Zabuza won't be going with me." He repeated, trying to make it sound as if he didn't need any backup. He found it funny how Hiroshi was beginning to Zabuza as less of a threat and more as an asset. 'But if he ever found out these were missions for a gang boss and not of personal interest…' He didn't want to think of that harangue.
Hiroshi took a seat at one of the tables and sighed deeply. He had tired himself out again just by worrying. He puffed and dabbed at his forehead with a handkerchief.
"Zabuza knows I'll be gone for at least a week, so don't worry if he stops in here a few times." Haku said with a chuckle, "It'll just mean he's hungry and looking for food. He won't bother you, I saw to that."
"A nukenin in my shop, good lord…" The fat man sighed, "Bless your heart, Haku, for feeding such a terrifying creature."
The dark haired boy laughed. Katsu had run into the teahouse, Pua tailing behind him in a white streak. Usually the boy wasn't up so early in the morning, 'He must have heard that I'm leaving today.'
"You're going on a mission, Haku-kun?" He asked excitedly, "Does this mean I get to babysit Pua again?"
Haku shook his head, "Not this time, Katsu-chan. I'm actually taking her with me."
Katsu understood and gave the rabbit a pat on the head in farewell, and Haku a hug, "See ya soon…" He and Hiroshi watched as Haku exited the shop with Pua scampering behind him.
Haku recalled as he was leaving Nanakusa, that collecting money was one of the most rudimentary tasks nukenin had to perform. This would be his first attempt, of course, but he was confident it would go smoothly. Inagawa had personally chosen him for the mission because he was even better suited to the environment than Zabuza.
He was instructed to board a ship at the southern harbor that was bound for the Snow Country. Apparently three Snow ninja working for the country's lord had borrowed a gratuitous amount of money from Inagawa, and were running late on one of their payments. One name Haku had ascertained was Nadare Roga, and Inagawa didn't much care about his associates.
Approximately 100 thousand ryo had been loaned out for Nadare's technological pursuits. He was long overdue and still had no real collateral for Inagawa. "If they don't give you the money up front as they're supposed to…" Inagawa had told him, "Kill them all. I won't waste my time with the likes of them if my investments are fruitless."
Haku understood the mission's requirements, but did wonder if things had to end with blood. Being the gentle spirit he was he was silently rooting for the foreign shinobi to finally have their finances in order. Things could go either way, it was clear, and Haku reminded himself that peace was rarely an option when nukenin got involved.
At the southern tip of the island Haku boarded the specified boat, wondering how unforgiving the Land of Snow would be since it was the height of winter in the Water Country. He asked other passengers who predicted common conditions, which were translated to be harsh storms for non-natives. It was a two-day trip by sea.
Most of his food rations consisted of vegetables, since it was something he and his rabbit could subsist on together. Pua was perched on his knees while she chewed on some cabbages leaves. Haku relaxed on the unpopulated starboard deck with her, watching the waves roll by. He tried not thinking about what he had to do. When passengers and crew members did pass by and chat, he left them with the impression that he had family in the Snow Country. He sure did look the type.
The ship let out a hollow-iron moan when it pulled into port. Haku had been a bit disoriented that morning and had to check with a deck hand to be sure they hadn't arrived early. "Lord no, we're refueling! It's a little way further than this." The sailor promised, "This is a nice island where we drop off and pick up travelers and merchants. You want to watch your step though, there's ninja too."
"Shinobi?" Haku was surprised, "On this spit of land?"
"Ay, you got that right." He replied, then lowered his voice, "Word is a few Rain ninja were seen ducking out on the island. Can't say why they would want to."
Haku thanked him for his help and briefly considered investigating the island. He deemed it an unwise action being that they would be off again in two hours. So far no one had really placed him for a shinobi himself, but just to be sure he wasn't suspected, he retreated to a secluded spot on top of the captain's quarters. After the ship got going again after breakfast he relaxed a fraction.
Later in the day some children took interest in Pua. Haku watched the rabbit scamper around with them, hopping and playing. She was a clever thing, which they had never seen the like of before. He avoided getting to know any of them too well.
The next morning the ship pulled into harbor and the majority of its passengers disembarked, Haku included. This, he was told, was currently the most populated part of the country: the coast. Going inland was a feat not so easily accomplished for most people. As he had expected the temperature had dropped significantly upon their arrival, but he and Pua were well adjusted for the change.
His directions had pointed him to cut through a quick mountain pass to get to Dotou-sama's castle. "Just stay off the road, though." An old man had told him, "Ninja out there pick off folks on the road. 'Course the woods is even worse. You'll die if you go in there, but stay off the road, sonny."
Haku had opted for the wilderness since he was particularly skilled in forest navigation. He became aware of how vastly different it was here than on the mainland. For one, there was the silence. The waist-deep snow banks stretched as far as the eye could see and further; in some places it was deeper than one's head. The blankets of white had smothered sound in the trees, vegetation and ground. It was unnerving while it was harmless.
"Now suppose Naruto-kun was here," Haku spoke sidelong to his rabbit, "This would be an agonizing trip. He would struggle with this quiet, most likely break it constantly and give away our position. Gaara-kun would handle it better, the silence anyway…but he detests snow in a light dusting, never mind fathoms deep."
"Ramen." Pua agreed.
Another issue was warmth. It would be a chore finding enough dry wood and kindling to make a fire. Chances were he'd have to burn his own map if he couldn't find bark that wasn't sopping wet. He could handle the thought of the perilous terrain better than the uncomfortable, more mental concerns. The hills sloped off onto rounded cliffs, blinded with snow, which fed into fatal drops into an abyssal cavern or another slick slope.
Haku and his rabbit kept on top of the drifts with chakra, following a compass-negotiated route towards their destination. At one point the land gave out completely, with only a frail ice bridge connecting the slope Haku was descending with the fir trees on the adjacent ledge. Pua quailed at the sudden drop and ducked behind her master. He picked her up by the extra skin on her back and held her in the crook of his arm, slowly finding his footing down the snow drift.
The rabbit gave a chattering coo as if to say: You aren't really going to try and cross that?
"Hush now." Haku told her. He was more cautious about it than his rabbit had him pegged for. With his Kekkei Genkai he drew snow down from the opposite hill, watching as it ran down like a miniature model avalanche. He froze it, expanding the ice of the crossing, and dashed across it safely. Pua's chattering ended once they had cleared the gap.
Haku let her down and romp across the snow beside him. This side of the valley had a panoramic view of the ice-capped mountains decorating the horizon. The forest was a swirl of pine-green and white. Snow was caught in the needles of every tree, cradled in the nooks of branches and roots. Boulders and hardy bushes were topped with the stuff.
"This place is really quite beautiful." Haku acknowledged as he trekked, "I might come back here on my own time, someday."
Pua scraped between two knotted roots, digging up some nuts that had been preserved. Haku gladly took them from her, knowing they would be good to eat later. "Don't go too far." He reminded her when he let her bound ahead, "We'll be stopping soon." He wanted to find wood since daylight was shrinking fast. Haku consulted his compass with a glance before turning more easterly in his search.
He snapped at husks of birch bark and dry bramble, breaking branches as he went, finding things were drier than they had appeared. Haku also followed the rabbit's example and stopped near tree roots, keeping an eye open for nuts and the suchlike. It looked like most sustenance available had already been discovered by deer, judging from the tracks. Some birds too. He ventured further up the hill.
Snapping twigs as he went, Haku sang a nostalgic song he had heard a few times back in Nanakusa. His voice reverberated faintly between the conifers, slightly muted by the surrounding snow. He leapt over a rock pile, continuing along the slant of the hill before his voice died off abruptly. In the snow was a person, their upper half visible and stiff. The corpse's head had looked to have been bashed in, and its lips were peeled back over its teeth in a permanent and horrendous snarl.
Dizzied, he stepped away, leaning back against a tree trunk. He had been caught so unaware. The body might have been dumped out here so it wouldn't have been discovered, with a ninja as the most likely culprit. There was no way to tell if the cadaver had been a shinobi or not, there was no mark or headband. A bothering amount of the body's face and torso had been chewed away by ice weasels already. This was not very recent.
Haku turned and leapt down the slope, unable to bear the scene. He passed briefly through the canopy before touching down on the ground where he had started. He whistled and Pua came bounding. She cooed. She could see he was rattled. "I'm fine." He dismissed her look, "Did you find any more food?" She had not.
He cleared the snow from the ground with a few swift hand motions and then kicked a pit into the soft dirt. He set some kindling in the bowl and kneeled down, making hand signs. Haku breathed a wisp of flame on the bramble that easily ignited it and he added more wood to the fire. Pua scuttled closer, butt facing the flames, and warmed her fur up. She looked up at her master, still sensing his disquiet. Haku stroked her ears, "Don't you worry about me, Pua-chan."
The sun had nearly dropped out of the sky completely, and the cloud cover had added to the creeping darkness. Haku used his ice mirrors to form a secure lean-to against a thick oak, leaving an opening at the top for smoke to escape. He let his rabbit have the nuts she had uncovered for dinner, while he settled for a helping of rice and vegetables. By nightfall the fire was robust and comforting, and Haku dozed off with Pua curled against his stomach.
Though his clothing provided extra warmth Haku slept restlessly. The silence of the woods pricked at his senses, and even just an inch beyond the glowing heat of the fire the ground was sharp with cold. He prodded at the fire a few times during the course of the night. His real source of discomfort had been the body. There had been no way to investigate or understand it. He had dreams of ice weasels gnawing at him.
He woke the next morning with a kink of tension between his shoulder blades. Pua rose when he did, stretching her legs and preening, and Haku imitated her routine. He stretched also, slightly loosening the knot in his back, and rubbed a handful of snow on his face to wake up fully. Haku kicked dirt over the dying embers and dispelled the ice shelter he had made. He felt better after he and Pua set out.
They ate as they traveled, Haku crunching on one wild nut before tossing another over to his rabbit. Breakfast tasted like dirt. He shared water from his canteen with Pua and shortly before noon crested the top of a plateau. Below he could see a plain of compacted ice, possibly a glacier, stretching out before a walled stronghold at the far end.
"Time for the audit." Haku sighed, looking to his rabbit, "Let's be as civil as possible."
"Ramen."
Haku decided speed would be best applied here. Ice was a dear, dear friend. He barely had to expend energy running when he slid across the surface with sheer momentum. Pua mimicked him, skating across the glacier towards the lord's castle. He was impressed by how promptly shinobi had gone out to greet him, 'They must have seen me coming.' They met halfway on the ice. There were three of them after all.
"Hello." Haku began cheerily, "I'm here on behalf of Inagawa-san. I am understand you have dues with him and he is expecting your cooperation."
"A collector this soon?" The taller man, Roga, was upset, "Would it be too much trouble to ask Inagawa-san for another month?"
"Not at all." Haku assured him, "Since I've been asked to terminate you on sight."
Roga did not like the answer. He and his teammates attacked on a silent command. They manipulated the snowy terrain with jutsu, and the kunoichi was the first to demonstrate, "Swallow Snow Storm!" Ice shot out, winged, surging in a flock for the dark haired boy. A flick of his wrist sent the attack in a loop, right back at the woman. She screeched in surprise and dove out of the way.
A wolf made of snow and ice needles was charging from where Roga had come up on his left. It was sliced in half and also redirected back at the jutsu's user, shards raining down with hellish accuracy. Haku wheeled back, prepared for the bigger man who was rushing for him on a sort of snowboard. He was too quick, avoiding the Snow ninja and creating four shadow clones to assist him. The clones let loose a barrage of Phoenix Eye punches and heel drops on the broad ninja and the kunoichi.
Roga acted quickly to help his teammates, using hand signs to create an ice tower that would have impaled Haku if he had not been so wickedly fast. Ice crystals plunged up from the glacier, their facets smooth as glass, and Haku needed only to infect one surface of the ice with his chakra before he dove into it: a high-jacked mirror. The Snow ninja had no way to fight against Haku while he was using his most favored technique. It would have done them good to be aware of the snow embankment that was crashing down behind them.
An ice flow caught the three unexpectedly while they had been attacking Haku's mirror. The drift had frozen solid, trapping them, and he stepped out to inspect his catch, looking quite menacing to them…save for the milk-white rabbit that hopped over and settled beside him.
"What are your names?" Haku asked, "I want to be sure I have the correct people."
They were completely unwilling to cooperate, and remained soundless as the forests beyond the glacier. Haku was not frustrated by their resilience. He used his Blood Limit to drop the temperature in the ice they were confined in, torturing any skin exposed outside of their armor. It was about a minute before the woman caved, "I'm Fubuki, okay? Muranaka Fubuki!"
When her companions stayed silent the temperature plunged further.
"Ugh! The lot of you assholes!" Fubuki screamed at the two, "The fat guy is Mizore, and the one with the long, girly hair is Nadare Roga! Satisfied?"
Haku smirked, glad he had earned some cooperation. The temperature again became tolerable but he kept them firmly trapped.
"Wow…Inagawa sent a Snow Devil…" Fubuki said in wonder, "Hey! Nadare! You fought a Snow Devil once, yeah?"
"Is this really the time you twit?" He hissed.
Haku's eyes flashed warily. They had recognized his ability for something called a Snow Devil. That was the first measly bit of information regarding the Hyoton he had gotten since he had begun training under Zabuza. Roga cleared his throat and pointed out, "You, uh, haven't quite finished us yet."
"I will." Haku said, but his resolve was dwindling.
Fubuki's expression became coy, hiding her apprehension, "Actually, even if you are a tad young for me you're pretty hot…" She smiled at him, "Let me down, sweetheart, and I promise you a good time."
"Don't weasel out of this Fubuki! Help your comrades first!" Mizore scolded her.
She pouted, "But he IS incredibly hot…a nice change from the fish-lips out here!"
"Save your breath." Haku warned, effectively imitating Zabuza's harsh inflection, "I will now allow you the opportunity to offer the money you owe before you are encased in a block of ice. Fair?"
The Snow ninja fell silent, thoroughly and humiliatingly defeated. Roga spoke up, "We're behind, I admit it, apparently enough for Koseki to do away with us. I have half but he won't accept it clearly…" He sighed.
Pua was circling innocently around Haku's boots.
"Kill me, then, and let them go." Roga reasoned, "I'm to blame for this. Besides, Dotou-sama won't appreciate such an end for his head engineers."
"Don't offer yourself like that, Roga…" Mizore said quietly.
The ice began to shift and the Snow ninja flinched, expecting the worst. They were shocked when it receded and they were released.
Haku smiled, "I honestly don't want to hurt someone so selfless." He was speaking to Roga, "I think I also stand to gain something by not killing you, so why don't we think of a way to satisfy Inagawa-san's debt?"
They were surprised by Haku's generosity, and knew better (by then) than to cross such a powerful shinobi. Fubuki privately wondered if her offer helped change the situation but he didn't look in the least interested.
"Thank you for your patience." Roga said, "You're wise for your age. Come with us so we can settle things diplomatically." He turned, brushing snow off of his shoulders, and his teammates fell into step beside him as they lead Haku back towards the fortress.
"We have developed technologically advanced armor to enhance our jutsu." Roga explained to Haku as they crossed the glacier, "A project so monumental, of course, comes with steep drawbacks. Inagawa-san was under the impression we'd have results by the end of the first year…it's been nearly three years now and several extensions."
"Not to say that we haven't made progress." Fubuki added optimistically, "But our financers don't always understand the line of work we're in. It takes a long time just to get the materials, let alone construct them…"
"It is remarkable." Haku conceded, although their prototypes hadn't been very effective against him.
"We received the mechanical designs long ago from a foreign scientist who works halfway across the world." Roga told him, "For years we've been improving it…but it seems it's still no match for such a Kekkei Genkai."
Part of the wall of the fortress slid aside, allowing them entry. Pua followed closely behind Haku, chattering nervously. It was considerably warmer within, but a little on the dim side. "Fubuki-san called me…a Snow Devil." Haku recalled quietly, "I was wondering what that means."
Fubuki exchanged a glance with Roga. He then asked, "Are you not from a clan, Mister-?"
"My name is Haku." He answered, "And I suppose I have relations to one, but I…lived in the Fire Country for most of my life."
"Ain't that something?" Fubuki mused, "The Fire Country! Is it really on fire like there's snow out here?"
"Most often it's not."
They went up a staircase and turned into a better-lit room with tables and chairs. Mizore immediately set to work making tea. Haku was amused about how average these shinobi were. Roga took a seat and gestured for Haku to do the same. Fubuki riffled around the cupboards looking for teacakes.
"I have seen your ability before." Roga told Haku, "I was caught up in a battle in the Land of Water shortly after joining Inagawa Koseki's circle. He was a very unusual shinobi."
"Do you know his name?" Haku asked, feeling his throat dry up in anticipation.
"I'm afraid I don't know it, I apologize." Roga said, noticing how troubled the younger ninja looked, "I believe he was a rogue, though. The sighting must have been about two years ago, if that helps."
"Just two?" Haku was surprised by how recent the encounter was. Another person with the Hyoton. Two years ago. Things were looking up.
Fubuki sat down and laid foodstuffs on the table, "Let me put it to you this way, Haku. Roga's ass was so badly kicked in that fight we immediately returned to Snow for fear of our lives."
Haku appreciated their accounts. It was more than Zabuza was willing to discuss, at any rate. Mizore served the tea and it was delicately sweet.
"It would be prudent if Dotou-sama did not find out you are here with us." Roga added at length, "He would be furious to hear about Inagawa-san's sour mood. We try to stay on his good side, you see."
"On that note, it's important that both sides are satisfied." Haku agreed, beginning to devise a solution, "You said you already have half, yes? I can match that amount."
The Snow ninja looked bewildered. How many missions did this kid go on to rake up that much money? Or rather, what did he do on those missions?
"Inagawa will receive the full amount, and in return…we will have an alliance." Haku proposed, "I need assistance in finding other people like me. Snow Devils, you call them. They're ninja who possess a Blood Limit called the Hyoton…and Zabuza-san still hasn't helped me very much in that respect."
"You're partners with Momochi?" Mizore rasped, "It's no surprise you know Koseki, then."
Fubuki had discovered the delight that was Pua a half moment later, "Oh! This rabbit is just an angel in animal form…" She cradled her against her shoulder, "She did pull a knife out on me before I picked her up, but still…"
Pua was a big hit with all of the Snow ninja, interestingly enough. Roga mostly impressed with her abilities and concealed weapons, and Fubuki and Mizore mostly for her loving demeanor. They lounged about the rest of the evening, letting Haku tour the west corridors of the castle at his leisure. They let him rest in a spare room that was out of Dotou's sight, and thanked him for his help and generosity.
It was strange taking a warm bath, Haku thought, after hiking through frozen wilderness for two days. He relaxed in the hot water, Pua sitting on the ledge and cooing, listening while he recapped the day's good fortune.
"I have a lead now. A real one, Pua-chan." He sighed contentedly, "A clan of people like me really exists, or at least…there are still stragglers lingering from the war." For a moment he panicked at the idea that this particular clan had been ravaged, and that the few that remained had no ties to him at all. It could explain why Zabuza never broached the subject.
His rabbit cooed again and he calmed down. 'Yes. There's simply not enough information to start making assumptions. For now I should just make sure Zabuza stays unaware of how much I do know. It's the only leverage he thinks he has on me.'
A short while later he toweled off and dressed again; Pua scampering beside him when he spread out on a futon. She curled up beneath his chin, ears brushing against his cheek. Both slept soundly.
In the morning the money was distributed accordingly and the Snow ninja planned to keep in touch with Haku through Inagawa. "Or you could always send this little one!" Fubuki suggested, giving Pua one last squeeze, "She's always welcome."
Haku thanked them before departing the fortress. They had been surprisingly agreeable people, and he suspected that his earlier wish for peace had somehow secured things. Pua raced alongside him on the ice, sometimes spinning in doughnuts for fun. Her antics got her master going and he did one or two turns before nearly spinning out of control and falling on his rear. The only way the mission could have been more fun was if his friends had been there with him.
Halfway across the glacier Pua spooked. With a small shriek she hid behind Haku's legs, unwilling to go any farther. He didn't have to ask her what was the matter: out on the ice ahead of them there was a man.
The lone stranger walked carefully, not very skilled on the ice. He looked cold too. He stopped about ten yards away from Haku, purposefully, vigilantly, his posture was that of a shinobi's. Haku let out a slow breath, watching it rise as vapor in the frigid air.
"I'm Shimofuri Koinyu, and you, if I am correct, are Haku." The violet haired man introduced himself, "Orochimaru-sama has sent me to pay you a visit."
Haku was astonished that he had been tracked all the way to the Land of Snow. It wasn't something just any ninja could do without skill or good informants. As it was, Haku had been expecting the encounter sooner or later, since Naruto's message had given fair warning. "Koinyu-san, I've heard of you. You are from the Hidden Rock Village." Haku answered shortly.
"Very good, you guessed right." He showed a hitai-ate with the Rock Village's symbol that had been stowed in his belt. "Are you afraid at all, Haku?"
"Not in the slightest."
"You're very brave…to a fault, really, just like Sasuke-sama said." Koinyu observed, "Once I've finished what I need to do here I will be free to pursue Susumajin. So…let's cut to the chase, shall we?"
Haku tensed.
Koinyu swiftly drew out two wires strung with two dozen kunai, and he used hand seals, "Ninpo: Divine Dance of Metal." The knives snapped loose from the string and hung suspended in the air beside the Rock ninja.
Haku made his move, hurling two quivers full of senbon with expert accuracy. The needles halted in mid-air, joining Koinyu's hovering arsenal.
"Magnetism is such a darned thing, is it not?" He chuckled darkly, "The iron in one weapon is repelled by that of another…and with my chakra I can control the level of that attraction."
"Get out of here, Pua." Haku said sidelong to his rabbit, not wanting her to get tangled in the fight. She dashed off, disappearing with a camouflage technique, and things got serious.
Five water clones materialized from a snowdrift and ganged up on Koinyu, knowing the use of weaponry would not be effective. Koinyu's rotating ring of blades snapped in individual directions, plunging into the clones. The real Haku was nowhere in sight by the time the bunshin had been dispelled.
'Stay calm.' A single thought rang through Koinyu's mind. He was only fighting a kid.
He copped a mouthful of Haku's boot, not expecting an aerial assault. Koinyu dispersed into a puddle of water, and Haku landed, figuring his opponent had a few tricks. He wouldn't have wanted to come to the Snow Country unprepared for the environment. The knives honed in on Haku after he had destroyed the water clone, but he was quick. He forced up fragments of the glacier at his feet, forming an ice shield at the last second.
The force of the projectiles shattered the makeshift barrier and Haku tumbled back, making hand signs to use a water jutsu. Koinyu reversed the polarity of his technique and surrounded Haku in a cage of metal, disrupting his chakra. His attempted jutsu was useless, and Haku frantically tried to make contact with any surrounding snow or ice. Not even the snow outside the cage could be manipulated.
Thoroughly trapped, Haku stopped trying to retaliate. Koinyu wore a smug, lopsided grin, 'He'll be easier to deal with now. This should go quickly…' A column of snow nearly crushed him and Koinyu leapt back, aghast at how three Snow ninja had dove into the fray. With his concentration interrupted his jutsu wore off and Haku broke free.
Fubuki landed beside him, "Hey Haku! We noticed the ambush from the tower so we figured we'd honor that alliance-thing we've got going."
Roga and Mizore launched relentless ice attacks at Koinyu while he protected himself with a wall of metal. He was getting fed up. Koinyu found purchase in the metal of his enemy's armor and acted upon it. He manipulated the alloys and slammed them back against a boulder, pinning them.
"I didn't think you'd have friends with you." Koinyu called to Haku, sweeping Fubuki away from him and immobilized her beside her teammates. "I will crush these people if you don't come quietly, Haku. Please be rational, will you?"
Pua, invisible against the snow, set off a smoke bomb to Koinyu's left. In his momentary lapse in attention Haku pitched a spear of ice that impaled the Rock ninja's left arm. He flailed, crying out in anguish, and the magnetic field fluctuated and tore loose an avalanche from the adjacent slope. Haku shot past, delivering the Snow ninja to safety.
"You need to keep your distance." Haku told them, "He'll use your armor against you and I don't know what his range is." They agreed to idea, frustrated, and retreated across the glacier.
Haku let two ice dragons tear over to Koinyu when he had recovered, but the Rock ninja had suddenly become alarmingly fast. He avoided the incoming dragons and came in close, jabbing at Haku with equal skill in taijutsu while slashing at him with his wheel of knives. "How far do I have to push you, I wonder?" Koinyu spat, "Are you as strong as I've heard or was I misinformed?"
Haku retaliated brutally with all of his strength, with every counter Zabuza had taught him, but Koinyu's defense remained impenetrable and his speed troubling. Haku did not give it a second thought when he elected to use his Level Two form.
The cursed seal immediately mutated his body, making him more lithe and aware. He exceeded Koinyu in swiftness and swung around him, barely seen with the naked eye, tearing down the snowy terrain with his Blood Limit and surplus chakra. Koinyu rushed out of the way of the plummeting snow and debris, only to be tripped up by ice spires that jutted out of the glacier in an attempt to eviscerate him, tangling his hovering chakram.
Haku caught up to the Rock shinobi and proceeded to beat him senseless. Koinyu was aware it was a fight he could not win, but he hadn't actually gone there to win it. He tapped Haku's neck harmlessly, and then struggled away from the water nin's grip.
"I know when I'm defeated." Koinyu panted, "But you already are. It won't be long before you're kneeling at Orochimaru-sama's feet."
Very abruptly he vanished, retreating before Haku could get another hit in.
There was stillness, and when a northerly wind swept across the glacier Haku sighed, glad the fight had not dragged out. Not that he precisely understood the meaning of the encounter in the first place. He noticed something was still off, but couldn't put his finger on it. He deactivated his cursed seal, or at least, tried to.
He desperately wanted to leave his Level Two form but could not manage it. The pain normally associated with his seal was absent. He couldn't feel anything, as if he was numbed to it, and his body was unable to recognize that it was time to shift back.
Haku bit back on his terror, knowing that if he didn't stay calm things would only spiral downward much faster. He looked into an ice mirror that was still standing from the battle. His appearance was as haunting as always. Dark skin and a white mane, pale, sharp eyes. On his neck where Koinyu had contacted his seal, 'Oh Gods no,' was a spell tag of some sort, smothering the seal. He immediately tried to remove it.
He scratched until he drew blood, realizing that the paper was fused with his flesh. Trapped. 'If I stay like this…'
The Snow ninja approached, Roga speaking up first, "Hm…that's a very unusual look. How did you come about it?"
"White hair doesn't suit you, I hate to say, sweetie." Fubuki said apologetically.
"Thank you for all of your help." Haku told them. He left, unable to explain further, with a distinct feeling that if he stayed he might have a mental breakdown.
'This cannot be happening.'
He moved much more fluidly across the ice, a sort of bonus to the rut he had stumbled into. Pua caught up with him at the far end of the plain, very attuned to the change. He passed an ice ridge shining with the colors of the rainbow before carefully lifting Pua (he might've shredded her with his claws) and leapt down the valley's slope. His rabbit screamed in fright but he landed lightly, cutting the travel time back to the harbor by a day.
He boarded the ship in a henge of his usual appearance before finding an isolated area below deck. If he was seen he would undoubtedly alarm the passengers. About an hour or so later, he lost track of the time, the ship pulled out of the wharf. Haku was beginning to feel unwell. He was edgy and his tail twitched in agitation as the ship rocked to and fro. He had curled up in the dark of a storage room, staying silent, and fed Pua, finding he had no appetite of his own.
Haku reflected upon the consequences of being stuck in his Level Two form. Not only would he be conspicuous in broad daylight to civilians and ninja, but it was bad for his temper. He was feeling unbelievably upset, or at least chemically unbalanced. He was worried that he would be drawn to Sound by the prolonged effects. 'And Zabuza never wanted me to use the seal again. When he sees me this way he'll be furious.' Haku wondered how he'd manage himself in such a state.
Later in the evening the ship stopped at the mid-way island and he got off under henge, finding the confinement of the ship was ruining his mood. The coastal city was booming with business and entertainment. He stopped at a roadside stand and got some tea before passing through the public areas to the more rural inland. He dropped his henge once he was sure no one else was close by.
A light rain settled over the island unexpectedly and Haku dispelled it without much thought, but could have sworn he felt a strange chakra present in the drops. Or was it the air? He remembered hearing about how Rain ninja had been rumored to be lurking about. He didn't doubt the possibility.
He followed a forest path through a grove of young saplings, watching tiredly as Pua hopped through the ferns and flowers excitedly. Being outside was her passion. "Don't go too far ahead." Haku warned her, as always, and she disappeared into the vegetation. He'd whistle if he needed her back.
Haku continued to reflect on his seal issue. 'It can be lifted, but I simply don't have the means. The only other person who might be able to besides Orochimaru is sensei.' He found it unthinkable to go looking for Jiraiya now when he had a new lead on his clan. 'And also…he'll be deeply disappointed in me…' He would not be able to face his mentor in good conscience.
He finished his tea and tracked Pua down a gravel path that lead to an estate on a hilltop. It was a well-kept mansion with beautiful gardens, and out in the open there stood a Rain ninja, much to his amusement. Haku disappeared into the thick of the trees to watch.
On the veranda of the house was a very lovely woman listening to the Rain ninja's tirade. "What do you mean he isn't available? He's the village leader; he's responsible for this kind of shit!" The man snarled impatiently.
"I know you came a long way, Itagaki-san, but you were left in charge. We are on a mission now." She replied calmly.
"How am I supposed to deal with Orochimaru's meddling? That's Pein's job! Just let me talk to him already!"
"No. He is not to be disturbed at this time. Go back to the village; don't dawdle here and make a fool of yourself." She retorted, immovably.
Haku watched in silence, hidden, eyes sharp.
Itagaki was furious, "You think you can tell me what to do just because you're his right-hand bitch? I'll tear you to pieces and then we'll see who has the last word!" He attacked the woman with a blindingly fast swordstrike, but could not touch her. She dispersed into hundreds of slips of paper.
Haku was amazed; he had never witnessed an ability like it before. Itagaki slashed at the sheets floating in the air, futilely, and the kunoichi reformed her body in an herb garden off of the veranda. The Rain ninja pursued her, blood boiling.
Haku was horrified to see that Pua had been loitering in the flowerbed near the woman, her white fur gleaming. She was caught between attacker and target, and the frightened rabbit reacted by lashing out at Itagaki with a weighted wire. He tripped and stumbled, his eyes quickly locking onto the culprit. He slashed the wire, huffing, and stood up, "You have yourself a pet, huh?" He kicked Pua and she sailed across the garden. When she landed she did not move.
Haku had acted thoughtlessly, and with his Level Two form fully visible struck out against the offender. He rammed his claws, up to the knuckle, into Itagaki's stomach. Itagaki reeled for a moment, "Who the fuck are you!" He brought his sword down on Haku's right shoulder. The weighted clothing buffered the blow somewhat, but blood was drawn.
"I'll kill you." Haku said.
Itagaki retched, the stranger's claws were slicing at his intestines and god only knew what else. Haku lifted Itagaki's sword up with his free hand and snapped the blade off. He continued to rake his talons through Itagaki's gut, pleased with the man's screaming.
The kunoichi stood absolutely frozen, eyes locked on the struggle. She knew one wrong move would drag her into the fight.
Itagaki pried himself away, struggling for breath, and held his stomach as he limped backwards. The blood was everywhere. The man was crying like a child.
"You shouldn't have touched her!" Haku growled, raising up water from a nearby carp pond.
"I didn't!" Itagaki sobbed, and then paused, realizing he wasn't referring to the kunoichi, "You mean…that fucking rabbit? What's wrong with you? It's…just an anim-!"
A wedge of ice sliced into his throat and Itagaki fell backwards, lifeless, into the foliage. Haku took a long moment to suppress his aggression, which was astonishingly difficult to do, and then turned. The kunoichi was crouched near the ground, holding Pua in her arms.
"I won't say you overreacted because you seem quite fond of this little one. You'll be glad to know she's perfectly fine." She looked down at the rabbit, "Just scared, it seems."
"Ramen." Pua told her cheerfully. The woman raised her eyebrows.
Haku stalked a few paces closer and then kneeled down, "Come here, Pua." She rushed to him and he inspected her and found that she was, for the most part, unharmed.
"Never before have I seen a rabbit trained that way." The kunoichi said, "It is very strange."
Haku held Pua against his chest and an exhausted growl trilled from his throat. He did not trust this person. Not yet.
"Are you a sea monster?" She asked.
"No." He was incredulous at the idea, "I'm a human."
"You don't look human. At first glance perhaps a kappa, but I've heard other water creatures dwell in this world." She conceded, "Do you have a name then, human?"
"My name is Haku." He stood up, relaxing a margin, "And I don't always appear this way. I had an unfortunate run-in with a shinobi named Shimofuri Koinyu."
"That's an unfortunate encounter indeed." She agreed, "He did this to you?"
"With a seal, yes."
"Maybe I can help you, follow me." She turned and walked back to the veranda, adding, "My name is Konan."
He did follow, letting Pua hop beside him, and the kunoichi told him to take his shoes off before coming inside. He did. Within the mansion there was soft lantern light, and Konan took Haku down a long hallway into a spacious room with paper divides. She asked him to sit. "What is the nature of your problem?" She asked.
"I have a cursed seal of Heaven on my neck." He told her.
"Orochimaru is filth. To spread his poison to you this way, no less trap you in it..." She muttered, clearly acquainted with the snake, "Show me."
Haku pulled his collar down for her to see and did his best to relax. Anyone who hated Orochimaru was definitely a friend. His tail curled neatly around him and Pua sat contentedly in his lap. Konan looked at his neck, seeing it was lined with scratches. Most of the blood had dried, but she stood and entered the next room over. She returned with a basin of water and blotted the wound with a cloth, "You don't mend very well…whatever you did to hurt yourself…"
"Why was that man causing so much strife?" He asked her.
"He brought something valuable a long way to my partner and I." She explained, "He also had complaints about his new duties. We don't like to be disturbed during one of our assignments."
"I hope I didn't cause any trouble by killing him."
"It was no loss. We'll just get someone else." She shrugged.
After she cleaned him up she examined the seal and the spell tag disturbing it, "This looks simple…trying to block your nerve endings. You can't feel it, can you?"
"I can't."
"That's why you've lost control. One moment." She made a hand seal, and prodded at his neck. The tag that had once been merged with his skin lifted up with ease, "Paper will always follow the rules."
Haku took a deep breath and then left his Level Two form. The relief washed over him like a flood, and Konan watched as his titanium white hair faded back to its original ebony hue. He thanked her.
"You'll have to give yourself some time to heal. Your body is still in shock." She told him.
It was then the exhaustion hit him. It had been subdued by his cursed seal. Konan pointed to the table behind him and told him to eat. It was spread with takeout, which he found mildly comical. "He," She meant Itagaki, "Interrupted dinner." She went to the table and gathered a few morsels onto a plate, "I will go check on my partner while I eat. He is resting now."
"Your friend isn't feeling well?" Haku asked.
"He's…recovering," She paused, "Well…yes…he is my friend." Konan stood, brushing past Haku. "You can rest here for the night but leave in the morning. You won't be allowed to stay any longer than that." She said.
"I understand." Haku answered, "Thank you."
Konan opened a door and walked out with the food. Haku was unbelievably relieved that Koinyu's seal-trap was foiled. 'I must have been born under a lucky star.' He and Pua ate lightly as the sun set outside the window.
Haku woke in the morning, groggy, and with Pua nestled against his back. He had slept like the dead. He stretched, rolling off of the futon and patted his rabbit until she woke. He had slept in his clothes, so once Pua was alert he immediately slipped out into the corridor, prepared to leave as he had promised.
In his morning daze he was a little lost in navigating the mansion's hallways. He walked quietly, a little clumsy even, rubbing at his eyes and yawning. He was mostly wondering where he'd left his boots. He stumbled upon a room in which the door had been left slightly ajar. Haku couldn't help but steal a peek inside.
Konan was asleep and slumbering beside her was a man with ginger hair. He had a good deal more piercings than she. They were tangled together on a futon with cloaks draped over them for warmth. Haku did not linger to thank Konan for her kindness. He would thank her by leaving and respecting her wishes.
He eventually found his way out and pulled on his boots on the veranda. Itagaki's body was still out in the garden but he passed it by, having nothing more to do with the wretch.
Haku had gone back to the town on the water, resigned to the fact that the ship supposed to ferry him back to the Water Country had long since departed. The only other early risers around were fisherman, one of whom told him that the next ship for the Land of Water wouldn't be in port for another day or two. 'I wonder if that Rock ninja will be on that same ship heading back from Snow?' Haku thought, 'He said he was looking for Susumajin or whatever that is…it may be on the mainland.'
He didn't want to risk another encounter with Koinyu, so he decided to find an alternate means of transport. Haku walked along the docks with Pua, and at the second pier found what he was looking for. A small crew of three young men were preparing a privately owned vessel to cross the sea. They were chatting about their highly anticipated trip to the Tea Country.
'If they're headed west when I need to go north…chances are they won't give me a ride.' He deduced, 'Now…how to commandeer it?'
Haku cast a low-level genjutsu on the unsuspecting sailors. It was a rather mean trick to project an illusion of two small children drowning, but they leapt into the water without hesitation, suspecting nothing. The men floundered around for a few minutes, confused, and even fearing the children had gone under. What they did see was their ship pulling out of the wharf. Their cries of outrage followed after it.
Haku had created three shadow clones to help him manage the sailboat. Three remained topside while he went below deck. The cabin had a place to rest and food and water stored. A lot of it. He went back up, watching Pua circle one of his replicas that was at the helm, charting the quickest course back to the Water Country. Another clone was adjusting the sail. He pulled out of the bay with little hassle.
It was a short while later that the rightful owners of the boat (being experienced on the water) caught up in a dinghy. Haku leaned over the side, "I really am sorry about this! You should at least be grateful I didn't ambush you or anything…"
They hurled objects at him and screamed obscenities. He felt terrible about ruining their plans, much less robbing them of their prized vessel right out from under their noses. Haku froze the water surrounding the men's boat, trapping them in ice so they could not follow. He called back another apology. By the time they thawed out he would be long gone. Haku then noted what an incredibly effective pirate he would make, but acknowledged that Pua was most comfortable on land. Piracy would have to stay a part-time hobby.
He sped the boat along with the help of his Kekkei Genkai, since the wind wasn't particularly suited for a cruise north. Haku and his shadow clones took turns navigating and propelling the boat on. Pua's energy seemed to shrink due to the lack of plant life. She napped in the sun, sometimes waking up in search of a snack.
Haku slept lightly, alternating duties with his replicas. By morning land was in sight. 'Wow.' He thought to himself, yawning, 'We must've got back early since we're not on a commercial vessel.' He couldn't complain. The south harbor was no busier than usual, and he was lucky enough to find an empty quay to land on.
Pua perked up when her feet touched the wood planks of the dock. Haku and two clones tied the boat's mooring lines with a twinge of satisfaction. Stealing wasn't something he took pride in, but this time it had been genuinely enjoyable. He and his rabbit set out across town for Inagawa's building, 'It's a wonder that after all that ruckus I still completed this mission…'
Haku, being a regular at the hideout, was let in with a nod from a sentry. Inagawa was lighting a cigarette when the dark haired boy entered his office, "Ah! There he is! How did it go, Haku-kun?"
"Smoothly." Haku tossed a packet of notes onto the man's desk, "That's the full amount."
"Huh." He scratched his chin, stupefied, "Eh…I truthfully didn't expect Roga's group to pull it together…" He took a drag and then added, "Well they scraped this up, so they must be doing better than I thought."
"I ought to mention how I acquired a boat yesterday. It's tied up in the harbor and stocked." Haku didn't want it to go to waste after one use.
"Excellent, I'll have my boys check it out. Nice rabbit." Inagawa pointed to Pua on the floor. She was scratching her ear.
The boss gave Haku his commission and said, "Listen, tell Zabuza to quit slacking. At this rate you'll pull the rug right out from under him in terms of work. Take it easy, kid."
Haku thanked him and left with his rabbit at his heels. His trip back to Nanakusa was a bit feverish, flying through the canopy of the connecting forest. It was very foggy.
He was so exhausted that when he arrived he didn't even stop in Hiroshi's shop to say hello. Haku went directly to the hideout, Pua on his shoulder, and dropped his travel gear beside the kitchen table. It was silent. Zabuza wasn't around. Haku collapsed onto the couch, not bothering to change into more comfortable clothes. Pua curled up on his chest and he fell into a dreamless sleep.
Haku woke to find Zabuza standing over him. "Oh." He sat up and stretched, "You're back, Zabuza-san." He even sounded tired. The sleep hadn't done him much good considering it had only been an hour or two. He wanted an entire night, at least.
"Your mission?" Zabuza asked succinctly.
Haku did not want to fill Zabuza in about the pact he had made with the Snow ninja or his lead on Snow Devils. He outlined the journey, the fights, and his buccaneer return that was unexpectedly entertaining. Pua sat at Zabuza's feet, crooning in salutations.
Zabuza was not as oblivious as Haku had hoped he would be, "What's that shit there?" Haku looked puzzled, "The wounds on your shoulder, twit."
"I scratched myself."
"With what? A fucking knife?" Zabuza pulled on his shirt collar roughly, "You used that seal again." He was able to equate the location of the curse mark and Haku's claws.
Pua hid under the sofa, sensing the thundercloud of rage building. Haku wondered what his chances were of weaseling out of punishment. Zabuza's face was unbound, chin stubbled, and his scowl didn't seem too deadly.
"I did." Haku was too exhausted to care about the consequences, "It all turned out well-"
Zabuza hoisted him up by his shirt, turning swiftly and slammed the insolent whelp against the adjacent wall. Haku flinched. Shards of plaster crumbled down in white and grey granules. "I told you not to use it. You disregarded me." He growled.
"It isn't my welfare that matters to you." Haku spat back boldly, "You're protecting an investment, but my power is-"
"Gonna get your retarded ass killed. Those seals are dangerous and prone to malfunction." Zabuza clearly knew more than he let on, or was just very good at guessing, "If you end up dead I will have wasted half a year's worth of training and money. Do it again and I'll make you suffer for it."
Haku, eyes wide in disbelief, was astounded that Zabuza had foreseen the seal's dangers. It didn't help much that he'd already gone through hell for it. Haku softly agreed to the terms.
Zabuza let go of the dark haired boy, practically dropping him. He stalked across the room to a cabinet and pulled out a bottle and shot glass. Haku brushed himself off, leaning on the arm of the couch. He watched Zabuza prepare some alcohol that he probably needed very badly.
Haku was feeling snidely, even after the threat, "Investment or not, you have to admit…I'm the best company you've have for some time. Who would you argue with if I weren't around?"
He swallowed, replying, "Stop talking like a fucktard."
Haku laughed very hard, recognizing that Zabuza did have some sort of attachment to him. It was definitely not rooted in friendship, but it was definitely and painfully there.
Next: Chapter 11- Time is Here and Gone