Yo-ho, let's go! So, this isn't going to be a combat filled chapter, kind of a conclusion to the wave situation and seeing what happens after. There's... not really much else for me to say here. Anyway, let's go!
Super hero time!
Ex-aid: Let's clean things up using the waves Naruto!
Naruto: And you're just getting started, from one fight to another!
Ex-aid: It's not like you have a crazy goddess imitator to fight.
Naruto: Just you wait...
E-a + N: Game start! Show time!
"Well, I suppose that's just what I would expect when I sent your team on that mission." Hiruzen sighed as he flicked through the documents Naruto put together. The office was slightly more cramped than usual, two more additions to the group standing behind them, their hands tied together thanks to the guards who had near wet themselves when they first caught sight of the group.
"Were these ties really necessary?" Haku asked, struggling awkwardly as Zabuza sighed.
"Did you think they were going to let one of the seven swordsmen of the bloody mist and their companion into their somewhat vulnerable village without any form of restraint?" the man sarcastically answered, Haku bowing her head.
"You know Jiji, you could act like you don't like the fact that we brought these guys in, especially after all that effort." Naruto remarked, leaning against the desk on his hands. "Don't you want to hear all of the strife we went through, all of the desperate pleading and emotional turmoil we sent them through until eventually, they relented?" letting out a small chuckle as the elderly man merely gave him a look, the red captain backed off, placing his hands cheerfully upon the shoulders of Haku and Zabuza.
"Let me guess, you just talked to them offered, them a life of relative peace or violence without the need to constantly run?" the Hokage asked with a wistful voice, Naruto shaking his hands fervently.
"You have such little faith in what I'm capable of Jiji! You believe that I just merely talked these people into being wilfully bound and walked through the town they assisted to drain of all of its resources with such a basic promise!?" the blonde gasped in outrage, his mind stuck in what he had to do in order to convince the pair…
Upon the bridge, the crimson GokaiGalleon flying overhead, Naruto watched the remaining mercenaries, dealt with by Ex-aid, scuttle away like ants, the burnt remains of their allies left like rotten food. Turning to his friends, as well as the gathered townspeople who had hesitantly appeared out of their homes to see the result of the carnage outside, the boy threw his hands up in the air with his proud declaration.
"Well, looks like everything's done! No more Gato ripping everything away!" there took a moment for the idea to register before a great roar of celebration rang out, people tearfully hugging, dancing and singing joyously as Naruto and his crew watched; these people had earned their right to party after all.
"Well then Haku, looks like it's our turn to bolt." Zabuza commented, hefting his sword onto his shoulder and preparing to run until they heard a stray call from Naruto. "What do you want brat?"
"Why Zabuza-san, we want you and your friend Haku!" Lee exuberantly announced, earning himself an elbow to the stomach from Tenten.
"Lee, at least try to make it sound like we're not being perverts!" the weapons mistress scolded, causing Lee to instantly quieten to Haku's hushed giggle. "What he wanted to say was we would appreciate it if you came to join us."
The man scoffed easily, turning away. "I think you're going to need more than just a request to get people of our calibur to join your little and of misfits. Maybe next time." He began to walk off until he heard the soft chuckles of Naruto, slowly growing in volume until they became full blown laughter.
"You know, if you're going to blow us off, then you might want to at least work together for that." He remarked, holding up a hand to Haku, who had her eyes transfixed upon the colossal machine that flew in the sky effortlessly, an anchor done in the same colour lowered to the ground to keep the GokaiGalleon in place. Noticing the looks she was received, the girl shrank back in embarrassment, Hinata walking up to take her by the hand.
"You know, it is certainly possible for you to get a ride on the GokaiGalleon if you want." The girl commented slyly, fully aware of the thoughts whirring within the Yuki's mind. "We can travel the entire world, go anywhere we want. We could even go into the far reaches of space if we desired, to worlds beyond your recognition, and that same transport is being offered to you. Any planet and all of the space in between, we're offering it to you!" After a few seconds of hesitation, Haku turned to Zabuza, who almost immediately slapped a hand over her mouth, a stern look to his eyes.
"No, don't you dare. I know what you're going to do and don't. You. Dare!" he warned, though the watering in her those blue orbs had already begun. Tenten couldn't hold back the laughter that burst out of her mouth.
"Oh dear lord, that's how this relationship is, huh? Is that a tremble in the mighty swordsman of the bloody mist's arm!?" she exclaimed, clutching her stomach when indeed, Zabuza's arm was already quivering under the forceful assault that was the puppy eye look. His gaze switched between the GokaiGalleon, floating tauntingly in the air and back to the crystal eyes that looked at him so hopefully and,
"Oh goddamn it, fine. You really want to go up in that bloody thing, then be my guest. Just don't come to me crying when that things crashes and burns. Flying into space, like that's ever been possible." The grown man grumbled, Haku letting out a squeal of happiness before giving a cough and returning to her calm and collected façade. Naturally, she was a perfectly cool tool, trained not to feel any sort of emotion.
"I knew it!" Naruto cried, clapping as Hinata returned with a small curtsey. "If there was anyone who knew how to manipulate, it would be you."
"Thank you very much."
"Well, I suppose I'll have to trust you with my tool then." Zabuza sighed, gripping the captain's shoulder with a fierce strength. "You better keep her safe or else this blade's going right through your neck in seconds, do you hear me?" the warning did little to disturb Naruto, who merely clicked his fingers. In seconds, five ropes came out of the air, one of which wrapped itself inhumanely around Zabuza, much to his anger and irritation.
"Why don't you do that as well? Consider it punishment for calling Haku a tool!" he captain quipped as he took a grip of one of the ropes that had fallen, the others following his lead. They were moments away from flying into the air when they were distracted by an alarming yell, Tsunami and Inari dashing up with a panting Tazuna struggling to keep up.
"Where are you going!? Aren't you going to celebrate with us at all!?" Inari called out, a threat of tears stinging his eyes. Naruto stepped away from his rope, moving to rub the boy on the hair.
"You know we would; I'd kill to have a celebration right about now, but we can't, not as we are now." The blonde answered the drops falling from Inari already.
"What's stopping you kids? We've got the chance to pill- 'compensate ourselves with' Gato industries, so we can afford to throw something on the stage you'd expect." Tazuna objected, though Hinata could only politely shake her head in refusal.
"It's protocol that we be as quick as possible if we have any 'prisoners' to take with us, so we can't afford to be late with this even for a party." She explained with saddened eyes. "I sincerely apologise, but it seems like you'll have to party without us."
"Perhaps we may be able to meet up again sometime soon, so we can properly see you all off!" Lee suggested. "With the magnificent GokaiGalleon, we'll easily be able to return in barely any time at all."
"You hear that Inari? We'll be back, someday if not soon. So you keep strong for your mother and grandfather, okay?" Naruto asked, Inari letting out a resolute nod.
"Naturally! I've already said goodbye to my sorrow!" he promised, his mother gently placing her hands upon his shoulders with a smile.
"Thank you so much for what you've done, all of you. Without you, we would still be living ni terrible conditions with no signs of hope." She profusely thanked, bowing at the waist while Naruto merely waved her off with a smirk.
"Don't say that, it's our duty! Just make sure to remember the name, Kaizoku sentai Gokaiger!" Naruto stated firmly with a salute, taking hold of his rope where they all began to retract and lift the pirates and Haku, along with a still struggling Zabuza, into the bottom of the GokaiGalleon, whose back engines began to roar flames as soon as Naruto got himself behind the wheel.
Waving at the massive machine as it flew towards its destination of home, Tazuna suddenly smacked himself on the head, getting an alarmed look from his daughter and grandson.
"Well, I've heard worse, how did I not think of this?" old builder declared, Tsunami and Inari sharing a look before Tsunami spoke.
"Um, are you alright father?" she asked, unprepared for when the man exuberantly grabbed her and spun her in the air, eliciting a small scream from the woman.
"I have a name for my masterpiece! I shall call this bridge… the Captain's crossway, titled after the young boy who led his group to victory over an oppressive company that threatened the entire land of water."
"You know what Jiji?" Inari stated. "That actually sounds good. How on earth did an old man like you think it up?"
"Hey, you shut your mouth!"
So you mean to tell me that you enchanted Haku and then basically kidnapped Zabuza?" Hiruzen deadpanned, holding the tips of his fingers to his face. Of course Naruto couldn't make things easy, he held the power of two hundred warriors from a time long erased from the history books and was a jinchuuriki, that just screamed normal, didn't it?
"No, I'm telling you HINATA enchanted Haku and we kidnapped Zabuza ON A SPACESHIP!" Naruto proudly declared. "How on earth did you miss a detail like that?"
"Look, I'll write up the cheques for a successful A rank mission, but Haku and Zabuza will have to stay within our care before they can be released, the standard tests to make sure you didn't bring a spy into our walls." The hokage explained, exasperated. "I'll make sure all of the right money enters your accounts, just get out of here so I can clear my mind."
"Sure! Looks like it's back to the GokaiGalleon then folks!" Naruto announced, pulling out the Magi-green ranger key from a pocket. "Although we're probably going to have to clean up the huge gaping hole left by the GokaiGalleon."
When the pirates had all left, Hiruzen let out a weary sigh as Zabuza and Haku stood in silence, the seals attached to their bindings meaning they were unable to perform any jutsu or manipulate their chakra in any fashion. Looking to the pair stood in front of him, the old man shifted himself until he was comfortable once more, regarding them with a critical eye.
"Hey Jiji, could you do this one thing for me?"
"Sure Naruto. What is it? If it's in my power to do so, then I'm sure I can do at least something."
"Well, you're a good judge of character, right? Well…"
"So, how does it feel for a swordsman of the bloody mist to be captured by a simple boy and his pirate crew?" The aged Hokage began, Zabuza letting out a small scoff from behind his mask.
"To be completely honest, I've never met a brat with that much balls, considering that he and his friends go into fights wearing stupid outfits." Zabuza answered honestly. "But the kids have a bright future if they continue like they did. Imagine my surprise when they summoned another man from thin air who then transformed into a powerful fighter."
"Sounds like he would cut a fearsome figure." Hiruzen commented, Zabuza breaking down at the idea.
"Not at all old man! Imagine a squat figure without a neck, fully armoured with navy spikes for hair!" Zabuza spoke with a guffaw, completely unlike the highly serious and dangerous image he imposed. "I've never seen something so stupid and never in my life been beaten by it, until now."
"And what about you Haku? What do you think of them?" Hiruzen enquired, Haku taking a second to mull over her thoughts.
"They seem to function as an excellent team together." The girl eventually answered, messing with her hands as she spoke. "Naruto was nice to speak with and a honour to fight. Even when I had them encased within my jutsu, they were able to remain calm and combat it."
"So would you be willing to work alongside them?" the hokage continued, leaning forward. "Seeing as you haven't been officially graded as a ninja, you would have to begin work as a genin, but with someone of Zabuza's calibur having taught you, I'm sure you could climb the ladder fairly quickly.
"I wouldn't mind doing that. I've spent the majority of my life training to be the best weapon for my master; it's the aspect I'm best at, only challenged by my mastery of healing techniques." Haku proudly answered. She had trained for a long time to reach the point where she was now and feeling confidence in your abilities wasn't too bad sometimes, was it?
"Makes sense I suppose." Hiruzen agreed. "After all, being with a missing nin means you must've had a lot of free time on your hands."
"Never called it free time." Zabuza commented as he leaned against the wall, perfectly happy with standing rather than taking the abandoned seats. "It really helps if you think of it as 'time when you aren't training.' After all, a moment of training could mean one more moment spent perfecting your next ability to change the tide of a life or death scenario."
"Yes. I am willing to devote my every moment to fulfilling the task I am given. I can reassure you that they would be completed to the utmost efficiency." Haku promised with a dip of her head, Sarutobi humming in interest and looking down on the sheets he held.
"Have you happened to learn any swordsmanship skills as well Haku? I would think you would be at least somewhat versed in the use of a blade with Zabuza." He asked, causing Haku to nod.
"I have learned several techniques that utilise full size swords as well as numerous kunai and senbon skills." She stated softly.
"Face it girl, you know a lot more than you're letting on and he knows it." The kiri swordsman interrupted, gesturing his head to Hiruzen who merely nodded, causing the girl to sigh.
"I have been trained in the art of dual swords, allowing for constant rapid attacks as well as a more solid defence." She answered, Hiruzen nodding. So she fitted the criteria he had been given fairly well ten, even to the idea of using two swords as a style, a backup style rarely used, but still available for her use nonetheless.
"Well then, I suppose I have an alternate proposition for you then." The hokage decided, standing up before reaching into his desk for the gift left behind by Naruto, removing the girl's bindings before handing the two objects to Her, who could only look at them in curiosity. "Naruto was rather interested in you and thinks you would make a nice addition to his group. This key and device would allow you to transform like them and use a variety of different powers that belonged to fierce warriors from times before even the world existed in this form."
"The…world?" Haku repeated, looking at the rather innocent key and phone in her hands. Flipping up the legs, the teeth of the key were revealed, Haku almost playing with it as she put it back in place to only flick again. The phone also was flicked open, Haku clicking a few of the numbers and nearly dropping the device when it began to musically beep.
"Did I do something wrong!?" she asked, startled, though kept her grip on the Mobirate.
"Yo! I'm guessing this is Haku, right? Does this mean you accepted the offer Jiji made then?" Naruto's voiced called out from the speaker, causing Haku to delicately raise an eyebrow.
"Naruto-san… is that you?" she asked, holding the mobirate close to her face and looking at the device in amazement.
"Of course! I also have everyone else here with me! Say hello guys."
"Hello Haku!"
"Yo!"
"Hello! Can you hear our voices!?"
"Lee, if she couldn't, she wouldn't have answered."
"Ah yes, of course!"
"It's always nice to see how active they can be." Hiruzen sighed, looking out of his window in longing. "I never could get out as much as I wished to once I took up the job of Hokage and I thought I would never have to return to it ever again."
"Um, Naruto-san? I would like to accept your offer of joining your team. I hope I can live up to your expectations." Haku respectively spoke to the phone, bowing her head even if they wouldn't be able to see it.
"That's wonderful! I never thought you would sell your soul to the darkest devils to join the prison we share!" Naruto cheerfully remarked, causing Haku's blood to freeze, the same temperature as her ice jutsu.
"Hello? Are you still there? Did you actually believe we sold our souls to devils? Do you have that much faith in us?" Naruto said down the phone, but there was still no response as Haku bolted away, leaving Zabuza and Hiruzen laughing together in the office to Naruto's concerned questions.
"Haku? We didn't actually sell our souls! Are you still there? Haku? Haku!? HHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAKKKKKKUUUUUUUUUU!"
Anchors Aweigh! So yeah, that was a thing. Next time, we enter the forest and what lurks within hasn't been seen in this story for a small while... So what's in there? You'll just have to be ready to read whenever I upload the next chapter!