Chapter 3.
It had been days since Haku was held in the detention facility. Naruto kept true to his word, everyday he would come visit her and have conversations with her. He would always ask her about her conditions and make sure Hiruzen kept his word. Then he would tell her stories of how his days went. Sometimes he'd bring her food and they'd eat together in the lobby.
His visits didn't have a specific time sometimes he would visit her earlier and sometimes a bit late. Sometimes he would come with visible scratches and cuts that would raise her concern and whenever she asks him Naruto would just laugh and say it's nothing to worry about and that he got it from training or from missions.
" I like it when you come visit me Naruto, it's something that I always look forward to. Thank you " Haku said with a smile
" Of course, I'd visit you, I promised didn't I? It's only a few more days till you're out of here. I can't wait to show you around " Naruto said with a huge smile.
Two weeks have passed. Hiruzen and the counci were now discussing Haku's living arrangements in the leaf. Haku was brought in by ANBU. and was now present in front of everyone present in the room. Naruto and Kakashi were also present in the room.
" Based on the reports from Ibiki Morino and Inouichi Yamanaka, there are no signs that you harbor ill will towards the leaf. However, before a final decision is to be made, there must also be approval from the council members" Hiruzen said.
" If this girl was truly an accomplice of the notorious Zabuza Momochi, then we should hand her over back to kirigakure. If kirigakure finds out we've been sheltering an accomplice of an A-rank Missing-Nin there is a possibility that they may interpret it as an act of disrespect towards their laws" Koharu spoke
" On the other hand she would make a fine addition to konoha's military might. we could have her continue her bloodline here and produce shinobis with Ice release kekkei genkai. " Homura suggested
" Apparently Haku was never an enlisted shinobi in Kiri, there were also no records of her in the Bingo book. So it's safe to assume that there would be no problems if we accept her " Hiruzen said
" If Haku does decide to become a citizen of konoha she would have the same freedom and rights as the other villagers. We will not force her in any way to become a breeding mare. Maybe you have forgotten that we almost went into war with Kumo because they attempted such a thing with our people. The leaf village condemns such barbaric practices. Hiruzen added.
" Now, Haku I want to hear it from you do want to become part of konoha, pledge loyalty and die for this village" Hiruzen asked Haku.
" I..I.. want to be with Naruto-Sama, my loyalties lie where his lie..That is all that I wish " Haku said
Hiruzen and the council raised eyebrows at what she just said. Naruto's eyes widened with shock while his mouth hung open.
" Naruto-sama? so you are saying that it is Naruto who you pledge loyalty to and not the leaf village? May we all know the reason why you would want to live not as a citizen of konoha but as a vassal of Naruto? " Hiruzen asks
" It was not long after that I lost everything The person who was most precious to me and my purpose in life. I was supposed to be the one who protected Zabuza-sama but it ended up being the other way around. I attempted to take my life however, Naruto-sama stopped me, he saved me. ever since that day I have done a lot of thinking even while I was detained always end up with the same answer and that is to be by Naruto-sama's side, to follow him, protect him, serve him to ensure his dreams become a reality. I have a feeling this is what Zabuza-sama wanted when he entrusted me to Naruto-sama " Haku said
Everyone in the room remained silent they all had blank expressions. Naruto was being overwhelmed at Haku's declaration. No, this wasn't what he wanted when he saved Haku. He saved her because he wanted her to live and be free as a person but what she is doing now is basically repeating her life as nothing more than a tool. He didn't like that.
" It warms my heart to know that there is someone who is willing to go that far for Naruto's sake. However, I must also ask Naruto if he would be willing to take you in as his own. If he does decide to accept you, then he would accept all responsibilities concerning you and he would be the one to ensure that you don't betray konoha. Should you violate any laws then all punishments and accountability falls towards Naruto. " Hiruzen Said
" Now Naruto. I want to hear it from you. Do you accept Haku as your own and are you willing to take in all responsibility and accountability for her while she is within konoha? " Hiruzen asked
" I...I... what happens if I refuse? " Naruto asked
" Then it's either she accepts the offer to either become a civilian or a shinobi here in Konoha or if she rejects, then we would have no choice but to kick her out of Konoha " Hiruzen said
Hearing this felt like a bucket of cold water was just poured down at him. He needed to think quickly. He looked at who was visibly saddened by Naruto's hesitation. He looked her in the eye and he could see emptiness. He knows that Haku has no one in her life He knows what it feels like to have no one.
" Fine I accept " Naruto said weak
" Very well since Naruto Uzumaki of the leaf accepts Haku as his vassal, all responsibilities regarding Haku will befall upon him, furthermore if by chance Haku would violate the laws of konoha then Naruto Uzumaki would be held liable. Does anyone here have any objections? " Hiruzen asked
" I have no objections. we all know that Naruto Uzumaki is the vessel of the Kyuubi. You have seen it too haven't you Haku? Then you should know that there might be a day that Naruto would be targeted by people who would want to harness the kyuubi's powers. If that day comes are you willing to protect him with your very life " koharu asked Haku.
" I will protect him with my life and I would be willing to die a thousand times just for his sake. With all my power and strenght I swear I will destroy anyone who threatens to harm him in any way " Haku answered determined
" If that is your resolve then I have no objections. Being the guardian of the kyuubi jinchuuriki will certainly be beneficial to the village but maybe this could be a chance for the Uzumaki clan to re-establish itself. It would certainly be interesting to see an Uzumaki and an Ice User kekkei genkai Hybrid. If Naruto wished it would you openly submit yourself to him. I am asking this because I want to know if you truly know what it means to be devoted to someone " Homura said.
Haku and Naruto both became bright red hearing what homura was implying. Hiruzen chuckled at the idea but in a way he too wishes for Naruto to one day find a girl who would love him and accept him and this could be that chance.
" I belong to Naruto-sama, His will is my Will I will follow his wishes, It would be an honor if I carried the Uzumaki Bloodline " Haku said
Upon hearing this Naruto couldnt help but blush however, a part of him still sees this whole arrangement wrong. He would have to wait when they're both alone to vent out whatever thoughts are in his head.
" Now that we are all in an agreement I Hiruzen Sarutobi, grant Haku formerly of Kiri, a permanent Citizenship of Konoha, Under Naruto Uzumaki as her master. As such you will not be part of the regular Shinobi ranks and you cannot accept any missions without Naruto's approval. However, Naruto has the right to bring you if he wishes to in any missions that maybe assigned to him and there would be no retaliation from your part " Hiruzen declared
The meeting was done and they were all dismissed.
End of chapter 3.