Woohoo! Chappie five! This one's going to be sort of short because I had a terrible case of writers block and bad memory. I send apologies.
Disclaimer: If you thought I owned Naruto, you've been living under a rock.
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Hinata sat next to Kakashi, watching anxiously as Tsunami, Tazuna's daughter, tended to him.
"Sensei will be fine, right?" She asked, concerned. She knew that Kakashi had only suffered from chakra depletion, but apparently it was a lot worse than she thought it was after he stayed unconscious for a whole day. He had woken up, even though he was currently asleep, but Hinata was still worried.
"Don't worry." The young woman smiled at the girl. "He'll be just fine. But you shouldn't stay here and worry." She gave Hinata a small nudge. "Go on. Your friends are waiting for you outside. I'll take care of Kakashi."
Hinata nodded in thanks. When she ran outside, she realized that Naruto and Sasuke were waiting for her.
"Hey, Hinata!" Naruto bounced over. "Didn't you tell us that you were working on a new jutsu? I wanna see it!"
Hinata's face lightened up. "Okay. I actually was going to ask you guys for practice on it."
"Great!" Naruto turned to look at the other kid. "Let's go, Sasuke!"
Sasuke shrugged and set off with them.
"What's this new jutsu called, Hinata?" Naruto wanted to know everything.
"I actually made it." Hinata ducked her head embarrassedly. "I call it the protective eight trigrams."
Naruto's eyes widened. Sasuke had to admit he was intrigued.
When they reached a clearing, Hinata turned to them. "Um, do you guys mind throwing a bunch of shuriken and whatnot at me?"
Naruto frowned. "I don't want to hurt you." Sasuke nodded in agreement.
Hinata set her jaw. "It'll be okay. I need this."
Naruto and Sasuke reluctantly got into position and half-heartedly chucked a couple kunai at their teammate.
Hinata batted them all away with a chiding frown on her face. Sasuke and Naruto both resigned and ran around, throwing a barrage of kunai and shuriken, and, this time, it was no joke.
Hinata narrowed her eyes slightly, and then raised her palms into the gentle fist position, Byakugan activated.
"Protective Eight Trigrams 64 Palms!" She cried out. Her hands moved quickly, focused beams of chakra slicing through the projectiles, causing them to fall to the ground, useless.
When the chaos was over, Naruto and Sasuke stepped out.
"Wow, Hinata!" Naruto looked over the stopped weapons strewn all around the forest floor. "That was amazing!"
"Hn." Hinata took that as Sasuke's own way of complimenting her.
I see. Sasuke analyzed. She took full advantage of her superior flexibility and created a defensive jutsu. Not bad.
"Nicely done, Hinata. You never told me you invented a jutsu."
All three genin whirled around to see their supposedly "unconscious" sensei leaning on a crutch.
"Kakashi-sensei!" Hinata rushed over to check if he was alright.
"It's alright, Hinata." Kakashi ruffled her hair good-naturedly. He turned to the boys, as if waiting for something. "So…when are you guys going to mother me?"
Naruto gagged. "As if, you creepo."
Sasuke turned his head up haughtily. "Tch. Annoying."
Kakashi grabbed at his chest, feigning hurt. "No respect for your elders!" He leaned against a tree. "But all jokes aside, it's time to start chakra control."
Naruto wrinkled his brow. "What the heck is katra?"
Everybody stared at him.
"Chakra, Naruto," Hinata whispered. "Chakra."
"Oh, oh yeah!" Naruto grinned, putting his arms behind his head. "I know about chakra. Believe it!"
Kakashi sighed. "I suppose I don't have to explain it, then?"
The three kids shook their heads.
"Good." Kakashi faced the tree. "Now, I want you guys to walk up that tree just by controlling your chakra." He demonstrated with ease. "Do so by focusing the chakra into the soles of your feet. A running start would help." He tossed all three genin kunai. "Use these to mark your progress."
"Sir!" All three students nodded in affirmation.
They all lined up to their respective trees and raced up. Hinata, with her superior control over chakra, made it all the way to the highest tree and sat down. Sasuke made it up farther than Naruto, but the blond jinchuriki was close behind.
"Good job, Hinata," Kakashi praised. "I assume you learned chakra control when you were younger?"
"Y-Yes." Hinata beamed at the praise. "It's necessary for the Hyuga fighting style.
Kakashi frowned at the stutter. He thought that time with Naruto and the rest of the team would eliminate it fully, but it still happened. It was an improvement, though, she rarely stuttered now.
"Why don't you tell the boys how to do it, then?" He covered up his slight disappointment smoothly.
"Oh, um…" Hinata glanced at her teammates uncertainly.
Naruto and Sasuke were both watching her with varying levels of attention. Confidence boosted, Hinata explained.
"Well, you have to make sure you regulate the chakra, of course." Hinata furrowed her brow. Controlling her chakra was like a second nature to her, so she wasn't sure how to explain it. "I find emotions to be very disruptive to your focus. Staying calm helps a lot." She paused before suggesting something else. "I-I, uh, I can watch your chakra with my Byakugan if that helps?"
Naruto gave her a thumbs up. "Yeah, Hinata! Thanks!" Sasuke nodded.
Hinata smiled. "Okay! Byakugan!" Veins popped up around her eyes.
The three spent the rest of the day walking up trees. Well, Sasuke and Naruto did. Hinata was telling them little things such as "add some more to it, Naruto!" or "that's too much, Sasuke!".
Kakashi watched their progress with a small smile. Oh how far his genin have come. Sasuke was much more sociable now, at least with his team. Naruto, even if he still had his goofball attitude, was much more, how to say it, mature, at least when the situation was dire. And Hinata. Hinata transformed from a stuttering wallflower to a person that would give commands if needed. Of course, she hadn't fully come out of her shell, and sometimes Kakashi felt like she would retract completely, but that was okay. These three would support each other no matter what. This next mission would just prove it. Kakashi looked up to the heavens.
Oh, Minato-sensei, Obito, Rin. What would you think of me now?
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When the sun began to set, the three made their way back to Tazuna's house, arm in arm. Hinata was soaking, as after making sure that the boys were doing okay, Kakashi had her practice water walking, which, after a few tries, she got down. Naruto was telling a funny story very animatedly, Hinata was giggling, and Sasuke had a small smile on his face. They got back, just in time for dinner. Hinata went to the room she was staying in and changed into dryer clothes. When she got back down, Sasuke and Naruto were stuck in an eating contest. Hinata's eyes widened when they both began to throw-up the food that was swallowed hastily.
"You guys!" She scolded both of them, rubbing their backs comfortingly. "Slow down!"
"Heh, sorry, Hinata." Naruto rubbed his head sheepishly. "But we need all the energy we can get to defeat Gato."
"Gato will kill all of you guys." Inari was staring darkly at the three. "Just run away while you can. Don't try to be a hero."
Naruto glared at the boy. "What do you mean?"
Inari slammed his hands onto the table, making a resounding sound in the silence. "I mean, you are all going to die!"
Naruto stood up as well. "We're not crybabies, unlike you! Gato is going down!"
Inari's lower lip wobbled. He ran off.
"Oh, Inari." Tazuna put his head in his hands. "I really apologize. His father died going against Gato, so he's very touchy about heroes and whatnot…"
"Hmph. That little brat." Naruto went back to eating.
Hinata looked at Inari's fading figure. Naruto was a little bit harsh talking to him. "I'll go check on him." She pushed away her bowl. "Be right back."
When she found him sitting by the harbor, she sat down right next to him and put a bowl of food right next to him.
"You need to eat," She urged him gently. "Go on."
Inari looked at the bowl blankly.
"You know," Hinata looked up at the stars. "Naruto speaks a lot without thinking. He probably didn't mean anything he said. But he has had a hard past. In our village, everybody treats him as if he's scum or something." I wish I had approached him before. "My guess is that he's cried so much before he just doesn't do it anymore. Instead, he works hard to prove himself."
Inari looked up at Hinata's lavender eyes. "I…"
"It's okay to cry." Hinata turned to give him a closed-eye smile. "But you have to get back up as well."
She left him sitting there quietly.
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The next morning, Naruto hadn't come back.
"I'll go find him." Hinata stood up and grabbed her shuriken pouch. "Byakugan will make it much easier."
Kakashi nodded. "Be wary."
Hinata nodded in affirmation. "Got it, Sensei."
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When she was in the misty forest, she activated her Byakugan. She recognized Naruto's chakra signature in the distance, and someone else's. She walked that direction and found someone picking herbs. Whether it was a he or she was unknown to her.
"Hello?" Hinata greeted the person cautiously.
He? She? Looked up and greeted her back. "Hello. What's your name?"
"Oh, I'm Hinata. Do you need help?" She knelt down to help pick the herbs. The other person sat back and watched her pick the herbs.
"I'm Haku. Do you have knowledge in medicinal herbs?" Haku observed her carefully. Would this girl remember him?
Hinata nodded. "I make an ointment using them."
Haku held up an uncertain hand. "Can I…?"
"Oh, of course!" Hinata reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out the healing cream.
Haku took the jar and unscrewed it. He dipped a hand in the ointment, testing it.
"Not bad." Haku praised Hinata. "Pretty effective, from what I can see."
"Thank you." Hinata blushed from the praise.
"Oh, Haku!" Naruto bounced over. "Hinata! Hi!" You've met Haku now? Do you know he's a boy?"
Hinata gaped. Haku was even prettier than herself!
Haku smiled sheepishly. "I think I'll take my leave now." He turned away and walked back, fading into the foggy forest. "Oh, and Naruto. Don't forget what I said."
"Huh?" Hinata turned to Naruto curiously.
"Oh, it's nothing." Naruto waved a dismissive hand. "Nothing at all."
After they got back to the house, Naruto promptly collapsed. "I'm tired," He groaned. "Sleep."
Kakashi heaved him up into the little straw mats they slept on and left him there. "Tomorrow, we'll go guard the bridge," He informed the conscious members of Team 7. "Be prepared."
Hinata and Sasuke nodded.
After all, anything could happen.
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The next day, Kakashi, along with Hinata and Sasuke, left a sleeping Naruto to go watch over the bridge.
"Sensei, are you s-sure we should be leaving Naruto?" Hinata was uncertain.
"It's fine, Hinata." Kakashi placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, guiding her to the door. "He's exhausted, so we'll let him rest."
Hinata nodded and went along with the rest of her team.
When they got there, however, the bodies of the workers were strewn all over the bridge. As if on cue, fog drifted into the area.
This mist. Kakashi thought.
"Hinata, Sasuke, they're coming!" He warned.
Hinata already had her Byakugan activated, and was standing in formation, protecting Tazuna, along with Sasuke.
"Sorry to keep you guys waiting." They heard Zabuza's low menacing voice.
Tazuna gritted his teeth.
"Pitiful."
Suddenly, multiple Zabuzas were standing around them. Sasuke immediately leaped into action, slicing them all into bits.
"Ah, so you saw that they were all water clones." Zabuza stepped into view with the "hunter-nin" from before. Hinata frowned. That chakra signature was strangely familiar. Where could she've seen it? "That means you have a new rival, Haku."
"So it seems," the boy replied coolly.
Hinata's eyes widened in realization. "Haku?"
Kakashi turned to her, gaze piercing. "Do you know of the hunter-nin, Hinata?"
Hinata was still staring. "I-I met him in the forest when I went to go fetch Naruto."
Kakashi turned back, gaze steely. "Well, thank god he didn't try to attack you."
Hinata nodded dumbly.
"Well," Kakashi turned back to Zabuza. "Looks like my predictions were right."
"So you mean the stuff about being a hunter-nin to protect his village was bull?" Tazuna asked sarcastically. "Gee, I wonder why I didn't know this before."
"Look, Tazuna," Kakashi sighed. "I'm sorry I let him slip away. Don't get all snippy."
"Nice job getting rid of the water clones." Haku approached Sasuke. "Even if they were only a tenth of the actual strength of Lord Zabuza."
He spun forwards in unbelievable speed towards Sasuke. Sasuke braced himself. What the heck was this? He moved forwards to block Haku's senbon with his kunai.
So, he can keep up with Haku's speed, huh? Zabuza mused.
The two flashed around again, whirling in a dangerous dance.
"You've made a mistake." Haku's soft voice was patronizing. "You cannot keep up with my speed. Also, I have blocked one of your hands, therefore handicapping you."
He raised the other hand and started flashing off seals.
Hand seals with only one hand? Kakashi looked in shock. The kind of ability you need for that…
"A Thousand Flying Water Needles of Death!"
Water senbon levitated in the air, pausing just for a millisecond.
So he doesn't want to kill the kid, Zabuza noted with a frown that was hidden by his mask.
Remember the training, Sasuke urged himself. Focus.
He jumped up, dodging all the water needles, and after tossing three shuriken in Haku's direction, leaped in to kick him. Haku got kicked, grunting from being caught off guard.
"It seems I'm faster than you," Sasuke observed smugly.
"You made a big mistake insulting these children," Kakashi stated calmly. "Hinata is one of the most capable kunoichi of her age, and Sasuke is a natural-born prodigy. And Naruto…" His eye gleamed. "...is the number one most hyperactive, knucklehead ninja I know."
Zabuza chuckled. "Haku, do you know what this means? At this rate, you'll be defeated by our intended victim."
"Yes…" Haku got up and formed a hand seal.
It feels so cold. Sasuke stood on guard.
"Hidden jutsu," Haku hissed. "Crystal Ice Mirrors."
Mirrors out of ice formed all around Sasuke. They glowed, and Haku approached the mirrors.
What is this jutsu? Kakashi looked around for clues, for any hints that would answer his question.
Haku stepped forwards to a mirror, and melted into it. The mirrors reflected him, so it seemed he was everywhere.
Hinata's eyes widened. She could see Haku, yes, but it was difficult even for her because Haku was moving at a speed so fast that even the Byakugan had a hard time tracking it.
"Water clone jutsu!" She formed the hand seals, leaving two water clones with Tazuna. "Please, stay here, Tazuna." She turned to Kakashi. "Permission, Sensei?" She waited with bated breath.
Kakashi hesitated. On the one hand, their mission was to protect Tazuna. On the other hand, he had told them to treat their teammates as if they were more valuable than gold, and Hinata had left water clones with Tazuna. He nodded.
Hinata rushed to the cluster of mirrors and leaped in the middle, much to Sasuke's dismay.
"Hinata, why did you come in?" He demanded.
"Protective Eight Trigrams, 64 palms!" She deflected the next round of senbon that was about to hit them. "I can help you with Haku, Sasuke, by calling out his location. And although I cannot keep it up for long, the Protective Eight Trigrams should protect us both when needed. And I have an idea that needs me to be here."
Sasuke nodded slowly. "Let's hear that idea then."
Hinata immediately jumped into explaining. "I can see where Haku is, but he only stays there for a moment, so I'll launch a water bullet at the next mirror he'll jump to, and then you can attack with a fire jutsu."
Sasuke prepared himself. "Alright, whenever you're ready."
Hinata narrowed her eyes. "Water Style: Gunshot!" She let out a bolt of water that launched itself to the mirror on the top left on Sasuke's side.
He jumped up. "Fire Style: Fireball jutsu!"
Haku hastily jumped to another mirror to avoid the attack, but his pant leg got singed. He looked at Hinata almost pityingly. "It's too bad I'll have to get rid of you first." He held a handful of needles. "It'd mean one less healer in this world, but I will do it for Lord Zabuza's sake."
He was relentless. Several times, Hinata had used the Protective Eight Trigrams, but she was slowing down. Which proved to be fatal when fighting with Haku. She was immediately stabbed with dozens of needles, everywhere. She fell to the ground.
"Hinata!" Sasuke ran forwards. She couldn't be… No, no, this could not be happening again. He could not lose someone precious to him again, not again. "Hinata, get up, dammit!" He shook her frantically.
No response.
He turned around and threw a shuriken at Haku, who dodged it, taking advantage of Sasuke being blind with fury. And then something else hit him, knocking him out of the mirror.
"Naruto Uzumaki is here! After all, heroes always arrive late, right?" He glanced at Sasuke, and then took a step back in shock. "Sasuke, your eyes…"
Sasuke had felt his eyes bleed red. When he looked up to see Haku meld back into the mirror, he felt as if he could finally see.
Naruto walked forwards, now inside the cluster of mirrors. "Bastard?" He noticed Hinata on the ground. "Hey, Hinata–"
He realized. He realized why Sasuke was so angry. Why his eyes were red with tomoes spinning inside of them. And now he realized he wanted to kill everything in sight. He felt a strange chakra bubbling inside of him. And then he felt hatred.
Hello, Naruto.
He charged forwards blindly, nails sharpened into claw like points, canines enlarged, and eyes a blood red.
The awoken fox, no, demon, danced gleefully in this new found bloodlust.
Haku did not stand a chance.
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Author's note: Okay, okay, I'm sorry I ended this on a cliff-hanger. Please don't come after me XD. But because I wrote a cliff-hanger, I will wait extra long until the next update, MWAHAHA! Just kidding! :) It depends on how lazy I am in the upcoming days, but I'll update just as usual. If it feels longer, it's because I ended on a cliff-hanger, and you guys are impatient. Definitely not any other reason. Review for faster updates!