"I'm sorry," Miyu stood in front of the broken tool, her back towards her enraged nephew, looking straight into those empty eyes with her own, "Haku." There was a small, almost unnoticeable reaction towards his own name, but otherwise he had accepted his fate. As he closed his eyes she drew her sword, the metal screeching against the sheath in resistance. Whilst the sword may have been somewhat sentient, Miyu had defeated it by force once, and could easily do it again. In a smooth motion she flipped the sword, exposing the deadly blade, before slicing upwards.

"Aaaarggh!" The blonde turned her head at the sound of the rough scream, watching as Zabuza was simultaneously electrocuted and impaled, unable to escape with his limbs held down by Kakashi's dogs. "Guh..." He coughed out a mouthful of blood, looking in slight amazement at the arm that pierced his chest before turning his head, returning her gaze.

His cold gaze flickered, trailing down to the body before her, its clothes beginning to dye a deep red. The demon of the mist seemed to come to an understanding, falling to his knees as Kakashi withdrew his arm. The entire time he held her gaze, for what reason Miyu could only guess as she watched life slip from his grasp, a soundless name forming on his lips.

"...you killed him?" This whole time she had almost completely forgotten her primary concern.

"Naruto," She looked over her shoulder at the boy. It seemed shock had easily overtaken his rage as he looked down at the unmoving body. "This is what it means to be a ninja, do you understand?" In all honesty she could have let him have his way earlier but she knew her little cousin too well. It would've done no good, it was far too soon.

"Heh, looks like they were useless after all," Their reprieve was cut short by the main antagonist of the small village. The small man was confident enough to laugh at them, behind him a small army of weak bandits he believed enough to raze the town, "I ought to thank you, seeing as I no longer need to pay them, not that I was planning to."

"You-!" Miyu covered Naruto's mouth and shook her head. There was no use for shouting and arguments in a situation like this.

"But that's enough of that," Despite being so short, Gato seemed to have a talent for acting above others, "Kill them all." With a single command and the clack from his cane the hired men took a menacing step forward.

"Hah..."Kakashi let out a tired sigh, he was exhausted, especially after using his eye for a second time within the week. Nonetheless, he didn't back down, knowing that the bandits wouldn't leave without blood. despite his readiness though, it seemed he wouldn't have to fight at all.

"Stand back," Miyu ordered, wiping her sword clean of blood before returning it to its case, the dragon on the blade clearly visible without the obscuring red liquid. She felt she had tarnished the noble sword enough and chose to hover over her more fragile companion. The weak blade would be more than enough for mere thugs. The men sneered at her, their eyes lingering enough to make anyone disgusted.

"Hey-" The first man never got a chance to finish his sentence before he was lying dead on the floor, blood spraying from the gash on his chest. Miyu on the other hand, hadn't seemed to have moved, the only signs of her involvement being the soft click of her decorative blade.

"What do you think you're doing?" Gato asked impatiently, "It can't be that difficult..." His voice died down as his men fell before him. It was rather admirable how the hired rogues stood to protect their living paycheck only to be cut down before they realised. Dead before they hit the ground.

"Ah..." She made a small sound of distaste as her clothes were splattered with blood. Cutting through the main arteries often caused more of a mess despite its efficiency, and before long the red raining down became a fine mist. It was ever so slightly nostalgic. Slowly she moved her gaze from the lifeless corpses to the small man before her.

"Hiee..." Trembling, the tycoon took a step back, nothing left remaining of his boasted army aside from those who had fled early, "...don't come any closer." At a glimpse of red in those cruel eyes he fell back, stumbling and crawling like the rodent she saw him as.

"Trash." This time the voice came from behind him as his back came in contact with an obstacle. He didn't dare turn to face the newcomer though, fearing death the instant he dropped her gaze.

When his conscience woke his first action was to cry. Before reason and knowledge had returned to him, tears had trailed from his eyes which stayed firmly shut, too heavy to open. Among the darkness he felt his heavy heart beating, telling him that he was indeed, alive. And then, when his memories came to him it was as if his world had shattered.

Forcing his eyes open he saw an unfamiliar roof, and pushing himself up he felt the pain of his wounds tearing open, the lukewarm wetness of his blood seeping into the off-white bandages. At this point he came to notice an unrelenting keening sound that caused his ears to ring. He wanted it to stop, but it was impossible without knowing the source. It was frustrating but not enough to distract him from his current objective. There was nothing around him looking sharp enough to slit his throat with, nor did this appear to be a building he could fall to death by jumping out of, forcing him to settle for the more crude option of biting off his own tongue.

"Don't." At his first attempt a hand was rudely shoved into his mouth, and with it the sound seemed to choke to a stop, making him realise it was his own screaming. Viciously he bit at the hand but it refused to move, leaving his mouth uncomfortable...with the taste of blood. His eyes trailed up the pale arm until he met the vivid green eyes of a familiar face.

"Kimimaro," Yet again there was that voice, one that he found completely unknown, but there was something beyond that... a tone he couldn't read, "You can release him."

"Hai, sensei." Her student obediently removed his hand, much to their guest's relief, a large gash-like bite-mark bleeding rather profusely. Immediately she attended to it, cleaning and bandaging his hand quickly and efficiently. "We match..."

"So it seems." Miyu replied wryly, looking at her own bandaged hand that had been severely burned by the temperamental blade. "But more importantly, let me tend to your wounds, Haku." She tsked at the red bandages, though one couldn't really say his actions were unexpected, and slowly began unwrapping them.

"Where is Zabuza-sama?" The boy asked, his tone full of despair and little to no hope.

"Dead," She wondered if it would have been better if they had died together, but at least this way he had more of a choice, "Like you should be."

"And yet you stop me from killing myself?" Haku couldn't bring himself to smile about the silliness of her statement, his expression tired, "What are you talking about?" In response Miyu pulled out her sword, silently drawing the blade and placing it on the boy's lap. Even with the barrier of a blanket, he could feel its unnatural warmth.

"That is Goro Masamune, the sword that was meant to end your life," Miyu explained, peeling away the final layer to reveal the deep laceration across his chest, "Make no mistake, I did not hold back when I cut you. It was the sword that deemed you worthy of living."

"You're telling me the sword is sentient?" It was completely farfetched, but not impossible by ninja standards, "Why exactly did it let me live?"

"Who knows?" Miyu shrugged, carefully applying a medical balm she had received from Hizashi, "It's something you can think about instead of how to kill yourself."

"I have nothing left to live for, nor do I care why I was spared," The feminine boy buried his face in his hands as he realised once more, that he was alone, "My only wish is to join Zabuza-sama in death."

"Don't be selfish," The blonde said offhandedly, "There is no point in trying to please the dead. And I know Zabuza would much rather see his legacy alive."

"Legacy?" Haku echoed.

"Of course," She felt a little bad playing with his devotion, but if it was the only way to boost his will to live, she'd try it at least, "You were the one person who spent the longest time with Zabuza, and he taught you almost everything he knew, told you most if not all of his past. If you were to die it's likely the world would simply forget. Would you be happy with that?"

"No...not at all." Truthfully he would hate it. He loathed the idea that his dear Zabuza-sama could be simply forgotten about, that his name would no longer instill fear in even the strongest ninja.

"Then all you must do is live for him. Not as Haku his tool, but as Haku the son he never had." She smiled but her eyes remained sharp, searching for his resolve. "Kimimaro, keep watch over him," She requested, hoping that the two might talk, "I need to send a letter back to Minato."

"How is he?" Kakashi asked curiously. It had been a week after the battle and the bridge was well on its way. The only loose end remaining was Zabuza's accomplice that Miyu had decided to save.

"As expected." She replied, standing by the window and whistling softly.

"Hai Miyu-sama," A familiar eagle swooped in and perched on the windowsill, wing raised in salute, "What can I do for you?"

"I've got another delivery, Kawashi," The eager summon was rather cute at times, and extremely useful, "The usual." She attached a small scroll to its leg and it set off immediately, no doubt timed to make it there and back in a day.

"What are you planning?" Kakashi asked curiously, knowing the peculiar whims of the woman.

"Nothing much, just cashing in favours." She explained.

"So how's your hand?" Like always, he allowed her the little secrets she enjoyed, never really pressing for a more definite answer. Instead, he took her right hand in his own, holding it gently as he tried to see through the wrappings.

"It's healing well," She answered, it seemed like the sword was something to be reckoned with, "I should be able to take off the bandages by tomorrow."

"Good." Despite the reassurance he didn't release her hand, instead pulling the blonde down into his lap. "Ah, so tired." He put his chin on her shoulder, happily engulfing her in an odd sort of hug.

"You sound like an old man," Miyu scrunched up her nose but couldn't hold the face for long, breaking out into soft laughter, "You even have the hair."

"Ehh," He let out a whine but was too lazy to truly complain, "Somehow I don't mind so much seeing as I'll have you by my side regardless." He was a natural smooth talker but she feared he had picked up half of his lines from Jiraiya's famous novels.

"You should act a bit more lively," She slapped him gently on the arm, and with a peck on his masked mouth, she stood up, "I suppose I'll give Tazuna some help today. The quicker he finishes that bridge the sooner we'll be back home."

"It's done," Minato handed over a number of forms, including a brand new Hitai-ate, "There was a small fuss from a certain part of the council, but the majority were fine with it."

"Thank you," She put away the important documents, sealing them into a small scroll, "Are there going to be any bothersome consequences?"

"Possibly," The Hokage gave her a weak look. As powerful as he was it was difficult keeping everyone happy, "Danzo and a couple others are pushing for you to be in charge of a team, seeing as now you have two able ninja under you. Don't be surprised if you receive a new student."

"I guess it was to be expected," She assumed Danzo wanted her on a tighter leash. All things considered, the war hawk seemed appeased with Minato's ruling. For how long though was beyond her guesses, "If it comes to it I won't be too bothered, so long as it's someone adequately trained."

"Haha, I'll make sure to put that in your list of prerequisites," He let out a light laugh, "Anything else you want?"

"You sound as if it's already been decided," She sent him a rather deadpan look, "Haa...Whatever, I'll leave it to you." Raising her hand in a lazy wave, she prepared to leave the room.

"Don't forget we'll be coming over for dinner tonight!" the older blond called just as she reached the door.

"Hai, hai."

"Who are you?" Nori walked up to the stranger without any fear or hesitation, her curiosity getting the best of her.

"Ah, I'm Haku," He forced a smile, not wanting to discourage the young girl, "You must be Nori-chan right?"

"Hai," She nodded cutely but then tilted her head and furrowed her brows, "Doesn't your face hurt?"

"Eh?" Haku brought a hand to his cheek, lightly checking for any irregularities.

"You're very pretty," Nori praised honestly, "So you shouldn't make such painful expression." She struggled a bit with the larger words but he heard them clearly.

"I agree," Miyu appeared behind her, picking up the girl who seemed to giggle in delight, "Do you regret your decision Haku?"

"...No," he dropped his smile, looking around the room, with dim eyes, "In my mind I realise my death would be pointless. But it takes more effort than I thought to keep going."

"Of course." Around them she heard the laughter of Team 7 as the Hokage retold some rather embarrassing stories. It was a nice sound but she wondered how long before Haku would also be a part of it.

"I truly believe fighting for someone is what makes one strong," Haku admitted with a hint of desperation in his tone, "But with Zabuza-sama gone I have no one left. Right now, there is nothing my weak self can do."

"I can't deny your words, nor am I cruel enough to offer you a replacement," Miyu began wisely, "But until you find someone you wish to protect, I don't think there is anything wrong in fighting for the dead." Her newest student could only offer her a wry smile.

"How about me?" Nori eagerly raised her hand, drawing their attention, "I want someone to protect me!"

"Aren't you being a little greedy, Nori-chan?" Her neechan flicked her gently on the forehead, "Did you already forget about your parents? You have more people than you can count that would fight for you."

"But that's different!" The girl whined, squirming out of her grasp so she could stand next to Haku, "Mommy has daddy, and you have Kakashi-niisan. So I want Haku-san."

Stubbornly she held onto his kimono with an unmistakeable red tint to her cheeks.

"Ah..." Haku was taken aback. For one she hadn't assumed he was a woman like most others. Secondly, it looked like the Hokage's precious daughter had a crush on him.

"Do you even know what you're saying?" Miyu questioned in slight disbelief, her voice hushed so that Minato wouldn't hear.

"Of course," Nori pouted cutely, her eyes alight with a passionate fire, "Even baka-niichan has Hinata-chan, and I don't want to be left behind!"

"But Nori-chan, you just met me," Haku tried voicing his own opinions, "You can't just choose someone randomly like that?"

"I can't?" She looked at them with wide, shining eyes, her lips trembling in disappointment, "Do you not like me?"

"I do, I like you a lot." Haku blurted out quickly, seeing the girl looked about to cry, though almost immediately regretting his words.

"Then its ok!" the little red-head chirped. Haku could only sigh, showing a defeated look to his future teacher. Whilst he felt a little conned, he couldn't help the small smile that slipped onto his face.

"Nice to meet you," it happened a lot quicker than she expected, but Miyu couldn't exactly say she was displeased, "I'm Namikaze Miyu, your future sensei."

"My name is Sai," the pale teen bowed respectfully, raising his head again with that fake smile of his, "It's a pleasure to join your team Sensei."

"Well then Sai, drink this." She held out a small vial filled with a black unidentifiable liquid.

"What is it?" He accepted it and tentatively sniffed it, smelling the familiar scent of ink.

"A precaution." She smiled back at him in an almost intimidating way and eventually the obedient boy did as told. Instantly she moved to touch his throat, her fingers pressed against his skin before he had even noticed.

"It tastes like blood," Sai voiced his distaste though his facial expression hadn't changed, acting as the perfect mask as per usual. His throat was warm where she touched and he wondered if it was a weird poison.

"That's a given," Miyu replied, removing her fingers once the seal was complete. She wished she could see Danzo's expression when he received an empty report, but alas it was left up to her imagination.

"What does it do?" He tilted his head curiously, feeling no change in himself.

"The same thing the seal on your tongue does." She replied offhandedly, "Though I like to think mine is better, in a many ways."

"I see." In a single action she had made him redundant, to be nothing more than her student. Later tonight he would make sure to check the inside of his throat in the mirror.

"So what rank are you?" She gave him a once over. He was a lot younger than when they first met which let her to question his current ability, "Officially."

"I'm unranked," The boy replied, "I suppose that means I'm equivalent to a genin?"

"Saa, how troublesome," For her it meant more than one would suspect, creating a flaw in her perfect plans, "I'll have to get you all registered then."

"Registered?" The boy echoed. The woman was strange. He could see there was a lot more going on in her head then she let on.

"For the chuunin exams." She began walking, knowing that Sai would follow.

"Is that an inconvenience?" The Root agent was sure most teachers would enjoy the break, while also being given the chance to show off their students, "I assure you I am strong enough to pass if that is your concern."

"I believe you." After all she had asked for someone that would match her other students, and both Kimi and Haku were beyond most chuunin. "Now tell me, how well can you use that?" She surprised him with that topic change, pointing at the tanto lying on his back.

"Teamwork, teamwork," Miyu clapped her hands in time with a silly tune as she watched her students from her perch, dangling her legs off the high branch, "Looks like you guys are getting better, but not by much." It was amusing watching the three usually stoic kids bicker among themselves as they attempted to complete a lap of her personal course. It wasn't particularly hard, seeing as she had taken out most of the traps, but that didn't meant it was easy. Especially considering their legs were tied to one another. Once again the trio reached the artificial river she had created, which was not only deeper than expected but also contained unrelenting current. They had tried swimming it the first time but learnt that kicking in time was a lot harder than simply running. She felt a little bad for Haku in particular, seeing as he was wedge in between the other two, always trying to correct their pace. After coming out nearly drowned and soaked to the bone with chilly water they chose to walk over it the second time. Once again it was easier said than done.

With their feet stepping in the same spots their chakra repelled one another forcing them to moderate their levels to match unless they wanted to swim again. It took at least 3 times as long to walk across it than to swim it, and they couldn't claim to be any drier from it. Miyu had ended up laughing when Kimimaro had gotten truly fed up. Somewhere among their twentieth laps he had simply walked over to a nearby tree and cut it down, forming a makeshift bridge. At that point she had merely shrugged at their questioning looks. She hadn't set any rules other than to run the course. If they wanted, they could have done it from the beginning.

''Miyu.'' The familiar voice was followed by a knocking at her door. Finally, Kurama was home.

"Welcome." She hadn't said it for the fox, but rather for the person who accompanied it. He acknowledge her with a look, silently entering the house and following the fox without question.

"Are you the one the fox speaks of?" his pale green eyes struck her with a sense of nostalgia but his tone told her she was nothing more than a stranger to him.

"Yes, my name is Namikaze Miyu, it's a pleasure to meet you." She spoke calmly noticing how Kurama chose to stay close by the boy's side.

"I know," He replied monotonously, "And you must know of me also, to send your ninken all the way to Suna."

"Of course, Gaara."