Gakumon Teki Nin

Break

"Three on point" A pair of blue eyes reflected the bluish- white light that the remote emitted as Naruto scanned his Navigation App.

On his Power Glove's palm appeared a yellow grenade. After materializing, Naruto threw the grenade on three mercenaries camping.

"Go on Alfredo" Naruto spoke as the grenade detonated to the unsuspecting mercenaries which emitted a sound that echoed on the forests of Wave country.

Back at the bridge Kakashi sighed. His dark eye took note of the workers' evident enthusiasm- much more than before Zabuza's death. Everyone became used to the sounds of random noises coming from the forests surrounding Wave. Everyone seemedto know it was Naruto who was making the noise. There seems to be a distinct sound to the gadget's attacks, rather unique to the civilians' and shinobis' ears.

An ANBU squad had quickly arrived as Kakashi had requested. His injuries, as well as Haku's and Naruto's were patched up by one of the ANBU member- which is luckily a medic nin. Despite being healed, Kakashi and Haku were not able to be on active combat until days after as their bodies were still on shock and recuperation. The blond on the other hand was able to mobilize after a days rest (if Kakashi can call two hours of sleep a rest)- the reason for it was collectively known by him and the other ANBU, whom left after a partial report from Kakashi to the Hokage.

Kakashi's lone eye scanned towards the nearest shinobi on the bridge- Haku.

The said male was having a conversation to two of the workers who seem to be happily talking while doing their work and one of the worker's wife who was there to bring her husband's lunch.

Kakashi already noted Haku's rather friendly face. A face that he attributed to be effective in infiltration. But he knew though that Haku is simply happily conversing with the workers to pass the time. The beautiful boy (from Kakashi's hidden observation- he is still shocked at how beautiful can a male get) Kakashi attributed would become a Konoha shinobi- it was Naruto who told him.

The academic shinobi told him one morning, while also reporting patrol updates- Naruto has been doing it every three hours. Kakashi knew that the blond knew Konoha would welcome the Ice user; his bloodline is rather unique. Add his work ethic and skills, plus the possibility of a coveted potential medic nin.

Also, he is one of the last descendants of the Yuki clan, a famed clean feared by Kiri and the Land of Water. Konoha would be stupid to turn down such traits.

Kakashi knew though that the ice user is only loyal to Naruto, not to Konoha at the moment. Maybe that will change if and only if, Naruto is loyal to the village. He reminded himself to speak about the Hokage. Naruto's arsenal as shown in the missions so far would provide extreme capabilities to Konoha's force- His navigational and sensor abilities are on point, his disabling arsenal is useful and lastly his versatility in combat is useful. Naruto's potential is just so much that Konoha would have a hard time if the blond would become an enemy.

Then there's Haku's loyalty. A hyouton user would add to Konoha's deadly list of kekei genkai arsenal.

'Skill wise, he is high chuunin at best' Kakashi attributed Haku. 'Barring experience, Naruto would be too' He added in surprise. He felt a shudder in himself thinking of the blond's quick growth. Then his thoughts drifted to his other students; Sakura and Sasuke. The two are currently near each other (with Sakura instigating while Sasuke was simply and discreetly (Kakashi can tell) doing a leaf exercise while 'pretending' to be on a look out to which ignoring everything about his teammate) on Kakashi's far right. His blond student as far as Kakashi can tell has not been in contact with the rest of team seven. Lately Naruto was simply having a conversation to only Haku now and that was minimal. Naruto would talk to Kakashi only when he is updating and Tsunami if in case the woman would see the blond (whom was only at the house when updating Kakashi or taking a bath).

Naruto's self-imposed patrol duties composed of as far as Kakashi can tell, glancing upon his Navigational technology (Kakashi ceased trying to figure out how that tech can do it), then ambushing those who were found affiliated with Gatou.

He had been doing this until the "Great Naruto Bridge" was finished. The blond had been shy about the praises, yet he had been polite but distant with the villagers during the minor celebration.

"Sensei… what am I going to do with this team… and your son?" Kakashi uttered in a voice only he can hear. He shook his head with his train of thought, thinking about Naruto that way would just make him depressed. 'I know somehow I treated him wrong'

-o-o-o-

"Where is Naruto-kun Kakashi-san?" Tsunami asked.

Kakashi sighed internally. The woman has been asking about the blond sometimes during the completing of the bridge, this would be the last she is going to ask as the mission is already over- they will return to Konoha by dawn.

"I see" Tsunami added knowing the man's silence. "If only I trusted him more than his teammates Kakashi-san" Tsunami trailed.

"You see Inari in him?" Kakashi inquired. Tsunami shook her head gently.

"I may not be that aware what shinobi children have lived, but still they are children and I am a mother- " She trailed. "He grew up too fast"

"Most shinobi do"

"Not unlike the other two Kakashi-san… w-was the village harmful to him as he has said that night?" Kakashi just locked eyes with the mother.

"I sound heartless saying this but I am a shinobi. Naruto has served the village the moment he was born. I am confident he knows this but as he is a kid, it made him I guess… bitter and slow to trust." Kakashi answer after, surprised internally about his statement.

"But he is a kind boy" Tsunami trailed, trying to have an open mind that these people are not civilians.

"His morals are astute" Kakashi trailed, both adults in their own minds. 'He reminds me of Uchiha Itachi… I should have paid attention to him more, fairness to the team be dammed. '

"You grew up too soon yourself Kakashi-san?" Tsunami asked. She then smiled as she knew the answer.

"I still have many things to learn, like handling kids" Kakashi answered after a knowing pause.

"I know, me too"

-o-o-o-

The day upon their leave was the day after "The Great Naruto Bridge" was completed. Villagers came to see Team Seven plus Haku off. The said team were given meagre gifts- products from the island as gratitude as well as a promise to welcome the would-be sent chuunin team for negotiation of the payment.

The blond still was met with praises and thanks to which Naruto politely accepted. Haku was also met with heartful goodbyes as he became the most liked (Naruto's were gratitude) among the group because of his manners and conversations. Sasuke was also recognized a bit but he seemed to not mind the lack of attention- the brooding boy appeared focused, eager to return to the village to train. Sakura was cordially talked to, but to the least extent for politeness sake- Tazuna was distant of her. The only female of team seven was fuming from the villagers' attention to Haku, to which she did not express openly as she was keeping a huge distance to the ice user. Kakashi was being, as usual.

"We shall be arriving the village midday tomorrow, if no disturbances. We will have to camp later" Kakashi told the group. He glanced knowingly Kakashi to Naruto to which the blond replied with a small nod. Sasuke noted the interaction to which he silently was bothered.

'Kakashi has trust in his abilities' The Uchiha assumed as he discreetly clenched his fists.

"Kakashi-san, where would I go to register as a shinobi?" Haku asked after a few minutes of walking. He was walking next to Naruto which was the fourth one, with Sasuke in the lead, then Sakura (whom was gushing at the boy) and Kakashi at the rear reading his "literature". Haku left Naruto alone to walk next to the jounin- the blond didn't mind or notice as he was reading an article on his Remote.

Hearing this, Sakura paused and turned back. Sasuke too showed surprise but nonverbally. "What? Shinobi?" Sakura clarified in shock. Naruto on the other hand continued walking but in a slower pace, with him now leading- the Uchiha glanced a bit at the focused, reading blond then paid him no mind in favour of waiting for Kakashi's answer.

"Haku-san here will register as a Konoha shinobi as he is factionless in technicality" Kakashi calmly replied as he paused. Haku nodded in affirmation, his eyes heavily neutral at Sakura.

"B-but, he's the enemy!" Sakura protested.

"I see" Sasuke said as he glanced at Haku and continued walking ahead.

Kakashi sighed. Mentally steeling himself. "No Sakura. Haku would be valuable to the village with his bloodline ability as well as personal skill set."

"But…" Sakura uttered, having nothing to say but protest.

"It would be pleasant to work with you Haruno-san" Haku spoke to which Sakura paled and hurriedly walked ahead. Haku chuckled at his little prank to which Kakashi too was amused.

"I have heard that Konoha has a good medical shinobi program, I wish to be a field medic nin" Haku began.

"Seeing your skills in action and also your behaviour, you would do well in that field" Kakashi said, silently feeling good being right in his assumptions. "May I ask a personal question Haku-san?"

"Yes you may Kakashi-san" Haku spoke.

"What of the sword? You are aware it is important to Kiri yes?"

"It is up to Naruto-kun Kakashi-san, as he is also the one who would get Zabuza-sama's bounty, rightfully he should also has possession of the Kabukirichou"

"By protocol yes"

"And knowing him, he seems to look up to the Hokage, he would seek counsel with him perhaps?"

"How did you get the assumption?"

"I know not of his story, but of his circumstance. By practicality and sentimentality, the jinchuuriki should be close in relations with the kage" Haku spoke in a low tone. "Or perhaps the kage keeps tabs on the village's jinchuuriki"

Mentally, Kakashi was both impressed and alarmed. Haku noted this despite the calm exterior of the jounin. The mask did not deter him from reading a bit from Kakashi's covered face- he had experience with Zabuza after all.

"I am sensitive to chakra- especially its feel in layman's terms, I might be young when the incident happened in your village but growing up I heard stories of that day- I assumed and was proven correct when I head on met his chakra. That is a bijou's" Haku clarified with the last sentence in a tone Kakashi sense to contain a tinge of fear. The said Yuki grasp his right tingling hand to calm it down- showing obvious signs of fear from remembering. "But something is amiss"

Kakashi waited for Haku to continue.

"Naruto-kun cannot use the chakra" Haku guessed, his hand on his chin deep in thought. "The Yondaime's seal perhaps?"

Inside, Kakashi was astounded by Haku's deductions. 'Must be his bloodline' Kakashi guessed. "You are correct, but in Konoha, any subject regarding to it is highliy classified"

"I see…" Haku trailed, again in thought. "So Naruto-kun's abilities are of different circumstances"

"I think so too" Kakashi added. The Hokage was tight lipped with Naruto in total as what Kakashi recalled.

"His loneliness, is… absolute" Haku sombrely spoke as he glanced at Naruto's back who still was reading his Remote. "… was absolute" He corrected with a smile. Kakashi remained silent.

"It is a shock a village such as the hidden leaf could be… like mist" Haku whispered.

"We're all human after all" Kakashi spoke. "But you would feel at peace there, Haku-san. I do not speak of the Leaf as being saints as I have done many things as many other foreign village do. You would suit fire more than water despite your ability and power"

Haku did not reply to that but instead smiled. "I guess so" he whispered after smiling at Kakashi as he walked ahead to be with Naruto's side.

Kakashi's lone dark eye glanced at the two- Haku just silently walked next to the blond whom was still reading. The said Ice- user spoke of something to Naruto, the blond just nodded In response.

"Sensei… Haku-san probably is his first true friend" Kakashi uttered.

-o-o-o-

"Sensei, none at the moment" Naruto spoke as he stopped to check to his remote, bundles of firewood were temporarily placed nearby- the blond was currently gathering firewood.

The said sensei was currently setting up tent with Sasuke. The grey haired man nodded with acknowledgement at the blond. The said Uchiha stopped in his work.

"Thirteen kilometres northeast, located at the Konoha north eastern forest bandits are currently in combat against ours- a Konoha chuunin squad" Naruto spoke as he calmly read his remote, his cerulean eyes not leaving the screen- a habit Kakashi seemed to get used to (as he also does this when reading his literature).

The said blond then vanished his remote, to which Kakashi again was surprised when it just happened to be gone after a small weak flash, picked up the pervious bundle on the ground and proceeded to continue his task.

Naruto stretched his fingers after he placed the firewood bundle in its place. "Who takes first watch?" He asked the commander.

"Sakura" Upon stating the name, the blond narrowed his eyes.

'He lost trust with her because of what happened' Kakashi mentally surmised. He sighed and continued. "I assume you'll just be awake then?" Before the blond was able to answer, Sakura walked in.

Naruto, not minding the newcomer, just nodded.

"Huh?" Sakura inquired.

Kakashi mentally sighed. "Okay, Naruto you take first watch" The said blond just shrugged his shoulders and nodded. "I'll take the next and then Sakura with Sasuke" Sasuke did not react at all but Sakura silently pumped her fists in the air.

"Why both of us and him alone?" Sasuke unexpectedly asked. Hearing this Sakura too realized his point.

"Naruto here can sense a wide area and I have my hounds patrolling and my detection abilities. Both of us are enough to be alone on being watch. While you two do not have the same detection skillset hence both of you take watch together" Kakashi reasoned.

"What about him?" Sasuke spoke pointing upwards. To the direction of his finger, up in the branches was Haku.

"I doubt you'd feel safe and assured with him watching your backs" Kakashi deadpanned.

"I can take watch with Naruto-kun or with you Kakashi-san" Haku offered and Kakashi nodded.

"Sensei, it's really unfair that you are praising him so much!" Sakura protested, talking about Kakashi's treatment of Naruto. "I mean, Sasuke-kun now has the sharingan!" She added.

"Sakura. Using the Sharingan outside of battle is not practical. And Sasuke has not trained with it yet" Kakashi spoke and while explaining, Naruto took out his remote (with the rest glancing at him for a while) and read an article about the sharingan.

"Despite it known to get details better than the normal eye, it's not as good as the Byakugan for surveillance" Kakashi added.

"Byakugan" Naruto mumbled, changing the article to Byakugan. He didn't realize that he got the attention again to his teammates.

"Would you stop that!?" Sakura spoke. The blond glanced at her and looked away with Kakashi and Sasuke (Haku was above the branches now) noticing the blond's fists directly shaking.

Naruto took a deep breath and looked at Kakashi. "I'll go somewhere" Naruto just spoke.

Kakashi just sighed in response to that.

Minutes later, Sakura, Sasuke and Kakashi were asleep. Naruto was sitting by the fire place looking at his Remote.

"Area clear" The blonde spoke with his eyes still on the device. Haku just nodded in response, being used to Naruto's mannerisms. The said teenager was nearby, sitting with his back against the tree- rereading a book about basic first aid.

He recalled a past conversation they had days after fighting against each other. The set-up was still the same- Naruto reading something from his remote and Haku reading from his own books.

"Naruto-kun, you said you're leaving your team" This time Naruto looked at Haku.

"You saw what happened during the fight. I can't ever trust them"

Haku recalled it clearly He also felt bad for giving a hand on Naruto's injuries. Sakura never once offered assistance at all. Naruto had to handle everything from combat, the mist, Kakashi's injuries and protecting the client. He was also sure the blond was worried from his teammates.

"At first I was afraid I'd be sent back to the academy once I failed getting into a team with them-" Naruto paused. "-but then Id rather have that than experience that even ever again"

"I understand- the feeling of being abandoned"

"I also had it with them. " Naruto sighed. "Though I might lose my steady comfortable income. It's not stupid of me to decide that is it?" Naruto asked.

"I do not think so Naruto-kun. I have not experienced what you had but, if I put myself in your shoes, I would be at loss what to do with Haruno-san and Uchiha-san's treatment of you" Haku spoke, trying to imagine himself in Naruto's shoes. "Have they been like that ever since?"

Naruto sighed and unintentionally placed his remote on his stomach and hugged it with his knees. "They may have seen the grownups… I don't know"

Haku noted Naruto's body language. But did not say anything as he assumed Naruto still has words to say.

"I guess everyone is just used to treating me like that. I was really "useless" during the academy because I fail to do the basic shinobi jutsu, do shinobi actions like use shuriken or kunai-" Naruto paused, looking down while hugging his own self. "-I seem weak to everyone's eyes. I did not fight back after getting beat up or talked to after I hit seven years old because IM sure I know I can't win. I never revealed my equipment ever since because I was just afraid people will take them… it's irrational I know since I'm the only one who can use them"

"They were the first things you can call your own right?" Haku supplied to which Naruto nodded and then smiled.

"I'm really surprised I lasted so long in the academy" Naruto sighed. "I've been called weak or whatever similar names because of it"

"Well, you're not" Haku commented, recalling the past battle.

"I try to not get it into my head" Naruto supplied. "and I'm really surprised I lasted this long in team seven. I literally had to do hard labor and everyone gets paid for it" Haku raised an eyebrow fro clarification.

"We do D-rank missions, they are sort of like requests made by Konoha citizens for genin to do"

Haku noticed Konoha having a rather different shinobi system compared to what Zabuza's stories of Kiri's were.

"The villagers, most of them does not really like you so…" Haku trailed. "I get it"

"Yeah"

"Well I guess it is really the best for you to leave" Haku commented.

Haku after that hovered near Naruto especially when the rest of team seven were present. He knew that Sakura and Sasuke were intimidated by his presence.

The said boy then looked at Naruto as he closed his book- reading too much gives him a mild headache.

"You're not planning to wake them for their shift?" This time, Naruto paused in his reading.

"I have to" The blonde responded

"But you're not sleeping" Haku joined.

"Yeah" Naruto sighed. "Plus, I'm interested reading more about this" Naruto raised his Remote Tablet.

Haku by experience did not try to understand Naruto's "abilities" but he does know Naruto is able to read from his remote like you would read things in a book. "You found something Naruto-kun?"

"About the Uchiha" Naruto replied. Haku just did a knowing face, knowing the blond would share what he knew of later. He really liked hanging out with Naruto because Naruto seem to like asking about Haku's own perspective on things- which in return Naruto would share his. "Oh and I found some references for your medical training, also the guy to meet in case the Hokage would fail to do that when we tell him" Haku's eyes brightened up.

Naruto then stood up and headed to the wake his teammates up. He first approached Sasuke and noted the black haired boy's face. Noting the absence of a scowl in which Sasuke always uses.

'He really does look good' Naruto noted with a scowl. Recalling a similar face in the past. 'Lucky bastard' He added with a sigh. "Uchiha" He voiced, dispelling the memory that is associated with the Uchiha's face. A few times later, Sasuke stirred then woke up with a grunt. "Your turn" Naruto added as he proceed to walk nearby to wake Sakura up.

With a sigh Naruto called. "Haruno, your shift starts" To which Sakura also woke up while scowling at Naruto.

Her scowl ended though when he saw Sasuke who was proceeding to walk up a tree. "Sasuke-kun, did you have a nice sleep?" She asked as she proceeded to walk near his location. The male did not answer.

Naruto on the other hand returned to his earlier spot- to which Sasuke and Sakura noted.

"What is that idiot doing" Sakura noted but then she looked up at Sasuke who was looking at Naruto. The said kunoichi was directly below Sasuke so he she saw a bit of Sasuke's thighs. 'If there was enough lighting, I would have been able to see' Sakura blushed as she thought. It stopped though when Sasuke moved. Sakura shook her head as she wondered what will she do during the whole night. Then she realized then that Naruto and Haku weren't even sleeping.

"You should be asleep Naruto" Sakura scolded shaking her head. The said blond did not acknowledge her but before she can stomp over to his location, the blond spoke.

"Instead of bothering me, why do you seriously do your own damn task" Naruto bluntly replied making everyone in the area who's awake's eyes widen in surprise. "And while you're at it, why don't you damn train for once if you're going to not be on a look out"

Haku chuckled but did not say a word. Sasuke on the other hand glanced at the two but looked away.

This time Sakura turned red and then stomped towards the blond.

"What now?" Naruto asked.

"And what are you doing then?" Sakura asked.

"Reading" Naruto replied. The pink haired teammate raised an eyebrow, not getting that Naruto was literally stating the obvious.

"Are you seriously looking down on Sasuke-kun and me?" Sakura accused.

'Talk about stubborn' Naruto mentally complained. "Does it really bother you that I'm really awake right now Haruno?" The question caught Sakura off-guard. "Because you freakin made it clear you don't give a damn about me as a teammate. And if it's not obvious to you, I freakin want to survive. Again read my lips if it's not clear, I don't trust you"

"Bah" Sakura retorted. "In case you don't realize Naruto, we're not in danger" Hearing this Naruto clicked his tongue and did not reply. Thinking she won the conversation, Sakura just huffed and went back to where Sasuke was, smirking all the way.

The said blond just did an eye roll as he took a deep breath. "A few hours, I won't have to deal with her again" Only Haku was able to hear this.

A few hours later, Sasuke moved to wake Kakashi up. The said Uchiha spent all night looking at nothing, ignoring Sakura's attempts of shallow small talk and discreetly looking at Naruto or Haku who shifted from reading their own reading materials to talking to each other in hushed tones.

Upon waking the jounin, Naruto and Haku started to lie down to sleep which made Sakura huff in response as she tried to also sleep near the camp fire. Sasuke too also looked for a spot nearby to lie down as soon as Sakura chose her spot since he knew the female would scoot closer to him if she had not chosen a spot yet.

-o-o-o-

The first thing Sasuke and Sakura sensed was a familiar aroma but hearing Haku's voice was the one that woke them up.

"Naruto-kun, is that coffee?"

'How is he awake early?' Sasuke thought. 'He drinks coffee…' He added upon seeing the said blond nearby sitting on a log taking a sip from a cup. Sasuke recalled the boy having a sip on the last day of class at the academy.

'Naruto drinks coffee?' Sakura noted in surprise.

"Want one?" Naruto replied to Haku.

"I prefer tea, but seeing as I do not have one at the moment, yes" Haku accepted Naruto's remaining coffee". The ice user noted the temperature of the drink. "It's hot"

"I stored it once it after buying it a few weeks ago" Haku's eyes were a bit wide.

"I see"

Kakashi then approached the group and threw them ration bars each. "We will leave in fifteen, we are going to travel through the trees so we can arrive mid-morning"

That statement widened the genin's eyes.

"But sensei, we have not done that" Sakura pointed.

"Which is a good time for you to start. I'll slow down so you can get a hang of it. Tree travel is what we Konoha shinobi are suited for" Kakashi said.

"Oh right, since we live among the trees" Sakura postulated to which Kakashi nodded. The said pinkette glanced at Sasuke who had no visible reaction to her being correct. "So I just apply tree climbing to it right? With properly using chakra to also reinforce our jump?" Sakura added.

"Correct Sakura, this could also if done in drills, help in chakra control" Kakashi added. He glanced at every member of his team and Haku. "That would be all" He was met with a nod.

"Naruto, what are you doing?" Sakura protested when Naruto materialized his power glove and cannon.

"Materializing these makes me able to use chakra" Naruto answered. "I can't use chakra if they're not here"

Sakura shook her head. "You are honestly using those things of yours as crutches Naruto" Sakura voiced.

"If I don't use these, I can't use chakra" Naruto clarified. To this, Sakura smirked.

"Well that's what you get for not training enough" Sakura replied.

The blond bit his lip, trying to control himself. His action was seen by the other members of the group.

"See? If you studied and trained, you would have been able to use chakra" Sakura explained.

Naruto was left pondering about Sakura's statement. He was honestly baffled by it all. He decided to just let it go as nothing good will come out from an argument. "Whatever" Naruto uttered.

To this, Kakashi intervened. "So you were not able to use chakra earlier because I forbid you from summoning your weapons?" He prompted, remembering the tree climbing exercises.

"Yes sensei" Naruto replied.

"I see" Kakashi pondered the error in his ways. He sighed as he spoke, "Let us go then".

-o-o-o-

A few minutes later as team 7 plus Haku did genin-paced tree traveling, Sasuke surprisingly halted the silence as he travelled nearer to Naruto.

"Why did you still do the tree climbing exercise if you were not able to make chakra?"

Naruto raised an eyebrow from the question- Sasuke never talked to Naruto.

"Before, when we were still training" Sasuke added to clarify.

The Uchiha was a bit unnerved of the blue eyes that silently looked at him for a few seconds, the action bothered him ever since they started travelling through the trees.

"Sensei said to climb trees" Naruto answered. Sasuke uncharastically raised an eyebrow, confused at Naruto's point. "It's not that I have a choice…" Naruto added as he looked ahead as he jumped towards a tree branch. "… Like ever" He finished then sped up close to where Haku was at.

The Uchiha was left pondering what Naruto replied.

-o-o-o-

"That was weird" Naruto commented to which Haku chuckled.

"Naruto-kun? May you tell me why you need them to use chakra?" Haku asked, showing curiosity"

"Only if you tell me how do make use Ice chakra" Naruto replied, Haku smiled in response. "I'm not sure since this is just a guess that I have" Haku prompted him to continue.

"My chakra is always drained by these" Naruto emphasized his cannon. "So imagine something like…" Naruto paused to think of a good analogy for his chakra system without telling about the Kyuubi. "… like a river. Let's say the river is my chakra flow, and its flowing towards my equipment" Naruto paused to check if Haku is following.

"Okay…" Haku replied.

"If I use chakra without these things" Naruto emphasized his cannon and glove to Haku. "There won't be any appearing since my chakra flow all is heading to my system- it's sort of a system for my weapons. They're passively consuming my chakra always. It's like making a small creek that's against the direction of the flow of the river" Naruto paused. "If I use these, it's easier to use my chakra since it's like making a creek that follows the direction of the river flow, so there's more water compared to a creak made to flow against the river's direction" Naruto stopped, checking his own explanation. "Wait…" Naruto said, unsure of his statement.

"I think I got it Naruto-kun" Haku smiled. "But that explanation is not complete is it?" To this, Naruto almost missed the branch he was supposed to land on. "It was not hard to figure out. Kakashi knows I know about "it"" Haku added with a smile.

"Oh…" Naruto uttered in understanding. 'He knows about the Kyuubi'

"Our pasts are different but they're similar Naruto-kun" Haku said as he looked ahead with a serene smile. "You know how I see you" Haku added, glancing at Naruto whom had a surprised reaction.

"Thanks" Naruto said as he shyly looked away. "Thanks a lot Haku" Naruto added with a shy smile. "So what about how you make ice jutsu?"

Haku was deep in thought. He is currently trying to put into words how he uses a certain chakra affinity. "I was first able to use Ice chakra. According to the scrolls, my chakra nature should be ice, water and wind. It was right as I can also use water and wind release as well though I have to train for it."

"Yet you didnt use wind jutsu" Naruto recalled. "That would made things harder" He added thinking that Wind release techniques would be difficult avoid.

"Zabuza-sama only knows water release, in which I trained for" Haku supplied.

"So you had to train hard to be able to use water release right? So for ice release?"

"Youre right Naruto-kun, ice release was easy for me while water and probably wind, I have to concentrate more but they are doable since Im alreayd using a mixture of the two. If I want to practice other elements, it would considerably be harder" Haku answered.

"Our Hokage can do all five" Naruto added to which Haku showed surprise.

"That... is amazing" Haku gasped.

-o-o-o-

Several minutes later, Kakashi raised a hand- signalling the team to stop.

"We'll walk starting here since were near the gates" Kakashi announced. With his words, the genin plus Haku stopped and jumped towards the ground below. Sakura in particular landed ungracefully as she panted hard. Naruto glanced at her then looked away without a word.

"Yeah… training huh" Naruto uttered after with the kunoichi hearing him clearly.

"W-well you cheated with those things of yours!" Sakura yelled between gasps. "And I'm a girl" She added as she righted herself.

Naruto raised an eyebrow confused to the latter sentence. He brushed it off afterwards, not bothering to dwell upon it.

"Right Sasuke-kun?" Sakura perked towards Sasuke. As usual, the black haired teen looked away as well.

"We'll focus on your stamina next training. You should have lasted longer Sakura" Kakashi spoked. The female of the team just nodded but frowned.

The team walked for a few minutes until Sakura happily pointed out. "The gates!"

At this, the team checked in the village thought the chunin guards posted at the area. Haku kept glancing the huge entrance gate of the village, as well as what he can see inside it. As they passed by the entrance, the wonder of the Land of Water native's eyes were visible.

"It's so alive" Haku remarked.

"Yeah…" Naruto replied though he knew the shadows of the said sights. But he dismissed, the thought as he smiled. "I'll show you around if you want"

Haku smiled at this "It would be nice Naruto-kun"

After a few minutes, they finally arrived at the Hokage's office.

-o-o-o-

"I see" The Hokage commented as soon as the last speaker has relayed the information- Naruto, having been conscious during the whole ordeal. Haku also supported his information as he also has been present. During his explanation, Sakura kept being vocal but she was prevented from speaking when the Hokage and Kakashi gave her a stare.

Hiruzen took a smoke from his pipe and he exhaled. He then looked at Haku then towards Kakashi. "I'll need the written report for this as soon as possible Kakashi-kun"

Kakashi nodded in response.

"By technicality, the mission will be ramped up to A-rank. Konoha will negotiate with Wave with regards to the mission pay, a possible payment plan could be made as I predict Wave's economy would recover" Hiruzen said. Giddy of the economic benefits the Land of Fire and Konoha will be receiving.

"Part of the payment would be given to team seven for completing the mission" Hiruzen continued.

The statement made the genin's eye wide with Sakura becoming vocal with excitement.

"Sadly, despite Naruto-kun doing most of the work, contractual agreement of genin pay states that the team gets equals profit" Hiruzen explained mostly to Naruto whom just nodded in acceptant.

"But Naruto-kun will get the bounty for Zabuza Momochi as he dealt with him alone with agreed minimal shares after all to Konoha's coffers " To this again, the genin's eyes widened.

"I did not kill him" Naruto corrected.

"You did Naruto-kun, he was… already dying when he finished Gatou off" Haku intervened. The Hokage's eyes hovered towards him for a moment and then he smiled.

This conversation made Sasuke clench his fist discreetly. 'Why am I weak?'

Naruto looked at Haku with his pause. But the silence was interrupted when the Hokage spoke.

"As for Gatou, he also has a bounty. The village will also obtain it with shares given to herself as the killer is from Konoha" To this, team seven plus Haku showed confused faces.

"We didn't kill Gatou Hokage-sama" Kakashi said.

"M-maybe Sasuke-kun did" Sakura implored, showing adoration to the Uchiha. Through the whole conversation, Sakura felt it was unfair that Sasuke did not get the glory. The said Uchiha looked away, fists clenched.

"Haku, as by technicality you were a civilian and even without a shinobi affiliation as well, you are eligible to be a citizen. As also with your shinobi abilities and your bloodline, you are automatically eligible to register as a shinobi" Hiruzen said with a grandfatherly smile. He note Haku's shocked face. "I assume since you came here, you wish to join the leaf"

"H-hai Hokage-sama" Haku responded.

'Him being close to Naruto's side means the two seem to get along well' The Hokage noted. 'At least this would make him happy'

"But, is there a catch?" Haku timidly but resolutely asked.

'Smart boy' The Hokage mentally commented. "I will be frank Haku-kun. Your bloodline as well as your skill set would not make the village be at ease if you simply remain a civilian" The Hokage explained. "Being a shinobi also allows you to receive full rights better in your case. If word comes that you have that bloodline from other villages, they can simply hunt you down and Konoha cannot give proper protection if you're just a civilian"

"I see. I would really like to start a new life here in the leaf village Hokage-sama" Haku said with a formal bow.

The Hokage then looked at the other people inside his office after he nodded to Haku in acknowledgment.

"Team 7 as from what has happened will have a mandatory resting period of 2 weeks, excessive yes but each of you should undergo mental health checks from this mission and as this situation is a complicated one, each of you will be called in to explain some details. You each will be summoned by an ANBU during the first week. Your payments in this mission will be given tomorrow. You are now dismissed"

-o-o-o-

"Why did you proceed Kakashi?" Hiruzen asked the lone jounin in the room. Kakashi remained as the genin and Haku left.

"The genin were determined to proceed Hokage-sama" Hiruzen raised an eyebrow then Kakashi sighed.

"Tell me about your genin Kakashi" Hiruzen said after a pause. "Start with Sasuke"

Kakashi sighed, he knew where the conversation Is heading. "Sasuke is skilled as what his profile from the academy said. He also has subordination issues but he has matured more as compared to his academy days" Kakashi relayed. "He looks down at his teammates but as Naruto revealed his abilities, Sasuke treats him as a rival" He added. "During the mission, he performed well even against stronger opponents and he followed orders to an extent. But… he had lasting effects from the trauma caused by Itachi years ago, his violent tendency showed when he and Naruto had a spar and as well as some problems he has that he never shared about" The Hokage did not ask as he took note of what Kakashi last said. He simply motioned for the jounin to continue.

"Sakura is… attached to Sasuke. As the academy profile has said, she excels at theoretical aspects as well as chakra control, to which she seems prodigious at having. True she has small reserves but she seems to be aware of the mechanics on how to control her chakra- a product probably of her mental capability to categorize information. Like what is stated as well, she is basically a fangirl, and Sasuke is her object of affection. But what the academy did not note of is her practical skills on the field- they were severely ill performing. She lacked decorum as well as a calm mind to choose the best choice of action." Kakashi shared. "Despite her prodigious talent, and despite what the academy observed about her ability to work well and professionally with others, Sakura Haruno is a bully to her teammate, Naruto Uzumaki. " The Hokage raised an eyebrow. "Pardon this words but to be honest, she was a disaster" Kakashi sighed.

"Naruto Uzumaki had a vastly different profile as observed by the academy. He is competent and professional but has the same personality when he was younger- which is being impulsive and vocal. He is also secretive and cordial to people that seemed to have wronged him- like his teammates as well as me. Skill wise, he is powerful but his most dangerous skill is that he is experienced in the field. Quite opposite to Sakura. He excelled at quick and efficient decisions even under duress and against multiple, more experienced opponents. "Kakashi stated and the Hokage tried to digest this. "It's like he experienced war or trained for it. He made Zabuza and Haku's playing field into his. His weapons are exceptional but the way he uses them for such situations shows expertise. Sadly, the mission made him develop a trauma"

The hokage showed for him to elaborate.

"I might lack professional background but I think Naruto's experience of being abandoned by Sakura and Sasuke's violence during the mission made him lost all semblance of trust towards team 7"

The hokage sighed. "what are your suggestions Kakashi?"