Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Naruto Dragon Champion ❯ Medical Mission Part 3 ( Chapter 24 )

Naruto The Twin Swords

Disclaimer: I hereby state that I have no ownership of Naruto and all related media and characters to said series…because if I did I wouldn't be writing about it in the first place.

Chapter 21

Part 3

Medical Mission

( ): Thoughts

((“ ”)): Holy Talon's voice

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CLANG!!!

Naruto held off the incoming strike from Zabuza's head cutter sword as the Missing Nin from Water Country attacked with his sword…aiming for Naruto's neck…planning to kill Naruto in one fell strike. He pushed the blade aside and charged right at Zabuza but the Jonin quickly faded away into the mist and evaded Naruto's strike.

The blonde ninja swore mentally and quickly moved away as he felt the Jonin strike at him once more but with an overhead strike for his head…the blonde ninja then blocked with his shield a kick from Zabuza that hit his shield and he moved back…the Jonin then faded away and Naruto remained on the defensive.

(I can't engage the brat head on and I can't cross blades with him since his sword could very well shatter mine easily. So that means I have to plan this one out…)

Naruto looked through the mist but recalled how hard that was when he had faced Zabuza for the first time and how he had to work with Sasuke to stand a chance with this guy before. He knew that back then he would have fared little better against a Jonin that gave even Kakashi a run for his money..but that was then…this is now. He had spent his time training long and hard to make up for the time he wasted and now was the time to even things up with Zabuza.

Once concern he had was the fact that Zabuza had a partner…that masked youth that as far as he knew was a high Chuunin level missing nin like Zabuza…he had learned much from the battle when he chatted with Sakura and Kakashi, and even Sasuke at some point after their mission in Wave Country. That young stranger had a bloodline trait like that of Sasuke's Sharingan, and Neji and Hinata's Byakugan…meaning that he was a serious threat to him and the others and knowing that this guy in question was working with Zabuza, he had to be near the area as well.

(Damn it…that guy could be attacking the others at this very moment…I've got to deal with Zabuza quickly before things get really bad!)

((“Master Naruto! Look out!”))

The blonde ninja ducked as Zabuza's blade came swinging out from behind him and would have cut deeply into his back if he wasn't looking. The leather and chain-mail armor he had would have withstood the damage but Naruto had learned his lesson when he had faced the Wraith Knight weeks before and knew that he had to keep on the move if he wanted to avoid being injured badly.

“Not bad…I'd say you've improved a good deal since I fought you kid.”

Zabuza said as he remained hidden in the Mist and he was focusing on some how to take advantage of the mist to score a hit on the blonde ninja…the Jonin sensed that the blonde kid had changed since he had last seen him and he had heard a ton of rumors on what he had accomplished and he had to admit that the idea of defeating someone of that level despite being a Genin was a very tempting prospect. When he had been hired by Sound for this mission he had been promised a large payment and a percentage of the earnings of the selling of the spare medical supplies…enough to help finance his dreams of assassinating the Mizukage of his former home…though he was not happy that he could not yet take his due debts to both Naruto and Kakashi.

But his interest grew when he had some hired bandit scout report to him who were the ninja hired to protect the convoy…and the mention of Naruto made him even more interested as he finally had the chance to face off with the blonde who nearly decimated his head cutter sword before. And the fact that the Jonin level swordsman had seen how Naruto fought the bandits told him that this kid had truly come out on his own…he thought now on how much fun it would be to face a ninja of that caliber.

(You must be very proud of your student Kakashi…I'd say he's even better than that Uchiha kid you had under your care…I'm going to enjoy this fight and I will love the idea of bringing you his dead corpse when we meet…though I am curious as to why you're not around…)

That had been one of the only let downs of this mission…when Zabuza asked if Kakashi was among the ninja he was disappointed to find out that the Copy Cat Ninja of Konoha was not with the group and seemed to be out of action for the time being. He was hoping to face off with the Jonin sensei of Naruto to finally even the score but he curbed his disappointment as Naruto was proving to be more than an equal match for him. He then thought on how Haku was doing.

(This battle will be a good test of Haku's jutsus…this will be a first for him to face those who are with Naruto…)

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With the others…

Kurenai looked on as she and the others were now facing Haku who was still armed with his Senbon. The way the masked ninja held himself told her that despite being young…the boy before her was no stranger to fighting and from what she learned for Sakura this young man was gifted with a Kekkai Genkai…just like Hinata and her cousin Neji were with their Byakugan and Naruto's team-mate Sasuke was born with the Sharingan of the Uchiha…but this power described by Sakura confused her a bit.

(That Kekkai Genkai seems to use ice element…but ice is a combination of water and air…that must mean that this boy is a resident of the Water Country…but I know for a fact that all of the families with bloodlines were hunted down by the people of Water Country years before because they feared civil war…could this boy be a survivor of such a clan?)

“You all are not going to interfere with the battle of Zabuza-sama and that young man…if you try…I will have no choice but to take you all out.”

Haku said calmly and this pissed off Kiba and Akamaru.

“Oh yeah?! Let's see how confident you are if I and Akamaru beat you into submission!”

Kiba wasted no time as he took out some shuriken and fired them at Haku who quickly fired his Senbon to counter…the needles did their part and blocked the attack thrown by Kiba…Kiba closed in and so did Akamaru in order to use their signature jutsu…but Haku calmly waited and then took out a gourd of water and spilled it on the ground…water filled the ground and Haku quickly made several hand seals and Kiba tried to attack with Akamaru…

“NO YOU DON'T!!!!”

“MIZU BUSHIN NO JUTSU!!!”

Kiba's attacks hit home at Haku…but to his shock…the ninja exploded into water and he was suddenly covered in liquid and then the real Haku appeared from the side…apparently using the mist to escape Kiba and Akamaru's attack while his clone took the blow and he then made several more hand signs…but with only one hand…shocking Kiba, Akamaru and the others except Sakura…who had seen it before.

“GET AWAY KIBA! AKAMARU!!!”

The warning came too late as Haku's jutsu took into effect.

“HYOUTON KATTO HOUYOU!!!”

The water on Kiba suddenly became like ice and took the form of blades and were now sharp enough to pierce through Kiba's clothes and cut into his skin…wounding Kiba and also Akamaru as they reeled back and were cut badly.

“AAAAAUUUUUUGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!”

Kiba moved back wounded and so did Akamaru…the ice quickly fell off and returned to water form as Haku calmly aimed with more Senbon in each hand and fired them at Kiba and Akamaru…further wounding the Genin and his dog familiar as he was forced back. Hinata gasped in fear and so did the others as Shino came in with his Destruction Bugs and forced Haku away while Kurenai fired her kunai at Haku as well…allowing Kin, Hinata and Sakura to get Kiba and Akamaru away. The young Genin looked at the bloody cuts on his arms and those on his chest and swore as the Senbon were still there and so were the ones on Akamaru. The puppy was still alive and he was happy for that at least. But he swore at the pain as he and Akamaru got up.

“Damn! That guy is good…that's some Jutsu he's packing…why didn't you say that he could do that Sakura/?!”

“That's because it's the first time I've seen him do THAT jutsu!!!”

(That guy's improved…he must have been training extra hard since I last saw him…this is not good!!!)

Haku moved away as the bugs came after him and he then moved the water and made some hand signs and Shino realized that the mists that came out were too cold for him to use his Destruction Bugs and they would not survive the cold before them and therefore he recalled them back. That allowed Haku to swiftly attack Shino and land a kick on the Genin and just as he was about to use another jutsu…Kurenai made her move to stop him as she began to make the right hand signs to use her Genjutsu…at first she was cautious….recalling the time she had been easily countered by Itachi back in Konoha a few weeks before…but she knew that this masked boy didn't have the Sharingan and this might give her the edge needed to help her team. She quickly made the Genjutsu and faded from sight…

Haku knew that things were not looking good at the moment as a massive nest of vines suddenly erupted around him and quickly restrained his moments and then he spotted a deep red rose move towards him and open up to reveal none other than Kurenai who attacked with her kunai…Haku knew that it was Genjutsu as he recognized the style Kurenai used….though he had to struggle to free himself and stabbed his thigh with a needle…but not too deep to hurt himself too badly to inhibit his ability to fight. The Genjutsu faded and he quickly blocked Kurenai's kunai with his Senbon, he quickly moved away and kicked a large amount of water and quickly made several hand seals with his free hand…

(He can do hand seals with one hand?!)

Kurenai had heard from Kakashi about Haku's aptitude with making hand seals with one hand…but she had not entirely believed it…and now she realized her mistake as she spotted several massive clouds of ice needles appear behind Haku and Haku attacked.

“SENSATSU SUISHOU!”

The ice needles were unleashed in a massive hail right at Kurenai and the others and they had to move fast and avoided a good number of the needles, but not all the needles missed and the group Naruto had traveled with were injured by the flying needles. Shino had used his Destruction Bugs create a massive cloud to shield his team-mates…however the needles were far more effective and many cut through the shield and wounded them. Kurenai clutched her left arm as it was cut…Sakura held her right leg on the thigh as she was bleeding there, Shino also had several gashes on his arms and left shoulder, Hinata had several wounds on her legs and right arm, Kin also had a gash on her cheek, several puncture wounds on the left leg and another on her side, and Kiba and Akamaru were also cut in several areas of their bodies. Haku turned as several of the other convoy guards came into the scene to try and help…he quickly disabled them with some quick and precise attacks and then focused on keeping Kurenai and her team away from interfering with Zabuza and Naruto's fight.

Kiba growled and fired several shuriken and Haku recovered quickly as he summoned up his chakra and used his new jutsu.

“HYOUTON TATE!!!”

As he did the hand seals with his free hand, the water quickly responded and moved to his arm and he formed a pure shield of ice on his arm that blocked the shuriken and sent them flying as the shield of ice was strong enough to withstand the cutting power of the shuriken. Haku then moved in and then used the hand seals and the shield returned to water that Haku quickly divided and placed in both hands and used another jutsu and the water expanded and turned into long icicles that took the form of swords.

“HYOUTON TSUGURI!!!”

The Chuunin level ally and body guard of Zabuza was now armed with swords made of ice and managed to fend off a counter attack by the other Genin. Sakura's attacks with her kunai were blocked by Haku and then Kin tried to attack but Haku moved away and managed to wound Kin on the leg and forced her back with the cut on her leg, Hinata managed to fight and force Haku away and Haku quickly decided to get some room, just as Kurenai came right at him with her own kunai at the ready on the chance that Haku would attack them suddenly.

Haku briefly wondered how the battle was progressing between Naruto and Zabuza as he removed the ice blade he had formed and took out his Senbon for combat as the others in Naruto's group got ready to fight once more against him…he didn't want to kill them as he was against killing but he didn't plan on being killed by them either…Zabuza called him too soft hearted…and that was true…but he would not change this mindset as he got ready as Kin threw her Senbon right at him as Kurenai once more attacked with both Genjutsu and her kunai. This was the first time he would face a Jonin and he knew that he had to be careful as Kurenai was dangerous even with his Kekkai Genkai on his side…but he was not going to give up and allow him to fail Zabuza…

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Back in the mist…

Naruto focused his senses as he tracked Zabuza…he knew now that despite his skill, this was going to be his first time fighting Zabuza by himself without support from anyone…he had managed to outmatch Zabuza before with Holy Talon's power and indestructibility…but he knew that Zabuza would no doubt be more careful this time around in their new battle with one another…just because he had forced Zabuza to retreat in the battle in wave Country and nearly destroyed the man's sword with Holy Talon didn't mean that Zabuza would be foolish enough to try attacking him head on…

If there was one lesson his mentors had imparted on him…it was that an enemy that survives a battle with you will take two possible routes…the first is to avoid you as he or she would know that fighting you would be a mistake to the highest degree, and the second was to find a way to overcome your strength and play on your weakness and using other ways to beat you. And he knew that Zabuza did not become a Mist Seven Swordsmen by being careless.

His wariness paid off as Zabuza suddenly unleashed a massive wall of water right at him and he was forced to hold his ground as he blocked with his shield for the incoming blow as the water smashed into him like an explosion and pushed him back…the blonde ninja suddenly turned and blocked Zabuza's attack with his shield as the Jonin attacked from the side and then to his surprise…Zabuza came out from the other side and he blocked with Holy Talon…but the sword sliced through the sword and the other Zabuza and reduced it to water…the other clone exploded into water and then the Jonin who had been watching the whole thing did several hand seals and used his next attack.

“DAIBAKUFU NO JUTSU!!!”

The massive volume of water that came right at Naruto forced him to think quickly and summoned up another spell from his arsenal..knowing that using Hand seals would take too long and leave him vulnerable to attack from them Jonin before him. Naruto quickly cast the spell and focused his attention on the spell and the powers given to him by Holy Talon as the sword glowed a bit in deep red flame.

“BURNING GEYSER!!!!”

The massive wave of flame suddenly leaped out like a wave as well and the fiery wave slammed right into the column of water that Zabuza had used against Naruto…the end result was a massive explosion of heat and mist as the water and fire slammed into each other and cancelled each other out and the entire area where Naruto and Zabuza were fighting in was quickly covered in steam. Naruto moved out of the way and lashed out with one powerful slash that cut deeply into Zabuza…except it was a Mizu Bushin…not the Jonin himself…Naruto quickly spotted Zabuza coming in and he quickly realized what was about to happen and he managed to make a quick spell.

“FIRE BULLET!!!!”

The attack hit Zabuza dead on…revealing yet another Mizu Bushin and out from Naruto's back came the real Zabuza who quickly fired a pair of kunai and forced Naruto to defend himself with his shield…the kunai bounced off the shield Naruto had with him at the moment,…but that was enough for Zabuza to close the gap and take out another kunai to kill Naruto with his signature killing move the didn't rely on the head cutter sword…Naruto knew that this was bad…as Zabuza came at him with the kunai as the Jonin spoke.

“Now you die!”

“Guess again! IRON SKIN!!!!”

The Jonin attacked but to his shock…his kunai didn't cut the skin or even the flesh of Naruto's body which had taken a metallic grey hue and like metal…his kunai didn't draw blood…but instead drew sparks when it cut Naruto's skin…

The shock was enough for Naruto to quickly turn and land a charging strike on Zabuza with his shield…the attack sent the Jonin back a few feet as he recovered and threw his kunai at Naruto's throat…only to have the kunai bounce of Naruto's metallic skin on impact. Naruto breathed a sigh of relief at the quick move he had done…had he been just a few seconds or even a moment slower..he'd be dead right there and then.

Zabuza was not the kind of guy to give up as he readied his head cutter sword and once more faded back into the mist that he used to make his attacks happen. Naruto deactivated the Iron Skin spell and managed to focus on finding out just where Zabuza had gone to…however, Zabuza then spoke.

“You're good brat…that was one interesting jutsu you have…being able to turn your body into iron at a command…and without any hand signs no less…are you like my companion then? Or like that Uchiha kid with the Sharingan?”

Naruto knew that he would have to find a way into tricking Zabuza into thinking the wrong information about him as he recalled that Zabuza had fled the area before the two of them could fighter seriously and there was no way he would have snuck into Konoha in order to finish either him or Kakashi as there was no report of the Mist Seven Swordsman's actions in any part of Konoha at the time.

“You might say that.”

Zabuza chuckled and replied.

“Good then…this will be a lot more challenging than I thought…and that is going to be rather interesting to say the least.”

Naruto tensed up as another attack came from Zabuza in the shape of several kunai and then as he blocked the attacks he was forced to move back and avoid a powerful slash from Zabuza's sword and he then slashed behind him as he sensed movement and managed to take down another one of Zabuza's Mizu Bushin that was about to attack him from behind and that allowed Zabuza to close in with another powerful attack with his head cutter sword…forcing Naruto to duck and roll to the side to avoid Zabuza's follow up swipe with the massive weapon. The ninja quickly moved back as Zabuza then fired several more powerful attacks with massive arcing slashes with his head cutter sword…apparently he wanted to make sure that Naruto didn't have the right time to attack him and keep Naruto on the defensive and hinder his offense.

Zabuza however had some other plans in mind and quickly deployed several Mizu Bushin and used the mist he still had on with him to hide his attacks…he then attacked as he ordered the Mizu Bushin to attack Naruto from all sides…forcing Naruto to defend himself and fight back even if he was surrounded at the moment and then as the blonde ninja was being surrounded by the numerous Mizu Bushin and the battle ground in the area was heavily saturated with water…the real Zabuza then made the hand seals of another jutsu that he designeds from his other jutsu and he needed the Mizu Bushin to buy him time and set up the trap that he planned to finish Naruto off with. The hand signs were the same as that of the Suiryudan No Jutsu that he used before and Kakashi had copied…but it was not going to be the same as the one that he had used before…it had variation and was an all new jutsu that he had trained in using just for this purpose…as soon as he was done with the hand seals…he unleashed the attack.

“SUITON! RYUUKI SUIRYUDAN NO JUTSU!!!”

The water that surrounded Naruto suddenly erupted and formed into a Dragon of water...just like the Suiryudan No Jutsu which it was based on…but it was apparent that the trap had worked as Naruto was not bale to predict an attack from underneath him..the blonde ninja was tossed into the air and Zabuza quickly took advantage of that by leaped upward and the spotting Naruto flying and he attacked once more with his head cutter sword.

“Now you're dead!”

Naruto gave a look of exhaustion but glared right back at Zabuza and replied.

“Not yet! WIND HAMMER!!!”

Naruto turned and lashed out with Holy Talon and Zabuza blocked with his sword as a massive current of air came from Holy Talon and slammed hard into his sword…the impact was unexpected and even made the sound of a hammer hitting his sword with a clang…Zabuza landed on a tree branch and barely moved away by flipping backward as Naruto charged at him with a powerful swing of Holy Talon and cutting the branch he was on with hardly any effort at all, Zabuza managed to throw several kunai at Naruto that he blocks with his shield and Naruto retaliates with another powerful swipe of his sword.

“DRAGON FIRE!!!”

The same silver white flame that Naruto unleashed before in the Forest of Death roared at Zabuza and forcing him to move back into the mist and evade the attack as he thought of how to beat Naruto as he realized that the young man had truly grown stronger as he moved through the forest as he planned out another attack.

Naruto got ready and tried to track Zabuza using his Ranger Training and managed to pick up the trail made by the Jonin but he was wary as the mist was still about and he strained his senses to try and make due in the mist and that paid off as he blocked several kunai coming right for him and he used his shield to block the attack and then turned to face the direction of the kunai and then Naruto decided to try something that could capture Zabuza.

Zabuza moved in and decided to take his time and then took out a kunai and then tossed it right at the tree…but this one had an explosive tag and when the explosion occurred he quickly moved through the forest and then fired several more kunai with explosive tags and caused several explosions to distract Naruto and as soon as he saw the Konoha Genin move about and lower his guard…he attacked…the explosions distracted Naruto greatly and Zabuza quickly took advantage of it and attacked with a powerful slash…and it managed to cut into Naruto's body…going all the way diagonally from the right shoulder to the chest…Zabuza smiled at that.

(Finally you're dead…what a minute…)

Zabuza was surprised as the expression of pain and shock faded from Naruto's face and was replaced with a smirk…something that no normal ninja would have on his or her face when death was on them. The blonde however had that expression and then….despite all odds…he spoke.

“Got you!”

The Jonin was shocked as the ninja he had supposedly killed faded from view and then to his surprise, his sword was buried deep in a collection of vines and then Naruto…the real one appeared from near a tree using the Forest Skin Spell and shouting out.

“ENTANGLING VINES!!!!”

Zabuza watched as the vines erupted right for him and they were lashing out to grab him…forcing him to try and escape the trap that Naruto had apparently used to lure him into. The Jonin managed to retreat and slice off several of the vines…but they were not going to let him escape so easily as they followed him and due to the distance that he had been in when he had been lured in by Naruto, that vines that were not cut were able to grab Zabuza…one grabbed his torso and another grabbed his right arm and wrist…making him unable to use his sword properly. This was the opening Naruto needed as he charged right at Zabuza and unleashed a powerful combination of attacks that sent Zabuza reeling as punches and kicks slammed into him as he was held fast by the vines until Naruto landed a powerful kick to the stomach that sent Zabuza flying back. The Jonin growled at the impact and then focused himself in fighting Naruto as soon as he was assured that he was recovering from the attacks but Naruto was having none of it as he managed to flip over Zabuza and unleash another Wind Hammer attack in closer range…not allowing Zabuza the chance to recover quickly as the massive wall of air slammed hard into the Jonin and sent him flying off his feet.

Zabuza recovered and moved into attacking Naruto, but the ninja used several Kage Bushin to confuse Zabuza a bit more and he planned his own counter to Zabuza's tactics as he and his Kage Bushin attacked Zabuza from all angles until he managed to land a powerful kick to Zabuza's mid section and he ducked as the Jonin swung his sword…Naruto however was in the dead-zone of Zabuza's swing…the dead zone was the one area where the range of a weapon was rendered useless and Naruto knew it…his teacher Khalen told him that all weapons operated on a dead-zone that any skilled fighter could exploit and he was going to take that chance and quickly did so as he swung his shield side first into Zabuza's stomach and then lashed out with a slash…

“AAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHHH!!!!”

Zabuza roared as Naruto landed a powerful cut to the side of his body that spilled blood and a burning sensation…Holy Talon…sensing the number of people Zabuza had slain had not hesitated in wounding the Jonin and the slash on his side was enough as Naruto quickly moved and then turned and landed yet another slash that cut into the right arm of Zabuza…the slash didn't bite too deeply into Zabuza's arm and didn't cripple Zabuza in any fashion…but that was enough for Naruto land a powerful shield charge right into Zabuza's back…giving him room to fight.

“Damn you!”

Zabuza roared at the pain as he looked at his bleeding arm and his side…still shocked the despite his skills the blonde kid had certainly given him a run for his money and this was proving to be a fierce battle indeed…he was now at a disadvantage as his wounds would slow him down as he quickly moved back into the mist and Naruto charged after him…

The Falcon Ranger training kicked in as Naruto tried to track the blood but realized that the mist would make it harder until he recalled a trick that he had been taught by Holy Talon and he quickly placed aside his shield and then took Zabuza's blood from Holy talon's edge and then with a silent chant to summon his Dragon Fire and focusing in the Focus Spell, he quickly jammed Holy Talon to the ground and placed Zabuza's blood on his fore fingers and middle fingers and then wiped the blood on his closed eyes and as soon as he felt his body ready for the spell then unleashed the spell.

“BLOOD VISION!!!”

Naruto opened his eyes, which now glowed blood red and his normal line of sight which was limited by the mist Zabuza used to hide himself was replaced by a murky black and white background but there were glowing red spots on the ground and then he followed them after getting his shield and sword and spotted Zabuza as the Jonin stood out with his figure in deep red…his Blood Vision Spell was able to locate Zabuza.

This spell was used by Falcon Rangers and even Mages to track foes in certain areas where light and vision were severely depleted and the other senses…even hearing and smell could be distracted and misled…this spell relied on placing the target's blood in the tracker's eyes and focusing the unique energies of the person's blood into the tracker's vision…when active…the spell allowed the person to see the blood of the target like it was glowing and it was useful…but only if the blood was fresh and not drying out.

Zabuza was shocked as Naruto suddenly burst at him…he had gained some distance and tried to come up with a counter strategy…but the blonde somehow beat him to it…and it shocked him for a second when he saw Naruto's eyes glowing blood red for a few moments befoe Naruto slashed at him and he was forced to block with his sword…the sword was hit and the sound of paper being torn by hand was heard and Zabuza moved back and saw a long gash on his sword as Holy talon had bit deeply into the metal..Naruto then landed a powerful kick to Zabuza's head and that sent the Jonin reeling and falling unconscious.

Naruto was about to attack but suddenly a strange shimmering wall of water came before him and then he recognized a figure in the sheet of ice as Senbon came right at him. He brought his shield up and blocked the Senbon as they bounced off his shield.

“I will not let you harm Zabuza-sama!”

Haku said as he was now coming out of the mirror and facing Naruto once more…

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The bandits had moved back as they had seen the mist being unleashed by Zabuza and they knew better than to charge into the mist and wind up killing each other or being caught up in one of Zabuza's attacks at the moment.

Haku knew that he had no other choice but to break away his attacks from Kurenai and the others and decided to use his Kekkai Genkai and formed a massive sphere-like wall of ice that contained the others….it was tasking on his chakra for the time being but he had no choice and managed to isolate the group from the battle…and the ice walls held them back, along with allowing him to move all over the place…just like his normal jutsu did…though in a more mobile and flexible motion…like a fish in water…he then fired several accurate shots of his Senbon and managed to paralyze them but not kill them, he also managed to injure Kurenai and hold her to the ground after she had managed to fight hard against him using his Senbon…knowing that he would have to be careful with the Genjutsu mistress, thankfully she too had been paralyzed.

He had managed to train long and hard enough to increase his stamina and chakra to make this move but he had to be careful now as Naruto would no doubt still be able to fight and defend himself as he teleported with another Ice Mirror and faced Naruto.

The others tried to find a way to shatter the ice but there seemed to be no way and they were also badly injured and unable to move…even Shino's Bugs attacking the cold walls were not effective at the moment…leaving Naruto to face Haku alone.

Naruto however was not aware of Haku being in league with Zabuza…at least not yet as he recognized the mask.

“You again?! I should have known you'd be in the area.”

“Yes…I am here and I will not let you harm Zabuza-sama….”

Naruto however was getting very angry and spoke back.

“You lied to me once…but you won't be able to escape me this time!”

Naruto charged right for Haku with his shield at the ready as the mist began to fade with Zabuza out of commission, the mist became to lose it's cohesion and this allowed more sun-light to come into the area. Haku fired his Senbon at Naruto and then flipped over the charging ninja when the shield blocked the Senbon…he fired several more at Naruto turned about…but Naruto knew that he was going to attempt the attack and quickly turned around and blocked the Senbon with his shield and then with a powerful toss…sent the shield right at Haku like a discus and Haku had barely evaded the thrown shield and that gave Naruto the opportunity to attack as he reached for one of his spears and extended the weapon and sheathed Holy Talon for a few minutes and used the spear to stab and slash with against Haku…the extended reach of the spear gave Naruto the offensive advantage as Haku had to keep moving.

(Those Senbon appear to be his main weapon of defense at the moment…keeping him off balance should be the key here!)

Haku moved as the tri-bladed spear Naruto wielded continued to lash towards him and give him a great deal of trouble as it made attacking Naruto quickly in both long and short range harder for him as Naruto would swing the weapons in arcs that shielded him and also to attack from any angle…along with powerful thrusts that further imbalanced him in combat as Naruto would not only attack him…but be constantly on the move and attacking both with feet on the ground and in the air as well.

Naruto then leaped into the air and fired the spear right at Haku and as the masked ninja moved back…the Dragon Champion took out Holy Talon and attacked with a spell of his own as a collection of small spheres of water appeared before him and he attacked with his own version of Zabuza's favored attack.

“WATER DRAGON MISSILES!!!”

“What?!”

Haku watched in shock as the spheres of water took the form of dragon heads roaring at him as they slammed hard into the ground…ripping out deep gouges in the ground before him and forcing him back as he watched Naruto land and unleash more of the said spheres.

(How is he doing that?! He didn't have that kind of power or that kind of skill since I had last seen him…this is not going to be easy at all..I had thought his companions would be hard…but he is different…this is not the same child I knew so long ago!)

Haku dodged more of the attacks as the mist vanished and revealed the battle field to everyone watching as Haku and Naruto faced one another as Naruto stopped using the Water Dragon Missiles and charged right for Haku and Haku decided to use his Kekkai Genkai and then he made his move as he used his trademark jutsu…only to realize that he had low chakra left.

(No!!! Not now!!!)

Haku could only watch in horror as Naruto came at him with several Kage Bushin…he fired his Senbon but the Kage Bushin took the blows and Naruto came right at him with Holy Talon drawn and ready to slay him…the only thoughts in Haku's mind as he heard his ice wall that held off Kurenai and the others fall was…

(Forgive me Zabuza-sama…I have failed.)

“Now you die!”

Naruto struck right for Haku's mask and the blade bit through the mask easily…but to Naruto's shock…Holy Talon did not draw blood and he moved back…wondering just what was going on at the moment…why didn't Holy Talon kill this one?

(What's wrong?)

((“This one..he isn't evil Master Naruto…”))

(What?)

Naruto looked as the mask fell off and then he saw a face…a face he quickly recognized…

“No…”

----------

Naruto looked on in shock as the mask he had cut fell from the face of Zabuza's assistant…to reveal none other than Haku himself…the Dragon Champion looked on in shock as he realized that the one he had called friend and the one he had vowed to defeat to avenge the others of his group were one and the same. The Dragon Champion and ninja of Konoha looked on as the mask fell completely off…but not a mark of blood was on Haku's face…not even a scratch…showing that Holy Talon had sensed no evil in Haku and such did not slay him…

“Haku….?!”

“Naruto-kun…it has been a while….”

Naruto shock his head and couldn't believe what he was looking at as Zabuza began to recover from the powerful blow that he had landed on the renegade Jonin. He should have defeated Haku to finish Zabuza off…but the shock of discovering that a person he had called friend was actually the very same person…

“No…you're with him?!”

“Yes…I am sorry to have lied to you…but it is the way of the ninja to mislead and deceive their foes no matter the situation…”

“How can you be associated with Zabuza?! You're the gentlest person I know ever since I met you back in Wave Country! If you truly were evil…then you would have never survived the attack I gave you!”

“What do you mean? I thought you held back that attack Naruto-kun…that's why you only cut my mask…”

“I didn't cut your mask…I was going to kill you with that strike…but Holy Talon will not kill those who are not truly evil…why are you with him Haku…why are you with Zabuza?!”

Haku looked at Holy Talon and saw no blood on the edge…it made him wonder why that was the case…the blow in his mind should have torn through him and ended his life the very second Naruto had used it on him, yet he was still alive. He looked at his mask and saw no blood either…he then directed his attention to Naruto and saw that the blonde wanted answers and he knew that the time had come for him to tell Naruto the truth.

“I was from Water Country…just like Zabuza-sama…but I am different…like you're friend Sasuke-kun, I was born with a bloodline inheritance, a Kekkai Genkai. But after the civil wars that were started by those like such as the Kaguya Clan…the people of Water Country began to exterminate all those who were of such bloodlines, stating that we were the cause of so much death and destruction…my mother tried to hide her own ties to this power I have, and she did. I was born in a happy life and knew nothing of my own powers but one day…when I was young, I revealed my gift to my mother and she was utterly afraid of what might happen…and her fears were realized…”

“What?!”

“My father…he and the other villagers feared the bloodlines and they killed my mother…and I saw all that to my horror and I saw my father cry but I knew that despite his love for my mother and me…he was going to kill me through that hatred of all those with advanced bloodlines…he never got a chance as I awakened my powers…I slew my own father and I fled…I became a beggar to survive and I was alone…I was not wanted…I wanted to feel anything but the emptiness in me…and Zabuza came…”

“He didn't reject me for my bloodline and took me with him and here I stand…”

“But why? You might be a tool in his eyes for all you know.”

“I know.”

“Then why are you with him?!”

“Because I wanted to feel needed, I wanted to be accepted no matter how it turned…I wanted to be acknowledged….even if only as a weapon and tool. That is why I am with Zabuza-sama, I want to belong…and I would give my life to allow Zabuza-sama to accomplish his dreams.”

Naruto looked at Haku and he understood what Haku was saying as he had been like Haku once…he wanted to belong too so long ago. He then thought back on when he met Haku and spoke.

“So why didn't you kill me when you and I first met?”

“I was going to…but something stopped me, and do you remember what I told you Naruto-kun?”

“I remember… you said that when one fights to protect someone dear to them…then they are much stronger than ever before.”

“Yes…I heard how you defeated Gaara of the Sand…to save your friends, and you proved yourself more than a match for even Orochimaru…you proved those words true…even I doubt I can beat you in a head on fight with my Kekkai Genkai…but I will not let you harm Zabuza at all…I have sworn my life to ensuring his dreams come true…and I will not break this vow.”

Naruto knew that there was no way he could kill Haku…but he could see that Haku would not relent in his intentions..there was no way Holy Talon would be able to help him and he knew that Holy Talon would never slay those who were not pure evil in heart…but what can he do?

((“Master Naruto, you know I can't slay him…”))

(Are my friends all right Holy Talon?)

The sword reached out and probed the unconscious and unmoving Genin and Kurenai and found that they were very much still alive and well, no doubt the attacks that this Haku had thrown at them was not designed to kill instantly but to paralyze them into place and render them unable to help at all.

((“They are alive Master Naruto…they aren't dead at all…merely paralyzed…apparently this Haku person will not kill no matter the circumstances.”))

Naruto was relieved but still, despite the situation before him and the fact that his comrades were still alive at the moment… he had to do something in order to defeat the Genin…but he couldn't use Holy Talon and he couldn't find it himself to slay anyone who was not evil in the least…doing so would be against everything a Dragon Champion stood for…but he had no other option and decided to try and defeat Haku without killing the young man he considered a friend.

With that in mind..he re-sheathed Holy Talon and took out his kunai and with a small application of Dragon Fire…converted them into a pair of twin bladed swords, one was shorter, at least a foot and a half while the other was of the same length as Holy Talon. Naruto had recalled Vane's lessons in the art of the War Blades and placed both blades at the ready to fight Haku…he knew that he would be at a disadvantage as there was a chance that Zabuza would recover from the attacks and come after him and fighting two opponents, one who would kill him without hesitation, and another who he didn't want to kill was something he was not ready for.

“Naruto-kun…I'll be honest with you this day…I have no desire to kill you…but I will not allow you to harm Zabuza-sama or allow you kill me.”

“Then I'll have to beat you Haku…one way or the other…but I don't want to kill you as well.”

“Then we are at an impasse…”

Naruto leaped at Haku and attacked with both swords at the ready as Haku attacked with his Senbon…the weapons were small but apparently Haku had been able to forge his needles properly and while they had been useless against Holy Talon as the weapon had sliced through them with little to no trouble…they were able to hold up to Naruto's own, newly created weapons. The two fought one another fiercely as Naruto spun either the short sword or the long sword in defensive arcs when Haku fired the Senbon at him and when he attacked with either sword, Haku would be able to block the attacks with his Senbon but he found himself being unable to use his jutsu at the moment as he had to defend himself from Naruto's attacks with both swords as Naruto constantly attacked him with the blades in different angles that made defensive action a high priority for him in order to survive the attacks being leveled at him by Naruto. Naruto and Haku moved back and forth as Haku leaped back and fired his Senbon to get some distance but Naruto was having none of it as he moved his blades in arcing patters to protect his body zones and close in with a massive flurry of blade attacks and spinning arcs that hit Haku hard and the two Genin were now in what would have seemed like a dance of death.

The irony was that neither wanted to kill the other…Naruto wanted to find a way to defeat Haku without killing him, and so did Haku and the ninja knew that considering how skilled Naruto had become trying to do what he could and protect his friends…he might not be able to match up with him but he was not going to give up so easily. Naruto then realized that maybe all he needed was a few strikes to get past Haku's defenses. He focused his Dragon Fire reserves into his blades and they glowed briefly in purple and he got ready to fight Haku once more.

Haku however saw what was happening and knew that Naruto was up to something and tensed himself up and thought of using his Ice Mirrors to get an advantage over the blonde Dragon Champion and finish this fight so as to let Zabuza recover from the blow that Naruto had inflicted on him.

The option however was about to leave both his hands and Naruto's

----------

“So…Zabuza has failed…very well then…attack and leave no one alive.”

“Hai Kabuto-san. All forces attack!”

From where they were hidden came a large number of Sound ninja…all of them were Chuunin and Jonin ranked and quickly sought to finish the battle and take what they could either way and kill those who were about to attack them..Naruto and Haku turned to spot the Sound ninja heading for them both and that forced them to halt their fighting of one another and they focused on defending themselves from the incoming attack. Naruto recognized them as Sound ninja and Haku merely spoke.

“So they were going to betray and kill both me and Zabuza-sama…just like Gato tried to do…I will not let that happen!”

That showed that while the two had left…they had stayed long enough to hear Gato's plans when the businessman came to settle matters in Wave Country himself with his hired band of mercenaries and soldiers. Haku got his Senbon ready and Naruto used both swords…the two began fighting together as the Sound ninja tried to slay the two but they were being taken down by the duo…while they were not working together…they were lethal, Haku paralyzing and defeating them with non lethal force…while Naruto moved and weaved into the maelstrom of blades, bodies and more…his two swords moving and drawing blood as several Jonin found themselves facing a deadly whirlwind of blades as Naruto attacked.

Kabuto watched Naruto and Haku and had to admit that it was interesting to see them fighting side by side…but as he was enjoying the sights he noted that the others in Naruto's group were also there and directed a good number of the Sound ninja to attack the others…Naruto however had other ideas as he leaped in and faced off with the redirected ninja and fought them to the death…Naruto still abhorred killing but the Sound ninja were an evil bunch and he could sense that as he knew that they would not hesitate to attack them when they were down and out, he then spotted the bandits coming right at him and the others and therefore…he decided to bring in some magic to the battle.

He tossed both his swords into the bodies of two Sound ninja and then chanted a spell as the earth before him began to shake and crack and then he released the spell.

“EARTHQUAKE!!!”

The bandits and the Sound ninja had no time to react as the earth before them suddenly broke apart and moved right for them and sent them flying in all directions and it was then that Naruto took both his swords from the bodies of the dead…and placed them aside and drew out Holy talon and fought on with the survivors and that gave them the beating of their lives as bandits and Sound ninja were being torn down by the attacking blonde ninja…and those who were about to attack the others and the convoy were wiped out by the blonde's attacks.

Haku managed to down several more Sound ninja with his skills and experience…plus Zabuza's training…however, he was becoming exhausted and his low chakra reserves prove to be a serious blow to his combat skills as several Sound ninja were able to get lucky hits with their attacks…but no wounds as Haku was able to skillfully evade them. It was then that he and Naruto spotted the other Sound ninja arm up crossbows and they quickly went to defend themselves…Haku however saw that a good number of the Sound ninja were aiming for Zabuza and he quickly rushed in to protect the only man who made his life have meaning…

The crossbows released their bolts and Naruto rushed in to help Haku and managed to help Haku block most of the bolts..but some had explosive tags and forced Naruto away from Haku…Haku then spotted one coming right at Zabuza as his only father figure was standing up and recovering..without a second thought…he moved in front of the bolts and was hit hard…Haku suffered at least three deep wounds on the stomach and a gash on the shoulder and Zabuza turned to see Haku fall to the ground with a bloody mess on his stomach and shoulder as he was forced back as the crossbow bolts tore through him and while he did force them from hitting Zabuza…his body was ruined by the attacks.

Naruto was horrified when he saw that and he rushed towards Haku in an effort to see if there was a way to save the still living young man.

“HAKU!!!!!”

Naruto turned and glared deeply as he looked for the attackers…shielding Haku's body with his own.

----------

Kabuto smirked at the sight of Zabuza who was still badly injured by the attacks Naruto had inflicted on him…he and his team of Shinobi had planned on finishing him off when they were able, and that was why they used that powerful attack of crossbow bolts…some were filled with explosive tags…Naruto and Haku deflected some of them…but Haku apparently took the hits that managed to get past his and Naruto's defenses to save his master…still it was not over as he looked at Zabuza and he replied.

“You've really lost your touch Zabuza-san, it's a shame that you lost and therefore you are no longer of use to either me or Orochimaru-sama. Shame that your protégé nearly died saving your pathetic hide…all for helping you try and kill Naruto-kun. But he could prove useful…after all…the ability he has is QUITE rare as many of his kind were all slaughtered in the battles in Water Country…Orochimaru-sama will be interested in being able to make Ice based Jutsu for a change.”

Naruto glared darkly at Kabuto and pointed Holy Talon at the Medic-nin and replied as he stood protectively before Haku who was still breathing and alive.

“You will never lay a hand on him you scum…I will never let you have even a hair on his head!”

“Why would you want to shield someone like him Naruto-kun? He's dying either way and he is a tool after all.”

“Shut up! He's a person…not some tool you can discard!”

Zabuza looked at Naruto and wondered what was going on in the blonde's mind as Naruto's face was showing utter fury and rage. And for the life of him…there were tears in Naruto's eyes…as the blonde Dragon Champion defended Haku who was still alive though barely.

“Why are you fighting still Naruto? Haku is dying so there is no need for this…”

“You can't mean that Zabuza! Haku looked to you are the only one who saved him from being alone! He treated you as a real father…and no doubt loved you as one…and gave his life for you! And here you are….making him look like he was nothing more to you than a tool!”

“Haku and I are ninjas…and we are more tools than humans…you should know that after all…you are a ninja as well.”

“I am NOT like that ninja type! I am my own ninja! And I will never let anyone treat me as a tool! Haku is no tool Zabuza…he's a living being with a heart…he was kind, gentle, and truly a good person…and he was devoted to you…YOU! The man who became a father to him! He saved your life and now you're going to let this bastard desecrate his body all for his twisted plans?! Ninjas we may be but we are human as well, no matter what we say and we can feel things and emotions…it would be an insult to being human to say we're nothing but tools!!!”

Naruto then directed his gaze at Kabuto and spoke evenly.

“I will say it again…I won't let you do what you want with his body. What the heck are you doing snatching people's bodies anyway?”

Kabuto replied at that.

“I'm merely doing what I do best and Haku-kun's body will certainly be a useful addition with that bloodline inheritance of his. Besides…he is dying already so why bother protecting a corpse Naruto-kun?”

“I'd ask you the same question Kabuto…but I already have an idea of that answer…tell that snake summoning bastard that he had better find something else to do before I track him down kill him…or has he forgotten just how close I came to killing him for the past few times?”

Kabuto glared and replied.

“He hasn't…regardless…I will have what I came for…”

Naruto glared and replied.

“You want Haku's body and bloodline inheritance so badly? Then you'll have to come and get it!”

“I don't have to…Zabuza, you're companion is going to be dead soon and is of little use to you or anyone…so hand him over.”

Zabuza stood up and looked at Haku and saw his breathing begin to slow down…Naruto looked at him and shouted once more.

“Damn it Zabuza!!! Don't do it!! Don't hand Haku over to this madman to do what he wants!!! He is not some tool you can throw away!!! You were his father! The only father he ever had even if you treated him like a tool!!! You can't tell me you would let that be thrown away!!!”

“Stop it…”

“I won't let you do this…Zabuza, I am not going to let you hand over Haku's body to that man! I won't yet Hauk's memory be thrown to the dirt like this!!! DON'T DO IT!!! For Haku's sake…don't let Kabuto have him….”

Zabuza turned about and with his bloody right hand took his head cutter sword as Naruto looked on in desperation at the thought of Haku being handed over to the Sound ninja…Kabuto nodded to several of his men as they moved to get Haku…

Only to be suddenly killed as Zabuza lashed out with his head cutter sword and the two men fell dead as Zabuza turned and faced Kabuto and his other Sound ninja. The Sound ninja backed away a step and Kabuto pushed up his glasses and glared at Zabuza.

“So…you're turning on us? The ones who employed you? How foolish…Orochimaru-sama will have you marked for death then…”

“He might…but I will die on MY terms…not his. I will not let you harm Haku.”

“Oh really? And why are you willing to fight to protect him…he's just a tool after all.”

“No…he is…my son. And I will not have you desecrate him while I am around.”

Naruto gave a wide smile and quickly used Holy Talon on a summon spell and from the sword came several beams of light and from the light that was released from Holy Talon came several armed warriors, three Sword Adepts, two Zealots, one Falcon Ranger, and one Dragon Cleric. Naruto quickly indicated Haku and the Dragon Cleric nodded and kneeled and used the same green flame that Naruto himself used and to Zabuza's surprise…the wound on Haku began to fade away and to his surprise…Haku's countenance began to improve considerably and then Naruto gave orders to his summoned soldiers.

“Defend him and let none harm him.”

The summoned warriors nodded and were now shielding Haku as he began to recover. This left Naruto to deal with the wound he had given Zabuza and used the green flame…Zabuza was surprised when the flame didn't kill him outright…somehow, Holy Talon had sensed something different in Zabuza and therefore the blade's healing magic tolerated him and healed his wounds. Zabuza then replied to Naruto for the medical aid.

“Thanks kid…maybe there is truth in what you said after all…is Haku going to be all right?”

“Yeah…don't worry, Dragon Clerics are great healers and fighters.”

“I'll take your word for it…now then…shall we?”

Naruto nodded and he readied Holy Talon and Zabuza got ready to fight as he readied his head cutter sword as the two now faced Kabuto, the surviving bandits, and the Sound ninja…The Jonin and the Genin were ready to fight and that was enough to make the bandits leave the area…they had already witnessed how lethal Naruto was as a fighter and to face him and Zabuza who was known to be a deadly fighter was enough to send them running…that left only Kabuto and his band of Sound ninja to face Naruto and Zabuza…and Kabuto realized that despite the fact that they were still able to outnumber both Zabuza and Naruto…they knew that fighting this many foes was going to be counter-productive to his work and he looked on and replied.

“It seems that favor is on your side Naruto-kun…we'll be seeing each other again soon enough.”

With that, Kabuto and his ninjas left the area…allowing Naruto to relax and so did Zabuza…Naruto turned and saw that Haku was in better condition now despite the bloody mess on his clothes at the moment. Zabuza then took the time to speak to Haku while Haku was still amazed that he was still very much alive at the moment. Naruto directed his attention to the others and moved towards them

He made it to Hinata first and began to use the green flame of Life Magic to heal her wounds and he took out his healing supplies from his magical bag and began to treat Hinata…the training he got from Liana helped him a great deal as he used the salves and bandages, along with the balms as well…Hinata moaned and then opened her eyes and blushed bright red when Naruto was right in front of her at the moment.

“Are you all right Hinata?”

“H-H-Hai…I'm all right Naruto-kun.”

“Good…here, take these…”

“Naruto-kun! Behind you!”

Hinata pointed and Naruto turned to see Zabuza and Haku there with the summoned soldiers but the Jonin had his sword on his back and did nothing that was considered hostile and the Jonin spoke.

“Calm down…I have no quarrel with you Leaf ninja anymore…after all, Naruto saved Haku's life and that is enough.”

Haku agreed and replied.

“Thank you Naruto-kun for the aid…though why you did that is beyond me at the moment.”

Holy Talon then read the minds of both Haku and Zabuza and was assured that neither had any malice or ill intent on anyone here and towards Naruto as well. Naruto was told this by the sword and nodded. He then got to help Hinata up and handed her some of his stored supplies and began to help patch up the others…who apparently were still alive…Haku had not killed them directly but had merely made sure to hit their bodies in areas that would render them unconscious…in the very same fashion as he had done to Zabuza when he had first appeared in front of Naruto's team, as was told to him by Holy Talon earlier when Haku appeared to stop him from finishing Zabuza off..

Naruto shrugged and managed to speak to Hinata who still eyed the two with suspicion and for good reason as she recalled how Haku had managed to use his skills to place them down without killing them. It didn't take long for things to be worked out between the two groups…though Kurenai and the others were wary of Haku and Zabuza…Naruto however said that he would be responsible if anything went wrong and since the others trusted Naruto…they decided to let him take the risk…

Zabuza and Haku looked at the sun and decided to do something…Zabuza took off his old Mist forehead protector and then his head cutter sword and placed it in a hidden location to be forgotten and Haku did the same as he left behind his own forehead protector. The two decided to sever their pasts and make a new life for themselves…Zabuza didn't know why…but he knew that while he could not live his dreams…he could at least live for Haku and give the boy a future and if that future required him to give up his dream for the time being, then so be it.

As the others were being treated with the medicines that Naruto had on his magical backpack pack along with some help from the surviving convoy leader and members…as soon as everything was back to normal…the convoy moved on with it's mission to deliver the goods it carried….though they now had two extra guards to go with them..though only Naruto seemed to be the one on their side for the time being…

Kurenai knew that things were going to be rather interesting from here on out.

----------

Two days later…

The arrival of the convoy to the capital city of Fire Country was great news to the people of Konoha, along with the supplies they were also able to get their hands on for their own needs. The Daimyo was pleased with the job done by the Konoha group and their new allies that he doubled the reward for the job and even gave small bonuses for each member of the Konoha group and their new allies, Zabuza and Haku…and the term small would be misleading as the pay was nearly 10000 worth per member and even Zabuza and Haku were also paid well. Though it had taken some rather creative bartering and diplomacy to get Haku and Zabuza through the gates as they did have a high criminal record to speak of which made them rather large targets for those with a grudge on the former Demon of the Mist.

The return of the group was well received at the moment and the time came for Tsunade to handle the results of Naruto's latest escapade as a ninja….namely when like he had done with Kin weeks to a month before, he petitioned for Zabuza and Haku to be given sanctuary and citizenship in Konoha…

----------

In the Hokage Tower…

Tsunade scratched her head as she read the documents before her and couldn't help but peek over the paper to a certain blonde ninja who was currently dressed in his usual outfit but with Holy Talon on his back. Naruto was not alone at the moment as a certain former Mist Seven Swordsman was with him, along with a certain young boy who was among the last of the bloodline clans of the Land of Water. The Hokage had been stunned to see that Zabuza and the young man named Haku was with the group…even more so when Naruto made this petition before her.

As soon as she read the documents and she placed them down…she massaged her head and spoke to the young man.

“Now I know what Sensei felt when you managed to talk him into allowing Kin to be in this village.”

“Tsunade…I…”

“Naruto…stop…”

Naruto nodded and waited as Tsunade looked at both Zabuza and Haku…the Mist Seven Swordsman had discarded his old head cutter sword a few days before they had arrived here on a small stone monument along with his forehead protector…along with Haku's own…ever since they had decided to align with Naruto for the time being...both had decided to sever themselves from their past…and with that their old identities.

It still made Tsunade uneasy to have the two in the village…after all, Zabuza had been listed in the Bingo Book of both Konoha and Fire Country, it certainly didn't sit very well with the Council to have to grant citizenship to the two…even Kakashi was a bit taken back by Naruto's actions and so did everyone else in the Jonin groups of Konoha…however, Tsunade knew that Naruto had done something most people would have deemed impossible…made a veritable mass murderer turn a new leaf as she was aware of Zabuza's reputation when he was a younger child… she had not forgotten that he changed her points of view also so she could understand at some level what happened.

Haku was another matter as the young man would not abandon Zabuza and she could see that Naruto was right about Haku seeing Zabuza as a father figure and she was told about Haku's own past and had to admit that she did feel some sympathy for the young man…after all, the actions taken by Water Country…while somewhat understandable was still too brutal and too bloody to be considered as a good option of preventing civil war and strife in the country itself. After hearing about Haku's past from Haku himself…she had to admit that she did feel sympathy for him.

Tsunade thought over the options that were present before him and knew about Kin's own circumstances and recalled that she had done a good job on her first assignment as a Genin of Konoha and she was formerly of Sound…her skills also proved useful when she faced off with the bandits though she was not able to defeat Haku. The Hokage then looked at Naruto was patiently waiting her decision but she could tell that he was nervous and also showing some degree of impatience on the whole matter at the moment,

(Hmmm…I guess his decision to support Kin helped Konoha in the end…and having these two could prove helpful…and I know Naruto is too stubborn to change his mind…very well then.)

“All right…I'll sign the documents and begin the process of having Zabuza and Haku as citizens of Konoha.”

Naruto was ecstatic with the decision and Tsunade couldn't help but smirk at his happy expression. Haku and Zabuza couldn't help but look at the energetic blonde ninja who had petitioned for their citizenship in his home village and smirk a bit…Zabuza's smirk was hidden by his mask and would have been rather freaky with his sharpened teeth, while Haku's own smirk was seen. Tsunade coughed and Naruto focused his attention to her quickly and became serious.

“However…you should know that while this request has been accepted…they will have to undergo a probationary period and will be under ANBU surveillance for the duration of three months until we are sure they will not betray Konoha as procedure requires…and like Kin as well, anything that happens with them and then the responsibility for their actions is on your shoulders Naruto Uzumaki…is that understood?”

“Hai Tsunade!”

The Hokage smiled and nodded to the three.

“Good…I have a lot of work let to do so you may take your leave. Oh yes…both Zabuza and Haku will be given residence in one of the apartment complexes here in Konoha for their stay, and when the probationary period ends…we will discuss their positions in Konoha.”

The three nodded and as they left Zabuza turned to Naruto and spoke.

“Why don't you call her Hokage-sama? I know that the term is more respectful, yet you don't call her that.”

“I am rather curious about that as well Naruto-kun.”

Naruto smiled and replied.

“I call her Tsunade because it's my way to respect her, sure I can call her Hokage-sama and all but I prefer using her real name and she doesn't slug me anyway so that tells me she's all right with the whole thing.”

“Still…you two seem to have some history.”

Naruto grinned at Zabuza and replied.

“Trust me…it's a long story.”

As the trio walked out of the Hokage Tower…there were a number of people who looked at the trio with different array of emotions…for those who still disliked Naruto, it was their usual looks of disgust…while those who grew top admire and respect him called his name with greetings and smiles…teenage girls and even younger girls would giggle and point at not just Naruto..but Haku as well…if Haku was not wearing shinobi clothes at the moment to show that he was a male..there was no doubt Haku would have been mistaken as a girl and thought to be Naruto's girl-friend…and that would have been asking for trouble.

As the trio arrived at the apartment being given to the newly instated Konoha citizens…they turned to see Kiba and Akamaru walking nearby, along with someone that neither recognized at the moment but he saw that it was a woman…probably a year or more older than him. Kiba turned and walked over with Akamaru on his head once more…as the young puppy usually rode on his master's head.

“Hey Naruto!”

“Hey Kiba…how are you and Akamaru doing?”

The young Inuzuka smiled a bit and replied.

“Better at least…the wounds are all gone…though I still have some bad flashbacks…”

Kiba then glared at Haku and Akamaru also gave unfriendly barks at the young man…no doubt not forgetting the time Haku had been their enemy previously. Haku spoke to Kiba to assure that he would never kill anyone.

“I had no intention to kill anyone…I only placed you and your familiar in a non lethal comatose state, I abhor killing after all.”

Kiba knew that to be true and merely snorted.

`All right…but I still don't trust you yet.”

“In time…maybe you will Kiba.”

“Keep it calm you two…we're not here to start fighting again.”

Naruto said as he got between Kiba and Haku, hoping that the two didn't decide to throw blows at each other…he knew Kiba and Akamaru were truly aggressive and hot tempered…as they were quite good at what they did in combat…and he knew while Haku was the gentle type in nature, he was more than a match for most young ninja and being trained by Zabuza in the ninja arts made it clear that Haku was not to be taken lightly. Fortunately the other person accompanying Kiba stepped in.

“Kiba! Calm down, there's nothing to be gained by fighting each other here and now…”

The young Genin growled a bit more and relented as he spoke to Naruto and Haku.

“Naruto here trusts you, and I trust him as well, so for now I will trust you in what you say…but make no mistake that if you try something foolish…I and Akamaru will be the ones to knock you down…got that?”

Haku nodded and Kiba walked away with Akamaru to listen to his master…while the person turned and Naruto was able to look at the woman. She apparently was a rather attractive sort and seemed more calm and level headed…it was then that he recognized the same fang marks on her cheeks which resembled Kiba's…this made him curious as he had never met this person before…and Kiba didn't mention who she was. The woman turned and offered a smile and spoke to him and the others.

“I'm sorry about how my brother acts…he's not one to let grudges go easily.”

“That's all right…hold on…Kiba is your brother?”

“Yes…oh, I forgot…my name's Hana, Hana Inuzuka…and you must be Naruto Uzumaki…am I correct?”

“That's me…but why have I never met you before…and I didn't know Kiba had a sister.”

Hana smiled and replied.

“I was there during the invasion of Konoha with my mother and her own familiars, along with my own as well. I'm a veterinarian so I don't normally handle missions unless it requires the special talents of my clan. I also happen to be the one who treats Akamaru after any mission where he might get injured. Kiba told me a lot about you…but some of the things he told me doesn't seem to apply to you anymore.”

“I bet they don't…well. I have to get going, good bye Hana-san, Haku-san, and you too Zabuza.”

Naruto left as Hana went on to catch up with her little brother and also to get her work done…there were some important details that he had to attend as soon as she could and there was also the need to use the new supplies of medicine that she knew she had to thank Naruto for bringing in a few days before…she had thanked Kiba and Akamaru, along with Kiba's team for the jib well done, along with Sakura, Kurenai, and Kin as she was a bit short handed at the time for medical supplies.

She then thought about Naruto and had to admit that she was rather surprised to meet him in person.

(For a twelve year old Genin, he looks much older than that…and good looking too…hmm, no sense thinking about those things for the time being…I have work to do.)

With that in mind, the sister of Kiba walked on towards the veterinary hospital to do her usual rounds of treating the many animals that were both pets to the villagers and the animals used by the ninja for either tacking or summoning for mission requirements.

Naruto arrived in the training area and with Holy Talon now in his hands…began to do the usual kata patterns for the sword styles that he needed to master from Vane as he decided to learn how to fight with two blades in hand as he took out one of the transformed kunai and began to train and before he did so…he removed his upper clothes and was now bare-chested and began to train in his routine…

Unaware that he had a hidden audience as Hinata, Kin, Sakura, Ino, and Tenten were looking on with binoculars in order to see Naruto in training without disturbing him at all and the girls would comment on how he was doing at the moment, along with drooling at the sight of his exposed muscles…unaware of the fact as well they were NOT the only watchers of Naruto at the moment…

Ayame was doing her usual delivery rounds for their ramen stand when she saw Naruto walking towards the field and she decided to follow him and to her surprise…Naruto had removed his upper clothes and began to train bare-chested and she couldn't help but admire the way Naruto looked and she couldn't help but admire the view.

(Naruto-kun…)

“Oh yeah…this might not be the same as what I saw last time...but damn this is great stuff!”

Anko said with glee as she looked through her binoculars as she got to watching the blonde ninja go at it with his training…she was itching to sink her teeth into him and see if he was as hot as she had seen him and she couldn't help herself as she licked her lips lovingly at the sight of the blonde hunk training and she wondered if he was as energetic in private as he was in public, if he had that much stamina and energy…she was going to have a TON of fun with him…the big question on her mind was how she would be able to capture the blonde hottie without being caught.. She then turned to her companion and spoke

“What do you think Kurenai-chan? More than enough reason for you to take me up on my suggestion to grab him and do the deed?”

Kurenai merely glared at Anko as the Jonin laughed a bit more and went back to looking…she had kept her rather…unique meeting with Naruto in the near nude a few days before from Anko in order to make sure her friend didn't spill it out…knowing Anko's love for flashy things and being loud and boisterous, there was a big chance her friend would have spilled it all out in some manner and Kurenai was not in the mood to have to deal with being hounded by her friend to take her actions to the next level and having to deal with the people in Konoha being shocked and worse…she also worried about how she would be able to explain herself to Hinata…she treated Hinata like a surrogate daughter and being in conflict with the shy and quiet girl she had practically raised herself was a rather unpleasant thing to do…but still…there was a great deal to tempt her at the moment as she looked through her own pair of binoculars.

They were NOT the only ones however…

“Hmm…so Naruto looks like that eh? This is one way to pass the time.”

Tsunade said as she looked through her own pair of binoculars as she was on the top of the Hokage Tower at the moment. She had been busy with the paper work before her and thankfully, for a few minutes she decided to take the time and view Konoha as she went to the top of the Tower…she looked out to her old home and marveled that it was still standing after the beating it received from Orochimaru's Sound ninja and their former Sand ninja allies…to think that Naruto had commanded a counter offensive to force off the invaders and managed to minimize the destruction…some of the older sights of the village were there…while others were destroyed. Her explorations of her old home was stopped as she found herself looking at Naruto.

The blonde and young again Hokage smiled as she looked at Naruto and had to admit that whatever Holy Talon had done to condition him was certainly worth it in her book…Naruto may still be 12 years old but more mature now…but he had a body most guys his age would have only dreamed about…she looked a bit more and couldn't help but glare a bit as she spotted both Kurenai and Anko giving Naruto the once over. She felt a sliver of jealousy at the two women and moved on and spotted the other girls staring at him, namely Hinata, Kin, Tenten, Ino, and Sakura…she could understand that for the time being and she went back to Naruto…she smiled even more at the thought of how Naruto would look when he would become older…and she couldn't help but feel a thrill at the idea as she began to think rather hot thoughts…had she been back to her past age 50…she would have considered it foolish…but now that she was 20 years old…well they were growing even more…after all…she owed Naruto a good deal and besides…she found that she had a lot of fun teasing Naruto and the idea of being…

(Heh…I guess being young again brings it all back, you have no idea what awaits you Naruto-kun…)

Tsunade smiled warmly as she thought back on her younger days when wars were not always what she had to deal with…and she had gathered knowledge over the years since she left the village and a good portion of them didn't always involve combat but more…personal and…pleasurable was the best way to put it.

However Shizune's cry for more work coming made Tsunade cut her viewing short…too short for her liking as she left to go back to her office and get back to work.

Naruto didn't know why but he had a feeling that he was being watched but since there were no dark auras and intentions directed towards him that he could sense…he decided to focus on his training for the time being…unaware of the growing libidos that were being directed at him by a large number of females. Holy talon was the only one aware of the whole thing as it sensed the energies and emotions being directed at it's master and it could only say one thing.

((“This is going to be an interesting time.”))

(What did you say?)

((“Oh nothing…”))

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Author's notes:

Sorry for the slight mess…had a ton of things to work on as I am updating most of my other works so I had a lot on my mind at the time I made this. Either way…I hope that this is enough for you all to tide over to the next chapter as I need to get things organized at the moment.

What will be the outcome now that Haku and Zabuza are now being placed in as citizens of Konoha? Will either be with Naruto on his next mission? Ah…that will still be seen…and for those asking me on how Naruto will handle the relationship stuff…that's up to me actually so expect things to get interesting from here on out. The women close to him will probably be getting ready to try something on the young blonde…so you might expect Naruto's social life to take a VERY quick trip to the side of unique…

As you can see…Tsunade is also getting into the act and knowing the former 50 year old woman...things between her and Naruto will get rather interesting in the soon to come chapters before we got down to the more serious details.

Oh yes…I will be adding some characters of my own creation soon in the story…who they are will be a secret until then…so expect things in Konoha to get rather crowded.

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Trailer:

A month later…

Naruto sweated as he worked on the final touches on his first sword of the day. The blonde ninja placed away his sharpening stone and looked the newly crafted katana over…seeing if there were any flaws on the construction of the sword. He saw none and smiled as his teachers in the art of being a blacksmith looked on with approval. Rumkil and Thorell looked the blade over and tested it with their own hands and nodded.

“A good blade this one is laddie…a bit different from the ones we make…but good all the same…”

“You've taken yer first step as a blacksmith and ye did good too. There's more to learn however but you've made progress.”

“Thanks…now I need to test this out, and I know just the person who can test this for me!”

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Later…

“So let me get this right Naruto…you want me to test this blade on this?”

Kakashi asked as he pointed to the large block of stone and nearby was a thick bar of solid steel. The Jonin had gotten back from a mission when the blonde Genin presented him with the newly finished product of his training, he admitted that the blade looked good and had good balance…but now Naruto was asking him to subject such a piece of work to this? Sakura, Kin, and Sasuke looked on as well…the Uchiha was nearly reaching full recovery at the moment and he was curious what the blonde was up to this time.

“Yeah Kakashi-sensei…I want to see how this performs.”

“Naruto-kun…are you sure about this?”

“There's no way that thing can cut stone and steel dobe.”

Sasuke said with a smirk…wanting to see Naruto's reaction to being stung. It had been a while since he had been on a mission since being allowed to leave from the hospital.

Naruto merely grinned back and replied.

“And if it does cut through stone and steel then you're going to wish you never said that Sasuke, Believe it!”

Kakashi sighed and knew that Naruto was serious about the whole thing and took out the sword and admitted that the near silent hiss of the sword from the wooden sheath told him that the blade was smooth and well sharpened. He struck at the rock first but to his shock and that of both Sasuke and Sakura…the sword didn't chip or shatter at all…but cut through the stone with a nearly effortless arc…the cut halves of the stone fell apart and the cut was clean and smooth…the Jonin felt the cut stone and marveled at the utterly flat and smooth feel of the cut. He was impressed indeed and decided to look at the blade and was further impressed when he saw no damage to the blade…the edge was as sharp as ever and no signs of tear, and chipping were there…not even a crack on the sword was there at all.

He then tried the steel bar and to his surprise and amazement the sword sliced the bar cleanly in half…just like it had done the stone block…he looked at the edge and saw no dulling, chipping, or cracks…he then turned as he felt something coming at him and he saw the sword slice a water-melon in half with the same effortless grace that he had just cut the stone and steel with. The fruit fell down in a cleanly dissected pair.

“Wow…”

Naruto was smiling all the while…the blade was not yet perfected as he still thought that more improvement was in order for his forging. But he was happy with the results and smiled at his Jonin sensei and to his team-mates…

“I guess that means my work's a success! Can cut stone, steel and still be sharp enough to slice fruit!!!”

“Wow! That is one amazing blade Naruto-kun!”

“I have to admit Naruto, this is a fine blade…it has the same cutting power as both Chidori and Raikiri, but in a solid form…you did well.”

“Thanks Kakashi-sensei…it's not the best yet but I'll improve my skill on making blades and other weapons like it more later on. In the mean time you can have it for free as a gift.”

“Thanks I can find a good use for this on my missions.”

Kakashi said as he sheathed the sword into it's sheath and then held it close to him…this was the first time he had gotten a gift from Naruto and he had to admit that it was an impressive one to say the least.

Naruto then turned and grinned at Sasuke who was looking wide eyed at the blade.

“I guess that means you were wrong eh Sasuke? If you want I can..”

“No thank you…”

Sasuke then stalked off and Naruto was not liking this one bit at all. Sasuke was acting rather weird at the moment and he turned to face Kakashi and Sakura.

“What's eating him…I was going to say I could make him a blade like that one too. Oh well…I guess that means I can get down to making a sword for Zabuza next…hopefully it meets his approval since I have no idea what sort of sword I have to design for him at the moment. But I know for a fact that it would have to be in the same caliber of that sword he used to have at the moment. Well then…I have to get going Kakashi-sensei, Sakura-chan!”

As soon as Naruto left the scene…Sasuke looked on and growled a bit even more and as he left…he was able to find a quiet place and activated his Chidori and ripped a gash on the nearby wall of stone…venting out his frustration.

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See you on the next chapter!