Haku and Zabuza

At Tazuna's house by the sea, when everyone woke up and sat down for breakfast, they noticed that Naruto had not returned all night.

Tazuna asked worriedly at the table, "Naruto didn't come back last night either?"

Sakura said unconcernedly, "Yeah. Ever since Kakashi-sensei taught him that Rasengan ninjutsu, he's been going off to practice alone at night. He's probably so exhausted he's coughing up blood by now!"

Tazuna's daughter, Tsunami, asked with some concern, "Nothing happened to Naruto, did it? He's such a young child, always staying outside in the middle of the night."

Kakashi waved a hand and said, "Don't worry. He's a ninja, after all. Naruto has also been training step by step as I instructed. I secretly checked on him a few times at night, and he really did follow my instructions. He's impressive—he's already reached the final stage of the training."

Sasuke stood and headed outside. "That super idiot is really making people worry."

"Hey, Sasuke, where are you going?" Sakura asked.

"For a walk." Sasuke left the cottage and headed toward the forest where they trained.

In the forest, Naruto was chatting with Haku while gathering herbs.

"You were training here early in the morning? Why are you pushing yourself so hard?" Haku asked.

"Of course it's for my dream. Though dreams can't exactly put food on the table..." Naruto thought carefully for a moment, then smiled. "Still, after I become Hokage and retire, I want to live a laid-back, leisurely life."

"You've even thought about retiring as Hokage!" Haku covered her mouth and smiled in surprise. Naruto felt somewhat goofy to her, very cute, optimistic and cheerful. She did not dislike that confidence brimming from him, either.

Haku's smile gradually faded, and she asked seriously, "Is there someone very important to you?"

Naruto instantly became serious as well. Someone very important... Iruka-sensei, Kurama, and that transmigrator named Awen. Though Naruto had never truly met him face-to-face, Awen occupied an important place in his heart. Without Awen, things would not have changed so much, nor would he and Kurama have reached an understanding so quickly.

In the Land of Water, the Blood Mist Policy, implemented beginning with the Third Mizukage, had led to large-scale persecution of ninjas with Bloodline Limits. During the Fourth Mizukage's era, the policies of the Bloody Mist Village became even harsher, causing greater destruction. The people of the Land of Water feared those with Bloodline Limits, much like how civilians of the major ninja villages viewed jinchuriki.

Haku's Bloodline Limit, Ice Release, had been inherited from her mother. Because Haku's special ability was discovered, her father gathered the local villagers, killed his own wife, and then tried to kill the still-young Haku as well.

Haku's Ice Release went berserk and killed everyone there. She wandered the streets in the snow until she met Zabuza, and only then did she find someone to rely on and a place to belong.

Naruto gave a thumbs-up and offered Haku a faint smile. "I have people like that now too. You do as well, right, Haku? I know about you. But the past can't be changed. The future can still be saved. I think the person Haku cares about must care deeply about you too."

Haku came back to herself. Her dark brown eyes blinked with a hint of meaning as she rose with her basket, giving Naruto a graceful view of her back.

"You're right. Then perhaps we'll meet again someday."

Haku suddenly remembered something and stopped. Her eyes were filled with amusement. "Ah, right. I'm a man!"

Naruto's pupils shook violently. If Kurama had not told him, he really might have believed her. He did not know whether Haku in Awen's memories of Naruto was male or female, but the Haku before him was a woman—and an incredibly beautiful one at that.

Haku walked ahead. When she brushed past Sasuke, who had just arrived, Sasuke found her somewhat strange and instinctively glanced at her. But what concerned him more right now was Naruto.

Sasuke arrived in front of Naruto, crossing his arms over his chest. "Dead last, you forgot to eat again!"

"Haha... I really did forget. I was too excited last night. I learned the ninjutsu Kakashi taught me." Naruto looked delighted.

"Is that so?" Sasuke had already become numb to Naruto's performance and did not appear overly shocked. Though he did not want to admit it, ever since graduation, Naruto had surpassed him in both strength and every other regard. He was no longer the academy's dead last from before.

I won't just watch your back, Naruto! Sasuke silently thought, beginning to compete with Naruto.

Several more days passed. The bridge was now over eighty percent complete, and Kakashi had recovered. By the same reasoning, Zabuza was probably nearly recovered as well. The attack would likely come soon.

During this time, Kakashi took Naruto and Sasuke to guard the bridge, while Sakura remained at Tazuna's house to prevent Gatō's thugs from harming Tazuna's family. That was why Sakura was stationed at the house.

There was only Tazuna on the entire bridge, working alone. Though the other villagers of the Land of Waves worried about him, they feared Gatō's threats and did not dare come over anymore.

Naruto rested his chin on his hand and gazed at the sea with an innocent, lovestruck look. He wondered how Haku was doing. With his current strength, could he stop it? According to Kurama, his current strength was already roughly comparable to his own during the early Shippuden period in Awen's memories.

Suddenly, a white mist rose over the sea. Naruto reacted instantly, ran to Tazuna's side, and shielded him behind himself.

"Zabuza is here!" Kakashi and Sasuke frowned. Tazuna hurriedly set down the materials in his hands and followed Naruto as they slowly backed away.

Naruto stood together with Kakashi and Sasuke, with Tazuna protected behind them. The mist grew thicker and thicker, soon enveloping everyone.

"Kakashi, it's been a long time!" Zabuza appeared before them with Kubikiribocho on his back. Haku wore a mask and a dark green umbrella skirt, her long black hair tied behind her head. She stood beside Zabuza, and she and Naruto looked at each other.

He recognized me! Haku noticed Naruto's gaze and lowered her head slightly.

Zabuza looked at Naruto beside Kakashi and sneered. "Haku, that blond brat is your opponent."

"Mm, looks like it." Haku replied calmly and stepped forward.

Naruto stepped forward as well. His blue eyes were deadly serious as he drew a kunai and shouted, "Then come on!"

Behind her mask, Haku's pupils trembled slightly. She understood that Naruto's earlier words had been a reminder to her. Haku drew a senbon and charged forward.

Sasuke had wanted to rush at Haku alongside Naruto, but then no one would be protecting Tazuna, while Kakashi still had to fight Zabuza.

"Tch, dead last, do your best!" Sasuke drew a kunai and led Tazuna away from the combat area.