Chapter 2
It had now been more than two weeks since his older brother left on a mission outside the village. Not that Naruko was worried about him. Quite the contrary, she knew that her older brother was much stronger than what people thought. However, she's bored. Really bored. Usually, she will spend her time watching television or reading books. But she felt like not doing those right now. She couldn't even go out anymore. Yesterday when sending a letter asking for permission to go out, Grandpa Hokage gave a reply letter that almost everyone who is on duty to provide protection whenever she goes out is busy this week. This means that she will automatically be unable to go outside for a while and will have to spend her time inside her home. Usually, it didn't bother her too much. This was because her brother would be able to accompany her and keep her entertained whenever he came home. That's not possible now. Because her brother seemed to have a delay and had not yet returned from his mission. This is what makes Naruko bored. Nothing to do and don't have anyone to keep her entertained.
Naruko didn't like this. It was moments like these that left her alone with her own thoughts. And in her mind, she always felt that her life is completely pointless. She always thought that her existence was a burden. A burden for her brother, for the Hokage, for the people who always escort her whenever she wants to go out, and many more. She always wondered, if only she wasn't weak and sickly, maybe she wouldn't have to bother the people around him. She might also be a ninja and be able to protect herself so her brother doesn't have to worry about protecting her all the time. Or if she doesn't become a ninja, he can work too to help with the finance of their family. This whole thought always popped up whenever she was doing nothing. And frankly, this makes her depressed and lowers her spirit. Maybe, just maybe, life would be easier for everyone, especially her brother, if she never exists.
No. No, no. She can't be like this. She couldn't have such thoughts. Her brother had tried very hard for the peace of their lives so that she would be happy. So that they both are happy. Thinking about such things is like insulting all the efforts Naruto has made for her. Her brother is willing to do anything, even giving up his image in public for the sake of her protection. If she thought like that, then his efforts would be in vain. Besides, if Naruto heard about that, it would make him sad. Seeing her brother sad also hurt her.
But still, even if it makes her feels better, she's bored. She will usually try to take a nap so she can pass the time without getting bored. However, she had just done that a few hours earlier. She just woke up from that nap about 20-30 minutes ago. And now she's bored again.
Suddenly she has an idea. What if she just went outside? She thought it didn't matter much. So far she's been out and about without any problems. Even her escorts never acted a bit. But she still had doubts. Her brother always forbade him to go out without an escort. And Naruko always obeyed his brother's words. After all, it's for her own safety. On the other hand, she felt bored it could kill her. Also, as long as she kept wearing a wig to cover up her blonde hair, she felt that it would be safe for her to go outside. After weighing the pros and cons, she made up her mind and prepared to head out. Once she was ready and had her wig on, Naruko took a deep breath, held the doorknob, opened it, and went out.
This is the first time for her to go out of the house alone, without any escort. So saying that she's nervous is an understatement. She feels exposed. Usually, because she knew that she had an escort, she felt safe. But they are not there now because she went out without informing anyone. She then takes a deep breath and lets it out in a sigh. She does it once more, and it calms her down. Now calm, she began her exploration of the village.
When Naruko decided to go out, she had no goals whatsoever. She just felt the need for a change of atmosphere to entertain herself. Currently, she was just walking around, looking at things that caught her attention, tasting various snacks, and sightseeing around her village.
Without Naruko realizing, it was already afternoon. Currently, Naruko is sitting on one of the riverbanks inside the village. She was too engrossed in walking around that she forgot the one fact that she was physically weak. Because of that she decided to rest in one of the nearby places that happened to be the riverbank. Not that she complains. The place itself is quite comfortable and beautiful. Also, smelling the scent of the river is enough to calm her down. She felt very relaxed and decided to lie down for a bit.
However, just before Naruko wanted to close her eyes, she heard someone else's voice that seemed to be speaking to her.
"You shouldn't be sleeping outside." Said the stranger.
Hearing this, Naruko immediately opened her eyes, got up from her sleeping position and face the stranger.
"I'm sorry, it's just, It was comfortable and without realizing it, I almost fell asleep. Thanks for waking me up." Said Naruko to the other person. This person seemed to think for a moment before finally speaking again, "do I know you?" he asked Naruko.
"Hm? I don't think so?" She answered.
The person she was speaking to just stayed silent and don't say anything. After a while, he spoke again, "I think we've met. You bumped into me the other day."
"Huh? Oh, right. I'm very sorry about last time. I hope I didn't make you mad." Naruko said as she bowed her body to this person.
"No, it's fine. I'm not angry. After all, it was just an accident." He said.
"Really? Thank goodness. I was scared. I thought I made a ninja mad. A civilian girl like me wouldn't be able to protect myself if that happen."
"No need to worry."
"Yes, thank you. That's reassuring. Anyway, It's late, I need to go home and make dinner. See you later, Ninja-san"
However, before she could leave, this person spoke to her again.
"Wait…" He said.
Hearing this, Naruko turned her head to him.
"Yes?"
"How come I've never seen you before? Not that I know everyone in this village, but it's like I'm seeing you for the first time."
"Uh, um, you see… My body is weak and sick. All this time I was always at home for treatment. So it almost never comes out." Well, technically it's not a lie. Naruko thought.
"I see."
"Anyway, I really need to go. So later, Ninja-san"
And with that, she left. And again, Neji forgot to ask the name of this girl.
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"That's it for today." Said a tall man, with a black bowl-style haircut, thick eyebrows, and wearing a green spandex with Konoha standard flak jacket over it. "Remember to come back tomorrow morning. Our training portion will be increased to prepare you for the Chunin exams later. Understood?"
"Yes, Gai-sensei!"
"Good, now you're all dismissed."
After hearing that, Neji immediately rushed to leave the training ground.
"Gai-sensei," said Tenten.
"Yes, Tenten, what is it?"
"Do you think Neji has been acting strange lately?" She said.
"What do you mean by that? I think he's been perfectly normal." Gai responded.
"Well, yeah, but lately I feel that he is often deep in thought. I also often saw him walking around the village."
"Oh yes, that's right. I also run into him several times when I was running around the village for training." Said Rock Lee. "But I don't think that's weird."
"Yes, I agree with Lee. It is completely normal for people to walk around the village." Said Gai.
"Yes, but not to Neji!" Tenten said. "He always spends his time in the Hyuuga compound to train or spar with other Hyuuga members!"
"Now that you mentioned it, Yeah, I do think it's strange."
"Right?"
"But still, whatever he does in his spare time is none of our business. Unless that starts to interfere with his duties as a shinobi, then we can interfere. As long as it's not, then it doesn't matter." Gai concluded.
"I guess you're right. I can't help but feel curious though." Said Tenten.
"If you're curious, why not just ask him yourself?"
"Well, if he will answer." She said jokingly.
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Naruto felt awful. The mission in Nami no Kuni The mission in Nami no Kuni shouldn't take more than a week. But because there was an old geezer who thought it was a good idea to lie about the difficulty of a mission, the missions that should have been completed in about a week turned into about two weeks. Not only that, they even had to face one of the A-Rank Missing-nin who was also a legendary swordsman from Kiri named Momochi Zabuza that wielded a sword called Kubikiribocho. Naruto almost left this mission if it weren't for the miserable condition of the Nami people that he witnessed himself which made him understand why the old man Tazuna lied about the mission.
Still, even though he understood and carried on with this mission, his frustration could not be contained. Coupled with Kakashi-sensei's condition, which had to be treated for several days so he could return to optimal condition, it made him very frustrated. He should be home by now, or at least on his way home. But no the mission itself is not even close to being completed. And also, the boy who was the grandson of old man Tazuna was never able to keep his mouth shut. This kid keeps saying things that made him furious. That's why right now he was in the middle of the forest to vent his anger.
Apart from anger over the annoying state of the mission, he also felt very worried about the well-being of his sister, Naruko. He had never been this long apart from his sister. By the time he stepped out of the village, he had already made up his mind to immediately complete his mission and return to the village quickly. But now that plan can't be carried out because the mission has changed drastically. Being away from his sister for so long made him feel uneasy. Even though the Hokage had said he would continue to protect Naruko and that several members of the Sarutobi Clan could also be trusted for his sister's safety, he still didn't feel at ease if he didn't make sure of it himself. All the anger he had for this mission, coupled with the stress he was under from worrying about his little sister put a huge strain on him mentally. For this reason, it is not surprising that he collapsed because of exhaustion in the middle of the forest.
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Yuki Haku is an orphan. She didn't before, she even had both parents who loved her very much. But it all changed when the civil war began. All of the Kekkei Genkai users on Kiri were hunted down on orders from the Yondaime Mizukage. When her father found out that she and her mother possessed the ability, he killed her mother and nearly killed her too. If it wasn't for Zabuza-sama, then she would already be dead. Hence, she is indebted to Zabuza-sama.
Right now, Haku is walking through the forest to find the herbs she needed for a treatment for Zabuza-sama. He was injured quite heavily when he faced the legendary Copy-nin, Hatake Kakashi. In fact, he could have died if not for Haku who decided to intervene. She was even prepared to die if he had to face Kakashi at that moment, but luckily the trick she used was enough to save Zabuza-sama.
When she was walking through the forest looking for the plants he needed, she saw someone who seemed to be sleeping in the forest. Upon closer inspection, Haku realized that this person was one of Kakashi's Genin. In short, an enemy. Realizing this, Haku secretly prepared her kunai and walked slowly towards this Genin. When she was close enough, Haku prepared to kill this Genin to make it easier for herself and Zabuza-sama to carry out their task.
However, she hesitated. Does this really need to be done? Killing during battle is one thing, but secretly taking the lives of others while he was asleep and defenceless? Haku wasn't sure about that. And also Haku could see from his sleeping expression that he didn't get a good sleep. His facial muscles were tense, and he also looked very tired.
Slowly tucking the kunai back into her pouch, Haku decided that she would not kill this person. Instead, she decided to wake him up.
"Hey, wake up," Haku said. "you shouldn't be sleeping outside."
Naruto, as soon as he heard the voice of the person, immediately woke up and with the reflexes he had trained, immediately distanced himself from the person who had woken him and took a kunai from his pocket to prepare to defend himself.
Haku who saw Naruto's response also started to be alert, but at this time she was trying to calm him down, hoping that there would be no unexpected confrontation.
"Please calm down, Ninja-san. I'm not trying to hurt you." Said Haku, hoping he would buy it.
But Naruto didn't budge, he remained alert.
"Please. As you can see, I'm merely a civilian." Haku tried again.
But no response from him. There is only silence.
"Why?" Naruto asked suddenly after a moment of silence.
"What?"
"I asked you why."
"I don't understand."
"You know what I mean. You can kill me a moment ago, but you didn't. Why is that?" Naruto explained.
Haku, seeing that there was no point in acting anymore, also raised her guard.
"I was about to, but I didn't."
"Yeah, why is that?"
"Isn't there enough violence already in this world?" Haku said.
"…"
"You're certainly strong, Konoha Ninja, stronger than you let go. May I please know your name?"
"It is common courtesy for someone to introduce themselves before asking someone else's name." Naruto countered.
"Is that so? I apologized then. My name is Yuki Haku."
"I'm Uzumaki Naruto." Naruto replied.
"So Uzumaki-san, may I ask you a question?"
"What is it?"
"What is the purpose of your life? Why are you strong? Is it money? Prestige? Or something else?" She asked.
"…I rather not say."
"Understandable. After all, in your eyes, I'm an enemy ninja."
"You said that, but you didn't act like an enemy should be doing," Naruto said, slightly lowering his guard. He didn't know why, but he felt that Haku was not his enemy.
She chuckled, "Yes, people usually should not converse casually with their enemies."
"Are you saying that you are not normal?" Naruto asked, slightly amused.
"What is normal in this world?" She said.
"…"
"You don't have to answer that. Even I do not know the exact answer."
"I'm not usually like this, but I feel that we shouldn't be enemies," Naruto said.
"Strange, I feel the same thing." She replied.
After she said that, the silence filled the forest. Strangely, the two people who were supposed to be enemies felt comfortable and at ease. Naruto felt that there was something the two of them could relate to. Seeing that there was no point in being alert anymore, he let down all of his guards and sat down on the grass. Haku also did the same thing.
After a few moments of silence, Naruto spoke again. "What are you doing in here, Yuki-san?"
Haku was hesitant about whether she should lie or not. She then decided to tell him the truth, but still stay on guard. "I'm here to pick up some herbs. The person who is precious to me needs it to heal his wound."
"…"
"…"
"It's Zabuza, isn't it?" Naruto suddenly said.
"Wha-" Haku was surprised, but she realized that there was no point in deceiving Naruto, "…yes." She finally said. "It's for Zabuza-sama."
"So, your precious person is Zabuza?"
"Yes."
"And you are the fake Hunter-nin threw senbons to him to make him seemingly dead?"
"Yes."
"Hm…"
"…"
"…"
Silence returned to the forest. But unlike before, this silence was uncomfortable.
But then, Naruto said, "Tell me your story, Yuki-san."
Haku was taken aback by this. She had no idea that those were the words that would come out of his mouth. Haku was trying to keep her composure. After she succeeded, she asked Naruto, "My story, Uzumaki-san? Why would you want to know that?"
Naruto answered, "I don't even know myself. It's just you are a follower of Zabuza, a missing-nin. Yet, you don't feel like a bad person at all. I want to know why is that. There must be something that made you follow someone as cruel as him."
She giggled, "Yes, as you said, there was something that made me follow Zabuza-sama. I will tell you my story, but in return, you also tell me your story." She said.
"Fair enough."
Then, Haku began to tell about her life since she was small until now she became a mercenary under Zabuza. She tells how her once happy life changed completely when the civil war in Kiri started. She also tells how her father tried to kill her and how she was saved by Zabuza. That's what made her follow him.
After hearing this, it was Naruto's turn to tell his story. He told her about how his life as a child that almost everyone hated. About how his weak sister often becomes the target of people's anger. About how he tried so hard so that only he would be the target of their hatred, not his sister. And he also told her about how he always felt afraid and uneasy whenever his sister was far from his reach.
Hearing this, Haku understood why Naruto's expression is always tense. Even when she first saw Naruto during Zabuza-sama's face-off against Kakashi, he already had this tense look on his face. At first, she thought it was just a look of worry for his Jounin-sensei or even fear of being confronted face-to-face with the unforgiving realities of the ninja world. But now she realized. All of that was because he felt uneasy. After all, he was separated from his sister. What's more, He left his sister alone in a place full of people who hated them. Of course, Naruto's paranoia was understandable, even if it was still too much in her opinion. But there was still something bothering her. Something about his story is still odd.
"Why do the people of your village hate you so much?" She can't help but ask.
"Oh, that's because both my sister and I are the Jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi." He answered.
Well, now that is a surprise. Again and again, Haku didn't expect those words to come out of Naruto's mouth. However, now it all made sense. Villagers who don't understand anything will be afraid of things they don't know. Just like what happened in Kiri. The residents there who supported the Yondaime Mizukage also do the same thing to the people who have Kekkei Genkai abilities. Haku felt that she could relate to Naruto.
"Well, it's been fun to talk to you, Uzumaki-san."
"Same here. I enjoyed our little talk, Yuki-san."
"Yes, but I'm afraid I should head back. Zabuza-sama needs these herbs. So I will take my leave."
"I also need to come back to my team."
"I believe this is a farewell." She said while walking away.
"I think so too," Naruto said.
Haku then suddenly stopped on her track. She then faced Naruto before speaking.
"Most likely, we will meet again on the battlefield. Also most likely we will try to kill each other. Hopefully, there will be no bad feelings between us if that happens."
"Yeah. Although I hope that doesn't happen."
She smiled, "you're a good person, Uzumaki-san. If I were to die by your hands, I would have no regrets at all."
After she said that, Haku continue to walk. After a while, Haku completely disappeared from Naruto's sight.
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Why did this happen?
Why?
Naruto knew that this would most likely happen, but he still naively hoped that it would not happen at all.
It had been several days since his encounter with Haku in the forest. After that, Naruto and his team returned to the training given by Kakashi-sensei in preparation for facing Zabuza. But then it started. While they were on duty guarding the construction of the bridge, suddenly mist started to fill the area. Kakashi immediately told all the other workers to leave and ordered his team to closely guard Tazuna. Then Zabuza appeared and had a battle with Kakashi. Immediately after that, the fake Hunter-nin who faked Zabuza's death appeared and came face to face with the three Genins guarding Tazuna.
Naruto didn't really remember how his fight with Haku took place, but he remembered that Haku suddenly disappeared and appeared in front of Zabuza who was about to be attacked with Chidori by Kakashi. She then took all the attacks aimed at Zabuza and she then fell with blood spurting from her wounds. After that he doesn't remember anything, all he remembers is darkness. After he woke up, all he could see was destruction and blood splattered around him. He could also see the looks of horror and fear on Sasuke's and Sakura's faces, and the cautious reactions from Kakashi-sensei and Zabuza. Ah, he understood now. He must be using the power of the Kyuubi hence the reactions.
But he didn't care now. He then tried to find where Haku was. When he found her, he then fell after he saw the state of her wounds. There was no way she could live with such injuries, he thought. Unknowingly, tears rolled down from his eyes. He was crying. He had never cried before. Because of the happiness of his sister, he always tries to be strong. This was the first time he felt such immense sorrow that she was crying uncontrollably.
"cough, cough, crying doesn't suit you. Hehe… cough" Suddenly he heard a very familiar voice.
"H-Haku?" Naruto said in a trembling voice.
"cough y- yeah?" Haku replied.
"Y-yo- You're alive!" Naruto exclaimed.
"Maybe not for a long time." She said jokingly.
"Don't say that! Also, save your strength. Save your breath. Please, Haku. Please live." He asked in a weak voice.
"Okay." She said weakly.
He then faced Kakashi and to everyone's surprise, he performed a dogeza in front of Kakashi.
"Please, Kakashi-sensei, I'm begging you. Please save her. Please save Haku." He said while bowing deeply.
"What are you saying, dobe, she nearly killed us!" Said Sasuke.
"Yes, Naruto! I know you can be a dork sometimes, but this is not the time!" Sakura also supported Sasuke.
Naruto chooses to ignore their opinion and wait for Kakashi's decision. Kakashi himself was also a little worried about this. However, when he saw the strong determination shown by Naruto, he finally gave in. After all, this was the first time he had cared about someone other than his little sister. Which is probably going to be a positive thing for Naruto.
"Alright, given that Zabuza and his accomplice are no longer our enemies since they were betrayed by Gato, it might not hurt us if we help her."
"But, Kakashi-sensei…" Sakura was about to protest when Kakashi cut her.
"No buts, I've already made a decision. Zabuza also provided his assistance to us when we were trying to stop Naruto's, well, rampage. So there's nothing wrong if we return the favour right?"
"Well, I guess so."
"I'm glad you understand."
After that, Kakashi walked towards Haku. After assessing her wound, he took the first aid kit and administered medication to her. After a while, he finished giving treatment to her wound.
"Her wounds are deep, but she'll live. However, she must be treated immediately otherwise the wound will get worse and could be fatal." Kakashi said.
Hearing this, Naruto started to panic inside. There is no hospital or qualified medications in Nami no Kuni. Kiri is out of options considering they are missing-nin from that village. And Konoha, even though it was the best option, Naruto himself knew that it was impossible. While Naruto was thinking hard about how he could save Haku, Zabuza suddenly said something unexpected to everyone.
"Take us to Konoha, Kakashi."
"Hm? What did you say?" Kakashi himself is not sure if his hearing is correct.
"Take us to Konoha. I'll turn myself in, or even become your Hokage personal dog. Take us there, so that Haku can be saved."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Maa, Maa, If you are serious then who am I to stop you?"
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"…and that concludes my report, Hokage-sama." Kakashi finished his reports.
"I see," Hiruzen said while smoking his pipe. Currently, they were in his room inside the Hokage Tower. When Team 7 returned from their mission with extra people, the ANBU immediately reported it to him. After recognizing that the new arrival was Momochi Zabuza, he immediately summoned them to his room along with Kakashi. Team 7, without Naruto, plus Zabuza and some ANBU members then entered the room. Hiruzen then told Sasuke and Sakura to leave the room. After they had left, He told Kakashi to give a report.
When Hiruzen heard that the C-Rank mission carried out by Team 7 had drastically changed in difficulty level, he did not expect that they would be facing off against one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. He also did not expect that they would overthrow the tyrannical government that existed in Nami no Kuni. He also couldn't have expected that one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist that Team 7 was fighting would come to this village and offer himself to serve Konoha. But what he couldn't imagine the most was how Naruto, a boy who didn't care for someone other than his sister, could be fond of a girl who should be his enemy during his mission. He was very fond of her to the point that he went berserk just because he thought she was dead. Not that he complained, though. It's good that he finally opened up to other people. He's also glad that it seems that he finally found a friend he holds dearly.
He fully supports this. He decided to let this girl in Konoha. Consequences be damned, he didn't care. His advisors may protest, but the decision rests with him. Besides, Kiri is not going to act shortly. They are busy with their civil war. Losing a single Swordsman shouldn't be a big deal. Also, Zabuza was already a missing-nin after all. Kiri had lost him from the start.
"I understand your situation, Zabuza, therefore I will grant you a temporary residence permit. If you want to stay here permanently, you can become a Konoha shinobi. That is if you want."
"Well, I guess I'm gonna be a shinobi in this village." Said Zabuza.
"Wonderful," Hiruzen said, "you are dismissed, Kakashi, you stay."
Zabuza left the room, while Kakashi remained there.
"How was Naruto during the mission?" asked Hiruzen.
"Well, Well, even though he hid it well, I could still see that he was a bit restless during the mission. Also, he has been caught a few times being unfocused. But all that changed when he went into the forest alone one night and returned the next morning. He became relaxed, focused, and in control. I'm assuming that was when he met this Haku girl."
"Do you think that this girl is a potential threat, Kakashi?"
"Honestly, no. But that's too early to assume something like that."
"I see." Said Hiruzen. "Well, for the time being, we'll treat her as a non-threat. But we still can't be too careless. Once she's in good enough condition, we'll take her to Ibiki and Inoichi for questioning. If they both report that there is nothing that could potentially threaten the security of the village, then the girl can stay here."
"How about Zabuza?"
"Same thing, but he can start from now. I've already ordered one of my ANBU to summon Ibiki and Inoichi to come here."
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Alright, this is Chapter 2
Hope you enjoy.