CHAPTER – 1

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

AN: Hey there! I suddenly got this new idea of a fanfic out of nowhere so I decided to write it down before I forget it. Please note that Naruto in this fic is rather smart than from the canon one. Also, he will get strong gradually and steadily. And no, he will not be awakening a Kekkei Genkai or the Rinnegan in the middle of a mob attack. This story is a little inspired by 'One Piece' but it's way far from being a cross-over. If you haven't seen 'One Piece', it doesn't matter in terms of this story.

Don't worry, I WILL update 'Life of Namikaze's Legacy'. It is going under a MAJOR editing. For now, enjoy the first chapter!

Naruto was feeling awful. His whole body was in pain. He had a few ribs that felt broken. He had enormous amount of bruises and cuts on his body and it felt like he was about to drop into unconsciousness soon, but that was not the worst part. No. Even after his physical abuse, he didn't felt even a bit of pain physically. Where he felt pain was emotionally.

In front of him on the bridge was the body of one of the most courageous and respectful fighters he has known. The world knew him as 'Demon of the Bloody Mist', one of the 'Seven Legendary Swordsmen of the Mist'. Naruto knew him as Zabuza Momochi; the one who fought for pride, pride of his and his apprentice's. The one who refused to surrender his pride and held his head high, even on the verge of death.

Naruto looked at his side and saw another familiar person. His sensei; Kakashi Hatake, otherwise known as 'Copy-Nin Kakashi'. The man who has copied over a thousand jutsus. Naruto felt proud of his sensei. He fought hard for the sake of the village and for the sake of his team, his students. Kakashi was already unconscious after his fight with Zabuza, having used too much chakra.

Sasuke was out too, having been stabbed by various senbons in his vital points, enough to knock him out for at least a few hours. He remembered who did this to him. He directed his sight towards one end of the bridge. On there were lying the bodies of dozens of men, may they be simple bandits or wannabe samurais, all of them were lying there dead, having met their fate by a kid smaller than half their age. Men were continuously added to the pile of dead bodies. Naruto looked at the person responsible.

Haku was fighting continuously to the crowd. The way he did it, it seemed he wasn't afraid of them, wasn't afraid of anything, wasn't afraid of…dying. No, it almost felt like he wanted to die fighting those scoundrels, but not until he killed every last one of them. Emotionally, he was in a turmoil. His usual calm face now played various emotions; anger, regret, pain and…satisfaction. Physically, he was in a very bad shape. His nose and left arm were both broken. His right hand's ligament was screwed and he had a few deep cuts on his body. A dagger was sticking out of his right shoulder, but still, he stood strong; much like Zabuza.

Haku was continuously weaving through the crowd only with the help of his legs. He continuously front-kicking, side-kicking and even head-butting the enemies. His speed was too great to be matched by the wannabe fighters, but their sheer number proved to be a problem for Haku. Although his single kick was strong enough to knock out his opponents, there were simply too many of them. They were surrounding him, slowly gaining the upper hand.

Not able to tolerate it anymore, Naruto decided to do something. In Zabuza's honour, he would not let his partner fall. Naruto looked at Sakura, the only standing member of Team 7 beside him. She was in the best condition of them all, only having received a few wounds from Haku's senbons. She looked back at Naruto, thinking along the same lines. Their eyes met and they came to an agreement. They both nodded at each other and sped towards their former enemy.

Naruto formed a cross-shaped hand sign, "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" and about a dozen clones answered the call. Sakura took out a kunai and got ready for the upcoming fight. They both, followed by the clones attacked the crowd menacingly; slicing, stabbing, kicking and punching the enemies ruthlessly. They were determined to reach Haku in time, so that they can back him up. They will help him reach his goal, a fat midget standing at the end of the crowd, pissing his pants, afraid for his life.

The crowd was soon taken care of with Naruto and Sakura helping Haku. All that was left was a single man, who was already begging for his life.

"P-Please d-don't kill me! I will give ALL my wealth! I will be your slave for the rest of my life b-but please, don't kill me!" Gatou screamed for mercy.

Haku launched all the Killer Intent he could muster towards the man, knocking him unconscious. He walked towards him and lifted his foot for a stomp. Then, with all the power he could muster and with a battle cry, Haku kicked the man's neck, crushing his windpipe and breaking his neck-bone. It killed him instantly.

Haku turned towards Naruto. He had a thankful look on his face. His lips tried to twirl in a smile but was unable to. His eyes rolled back and Haku stumbled, trying to find his footing. His eyes finally closed but his ears managed to pick up one last word before he fell into unconsciousness

"HAKU!"

Naruto desperately ran towards Haku. He got just in time and caught him from hitting the ground. He was about to call for Sakura when he felt a hand on his shoulder. "We gotta take him to Tazuna-san's home…quickly" Naruto nodded at her words.

It was the same moment when almost the whole village showed up with a battle cry. They were all armed with all the household weapons they could muster; mainly pitchforks and shovel. A crossbow was a surprising exception, armed by Inari. Naruto was glad to see the boy, backed up by the villagers. They all came to fight Gatou and his army, to finally free their country from his evil reign. But they were a little too late. Naruto and his team gave them the courage to stand up to their own problems.

Seeing them all relieved him. The blonde thought, 'Heh…at least I can rest now…' He closed his eyes for a split-second. All the physical and mental exaggeration finally took a toll on him and he succumbed into unconsciousness, but before that, he managed to whisper something to his teammate "Help him…"

Next Day (Afternoon):-

When Naruto woke up, he was met by a splitting head-ache "Shit…it hurts" he mumbled. He tried to get up but someone caught his shoulders and guided him to down again. "Stay down…you are in no condition to get up right now" Sakura scolded him. Naruto absent-mindedly gave her a nod.

He abruptly suddenly stood up again, "Where's sensei? Where's Haku? What about Sasuke?"

"Jeez…calm down already. I told you to stay down, didn't I?" she frowned

"Heh…sorry Sakura" he said.

"Sensei's awake, but he's bedridden. Haku is still out. And Sasuke is right there" She pointed to his left. The blonde turned his head to find Sasuke lying there, just like him. The Uchiha acknowledged him by raising a hand.

"How long was I out for?" Naruto asked.

"A day" she replied.

"What did I miss?" he continued the questioning.

"We gave Zabuza a funeral. We buried him near the bridge…Sensei decided not to collect the bounty on him, out of honour." Naruto nodded. "…but he confiscated his blade; 'The Throat Cleaver'. He said that since we all fought him his last fight, one of us can keep the blade. He said it's tradition for a swordsman, to pass on his blade to someone who deserves it more after dying."

"But sensei did it. He should keep the blade." Naruto argued.

"He said that it's not his style to fight with blades…it's not mine either. I probably can't lift it if I tried. It's up to you both."

"Then, Sasuke can-"

"You can keep the blade, I don't want it" interrupted Sasuke.

Naruto nodded.

Sakura passed both of them a bowl each "Here, Tsunami-san made soup for both of you" They both nodded and slowly sat up.

:::::

Three days later (Evening):-

Team 7, with Haku, were standing in front of Zabuza's grave with silence. They all came here to pay their respects before leaving tomorrow. Kakashi walked up and pulled out the sword, which was embedded beside the grave. He took out a scroll and expertly sealed the sword in it. He rolled it back and tossed it to Naruto, who caught it without much effort.

"I see you have made up your mind to join Konoha Ninja Ranks Haku" asked Kakashi "Yes. I don't have anywhere to go. I have been trained as a weapon my whole life. I have decided to follow Naruto-sama anywhere he goes" Team 7 sweat-dropped at Naruto's title.

"Heh, you can drop the 'sama' thing Haku, it's really awkward you know…" Naruto said embarrassingly. Given a respectful title when you are not given even a small nod by the civilians was somewhat awkward.

"I am sorry Naruto-sama, but I can't follow that wish of yours." Haku bowed towards him.

What followed was another sweat-drop.

"Anyways, you guys start packing. We are leaving as soon as the Sun rises" Kakashi instructed. They all nodded and began their walk towards Tazuna's home.

:::::

Three days later (Afternoon):-

"Hmm…Kakashi, your report is rather…interesting. What did you say your name was young lad?" Sarutobi asked. "It's Haku, Hokage-sama" he bowed politely.

Sarutobi took a puff from his pipe, "Haku, I can't simply let anyone join Konoha Ninja Ranks; I hope you understand." "Of course, Hokage-sama" Haku said.

"But in your case, the whole Team 7 recommended you…I guess an exception could be made…but you will have to give some tests to make sure that you are not a spy and won't defect Konoha…" "Yes Hokage-sama, it's not a problem"

"Well then, except Kakashi, you all are dismissed." The genins and Haku walked out of the office.

"Kakashi" Sarutobi's voice picked a dangerous tone.

"Yes Hokage-sama?"

"Do you trust the boy? Answer me truly"

"Yes Hokage-sama. I don't doubt the boy in any way"

"I see…what rank will you recommend for him?"

"He easily deserves a Chunin" he was confident.

"Alright, dismissed" Kakashi Body Flickered out of the room.

"ANBU!" An Eagle-masked ANBU appeared in front of his leader.

"Get me Inoichi" The official nodded and vanished in thin air.

:::::

Next Day:-

Haku was walking in a long corridor of dull cement walls, lighted by bare bulbs hanging by the ceiling. 'This really looks like interrogation department. Even the building is designed to invoke fear...too bad it doesn't work on me' He thought. The corridor led to a heavy metal door. Haku knocked the door politely,

"Come in" He walked into the room.

The room was pitch black, with a metal chair and a glowing light bulb above it, hanging off the ceiling by a long wire. "Please sit down" came the voice of a man from the corner of the room. Haku complied and took the seat.

"My orders are to check you mentally. I will go through your whole mind and view your every memory to ensure that you won't betray Konoha. Do you have any problems?" The man spoke with authority.

"No" Haku replied in a monotone.

"Very well then" The man walked up to him and put his right hand on Haku's forehead,

"Let's start"

:::::

"What did you decide Sakura?"

"Well sensei…"

"Sakura!" Sakura came running towards her sensei "Yes sensei" "It's time for you to decide" She raised an eyebrow, "Decide?"

"Both Naruto and Sasuke, they are both powerhouses. They are good in taijutsu and ninjutsu and they have massive stamina and chakra, especially Naruto. While you…you lack everything they have but, you have exceptional chakra control and we can work on your reserves and taijutsu."

"And?"

"So, you have to decide a field of speciality for yourself. Your taijutsu and ninjutsu arsenal ruled out the possibility of you being an all-rounder."

"I guess you are right…What do you suggest?"

"You can go for either Genjutsu or Medical Ninjutsu. Do your research on those, decide what you want to learn and tell me tomorrow. Alright? You're dismissed for today" "Yeah, okay."

"The thing is…I like both of them. Is there a way I can learn both?" she asked hopefully.

Kakashi sighed "I figured you would say something like that. I suck in both Medical Ninjutsu and Genjutsu. I can teach you how to break one, but nothing more than that."

"How did I get a sensei like-"

"Hey! I wasn't finished."

Kakashi cleared his throat, "As I was saying, I already arranged your training sessions with Kurenai and you can learn the basics of Medical Ninjutsu from the Medical Ninjas at the Hospital. You will have to request them of course"

"Really! Thank you sensei you are the best!" Kakashi sweat-dropped.

"You will also have to report to me for Team training sessions. Can you manage all this Sakura?" "I will try my best!" she beamed. "Now that's the spirit. Why don't you join the guys? They just started running a hundred laps around Konoha." She sweated, but managed to give a slight nod and set out to find her team.

:::::

*Knock Knock* "Come in" Inoichi entered the office with a file.

"Hokage-sama, here are Haku's details." He handed Sarutobi the file. "Inoichi, done already? Fast as usual I see." Hiruzen started going through the reports. "Hokage-sama, the kid is perfectly normal and his loyalty is unquestionable. I recommend him to be included in Konoha's Ninja Ranks."

"Loyalty towards the village?" Sarutobi asked a little surprised. "Ehh…No Hokage-sama, not towards the village." Sarutobi raised an eyebrow but motioned for him to continue.

"Loyalty towards…Naruto" Inoichi broke the ice.

"NARUTO!?" the reaction was priceless.

"Yes indeed. He would easily give up his life for him" he said.

"…I see. It should not be a problem then. You are dismissed" The Hokage managed to compose himself.

"Yes sir" and he vanished.

:::::

*Knock Knock* "Come in" Haku bowed to the Hokage.

"Ah Haku, I was just thinking about summoning you. I got your reports and it turns out that you are perfectly well for becoming a Konoha Ninja." Sarutobi said smiling. He opened his drawer and took out a Konoha forehead protector and a flak jacket, "Here, you are now officially a Konoha Chunin from now on. Congratulations."

Haku took them politely and once again bowed. "Thank you Hokage-sama" Hiruzen smiled warmly and handed him a single key. "What's this Hokage-sama?" Haku asked. "You are a Konoha Ninja now, and all Konoha Ninjas have their own apartments. This one is yours. I will have someone show you where it is" "Yes sir."

"ANBU!" An ANBU appeared and bowed. "Will you take Haku here to Chunin Apartments 17-E?" "Of course sir" He turned towards Haku, "Please follow me" He nodded and left the office after his escort.

:::::

"So, where is my apartment?" "The Chunin Apartments are just at the back of Konoha Hospital; a twenty-minutes-walk from the Hokage-tower" "That's convenient" "Yeah, all the Ninja Apartments, except the ANBU Headquarters are near the centre of the village" "I see, what about ANBU Headquarters?" Haku asked curiosly. He was now part of a hidden village. He had to gather as much knowledge as possible.

"There are a few scattered and hidden across the village and its boundary." The ANBU replied. He didn't mind giving his Kouhai a few tit-bits about the village.

"Can you show me where the Genins live?" "Oh, Genins don't have their own apartments, they are still Ninja Trainee. Only Chunin ranked and above have their own houses." "Well, in that case, can you show me where Naruto Uzumaki lives?" "Yeah sure"

"You sure talk a lot for an ANBU" "Heh, people say that. Look, here's your apartment. Naruto Uzumaki lives just down the lane" "Thanks. I am Haku by the way" Haku offered his hand "My alias is Yamato; ANBU can't give their real names" Yamato shook Haku's hand. "I understand" Haku said. "Great, welcome to Konoha" "Nice to meet you" "Gotta go, duty calls" Yamato vanished in a swirl of leaves 'ANBUs sure are strange…'

:::::

Later that day (Evening):-

"Are you sure about this Haku?" Naruto asked. "Yes, I think I can do it?" Haku answered. "Don't worry about it, I will be here to help you if anything goes wrong" "Thank you Naruto-sama" They both nodded at each other.

"Oh come on! How spicy can a super spicy Miso Ramen be?" said Sakura. "Now there's your fault. Don't. Ever. Underestimate. Super Spicy Miso Ramen" lectured the Blonde. "Only twerps like you can't eat a little spice" Sasuke mumbled.

"Is that right, heh Sasuke? Why don't you try it yourself?" Naruto's look said 'do-it-if-you-dare'. Sasuke looked at the chef "Hit me with one" Teuchi laughed. "You kids sure are boosted up. Who's your friend Naruto? Won't you introduce him?" he asked.

"Oh right, I forgot. Old man Teuchi, he is Haku from Kirigakure. He is now a Konoha-nin. Haku, he is Old man Teuchi; owner of Ichiraku Ramen and the best Ramen cook in the world!" Teuchi chuckled.

"Nice to meet you Teuchi-san" "You too lad. Hope you enjoy my Ramen" Haku bowed.

"Here are your orders, Enjoy!" They all gulped prepared themselves for what came next.

:::::

"I suppose you know the purpose of this meeting?" the Hokage asked. Several figures present in the room nodded.

"Alright then, as you all know, you are here for the nomination and discussion of this time's Bi-Annual Chunin Exams held by Konoha. I request the Team Leaders who think that their teams are capable to nominate them for the Chunin Exams" One of them stepped forward, "I, Asuma Sarutobi nominate Team 10 for the Chunin Exams"

Two more stepped forward, "I, Kurenai Yuuhi nominate Team 9 for the Chunin Exams" "I, Kakashi Hatake nominate Team 7 for the Chunin Exams"

'All the rookies! This year is going to be quite…exceptional' Hiruzen thought. Though he was shocked, Sarutobi didn't even flinch the slightest. He was the Hokage after all.

"I see, are there any other teams?"

A few Jounins raised their hands and one-by-one nominated their teams while the Hokage's secretary scribbled down the names and team numbers.

"That's it, you can collect the forms from my secretary. Dismissed"

:::::

"So Haku, you got any missions lately?" Naruto asked.

"Just a few C-ranks, nothing of importance Naruto-sama" he replied.

"Drop the 'sama' already would you?" "I am sorry but I can't do that"

"Sheesh" Naruto suddenly stopped, "Haku…can you hear that?" "Yes, a child screaming"

"Let's go" Haku nodded and followed Naruto to the rooftops.

:::::

When Naruto reached the source of the noise, he saw Konohamaru being strangled by an unknown shinobi. "Hey! What do you think you are doing? Leave him now!" Naruto shouted. "Who are you brat? It's none of your business. Get lost" the strangler said.

The bully let loose all the amount of killer intent he could muster; but it was not enough to stop the blonde. The attacker was a little surprised but didn't budge. The blonde girl who stood by the bully finally spoke up, "Stop it Kankuro, these midgets aren't worth it"

"Hey! Who are you calling short?!" Naruto shouted again. He again looked towards Kankuro, "I said, leave him…NOW"

Kankuro took out a few shurikens from his free hand while Naruto swiftly took out a kunai and stood ready. "I know you guys are from Sunagakure, but I don't know what business you guys have here. Anyhow, attacking a ninja from an ally village could even start a war. You really want to do it?" Naruto said.

The Suna shinobi smirked mysteriously, as if they were hiding something. Just as Kankuro was about to make his move, he felt multiple sharp objects on his neck, threatening to pierce his flesh in an instant. "Didn't you hear what Naruto-sama said." A voice came from behind Kankuro "Drop him now. I am a Konoha Chunin and I have authority to deal with those who disturb the peace of this village."

Kankuro growled but dropped Konohamaru, finally giving up. Naruto smirked at his friend, "Nice work Haku"

He smirked back, "No problem" Haku wondered if he was picking up Naruto-sama's antics. He would need to think about it later.

"Kankuro" a heavy and monotone voice came from a nearby tree. All of them looked up towards the source, only to find a Suna shinobi, not taller than Naruto, but still he had an aura around him which was dark and unpleasant. He let loose a massive amount of killer intent and continued.

"You are a disgrace to our village. If you fool around anymore, I will kill you myself" he glanced a look towards Naruto.

The blonde was feeling an unusual type of familiar-ness towards the redhead, as if he knew him from a long time ago. Their eyes met and redhead immediately felt the same way as the blonde.

"What's your name Konoha shinobi" the redhead commanded more than asked.

"Isn't it wise to give your own name first Suna shinobi" the mentioned redhead narrowed his eyes but replied nonetheless, "I am Gaara of the Sand"

"My name is Naruto Uzumaki"

They stood silent for a moment. They both recognised each other, not by name, but by the burden they carried. They were the Jinchurikis of their respective village, and they knew the other was as well.

Haku let go of Kankuro, who immediately vanished in a swirl of sand. His fellow shinobi too left in a same manner. Naruto rushed to Konohamaru's side, "Hey, you okay?" "Yeah *cough* I'm good *cough* Thanks Naruto and …"

"Oh yeah, Konohamaru, this guy here is Haku." "Nice to meet you Konohamaru-san" Haku bowed.

Konohamaru sweat-dropped.

"He is bit on the formal side" whispered the blonde. The kid nodded in understanding. Konohamaru's teammates helped him and they took their leave.

"I gotta go Haku, we have a team meeting" Naruto said. "Okay Naruto-sama, I will see you tomorrow" Naruto nodded and ran towards the desired training ground.

:::::

Three hours later:-

"Hey guys" waved the carefree Jounin.

"KAKASHI-SENSEI YOU ARE LATE!" shouted Naruto and Sakura simultaneously

"I'm sorry guys but I got lost on the road of life…" he said philosophically. The Genins huffed but didn't say anything. "More importantly" the masked man continued, "I brought you all a good news!"

They all raised eyebrows…even Sasuke.

"I nominated you all for the Chunin Exams!" Kakashi declared excitedly.

"What's that?" "The Chunin Exams. It's an exam you can give to get promoted to Chunin. They are held twice a year" Sakura smiled, Naruto pumped his fist while Sasuke smirked. "Now…do you all want to take it?" Kakashi asked.

"Of course!" yelled the blonde. "Is that a question?" said Sasuke. Kakashi looked towards Sakura. She seemed in deep thought. "Sakura…you don't have to take it if you don't want to" Kakashi assured her.

She looked towards her sensei with a determined face. "No sensei…I will do it" Kakashi smiled, "The guys couldn't have taken the exams if you said no" "WHAT?!" Naruto yelled once again.

"It is a team exam after all. You will all have to work as a team. Are you all ready?" "HELL YEAH!" they chorused together.

"Then here are the forms. Fill them and bring them along with you at the academy tomorrow morning at 8 am. Room 301. See ya" The Copy-nin gave a casual wave and poofed away.

AN: I know it is a little short but bear with it. I promise the next chapter will be longer. Those who haven't checked out my other story 'Life of Namikaze's Legacy', please do. I hope you like it. These two stories will be updated every couple of months. I know it feels too long but I haven't been getting time lately. Those who think that these stories are not worth to be waited for so long; I completely understand you guys. I have a complete structure planned out for this fic.

I will be updating the stories every other week from May, 2017 onwards. Thanks for reading and don't forget to REVIEW!

Smell ya later.