Team 7—plus Haku—had been traveling for well over a day now. During this time, Naruto had been able to ask why he'd been with Zabuza all this time since there was no one around them. Despite Zabuza pulling through in the end, there were still some villagers who disliked the men for trying to kill Tazuna. After the rogue nin had nearly killed Hinata, Naruto could not blame them but he understood how important he was to Haku.
"So that's how he gave you purpose?" Naruto said when they heard the whole story.
Haku hummed. "Yes, that's right. I would have died out on the streets and I was okay with that until Zabuza came along and took me in. He didn't have to do that and I know he kept me around once he discovered my abilities, but he cared about me."
"Your kekkei genkai is pretty impressive," Sasuke said. "You really had me there."
"And you and Hinata-chan's eyes are as well. She was able to see a weakness in my ability and you were able to eventually keep up." Haku glanced at Naruto. "Are we going to talk about Naruto-kun's…?"
"No," Naruto said firmly. "We're not talking about it."
"Not yet," Sasuke clarified. As soon as they got back to the village and gave their report to the Hokage, he was taking that chance to ask. He had overlooked Naruto's stamina and large chakra reserves for years and he and Hinata deserved answers. As they continued walking in an easy silence, Hinata looked off to the side and noticed a herb that she needed in the research for Itachi's illness. She came to a stop and pulled out a scroll.
"Hinata?"
"I just need these herbs," she said, harvesting them.
Haku looked over her shoulder, down at the plant. "Ribwort plantain? Did you get bitten by an insect?"
Hinata sealed the plant in the scroll and put it away. "I just need it for some creams that I'm making."
"I think your team is lucky to have someone as proficient as you." Hinata blushed at Haku's genuine smile and compliment, this not going unnoticed by Sasuke and Naruto. Sasuke was suddenly standing between them.
"Come on. Let's keep going. We need to get home," the brooding Uchiha said.
Haku didn't miss the jealousy and grinned to himself. "So, you two are…together?"
Sasuke raised a brow. "Uh, yeah? I'm currently courting her, I suppose."
"At twelve? That's certainly something."
"It is how our clans operate. Our union is going to kickstart wonderful changes to both our clans and the village," Hinata added, eager to get to work on those changes, although she still had her Elders to win over—something she felt she was going to die before accomplishing.
"But do you actually like each other romantically?" Haku questioned. Naruto and Kakashi listened with interest while Sasuke looked nervously at Hinata.
"Sasuke and I have been very good friends since we were five. I think that's the most important thing," she replied.
"That's a very long way of saying that you're not going to answer but the answer is yes." Kakashi chuckled at Haku's bluntness while Sasuke's cheeks went a bit red and Naruto pouted more than he wanted to show.
"Of course I like Sasuke," Hinata said, her head tilted. "I also like Naruto and Kakashi-sensei. I like you as well, Haku-chan." Despite knowing Haku was a boy, she had taken to using -chan. Haku didn't seem to mind and that is all she cared about.
Haku giggled and looped his arm through Hinata's. "I like you, too." Surprisingly, Haku had taken an instant liking to Hinata during her recovery period, something that the others weren't sure was genuine or just out of obligation and something that had bothered both of her teammates. Hinata was happy to talk with him or just sit in silence, so they left it alone and said nothing. They understood she needed more friends than them. It wouldn't be fair to try and monopolize her.
"How are things going to be for Haku back at the village?" Naruto asked their sensei. "Dad's really nice but the village also comes first."
"Yes, you're right about that. I'll have to send word ahead just before we arrive there to make sure everyone is prepared to receive him," Kakashi answered. "The trip will only last another day at the pace we're going."
"It's a good thing Hinata healed up so fast," Sasuke said.
"It was impressive she was even able to heal herself with medical ninjutsu," the jonin added. "I think it's safe to say Lady Tsunade would be impressed as well."
Hinata lit up at this. "You think so, sensei?"
Kakashi put a hand on her head. "Yes, I do. Maybe you can meet her one day." Hinata grew excited at the thought of meeting one of the legendary Sannin. "Okay, enough talking. Let's get going at full pace."
With that, they darted up into the trees and were determined not to stop before sunset came. Just behind them, Kakashi summoned a single dog and sent it ahead to inform the Hokage about their guest. They made leisurely conversation on the way with Sasuke and Naruto on either side of Hinata while Haku traveled in the back with Kakashi.
"So your summon is dogs?" Hinata asked from over her shoulder. "That's so awesome, sensei! Can we meet them sometime?"
"Sure. They'd definitely love that," he said.
"I hear you can get a summon by signing a contract, and that happens when it's passed down to you," Sasuke said, wanting confirmation.
"Yes, that's right."
"Is there an age requirement?" Naruto asked.
"There isn't. So long as you hold a contract and you're capable of summoning, you can do it. However, I think it's still too soon for any of you to have one," Kakashi explained. "You're all incredibly strong, but you should wait on it for a little bit.
"Yes, sensei," Hinata replied, though Kakashi could hear a slight tone of disappointment. Naruto and Sasuke said nothing but he could take it as them agreeing. It was nearing nighttime when they were only a little over a mile from the village gates, but they decided to push through with the help of the waxing moon and Hinata's byakugan.
"I see some ninjas approaching us at full speed," Hinata said.
Kakashi called them to a stop. "They're here to apprehend Haku," he explained. Suddenly, Haku was being restrained by Anbu members and Team 7 was barely able to hold themselves back. "I'm sorry about this, but we have to keep the village's best interests in mind."
Haku nodded. "I understand. I was expecting something like this." Kakashi found it funny that this young boy could put up a decent fight against these elite ninja, possibly even win, but was letting them restrain him.
"We'll be taking him directly to the Hokage," one of them said before they disappeared.
"We better get going," he told his team. "Ready to work your magic, Team Harmony? I'm sure you'll be able to convince Hokage-sama to go easy on Haku if you make a good case for him."
Before he could say anymore, his team was off with a speed he felt proud of. He still hadn't allowed them to take their weights off, and he was excited to see how fast they would be when the time came.
All five of them stood before Minato after having reported everything that had happened as well as making a case for Haku and telling his story. "I see. That's quite a bit to happen. Hinata, you're okay now?" The Hokage asked worriedly.
"Yes, Hokage-sama. I was well taken care of in the Land of Waves. The people there are very hospitable."
"That's good. I'm glad. I'm extremely impressed that you three fought chunin with mostly no problems," Naruto blushed at this, "and fought a very tough rogue Jonin and his…student and held your own."
"They're all very talented. You can really spot potential, Hokage-sama," Kakashi chuckled.
The Hokage smiled but then quickly turned serious when Sasuke stepped forward, sensing something important was coming. "Something on your mind, Sasuke?"
Sasuke glanced at Naruto before nodding his head. "Yes. I have some questions. Naruto underwent a transformation on the bridge when we thought Hinata was killed. He became extremely powerful and overpowered Zabuza until Kakashi calmed him down. I want to know what exactly happened and if it's related to the abundance of chakra he's always had."
Minato looked to Kakashi for confirmation. "Is this true?" When Kakashi nodded, he sighed and turned to Naruto. "It's up to you, Naruto."
Sasuke looked back at Naruto and waited patiently despite wanting the information long ago. It was something he often brought up to Hinata, who also expressed a desire for answers about their friend's large chakra reserves.
Naruto sighed. "You can tell them," he said. "They probably should've known years ago."
The Hokage sat up straighter. "You three might not be aware of anything called a tailed beast, but it is a very powerful being and there are nine in existence. In order to keep them contained and unable to harm humans, they are sealed away in one person in each nation in order to keep the power structure balanced between territories. These "containers" are called Jinchuriki and they will often have characteristics and/or abilities of the tailed-beast residing in them."
"So you're saying Naruto is one of these Jinchurikis?" Sasuke asked.
"Yes, that's correct. Originally, it was his mother, Kushina, but the tailed beast within her—the nine tails—transferred itself into Naruto during childbirth, when the seal on a woman is at its weakest. Because of this, it nearly broke out of Naruto but we managed to seal him in time. There are only a select few who know about it. We made it an S-Rank secret because Naruto would be safer if everyone still thought Kushina was the Jinchuriki," he finished.
"Does this…make you feel any differently about me?" Naruto asked hesitantly. "I'll understand if you don't want to be teammates or friends anymore."
Hinata rushed to his side and pulled him into a tight embrace. "Nothing could ever change how much I care about you, Naruto," she said. "You're one of my best friends."
Sasuke patted his shoulder, a smile on his face. "Yeah. Nothing's gonna change that, idiot. I'm just relieved to finally know how you have a crazy amount of chakra. We're always going to be a team. Team Harmony, right?" Naruto's eyes watered as he hugged Hinata back and buried his face in her neck at their kind words.
"Yeah," he said, voice muffled. "Team Harmony." He pulled back and smiled at his team. "Thank you guys."
Minato smiled at the heartfelt scene but then looked over at Haku who was looking directly into his eyes without wavering. "Haku, yes?" The young boy nodded. "While you have committed quite a bit of crimes, I understand the situation you were put in which is why I am giving you a choice. Either you return to Kirigakure and let them dole out your punishment or I officially declare you deceased and you continue on with your life as you see fit. However, should we catch wind of any future crimes, I will send this team out specifically to retrieve you and they will take you down."
Haku bowed his head. "Thank you very much, Hokage-sama. I know I deserved to be punished for my crimes, but if you are giving me options then all I have to say is that I have always wanted to travel for my enjoyment and not for work," he said. "Please forgive my insolence. I know that option is difficult for you."
Minato smiled and merely stamped a report on his desk before sealing up. "Actually, Haku is now officially dead. Go enjoy your life and leave the shinobi way behind, okay?"
Haku smiled widely. "Yes, Hokage-sama. Do I have to choose a new name?"
"You can stay as Haku but maybe pick a last name and change up your style," Minato answered.
Haku turned to Kakashi. "May I take your last name?" He asked, shocking the jonin.
"I…Sure, if you'd like. It'll feel nice to know there's at least one more Hatake out there than me," Kakashi said, honored that the talented boy would choose him. He was more than strong enough to defend that last name as well.
"I thought about taking Hinata-chan's or Sasuke-kun's, and even Naruto-kun's but I realize how recognizable their names are," Haku explained.
Kakashi visibly slumped. "I was the last pick?" He sighed.
Haku chuckled. "I don't mean it offensively, but I've grown quite close to them in our time together."
"So Haku Hatake, then? That has a nice ring to it," Minato said. "You all get some rest. I'll be taking Team Harmony off the mission roster next week. Haku, you're welcome to stay in the village for however long you'd like." Minato handed Kakashi their pay and dismissed them.
Kakashi divided up the money between his students and himself before walking off with a yawn. "Get some rest. We'll meet for some training the day after tomorrow."
Hinata turned to Haku. "Haku-chan, what are you going to do?" She asked.
"I think I'll rest for a few days and then gather up some supplies before beginning my travels," he replied. "Um, do you three know where I can stay?" He asked sheepishly.
Sasuke had the room, but he didn't want to bring someone new around his mother who was only going to leave. "My house is full, I'm afraid," he said.
Hinata hummed. "I'm sure we have an extra room for you at the Hyuuga Compound," Hinata said.
Naruto put an arm around Haku's shoulders. "Nonsense! There's plenty of room at my place and my mom's gonna absolutely love you!" He said. "He'll stay with me."
Haku smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Naruto-kun. I can't wait to meet her. You think she'll be able to help me change my look?" He asked, looking down at himself.
"My mom's great at stuff like that. It'll be no sweat. Let's get going. A nice, hot bath sounds amazing right now," Naruto sighed happily. "We'll see you two later!" With that, he pulled Haku away and toward his house.
For the first time since Sasuke kissed her, they were alone together and although they expected it to be awkward, it was as natural between them as it had always been. They walked languorously through the village and toward their family homes.
"Are you excited to be going back home?" Hinata asked.
Sasuke exhaled through his nose. "My mother isn't going to let me go for a long while," he said, but he was truthfully looking forward to it. Hinata sensed this and giggled at him trying to act any differently. "What about you?"
"I am excited to see Hanabi and Neji again. I have to look in on my plants as well," she said. "I'm sure Hanabi isn't going to want to let me go, but I'll have to report to my father first and let him know how the mission went." Sasuke raised a brow at the frown on her face.
"What is it?"
"Well, if word of my injury gets around, I'm afraid the Elders will try to use that to their advantage by saying that I am too weak to lead my clan," she admitted. Sasuke had known for a while that her own family was gunning for her, but he never took into consideration how anything like an injury on a mission or a misstep in public could be used against her.
"They're still wanting Hanabi to take over?" Hinata nodded. "Well, I'm telling you right now that I have no plans to marry her even if she is somehow proclaimed the Hyuuga Heiress."
Hinata laughed softly. "Sasuke, don't say that."
He grinned at the sound of her laughter. "What, it's true! Whether you're the heiress or not, or I'm the heir or not, I'm still planning to marry you." Hinata's face went bright red and Sasuke knew he needed to dial it back or risk overwhelming her. "Sorry."
She shook her head. "It's okay. Don't apologize for expressing your feelings. I want you to be able to tell me anything," she admitted.
"Really?" He asked as they turned a street and hit the Hyuuga/Uchiha area where hardly anyone traveled, especially when the sun went down. He smirked when she hummed a confirmation. "Well, if that's the case. I'd really like to hold your hand right now."
Hinata's eyes shot to him before lowering back to the ground. "I…give you permission," she all but whispered. Sasuke reached out and grasped her hand comfortably as they walked, their fingers interlocking.
Sasuke was definitely taking her out on a date soon, officially.
"Father, I've returned home," Hinata said, bowing her head respectfully. "The mission was a success."
"You were gone longer than expected," he said. He felt relieved to see his daughter standing before him. Part of him had been worried when it had been longer than two weeks for a simple mission to the Land of Waves.
"Yes. The mission turned into an A-Rank and we had to fight very strong opponents," she explained. Hiashi could tell she was struggling to tell him something and so he waited. "I was gravely injured."
"What happened?" He asked seriously.
"The bridge builder we were to escort had a powerful and wealthy man after him who hired mercenaries to murder him in order to prevent him from doing his job. We faced two chunin, they were not as strong as they looked, and then we faced a man called Zabuza Momochi." Her father's eyes widened just a bit at this name. "We held our own against him but Kakashi-sensei was the one to beat him. A week later, we faced Zabuza again, but with a student of his that had a kekkei genkai. He could control water and create ice. While I was guarding the client and helping to break Sasuke out of his ice prison with Naruto, he snuck up on us through the mist with his large sword and I only had time to use the body flicker to protect him."
"You were injured protecting the client and helping your teammate?" Hinata nodded. "You did well, my daughter. I am glad you are in good health now."
"Thank you, Father." After another moment, she spoke again, "Before, I knew how badly my eyes were sought after, especially after the incident when I was five. Both the chunin we faced and Zabuza were interested in them, so I am aware that I have to be my absolute strongest in order to protect my doujutsu."
"Yes, that's correct. You've never slacked on your training and although you were quite timid growing up, you have evolved into a great ninja and you will only continue getting better," he said.
Hinata smiled, something the rest of her clan frowned at but Hiashi never minded it. "Thank you. If it's possible, I ask that you not inform the Elders of my injury. I do not wish to jump to conclusions nor speak ill of them, but I fear they will use this incident maliciously."
"I do not blame you for thinking this way. It will stay between us," Hiashi assured her. "You must be exhausted. Get some rest."
"Good night, Father." He nodded and dismissed her. She unpacked her things and dressed in her pajamas, her fingers lightly tracing the large scar down her front before she settled into bed and curled up. When Kakashi had told her of Zabuza's apology, she immediately accepted it but part of her continued to be angry at the man. Had she died, Hanabi would have no one but her father and her father could not shield her from the responsibilities of an heiress. Naruto would've been devastated. Itachi would have no one else in the village he could count on and his illness would go untreated. And Sasuke…she touched her lips before pulling her fingers back into a fist. She would have left Sasuke, just as Shisui and Itachi did.
But she was alive, and that's what mattered. She would just have to continue to get stronger so she didn't hinder the mission ever again. She'll get better and faster so she never gets injured like that again.
When Sasuke entered his house, he noticed a single light on in the kitchen. He took off his shoes and went in, seeing his mother asleep at the table. He shook her shoulder until she stirred.
"Mother, I'm home," he said. Her eyes fluttered open and as soon as she registered it was him, she pulled him into the tightest hug.
"Sasuke! Thank God!" She cried, shaking. Sasuke held her, rubbing her back.
"It's okay. The mission was a success."
"I don't care about that. As long as you're safe. Was it dangerous?" He hummed a yes. "You're not hurt anywhere?"
"No, I'm fine. Hinata was the one who got injured. She…nearly died," he said, his voice growing soft. "It was terrifying." He pressed his nose into her shoulder, breathing in her comforting scent. "I don't know what I would've done."
Mikoto shushed him gently, rubbing the back of his head and down to his neck as a mother would. It felt nice. Like his mother was herself right now. "She's okay, Sasuke, and that's what's important. You don't need to think about what almost or could've happened. Don't dwell on something like that. She's alive."
Those words eased the tightened ball of anxiety that had been festering in the pit of his stomach since that day and his shoulder felt lighter. He didn't think that pressure would ever go away, but a simple reassurance from his mother was the answer. He just thanked the Gods silently that she was herself today.
He stepped out of her embrace and smiled thankfully at her. "How was everything while I was gone?"
"Oh! Kushina stopped by every day to keep me company and helped me out," she said happily. "That woman sure is something." The laugh she let out warmed Sasuke from the inside out. "She must've been lonely without Naruto, too."
Sasuke nodded. "Probably. Once you're used to him, it's hard to go a day without hearing that awful yelling," he said, huffing a laugh.
Mikoto laughed again, making him feel proud for producing that sound. "Well, he's your best friend, dear. Let's get to bed. You must be exhausted," she said. She pushed in her chair and shut off the light. "I'll make you a big breakfast tomorrow."
Sasuke smiled openly in the dark, where no one else could see how happy this simple gesture made him. "Thank you, mother. Good night," he said before they went into their own rooms.
Sasuke crawled into bed, his muscles aching, content with how everything went on the way home. His eyes slipped closed and he was asleep faster than he thought the image of Hinata pooled in her own blood would let him.
Naruto burst through his front door with Haku in tow. "Mama, I'm home! And I brought a new friend!" The lights in the living room were on and Kushina came rushing out to engulf Naruto in a tight hug.
"My baby's home!" She cooed.
Naruto blushed in embarrassment but laughed happily anyway. "Did you miss me?"
She set him down. "Of course! Tell me all about your mission!" Then she remembered what Naruto said about bringing a friend and turned to the young kid. "Oh, please excuse me. It's so nice to meet you, dear. My name is Kushina Uzumaki," she said, holding her hand out.
Haku took it and shook her hand. "I don't mind. It's a pleasure to meet you, Uzumaki-sama. My name is Haku Hatake," he said, smiling warmly.
Kushina blushed at the sight. "You're so pretty!" She giggled. "I didn't know Kakashi had any relatives around."
"Ah, I actually just took his last name. I didn't really have one before," he explained. Kushina looked at Naruto with a puzzled look.
"We'll tell you everything," her son said as he pulled her back to the living room.
When Naruto had finished explaining everything to her, Kushina was sitting back against the couch in shock. "That's…a lot. Looks like you guys had your fair share of fights then, huh? And with really strong people."
Naruto smiled a bit smugly. "Actually, Haku here was the strongest one. I think the only reason we're still here is because the dude who hired him decided to fire them," he said honestly.
Haku shook his head. "Not at all. Hinata-chan was very close to breaking through one of my mirrors. She was about to shatter one when Zabuza came for Tazuna-san."
At this, Naruto frowned. "Oh."
Kushina grabbed his hand. "She's okay, Naruto. And so are you. Everyone is." She turned to Haku. "You're welcome to stay here as long as you'd like, Haku."
Haku bowed his head deeply. "Thank you. I was also wondering if…you could help me change my style. I'm afraid my clothes may be too recognizable when I go traveling."
Kushina lit up. "I'd love to! We'll go shopping tomorrow. How's that sound?" Haku nodded and it was decided. "It's time for bed. Naruto, show Haku to the guest room, okay? I'll make a huge breakfast tomorrow to celebrate your return and to welcome a new friend!"
"Thanks, mama!"
"Thank you, Uzumaki-sama."
Kushina patted Haku's shoulder warmly. "You can call me Kushina, honey. I don't mind." She turned to her son. "Don't forget to give him some extra clothes of yours to sleep in, okay?" She was stern and Naruto nodded frantically.
"Night!" She called out as she went upstairs to get ready for bed.
Haku turned to Naruto. "Your mom is very kind," he said. "And pretty."
Naruto smiled proudly. "She is, isn't she? C'mon, let's get you settled." He led Haku upstairs and down the hall to a room next to his—something he informed him of as they passed the door. He flicked on the light. "Here's your room. I'll go get you some pajamas."
"Thank you." Haku unpacked a bit while Naruto was gone, the first thing out of the bag being a framed photo of himself and Zabuza. He put it on the nightstand and stared at it sadly for a moment. "I'm starting a new life, Zabuza. I'm…scared without you here, but those last people we fought seriously against? They're treating me well."
From the doorway, "I'm sorry about him," Naruto said, holding folded clothes in his arms.
Haku nodded, a tight smile on his face. Naruto handed him the clothes and he undressed to put them on while Naruto sat on the bed and stared at the photo a little more. He noted that Zabuza wouldn't have stopped trying to get back at the Mizukage and he would've used Haku in any way he needed to achieve that, but he also understood that he had a heart that he filled with Haku. After being told a bit about the situation with the Mizukage and how horrible he was as a ruler, he understood why Zabuza wanted to fix things. Whether for the power or because of his loyalty to a village he once served, he wasn't sure. In the end, it didn't matter, he supposed.
Once Haku was finished changing, Naruto snapped to and hopped off of the bed with a smile. "Are they comfortable?"
"Yes. They are very soft and smell pleasant."
"Great! Get some sleep. I'll see you tomorrow." He made it to the doorway when Haku stopped him with a call of his name.
"Thank you, truly."
Naruto smiled and shut the door behind him before returning to his own room and shrugging his clothes off until he was in his underwear. He flopped down onto his bed and buried his face into his pillow.
'Everything's okay, you idiot. Everyone's fine,' he scolded himself. But he'd seen Hinata's wound and her bleeding profusely and he'd seen Zabuza get slaughtered and Haku screaming… It had been weighing heavily on him, but he knew it was part of being a shinobi. He knew they were going to witness some truly twisted things. He needed to ground himself and be prepared for anything.
They all had to.
This concludes the Land of Waves arc! We hope y'all enjoyed it. As usual, we'll be taking the next week off before starting on the chuunin exams :) Please let us know how you liked it 3
-hina
NEXT UPDATE: 10/14/23