"Guys, don't lose to a guy like that!" Sakura called out, in an attempt to encourage her teammates.

"Stop it Sakura. Don't goad him!" Kakashi quickly cut in. "Even if there was a chance of breaking that technique, they won't be able to defeat that boy."

Sakura gasped at her sensei, frowning. "What? What do you mean?"

Kakashi pursed his lips under the mask, keeping his gaze on Zabuza. "They don't have the mentality to kill their feelings and kill another person yet. That boy really knows the agony of being a shinobi. He's different from them."

"Exactly. No real shinobi will come out of a peace addicted village like yours. Because they are not able to learn the most important 'experience of killing'. " Zabuza affirmed, his chakra flaring as he spoke.

"Then-then what are we going to do sensei?" Sakura exclaimed, eyebrows furrowed.

(Y/N) pursed her lips, exhaling slowly. She could hear what they were saying, and although it pained her to admit her own weakness, they were right. I've always known what being a shinobi would require, but actually getting to the moment when I have to kill... Isn't there another way?

Kakashi reviewed all the scenarios in his mind, and found only one answer to their predicament. "I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to finish this an instant."

"Sharingan?" Sakura mused. But isn't sensei still recovering?

Zabuza chuckled. "Sharingan, huh? What an unimaginative guy!"

Zabuza suddenly sped forward before Kakashi could lift his headband and stabbed Kakashi's hand with a kunai.

"Sensei!"

"You might call me an unimaginative guy, but you are afraid of the Sharingan after all Zabuza..!" Kakashi grunted out. His right hand was bleeding, but he kept a hold on the kunai.

(Y/N) gulped, straightening up and getting back into stance with her teammates. While Kakashi managed Zabuza, they would have to deal with Haku. She held her chain tightly, spinning it slowly.

"I'm not one to be afraid just because I failed once! I'll try it as many times as it takes!" Naruto exclaimed. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

"Wait no!"
"Stop!"
Naruto's clones appeared again in a puff of smoke, regardless of Sasuke and (Y/N)'s protest.
The clones jumped to attack the mirrors, but once again the ones hit were they. Haku jumped out of the mirrors and threw needles that all struck their mark.
(Y/N) clenched her jaw. Shit, I'm losing strength in my arms. He's consciously aiming so I won't be able to use my chain anymore.
The clones dissipated and the real Naruto fell back down on the ground.

"W-what the hell is this?" Naruto asked in frustration as he sat up. He was battered up, but not as bad as Sasuke.
Out of the three, Sasuke was the most injured, even though (Y/N) had defended him a lot. He was bleeding yes, but he kept a clear mind.

Sasuke gritted his teeth. It was just slight but... I could see the trails of his movements! Maybe with (Y/N)...

Naruto sat up. "Once more!"

(Y/N) made a grab for his arm to stop him but he once again made clones and jumped. Shit. He doesn't attack us unless we attempt something. Isn't it smarter to just pause for a bit and think? She stared intently at Naruto's clones as she saw Sasuke kick some water from the corner of her eye.

"Don't you understand it's useless?"

Shit! (Y/N) raised her chain to deflect the needles, but the speed of her spinning had greatly decreased. She kept her trained eyes on the movement of Haku, noticing then drops of water in the air moving about and being split. Ooh. That still doesn't help much though. Although if I can hit him just as he comes out of the mirror...
Haku came out of a mirror and zoomed past in all directions, once again hitting all three of them. Naruto and Sasuke fell on the ground and (Y/N) barely managed to dodge four coming for her legs.

Sasuke clenched his jaw. Just because I see the trail, doesn't mean I can keep up with his speed. The water is being repelled... but what if it's not water? Sasuke thought, closing his eyes, replaying what happened. All right. Next is my turn!

Zabuza chuckled from the outside. "Just because a bunch of scrap got together, doesn't mean they can defeat Haku. He is... the best tool!"

(Y/N) scowled. He thinks of his comrade as a tool?! What the hell?!

"Ninja Art: Hidden Mist Jutsu!"

Oh great. It looks like Zabuza's finally getting serious. (Y/N) scowled, observing the mist that rolled in. She glanced at Sasuke, who seemed to be deep in thought. If we want to get out, Sasuke and I will definitely have to work together. Fire Style might be our only chance.
Sasuke looked back at her, then at Naruto and glanced at the mirrors, nodding. He moved his fingers as if he was casting a jutsu, in an attempt to communicate his idea without talking.

(Y/N) luckily understood easily. Ah, I see. We've become able to see his trails and might be able to hit him. Just might. If we try enough times we might come to an understanding. We'll take our chance when Naruto attacks. She carefully wrapped her chain around her hand and dropped it in her weapon bag. I've bled too much from my arms and swinging the chain takes a lot of strength and stamina out of me. It's no longer an option. We'll all have to dodge as much as we can from here on out.

Naruto jumped again, yelling out as he cast the Shadow Clone Jutsu and tried to hit Haku.
Sasuke and (Y/N) quickly weaved signs as he did and sent balls of fire Haku's way, as he slid out of a mirror.
Fire Style? Haku docked and dodged, slipping into another mirror. It takes too long!
Haku's needles started poofing Naruto's clones again. (Y/N) and Sasuke nodded and quickly sent two balls of fire Haku's way in different directions, so one or the other would hit him. The masked boy barely moved out of the way, not stopping his attacks or jumps.

The clones dissipated and Naruto fell back down. Haku's reflection was back in all the mirrors, but (Y/N) noticed with glee his singed robes.

Sasuke smirked. This is good! Bit by bit we're figuring out the timing. That lizard might be of help after all.

Haku stared down at the Uchiha and Ryudo. He read my movement... No way he could.

Naruto frowned. "Dam we were so close!" He clenched his fists. His cheek was bleeding red, dripping down his whiskers. (Y/N) noticed the trail and frowned, reaching out to wipe it away. Narut looked back at her, slightly flushed. "What, do I have something?"

(Y/N) coughed, realizing what she did and turning away. "Just blood sorry."

Sasuke rolled his eyes at them, turning to Naruto. "Can you still move?"

Naruto furrowed his brow, determined. "Of course! I'm totally fine!"

Sasuke studied him, pursing his lips. He's pretty much spent and it's no wonder. Shadow Clone Jutsu uses a lot of chakra. Thanks to him I found the way through though. Sasuke smirked. However, (Y/N)'s still has a lot of stamina left. Her arms are tired, but she can still move, as she hasn't moved much in all this time. I'm sure between the two of us, we can get that guy. Her instincts are good; if she uses her family fire against that guy, he'll be incapacitated temporarily.

Haku stared at the children, unsettled. Ha, impossible. That was just a coincidence. The mirros lit up, a warning sign you could say.

(Y/N) clenched her teeth, quickly weaving signs with Sasuke.

"Naruto run!" Sasuke exclaimed.
"What?" Naruto asked, about to give a retort.

"Run out of here and attack from the outside!" Sasuke ordered him, keeping his hands on a sign.
(Y/N) frowned. Is he trying to use Naruto as bait to drag Haku out? I mean, I understand but do not condone it. Stupid Duckbutt.

"Got it!" Naruto exclaimed, turning around. He ran at the mirrors' gaps, ready to go.

"Like you will be able to!" Haku said. The mirrors lit up and Naruto was blasted back.

He got up quickly and ran again. "I'm not going to lose!"

(Y/N) sniffed the air and quickly turned her gaze to a mirror, just as Haku slipped out and permeated the air with the smell of petals.

There!

Sasuke and (Y/N) brought their hands to their mouths and blew, hot fire coming out and making its way towards Haku.
However, Haku dodged and counterattacked, flashing in front of Naruto and kicking him back.

Naruto fell beside (Y/N) who was pulling out a needle from her bicep.
Haku had thrown a needle directly at Sasuke and (Y/N)'s arms, stabbing their muscle. Sasuke clenched his teeth, pulling out his own from his shoulder.

Naruto glanced at (Y/N) and scowled. Damn, she got hurt again. If I can't even protect my best friend..! He stood back up, cursing. "Damn!"

Sasuke threw the needle away and stood back up again. "That was good just now. Let's do it again!"

(Y/N) sighed. She was tired, bleeding, and their fight was progressing too slowly; but like hell she would give up now when they were so close. She clenched her teeth, pushing away the exhaustion. Man I wish I had the Ryūgan. "Hate to break it to you, but we've been trying this for a while. You don't need to ask me to do it again; we're freaking finishing this no matter how long it takes!"

Sasuke smirked at her. "Well said Lizard."

She's not too injured. Naruto grinned widely. "Got it!"

Sasuke furrowed his brows. His chakra probably has a limit too. To prove that he's little by little...

The three ran in opposite directions, but Haku slipped out of a mirror. This won't go as you planned!

His needles embedded themselves in Sasuke's limbs, Naruto's back, and (Y/N)'s arms. The three children cried out, falling.

(Y/N) gritted her teeth, fangs peeking out. You know, if the Cursed Dragon really is inside me, now would be a good time to make an appearance.

A shrill scream brought them out of the pain.
(Y/N)'s ears rang and her eyes searched for her teammate. She could smell the iron smell of blood. Shit!

Sasuke attempted to stand up, kneeling, wide eyed. That was Sakura's voice! Did something happen?! What the hell's Kakashi doing?! He looked at Naruto, who was trembling on the ground. Darn it I have to do something..!
"Sa-sakura.."

(Y/N) scowled, knowing they couldn't do anything. Naru and Sasuke are wounded enough as it is. The Nine Tails will probably heal Naru eventually, but Sasuke has a limit.

Naruto slowly rose on his arms and knees, back similar to a hedgehog's. "I-I'll do something about it.." He rasped, voice shaky. (Y/N) could tell he was in pain, but he stood uo again. "Here I go.."

(Y/N)'s eyes glistened. Naru's in pain, but as always, it's others first. Damn, now I really wished I had learned some healing jutsu. Her arms were in bad shape, and she didn't know if she could block with them anymore, nevermind any kunai throwing. She only knew Fire Cage Jutsu, Shadow Clone Jutsu, and the Uchicha Fire Ball Jutsu properly, all other jutsus still in their practice stages. She felt useless, with nothing to offer but her senses and her dragon fire, which could be dangerous not just to Haku.

"It's pointless to struggle." Haku's lulling voice came from the mirrors.

Naruto's chakra flared for a moment and he ran straight at the mirrors, flipping back when Haku caught up and running the other way. (Y/N) gasped, catching Haku behind her friend.

"Naruto behind you!" Sasuke yelled out a warning.

However Naruto turned around too late and the needles went straight into his chest. (Y/N) gasped in horror. This is exactly why I really shoud learn some healing jutsus!

"Naruto!" Sasuke called out, clenching his jaw. Dammit!

"It's absolutely impossible for you to get out of here."

(Y/N) and Sasuke ran to Naruto's side, crouching beside him.
"Can you stand up Naruto?" Sasuke asked.
Naruto's body moved a little, shaky. "Y-yeah."

(Y/N) frowned deeply. There were at least eight needles on his back, not counting the front. They were most certainly uncomfortable, but to take them out would be stupid; he'd bleed too much. "Don't move too much Naru. The needles have perforated your muscle and are probably touching your ribs."

"From now on, don't waste your chakra! You're playing right into his hands!" Sasuke reprimanded him.

"I k-know..." Naruto tried to grin reassuringly and sit up, but he fell back down. Damn...

(Y/N) swore, glaring at Haku. Damn. Naru's out. I have to do something. My arms are pretty much useless right now, but I can still weave signs.

Sasuke scowled. Darn it! If things continue like this, we'll be in serious trouble. I have to do something..! Strangely, my eyes have adjusted to him. Sasuke stood up, ready. He glanced at (Y/N), as she stood up too and leant back with her fangs bared, as if ready to pounce. Hers have as well. We'll manage.

"It's about time I put an end to this for you." Haku said, hands throwing out needles.

Shit! (Y/N) dodged to the side, and flipped backwards, the needles whizzing past her but never grazing her. I can't deflect right now. My arms have been stabbed a little too much. For some reason I'm not healing fast enough, so this'll have to do.
Sasuke quickly grabbed a needle from the floor and deflected the needles with quick movements. The needles fell to the ground and Sasuke to his knees.

(Y/N) raised her eyebrows at this. "Well damn, you leveled up." She exclaimed, albeit incredulous. If stupid Duckbutt can do it, I certainly can!
Sasuke smirked at her. "Do you plan on losing to me then?"
"Hell no!" (Y/N) grinned widely, straightening up and getting back in her stance.

Sasuke turned to Naruto. "Stand up you idiot!"
(Y/N) frowned. Naruto is not yet unconscious, but he can't stand up. I'm no doctor, but it might not be such a good idea to get the needles out. What if he bleeds out? Then again, internal bleeding could be worse.

Haku stared at them, gaze firm and studying. I'm aiming for vital spots but he's parrying all of them. On the other hand, the Ryūdo girl has managed to dodge and deflect most since the start. I guess that family is not just talk after all.

Naruto groaned, but sat up shakily. "I know, you're so persistent!"

More reflections of Haku appeared and resumed the attack, throwing dozens of needles at them, (Y/N) dodged expertly, contorting her body in weird ways and as quickly as she could, while Sasuke deflected them. Needles grazed Naruto but barely any hit him as Sasuke deflected them and (Y/N) pushed him out of the way.

Coincidence? No, that's not it. On the contrary, he's fighting while covering for his friend. Surely my movements.. That boy can see something. What in the world..? Okay, in that case...! Haku reflected and his image disappeared.

(Y/N) tensed, sniffing the air furiously to catch his scent. That jerk wants to catch us off guard. I don't think he truly understands much about my clan and our gifts.

"Where did he disappear to?! Don't faint Naruto! I can't take care of you any more the way I am now!" Sasuke exclaimed, arms spread out. He seemed ready to jump at anything that moved and (Y/N) empathized with him.

(Y/N) gulped. If Duckbutt's admitting his weakness then he's serious. I might be the only one who can do something at this point. Man, I would really be grateful if that freaking dragon made an appearance, you know?!
...
Well, not like I really expected an answer.

Naruto trembled, rasping, "Who asked you to take care of me...?"
(Y/N) facepalmed. "Not the time for that!"

Naruto whimpered and fell back, closing his eyes. (Y/N)'s breath hitched and Sasuke gasped, looking down at Naruto.

"It seems that kid has reached his limit." Haku chuckled.

(Y/N) growled, as Sasuke threw one of his own senbon needles at him, but the mirror was already empty.

"Amazing, that's an amazing move. You both move very well.." Haku said, his voice no longer lulling but with a sharp lilt that made (Y/N) growl louder. He threw more needles, but Sasuke and (Y/N) moved out of the way.

"But I'll stop you with the next one."

(Y/N) scowled deepened, fangs enlargening a bit. What is that supposed to mean? Whatever's coming, won't be good. I'll reach my limit soon, I've been moving around too much to dodge since the start. Her arms ached deeply, hurt muscle trying to repair at the same time that she moved and dodged and flipped. She had pulled out some needles, but not all of them, and her legs were quickly starting to tire. If she got by a strong attack she might not be able to get back up. Sasuke could still move too, but he certainly wouldn't be able to move too much for much longer.

"Motor function, reflexes, ability to judge a situation... All of these, should be at their limits!"

Sasuke and (Y/N) gritted their teeth, unconsciously pressing their back to one another's. Concentrate! Calm down,  focus! And see.. everything! Their hearts sped up with adrenaline as they concentrated with all their energy, gazes flitted about until they landed on a particular reflection. Then they moved quickly, grabbing Naruto's arms. Together the two carried him and moved positions quickly, just before a barrage of needles hit the spot where he was previously.

They saw through absolutely everything... no way!

Sasuke panted, as (Y/N) dropped Naruto carefully. (Y/N) was smirking widely, having caught the shift in Sasuke's chakra. That Duckbutt! He's got the Sharingan!

Haku, perplexed peeked out of a mirror for a moment, flinching back. Those eyes.. it can't be.. the Sharingan! You are...

Sasuke raised his head, panting. His black orbs had turned the Uchiha red, two black tomoe in his right, one in his left. Ha! I got it first! Lizard still doesn't have the Ryūgan! Only a little bit but... I saw it!

(Y/N) was struggling to decide if she should feel angry or relieved; on one hand now they had an advantage, but Sasuke had gotten his doujutsu before her. That's not acceptable dammit!

Haku remained impassive under the mask, exhaling. I see, so you also have the power of Kekkei Genkai. What a kid... it's not complete yet, but to think that he was able to rouse this power in the middle of a battle... If that's the case, I can't fight them for too long. This jutsu uses too much chakra and there are also limits to retaining the teleportation speed. Besides, the longer the fight, the more my movements will enter his "reading" range. In fact, his eyes have already captured me. If the girl manages to awaken her own Kekkei Genkai it'll truly be over, she's troublesome enough without it. It would be foolish to aim straight at them.

Haku studied them, particularly the way both Sasuke and (Y/N) were unconsciously trying to divert his attention and cover Naruto. Then... I'll use that kid to lure them both in!

In an instant Haku slipped out of the mirror and zoomed past them, heading for Naruto. (Y/N)'s (E/C) eyes widened and she tried to grab him, but his robe slipped through her fingers. What?! Sasuke gasped and quickly ran, his chakra flaring as he attempted to get there before Haku.
Let me make it in time!

"Sasuke!" (Y/N)'s cry ripped through the air, as the needles embedded themselves deep in Sasuke.

Naruto squirmed and raised his head, blinking blearily. He saw Sasuke standing in front of him, body punctured and (Y/N) running to them, with Haku on the ground.

"For god's sake... until when will you stop dragging my feet?"

Naruto blinked and grinned widely. Sasuke and (Y/N) had managed to defeat Haku on their own, and were both safe. They did it! "You did it! Sasu-!" Naruto exclaimed happily but cut himself off quickly as he saw just how many needles Sasuke bore and the quickly enlargening pool of blood under him. (Y/N) had reached them and gaped apprehensively at Sasuke, a hand slowly reaching out to him.

"W-what kind of expression is t-that? Y-you idiots.." Sasuke choked out, blood spilling from his mouth slowly.

Naruto sat up quickly, big blue eyes wide and staring at Sasuke with what could only be described as fear. "You.. protected me?!"

"H-how the hell should I k-know that?" Sasuke choked out, eyes quickly dulling and turning back to the usual black void. He hung his head and scoffed. "You... I hated you..."

(Y/N) could only stare in shock at Sasuke's skin that was quickly turning gray. His whole body was slumping and blood continued spilling from his wounds. She was reminded then of a time when they were like siblings, a time now too far away from them. Why again had they drifted so far apart?

Naruto quickly stood up, fists clenched and leaning forth. "Why...?! Why me?!"
Sasuke's lips merely lifted slightly upwards, and Naruto took a deep shaky breath.

"I didn't ask for your help!"

(Y/N) swallowed with difficulty, a cry caught in her throat. Don't fight! Not now!

"I-I don't know... my body moved on its o-own... idiot..." Sasuke rasped, closing his eyes. His pale body began falling backwards and (Y/N) quickly moved to help Naruto catch him.

Both friends held one side, staring at Sasuke as he trembled in pain in their arms. His gaze seemed to be far away, staring at something that would never be. (Y/N) held his arm tightly, as if her gripping would stop him from fading away. Damn! We've spent so much time fighting each other, I know but...! (Y/N)'s sight blurred as tears gathered in her eyes and started falling. She was not one to cry, but Sasuke... she remembered playing with him in his garden when they were small. Their siblings sometimes passed by and chased them... I know that when our families died we came apart but.... we should have stuck together.

"Until...that man... until I defeated my brother... I absolutely refused to die...That's what I decided but..." Sasuke rasped with difficulty. His hand raised slowly, as if to reach their faces. "You...don't die... I'm sorry.. (Y/N)..."

Sasuke's hand dropped and his eyes closed, after giving (Y/N) a remorseful look. Naruto could only gape, in complete shock, as tears quicky gathered in his own sky blue eyes. He slowly hugged Sasuke's body, as (Y/N) sniffled, clenching his arm tight. She could not believe it. A few days ago they had been arguing, as always. A few minutes ago.

(Y/N) clenched her eyes tightly. Images kept replaying in her mind, all those childhood memories she kept away; from before she lost everything. Sasuke and her used to be almost brother and sister, often found playing together in their compounds or out in the woods trying to throw shruiken. Dammit.... Stupid duckbutt.... Why? We should have stuck together, after what happened. I'm sure if we had, things would be different. A cry tore itself out of her throat and she sniffled, trying to repress the sobs that wanted to break out. Dammit.... I hate this. You damn dragon....
If you're truly in here, please help me out! I will never forgive you if you are ignoring me...

Haku rose, staring at the children. He... to protect someone dear to him he plunged in knowing it was a trap... He's a shinobi worthy of respect. "Is this the first time you've faced a friend's death? This is the way of the shinobi." He declared, stepping back into a mirror.

Naruto clenched his teeth, gaze flitting between Sasuke and his best friend, whose eyes were filled with tears. "Shut up... Even though... I hated you too..."
The air around Naruto quickly started heating up, hot steam surrounding the three children. Naruto's whiskered darkened slowly and (Y/N) blinked herself out of her grief at this. Uh... this is not good, is it?

"I won't forgive you..!"

The steam quickly rolled out and a swirl of dark orange chakra tore out of Naruto, swirling dangerously around them. (Y/N) flinched and pursed her lips, realizing the chakra was not Naruto's. This is not good. A little bit of chakra from the fox would be great, but this much... He might not be able to control it. It's actually shocking I've managed to maintain my clarity... If Tetsuryo's chakra got out like that who know what would happen.

Naruto raised his head, revealing his enlarged canines and blood red eyes. He snarled at Haku, falling on all fours. "I will kill you!"

Haku, ever smart, flinched from the mirror, quickly realizing that whatever had happened was not good. What is this chakra?! It's impossible.. for chakras to be tangible like that... And what a ghastly chakra this is..!

A fox's face swirled into existence in the chakra, smirking. The needles that had been embedded in Naruto were pushed out and fell, all his wounds and scrapes closing, as his nails became claws.

(Y/N) tensed, keeping on an eye on the chakra. It felt particularly menacing, but not towards her. In fact, it was surrounding both her and Sasuke, but not threateningly; just the opposite really. Naruto seems conscious now. But it won't go on for long. He has had no prior experience with the fox.

The wound on his hand is closing instantly..! Haku gaped apprehensively, moving deeper into the mirror. This boy.. what is he?! Naruto's savage gaze turned to him and Haku gasped at it.

Naruto stood up, posture slightly hunched and exuding a foul smell. (Y/N) observed him and tentatively called out. "Naru...?"

She got no reply, instead the chakra dissipated and Naruto turned his back to her, crouching on all fours, growling at Haku.

He's coming!
Haku readied his needles, just as Naruto ran on all fours at full speed.

(Y/N) didn't know whether she was glad or if she should be terrified. No, obviously not, Naruto was her friend and she would never be afraid of him. The problem was the Nine Tails, if it saw a chance it'd take it and Naruto would most probably lose control. She couldn't let that happen, her team was on the bridge too. What about Sasuke? She brought a hand to his neck, searching for his pulse. In all the commotion she hadn't thought to check. She held her breath for a few moments until she felt a soft thump. He is alive! His heartbeat is very slow, and he could die if he doesn't get some medical attention soon. If Naruto sees he's alright he might snap out of it. Although I should perhaps let him deal with Haku first.
You know, some help would be great right now you freaking dragon. Advice, even.
No?

Okay, fine. I'll do something on my own.