1st Pov

Two weeks later

Land of Valleys – Outskirts

"Inhale, HAH!" At my shout, I began to strum a tune with my Shamisen.

Sitting cross legged on the back of a horse drawn carriage, I practiced with my shamisen to pass the time. In the front was one of my shadow clones in disguise driving the cart.

It'd been over a week since the incident with the Akatsuki. Originally I'd planned to head straight for our complex in the land of grass and see our groups current status, but after what happened, I chose to keep everyone under the radar for now.

Turns out Itachi didn't betray me. In fact, he delivered a letter using a clone to one of our outposts the same day as the attack. He would have sent it sooner, if not for the Akatsuki being rushed into the their missions without prior notice. Thus meaning I was unable to respond to the other attacks.

Unfortunately, as a result the other tailed beasts suffered. All at once the four tails, the five tails, and the seven tails were targeted for capture. With the only failure being the seven tails.

From Itachi's information, besides the three tails host who they are currently using as a puppet, these were the only tailed beasts they are currently aware of. Overall making the entire thing a slap-dashed attack. Now though, the Akatsuki are on their toes once they discovered that I killed the 'immortal' Kakuzu.

For better or worse I wasn't able to kill Hidan so they have a profile on me, vague though it may be, and by extension my comrades who carry my mask.

However, this also let's them know there's something out there ready for them. Meaning they'll think twice before doing something like this again. Things will settle after a while. It also helps since it seems Orochimaru has already defected. He carries a lot of information so they don't want to risk anything.

Now I was on my way to the Land of Sea, Kirigakure to be specific. It was time to-

"THAT WAS AWESOME MEN-KUN!" An excitable voice broke my chain of thoughts.

A curtain of mint green suddenly covered my vision. Looking up I saw an upside-down form of Fu. She hadn't changed much, but she did have a almost blindingly bright aura around her these days. She always wore that orange hair clip and red backpack I gave her too.

Attached to her hip was my #7 fox mask (ironic) and was currently able to remain upside-down thanks to the four insect like wings behind her waist.

"Ha~, Fu I've told you not to keep your wings out all the time, especially in the open for anyone to see." I reprimanded lightly.

"Oh lighten up Men-kun. We're out in the country side with nobody out here so why can't we just enjoy it more? Besides that though, I'm glad I finally got a chance to enjoy your music playing. I knew you'd be awesome at it!" She continued to ramble on for a few minutes as I inevitably tuned out half of what she said.

Within these two weeks Fu and I grew closer to one another. I already knew about her quirks, but due to her rather spontaneous nature it made every interaction surprising… and exasperating.

Getting used to her antics didn't help me in dealing with them though. The only person I could compare Fu's excitable nature to was Naruto, but since we're brothers it was easier to be blunt and rough each other up a bit. Fu though, was a close and precious friend. Thus I didn't want to take control or force our interactions like that-

"Plus your so small and totally cute in your real form Men-kun!"

Twitch

"Your little whiskers make you look like a little animal, so innocent and sweet!"

Twitch! Twitch!

"Hey hey have you ever thought of wearing a fox costume and go all kyuu~ or waa~ oh that'd be so precious!"

Twitch! Twitch! TWITCH! SNAP!

I walked up behind Fu while she still continued to mouth off. Slowly bringing my fists up and trapping her head in the middle.

"Eh?"

Without warning I twisted my knuckles and hard as I could into the sides of her skull!

"YOU THINK YOU CAN JUST KEEP DISGRACING MY HANDSOME FACE AND MY AWSOME WHISKERS BY CALLING THEM CUTE?! DIVINE PUNISHMENT!"

"OWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW- STOP IT- OW OW OW -NO THAT HURTS MEN- OW -KUN PLEASE- OW OW OW OW~!"

"TENCHUUUUUUUUUU~!"

"YEOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWCH~!"

It was gonna be a lo~ng trip.

Timeskip-no-jutsu

After, we stopped off on the side of the road and set up camp for the night. Usually I would have Suzaku take me to our destination quickly or just connect to one of my fox masks to get the task done. However, since I was finally out of the village with Fu, I figured I'd take my time and enjoy the sights.

"Uugh~ that hurt Men-kun, I think you've hurt me delicate head." Fu ground out while holding the two lumps on the side of her skull.

"Hmph! That's what naysayers get for disgracing my whiskers. How would you feel if I called your clothes skimpy?"

"GASP! You wouldn't dare?! I'll have you know this is incredibly fashionable! Plus I look super cute!"

Leave it to a airhead tomboy to think fishnets are cute.

She pouted before dropping on the ground and giving a content sigh.

"This is nice Men-kun. I wasn't sure I'd ever be able to move around so much without being surrounded by bodyguards 24/7 at all." She said, far more somber than she had been the whole day.

Looking toward Fu, I saw she was staring up at the stars with a content smile on her face. I followed her gaze while admiring the beauty of the night.

Something about the dark felt calming to me. Letting the silence and shadows embrace me gave me peace of mind. My brother loved bright colors too much for my tastes.

"I can't thank you enough Men-kun. At one point in my life I thought I'd never be free and remain the 'weapon' of my village forever. I'd always tried to remain positive and speak my mind, but there was always this invisible chain tying me down. But now-" Fu stretched her arms outward as if trying to catch one of the stars above. "I feel like I can finally be me. Taking life in stride and doing things my way."

To be honest, I was a little jealous of her free spirit. She could look at anything and find the positives in them.

But I couldn't do that. I was finding it harder and harder to enjoy the mundane things as I got older. My friends and family would never get old, but things like appreciating nature, playing my shamisen, making new jutsu, training my swordsmanship. These few things were really the only enjoyable hobbies I had. Yet, recently they've begun to feel… dull.

When I wasn't doing any of those things… I felt my growing impulses to kill or crush everything I hate growing steadily stronger and stronger. It was starting to get concerning because any second Fu wasn't around me I was contemplating mass destruction. A sign that whatever was wrong only hit worse after facing Kakuzu.

Kuro wouldn't even respond half the time I communicated with him. He'd throw back the occasional jab or comment, but other than that he was as silent as the dead. Whatever is going on inside it's keeping Kuro busy to the point he's trying to block out any outside influences. What is it?

"Men-kun?" The innocent mintette's voice broke me away from my thoughts.

"Are you… sure about this Fu?" The words escaped my lips without realizing.

"Hm?"

"About joining me I mean. Your not obligated to join Fu. It's not going to be safe. I'll be involved in some very dangerous situations, and the battles to come may as well be a death sentence. As your friend I don't want to drag you into my fights because you feel like you have to." Despite the logical side of my brain screaming for me to stop, my emotional side kept breaking through.

Instead of answering right away, Fu simply stared at upwards with a blank expression. After a moment she turned on her side and gave a gentle smile.

"This is why I don't wanna leave Men-kun. Despite the cold exterior you try to show your actually really kind. No matter how much you say you hate everything. There's a natural part of you that wants to love the world around you and form bonds. If you wanting me to leave because I'm your friend is how you show your care then me sticking by you is how I show mine." She spoke with eyes showing nothing but warmth and comfort.

"B- but Fu you could- !" I didn't even finish before she thrust a finger in my face and wagged it tauntingly.

"Besides, whether I like it or not, I've been trained to be a ninja all my life so danger and death are like our bread and butter. Anything different really wouldn't do me much good. Plus you told me that attack was intentional cuz those guys wanted to take Chomei right? So either way I'm gonna be hunted down. I'd rather be part of the side that fights back than the one that waits and dies." She gave a coy wink at the end.

"Your not leaving me any room to work with here… sigh~ Fine." Despite my reluctant words, a smile steadily formed on my face.

"Good, if you didn't give up I'd have to kiss you."

"WAIT WHAT?!" I spun around quickly.

"Night Men-kun." She said before turning the other way and wrapping herself in a blanket.

"Hold on Fu what was that last par- !"

SNORE~!

ALREADY?!

My mind was in a twist, but some part of my conscious felt much more at ease hearing what Fu said. I decided to end it there for tonight and focus on other matters.

My thoughts drifting toward our next destination where we had to meet up with one of my other masks. Soon a certain Mummy ninja would make his move and I would obtain my next piece.

Despite the dark plans I made, a peaceful smile slowly ebbed its way on to my face as I drifted off to sleep.

Friends… they are truly precious aren't they…

3rd Pov

Inner world

Kuro was currently putting his entire focus on the darkened sphere in front of him. He attempted to draw the black energy into himself and suppress it, but it was proving more difficult then he thought.

Usually the sphere was about half white and half black, something which almost all humans shared at birth. Menma however, constantly had the black energy encroach on the white. When he wasn't around those he cared about it was usually three quarters black and only one quarter white. Both sides were constantly pushing against each other. When he was around those precious to him the white would gradually expand and make the color even again.

The battle with Kakuzu had caused a permanent shift however. Menma had used more of Kuro's chakra than he'd ever had to before. The balance was completely broken and now the black side began to swallow the white. Even as he currently spent his time with Fu the white was barely able to fight back at all.

Kuro was becoming more and more concerned. If this kept up then Menma would no longer be able to continue o-

*CRACK!*

Suddenly the black side gained a crack of white, forcing the constant encroachment to stop. The darkness wasn't retreating, but it meant there wouldn't be any hazards for the time being.

Since Kuro was so focused he didn't know what had happened on the outside, but whatever it was must have had a positive impact on Menma's mindset.

"Sigh~ Good, that'll help a lot. For now I'll try and absorb as much as I can while it's still halted. Though I wonder what happened? Whatever it was, with one more good push the situation can may turn out for the better." He mumbled to himself while feeling greatly relieved.

He couldn't hide this forever. He just didn't want to destroy the current relationship him and Menma had.

For now, he had work to do.

Timeskip-no-jutsu

In a lone forest off the coast of the main island which housed Kirigakure in the land of water. A small group of ninja were clustered about. All of them tending to each other's wounds and medical needs after a hard fought, but inevitably lost battle.

They were the band of ninja that chose to rebel against the current Mizukage. All led by one Zabuza Mamochi who sat farther away from his followers while sitting on a large stone under the shade of a tree.

His outfit had changed since he graduated from the Anbu. Instead of having his sword sealed he now always had it at his side. He wore baggy grey pants, arm warmers with a white and black camo design, and the only thing covering his upper body was the strap needed to hold his blade.

Currently his body was littered with cuts and bandages, gauzes covering most of his upper half.

"How the hell did things fall apart so quickly?! We made it so far into the complex undetected and minimal resistance. Things were looking good until we crossed the threshold of the Mizukages office. The moment we did I felt an unbelievable amount of Chakra and killing intent before we got swarmed by Anbu. So the question is, how-"

The bandaged ninja's thoughts halted as he suddenly reached for his sword. After a moment he gripped the handle and thrust the blade toward the bushes behind him.

"Careful Zabuza, if it had been anyone else I think they'd have their body crushed." A feminine voice spoke amusingly before the culprit walked out of another bush on the side.

It was Haku, Zabuza's apprentice and Menma's #2 Fox mask. She had long bangs which framed the sides of her face while the rest of her below the shoulder length hair was tied into a bun. She wore brown baggy clothes and a teal blue body warmer to fight off the cold. Her face had become even more refined over the years, turning into a cold beauty, but still displayed an ever calm and inviting smile. A welcoming sight for any ally, but a terribly cruel scene for any enemy.

"Haku… where have you been? We have to move soon otherwise the trackers will catch up with us." Zabuza said in a rather uncaring tone, as if he hadnt nearly bisected his apprentice.

Deterred but not defeated. Zabuza was anything but a quitter. He was persistent and knew he had to escape so that he could heal and fight another day.

Though his mind currently raced with thoughts of what happened. He also needed to think about the present. Top priority was to… get rid of the 'dead weight'.

His eyes coldly glanced toward many of his 'followers'.

"No need to worry. I've already disposed of all the immediate pursuers as well as erased our tracks. So we should be in the clear for now. Besides that, I had to inform 'him' about our current whereabouts." She spoke calmly, but hinted at something sharper under the surface.

Zabuza was pleased with most of what his apprentice said, but when she spoke the last part, alarm bells began ringing.

"Him? Who the hell- !" It clicked in his head and his body instinctively began to shoot off the ground before-

"Now now, no need to overexert yourself Zabuza. I'm sure your tired after a long day and night of fighting for your life after all. Unless you wanna look more like a mummy then you already do?" A Voice echoed from the surrounding forest, cold amusement lacing every word.

Many of the rogue ninja began to look around frantically. Zabuza chose to sit back down but kept his body tense as his fingers curled around the hilt of his sword.

Looking to the side of the forest clearing he saw two figures emerge from the treeline. One was Menma, in his alternate form of course, and his face covered by his fox mask. A little behind him was Fu, who was in her usual clothes, but her face was also covered by her own #7 mask.

Zabuza would usually be dismissive of Menma's presence, however his current situation didn't allow that. Not only was he already injured, but Menma was accompanied by yet another ninja who's strength he couldn't discern. Plus there were the strange circumstances surrounding his failure.

"You…" The bandaged rogue muttered with cold fury.

"What's with the glare Old mummy mist pants? Are you that sore about your loss? Or could it be… because you know WHY I'm here?" Menma asked with a clear mocking tone.

The former leader of the 7 mist ninja couldn't help but grip his blade even tighter. Standing up to confront the masked man he started to unsheath the sword.

"You bastard. Are you the one who-" His interrogating words stopped dead in their tracks though when he felt a pin prick stabbing at his jugular.

Looking down, Zabuza saw the cold sheen of senbon less then a centimeter from his neck. Turning his head to the side he caught sight of the merciless gaze of his own pupil glaring daggers at him.

Damn… I've been in checkmate since step one…

The former mist ninja didn't feel betrayed or even surprised, but more of resigned. He knew Haku was incredibly useful and extremely loyal to him. That loyalty however, only extended as far as a master and apprentice relationship could. Everything else related to Haku was devoted entirely to the masked man in front of him.

"Calm down Zabuza. I wasn't the one who set you up for failure. In fact I was hoping you'd win. You'd have taken a powerful piece off the board and away from the hands of our enemies after all." Menma said while trying to placate the older ninja.

He wasn't even lying either. If Zabuza had succeeded then he would have killed the current Mizukage. Who was not only a pawn to the Akatsuki, but also the jinchuriki for the three tailed beast. Meaning the Akatsuki's plan would have been pushed back a decade before it revived again. In fact he was planning to do the deed himself with Haku's help, but the situation with Fu had thrown a wrench in that plan. The death of one of their members would put them even more on guard now. They could possibly prepare a trap with the Mizukages as bait to lure him out too.

"Our enemies? Does that mean you know who was the owner of that powerful killing intent I felt? It overshadowed all the others before it vanished. It wasn't long after that the Anbu arrived." Zabuza spoke up.

"So they were planning a trap. In the original Canon, Zabuza's Coup failed close to the finish line and he was none the wiser as to who was really working behind the scenes. But in this case, they must have been lying in wait to see who would strike. When they realized it was Zabuza and not me they probably chose to leave it to the Anbu to kill him. No offense to Zabuza, but his current abilities don't match up the upper echelons of the Akatsuki at all." Menma thought over the situation carefully.

The young jinchurikis silence however, only served to affirm Zabuza's question, making him even angrier.

"If you knew someone like that was working behind the scenes then why was I not informed?!" He demanded despite the senbon at his neck beginning to draw his blood.

Menma raised his hand to signal Haku to stand sown. She pulled away, but remained in striking distance just in case.

"If you want an honest answer then it's because I wasn't sure they would even interfere in the first place. And even if I did tell you, it wouldn't make much difference. Your strong Zabuza, there's no question about that. However, the people I'm fighting against are monsters in comparison. People who could make any of the Ninja villages quake in fear and cause an all out war if they wanted to. You were so gun-ho about your little plan that you would have attacked anyway despite the risk. But I promise you Zabuza that no matter what preparations you took the odds were never in your favor."

"Bastard… you set me up." He ground out through grit teeth as his fists clenched so hard his knuckles turned white.

"Wrong again Mummy mist pants, I gave you plenty of warning and hints to dissuade you from confronting the Mizukage. Attempting this farce of yours. Why do you think I offered you a position as one of my companions in the first place. I didn't want a man of your talents to die fighting a behemoth."

The former mist Jonin continued to shake in rage before his shoulders seemed to slump. Zabuza wasn't a fool. The sheer amount of killing intent and chakra he felt, if only for a single instant, had shaken him to his very core. It felt like…

Like death itself was baring down on him.

"I assume this means your unsatisfied with our bet then?"

"Hmph, bet? More like I was just dancing in the palm of your hand." Zabuza said, clearly angered by the situation.

"Hmm~ well I do have an alternative in mind." Menma said after thinking over the situation.

Zabuza just raised an eyebrow. He was already resigned to his fate at this point. So he didn't think his 'ally' would offer another chance for him.

"Tell me have you ever heard of Gato transports before?"

"That shipping tycoon? Course I have. All expert ninja have all the corporate bigwigs memorized in case they ever receive a job from one… or need to kill them."

"Good this makes things simple. You see our group has finally begun to catch some momentum. Our Intel network is growing. Our chief members are getting stronger and wiser. We've already begun to sink our fangs into other ninja villages too. But the one thing that keeps the world spinning will always be money. Gato is a fairly corrupt and wealthy individual. You are in need of funds just as we are. Especially now after that Coup of yours failed. So our interests align."

"Get to the point, you already have my attention." Zabuza said with frustration.

The mist assassin was fairly certain Menma liked to hear himself talk. Always trying to smoothly transition his way into getting what he wants by capturing his targets interest, baiting them with something tempting, then twisting the whole thing so that he becomes the sole beneficiary. A rather dangerous person to let speak for too long.

"Right then, you did technically still lose the bet Zabuza so let's make this your initiation mission. Your task is to work for Gato as his bodyguard. Slow but steadily earn the money you need to strike back again while in the meantime #2 will work to discover the location of where Gato keeps his funds. When you've gotten what you need we'll swoop in after and take everything he has. Simple right?"

"What's the catch?" There was always a catch.

"Hehehe~ it's good to know you haven't lost your edge after just one setback. It's not much of a catch as it is a simple requirement for someone in your profession. Don't lose. If you are defeated, or caught by an enemy than you are to give up this pursuit of Mizukage once and for all and officially work for me. Even death wont free you from this Zabuza, understood?" He added a bit of killing intent and released his chakra to emphasize his point.

"This chakra, and the pressure of his killing intent is even stronger than when we first met. He's gotten stronger…"

The former mist swordsman gave a nod in affirmation. He now had another opportunity to accomplish his goal. Despite his loss, his confidence in his own capabilities made him believe there was no way he'd ever fail at such a simple mission.

"Good. Ah! But we must still do something about the dead weight. I doubt you'll be very efficient in moving around with so many… useless baggage correct?" He questioned as his gaze turned to the other ninja sprawled throughout the field.

They all felt a cold shiver run down their spine and looked toward the masked ninja fearfully. Some turned to Zabuza and demanded for an explanation.

He didn't care.

"Leave those two. Their the only ones with some skill and aren't held down by something as stupid as 'fighting for justice'." Zabuza pointing at two masked shinobi who wore heavy cloaks and a large gauntlet on the opposite arm than the other.

"Very well." Menma nodded, holding his hand up signaling for Haku to not interfere and Fu to stay back.

Just as some of the Ninja tried to grab their weapons…

"Ninja art: Boots of Hermes."

It was over in an instant. Menma condensed his chakra saber and moved faster than the eye could see. His blade cleaved the heads off of all of Zabuza's henchmen with the exception of two. He had already applied the ninja tags to his legs before arriving in case things got ugly. All he needed to do was instill his chakra.

The twin shinobi were left stunned as they sat in the middle of the gruesome carnage. They honestly didn't care about the others, but seeing them all cut down in an instant was downright insane.

Fu was a little off put but otherwise ignored the carnage. Haku didn't even blink and neither did Zabuza. Though the former mist swordsman did twitch slightly.

"He's even faster too."

After that incident, Zabuza dragged the two surviving Shinobi in order to inform them of his current plans. In the mean time Menma brought Fu and Haku together in order to introduce each other.

"Hello, I am the second mask. May we work together for a brighter world." Haku spoke with a pleasant tone and gentle voice.

"Oh! This is that thing you told me about Men-kun!" Haku's brow twitched at the nickname. "Nice to meet'cha, I'm the seventh mask. Let's all be friends and enjoy the freedom life has to give!" Fu introduced exuberantly.

"Hm, I suppose that's reasonable for a goal Fu would create. Glad she remembered my words about not-"

"The names Fu!"

. . .

. . .

. . .

"Giggle." Haku couldn't help herself, raising a fist toward her mouth to stifle her laughter.

Menma face-palmed as Fu herself looked back and forth confused.

"Fu… your not supposed to actually give your name…" He spoke exasperatedly.

"EH?! No way!"

"Ha~, Whatever, I don't think that actually matters at this point. Fu, this is Haku, and as you can see she is my second mask. I hope you two get along." He skirted by the whole thing and broke the illusion.

"A pleasure." Haku gave a small bow before turning back to face Menma.

"Right, I suppose you'll want this little one again." He concentrated a bit, a small symbol appeared in the air and out popped Tennyo in her fox form.

"Kyuu~"

The ice user smiled contently before scooping Tennyo into her arms and giving her a hug.

"I'm glad. I can't even describe how worried I was for you when she vanished like that. It was only when you contacted me and said everything was fine that I could finally calm down a bit." She spoke with a small quiver to her voice.

The boy chose to move closer and pat Haku's head soothingly. It had been a habit of his ever since they met, and it continued to stick even after all these of being put off by the seemingly childish treatment, Haku seemed to preen under the attention she was given, causing Fu to pout under her mask.

"I'm sorry Fu, I know we should get going soon but could you give me and Haku a few minutes alone?"

The boy's fellow jinchuriki only huffed and strutted away angrily, although he could tell she was just playing with him.

"Well? I can tell you have something to say little Snowflake." He spoke in a much more gentler tone. One he reserved only when he wanted to be tender with someone.

The ice user looked around to make sure Zabuza and the others were gone before she put Tennyo down and leapt into Menma's chest wrapping her arms around him.

"Wha- Haku! What are you- ?"

"This is it. Your real body correct? I've waited so long to actually feel your warmth. How many years has it been since you picked me up from those dead alleyways and took me in. And yet, this is the first real time we've met face to face like this." Haku spoke so emotionally that it left Menma feeling whiplash.

"G- geez, your being more clingy than usual. We always cuddle when I inhabit Tennyo." He stuttered out.

Haku's approach to Menma was similar to Fu's in a way. But while the mintette was very hyperactive and positive. Haku was simply earnest and blunt with her emotions to the point Menma would feel pangs of guilt.

"I love Tennyo, she's always been by my side through thick and thin. Yet it was also because of you that I could experience that connection. It was because of you I learned to control my power, and it was you who helped me find my purpose." She said, seemingly content to nuzzle more and more into the boy's chest.

"Why is she being so upfront about all this, I- I don't understand. I c- can't-"

"Don't you feel any gratitude toward Zabuza? I know he isn't the most emotional of people, but he does value you… perhaps even more than me…" He didn't understand why he was saying this. Something about Haku's way of showing her appreciation stung at his core.

"Of course. Even if he sees me as only a tool, I don't mind as long as I'm a useful tool. But it is only because of you that I discovered the reason for my existence. You've given me a goal and have never felt more fulfilled. I have nothing but appreciation for what you've done for me." She said, eyes closing contently as she felt the beating of his heart.

"No… that's not right. I've manipulated you… I've lied to you. I've made you walk the path of bloodshed and made you stray from a happy life. I don't deserve it. I'm not worthy of it. I'm evil and will use any means to achieve my goals. I- !"

"That's what your thinking right now. Right?" She broke his rollercoaster of thoughts by echoing similar words back to him.

!

"Do you really think I'd never understand you after all the time we've spent together? I've always been observing you, trying to understand your thoughts." She spoke confidently with a puffed out chest.

"If you have… then why?" The words came out broken.

"Have you never realized that you've never once lied to me Menma?"

"What? Of course I have… like… um." He wracked his mind, ever scene and moment together.

"You told me you needed my power. You told me what kind of path I'd walk if I followed Zabuza. You gave me plenty of chances to walk away from this and it was ME who chose to follow you." She wouldn't give him an inch and pressed on.

"Haku… I don't… I can't understand…" The blackettes mind couldn't process any of this.

He had always thought of himself as… undeserving. He loves his family, his friends, his comrades even. But the one person he never loved was himself. He saw himself a cruel, vicious, merciless. All necessary traits he believed were needed in order to survive in this world and keep his loved ones safe.

"So why?! Why even though she knows how I am?! Then why-"

Play: Minato saves kushina ost

Haku separated herself and gazed into Menma's eyes, a dazzling and gentle smile gracing her lips which seemed to illuminate the world around them.

"It's because Menma, I love you."

*Crack!*

"Wha-… I can't… I don't… I- I'm not…" His mind ground to a halt, unable to comprehend such words.

"It was you who saved me and gave me a place to belong. I don't care about the why, I don't care about reason or method. Because I can see past that, because the only thing I care about… is making you happy."

*Crack!* *Crack!*

"The only thing I feel for you is appreciation and love for all the effort you've devoted to me."

*CRACK!* *CRACK!* *CRACK!*

"Even if you can't do it yourself, even if someone else claims to as well. I will always love you for who you are Menma."

*SHATTER!*

Something deep inside finally gave way. Feelings which felt so foreign were flooding through Menma like a tidal wave. For only a brief moment… all the hate, the anger and loathing were all pushed down by happiness, sadness, guilt, awe, pride, loneliness, grief, gratitude, and even… love.

"You- you can't just- I'm… I'm…*drip* I'm not worthy." After several moments the words finally spilled quietly, as though a criminal admitting to his crimes.

"I'm not worthy of your love!- sniff* I'm an awful person!- hic* I don't think I'd ever be able to- sniff* truly give you what you deserve Haku." His could barely speak as his face became an ugly sort, muddled by tears.

The girl didn't even bat an eye toward his refusal and simply stepped forward with the same accepting smile on her face. She opened up her arms and brought his head into her chest.

"Your wrong, you're the kindest and most selfless person in this whole wide world." She denied in a soothing voice.

"NO I'M NOT!- hic* I'LL USE YOU- hic* You'll have to fight life and death battles- sniff* you'd have to put your life on the line and- hic* you may never have a happy life ever again." Menma denied vehemently.

"Once again your mistaken. As long as I'm of use to you, as long as I can make the hardships just a little easier. Then there's nothing that could make me any happier in this world."

"Your such a fool- Auh- AaahaaAAAAAHAAGH~"

The boy continued to cry. Happiness and sadness blended together in such a way he couldn't tell what he truly felt anymore. And yet it was liberating, like there was nothing holding him back anymore. A dark chain which once weighed down his mind was, if only for a brief moment, lifted off his shoulder.

Almost like a new light had illuminated his life.

Inner World

Kuro looked on in amazement as the black aura which covered almost the entire sphere cracked and shattered away in only a few moments. For the first time the sphere was like a white sun in the darkness without a shred of black.

The blinding light only lasted for a second before the shadows began to eat at it once more. But it wasn't like before where the darkness seemed to completely swarm the light and leave nothing behind. Now there seemed to be a balance with the white actually holding the majority of the sphere.

It amazed Kuro that just a few simple words seemed to completely shake Menma's foundation to its core, but it was the perfect opportunity to help make the sphere stable.

"Good for you kit. Now we wont have to worry about any imminent problems for the near future. I'm rooting for ya, keke." The fox chortled to no one in particular.

Kuro felt truly relieved. Now they could look toward the future without too much worry.

Haku Pov

After a few moments longer, Menma calmed down a bit and asked for a bit of time. He was going to talk to Zabuza about the plan going forward.

I didn't mind. I was unsure how things would turn out initially, but the outcome was far more pleasant then what I had ever imagined.

My dream, or my purpose rather, wasn't to just make a 'brighter world'. The full truth was that I wanted to make a world where he no longer had to live in the darkness. Where he didn't have to force himself to commit atrocities or fight. Where he could smile, experience love, and live a life to the fullest.

The undeniable fact was that he needed her strength. When she was alone, unwanted and hunted down, he alone appeared and offered his hand out to her.

Night after night he gave her his undivided attention. Teaching and guiding her. Making her laugh and just wanting to make her happy.

If he just needed a tool, or just wanted a subordinate with power, than he had no reason to treat her so warmly. He saw her as a person. A person who experienced a traumatic hardship and needed love.

My goal was to ease his burden. To make the world a brighter place so he didn't need to suffer any longer. I didn't like to hurt people, but I knew better than most that this world wasn't kind. If I wanted to help make change then bloodshed would be necessary.

My thoughts abruptly ended when I felt a presence near by. I saw the other girl and newest member of our group leaning against a tree with her hands behind her head, her mask no longer covering her face. A quick analysis of the surroundings made me realize she wasn't entirely out of earshot of Menma and I.

"So you heard?"

"Yeah… sorry I know I should have respected your guys privacy. My curiosity is no reason to listen in." She said with a regretful and apologetic tone.

I simply shook my head. There was nothing to hide as I wasn't ashamed of my feelings. The only thing I worried about was Menma himself.

I took a closer look at the girl and noticed she seemed rather troubled about something. She kept shooting glances toward me and occasionally toward the clearing that Menma walked off to.

I see…

"Do you love him too?" I asked innocently.

"PPPPHHHHHFFFTTT~ Cough- cough! Wha- what?! N- no no way Menma's just like an awesome friend. Ahahaha~" She spoke flusteredly.

"Hehe, You don't need to deny it. In fact I'm glad." I waved off her concerns while giggling.

"Fu~eh, wha- what the heck do you mean by glad?! I- I- I mean I'm not saying I AM interested, b- but wouldn't a girl in love with the same person as you be… irritating?" She asked cautiously.

"... Perhaps in a normal situation. However, you are aware of what kind of person Menma is don't you?" I asked with a serious demeanor.

"... He doesn't think he's worth it. The only thing he wants is to spend time with the people he loves and make them happy, but he himself doesn't think he's worthy of receiving love in kind." The girl said solemnly.

I nodded and looked up toward the sky wistfully.

"I only wish to be of use to him. For his life to be filled with the same happiness he gives to me. Not only to repay him, but because I know he's worth it." I looked toward my comrade and stared straight at her orange eyes. "Will you help me? In turn, I will help you. All for the sake of his happiness."

She stared back at me with equal seriousness. She seemed to contemplate for a moment before giving a resolute nod.

I smiled contently and stared off toward Menma's direction.

I will do anything for a brighter world. A world where no shadows may bind you. That is my solemn wish.

Authors note: 6.9k Well that was a Rollercoaster. Be honest, it was a bit sudden right? Maybe a bit more build up needed? Well I took the leap so I just want to hear your opinions on the matter.

The harem has officially begun. Sure not many of you expected Haku to be the first official member. As for why she's so willing to accept anyone else, it's mostly has to do with Haku not holding much self worth in herself but still tries her best. She accepts others because she knows she can't be with Menma 24/7 to keep him stable, something Kuro is banking on.

As for Menma himself, I wanted to develop him more as someone who loves others, but does not feel like he is worth being loved. This is mostly due to his hatred which makes him willing to do evil things for those peoples sakes, but holds such things in contempt making him a big ol contradiction. How that developes, wait and see.

Some may have figured out what the black and white sphere in Menmas Inner world represents already and ill just say that the official explanation will come soon.

One more chapter, and perhaps a interlude in between, and then we'll be at canon. Can't wait to show you guys the surprises I have in store for Menmas time as a genin.

That's all for now, Bye Bye