Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. All rights belong to Masashi Kishimoto. This is a fan story meant to alter the canon. I will also use original jutsu or alter existing ones to suit the narrative.
Author's Note: This story includes gore, lemons, and adult content. Some canon elements—such as the Otsutsuki "space bunny goddess"—will be ignored. Lemons will be clearly announced so they can be skipped if desired.
"Speaking"
"Thinking"
"Biju speaking/Inner Sakura speaking"
"Biju thinking/Inner Sakura thinking"
Jutsu
Battle for the Bridge
When the allied ninja arrived at the bridge, it was covered in mist, and several workers lay beaten and bloodied. "There... there is a demon on the bridge," one of them managed to say.
Zabuza was indeed present, along with his accomplice. "So... Kumo's tangled up in this crap too? Fantastic," Zabuza snorted. "Don't worry, yo! I'm not here to fight you. I'll let Konoha handle that while my team arrives."
Sasuke trembled under the pressure between the three Jonin. "Trembling already? What did you do to end up in this sorry team, Kakashi?" the nukenin laughed.
"I'm trembling with excitement!" Sasuke growled.
"Whatever... Haku, take care of this pest while I handle the real ninja," said Zabuza, retreating deeper into the bridge.
The Jonin followed after Kakashi ordered, "Remember: protect the bridge builder. Kiba, support Sasuke. Sakura, stay on guard."
Deep in the Mist
"Yo, Zabuza, you should stop this. My girls infiltrated Gato's mansion two days ago. He's plotting against you. Plans to strike once we're all weakened from fighting. How about we put on a show until he shows his face? If it's money you're after, you can raid his house once my team takes him out."
"So you are working with Konoha?"
"Nah, we're employed by Tazuna's daughter. Smart girl—wants Gato ended, not just her dad protected. Why not get paid by Gato after we finish him off?"
"I could, but I won't. I may be a nukenin, but I have honor."
"We learned he's planning to kidnap Tsunami-san too, just in case we survive and still have the strength to fight. Where's the honor in helping a man like that?" asked Kakashi.
"I have no proof of your claims. I'll honor my contract unless it's broken first."
"The thugs sent to kidnap her are Renji and Waraji. My girls are handling them. Gato will appear once he thinks we're done. How about we spar a bit while we wait? Whether you fight now or later, your odds don't change. But if you listen to us, you might survive."
Meanwhile, at Tazuna's House
Renji and Waraji arrived early that morning, shortly after the ninjas left. Confident there would be no resistance, they tore through the door.
Tsunami shouted for Inari to run while she wielded a kitchen knife in desperation.
"Relax your anus, bitch, and come with us, or your kid's next!"
"Run, Inari!"
Inari froze in fear, trembling, tears forming in his eyes.
(Flashback)
Hinata had approached him the night before.
"Inari, please don't judge Naruko. But she's right—some people have it worse than you. Also, you're wrong. We will save you, not because we're heroes, but because it's our job."
She paused.
"Kaiza was a real hero. He stood for everyone here, and your people betrayed him by not standing with him. Never surrender when you're oppressed. The moment you do, you stop living. Gato will keep taking."
"Remember: accepting defeat isn't the same as surrendering. Those who surrender never stand again."
(Flashback end)
"UAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! I'm not giving up! If you take my mother, I'm next! I won't surrender!" Inari cried, charging Renji with a knife. The thug kicked the boy, but Inari managed to stab his thigh.
"MY LEG! YOU LITTLE BASTARD! I'M GONNA KILL YOU AND RAPE YOUR MOTHER IN FRONT OF YOU!"
Renji drew his sword—only for Hinata to appear, palm-striking his forehead and turning his brain to mush.
"Renji? RENJI!" Waraji shouted, seeing his friend collapse in a pool of blood and grey matter. "You're dead, bitch!"
"Drawing a long blade in a cramped space is foolish. Also, you insulted my wife, MORON!" said Naruko, appearing behind him with a kunai. In one swift motion, she slit his throat, covering Tsunami's kitchen in blood.
"Sorry we were late. We had to confirm their plans. Nice move, kid. Sorry about the kick."
"N-Neechan!" Inari cried, hugging her and then Hinata.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you," Tsunami whispered as she clutched her son, tears flowing. Naruko and Hinata escorted them to the shelter before heading full-speed to the bridge.
On the Bridge
Haku had trapped the Uchiha and the Inuzuka pair—Akamaru included, as he was using the Beast Clone Jutsu—inside his Ice Dome. To Kiba's dismay, Sasuke was not behaving like a proper packmate. Yes, Sasuke was stronger than him—Kiba wasn't ashamed to admit that—but he wasn't cooperating at all.
"Sasuke, we need to attack together! Your fire jutsu can't melt that ice, but it can force him out of the mirrors. Once he's out, Akamaru and I can hit him with Fang Over Fang! If you go after him alone, you just scatter us and waste our time!"
"Shut up, mutt. Every time I use this, I see him more clearly. I'll get him on the next try."
"Don't be a jerk! You're wasting our chakra, and we're still getting pelted with those blasted senbon!"
Sasuke ignored Kiba's pleas and fired another Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique. Kiba, realizing it wouldn't work, threw shuriken to support the chase instead of wasting chakra on another jutsu. It wasn't effective, but at least they took fewer senbon this time.
"Heh, I was able to follow your movements that time."
"Well, well. It seems you've awakened your bloodline, Konoha-san," Haku said coolly. "But even if you can see me, you still can't move fast enough to catch me. It's a pity—you're dying today, just as your Sharingan awakens."
"WHAT?!" Sasuke looked into the mirrors, catching a glimpse of his reflection—his eyes now red with a single tomoe in each. "Finally! My Sharingan is active! Kiba, lure him out so I can hit him!"
"You're powerful, indeed," Haku replied, "but also foolish. You shouldn't announce your plans aloud. I've given you the chance to surrender, but now it's time to end this."
With that, Haku began rapidly switching mirrors, unleashing a barrage of senbon. "Ice Release: Thousand Needles of Death!"
A hail of ice senbon rained down on the genin. Sasuke attempted to jump out of the way—using Kiba as a human shield—but Akamaru leapt, pushing his master to the ground and preventing the dirty tactic. In the end, all three were left on the ground, pierced by senbon. Sasuke was unconscious, and both Kiba and Akamaru were badly wounded.
"What a pity," Haku commented as he prepared another handful of needles. "But I think he deserved it. After all, he sacrificed a comrade to save himself."
"Bastard," Kiba growled. Haku wasn't sure if the insult was meant for him or for Sasuke. Not that it mattered. He would leave the dog-boy alive, barely—a loyal ninja like him didn't deserve to die like a rat in a trap.
"Sorry, but I can't let you continue hurting my comrades, Haku-san," said Hinata politely as she stepped into the dome.
"Please, surrender. We've discovered that Gato plans to betray you. This fight is unnecessary."
"WHAT? You're giving him a chance to surrender?! He killed my teammate!" Kiba yelled, positioning Akamaru (now back in his usual form) under him in a desperate attempt to protect the pup.
Sakura collapsed to her knees, sobbing, crying out Sasuke's name.
"He's not dead, Kiba-san. Don't worry," Hinata reassured him gently. "Haku-san, please—surrender."
"I would prefer to avoid fighting you," Haku said with a hint of sorrow. "But I must protect Zabuza-sama. I'll still remember you as a friend. Please forgive me… I will put you to sleep now."
"Water Release: Medusa's Mane!" Hinata bowed so low her forehead nearly touched the ground. As she rose, water tendrils followed her movement, latching onto her hair. Her hair fanned out, the tendrils multiplying into thin, waving strands, writhing around her like living serpents.
Haku attacked, only to find Hinata weaving through his movements with fluid precision. Some of her tendrils pulled Kiba and Akamaru out of the dome, while others darted toward him.
"Impressive jutsu—but futile. You can't match my speed."
"Thank you. It's my own variation of the Water Whip Jutsu."
Haku prepared more ice senbon, but knew they wouldn't be enough. His opponent was too fast for the few metallic projectiles he had left.
As soon as he moved, Hinata spun gracefully, her tendrils extending and nearly catching him.
"You're unlucky, Haku. Your mirrors must consume a lot of chakra. They might resist other attacks, but for me—chakra constructs are easy targets."
"Way of the Waterfall: Pressure Impact!" One of the mirrors shattered instantly.
"Way of the River: Overflowing Rush!" Hinata danced across the field, touching the mirrors and disrupting the chakra flow with her own. Haku tried to restore them, but it was impossible. Desperate, he lunged at her—only to be ensnared by her water tendrils. With some mirrors down, his mobility was reduced, and the tendrils coiled around him, slowing his movements.
"Sorry for this… Way of the Tides: Dance of the Waves!" Hinata struck, aiming for his tenketsu. After sealing several chakra points, she darted away—then surged forward again, striking more. Like waves crashing and receding, she flowed around him, disabling his arms and injuring his legs.
When she finally stopped, Haku dropped to his knees, the mirrors shattering around them.
"Surrender, Haku-san."
"Please, H-san… kill me. I'm nothing but a broken tool," he pleaded, his mask falling to the ground.
"You were simply outclassed," Hinata said gently. "No one will discard a shinobi as skilled as you for losing a single fight."
"You don't understand… I'm not a shinobi. I'm just a tool…"
Hinata embraced the broken-hearted boy.
"Shhh… don't cry. I know Zabuza cares about you. That's why he left you here with the genin instead of facing the jonin himself."
(Whispering) "Also… I can see bonds between people with my eyes. He truly does care for you."
Haku's eyes widened. "Re-really…?"
"Yes. Now come with me. Let's save our precious people from Gato's betrayal."
Turning to Sakura—who was still a mess on the ground—Hinata added, "Sakura-san, your teammates are alive. Don't worry."
As the foreign ninja left the dome, Sakura rushed to Sasuke's side, completely ignoring the nearly unconscious Kiba and the whimpering Akamaru.
On the Bridge
Naruko rushed across the bridge after leaving Hinata to handle Haku and the Leaf genin. When she arrived, Kakashi and Zabuza were locked in a stalemate, while Bee rested casually against the railing.
"Yo, guys! I cleared Tazuna's house. My clones also confirmed Gato's mansion is practically empty. So, is Zabuza joining us, or are you two still trying to kill each other?"
"Nah," Bee replied. "He says he's honor-bound to his contract—unless we provide evidence."
Naruko popped open a scroll and handed it to her sensei. Bee unsealed the heads of Gato's bodyguards and presented them to the missing-nin.
"Soooo… is this enough evidence? C'mon, man, just believe us and save your own hide already!" Naruko shouted. "You just have to play along for a bit, and that bastard will show up!"
"Grrr... Fine. I'll trust you," Zabuza growled.
"Bee-sensei, can I ask Zabuza-san for a spar? Pretty please?" Naruko asked eagerly.
"Sure, N-chan. Just remember he's a jōnin—you're not gonna take him easily. How're you feeling after handling those ronin? That was your first time killing, yeah?" Bee turned to Zabuza and Kakashi. "Yo, Zabuza, wanna spar with my girl? She's sharp with the blade—gives me a good workout every time."
"You sure you want me to spar your genin? I can hold back a little, but if she's anything like Kakashi's team… she'll be down in seconds."
Naruko snorted and unsheathed her twin kodachi. "Oh, come on. Give me some credit."
She charged at Zabuza, impressing both him and Kakashi. Of course, she wasn't as fast as a seasoned shinobi, but her speed was exceptional for a young kunoichi. Zabuza easily deflected the twin blades, but before he could push her away, Naruko used her momentum to roll over the Kubikiribōchō. He dodged the following three-slash combo before Naruko disengaged with a backflip.
"Well, well. You've got some moves, girl. Tell me your name. It's custom among kenjutsu users—especially in Kiri."
"I'm just getting started. Name's N—Naruko Uzumaki."
"I'll be damned… Two Uzumaki swordswomen in my lifetime, after the fall of Uzushiogakure. Must be my lucky day."
Naruko rushed him again, unleashing a flurry of strikes—midway through the combo, she switched to a katana. Zabuza narrowly avoided being caught during the weapon change, then launched his own offensive. But Naruko's defense was just as unpredictable and sharp as her attacks.
"And who was the other woman?" Bee asked curiously.
"Konoha's Red Death. I nearly died that day. I was a chūnin, and she was a massacre made flesh. Kushina Uzumaki was her name."
"Oh, you met Mama?" Naruko said brightly as she transitioned to her ōdachi. The shift in reach almost caught Zabuza off guard again.
"She's your mother? Well, shit. No wonder you're so good with blades and seals," Zabuza said, swinging hard. Naruko redirected the blow, showcasing her unnatural strength.
"Such a promising swordswoman! You'd make a fine addition to the Seven Swordsmen."
"Sparring with you is fun. But you do realize I'm not going all out, right? And I haven't used jutsu."
"Of course I know. I'm not delusional—I can't take on a seasoned jōnin head-on. But I use nin-kenjutsu too, so technically, we're both holding back."
"Oh, but you could take him if you used my power!" teased a voice from within.
"That's true, Ka-chan. But I don't know if I can win on my own. Not unless I catch him by surprise," Naruko replied inwardly.
By the time Haku and Hinata arrived, both swordsmen were moving at blinding speed.
"Kenjutsu Ōgi: Zanbatō Twister!" Naruko shouted, unsealing a massive zanbatō and launching it into a spinning arc. Zabuza parried the heavy weapon, but it continued spinning, forcing him to stay on the defensive. Meanwhile, Naruko unsealed her twin kodachi and dashed behind the blade, aiming a low swipe at his legs.
Zabuza jumped over all three blades and landed behind her. The spinning sword vanished in a puff of smoke—resealed.
"Impressive. You channel chakra through your weapons to enhance and control them? What are your elements? How long can you maintain that style?"
"Flattered you're interested. I use Wind and Lightning. And I've got chakra for days."
Naruko readied herself again. "Yo, H-chan! Everyone okay?"
"Yes, my love. Both Konoha genin are down but alive. The pink-haired one is tending to them. Tazuna is safe. Bee-sensei—enemies incoming. Boats in the mist, and villagers with improvised weapons are marching too."
"Well then, let's play our part," Kakashi said, stretching. "Let's see what Gato's bringing."
When Gato and his thugs climbed onto the bridge from their boats, they saw two shinobi locked in fierce combat in the mist. Zabuza feinted and decapitated his opponent, though he received a deep stab to the stomach in return.
"Gato, what are you doing here?" the missing-nin asked.
"Business, what else? You're too expensive, Zabuza. But your head's got value—and so does the one you killed. Nothing personal."
"Yes… nothing personal," Zabuza echoed darkly as the mist cleared, revealing Kakashi and Haku beside him. Meanwhile, the Kumo shinobi eliminated the thugs on the smaller boats in silence.
"It seems you were right, Kakashi," Zabuza muttered. Then, pointing the Kubikiribōchō at Gato, he snarled, "I'll skin you for this."
"Kill them!" Gato ordered. "Don't worry—we outnumber them, and they're exhausted! I'll pay extra for the ones who kill the adults. But leave the pretty boy alive!"
A gruesome thud echoed as a steel bolt embedded itself in Zabuza's back. A thug with a crossbow had evaded the mist and fired from behind.
"ZABUZA-SAMA!" Haku screamed, catching his master before he collapsed. Gato laughed while the Kumo-nin flash-stepped back to their allies.
"He has a pierced lung," Hinata said while trying to ease the pain with her healing. "I'm sorry. My med-ninjutsu isn't enough."
"THERE MUST BE SOMETHING! I NEED HIM! (sob) I can't lose him too!" Haku cried.
Bee threw a blade, killing the shooter instantly.
"Haku… I'm not dead yet, so stop crying."
"Zabuza-sama…"
"Uzumaki… I have a favor to ask. This is my last fight—I can feel it. When I'm gone… take them. They're my most important possessions."
"No! Zabuza-sama! I'm your tool! Please, rest. Let me fight! You must survive!"
"Haku… you fool. You're not my weapon. You're my son." He turned to Naruko. "Uzumaki… take care of my son and my blade."
Zabuza stood, seizing his sword. "Gato… you're a truly unlucky bastard."
The Demon of the Mist charged forward, cleaving through thugs as Gato backed away in terror. Despite his injury, Zabuza fought with brutal precision. When a man lunged with a spear, Naruko appeared and deflected it.
"Ignore me, Zabuza-san. Keep going until you reach that bastard. I won't let you die until you get your revenge."
With Naruko and her clone defending him, Zabuza continued his bloody path. At last, arm slung around the blonde for support, he reached Gato.
"Zabuza! Don't be stupid! I-I'll have medics fix you! I'll pay double!" Gato stammered, wetting himself in fear.
"There are things money can't buy. I heard you mocking my title—'Demon of the Mist.' Don't worry… when we meet in hell, I'll become one for real, just to torment you."
With Naruko's help, Zabuza raised his sword one last time—and with a single clean stroke, he cut Gato in half.
Zabuza collapsed, coughing violently. Naruko caught him, easing him to the ground as Haku ran to them.
"Hey! You killed our paycheck! What now?!" shouted one thug.
At that moment, a loud, angry mob led by Tsunami and Inari arrived.
"This is our village!" they shouted. "And we'll defend it! Leave now if you know what's good for you!"
Faced with armed villagers and no leader, the remaining thugs fled.
"Haku… I'm sorry. I treated you like a tool to keep you distant… but you were too gentle to be a weapon. I'm grateful we shared this time. Even a bastard like me… could be loved by someone like you."
He caressed Haku's face weakly.
"Protect him, Uzumaki. I trust you with my son… he deserves a better life than mine." Zabuza's hand fell limp.
"Zabuza-sama! ZABUZA-SAMA!" Haku sobbed as Zabuza smiled—gently, for the first time in years.
"Farewell, Haku… be… yourself… be… free."
And with that, Zabuza was gone. The light faded from his eyes.
Haku wept. Zabuza had never shown his care with words, but Haku had always known. Cold and harsh as he was, his pride and love were always there—hidden behind cruel words. He wasn't a demon. He was the forgotten martyr who fought the system that turned children into killers. He had slain a generation to force change. He had tried to assassinate the Mizukage who ordered the purges. He had been a mercenary, yes—but only to fund the rebellion.
"Rest in peace, Zabuza of the Mist. I will honor your final request as a fellow swordswoman," Naruko said, solemnly closing his eyes. "Come, Haku. I'll care for you, if that's what you want."
She gently stroked the broken boy's face, then sealed the fallen warrior's body into a scroll and the Kubikiribōchō into her arm.
"That," she said softly, "is a true warrior's death. A life ended on the battlefield, a blade passed to a worthy successor, and no regrets carried beyond the grave."