It was 8:00 A.M in the morning that Naruto left his apartment with his kunoichi partner. while making their way through the streets of konoha, a group of 3 children wearing goggles suddenly interjected their path.

Konohamaru: Naruto nii-san!

The group of three children introduced themselves as the konohamaru squad. The girl was named moegi and the other boy was named Udon.

Haku, just stared at them in awe, wondering what their connection is to her blond master.

Naruto: Hey konohamaru! How ya doi'n?

Konohamaru: I heard that you just got back from a super difficult mission I wanna hear all about it and you also promised to play ninja with me.

Naruto: Well uhmmm yeah I... did but you see I have an important training session with my team so maybe some other time...

Konohamaru: Aww but you promised " Konohamaru pouted "

Haku seeing that Naruto was in an awkward situation spoke up

Haku: There's no need to hurry Naruto-sama we left the apartmet quite early. Sparing a few minutes wouldn't hurt

Naruto: Oh, If you say so Haku-chan.

Konohamaru: Who's she? is she your girl friend Naruto-nii?

Haku and Naruto looked at each other and blushed red upon hearing Konohamaru's question.

Naruto: Uhh.. No..oo she's not my girlfriend her name is Haku and were uhm were friends he...he...he..

Haku felt a pinch of pain at Naruto's answer to konohamaru's question. Something about the way Naruto referred to her as a friend seemed to hurt her, however she didn't understand why. she does her best to shrug it off, she can't let her emotions get the better of her as last time it caused her Zabuza's life.

Moegi: You're so pretty so are you a ninja too?

Haku: Yes I am Thank you for your compliment " Haku said with a smile "

Udon: Can you show us what jutsu you know..

Haku showed the trio her Ice release jutsu which the three youngsters gawked at. Haku quickly became close with the konohamaru squad with moegi even idolizing her and aspires to be like her one day.

While they were playing Ninja konohamaru suddenly ran into some strange looking man with a hood and purple make up on his face. he was with a girl with a huge Fan on her back. The strange looking man grabbed konohamaru by the collar and attempted to make a sport out of him.

Naruto, Haku and the other two kids witnessed as the man was holding konohamaru by the collar. Naruto yelled at the stranger to put konohamaru down. Haku noticed that they were foreign shinobi.

Haku: You people are foreign shinobi are you not? your head band Identifies you as from sunagakure. What business do you have here at konoha?

Marked man: We came to participate in this years chunin exams. but I'm feeling a little rusty luck for me I got me here a target practice.

Fan woman: Let go of him kankuro, we don't want to cause any trouble..

Kankuro: Don't be a killjoy temari. besides I'm not gonna kill the brat I'm just gonna rough him up a bit.

Naruto and Haku prepared themselves into fighting kankuro.

Voice: Put the kid down Kankuro, you are causing unecessary trouble.

Kankuro: He..hey Gaara.. I.. wa..was just playing around that's all

Gaara: Put him down or I'll kill you!

Kankuro: Yeah of course gaara!

Haku was unnerved by Gaara's presence, she could tell that Gaara was strong and dangerous. She looked over at Naruto who doesn't seem to be fazed at Gaara's presence. She knows that Naruto is no match for Gaara and doubts if she herself would be a match for him. She must not at all cost let Naruto near Gaara.

Gaara: We're sorry for the inconvenience we caused you.

Gaara caught a glimpse of Haku and the two looked each other in the eye.

Gaara: I can sense you're strong are you also going to participate in the exams?

Before Haku could speak, Naruto interrupted

Naruto: No, she isn't going to participate but I will, Naruto Uzumaki !

Gaara just turned around uninterested in Naruto which triggered Naruto into an outburst

Naruto: Hey the freak with no eyebrows remember this, I will beat all of you up Believe it!!

Haku became nervous at the situation she was afraid not for herself but for Naruto. She wanted to pull Naruto and get away from the sand shinobi as soon as possible but she knew that if she did that Naruto would never forgive her.

Luckily the sand shinobi's left quietly. much to Haku's relief. While Naruto is still triggered about being ignored by Gaara.

Naruto: I'll show those sand ninja..I'm going to beat all of them up!

Naruto: Let's go Haku-chan we have some training to do. I have to get stronger so I can kick their butts!

Haku frowned because she did not want Naruto to be near Gaara she knew that if they met in the exams she wouldn't be able to protect him.

Naruto: Haku-chan? hey summti'n wrong?

Haku: It's nothing Naruto-sama. It's almost time for our meeting. we best be going.

Naruto: Yeah let's go!

With that, the duo dashed off and waved goodbye to the trio of youngsters. Haku was quiet on their way she couldn't forget the look in Gaara's eyes those eyes which are pure evil. She knew that Gaara wouldn't have second thoughts in killing Naruto should they meet in battle.

The mere thought of Gaara killing Naruto scared her. she's afraid that she will lose her reason for living. Thoughts of stopping Naruto from participating in the exams tempted her. However, She can't be selfish because she has to believe in him and assist him in his goals. So she vowed to give her all she can to make him stronger.

Chapter 9 end