Chapter 18
The dinner table was quiet as Tsunami began to serve the meal she had prepared. Keiko had tried to offer help for the meal but Tsunami refused, telling her that she was a guest and not to worry. So, she sat at the table and observed the other occupants of the table. Tazuna and Inari sat in silence, the small boy looking down, obviously not wanting to be there. He was sat right next to her and she couldn't help but wonder if her presence next to him made him uncomfortable.
Across from her and Inari was Kakashi who sat with his eyes closed and arms crossed. She was sure he must be thinking over everything, assessing how prepared they were, or if there would even be a fight in the days to come. Keiko knew he was growing uneasy with the supposed peace that had settled.
Next to Kakashi and right across from her was her father who had been invited by Tazuna. Musashi could sense the atmosphere in the room so he stayed quiet as well, leaning his arms on the table with a small grin on his face. His cool eyes were slowly scanning everyone as well, flickering from one person to the next.
Finally, there was Sakura at the end of the table. There was an empty chair on either side of her where her teammates should be. Her eyes flickered from one chair to the other and then to the clock, "Now they're both late. I wouldn't have expected that from Sasuke." That morning Naruto had been late for breakfast and Sasuke had gone off after him. Since then the both of them had been gone all day training.
As if on que, everyone turned to see Sasuke walk in the door with Naruto by his side. Naruto's arm was slung over Sasuke's shoulder so that he could help him walk. Keiko gave a small smile, she should have expected that he would go all out.
"What have you two been up to?" Tazuna questioned. "You look like something the cat dragged in."
Naruto chuckled and lifted up his head. The boy smiled though it didn't hide his exhaustion, "We both made it. We made it all the way to the top!"
Kakashi nodded in approval, "Good. Starting tomorrow, you're both bodyguards for Tazuna."
Both boys faces lit up in excitement but Naruto flung his arm into the air, throwing them both off balance and onto the floor. The action caused most everyone in the room to divulge into laughter. All except Inari. He couldn't understand what was so great about putting your life on the line. Couldn't they see that they were going to die? Why bother when death was inevitable? Inari bowed his head even more, not willing to engage with anyone at the table.
The meal passed quickly. The three Genin exchanging their thoughts about the training they had gone over and how they now felt. Naruto didn't offer much to the conversation and opted to lean his head on the table as soon as his food was eaten. He couldn't wait to get to bed and get some sleep. He deserved it after all that!
Musashi smiled as he listened into their conversation. It brought back memories of when he was young and training with his brother. The two of them fought and bickered about different moves and what techniques were better than others. He missed those days with his brother. They were not as close now as they were then, but he still cared for him deeply. Musashi would keep in contact as they sent letters back and fourth every few months. It was nice to know how it was going in his homeland since he had left.
The man was lost in his thoughts when his eyes flickered to his daughter who was seated right across from him. He watched as Keiko would sneak glances toward Kakashi who didn't seem to notice. From where Musashi sat next to Kakashi he could easily study the two of them. Kakashi had finished his food quickly and by the time anyone looked at him he was readjusting his mask over his face. He had to wonder if the white haired shinobi even tasted anything he ate.
After a few minutes, Musashi saw something that he wasn't expecting. Kakashi looked up from his empty plate and his one eye met Keiko's. His eye smiled and Keiko smiled in return before seeming to take great interest in what Sakura was saying. Kakashi went back to his silent personal world and it was then that Keiko met the eyes of Musashi.
He gave her a knowing smile, going so far as to raise an eyebrow suggestively and point with his eyes toward Kakashi. He had to stifle a laugh when Keiko looked away again, though he could see a bit of color rise to her cheeks in a feint blush. His eyes looked beside him toward Kakashi who seemed to not notice any of it. Musashi had to wonder though, was he really unaware or was he just ignoring it.
When everyone was done with their food, Tazuna spoke and gained all of their attention. "In a few more days, the bridge will be finished, and we have you to thank for that." He nodded in thanks toward Kakashi. Tazuna knew that it was Kakashi who chose to stay, he could have returned to their village if he wanted to but he chose to continue the mission.
Tsunami began to gather the dishes from the table, "You've all done great, but you still have to be careful."
Tazuna grinned, "I've been meaning to ask you this but I haven't had the chance until now. Why did you stay and protect me even though I lied to bring you here?"
The male Jonin met Tazuna's gaze before closing them, thinking of an old saying, "Those who stray from the path of justice, have no courage, but under the wing of a strong leader, cowardice cannot survive." Both Tazuna and Tsunami looked at him with a bit of confusion so he elaborated, "That was a quote from the first Hokage."
Musashi nodded, "Words from a wise man. I take if you believe in those words since you know them by heart."
Kakashi rested his elbows on the table and folded his fingers together, "I do."
He was going to comment again but Musashi was cut off by Inari's small voice. "But, why?"
Naruto, who had stayed out of most conversations until that point looked up toward the boy. "Huh? What'd you say?"
Now everyone was looking at Inari as he slammed his hands onto the table and stood, tears streaming down his plump cheeks. "All this stupid training is just a waste of time. Gato's got a whole army. They'll beat you down and they'll destroy you. These cool things you all say, they don't mean anything! No matter what you do, the strong always win and the weak always lose!"
The room was stunned into silence at Inari's words. No one had expected him to make such an outburst.
Naruto scoffed, "Speak for yourself, it won't be like that for me. You got that?"
"Why don't you be quiet?! Just looking at you makes me sick! you don't know anything about this country! You're just butting in! Always laughing and playing around. You don't know what it's like to suffer and be treated like dirt!"
Keiko gasped and she knew she saw Naruto twitch. He had hit a nerve. Inari had no idea what Naruto had been through, what he still goes through now.
"Listen to yourself whining and complaining like some sorry little victim! You can whimper all day for all I care," Naruto raised his head, giving a harsh glare to the younger boy, "You're nothing but a coward!"
Sakura gasped, "Naruto! You went too far!"
He didn't care. Someone had to say it and if they wouldn't listen then that was on them! Naruto stood from the table and walked out of the room in a huff.
The adults in the room looked down at Inari who was doing his best to lessen his sobs though his shoulders shook and they could see the tears streaming down his face. It wasn't long before everyone went their separate ways for the night. Musashi left to go to his own place of residence and said he would be back in the morning. Keiko saw him off, the sun having set shortly after dinner.
As Keiko watched her father go she heaved a heavy sigh and looked back at the house on the water. She was sure the Genin were preparing for bed, Naruto last she saw him was already in his pajama's passed out on his futon. If he was up in the morning it would be a surprise. Keiko had yet to see him so exhausted. She turned to walk back into the house when she stopped, noticing Inari in the distance. He was sitting on the edge, knees pulled up to his chin. The image was enough to pull at her heartstrings.
Keiko moved to speak with him but before she could round the corner she heard a voice, "Can I talk to you?"
She pulled back around the corner before her presence was known. Kakashi had stepped out from the house and sat next to the young boy, hanging his legs off over the water. Keiko knew she should have left them for their private conversation, but was rooted in place. She hadn't expected Kakashi to talk to Inari and she couldn't help but listen.
"Naruto can be a bit harsh sometimes, but he doesn't hate you. You're grandfather told us what happened to your father." There was a pause, as if Kakashi thought about his next words carefully. "You probably don't know this, but Naruto also grew up without a father. In fact, he never knew either of his parents, and didn't have a single friend in our village." That seemed to get Inari's attention based on the small sound she heard from him. "Still, I've never seen him cry, sulk, or give up."
Keiko smiled softly at that, he might not have seen it, but she did. The nights Naruto would be so fed up with them all, the looks they gave him, the things they would say. Naruto always got back up though. Naruto's tenacity was one of his best qualities and Kakashi was right, he never gave up.
She listened more, "He's always eager to jump in. He wants to be respected. That's his dream. And he'll put his life on the line for that, in a heartbeat. My guess is, he finally got tired of crying, and decided to do something about it. Even though he's young and still learning, he knows what it means to be strong, like your father did. I think he knows better than any of us, what you're going through. What Naruto told you earlier, as cruel as it sounded, he's probably told himself that a thousand times."
Keiko stayed silent, her lips curled into a smile as her eyes glazed over in thought. She let her mind wander so much she didn't notice when someone walked right up next to her, "You heading in?"
She jumped at the sudden voice and met the single dark eye of Kakashi. Keiko laughed softly, "Yeah, I guess so."
Kakashi nodded and moved to walk past her when Keiko reached out and grabbed his arm, making the man look back at her in surprise. He had known she was there while he spoke to Inari, was she upset with something he said? Instead of being upset, she showed nothing but appreciation in her gaze.
"Thank you. For talking to Inari, and for understanding Naruto so well."
Kakashi turned his body toward her, her hand releasing the soft grip on his arm. "I am his teacher, it's my job to understand him."
She knew that was true. Kakashi was good at reading people, he had to be in order to be in the Anbu. Understanding people and why they did the things they did was a big part of what Kakashi did. Keiko knew him well enough to know that deeper emotions were harder for him to read. Yet, he had done it for Naruto and he had empathized. Keiko pushed herself off of the building and placed a hand on his shoulder, "I know. I was just thinking, how I couldn't imagine a better Sensei for Naruto than you."
Kakashi's visible eye widened and he could feel his heart quicken in pace. He hadn't been expecting that. He offered her his one eye smile and nodded to her as she started walking back into the house. He watched her for a moment and opened his mouth to say something but stopped himself as the door shut behind her. The man sighed, looking out over the water for several moments before turning in for the night himself. His dreams haunted by a pair of luminous blue eyes.
~0~
The next morning Keiko was walking with her father down a path. He had met up with her that morning and the two decided to go on a walk before meeting Tazuna and the others at the bridge. They talked about trivial things for some time before Musashi broke out with a question Keiko wasn't expecting, "So, how is Kakashi?"
"He's fine, why do you ask?" Keiko arched a delicate brow, not sure where her father was going with this.
"Well," Musashi began, "the first time you ever brought him up to me all you could say about him was how dark and mysterious he was." Keiko gave him a deadpan expression. She did not say it in those exact words. Musashi waved a hand toward her, much like she did when dismissing someone. "Now, I find out you've been going on missions and are around him most of the time. So, how is he?"
Keiko understood his question and looked up where there were several puffy clouds against a pristine blue sky. She gave it some thought before answering. "Well," she began hesitantly, "Kakashi isn't as closed off as he used to be." She paused again, "He talks more..."
Musashi watched her intently as her words trailed off in thought, no doubt about the man in question.
She became lost in her own thoughts. Kakashi, was unique, and it was because she had gotten to know him that she was aware of that. To most people he was just blunt and emotionless, not caring much for others or their emotions. On the contrary, she knew he was more emotionally capable than others realized even if he did have trouble on occasion. His talk with Inari was more than enough proof of that. When someone really needed him, he was there for them as a friend or a mentor. His advice may not always be what they wanted to hear but it was what they needed. Kakashi even helped her on occasion. She knew her emotions could often run away with her and Kakashi helped keep her rational. He was an invaluable friend to her.
Although, lately her thoughts had been shifting. She found herself thinking about the man more and more. Often thinking about what he was up to, what he was doing, how he was feeling. She had even started caring about what he thought of her. Her hand ran through her hair that she had tied over her shoulder loosely, remembering how Kakashi said it looks nice that way. Since then, she had started wearing it this way more and more until it had become her usual style. She wondered if Kakashi had noticed...
A feint blush rose to her cheeks. Speaking of noticing, Keiko couldn't help but realize her thoughts were slowly becoming improper in regards to him. When Kakashi was acting domineering toward his Genin during the bell test it was like it flipped a switch within her. The tone of his voice, the way he handled himself, the way that he moved. There were times that she couldn't look away. It was nearly disturbing when she realized it had excited her, seeing him be strict with them. It made her wonder what it would be like to have Kakashi speak to her like that under different circumstances...
Her face was flush now in embarrassment as she remembered the short conversation she had had with Sakura. Keiko had lied, she did like someone, and she thought about it more than she would like to admit.
Keiko was so lost in her thoughts she forgot who she was walking next to. Musashi's grin stretched from ear to ear as he had watched her face morph from one expression to the next. "So," he said slyly, "when will I get to meet my grandchildren?"
Her face matched the color of a ripe tomato, "Father!" She said in mortified horror. How could he say something like that?!
Musashi broke down into a fit of laughter, so hard that tears stung his eyes. Just when he was starting to calm down he looked up into the horrified expression on her face and lost himself once again.
A fist rested on her hip with one hand and with the other she wacked him in the shoulder, "It's not funny!"
Regaining his composure he stopped, wiping a tear from his eye. "Oh, Kiko, I'm only teasing you. It is nice to finally see you take interest in someone though."
Keiko battled with her heart to slow as she tried to calm down from the embarrassment. She was thankful they were alone.
Just as the thought entered her mind she felt that familiar tingle on the back of her neck.
Her eyes sharpened and Keiko was suddenly on the opposite side of her father, having unsheathed her blade just enough so she could use the metal to deflect several knives that were aimed for him. Keiko noticed that they were not kunai and that they had been thrown rather sloppily. She was sure Sasuke had more skill than this assailant. Musashi was silent, staring at her and then at the area of forest just passed her.
A man stepped out, holding another knife in his hand that he tossed lazily. Keiko didn't see any headband on him to indicate that he was a ninja so she could only assume that this was a thug. He stood several inches taller than her, his dark hair sticking out in all directions as his equally dark eyes regarded them both with excitement. "Shame, I thought I chose a good moment. I'm gonna have to ask you to step aside, I wouldn't want to injure a pretty face."
Keiko smiled and was about to make her move but just before she moved to dispatch the thug Musashi placed a hand upon her shoulder. "Allow me, I don't get a lot of opportunities like this." She studied him for a moment before nodding and stepping aside. This man was no Zabuza, her father could take him no problem. Musashi stood, cracking his knuckles and stretching his neck from side to side.
The thug laughed, "You think you can take me? You're nothing but an old man, Musashi. Our informants tell us you're just as pitiful as the rest of them-" Suddenly, the thug was cut off as Musashi rushed forward quickly and slammed him into a tree so hard he coughed up blood. Musashi's large hand snacked around the thugs neck and held him up against the tree causing the man to try and claw at his neck. His feet several inches off the ground.
"Do you work for Gato?" Musashi said, his voice low with an unmistakable edge to it.
The thug looked at him, unmistakable fear in his eyes but stubbornly fought out, "Who... Else...?"
Musashi's eyes sharpened dangerously, "Maybe, I should send a message to that no good scumbag."
Keiko watched as her father seemed to drop the man before his opposite hand was enveloped with chakra and formed into a blade. With little warning the chakra blade was thrust into the man's chest, the blood splattering as his eyes were wide before he slid to the ground, lifeless.
Musashi turned toward his daughter and away from the now dead man at his feat. He gripped his hand painfully with a wince, "It's been a little too long since I've done that." His hand was bleeding, some of the old and faded scars open and seeping blood.
She sighed, "You know I could have taken him down much easier than that."
He smiled, "Of course, but I couldn't help myself. I've watched these people suffer because of that man for far too long and this is actually the first person who has come after me. I figured, it was only fair."
Keiko nodded, choosing not to question her father for his methods or reasoning. Instead, she looked at the man now dead on the ground and thought of Kakashi and the Genin. A sour taste seeped into her mouth as she looked off in the direction of the bridge.
~0~
"Are you done bragging? You're starting to put me to sleep. Let's finish this, now!" Kakashi's voice boomed as he raised his forehead protector to unveil his Sharingan. Kakashi couldn't allow this to go on much longer. He needed to take down Zabuza so he could get to Naruto and Sasuke. They didn't stand a chance against that kid, Haku. A part of him cursed at the fact Keiko had left earlier that morning, if she were there this situation would be better. Now, it was either face Zabuza and take him down, or leave Sakura to fight him and that wasn't an option. Her spirit wouldn't be nearly enough to take this opponent down.
Zabuza put away his kunai he had used to injure Kakashi's hand, "Fine, but there's something else you should know. A little more bragging, as you say." Kakashi's eyes narrowed, listening intently to his opponent. "Did you really think our last battle was just win or loose? That I took your attacks like some Genin? Haku was there, hiding, watching every move you made. Studying your Sharingan. Haku can see a jutsu once and immediately devise a lethal counter attack. I've been waiting to see the look on your face when you realize that your Sharingan has become worthless. You once said that the same jutsu won't work on you twice, well now I'm telling you that." Zabuza raised his hand, "Ninja art; Hidden Mist Jutsu."
With that the mist began moving in even more heavily. It was so thick that Kakashi, Sakura, and Tazuna couldn't even see their hand in front of their face. Zabuza seemed to disappear before him and Kakashi cursed internally. He heard Sakura call out to him. "Sakura, stay with Tazuna," he told her sternly.
Kakashi's eyes darted from point to point. This mist was too thick for even Zabuza to fight in. There was no way Zabuza could see anything if he couldn't with his Sharingan. Just then he heard it. Taking out a kunai Kakashi turned and deflected several shuriken that were aimed his way. They all fell to the ground with a clatter but it was dead silent yet again. That was until he could hear Zabuza's voice echoing around him from somewhere in the mist.
"Very skillful, as I'd expect from Kakashi the Sharingan Warrior."
Zabuza appeared behind him and Kakashi turned around to face him. It was then he realized that Zabuza's eyes were closed.
"But next time you see me, will be the last time you see anything. Without your Sharingan, you're nothing."
"What?" Kakashi questioned as the rogue ninja disappeared back into the mist. He listened as Zabuza ranted from the mist, explaining his Sharingan's ability in detail. If Zabuza had gathered all of this from Haku, who had only witnessed it's abilities once then Haku truly wasn't someone to mess around with. Even more reason to end this quickly.
Zabuza laughed, "Upon learning all of this, I've realized a very simple plan can defeat you. First, neutralize your piercing eye with zero visibility mist."
Just then, out of nowhere Kakashi had to jump back to dodge a well aimed kick. He fell back, sliding along the ground on his feet before raising the Kunai again. The mist was slowing his reaction time. Not good.
"Next, neutralize your hypnotic eye by keeping my own eyes closed. You can't bore into my mind if you can't look into my eyes."
Kakashi looked around, kunai raised, "Brilliant, except with your own eyes closed you can't see me either."
"Have you forgotten who I am, Kakashi? I'm the demon of the Hidden Mist, master of the silent kill. I can take you out by sound alone."
His eyes widened. Of course, why didn't he realize it before. Zabuza wouldn't need to see him in order to take him down. Just by the sound of his own breathing, or even his heartbeat, Zabuza could track him in this mist. Kakashi grunted in frustration and thought. It had been a long time since he had fought anyone this tough, and he wasn't sure how much longer Sasuke and Naruto could hold out. He had to stay calm, think. Where would he strike next...
He gasped, "The bridge builder!" Of course, how did he not think of it before?!
In the next moment, Kakashi was there, placing himself between Tazuna and Zabuza. He could feel the sharp and intense pain of Zabuza's blade run along his chest and through his flak jacket where it slashed easily through his skin. He grabbed at his chest as blood pooled through his fingers and dripped down to the ground. Sakura's fearful scream echoing.
"You were late, Kakashi. You let your concern for those little punks safety cloud your mind, adding further to the fog that already hinders your Sharingan. Your eyes are sharp Kakashi, but not sharp enough to read my moves. Not anymore." He laughed again, finding joy in the pained expression upon Kakashi's face, "Come on Kakashi, I want this to be fun. I want to enjoy myself as I exact my revenge. As for those brats, don't worry they're at Haku's mercy. No, they're breathing their last breaths, right now. Relax, you'll have plenty of time to weep out an apology for failing those brats when you see them in the next life!"
Zabuza reared back, preparing another attack toward the ninja, causing Kakashi to stiffen. He had to move!
Just then, a cold chill hand down his spine and settled in the air. No sooner did he feel the sensation was Zabuza's blade met with another blade and was pushed back into the mist. "What?!" They could hear Zabuza shout in surprise before he disappeared into the mist.
Keiko stood, sword enveloped with chakra. The chakra in her blade died down as she turned toward Kakashi, Tazuna and Sakura with the same ever present smile. "Care to fill me in?" She took in Kakashi's wound, seeing his brows knotted in pain and his labored breathing.
He noticed her worried expression and gritted out, "I'll be fine. We have to take down Zabuza and get to Naruto and Sasuke."
"Where are they?" She asked, sheathing her sword again in preparation for another attack.
"He said Sasuke will die..." Sakura said faintly form behind Kakashi. Keiko was hardly able to make her out in the fog but he could hear her voice. "No, I can't believe that! I have faith in him! And that masked kid... I can't lose Sasuke! And Naruto either!" Her voice grew louder with each word, her stubborn determination showing.
"Exactly." Kakashi said. "I... I believe in their abilities. Naruto, the number one knucklehead ninja. And Sasuke, the heir to the most powerful clan in Konoha."
There was an audible gasp from somewhere in the fog as if the pieces to a puzzle were now clicked into place.
Keiko sighed as her eyes sharpened, looking out into the mist. "I know I'm late to the game Kakashi, but a little more information would be appreciated."
His eyes shifted toward Keiko, "Naruto and Sasuke are trapped in that masked kids Jutsu. It's imperative that we take Zabuza down. Now."
She nodded and widened her stance, "Judging by your injuries, I take it your Sharingan can't keep up in this mist." It was thicker, heavier even. Kakashi didn't answer her and she took that as confirmation. Keiko held up a hand and formed a seal, "I know we agreed I shouldn't, but in this situation I think I have little choice, Kakashi."
As Keiko focused her chakra they could hear a feint laugh emanating through the mist. "You think that trick will work on me again? You're sadly mistaken."
She smiled, though she wasn't sure if Zabuza could see it, "Oh, I think I might surprise you."
A wave of chakra burst forth from around Keiko, some of the water droplets in the air freezing and clinging onto the clothing and hair of the people around her. Her eyes closed and she focused before seeming to disappear.
Zabuza blinked, "What?!" After a moment he turned, able to hear her foot steps. He swung his sword toward her, but in a move that he was not expecting to see, the woman jumped at the last moment. Her hand landed on the side of the blade as it swung and she used her momentum to swing her leg toward his face. Right before her foot made contact he reached up and grabbed her ankle. Using his brute strength, Zabuza flung her body over his head and slammed her into the ground. "You think you can get the upper hand on me? Think again!"
Just as she made contact with the ground, her body burst into snow and his eyes widened, a clone!
He laughed, "Seems you have more fight in you than I gave you credit for!" Hearing the foot steps behind him he swung his sword again, this time his attack made contact but once again her body bursting into snow. "Again?!"
Zabuza looked from side to side, listening for her movements. It didn't take long before he heard the sound of something shifting and he looked down to see the snow from either clone try to attack him. The snow formed into several icicles that aimed for him, forcing him to dodge backward into a trap. The assassin cursed, "I'm tired of these games!" He swung his sword expertly, making quick work of the ice projectiles. He had to take care of this nuisance of a woman. She could move just as well as he could in this mist, if not better. His eyes narrowed, but how long would she be able to keep it up?
He turned to see her making a charge at him and he smirked, finally she was facing him head on. Zabuza swing his sword and expected to meet hers but it was only another illusion, another clone. "Dammit!" He looked in all directions before looking up to see her attacking him from above. He had to jump back away from her as her chakra infused sword came down where he stood and left an indent on the ground.
The two Jonin panted as they stared each other up and down, waiting for the other to make a move. Keiko cursed under her breath, knowing that her chance to catch him by surprise failed. He now knew what she could do and from the look in his eye he wasn't going to be going easy on her. She was lucky she modified her little experiment but only spreading her chakra to a small area. She was blind to everything outside of that area, but it was working wonders so far.
It was at that moment when they both sensed it. The immense power radiating across the mist in waves.
Keiko gasped at the sensation and looked out toward the source of the sensation. Could that be...? Her heart chilled at the realization, this was the nine tailed fox. She really did have to hurry. Something was severely wrong with Naruto if something like this was happening. Keiko focused once again on her own chakra and the environment around her but found it more difficult with the chakra of the nine tails in the way.
She gasped when Zabuza appeared near her, sword raised in mid swing, "This is the end!"
With the fluctuation of the nine tails chakra making her own jutsu hard to control, it left her open. Keiko cursed, able to move away at the last moment but she could feel the searing pain as the very edge of his blade ripped into her arm. Slicing her flesh from her shoulder nearly to her elbow.
Zabuza disappeared into the mist once again and Keiko stood, listening and focusing for Zabuza. He got her right arm, and while she was fully capable of wielding her katana in her left, she knew that the strength in her left arm alone would not be sufficient to block Zabuza's blade. She could only hope that by listening she would be able to hear him and react in time. With the nine tails chakra present, it was getting in the way of being able to sense Zabuza. Like camouflage.
It was eerily silent for a split second before he appeared behind her, "Game over!"
Keiko turned and prepared to defend herself with taijutsu but felt the rumbling in the earth before she saw a dog pop out of the ground and bite down harshly on Zabuza's ankle. The man screamed as seven more hounds broached the ground and latched onto Zabuza, holding him in place. Keiko was instantly able to recognize them as Kakashi's and she turned to see him standing up.
The mist lessened just a bit and he walked forward, "I realized, if I couldn't see you, I would have to smell you out." He cast a glance toward Keiko who stood, her good hand having reached for her wound, attempting to lessen the flow of blood that was dripping to the ground. "While Keiko kept you busy I summoned my hounds, they can track a scent anywhere. When you attacked me, I let you get passed my guard, I wanted you to cut me. It's the smell of my blood on your blade, and they're also familiar with Keiko's blood, it all lead them right to you. Falling into my trap, you disappoint me Zabuza."
Zabuza growled, "Talk, talk. Do you mean to talk me to death?"
"In a way, yes. Right now, my hounds are just playing with you. But one word from me and they'll tear you apart." Kakashi looked to the side for a moment. He had to finish this quickly. "Alright, enough talk. Time to finish this. But, it won't be with Sharingan, an imitation of some other ninja's tricks. No, it's time I introduced you to my own jutsu."
Keiko gasped at the symbol he created, instantly recognizing it. He really did mean to take Zabuza down right here and now. Keiko took a step back, her hair standing on end from the intense lightning chakra that began to take form around Kakashi. She could see the fear flash on Zabuza's face as the reality began to sink in.
"I won't allow you to kill Tazuna. He's a good man with a noble dream. This bridge he's building is the hope of this land and all it's people. You're like a disease. By attacking one, you infect all, you don't care. That is not the way of the shinobi."
Zabuza made a sound that was between a snarl and a growl, "You're right. I don't care. These useless little people and their petty little dreams. Why should they matter to me? I have a dream of my own."
Kakashi stood straighter, the chakra in his hand growing stronger, "But to have a dream you need to have a future. You die here." With that, Kakashi charged, prepared to put an end to the life of Zabuza. What happened next was something none of them expected.
Everything happened in a mere moment. A shockwave rippled through the area causing Keiko to close her eyes and look away from the force. When she opened her eyes, most of her vision was covered in red. Kakashi's ninja hounds disappeared one by one leaving Zabuza standing there as a free man. Kakashi stood across from him, his arm having entered into the chest of an unintended victim and their blood was splattered everywhere all over both men.
It was the boy, Haku.
Keiko's eyes were just as wide as Kakashi's and Zabuza's as the boy lifted a weak hand and grabbed at Kakashi's arm that was buried so deep in his chest that Kakashi's hand was protruding on the other side. Blood poured from the boys mouth as he gargled one word, "Za...bu...za..."
The man in question chuckled, "What was it you said, about my death?"
I have trouble with fight scenes. I hope everything made sense, but it was fun to write if nothing else. And hope you enjoy the humor! ^_^
Posted - 7/6/2021