Chapter 4
Battle on the Bridge/Kiri's Much Need Alliance
Overlooking the unconscious workers, Sakura paled and began wishing she wasn't there, Sasuke was excited about fighting a strong opponent, even if in the back of his mind he knows that he is no match for Zabuza. Not that he will ever admit that to himself or anyone else.
Naruto was slightly somber at what could happen that day, a girl could lose her 'father'. Kakashi was worried about his Genin.
The Konoha nin were greeted with a sight that they really did not want to see. In front of them was Zabuza, Haku, and, surprisingly, the Demon Brothers.
As if a silent conversation went on between Naruto, Sasuke and Yamato, it was decided that Kakashi and Yamato would fight Zabuza, Naruto would take Haku and Sasuke would fight the Demon Brothers.
The Demon Brothers charged straight ahead, only to be intercepted by Sasuke.
"Lightning Release: Lightning Ball Jutsu"
The Demon Brothers separated to avoid the Jutsu.
With Sasuke's new control over his chakra, he is able to channel it into his legs better, making him much faster than before.
The Demon Brothers not having been expecting this were thrown off by his increase in speed. He still faced the same problem as before, but to a lesser degree. He rectified that by wearing steel plated gloves that Kakashi had given him. They were leather gloves with a steel plate over the hand and knuckles.
With Naruto
"Well then Haku, should we take this elsewhere and allow the adults to play?"
Without waiting for a response, he left via Mist Shunshin while leaving a very noticeable chakra trail for the girl to follow to the other end of the bridge.
Haku glanced at her 'master'. He just gave her a nod as if he didn't care.
She pursued the blonde haired Genin.
The chase ended at the very edge of the bridge. Waiting for her was the blonde Genin who was able to fight Zabuza, even if her master wasn't trying that hard.
"So, your Zabuza's apprentice?"
Haku, having never had a fight where neither party wanted to fight just shook her head no.
"I am his tool to be used when he wants and how he wants, I follow his every order."
Naruto just quirked his eyebrow. But already expecting something along those lines.
"That doesn't sound fun at all."
Haku drew a senbon with each hand.
"It doesn't need to be, I owe Zabuza-sama my life, now, fight or die."
Haku charged at speeds rivaling most high Chunin, she wanted to end this fight fast because her 'master' was fighting two Konoha Jonin. He may need her help.
She began a brutally vicious attack, if not for Naruto's borderline insane training regimen, he was sure he would already have lost.
Luckily, his large sword enabled him to block both, her left and right hands which were wielding senbon needles with deadly accuracy.
Every time Naruto attempts a counter, his attack is dodged with more grace than even the legendary Hyuga clan.
Naruto, tired of being on the defensive, decided he would turn it up. The next strike came from Haku's left hand, it was going straight for Naruto's heart, However, this is exactly what he wanted. Instead of just blocking the strike, he put force behind it. When the flat side of the zanbatou hit Haku's hand, she cried out in pain over her now bruised, possibly broken hand.
In an attempt to knock her out quick, Naruto goes through the hand seals for his favorite water Ninjutsu outside of the Hidden Mist Jutsu .
"Water Release: Water Dragon Missile Jutsu"
A giant dragon, larger than either Zabuza's or Kakashi's had been was formed, instead of shooting water bullets, it charged straight at Haku.
Just as the dragon was about to slam into her, a small ice mirror was created.
Though the mirror was cracked, it still held the water dragon in place until it dispersed.
After rubbing some of the pain in her hand away, Haku just stares impassively at Naruto.
"It appears it is time to end this."
"Indeed it does."
They both begin to go through hand seals.
"Ice Release: Demonic Ice Mirror Jutsu"
Naruto watches as mirrors made of ice appear around him. He gets even more interested when Haku steps into the one mirror, and she is displayed on all of them."
"This is a very interesting Jutsu. Now I will show you a Jutsu I created two years ago, on accident."
"Water Release: Choking Fog Jutsu"
Mist surrounds Naruto and the mirrors, much like it would for the Hidden Mist Jutsu, However, Haku noticed one thing.
"This mist, it is thick. Very thick. 'cough' interesting."
"Yes, it is the only Jutsu I ever made."
*Flashback 1 year after turning serious*
Naruto Uzumaki, the 'Demon Brat' of Konoha was panting while staring at his sensei, Iruka. He had been trying to get his first water Ninjutsu, it would be his first step to becoming like Zabuza.
He had spent the last year increasing his strength, speed and chakra control. Now it is time for Taijutsu, Ninjutsu, and Kenjutsu training.
"Naruto, you need to use less chakra, you can already do both the tree climbing and the water walking, but you need to improve your control more."
Naruto gave a determined nod. He wouldn't fail.
"Ok"
"Water Release: Hidden Mist Jutsu"
Suddenly, water from the stream they were standing on began to form a mist, the mist got to the point of not being able to see anything around you but it just kept getting thicker.
As Iruka was standing there, he found himself really impressed.
'The Hokage just showed him the Jutsu two days ago and he can already do it.'
As Iruka stood there with a proud smile on his face.
Iruka found himself having some trouble breathing. After several minutes he was ready to run out of the mist when Naruto heard his sensei's labored breathing and he canceled the Jutsu.
When the mist cleared, Iruka took a deep, haggard breath of the dry air.
"What was that!?"
*End Flashback*
With the Jonin
Zabuza was just staring down the two Konoha Jonin. It was well known that while Kakashi was once one of the strongest Jonin, he had fallen into depression with the death of his sensei. Now, he is at best, a average Jonin in skill. The part that worried him was that Kakashi was never known to be a powerhouse, he combined his power with knowledge, if his brain didn't dull then the fight could get ugly.
However, the way Konoha's backup Jonin was standing. It reminded Zabuza of himself. He was sure Kakashi would be easy to take out, it was this new Jonin he was worried about.
"I know Kakashi, but you, not so much. How about an introduction?"
"I am Yamato."
After Zabuza waited for a few seconds for him to continue and he didn't Zabuza shrugged.
Without further delay, Zabuza went through the hand seals for his most famous Jutsu.
"Water Release: Hidden Mist Jutsu"
A mist began to surround the three and Kakashi finally put away his book. While Yamato drew a kunai in each hand.
Zabuza decided to try and mess with their heads.
"So, who wants to die first?"
Yamato spun and blocked the large zanbatou with his kunai, the force sent him skidding back, before he could retaliate, Zabuza disappeared back into the mist.
Kakashi yawned as this was going on.
"Bored? Well than lets liven it up."
Using the skills of an elite Jonin, Zabuza goes through hand seals and thinks his next Jutsu.
'Water Release: Water Clone Jutsu'
Nine water clones appear, not that Kakashi and Yamato know.
Two clones and the original begin targeting Kakashi while seven go after Yamato.
Yamato was standing in the thick mist in a defensive position. It was only years of experience that allowed him to notice Zabuza attack from his right. He was able to block the large zanbatou. He noticed it was considerably weaker than the last.
'Clone!'
Just as he was about to destroy the clone, he was forced to duck under a swing from his right side. By the time he regained his bearings, both clones had already disappeared into the mist. That was how Yamato's fight went, he would block or dodge and before he could retaliate against the clone, another one would come to it's rescue.
With Kakashi
Kakashi, using the precognition of the Sharingan, dodged under the sword and was able to score a hit and dispel the clone. However, could already feel the drain from his implanted eye and it had only been ten minutes.
While Kakashi was mentally celebrating, he missed the clone coming up behind him.
As the clone's sword was aiming to cut Kakashi down the middle, Kakashi, Zabuza and his clone's all heard Yamato's shout.
"Earth Release: Rising Stone Spears Jutsu"
The spears made of earth killed three clones, one of which was about to kill Kakashi, However, there was to much delay and he received a shallow cut across his back.
"GAH!"
Nearly everyone on the bridge heard Kakashi's cries of pain.
With Sakura and Tazuna
'I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die.'
This was the thought shared by Sakura and Tazuna.
With Sasuke
Sasuke was forced to use every trick in his book to continue avoiding the Demon Brothers' coordinated assaults.
As Sasuke avoided the next attack from the clawed nin, he mistook the distance the second brother was from him and received a shallow cut on his shoulder. This wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for the poison he could already feel messing with his nervous system.
"Water Release: Gunshot Jutsu"
Sasuke didn't get the chance to come up with a plan because he was forced to dodge the incoming water bullets.
Having dodged in the direction away from both brothers gave him some breathing room.
"Fire Release: Phoenix Fire Jutsu"
Sasuke spits out three fireballs at each brother, they both dodge the first two but the younger brother is unable to dodge the last one, it hits it's his leg, causing him to scream out as the small fireball burns through his flesh.
Seeing the mist nin's state, Sasuke knows he needs to take advantage of it. Whipping out a kunai and throwing it as hard as he can, he impales the brother in the neck.
Sasuke, in the shock of his first kill just stops and watches as the life leaves the mist nin's eyes.
'I just killed someone…'
His slightly worried thoughts change quicker than most.
'You see that Itachi, that will be you one day.'
His musings caused him to let his guard down. That led to his current predicament. He received a foot to the face by an angry older brother.
As he was able to right himself, he saw a kunai flying through the air and to him it looked like everything began slowing down, from the waves in the water to the kunai aiming to impale his head.
For some reason, Sasuke could tell that the mist nin was about to jump to the right, so taking into account for it. While in midair, Sasuke rolled just enough to avoid the incoming kunai and grabbed it, before tossing it at the Mist nin who was in the middle of a jump, and unable to dodge.
Not being ready for the Genin to dodge what he was sure was a sure kill, he wasn't able to do more than watch as the kunai entered his chest and into his heart.
The last thing he saw before dieing was the cold red and black eyes of the Sharingan.
Sasuke, having used up most of his chakra fighting off the two mist nin, promptly passed out from chakra exhaustion.
With Naruto and Haku
Haku's breathing has become very labored, to the point of panting. Her lungs being forced to sort through chakra enhanced mist. Not to mention her mirror Jutsu requiring a lot of chakra as well.
Normally she is good for about forty minutes, however, it has only been fifteen and she felt as though she was about to pass out from chakra exhaustion.
Being forced to dodge constant high level Ninjutsu doesn't help.
Naruto stood in the center of the mirrors. Several senbon sticking out of his arms and back. He is beginning to look something like a pincushion.
Unfortunately, many of the needles were making moving his upper body difficult.
Seeing Naruto's weakened state, Haku gets a tear in her eye.
"Zabuza-sama always told me, to use anything but this for my first kill, would be an insult. I just wish it hadn't been you. I believe we could have been friends."
Drawing up the sleeve to her kimono, she revealed a small tattoo. It was kanji of something, but from the distance he was unable to read it.
No smoke, no flash, nothing, suddenly in Haku's hand was a long, thin sword… It only took him an instant to recognize it.
"T-that's Nuibari, one of the seven…But…But…That was lost…"
"Zabuza-sama liberated Nuibari from Kusa, who was responsible for the death of Kushimaru. At first he was reluctant to allow me to keep it out of fear of my losing it, but he said it fit my style to well. I'm sorry you will be the first to be pierced."
Now Naruto was shocked. He couldn't stop himself from smiling tiredly.
"Now things get fun."
"This ends now! I mustn't fail Zabuza-sama."
Haku puts all her strength into attacking.
'I am almost out of chakra, if this fails than I lose. I will not fail Zabuza-sama!'
She moves at speeds so great that Naruto can barely even see a blur. Instinctively, he raises his zanbatou to block the incoming sword strike.
With her last burst of strength, she stabbed the strange sword at Naruto. The next two seconds are two seconds of his life he will forever remember.
CLING CLING CLING
The force of the ice wielder's thrust sent Naruto to his back, however, that was not what shocked him, in his hand was the hilt to his sword, with only a jagged inch of blade attached.
'Her sword stabbed right through it! How?'
A broken sword was not all he received, just above where his heart was, a small, wire sat, unmoving. Blood ran freely, using the wire as a guide.
'So, this is it, this is how I die.'
However, fate it seemed decided to intervene.
Just like that, the once unbreakable mirrors that surrounded the two exhausted nin began to crack before shattering and returning to their original form of water.
Naruto's mist had already begun to clear up. He saw that Haku was fighting with unconsciousness and barely winning.
Just as he was about to speak, everyone still conscious on the bridge heard what sounded like birds chirping.
With Yamato
After killing several clones, it became much easier for Yamato, he was able to defend and was even killing some of the clones before they were able to retreat into the mist. He noticed the real Zabuza must be fighting Kakashi if the sounds of the battle were anything to go by.
With Kakashi
After Kakashi had quickly destroyed the clones, he was attacked by the real Zabuza. If it wasn't for his transplanted eye, he would have died at the beginning of the battle.
Kakashi wouldn't admit it, but the only reason he was even alive was because Zabuza hadn't fully healed yet. He could still see the small amount lightning chakra in his system. This would mess up his chakra control, and reaction time.
Dodging another swing from the giant zanbatou and Kakashi was beginning to realize how much chakra he had wasted so far. He was running on empty.
Kakashi was able to come up with a plan.
"Summoning: Earth Release: Tracking Fang Jutsu"
A cloud of smoke was the only warning for Zabuza when several dogs latched onto him, one on each arm and leg and a large bulldog on his shoulder.
He ran through the hand seals for his only original Jutsu.
"Now, I will show you what I can do when I don't copy my Jutsu, this is the only Jutsu I ever made. Looks like this is the end for you Zabuza."
"Lighting Release: Chidori"
With Naruto and Haku
When Haku looked up to see the source of the very loud noise, she saw her master, held down with several dogs. That was not what worried her, she had seen her master in worse positions.
What worried her was the Konoha Jonin charging up an insane amount of lightning chakra in his hand. So much in fact that it was visible.
'I must save Zabuza-sama.'
Using chakra she didn't have, she began sprinting towards her master.
She never even noticed that her tired and bleeding enemy had dangerously removed the wire and was running about six feet behind her, and slowly gaining.
With Zabuza
'So, this is how I die? Take care of Haku-chan gakI.'
Expecting one set of footsteps, Zabuza raised his head when he heard at least three. He saw Kakashi charging at him to kill him. However what he saw next scared him.
Haku was charging with a determined and resolute expression on her face, Nuibari in hand. She was about to die to save him. At that moment Zabuza's struggling began anew. When he saw that Kakashi and Haku would both meet at the same time, he wanted to cry out in anger. Less than a second before Kakashi's Jutsu hit. Haku, Zabuza, and Kakashi all heard a shout.
"Water Release: Water Whip Jutsu"
Just as Haku was about to place herself between Kakashi's Jutsu and Zabuza's body a whip made of water wrapped around her waist. She wouldn't let that keep her from saving her master.
Her iron will to save Zabuza, gave her the power needed to push that little bit further and threw Nuibari, stabbing The Copy-nin in the wrist, effectively weakening the dangerous lightning Jutsu. However, Kakashi proved just why he was an Elite Jonin, pushing through the pain, the Jonin shoved his hand, slightly covered in lightning about an inch into Zabuza's stomach.
Zabuza found himself in more pain than ever before. However, he didn't care, he could see a healthy Haku staring down at him with worry and regret in her eyes.
Even through the pain, he was able to speak.
"Thank you for saving her GakI."
"I told you I would Zabuza."
This statement brought Haku from her worry. Then she figured it out. He had been acting very familiar with her, almost as though he knew her.
'He was making sure I lived. But why?'
Seeing the confused look on Haku's face, he decided to inform her.
"Four days ago, he came to me and asked that I make sure you- "
Naruto was interrupted by clapping.
When the conscious ninja all turned, they saw what must have been a hundred thugs and bandits surrounding a short man in a suit holding a cane.
"I would like to thank you Konoha nin for taking care of Zabuza for me. Too bad you won't live to long."
Zabuza in his weakened state could only lie there, seething in anger.
"I never had any intention of paying the so call 'demon of the bloody mist' it's more like 'kitten of the bloody mist'. Kill all the nin. I'm sure the Konoha nin have bounties I can collect also."
Haku, hearing what the short, fat businessman said just turned to the Konoha nin.
"We are no longer enemies. This will hurt and I apologize."
Without another word, the black haired Kunoichi ripped Nuibari from the Konoha Jonin's hand, causing Kakashi to cry out.
Legendary sword in hand, Haku glared towards her new enemies.
"You will not survive this Gato."
She charged at the thugs with the resolve to kill. Something she had never had before. She was ready to kill every thug, she would then take Gato's head to Zabuza.
Even with all the adrenalin in the world, it still didn't make up for the fact that not five minutes ago, she had fought the hardest fight of her life.
She had made at least a dozen bundles of bandits when her exhaustion began to catch up to her.
She noticed a thug shoot an arrow aimed right at her heart. Normally a civilian shot arrow wouldn't be any trouble to dodge but her vision had begun to blur and her body wasn't responding.
Just as the arrow is going to end her life, she hears a noise that returns some of her energy.
"PING"
There in front of her is her once enemy and now apparent ally. That is not what shocked her the most though.
In his hands is Kubikiribocho. Zabuza's sword.
"I think Zabuza deserves to see Gato's head."
Naruto couldn't help but feel empowered by the sword in his hands.
Naruto had wasted no time at all when Zabuza told him to take it and saver her, now the blade seemed to be vibrating. It seemed incredibly happy.
It seemed that just being in his presence brought her strength. The two began a deadly dance, both covering the other's blind spots.
Gato watched as two teens destroyed his army in completely opposite ways, one with grace, finesse and effectiveness, the other with raw, uninhibited power.
By the time that the last thug was dealt with, Gato was looking at them with fear. Seeing the beautiful, bloody, and deadly dance, he was literally scared shitless.
"Please I'll give you anything you want, just don't hurt me.
Please."
If one were to look at either Haku or Naruto at the moment, it would be like looking into the eyes of demons. Both faces not showing a hint of remorse for the acts committed, blood covering their bodies, swords poised to take one more life.
Without a second thought, they both drew their swords back, Kubikiribocho removing the head while Nuibari, pierced every vital organ in the man's torso faster than even Naruto could see.
With their deed done, they allowed their exhaustion to catch up to them and passed out, not even noticing the crowed of townsfolk who just watched the massacre.
None of the others on the bridge are sure what to think. Several emotions go through their heads. Fear, disgust, even remorse. However, the strongest of all is elation that Gato is dead.
Slowly, one by one, the villagers begin to clap and cheer for the ones who freed them from Gato's rule.
It was two days later and Naruto was just waking up, his body still wanting to sleep, he just kept his eyes closed in hope of returning to dreamland.
However, his sensitive ears barely pick up a noise next to him.
'That almost sounds like someone crying.'
Naruto opens his eyes and quickly forces them closed. Even with a giant Nine-Tailed Chakra Battery in his gut, he still got chakra exhaustion, and it still sucked.
His head was throbbing, he was burning up, and he felt as if he hadn't eaten in a month, but he was still going to vomit.
Just as he was about to force himself back to sleep, in hopes of sleeping through the worst of it, that noise was back.
'It sounds like a girl, and she sounds hurt…'
Naruto managed to force his eyes open, and slowly, his vision went from triple, back to regular.
That was when he saw her, and that was when it all came back to him.
'I-I killed them all, I didn't even care…I truly am a demon…'
Naruto wiped his tears away when he heard Haku let out a sob that shook her body.
Slowly, he reached his hand out, and shook her shoulder gently. At first nothing happened, and then he shook her harder and her eyes flew open and she attempted to hit him before she broke out in a fit of coughs…
Naruto just awkwardly rubbed her back.
The second she locked eyes with him, it all came back, the slaughter, the limbs, the blood. It scarred her.
However, what she noticed most, was that the young man in front of her seemed to be feeling the same pain, she could see it in his eyes…
Without delay, she latched onto his shirt and started crying her eyes out. He wasn't able to understand most of her words, they seemed to all say the same thing, 'I'm sorry' and 'I'm such a monster'.
After whispering encouraging words in her ear for nearly an hour, they both fall asleep in each others arms. Naruto never noticed that his shoulder wasn't the only one that was wet. Neither dreamed or thought of their deed all night.
The next morning, Naruto woke up after the best sleep he had ever gotten. Taking a deep breath through his nose, his sense of smell was assaulted with what had to be the most intoxicating thing he had ever smelled.
'It almost smells like crisp, clean water…no, like winter, the first day it snows. Hmmm.'
Naruto can't help but sigh in content as he snuggles deeper into his delicious smelling pillow.
Naruto was surprised, no bewildered when his 'pillow' gave off a content moan when he snuggled deeper into it.
'Do pillows make noise? Last time I checked they didn't. What happened yesterday…'
In a flash, the night before went through his head.
Naruto did everything he could to control his erratic heartbeat.
'I can see it now, twelve year old ninja dies by heart attack during first encounter with the opposite sex…It sounds better then twelve year old Genin killed by Demon of the Hidden Mist for spooning with his daughter…'
The thought that he was in fact spooning with Haku made his face redder and his heart even more out of control.
When Naruto opened his eyes for the first time, all he could see was black. Haku's hair was released from the bun and was spread all over him. He couldn't stop himself from inhaling the intoxicating scent one more time before removing himself from the bed as silently as he could.
Naruto was awful proud that he was able to get out of bed without waking her.
His moment of glory ended as he put on new pair of pants and heard a long yawn accompanied by the shifting of the bed.
When he looked over, his normal colored face went straight passed pink and hit tomato red. He was sure that Hinata would be proud.
Haku sat up, letting out a long, loud yawn as she stretched out her stiff muscles. However, that wasn't what caught his eye. She sat there in nothing but her chest bindings and a pair of very short shorts.
The perverted thoughts going through his head would have done a certain white haired sage proud.
Without even realizing what he was doing, Naruto shoved the shirt he was about to put on into her hands.
That was when Haku noticed she wasn't alone. But standing in her room was the blonde boy from the night before. He had his eyes firmly shut but she was sure she kept seeing one open.
Looking at the shirt in her hands, she was confused until a cool breeze told her all she needed to know. With a red face, she quickly put the shirt on.
"You can open your eyes now."
What Naruto opened his eyes to, what was easily the sexiest thing he had ever seen. Haku stood in front of him, her hair all a mess, a sleepy smile on her face, and wearing nothing but his shirt and her underwear…
This was easily 100x better than anything he had seen when he stole Sarutobi-sensei's Icha Icha.
Naruto broke the uncomfortable silence.
"Umm, sorry about last night."
Haku just shook it off.
"Don't be, after the…battle, I was feeling very unsure of myself. In all the years I traveled with Zabuza-sama, I never once had to kill, I was always able to knock out my opponent…It was quite the mental shock."
Naruto nodded in understanding. Naruto was about to speak when the door was opened.
"So, you're both awake."
Naruto looked at Zabuza with a slight amount of fear, praying the man didn't kill him.
Seeing the fear in the blonde's eyes, Zabuza snorted.
"Tch. You two should eat something, it will help with the nausea."
Without another word, the tall, muscled swordsman left the room.
Both teens were blushing up a storm as they got dressed, Naruto grabbing a pair of his pants for Haku since she didn't have any that weren't covered in blood.
He got a meek 'thanks' in return.
"So, Haku, w-what do you uh, want to you know, eat?"
Haku had a light blush on her cheeks. Even if it was just because they both needed food to heal, it still sort of felt like a date. Something she had always been interested in, but never experienced.
"Um, I-some zaru soba sounds good, it is rather warm today."
A confused expression overcame Naruto's face.
"Zaru soba?"
Haku gave a gentle nod.
"Yeah, it is a cold noodle dish, it's great for a warm day."
With nod, the two headed out, in search of a soba stand.
The two had been awkwardly walking for ten minutes when Haku spoke up.
"Sorry about your sword."
A slight grin made it's way onto Naruto's face.
"Are you kidding? My sword got broken by the Nuibari. I don't think there is a more honorable way for a sword to go."
A giggle left Haku's lips.
Just like that, the tension was broken. The two spent the day getting to know each other better. They shared everything. Haku told Naruto about her father's betrayal and how she was found by Zabuza and Naruto told Haku how he was the village pariah, how he had been a complete dipshit until that fateful day three years ago. He also told her that he had people he truly cared for in the Hokage and Iruka.
After eating, the two found themselves walking around the reborn town, just talking and killing time.
Soon, the two found themselves at the beach, the two sat down and talked for a few more hours until the sun began to set.
The next morning found Naruto and Haku getting a rather rude awakening. The two had fallen asleep on the beach and the cool night air had them both searching for warmth, warmth they found in the arm of the other.
"Water Release: Wild Water Wave Justu!"
A surge of water literally picked the two up before dropping them.
In an impressive display, Haku recovered before hitting the ground and landed in a crouch, prepared for battle. Naruto wasn't quite so graceful and landed in a heap. However, a kunai was already in his hand.
"You two may be strong, but you still have a lot of work to do!"
Naruto and Haku looked over, only to see Zabuza standing in front of the rising sun, the orange light giving the man a demonic glow.
The two teens could only look to the other and gulp.
For the rest of Naruto's time in Wave, Haku and Naruto had spent nearly all of their time together, mostly training and trying different techniques but occasionally just sitting by the water and watching the sunset, or going out to eat.
Both were surprised by the tenacity that Zabuza's training held. He allowed them very few breaks and he was being especially brutal to Naruto.
Even through the brutality, Naruto was able to see the care in Zabuza's eyes every time he looked at Haku. It was rather depressing to know that he would probably never see the two after this mission. That became apparent when Naruto popped the question…
"Haku, why don't you and Zabuza come to Konoha?"
Haku gripped Naruto's hand tighter.
"I wish we could, but me and Zabuza-sama are missing-nin, just being in Konoha and not being arrested could lead to war."
Naruto already knew that, but he had to try. He settled for wrapping an arm around her shoulders and she leaned into his chest.
One week later and the Konoha nin are at the end of the bridge, preparing to leave.
The villagers were there, along with Haku and Zabuza, Haku still has several bandages along her arms and stomach from where the thugs and Naruto had gotten shallow cuts on her, and Zabuza who had his whole torso wrapped up. They decided to stay in the village and rest before moving on.
Haku, who was slightly blushing, stepped foreword.
"Goodbye Naruto-kun. I'm going to miss you."
With god-like speed, her face moved in and out so quick Naruto was left speechless. It didn't take long for Haku to run away from the bridge with a big smile and blush on her face.
Naruto just stood there dumbstruck. His face gradually getting redder. As his hand hesitantly went to his lips.
'She kissed me?'
"Goodbye everyone!"
"Hey GakI, before you go, Here."
To the shock of all the Konoha nin and even more so, Naruto. Zabuza pulled Kubikiribocho from his back and stabbed it into the ground before turning around to walk away.
"She chose you…"
With that, he walked away. Never looking back to see the dumbstruck face of one Naruto Uzumaki.
Naruto, tentatively reached for the blade of legends. Said to be one of the sharpest swords in the world, second only to the Kiba, able regrow and resharpen by absorbing the iron from the blood of those it slays.
He can't help but marvel at the craftsmanship. The second his hand wrapped around the hilt, he couldn't help but notice that the blade seemed to shiver in anticipation.
Unfortunately the moment was ruined by his teammate.
"Lets go blondie, this place bores me."
Secretly, Sasuke is seething.
'How is he so strong?!'
Naruto just follows behind his team. Muttering about stuck-up Uchiha's with sticks in their asses.
The trip back to Konoha was much faster than the trip to Wave. With no civilians to slow them down, the ninja could tree hop.
It only took them eight hours to return home.
However, back in Konoha, those eight hours were rather interesting for an old Kage.
Hokage's office
Sarutobi watched as a women he had come to learn of as fiery and determined. In fact she reminded him of a flirty Kushina. However, now she appeared to have become dead inside.
In the kindest tone he could, Sarutobi decided to get to the bottom of her issue.
"Have you come to a decision?"
Her blank stare unnerved him slightly.
"Yes, I will wed Naruto, in order to form the alliance."
"You seem to have problems with the arrangement, would you like to talk about it…"
"no…"
"Ok then. He should be finishing with his mission and returning…"
"I still love him…"
Smiling internally at his victory.
"Love who? My dear."
"He was my fiancé but he just had to try and do everything by himself. Him and the other Swordsmen were the first to learn of the purges. Yagura wanted their backing. If he had them backing him then the rest of Kiri would have no problem believing it was truly for the best. Believe it or not, the Seven Swordsmen hold more sway with the people than the Mizukage."
Tears slowly fell from her eyes.
"He never even told me in person… I found a note by my bed the next morning. He knew that if he told me in person, I would have joined him. We probably would have either won, or died together… The note told me everything, how Yagura had wanted to exterminate everyone with a bloodline and how if things went according to plan, then he would be the new Mizukage…It didn't take long for his once respected and feared name to be dragged through the mud."
"Who was it?"
Her tear streamed face looked into the comforting eyes of Sarutobi.
"Zabuza…Zabuza Momochi, the second seat in the Seven Swordsmen."
With Team 7
As soon as the three Genin and two Jonin landed in front of the check-in station, the guards immediately took note that Naruto was there.
"We were told to tell your team that Naruto Uzumaki is needed immediately by the (Recognizes sword, eyes go wide)…Hokage…and…the…others…will…report…first… thing…tomorrow. "
Acting like he didn't notice the shock on both Chunin's faces, Naruto just goes on.
"Thanks Izumo. Have fun with guard duty."
The Chunin was still to shocked to say anything to the barb.
When Naruto arrived at the tower, he was expecting a lot of things. Maybe Yamato had sent word that he had Zabuza's sword and Sarutobi-sensei wanted to warn him about keeping it out in the open, maybe he wanted to make sure he was doing ok after what happened on the bridge, or he could just want to congratulate him on his first real mission.
However, the following meeting never crossed his mind as a possibility.
"Naruto-kun, I would like to introduce you to Mei Terumi."
"Nice to meet you Mei-san"
"Allow me to finish Naruto-kun, this is Mei Terumi, the Fifth Mizukage."
Naruto's eyes went wide. 'Mizukage? Does she was Zabuza's sword back? Or maybe she wants me to lead her to him so she can send hunter-nin teams after him.'
It was at this moment that Mei noticed the sword on his back. One that only three people have wielded since it's creation, and one had been dead for nearly fifty years.
Seeing the sword wielded by the man she loved and has not seen in almost ten years was a shock to her system.
'He must have died.'
The thought of this genin carrying her lover's sword around like a trophy infuriated her.
Alliance or not, she charged and the unprepared genin.
"I'LL KILL YOU! HOW DARE YOU!?"
All the while tears falling for her 'dead' lover.
As soon as he noticed the sword, Sarutobi was expecting something like this.
However, much to Mei's shock, young Naruto blocked the attack with the flat side of the blade, the same manner that Zabuza would. However, instead of making her angrier, it made her even more saddened at the thought of never seeing him again.
Without delay, the Mizukage, turned and ran, leaping from the window in an attempt to escape the pain. Landing on a nearby rooftop. She sprinted to the forest.
Naruto, still holding his new sword in a defensive position, was confused.
"What the HELL was that old man? Why did the Mizukage just try and kill me?"
Sarutobi sighed.
"Well, at one point in time, Zabuza was her fiancé. I believe you practically confirming his death by having his sword was to painful."
"Zabuza's not dead."
Old Sarutobi's eyes went wide.
"But, you have his sword."
Cocking his head to the side in a confused manner, Naruto replied.
"I have no idea what that was about…Long story short, Zabuza was against us on this mission and he was injured with my sword being destroyed. I used his sword when we teamed up... When we left, all he said was 'She chose you' I tried to get an answer but he was already gone."
Sarutobi smiled bright once more.
"Well, then. You should go tell her so that an international incident isn't started."
"Ya, but she will probably try to kill me again."
The Hokage shrugged.
"Probably, but I would open the conversation with 'Zabuza isn't dead.' call me a foolish old man, but I wouldn't want to be on her bad side."
"Ya…wish me luck"
Taking a deep breath, Naruto went the same direction out the window.
"Good luck Naruto…Your going to need it."
It didn't take long for Naruto to track down the emotionally drained Mei.
Taking a deep breath he was about to enter the clearing. However, he was interrupted.
"Leave!"
"But…"
"I said LEAVE!"
"Zabuza is alive."
"If you don't…wait a minute, alive?"
Seeing hope and happiness in her only visible but still stunning jade eye, put a smile on his face.
"Ya, he won't be doing any cardio any time soon but he's alive."
"Where is he?"
At first he wasn't going to tell her, seeing as the man is still wanted…
"Why should I? You would probably just have him executed for trying the kill the fourth."
He was not ready for her to move as fast as she could and grab him by the shirt.
Nor was he ready for what she said next.
"If you don't tell me where my fiancé is…"
She continued on with her threat, but Naruto was to shocked to listen.
"…and then I'll…"
"Fiancé?"
"Yes, fiancé. Now, where is he?"
Naruto closed his eyes.
'She seemed genuinely happy about him being alive…'
Naruto looked down in thought.
"I will agree, however... I want it added as a term of the alliance that he will not be attacked without provocation."
"Agreed, now where is he?!"
"Wave, he was in Wave when we left."
Before he knew what was happening, he found himself on the ground and no sign of the Mizukage.
Six days later and Naruto was still a wreck, not to mention he learned that he was being offered to Kiri for marriage. After he learned of that, needless to say, he avoided the Kiri party, especially the Mizukage who returned four days ago.
Naruto, while being shocked he is going to be married, the fact that he is being given an arranged marriage doesn't surprise him.
'Life of a Jinchuuriki I guess, always a sacrifice.'
The biggest point of sorrow what the he will be married and if the rumors of Zabuza being given a full-pardon are true… He would have to face Haku-chan on a daily basis.
Suddenly, knocking on his door brought him out of his thoughts. The second he opened it, he wished he didn't.
Standing outside his apartment was Mei Terumi, the fifth Mizukage.
Much to his shock, the second she saw him, she gave him the tightest hug he had ever received.
"Thank you. The man I love is in my arms again and it's all thanks to you."
Though still slightly down about it, Naruto was able to joke about his situation.
"Just remember it when you're my Mizukage."
Mei just gave one of her charming smiles.
"I'll be sure to. I hope you will find the situation to your liking, it will be different in Kiri, but I hope you will find a home there."
"I hope so, but I just don't know."
Giving the soon to be, Kiri nin an understanding nod, she continued.
"Well, as soon as you're ready we can leave but tomorrow morning is the latest."
Naruto got into a thinking pose.
"How's one hour?…'Thinking of Iruka and the Team Gai'. You know what, make it two."
"You'll be ready that soon? 'Naruto nods' That can work, meet me at the North gate in two hours and we will leave."
Just as Naruto was about to head out, he stopped.
"So, why me? Is it the furball, my dad or my mom?"
"A little bit of all of them. Although, your father is a secret that only I'm aware of. Not even Kiri's councilmen have been told."
Naruto nodded before jumping off to go say goodbye to his few precious people.
Naruto burst through the door he knew Iruka was behind.
"Iruka-sensei, come on we need to talk."
"Naruto, can't you see I'm teaching?"
"Ya, ya, this is serious. I need to talk to you."
"Naruto, it can wait until lunch."
Naruto surprised everyone in the class when his playful face left, in it's place was that of a seasoned shinobi.
"Iruka-sensei, we really need to talk."
Taken aback by the expression he rarely seen on his students face, Iruka nodded.
"Ok class, it's your lucky day, be back after lunch, that's two hours."
The students cheered before running off.
With Iruka following, Naruto led the way to training ground 9 where Team Gai usually train.
However, when they got there the training ground was empty.
"Naruto, Team Gai got sent on their first B-rank mission. They will be gone for a few months. What is so important that it couldn't wait."
"Iruka-sensei…I'm leaving Konoha."
Iruka, not knowing about the arrangement thought he was abandoning Konoha.
"WHAT? HOW COULD YOU?"
Realizing what was going on in his sensei's mind, Naruto just chuckled.
"The Hokage is sending me to Kiri as a part of a new alliance. I'm getting married."
Iruka's jaw dropped before a smile overtook his face.
"So, finally get to leave without abandoning Konoha. Congratulations, I know you tried to love this village but to many people have wronged you."
"Yea, but I am really going to miss you."
Naruto and Iruka spent the next 45 minutes talking about the past and the future when Naruto told him he had to pack all his stuff and write a few letters for Team Gai so they knew what happened.
"I'll drop them off with you, can you give them to them?"
"Sure thing Naruto, good luck."
Naruto smiled before leaping off.
"I hope I see you again Naruto."
A single tear slid down Iruka's cheek.
*Front Gate*
The Sandaime and Iruka were seeing off Naruto and the Mizukage. Iruka had to wipe away a bit of blood from his nose when he saw the Mizukage.
Nobody could be sure, but Naruto is pretty sure he heard a 'lucky bastard' from Iruka.
With that, the Mizukage, a future Kiri ninja, Ao and Chojuro left Konoha.
That's it. I know. I think I'm moving a bit fast…Let me know what you all think. Please review.