The Way to Your Heart - The Long Way Home

DIsclaimer: I do not own Naruto or anything related to it, yada, yada,yada. Don't own anything except my crazy ideas. Naruto belongs to Hinata and Hinata belongs to Naruto. I just take the characters out to play with them for a bit. I do this for fun and not for any profit.

"Characters Talking"

-Characters Thinking-

{~Flashback voice/Memory~}

~Flashback~

-Kurama-

***Dreamscape or Mindscape***

AN: At the end. Thanks to all my followers and reviewers, you are greatly appreciated

Review = Feed the Muse! Please, review

Chapter 25: Hurricane Part 2

Before-

The group got separated and were fighting on several fronts. A smoke dragon appeared in Haku's area, dispelling his help clones and rendering Haku unconscious. His last thoughts were about Naruto helping HInata.

-NH-

The second Naruto clone kept trying to break the hardened slime tying Sakura's hand. He was getting frustrated,when he hit his right fist on his left palm. "Stay still, I have an idea." He activated his right forearm protector by going over the seals on its dorsal aspect with his left Index and Middle fingers then a thin long sharp blade protruded from the back of his wrist, over the back of this third knuckle as he made a fist with his right hand.

The clone held it in front of Sakura's face and smiled. "Ta da!"

"What are you going to do with that?"

"I will use it to cut the slime Just sit still."

"What if you cut me?"

"I'm trying not to but" He shrugged "You know healing jutsu anyway…"

'Wait, what!"

"HOLD STILL, DAMMIT! I don't want to hurt you."

Sakura held her breath as she saw this Naruto use his wind to cover the thin blade and try to cut threw it again.

"Thanks, Asuma-sensei" The clone muttered.

Sasuke saw what the other clone was doing. "Tch."

Nurari was still freaking out and made a huge slime dome cover over himself. -They cut me. They cut me. Fuckers. My pretty suit. FUCKER! My suit. I need my daily pill. I need it, it will make me pretty." He sniffed. "Why did I join Orochimaru in the first place, now I can never leave. Bastards, all of them. I will give you my beautiful slime, for ruining my suit-

Nurari used water release to break the dome and explode it outwards in all directions. The slime shrapnel flew everywhere.

"Shit! Fuuton gale winds! Fuuton scar!" The first clone uttered, as strong winds blew most of the shreds away and the smaller sharp winds broke any larger pieces from hitting Sakura, Sasuke and themselves.

Sasuke could see the guy move in what appeared to be slow motion, using his sharingan to avoid the shrapnel and get close enough to kick the guy who flew sideways in surprise.

The first Naruto clone saw it and used more wind to keep the slime user off balance.

Sasuke threw several kunais, ignited them and threw several fireballs towards Nurari, who bent out of the way and used his hardened slime as a shield against the rest before disappearing..

"What the hell? Where did he go?" the first clone screamed, while the second one kept working on Sakura's slime restraints.

Nurari seemed to disappear as he applied chakra to the slime covering his body to become invisible.

"Shut up, you're too damn loud." Sasuke scanned the area with his sharingan active. -Where did the fucker go?-

"Naruto, hurry up; he's gone!" Sakura exclaimed.

"Sit still. will ya? I don't want to chop your hands." Number two answered.

The fear kept Sakura still but she was still worried their opponent could appear any minute.

Sasuke saw an outline of chakra approach Sakura and the second Naruto clone. He quickly ran after the guy, sneaking behind the guy and kicking him backwards before he reached Sakura, then spit fire at him.

Nurari screamed as he fell back."How can you see me?" He used his slime to douse the flame.

"The sharingan can detect your chakra, dummy. You're trick is useless against me. Surrender"

Meanwhile the second Naruto clone finally cut through the slime, freeing Sakura with a slight nick to her wrist.

"Ouch, Watch it!"

"Whatever, you're welcome!" The clone turned to Sasuke. Oi, temee! Where is he?"

Sasuke pointed to their left and both clones threw multiple explosive tag kunai's. The dust from the explosions showed the ninja had hid behind his slime dome.

Nurari stretched and punched the Naruto clone, who held unto his arm. Sakura ran and punched the guy only for him to use his slime shield at the last instant.

Sakura concentrated her strength and angrily punched the ground where Nurari stood. "Shanaro!"

Nurari fell through a deep crater as the first Naruto clone let go of his arm. The other clone appeared and threw multiple seals that popped and released a dark sticky tar into the crater.

Nurari was stuck in the gooey pit as the clones screamed. "Fuuton: Cutting wind scar" Releasing several sharp cutting wind that shredded his suit.

Sasuke blew a large fireball and set the goo in the crater ablaze.

"Agh!"

Nurari extended his arms and flung sharp slime projectiles. One of the clones covered Sakura and poofed away as he was hit by the projectiles.

Nurari used his elongated arms to pull himself away from the crater, he was covered in ash, tar and dirt. "My look is ruined, you little shits." He tried to stand, still shaken

The other clone jumped "Fuuton reverse kaze!" The wind reverse direction towards Naruto causing the guy to topple towards him. "Fuuton: Cutting wind scar" causing sharp wind blades that cut Nurari.

Sasuke watched in disbelief and growing anger -How many more tricks does Naruto have? How does he keep upgrading so fast? He can't overpass me? Only I will beat Itachi,-

He channeled his anger, took a deep breath increasing his chakra, then his flames and tried one of his brothers flame jutsus. "Katon flaming birds" Several small winged flames targeted Nurari, exploding on contact. Sasuke then fired the largest fireball he could make and threw it in their direction before falling down exhausted.

Nurari was unable to avoid the barrage of exploding fire birds. The clone barely avoided it and was about to scream in protest, when the largest fireball hit them, knocking the enemy ninja back and dispelling the clone. The enemy rolled back several times unconscious then lay bleeding next to the crater.

Sakura ran to Sasuke who was panting on the floor. "Sasuke-kun! Are you okay?"

"Dammit! Is that ninja down?"

Sakura looked around and saw Nurari unmoving on the floor. "He's down." She looked back at Sasuke nervously. "Naruto was caught in the flames? How did you know it was a clone?"

"The idiot should have dodged anyway."

"But Sasuke…"

"It was a clone, so, no problem." Sasuke was still upset. -Clones, he did all that and they were just clones- He closed his hands into fists as he tried to get up, refusing Sakura's help.

-NH-

Naruto was getting more and more pissed but fought to retain control of his anger. He got his hands close and signaled "Gale Surge winds jutsu" The winds blew outwards from his body dispelling the smoke restraint away. "Fuin Kai!" He activated his forearm seals and got his blades ready.

"Time to surrender."

"Surrendering is not an option."

"I protect my prisoners. You will go to jail."

"It's too late for that. We're cursed. Fighting whether I want to or not, is all I can do."

"What?"

Nigiri made another smoke screen, then a smoke dragon and a smoke snake. The dragon went off in the distance and the snake attacked Naruto.

"Oi! Fight me! Leave them alone."

"That is not decided by me. We don't like fighting. We don't want to die. But we don't have a choice."

"What kind of bullshit is that? You always have a choice. I will help you."

"No, I don't." The smoke snake attacked Naruto and tried to hold him as Nigiri made more smoke clones which released multiple fireballs in Naruto's direction. "And you can't help me."

"Fuuton:Yadama Henshin Bakuha/Projection deflection blast!" Naruto took a deep breath and blew a great gust of wind from his mouth blew the clones back. He signaled again. "Bouseki Tate no Kaze/Spinning shield of wind" causing the wind to spin around him very quickly which formed a shield that deflected the firebalsl and threw them back where they came from.

The fireballs hit the smoke clones dispelling them. "Now, stop this useless fighting."

"Not yet. Our curse makes us strong." Kigiri activated his cursed seal which replenished his chakra, but gave him a monstrous appearance. "See, the power of the curse."

"What the hell"

"Katon!" Kigiri threw multiple large fireballs at Naruto as he grew an even larger smoke snake.

"Fuuton:Kaze no shuriken!" then "Fuuton:Bouseki Tate no Kaze." The wind shuriken and rotating shield protected him from the barrage but he was starting to get tired. "What the hell is that crap on your face?"

"Our curse. This will make us stronger."

"It sure makes you uglier."

"I don't have much time left. I need the serum, where is that stupid woman." The curse mark fluctuated and danced on his skin.

Naruto just gazed stunned and disturbed at the display.

The smoke snake circled Naruto before he could react and tried to smother him within its large smokebody. "Who should surrender now. My gas mask protects me."

"Fuuton: Kaze no Ha!" The wind blades cut the snake as Naruto fell forward panting hard."Not yet." He breathily exclaimed, as he made some gale winds to dispel the last of the smoke, as he took some deep breaths.

"I think it's time to end this." Kigiri threw multiple large fireballs that engulfed Naruto before he was able to move away. "Sorry, there is no other option." Once the explosion was finished there was nothing left.

Kigiri breathed a sigh of relief when he heard a rustle from above.

"Rasengan!" Naruto had jumped away, under the cover of the dissipating smoke, leaving a clone to appear weak. From the air he concentrated his chakra for a surprise attack from above.

The rasengan hit Kigiri on his chest and threw him against a tree, dazed and wounded.

Naruto approached him cautiously, as the mark receded and he started to bleed more profusely, even from his eyes and ears.

"No, not like this. I don't want to die."

"What?" The eye and ear bleeding were not from the rasengan. He was sure of it, most of his bleeding should be on his torso, he grimly remembered Ero-sennin's wounds. -What is wrong with this guy?-

"I need the pill! The serum!"

"Sakura nows healing ninjutsu, hold on."

"That won't help.I need THE PILL! She has it. Only the pill will stop the power from destroying my body."

"You will die from that mark"

"Unless I get the antidote pill. But they have it. That's why we have to fight. It's the only way, they will give us the antidote. There is no choice but to fight."

"What the fuck? Who did this to you? That Master slaver asshole?"

Kigiri started to cough as his mask filled with blood. "Not yet, not yet. My body hurts. Why?" He clumsily took his mask off,gasping for breath as he coughed more and more blood.

Naruto tried to hold the man, as his body convulsed, when more and more blood came from his mouth and nose and his tears were pure blood. He then started to gurgle unable to speak, Kigiri looked at Naruto with terror in his eyes, unable to say anything as he drowned in his own blood.

Naruto was covered in the guy's blood, shocked. Who would do such a thing? Using people like they were things. "Bastard." he growled as he stood up. Whoever was responsible for playing with people this way was a monster that needed to be taken down. He promised the dead that he would take that man down.

He took a deep breath, letting his anger subside some, his friends still needed him. He was deciding where to go when he heard several explosions in the distance and felt his clones dispel. He cursed as he realized the other guy committed suicide before the same thing that happened to this guy, happened to him. Then."Temee!" cursed some more as he felt another clones memories and realized Sasuke destroyed his other clone. He was not sure if that guy was really down and was about to check on the rest of team seven when the memories of Haku's guard clone reached him.

RAGE. That slaver was going down. No one was going to play with people like that. He made promises, he intended to keep. He did not go back on his word. All his clones were gone and the minions seemed down, only the hag remained. He made a clone to check on his teammates and the slime guy, then headed towards Haku and Hikari.

-NH-

"Now girl, it's time to finish this."

Hinata looked at the face of Yoru and the bile rose up in her throat, her hands started to sweat. Yoru also frequented her nightmares and now had managed to find her. Hikari could hear the spy's cruel laughter and felt her muscles tense. Her breathing quickened and her vision dimmed, like she was in a tunnel. Trapped.

"Come on girl, time to return to your place. Kumo needs them babies. The master might just break your legs in his anger. I don't know about your eyes though, he might just take those right away. He was pissed."

"Go away!" Her fear rose.

"It might be later. Not sure. He might want you to see your own misery and filth at first, but he does want them. Either way you will feel the pain."

"Leave me alone." Her eyes teared up as she tried to make her limbs move. .

"Oh no girl. I waited too long for this." "She smirked cruelly. "Look what he did to my face. He was angry at you! And took it out on me. LOOK! He did this because of you. I wasn't even the right target. But I'm getting payback. I'm not letting you escape and I will make sure your face looks like mine. Then I intend to return you and enjoy seeing him use you like the doll you are."

She laughed. "Can you imagine what he'll do once he gets you back? He will break you and I will be there to watch it. You will just be a commodity, a vessel for them to use. At least, I learned the art of seduction."

Yoru pressed her advantage, keeping thirteen off balance with fear and continued her verbal attack. "He might not break your legs. He might just cut them off along with your eyes, to make sure you can never escape. Tied to a cot and with some random men. All hail Kumo's new baby maker. I will enjoy watching you scream in misery. I will make sure you wish for death a thousand times everyday, girl."

Hinata trembled in fear, unable to move as Yoru approached her. Her mind blank in terror at her words.

Yoru enjoyed mentally torturing Thirteen. The stupid girl did not know her real deal was with Orochimaru but she wanted the girl to suffer and imagine the worst until they arrived at their destination. She always liked playing mind games with her clients, her marks. But this was better, the more terrified thirteen looked, the more she enjoyed it. Payback was sweet. And she would scar her face without fail, no one got the better of Yoru. Her wicked smile lit her disfigured face.

"Your screams will be my lullaby at night. I will toast every time they take you. You will regret betraying me." Yoru scoffed. "And don't worry, we will find ways to use your so called brother and friends. They are all interesting, with unique kekkei genkai to replace the ones we lost."

"No. Leave them alone."

"Oh no, they're so cute, trying to save you. Sister.

"NO! Don't hurt them." The air became thick, dense.

"You're to blame, but they will make good stock. Great test subjects, don't worry, I'm sure they will be better off than you. What do you think they will say when they see you disfigured and broken, eh? Maybe we could let them mate you too, used rag that you'll be by then. They probably won't be able to stomach seeing you."

"

"Shut up." The air grew sticky like it was about to rain.

"They will probably curse ever having met you. Since you will be the cause of all their suffering. Maybe, maybe they will close their eyes in disgust during the baby making session, hating you as they use you. If they survive that is.

The humidity grew, dew beads collected on the vegetation and beads of sweat started to form on Yoru. "Don't touch them!"

"Too late, you all belong to the Master now. They will be nothing more than test subjects."

"NEVER!" Waves crashed against the bridge and a light mist formed from the humidity. "You will never capture them."

"They already are."

Hikari felt her body heat up. Everything seemed sharp and clear as the heat spread throughout her body it consumed the fear. There was only the heat. The ANGER. That beast would not touch anyone else. Not her family or friends.

"Suiton: water expansion burst." Golf sized water balls flew in Yoru's direction and burst outwards with on contact like paintball hits. Yoru tried to regain her balance as she was hit. "Suiton: Mizu wave" A large wave came out of the ocean, covering Yoru and throwing her back. Yoru used her hair as a partial barrier and threw a tendril of her to a tree and use it to anchor herself.

"Suiton" Mizu bunshin no jutsu. You. Will. Never. Hurt. Them." Hinata made 3 clones that went after Yoru.

"Oh! Fighting back now?"

"You will not take them." One water clone went to stand on the water's edge, the other went to high tree branch and the third went after Yoru."NEVER!"

"Yes, The more you fight, the more I will enjoy beating you into submission,"Yoru released her hair shield and let go of the tree.

The clone approached Yoru and they started exchanging blows. Yoru laced her hair like a glove around her hand and the ends stood outwards, sharp like blades. She punched the water clone across the face, bursting it into a water puddle. "Ah, if only that was your real face" She repeated the process on her other hand and across her legs. "This is going to be fun,bitch."

The second clone called Suiton: Hidden Mist technique, while the one in the shore called "Mizu Peretto and Mizu Shuriken sending many projectiles in Yoru's direction. She also used the Mizu expanding bubbles which cause water bubbles to explode outward when they hit and stun her opponent.

Yoru laughed and "Kami Yoroi/hair armor" Her hair expanded all around her body and covered her like an armor. Her hands and legs also ended with the hair ends standing outwards like sharp barbed wire.

Hinata used "Mizu tate no jutsu" to create a water shield. While the clones kept an unrelenting barrage of projectiles due to the high amount of bluenette could see clearly through the mist. Her tormentor was still standing.

Yoru laughed. "Come on girl. Is this all you got?"

The clone on the water "Suiton:Isonagi no jutsu" a pair of water crab claws burst from the dirt and tried to cut Yoru in two, her armor held but she was trapped by the claws.

Yoru expanded her hair armor into a ball, separating the claws, then made a partition in her hair and escaped through it. As the spy pulled the hair back, the clone in the trees used 'Suiton:Mizu Shuriken to turn the water droplets on the trees into shuriken then throwing it at Yoru. Who raised her arms to cover her torso and face as best as possible. The shuriken still hit cutting large sections of her hair, and giving her several wounds on her arms and legs..

"Better, but it's not enough." Yoru did several hand signals and her hair grew back. "Kami no Yoroi/Hair armor." She wrapped hair all around her body, except her eyes. The hair on her hands, forearm and legs then extended outwards like spikes, while around her body the ends were smaller like barbed wire. The hair on the back of her head made the helmet and the rest extended around her head like living snakes on Medusa's head but with pointed edges.

Yoru's fury increased "You will pay for this cuts a thousand time, bitch"

Yoru threw multiple senbons and shurikens at Hikari and her clones, most of them coated with toxins, mostly pain intensifying ones and immobilizing ones. At the same time, her hair penetrated underground and moved to the one in the trees.

Yoru used her hair to shake the tree and the clone fell only to be pierced by more hair spikes from the ground. "That's two girlie. Give up the game, eh? You can't win"

Despite her taunts, Yoru was getting more and more annoyed, she did not like the prolonged fight. There were too many variables and she needed to secure her subject, in case the others failed. She ran towards thirteen who parried her hair attack with the water shield.

Hikari pushed her back while drawing sense's dagger and trying to cut the hair armor with it unsuccessfully.

"No metal can cut through my armor, girlie. Just give up"

The water clone called a water wave torrent and threw Yoru back into the trees.

Yoru screamed throwing several senbons at the clone on the water's edge, while making a large hair shield and running to the clone. Yoru wrapped her hair ends around explosive tags and extended her hair like whips around her.

The clone did a water shield avoiding the projectiles but was overwhelmed by the hair wall heading her way, with the multiple whips. The clone tried to avoid it but a couple hit her, exploding and dispelling the clone.

"Surprise bitch! Let's finish this. No more diversionsl"

Hinata held her weapons, as Yoru jumped her again. She had an idea, since her dagger was useless but needed to keep parrying her attacks for now. Luckily she had practiced basics with sensei. This was not her forte but it would serve as a distraction and get Yoru closer.

Yoru looked at the dagger and laughed. "Oh, you fancy yourself a swordsman now? A pitiful one, I might add." Yoru extended the hair on her armored limbs as she got close and managed to cut Hinata's arms several times.

Hinata winced but persisted, she needed to get closer until she had an opening, but the hair was cutting her arms.

-NH-

Sasuke's head throbbed and he ached as he struggled to get up exhaustedly. His arm itched, a remainder of his oath. -I'm still not strong enough- He dug his nails into his palms in frustration. -I will not stop until I get revenge for the Uchiha honor. I will get stronger. I will surpass that idiot, then you brother-

Sakura watched as Sasuke struggled to get up. She wanted to help but was unsure how, since he stubbornly refused help. She sighed in concern.

Nurari slowly and painfully opened his eyes. Everything hurt, breathing hurt, even his eyelashes hurt. He teared up, he didn't want to die but felt his strength leaving him along with his blood, worse he did not possess any pills. He was as good as dead without them.

He hoped his comrades made it at least. Those ninjas ruined everything, even his beautiful suit. He would not let them get away with it. might as well take them with him. It was their turn to suffer.

-I will make this filth regret ruining my beauty. Be well comrades-

The newest clone approached and saw the enemy unmoving and bleeding. He appeared dead but for the slow rise and fall of his chest. He saw blood tears running down his face like the other guy. -Shit, who experimented on them in the first place?- He would check the guy first but then asshole temee and him where going to have a conversation on his aim.

The guy pulled something from his suit and the clone scrambled

"Watch out!" The clone threw one of his absorption seals at the enemy as he used a wind gale to boost the throw and push the guy into the crater.

Sasuke heard him and fell back covering Sakura.

The enemy slid to the crater screaming. "I'll see you in rags! Go to hell" The explosion went off as soon as he fell in the crater. The seal popped and large chakra reinforced goo tendrils came out of it covering the crater and absorbing most of the impact.

The clone landed over the crater verifying there was not much left of the enemy nin. Then jumped next to his teammates. "You guys okay?"

Sakura blushed and nodded as Sasuke rolled away angrily.

"Finally come out of hiding, dobe?"

"Fuck you asshole. I'm not the one with the shitty aim."

"I don't have shitty aim, moron!"

"Could've fooled me. You blew one of us up!"

"You're a clone too. Well it should have moved faster."

"Ass. Your welcome, I just saved yours again."

"I didn't need your help."

"Oh, really? Mr. magnificent"

"Really."

"You ungratef…."

"Could you guys stop fighting for a minute."

The guys glared at each other but didn't say anything else.

Sakura took a deep breath. "Is he finally dead?"

The clone nodded. "He's in pieces, not enough left to check for a pulse. I guess he decided to suicide before the cursed toxin took him out."

"The what?"

"I'll explain on the way. The boss might still need help. That is if you can help, temee."

Sasuke scowled and was about to retort when Sakura interrupted.

"Are you wounded Sasuke? Do you need healing?"

"I'm just tired. I'm not injured." The dark haired boy glared at the blond. "Lead the way, moron."

"Whatever, oh wondrous ninja of the great aim."

"Sasuke save your strength for the enemy. Let me help you now. Lean on me on the way back and recuperate your strength. Don't let him bait you. I know who's the better ninja anyway. Oh and thanks for saving me." The pinket smiled slightly.

The clone rolled his eyes. "Ready, princesses?"

The dark haired boy stood still for a minute, then slowly got up followed by the pinket. He looked at her. "No problem, Sakura." Then slowly raised his arm and leaned on her wordlessly.

Sakura's cheeks rivaled her hair as she helped Sasuke who looked to the side with the barest hint of pink on his cheeks'

"Let's go, the boss is this way." The group slowly moved to the bridge.

-NH-

Haku arrived at the tree line, panting and saw the fight. His sister was doing well but the hair ends were sharp and cut her arms. He imitated a bird call, then softly muttered

"A hundred needles of pain"

Hinata heard the bird call and stepped back as multiple ice senbon hit Yoru, but did not pierce through the armor.

"NO more interruptions!" Yoru screamed as her hair threw multiple senbons towards the tree, then whipped her hair at thirteen. "You will not escape".

Hinata parried with her water shield then covered the dagger with water to strengthen the blade and slashed at the hair whips, while Haku used an ice shield to avoid the senbons sent his way.

Frustrated Yoru increased the hair whips heading for thirteen and made the spikes in her armor larger as she saw Haku trying to approach her.

Haku advanced slowly due to his injuries, his feet felt like lead and he was fighting to stay awake, the pain from his arm when he accidentally jostled it was excruciating, but after the explosion there was pain with every breath. The explosion must have hurt his ribs. But his sister was not the only stubborn one. He refused to pass out and leave his sister alone with that ugly bitch. He concentrated and rained large hail chunks on Yoru.

Yoru was slowed but undeterred in her objective. If worse came to worse, she would use her trump card. That bitch was not escaping. No matter what the cost, she would win.

Hinata saw Yoru was slowing down, she closed the gap and attempted to slash her body. Yoru laughed and easily parried the attack, but Yoru had forgotten who she was, even if she claimed otherwise.

Hikari ducked under Yoru's guard, bend sideways, dropping her weapons, straightened her hands and hit her side with a juken strike. The hair cut her fingers before the strike absorbed the hair's chakra, making the hair fall loosely around her body.

Hinata turned again then did a black flip, scoring a couple more juken strikes to Yoru's left side and as she flipped to Yoru's lower back.

Yoru fell screaming to the floor, both in pain and anger as she lost the ability to move her legs and felt agonizing pain to her left torso.. She slowly rolled onto her stomach.

"You will not hurt anyone else" Hinata panted. "Never again."

"Bitch, I will destroy you!" Yoru whispered

"No, no more. It's your turn to lose."

:"That's what you think. There's no place to hide from the master. We found you once, we will find you again and again. And again. We will destroy you and all your so called friends. Anyone who has ever helped you will pay. NO ONE HIDES FROM THE MASTER. NO ONE!"

"SHUT UP" Hikari screamed.

Yoru screamed in rage as well. "You will pay bitch. The master will find you and all who help you. No matter where you run, no matter what you do. He will come. He will find you and the master will destroy everything and everyone you hold dear. EVERYTHING! Do you hear me!"

As she screamed Yoru slowly got her special senbon from her abdomen pouch. Poisons were another favorite of her and this was the best of the best Kumo ever made. Nothing mattered anymore, if she lost she was dead. If she was dead, she was taking that bitch to hell with her. She would not get a win over her. Never.

Haku felt faint, as he took the last steps toward her sister. Hinata noticed he was about to fall and ran to his aid.

"Niisan, please take it easy. You're should have stayed back" Hinata scolded him as she caught him.

Haku shook his head in negative. "You're not alone, imouto"

Yoru looked at the pair of idiots, acting like they were real family. Pure hatred ran through her veins, who did they think they were. She had struggled for everything in her life with no support. But thirteen thought she was better than her. She had hated her since she saw her. Innocent thirteen and all those bitches like her, with easy, pampered lives, who did not know what it meant to be hungry. To dirty yourself to get a crumb. To use your body as a tool. To throw everything away to get ahead. To climb over everyone to be on top. They always got help everywhere, while she only relied on herself. That bitch had it easy while she struggled for everything. Her hatred was a cold syrup that coated her very being. She would never let them get the better of her. It was part of her creed. Revenge. Sweet revenge. She would die happy after making them pay.

Yoru got her special senbons from her pocket, slowly and stealthily with her left hand. Bitch took down her right arm, but she was ambidextrous. Nothing stood in her way. They kept talking as she threw her special senbons.

Hinata held Haku, who was having a hard time standing, as best she could. The bluenette was turned towards her brother who noticed movement at the edge of his vision and reacted instinctively and instantaneously. Haku turned covering his sister and pushed her down.

"Niisan!"

"Die bitch!"

Haku fell forward on top of Hinata. "Imouto are you okay?"

"Yes."

"Good" then closed his eyes and fainted on top of her. "Niisan, niisan!" Hinata looked at him and noticed a senbon stuck in his arm. "NIISAN!"

Yoru laughed.

"What did you do?"

"It's Kumo's special toxin. Reserved for the best. Don't worry. His death will be slow and painful."

"GIve me the antidote! Now!"

"There is no antidote, bitch. He will die because of you."

"TELL ME!" Everything was losing sense, the waves crested restlessly as the humidity started rising again.

"There isn't one and if there was, I wouldn't give it to you. Bitch! I wish you were joining him soon, but don't worry, the master will find you soon enou...Agh, what are you doing My hair, argh!" As she spoke the hair around her started to crumble, she started to wrinkle and dry up as the water was sucked out of her body. Her face slowly became sunken like a prune and her skin then became leathery and shriveled until she stopped moving.

"...ari! Hikari, Hikari!" The bluenette was still screaming at the top of her lungs when Naruto shook her.

Naruto had arrived through the trees as Haku protected Hikari. The blond saw them fall and sent a wind gust that scattered the other senbon away.. He heard about the poison and was trying to reach them when Hikari lost it and started screaming. She did something to the woman who had shriveled up like a mummy.

Naruto shook his head, determined not to look at the dead woman, who looked as creepy as a ghost.

Hikari still seemed unresponsive, screaming and crying. He called her to no avail until he was close enough to touch her. "Hikari! Haku is moving, breathing. He's not dead. You hear me?" He shook her harder and called her name.

"Hikari, Hikari! HIKARI!"

Hikari finally blinked and peered into the deepest pool of blue she could ever remember. They were full of concern and she was mesmerized by their color. A calm spread over her as she admired their intensity. Slowly the roar dimmed and she could make words. Someone was trying to speak. No, she remembered those blue eyes. It was Naruto. Naruto was talking to her. What was he saying slowly remembered everything. Haku!

"See, he's chest's moving. He's not dead"

Hinata blinked again, then slipped from his grasp and ran to Haku.

Naruto followed slowly. The bluenette turned around and stood over Haku with arms outstretched towards Naruto, tense ready for a fight..

The blond looked at her arms covered in scratches and cuts then looked at Haku laying on the ground struggling for air, broken and sighed. "I don't mean you any harm. This fight is over, we won, just relax."

Hikari looked at the blond and could sense the truth in his words. She relaxed and turned towards Haku again and called him unsuccessfully.. "Niisan, wake up. Niisan. Please niisan. Please."

Naruto continued to approach slowly and kneeled next to her unsure of what to do. The ice user was in bad shape. He saw the tears rolling down her face and could not stand it.. "I will get Sakura. Hold on" He felt confused about the girl but he wouldn't let anyone else die,he promised. He turned towards the treeline when he saw his teammates appear. The clone saw him and dispelled itself.

Sakura looked unharmed while Sasuke had finally given in and leaned on Sakura exhaustedly.

"Sakura! We need your help! You looked tired temee."

"Shut up, moron!"

"Don't bet on it! Come on Sakura, he needs your help." The blond pointed at the ice user who was looking paler by the minute.

"Hold on, Sakura. Are you serious? You idiot. He's the enemy, let him rot." Sasuke interjected.

"And you call me an idiot. IDIOT! We already went through this. He's my prisoner. They both are and they're getting treated. They're under my protection and he's seriously injured. Like I said, shut the fuck up. You owe me for aiming at my clone."

Sakura felt Sasuke tense up, and got worried since he was too tired to continue fighting amongst themselves. Everyone looked bad, except for Naruto who's energy was inexhaustible. She did not want them fighting among themselves again. Besides it was part of her job as a healer. Let Kakashi decide afterwards.

"Hold on you two. I will do my best, let Kakashi-sensei figure the details afterwards. He's the leader anyway."

"Thanks, Sakura. I know Kakashi-sensei will understand."

"That remains to be seen moron."

"GO drink your daily vinegar temee!

"What?"

"So you can keep your sour constipated face!"

Before Sasuke countered, Sakura looked at both of them. "I'm not doing squat, if you keep egging Sasuke-kun on.

"He started it!" The blond sighed. "Ok, just please fix him. The temee just ticks me off with his attitude." Sakura approached Haku. "Thanks for the help Sakura. Really, thanks."

Sakuta nodded. "Let me see." Sakura kneeled in front of Haku and she put her hands on top of his chest. She took a deep breath as green light emerged from her hands after a bit she frowned.

As Sakura treated Haku, the blond snuck several glances at Hikari who looked like a statue, unmoving except for her unending tears. He wanted to say something but was unsure of what or if he should. Was Haku right? But what if he lied. He needed more time to organize his thoughts. He had made a promise anyway, nothing else mattered at this moment.

Sakura's frown deepened. "This is bad, Naruto. He has several broken ribs and other cuts, now added to his arm. I stabilized all his wounds and he should be taken to a hospital as soon as possible."

"Thanks, Sakura"

"Don't thank me yet. What worries me is there is something attacking his organs. it's like eating him from the inside. Thank goodness, it's very slow but I can't stop it. Worse it's interfering with his healing. This is beyond anything I've it would kill him slowly. But with his injuries not healing like they should..." Her frown deepened as the green light intensified. "At this rate, not even a hospital will be able to help. He's dying."

"That crazy woman poisoned him, just do your best Sakura. Please."

"I'm trying! This is way beyond my expertise. I'm sorry. I'm not even sure a regular hospital will help or know what to do. We don't even have the poison."

"It's in the senbon, let me get it."

"Naruto that's too dangerous, you could also get poisoned."

"No problem. Kage bunshin no jutsu." A clone appeared. "Get the senbon from his arm and put it in my storage seal. Here."

"Why do I get to do the shitty job"

"Just go! I don't have time for your shit!""

The clone was about to retort but saw Hikari tear stained face. "Fine, fine. I'll do it for the pretty lady, not for you chicken shit" He flipped Naruto then did as was told. "Got it. See pretty lady, I got the job done."

Naruto approached the clone, grabbed the storage seal "Moron" and puffed the clone out of existence. Hikari remained unmoving and appeared dazed.

"Ne, hey! Don't worry. I got this. Hey!" He kneeled in front of Hikari as battle sounds approached from the ocean. "My baachan is the best healer in the world. I swear. She can heal him. We'll take you to Konoha and she will fix him"

Hikari trembled slightly. "Konoha?" She whispered in a broken mumble.

"Baachan runs the hospital there. She's the best. If anyone can cure your brother, it's her. I promise she's the real deal. I promised him too, I promised, I would take both of you back. If baachan can't do it, no one can. But she can, she's famous all over. She's really the best!"

Hikari looked at Haku, as she still trembled. Konoha. She never could imagine herself returning there. Konoha, where the rest of the Hyuga where. Konoha, Where her nightmare started. Did her family even remember her? Konoha. The word just kept spinning in her head. Konoha. The master would be on her trail. Konoha would be safer for Haku. She looked at her brother, face pale, unconscious with labored breathing. Her precious brother was dying because of her. Konoha.

"For Haku-ni." she mumbled. "Nothing else matters. If they can fix him there, then I shall go to Konoha"

"Yes, that's the spirit. Sakura will stabile thingy whatever, keep him good, until we get back."

"Hey, it's not that easy, Narut.…"

The huge clash from the ocean attracted their attention, as the combatants got close. They were next to the bridge, The killing intent was overwhelming. Everything else stopped. They saw them go towards each other one last time and with a loud clang it was over.

Kakashi looked at the shore, then back at the scene and tensed preparing for battle.

-NH~NH-

Before
Zabuza kept fighting unrelentlessly. He smiled. This was the best part, letting the sword take over. His body moving, flowing and reacting with the battle. No thought, just the thrill of combat, letting his demon roam free, as he became one with the sword. Both combatants had hurt each other but nothing else mattered, except the next blow.

Multiple explosions and smoke from the shore interrupted his flow. He sensed Kakashi tense,

unsure of where to go. More explosions as the waves and the humidity grew all around. He looked at the bone user. How many turds did this asshole bring?

The air kept getting thicker and more humid, as silence took over. He shook his head. His tools knew how to take care of themselves. Time to finish the asshole.

Zabuza did several quick signals and called a water dragon.

Kesshomaru was getting more frustrated by the minute, the demon was a very good fighter. But he was prepared, He came from a clan of warriors. He would emerge victorious for his clan, his brother, his honor. Nothing else mattered. Let the world burn, as long as his honor was satisfied. He would go all out. He closed the distance and attacked swinging his bone sword to the right. Zabuza easily blocked the attack but it left his left side open, Kesshomaru quickly expanded his ribs outward and several spikes also protruded from his forearms.

Zabuza tried to sidestep but still got several cuts to his Left torso and his forearms.

Keshomaru laughed and continued to apply bone over his skin as armor. His bone armor covered his head, torso and limbs sans his joints and eyes. "Let's see what you can do now."

Zabuza looked at the man, smirked and made two water clones. The water clones attacked while he took a deep breath. All he needed was a few minutes to concentrate and prepare. He continued his breathing as the clones fought the man to no avail. Speed and concentration were his friends. The copies could not pierce the armor, but managed to move the fight close to the shore and the bridge. Then they were taken out one after the other.

Zabuza opened his eyes the moment the clones dispelled and rushed forward in a direct forward attack. Kesshomaru looked at the demon, a smile on his lips. Desperation had driven him to a simple attack. As he was close, Zabuza jumped above Keshomaru, spinned and swung at the back of his neck as he landed behind him. The back of the neck was thickly armored and the bone user received no damage. Keshommaru laughed as he extended the spikes on his back, then started to turn to counter.

Zabuza raised his sword waiting for the perfect angle. The man started to swing as he turned. The turn exposed his weakness to Zabuza who was waiting, smiling as he swung his sword down both his armorless elbows, severing his arms in one blow.

Keshommaru screamed as Zabuza stepped back, angled another attack and thrust his sword forward into his uncovered eyes and far as it would go with a loud clang.

Kesshomaru was mid-scream as he fell backwards dead, his armor crumbling as his chakra vanished. Zabuza stepped forward and severed his head with one last swing, then turned towards Kakashi after a quick glance to the shore.

On the shore the spell seemed broken as the sensei's face each other. Hikari got up and ran to Zabuza. Naruto cursed and ran towards Kakashi while asking Sakura to keep healing the boy and Sasuke to keep an eye on him.

-NH~NH-

Zabuza and Kakashi stared at each other unmoving. Zabuza smirked as he gripped his sword. Kakashi steadied his hands and activated his sharingan once more.

"Sensei!" Hikari ran to her sensei. Right behind her was the blond ninja

"Oi! Big guy!" Naruto screamed. "Kakashi-sensei wait!"

Zabuza tensed as Hikari stepped in front of him, then outstretched her arms. "You will not hurt sensei."

"Stubborn, stop. Stand down." He pushed Hikari aside, she stumbled but quickly regained her balance.

"Oi! Asshole!".

Hikari approached again, stepping next to him but did not block him again. "Your hurt and…" Her voice broke. "So is Haku-ni, he's badly poisoned."

"We'll take care of it, once I'm done here."

"But…." Hikari looked around. "I….."

"I don't need assistance, stand aside, stubborn. Don't make me repeat myself!"

"Hey, I can help her brother, my baachan is the best medic-nin." The blond added.

"Shut up, I don't need help. I will find a good medic-nin. Stubborn, I will complete the mission."

The copy ninja looked at them. "You looking tired there, your moves are getting slower. Are you sure you want to continue this? Your disciple is injured. Why don't you just leave."

"Never. My word is my bond. I will complete the contract."

"Please sensei, Haku-ni needs help now. I will accept any punishment later. Please."

Zabuza stood unmoving.

"Hey, don't ignore her!"

"You can't win." Kakashi added.

"Says you. A demon doesn't stop. And if I die, it will be in a glorious battle."

"Sensei, NO! Please don't. Not you too. Please."

"Oi, What's the matter with you. Stop making her cry. And ice guy is seriously hurt. My teammates are looking after him, but this fight is over, everyone else is gone. Just stop."

"The bridge builder still lives?"

Hikari nodded.

"Then it's not over! My contract isn't over until he or I are dead." The swordsman looked at Hikari's bloodied appearance, then quickly to the shore and Haku's prone form. "Don't come between me & my tools."

"Your tools?"

"My tools. I picked them up and polished them. They serve my purpose."

"You! What is wrong with everyone here! They're people, not tools! Not slaves. PEOPLE! How hard is that to understand!" Naruto screamed as he got close to Hikari and Zabuza.

"Naruto back away from the swordsman." Kakashi cautioned as he tried to take a step.

"Oh, sneaky. I like that" Zabuza tightened his grip and readied his swords

"Sensei, please. I can't lose you too. Please stop."

"Today is as good a day to die, as any other day."

"We need you, please. Haku-ni needs you!"

Zabuza eyes looked down at Hikari but he did not relax his battle stance.

"Hey! You selfish prick! They're loyal to you and obviously care for you. Can't you tell? Why throw your life away? They need your help. Ice guy is not dead. YET. But he's close"

"I am the Demon of the Mist, not some nanny. Stop interfering with my tools."

"Stop calling them that! Prick."

"Please, sensei, stop the fight, leave." Hikari pleaded.

"You're a cheeky brat, to insult me."

"I'm not a brat. I'm the future Hokage of Konoha. Remember that! And I made a deal, a promise. My baachan will heal your subordinate, when we return to Konoha. Come on."

"Stubborn, either help me or stand aside."

"Sensei…I…" Hikari stood next to him slowly as tears rolled down her eyes.

"Oi, you prick. They care for you! They're your team. That's like a family. Hikari and ice brother would die for you. Is that what you want? What would that prove? Don't ignore her."

"Nobody asked them to. They serve me and if they die, so be it. We are ninja, tools of our country or whoever hires us. Not some family. Ninja's aren't human.'

"BULLSHIT! You're a prick, a huge prick but a human prick. They care for you, whether you accept it or not. You're already family.. I'm a human, not a tool. I won't die until I become Hokage of the Leaf, and if I should die for my precious people it will be my choice, because they're precious, not because I'm some shitty tool or some shitty asshole says so. You're the one wrong here."

"I am the demon of the mist, brat"

"And you're dealing with the future Hokage of the Leaf!"

"The mission is everything, nothing else matters. Ask your sensei. It's fine to die for the mission. Ninja's are tools."

"Bullshit! I'm not a tool and neither are they. They help you because you're important to them. Why can't you see that?" The blond raised his fist. "And if the world thinks we're tools, I will change it when I'm Hokage! I will kick your ass until you understand.

Zabuza laughed at the brat's insolence. "At least Konoha is raising kids with balls. But it's time for you to face reality. It's time to die for… the swordsman's response was cut by a clapping sound.

Zabuza looked to the other side of the bridge where Gato was clapping in applause, he was in front of a large army of mercenaries.

"Bravo. Such passion from the little people. I agree with the so called demon, it's time for you to die. All of you." He looked at Zabuza "Demon? Son of a bitchass weak sword. What have you done? Eh? What the fuck was I supposed to pay you for? Hum? You ain't done shit. I'm glad, I wasn't gonna pay for this shitty job anyway."

"What" Zabuza asked very quietly.

"It looks like if you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself. Looks like that bone head was also a poser and not as strong as he thought. You just cost me a lot of money Zabuza."

"Money? Wait you knew that bastard?"

"Of course. I called him. He had offered a large reward for you, which I can't collect now, you piece of shit. Why did you think, I called you? Now he's dead and I'm out the reward money. I'm done with the lot of you." He turned to the mercenaries. "Kill them all and make sure to kill that damned bridge builder and his family."

"Yes, you're right. We're done here." In a flash Zabuza jumped into their midst and started fighting.

"Sensei!" Hinata followed and started fighting the mercenaries. Naruto went after her with Kakashi cursing as he also followed them. The mercenaries did not stand a chance and were disposed of quickly.

Zabuza single mindedly made his way through to Gato and smile predatorily. "Like you said, we're done."

"Please wait! I will give you money, lots of money. Women, jewels. Whatever you want. LOTS of money. Stop!" The short man was sweating profusely and kept taking steps backwards with each word."It's not personal, I was just trying to save money. Stop! I HAVE MONEY!"

Zabuza smile grew. "Our contract is null and void." He swung his sword and Gato's head flew off, landing with a thud, then rolled off the bridge into the river, before his body hit the floor. "Next"

The few remaining mercenaries started to run before being cut down by Zabuza and the men were alone, facing each other again.

Naruto and Hikari did not pursue the running mercenaries,but noticed the fighting stance between their sensei and approached them again.

"Zabuza-sensei, the mission is over. Leave, please then you can rest..I will stay with Haku-ni."

"I'm fine stubborn."

"You don't look fine, sensei."

"Stop, this nonsense. I want to finish my fight with the copy-nin."

"Kakashi-sensei, stop. We won, Tazuna is safe. The boy is injured. Sasuke and Sakura are also run down. Let's go,"

"Don't be a fool, Naruto."

"Why?"

"This isn't over. Don't fool yourself."

"I gave my word, to help the guy, Both of them. They're my prisoners anyway."

"Enough, Naruto, You can't make that promise."

"What? Yes, I can." Naruto turned. "Hey, big guy, I'm not kidding my baachan is the slug princess Tsunade Senju, the greatest medic nin ever. She will help your friend. Stop this stupid fight."

"The copy nin is right. It's not that easy. Besides it's time to fight not for words."

"Are you serious? We're losing time! The guy needs help! Take a look at him! Look at her. What is wrong with al of you?"

"Zabuza-sensei, please. They can heal niisan, it's my fault. Please don't throw your life away. Please, I don't want to lose you. Not both of you. It's all my fault. Please. Just escape."

"Stubborn, enough." He looked in the distance at Haku's prone form, then looked down at Hikari's tear and guilt stricken face. TIme seemed to stand still as he remembered the last several years, their time together. Training, successful jobs. The brotherly bond that developed between them. So many memories, as they drove him crazy with their antics. Then saw their faces when he found them broken, listless. He slowly touched his belt buckle, his face impassive.

"Just remember, stubbornness is not the only fault to avoid. Pride can be just as bad, as is not listening." He slowly raised his hand and patted her head. He raised his head and looked at the copy nin. "Hatake, are you also offering this deal."

"Kakashi-sensei, bacchan…"

"Naruto, hold on. It depends. We can't heal enemy assassins on a whim."

"It's not a whim! They're injured and the guy's been poisoned. He was helping his family. We already won!"

"And if we face them in the future? Then what?"

"What if you don't? What if I guarantee you never do." The swordsman looked the copy nin in the eyes. "Hatake, let me tell you a story, about the last Hyoton users around. You have heard of the purge civil war in Kiri, The siblings lived deep in the countryside, their father was a bastard, who sold his daughter once she showed her kekkei genkai. When his son showed the power as well, he killed his wife and attempted to kill his son, believing her bloodline cursed beyond hope, But it did not go his way, may he rot in hell forevermore. The boy escaped."

"A swordsman found the starving boy, yet recognizing his value took him in. That boy is a very powerful ice user, probably the only one left. The boy however was obsessed with finding his sister. The sister was experimented on, making her ice nature shit, but her water nature increased like nothing else out there. Against the odds, she managed to boy followed his sister's trail and unbelievably found her. Luck or what, I don't know. But the siblings were back together. Their power is undeniable, even to the swordsman. Now it seems the people who experiment with children are back and want to imprison them. What will Konoha, the benevolent village, do? Let them be taken?"

"My tools are not assassins. They're my support team, more important they're valuable assets. The last Hyoton users around and one with the strongest Mizu affinity, I have seen. I recognize talent. I picked them because of it. Assets that serve faithfully but are being hunted.

"I'm the Demon of the Mist, the best there is.I have carried all assassinations myself. Don't be confused. I'm the big prize here and if you think I'm done for, because of some wounds, you're a fool."

The men looked at each other, assessing each other, warrior to warrior, team leader to leader. Kakashi could not believe what was happening.

"Hatake, I believe you are a man of your word. In exchange for taking my valuable tools as part of Konoha, for medical treatment and protection. I, the Demon of the Mist, one of the seven swordsmen of Kiri, Momochi Zabuza will surrender to Konoha." He kneeled and offered his sword hilt first to Kakashi. "My sword and information alone are more than enough will never fight against each other again." He smirked "And there's always the reward Mizu offers for me."

"Sensei! No!"

"Enough stubborn, this is between Hatake and me. You have no say in this."

Kakashi's mind was decided the moment the man did not betray his comrades. The man who killed his entire class, had changed. Whatever name he called them, he was willing to die for his team, the man was not trash anymore.

"In the name of Konoha, I accept your terms."

Kakashi slowly approached Zabuza, who gave him his sword, without another word. He used a chakra sealing rope to tie his hands togethers."Sakura will look at your wounds." Kakashi could not believe his luck. Zabuza was indeed a great prize. The young nin were powerful and Konoha would no doubt strengthen by taking them in. Still it was an unbelievable turn of events for the jaded copy nin.

"I'm sorry, Zabuza-sensei." Hikari sobbed slightly as she kneeled next to him and extended her hands.

"Thanks, Kakashi-sensei. Uhm, I don't think the rope is necessary." The blond nin withered under Kakashi's didn't know what to think anymore. He was very confused about his prisoners but was glad he could help. "But you're the sensei."

"That, I am, Naruto. That I am. Let's head back."

-NH~NH-

The large man brought Kesshomaru's head and Yoru's withered remains, once the Konoha nin and Wave villagers left the area to the spectacled young man.

"I have done what you asked. This will help Kimimaru right, right?"

"Indeed, his brother's body should help make a cure for him. And the mummified remains are beyond interesting. Very well done, Juugo. Kimimaru and Orochimaru himself will be very happy."

"Thanks, Kabuto."

AND CUT!

AN: This is it! The Wave arc is finally over. Next the Konoha arc. More surprises await. I hope you liked it. It was very hard to do all the fights. Note to self avoid multiple battlegrounds,,,,Lol.

And yes, the team lived! Zabuza and Haku lived. Wounded but that's part of the plot. Let me know what you think. I know some people might not like that Hinata isn't unmasked yet but all things in due time. There are reasons and more developments to come. I will say that Hinata has mental barriers from all her experiences. The title is the long way home, but it is the way home.

No omake for this chapter either. I wanted to post as soon as possible, after the death flags Haku gave last chapter. Let me know what you think, I'm dying to hear what you thought of the chapter, the ending. The team living. Anybody guessed it? How they lived and are all going to Konoha? My original intention was to kill them both but I grew to like them too much, plus you all wanted them around. I hope you're as excited for the Konoha arc as I am. Because more evil cliffhangers will occur. Lol. Konoha is not ready for Zabuza. Lol. So many shenanigans.

As always though, big thanks to all my great reviewers and followers! Thanks to all my new followers and those who favorite'd my story. I really appreciate you and all the feedback. I really hope you like this chapter. Let me know. Please review, almost 500 reviews! Who will be reviewer #500?

Also Thanks to laryssa1234 for the new cover, check her out on Deviantart under NHookami.

Thanks, thanks, thanks to all my reviewers! I really appreciate it. Believe it!