Normal speech
Thought
Nine-tails/Other big voices
InnerSakura
A/N:
Disclaimer
I do not own Naruto in any way, shape, or form. This is merely for my, and hopefully everyone else's, enjoyment. Thank you!
Recap:
Just then, a shuriken flew out of nowhere and blasted Haku in the mask, knocking him from his mirror.
Sakura: Who…?!
Sasuke: That idiot…
Haku: Is that…the #1 hyper-active knuckleheaded ninja?!
Land of Waves
The smoke that he created to conceal himself began to disperse revealing…
Naruto: Naruto Uzumaki… has arrived! Everything will be fine now that I'm here! The main character of these stories usually shows up in these types of situations and instantly… kicks the enemy's ass!!
Kakashi: That idiot!! What kind of entrance was that?! He calls himself a ninja…?!
Everyone else, excluding Sasuke, Haku, and Zabuza, were more than happy to see him. Zabuza took this opportunity to hurl a flurry of shuriken at Naruto, but they were stopped by Haku's needles…
Haku: Zabuza, please… let me fight these kids my way.
Zabuza: So… you don't want me to interfere. You're as soft as always Haku… I guess that just leaves for you to play with me, Kakashi…
Sasuke: Soft is right… Attacking with needles, yet not aiming them at high damage areas. Is he's trying not to kill me? But what's this jutsu? Having clones in the mirrors all throwing needles… No, it's too fast for that. I can't even see where they're coming from… And if it was just a clone jutsu, why the mirrors? These mirrors serve some kind of purpose in this attack. Well, with me on the inside and Naruto attacking from the outside…
Naruto: Hey, I came to save you. *whispering to Sasuke*
Hearing Naruto's voice shocked Sasuke from his thoughts and horrified him…
Sasuke: You idiot! If you're a shinobi then use your head. Why did you have to come in here? You idiot!!!
Naruto: What did you say?!! I come to save you and this is the thanks I get.
Kakashi: That's Naruto, he comes to help and just makes things worse… If I have to save them, then Tazuna would be in danger… but I can't just leave them…
Kakashi went over how he could manage to get around Zabuza, but was having a tough time coming up with anything, other than…
While Naruto and Sasuke were squabbling, Haku to this opportunity to jump back into one of his mirrors…
Sasuke: So that is the real one…
Haku: Over here…
He was surprised to see that Haku was no longer right in front, but behind him.
Sasuke: Fine! Then I'll just destroy these mirrors. If these mirrors are made of ice, then… "FIRE STYLE: GRAND FIREBALL JUTSU"!!
He let out a huge fire attack that engulfed all of the mirrors in front of him, but it did nothing…
Haku: You can't melt this ice with that level of fire attacks.
Haku went on the attack and once again, his victims could do nothing more than cover themselves. As they both went down, Haku couldn't help but think that there was something unusual about Naruto. He just couldn't quite put his finger on what it was…
Naruto+Naruto: "DRAGON WAVE"!!!!!
Two Narutos were standing outside on different sides of the ice prison attacking with some kind of attack. The attack caught Haku off guard and surprised him even more as it destroyed mirror after mirror. When it was done, Haku laid on the ground motionless…
Naruto collapsed to one knee as he was completely exhausted. His other clone dispersed on its own because of his current condition. Everyone was shocked at what had just transpired, but no one more than…
Zabuza: I-Im-Impossible! He-He… beat Haku. There's no way…!
Kakashi took this opportunity to defeat Zabuza as he stood in disbelief. However, he couldn't get anything more than a scratch from his chest to his abdomen. Zabuza was in denial but he was no novice.
Once more he looked in Naruto, Haku, and Sasuke's direction now enraged that it was over. Naruto got up and walked over towards Sasuke to make sure that he was alright when…
The ice mirrors reformed this time entrapping Sasuke and the real Naruto. Naruto tried his Dragon Wave once more, but it was useless. He didn't have enough chakra to put into the attack. He managed to break a few of the mirrors but they just reformed.
Haku: Nuisance!!
Haku launched another wave of needles that could have torn both Naruto and Sasuke to ribbons…
Sasuke: Whi-Which ones the real one?
Haku: Trying to follow with your eyes is impossible. You'll never be able to catch me.
Naruto: I… I'm not sure… I only sense one chakra signature, but it's all over the place…!
Sasuke: What?!
Naruto then created a few shadow clones and charged at any mirror he could, hoping that he would catch Haku at one of them. As he tried, every clone was destroyed one by one before another needle assault rained down on the two.
Haku: This jutsu uses the mirror's reflection to transport me. From my point of view you look like your moving in slow-motion…
Kakashi: I knew it! For a kid to master a jutsu like that… An "Advanced Bloodline". A deep lineage… superior genealogy… It's jutsu passed down from the ancestors…
Sakura: Then…
Kakashi: Yeah, you could compare it to my Sharingan. Even I couldn't copy it. It's very difficult to defeat…
Naruto: I can't die here… I have a dream to fulfill.
Haku: Becoming a true shinobi is difficult for me… If possible, I don't want to have to kill you. Nor do I want you to have to kill me… But if you come at me… I will have to destroy my kind heart with a blade and become a true shinobi. This bridge is where we fight… to connect to our dreams. Me for my dreams… and you for yours. Please… don't hate me. I want to protect someone precious to me. To work for that person. To fight for that person. To make that person's dreams come true… That is my dream! For that, I can become a shinobi… and kill you!
Sasuke just smiled…
Sakura: SASUKE!!! NARUTO!! DON'T LOSE TO THAT GUY!!
Kakashi: Sakura! Don't egg them on. Even if they could defeat that technique… they can't beat that boy.
Sakura: Huh?! Wha-What do you mean?
Kakashi: They don't yet have the strength to destroy their hearts… and kill another person. That young man knows the true pain of being a shinobi.
Zabuza: A real shinobi can't be created in a peaceful village like yours… Because you can't gain the most important thing… the experience of killing…!
Sakura: Then what can we do sensei?!!
Kakashi: … Sorry but… I'm going to have to end this quickly…
Kakashi began to lift his forehead protector, revealing his Sharingan…
Zabuza: Heh, Sharingan… Is that all you can do?
Zabuza did a series of hand seals and jumped back a distance as more and more mist began to roll in. This, however, was unlike the mist Kakashi encountered in their previous battle. It was much thicker…
Kakashi: You asked if it's all I can do, but you're afraid of the Sharingan, Zabuza… Why else would you come up with something like this?!
Zabuza: Hehe… A shinobi's supreme technique… is not something that should be showed to an opponent over and over…
Kakashi could no longer see Zabuza or his silhouette in the thick mist. He couldn't even tell his position from the sound of his voice.
Kakashi: You should feel honored, you're the only person to see it twice… But there won't be a third time.
Zabuza: Even if you manage to somehow beat me, you can't win against Haku… Ever since he was a little kid, I taught him all kinds of fighting skills. Even against the strongest opponents he's won. Without a heart, nor fear of death. A fighting machine known as a shinobi. His jutsu even surpass my own with that terrifying "Advanced Bloodline". I gained a high quality tool for myself, unlike the scrap that follow you around…!
Kakashi: There's nothing more boring than a man's bragging. Let's hurry up and get this over with…
Zabuza: Heh… I've been waiting to use this line… The same jutsu won't work on me twice. In the previous fight, I wasn't just getting beat like an idiot… I had Haku hiding and examining every aspect. Haku is also bright. By seeing a technique once, he can usually come up with a way to defeat it. The way to defeat your Sharingan is right before you… mist so thick that you can't even see your hand if it were right in front of your face.
Naruto: We've gotta come up with something. All we're doing is running around.
Sasuke: Be quiet and get up, I can't keep watch over you too!! Another attack is coming, just try to avoid a serious wound. There must be a limit to his chakra, he's starting to slow down.
Just then Haku threw more needles at them and one lodged itself in Sasuke's knee…
Kakashi: Sakura! Protect Tazuna-san!!! *running further into the mist*
Sakura: Yeah… Believe in Sasuke and worry about my own job…
Kakashi: This mist is really thick… Zabuza shouldn't be able to see anything either.
As he finish, a flurry of attacks came from out of nowhere as Zabuza finally revealed himself…
Zabuza: Impressive that you could block those Kakashi… But the next time you see me… will be the end of everything! You have overrated your Sharingan too much. *disappearing into the mist*
Kakashi: What?! His eyes were closed!!
Zabuza: Kakashi… that time, you acted as if you knew everything... but your prediction was wrong. You can neither read my mind nor see the future… The Sharingan is simply a trick that makes your opponent think that you can. It's basically an eye technique involving hypnotism and an attention to detail. By using those two abilities together, you can progress from copying the body to copying the mind to copying the jutsu. This way, you can make it seem like you can see the future. First, with that keen eye you copy my movements and shake up my mind. Once I'm confused, you are able to figure out what I'll say and become me. Then, once my worry and confusion reaches its peak, you attack with a clever trick. Through hypnotic genjutsu, you suggest what seal I should perform and simply copy it.
Zabuza then sent Kakashi stumbling backwards through the mist…
Zabuza: It's simple really… First, with this mist I make that keen eye of yours useless. If I keep my eyes closed, then I remove the chance of being hypnotized.
Kakashi: What's the point?!! You can't see either!
Zabuza: Have you forgotten… I am the genius at silent killing, taking the enemy down by just their sound.
Kakashi calmed himself in order to think of a way to counter Zabuza's counter. He then realized that he would be targeting…
Sakura and Tazuna were anxiously waiting for this entire ordeal to be over, when suddenly Kakashi appeared running towards them. In an instant he lunged in between them and Zabuza who was now swinging his giant cleaver. All that could be heard were Sakura's screams…
Naruto: Was that…
Sasuke: That was Sakura's voice…! What happened?! What is Kakashi doing?!
He struggled to get up as both he and Naruto looked like giant pincushions…
Sasuke: My… My eyes are starting to get used to it…
Haku: I keep aiming for vital points, and yet… they keep avoiding them. Especially this boy(Sasuke). He seems to be slowly learning to follow my movements. This boy can see something… You move well, but this time I'll stop you!
Sasuke: Here it comes!!... Calm down and concentrate… See through it!!
Haku attacked but Sasuke managed to get himself and Naruto out of the way in time. Haku couldn't believe that they had avoided his attack. It was an impossible feat. When Sasuke stood up and turned to Haku there was something different about him. Haku was taken aback at what he saw…
Haku: Those eyes!!... It can't be!!... Sharingan!!... I see… you are also from an "Advanced Bloodline"… What a guy… it's still not complete, but to awaken that ability during battle…
Naruto pulled himself up a little to also witness Sasuke's new Sharingan. Sasuke could only see a little, but it would have to do. If the battle continued to drag on, there's a chance that all three combatants would die of chakra depletion.
Haku: If this continues this way, then… you will undoubtedly be able to read my movements. Attacking him head on could be dangerous. Instead, I think I'll use the other kid to bring him to me.
He went right for Naruto but Sasuke could see this and tried to intervene…
Blood was pooling on the ground as Kakashi's newly received wound was getting to him…
Zabuza: You were too slow Kakashi! Did your desire to save these brats cloud your mind and make this mist even thicker? Even with that eye of yours, your ability to read my movements is dimming. Let me have some more fun, Haku has probably already killed those other two brats. Since I'm about to send you to the same place, you can apologize in the next world for lacking the strength to protect them.
Sakura: Sasuke won't be beaten by a guy like that so easily!!! Naruto too!!
Kakashi agreed…
Kakashi: I believe in their strength. Naruto's determination… and Sasuke of Konoha's most outstanding clan…
Zabuza: … You can't mean… but I thought they were all wiped out...!
Kakashi: No... His name, is Sasuke Uchiha. A genius with the "Advanced Bloodline" of the Uchiha clan running through his veins.
Naruto stood in disbelief as Sasuke stood before him, blood pouring from many different wounds. For some reason he had jumped in to save Naruto, but why?
Zabuza: Like that makes a difference... No one has ever defeated Haku's "Special Jutsu". It's as good as over…!
Zabuza faded into the mist once again, leaving Kakashi, Sakura, and Tazuna to ponder the fate of Sasuke and Naruto…
Sasuke: Jeez, all you ever do is get in the way… *looking back at Naruto* … What's with that face… moron?
Naruto: Why… Why did you save me? I didn't ask for your help, I could have avoided the attack myself…
Sasuke: How should I know… I hated you… but my body just moved on its own… Idiot… *collapsing into Naruto's arms*
Sasuke: That man… I'm the only one that can defeat him… My brother… I told myself I wouldn't die until I killed him… Don't die also…
Seeing Sasuke fade right before him caused Naruto to start to cry. Then he heard rustling across the way. It was Haku…
Haku: He managed to land a blow on me without flinching… while trying to protect you. To protect an important person, knowing it was a trap, he was able to still intervene. He was quite impressive. He is someone who deserves respect. Is this the first friend that you have witnessed die? That is the shinobi way…
Haku prepared himself for another attack and entered the nearest mirror.
Naruto: I won't forgive you…. I won't forgive you!... I… WON'T… FORGIVE YOU!!!
Something was happening to Naruto. Red chakra began to leak from his body until it completely covered him. His appearance also morphed as his eyes began to turn red with a slitted pupil. The whisker-like marks on his face began to broaden, his hair became wilder, and his nails grew out like claws. He now looked more beast than man…
Naruto: I'LL KILL YOU!!!
Kakashi: It looks like he disappeared again. Sakura, stay here, it looks like I have to put an end to this fight once and for all… Can you hear me Zabuza? You seem to think that I have survived in this world only because of the sharingan… I am a former member of the ANBU(Special military assassin team). That's the kind of ninja I used to be… not just copying… I'll show you my own jutsu.
Naruto's red chakra was now swirling around him and destroying everything in range…
Haku: Wh-… What… is this chakra?! It's impossible for the chakra to change like this… and such evil chakra at that!!
Haku then noticed that Naruto's wounds had healed and the fact that there was now an intense pressure of killing intent filling the air…
Haku: What is this boy?!
Kakashi and Zabuza both took notice of Naruto's transformation. Even though they could not see it, they could feel it.
Kakashi: Is that Zabuza?... No… this terrible chakra!!... It can't be!!...
Zabuza: What's this chakra?... Something's not right… Kakashi?! No, it's too strong to be him…
Kakashi: Naruto…! This is bad… could the seal have broken?!!...... This feeling…… It's alright, the seal hasn't completely broken! But the seal is weakening and the Kyuubi's chakra is leaking out!!!
In a drastic predicament, Kakashi decided that it called for a drastic solution. He removed a scroll from one his vest pockets, wiped up some of his blood with his thumb, and spread it across the scroll as he opened it in one swift motion…
Kakashi: Zabuza! Can you hear me?! I've got a proposal for you. What do you say we finish things now?
Zabuza: Hmph… Sounds interesting, what can you do in this situation? Why don't you show me Kakashi?
Naruto's transformation seemed to be complete as he charged for Haku. Haku tried to put a stop to this by throwing needles at him, but with a single roar, Naruto blasted the needles out of the air.
Haku: What killer intent!!! He's totally different than…
Before he could finish he sentence Naruto had smashed through the ice mirror. Luckily for Haku, he jumped to a different one just in time.
Haku: He deflected my attack with chakra!! He's too dangerous, I have to take him out now!!
Naruto seemed to be confused about where Haku had disappeared to. He had been in the mirror right above him and tried take advantage of the situation and end things right there…
Naruto dodged this attack by doing a barrel roll through the air and as he landed he charged for Haku, burning rubber along the way.
Haku: Damn!! I gotta get to the next mirror!
He was so close, but that wasn't good enough. Naruto had grabbed him by his wrist and yanked him away from the nearest mirror. Haku couldn't believe it as Naruto cocked back, ready to deliver a bone crushing punch…
His destructive chakra whipped around causing havoc and mayhem to the surrounding area as the ice mirrors began to crumble. Finally, came the meteoric punch. It caused a powerful shockwave that shattered all of the mirrors, except for one. Haku broke it with his body as he was sent flying through the air after a truly devastating punch.
When he finally touched down, his travel plans still were not done as he skipped across the pavement a few more meters. He came to a stop and groggily picked himself up, but to his horror, Naruto had caught up to him and was about to deliver another face crushing blow.
Haku knew he could not evade the attack. He knew that this was it… the end!
As he was about to give the finishing blow, Haku's mask fell to pieces revealing his true face. This stopped Naruto in his destructively chaotic tracks…
Naruto had stopped inches away from completely smashing in Haku's beautifully handsome face.
Naruto: You… You-You're from that time…
Haku: Why did you stop? I killed your precious friend… yet you won't kill me…?
Naruto looked back at his fallen comrade and punched Haku. It wasn't as painful as the previous one, but it still packed quite a wallop.
Haku: … Wha… What happened to your… in-tensity?... You can't kill me with that. There are people who make this mistake. They don't kill their enemy because of pity… letting them leave with just their lives. Can you understand… not having a dream, not being needed by anyone… the pain of simply living?…
Naruto: Just what are you saying?!
Haku: Zabuza no longer has any need for me… a weak shinobi…. You have taken away my reason for living. When a person has something precious to protect, that is when they can truly become strong…!
Naruto: Why?!... Why for a guy like that?!! He's a bad guy who takes money from a criminal!!… Is that eye-browless freak the only important person you have?!!
Haku became quiet and a look of sadness crossed his face before he responded…
Haku told Naruto of those that were once very dear to him… his parents. He told Naruto of the small, snowy village he was born in and how happy his life was… until that day. One day he discovered his "Advanced Bloodline" and to his dismay, it lead to the death of his mother. Shortly after the murder of his mother, by his father, Haku was to be next. Out of fear, Haku's ability activated, saving his life. Due to the resentment and wars raged on those like Haku with an "Advanced Bloodline", Haku left home and ran into Zabuza. They had been together since…
Naruto was shocked. He didn't know what to think.
Haku then turned his sights to Sasuke…
Haku: That young man must also have experienced many hardships. Those with special abilities are often feared… My mother was one of these bloodlines. My father discovered this… When I realized what I had done… I had killed him, my own father. At that time I thought of myself as… No!.... I had no choice but to think that. And I realized the most painful thing… That in this world… I am a person who is unwanted.
Naruto: The same as me…
Naruto reflected on Haku's words and the terrible childhood he had gone through…
Haku: You said you wanted to become… the best ninja in your village and have everyone acknowledge you…?... Now if someone who acknowledged you from the bottom of their heart appeared… wouldn't that someone become the most important person to you?... Zabuza took me in knowing I was a person of the "Advanced Bloodline". This blood that everyone hated… He desired it… I was so happy!!
As he finished, he began to tear up. He then reminisced of the good times with Zabuza. When he first met him, Zabuza claimed him when no one else would. Though he just wanted to use him as a tool, it was better than not being wanted at all.
Haku: I'm sorry Zabuza, I was unable to become the weapon you sought… *tears dripping* … Naruto… Please!... Kill me!....
Kakashi was going through a few hand seals and slammed his hand into the ground…
Kakashi: "Ninja Art!!! Summoning Jutsu: Earth Tracking Fang Jutsu"!!!
Nothing happened...
Zabuza: Hmph! Nothing you do will make a difference. You can't figure out where I am, but… I know exactly where you are. You're trapped by my…
Before he could finish his sentence however, his attention was diverted by rumbling underground. Suddenly, a pack of rabid dogs lunged at him, clenching their jaws tightly shut…
Hearing the growls, snarls, and barks, Sakura and Tazuna began to worry…
Kakashi: If I can't see or hear you, then I'll just use my nose… This summoning is specifically for tracking down an opponent. Since this mist was causing trouble, this was the best solution to putting an end to this. The reason why I was so slow earlier was because I purposely wanted to soak your weapon with the scent of my blood. Not to mention when I managed to cut you, I have your blood as well.
Kakashi walked through the mist and into the sight of Zabuza. He had dogs hanging all off him. Kakashi placed his hands together, and it was clear that he was planning on finishing things with his next jutsu…
Kakashi: These are my cute Nin Dogs. Their sense of smell is greater than that of any other dogs. You're now trapped in my jutsu…. Your future is… death!!...
Zabuza: My future is death?!! I'm sick of your false premonitions!!!
Kakashi: Don't be foolish… There's nothing you can do in this situation. Your death is certain now… You went too far, ambition too great. You abandoned the Village of Mist and became a Missing-nin, your story even reached Konoha. Your attempted coup'de tat and assassination attempt on the Mizukage both failed. You needed money for revenge and also needed to avoid the Hunter-nins… That's probably when you attached yourself to scum like Gatou…
He made a few hand signs and electricity began to surge from his hand. Seeing this before his eyes, Zabuza was most 'shocked'.
Kakashi: LIGHTNING EDGE!!
Zabuza: … Enough chakra that it's visible around his hand…
Kakashi: You're too dangerous. The man that you are trying to kill is this country's "courage". The bridge he seeks to build is its "hope". Your ambition sacrifices too many people. That's not what a shinobi should do…. I'll ask once more… Will you surrender?... If you don't, your future is death….
Haku: Hurry up and kill me… Why are you hesitating?...
Naruto: …. I DON'T UNDERSTAND!!! IS BEING STRONG THE ONLY REASON YOU HAVE FOR BEING ALIVE?!!!... Something other than fighting… you could have been acknowledged for something else…
Haku: …. The day that I met you in the forest, I thought you were like me. You should be able to understand… I'm sorry that you will have to stain your hands…
Naruto: This… can't be the only way…
Haku: Yes… You were more than willing just a short while ago. Remember the pain and just follow through…
Naruto: I… can't. Even after what you did to Sasuke, I don't think I have it in me to just take your life… We got along pretty well when we were picking flowers. It's not everyday that someone, much less a pretty girl, is so nice and friendly with me.
Haku: Naruto… there's something that I need to tell you. I don't think that it's quite settled into your brain yet, but… I'm not a girl… I'm a boy…
Naruto: Whaaat?!! But he's cuter than Sakura-chan!! You mean to tell me that I have a crush on…. Ne-Never mind!!!... How could I not see it from when we met in the forest? I knew it was strange that a local girl had a chakra signature. I even thought it was strange that the signature seemed familiar… I… I'm still not sure if I can do it… but if that's what you want then… it's probably for the best…
Haku: Please fulfill your own dreams… *closing his eyes, awaiting the end*
Naruto: Sasuke… also had a dream… but now…. *looking back at Sasuke's lifeless body*
He pulled out a kunai, grasped it firmly, and slowly advanced on Haku…
Naruto: … If we'd met under different circumstances… we might have been friends…
Haku: Thank you… That means a lot coming from you.
Naruto's pace quickened. He was now charging at Haku at full speed, kunai ready to pierce Haku's heart…
The Kyuubi rears its ugly head and shatters a dream...
The battle is drawing to a close...
Next chapter: Fly high or crash and burn...