Wow this is awkward isn't it. In all truth I really wasn't expecting to take as ridiculously long as I have to update this.

But I guess the important thing here is just this... I've Finally Updated!

A bunch of stuff came up, and when it was all over the last thing on my mind was updating. Then after a while when I finally had the time I just kinda hit a wall, and just didn't want to go near the fic. After a few messages from some readers, and some deep thinking I've decided to try this again, so I hope I still got it.

Thanks for the reviews you guys are great, but most of all thanks for you patience.

Chapter 6: Your not so tough

Haku was seriously stumped, she would follow any order given by Zabuza without question, but keeping an eye on the blond genin he thought so highly about was just so... odd. So far he had shown no abilities beyond that of any average ninja his age, and that irked Haku a bit. Why would her great, and mighty master show an interest in someone so plain, the only positive going for him was his handsome face, and haunting eyes in her opinion. Good looks aside it was obvious to her that this boy would be of no use to Zabuza, perhaps to prove it she would challenge the blond to truly test his worth.

" This still sucks. " A whole day had passed by, and Naruto was still short seven feet from Sakura's slash mark to make things worse Sasuke was starting to catch up to him after having a private conversation with Sakura. Naruto had thought about doing the same, but was set on doing it himself.

It was now midnight, and both of his teammates had retired, for their own reasons. Sakura because she was tired, and Sasuke because he felt self assured that he would catch up to, and pass Naruto's progress the next day. "Fine by me I'd rather train alone." With that Naruto went back to work oblivious to his hidden spectator.

Instincts suddenly kicking in Naruto jumped to the right narrowly avoiding a flurry of senbon needles from seemingly no where. A sudden movement to his left alerted him that more of the deadly projectiles were closing in. Without much time to react Naruto pivoted, and crossed his arms in front defensively allowing them to take the full impact of the attack. Despite the dozens of needles sticking into his two arms, Naruto showed no signs of distress, in fact a eerie grin was forming on his face. His eyes flickering from their mock innocent blue, to their true predatory green.

" Not bad, but judging from your injuries this little trial was over before it even started." A smooth voice echoed throughout the forest clearing, even with his heightened senses Naruto was having a hard time pinpointing its place of origin. From her hiding place Haku debated between finishing the clearly outmatched genin off, or investigating his abilities further. " Perhaps his talents are centered around taijutsu, or maybe even just a high tolerance to pain." Haku's musings were interrupted by a sound emitting from the wounded ninja.

Lowering his arms to his sides Naruto revealed that the sound coming from him was his own laughter, starting from a hushed snicker, and gradually growing to a menacing chuckle. " Over?... Oh no this is just the beginning my friend, as for these pinpricks here..." Naruto flexed his muscles slightly, which in turn sent the needles shooting from his arms.

" You'll find that they are a little...ineffective, perhaps if a stronger opponent were throwing them they would do noticeable damage." To further press his point Naruto, stretched his arms, and moved them about showing that they worked fine.

" Tough guy huh, alright lets see how you like this then smart ass. " Haku released another flurry of senbon toward the blond, which was avoided easily by said genin. While Naruto moved out of the way of the incoming volley, he felt a presence speeding toward him from above. Naruto had little time to raise his right arm to block a kick aimed for his head, then he shifted his weight so he could counterattack with his left arm. His punch was easily deflected, and before he knew it a fist had smashed straight into his face doing more damage then he expected this enemy was capable of.

" Not bad, but your attacks leave many openings. Its almost like you wanted me to attack you there." Haku's moment was interrupted by a tear jerking pain resonating from her arm, it felt like her forearm had been caught in a bear trap. Looking at her arm Haku realized that her adversary had moved past her fist and, was currently holding her injured limb in his teeth. " What! "

After taking the hit to the face Naruto had moved his body around enough to get past the attacker's fist, and saw a great opportunity to really sink his teeth into the fight. The enemy's blood from the wounded arm seeped into Naruto's mouth, the taste sending a shocking sensation throughout his body. Feeling his vision reddening, and growing hazy Naruto shook his head with Haku's arm still caught in his teeth, the scene resembling how a dog would look shaking a rag doll. Feeling his adversary's arm pulling out of her socket he opened his jaws, releasing her, and tossing her into a nearby tree with a loud *Thud!* " Naruto's eyes glowed a eerie green as he watched his ' prey ' slowly stand back up.

Back in Naruto's head:

The Kyuubi could feel Naruto giving into his blood lust again, brought on by the assassins blood entering his mouth. " Oh its so much fun watching that boy tear something to shreds, I hope he decapitates that poor fool. "

A familiar smell invaded his nostrils, signaling the return of Ryuuza. " You'll have to wait for another time fox, I won't allow the boy to be overtaken by his predatory instincts this time. " Ryuuza began radiating a blue chakra, which spread through out the sewer, though stopping short of the fox's cage.

" Oh your such a kill joy you old dinosaur, let the kid have some fun. " The Kyuubi's remark went ignored, for a few moments until the great lizard replied. " I want to see our tenet triumph on his own. "

Back to the fight :

Haku cursed her own foolishness, if Zabuza had thought him worthy of course the genin had to have some redeeming attributes, she had allowed herself to drop her guard, and it could have cost her dearly. " Goddamn! That kid really did a number on my arm, doesn't feel like anything is broken, but it'll sure sting like hell."

Taking a deep intake of breath Haku steadied her mind, once again regaining her focus, gritting her teeth Haku forced her arm back into it's socket the pain only strengthening her resolve. " I must hand it too you, i was completely unprepared for such an attack, but it'll take more than a few lucky moves from a strange genin to beat me. " Haku's words seemed to have an effect on the blond ninja watching her, though she couldn't help but gasp as he smiled showing a mouth full of fangs, and began tearing off his skin.

" Well I can't help but agree with you about that friend. But the only problem with your statement is I'm not some strange genin, hell I'm not even human. " With that Naruto began tearing the skin off his arms, the loud tearing noises obviously unsettled his attacker. Naruto then tore off his human face, exposing the emerald scales that hid behind the thin mask.

" I'll hold off a bit on fully transforming, best to keep an ace or two up my sleeve just in case. " At the moment Naruto's revealed face looked similar to his human face, the only changes were in place of human skin scales dominated his body. His eyes were more slitted, his hair remained on his head, his facial structure remained the same despite the more reptilian appearance. " Are you ready for another round, or would you like to surrender. "

Back at Zabuza's hideout:

" Haku!...Haku where are you! " The demon of the mist was currently wondering where his apprentice had gone off too. " She should have returned by now with a report on the blond genin's abilities by now. " A long silence settled in as Zabuza tried to think of any possible reasons for Haku being this late. "... she wouldn't...fuck she did!." Instantly Zabuza's mind went to damage control mode, worry for Haku's and the possible new recruit's health, and concern about how Haku's actions may influence his master scheme over taking him.

" Dammit that kids these days can be such a pain in the ass. " Zabuza slowly limped toward the edge of his hideout, the damage from the earlier battle still pained him greatly but he would have to force through it if he was to salvage his plans.

Back to the fight..again:

" Dammit! " It was growing apparent that facing this freakish opponent in taijutsu was a big mistake he was just as fast as her, and was perhaps on the same level of strength as her master.

Ducking as fast as she could Haku just barely dodged the scale covered fist that was barreling towards her. Using the opening presented Haku unleashed a series of punches, and jabs to the monster's exposed abdomen the growl of pain he emitted proved that she was at least doing some kind of damage. With all the strength she could muster Haku ended her attack with a uppercut, knocking the monster off his feet.

" Shes good, I think that last blow actually knocked a tooth loose. " With a grunt of irritation Naruto spat a fang out though he could already feel another one starting to grow back into its place. "She's still able to keep even with me even in this state, looks like I might need to get clever." In the blink of an eye Naruto was back on his feet, his hands forming the necessary signs for his chosen jutsu.

" So its going down like that is it? " Haku noticed the hand signs her opponent was forming, and heard him hiss the words for a clone jutsu. " Two can play at that game, and I know how to cheat. " The temperature around Haku suddenly started to drop drastically, as she unleashed her kekkei genkai.

With an audible poof 3 more Naruto's came into existence, and charged forward, the original staying back to watch the outcome. The first to reach her lunged forward, but was simply side stepped, and then ceased to exist when a ice covered fist slammed into his throat. The other two stopped in their tracks, the unexpected demise of their comrade making them cautious.

Taking the offensive Haku tossed a handful of senbon needles, and while the clones were distracted with avoiding the attack Haku slipped behind one and dispatched the clone with a ice covered chop to the skull. With a well timed jump Haku avoided the attempted leg sweep from the remaining clone, and delivered a lethal axe kick ending its life.

" How the hell is she able to create ice like that? " Naruto in all of his life had never seen such a technique, and to be honest the new threat presented before him was making him edgy. " You ready for round 2? " Haku's only reply was the forming of ice around both of her arms, forming into razor sharp blades.

Dashing towards each other the two combatants began a lethal dance of slashing, blocking, and avoiding incoming attacks. Haku's ice was just as sharp as Naruto's claws, and fangs, and much to his surprise she seemed to actually be picking up speed. Small cuts began to dot Naruto's scales, some even threatening to go deep enough to draw blood.

In reality it was Naruto who had began to slow down, unbeknownst to him the cold radiating from Haku was beginning to gather onto him, and form ice around his body though not immobilizing him it was gradually slowing his movements. Forming a risky strategy in his mind Naruto purposely overthrew a punch leaving his chest exposed to an attack.

Seeing a opening Haku jabbed forward hoping to impale her opponent, and end this fight the sound of flesh being pierced was music to her ears. " It would seem our battle is over, I must admit you were quite skilled to ba..!" Thwack! A sudden pain cut her sentence short as a sudden force impacted against her skull, the hunter nin mask made an audible cracking noise.

" Your right this fight is over, good thing I used my head. " Despite the ice blade piercing his chest, Naruto still had the resolve to grip Haku's arm, and pull her into a headbutt. His opponent still in his grasp and obviously dazed, Naruto reared back his head, and charged forward again, this time letting go of her arm. The resulting impact not only shattered the mask she wore into pieces, but also sent her jettisoning into the air only for her to land in a crumpled heap a few feet away.

With the fight clearly over Naruto took his time walking toward his fallen enemy. Bringing his tail into play Naruto used it to pick the Haku from the ground, so he could get a look at his would be assassin's face. " Whoa there whats a beautiful face like this doing in place like this? " Despite his age Naruto could easily establish the difference between a cute face, and a beautiful one. " Though her eyes were closed, Haku was starting to come back into consciousness, the sounds she emitted showed her current level of pain.

Opening her eyes with a grunt of pain, Haku began evaluating her current situation. The Blond haired monster before her was apparently staring at her with a weird look in his eyes, and had bound her with what looked like a tail growing from behind him, and had her held in the air. Then the throbbing pain in her skull came back with a vengeance. " Ow kami that hurts! "

" Aw you want me to kiss it better? "

Haku's eyed narrowed in irritation at the the blond's comment, doing her best to not make eye contact with him to make matters worse her face was starting to heat up alarmingly. " Bite me numbskull. " Despite her brave demeanor Haku couldn't shake off the feeling of dread that was overtaking her. Right before her eyes Naruto tugged out the shard of ice still remaining in his chest with a irritated hiss, and the would started to slowly heal over.

Naruto's face contorted to a wicked fang filled smile, as he felt the fake human skin begin reforming around his body. " Actually that's not a terrible idea, if your half as tasty as you are pretty then I'm in for quite the treat. " Naruto's cheshire smile grew even more, when he noticed his captives look of horror.

It was around this time when Zabuza finally made his appearance, with a exhausted grunt he stumbled into the clearing only to gaze upon his young apprentice being held captive by Naruto. The look on the blond genin's face practically oozed ill intent, and then he opened his mouth to an inhuman degree exposing a his many sharp teeth. With a loud cough Zabuza announced his presence effectively stopping Haku from becoming a chew toy.

" Well it seems you just get more, and more interesting don't you brat? " Zabuza shuffled forward, until he was now looming over Naruto. " Now would you please be so kind as to let go of my vassal. " Sensing that it was more a command than a request, Naruto with some annoyed hesitation dropped Haku onto the ground earning him a amused smirk from the demon of the mist, and a hate filled glare from his former captive.

" So this belongs to you then? " Naruto's human skin had now completely grown back, giving him the appearance of a harmless blond genin again. A simple ' yep ' from Zabuza answered his question, and the infamous assassin limped toward Haku, and helped her up.

" Never thought I'd see the day that my highly capable weapon would be at the mercy of a wet behind the ears genin with a skin condition. " Zabuza continued to criticize Haku until a impatient growl of indignation was heard from Naruto. " Oh yea that's right your still here, so thanks for not manhandling her to much there. Haku's face darkened a deep red, and even Naruto's face seemed to redden up bit. " So that request for you to join me is still available kid, you interested? "

Naruto didn't really have to mull the idea over very much, in his mind the warriors in front of him were so much more interesting the the ones he was forced to muck around with. " And if I don't like the way things start going I'll just switch again I guess. " Having made his decision Naruto turned toward Haku, and Zabuza with a grin on his face. " Well after much careful consideration I've decided to grace you with my presence. My names Naruto Uzimaki, whats your? "

After a brief introduction, Zabuza quickly brought Naruto up to speed on why he was after the bridge-builder, and how Naruto was going to be of help.

"Alright kid what I want is for you to be our inside man, with your help we can better know your teams weaknesses, and better exploit them when the time arrives." With a thoughtful expression Zabuza began looking over Naruto, his eyes taking in every detail. " Tell me boy, how is it that your able to transform like that without the use of any jutsu. "

" Lets just say that it's a natural talent given to me by some interested benefactors. " Naruto normally put off by being asked questions found it oddly easily to reveal partial information about his condition. The amused smirk on Zabuza's face conveyed that he too understood the need to keep some things secret.

" From what I gathered when I was watching him, and his team he seems to be trying to perfect his chakra control. " Haku's report catching his attention Zabuza turned his head to the tree Naruto had been trying to climb.

" Oh yea I remember that exercise, real pain in the ass without the proper understanding. " Getting a wicked idea in his head Zabuza decided to offer some help. " Alright to start things off I'll head on back to the hideout, and Haku is going to stay here and give you some advice on how to master the exercise. " He could barely suppress a his laughter when he saw the outraged looks upon Naruto, and Haku's faces.

" Play nice you two, once you've completed the exercise I'm hoping Kakashi will allow you some downtime, which you will spend furthering your training with me at the hideout. " With a wave good bye Zabuza began limping back towards his base, though with an apparent skip to his step.

" Just for the record I let you win that fight, and if not for lord Zabuza's interest in your skills I'd kill you right where you stand. "

" Oh really well I guess you were just pretending to be getting your ass handed to you. " Naruto felt the temperature drop again, and suppressed the need to shiver. " Trust me I hate you just as much as you hate me, I'd rather slice you up into pieces and serve you in a stew. But I'll humor your master, and allow you to help me master this technique. "

After a few pointers Naruto was able to do the exercise perfectly even scratching a slash mark into his tree higher than Sakura had done on hers. Feeling a familiar pair of claws climbing up his chest Naruto was once again greeted by his traveling companion. " You know eventually I'm going to have to name you if we keep hanging out like this. " The lizard merely climbed onto Naruto's head which earned a quizzical look from Haku. " Oh yea I may have forgot to mention I tend to attract the company of these good lookin guys. "

A simple roll of the eyes was all that Haku gave as a reply, before she started heading back to her master's hideout. " I believe I've stayed here long enough then, you may wish to get some rest for the training ahead. "

" For a ice wielding, psychopathic mammal shes not to terribly bad. " Leaning against a nearby tree Naruto, watched Haku walk away taking note of the subtle way her hips swung side to side. " Plus if I'm going to have to work with any annoying chicks, it doesn't hurt that she's easy on the eyes. " Haku's head immediately turned around, a pissed off expression on her face which was turned beet red, from anger or embarrassment Naruto was unable to tell. " Oh shit did I say that out loud? "

Quickly Naruto was forced to dodge to the side as a flurry of ice covered senbon needles rained pierced into the tree he was leaning on. Taking note that Haku had stormed off angrily, Naruto took a moment to look at the spot where he was once standing. The deadly projectiles had been thrown with such precision that they actually spelled out a message into the tree.

" Eat a dick asshole! "

" Oh yea she totally hates my guts. " Naruto looked up to his small friend for feedback, the disapproving look on its head having said enough. " I can tell this will be the start of a beautiful friendship. "

End of Chapter:

Bah and there it is the long awaited chapter 6

I apologize if Haku seemed a little OC back there, but this Haku works better with how things are progressing.

So once again I apologize for the wait, and the grammar which I'm sure sucks terrible I just wanted to get this thing written as quickly as possible, so I could possible move on to the next chapter or maybe even crazier still update one of my other old fanfics.

So I hoped you enjoyed it.

Hopefully the next chapter won't take nearly as long as this one did to write.

Till then see you next time.

Your reviews are always appreciated.