Author's Note: Heya all. It's been a while, sorry for that. Life got stressful, work got problematic and stressful, stuff like that. Was totally in no motivation to write, then due to the longer break have I also lost my drive and flow (as you can easily tell in the last third of this chapter - both story- and grammarwise), had a two week vacation in between, which actually is the reason why I'm finally somewhat back to writing. At least a little.
Kinda stopped at 6k words when life screwed me and just recently picked it up again. The fact that I'm in the middle of a fight wasn't helping either. Still don't like writing fighting scenes. Easy to tell after reading that chapter, huh? Should maybe step away from writing Naruto as I'll always stumble upon fighting scenes along the way.
On the other side do I still have a few intresting/crazy ideas for the chunin exams. And the events after Wave are more or less inside my head for months now too. Still... But I kinda think I lost a bit of sense in this chapter as well regarding Zabuza and Haku. Guess they are somewhat out of character. Though my whole story is somewhat out of the original as well, huh? Dunno...
Well, I somehow finished this chapter - I'm sure that I sadly made two step backwards in my writing style/skills - and hope that you still liked it. There's obviously a third part coming for the bridge, but I hope to get it done with the next chapter. And if I'm back to just story and emotions and stuff might I be able to get back into my flow. Maybe. We'll see.
XXXXX
A Tale of two Sisters - Chapter 30: Clash on the Bridge (Part 2)
"You sure about that, boss?" one of the workers asked Tazuna. The sun was out by now and the captured workers untied, the surviving bandits now bound up instead. Despite the day having arrived was it still foggy, but it wasn't too bad just now, the sight not too much effected by it. The result of this morning was clearly visible by now. Five workers were dead in front of the bridge, the surviving ones, despite being injured themselfs, currently tending to their fallen friends.
On the bridge was a similiar image all together. At the location Hanabi and Hinata had their fight were slightly above a dozen dead men from Gato laying around, most of them killed by Hanabi as Hinata at least tried to not kill everyone. Their fury only survived 7 of them, most still unable to move too much with the girls either having hit organs or having paralyzed most of their bodies with the Gentle Fist. Some distance away, where Naruto fought, was Angriff still kneeling, even in death defying to go down.
"Of course am I sure about that. You really expect me to keep you around for work today after what happened here? Yes, I hired these Konoha shinobi as guards, but you do realize that this was just a small group of Gatos men." Tazuna answered, looking at his worker with authority. "I tell you, there will be more of them coming and I won't be risking any more of you getting injured or killed. Beside, I don't think that most of you are able to work today anymore anyway."
"You got a point there..." the worker nodded slightly. "Alright, we will be going home and take care of our friends and their families. You try not to die, you hear me?" with that was the worker on his way to help the others.
Once he was gone Tazuna sighed and sat down on the bridge, rubbing the back of his neck. Kakashi was watching him for a moment before speaking. "You really plan on staying here?"
Simply shrugging was he not even looking back at the shinobi. "What else am I supposed to do? My family went missing and we got no clue where they might be. Gato is after my head and even killed some of my men this morning. That so called Demon is most likely after me as well and if what your friend said is true there even is a mysterious Organization about to show up here and to complete the chaos." he let out a long sigh before finally looking back at Kakashi. "Tell me, what options do I have beside staying here and to wait for anything to come? If I leave now will they just regroup and try again later, right?"
"So you want to stay and be at least useful in luring them in, to end it one way or the other?" Kakashi asked neutrally, not looking at the old bridge builder that seemed to be even older right now.
"Something like that, I suppose. You going to abadon me now?" he was looking at Kakashi who now looked back at the bridge builder. Both stayed quiet, but their eyes spoke volumes to each other.
Some distance away were the kids sitting on the stones Hanabi raised from the bridge during the fight. She had calmed down by now, her mind thinking straight again. All three of them now realized that they actually had their first kills. Hinata was comforting her sister by holding her close and gently stroking her shoulder and back and Naruto watched them for a moment before speaking up. "Hey, you two okay? How bad was it?" he was honestly concerned about both girls.
"Don't know..." Hanabi spoke up first after a moment, as Hinata decided to let her go first. "I mean, I didn't really realized it, you know? I was... totally angered by what they said and implied." she shuddered slightly, both at the memory of their words but also her own actions. "I think scum like that deserved it. But they were still human." she shrugged helpless at the end.
"They attacked first and you gave them a chance to leave. You don't need to blame yourself, Hanabi." Hinata spoke gentle. "You fought to protect yourself, me, Tazuna and his workers. And I believe fighting to protect someone is always worth it."
A small blush entered Hinatas face the moment Hanabi started to giggle quietly. "Is that the reason why you saved me, sis?" the younger girl looked up at her sister, a small smirk on her lips.
"Well... yes... no... I mean... sort of?" her blush only intensified as she turned her head and looked to the side. "That question is no fair." she said quietly, shaking her head. "What do you want to hear? Because you are my sister? My mistress? Because I love you? Because we are teammates? It's our mission?" a single tear ran down her cheek as this question hit her way harder than it should have, showing that she too was troubled about the fact that she just killed for the first time. "It's because I can't stand the thought of being seperated from you!" she shouted the last part, also drawing in the eyes of Tazuna and Kakashi who interrupted their own talk for a moment to look over to them.
Feeling guilty was Hanabi changing positions, pulling her sister close to herself now and gently stroking her shoulder and back. "Sorry sis..." she said quietly. "I... just wanted to tease you a little. I... sorry, okay? Thanks for saving me back there."
Naruto had a smile on his face as he watched his friends, not wanting to interrupt their moment together. He too was troubled about the fact that he killed someone. Even worse to him was the fact that he wasn't sure how he did it. While his opponent wasn't showing any signs of the pain he must have felt was he still able to see it in his eyes - and he knew that he was responsible for it.
Seeing that Kakashi came over to them was he shaking his head to get his mind clear for the moment. He had time to think about it later. If he got distracted now would he only put himself and his friends into danger as the day just started and worse things may still come their way. "I can understand how you might feel right now..." Kakashi spoke up, gaining the attention of his team. "...and that you want to talk about it, to emotionally work it over. But I want you three to focus on our mission. Tazuna decided to stay here for the day and we will protect him. Keep your guards up."
Being the first on his feet was Naruto grinning at him. "We know that, Spooky. Just give them one more minute."
Both of them looked at the girls and Kakashi shrugged slightly. "You know that an enemy might take advantage of this situation right now, yes? And thinking too much about it will only make it worse and distract you."
"I demand some free time after this..." Hanabi mumbled quietly and glared at Kakashi while getting up together with Hinata.
His expression changed to a smile because the girls did understand the meaning of his words quicker than he thought they would. "We will talk about that after this. Now back to duty, both of you."
Some distance away
Zabuza and Haku were still on the roof they occupied early that morning to watch the events at the bridge. However, after the fights started was Zabuza laying down on his back, crossing his arms behind his head and closed his eyes. He wasn't that much intrested to watch them himself despite the fact that he could learn some things about his soon to be opponents. He would engage the Konoha shinobi anyway to get revenge for his tools they defeated, namely the Demon Brothers, even if he wouldn't have the order from Gato to get rid of the bridge builder.
The reason for his relaxed state was pretty simple. Haku was watching the fights with intrest and kinda narrated it to Zabuza, informing him about the abilities of the Konoha shinobi they used against the thugs. They knew that both girls had deadly taijutsu and one of them slightly defensive Earth style jutsu, that the boy only used his weapon and clones and that the Copycat held himself back a lot.
"The workers are leaving the bridge right now, Zabuza-sama. But it seems like the bridge builder and the Konoha shinobi are staying." Haku spoke to her master, her eyes still fixed on the bridge in the distance.
"Have I ever told you how impressed I am from your keen eyes? To be able to see that detailed on that distance, through the fog as well." Zabuza spoke to his slave while sitting up. He was thinking about his course of action for now, whether he should engage them right away or wait even longer. Not trusting Gato was he sure that more of his men would show up, but he couldn't say when.
"You have, master, on multiple occasions." the girl answered with a smile before tilting her head to the side and finally looking at Zabuza. "And you do know that I need it for the effective use of my senbon."
"I know, I know..." he waved his hand dismissingly. "Still, I can't help but being impressed about how useful my tool is."
"Whatever is needed to please you, Zabuza-sama." the girl replied without missing a beat, feeling happiness from this praise. "So, what is your plan?"
Standing up was he also taking his unique sword that laid next to him and fastened it on his back. "I suppose there is no real point in waiting any longer. We are going now. If anything unexpected happens..." he paused a moment before shaking his head. "Ah, screw it. I know that his men will show up. We'll deal with it once it happens."
Nodding to his orders was Haku pulling out her Kiri ANBU mask and put it on, a smile disappearing behind it. She couldn't wait to meet the kids she helped to capture back these years again, even if only in battle. Maybe she might get a chance to talk some more to her fellow slave, that thought was appealing to her. And if not would it be okay as well, as long as her master was happy with her.
On the bridge
The fog was suddenly becoming thicker, alerting Tazuna and the shinobi alike. It wasn't unheard of fog suddenly increasing, but knowing that they were matched against an opponent that actively used it to his advantage and knew a jutsu to create or intensify it was a dead giveaway to them. They formed a loose circle around Tazuna and looked into different directions, trying to see any kind of movement inside, but were unable. "Alright girls, your turn." Kakashi said with a low voice, waiting for his genin to give him a matching feedback.
Activating their Byakugan were both girls looking out into the thickening mist, searching for any clue about their soon-to-be attackers. Hanabi was the first to change her face into a frown. "Uhm, sis?" she asked carefully, not moving her head at all while her eyes tried to focus on anything inside the mist.
"I see the same..." was the slightly frustrated answer from Hinata, who tried to focus on anything inside the mist as well. A moment passed before she shook her head, starting to explain their problem to the rest of the team. "It's no use, Spooky... All I can say is that this fog is created by chakra, so it must be the jutsu of the Demon. And that is our problem... All I'm seeing is a white wall of chakra. The whole fog seems to be charged with it, with the exact same amount at every point..."
Hanabi nodded slightly. "I mean, it's not impossible for us to see something. Our own chakra for example is like a beacon inside the white. So we might be able to see the Demons slave. But I fear that we won't be able to spot the Demon himself..." she added quietly to her sisters explanation.
"That is a problem putting us into a disadvantage, but it can't be helped now." Kakashi pondered aloud, nodding slightly. "We will stick to what we talked about. I'll face the demon, you three will guard Tazuna."
The group fell silent after that, trying to figure out when and where the attack will be coming. Just a few seconds passed before... "Well, that's disappointing. And here I hoped that you would give me some vital information and that I could fight against the ones responsible for the loss of my tools." a voice spoke up behind everyone of the shinbi.
The group spun around to look into the center of the circle where they spotted Zabuza who casually stood there right next to Tazuna, leaning on the hilt of his sword that stood with the tip on the ground, a smirk on his face. The reactions of Naruto and Kakashi came at the same time, both of them carrying out an attack against the shinobi that managed to appear in the center of them unnoticed. Naruto had his staff, Kakashi a kunai in hand, both weapons missed as they passed through empty air.
A silent laugh echoed from the fog, mocking them for having missed. None of them could pinpoint the source of it with Zabuza having blend in with the fog perfectly. "Keep your eyes open. He can appear anywhere. Don't get distracted or seperated! And keep Tazuna save!" Kakashi ordered his team his eye scanning the surroundings careful, his grip on his kunai firm.
"And you think that will help you?" a whisper was heard, it was clearly Zabuza again. Feeling a shiver run down her spine by it, most likely because he stood right behind her while whispering, was Hanabi doing a quick movement of her arm to get a punch at him. But she too missed him, only hitting thin air, as Zabuza was nowhere to be seen again. Another laugh echoed over the bridge. "Not bad. Not bad at all. I can see why my tools might have had a hard time against you. But you are just kids after all. "
Tazuna was getting anxious, seeing how the so called Demon was obviously toying with the shinobi he hired. Thinking about it he also felt some kind of guilt. He had lied to a degree about this mission and basicly got a team matching to the amount of money it had cost him and that would have matched the parameters he informed them about. But being honest, he couldn't have known how dangerous the rumoured missing nin might be. That was at least what he was telling himself.
Hanabi let out a low grunt after having missed, her eyes trying again to find their enemy, but all she saw was her own team and a lot of white. She was getting frustrated and let out a breath she didn't even realized she held. Naruto noticed her emotions and tried to calm her down. "Hey, Hanabi-chan, relax. So far has nothing happened, right?" he spoke gentle, his eyes searching for movements inside the fog as well.
"Well, yes, but..." Hanabi started, but never managed to finish her sentence as a yelp from her sister was hearable. All heads turned towards her and the image surprised everyone. Hinata had a feeling that Zabuza would appear between her and Tazuna. She hadn't thought about it and simply threw a punch in the general direction her intuition told her. The yelp escaped her lips when her punch was blocked by Zabuzas sword who planed to throw a blow at the bridge builder himself. He was as surprised as everyone else that this girl anticipated his attack and managed to interrupt him, before he once again vanished inside the fog.
Shaking her head to get it clear again was she muttering to herself. "That was too close... glad he only managed to block with the side of his sword...". Her focus was restored quickly and she again looked into the mist, trying to figure out where exactly their opponent might be. She figured that they would have a big problem if they weren't able to locate this silent assassin or to dispose of the mist surrounding them, blocking both the regular visuals as well as their advanced Byakugan. Or to be more precise was the jutsu good enough to foil their bloodline, something none of the girls expected.
Following her own line of thoughts was Hinata throwing a few punches with her Gentle Fist aimlessly into the mist, observing the effect she had with her Byakugan. This didn't go unnoticed by the rest of the group and Kakashi quickly picked up on his genins thoughts. "Did it work, Hinata?" he asked quietly, knowing that Hinata just tried to cut or disable the chakra inside the jutsu created mist.
"Barely..." was her answer while shaking her head. "It's no help at all unless I'm doing it permanently with all my chakra. It's no option."
Zabuza watched the Konoha shinobi try their best to find him, to figure out his movements, to get rid of his jutsu. He had to admit that he was up against an intresting group. It was to be expected from Kakashi Hatake, the famous Copycat of Konoha, but his genin weren't too bad either. If anything had they good reflexes and he heard the rumous about the Hyuga clan from Konoha and their all-seeing eyes. At least was he certain that the girls were from this clan, the description of the eyes in the rumours matched on theirs. Just that he recently found out that it's possible to mock them at all. A smirk crossed his lips at this new knowledge.
However, all things considered did Zabuza get to the conclusion that the shinobi from Konoha were no match for him, as long as they were unable to spot him. And there just was no enjoyment for him if his prey was too weak. He planned his next attack to be the last.
Inside the village
Liane lay in a back alley on her stomach, her upper body free from any clothes she wore before. The pain got stronger from moment to moment and she was nearly unable to move anymore. That's why Revy decided that he just couldn't waste anymore time. Kneeling next to his friend was he putting bandages on her body, trying to reduce the bleeding from the wound he brought across her back. This was the only thing he could do right now before he could carry her towards a safe spot to treat her wounds in a better way.
"That's looking real bad." a voice spoke up behind him, slight concern in it. Neither Revy, he was just too focused on his friend, nor Liane, she just couldn't move her head, looked at the person who had spoken. It got silent for some moments with him simply continueing to work.
"I know that..." he answered after a while, still not looking back at the other person. "Why do you think I'm treating her right here in a back alley?"
"Fair enough." the person spoke. "Care to tell me what happened?"
Not really thinking about it did Revy shrug. "The bridge builder hired Konoha shinobi. We never really stood a chance. Though her injury was an accident."
"Hmm, that's not good, isn't it? So I take it that these guys are still at the bridge?" the unknown person dug deeper, prying for information.
"Yeah, I believe they stayed there. After all do they want to complete the building and the workers were there too." he was halfway done bandaging his friends wounds. "Though from what I know will Gato send more men later this day anyway. Suppose you are informed about that?"
"Huh?" the person spoke in surprise before catching his composure again. "Yeah, sure, I do. You know, she won't survive if she won't be treated soon." he quickly switched topics, hoping that his slip up went unnoticed.
"That's why I'm bandaging her right here. Once I'm done will I take her somewhere else." Revy answered slightly annoyed, but still not looking at whoever he was talking to.
There was another moment of silence before the other person let out a sigh of disappointment. "That's really a shame. I'm sure she could have fetched a good price. Too bad she won't survive for me to sell her..."
That finally was the moment that Revy thought about checking who he was talking to. Because that last statement didn't sat too well with him. And in addition to that would Gato not enslave his own hired men, or to be more precise, women. Turning around, his katana already in hand, was he glaring at the person standing there. Though there wasn't much he could tell about it, as the sturdy men wore a full body suit covering basicly everything except for his eyes. "What the...? Who the hell are you? What do you want?"
He never got an answer to his questions. Everything happened way too quick for him to even react, despite all his fighting experience. The kunai cut through his throat before he ever got the chance to level his katana against the unknown man. But even if, it would have been questionable how effective he could have defended himself out from his kneeling position.
J watched the now dead man fall to the ground, wiping his kunai clean and putting it back into a hidden pocket. "Too bad you turned around. I actually considered letting you live for telling me these informations so willingly. At least do I now know that this Gato guy might appear at the bridge. That's valueable. And if the Konoha shinobi are there as well, just the better for me. They might be able to answer me a few questions..." he spoke more to himself than anyone, not really caring about the fact that he had a listener.
"You... monster..." Liane spat out weakly, accompanied with blood running out of her mouth. She wasn't able to see whoever just killed her friend, but she heard everything and knew that she was alone now.
That only brought her a chuckle from said attacker, before he spoke again. "Seems like I'm right. Even though you are in extreme pain from your injury are you not showing many signs of it. You are taking the pain like a pro. It's really a shame... the price I could fetch for such a pain resisting woman..." he let out another disappointed sigh and turned to move away. "Really, I would save you if I had the time. So yeah, have fun dying."
The voice was getting quieter during his last sentence, informing Liane that he really walked away, leaving her in the back alley to bleed to death. She closed her eyes but couldn't stop her tears from coming out of them. But it wasn't the fact that she was about to die that brought these tears out, it was the fact that both her friends were dead. And she wasn't able to do anything to protect them.
Her weak sobs echoed quietly through the fog and village. While the sun was out by now, was activity still low. By the time someone would spot the two bodies in the back alley might she be gone for hours already.
On the bridge
For the second time moved Zabuza in for the kill on the bridge builder. If he killed Tazuna would Gato shut up at least once and he would have all the time and focus he needed for the Konoha shinobi. Having lost two tools to them really wasn't sitting good with him. His sword was already on it's way towards the bridge builder, when for the second time he got interrupted. This time was the orange clad boy suddenly in the way, his staff blocking the blade he carried. The worst part was the happy grin the boy sported. "How?" was all Zabuza said in surprise.
"You smell." was the plain answer from Naruto, the grin never leaving his face.
"Funny." was Zabuzas only reply before disappearing into the mist again, never giving any of the Konoha shinobi a chance to attack him. But he slowly started to get frustrated that they somehow managed to block him every time despite the fact that they weren't seeing him. Maybe if he would change his tactic a little?
The next time he was seen was he slowly walking towards Kakashi, his sword resting atop his shoulder, a grin on his face. Kakashi was the first to spot him obviously, quickly putting the pieces together. "Don't tell me you are done with your attempts of silent assassinations already? I don't buy it. You wouldn't give up your advantage that easily."
"Whatever you say, Copycat." Zabuza replied with a slight shrug and bored tune, bringing the sword in position in front of him, poiting at the Konoha jonin. "I don't really care what you are thinking, but if you decide to ignore me will it be a mistake." and with these words was he doing a leap forward to close the gap towards Kakashi.
Quickly reacting was he also doing a leap towards Zabuza, to intercept him before he would reach the rest of the group. If they were fighting too close to Tazuna and the genin might they be hit by accident, something Kakashi don't want to risk. A kunai in his hand was he prepared to clash with Zabuza, just to get surprised by the missing nin quickly correcting his momentum, taking a leap backwards into the mist, trying to lure Kakashi away from his team.
Realizing what Zabuza planed Kakashi stopped his own moving, just to get a kick in his back from a second Zabuza - or was it the same that again used the mist for his advantage for quick and unseen movements, he wasn't too sure - that seperated him even more from his team. With the thickness of the mist was he already out of their sight, but the two Hyuga girls could still spot his chakra inside the mist easily.
But instead of panicking or following their sensei were they simple switching positions slightly, still guarding Tazuna with a loose circle formation around him. Kakashi's plan was to face against Zabuza from the beginning and for them to guard Tazuna. The seperation might not have gone as planed, if there was a plan for that at all, but they trusted the man that saved their lifes twice already.
The more loose formation and the distraction of their sensei disappearing inside the mist was enough for Zabuza however to bring another plan into movement. A yelp from Hanabi catched the attention from the others. Turning their heads were they seeing Zabuza - it couldn't be the real one as he was fighting against Kakashi right now, right? - having grabbed the little girl into a hold from behind and pulling her into the mist. It was clear that he tried to seperate their team from each other and their target of protection.
Deciding to help her sister was Hinata starting in the direction she was currently pulled away, just to be stopped by a warning from the younger girl. "Don't! Sis, behind you!" was all the girl managed to shout before her mouth got covered by one of Zabuzas hands. But it was enough for Hinata to react and turn around, seeing yet another Zabuza charging at her out of the mist. All she could do was dodge the incoming sword and enter a defensive fighting stance.
Naruto cursed his bad luck. He wanted to help both Hanabi and Hinata, but he wouldn't leave Tazuna, not this time. It was obvious what was going on, that Zabuza tried to split them all apart, to finish them off individually. Or, if he would leave Tazunas side now, to just kill the bridge builder off. He was just unsure about what was actually going on, how that many Zabuzas could be present. Maybe some kind of wisp-illusionary-inside-the-mist kinda thing?
While Narutos imagination ran wild with him and with Hinata dodging one sword sweep after the other was Hanabi getting furious. She questioned herself for a moment why their opponents always went after her to capture or drag off, to get into physical contact. The anger that was still somewhat present from the encounter with the bandits before took over and she clenched her hands into fists, just now realizing that Zabuza was holding them together at her back. And he was standing body to body right behind her, right within her reach.
A smirk entered her face below the hand that covered her mouth and she concentrated her chakra into her hands, preparing some hits with her Gentle Fist. There was no precision, she simply discharged her chakra via her hands, but it had the effect she wished for. Due to the close proximity did she hit Zabuzas body, resulting in him loosening the grip on her hands, which in turn she used to start struggle even more. It were mere seconds before she got a hand free that quickly found it's way towards the head of the Demon and connected, releasing another spike of chakra.
A shrill shriek echoed through the mist when the Water Clone from Zabuza dispersed, drenching the young girl completely with ice cold water. That was the last thing she expected and it hit her totally off-guard, but lucky for her was there no follow up attack, nobody to take advantage of her being distracted for some seconds.
Naruto let out a sigh of relief after hearing the shriek from Hanabi and realizing that his friend was save. It was then that his mind finally made the connection he was missing: Zabuza was using Water Clones. So a simple Clone jutsu. Something he too was able to do. He could use his Shadow Clones to support the girls, a realization that brought a frown upon his face for a second because he hadn't thought about that earlier. And that after he already used them against that huge scarred mercenary before.
Shaking his head was he forming the sign for the Shadow Clones with his hands, just to get interrupted by a needle piercing itself into one of his hands, distracting himself and interrupting his chakra flow. It was more surprising than painful and he looked around with wary eyes, trying to figure out where that needle came from. But with the visibility limited by the mist was there only one option left for him.
"Hey Hanabi-chan!" the shout from Naruto snapped the young girl out of her shock after being hit by the ice cold water and she hurried back over towards Naruto, who continued speaking to her. "I think there is another enemy here. I just got hit by a senbon. Think it could be the Demons slave?"
Taking a quick glance around the bridge with her Byakugan Hanabi shook her head. "I'm not sure, but I can't see anyone. This chakra infused mist is really giving me trouble here..." she spoke quietly before focusing her eyes on Hinata. "Please go help her. I'm staying with Tazuna."
Confirming this Naruto made a quick start towards Hinata, quickly closing the distance. Said girl was still dodging the attacks from Zabuza but was already getting tired from not getting any second to catch her breath. Zabuza had a frown on his face and let out a low growl when his next attack got blocked. But it wasn't the blonde boy he saw coming his way. "Nice try with the Water Clones, but you won't get rid of me that easily." Kakashi spoke, deflecting the hit with his kunai. "Besides, I seem to recall telling you that I'm your opponent here."
Hinata took a deep breath and some steps backwards to finally get some air into her system, entering a defensive fighting stance. Having reached her Naruto took a stance himself, forming a second defensive line together with Hinata behind Kakashi. "You really planning on fighting me alone, Copycat?" Zabuza asked mockingly, a small grin on his face. "You are either overconfident or a fool. Do it, Haku!" he shouted the last part, alerting the Konoha shinobi on the bridge. Both sisters were again searching the mist with their eyes, trying to find the Demons slave.
Just moments later was a voice whispering inside the mist. "Ice Style: Chilling Mist." was hearable before the temperature slowly started to fall. It wasn't too bad just yet, the first one to realize it being Hanabi. It was less the fact that she had nightmares because of that jutsu but more the fact that her clothes were still drenched from the Water Clone, transfering the falling temperature on her body directly.
-with Kakashi-
"Let's see how good your kids really are, shall we, Copycat?" having left the clash of weapons Zabuza stood a slight distance away from Kakashi, watching him with a grin. "Knowing your reputation will you stick on me to avoid giving me a chance to disappear again and get a sneak attack against either the bridge builder or your genin. That's fine with me. I'll get rid of you first, no problem. Beside, to underestimate my tool will proof fatal."
"Just tell me why you are doing this. I'm pretty sure it isn't your loyalty towards your employer Gato." Kakashi replied, lifting his headband up to reveal his second eye, sporting the Sharingan, the bloodline from the Uchiha clan. A red eye with 3 black points in it.
"Yup, that's right. Gato is an asshole to be frank and I couldn't care less about that bridge builder over there. But your team is responsible for my loss of two tools, and that's something I'm taking personal. Shall we then?" and with these words was he charging at Kakashi again, his sword being blocked by Kakashis kunai. Ice cold eyes meeting Kakashis Sharingan and both of them knew that moment that one of them would most likely die here, if they wouldn't be interrupted.
-with Hinata and Naruto-
"That's the slaves jutsu. She must be around somewhere. Be careful." Hinata whispered, carefully searching the bridge for any signs of movement, for a new chakra signature to come closer. "And keep your body temperature up."
Trying to follow that advice Naruto started to slightly jump up and down on the spot to get his body heated up, his eyes too trying to find anything inside the mist. A movement in the corner of his eyes snapped his attention and his head turned. "I think I saw something just now. At the left side, towards the beginning of the bridge."
Focusing her sight in said direction was it silent for some moments before a small smile crossed Hinatas lips. "Good catch, Naruto-kun. I got her. She's trying to get around us and to reach Hanabi-sama and Tazuna. Let's intercept her!"
Hinata was already on her way with Naruto following close when both started for a short sprint to intercept the Demons slave. Just that as soon as they started to move said slave already stopped in her tracks, waiting for the two Konoha shinobi to reach and block her route off. Both genin entered a fighting stance some distance in front of the slave who in return placed a hand on her hip and cock her head slightly. She wore a green battle kimono and her face was covered by a white Kiri ANBU mask with red markings.
"I'm surprised, if I'm honest. Not only have you two noticed me, but you are taking the drop in temperature way better than the last time." she spoke up, her voice trying to cover up any kind of emotion. "But on the other side shouldn't I be surprised, should I?"
"You mean after I told you that I would do anything to protect my mistress, don't you?" Hinata replied quietly, a small smile crossing her face. "Well, I got multiple reasons right now to fight you here. Still, I never thanked you for helping me realize some things and I would like to do it now before we engage each other."
"So, you figured me out? Well, I'm happy that a fellow slave understood important things. There really is no reason to thank me for that. But to think that we would meet again at all..." the girl trailed off, a small smile forming on her lips below her mask. "You can believe me when I tell you that I'm relieved that you seem to have gotten away from them that day."
"Doesn't change the fact that you helped them capturing us..." Naruto said in a low hiss, his eyes glaring at the girl in front of him. "And right now are you trying to hurt my friends. I can't let you do that."
"Orders are orders and a tool like myself or the girl there...", she nodded in Hinatas direction, "...have to listen and follow them. Nothing personal, really. Shall we?". With her last words did she draw three senbon with each hand and made a dash start towards Hinata and Naruto who both were more then determined and ready for the fight to come.
-with Hanabi and Tazuna-
Her whole body was shivering by the sudden drop in temperature, her arms hugging her own upper body and rubbing up and down her sites trying to warm herself up. Hanabi knew whom they were up against and she expected to be confrontated with this jutsu again. In fact was she mentally prepared for this situation. The only thing she hadn't considered, because there just was no way to anticipate something like that, was that she would be drenched from head to toe by the time the jutsu got used.
"Damned, girl, you need to get out of these clothes. You'll catch yourself death if you don't dry up." Tazuna spoke worried, his eyes nervously darting from left to right. "Besides, I don't think that you are able to fight in this state either."
"I'm... not going to undress in front of you..." the young girl replied with a slight blush on her face, her eyes glaring at the old carpenter. "Besides... my spare clothes are at your house. Even if I wanted to, I can't change." her eyes too focused back on the mist, darting in different directions, towards every noise that could be heard from within. The visibility was so low that none of them could see neither Kakashi nor Hinata and Naruto and their respective opponents.
"But you can't fight in this state either, can you?" Tazuna asked with a slightly annoyed voice. He kinda felt like he would be talking to his stubborn own grandson right now, that just want to defy him.
"And you think it will be easier or better for me if I'm naked?" Hanabi snapped back.
"I'm thinking more that you are a liability for your team right now. If it weren't for your teammates keeping the enemies away, you think we would be able to have this discussion now?" he replied with slight frustration. Waiting for a reply from the girl, one that wasn't coming, let he out a sigh and threw a blanket in her direction. "At least dry yourself a little and warm up. To die isn't high on the list of things I wanted to do today."
Not wasting any time Hanabi put the blanket around her. And wasn't helping much at all, but it was better than nothing. "Where did you..." she started quietly, looking back at the carpenter.
Tazuna simply pointed to some crates that were standing close by. "Emergency supplies. This is the construction site of a bridge after all and not every day goes without incident. And as said, dieing isn't high on my to-do list."
"Thanks..." came a mumbled reply from Hanabi while she tried to do the best with the single blanket she got. She knew of course that she couldn't really fight with her clothes starting to freeze on her body but her alternatives weren't that much better. And she still couldn't really like Tazuna, not to mention his suggestion of undressing. Yes, it was logical to get rid of the drenched clothings, but her emotional site was totally against that.
She wasn't too sure whether she wanted to fight right now. It might warm her up due to the physical energy she would need to use, but fighting right now could also mean a quick loose. All she could do was to wait, as all of her teammates were currently fighting and she stuck with their client to protect.
-with Kakashi-
Kakashi and Zabuza were trading blows with their weapons, clashing with each other quite frequently. Once one found an opening to exploit was the other already gone with a dodge, avoiding being hit. Having the larger range due to his weapon was no real advantage for Zabuza and Kakashis slightly higher speed wasn't one either. All things considered were they fairly even matched. Though it was pretty obvious that both were holding back, none of them having used any kind of jutsu yet.
"You may say that you are doing it because of your loss of the Demon Brothers, but be honest, you don't really want to fight here. So why are you forcing yourself?" Kakashi asked during another weapon lock, watching Zabuzas reaction carefully.
"And what about you? You are holding back as well, Copycat." came the reply from Zabuza without missing a beat.
There was a slight shrug from Kakashi, as much as their current position of crossed weapons allowed. "I'm just lazy and don't see a reason to go all out against an opponent that don't want to fight. Your call."
Raising an eyebrow came Zabuzas reply with a small portion of disbelief. "Are you just that stupid or really that unmotivated? My tool is eventually going to kill your kids and you are saying stuff like that?" he shook his head slightly. "But fine, I'll answer you. I'm more upset about Gato. He's treating us badly and weren't it for his order to kill the bridge builder would I haven't lost my tools to your team in the first place."
"Huh, a reasonable argument from the infamous Demon of the Mist? I have to say, I wasn't expecting that." the moment he finished his sentence was he ducking down, barely getting away from a suddenly quick horizontal slash from Zabuza aiming for his head. The Demon had used the moment of surprise from Kakashi to dissolve the current clash and throw the blow. "So, why not turn away from Gato if you can't stand that guy?"
"And then what? I'm a missing nin with a reasonable bounty on my head, distrusted by everyone for past crimes. It's not like I've got a place I could go to at all." Zabuza replied with a snarl, readying his weapon for the next attack.
"So? I've got a bounty too, you know?" came a rhetoric reply from Kakashi before he disappeared from sight, reappearing behind behind Zabuza for his next attack.
-with Hinata and Naruto-
Haku was smiling below her mask. Her eyes were fixed on Hinata and Naruto who managed to fend her off in close combat. All things considered was she not able to use her speed to her advantage just yet. But compared to her opponents was she still fresh while Naruto and Hinata were already breathing heavily, the low temperatures due to Hakus prior jutsu not really helping at all.
"You two aren't bad. Not bad at all." she complimented, her smile still hidden by her mask. "Though, taijutsu never was my strong point to begin with. But you are still standing and that means a lot."
"Why are you fighting us?" Hinata demanded to know while trying to slow down her breathing. "Just because you are a slave and got ordered to do so?"
"Yes." the answer was plain and simple, but the effect of it was clearly visible as both Naruto and Hinata tensed up. After a short break did she continue. "I'm a tool and a tool is only useable as long as it's functioning. And my function is to follow my masters orders and to fight for him."
"But... that's sad. There must be more in your live. I mean, there has to be something!" Naruto protested loudly, eyeing the masked girl carefully.
Bending her head to the side was Haku pondering over Narutos words for a moment. "Coming from someone who doesn't really has something himself does it sound kinda weak, you know?" she said while shaking her head slowly. "And don't try to deny it. I can see it in your eyes. In fact do you have even less than myself."
"That's not true. He got me and my sister and other friends. And that for years now. We won't turn him down just because he got a demon sealed inside him!" Hinata blurted out without really thinking about it, but quickly realized what she said. Both her hands raised to cover her mouth in an instant, but the words were already spoken.
Naruto wasn't sure how to react and looked at Hinata with a surprised expression. But before he got a chance did Haku speak up again. "A jinchuriki, huh? So it's a fight between three tools here. In that case..." her hand rose to take the mask off, revealing her still smiling face. "...I won't be holding back anymore. To think that I would fight equals..."
"She's really pretty..." Naruto let out in awe, already forgotten the fact that he was facing an enemy and that his status as jinchuriki was just revealed.
"I know, right?" Hinata agreed. She however was still focused and saw the handsigns the girl in front of them started to do. "Naruto, watch out!"
"My name is Haku and I'm a tool. Remember that, if you survive. Now let's see how well you do if I increase the distance and the speed. Ice Style: Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals!" Haku finished her handsigns and the temperature did drop a little more, with several mirrors made from pure ice appearing around them in a dome like formation.
-near the bridge-
"Hey boss, you sure that's a good idea? I mean, it feels kinda like we are going to put ourselfs right into a trap set up by us."
Gato looked at the thug that dared to question his orders with disgust. "Of course it is. They won't expect us to appear at the end of the construction site. Besides, we got the Demon and our vanguard up there, the fight will most likely be over by the time we arrive anyway. Now hurry and board the boats."
His men were letting down boats into the water and boarded them, starting to row towards the unfinished bridge, to climb it using the ladders left by the construction workers at the pillars supporting the bridge. The plan he was following was pretty simple. Get rid of the bridge builder once and for all and set an example that this area belongs to him, that he could do as he pleased.
"Oh, and the next one questioning my orders will never question anything again. Am I clear? Now hurry up, scum. I got better things to do than dealing with that old man Tazuna..."
-with Hinata and Naruto-
"What is this jutsu? They are... mirrors?" Naruto asked confused, looking around the dome in which's center he and Hinata were standing. A dreadful feeling was entering his senses.
"They are created by chakra, Naruto-kun. We should get out of here." Hinata whispered to him, she too wondering about the use of these mirrors. But it was an enemy jutsu after all, so it must have it's purpose.
"Beautiful, aren't they?" Haku asked with a smile and nostalgic tune. "Still, nobody that ever entered came out alive. And there is no way for you to get out either." she said before stepping backwards, right into one of the mirrors. Just a moment later was her image projected out of every mirror present. "You can't challenge my speed now. You should better give up."
Not waiting for anything to happen Naruto made a headstart for an opening between two mirrors, trying to get out of the enemies jutsu. Haku's smile vanished and every image of her pulled out three senbon with her right hand, before disappearing for a short moment and reappering just a second later inside every mirror, just that the senbon were gone.
Naruto however let out a groan and flew backwards towards the center of the dome again, the senbon stuck in his left arm. "Damned, what was that? I didn't even saw that one coming!"he cursed loudly, pulling the senbon out.
Hinata too looked surprised, being at his side right away to help him up. "You alright, Naruto-kun? Even with my Byakugan did I barely see her moving. But I could see it at least slightly."
"Last chance for you to give up. There's just no way that you can keep up with my speed now. You don't want to end like a needle cushion, won't you?" Haku said in a singsong voice, the smile back on her lips.
Looking at each other did both of them nod, their expressions showing determination. Placing themselfs back to back were they ready to defend against everything Haku might be having for them. And so far was all coming from her the thrown senbons. Hurtful, yes, but clearly not fatal. It couldn't become too bad for them.
Haku's smile switched into a grin and just moments later was her image gone from every mirror again, the next set of senbon already flying towards her victims. And it wouldn't be the last...
-with Hanabi and Tazuna-
"Stop being stubborn. Neither can you fight nor help your friends in your condition!" Tazuna scolded Hanabi. Said girl watched her sister and teammate being entrapt in a dome formed by chakra created ice mirrors. She held the blanket tightly wrapped around her body, nearly resctricting her from movement, in an attempt to somehow warm up. Something that didn't really worked considering her still drenched clothes and the low temperature. "Besides, weren't you told to guard me?"
"How am I supposed to guard you, if I'm unable to fight, as you just said?" she argued back at Tazuna without even looking in his direction. She could see him just fine with her Byakugan. "Might as well help them against the Demon's slave."
"And end up in the same situation as your friends because you are no help right now, which would leave me open for attacks from anyone that might be around just waiting for an opening. I am the one they are after." Tazuna rolled his eyes while replying to Hanabi. He was really starting to question himself whether it was wise to let such a young girl become a shinobi. She was just too naive and stubborn in his opinion. Not that he could change anything regarding the current situation they were in.
Turning towards Tazuna was a scowl on Hanabi's face. "In case you didn't notice, we are the ones putting our lives on the line just now to keep you save. And there on the bridge, inside the fog, are my sister, a close friend and my sensei currently fighting an enemy while I'm stuck with you right here, unable to help them. You think I'm not taking it serious, right? Well, surprise, I do!" the moment she finished her speech she sneezed, rubbing her nose.
"Alright, fine, I got your frustration and all. But it doesn't change the fact that you are currently unable to fight unless the temperature rises again or you get a change of clothes." he was again back to scolding Hanabi. Her stubborness reminded him too much on his grandson Inari. If he just knew where his daughter and grandson might be right now, if they were safe...
What none of them noticed because of their loud argument was the sound of the paddles and boats inside the water below them. Something they might have heard if they weren't that loud and distracted by themself. Something Hanabi might have seen with her Byakugan, if she had focused on the surrounding area instead of the fights and her client.