When she woke the next morning bound in ropes Sakura knew that she was screwed "Awake are you brat" Zabuza's voice filled her ears and she carefully turned her head to eye the nuke-nin reclined comfortably on a large bed, while she was stuck on the couch.
"My apologies but we couldn't leave you unbound where you could escape, your our bargaining chip to get the bridge builder, you understand right" a feminine looking teenager was stood before her in the next moment, but his voice was unmistakably male.
In response she pressed her lips together "Right" Sakura grimaced feeling like an idiot, she just had to open her mouth and mess up everything, there wasn't much more time for her to wallow as her stomach chose that moment to rumble in hunger.
Reminding her that she hadn't eaten since lunch yesterday, Zabuza chuckled darkly "Better feed her Haku, don't want the brat starving on us or the deal won't go through" the raven haired rogue ordered his apprentice.
Haku tilted his head to the side politely before vanishing, only to return ten minutes later with a tray a bowl of rice porridge, eggs in it and water to drink "I'll have to feed you, unless….you understand your situation, but you'd be confined to this room" the raven haired teen warned.
Sakura nodded quietly and only her hands were unbound "You don't have to worry I won't have a chance to escape on my own anyway" the pinkette admitted doing her best to keep calm and not panic all the while wondering how the rest of her team was faring.
Speaking of Kakashi was waking up after passing out because of his sharingan "Look the sensei's waking up, how do you feel" Naruto was right there at the man's side when he noticed, even if he was utterly exhausted from not sleeping a wink.
How could he sleep with Sakura being kidnapped and all, Sasuke was in a similar exhausted state as their sensei sat up carefully and looked them over, when he froze "Where's Sakura-chan" Kakashi asked in a tone that implied they better tell him or face a whole heap of punishment.
"Th..They took her when she realized that it was all a ploy to save Momochi by that fake Hunter Nin guy, the place the senbon needles entered his body, a pressure point in the neck that allows the heart to stop temporarily faking death" Sasuke breathed.
Kakashi grit his teeth "I told that girl to stay out of it and look where it's gotten her, kidnapped and their doing who knows what to her" the silver haired nin groaned now he had to rescue his sole female student, great.
Naruto frowned deeply "You are a horrible sensei, Sakura-chan is a lot smarter than you give her credit for and yet you refuse to see her, stop picking favorites" the blonde snapped fed up for the moment and stormed off.
"Dope's right you should have treated all of us equally from the get go Kakashi" the raven shook his head and hurried off to find Naruto to stop him from doing anything stupid such as going to find and rescue Sakura, she could handle herself .
"Those boys have a point Kakashi-san, if it weren't for her you would have still been stuck in that jutsu, if it weren't for I probably would have been cut in half by that ginormous sword, if it weren't for her, the knucklehead would still be poisoned and injured" Tazuna appeared.
At the admission the Jonin's head swung up to stare in surprise at the bridge builder a question in his lone onyx eye "Exactly you only notice those two boys and she's forgotten, I bet if you'd taken the time and worked with her this wouldn't have happened" Tazuna said.
Before disappearing from the room as well as his daughter brought Kakashi breakfast and told him he wouldn't be leaving the futon any time soon during the next couple of days because his nervous system had been shot to hell.
Meanwhile Sakura had polished off her own breakfast and the tray had been taken away, but now she was utterly bored, it irked her to have to sit there in complete silence and do nothing to wile away the time, even if she was in captivity.
Just then the rogue in the room with her chuckled darkly "Over here brat now, since Haku is out there are a few questions I want to demand of you to answer" Zabuza ordered in the next moment and without really thinking about it.
Was on her feet and heading cautiously towards the chair at his bedside before sitting down carefully "Yes" Sakura asked knowing it was better to be polite and respond quickly, that way at least they'd be less inclined to do anything to her.
Zabuza narrowed his brown eyes "First your going to tell me your name and how you knew all that information about my blade, then tell me how you came up with that plan to save Hatake and take down my water clone without batting a lash or flinching in fear" he grumbled.
Reaching out and pinching her chin harshly between his calloused fingers keeping the girl in place "Sakura Haruno and I found a book in the library with some standard information and I've always been good at plans so thought one up on the spot as for taking down your clone, chakra enhanced strength" the pinkette responded lightly.
The rogue before her blinked them pulled back laughing "Amusing and yet Kakashi doesn't see the treasure you are, how about it girl, join me I can make you great" Zabuza offered wondering how the girl would respond now.
"I…I..I can't, there are people counting on me back home, my family, the person I love, and my friends, if I abandoned them it would be like abandoning my nindo, my ninja way, I can't break the promises I've made so no" Sakura shook her head resolutely.
Before standing to return to the couch, but before she got to far her wrist was snagged in a harsh grip "Got heart brat you'd make an excellent tool and a perfect companion to Haku" he narrowed his eyes pressing her to see if she'd crack under pressure.
Yet when she met his gaze evenly at that, he knew that nothing he said would convince her "No, I already have the one I want to spend the rest of my life with all figured out and he cares about me to" and again she shook her head.
Wiggled free of his grip and was on the couch before he could really blink that's how quickly she moved, then his eyes caught sight of the bandages on her arms and legs "Weights" Zabuza questioned and the girl looked up.
Nodding this time "Yes, nearly to ten pounds on each arm and leg" Sakura admitted glancing to the bandage wraps before realizing that she was being an idiot by having a conversation with the rogue and felt stupid.
This was probably what they wanted, for her to feel comfortable and spill valuable secrets, Zabuza chuckled darkly and relaxed on his bed, that seemed to be the end of the questions for awhile and now she was bored again.
Her shoulder's slumped "If you'd like Haruno-san you may read a book, we have several here on herbs" Haku, who'd been eavesdropping the entire time appeared with several books in his arms and Sakura wanted to roll her eyes.
"May I read my own, because…well herbs aren't very interesting to me" she cleared her throat, she wouldn't slip up and reveal anymore of her abilities, Naruto, Sasuke and her sensei were counting on her to come back unharmed.
It was then a plan hatched in her mind, since the duo that had kidnapped her didn't know all of her skills, she could really throw them for a loop and since they hadn't taken away any of her belongings she could plan ahead of time.
Haku tilted his head to the side at her question before glancing to Zabuza who shrugged "No sudden moves, get a book from your pouch and that's it" Haku finally relented and so carefully she pulled a book from one of her various pouches.
Settled back and began reading about chakra points in a body, if she practiced it, she'd be able to move them around offsetting an attack from a Hyuga and second be almost like a Hyuga because she'd be able to release chakra from those points to strike her opponents chakra points.
And if push came to shove she could use that knowledge as a medic-nin as well, before she knew it, it was dinner time of the first day in captivity "Pardon my interruption but I brought dinner" the raven haired teen interrupted her reading.
"Right of course, sorry I tend to lose myself in books" the fuscia haired preteen princess smile lightly, keeping her guard up at all costs as a tray was settled in her lap, this time mashed potatoes, gravy and some steamed chicken, plus more water.
Well at least they were trying to give her somewhat healthy meals "Better be careful brat, we could do anything to you remember that" Zabuza growled from the bed to remind her of his presence, as if she could forget.
"Understood, though I've been told when I'm startled I add more chakra to my punches and swing on reflex alone" Sakura stated simply, she wouldn't cower either nor cry or do anything they expected her to do.
Zabuza looked outright shocked "Gutsy aren't you girly, whatever just be good and we won't touch a single hair on your head, pretty sure Hatake is already pissy that we took you, if we returned in less than perfect condition it won't end well for us" the rogue snorted.
Off to the side his apprentice nodded "Indeed so just for warning don't mouth off to much, Zabuza-sama will have no qualms about punishing you and I won't interfere" Haku warned, not wanting to see anything happen to the girl.
Sakura nodded quietly, ate the food she was given, then settled back to read more, before she was told to go to bed, she was allowed to use the restroom, thanking the kami that she wasn't watched during that moment and started putting her plan in action.
By drawing a dual camouflage/chakra suppression tag hastily in her blood before healing her thumb and hiding the tag in her long sleeve, all within the span of a minute and she was glad that she had near perfect calligraphy skills.
Then she told to lay down on the couch and go to sleep, Haku didn't sleep in the same room and once she heard the loud snores of Zabuza enacted step 2 of her plan, begin suppressing her chakra over the next several days until it was nonexistent.
For now she had to start of slow or they'd catch on to early, not only that but she had to keep her wits about her or she'd slip up and reveal her plot, once some of her chakra was suppressed only then did she close her eyes and fall asleep.
Over the next couple of days time dragged by slowly for her, much like it was for her two teammates and sensei "Do you really think Sakura-chan will be okay Teme" Naruto asked, looking run down and like he was about to collapse.
"I'm sure of it, she probably already has a plan thought up to help her escape and come back to us, but she'll wait to the last possible second to enact said plan to avoid them catching on" Sasuke nodded sure of it, because that was something he'd do as well.
Naruto grimaced and lay his head on the table "Poor boys their worried about their teammate, do you think their in love with her Father" Tsunami, who was completely concerned that the two preteen boys weren't getting enough sleep asked.
"Don't think that's it, she's the glue that holds them together, best friends/family to each other probably, they understand each other or least she understands them which helps them work together flawlessly" Tazuna mused.
Having thought on it to much apparently, "And then there's Kakashi-san, their sensei, who doesn't get them at all" Tazuna grimaced staring at the ceiling, above them was a certain Copy Ninja, who was sulking about being ignored for nearly three whole days by his students.
Now that he was thinking about it though he probably did deserve to be ignored, he hadn't treated Sakura fairly right from the get go, though all he had wanted was to keep her safe and yet she pushed and pushed until he relented and now she had been taken.
Kakashi sighed and hung his head trying to figure out a way to make things right "Finally realized didn't you Hatake-san that those boys are right, I'll send them up to talk to you apologize, make things right" Tsunami was coming up to check on him again.
He gave her a half smile through his mask "I'm grateful Tsunami-san" Kakashi sighed again, feeling like the worst sensei in the entire world, how could he have been so foolish, those boys were right, he hadn't seen her talents and tried to force her to wither in the background.
Tsunami smiled lightly and vanished, five minutes later both Naruto and Sasuke were before him, looking beyond exhausted like they hadn't slept in days, they hadn't "Let me start by apologizing, you were right, and how I treated her was wrong" the silver haired nin began.
Obviously it wouldn't be that easy to apologize "Do you know how you made her feel, no you don't because you didn't listen, Sakura-chan was so angry every single time you dismissed us that we took her wrath for you onto ourselves" Naruto thrust an accusing finger at his sensei.
Not wanting to let the subject go "Yeah and Sakura hit's hard, like hard enough to crack a bone if she's not careful, not only that but you spent the mass majority of our time together as a team trying to force her to be someone she will never be" Sasuke continued.
Their sensei just taking on their anger "I know, I know and I'm going to fix things, rescue her before it's to late, that's why tomorrow I'm taking you boys out training, your going to learn how to climb a tree without using your hands" Kakashi admitted.
Making both boys pause "Wish Sakura-chan was here, she already knows the tree climbing exercise" the blonde sulked in the next moment, because now he had no one to explain the mechanics of the technique to him.
"By suddenly offering to train us isn't going to make me drop the previous conversation just yet, there's one last thing I have to tell you on behalf of Sakura, that genjutsu she put you in, she worked on for nearly two years and you just brushed it off like it was nothing to her" the raven haired teen glared.
Clearly their sensei hadn't known that "Then I'll apologize to her as well once we're out of this mess and together as a team again" the silver haired jonin held up his hands, he hadn't thought she'd worked on it that long and now he felt like the biggest jackass in the world.
Thankfully though Sasuke and Naruto seemed satisfied that soon things would be right as rain in their world again and the next day they went out to train, what they didn't count on was how difficult the tree climbing exercise would be.
"Ugh this is not awesome believe it" Naruto groaned as he fell backwards and landed flat on his back for the millionth time that morning, he just didn't understand what he was doing wrong and he knew that his sensei wouldn't explain the exercise to them either.
Sasuke was in a similar state of frustration "What was it Sakura said, something about chakra control" Sasuke flopped on the ground trying to work out the problem he had, which was that he kept destroying the tree.
Naruto sat up at that and scrambled over "Yeah chakra control, to much or to little or something to that affect, you think I'm using to little and your using to much" the blonde was practically a bundle of excitement.
"Probably let's try it, try to find the perfect amount that let's us stick to the tree with just our chakra" the raven haired preteen mused as they stood before their chosen tree's again feeling as if part of them was missing.
And at the same time gathering chakra in the soles of their feet before getting a running start up, they went up and up before swinging themselves onto the lowest branches at the highest point they felt comfortable going to.
"Congratulations you successfully executed the tree climbing exercise, all that's left is to practice throughout the rest of the week and try to prepare ourselves for the second round with Zabuza" Kakashi clapped from his perch in a tree.
Using crutches because Tsunami had insisted, and so they practiced and practiced to the point they ran out of chakra and had to stagger back to Tazuna's and fall in unconscious heaps on the futons they'd been allowed to use.
Until finally it was the day and both sides were gearing up for a fight "How do you think this is going to go" Tsunami was worried that no matter what the shinobi did, her Father would still be killed regardless of any plan put in place.
Thankfully Inari wasn't there to hear her concerns or the shared ones of his grandfather "No idea, but those boys have faith in Sakura, so all I can do is hope that she's come up with some sort of plan to prevent me from being taken" Tazuna grimaced.
Eyeing two of the males, Kakashi and Sasuke, the only ones up because Naruto had completely exhausted himself of chakra the night before and needed to rest "Are you ready Tazuna-san" Kakashi realized that the bridge builder was waiting for them.
"Yeah even though the Dope is still passed out, he'll just have to join us later if he wants to find out how Sakura is doing" Sasuke shrugged, still concerned that something was going to wrong even as they started out the door and down the streets to the almost finished bridge.
Where Sakura, Zabuza and Haku were already waiting on the end of it "Was it necessary to knock them out, since your only target is Tazuna-san" Sakura was less than impressed, these people had seen enough horror in their life and now they'd been put through even more.
"Quiet brat your disrupting my concentration" Zabuza growled itching to whack the girl but kept his arm firmly at his side, if he put even a scratch or bruise on her the deal would be off, then again he could always keep her.
Warp her mind and mold her into a tool for himself and a companion for Haku, in fact that idea was sounding better and better by the moment "Their coming, though it seems as if one of them is missing, the blonde boy" Haku commented.
Feeling two distinctive chakra's headed their way as a thick mist crawled over the bridge, they could also sense their target's presence as well so round two officially began "What the devil" Tazuna's voice rang out from the other end of the bridge.
"It's Zabuza, he just couldn't wait for round to" Kakashi answered lone onyx eye searching through the mist, dread pooled in his stomach, he couldn't sense her chakra just as laughter filled the air and they walked into sight.
His brow creased "Sakura are you alright, they didn't do anything to you did they" Sasuke shouted in relief at the sight of her, even if it was weird that he couldn't sense her chakra like he usually could, he would have asked her but he noticed her hands moving behind her back.
Going through the hand signs for a jutsu, a genjutsu to be precise "The brats fine boy, haven't laid a hand on her, though I've been thinking about keeping her, hand over the bridge builder and I'll let her go" Zabuza made his demand keeping a tight hold on the rope that was attached to the girl.
"We just want to finish our mission as peacefully as possible" Haku nodded, both of them completely unaware that they were now trapped in a genjutsu but to keep up the pretense of being caught by them.
Sakura nodded "Do it, they mean business and I refuse to be their pet like they want me to be, I have so much to live for" Sakura called wiggling free of the ropes that bound her in place and then vanished over the side of the bridge just as the genjutsu Tazuna started forward.
A few minutes later she was stood by Sasuke safe and sound once again "Thank the kami I just knew you would have a plan in place to get back to us" Sasuke breathed out in relief looking her over a bit more thoroughly than before.
"Just what exactly did you do, why are they just standing there" Tazuna was in complete and utter confusion, one minute she'd been bound and held in place, and then the next she'd vanished from sight and reappeared near them again.
Even Kakashi was stunned "Genjutsu, how did they not see that coming, if you used the one you created" Kakashi blinked, frowned then looked towards the end of the bridge just as the duo broke free of the genjutsu.
His pink haired student stood tall "One unique to the situation, of the bridge and scenario they wanted to see through most, then a flash of their deaths if they continue" Sakura said meeting Zabuza's gaze evenly, even as he glared at her forcefully.
"My death huh, well brat I'd like to see it happen, one question before we get started, your chakra over the week it steadily diminished, then vanished all together what did you do" Zabuza growled furious that he'd been outsmarted by a brat of all things.
Her lips curved upwards "Chakra suppression tag, once I suppressed my chakra to the best of my abilities I used the tag I drew in the bathroom on the first day and thanks to near perfect calligraphy skills I could do it in just a minute without seeming like it was plotting anything" she answered calmly.
She knew that Haku's eyes were wide behind the fake mask as she revealed her plan "You thought several steps ahead then, a tactician if I've ever seen one" Haku commented not liking this in the least, they'd been played for fools by a girl.
Kakashi blew out a breath "Enough Sasuke get ready cause here they come, Sakura stay with Tazuna you understand" the silver haired nin took up a kunai, keeping his female student out of the fight to come and promising to make it up to her later by apologizing.
Focused as he was when Sasuke and Haku lunged at each other, he missed Sakura's hurt expression, he was doing it again, treating her like a fragile little girl and so when Sasuke came rolling in her direction she made her decision.
One that Sasuke realized she wouldn't relent on "Switch with me, your better suited to keeping them away from Tazuna-san" Sakura pleaded determined to prove her worth once and for all because she was tired of being brushed to the side like she didn't matter.
"Got it and good luck I know you have a better chance against that kid anyway" Sasuke gasped for air already out of breath as they traded places and before Kakashi could stop her, Sakura had already met Haku's weapon with her own.
Throwing needle clashed with throwing needle "All that trouble to escape from us Haruno-san and you take his place, your very self sacrificing" Haku murmured under his breath so only she could hear, his doe eyes met with vibrant viridian.
Which burned brightly with her determination "I'm better suited to taking you on" Sakura admitted leaping back and flashing through a set of hand signs, using the water at their feet as fodder for her jutsu "Suiton: Rising Water Cutter" and kicked a powerful wave at her opponent.
Haku leaped back and to the side to avoid the jutsu, "Your going to have to do better than that if you want to match me" he pointed out going through his own hand signs "Secret Jutsu: Thousand Needles of Death" he used his own jutsu.
Sakura focused chakra into her feet and leaped high into the air, throwing her own needles at the fifteen year old and shucking her weights as quickly as possible gaining an element of speed on her side "Don't worry I will" the pinkette said.
Meeting his weapon with her own again and quickly striking out with her foot, shooting chakra from the chakra point there to shut down one of his chakra points and hitting a pressure point at the same time, which sent him rolling across the bridge.
A stunned silence met her as Haku slowly picked himself up, wincing lightly at the pain in his shin, Zabuza stared at his apprentice shocked that the fight had turned in her favor so quickly "Looks like we've all underestimated you Sakura-chan" a new voice filled the air.
Just as a blast of wind rushed over them making the mist dissipate allowing them to see better "Course you have baka, you think I'd show all my tricks, ha don't make me laugh" Sakura felt infinitely better now that her goofy knucklehead friend was there.
Naruto was just glad she was okay, even if she kept her gaze completely focused on the guy who'd kidnapped her "Dope showing up at the last minute not cool" Sasuke shook his head taking a stance in front of Tazuna.
The knucklehead doing the same thing "How are things going, why is Sakura-chan fighting that guy anyway" the blonde questioned as the fight picked up again, Sakura doing the most damage to her opponent and keeping the teenagers on his toes.
Her taijutsu style was of brute force and completely erratic which was no doubt frustrating "She had a plan, got loose by using a genjutsu, and she's fighting him because she has a better chance at beating him" the Uchiha pointed out.
"Indeed and she's already sent him rolling a couple of times, while only receiving mild injuries herself, both of which she's healed, just where did she learn all this stuff anyway" Tazuna was in awe as he watched the fight progress.
To the point the teenager was getting fed up with being beat up on "I'd like to know as well, she's never displayed any of those skills before during our training sessions" Kakashi, who was near enough to hear questioned.
Which earned him glares from both boys "Because Kakashi-sensei up until the day before we got this mission you refused to let her join in on our training sessions" Naruto said in a duh tone of voice as if it was obvious.
Like it should be "Dope's right if you'd had her sparring with us right from the get go, you'd know that Sakura could do all of that and more" Sasuke scoffed, this was not the time though to get into an argument.
And so they set their attention at the other end of the bridge just as the teenager made a hand sign and ice mirrors formed in a dome around Sakura, their eyes widened in horror when she started getting pelted with senbon needles.
Their eyes widened in horror and both Naruto and Sasuke forgot themselves for a split second until they realized that none of the senbon were penetrating her flesh "Just what is that girl anyway" Zabuza growled from in front of them frustrated.
First the brat figures them out just like that so they had no choice but to take her, then she finds a way around their plot to use her as a bargaining chip and now she was going toe-to-toe with his apprentice and nearly winning, because both her and Haku were almost evenly matched.
Kakashi chuckled "A medic-nin, a shinobi who specializes in the art of evasion tactics and can heal in the thick of battle, though Sakura-chan also specializes in chakra control and genjutsu, plus she has brute strength enhanced by chakra enhanced strength on her side" the silver haired nin said.
"It's about time Kakashi that you acknowledged all Sakura has worked for from the time we were six" the Uchiha on the team snorted harshly, glad that things would get better once this blasted mission was over with and they could go home.
Zabuza grit his teeth and shot a glance to the crystal ice mirrors just as one shattered before glaring at Kakashi for teaching the girl all that "Don't go thinking Kakashi-sensei was the one to teach her that stuff, Sakura-chan learned all of it mostly by herself" the blonde piped in.
Even Tazuna was surprised "What, by herself just what was she hoping to accomplish by doing it by herself" Tazuna gaped openly as he asked his question of the two boys, who seemed to know the lone girl on their team pretty well.
While they were chatting in the dome of ice mirrors, Sakura leaped back, to the side, did a little roll and smashed another mirror "I'm not going to give up Haku-san, I have people counting on me to come back home" Sakura held up her fist, sweat beaded on her brow and a little out of breath.
By that point they were both running low on chakra from the extended fight and continued use of their jutsu's "You, what drives you Haruno-san that you wouldn't think of anything else but protecting them and your home" Haku questioned in the heat of battle.
Sakura didn't so much as pause "My betrothed for one, my parents, them even Kakashi-sensei though he can be a massive jerk ninety percent of the time, he has good intentions and he's grown on me, couldn't imagine anyone else as my sensei except him" the pinkette answered.
Haku narrowed his eyes through the mask "Zabuza's dream is what drives me and I won't let it be taken away from him, so I'm going to get serious now" the raven haired teen shared his own dream, which was Zabuza's dream and went three times faster than before.
Emerald orbs widened and she pushed herself to avoid getting impaled by those senbon needles "Looks like Haku's gotten serious, that girl doesn't have much longer to live in this world, speaking of we should start our own battle" Zabuza smirked.
Focusing his attention on the Jonin and using the hidden mist jutsu to decrease visibility so he could finally get revenge for the last fight "Kakashi-sensei don't worry about us, we'll protect Tazuna so just fight the freak with no eyebrows" Naruto's shout reached his ears.
"Right as if I need you to tell me that" Kakashi grumbled searching through the mist only to realize that his sharingan wasn't working because of the bloody mist, he should have realized Zabuza would find a way around his dojutsu.
Zabuza, who laughed darkly in the next moment sending a shudder down the genin's spine, not Sakura, she was in a league all of her own "Do you think it would be safe to use one of your wind jutsu's or wait" Sasuke grimaced.
Not liking this in the least, he couldn't see what was happening at the other end of the bridge anymore "If you think it would help get rid of this mist, then do what you feel is right" Tazuna spoke from behind them.
Decided on a course of action Naruto started to go slowly through the hand signs for one of his bigger wind jutsu, when Kakashi popped up in front of them suddenly and that large butcher knife like sword grazed the man's chest "KAKASHI-SENSEI" the blonde screamed in horror.
As blood dripped to the ground and Zabuza vanished into the mist again "Don't worry Naruto I'm fine, though now I have a chance to end this madness" the silver haired nin assured disappearing after the Mist nuke-nin and using his summoning scroll "Doton: Fanged Pursuit Jutsu" he called.
Sasuke was horrified "This is insanity, Dope go, find out what's going on with her, help her if you can" the raven haired preteen ordered, they'd switched for a reason, he was better suited to protecting the client on his own, Naruto however could go in his place to help Sakura.
The blonde nodded and he dashed forward into the mist on a straight course to the crystal ice mirror dome that held his friend captive, what he found made his blood curdle and his heart to stop in his chest.
Because there was Sakura struggling to stay standing, blood dripping down her arms in rivulets and embedded in her skin were many senbon needles "N..Naruto-baka get out o..of here" Sakura tried to urge him to run away but instead he ran towards her catching her as she fell.
"How could this happen" Naruto fell with her as tears welled up in his baby blue eyes "Heal yourself Sakura-chan, please" he begged and Sakura smiled patting him on the head gently like he was a hyperactive puppy.
She was so cold already and when her pulse stopped he completely lost it "Is this the first time you've lost a friend" Haku mocked as he realized that the boy was there, which worried him because he had only thought the girl would be foolish enough to face him.
His words didn't filter into the blonde's head "Y..Your going to pay for this bastard, Sakura-chan had her whole life ahead of her" Naruto snarled features becoming feral as a sliver of chakra from the beast jailed inside of him broke free.
Then Haku found himself in a whole new realm of hurt as he was punched soundly in his mask and sent rolling across the bridge, Naruto charging after him and as he was rising to his feet the fake hunter nin mask broke in half and fell to the bridge.
Naruto stopped at the last possible second "I thought you said you'd kill me, make me pay for killing your friend" the raven haired teen reminded, knowing he didn't stand a chance against this boy before him.
Baby blue eyes shot in the direction of the pinkette and a glare formed in their depths "Sakura-chan didn't deserve anything you did to her" the blonde spat punching the older boy in the face and knocking him down again.
"That won't do if you want revenge for her you can't falter in your decision to kill me Naruto" Haku shook his head and started explaining his family's history, meanwhile during that moment Zabuza had been caught by Kakashi's ninja hound squad.
"Ah I think the mist is finally lifting" Kakashi mocked still worried about what happened on the other side of the bridge, he'd only felt the nine tailed beast's chakra for a second then it was gone, but while he could still feel Naruto, he couldn't feel Sakura.
Of course though she could still be using the chakra suppression tag she'd made "Talk, talk do you mean to talk me to death Kakashi" Zabuza spat furious that he'd been caught again by the Copy Ninja and hoping that Haku would come to his rescue again.
Kakashi glared "In a manner of speaking" the silver haired nin scoffed chatting casually for a bit before deciding to end things "This time I'm going to introduce you to my own jutsu, Lightning Blade" Kakashi flashed through hand signs.
And held up his hand that was slowly being encased in blue chakra, visible and crackling with his lightning nature and started forward, it was at that moment when Naruto was charging at Haku, that Haku realized he still had a purpose to protect Zabuza and vanished.
So just before Zabuza was to be hit with the lightning style jutsu, Haku used a crystal ice mirror to appear between the duo and take the hit in the stomach "Zabuza" he coughed blood pouring off of him, Kakashi's mismatched eyes widened.
"What the devil is going on over there" Tazuna asked squinting as he saw figures moving around in the blasted mist that was extremely annoying, though in the next moment it started dissipating allowing them to see better.
Only to wish they could un-see the horror that unfolded before their eyes, when Sasuke recognized the teenager being held up, his eyes shot to the end of the bridge "No, no, no" Sasuke shook his head in denial seeing her laid on the ground, still and lifeless.
It was like the massacre all over again and without asking for permission grabbed Tazuna and dragged him towards his downed teammate "B..By the time I got h..here it was al..already to late Teme" Naruto admitted.
"This wasn't supposed to happen, she was going to become someone great, lead us into a new era, how can we tell her parents we let this happen, the Princess of our Country and the Feudal Lord of Fire's daughter" Sasuke forgot all about keeping the secret.
Naruto froze "PRINCESS, SHE'S A BLOODY PRINCESS" the blonde shrieked in horror, now things were going to be doubly worse for them since they'd be taking her back in a body bag, this was bad, really, really bad.
At the other end of the bridge Zabuza had taken the window of opportunity given to him, only to be practically beat down by Kakashi "See where your ambition's gotten you now Zabuza" Kakashi, who'd also seen the horror at the other end of the bridge was furious.
He knew he should have never let the girl take Sasuke's place "Even if I die here Kakashi at least there will be one less naive little brat running around" Zabuza chuckled darkly a glare in his brown eyes, even if he'd lost someone close to his heart himself.
They were about to continue when their attention was captured "Well, well looks like they've beat you pretty bad huh Zabuza, so called demon ninja of the hidden mist, more like demonic wet kitten" Gato was now before them.
And everyone knew there was no time to wallow in the sadness or guilt that wanted to consume them "Gato, what's the meaning of this" Zabuza turned arms limp at his side since he couldn't feel anything anymore in them.
"You cost to much so I'm cutting you off, according to the new plan you die right here on this bridge Zabuza" Gato slammed his cane on the bridge, before stalking forward "To bad you can't feel this" and kicked the dead Haku in the cheek.
Naruto nearly went ballistic but was held back by Kakashi "We have no quarrel right Kakashi" Zabuza turned his head to spy the Leaf Jonin, who'd seriously given him one of the worst smack downs in history, he supposed he deserved this.
"I don't care if your not after the old man anymore according to me your public enemy number one, you never let him have a dream of his own and because of you Sakura-chan is dead, you treated him like a tool and tried to mold her to suit your tastes to, that's wrong, so wrong" Naruto glowered forcefully.
Zabuza grimaced "Calm down Naruto, Zabuza knows he was in the wrong, he lost someone to don't forget that" Kakashi winced, shooting a glance at Sakura, who was being held by Sasuke, the boy looked so lost that it squeezed his heart painfully.
"Your words cut deeper than any blade brat, give me your kunai I'll take them on myself" Zabuza realized that his actions now wouldn't fix anything, wouldn't give him Haku back, but at least they'd have the girl back, even if they didn't know that.
The blonde tossed him his last kunai and he caught in his mouth before charging, before to long Gato was dead and he had many weapons impaled in his back "Oh Sakura, kind, smart, brave Sakura, I'm sorry I put to many burdens on you" Sasuke was near tears for the first time since he'd been eight and that tragedy had happened.
"It's not your fault Sasuke, you couldn't have known this would happen" Tazuna was stood behind the two teens and if he didn't know any better he would say the boy was in love with the girl, he held her so tenderly after all.
Sasuke hung his head and squeezed his eyes shut a couple of tears fell onto her face, he was so out of it that he didn't realize that her eyes were moving beneath her lids before ever so slowly her eyes opened "Y..Your c..crushing me baka Sasuke" Sakura coughed out breathing again.
And peering up at him with soft peridot eyes, Sasuke was so happy that he missed the townspeople coming to scare away the rest of the bandits that Gato had brought "P..Pressure po..points m..my heart stopped temporarily, wh..what happened" the pinkette questioned.
He didn't dare lie to her "That guy's dead, jumped between Kakashi and Momochi, who took down Gato a bit ago and is now being carried by Kakashi" Sasuke said helping Sakura onto her feet and towards the others.
Tazuna on their heels "Sakura-chan your alive, your alive" Naruto noticed her immediately baby blue eyes filled with tears and when she was in range couldn't help giving her a bone crushing hug that had her flinching.
"Easy Naruto, I imagine Sakura-chan hurts quite a bit right now so you have to be gentle with her" Kakashi scolded seeing the pain clear as day on the young girl's face, Naruto hastily released her feeling horrible.
Sakura smiled gently at him before staring down at Haku "Good to see your awake brat" Zabuza chuckled weakly as he was lay next to Haku, Sakura managed a grimace of a smile still feeling sore all over and it hit her.
Reaching into her medical pouch she pulled out her chakra restorative pills "I can heal you Zabuza, but it's to late for Haku, would that be alright Kakashi-sensei if he says yes" the fuscia haired preteen princess glanced to her sensei for direction.
Who looked shocked that she was actually behaving for once in his presence, apparently nearly dying gave her some perspective "What will you decide Zabuza, if you live you can repent for your sins and live on like Haku wanted" the silver haired nin peered down at the nuke-nin.
Zabuza was shocked at the offer, before considering it for several long seconds "Heal me brat, I'll live on for the boy, take care of my country and all that behind the scenes" the raven haired rogue finally nodded.
Making relief fill her as she crunched one of her chakra restorative pills before lowering herself gently next to him, hands glowing a brighter green than usual to heal all the injuries he'd sustained, he felt warm and free of all the crimes he'd committed for the first time in his life.
Before it was over and she was falling backwards in an exhausted heap "Whoa there Sakura-chan, can't have the princess of fire country hurting herself anymore than she's already been hurt" and then Naruto had to blurt that line out like an idiot.
Peridot eyes widened in horror before shooting to Sasuke "Oops my bad, can you blame me though Sakura, I thought you were dead, how the hell were we going to explain to your Father, the Feudal Lord that we got you killed on your first outside the village mission" Sasuke grimaced.
And she let out a long suffering sigh "Princess, the bloody Princess of Fire Country, what the hell are you even doing as a ninja in the first place, your place should be in the Capital learning how to lead us" Kakashi jumped the gun.
Earning a glower okay so she hadn't changed that much "Because Kakashi-sensei I wanted to be a ninja to be able to heal and protect my precious people and for your information I've been taught all I needed to know as your Princess by my samurai guards" Sakura answered in a scathing tone.
Kakashi reeled back as if slapped "Knew you were way to calm while in captivity for a reason, though I never even suspected that you might be the Feudal Lord of Fire Country's Daughter" Zabuza shook his head.
"Still at least everything's over and you can go home once the bridge is finished" Tazuna was just relieved even though life had been lost that the fight was finally over and he didn't have to fear for his life anymore.
Zabuza sat up carefully stretching out his limbs and finding them in perfect condition, the brat was good he'd give her that much at least "Come on up you go Sakura" Sasuke was right there helping her onto her feet again, taking care.
His eyes narrowed "What are you to each other, don't think I didn't notice you holding her earlier, like you were her lover or something" the Mist Nuke-nin demanded to know suddenly, though in moderation because he certainly didn't want to get beat on anymore that day.
The teens flushed "Nothing like that Zabuza-san, we're friends, teammates with a promise between each other, besides I'm betrothed to a foreign Cloud Shinobi named Darui and I love him so Sasuke is like a brother, much like Naruto" Sakura admitted softly.
Glancing to Sasuke "A promise huh, what kind of promise Sakura-chan, Sasuke-teme" Naruto didn't want to be left out anymore as Zabuza stood and after collecting his blade gathered Haku in his arms so that he could be buried.
"To get the truth out of Itachi, my brother someday, the real reason he massacred our entire family except for he and I" Sasuke answered calmly keeping Sakura close, after loosing his entire clan, Sakura had been the one there for him, she was his family now, like the Dope.
Naruto shuddered at the anger "On a bright note it seems as if you've finally awakened your sharingan Sasuke-kun" Kakashi piped in and Sasuke's whole countenance brightened in response in excitement and eagerness because he couldn't wait to practice with it.
Sakura smiled softly before it turned into a grimace as walking proved to become difficult "Hang on Sakura-chan" the silver haired nin noticed and quickly picked her up, even though she wanted to protest she was exhausted and sore.
Sasuke blew out a breath "Just a bit longer and we'll be back at the house, you can take a bath and then go to sleep" Tazuna reminded as they walked down the streets, his daughter and grandson had already left to prepare dinner for them.
Partway through Zabuza disappeared on them no doubt to bury his apprentice, while they sat down to have a quiet meal with very little chatter before Sakura vanished to take a nice relaxing bath before crawling into the futon beneath the covers to sleep.
A few days later the bridge was complete and dubbed the Team Seven Bridge "Here brat, send this to the Mizukage for me, tell her I'm dead for all intents and purposes, that scroll is all the proof she'll need to believe it" Zabuza was seeing them off as well.
But before they could turn down the path to head back to their village, he tossed something at the lone girl "Your sword Zabuza are you sure…..very well then I'll deliver it as you asked" Sakura accepted the responsibility with ease, gave a little wave and then turned to start down the path.
"Just don't get you sometimes Sakura-chan, by the way how did you know all that information about the Executioners Blade in the first place, it's not exactly common knowledge to Leaf Shinobi" Kakashi questioned suddenly.
His sole female student shot him a look "A book she found in the library, I was there and we went through it together, had common information on most if not all the swords from Mist" Sasuke was the one to answer.
"Yeah, yeah and some of those swords were cool you know" Naruto also remembered the book, trying vainly to keep himself in check so he didn't blurt out his friend's secret, which he'd gotten a massive scolding for the other day when Sakura had been of the mind to do it.
Kakashi chuckled and three days later they were back in the Hidden Leaf Village, reporting in after their first big mission which had turned out to be a lot different than any of them could have ever imagined, and then they were trudging home tiredly.
Sakura was barely able to greet her Aunt, Uncle, Cousins and the two samurai before trudging tiredly to her room and collapsing on her bed in an exhausted heap, the moment her head hit her pillow she was out snoring the rest of the night away peacefully.