No, I haven't spent a whole day writing these many chapters; they've already been written. I've been spending most of my time editing them. The versions currently on Archive Your own are not as good as this version. Eventually, when I'm done editing the first five chapters, those versions will appear there, but the version you're currently reading will appear here first.

Anyway, enjoy the story, and please be constructive in your criticism. I'm not an experienced writer.

"This isn't much, but it's home"

Tazuna welcomed her team into his house. This would be the place where they would stay during the duration of their mission. She didn't want to burden him or his family any more than necessary."

"These are guests from Konoha. Tsunami. They will stay here for the time being until the bridge is completed."

She didn't want to be a burden on them. She could tell that their food reserves were limited. She looked at her team. They looked exhausted and hungry.

"I hope we're not a burden on you," Hinata said to the older woman.

"You aren't; it's no problem, isn't it, Sensei?" asked the woman. Hinata nodded and tried hard not to show her annoyance that she gets this everywhere since her promotion.

"Yes, I am. I know I'm young and inexperienced, but I am their sensei." She said with confidence, hoping the woman wouldn't see through her nervousness.

"I'm sorry, but I don't mean any offense to you, Hinata-san. It's just that you don't look much older than some of the teenage girls here. How old are you?"

She didn't look her age. She was often mistaken for being younger than she really was, which was one of the reasons why she dressed the way she did to show that she was a woman, not a girl.

To answer her question respectfully while also showing the same courtesy she'd been showing him, Hinata answered, "I'm 19."

"19! I could swear you were younger!" Tazuna, surprised and ashamed on how he treated Hinata at the start of the mission.

"I'm sorry if I knew you were 19, I would" Hinata silenced him with a motion of her hand."It's okay. I just got promoted a few months ago. I have to show through my skill and conduct myself to prove that I'm a woman and not a girl. You will not be the first to make that assumption, nor will you be the last. Know this: I give you my word that I will not fail you or the people here."

She doesn't know if what she said would reassure the woman, but she had to show that she was confident in herself. That's the only way she will gain respect."You all look exhausted. I'll make dinner for everyone." Tsunami went to the kitchen to start cooking dinner for everyone. Hinata motioned for everyone to sit. There was a lot that she had to get done. She had to prepare her team for Zabuza's return and that mysterious boy with the Abu attire.

Her students weren't ready for this kind of mission, but pulling out now would doom these people. She couldn't in good conscience do it, not after seeing how dead they were inside. Their eyes, even children who should be happy and playing, not starving or wondering when their next meal would be. She had a strong suspicion the Hokage knew this mission was more important than she realized, but why would he send her on a mission like this? Her team wasn't prepared, but it was too late to pull back.

In a time like this, she had to set an example for her team. If she were to back out, it would show them that Konoha and by extension shinobi are heartless and cold machines that should not care about anyone but the mission. The doctrine of Root is what a real shinobi is in their eyes; she refuses to be anything like them. She wants to be someone who can inspire others if she would have backed out on her first challenge, which is what this mission is. She'd be nothing more than a pathetic coward and she refuses to be known as that.

Naruto looks eagerly at Tsunami, who puts a plate of food on the table. Everyone gets their share, but she can't help but wonder who it's for." Inari's dinner is ready. She hears the doors upstairs open, and she sees a boy who she assumes is named Inari. He has spiky black hair and dark-colored eyes. He wears a green jumpsuit with a yellow shirt.

She had the same look as every other person she saw in this land. Her students were uncomfortable; even Sakura didn't like this atmosphere. It was tense. He sat down, and the boy took the food his mother gave him. Everyone ate in silence.

After the boy was done eating he went upstairs to his room when everyone was done eating Hinata offered to do the dishes.Tsunami declined she was tired and she knew her students were as well."you three can use the guest rooms that we have" Tsunami showed her students their rooms he knows I didn't mind sleeping on floor she was used to doing such a thing on Long missions.

"My grandson used to be full of life, but now he's just like everyone else. That's the reason why I want to build the bridge; so the light that has gone from him can return. I am grateful to you, Hinata-san. Everyone else would have abandoned us. I am just curious as to why."

She decided to answer him honestly."If I can do something to help people, especially if I have the power to do so, and I don't do it, then I won't be able to live with myself. Seeing all the suffering around me, everyone is dead inside, it's almost as if everyone has given up on life, like they are beaten both physically and spiritually. I can't abandon these people; it would go against everything I believe in.

"You should act like this more. You try to be tough and cold, but you're nothing like that. Why do you do that?" She should really tell him they barely know each other, but the man is being respectful and he apologized for his earlier. She supposes he deserves some explanation." Women it's expected for us to be cold because the way this world works: women Shinobi, for them to be taken seriously, they have to be colder and even more ruthless than their male counterparts. I try to do the part of being cold so people will take me seriously, but I'm not very good at it." He chuckled as if what she said was funny.

"If you ask me, I think it takes far more strength to be kind and gentle. I would feel comfortable with someone like you; than some cold-hearted assassin. As leader of your village"

He left her alone and headed to his room in order to sleep.

"I wish I could be like you, mother; please give me strength." She said to herself. She couldn't sleep, so she decided to visit her students' rooms to tell them about their lessons for the next day.

Naruto couldn't sleep. Naruto looked around and then noticed he wasn't inside the room that he was assigned, he was inside a place that looked like a prison cell. He walked and looked down and saw water. What the hell is this place? he thought. As he walked he saw a gigantic cell which looked like it harbored a prisoner and what he saw was a gigantic Fox from the description when his teachers ever told about the story of the Kyūbi attack. He matched him in the description in every way. Naruto should be scared looking at the creature in front of him but for some reason he didn't. He was looking at him almost amused. "you show no fear you either are brave or stupid or possibly both. It matters not why are you here?" he was awaiting for Naruto's answer. Naruto had to choose his words carefully. Kyūbi what was he? Naruto couldn't tell he wanted to ask him questions. " Do you know anything about my parents?" Naruto asked him. " You mean you don't know anything about your own parents boy? Sure I can tell you but why should I? What do I have to gain? " Kyūbi asked him impatiently Naruto had to choose his words carefully. If he said anything to upset him he wouldn't get the answers he sought." I don't know why it's stupid the likelihood of you knowing my parents is probably zero after all they were just one of many people that died the day you attack the village"the fox angrily shouted at him.

"You speak about things you know nothing about boy I didn't attack your village by choice "this was the first Naruto heard of it when he was taught he attacked the village because he wanted to destroy it."what do you mean you didn't attack my village by choice what are you talking about?"Naruto asked him, confused. The fox took a deep breath" before I can even tell you you need to do something for me first I won't do this for free this isn't charity ." Naruto genuinely wanted to know what he wanted. "What is it that you want from me?" Naruto asked " freedom and respect "he answered Naruto didn't know what he meant by freedom. He had to be careful, he had to choose his words carefully. "How do I know this is not one of your tricks?"Naruto asked him. He couldn't just do what he asked unless he knew for sure he wouldn't do anything to screw him over or potentially kill him once he gives him what he wants. " Your death would be an inconvenience and I'm likely safer with you than I am with that man that attacked your village that night. "he was still wondering what he was talking about. " What you have to do is loosen the seal enough where I'm able to be able to come in and out as I please obviously it wouldn't be all of my chakra cuz that's not possible but enough of me so I can not be in this cage 24/7 if you do that for me I will tell you what you need to know and allow you to use more of my power"Naruto didn't think that was a bad bargain though he knew there had to be a catch nothing like this is for free. "There has to be a catch. What you're saying is too good to be true."he chuckled as if he was amused by Naruto's pointing out that nothing was for free.

"Of course it's not free my catch is you will treat me as a partner and not as some tool you could use and disregard at a moment's notice that's my catch prove to me you're not like the host that came before you "treating him like a person it seems to be reasonable respecting him as a living being instead of a weapon that can be used Naruto did not know why but perhaps Kyūbi was not as bad as he initially thought. "I guess that's reasonable,"Naruto admitted. " All you have to do this place your hand on the seal and I can come and leave your body as I please "Naruto knew this was a risk but he has a dream and people to protect if he's going to be able to survive the next time those two ninjas Zabuza and mysterious boy arrive he would need to be prepared. He did as he was instructed and when he was done the seal was weakened but he didn't feel the fox trying to do anything the door open in his cage. He walked out and stared at Naruto. He sat cross-legged wondering what he was doing. "It will take me some time your Sensei is coming for you we will have to cut this short I will speak to you later Kit" Kyubi sends him out of his mind space and back into the real world.

Naruto looked around him and he was alone in his guest room in Tazuna's daughter's home just like Kyuubi had said. Hinata opened the door and looked at Naruto. She spoke in a soft tone, "What you did was reckless. I'm both angry and proud; you're lucky you weren't killed." Hinata walked towards him and checked if he was all right. Why was she worried? "I'm fine, Hinata-sensei, really. You're worrying too much."

Hinata signed. "Someone has to care. I'm your teacher; it's natural for me to care about your well-being."

"No it's just I'm not used to it there's only been a few people that treated me with any kindness at all"he wasn't used to being treated this kindly what made him more confused. Why did Hinata act cold one minute and kind the next? Why did she care? "I know what it's like for people not to think you're worth anything or can't do anything or thinking you're worthless and won't amount to anything I know what that feels like. I know I shouldn't be doing this some would think I'm doing favoritism towards you but I've been through the same thing in the academy the expectations I guess I just see the experience you're going through and and reminded of what I went through I don't want you to go through the same thing as I did."Naruto was surprised how open she was being it felt nice for someone to treat him as a person instead of a monster for something that wasn't his fault how would Hinata react if she found out that he had Kyubi inside of him would she hate him he was afraid she was the closest thing he had to a real friend. He felt his heart beating "thank you for your concern, it means a lot Hinata sensei."Naruto meant it sincerely. The woman got up and spoke before she left the room. "Tomorrow morning the entire team is going to train chakra control is what we will be training for considering the training we've been doing in the past 2 months I think you will do well I have faith in your Naruto see you tomorrow morning I will hear no complaints"Hinata said to him smiling was that a smile he saw or was he imagining it?

.

The next day

Her team showed up when she said they should, never mind teaching Naruto how to climb trees using chakra, but considering all the other training she's been doing with him in the past two months, there shouldn't be much of a problem."As you all know, we will have to deal with Zabuza at some point during this mission. Since we're not going back to the village for now, training needs to get done to work on your skills."

Her team patiently waited for her to continue.

"Chakra control is the most essential skill for any Shinobi to have; without it, it would not be possible for us to do any of the things that we are usually known for. If you are going to ever get past the rank of Genin and to eventually take the Chunin exams, mastering this basic skill is essential. If you can do this, you could walk on water."

It was fortunate that she had tied her hair back, so it wouldn't get in the way during the exercise."Wow, that's amazing! I can't wait to try that!"Naruto said eagerly."Hold on before you rush into doing this; you have to be careful with the amount of chakra you use when you're climbing up this tree. If you use too much, you might fall off your branch, but due to years of training, Hinata landed safely on the ground next to her students."

"If you're not careful, you could severely injure yourself. That's why, until you can master the basics of tree-climbing, I forbid you from doing anything else. This will be your task for the remainder of our mission. When you're not on duty guarding Tazuna, you'll be doing this training."

They were listening intently during her lesson. Who should she have as her volunteer? Naruto is the worst at chakra control; Sasuke is better, but he wouldn't make a good motivator compared to Sakura, who has the best chakra control of anyone in the group.

"Sakura, would you mind demonstrating what I just showed everyone?"

Sakura, eager to please her, did exactly as Hinata demonstrated, and as Hinata had predicted, Sakura was able to climb on her first try.

She was a natural; she could be a great ninja one day if given the chance.

I'm afraid you two have a lot of work ahead of you; it seems like Sakura is closer to being Hokage than you are, Naruto."

Naruto didn't look happy that Sakura had completely left him in the dust like that, but what she was doing it out of necessity; Naruto needed to be motivated. even if it hurt his pride.

"It seems like the Uchiha clan isn't that great. The girl in the group seems to be more capable than you are."

It would definitely motivate Sasuke's humility, which is an important aspect in her mind of what it means to be a great shinobi. She couldn't help but look at Sakura, the future she could have ahead of her, a great shinobi she could become if she wasn't so fixated on Sasuke. She could be one of the most talented shinobi of her generation."

"Sakura, you have done well, and because you have done so well, you don't need to be here for the training Tazuna could use your assistance tomorrow. I'll give you a different kind of training."

This excited Sakura; her eyes lit up. One-on-one instruction from Hinata. Yes, she would give her instruction. What she would teach her is proper defense, something that would be essential.

She would stay in the shadows with them to avoid being noticed. Naruto was struggling, but not as much as he would have without her help. She was amazed at the progress Naruto had made, watching him compete with Sasuke to see who could hang upside down from a tree the longest without having to jump back to the ground. She was proud of the amount of progress they were both making.

Two days later

"Impressive, Sakura! You're doing well"

Hinata praised her student as she demonstrated how to properly defend herself against enemy Shinobi. Like Naruto, she wasn't properly taught; it made her feel angry. This girl is the least prepared out of all of them, and she will be killed because she doesn't know how to properly defend herself. The academy staff are completely incompetent.

"I can't help but feel like Sensei that I am holding Naruto and Sasuke back. I know I'm not your favorite student but I do appreciate you taking the time to teach me. I can't help but feel like I don't really have any goals. Is that such a bad thing?"

Sakura asked."Absolutely not believe me, it took me time to figure out what I wanted for myself. Give it enough time and patience, you'll figure it out not all Shinobi know what they want."

This girl was starting to think seriously about her future, which was something that she did not expect to happen so quickly.

When she thinks about it, being on her team was a benefit to her. Yes, she's still infatuated with Sasuke, but it's not her primary motivation now."Well, I want to be strong and cool like you, Hinata-sensei. I mean, you're one of the few Konicha in Konoha. There aren't many of us with any promising futures. Anyway, the main thing expected from us is to become wives and raise the next generation. But nothing else, no promising careers. There are some who do have higher positions in the Land of Fire, but those are mostly people who were born into great families. I'm not. I mean, it's not fair in a way. You made me reconsider what I want in my life." She can picture Sakura years into the future being a great ninja that could command entire divisions.

She also envisioned herself as a great medic that would help save the lives of fellow Shinobi. There are other futures she can picture with Sakura. "You can be whoever you want to be, Sakura. Nobody can decide that but you." The pink-haired girl smiles, "Then my goal is to be strong like you and become a great ninja who teaches my own students. That's what I want." A teacher she wants to be an admirable goal.

"Well that's a start, at least. But don't settle on that goal just yet. You still have time to consider others if you change your mind."

Time was almost up; should I have to watch over Tazuna?"

Thank you, sensei. It means a lot. With their training session done, Sakura went about her day.

"Your kindness is a strength, not a weakness. Our village needs ninja like you."

Why was she thinking about Itachi at a day like this? She shoved that memory to the deepest depths of her mind.

3 days later

The next days were grueling to say the least. Sakura already grasp tree climbing on the first try due to her gift in chakra control she was allowed to do other things while Naruto and Sasuke were training. Naruto and Sasuke were taking a break. Sasuke handed Naruto a bottle of water Naruto drink it. The teen said nothing for a few moments until Sasuke broke the silence. "So you and Hinata sensei, what do you do together when you two train and don't deny that she isn't giving you extra lessons. I already know"Sasuke said almost in a matter that seemed to be amusement. Is that what it was? Naruto couldn't tell. "Me and Hinata Sensei train, we don't do anything else other than that"Sasuke chuckled as if he didn't believe Naruto or anything that he said. "Really training really Naruto you're really going to use that excuse? Either my imagination is running wild or I'm imagining things which I doubt I am. I'm pretty sure I'm on the mark. You have a crush on our Sensei don't you?"Sasuke pointed out Naruto turned away confirming everything he said. "I don't see why that's a problem, it's not like you two are doing anything inappropriate and besides I doubt she would be interested in a boy anyway?"Sasuke teased.

"No, it's nothing like that. Okay, you're right. I mean, she's amazing. I think she's beautiful. Alright? Is that what you want to hear?" Naruto said in embarrassment. "I doubt an idiot like you would have a chance because she's six years older than you and not to mention she already has a lot of admirers. I think she has better options for boyfriends than with a loudmouth boy." Sasuke tried to get a reaction from Naruto. "He got you there, kid. Not only is she stronger than you, but she also has better options." Kyuubi agreed with Sasuke. "I doubt she's the kind of woman who would date anyone." Naruto tried to put on a brave face, but Sasuke saw right through it. "She's a member of the Hyuga clan. She's essentially a princess. What chance do you think you have with her, even if you were the same age? Her clan wouldn't allow it. Face it, idiot. You're better off giving up now. She's way out of your league." Kyuubi advised.

"Can we not have this conversation? Let's just focus on training." Naruto said, ending the conversation. "I'm not going to lie; I would love to see the look on those Hyuga's faces if by some unlikely chance the class clown ends up marrying the princess of the Hyuga clan. That would be something I would love to see." Naruto's face turned even redder than it had ever been before. "Come on, Sasuke. Let's just focus on this. I'm not going to lose this time." "I don't intend to lose either," Sasuke replied.

They both got back up and looked at the tree he wasn't going to lose this time. He was going to beat his rival. Without saying anything, they knew what the other was thinking and they started their climb. The wind was rushing through Naruto's face. He was running faster than he ever did before, thanks to his training in the past two months, his chakra control was far better than it was previously. He wasn't going to lose to Sasuke. They had trained for hours and they still weren't any closer to getting on top. He wasn't going to lose; he would be the first one up.

By nightfall Naruto could see the end of the tree top he was going to reach it he jumped faster than he probably should have and he almost fell but not before grabbing on to the top and he looked at the site in front of them as far as the eye can see it was a beautiful sight he had to admit with the moonlight shining on them. Then he looked at Sasuke who smugly smiled he won again.

He was tired and he was hungry for the day he just gave up his main priority was eating and resting.

Naruto and Sasuke are late. Hinata was worried she was about to get up to fetch them until she saw Sasuke carrying Naruto. They both looked exhausted. They were offered food and they gladly took it they ate like they never ate in their lives which annoyed Sakura who didn't like Naruto and Sasuke eating like pigs."Slow down you're going to choke"Sakura said scaldingly. Hinata wanted to know what had caused the Land of Waves to get to the state that it was in. How did it Goto take over what had caused boys like Inari to fall into deep despair?

"What has happened here that has caused the people to become so lifeless, to sink so deeply into despair, and why do I keep thinking about another question ever since I came here: what happened to the man in that photo?" She was referring to the photo of the family. A part of it was ripped clearly because someone was important to the family. Everyone was tense. The man in the photo was Kaiza, Inari's father, and once a hero of this land. He was speaking in the past tense, meaning he was dead.

Tazuna Began his tale "Years ago before Goto took over Inari was bullied by kids who pushed him and his dog in the lake. Thank goodness that he was saved by what would be later known as the hero of the waves. After being saved by the man Kaiza who would be the father that Inari would look up to and see as a hero and a role model. He isn't originally from the Land of Waves, he was a traveler. A chance encounter with my grandson would change things not too long after that he would meet Tsunami who would become his wife. He became a hero time and time again when there ever was a crisis he was there to save us. That one time when there was a flood he bravely risked his life in order to stop the dam from collapsing. He inspired courage and valor everywhere he went. He was like the hero from stories that we all heard of when we were children. When he entered our lives my daughter smiled. My grandson had a positive role model to look up to things were looking up in this country." Hinata know where this was going.

"That changed a few years ago when Goto came here as a foreign gangster, monopolizing trade and stopping any competition from happening. Our land was being strangled. Kaiza, being who he is, couldn't stand by and do nothing; he took up arms and ordered them to stop Goto and his thugs from taking over, but it was no use; he was captured, and I don't know what kind of torture they put him through, but when they were done, he was almost unrecognizable."

She had heard about these kinds of stories too many times not to know where this was going to end. The man was on the verge of tears. Someone like that, she looked at Naruto, the way he inspires people; she couldn't help but see that in Naruto, someone who inspires others, brings so much light, and to have it snuffed out.

"Goto, in his man-made example, showed to everyone what would happen if you opposed them. We were all there to watch, even though in the end he didn't give in to despair; he had a look on his face that didn't give up even when the odds were stacked against him. Those who resisted Goto first had lost the will to fight when they saw the state that Kaiza was in. The moment that he was killed is when this town's spirit died." She looked at Inari, who said nothing.

Naruto was about to get up when the boy Inari, looking at Naruto with anger and bitterness, said, "There's no point in training; you're all going to die. There are no heroes in this world; they're all fake."

Naruto got really angry and said, "You damn brat! You want to act like you have it bad? At least you have your mother and grandfather who care about you. I grew up with no parents whatsoever. Don't act like you're the only one that's had a hard life."

Naruto stormed out angrily.

The way the boy reacted to the tragic death of his father figure triggered something in Naruto. The boy went outside, but he wasn't too far; she wanted to go to Naruto's side, but she figured Inari needed it first. The boy was looking at the moonlit sky. He looked around to see who was there, but he said nothing."Don't take what he says personally. Naruto never had parents growing up or siblings, up until recently he didn't have any friends either." The boy didn't say anything."We will protect your grandfather and make sure the bridge is built so we can prove to you that heroes do exist in this world. I don't think your father would want you to give in to despair." She figured if she said anymore, it should be overstepping, so she turned her back, but not before she heard Inari ask her a question. "Why do you care? You have nothing to gain with this mission. We cannot give you anything. Why?" The boy asked her, looking for something that validated his outlook.

"Because I believe in doing what's right, leaving you to the mercy of Gato would be like killing you myself. I don't want that on my conscience."

She didn't wait to hear a response; therefore, she left. Now she had to go to Naruto, who was affected by Inari's words.

Hinata knew where Naruto would be. She didn't have to go far to see that he was where her team was training for the past week. He looked at her ashamed of his earlier conduct. "I'm sorry, Hinata sensei. I know I'm out of line. I'm sorry." She said nothing. She could tell without asking him what was bothering him by looking at his eyes. She sat next to him; they said nothing for a few minutes until Naruto asked her a question.

"What is it like to have parents who love you?" Naruto asked Hinata. Other than her mother, Hanabi, she wasn't really close to anyone; her relationship with her cousin was strained. "I don't know what it's like to have a father who loves me, but I do know what it's like for a mother and sister. It's the most wonderful thing you can have. I miss her even to this day." She tenses, thinking about it, remembering the things her father said to her on the day her mother died.

"It should have been you who died" Hinata remembered her father saying that even after over a decade, the pain of that memory still sticks with her. The death of her mother, the day she died, when Kumogakure tried to kidnap her in order to steal the Byakugan and breed her for them to have their own. Her mother died protecting her. Those words hurt Hinata more than any physical hit he ever inflicted on her during their sparring sessions.

She didn't notice that her tears were falling down her cheeks, remembering painful memories from that horrible day and her father's words. Naruto noticed her and asked, "Are you okay, Hinata-san?" Concerned, he said, "It's all right. You were just thinking about something painful." She hasn't spoken about what happened to anyone except one person, but she doesn't mention his name because of the hatred she has deep in her heart for him.

"I'm sorry for reminding you of painful memories Hinata sensei. I didn't mean to"Hinata put her index finger on Naruto's mouth. "It's fine Naruto, it was never your intention truth be told. I haven't talked to anyone about my mother, not even my sensei. She let another tear fall the memories of that night and her father's hurtful words."you're strong and kind Hinata sensei. I know you hide it but the real you is the woman I admire. You don't have to be cold to be strong. You're fine as you are."Naruto said to her, smiling. Only one person had told her that she was but she disregards anything that has anything to do with him "You think I'm kind Naruto, what gives you that impression?"

"You know we're going beyond the mission parameters yet you chose to follow your heart instead you saw the people in this land you couldn't leave them to their fate it's just not who you are Hinata you care about others before you care about yourself there's nothing wrong with you being who you are. I wouldn't want anybody else but you as my Sensei and I really do mean that" Hinata felt something inside of her she turned away from Naruto she stood up."Naruto you should get some sleep"she left not wanting to have him see the red on her cheeks. She did not know why he was having this effect on her. He was a boy who was 6 years her Junior no she would not indulge in that thought he's way too young not to mention he's her student and romance was the last thing on her agenda.

Zabuza played out the encounter with Hinata over and over again.

Haku went into extraordinary detail about the Byakugan. It was called the "All-Seeing" eye and it was to those who didn't know how to counter the Byakugan. Considering Hinata had experience in over a decade of training, he would have to approach her differently. The gentle fist was a dangerous fighting style; in order to counter that, he would have to keep his distance as much as possible.

He listened for hours as Haku suggested multiple counters to her techniques. Tomorrow he would settle the score if he's ever to accomplish his goal Hinata Hyuga the lioness must die. He was sick of dealing with scum like Goto, that kind of scum who thinks he's better than him, oh he was looking forward to snapping his neck when he no longer had any use for him.

Haku was in the same room, watching him like a hawk, guarding him with his life. No fool was brave enough to even approach them; though he knew soon they would have to make their move. "How much longer do we have to deal with that scum, Zabuza san?" Haku said with clenched teeth.

"When we have everything we need from him, scum like him has their uses. Once I have the funds, my dream will be a reality. Tomorrow we will settle the score and will complete this long and tedious job that has been assigned to us"

Haku couldn't help but agree; he couldn't stand being in this place with all these people who tried to intimidate them yesterday only to be scared off.

"One way or another, Haku, this will end."

He didn't know why, but he had a feeling it's something that would happen tomorrow. Was this the sign of a bad omen? He didn't know.

He decided to rest for the night and head out to gather some herbs. He knew it was pointless, but there's something he wanted to do and someone he wanted to meet before their battle.

One of the students of Hinata Hyuga. It was the blonde-haired boy with a strange orange jumpsuit who stood out amongst his teammates. He was curious what kind of person he was and if he had someone important to him that he would die to protect.

He wanted to know these things before the inevitable clash.

He headed out to meet the boy and he knew where his spot was. He wasn't disappointed. He had been sleeping, probably training until the early hours of the morning. It would be so easy to kill him to end his life. He could do anything to this blonde-haired boy, but what would be the point? What would there be to gain?

Then she saw the boy's eyes open and he looked surprised to see him.

"I didn't think I'd find anyone out here."

The woman said the way she carried herself was with grace and beauty. She had a pink kimono and her long brown hair. Her beauty didn't compare to Hinata's though. "What brings you here?" Naruto asked the woman. "I'm just picking up some herbs to help someone important to me what about you?" The woman asked him. "To train to get stronger to protect the person most important to me," Naruto answered. "This person who is important to you, do you love this person?" The woman asked him. "I don't know what you're talking about. Yes, she's one of the first friends I had. She's a kind and beautiful woman, and I" Naruto felt like he said too much. "Sounds like you're in love," The woman said to him. "I don't know what you're talking about?" Naruto said to her. "What's your name?" The woman asked him

"Naruto Uzumaki" he answered, "Naruto, this woman is important to you, yes? I have someone important to me too; someone I would die for, because I want his dream to come true. Are you willing to do the same for Hinata, for her dream?" She asked him. Naruto considered what she was saying.

"There is too much I have to accomplish. I can't die yet; not until I gain the respect I desire. I have to grow stronger. I can't protect the people I care about as I am now; I am not worth anything." The woman smiled sadly. "You have someone important to you, and you don't know why. Here's something you should learn: Naruto, even your enemies have someone they want to protect. The world isn't black and white."

Naruto had no idea what she was talking about.

Naruto couldn't help but put up his guard. Something wasn't right; this woman in front of him wasn't who she seemed to be. What she was clearly doing was deception. Naruto got up, preparing to take a fighting stance to protect himself, but nothing happened. She did nothing, which confused him. He didn't want to believe it: why would she come all the way here if she wasn't here to fight or to kill him?"You are learning something; there's something wrong with this woman, assuming that's what she is. Deception is a weapon that ninja use in their arsenal." Kyūbi said, advising Naruto to see through this woman's deception. The woman had a sad look on her face.

"It's quite a shame that we couldn't be friends. Had we met under different circumstances, we could have been friends."

Why was she sad if she was his enemy?"

My name is Haku. I figured it's only right that I reveal my name to you since I know your name. You and I aren't much different. We have people we want to protect who are important to us. Hinata, your sensei, she's your friend, isn't she?"

He kept his guard up.

"Telling by your face, you didn't tell me she's someone really important to you more than your friend or even a sensei. You haven't realized it yet, haven't you? You love this woman; don't you? That's why you want to be strong. That's why you want to be acknowledged. You don't want her to acknowledge you as a ninja; you want her to acknowledge you as a man because right now she only sees you as a boy."

Naruto understood how Haku understands what he feels and his goals. He never said anything.

"You at least have something worth fighting for, Naruto-san. Let's test each other's resolve in the upcoming battle. I'm sorry; I really do wish we would have met under different circumstances."

Before she left, she said one last thing: "By the way, I'm a man."

Naruto couldn't help but almost fall on his back in disbelief. "Deception is a key component of being a Shinobi. You would have known this if you were paying attention," Kyūbi said scoldingly.

Naruto then realized something: all the team were scheduled to watch over their client that day."Oh, shit! I'm late! I have to go now!" Naruto hurried to reach his destination, pushing Haku's thoughts to the back of his mind.

Zabazza was dressed for battle Haku got into his battle gear today would be the final day this assignment would be over and they wouldn't have to deal with Goto anymore. He wore a sleeveless black shirt and matching pants, complete with a waist-guard, and yet again, Kirigakure's striped wrist and leg-warmers.

Haku wasn't too far behind him on the bridge. The very thing that was a thorn in Gōto's side, he didn't care either way; he just wanted to get paid. The men were unaware of Zabuza and Haku as they cut them down. It wouldn't be long before his target—along with Hinata and her team—showed up. He eagerly waited for the rematch. He was going to make her pay for what she had done in the previous encounter and regret not ending his life when she had the chance.