"So, where are we going?" Naruto asked Haku as the two entered town.
Haku smiled sadly at him. It almost made him wince. It was strange, her sad smile stung worse than the cold eyes of the villagers. She was one of the few people who'd ever truly opened her entire heart to him, and because of that he counted her among his most beloved friends. The idea of her being sad just made him feel like he'd failed on a personal level. He wanted her to be happy all the time because he believed she deserved nothing less.
"I have to put Zabuza-san's affairs in order," she replied in a low tone that made Naruto's heart twist.
She'd just lost the closest thing she had to a father and now she had to trouble herself by going through all the mess of burying him. He couldn't really understand that pain. He'd almost lost Iruka and thought he'd lost Sasuke, but as important as they were to him, he knew that Zabuza had been Haku's world. He just couldn't understand the magnitude of her loss, but that didn't mean he couldn't sympathize with her unspoken plight. He could see it in her sad eyes how much this hurt her and it shamed him that he'd been involved in Zabuza's death. She was far too good a person to go through this and to have raised someone as kind as Haku, there had to be more to Zabuza than the Demon of the Mist. No monster could raise such a kind soul.
Taking a moment to center himself Naruto decided what he was going to do. He was going to help Haku in any way he could. For her sake he'd make sure that Zabuza wouldn't be forgotten, and that he'd be remembered for the good person he really was. He'd do it for her sake.
Before he'd promised that he'd keep her safe, but he knew damned well that you could be safe and miserable. She was his friend, and he'd protect not only her life, but her happiness. To do anything less would be paramount to abandoning her, and those who abandon their friends were worse than trash. He'd never abandon his friends. He silently swore that he'd not only keep them safe, but that he could not and would not allow them to suffer the way he'd suffered in the past. As long as he lived, he would not allow them to be treated as if they were worthless, unwanted, unworthy, or forgotten. He'd shield them from the hell of loneliness with his very life if he had to.
That was the promises of a lifetime!
"Naruto-kun?" Haku asked, looking at him, somewhat worried. "What's wrong?"
Naruto blushed slightly. He must have drifted off there for a moment. "Nothing, Haku-chan. I was just a little distracted." He allowed his face to twist into a small, thoughtful smile, "Was thinking, that's all."
Haku nodded in understanding. He said nothing. The silence between them was almost palpable. Naruto was unsure what to say and he had a feeling that the same was true for Haku.
It was rather awkward and felt really uncomfortable. Naruto hated pauses like this. He hated silence, really. If he spent any real time thinking about it he'd probably admit it was why he talked so damned much. People think too much when they're quiet, and for someone with as many hidden doubts and resentments as him, the last thing he could afford to do emotionally was dwell on all of the failures and derogatory words of the past. It was downright smothering, to be completely honest.
"So, Haku-chan?" he said, looking for something, anything to break the silence, "What are we doing first?"
Haku's face fell, making Naruto want to kick himself. Hell, he was tempted to summon a Shadow Clone to do just that! If she looked sad before, now she looked completely miserable. "I am going to the local constabulary," she said softly. "I am going to inquire as to the condition of Zabuza-san's body and collect his personal possessions."
Naruto winced. No wonder she was so damned sad. She was only trying to check on the body of her dead father. Nothing upsetting there. Nope, nothing at all!
Almost unconsciously, Naruto's hand snaked out and grasped Haku's. The girl looked at him with a moment in surprise then smiled and squeezed tightly. He could see her tension relax slightly as a small smile came to her face. He couldn't help but smile at the fact that his simple presence seemed to be comforting her. That was good. He wouldn't let his friend be alone at a time like this. If she needed a human safety blanket, he was happy to provide.
"Lets go, Haku-chan," he said giving her hand a reassuring squeeze, "You're not going to be doing this alone."
She nodded and together the two began into the village. The village itself was still winding back up after the unexpected lull caused by Naruto's overpowered Hidden Mist Technique. In fact there was still a thin fog overhanging the town, though Naruto wasn't quite sure of how much of that was him and how much was just the island nations normal morning weather. From what he'd seen so far, the region was normally pretty warm, but it still got a little foggy before noon.
Most noticeable though was the people. They seemed different. Gone was the shrunken posture, the almost palpable aura of hopelessness. They were standing taller and walking with pride. They were no longer looking down in shame and self-loathing, but instead wherever he passed their eyes seemed to be following him. It made him feel uncomfortable. He was used to the cold eyes of the villagers following him wherever he went, but these eyes he realized, were different. They were not full of contempt and disgust. These eyes were warm and inviting, full of admiration. These eyes light up the moment he crossed their path.
His eyes went wide and he paused in his step, drawing an inquisitive glance from Haku as realization seeped into his mind. They were looking at him the same way the people of Konoha looked at the Hokage. It made him wonder, it made him question, and he had to ask it of himself otherwise he would not be able to believe his eyes.
Was this the way people looked at a hero?
"Are you alright, Naruto-kun?" Haku asked him with worry in her voice.
Still stunned, Naruto couldn't find his voice to respond. He slowly nodded, and after a moment managed to say, "I'm fine." His voice was small, and difficult to hear, but he meant it. He really meant it. Maybe even for the first time.
Haku smiled and looked about for a moment, then with a slight blush on her face looked back down to him. "Naruto-kun?"
"Yes, Haku-chan?" he replied as his voice returned to him in strength.
"Do you know where the constabulary is located?"
Naruto blinked. That was an honest surprise. He'd expect a ninja like Haku, who'd had plenty of time to scout out the town to know where it was. "Nope. I'm surprised that you don't."
"Zabuza-san felt that it wasn't important." Haku shrugged. "When we arrived they were effectively defunct."
Naruto nodded. Constables were volunteer civil law enforcement, nothing like Konoha's ANBU, or the defunct Military Police. Until Gato died, he guessed that they'd all had other things to worry about, like feeding their kids or not getting stabbed by his thugs.
"Lets ask somebody then!" Naruto said with a smile. Pulling her behind him he walked over to an old woman who was busily selling fish at the side of the street. He guessed an old woman like her would probably know the area very well.
As he approached the stand the various shoppers stepped to the side and bowed to him in deference, much to his confusion. He was used to people getting out of his way of course, but normally it was because they couldn't stand his presence, but these people, they seemed to be doing the same out of respect. As if they felt that whatever he could be doing was naturally more important than what they were doing. It was absolutely disconcerting.
Standing behind the counter of the cart was an old woman, one probably about the Hokage's age, which in Naruto's mindset meant she was probably old enough to have met the Sage of the Six paths in her youth. Not that he'd say that, but the lines around her face looked like they belonged to someone who liked to smile, so he was pretty sure she'd be helpful.
“Uzumaki-sama!†the old woman gasped slightly and bowed deeply to him that he actually feared somewhat for the integrity of her old bones. “How may I be of assistance?â€
He was almost stunned into silence. "You know my name?" he all but whispered. "How?"
The woman smiled radiantly and for a moment he could see the faded beauty of her youth in her joyful face as she looked on him with something bordering on awe. “How could I not?"
Naruto opened his mouth to respond but couldn't. He just choked.
He was confused. He knew how the people treated the Hokage, and this wasn't it. The Hokage was respected, loved even, but this wasn't simple respect. For some reason, these people were in awe of him, and he didn't know why. He'd done his best to help him but this, this was just overwhelming and if the sincerity wasn't so thick that he could taste it, he'd almost think it was creepy.
The fact that they were milling around to watch also made him uncomfortable. But he wasn't going to complain. These people didn't see him for the demon fox in his belly, for the unfortunate circumstances of his birth. They saw him for his own actions. He had the suspicion there might be something else to it, but for them to respect him this much, he had to have proved himself to them. They had to see him for him, and not only judge him to be worthy of respect; but judge him to be someone worth admiring. The acknowledged him. They looked up to him. To him! He couldn't believe it. It was just too good to be true, but it was. It really was.
For the first time in his life, Naruto knew not only what it was like to be truly accepted, but to be truly loved by others. Not just by one person, but by everyone. He had to fight back tears as this realization hit him almost as hard as Iruka's deceleration in the forest while he fought Mizuki.
Naruto clenched his fist and smiled widely and honestly, probably more so than he'd done on any occasion before or after he'd been made a genin. A few rebellious tears made their way down his cheek and as he looked at the old woman he was shocked to see that her eyes were also watering with unshed tears.
The shock was enough to knock him out of his stopper and he felt filled with a strength and pride he never before felt before. He felt ten feet tall, like he couldn't be stopped. For the first time in his life, he felt no hidden doubts. It was like their faith in him was infectious. It was like their belief in him was so strong that it burned away his own uncertainty.
"Hey, Baa-chan?" he asked, feeling like he was truly standing tall for the first time in his life, "Which way to the constable's office?"
The woman's eyebrow peaked slightly but if she was thinking anything, she didn't say it. "Its two streets down, right off to the left. Look for the building with the red roof."
"Thanks!" he exclaimed.
The woman stood thoughtfully for a moment, then asked, "May I be so bold as to ask why you're going there, Uzumaki-sama?"
Naruto fought back a frown for a moment. He knew old grandma's like this loved their gossip, and from the way the crowd was milling around, he knew they were all wondering what he was up to. He knew how much they like to rag on him back home and how far even the slightest insult could travel, getting more and more blown out of proportion every time it was retold, but it did give him an idea. He beat down a mischievous grin as his old pranking instincts came to head. Even though he'd never said it aloud, he'd promised Haku that he'd make sure Zabuza wouldn't be forgotten, and this was his chance.
"We're going to see about getting Zabuza a proper burial," he replied.
"Why would you bother yourself with one of Gato's underlings?" Haku's grip tightened to almost painful levels and he could feel her killing intent leaking out as the old woman looked on in confusion. “He was an evil man.â€
"He wasn't!" Naruto replied. "He died a hero."
"He did?" the old woman asked as the crowd muttered around him.
Inside his mind, Naruto cackled gleefully. Now he had their attention. "Zabuza was set up! Yeah, I know he was working for a bad guy, but that wasn’t because he was evil! Part of being a ninja is to kill your heart and do your job no matter how distasteful. Gato lied to him and used it against him! He hired him to do his dirty work but was going to kill him when he was done. Even though he was my enemy, I respected him because he was a strong ninja! After all, no jerk could raise someone as nice as Haku-chan!"
That brought all eyes to Haku and she tensed up under the harsh attention of the crowd. He felt guilty about putting her through it, but it was only for a moment.
“How does that make him a hero?†the woman asked in a confused tone.
"Well, it’s all got to do with Haku-chan. After Kakashi-sensei wounded him, he confessed that he loved her like a daughter and wanted her to be strong and happy," he replied. "Then Gato showed up and said that Zabuza was a worthless pawn and how this was all just a setup so we'd bump each other off. So Haku-chan killed him with a single really awesome blow and avenged him! If it wasn't for Zabuza hadn’t been a good guy, then she wouldn't have been able to kill Gato, and if she didn't do that then his thugs wouldn't have been leaderless, and I wouldn't have had the strength to kick all their asses! If I'm a hero for beating them, then Haku's a hero for killing Gato, and if Haku's as hero for that, than Zabuza's a hero for inspiring her strength, Dattebayo!"
“Dattebayo,†the old woman repeated with an wistful smile, muttering something under her breath, before glancing to Haku. Her face hardened, and she frowned for a moment before nodding in understanding. "I see."
After a moment of thought, her frown faded to an impassive glance, and after taking the girl in for a moment, a warm smile came to her face. "I apologize for my harsh words, Haku-sama. I would like to apologize for my ignorance and express my sympathy for your loss. There is not a person in his country who has not lost a loved one to the betrayal and cruelty of others, and I believe that it is only fitting that he was punished by one who has suffered as we have. Thank you very much." And with that she bowed deeply to Haku. Not nearly as deeply as she'd bowed him him, but still deep enough to convey great respect.
And then, the crowd joined in. First they bowed in thanks, and then they started to speak
“Thank you, Haku-san!†exclaimed one man.
“Zabuza was a hero!†came another
And then another, and another. Comments flew in from the viewing throng, were either consoling her loss, or exalting her heroism, and while the looks they were giving her were not as, well, reverent as the ones they gave him, the coldness had been replaced with the warmth and respect that was a heroes due.
Naruto looked up to Haku. He could see the confusion on her face and felt the tension in her grip. She was obviously almost as bewildered as he'd been moments before. After a pregnant pause, she bowed to the older woman. "I thank you for your kind words."
Taking a deep breath she bowed to the old woman and to the crowd, and started in the direction of the constabulary. She walked quickly, passing through the crowd, and all but dragging him behind her. After a few moments, once they were clear of the crowd and as the people began to go about their business, she turned about and glared at Naruto, pulling her hand away from his.
"What were you doing?" she demanded. Her voice was tense, filled with confusion and a bit of anger at the perceived betrayal. "Not only have you endangered my life by airing my secrets for all to hear, but you paraded my loss before these civilians. Why?"
Naruto smiled widely at her. It hurt to have someone he liked look at him like that, but he understood why and he was sure she'd forgive once he explained it. "Now Zabuza won't be forgotten, or remembered as a bad guy. Now he'll be remembered as a hero who gave his life to beat Gato! And you'll be remembered as a hero too, dattebayo!"
“But when the oinin hear about this...â€
“You'll be half-way to Konoha, escorted by a friendly shinobi team, in the middle of Fire Country.†Naruto grinned, “I don't think they're gonna risk it.â€
Haku blinked as her jaw went agape. She laughed shallowly and closed her eyes, smiling and shaking her head. Opening them she looked at Naruto and pulled him into a tight hug. He flushed crimson as she held him so close to her body for so long. Really, it was all he could do not to get excited. He had to struggle to keep the fact that he was being squeezed like a plushy by a hot, older kunoichi who he'd seen naked out of his mind. Last thing he wanted was to get slugged as a pervert because some parts of his body wouldn't obey his brain!
"Thank you," she whispered. Pulling away, his new 'Precious Person' smiled at him with the same radiance he'd already learned to treasure. "I am sorry that I was upset at you, Naruto-kun. Now I understand why you did it. That was a very kind thing. Not many people would try and honor the memory of an enemy like that. Thank you."
"Hey, if he was able to raise someone like you, he couldn't be all bad!" Naruto grinned.
Haku smiled sadly. "He was a very complicated man, Naruto-kun."
Naruto smiled warmly at her. "You have to tell me about him some time."
"I will," she replied softy. "Thank you, Naruto-kun. Thank you for being so kind."
Naruto blushed and scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. "You're welcome, Haku-chan!"
4
Tsunami took a deep breath as she entered her living room, which at this point had been taken over by that perverted freeloader Kakashi. She had some questions for him, and while she was well aware that she wouldn't be able to get a ninja to tell her he didn't feel like it, they were directly involved with someone dear to the both of them.
“Kakashi-san...,†she began as she stepped into the room, only to trail off as she noticed two things that threw her off her train of thought. One which made her blood freeze, the other which made it boil.
First, her darling son was playing with a ninja dagger as if it were some kind of toy, darting about swinging it around as if he were some powerful ninja fighting invisible opponents.
Second, Kakashi himself was reading one of those perverted orange books she didn't let her father read in her son's presence.
Once again, and probably not for the last time today, she wished she was somehow able to kill the jonin with her brain.
“Hm, a bit tense today, Tsunami-san?†Kakashi observed, “I have to admit, I'm impressed by your killing intent. You missed your calling. So, what's the problem?â€
“Why is my son playing with a weapon...â€
“Ninja are awesome, mom!†Inari exclaimed, all but bouncing in place, and interrupting the conversation, “Naruto-niichan kicked the butts out of all of those goons on the bridge! I wanna be strong like that too!â€
Tsunami felt another chill go down her spine. Seeing Kaiza die had been bad enough, but for him to see the carnage of Naruto's bridge battle. She didn't want him to be traumatized by the battle, but even worse for him to becoming interested in the Shinobi arts. Naruto was a good boy, but he was a killer, and as much as she loved him, she didn't not want that for her son. The idea of her darling little boy becoming a ninja downright terrified her.
“Inari, why don't you... put away the knife and go play outside for a little while...â€
Inari pouted, “Do I have to?â€
She simply gave him a stern look that said everything that needed to be said.
“Alright,†he whined before perking back up with a smile. “Naruto-niichan said he'd play ninja with me after he got back from town!â€
As quickly as he spoke, Inari ran into his room to put the weapon away and then ran outside. She fought the urge to shudder as her he ran past. As far as she was concerned, no good could come of this. She'd have to slip into his room and remove the weapon before he came back in.
With Inari out from underfoot, she was able to turn her attention back to the second issue that had earned her ire.
“Kakashi-san, why are you reading pornography in my living room?â€
“Because I'm not in the guest room?†he replied in a rhetorical tone.
Tsunami sighed. “And if I asked you not to read it you would ignore me, wouldn't you.â€
He nodded. “A-yep.â€
She frowned “Kakashi-san, may I ask why you are being so rude to me and my family?â€
Kakashi looked up and closed his book. “Tsunami-san,†he said calmly, “As far as I am concerned I have been acting well beyond the rules of hospitality considered the situation. Remember, your father falsely filed a mission, and in doing so lured my cute little genin, who mind you were on their first mission outside the village, into a situation which forced them to fight several extremely dangerous missing nin. This lead to one of them almost dying and another being first poisoned, and then forced to kill over thirty men in hand to hand combat. As commander of Genin Team 7, I had every right to leave you, your family, and your country to whatever fate Gato would have seen fit. But I didn't. I'm here. You're safe. He's dead. You're not. As far as I am concerned, I've earned a bit of leeway, wouldn't you say?â€
Tsunami stood in place for a moment. There was a very real part of her that wanted to hit him with something large, heavy, and blunt. Sadly though, as much as she wished otherwise, she couldn't fault his logic. Her father had lied and in doing so endangered the lives of the man's students. It was understandable to her why he'd be a bit feckless in his social niceties, all things considered. In his place she’d be absolutely seething.
She sighed. He was right. Despite her father's foolishness, he still came. Her family had disrespected these ninja greatly and exposed three inexperienced children to a great, unexpected risk, but they still stood by their honor and they fought and bled and killed for the sake of her family and her people.
The simple fact was that the giri her family owed to these ninja far out weighed the petty discourtesy that she was being forced to endure. As much as it galled her, she was actually feeling ashamed for bringing this up. She must have seemed very selfish to him to forget this.
“I apologize for my impetuousness, Kakashi-san,†she said, slipping into the most polite form of speech she was able, “I understand that I owe much to you and your students and all I ask is that you mind my attempts to run a pacific and comfortable household for my family.â€
The ninja smiled. “Of course, Tsunami-chan.â€
She bristled slightly at his overly familiar language, but said nothing. After all, the debt she owed was so great that it was her place to endure such mild irreverence. But even so, here was one thing that was even beyond that debt of honor: her fears for her son.
“Kakashi-san,†she said, her own fears coming to the forefront. “Please do not give Inari ideas of becoming a shinobi. Besides my father he is all that I have, any if anything happened to him...â€
Kakashi peeked his eyebrow. “Is that what this is about?†He laughed. “Don't worry, I don't have any plans to sneak off with your kid and turn him into some emotionless killing machine.â€
Tsunami blinked in confusion. “But the dagger...â€
“Was given to him by Naruto,†Kakashi said smoothly, “He's taken a shine to the kid and gave him a kunai so they could play ninja.â€
She bristled slightly. “Naruto gave my son a weapon?â€
“It's a practice kunai, it's blunted for training,†he continued. “Do understand that this is the first time Naruto's ever been outside the hidden village. Remember, Konohagakure is a ninja village. Every child is expected to attend the academy and it has shaped our culture. To Naruto, Inari not having a training kunai to play ninja with was as conceptually alien as little girl not owning a doll.â€
Tsunami blinked. She never realized that the culture of the ninja villages was so different than that of the outside world. While she was still extremely uncomfortable with Inari owning a ninja weapon, even if it was a blunted play weapon, she didn't feel entirely comfortable taking away a gift that Naruto had given him in good faith. She guessed that she would have to pray and hope he tired of it soon, and then once he did, carefully misplace it somewhere out of the way as not to encourage the idea any farther.
Still though, this did remind of of what she originally wished to speak to the Jonin. “Kakashi-san,†she began, “Speaking of Naruto-kun, I have some concerns.â€
Kakashi's attention became absolute. While she doubted she would ever be able to get an accurate read on a ninja of all people, she at least hopes that she was reading authentic concern in the man’s features. “Yes?â€
“Naruto-kun had shown some... distressing behavioral patterns. When I confronted him about the... ordeal with Haku-san last night be became extremely withdrawn and seemed to act in a very immature manner. While it is not my place to speak of such things, I have grown fond of the boy and...â€
“And you're concerned that he might be being abused in some manner,†Kakashi completed, somewhat shamefaced.
“Yes,†she replied.
“Naruto is an orphan and was raised without the love and support of a proper family,†Kakashi replied calmly, “In addition, many of the villagers hold an irrational dislike of the boy, and while they did him no physical harm, the did little to make him feel welcomed and in many cases encouraged like behavior in their children.â€
Tsunami gasped. That revelation was not one she expected and was not one she in any way welcomed. Naruto, while loud and boisterous, as a truly good person, and the idea of him not only being raised without the proper love and support of a family, but having people disliking him for no reason and going as far to ostracize him with their children... “That's horrible!†She exclaimed, because there was nothing else that she could say to articulate her feelings.
“I know,†Kakashi replied, “But there was little that could be done. I do appreciate your concern though. Naruto has a precious few people who care about him. If you truly wish to help him, let him know you care.â€
Tsunami nodded and thought back to the blonde boy. That wonderful, kind, heroic, selfless boy that had protected her loved ones so furiously. The young man whose courage had brought hope and freedom to her country. He'd given her, he had given all of them, so much and never asked for anything. And after all that, it turns out that despite the amount of kidness he was willing to show others, he'd been denied it himself. Despite the love he was willing to share, he’d never known that of a mother.
She smiled.
She would show him the best that she could. It was the least she could do.
Kakashi smiled, reading the emotions on her face. Unlike most of the previous expressions of emotion she'd seen in the masked ninja, this seemed to be completely unguarded.
“Thank youâ€
She smiled before taking a deep breath to ask her final question. The one that was not just on her mind, but was on everyone else's minds as well.
“Is Naruto-kun truly an Uzuamki?â€
4 4
Pakkun was not a happy pug. Kakashi told him to follow these two and he'd do it. Like it or not, he'd follow his orders, but he didn't have to like it. Honestly though, he'd rather be sleeping. In fact that is exactly what he'd been doing until he'd been summoned and set on this fool’s errand. Follow them around, Kakashi had said to make sure she didn't do anything to endanger the boy or Konoha's interests.
Personally, he thought that was a load of bullshit. From the smell of them, the only thing in danger was the boy's virginity. While it might not have been at the front of their minds, they were definitely attracted to one another. He could smell their hormones from across the room. Not surprising when you consider how close they got the night before, at least from what Kakashi told him. He just hoped they didn't sneak off and do the old breeding dance while he was on their tail. He'd be obliged to observe and there were some things he just never wanted to see. Humans screwing might not be on the top of that list, but it was damned close.
Slowly he moved to follow as the pair entered the constabulary, deftly ducking into the shadows to remain out of view while making sure to stay within earshot. He had to be careful, from the sound of things the girl was extremely skilled, and he was under orders to avoid detection. Thankfully there were quite a few good hiding spots. Now admittedly, the view wasn't the best, but as a canine, his vision wasn't the best anyways so it didn't really matter.
"Hey! If it's not the big damned hero!" the man inside the building began once he laid eyes on the genin. "I'm Kenji. What can I do for you, Uzumaki-sama?"
“I don't need anything,†he replied, “But Haku-chan... well...†He glanced over to the girl.
There was an awkward pause before the female replied. "I would...†she paused for a moment, trying to center herself, “I would like...†He paused, having difficulty putting her feelings to words. Made sense too, she was coming in here to see her old man's corpse. If that didn't put you in a pretty awkward state, nothing would.
The man frowned for a moment, "Wait a minute. You're that girl who killed Gato, right?â€
The female blinked, and then nodded shallowly. “Yes, I am.â€
The male behind the counter grinned like a wolf-hound. “I have to give it to you, you did a mighty fine job, though a lot faster and cleaner than the son of a bitch deserved.â€
The girl blushed. “Thank you, but I do not take pleasure in the suffering of others,†she paused for a moment then added, “No matter how greatly they may deserve it.â€
He nodded. “Yeah. Fair ‘nough. Anyways, I heard you were that Zabuza guy's daughter, right?â€
"Huh?" Naruto asked in confusion. "You heard about that already?"
"Yeah, one of the guys told me right before you got here," Kenji replied.
Naruto blinked in confusion. "Wow, rumors must travel pretty fast around here."
"Small town," he said in a flippant tone, before looking to Haku. “So, I don't want to seem insensitive, but I can really only think of one reason you'd be here. To see the body and collect his personal effects.â€
"Yes," Haku said in a sad voice, as she lowered her head. It made Pakkun feel a little down. He just knew that was going to be intruding on something very private, and for no good reason. Kakashi definitely owed him for this one. This kind of personal intrusion was worth at least two bones, and by that he didn't mean just any bones but those really tasty special smoked gourmet ones that the Inuzuka make. The really big ones.
"Alright. Where do you want to start? The body or his stuff,†he paused for a moment before commenting, “The Jonin instructed us to keep the body from being disturbed." the constable paused. "But since you're family, I guess you have the final say. Besides, if you're just going to view it, then that's not really disturbing, I guess..."
"Thank you," she paused for a moment and asked. “Do you have Kubikiribocho?â€
The man blinked. “You mean that giant Zanbato he was lugging around?â€
“Yes.â€
“Yeah,†Kenji replied, “Took three guys to carry it in. It’s sitting in the back room.â€
He nodded. “I see.â€
Kenji frowned for a moment, “So, where do you want to start?â€
She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. “The body please.
“Alright, but I have to warn you...†he sighed, “Listen kid, are you sure you want to do this now?â€
Haku paused for a moment, “I... I understand and value your sympathy, Kenji-san, but I feel that I have to do this. When Zabuza-sama died...â€
“It was too much to take in,†Kenji replied distantly, “It was too much to take in, too much to absorb. I didn't seem entirely real because the sheer magnitude of it was so great that you had problems wrapping your head around it all.â€
“You understand,†Haku stated.
“Listen kid, I don't think you'd find a person in his village over thirty-five who doesn't know exactly what you're talking about. I just had to give you fair warning.â€
“Thank you, Kenji-san. Your sympathy is appreciated.â€
Kenji nodded. “Alright, I'll take you backâ€
Pakkun frowned as the two were lead into the depths of the building and scampered forward trying to keep silent and out of sight while at the same time staying close enough to hear them. Thus he was none too happy when they ended at a large freezer door. Great, they were keeping the body in an over glorified meat locker. That meant the only way he could hear them was to get inside with them. Wonderful. Just wonderful.
Slowly he watched as the constable opened the door and glanced inside. "Zabuza's is the only body left,†he chucked grimly and added, “Between you and Uzumaki-sama here, we had quite the collection yesterday.â€
Naruto blinked. “What did you do with Gato’s guys?â€
“We hang pirates around here, and those ese fuckers were close enough. They all dangling from the pier,†he paused, “Well, except for Gato. We crucified his ass, just like he did to Kaiza-san.â€
Naruto blanched, so did Haku for that matter.
“Well, right. You kids can stay back here for as long as you need. You can leave any time you want."
"Thank you, Kenji-san," Haku replied.
"Hey, anything for Uzumaki-sama and the girl who put that son-of-a-bitch down," he chuckled.
The kunoichi smiled slightly and took a deep breath and entered behind Naruto as Kenji opened the door for them. Taking this as his only opportunity, Pakkun slipped in behind them before the door could be closed, hoping that he wasn't seen. He quickly took cover behind a large shelf sitting by the entrance.
He winced slightly as he heard a muffled "Was that a dog? Nah. Must be seeing things" behind him as the door shut.
Pakkun felt a chill go down his spine. Damn, that was too close!
Inside the room was basically a meat locker with wooden tables lined up against the wall. There were fresh red stains, probably still wet in places, covering the floors and tables. Off to the side there was a mountainous pile of bloody sheets lying to the side, and to his sensitive nose, the stench of death was almost overwhelming. On one of the side tables there remained a single, still covered corpse still undisturbed.
Gee, guess who that could be?
Haku tensed and Naruto held her hand and looked at her with concern as the two approached the body.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Naruto asked her, his worry apparent.
"I have to do this," she replied as she reached for the top of the sheet with a trembling hand.
Taking a deep breath, Haku pulled the sheet down and choked back a scream, almost losing her footing as he legs almost gave out underneath her. With tears trailing down her face, she clutched onto Naruto for support. Together they stood for what felt like an inordinate amount of time as the girl vented her bottled up emotions, weeping over the corpse of her dead mentor.
Unable to put up with it any longer, Pakkun sighed deeply and looked away. Oh yeah, Kakashi definitely owed him those bones. While they were ninja, there was still such a thing as simple good taste. The poor girl didn't need him intruding on her grief. There was absolutely nothing to benefit from watching this. Shaking his head in annoyance, he almost missed what the girl said next.
"Naruto-kun?" Haku asked, "I would like some time alone please."
"Alright, Haku-chan. Are you sure you'll be alright."
"I'll be fine."
Naruto nodded and Pakkun watched him walk out and close the door behind him. Then, he felt a sudden chill. It wasn't the kind of chill that runs down your back when something bad's about to happen, no. It was a general drop of the ambient temperature by several degrees. Which of course caused just that kind of chill to run down his back as slowly, and reluctantly, turned around to look dead into the eyes of one extremely irate looking kunoichi.
"Uh-oh."
Haku didn't even waste words replying to him. She simply reached down and lifted him by the scruff of the neck and brought him to eye level. Silently, Pakkun cursed his own instincts and his body reflexively went limp under the human's grip. He knew he could fight it, but he had a feeling that would simply result in him getting an icicle rammed somewhere all kinds of sensitive.
"You're one of Kakashi's ninken," she stated, not asked. "I remember you from the bridge."
Pakkun tensed, and realized that she really was her father's daughter, as her killer intent added a palpable sense of dread to the already thick tension that hung in the atmosphere. He really hoped she wasn't going to take some of her frustration out on him. After all, he'd helped hold Zabuza in place when Kakashi killed him, so he was technically an accessory to his death.
"Um, yeah." He winced. Oh, great response.
"Why are you following me?" She said coolly as the temperature of the room began to drop even further, causing their breathing to become visible.
Oh forget this shit. He wasn't going to deal with scary ice chick any more than he had to. "I was told to keep an eye on Naruto and stay out of sight."
She frowned. "Do you really believe I am that naive?" she asked with faux sweetness. "I want you to remind Kakashi-san that I am not a prisoner to be tracked. You can tell him that I will not act against Konoha's interest, but I do not appreciate being spied on," She dropped him and glared "As for you, if I catch you following me again, I'll start investigating a good recipe for bosintang. Am I clear?"
Pakkun gulped. Right now she smelled like frozen death and he had a feeling she really wasn't kidding. Okay, you know what? Screw Kakashi. He wasn't going to end up in a pot of soup! He simply gave her a quick nodded and banished himself, vanishing in a poof of ninja smoke. There simply weren't enough bones in the world for this shit.
4 4 4
Haku frowned as she walked beside Naruto. She'd thought she'd been ready to see Zabuza's body but she'd been wrong. Seeing him had only reopened a still bleeding wound. Shinobi were supposed to be masters of their emotions, but she'd been unable to contain her sorrow. She'd lost her control, and while she believed she knew Naruto enough to know that he would not think any less of her for doing so, having that blasted canine intrude on what should have been an intensely private moment was humiliating, and made light of her loss. She could bare the embarrassment, but the disrespect given to her master’s memory was unforgivable.
Still, while angry, the fact that he’d seen fit not to claim Zabuza’s head nor the Kubikiribocho, did much to reduce her feeling from a seething rage to a nagging aggravation. She knew for a fact that the bounty on Zabuza’s head was substantial, rivaling that of Old Maid Terumi and eclipsed only by the price on the Kirigakure no Kaijin. The Kubikiribocho was, on the other hand, was rightfully called a legendary weapon with an equally legendary bounty. The fact that he’d hadn’t claimed it in the name of his village put her at ease. So do did the fact that the storage scroll Zabuza used to carry it around when he was not in battle also survived. The weapon weighed more than an adult man and carrying it around was a chore on a good day. In her current chakra deprived state she probably wouldn’t have even been able to lift the damned thing.
Taking a deep breath, and running her fingers over the scroll tucked into the obi of her borrowed yukata for comfort. Zabuza had always claimed that without Kubikiribocho he wouldn’t have been the same man. It made him who he was, it was part of him, and thus by carrying it, she kept a piece of her old master with her.
As they walked, she looked over to Naruto who smiled at her. She gave him a weak smile in return. While having something to remember someone by could help grant closer, it was no replacement for the presence of good company, and Naruto was very good company. He was a kind person who knew true strength, and while their oaths to aid one another had been made in a moment of foolish drunkenness, she didn't regret it.
Any of it, actually. She'd never been that close to a boy and while he was a bit young, she couldn't help but turn red, she got goose bumps thinking about the things they'd done in that bath. She was glad that his sensei had stopped them before things became... inappropriate. As she'd spent her entire life hiding as a boy, she'd never had an opportunity to learn the contraception Jutsu. Having to ask Naruto's pink haired teammate to teach her the technique would have been a mortifying crescendo to what was already an orchestra of embarrassment.
She suppressed a shiver. Of course, things could always get worse. If the pinkette didn’t know it, then the sheer humiliation of having to ask Kakashi would have probably left her contemplating seppuku.
"You alright, Haku?" Naruto frowned, as a worried look crossed his face. “You're looking a little red. You have a fever or something?"
She couldn't help but flush even brighter as it was brought to her attention.
"Ah, Haku, I think it's getting worse,†he said with a grimace, “Maybe we should get you to a doctor..."
"No...!†She sighed, “I mean, to say I'm just thinking. That's all."
He looked to her. “You sure?â€
Again, she sighed, “Yes, I'm sure.â€
Naruto blinked. "Oh." He paused for a moment then looked back to her. "You think we could get something to eat? I'm getting kinda hungry."
Haku paused for a moment. Considering they'd eaten only a couple hours ago, it said a lot about his metabolism that he was already hungry. Not that she wasn't feeling much the same as nothing boosted the bodies calorie consumption like trying to refill ones chakra supply. Between the Chakra Fatigue and the cute little little sushi stand they'd walked past about ten minutes back, she felt down right ravenous.
Sadly though, first things first. "Maybe a little later, Naruto. There's something I need to do first. Maybe then we can pick up some sushi."
“Sushi? Isn't that just raw fish?†Naruto grimaced. “Gross! Can't get get something good instead, like Ramen?â€
Haku's eyes narrowed to slits and her jaw clenched and she slowed to a halt. “What was that, Naruto-kun?†she all but hissed, giving him a very dirty look.
Naruto winced slightly at her cold, angry look. If she was feeling any more sympathetic this particular moment in time, she'd have felt very guilty at giving him the same kind of look that had haunted both of their childhoods, but right now, the honor of her favorite food was at stake!
This was ground that around which even Zabuza had known to tread lightly.
“Um, I mean... all the sushi I've had was pretty gross but Konoha's pretty far from the sea so the fish might not be very fresh and...â€
“So you're saying you've never had good sushi,†she replied, calling down her glare from cold anger to simply righteous irritation.
He blushed, “Well, kinda. Lets just say me and fresh meat never had a really good relationship and leave it at that.â€
Haku blinked, wondering what he meant by that. Though she had a feeling that the implications were unpleasant.
“Are you telling me you've never had sushi?†she asked with not a small amount of intensity in her eyes.
“No... I mean yes... I mean...,†he blushed, and rubbed the back of his head, “I haven’t.â€
She was taken aback, almost as if she were struck. He never had sushi? “Well, then I know what we’re doing for lunch! That’s for sure!â€
“Come on Haku-chan, can't we get Ramen instead?†Naruto whined.
Haku glanced over, first fighting the urge to glare. Then as she thought, for a moment, fighting the urge smirk. Oh, she had the perfect answer in mind.
“Ugh,†she grimaced, “Ramen's far too salty! I can't understand how people can eat that stuff.â€
“HEY!â€
[hr]
And at long last, the big changes.
Haku smiled sadly at him. It almost made him wince. It was strange, her sad smile stung worse than the cold eyes of the villagers. She was one of the few people who'd ever truly opened her entire heart to him, and because of that he counted her among his most beloved friends. The idea of her being sad just made him feel like he'd failed on a personal level. He wanted her to be happy all the time because he believed she deserved nothing less.
"I have to put Zabuza-san's affairs in order," she replied in a low tone that made Naruto's heart twist.
She'd just lost the closest thing she had to a father and now she had to trouble herself by going through all the mess of burying him. He couldn't really understand that pain. He'd almost lost Iruka and thought he'd lost Sasuke, but as important as they were to him, he knew that Zabuza had been Haku's world. He just couldn't understand the magnitude of her loss, but that didn't mean he couldn't sympathize with her unspoken plight. He could see it in her sad eyes how much this hurt her and it shamed him that he'd been involved in Zabuza's death. She was far too good a person to go through this and to have raised someone as kind as Haku, there had to be more to Zabuza than the Demon of the Mist. No monster could raise such a kind soul.
Taking a moment to center himself Naruto decided what he was going to do. He was going to help Haku in any way he could. For her sake he'd make sure that Zabuza wouldn't be forgotten, and that he'd be remembered for the good person he really was. He'd do it for her sake.
Before he'd promised that he'd keep her safe, but he knew damned well that you could be safe and miserable. She was his friend, and he'd protect not only her life, but her happiness. To do anything less would be paramount to abandoning her, and those who abandon their friends were worse than trash. He'd never abandon his friends. He silently swore that he'd not only keep them safe, but that he could not and would not allow them to suffer the way he'd suffered in the past. As long as he lived, he would not allow them to be treated as if they were worthless, unwanted, unworthy, or forgotten. He'd shield them from the hell of loneliness with his very life if he had to.
That was the promises of a lifetime!
"Naruto-kun?" Haku asked, looking at him, somewhat worried. "What's wrong?"
Naruto blushed slightly. He must have drifted off there for a moment. "Nothing, Haku-chan. I was just a little distracted." He allowed his face to twist into a small, thoughtful smile, "Was thinking, that's all."
Haku nodded in understanding. He said nothing. The silence between them was almost palpable. Naruto was unsure what to say and he had a feeling that the same was true for Haku.
It was rather awkward and felt really uncomfortable. Naruto hated pauses like this. He hated silence, really. If he spent any real time thinking about it he'd probably admit it was why he talked so damned much. People think too much when they're quiet, and for someone with as many hidden doubts and resentments as him, the last thing he could afford to do emotionally was dwell on all of the failures and derogatory words of the past. It was downright smothering, to be completely honest.
"So, Haku-chan?" he said, looking for something, anything to break the silence, "What are we doing first?"
Haku's face fell, making Naruto want to kick himself. Hell, he was tempted to summon a Shadow Clone to do just that! If she looked sad before, now she looked completely miserable. "I am going to the local constabulary," she said softly. "I am going to inquire as to the condition of Zabuza-san's body and collect his personal possessions."
Naruto winced. No wonder she was so damned sad. She was only trying to check on the body of her dead father. Nothing upsetting there. Nope, nothing at all!
Almost unconsciously, Naruto's hand snaked out and grasped Haku's. The girl looked at him with a moment in surprise then smiled and squeezed tightly. He could see her tension relax slightly as a small smile came to her face. He couldn't help but smile at the fact that his simple presence seemed to be comforting her. That was good. He wouldn't let his friend be alone at a time like this. If she needed a human safety blanket, he was happy to provide.
"Lets go, Haku-chan," he said giving her hand a reassuring squeeze, "You're not going to be doing this alone."
She nodded and together the two began into the village. The village itself was still winding back up after the unexpected lull caused by Naruto's overpowered Hidden Mist Technique. In fact there was still a thin fog overhanging the town, though Naruto wasn't quite sure of how much of that was him and how much was just the island nations normal morning weather. From what he'd seen so far, the region was normally pretty warm, but it still got a little foggy before noon.
Most noticeable though was the people. They seemed different. Gone was the shrunken posture, the almost palpable aura of hopelessness. They were standing taller and walking with pride. They were no longer looking down in shame and self-loathing, but instead wherever he passed their eyes seemed to be following him. It made him feel uncomfortable. He was used to the cold eyes of the villagers following him wherever he went, but these eyes he realized, were different. They were not full of contempt and disgust. These eyes were warm and inviting, full of admiration. These eyes light up the moment he crossed their path.
His eyes went wide and he paused in his step, drawing an inquisitive glance from Haku as realization seeped into his mind. They were looking at him the same way the people of Konoha looked at the Hokage. It made him wonder, it made him question, and he had to ask it of himself otherwise he would not be able to believe his eyes.
Was this the way people looked at a hero?
"Are you alright, Naruto-kun?" Haku asked him with worry in her voice.
Still stunned, Naruto couldn't find his voice to respond. He slowly nodded, and after a moment managed to say, "I'm fine." His voice was small, and difficult to hear, but he meant it. He really meant it. Maybe even for the first time.
Haku smiled and looked about for a moment, then with a slight blush on her face looked back down to him. "Naruto-kun?"
"Yes, Haku-chan?" he replied as his voice returned to him in strength.
"Do you know where the constabulary is located?"
Naruto blinked. That was an honest surprise. He'd expect a ninja like Haku, who'd had plenty of time to scout out the town to know where it was. "Nope. I'm surprised that you don't."
"Zabuza-san felt that it wasn't important." Haku shrugged. "When we arrived they were effectively defunct."
Naruto nodded. Constables were volunteer civil law enforcement, nothing like Konoha's ANBU, or the defunct Military Police. Until Gato died, he guessed that they'd all had other things to worry about, like feeding their kids or not getting stabbed by his thugs.
"Lets ask somebody then!" Naruto said with a smile. Pulling her behind him he walked over to an old woman who was busily selling fish at the side of the street. He guessed an old woman like her would probably know the area very well.
As he approached the stand the various shoppers stepped to the side and bowed to him in deference, much to his confusion. He was used to people getting out of his way of course, but normally it was because they couldn't stand his presence, but these people, they seemed to be doing the same out of respect. As if they felt that whatever he could be doing was naturally more important than what they were doing. It was absolutely disconcerting.
Standing behind the counter of the cart was an old woman, one probably about the Hokage's age, which in Naruto's mindset meant she was probably old enough to have met the Sage of the Six paths in her youth. Not that he'd say that, but the lines around her face looked like they belonged to someone who liked to smile, so he was pretty sure she'd be helpful.
“Uzumaki-sama!†the old woman gasped slightly and bowed deeply to him that he actually feared somewhat for the integrity of her old bones. “How may I be of assistance?â€
He was almost stunned into silence. "You know my name?" he all but whispered. "How?"
The woman smiled radiantly and for a moment he could see the faded beauty of her youth in her joyful face as she looked on him with something bordering on awe. “How could I not?"
Naruto opened his mouth to respond but couldn't. He just choked.
He was confused. He knew how the people treated the Hokage, and this wasn't it. The Hokage was respected, loved even, but this wasn't simple respect. For some reason, these people were in awe of him, and he didn't know why. He'd done his best to help him but this, this was just overwhelming and if the sincerity wasn't so thick that he could taste it, he'd almost think it was creepy.
The fact that they were milling around to watch also made him uncomfortable. But he wasn't going to complain. These people didn't see him for the demon fox in his belly, for the unfortunate circumstances of his birth. They saw him for his own actions. He had the suspicion there might be something else to it, but for them to respect him this much, he had to have proved himself to them. They had to see him for him, and not only judge him to be worthy of respect; but judge him to be someone worth admiring. The acknowledged him. They looked up to him. To him! He couldn't believe it. It was just too good to be true, but it was. It really was.
For the first time in his life, Naruto knew not only what it was like to be truly accepted, but to be truly loved by others. Not just by one person, but by everyone. He had to fight back tears as this realization hit him almost as hard as Iruka's deceleration in the forest while he fought Mizuki.
Naruto clenched his fist and smiled widely and honestly, probably more so than he'd done on any occasion before or after he'd been made a genin. A few rebellious tears made their way down his cheek and as he looked at the old woman he was shocked to see that her eyes were also watering with unshed tears.
The shock was enough to knock him out of his stopper and he felt filled with a strength and pride he never before felt before. He felt ten feet tall, like he couldn't be stopped. For the first time in his life, he felt no hidden doubts. It was like their faith in him was infectious. It was like their belief in him was so strong that it burned away his own uncertainty.
"Hey, Baa-chan?" he asked, feeling like he was truly standing tall for the first time in his life, "Which way to the constable's office?"
The woman's eyebrow peaked slightly but if she was thinking anything, she didn't say it. "Its two streets down, right off to the left. Look for the building with the red roof."
"Thanks!" he exclaimed.
The woman stood thoughtfully for a moment, then asked, "May I be so bold as to ask why you're going there, Uzumaki-sama?"
Naruto fought back a frown for a moment. He knew old grandma's like this loved their gossip, and from the way the crowd was milling around, he knew they were all wondering what he was up to. He knew how much they like to rag on him back home and how far even the slightest insult could travel, getting more and more blown out of proportion every time it was retold, but it did give him an idea. He beat down a mischievous grin as his old pranking instincts came to head. Even though he'd never said it aloud, he'd promised Haku that he'd make sure Zabuza wouldn't be forgotten, and this was his chance.
"We're going to see about getting Zabuza a proper burial," he replied.
"Why would you bother yourself with one of Gato's underlings?" Haku's grip tightened to almost painful levels and he could feel her killing intent leaking out as the old woman looked on in confusion. “He was an evil man.â€
"He wasn't!" Naruto replied. "He died a hero."
"He did?" the old woman asked as the crowd muttered around him.
Inside his mind, Naruto cackled gleefully. Now he had their attention. "Zabuza was set up! Yeah, I know he was working for a bad guy, but that wasn’t because he was evil! Part of being a ninja is to kill your heart and do your job no matter how distasteful. Gato lied to him and used it against him! He hired him to do his dirty work but was going to kill him when he was done. Even though he was my enemy, I respected him because he was a strong ninja! After all, no jerk could raise someone as nice as Haku-chan!"
That brought all eyes to Haku and she tensed up under the harsh attention of the crowd. He felt guilty about putting her through it, but it was only for a moment.
“How does that make him a hero?†the woman asked in a confused tone.
"Well, it’s all got to do with Haku-chan. After Kakashi-sensei wounded him, he confessed that he loved her like a daughter and wanted her to be strong and happy," he replied. "Then Gato showed up and said that Zabuza was a worthless pawn and how this was all just a setup so we'd bump each other off. So Haku-chan killed him with a single really awesome blow and avenged him! If it wasn't for Zabuza hadn’t been a good guy, then she wouldn't have been able to kill Gato, and if she didn't do that then his thugs wouldn't have been leaderless, and I wouldn't have had the strength to kick all their asses! If I'm a hero for beating them, then Haku's a hero for killing Gato, and if Haku's as hero for that, than Zabuza's a hero for inspiring her strength, Dattebayo!"
“Dattebayo,†the old woman repeated with an wistful smile, muttering something under her breath, before glancing to Haku. Her face hardened, and she frowned for a moment before nodding in understanding. "I see."
After a moment of thought, her frown faded to an impassive glance, and after taking the girl in for a moment, a warm smile came to her face. "I apologize for my harsh words, Haku-sama. I would like to apologize for my ignorance and express my sympathy for your loss. There is not a person in his country who has not lost a loved one to the betrayal and cruelty of others, and I believe that it is only fitting that he was punished by one who has suffered as we have. Thank you very much." And with that she bowed deeply to Haku. Not nearly as deeply as she'd bowed him him, but still deep enough to convey great respect.
And then, the crowd joined in. First they bowed in thanks, and then they started to speak
“Thank you, Haku-san!†exclaimed one man.
“Zabuza was a hero!†came another
And then another, and another. Comments flew in from the viewing throng, were either consoling her loss, or exalting her heroism, and while the looks they were giving her were not as, well, reverent as the ones they gave him, the coldness had been replaced with the warmth and respect that was a heroes due.
Naruto looked up to Haku. He could see the confusion on her face and felt the tension in her grip. She was obviously almost as bewildered as he'd been moments before. After a pregnant pause, she bowed to the older woman. "I thank you for your kind words."
Taking a deep breath she bowed to the old woman and to the crowd, and started in the direction of the constabulary. She walked quickly, passing through the crowd, and all but dragging him behind her. After a few moments, once they were clear of the crowd and as the people began to go about their business, she turned about and glared at Naruto, pulling her hand away from his.
"What were you doing?" she demanded. Her voice was tense, filled with confusion and a bit of anger at the perceived betrayal. "Not only have you endangered my life by airing my secrets for all to hear, but you paraded my loss before these civilians. Why?"
Naruto smiled widely at her. It hurt to have someone he liked look at him like that, but he understood why and he was sure she'd forgive once he explained it. "Now Zabuza won't be forgotten, or remembered as a bad guy. Now he'll be remembered as a hero who gave his life to beat Gato! And you'll be remembered as a hero too, dattebayo!"
“But when the oinin hear about this...â€
“You'll be half-way to Konoha, escorted by a friendly shinobi team, in the middle of Fire Country.†Naruto grinned, “I don't think they're gonna risk it.â€
Haku blinked as her jaw went agape. She laughed shallowly and closed her eyes, smiling and shaking her head. Opening them she looked at Naruto and pulled him into a tight hug. He flushed crimson as she held him so close to her body for so long. Really, it was all he could do not to get excited. He had to struggle to keep the fact that he was being squeezed like a plushy by a hot, older kunoichi who he'd seen naked out of his mind. Last thing he wanted was to get slugged as a pervert because some parts of his body wouldn't obey his brain!
"Thank you," she whispered. Pulling away, his new 'Precious Person' smiled at him with the same radiance he'd already learned to treasure. "I am sorry that I was upset at you, Naruto-kun. Now I understand why you did it. That was a very kind thing. Not many people would try and honor the memory of an enemy like that. Thank you."
"Hey, if he was able to raise someone like you, he couldn't be all bad!" Naruto grinned.
Haku smiled sadly. "He was a very complicated man, Naruto-kun."
Naruto smiled warmly at her. "You have to tell me about him some time."
"I will," she replied softy. "Thank you, Naruto-kun. Thank you for being so kind."
Naruto blushed and scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. "You're welcome, Haku-chan!"
4
Tsunami took a deep breath as she entered her living room, which at this point had been taken over by that perverted freeloader Kakashi. She had some questions for him, and while she was well aware that she wouldn't be able to get a ninja to tell her he didn't feel like it, they were directly involved with someone dear to the both of them.
“Kakashi-san...,†she began as she stepped into the room, only to trail off as she noticed two things that threw her off her train of thought. One which made her blood freeze, the other which made it boil.
First, her darling son was playing with a ninja dagger as if it were some kind of toy, darting about swinging it around as if he were some powerful ninja fighting invisible opponents.
Second, Kakashi himself was reading one of those perverted orange books she didn't let her father read in her son's presence.
Once again, and probably not for the last time today, she wished she was somehow able to kill the jonin with her brain.
“Hm, a bit tense today, Tsunami-san?†Kakashi observed, “I have to admit, I'm impressed by your killing intent. You missed your calling. So, what's the problem?â€
“Why is my son playing with a weapon...â€
“Ninja are awesome, mom!†Inari exclaimed, all but bouncing in place, and interrupting the conversation, “Naruto-niichan kicked the butts out of all of those goons on the bridge! I wanna be strong like that too!â€
Tsunami felt another chill go down her spine. Seeing Kaiza die had been bad enough, but for him to see the carnage of Naruto's bridge battle. She didn't want him to be traumatized by the battle, but even worse for him to becoming interested in the Shinobi arts. Naruto was a good boy, but he was a killer, and as much as she loved him, she didn't not want that for her son. The idea of her darling little boy becoming a ninja downright terrified her.
“Inari, why don't you... put away the knife and go play outside for a little while...â€
Inari pouted, “Do I have to?â€
She simply gave him a stern look that said everything that needed to be said.
“Alright,†he whined before perking back up with a smile. “Naruto-niichan said he'd play ninja with me after he got back from town!â€
As quickly as he spoke, Inari ran into his room to put the weapon away and then ran outside. She fought the urge to shudder as her he ran past. As far as she was concerned, no good could come of this. She'd have to slip into his room and remove the weapon before he came back in.
With Inari out from underfoot, she was able to turn her attention back to the second issue that had earned her ire.
“Kakashi-san, why are you reading pornography in my living room?â€
“Because I'm not in the guest room?†he replied in a rhetorical tone.
Tsunami sighed. “And if I asked you not to read it you would ignore me, wouldn't you.â€
He nodded. “A-yep.â€
She frowned “Kakashi-san, may I ask why you are being so rude to me and my family?â€
Kakashi looked up and closed his book. “Tsunami-san,†he said calmly, “As far as I am concerned I have been acting well beyond the rules of hospitality considered the situation. Remember, your father falsely filed a mission, and in doing so lured my cute little genin, who mind you were on their first mission outside the village, into a situation which forced them to fight several extremely dangerous missing nin. This lead to one of them almost dying and another being first poisoned, and then forced to kill over thirty men in hand to hand combat. As commander of Genin Team 7, I had every right to leave you, your family, and your country to whatever fate Gato would have seen fit. But I didn't. I'm here. You're safe. He's dead. You're not. As far as I am concerned, I've earned a bit of leeway, wouldn't you say?â€
Tsunami stood in place for a moment. There was a very real part of her that wanted to hit him with something large, heavy, and blunt. Sadly though, as much as she wished otherwise, she couldn't fault his logic. Her father had lied and in doing so endangered the lives of the man's students. It was understandable to her why he'd be a bit feckless in his social niceties, all things considered. In his place she’d be absolutely seething.
She sighed. He was right. Despite her father's foolishness, he still came. Her family had disrespected these ninja greatly and exposed three inexperienced children to a great, unexpected risk, but they still stood by their honor and they fought and bled and killed for the sake of her family and her people.
The simple fact was that the giri her family owed to these ninja far out weighed the petty discourtesy that she was being forced to endure. As much as it galled her, she was actually feeling ashamed for bringing this up. She must have seemed very selfish to him to forget this.
“I apologize for my impetuousness, Kakashi-san,†she said, slipping into the most polite form of speech she was able, “I understand that I owe much to you and your students and all I ask is that you mind my attempts to run a pacific and comfortable household for my family.â€
The ninja smiled. “Of course, Tsunami-chan.â€
She bristled slightly at his overly familiar language, but said nothing. After all, the debt she owed was so great that it was her place to endure such mild irreverence. But even so, here was one thing that was even beyond that debt of honor: her fears for her son.
“Kakashi-san,†she said, her own fears coming to the forefront. “Please do not give Inari ideas of becoming a shinobi. Besides my father he is all that I have, any if anything happened to him...â€
Kakashi peeked his eyebrow. “Is that what this is about?†He laughed. “Don't worry, I don't have any plans to sneak off with your kid and turn him into some emotionless killing machine.â€
Tsunami blinked in confusion. “But the dagger...â€
“Was given to him by Naruto,†Kakashi said smoothly, “He's taken a shine to the kid and gave him a kunai so they could play ninja.â€
She bristled slightly. “Naruto gave my son a weapon?â€
“It's a practice kunai, it's blunted for training,†he continued. “Do understand that this is the first time Naruto's ever been outside the hidden village. Remember, Konohagakure is a ninja village. Every child is expected to attend the academy and it has shaped our culture. To Naruto, Inari not having a training kunai to play ninja with was as conceptually alien as little girl not owning a doll.â€
Tsunami blinked. She never realized that the culture of the ninja villages was so different than that of the outside world. While she was still extremely uncomfortable with Inari owning a ninja weapon, even if it was a blunted play weapon, she didn't feel entirely comfortable taking away a gift that Naruto had given him in good faith. She guessed that she would have to pray and hope he tired of it soon, and then once he did, carefully misplace it somewhere out of the way as not to encourage the idea any farther.
Still though, this did remind of of what she originally wished to speak to the Jonin. “Kakashi-san,†she began, “Speaking of Naruto-kun, I have some concerns.â€
Kakashi's attention became absolute. While she doubted she would ever be able to get an accurate read on a ninja of all people, she at least hopes that she was reading authentic concern in the man’s features. “Yes?â€
“Naruto-kun had shown some... distressing behavioral patterns. When I confronted him about the... ordeal with Haku-san last night be became extremely withdrawn and seemed to act in a very immature manner. While it is not my place to speak of such things, I have grown fond of the boy and...â€
“And you're concerned that he might be being abused in some manner,†Kakashi completed, somewhat shamefaced.
“Yes,†she replied.
“Naruto is an orphan and was raised without the love and support of a proper family,†Kakashi replied calmly, “In addition, many of the villagers hold an irrational dislike of the boy, and while they did him no physical harm, the did little to make him feel welcomed and in many cases encouraged like behavior in their children.â€
Tsunami gasped. That revelation was not one she expected and was not one she in any way welcomed. Naruto, while loud and boisterous, as a truly good person, and the idea of him not only being raised without the proper love and support of a family, but having people disliking him for no reason and going as far to ostracize him with their children... “That's horrible!†She exclaimed, because there was nothing else that she could say to articulate her feelings.
“I know,†Kakashi replied, “But there was little that could be done. I do appreciate your concern though. Naruto has a precious few people who care about him. If you truly wish to help him, let him know you care.â€
Tsunami nodded and thought back to the blonde boy. That wonderful, kind, heroic, selfless boy that had protected her loved ones so furiously. The young man whose courage had brought hope and freedom to her country. He'd given her, he had given all of them, so much and never asked for anything. And after all that, it turns out that despite the amount of kidness he was willing to show others, he'd been denied it himself. Despite the love he was willing to share, he’d never known that of a mother.
She smiled.
She would show him the best that she could. It was the least she could do.
Kakashi smiled, reading the emotions on her face. Unlike most of the previous expressions of emotion she'd seen in the masked ninja, this seemed to be completely unguarded.
“Thank youâ€
She smiled before taking a deep breath to ask her final question. The one that was not just on her mind, but was on everyone else's minds as well.
“Is Naruto-kun truly an Uzuamki?â€
4 4
Pakkun was not a happy pug. Kakashi told him to follow these two and he'd do it. Like it or not, he'd follow his orders, but he didn't have to like it. Honestly though, he'd rather be sleeping. In fact that is exactly what he'd been doing until he'd been summoned and set on this fool’s errand. Follow them around, Kakashi had said to make sure she didn't do anything to endanger the boy or Konoha's interests.
Personally, he thought that was a load of bullshit. From the smell of them, the only thing in danger was the boy's virginity. While it might not have been at the front of their minds, they were definitely attracted to one another. He could smell their hormones from across the room. Not surprising when you consider how close they got the night before, at least from what Kakashi told him. He just hoped they didn't sneak off and do the old breeding dance while he was on their tail. He'd be obliged to observe and there were some things he just never wanted to see. Humans screwing might not be on the top of that list, but it was damned close.
Slowly he moved to follow as the pair entered the constabulary, deftly ducking into the shadows to remain out of view while making sure to stay within earshot. He had to be careful, from the sound of things the girl was extremely skilled, and he was under orders to avoid detection. Thankfully there were quite a few good hiding spots. Now admittedly, the view wasn't the best, but as a canine, his vision wasn't the best anyways so it didn't really matter.
"Hey! If it's not the big damned hero!" the man inside the building began once he laid eyes on the genin. "I'm Kenji. What can I do for you, Uzumaki-sama?"
“I don't need anything,†he replied, “But Haku-chan... well...†He glanced over to the girl.
There was an awkward pause before the female replied. "I would...†she paused for a moment, trying to center herself, “I would like...†He paused, having difficulty putting her feelings to words. Made sense too, she was coming in here to see her old man's corpse. If that didn't put you in a pretty awkward state, nothing would.
The man frowned for a moment, "Wait a minute. You're that girl who killed Gato, right?â€
The female blinked, and then nodded shallowly. “Yes, I am.â€
The male behind the counter grinned like a wolf-hound. “I have to give it to you, you did a mighty fine job, though a lot faster and cleaner than the son of a bitch deserved.â€
The girl blushed. “Thank you, but I do not take pleasure in the suffering of others,†she paused for a moment then added, “No matter how greatly they may deserve it.â€
He nodded. “Yeah. Fair ‘nough. Anyways, I heard you were that Zabuza guy's daughter, right?â€
"Huh?" Naruto asked in confusion. "You heard about that already?"
"Yeah, one of the guys told me right before you got here," Kenji replied.
Naruto blinked in confusion. "Wow, rumors must travel pretty fast around here."
"Small town," he said in a flippant tone, before looking to Haku. “So, I don't want to seem insensitive, but I can really only think of one reason you'd be here. To see the body and collect his personal effects.â€
"Yes," Haku said in a sad voice, as she lowered her head. It made Pakkun feel a little down. He just knew that was going to be intruding on something very private, and for no good reason. Kakashi definitely owed him for this one. This kind of personal intrusion was worth at least two bones, and by that he didn't mean just any bones but those really tasty special smoked gourmet ones that the Inuzuka make. The really big ones.
"Alright. Where do you want to start? The body or his stuff,†he paused for a moment before commenting, “The Jonin instructed us to keep the body from being disturbed." the constable paused. "But since you're family, I guess you have the final say. Besides, if you're just going to view it, then that's not really disturbing, I guess..."
"Thank you," she paused for a moment and asked. “Do you have Kubikiribocho?â€
The man blinked. “You mean that giant Zanbato he was lugging around?â€
“Yes.â€
“Yeah,†Kenji replied, “Took three guys to carry it in. It’s sitting in the back room.â€
He nodded. “I see.â€
Kenji frowned for a moment, “So, where do you want to start?â€
She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. “The body please.
“Alright, but I have to warn you...†he sighed, “Listen kid, are you sure you want to do this now?â€
Haku paused for a moment, “I... I understand and value your sympathy, Kenji-san, but I feel that I have to do this. When Zabuza-sama died...â€
“It was too much to take in,†Kenji replied distantly, “It was too much to take in, too much to absorb. I didn't seem entirely real because the sheer magnitude of it was so great that you had problems wrapping your head around it all.â€
“You understand,†Haku stated.
“Listen kid, I don't think you'd find a person in his village over thirty-five who doesn't know exactly what you're talking about. I just had to give you fair warning.â€
“Thank you, Kenji-san. Your sympathy is appreciated.â€
Kenji nodded. “Alright, I'll take you backâ€
Pakkun frowned as the two were lead into the depths of the building and scampered forward trying to keep silent and out of sight while at the same time staying close enough to hear them. Thus he was none too happy when they ended at a large freezer door. Great, they were keeping the body in an over glorified meat locker. That meant the only way he could hear them was to get inside with them. Wonderful. Just wonderful.
Slowly he watched as the constable opened the door and glanced inside. "Zabuza's is the only body left,†he chucked grimly and added, “Between you and Uzumaki-sama here, we had quite the collection yesterday.â€
Naruto blinked. “What did you do with Gato’s guys?â€
“We hang pirates around here, and those ese fuckers were close enough. They all dangling from the pier,†he paused, “Well, except for Gato. We crucified his ass, just like he did to Kaiza-san.â€
Naruto blanched, so did Haku for that matter.
“Well, right. You kids can stay back here for as long as you need. You can leave any time you want."
"Thank you, Kenji-san," Haku replied.
"Hey, anything for Uzumaki-sama and the girl who put that son-of-a-bitch down," he chuckled.
The kunoichi smiled slightly and took a deep breath and entered behind Naruto as Kenji opened the door for them. Taking this as his only opportunity, Pakkun slipped in behind them before the door could be closed, hoping that he wasn't seen. He quickly took cover behind a large shelf sitting by the entrance.
He winced slightly as he heard a muffled "Was that a dog? Nah. Must be seeing things" behind him as the door shut.
Pakkun felt a chill go down his spine. Damn, that was too close!
Inside the room was basically a meat locker with wooden tables lined up against the wall. There were fresh red stains, probably still wet in places, covering the floors and tables. Off to the side there was a mountainous pile of bloody sheets lying to the side, and to his sensitive nose, the stench of death was almost overwhelming. On one of the side tables there remained a single, still covered corpse still undisturbed.
Gee, guess who that could be?
Haku tensed and Naruto held her hand and looked at her with concern as the two approached the body.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Naruto asked her, his worry apparent.
"I have to do this," she replied as she reached for the top of the sheet with a trembling hand.
Taking a deep breath, Haku pulled the sheet down and choked back a scream, almost losing her footing as he legs almost gave out underneath her. With tears trailing down her face, she clutched onto Naruto for support. Together they stood for what felt like an inordinate amount of time as the girl vented her bottled up emotions, weeping over the corpse of her dead mentor.
Unable to put up with it any longer, Pakkun sighed deeply and looked away. Oh yeah, Kakashi definitely owed him those bones. While they were ninja, there was still such a thing as simple good taste. The poor girl didn't need him intruding on her grief. There was absolutely nothing to benefit from watching this. Shaking his head in annoyance, he almost missed what the girl said next.
"Naruto-kun?" Haku asked, "I would like some time alone please."
"Alright, Haku-chan. Are you sure you'll be alright."
"I'll be fine."
Naruto nodded and Pakkun watched him walk out and close the door behind him. Then, he felt a sudden chill. It wasn't the kind of chill that runs down your back when something bad's about to happen, no. It was a general drop of the ambient temperature by several degrees. Which of course caused just that kind of chill to run down his back as slowly, and reluctantly, turned around to look dead into the eyes of one extremely irate looking kunoichi.
"Uh-oh."
Haku didn't even waste words replying to him. She simply reached down and lifted him by the scruff of the neck and brought him to eye level. Silently, Pakkun cursed his own instincts and his body reflexively went limp under the human's grip. He knew he could fight it, but he had a feeling that would simply result in him getting an icicle rammed somewhere all kinds of sensitive.
"You're one of Kakashi's ninken," she stated, not asked. "I remember you from the bridge."
Pakkun tensed, and realized that she really was her father's daughter, as her killer intent added a palpable sense of dread to the already thick tension that hung in the atmosphere. He really hoped she wasn't going to take some of her frustration out on him. After all, he'd helped hold Zabuza in place when Kakashi killed him, so he was technically an accessory to his death.
"Um, yeah." He winced. Oh, great response.
"Why are you following me?" She said coolly as the temperature of the room began to drop even further, causing their breathing to become visible.
Oh forget this shit. He wasn't going to deal with scary ice chick any more than he had to. "I was told to keep an eye on Naruto and stay out of sight."
She frowned. "Do you really believe I am that naive?" she asked with faux sweetness. "I want you to remind Kakashi-san that I am not a prisoner to be tracked. You can tell him that I will not act against Konoha's interest, but I do not appreciate being spied on," She dropped him and glared "As for you, if I catch you following me again, I'll start investigating a good recipe for bosintang. Am I clear?"
Pakkun gulped. Right now she smelled like frozen death and he had a feeling she really wasn't kidding. Okay, you know what? Screw Kakashi. He wasn't going to end up in a pot of soup! He simply gave her a quick nodded and banished himself, vanishing in a poof of ninja smoke. There simply weren't enough bones in the world for this shit.
4 4 4
Haku frowned as she walked beside Naruto. She'd thought she'd been ready to see Zabuza's body but she'd been wrong. Seeing him had only reopened a still bleeding wound. Shinobi were supposed to be masters of their emotions, but she'd been unable to contain her sorrow. She'd lost her control, and while she believed she knew Naruto enough to know that he would not think any less of her for doing so, having that blasted canine intrude on what should have been an intensely private moment was humiliating, and made light of her loss. She could bare the embarrassment, but the disrespect given to her master’s memory was unforgivable.
Still, while angry, the fact that he’d seen fit not to claim Zabuza’s head nor the Kubikiribocho, did much to reduce her feeling from a seething rage to a nagging aggravation. She knew for a fact that the bounty on Zabuza’s head was substantial, rivaling that of Old Maid Terumi and eclipsed only by the price on the Kirigakure no Kaijin. The Kubikiribocho was, on the other hand, was rightfully called a legendary weapon with an equally legendary bounty. The fact that he’d hadn’t claimed it in the name of his village put her at ease. So do did the fact that the storage scroll Zabuza used to carry it around when he was not in battle also survived. The weapon weighed more than an adult man and carrying it around was a chore on a good day. In her current chakra deprived state she probably wouldn’t have even been able to lift the damned thing.
Taking a deep breath, and running her fingers over the scroll tucked into the obi of her borrowed yukata for comfort. Zabuza had always claimed that without Kubikiribocho he wouldn’t have been the same man. It made him who he was, it was part of him, and thus by carrying it, she kept a piece of her old master with her.
As they walked, she looked over to Naruto who smiled at her. She gave him a weak smile in return. While having something to remember someone by could help grant closer, it was no replacement for the presence of good company, and Naruto was very good company. He was a kind person who knew true strength, and while their oaths to aid one another had been made in a moment of foolish drunkenness, she didn't regret it.
Any of it, actually. She'd never been that close to a boy and while he was a bit young, she couldn't help but turn red, she got goose bumps thinking about the things they'd done in that bath. She was glad that his sensei had stopped them before things became... inappropriate. As she'd spent her entire life hiding as a boy, she'd never had an opportunity to learn the contraception Jutsu. Having to ask Naruto's pink haired teammate to teach her the technique would have been a mortifying crescendo to what was already an orchestra of embarrassment.
She suppressed a shiver. Of course, things could always get worse. If the pinkette didn’t know it, then the sheer humiliation of having to ask Kakashi would have probably left her contemplating seppuku.
"You alright, Haku?" Naruto frowned, as a worried look crossed his face. “You're looking a little red. You have a fever or something?"
She couldn't help but flush even brighter as it was brought to her attention.
"Ah, Haku, I think it's getting worse,†he said with a grimace, “Maybe we should get you to a doctor..."
"No...!†She sighed, “I mean, to say I'm just thinking. That's all."
He looked to her. “You sure?â€
Again, she sighed, “Yes, I'm sure.â€
Naruto blinked. "Oh." He paused for a moment then looked back to her. "You think we could get something to eat? I'm getting kinda hungry."
Haku paused for a moment. Considering they'd eaten only a couple hours ago, it said a lot about his metabolism that he was already hungry. Not that she wasn't feeling much the same as nothing boosted the bodies calorie consumption like trying to refill ones chakra supply. Between the Chakra Fatigue and the cute little little sushi stand they'd walked past about ten minutes back, she felt down right ravenous.
Sadly though, first things first. "Maybe a little later, Naruto. There's something I need to do first. Maybe then we can pick up some sushi."
“Sushi? Isn't that just raw fish?†Naruto grimaced. “Gross! Can't get get something good instead, like Ramen?â€
Haku's eyes narrowed to slits and her jaw clenched and she slowed to a halt. “What was that, Naruto-kun?†she all but hissed, giving him a very dirty look.
Naruto winced slightly at her cold, angry look. If she was feeling any more sympathetic this particular moment in time, she'd have felt very guilty at giving him the same kind of look that had haunted both of their childhoods, but right now, the honor of her favorite food was at stake!
This was ground that around which even Zabuza had known to tread lightly.
“Um, I mean... all the sushi I've had was pretty gross but Konoha's pretty far from the sea so the fish might not be very fresh and...â€
“So you're saying you've never had good sushi,†she replied, calling down her glare from cold anger to simply righteous irritation.
He blushed, “Well, kinda. Lets just say me and fresh meat never had a really good relationship and leave it at that.â€
Haku blinked, wondering what he meant by that. Though she had a feeling that the implications were unpleasant.
“Are you telling me you've never had sushi?†she asked with not a small amount of intensity in her eyes.
“No... I mean yes... I mean...,†he blushed, and rubbed the back of his head, “I haven’t.â€
She was taken aback, almost as if she were struck. He never had sushi? “Well, then I know what we’re doing for lunch! That’s for sure!â€
“Come on Haku-chan, can't we get Ramen instead?†Naruto whined.
Haku glanced over, first fighting the urge to glare. Then as she thought, for a moment, fighting the urge smirk. Oh, she had the perfect answer in mind.
“Ugh,†she grimaced, “Ramen's far too salty! I can't understand how people can eat that stuff.â€
“HEY!â€
[hr]
And at long last, the big changes.
