Not all scars show, not all wounds heal. Sometimes you can't see, the pain someone feels.- Lisa French.
The next morning, everyone was awake and ready. The teams followed Tazuna to the bridge in silence.
Naruko could feel that something was going to happen. Something big. She was also very sure that Zabuza wasn't going to be the cause of it.
The morning started off normal. Tazuna and the men of the village got to work on the bride while the ninja stood guard. Occasionally they would help though, if someone looked to be carrying a load too heavy for them. All in all, the morning was boring.
Everything heated up during the lunch break when a thick mist rolled in out of nowhere. As previously planned, Neji, Sai an TenTen took to defending Tazuna as the others didn't particularly have the defensive abilities to guard the man. It just worked out better this was.
An eerie laugh surrounded them. Coming from everywhere at once.
"Well, if it isn't the Konoha brats. I see you remembered my threat."
A figure stepped from the mist. It was Zabuza and beside him stood a masked ninja. Probably the same age as the rookie Genin, if they were judging by height.
"Haku, get ready to take on some Genin." Zabuza said.
The person beside him straightened and pulled out some senbon, "Yes Zabuza-sama!"
Naruko stepped forward, "Just to let you know, Gato is dead."
Everything stopped right there as the missing ninja muttered, "What?"
Kakashi patted Naruko's head, "It seems my little Genin wanted to get rid of the problem for good. She took everything he had before letting the village have him last night."
Naruko shrugged off his hand and sighed, "It really wasn't all that hard. He had samurai and they have nothing against ninja unless they are a veteran with more than fifteen years of experience. Scaring him into signing everything over to me was easy as well."
Zabuza and Haku looked at the blonde in shock. The girl, no, the kunoichi had defeated Gato and his men? Then took over the mans post?
Naruko turned to look Zabuza in the eye, "There is no money for you now. I suggest you leave since there is nothing for you here."
Zabuza stared for a good moment, before he broke into uncontrollable laughter. "I could care less about Gato! I came here to fight you!"
The blonde wasn't expecting that and actually took a step back from shock. "What?" she mumbled.
Zabuza locked eyes with her. He hefted his sword from his shoulder and pointed it in her direction, "I decided I wanted to fight the girl who took Aoi on without a problem. He was no slouch and the fact that you killed him without batting an eyelash, sparked my interest."
Her eyes held confusion. Why would he be interested after that?! She didn't do much in that battle. She dodged, took the guys sword and then slit his throat. Not much at all.
"I know you have the Raijin no Ken girl. Pull it out and lets fight!"
Naruko sighed a removed the bundle from her back. Unwrapping the silk, she pulled the Raijin out. The hilt gleamed and she grabbed it. Upon meeting her hand, the blade came to life. The crackling yellow energy she had seen coming from it when she had fought Aoi, wasn't there. No, this energy was dark orange. Probably having something to do with Kyuubi.
She held the sword in a firm grip.
Kakashi spoke before she could move though, "You know you're holding that like a tanto?"
She raised a brow and sighed, "I've only ever used a tanto. TenTen has yet to teach me Kenjutsu."
"But I saw you decapitate several men the other day!" Sai's voice called out from behind her.
She turned slightly and glared. "That was me putting a lot of strength into a wild swing. I knew that I needed speed and strength on my side because each of those guys had a sword. What if one of them actually knew how to use it? An experienced swordsman can cause trouble for anyone and I really didn't want to take my chances," she groused.
"Anyway, I'm holding it the way I want to, so you can all fuck off!"
With that, Naruko charged the missing ninja.
Zabuza cheered and brought his sword down in a quick swing. The blades connected and created sparks as the grinded steel. She gave a shove and pushed him off, running forward as he lost balance and trying to swipe him across the middle.
"You're pretty strong for a Genin. I would say girl, but I don't feel like hearing whining."
Naruko scoffed as she blocked another swing, "I know full well that the kunoichi coming from Konoha in the past ten years have been pretty lackluster. In fact, they're ridiculous! I can name on one hand realkunoichi that come from Konoha, and half of them are twice my age!"
Zabuza laughed as he dodged her attempt at a kick to his gut, "Like who?"
"Tsunade of the Sannin, Anko Mitarashi, Kurenai Yuhi, TenTen Hakoda and me, Naruko Uzumaki."
They parried for a bit.
"You're an Uzumaki? No wonder you're such a good ninja then!" Zabuza made to swing, but stopped at the last minute to deliver a kick to her arm. She flew back, bouncing on the ground slightly.
"I don't see the big deal," Naruko mumbled as she rolled away from the large sword that almost cleaved her in two.
Kubikiribocho slammed into the spot she previously lay, leaving a large crater.
"The Uzumaki clan, was like the head clan of Uzushiogakure. They were exceptionally skilled in Fuuinjutsu and were known for having abnormally large chakra reserves. That in fact, allowed them to live much longer than what is perceived to be normal. Going past one hundred without a problem. They were also related to the Senju clan, which helped them gain an alliance with Konohagakure. The swirl that Konoha ninja wear on their attire, is the clan symbol for the Uzumaki." Zabuza explained as he waited for her get up.
She stood and shook herself off. She was part of a clan?
"Wow! Never learned about that in the Academy!"
She rushed forward, swinging the Raijin at Zabuza's face. "So, where is this Uzushiogakure?"
Zabuza laughed as he sidestepped another one of her attacks. She glared, knowing full well that he was barely fighting at all. He was just playing with her. She didn't know why he didn't just try and kill her and get it over with.
"Because they were the best in the world at Fuuinjutsu, they garnered a lot of negative attention. Eventually, Uzushiogakure was destroyed in a massive war, that Kirigakure gladly took part in. There is nothing left. The survivors, spread across the elemental nations. If you meet a ninja, with flaming red hair, the likelihood of them being an Uzumaki, is high. I wonder why you didn't know any of this," Zabuza said as he her arm. halting her attack.
Naruko rolled her eyes twisted her body, kicking him in the head and knocking him over.
She back flipped a good distance and waited.
Zabuza just laughed, "You definitely have spirit. I've decided to defeat you and take you with me!"
Naruko faltered in her stance, "What?!"
What the hell was he talking about!? An idea hit her and she could only hope that it was wrong.
"You don't mean like, what Aoi meant do you? Cause I'm too young and not interested."
"You're old enough," Zabuza stated with a shrug.
"Well, yeah, since I'm a Genin I am. But I didn't say I wasn't old enough. I said I was 'too young'."
"You've lost me," he said as he charged.
She brought her sword up to block, "I believe in waiting for marriage. And I know that's a long time off. So, as I said, I'm really not interested."
Zabuza laughed, "I'm pretty sure I can get you interested Uzumaki!"
"To think the day would come where you would be propositioning a child. Shameful really."
Zabuza's body locked up and he got into a realKenjutsu stance. He turned to the voice. "It's been a long time Kisame. What are you doing here?" he asked the man who materialized from the mist.
He was blue and wore a large black cloak with red clouds on it. There was a large sword wrapped in bandages in his hand and he was sporting a sharp toothed grin.
"Well Zabuza, I've been hired to kill you, these brats and the bridge builder. I hope you can give me a good challenge," Kisame answered. "Samehada is itching for a good fight!"
Naruko decided to through her two cents in, "Gato is dead. I am now in charge of his companies and money. As it stands, you aren't needed. So get lost."
Kisame actually blinked at the audacity of the girl. Did she not know who he was?
"Well that is unfortunate. But, when one door closes, another door opens," came Kakuzu's voice.
Kisame looked over at his partner, who had appeared beside him, "Kakuzu."
"Even though Gato is out of the picture there are three cash cows here. Kakashi of the Sharingan eye, worth fifty million. The Green Beast of Konoha, Maito Gai, worth thirty-five million and your old comrade who is worth twenty-five million. Losing twenty million because Gato is gone, isn't a big deal anymore. Another good thing, is that there is a Jinchuuriki in our midst," he explained, eying the blonde kunoichi.
Naruko was immediately on the defensive, "How do you know that?"
"You fit the description. Young blue eyed blonde haired kunoichi wearing a black face mask and a breastplate with flames. This is our lucky day," Kakuzu answered.
"Go deal with your opponent Kisame, I'll get the Jinchuuriki."
Kakuzu took off in that moment. Nearly too fast for Naruko to see. Gai interfered in that moment with a kick to the man's outstretched arm. "Konoha Senpu!"
Kakashi was right behind him, using a Suiton jutsu.
Naruko jumped over to her friends. She laid Raijin no Ken in the Kasai Shiruku and let it wrap around the blade.
"Okay, what are we going to do?" she asked the Genin.
"Why are they after you? What's a Jinchuuriki?" Sasuke hissed with a glare.
"I'll tell you later. This isn't the place," she murmured.
Haku stood there, waiting. He didn't jump into the fights, he was just waiting for the moment when he was needed.
Naruko watched as Kakashi was thrown in her direction. He rolled before he was on his feet again. "Sensei!"
She dashed to his side and handed him something, "Get this on him."
Kakashi looked down and nodded, before running to help Gai.
"What did you give him?" TenTen asked from her position.
"Something that'll get me close if need be."
Over with the Jonin, Gai was getting ready to use the Hachimon, while Kakashi was trying to sweep Kakuzu off his feet, literally.
"Kaimon kai!"
Chakra began swirling around around him.
"Kyumon kai! Seimon kai!"
A green light seeped from his body as his skin took on a reddish hue. The vein more prominent than ever!
"Shomon kai! Tomon kai!" The energy began to build, causing the air round to Gai to become distorted.
"Keimon kai!"
Gai took off after that, using a drop kick on Kakuzu's face. He then swept around his opponent before he could go anywhere and kicked him under the chin, sending him upward. He used Kage Buyo to follow the movements exactly. Then, with unparalleled speed, released a volley of punches upon his enemy.
The speed of the attacks moved faster, causing Gai's fists to catch fire. "Asa Kujaku!"
When he backed off, Kakuzu fell to the ground. Kakashi was on him like white on rice with his Raikiri plunged through the mans heart.
Everything froze in that moment. "You've….done this before…..I presume?" Kakuzu gasped.
Kakashi's Sharingan glowing in the light of the electric sparks, "Only a few times. You're done."
Kakuzu fell to the ground and Kakashi returned to Gai's side.
"He's dead?" the Taijutsu specialist asked.
Kakashi nodded, "There is no way he could get up from that. I even felt his heart stop."
"Yes you did."
Both men gaped as Kakuzu stood slowly. "You did feel my heart stop. One of them that is."
Kakuzu discarded his cloak, revealing his body for all to see. There were large grey stitches all over his body. His face was stitched in a certain way, giving him a glasgow smile. His long brown hair and green eyes adding to the creepiness of it was a hole in his chest where the grey material was bulging.
The stitches all over Kakuzu's body came apart and more of the grey stitching came from the open wound. The grey thread expanded, surrounding Kakuzu's body. Five masks appeared on the thread and one of them was cracked.
The mask separated from Kakuzu, each forming a black mass. The one with the cracked mask sank to the ground.
"Yes, you got one of my hearts. Good luck with the rest," Kakuzu said as another mask compressed its black form and entered the area where Kakuzu's heart was supposed to be.
Kakashi gasped, "This is the Jiongu! It's a Kinjutsu from Takigakure that gives the user supposed immortality so long as they replace the hearts on a constant basis. Every user is said to have a rag-doll like appearance and unlimited amounts of chakra, because each heart holds the equivalent of one Jonin ninja's chakra reserves."
Kakuzu nodded, "Correct. You destroyed my earth mask. This puts me at a slight disadvantage, now I'll have to make sure I don't get hit."
Naruko watched as Kakuzu straightened. He didn't know that Kakashi had gotten her seal on him. She had to act fast. Focusing her wind chakra into her right hand, she waited.
Kakuzu went to move, but froze as something pierced his heart, again. He glanced back to see the Jinchuuriki, with her hand plunged in his chest.
"Kaze no Yaiba," she said simply as his heart stopped.
She Hiraishined behind Kakashi and watched as Kakuzu discarded the heart he was using and replaced it with another one of the masked forms.
"You destroyed my lightning heart. A brat like you, actually took out one of my hearts. And you used the Hiraishin to do it. But how?" Kakuzu growled.
"Kaka-sensei put a seal on you when he ran you through with his Raikiri. You can never be too careful and that was a just in case moment," Naruko explained. "As for the Hiraishin, well, I studied it and finally mastered it. Like how you learn other jutsu. Practice."
Kakuzu's partner Kisame was impressed by the speed of the Jinchuuriki. Especially if she was only a child.
"I can see why you are interested Zabuza," he said he charged his old friend.
Zabuza chuckled as they met head on. Their swords slashing at each other and clanging. "She took out Aoi Rokusho in three moves. Taking his sword on the second move. Of course I'm interested."
"Well, sorry to break it to you, but we need to capture the Jinchuuriki, so, you won't be having her. Especially since Kakuzu is bitching about having the bounty that's on your head."
Zabuza glared and slammed the butt of his sword into Kisame's face. "Not if I have anything to say about it."
Naruko used the Hiraishin to appear beside Sasuke. "Okay, I think we should get Tazuna away from here. It's about to get messy," she said.
Sai and TenTen nodded. They pulled Tzanua away after wishing the rest good luck. Neji remained, "I'll stay here. I already know my clans jutsu."
Naruko shrugged, "Whatever." She created some Kage Bunshin and sent them off with the others.
"If we're getting involved, let me put a seal on you. I have one on everybody on my team," Naruko said, placing a seal on his back.
"He's got three hearts left. Think we can get them?"
The others nodded.
Gai and Kakashi moved away from a fire jutsu before they could be burned to a crisp.
Sasuke and Naruko countered with a combination of Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu and Fuuton: Reppushou. This gave them a cover to get to their sensei's side. Rock Lee jumped into the action my landing a swift back kick to the mask that shot out the fire jutsu, "Konoha Goriki Senpu!" Neji followed, using a chakra filled open palm thrust on the very same mask, shattering it.
Kakuzu was anything but happy. "You brats!"
The remaining mask that was still out, opened its mouth. A ball of light formed and Naruko gasped. "That's a wind jutsu! Get away now!"
Everyone scattered and Naruko took a moment to admire the size of the bridge. The thing was pretty damn big.
Kisame and Zabuza noticed the large attack and jumped away while still swinging at each other.
"Fuuton: Atsugai!"
Everyone was blown back. Naruko groaned in pain as her body slammed into the bridge. "You bastard! That hurt like hell!"
Zabuza took advantage of Kisame's split attention and disarmed him. Samehada, clattered to the ground, right in front of Naruko.
Kit, pick up the sword.
What? Why?
It's calling for you to pick it up. Now pick it up!
How do you know?
Can you not feel its call? That sword is sentient. It longs for you to pick it up and feed it my chakra. Now do it!
Okay geez!
Naruko reached out and grasped the handle of the weapon. The white bandages that were wrapped around the blade began to move. The long hilt pulsed and Naruko could feel it begging for chakra.
Well, give it what it wants.
Naruko nodded and focused Kyuubi's chakra into the sword, watching in amazement as the bandages tore away to reveal purple scales. There was a mouth on the tip and a skull at the bottom of the hilt. Kyuubi's chakra filled the blade, changing the color from purple to red. The mouth grew wide as the size of the sword increased immensely.
Naruko stood slowly, marveling at how light the enormous weapon was! It was seriously three times her size, but seemingly weighed nothing.
Go kill the masked idiot now. This sword absorbs chakra and can even transfer it to you.
Okay! Naruko shot off toward Kakuzu, who was waiting for an attack.
Kisame was horrified at the sudden turn in events.
Zabuza snickered, "It seems that Samehada has found another master. How sad for you."
Zabuza made to swing at Kisame, when Kubikiribocho jerked from his grip and sailed through the air toward the blonde kunoichi.
"Ha! I'm not the only one who got abandoned by my sword! Now Zabuza, let's finish this!" Kisame laughed, running through some hand signs.
Zabuza glared, but did the same.
Together they called, "Suiton: Suiryuudan no Jutsu!"
Naruko paused in her attack as Zabuza's blade blocked her path.
That sword is also sentient. It has decided to serve you instead. Take it!
Where am I going to put it?!
Just attach it to your back and it will cling to you on its own!
You are bossy today!
I don't want to die any time soon. Besides, none of my other vessels were masters of any of the seven swords of the mist. Now go and kill Stitches!
Fine!
Naruko swung the large sword onto her back. She moved toward Kakuzu once more, who was dodging consecutive attacks from Kakashi and Gai.
Naruko came in and slammed Samehada into Kakuzu's stomach with a wild swing. The mouth quickly latched onto the man's arm as the body of the sword began to glow.
"It's draining my chakra! Get off me!"
With his left hand, Kakuzu was able to knock Naruko away with a punch to the face. Samehada didn't budge though. "Damn it!"
Naruko flipped over, just as Lee used his Konoha Shofu to launch Kakuzu into the air. She pulled Kubikiribocho from its place on her back and charged. With chakra pumping through her legs, she was able to jump high enough and use her sword to cut off Kakuzu's left arm.
Kakuzu fell to the ground, were Neji stood calmly. Neji looked up, his Byakugan activated. He took a stance and began to spin, "Hakkeshou Kaiten!"
Kakuzu bounced off the sphere and Gai took the chance to use his Asa Kujaku again.
They all watched as Kakuzu's body collided with the ground. He grunted as Samehada continued to suck the chakra from his body. The last mask, returned to Kakuzu's body as he threw away another destroyed heart. His left arm then reattached to his body and he glared at them.
"I'll destroy you all!"
Kakuzu made a series of hand signs and his chakra level skyrocketed. "Suiton: Daibakufu no Jutsu!"
Kakashi and Sasuke were on it with Katon jutsu.
"Katon: Karyuu Endan!" "Katon: Goryuka no Jutsu!"
Two gigantic flaming dragons shot at Kakuzu. Naruko decided to help by adding, "Futon: Daitoppa!"
The large waterfall and the speed enhanced fire dragons clashed, creating steam, that covered everything. It was worse than the mist.
Naruko used Futon: Daitoppa again the blow it away.
Kakuzu stood, breathing raggedly. "I can't believe….that I lost...to a bunch of brats...like you!" He collapsed onto his back. Samehada was still clutching onto his arm.
Kakashi charged up his Raikiri for the final time and quickly plunged it into Kakuzu's chest, making sure that his heart stopped before moving away.
Naruko looked over to the other side of the bridge where Zabuza and Kisame had been fighting. Both were laying in puddles of blood. Neither of them were moving. Haku was kneeling beside Zabuza, holding his hand.
Naruko approached slowly after collecting Samehada from Kakuzu's dead carcass. "Are they dead?"
Haku nodded as he removed his mask.
Naruko was stunned at how attractive Haku was.
Even a boy is prettier than I am! Life is so not fair!
"I had used my jutsu to intercept the attack, but Zabuza-sama pushed me out of the way and took the hit. I was so angry that I finished off the blue man," Haku laid a hand against Zabuza's face. The wrappings had come undone sometime during his fight, revealing his face.
"Zabuza-sama found me, when I was very little. I was an orphan, with the Kekkei Genkai of the Yuki clan of Mizu no Kuni. There had been a war, and anyone with a Kekkei Genkai was slaughtered, for they were thought to be demons. My mother hid her ability, because my father was one of the ones who hated Kekkei Genkai. When I discovered my ability, she slapped me and told me to never do it again because it was for my safety. But father had seen it all and had assembled a mob to kill me. I watched as he killed my mother, who tried to protect me. Then, in my fear and anger, I used my abillity to kill him and the mob. No one wanted an orphan. I was cast aside as I tried to survive. I had to reason to live. Then, Zabuza-sama found me, and he gave me purpose again. I dedicated my life to him and now he's gone. What else do I have now?" Haku sighed as he teared up.
Naruko frowned, knowing full well how Haku was feeling. "Were you ever part of a village? Are you in the Bingo Book?"
Haku shook his head.
Naruko pondered the possibilities. "Well, you aren't an enemy if you aren't listed anywhere. I'm pretty sure Jiji can let you come to Konoha. Especially if you play the Kekkei Genkai card. Konoha is not only the largest and most powerful hidden village, but also has the most Kekkei Genkai assembled in one place. The council loves Kekkei Genkai. They probably put you on a probation to make sure you're loyal to the village, and then you can join the ranks."
Haku looked at Naruko in shock. "You would really take me with you?"
Naruko nodded, "Yes. You didn't do anything that is against us. I think I can get you in. What do you say?"
Haku looked at Zabuza and then back to Naruko, "I'll go. May I burn his body first? I don't want anyone knowing his secrets."
"So long as I get the blue one."
Both nodded to each other and Naruko dragged the heavy body over to Kakuzu. "We need to seal these and take them back to the village with us. Haku is coming along."
Kakashi was skeptical, "Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"Yep! And all we have to do, is mention Kekkei Genkai. Haku is one of the surviving members if the Yuki clan. The council will love it!" Naruko assured him.
Kakashi sighed, knowing that Naruko spoke the truth. The Konoha council was famed for their greed and a new Kekkei Genkai would bring the village more power. "Only you Naruko. Only you."
Haku joined them a moment later, standing beside Naruko, as stiff as can be.
"You okay?"
Haku nodded and took a deep breath, "I will be alright soon."
Naruko patted his back, "I hope so."
Naruko collected her new swords and the Raijin. She then created several Kage Bunshin.
Two grabbed Kisame and two more grabbed Kakuzu. Just when they were about to leave, Kakashi collapsed again and Gai followed suit. Sasuke was sidled with carrying Kakashi and Lee and Neji had to carry Gai.
"Let's get back to Tazuna's."