The journey back to Konoha was mostly uneventful, but Naruto made sure to walk beside Haku, subtly ensuring she didn't feel out of place.
As they neared the village gates, Naruto leaned closer to Haku, whispering just loud enough for her to hear.
"Haku… I need you to do something for me."
Haku glanced at him, tilting her head slightly. "What is it?"
Naruto's expression grew serious.
"Keep my true strength a secret."
Haku blinked, surprised. "Why?"
Naruto's eyes flickered toward Kakashi and the others walking ahead before he answered.
"There are too many eyes on me," he explained in a hushed tone. "I don't want them to know what I can truly do yet. If they think I'm just an ordinary genin, it'll be easier for me to move in the shadows."
Haku studied him carefully, then nodded. "I understand. I'll keep your secret."
Naruto smiled. "Thanks."
With that, the two continued walking, their silent understanding forming a bond between them.
As they passed through Konoha's gates, Naruto felt the weight of the village's watchful eyes on him once again.
But this time, he wasn't alone.
As soon as Team 7 returned to Konoha, Kakashi led them straight to the Hokage Tower for their mission debrief. Naruto kept his usual cheerful act, acting tired and bored while subtly observing everyone around him.
Haku, meanwhile, stayed silent but walked beside him, her presence unnoticed by most but not by Hiruzen, who immediately raised an eyebrow.
Mission Report – Hokage's Office
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, sat behind his desk, puffing his pipe as he listened to Kakashi's report. His sharp eyes flickered toward Haku, who stood calmly behind Naruto.
Kakashi finished his detailed explanation of their mission, from Tazuna's deception to the battle with Zabuza and Haku, and how Gato met his end at Zabuza's hands.
The old Hokage sighed, rubbing his forehead. "This mission was originally a C-rank, yet it escalated to A-rank levels. I'm glad all of you returned safely."
Then, he turned his gaze to Haku.
"And you must be Haku."
Haku bowed respectfully. "Yes, Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen nodded, studying her. "Kakashi mentioned you were Zabuza's apprentice. Yet, you chose to come here instead of staying in the Land of Waves."
Haku glanced at Naruto before answering. "Zabuza-sama's final wish… was for me to continue living. Naruto offered me a place here, and I accepted."
Hiruzen's gaze flickered to Naruto.
"You took responsibility for her?"
Naruto scratched the back of his head and gave a sheepish grin. "Well, I couldn't just leave her there."
Hiruzen chuckled, but he knew there was more to this than Naruto was letting on.
Haku's Integration into Konoha
After a moment of silence, Hiruzen spoke, "Since you were an enemy shinobi, standard protocol dictates you should be placed under watch until further evaluation. However, given the circumstances and Zabuza's final words, I am willing to grant you probationary status within the village."
Naruto pumped his fist. "Yes!"
Haku, remaining calm, simply bowed. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
"However," Hiruzen continued, "you will be monitored by the ANBU for the time being, and you must find a Konoha shinobi to vouch for you."
Naruto immediately stepped forward. "I vouch for her!"
Hiruzen smirked. "I figured you would. Very well. She will be under your supervision for now."
Naruto grinned, while Haku gave him a small smile of appreciation.
"Until you are officially recognized as a Konoha shinobi, you will not be given missions," Hiruzen added. "But I can arrange for you to train under a jounin instructor until then."
Naruto glanced at Kakashi, silently asking for approval.
Kakashi nodded lazily. "She's already skilled, but some formal training in Konoha's way of doing things wouldn't hurt."
Hiruzen then handed Haku a temporary residency permit and assigned her an apartment near Naruto's.
Naruto grinned. "Looks like we're neighbors now, Haku!"
Haku chuckled softly. "It seems so, Naruto-kun."
After the Meeting – Walking Home
As they left the Hokage Tower, Naruto sighed in relief.
"Well, that went better than I expected."
Haku glanced at him. "You really didn't have to vouch for me."
Naruto smirked. "I wanted to. You're strong, and I know you'll be an asset to the village."
Haku smiled gently. "Then, I will not let your trust go to waste."
Naruto grinned. "Good! But one more thing—remember what I said before?"
Haku nodded. "To keep your true strength a secret?"
"Yup," Naruto confirmed. "Let's keep everyone thinking I'm just some knucklehead genin for now."
Haku chuckled. "Understood, Naruto-kun."
With that, the two walked side by side toward their new lives in Konoha.
Naruto & Haku's Secret Training
After settling in Konoha, Naruto wasted no time bringing Haku into his secret training regimen. Uzuhiko had already advised him that this was a good opportunity to learn from each other—Naruto could teach Haku things she had never learned under Zabuza, while she could help him master Ice Release properly.
A Few Days Later – Secret Training Ground
Deep in the forest outside of Konoha, Naruto and Haku stood in a clearing surrounded by seals that ensured they couldn't be sensed or spied on.
Naruto grinned. "Alright, Haku, today we're gonna start something special!"
Haku tilted her head. "What do you mean?"
Naruto smirked. "You're going to train with me, obviously, but more than that… I want you to teach me how to use Ice Release."
Haku blinked in shock. "Naruto-kun… Ice Release is a kekkei genkai. It's something I was born with because of my Yuki Clan bloodline."
Naruto shrugged. "Yeah, yeah, I know. But trust me, just teach me how you use it."
Haku still looked confused. "But… how can you—"
Naruto smirked. "Just believe me and teach me, dattebayo!"
Haku sighed, then smiled softly. "Alright, I'll do my best. But if you can't do it, don't be discouraged."
Naruto grinned. If only she knew.
Training Begins – Learning Ice Release
Haku started by demonstrating her Ice Release techniques, molding Water and Wind chakra together to form ice. She created a beautiful ice sculpture of a flower, proving her precise control.
"To use Ice Release," she explained, "you must perfectly balance Water and Wind chakra. Too much Water, and it won't freeze. Too much Wind, and it won't form properly."
Naruto focused, his hands forming a hand seal as he molded Wind and Water chakra together.
At first, the water in his hands only grew colder but didn't freeze.
Haku nodded. "You're close, but you need to refine the balance."
Uzuhiko's voice echoed in Naruto's mind:
"Ice Release isn't just about elements, Naruto. It's about control. Use your precise chakra manipulation."
Naruto shut his eyes, feeling the flow of chakra within him. His elite-jounin-level control allowed him to slowly shift the balance.
Then—
Crack!
A thin layer of frost formed on his palm.
Haku gasped. "You actually… did it?!"
Naruto grinned. "Told ya!"
Naruto & Haku – Mutual Growth
For the next few weeks, Naruto and Haku trained together in secret.
Naruto taught Haku advanced taijutsu and tactical deception Uzuhiko had helped him develop.
Haku refined Naruto's Ice Release techniques, helping him create stronger and more complex formations.
Naruto experimented with infusing Fuinjutsu into ice constructs, creating traps and barriers that could be hidden in ice.
Over time, Naruto progressed rapidly in Ice Release, surpassing even Haku's expectations.
Haku watched in awe as Naruto formed a giant ice shuriken infused with wind chakra, making it razor-sharp and deadly.
She smiled. "Maybe… Zabuza-sama was right to entrust me to him."
One Night – Reflection
As they sat by a small campfire after a long training session, Haku spoke.
"Naruto-kun… why are you doing all this?"
Naruto, poking the fire with a stick, grinned. "Because I want to be strong enough to protect the people I care about."
Haku's eyes softened. "That… was what I wanted too."
Naruto looked at her seriously. "Then keep getting stronger. We'll protect people together."
For the first time in a long while, Haku felt at peace.
"Thank you… Naruto-kun."
Naruto smirked. "No problem, Haku-chan!"
With that, their secret training continued, setting the stage for Naruto's ever-growing power and knowledge.
After another intense day of training, Naruto sat on a wooden log, wiping the sweat off his forehead. Haku was nearby, practicing her Ice Release control by shaping intricate ice formations.
Just then, Naruto felt a familiar chakra signature approaching his training ground. He glanced toward the trees and smirked.
"Hinata?" Uzuhiko noted in his mind.
"Yeah," Naruto responded mentally. "Wonder what she wants?"
A few moments later, Hinata Hyūga stepped into the clearing. She looked a little hesitant at first but smiled softly when she saw Naruto.
"Naruto-kun," she greeted with a polite bow.
"Hinata!" Naruto waved. "What brings you here?"
Hinata fidgeted slightly. "I… um, wanted to check on your training. And… also to update you on mine."
Naruto's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Oh? How's your training going?"
Hinata's shyness disappeared slightly as she answered. "I've been focusing on improving my chakra control and elemental training. Thanks to your advice, I've made significant progress in Water and Lightning Release."
Naruto grinned. "That's awesome! Show me!"
Hinata nodded and took a step forward. She formed a hand seal and channeled her chakra.
First, she manipulated water from a nearby stream, creating a flowing whip of water that swirled gracefully around her hand.
Then, she infused it with Lightning Release, causing the water to crackle with electricity.
The attack was stable and well-controlled, a clear sign of her improved skill.
Naruto whistled in appreciation. "Whoa, Hinata! That's really impressive!"
Hinata blushed at the praise but smiled. "I… still need more practice, but I feel like I'm finally making progress."
Naruto nodded approvingly. "You've definitely improved! Keep it up, and you'll be kicking ass in no time!"
Hinata giggled softly, her usual shyness fading as she stood confidently. "I'll do my best, Naruto-kun!"
Haku, who had been silently watching, walked over. "That was an excellent demonstration. You have a natural elegance in your techniques, Hinata-san."
Hinata turned to Haku, blinking in surprise. "O-Oh, thank you! You must be Haku-san, right?"
Haku nodded with a polite smile. "Yes. Naruto-kun has told me about you."
Hinata looked between them. "I hope… I'm not interrupting your training."
Naruto shook his head. "Not at all! In fact, why don't you train with us for a bit?"
Hinata's eyes widened. "Train with you?"
Naruto grinned. "Yeah! It'll be fun! Plus, we can push each other to improve!"
Hinata hesitated for a moment before nodding, determination shining in her pale lavender eyes.
"Alright. Let's train together!"
With that, the three of them began an impromptu sparring session, further strengthening their bonds and skills.