To ensure Zabuza-sama's plan succeeded, Haku volunteered to make contact with Naruto and identify his weaknesses.
Preparation required careful attention to detail. Haku let his hair down, the smooth strands falling straight down his back. He removed his mask, revealing delicate features. Then he changed into pink civilian clothing and wooden sandals, carrying a woven basket.
Now he appeared to be nothing more than a village girl gathering medicinal herbs in the mountains.
Walking through the forest, Haku collected plants methodically, seemingly wandering without direction. But his path curved gradually toward where Naruto rested. Finally, the blonde boy came into view.
Haku placed herbs into his basket and studied the figure lying on the grass. The boy appeared to be sleeping. Haku approached cautiously, footsteps silent.
He stopped directly in front of Naruto and looked down. The boy's handsome, clean face showed traces of innocence even in sleep. Golden hair spread behind his head in a fan shape across the grass.
Someone sleeping so peacefully, so defenseless—striking now would clear the path for Zabuza-sama.
Haku reached out slowly.
His hand stopped mid-motion.
Because Haku saw peace in Naruto's expression. Tranquility.
This was the life Haku had always wanted. What he'd been pursuing all along: comfort. He actually hated warfare.
After his father's denunciation, after his mother's death, Haku had learned to despise conflict. He'd loved the quiet life before tragedy struck—having food, having shelter. That had been enough.
But after his mother died, he'd been forced to wander. No food. Scavenging garbage daily. He'd lost the peaceful existence he'd once cherished.
Until Zabuza-sama appeared.
His pursuits had changed. Zabuza's goals became his goals. He'd willingly transformed himself into Zabuza's weapon.
But he still didn't like killing, if he was being honest with himself.
It would be wonderful, Haku thought, to go somewhere remote with Zabuza-sama. Live on a quiet farm. Stop all the killing and running.
The fantasy felt warm in his chest.
When awareness returned, Haku found himself reaching out—not to attack, but to wake Naruto gently. His voice came out soft, almost feminine. "Excuse me. If you fall asleep out here, you'll catch cold."
Naruto's eyes opened with convincing grogginess. He looked properly at the person before him.
Delicate face. Very fair skin. Moist, expressive eyes. Long black hair. Pink dress.
If Naruto hadn't already identified the Ki and blood signature as male, appearance alone would have completely fooled him.
This world was truly incredible.
The person before him was prettier than Sakura. The quiet aura, the focused gentleness in those eyes—it could directly pierce someone's heart.
However, this person had just saved his own life. Though Naruto hadn't sensed hostility, he'd detected the intent to attack. For some reason, this person had abandoned the plan.
If he hadn't given up, Naruto would have reduced him to paste.
"Ah, you're so beautiful, miss." Naruto kept his expression innocent. No normal person could determine Haku's gender from appearance alone. "I'm used to sleeping on grass. The cold doesn't bother me."
To demonstrate, Naruto shifted position slightly. His body erupted with surging Ki and blood. The air around him warmed inexplicably. A wave of heat exploded outward.
Feeling the blazing warmth radiating from Naruto's body, Haku's pale skin flushed pink. The hand resting on Naruto's shoulder jerked away quickly.
"Just now—was that a ninja technique? Does that mean you're a shinobi?" Haku feigned surprise perfectly.
Naruto dispersed the heat and shook his head. "No, miss. I'm not a ninja."
Haku blinked in confusion.
Naruto said proudly, "I'm a practitioner."
Practitioner? Isn't that just another word for shinobi? This boy is playful, Haku thought. Aloud, he asked, "Were you practicing just now?"
"Yeah." Naruto nodded. "If I want to become stronger, I can only train hard."
"Yes," Haku murmured quietly. "Only by becoming stronger can you protect what you want to protect."
"Exactly!" Naruto agreed enthusiastically. "That's why I work so hard. I want to protect my dream. If I'm not strong, my dream will shatter."
When Naruto mentioned dreams, interest sparked across Haku's face. "What is your dream? Can you tell me?"
"Of course." Naruto's expression brightened. "My dream is to make friends. Lots and lots of friends. This trip outside the village is my chance to make many new friends."
His gaze fixed on Haku with piercing intensity. "Miss, can we be friends?"
Haku hesitated at the direct request. Looking at the innocent boy before him, he recognized another lonely heart yearning for connection.
But I can't befriend you now. If we're friends, how could I attack you later?
Haku sighed internally and changed the subject. "Ah, I'm running out of time. I need to finish gathering herbs."
"I can help!" Naruto offered with a smile.
Haku: (._.)
"I really want to be your friend, miss." Naruto's tone turned serious. He also wanted to gauge the depth of this pretty person's abilities.
Haku remained silent.
Seeing the lack of response, Naruto's expression crumbled into sadness. "Do you look down on me too? I knew it. Ever since I was little, everyone in the village despised me. Nobody wanted to play with me. Eventually I grew stronger and found friends. I'm not so lonely anymore. But that feeling of being rejected... it never really leaves."
The pitiful delivery was masterful.
Seeing Naruto's wounded expression, something in Haku's chest tightened. Was he this lonely as a child too?
But...
"I'm sorry." Haku's apology carried genuine regret. "I have my own circumstances. I can't make friends with you. Please forgive me."
"It's fine, miss." Naruto waved dismissively. "Aren't you gathering herbs? Go ahead. I'm going back to sleep."
"Then... goodbye." Haku turned to leave, basket in hand. After several steps, he paused and looked back. "By the way—I'm male."
Then he continued walking.
"I know," Naruto said softly. The words carried clearly to Haku's ears despite the distance. "You saved your life just now."
Haku's pupils contracted. His descending foot froze mid-step. He forced himself to continue walking, maintaining the appearance of calm.
He spotted me from the very beginning?
Shock rippled through Haku's thoughts. This was the first time anyone had seen through his female disguise so completely.
No wonder Zabuza-sama had retreated without even engaging properly.
And the implications in that phrase—"you saved your life just now"—were terrifying when examined closely. It meant Naruto had known the instant Haku considered attacking. And possessed the strength to kill him.
Is this really just a Konoha genin?
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