When Naruto walked up to the door to Chōko and Haku's room, he found himself having second thoughts. He had been meaning to talk to Chōko about something that he had been keeping secret for quite some time. Sasuke said it would be fine for him to tell her, but…
"What if she hates me after I tell her?" Naruto furrowed his brow and bit his lip. He had to tell her…it wouldn't be right if he kept it a secret from her. It just wasn't right. Still—he was afraid…so very afraid. "I don't want to lose any of my friends…"
"Naruto…" It was Sasuke. "You don't have to do it alone, dumbass."
Naruto smiled at Sasuke, who smiled back as he grabbed the doorknob and turned it. This ended up surprising Chōko, who had almost fallen asleep.
"Knock first, jackass!" she exclaimed somewhat sluggishly. It was probably the medication.
"Sorry, but…we have something to tell you," Sasuke said. "It's important."
Chōko arched her brow at them but nodded her head and told them to shut the door. "I'm listening…"
"Naruto…" Sasuke had looked at him, Naruto.
Naruto could feel his heart beginning to race when Chōko's gaze fell upon him. She was looking expectantly at him…but he just couldn't find his voice.
"It's okay, Naruto, whatever you have to say, I won't judge!" Chōko's smile was so warm…
Naruto could feel the tears beginning to well up in his eyes. His heart was pounding so hard that he thought it was going to explode. His mouth felt dry and it was almost as though something had gotten stuck in his throat. He had never been so terrified then the day when he learned why everyone always looked at him that way…
"I…" he finally managed to say. "Know why those people…look at me that way."
Chōko blinked. "You…do?"
"This is it…" Naruto thought, inhaling deeply and then exhaling slowly as a way to stay calm. He felt so close to having a panic attack, but seeing Sasuke there at his side reassured him. "I'm…I'm…"
The host of the Kyuubi, the monster that attacked the village on the day he was born… That's what Naruto wanted to say, but nothing came out.
"Naruto…it's okay, whatever you have to say, I won't judge you." Chōko's words sounded so genuine…
Naruto noticed his vision beginning to blur. His cheeks felt wet and his body was trembling. He was so scared, but…Chōko was smiling. She said it was okay… "I'm…thehostoftheKyuubi!"
...
Silence…such terrifying silence.
Naruto didn't know what to do with silence. His chest started to feel tight and when he tried to wipe away the tears, they just kept coming. Just as he started to regret telling Chōko, a pair of arms wrapped themselves around his waist.
"It's not fair…isn't it?" Chōko asked him as she embraced him. "People looking at you like that because of what you contain, instead of looking at the person in front of them."
"Wh…at?" Naruto hadn't been expecting this reaction.
"How long…?" Chōko looked at him. "How long have you known?"
Naruto swallowed hard and shakily replied, "S-S-Since before you found us with Iruka-sensei…"
"Graduation, huh…" Chōko sounded rather sad. "It must have been hard for you, huh? Knowing that, but keeping it to yourself?"
"Sasuke knew-ttebayo…" Iruka also knew, as well as the adults in Konohagakure. "But you didn't…and I was afraid you were going to leave when you found out, dattebayo."
Chōko scoffed. "Dumbass…I told you when I first met you that I wasn't gonna leave. I still won't, okay?"
Those words were like music to his ears… Naruto had never felt so relieved.
"I told you she would be accepting!" Sasuke lightly scolded him. "You shouldn't have been so worked up!"
Naruto knew that, but it still frightened him. And now that he knew that Chōko wouldn't leave…he cried. Just knowing that the very first person who became his friend would stay at his side no matter what was enough to take a huge load off of his shoulders.
"Chōko?" he heard Sasuke say Chōko's name.
"Hmm?" was her response.
"Thank you." Sasuke was smiling that rare, genuine smile of his. The smile he reserved for the moments he felt were worth smiling.
And just looking at him smile, made Naruto want to smile, but not now…Naruto couldn't. Not while he was still crying.
…
…
Haku had been making his way to the kitchen to talk to the cook, who was a light blond-haired young man with mean-looking blue eyes. His name was Zumi and Zumi wasn't like his mean stare appeared, being a rather kind individual who was willing to do his best when it came to the people he was serving.
Knowing that, Haku wanted to know if Zumi could make something that Chōko could easily stomach without her seasickness acting up, as usual. Occasionally, the poor girl had a hard time keeping most food down. It was a sight that Haku wished to stop seeing after some meals—especially since she was someone who hated wasting food.
Zumi was in the middle of peeling potatoes when Haku had entered the kitchen. The blond-haired cook had greeted him, as usual, asking him if he needed anything.
"Do you think you can make some okayu?" Haku looked questioningly at Zumi. "It seems like an easy enough meal for Chōko to keep down."
"How's she doing by the way?" Zumi asked him before grabbing another potato to peel.
"At the moment, she's rather sedated." It was strange seeing the usually energetic girl act so calm and sluggish, especially since her eyes had this dopey-look to them. Of course, that was a side effect the medication had on anyone. It at least did its job and helped Chōko with her seasickness. "But otherwise, she is doing fine for someone suffering from seasickness."
"The poor girl," Zumi sighed. "I'll see what I can do—unless you want to make the okayu yourself. If so, I'll allow you to use the kitchen—which is something I rarely ever do, but I trust you, little lady."
Ah, yes, everyone but those Haku had come with were still under the impression he was female. Haku would have ended the façade by now, but because of it, he was able to stay close to Chōko's side. He liked Chōko…not in a way that would denote a romantic attraction, but just as someone he liked to associate with—though he wouldn't mind liking someone like her. If Zabuza said it was fine, then it was fine.
"Zabuza-sama knows best!" Haku thought a smile crossed his face. "I guess I could make okayu for Chōko!"
"You really do care for that little girl," Zumi remarked with a chuckle.
Haku blinked and smiled. "I guess I do."
It was only fair to act this way to the person whom he had exchanged ribbons with…
…
…
If there was one thing Zabuza liked about this entire trip, it was how Kakashi kept reacting to seeing Haku interact with his Genin, Chōko. Chōko was someone that Zabuza felt he could do a better job at training her than Kakashi, but considering the help her family was going to give him and Haku—Zabuza could push aside his desire to take the little girl under his wing. For now, he was content watching Haku interact with Chōko.
"Oi, tell your kid to stop acting so intimately with my Genin…" And there was Kakashi, back from spying on Haku.
"What'd he do this time?" Zabuza found himself asking as he lounged about lazily on his bed.
"He's making food for Chōko." Kakashi seemed rather annoyed. He even sounded irritated.
Zabuza felt like laughing, but expressed his amusement through a quiet chuckle. "Surprised it took him that long to start cooking for her. I'd say they'll make a great couple, don't you think?"
"No." Kakashi was against it, and Zabuza knew, but Zabuza also knew that Kakashi probably didn't know…
"How familiar are you with some of Kirigakure's customs?" Zabuza asked the silver-haired Jounin.
"Enough to know that they're the reason Kirigakure has a reputation its accidental marriages…" So Kakashi was informed—how interesting… "Especially when foreigners are involved, due to their lacking knowledge on local customs…"
"Oh good, then I guess you must already know what happened between Haku and your Genin." Zabuza felt himself grin as he placed his arms behind the back of his head, his attention now focused on the ceiling. "Ha, didn't think that ribbon would have done it—"
Within seconds, Zabuza found himself eye to eye with Kakashi, who was holding him by the collar of his shirt.
"What. Do. You. Mean?" Kakashi narrowed his right eye at the missing-nin.
Zabuza grinned widely, his jagged teeth very much exposed. "Oh, so you're not that much informed, huh? Let me fill you in, then…the day your Genin got her ribbon back was the day she also gave Haku a ribbon. The two of them helped each other tie the ribbon into the other's hair…quite the intimate interaction, don't you think?"
"Keep talking, now…" Kakashi's tone was rather dark.
Zabuza had never seen the silver-haired Jounin act this riled up over something so simple. "So as I was saying—the day that happened was the day the two of got engaged, since the ribbons count as the two of them exchanging items where personal value is of consideration. As far as customs go in Kirigakure, they're as good as engaged."
"What?" Oh, so did Kakashi just find out?
Zabuza chuckled. "Haku really did cherish that ribbon I gave him."
"That belonged to Chōko…" Kakashi reiterated. "Which you took from her when you cut off her hair!"
"Ah, details…" Zabuza didn't really care. "Kirigakure doesn't really need them when love is involved."
"Bullshit," Kakashi spat. "Haku doesn't even look at Chōko in that way."
"No…but whatever I say does go." That was one thing that was absolute. "And I approve of her…and Haku wouldn't mind someone like the little spitfire, that's for damn sure."
Kakashi stared at Zabuza for a couple of minutes before releasing him not-too-gently. Zabuza nearly bumped his head against the railing of his bed, had he not been prepared for Kakashi's actions. Normally, Zabuza wouldn't really allow anyone to treat him in such a manner, but it was part of the amusement factor that came from Kakashi's reactions.
Zabuza's attention quickly focused back on Kakashi, who was about ready to make his way out of the room. "Where're you goin'?"
"Going to get rid of a ribbon…" Kakashi said as he opened the door.
"That won't do any good," Zabuza decided to inform Kakashi. "As their actions are legally binding…the only way out of it is if you can get the Godaime Mizukage to break it off. You're quite lucky that Haku isn't of age, in civilian terms, otherwise the two would have been considered married."
Kakashi slammed the door upon hearing that. "You made him do this…"
"Don't blame me for your Genin's naivety." It was all on her for ignoring the context of her actions. "I suggest you give your students a crash course in Kirigakure customs and to start it off, tell the Uchiha to lose his clan symbol—it'll make him a huge target for those who still hold grudges against those with kekkei genkai."
"I already have some of my old clothes when I was his age for him to wear," Kakashi was quick to say.
"And you don't trust him to carry his own set of clothes?" Zabuza was rather intrigued with this idea.
Kakashi looked blankly at him. "Sasuke is too attached to whatever was left of his clan to suddenly stop wearing his clan's symbol without help."
"Wow, no wonder that other brat wanted to call you his father…you are like one to your team." Zabuza could respect that.
"I was hoping to come off as an older brother, but I guess a father wouldn't be too bad…" Kakashi didn't seem too content with this.
"Still having Daddy issues?" Zabuza teased before catching a kunai in midair that Kakashi had finished throwing at him.
"Fuck off." And that was Zabuza's cue to drop the subject entirely.
Zabuza may have been the Demon of the Mist, but he knew better than to deliberately rub salt into the wounds of a highly skilled shinobi. Plus, there was a limit to being a complete dick. While Zabuza enjoyed getting a kick out of screwing with people and he was a sadist, he still preferred to keep his usual personality out of the interactions he had with people who were trying to help him. It was only fair, as they were helping him and it would be foolhardy to take such help for granted.
"Note to self: Refrain from mentioning Hatake Sakumo in any shape or form…" Zabuza thought to himself.
…
…
Kakashi did not like how Haku was interacting with Chōko. He certainly did not like how the boy had given the Akimichi a bowl of okayu while everyone else dined on curry in the dining room. He might have been slightly amused to see Chōko a little disappointed, but understanding why okayu would have been a better meal for her.
He also didn't like how the ribbons in their hair made them match. Of course—as he had learned from Zabuza—Kakashi couldn't do a damn thing about it just yet until they met the Mizukage. They were currently ten days into this trip, and Captain Mikuri said that they should be reaching Kirigakure by tomorrow.
Kakashi had no idea how Chōko would have reacted to knowing her actions got her engaged. For that very reason, he hoped she stayed uniformed of it until after this mess was cleared up. It helped that Haku was being rather subtle about it, but at the same time, it was that subtle nature of Haku's that irritated Kakashi.
"I guess Zabuza was right about one thing…" Kakashi needed to give his Genin a crash course in Kirigakure's customs…or just keep them on a tighter leash. That sounded like a better idea then telling them in an overtly complicated manner of what made Kirigakure the hidden village with the most accidental marriages. They had too many damn customs for their own good…
It was rather ironic, in the sense of how violent Kirigakure was. Though, Kakashi wasn't in the mood for irony. It's what got him in this mess.
And there was Zabuza giving Haku an approving look for his actions… Kakashi truly hated the man—or at least, was irritated by him. Kakashi was at least glad that Zabuza had ceased trying to make Chōko his student, though the outcome of this was aforementioned engagement.
"Out of the frying pan and into the fire…" Kakashi should have really seen it coming. He really should have, but he didn't and Zabuza got a huge kick out of that. Sometimes, Kakashi wondered if life was punishing him for his past actions. As if he didn't suffer enough, though, with Naruto's persistent pleading to take Iruka's family, the dolphins they had saved, back home with them… It could have been worse, but Kakashi still wished it hadn't had happened in the first place.
And he really wished Naruto would just drop the entire subject about Iruka's family. It made him wonder if he should tell Iruka about this… Kakashi already had to explain to the Chuunin about how Naruto became the parent of nine fox kits—of whom were looking more colorful with each passing day.
"I wonder when they'll start naming the rest of them…" Kakashi allowed himself to think. "Where are they going to sleep once they outgrow the basket?"
So many questions, so little time…that's how it felt for Kakashi and he really didn't like how Haku was helping Chōko to their room. Barely engaged and Haku was already trying to act like the perfect husband.
"I'm keeping my eye on you, you little shit…" Kakashi resisted the urge to allow his Killing Intent to show through.
It was tough being a Jounin instructor sometimes…
…
Come the next day, shortly after disembarking early in the morning, Kakashi was keeping a close on each and every one of his cute Genin, telling them to stay by his side, lest they accidentally get themselves engaged, like poor, oblivious Chōko.
"In hindsight, I should really have someone inform them of Kirigakure's customs…" For his sake and sanity, Kakashi hoped it would prevent another accidental engagement (how lucky he was that Haku was legally a civilian). For now, he'll just have to endure watching Haku act like the perfect husband he was trying to pass off as to Chōko, even though she still had no idea of what she had gotten herself into.
Kirigakure appeared dark and gloomy—a huge contrast to the bright and cheery Konohagakure. The mist this time of the day was more of a thick, white fog that practically obscured their vision. To Zabuza and Haku, it was a familiar sight…probably. It was their home, though Haku was originally born into a snowy village located somewhere in the Land of Water before Kirigakure became his home after Zabuza had found him.
"Heh, the black-haired brat kinda looks like you in those clothes," Zabuza made a comment about Sasuke's current attire, which consisted of Kakashi's outfit from when he was the Uchiha's age.
Sasuke wasn't exactly in a good mood, Kakashi could tell, so his response was rather predictable. "Shut up, Mochi!"
Ah, Mochi…Zabuza's name for his civilian disguise—it was the only one that stuck with Zabuza because he refused to go by Momo. Kakashi still found it amusing…but not as amusing over the fact that Zabuza absolutely hated wearing a shirt. Zabuza also hated showing his face, but Kakashi could relate to that… In fact, Kakashi greatly disliked being photographed without his mask on.
"Speaking of photographs, we still haven't taken another team photo…" Kakashi needed to fix that the minute they returned Konoha. For now, he had an engagement to break off.
On the bright side, since Chōko was finally off the ship and had no need to take medication, she was back to her usual self. Well...as much of her usual self she could be in such dense fog. The fog's moisture was building up on her glasses, making it difficult for her to see. Kakashi had been expecting her to ask him for help, but then Haku tried to do it for him.
Kakashi could tolerate the boy bringing Chōko medication for her seasickness. He still had mixed feelings over the fact that they were sharing rooms on the ship. And then there was making her food, which was one thing, but watching Haku holding his hand out to take the glasses Chōko was passing him was where Kakashi drew the line.
"I'll watch over those for you." Kakashi didn't even hesitate to get in between the supposed lovebirds, as Zabuza had referred to them a few times (most likely to annoy him). He grabbed onto the glasses and pocketed them, leaving Chōko perplexed and Haku slightly miffed.
It was subtle, but an expression of irritation was definitely on Haku's face, even though he tried to keep it secret. Kakashi considered it an accomplishment of some sort.
As the fog started to clear up into mist, it gave everyone a better look at Kirigakure as a whole. There were certainly lot of trees and tall, cylindrical buildings. Though, with mountains in the distance, the cylindrical buildings almost blended in, looking similar to mountains themselves in the distance, with help from the mist.
It was around this time that people began to populate the previously empty streets. They ignored the group for the most part until the Konohagakure hitai-ate caught their attentions. From there, whispers could be heard and Kakashi could practically feel each and every one of theirs stares on them. A few times, a Kirigakure shinobi confronted them about their reasons for being in their villages—some might have even asked to take a look at the basket of kits Naruto carried in one hand. It was there that all it took was a flash of their badges, and the shinobi would go on their way.
"Are they always like this?" Kakashi found himself asking Zabuza.
"Not that I recall," Zabuza replied. "Though, this could be a safety protocol as a new Mizukage can warrant observations from other hidden villages."
"That sounds like a reasonable action," Chōko piped up as she adjusted her glasses. "You did say that the Yondaime Mizukage, Yagura, had the appearance of a child."
"He was also quite young when he became Mizukage," Zabuza added. "Barely even sixteen and he still held the appearance of a child."
"Sixteen?!" Naruto was stunned. "Hey, hey, Kakashi-sensei—does that mean I can also become Hokage at a young age-ttebayo?!"
And there Naruto went again… "You have to become a Jounin, Naruto, before you can become the Hokage."
That was how it usually went in Konohagakure. And before Naruto could become a Jounin, he had to become a Chuunin, and to become a Chuunin, Naruto needed to pass the Chuunin Exams. Speaking of which, Kakashi was counting down the days before the Sandaime gave word of when the next Chuunin exams was going to take place. Kakashi was quite prepared to volunteer his students, who he felt were ready.
Though, before that, he considered telling Chōko about the truth of her accidental kills… Then Kakashi promptly remembered her freak-out when she thought she had killed Haku.
"One day, maybe—but not yet…" Kakashi worried dearly for his each of his Genin's mental health. "I should reserve a session with Inoichi-san when I tell her…"
That sounded like a rather good idea.
…
It took them an entire hour to reach the Mizukage's office. The building was by far the largest and widest out of every other building in Kirigakure. The higher they got with each step they took to reach the Mizukage's office, the more Kakashi was able to make out the sea of trees and foliage that made everything blend in so well. At first glance, it was almost as if Kirigakure was a city made out of ruins.
"Whoa!" And that was the sound of his Genin, Chōko, getting herself into trouble. It really happened all too quick for anyone to do anything. One minute, Chōko seemed fine, the next, she slipped on a step and landed on her right cheek after falling landing on the stone-hard steps she had just finished slipping on, thanks to the mist leaving them somewhat slippery.
Nobody moved, not even Haku (much to Kakashi's relief). A moment passed before Chōko managed to lift her face off the ground, showing that she was fine…until she spat out a tooth into the palm of her hand. She seemed a little dazed, but mostly fine. Still—that didn't make Kakashi worry any less.
"Are you okay, Chōko?" Kakashi hoped it wasn't her permanent tooth that had fallen out.
"Imma fine…bleh…" Chōko spat out. "Jus' a baby tooth—a molar, at that…"
"Your cheek's not looking too good, though," Zabuza remarked, referring to the nasty bruise that was quickly forming on Chōko's cheek.
"I can heal it," Sasuke was quick to say.
What happened next caught everyone off-guard as Haku forcefully pushed Sasuke toward Chōko and said, "Heal her…now."
"Has anyone seen my glasses?" Of course, the fall had caused Chōko's glasses to fall off...
Thankfully, Naruto was quick to give them to Chōko. As he did this, he also said, "If you put your tooth under the pillow, the tooth-collecting shinobi will replace it with money, dattebayo!"
Chōko stared long and hard at Naruto before exclaimed, "That exists?!"
Kakashi felt like face-palming there and then. The only reason this came to be was because Naruto had a lost a tooth while hanging out with Shisui and freaked out rather badly about it that it took a made-up explanation about a tooth-collecting shinobi and money to make him stop crying. Kakashi could only wonder how Shisui did not tell the other children this or how long it took for Naruto to bring it up with the others for this to have happened. Right now, he could probably only ask,
"Why?"
Right now, Shisui was probably laughing at Kakashi from the afterlife, like the little shit he was. In fact—it was all thanks to the Uchiha that Kakashi had to play along with the idea that he had introduced to Naruto, because he didn't wish for the blond to find out Shisui had been lying.
Five years…almost five years, and Kakashi had a small jar of teeth hidden in a sealing scroll somewhere—one that he hoped Naruto would never find, lest the blond find out the truth. He had never been so glad to find out that Naruto had lost all of his baby teeth…
Sasuke was at least kind enough to play along and now, Kakashi most likely had to inform Chōko about it to prevent the truth from coming out. The same went with Zabuza and Haku, though, judging by reaction Zabuza had from the look Kakashi had given him, the missing-nin most likely got the message.
"I should also consider reserving a session with Inoichi-san for Naruto…" Kakashi truly did worry for his Genin.
It didn't take them that long to reach the Mizukage after that. The group was escorted into the Mizukage's office by a blue-haired, eye-patch-wearing Jounin by the name of Ao. And it was shortly after meeting the one and only Terumī Mei that Kakashi really regretted not staying by Chōko's side.
"Wow, you look pretty young for a Kage." Kakashi was quite aware that Chōko probably said what she had said without even thinking about it. Normally, Kakashi would agree, except for the fact that Zabuza had confirmed that the Yondaime Mizukage held the appearance of a child. Anyone would probably look older than Yagura, and yet, Chōko made such a comment that Kakashi really hoped that Mei wouldn't take it the wrong way.
However, Mei seemed rather stunned, her green eyes focused on Chōko. The auburn-haired woman stared at Chōko for a whole minute before looking at Ao, and saying, "Ao, you've been replaced."
Kakashi almost felt bad for Ao…almost, except for the fact that the Godaime Mizukage was now looking at Chōko with an expression that seemed to have made the Akimichi panic.
"Did I say that out loud?!" Kakashi wasn't even surprised to hear Chōko say that. "Uh, uhhh…you're gorgeous!"
Kakashi found himself looking at Mei after hearing his Genin say that. Mei was rather beautiful and possessed an impressive figure. He could see where Chōko was going at—he just wished she kept her mouth shut, since she was in a hidden village known for its peculiarly long list of customs when it came to marriage, of which had gotten quite a number of foreign shinobi and civilians married.
"You're not so bad yourself, hmm-hmm!" Mei flipped her long, auburn hair and winked at Chōko.
Chōko's face went completely red before she hid it behind her scarf. It was at that moment that Haku pulled out a white carnation and placed it in Chōko's hair.
"Ah, Godaime Mizukage-sama?" Haku suddenly spoke. "Would you like a white carnation?"
Mei turned her attention away from Chōko and looked at Haku, who held out another white carnation. Mei blinked and then looked back at Chōko, most likely having noticed the white carnation in her hair. She huffed and sighed, shrugging afterwards.
"If only you were a little older—then maybe we could have had something…" Kakashi really didn't like the sound of that.
"Chōko, you should really know when to keep quiet," Sasuke scolded Chōko, who was still hiding her face behind her scarf.
"You know how Chōko-chan gets around people who are pretty," Naruto remarked. "It's not her fault she's speaking the truth-ttebayo."
Oh god, now Naruto was doing it as well.
"My, it must be my lucky day to hear so many compliments." Mei seemed pleased. "Konohagakure sure knows how to make a lady feel good about herself…if only Ao was the same."
"Godaime…!" Ao looked strained.
"Well, let's get back to business, shall we?" Mei smiled sweetly at them.
Kakashi felt a small bead of sweat rolled down the side of his face. He honestly felt a sort of pressure on him that was unfamiliar to him. "Is this what it means to be in a village where engagement is literally around the corner?"
"Ao, why don't you take these four to your students so they could give them a tour around Kirigakure?" Mei asked Ao, having referred to Haku, Naruto, Sasuke, and Chōko. "I'm sure it would do Chōjūrō and Suigetsu some good to have something to do while we speak privately about certain matters."
Ao looked about ready to question Mei, but all it took was a smile that was hiding a stern look and Ao did as he was told. Once Ao had left the room with Haku, Naruto, Sasuke, and Chōko, Zabuza decided to speak.
"As deadly as ever, aren't we, Mei?" Zabuza chuckled.
"How else did you think I made Godaime?" Mei giggled. "Despite the circumstances that you are here for, I would like to take a moment to say that it is good to see you again, Zabuza."
"Likewise." Zabuza had dispelled the transformation to give Mei a smile showing his jagged teeth.
"You have such a cute face and smile—I never knew why you had to hide them behind bandages." Mei crossed her arms.
"Preference," Zabuza simply said.
Kakashi honestly had no idea what he was witnessing…were Mei and Zabuza really flirting—even though Zabuza was still a missing-nin? "I don't mean to be rude, but shouldn't we be talking about Zabuza's pardon?"
Mei blinked and turned her attention to Kakashi. "Oh, no…you're right. I apologize, but let me just ask—are you also hiding a cute face behind that mask like Zabuza?"
The effortless way she had said that had made Kakashi blush…a blush that was thankfully hidden behind his mask. This was why he preferred to wear a mask at all times…
…
…
Terumī Mei was someone who quite enjoyed what she did for the most part. Flirting was one of them and the reactions she evoked from the people she flirted with were what made it all the more fun to continue. The little girl with the glasses was someone who reminded her a bit of Chōjūrō, in the sense of how nervous she could get. And much like him, Mei appreciated the way the girl had acted toward her…
It was a shame that the little girl was already engaged to the boy who had placed a white carnation in her hair. Haku certainly picked a nice person and he very well deserved to have someone like her after what had happened to him, due to his genetics granting him with a kekkei genkai during a time of terror. Even now, Mei felt as though she should keep Haku in Kirigakure, though she knew that Haku was better off in Konohagakure, where he would feel wanted.
Attitudes take time to change and while Yagura wasn't truly to blame for his actions as the Yondaime Mizukage, Mei still had a huge mess to clean up. That is why she chose to pardon Zabuza when the request had come from Konohagakure. At the same time, feelings for the friend she had made during her Academy days still lingered, so that could have helped curb her decision. That still didn't make Mei feel any less confident about her choice.
Considering how long the Sandaime Hokage had mentioned he had been trying to contact Kirigakure, Mei felt this was a great way to strengthen ties between this hidden village and Konoha.
"Apart from my pardon, which you have received, is there anything else you wish to talk to me about?" Maybe a question in regards to having dinner with the silver-haired Jounin, Mei hoped. "Oh, and where are my manners? I am Terumī Mei, Godaime Mizukage…and you?"
The silver-haired Jounin coughed and calmly replied, "Hatake Kakashi—the Sandaime also gave a message to give to you."
Mei arched her brow at Kakashi. "Hmm, and what could that be?"
Kakashi walked over to Mei and handed her a scroll. Mei didn't hesitated to open it and look at its contents. Her left eye scanned the message, her interest very much piqued after seeing what she had read.
"Ah, so that's what it is…" Mei was certainly intrigued and definitely felt like responding to the message she had been given. Just not at the moment, as she was still busy. Mei closed the scroll and turned her attention back to the two men standing in front of her desk. "Is there anything else?"
"Yes, it's about Haku and my Genin, Chōko…" Kakashi seemed rather strained.
"Oh, the glasses-wearing girl?" What a cute name, Mei couldn't help but think to herself. "Ah, such a lucky girl she is! Congrats on the happy couple, by the way, I'm sure you raised a fine child, Zabuza!"
Zabuza certainly looked proud. "He definitely picked someone with such potential—she has an affinity for water, by the way."
"A water affinity—in the Land of Fire?" Mei questioned. "How ironic…it's almost as ironic as having a fire affinity in the Land of Water."
Not that Mei would know anything of such…maybe.
"She also managed to kill two Chuunin, Gōzu and Meizu." Zabuza grinned.
"Ah, yes, I've heard of the Demon Brothers' demise—I just never expected the person to be her…" Mei was certainly surprised.
"Do not mention that around her just yet," Kakashi suddenly said. "I have no idea how she'll response—she freaked out enough when she thought she had killed Haku."
"Oh, first kill?" Mei knew how that felt…her first kill had been during her Academy's brutal graduation ritual. Even though she still resented Zabuza's actions, she was quite thankful the practice was put to an end after he had slaughtered a graduating class. It was such a shame it had to be done under such circumstances, though…
"Konohagakure sure raises a lot of softies, though…" Zabuza sighed.
"They seemed fine to me." Mei tried to seem subtle with her intent to keep Zabuza from saying anything else he would regret saying around her. "Try to be a little open-minded, okay?"
That definitely silenced Zabuza.
"Anyways, you were talking about Haku and Chōko's engagement?" Mei decided to bring them back to the subject Kakashi had brought up. "What about them?"
"Could you please break it off?" Kakashi asked.
Mei blinked and tilted her head to the side. "Why should I do that?"
Marriage was something considered quite the goal in Kirigakure, with how short life could be at times. It was a form of happiness that kept people going during the time of Yagura's reign. It was something that Mei wished to have herself, but had no such luck in just yet.
"Soon…hopefully today—or maybe tomorrow." Mei could only hope…
"Excuse me?" Kakashi seemed surprised.
"There are a certain set of conditions that must be fulfilled in order for a marriage or engagement to be broken off." Mei was very well acquainted with such, as well as the customs that had gotten people engaged and married in this hidden village. "Unless you explain the reasons, I cannot break it off."
"Chōko isn't even aware she's engaged!" Kakashi exclaimed.
"And…?" Mei needed more reasons to cancel off an engagement.
"Haku doesn't see her in that way either!" Kakashi added.
"But he wouldn't mind it, though," Zabuza brought up. "And the girl seems to like him enough—she certainly thinks he's gorgeous."
"Ha~, she certainly has perfect sight, for someone who wears glasses." Mei smiled, still feeling rather content with the words the glasses-wearing girl had told her.
Kakashi seemed exasperated at this point, though Mei still had no idea why. He should be happy for his Genin. "Why does Kirigakure have so many customs, anyways?"
Mei giggled. "When was the last time you have ever seen a Kiri-nin act so intimate in regards to romance?"
"…" Kakashi said nothing but just stared at her.
"Flirting is an entirely different thing." Flirting was a good way to show interest, but never a good way to get married to someone else. Otherwise, Mei wouldn't still be single. "In any case, I cannot break off the engagement…so what was it exactly that brought them together?"
Mei was curious.
"They exchanged ribbons, which, to them, were items of personal value," Zabuza replied.
"Aww, how sweet!" Mei could only hope her own engagement or marriage was just as endearing.
"Haku had tried giving Chōko a ring, but someone had to steal the ring…" Zabuza looked sternly at Kakashi.
"It fit me—I don't see any complaints about preventing Chōko from getting a ring that didn't fit her," Kakashi said nonchalantly.
"Oh…oh dear…" Mei really had bad luck in having her eye on certain men, but before that, she had to confirm something. "Did you put it on your left ring finger?"
"I did, actually…perfect fit," Kakashi answered with a straight face. "What seems to be the problem?"
"And how old are you?" Mei crossed her arms.
"I'm turning twenty-seven this year." Kakashi didn't even blink an eye.
Well, damn… "According to Kirigakure customs, since you took a ring meant to tie someone else together and placed it on your ring finger, confirming such an action…you and Zabuza are married."
…
"What?" Kakashi's tone was so flat.
"You gotta be fucking with me!" Zabuza's eyes were wide from shock.
"Since Haku is still considered a minor in civilian terms, and Kakashi is much older than him by at least six years, such a custom would fall under Haku's guardian," Mei explained as if it were obvious. "Which shouldn't have been an issue, had he not been single…"
It was how some children managed to get their single parents married or remarried in this hidden village, with a match-up where the child approved of someone who could very well take care of them and their guardian. It certainly brought an end to some sexual tension that existed between couples that couldn't spit it out…
"Wouldn't want someone so young getting married to someone much older, now would we?" That still didn't stop some people from trying, much to Mei's annoyance.
"…" Kakashi was certainly quiet this time around.
"You just had to put the ring on your finger, didn't you?!" Zabuza looked so pissed.
"I wasn't going to let my Genin get engaged!" Kakashi snapped.
"You know what—fuck this!" Zabuza exclaimed. "Mei, how do we break this off?"
Mei pouted…she had never seen such negativity toward marriage—except for people who weren't interested in love, which was something she could respect and take into consideration when breaking off engagements and marriages they wanted nothing to do with. The same could be said with incompatible orientation, which Mei had encountered more than one toward people who just couldn't understand why they were incompatible with the other, even though it was obvious. Sometimes, people happened to be a little too forceful…and that was Mei putting it lightly.
When it came to Kakashi and Zabuza, they definitely had potential, but at the same time, they seemed better off as friends of the vitriolic sort.
Mei sighed and decided to tell them a detail they haven't really noticed just yet. "If you're really interested, then you should know that these customs only apply to the people of Kirigakure. So long as one person is from this village, these customs apply."
The same went with every other hidden village, such as Iwagakure and Kumogakure.
"In your case, Zabuza, you are switching villages, so until that happens, you two are stuck with each other—unless you'd prefer to get divorced, then I'll get the paperwork out." Because Mei always had an extra set on hand for such situations—it was surprisingly more common than one would think. "But I suggest you wait until you get back to Konohagakure, which is when the marriage will be completely nullified—almost as if it had never happened. It will certainly keep you, Kakashi, from getting engaged or married to anyone else in Kirigakure while you are here."
One of the perks these situations bring is immunity to Kirigakure's customs.
"Really, now, Zabuza, you ought to know about stuff like this." Mei sighed.
"All I had was you as a reference for such things growing up!" Zabuza scowled.
Mei giggled. "That is true…say, would you like to meet Yagura? I'm sure you would like to meet with the person who took you in when you were only three years old."
When Zabuza was three years old, he had run away from home and was roaming the streets when Yagura had found him. He had absolutely no reason to pay any attention to some random child and yet... Yagura still took notice and took Zabuza in when no one else bothered to even look in his direction. It's because of this that Mei isn't at all surprised to see a sudden change in Zabuza's demeanor upon mentioning Yagura's name.
Zabuza stiffened. "Is he…here?"
"He's still recovering, but the medic-nin say he should be out of the hospital by next month." Mei felt herself smile when she saw a certain look of longing in Zabuza's eyes. "Would you like me to take you to him? I'm sure he would like to meet you."
"I tried to kill him…I doubt he'd want to see my face." Zabuza laughed weakly.
Mei looked sympathetically at Zabuza. "Oh, Zabuza…I have some news for you. Kakashi…would you mind taking some notes to bring to your Sandaime?"
"Not at all," Kakashi responded.
"Very well…" Mei stood up from her seat and walked out. "Follow me—I'll take you to the Yondaime."
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Sunflower: Love and Respect
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White Carnation: Engaged to be married/Our love endures
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A/N Credit goes to Leafy365, for the "Ao, you've been replaced." line. Anyways, I hope everyone remembers that I'm quite open-minded, so do not be too surprised about some of the content in this chapter. To the people who have referred to the hanakotoba reference to find out the messages, kudos! To everyone else, I hope you understand now and let me just say, in Neji's case, he might have had a little help from Ino.
Anyways, the entire concept of Kirigakure's many customs in regards to engagements and marriages all stem from Mei's obsession with marriage and her flirtatious nature. I decided to give an explanation on how she would be so intrigued with it and why she would get annoyed if anyone insinuates that she is past marriageable age. It also reflects a bit of irony, considering how much of a violent reputation Kirigakure has, and yet, look at their customs of getting married and engaged—certainly doesn't match up, one would think, as fighting to near death surely seems like something fitting for Kirigakure.
Of course, that is how it is and pretty much, it's what got Kakashi accidentally hitched to Zabuza, because these customs are unisex. This is why people are extremely wary of entering Kirigakure, because if you aren't wary of the customs, that could be you getting accidentally married or engaged to someone. And let me just say it isn't Kiri exclusive, as Iwa and Kumo have their own customs, it's just that Kiri has quite a number of them.
So yeah, Haku and Chōko are engaged…but only until they return to Konoha, which is when the engagement is completely nullified. That aside, I hope everyone likes the mental image of Sasuke wearing Young Kakashi's clothes, because that is what he is wearing in this chapter for Kirigakure! I wonder if there is any fan art of this, because I know have a might need… Oh, and Naruto finally told Chōko about his Jinchuuriki status and Chōko being who she is wouldn't have rejected him, because has already known about for quite a long-time now.
I had fun with these multiple perspectives and I was hoping for a You've Got That Wrong approach, but this happened and I'm fine with it, since it has a rather consecutive flow to it.
You can consider this a world-building chapter, because it technically is one, as in Konoha, you have to be a Jounin to become Hokage. The requirements to become a Kage vary from village to village, by the way. Oh, and I hope everyone enjoys the mention of certain characters who shall be making early appearances.
And Mei was a fun character to write from her perspective. And in case anyone didn't get what Mei had been implying when she had asked Zabuza about Yagura, she was referring to the fact that Yagura wasn't just someone Zabuza knew…Yagura was someone who had raised Zabuza.
Yagura is someone who is still alive and being alive, he able to confirm things that had happened while he was Mizukage, of which Mei is going to tell Zabuza and Kakashi, of whom is going to bring back a message to Hiruzen, the Sandaime. Things are happening, that's all I'm saying.
Shout out to Em Cay for being reviewer #440, tatewaki2000 for being lucky reviewer #444 (look at them 4's), Amaya Albarn for being reviewer #450, ghina . dhia2 for being reviewer #460, and PolkaPox for being reviewer #470. Honorable mentions go to InazumaSenshi, who has given me a good reason for the Itachi/Chōko pair (personality mesh) and Joldino-Sidestreaker, who has given me this awesome site for making avatars (look up rinmarugames mega anime avatar creator and anime avatar creator, they are FUN and you can make your OCs!). Mentions also go to Rookie-Cat, for having referred to the hanakotoba reference, which kopycat101 has done as well, Mindmaze (cool name, by the way), Glass Carousel (also another cool name!), and Uchiha Salad, for making the comment of "Chouko is best girl".
Holy crap, you guys were really vocal this time around, just…thank you so much! I hope to hear from you again after this chapter! ^^
I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter—I'm posting it up literally at 1 AM, on the day I have 10 AM classes, just for you guys! So no April Fool's jokes for you, so until next time everyone! KD out! XD