Naruto's Journal

April 29th, 1932


Kakashi gave us a few training exercise to work on for the next week. He estimated Zabuza would be up and around by the end of it, and we had to be at our best. And so, we were each given our own exercises.

Me, I was sent off to make as many clones as I could, and practice the basic chakra control exercises enmasse. The idea was that the memories of my clones would be sent back to me, and right now, better control over my chakra was vital if I was going to get as much utility out of it as possible.

So, I kept making clones and having them stand on their fingers with their chakra, or having them climb up trees, or having them go run around on water or help with the bridge construction, every day, until I was fit to drop. This time, I woke up outside. I also woke up to one of the prettiest faces I'd ever seen.

She said her name was Haku, and she was a local. She was gatherin' herbs for her father, who was sick. I happily agreed to help-Seein' these people's situations was horrible, and I couldn't wait to have it out with Zabuza.

She asked if I was a ninja. I said I was. She then asked why I was a ninja. Now, normally, I'd explain it was because I wanted to be Hokage, I wanted respect and recognition and to not be looked down upon anymore. And I said that. Then she smiled at me, the kind of smile that makes your heart flutter, and asked if there wasn't a bigger reason for it than just myself?

Well... I was a mite bit confused, but when I finally opened my mouth back up, I began to explain that, right now anyway, seeing how Wave was under Gato's thumb, I wanted to do it for people. Haku asked me why. What business is it o' mine what happens to these people? Ain't I just in it for recognition and a job?

I got a mite bit upset at this-What kind of person just does stuff for recognition? Sure, I want it, but it's so I'm not seen as a Demon or nothing anymore. So I matter. So that people know I ain't the Fox in human form.

Haku explained that, while she weren't no ninja, she fought for the sake of somebody else. That it made her stronger because knowing she had that person's trust to keep him safe, made her able to fight harder. Being alone, she said, was terrible. The people in her life she wanted to protect made her life have meaning.

I thought about this a lot. Precious few people cared about me. Sister Ayame, Father Teuchi, Old Man Hokage, Mr. Iruka... I guess even my team cared about me, and I cared about them. The people I was closest to... The people who were precious to me...

She smiled, as though she could read my mind. She said that doing anything to protect your precious people made life worth living. I asked, if that was the case, what did she protect her precious people from?

"Anything that threatens them," she said.

"So... What about Gato?" I asked.

"What about him?" She asked.

"Well... What do you think about 'im?" I asked, feeling a little uncomfortable with how she was looking at me. It was like I was hitting close to a sore subject or something. Just as I was about to apologize, she sighed.

"Gato is... Slime, but unfortunately... Due to my... Family's circumstances, we need him."

"Why's that?" I asked. "He's just sucking the lifeblood out of the country, and driving it to war just to keep his lousy power." I pointed out towards the village. "People suffering and dying and under his heel!"

"But they aren't your precious people, are they?" Haku returned. I scowled.

"Maybe not... But I sure as hell know how I'd feel if my loved ones were in this state. If my precious people were bein' treated like this," I said flatly. Haku stared at me for a long while, and even if I had offended her, I felt angry about her. Was her family one that benefited from Gato somehow?

She then nodded slowly. "I understand." She then smiled. "You're a good person, Naruto Uzumaki." She then stood up, and turned to go. "I hope you realize your dream... And keep your precious people safe."

"... Well... You too," I managed, a little confused. She then impishly looked over her shoulder.

"By the way? I'm a boy."

I stared in complete and total disbelief, as she laughed. As though joking. I laughed with her, uneasily.

"Th-That's good! But... You are a girl, right? Right?"

She... He... Winked. "Maybe you'll find out... Someday."

... Goddamn, I am so confused...

Haku's account
Part the third.

I am… unsure. I had an encounter with one of the enemy today. He was lying on the ground like some hobo, as first I thought he was simply one more of Wave's vagrants. Only as I drew closer did I recognize him as one who had helped raised a hand against Lord Zabuza. I considered killing him, but I could not bring myself to. It felt… I have failed my lord once again and the grief aches in my heart.

I talked with him, hoping to gain some insight into our opponents. At first the conversation went as I expected, the ruffian seeking fame and glory in battle, but then, but then… I do not know why I asked, perhaps I was disappointed in such an answer, but I asked if there was anything more. As I talk I saw a kindred spirit, he reminded me of me before Zabuza gave me purpose, the loneliness. I felt sorrow that the one who trained him was such an ignoble, crude, man.

We then discussed Gato…. I do not like that man, to have Lord Zabuza work for such slime. But we do what we must, and I told him as much. Then Naruto did something unexpected, he claimed that Gato was wrong, not for hurting his precious people, but for hurting any precious people. I… I didn't know how to respond. It was ridiculous, and yet, and yet something about it compelled me. I left, informing him he was a good person. I told him I was a boy, that was actually worrisome… I've allowed my disguise to go downhill if people are first assuming I am a girl.