I Alone Am The Exception!

Chapter 17: A Confrontation

I sighed as I stood in front of Zabuza and Haku with my hands in my pockets. I turned to Zabuza first as he bowed before me and said, "What is it that you wish to talk to us about, Lord Naruto?"

I sighed, "First off, stop that 'Lord Naruto' crap. I'm strong, but I'm no lord." I said slightly annoyed. I rubbed the back of my head and said, "Now... what is it that you want exactly? I'm bringing you into a foreign country under my care, so I want to understand what it is you want out of this. Everyone comes with their own baggage and reasons for acting the way they do. What I'm curious about is why you defected against your own country to begin with, so you won't try the same thing in mine." I questioned.

Zabuza sighed and responded, "I defected from my village when our leader, the Yondaime Mizukage, enacted a law that stated that all bloodline limits were illegal and those found with them would be killed on sight." Zabuza narrowed his eyes as he placed a hand on Haku's head, "It is an idiotic rule and one that would cripple our country. To house those with immense talent and bloodline limits bolsters ones' military might, so I left. Luckily, I was able to stumble across Haku here before she would perish from the environment."

I brought a hand to my chin, I should've thought about this when interrogating Obito earlier. Obito will likely rescind his control over the Fourth Mizukage now due to my actions, but it isn't likely that the actions he's taken will be so easily forgiven. So, regardless of whether or not he releases control of Yagura Karatachi means that he will have to step down as the Mizukage due to his heinous actions when under Obito's control. I glanced up at Zabuza, "I've heard about a rebellion against the law, a group of powerful people within. If I recall, the leader was a woman by the name of Terumi Mei. You know her?" I asked.

Zabuza nodded, "I do. From what I've heard, she's nearly succeeded in taking the hat."

I nodded as I rubbed my chin. From what I recall, Yagura would be removed of the genjutsu plaguing him here soon, but the way it was done ended up killing him shortly after. But... I wonder if I can save him before it is too late. I thought as I looked up to Zabuza, "Where is Kiri from here? I want to see for myself the damage done to Kiri."

Zabuza took out a scroll from his pouch and passed it over to me, "That will have the map of the Nation of Water. When are you going to go see it?" He asked me.

I pocketed it and said, "In a week or until we return to Konoha. Speaking of which, what will you do once in Konoha? I have a bit of leeway as the Clan Heir to both the Uchiha and Hyuga clans, so I could put in a good word for you both." I suggested.

Zabuza looked down at Haku, who looked up at him with a confused look. "I'm not much good at anything except for killing, but... I want Haku to have the chance to pursue her own path in life, without the pressure that my presence would bring." He said as he turned back to me.

I nodded with a smile, "She's your family, a daughter-figure." I said in understanding. I sighed and said, "So you want to become a part of Konoha's forces and for Haku to walk her own path, did I get that right?"

Zabuza nodded.

I then turned to Haku and she blushed slightly from my gaze. "What about you, Haku? What is it that you want?" I asked.

Haku blinked, "Whatever you desire. I belong to you after all." She said as if it explained everything.

I frowned, That's not a good thing. Does she really believe she 'belongs' to me? Why? Is it because I spared her and Zabuza? I sighed and walked up to her before smacking my hands to her face and dragged her inches away from my own, "Quit it. You don't belong to anyone. Tell me what you want. That is an order." I declared.