Chapter 7.
Naruto and Haku continued making their way towards the village's grocery district. On their way Naruto pointed out different spots and landmarks. The cheerful mood and atmosphere was quite foreign for Haku, years of being hunted by hunter-nins and bounty hunters were never the kind that fostered cheerfulness or happiness.
Usually when they visited a certain location they would just walk without talking except when Zabuza needed Haku to do something. They were never in the same area for too long, as such the life of a missing-nin is indeed a miserable one. All those are behind her now.
She is no longer a mindless tool that only follows orders. She is her own self now her resolve to follow Naruto forever was her own choice it was what she truly wanted and it truly made her happy. She is now Haku of the leaf and Uzumaki Naruto's Vassal.
They finally arrive at the leaf grocery district. Haku marveled at the different merchandise the leaf had to offer. At the women's clothing section Haku tried on all sorts of outfits. She of course, had Naruto to assess which ones looked the best for her. Naruto's face became red when they went to the women's undergarment section which is to Haku's amusement
" Naruto-sama would you mind if you check if these would look good on me? " Haku asked teasingly while holding a black laced thong.
" Wh...whaat? Wh...why? I mean why do you even need me to check if that'll look good on you? it's not like you'll be walking around wearing only that" Naruto said bright red
" Relax Naruto-sama, I was only teasing you. I'am only going to get regular undergarments. " Haku said with a giggle
" Yeah right you really need to stop doing that " Naruto said
" Sorry Naruto-sama I just couldn't resist teasing you. You look so irresistibly adorable when you're flustered like that. Haku said with a smile.
" But if you wish it Naruto-sama I would wear anything that would please you" Haku said teasingly again
" Haku-chan!" Naruto exclaimed
" Sorry Naruto-sama " Haku said mischievously
" Before we go to the food section why don't we grab something to eat first." Naruto suggested
" I guess it would be the appropriate time to eat lunch " Haku agreed.
The two made their way to the cash registrar and Naruto paid for everything. Haku insisted that she pays for them since she does have a decent amount of cash that she saved, but Naruto was defiant and told her to keep her money and that she is now his responsibility
" If ya really wanna pay me back, then make me something good for dinner I would like to try more of your cooking " Naruto said
The girl gave a strong nod of approval. The two found a decent restaurant that offered fairly cheap yet good food. Naruto ordered Rice with some pork cutlets while Haku ordered shrimp tempura. The two ate while sharing a conversation. Naruto really wanted to hear more about her travels to which Haku obliged.
The two eventually finished eating and exited the restaurant now all that was left was to go to the food section and purchase some supplies.
Naruto was impressed at how Haku meticulously inspected every vegetable, meat and fish. It was amazing how she seemingly knew what to pick without a list. In addition she is able to calculate approximately the price of each item she picked. She was confident that her calculations would be enough to last them for at least two weeks while still having cash to spare.
Once they reach the counter, the grocer looked at Naruto with disdain, that caused Haku to scowl. Worse was that the grocer overcharged Naruto. Haku tried to intervene but was stopped by Naruto.
" Naruto-Sama, why did you stop me? what he did was wrong " Haku said
" Because I don't want you to get into trouble because of me. Besides, I'm used to it by now. So, let's just go" Naruto said
Before Naruto could pull Haku, the girl instantly vanished. Naruto panicked and he feared that Haku would kill the grocer. But, Before he could move the girl suddenly appeared in front of him with the excess amount of money that the grocer charged. Naruto's face turned pale as he concluded the worse.
" Do not worry Naruto-sama I did not kill him. I merely knocked him out from behind and I got back the excess payment that he stole from us " Haku said with a proud smile.
" But did he see you? Oh God what if he saw you or what if anyone else saw you? we could get thrown in jail" Naruto worriedly asked
" No one saw me Naruto-sama, maybe you have forgotten but I also know how to use the silent killing technique. Although my variation is much different from Zabuza-sama's. " Haku said reassuringly.
" What do you mean by different? and what exactly did you do? " Naruto asked worriedly
" Zabuza-sama utilizes the silent kill technique through the hidden mist jutsu. whereas I am able to use my Ice mirrors to teleport to my target to strike them. I merely hit the grocer to the back of his head to knock him out. He should be regaining consciousness after an hour or so"
Haku explained
" Well at least you didn't kill him and no one saw you, then we're good" Naruto says with relief
" Naruto-sama may I ask why is it that you never once defended yourself from these people? You don't really have to kill them. You could however at least teach them a lesson " Haku stated
" No, I get where you're getting at but they're like this because they hate me for what they think I am, a Monster and not for who I am. Hurting them would only make them see me as more of a monster. That's why I want to become Hokage so that they'll respect me as Uzumaki Naruto of the leaf! " Naruto stated
Haku was speechless at Naruto's bravado. Never in her life had she met someone like him. It made her think and wonder what would she have been like if she just met him sooner.
On their way back to their apartment Naruto just remembered he hasn't seen Iruka for a while now and that he hasn't introduced Haku yet.
" Before we head back, there's just one more place I wanna visit " Naruto said
Haku was curious but just followed Naruto every step of the way. After a few minutes of walking they finally reached the konoha ninja academy.
Naruto approached a swingset by the tree in front of the academy. He began to touch the ropes and smile fondly.
" Is this the place you wanted to visit Naruto-sama? " Haku asked
" Yep, you see this swingset here? This is where I used to hang out whenever I failed the exam. It took me 3 times to pass. Anyway let's go in there's someone I want to see and I want you to meet " Naruto said with a smile
Haku just kept a poker face and followed Naruto insid the academy building. Naruto gave Haku the tour inside the school while telling her stories about his prankster days at the academy.
" Ah we're here. Iruka-sensei! " Naruto- called out
A man with a horizontal scar across the bridge of his nose turned around and excitedly stood up the moment he saw Naruto.
" Naruto! it's great to see you, how are you! " Iruka excitedly asked Naruto
" I'm doing great. We just got back from this super difficult mission! " Naruto excitedly said
" Really? now well why don't you go and tell me over some dinner later? " Iruka said
" Sure how about you come later on at my place so you can taste some of Haku-chan's cooking. she's a good cook" Naruto said
Haku blushed when Naruto praised her cooking skills
" Haku-chan? who is she? " Iruka asked
" Oh I almost forgot, Iruka-sensei I'd like you to meet Haku-chan, it's kinda a long story, I'll tell you later over dinner" Naruto said
Haku simply bowed and followed Naruto out of the academy. The evening came and Haku was making preparations for dinner while Naruto excitedly waited for his sensei to arrive.
There was a knock on the door and Narurto immidiately rushed towards the door and was greeted by Iruka. Iruka went in and suddenly noticed the change inside Naruto's apartment. It was neat and clean.
He also noticed Haku wearing an apron, approach them holding a pot that smelled really delicious.
" That smells great what'd you make? " Naruto said
" Beef stew with rice" Haku said
Haku sat down at the table while Iruka stared at her.
" So, who are you? and what are you doing inside Naruto's apartment"?
" I am Haku, I am Naruto-sama's friend. I've just been given permanent citizenship by the third hokage as Naruto-sama's vassal" Haku said
" Wait? what!? Vassal? " Iruka asked in confusion
Naruto narrated the whole ordeal from the land of waves to Iruka. Iruka upon hearing the whole story was shocked to learn their living arrangements and the third was seemingly too lenient.
Haku also told Iruka her part of the story which Iruka sympathized with. He was however, furious at Kakashi upon learning that team seven was pitted up against Jonin level enemies and wanted to give him a piece of his mind for his negligence.
" It's getting late I should get going now, I still have class tomorrow, Thank you Naruto, Thank you Haku the food was really delicious" Iruka said
" Thanks for coming Iruka sensei" Naruto said.
Haku gave a bow and a smile as iruka waved goodbye to her
" So what do you think about Iruka sensei? isn't he just the coolest? " Naruto asked
" Indeed, I can tell he is a good man and he genuinely cares about you. I am happy that there are still people here in this village that care for you. " Haku said
The pair spent the evening sharing small talks and laughing at Naruto's goofiness Ti'll it was bed time.
END
