Chapter 2.
The next day, both Naruto and Haku prepared to leave the hospital. Naruto assisted the injured girl in getting dressed which caused both of them to blush. After they got out of the hospital Naruto gestured for Haku to ride on his back. Haku was hesitant at first but realized she was in no condition to be running and jumping around the forest.
Haku wrapped her hands around Naruto's neck and climbed on his back in a piggy back matter. Surprisingly for Naruto Haku wasn't as heavy as he thought she'd be but at the same time can feel the lean muscles on her body. They then made their way towards their old hideout jumping from tree to tree with Haku pointing directions.
They finally reached the old hideout. Naruto gently placed Haku on the ground. They both went inside the hideout. Haku gathered some clothing and some money that she and Zabuza had saved throughout their journey together. She seals all she could gather in a scroll which she puts inside Naruto's backpack.
Naruto again gestured for Haku to ride on his back the same way when they first left the hospital. Haku once again wrapped her hands around his neck. She wasn't as hesitant as before. She actually found it comfortable leaning on his back and him carrying her. Before she realized it she fell asleep while on his back. Naruto noticed and just smiled at how peaceful and comfortable Haku looked.
" Haku..Hey, wake-up " Naruto gently called out to the sleeping Haku.
Haku groaned as she opened her eyes only to find out that she fell asleep on their way back to their meeting place. All of team seven were present and all were ready to leave. Before they left they decided to visit Zabuza's grave to pay their final respects. Haku placed some flowers she gathered and placed them in his grave. However, she could not contain her emotions she goes down on her knees as she sobbed again. Naruto then approached her and hugged her from behind. After a few minutes, she gets up and says her final farewell to her late master.
" Goodbye, Zabuza-Sama. I promise I will live just as you wished " Haku murmured while looking at Naruto with a small smile.
Naruto and the rest of team seven headed back to the leaf village while still carrying Haku in a piggyback style. After a few hours of jumping from tree to tree they had finally arrived at the gates of Konoha. Upon arrival they were immediately summoned at the Hokage's Office.
At the Hokage's office. Team seven and Haku stood before the Third Hokage.
" Hatake Kakashi Jounin sensei of team seven, state your report " The Hokage commanded kakashi
" You know very well Kakashi of the rules. You not only endangered the lives of your genin students but because it was only classified as a C-rank mission we had no choice but to accept payment that was less worth than what we could've lost had you failed your mission. As such this is grounds for your team to be disbanded and you for suspension " The Hokage said seriously
Naruto's face formed a scowl he clenched his fist and was ready for an outburst but before he could, Kakashi stopped him.
" You know very well Kakashi of the rules. You not only endangered the lives of your genin students but because it was only classified as a C-rank mission we had no choice but to accept payment that was less worth than what we could've lost had you failed your mission. As such this is grounds for your team to be disbanded and you for suspension " The Hokage said seriously
Naruto's face formed a scowl he clenched his fist and was ready for an outburst but before he could, Kakashi stopped him.
" On the other hand, all of you did come back alive and you did complete your mission. You also played a part in ridding the world of Gato and his evil ways and you manage to best an infamous A-rank Nukenin listed in the bingo book. So, with that I will pardon all of you just this once " Hiruzen said with a smile
Kakashi lets out a " Phew" and all three genin's faces lit up in a smile. They were all relieved that their team wasn't disbanded. However, changing the topic The third Hokage noticed that there was an unfamiliar person along with team seven one that was foreign from the village.
" Kakashi, who is this girl with you and why did you bring her back with you? You did not mention in your report that you would be bringing back a person with you " Hiruzen asked
" Her name is Haku, She was once Zabuza's right hand. Before Zabuza died he entrusted the girl to both me and Naruto. I insisted that she stayed behind the land of waves at the bridge builders village to start a new life there. However, Naruto here was very persistent in taking her back to the village with us. Knowing Naruto wouldn't take No for an answer I agreed on the condition that he would be responsible for her " Kakashi said
" Zabuza's right hand you say? I assume that this girl is also a shinobi. If so, how would you rate her skills kakashi? " Hiruzen asked
" I would rate her skills as jounin level she also has an Ice release kekkei genkai " Kakashi said
" Interesting, Haku was it? Before we can proceed with the village's protocols, there are things I need to ask you. " Hiruzen asked
Haku looked at Hiruzen and Nodded
" Alright, first I must know if you are an enlisted shinobi of Kiri. I must also know about your family or if you are perhaps a member of a clan " Asked Hiruzen.
" I am not an enlisted shinobi of kiri my master, Zabuza-sama found me on the streets. He left kiri with me and trained me outside of kiri. As for my family, I do not belong to any clan whatsoever. The only family I knew was my mother and my father. My father killed my mother after he found out that we carry a bloodline trait. He tried to kill me after so I had no choice but to kill him out of self preservation " Haku stated
The room fell into silence after hearing Haku's story. Naruto upon hearing this felt that he needed to take care of her even more. Sasuke frowned when he heard Haku had no family as he could relate to her feelings. Sakura, Kakashi and Hiruzen were silent.
" That is indeed quite sad, I am sorry that you lost your parents and I am sorry that you lost your master. However before I can grant you probation into the leaf there are some protocols we have to follow. We will need to hold you in our detention facility for at least two weeks after which we will have a meeting with the council to decide whether we can grant you a probation. " Hiruzen explained.
" What! why does she need to be detained like some prisoner. She's done nothing wrong! " Naruto exclaimed
" I understand your concern Naruto. However, I assure you that no harm will come to her. we will just keep her there for observations. It's only a formality to follow our protocols" Hiruzen explained
"Fine old man. but I'll be visiting her and I won't take no for an answer " Naruto said crossed arms while scowling.
" Of course, Naruto you may visit her as frequently as you wish as long as it is within the operating hours " Hiruzen says.
Naruto couldn't remove the scowl on his face. He was really disappointed with the Hokage's decision but had no choice but to abide by the protocols. He approached Haku and gave her a Hug which caused her eyes to widen with a blush.
" Don't worry I'll make sure to visit you until you get you out believe it ! " Naruto said with a smile.
With that, The Hokage dismissed team seven and summoned two of his ANBU to escort Haku to the detention facility. As Naruto left she felt a small ache in her chest as she watched Naruto walk farther from her. Her mind was telling her to follow her blonde friend but she knew this was to be done.
The detention center where she was to be held wasn't quite as bad as she had imagined. It almost looked like a small room. The walls were painted white, there was a bathroom with a toilet and a shower. There was a Bed with clean sheets and pillows and a blanket. There was only one window with bars. the door itself was made of steel and there was a sliding window pane at the near top of it.
Night time fell and Haku just lied down staring at the ceiling with so many things running through her thoughts. She was used to sleeping in harsh conditions while being hunted down by Hunter-nins and yet here she was, unable to sleep despite being in a far more comfortable set-up.
She sat-up and looked outside the window, she looked up the moon and began thinking about Naruto. She wonders if she'd be allowed to stay with him. The thought of staying with Naruto caused her to smirk and with that she fell asleep comfortable thinking about her new life in the village with Naruto.
Chapter 2 end