AN: Happy New Year! I hope you all had a good holiday period! Time for the climactic chapter of the Wave Arc. I've got to say I'm looking forward to the next arc, let's just say that the real big changes are yet to come haha!

This chapter probably won't have as many jokes in it as others but I hope it's still entertaining besides.


Chapter 6: Baby you can kill me, when I'm no use to you…


The following days were mostly the same as the ones before, with each of Team 7 being separated off for our own personal training. Or in my case, my own personal hell.

I was becoming increasingly aware that Maito Gai could simply not be human. There was no other way to explain the sheer insanity that was his training regimen and this was just the "basic" version for beginners. The prospect of what the final level was gave me a newfound level of respect and terror for the spandex clad taijutsu master. If you told me he was part Saiyan, I'd readily believe you.

Luckily I'd made some decent progress. I was now able to get back to Tazuna's house before collapsing into a twitching mess.

The fact that that was progress was depressing.


The sound of shattering porcelain woke me up, a kunai instantly in my hand as I sat up to an empty room. My confusion didn't last long as I soon heard the scream of Tsunami from downstairs, realisation coursing through me as I let out a curse.

Apparently, I'd taken Naruto's role of being the one to sleep in when Tazuna's home was attacked. That could only mean one thing.

The battle was happening. Right now.

Making sure not to make any noise, I quickly grabbed everything I would need and began moving towards the drama unfolding downstairs.

"Come on girly, just put down the pot and we won't have to hurt you." A gruff voice ordered.

"Just leave my home!" Tsunami screamed, a clatter following her outburst.

"Let's just knock her out Ryu. The boss said she had to be taken alive, he didn't say anything about being hurt." Another snarked.

"Boss wants her for himself. He needs a new bed warmer. You want to give him damaged goods, Shiro?"

If I wasn't already planning on it, that would have sealed Gato's fate. I was going to take particular pleasure in gutting the prick for daring to even think of doing that to the angel that was Tsunami.

Moving to begin my attack, I was interrupted by the sudden appearance of Inari, the little boy bursting out of a closet with a crossbow in hand. I was a little surprised when he leveled the weapon at who I assumed was the leader of the mercenaries of Gato, Ryu. "Leave my mum alone!" He shouted defiantly, even as his arms shook slightly.

The men let out a laugh even as Tsunami let out a sob, ordering her son to run. Inari didn't listen, glaring with all the might he could at the intruders.

"Cute kid. Now how about you put that toy down before you hur-" The man's words were stopped short as a bolt flew through the air towards him. Unfortunately, the young boy had not been able to control the recoil, throwing off his name as the bolt clipped the leader's ear.

"Fuck!" Ryu screamed before growling and bearing his sword at the small boy. "Big mistake kid."

A quick replacement jutsu had me taking Inari's spot in the living room. "Good job kid, but leave it to the professionals next time." I said with a grin, ruffling the shocked boy's hair before turning towards my opponents, counting five in total.

"Fuckin' ninja." Shiro spat, making a move towards me.

"Wait!" I shouted, holding my hands out. "Now, you might be wondering, "why the red clothes?" Well that's so bad guys can't see me bleed." I gave a grin before pointing towards Ryu. "This guy has the right idea, he brought the brown pants!"

Dodging a bolt from a crossbow, I quickly closed the distance between myself and the bandits, slipping kunai into both hands. I was surprised how quick I was, weaving through their swings like they were happening in slow motion.

I immediately decided to give Gai a gift basket when I got back to Konoha, this speed was intoxicating. The battle was over in a matter of seconds, all five of the bandits slumping to the ground as the poison coating my kunai did its work. A concoction of Anko's, the poison directly attacked the chakra in the body of an opponent, sending everything inside haywire. Most ninja would be able to counter its worst effects, even if it messed with their jutsu ability but it was a different story for someone not trained.

Foaming at the mouth, it wasn't long before they all fell still, leaving me standing in the middle. A grin spread across my face.

"Flawless Victory. Sakura wins."


Leaving Tsunami and Inari with a few kunai to defend themselves, I began sprinting towards the bridge. I hoped that I'd arrive early, with enough time to help Naruto and Sasuke against Haku, to delay the end as much as I could. If I could just hold out for a little longer than Canon, there was a chance that things could change.

My heart sank when I felt the pulse of malevolent chakra wash over me, my mind instantly knowing just what had caused it. I was late, Naruto had snapped and the Kyuubi had broken through.

Gritting my teeth, I pushed my muscles to the point they screamed.

I couldn't fail!


Reaching the bridge the sound of something shattering greeted me, the silhouette of a figure flying through the air away from a dome of ice mirrors.

I had to be quick. My Naruto had not met Haku, he wouldn't stop. He'd avenge Sasuke's 'death' if I didn't do anything.

"Naru! Stop!" I shouted, landing between Haku and a rapidly nearing Naruto, my arms out wide to block the attack.

Part of me thought that he might not stop as the fist neared, that he'd go through me to get to Haku. Naruto, my sweet boy, stopped just short. His fist lay just an inch away from my nose, shaking as he strained to stop.

My eyes met his, green meeting his red fox-like eyes as he panted. I was beyond thankful that the red began to fade, the familiar blue taking hold once more. "Sakura? Why? He killed Sasuke."

"No he didn't." I replied, turning towards Haku with a serious look. "Did you?"

Haku gave a sad smile. "It seems I am a defective tool."

"You're not a tool, Haku." I denied with a glare. "You're a person, a damn good one."

"So Sasuke isn't dead?" Naruto asked hopefully.

Haku let out a sigh. "No, he will be fine once the needles are removed. I… I hoped I could kill the bridge builder before anyone else had to die." He sounded miserable as he said it. "It is as Zabuza-sama said, I'm too soft."

"Why are you calling him that?" Naruto asked. "He's not royalty is he?" His eyes suddenly widened in horror. "Oh fuck are we fighting a rogue Prince?"

Haku shook his head before beginning his tale to Naruto, the ray of sunshine growing more and more horrified as the faux hunter-nin told him about their life. My own thoughts were elsewhere, closing my eyes as I paid attention for what I knew was coming.

As soon as I felt the change, the static electricity in the air spiking, I made my move. "Sorry Haku." I said before delivering a kick to their stomach, sending them flying.

Turning on the spot I began running, clearing as much space as I could. I saw the Raikiri before I saw sensei and Zabuza, the frantic sparks visible through the fog. It was already moving, I wasn't going to make it.

Lashing out my arms, I sent out as many chakra strings as I could, hoping to grab something. Anything.

Finding purchase, I swung my arm down as Kakashi and Zabuza came into view, ignoring the pain of the lightning jutsu traveling back through my strings. Sensei's arm began drifting downward, towards the floor of the bridge and away from the missing-nin's chest. I almost gave a whoop before I realized that my balance had slipped.

Unable to stop myself, I found myself right above the spot where Kakashi's jutsu struck the concrete. There was a flash and I was sent into the air, going end over end as I flew. The bridge quickly disappeared from my view beneath me, replaced by the dark blue of the waters beneath.

Shit.

Shitshitshitshitshitshit!

I attempted to move, replacing myself with anything, only to find my chakra was frazzled from the feedback of sensei's attack. Closing my eyes I prepared for what would no doubt be a very painful landing.

Surprisingly, it didn't come, the feeling of strong arms catching me in mid air.

Opening my eyes revealed my saviour, the quite concerned visage of Haku staring down at me. I felt the blush cross my cheeks as I stared up at him, shivering slightly as we were suddenly traveling through an ice mirror.

Before I could process the feeling of the jutsu, we were back on the bridge, safe.

My throat felt dry as Haku's face morphed into a frown. "You are a very frustrating person to like, Sakura-kun." He said, making me blush harder. How did he make that look so beautiful?

"I get that a lot." I replied weakly, trying to ignore the beating in my chest.


"Thanks." I said awkwardly as Haku finally let me down.

"You're welcome." Haku replied with a bemused smile.

"Haku!" The shout of the grizzled Demon of the Mist rang out, Haku quickly disappearing as the fog surrounding the bridge slowly dissipated. Naruto and Kakashi quickly stood beside me, both looking furious with me.

"Later." I grunted, gaining a nod from Kakashi even if his eyes spelt murder. I was in deep shit.

Turning towards our opponents, I cupped my hands around my mouth. "Gato's planning to betray you!" I announced.

That got Zabuza's attention. "What are you talking about, brat?"

"He's banking on us killing each other, or doing enough damage that his goons can finish us off. Even sent thugs to the bridge builder's house to get his daughter, probably to help torture him." My teammates gave me a questioning look. "I took care of it."

"Then after I kill you all, I'll take his head too." Zabuza replied with a shrug.

"And Haku will never forgive you." I state back, genuinely surprising the muscle bound ninja who looked at his companion. That Haku looked away said it all.

"Haku will do what he's told." Zabuza stated, though there was doubt in his tone.

"You don't care what he thinks? He's done everything for you! Even when he hates it!" Naruto spoke up, making me smile fondly. "He'd die for you, you asshole! He doesn't even see himself as a person!"

"Shut up!" Zabuza shouted. "Just… shut up."

Turning towards Haku, Zabuza looked deep into the younger ninja's eyes. "Haku… what should we do?"

Haku was clearly shocked, taking a step back at the question before looking down in thought. "The client signed the contract under false pretense, the contract is null and void." The official nature of his words had me raising my eyebrows, who knew Haku had knowledge of law?

Letting out a sigh, Zabuza placed his giant sword on his back. "Well Kakashi, it seems we'll have to kill each other another time."

"It's a date." Kakashi remarked before turning on me, eyes dangerously narrowed.

"Sensei…" I ventured cautiously only to be pulled into a crushing embrace.

"Don't do that ever again." He whispered in my ear, worry clear in his voice.

"I can't exactly promis-"

"Sakura." He said sharply, drawing back and meeting my eyes.

"Yes, Sensei."


"Hey Uchiha, time to get off your lazy arse." I snarked as Haku pulled the final needle free of the Uchiha heir's body. The groan I received in response got me grinning.

"Fuck off Isōrō." He grunted before sitting up suddenly. "I'm not dead?"

"Nothing gets past you." I joked. "Nice to have you back Sasuke."

Sasuke gave a smirk before catching sight of Haku, hand instinctively going to a kunai.

"Hey, hey, we're cool. They're not our enemies anymore."

Sasuke blinked before turning his gaze back to me, baffled. "How?"

I gave a shrug. "Capitalism's a bitch."


Gato arrived soon after, flanked by at least fifty goons. Seeing the short man in person almost had me sprinting to kill him right there. It was the smirk, like he was the one in control. The fool.

"Is this what I pay you for Momochi? To play nice with your ninja buddies?" He called out. "I knew you weren't worth the asking price. Last time I make that mistake. All right boys, a bonus for anyone who finishes off a ninja. Extra if you bring me the pink one… alive." The lecherous grin on his face had my skin crawling.

It also had a massive wave of killing intent come from Kakashi, Haku and (surprisingly) Zabuza. Though, even the Bloody Mist had standards, I supposed.

"Dibs." I called, smirking as the other three cursed loudly.


"So…" Naruto began as we all trudged back towards Tazuna's house.

"Don't. Talk. About. It." Sasuke growled.

"But Sakura was so-"

"Shut up, Dobe!" He ordered before giving me a strange look.

Leaning out of Haku's side, as he kept me steady with a strong grip, I gave Sasuke a smirk. I swear it wasn't supposed to be creepy. It really wasn't. His shudder told a different story.

"Honestly kid, I'm impressed with your work." Zabuza piped up. "You'd have done well in Mist."

"Is that an insult, or a compliment?" I ask with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes." Zabuza replied with a smirk.

"Smartass." I grumble before slipping closer to Haku's strong hold. The slight frown on his lips caught my attention. "Haku? You alright?"

"He got off lightly." He replied, deadly serious.

So Haku had a protective streak? And specifically for me.

Naruto and Sasuke's smirks told me that, yes, my face was bright red.


Two missing nin are sat at the dinner table.

It sounded like the set-up for a bad joke and yet it was the current reality. We all sat around Tazuna's table, a tight squeeze by ant estimate, especially with the size of Zabuza. Tsunami, bless her soul, couldn't stop staring at the bandaged ninja. I couldn't really blame her.

"Right, so seeing as you two are currently without a contract, I think I might just have an idea." I began after an awkward lull of silence.

"Oh yeah, what's that pinky?" Zabuza asked.

"First of all, go fuck yourself." I snarked, gaining an admonishing swat from Haku. "Second, I was just thinking that the old man over there was about to hire you both."

"I was?" Tazuna replied with clear confusion.

"Yes, specifically a job to raid Gato's compound and deliver all assets back to him for Wave. With double the pay that Gato offered." I pressed.

"Oh… Oh! Yes! Exactly that!" Tazuna recovered quite impressively. "What do you say Momochi? Interested?"

"What's to stop me not just raiding it myself and taking it all?" Zabuza asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Haku." Almost everyone present replied simply, bar Tazuna, who simply said: "The pink one's boyfriend."

"Kakashi, can I kill him now?" I asked hopefully.

"No."

"Aw!"


Zabuza Momochi. The Demon of the Bloody Mist. Member of the Seven Swordsmen.

And now… The Saviour of Wave.

The massive man was taking it as well as he possibly could, even as I could see his eyes cursing me. Returning what had been stolen from the people of Wave back to them had a very substantial amount of good will to the missing nin from the populace. However, that appreciation also came with a very drastic consequence.

Fangirls.

Real ones.

"Zabuza-sama! Please don't go!" A woman called from the crowd that had gathered to see them off.

"I can be a good wife to you and your son!" Another declared.

"Somehow, this is your fault, Pinkie." He growled.

"Just take the win, big man." I replied with a grin.

"They do have a point, though." Tsunami spoke up from beside her father, her eyes meeting the tall ninja. "You're welcome to stay, Zabuza-san. You and Haku-kun both." Her cheeks grew a little red at her words.

If I saw a bit of a blush creeping up past Zabuza's bandages, I didn't mention it. I wasn't that suicidal.

Zabuza let out an awkward cough. "I have duties elsewhere but… perhaps one day." He awkwardly scratched his cheek. It was honestly kind of sweet, in a weird murdery sort of way.

"I'll await your return." Tsunami replied with a smile.

Eh, I ship it.


"Well, that was an interesting mission." I mused as we slowly crossed the bridge, the sounds of the crowd behind us waving goodbye slowly becoming fainter. "Intrigue. Betrayal. Murder. It had it all really."

"You're chipper." Sasuke commented.

"No one died, I call that a win."

"Gato and his goons did."

"No one important, then." I reply with a shrug before sending the dark haired boy a smirk. "I'm surprised you're not gushing. You finally popped your Uchiha cherry."

Naruto snorted before descending into a fit of laughter. Sasuke, predictably, glared at me.

"Don't call it that." He grunted before a cocky smile graced his lips. "Don't think I'll hold back with it either."

"I'd be offended if you did." I responded with a grin.

"It won't make a difference anyway, Teme." Naruto challenged with a smirk.

"Eight." Sasuke responded with his current lead in their spars, gaining a cry of protest from Naruto before they began their usual bickering.

"Do your brats always talk this much?" Zabuza asked Kakashi.

"Only on days ending in 'y'." Kakashi commented idly, turning the page of his book.

"And you love us for it~!" I pipe up with a sing-song voice.

"Eh, so-so."

"You sassy bitch." I accused with a smirk before turning towards Zabuza. "So, you don't think this will ruin your credibility, do you? Being a hero now?"

Zabuza gave me a glare. "Wave isn't that big. Word won't spread too far."

"THE GREAT MOMOCHI BRIDGE!" A chorus of voices shouted out behind us, the crowd cheering wildly as Tazuna named his bridge.

Turning back towards the large ninja, I gave him a grin. "Unless it starts appearing on maps everywhere." I pointed.

"Fuck!"


"Well Kakashi, as fun as this little trip has been, it's time we parted." Zabuza announced as we neared the end of our first day of travel, stopping us at a fork in the road. Holding out his hand he shook our sensei's before turning towards Haku. "Five minutes."

"Fifteen" Haku countered with a smile.

"Ten." Zabuza growled, even if his eyes showed his amusement before walking away.

"Thank you, father." Haku called, causing the man to falter before walking a little taller.

Turning towards us, Haku smiled wide at us. "Thank you, truly. For everything."

Naruto let out a sniffle, clearly trying and failing to keep back tears. "Take care of yourself Haku. And if he starts being a prick, I'll come and kick his ass." He vowed.

"Thank you, Naruto-kun. You're too kind." The ice weirder replied, giving the blonde a hug.

"Our Naru has abandonment issues. Don't hold it against him." I state with a fond smile. "Sasuke too."

"Shut it, Isōrō." Sasuke grunted before stepping forwards, looking into Haku's eyes for a long moment. "Don't die."

Admirably, Haku recovered quickly from the blunt words and gave a nod. "I shall endeavor not to." Sasuke stared a second longer before giving his own nod.

"It probably goes without saying, but the offer I gave to Zabuza applies to you too, Haku-kun." Kakashi spoke up. "You could have a place in Konoha."

Haku nodded. "Thank you, Kakashi-san. I shall remember."

Finally, he turned to me, placing his hands on my shoulders. "I don't think I will ever be able to repay you, Sakura. I'm blessed to have met you."

I wasn't blushing. I wasn't.

Waving him off, I gave a charming smile. "You're too kind Haku. It was my honour." I replied. "Go out there and kick some ass. I expect a lot of stories when we see eachother again."

"I shall not fail you. I promise." Haku implored passionately.

"H-Haku, you're going to make me blush." I protested.

"I like it when you blush, it makes you look even more beautiful."

Was… Was Haku flirting!?

Shit! He was!

He's standing there being all beautiful and charming and he's flirting with me! Quick! Brain, come up with something to say. Something cool!

"Buh…"

Goddammit Brain!

Haku's arms moved up to around my shoulders and I suddenly realized he had gotten closer. "I hope you don't think badly of me for this." He murmured so only I could hear.

"Badly for wha-" My words were stopped as Haku's lips sealed themselves over mine and I melted.

For being an ice user, Haku's lips were surprisingly hot on my own. I tried and failed to hold back a squeak before Haku drew back with a smile that had my knees buckling. "Until we meet again." And with that he stepped back, disappearing in a swirl of leaves.

There was a long pause before a large smile spread across my face.

"Best. Mission. Ever."


AN: And we'll leave it there. And damn did I enjoy writing for Haku and Zabuza. With that, we've passed the Wave Arc and we'll be heading onto the Chunin Exams. Time to meet the Konoha 12 and the Sand Siblings. I'm honestly really excited for what's coming, I've got some mad cap ideas knocking about in my head and I hope you'll enjoy it when it comes. Any guesses for what's coming? I'm interested in what you guys think.

Thank you for reading. Until next time.