I still do NOT own Naruto or anything, this is just a Fanfic..............But I DO own Leaha/Saki and Kale AND THEIR PLOT
ALSO!!! when something is in * * that means its inside her head (mostly Kale talking, but some is Leaha) when something is in " " that means its outloud (cause when she's alone Leaha/Saki finds it annoying to think everything, so it switches back and forth a little)

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CHAPTER 17-~-

“Come on Saki, we gotta go!” Sasuke yelled, banging on my bedroom door. “I’m coming I’m coming, jeeze,” I replied annoyed, turning away from the meeting. “So you know what to do?” I whispered; my clones nodded. “Good, report your scouting to Kale and he’ll relay it to me; alright, be ready to attack,” I said standing up. I turned to the clone nearest me, “sorry, but you know we can’t risk them seeing you.” “It’s fine, better to wait until absolutely necessary and keep the upper hand,” Kale replied in my voice.

 I waited until they had disappeared out the window before opening the door to an irritated Sasuke. “Well, what are you just standing around for? Let’s go!” I walked around him and down the stairs to meet the others. “Ok, I leave Naruto in your capable hands; he’s pushed his body to the limit, overdoing it as usual. So he may not be able to move today at all,” Kakashi said to Tsunami.

 “HA, what are you talking about? Naruto will be up and moving in no time,” I laughed. Good thing too, otherwise they-we, would be doomed. He sighed, not even making a move to try and argue with me. “What about you? You’re still recovering yourself.” “Why do I look wobbly?” he laughed, “I’ll be ok.” “Come on let’s go,” Tazuna ordered impatiently.

 I spun a kunai around my finger, waiting for the scouting party’s update as I followed the others. *We’ve made it to the bridge and are hidden in the trees on the bank* Kale informed me. *Hold position and tell me when they…*  *They just did, by boat and are heading up onto the bridge* he interrupted. *Don’t move, remember the plan, we’ll be there soon*

 “Hey Saki, are you ok? You seem kinda on edge, you’re spinning that kunai really fast,” Sakura commented nervously. I looked up from the ground, finding the others looking at me as well; I looked down at my now still hand, I hadn’t noticed it going any faster. “I just got a bad feeling about this,” admitted.

 “What kind of a bad feeling?” Kakashi asked curiously. “Like an old friend of ours is coming to visit,” I responded as the bridge came into view. “Hold on what the heck is this!” Tazuna exclaimed ahead of us. “What happened?! Someone was here, someone got to them!” The workers lay strewn all over the bridge, groaning in pain. At least they’re all alive, I sighed.

 I pulled out another kunai, searching the trees with my eyes for Kale and the clones; a flash of light winked at me from the tree tops, marking their position. I nodded imperceptibly, a line of thick mist rolled over us; damn it, I forgot about the mist. *Kale mobilize under the bridge, and have your kunai at the ready when I give the signal*  *You got it, just be careful up there* I smirked, “always,” I whispered to myself, staring into the mist.

 “This mist… everyone get ready!” We formed a circle around the old man and took defensive stances. “I knew he was still alive,” Kakashi whispered. “I TOLD YOU he was still alive,” I grumbled, “he just couldn’t wait for round two,” he raised his hand in a sign. “Kakashi–sensei, its Zabuza isn’t it, this is his hidden mist jutsu,” Sakura exclaimed. Focus focus, ignore the stupidity, I chanted.

 “Sorry I kept you waiting Kakashi, but I see you’ve still got those brats with you. That one’s still trembling, pitiful,” he sneered, referring to Sasuke. Seven, clones suddenly appeared surrounding us, “I’m trembling with… excitement,” he smirked. I bit my lip, I know this isn’t the time but I just can’t help myself, “like a Chihuahua!” I burst out laughing.

 Everyone stopped and stared at me, even Zabuza. “Sorry to interrupt your ‘cool moment’ Sasuke, but you set yourself up for that.” “A what!?” he said through gritted teeth, “I’ll tell you after we kick their asses.” “Oh really little girl? That’ll be hard to do when you’re dead,” Zabuza threatened. I narrowed my eyes, “go on Sasuke,” Kakashi smiled.

 In a flash he had destroyed them all, only puddles left in their place. “So you could see they were water clones huh? The brat’s improving,” Zabuza stepped into view, Haku by his side. “Hello Haku,” I smiled deadly at him, taking pleasure in seeing him stiffen in surprise. “You know my name,” he stated calmly, “so you know Haku... well aren’t you just full of information,” Zabuza looked at me, a glint in his eyes.

 “Looks like you’ve got a rival Haku,” he said, shifting his gaze from me to Sasuke. “So it seems,” he mused. “Well well, so I had it right… it was all an act, and a cute little mask,” Kakashi spoke. Sakura screeched behind me, “big phony, ha” Sasuke muttered angrily. I sweat dropped, yea that’s what bad guys do... they lie.

 I sighed as they went around spouting stupidly obvious things; the stupidest of them all coming from the queen of the obvious herself, Sakura. “He has some nerve facing us again after pulling that trick!” she yelled, “and hiding behind a mask, who does he think he’s fooling?” Kakashi added. “Speak for yourself sensei,” she chuckled, I burst out laughing; falling to the ground.

 “Oh My God! Sakura like hell you knew ANYTHING!” I hooted, pulling myself back up and calming my laughter. I felt her glare on the back of my head, but ignored her, and focused on the boy in front of me. “That’s it, I’m taking him out; who does he think he’s fooling, hiding behind that mask like some kind of clown.” “Sasuke you’re so cool!”

 I snickered at Kakashi’s disappointed expression, he’s hasn’t figured out yet that Sakura will never change. Haku quickly spun in a circle, creating a mini whirlwind and headed straight for Sasuke. He blocked Haku’s needle with a kunai, stopping his rapid rotations.

 “Sakura Saki, cover Tazuna and stay close to me, let Sasuke handle this,” Kakashi yelled out. We backed up, each taking a defensive position on either side of him. “I’ll stay out of it for now,” I muttered, watching as Sasuke and Haku continued their fast paced blocking fight. They’re too evenly matched with those weapons, he’s gonna make his move some time soon.

 I took an involuntary step forward as Haku began using his free hand to perform a jutsu. The water floated up from the ground, forming dangerously sharp needles. I held back, that’s not the right jutsu, I can’t remember when exactly he does it! I waited anxiously as the needles raced towards them.

 A swirl of mist covered my view as they hit the now empty ground, Haku jumped away quickly as Sasuke threw shuriken from above. Sasuke appeared behind him, I could barely make out what he was saying, “You’re not as fast as you think, from this point on, you’ll be the one defending against my attacks.”

 That idiot, he’s too cocky, I warned him about this! Sasuke had the upper hand, pushing Haku back and landing a kick, sending him skidding back to Zabuza’s feet. “Thought you were quicker huh, now what else are you wrong about?” he taunted. Idiot, idiot, idiot! If he’d focus on the fight and not his come backs he wouldn’t get his butt handed to him! I smirked, he’s lucky I’m going to bail him out before he’s beat too bad.

 “You made a big mistake insulting these ninja and calling them brats, that’s just guaranteed to bring out Sasuke’s attitude. He’s the best young fighter of the Hidden Leaf Village, Sakura here is our sharpest mind, our number 1 hyper-active knuckle head ninja is Naruto Uzumaki and last but not least Saki. Who might be the most dangerous of the four, is our mysterious wild card, even I don’t know what she can... and will do,” Kakashi listed.

 I grinned as wide as my mouth would allow, he thinks I’m the most dangerous?! THAT’S SO SWEET! He is getting a hug when this is over! “Huh Haku, if we keep going like this we’ll be the victims instead of them, get on with it!” “Right” Haku, stood back up, the blue of his chakra flaring up around him.

 “What’s that?” “His chakra, keep a close eye on him Sasuke, he isn’t playing around anymore,” I said seriously. “I’m sorry it’s come to this,” Haku apologized. “The air… is so cold.” Haku brought his hands up in front of him; a wall of ice mirrors started to form around Sasuke, “secret jutsu: crystal ice mirrors.”

 *Alright, wait until after I give the signal and Naruto enters the mirrors* I pulled my specially made kunai, one that each of my clones carried; I had sharpened them with my chakra just for this occasion. The mirrors started to glow as Haku stepped forward and into one, appearing on the face of each.

 Kakashi ran forward to try and intercept but was stopped by Zabuza, “if you enter this fight, you fight me, your boy had no chance against that jutsu, he’s finished.” “Now, we’ll begin, and I’ll show you what speed really means,” Haku raised his hands, armed with senbons.

 I clenched my fists as Sasuke was cut, I’m sorry, I can’t help you right away. “Sasuke!” Sakura yelled, his kunai was knocked from his hand and landed in front of her. “Just try to help him and I’ll kill the other three in a heartbeat,” Zabuza threatened Kakashi. “Damn it” I hissed, watching him hunch over in pain.

 “I’m sorry, b-but I can’t stay with you, forgive me,” Sakura said. “I understand, go now,” Tazuna answered. She reached down and pulled the kunai from the ground, “Sakura NO!” I yelled, but was too late. She ran at them, “take this!” she threw it at the mirror, a hand reached out and caught it midair. The top of his body leaned out, twisting the kunai in his hand; a gleam caught my attention and I turned my head.

 A shuriken appeared out of nowhere and hit Haku in the face, knocking him out of the mirror. A cloud of smoke engulfed part of the bridge; why couldn’t he use his hidden position for a surprise like attack like I do! “Number 1 hyper-active knuckle head ninja,” Haku recited, lifting his head. I smiled proudly as I caught sight of the large gash on his mask.

 “Naruto Uzumaki… is here! Yea, Believe it!” he uttered theatrically. “Now that I’m here everything will be all right,” he grinned. “Naruto!” “You know how in stories the hero usually shows up at the last minute and then kicks butt? Well that’s what I’m going to do right now, Believe it!” “Ugh, this brat again,” Zabuza groaned. I wish I could attack now but I need Haku to be fully distracted and the only time is when he’s throwing those needles.

 “Alright, you’re history, shadow clone jutsu!” “No!” Kakashi shouted as Zabuza flung kunai straight for him. “Naruto move!” Everyone gasped in shock as Haku blocked them with his own needles, “What are you doing Naruto are you crazy!” Sakura shouted, “This is a battle not a talent show, don’t let your opponent see your jutsu!” Kakashi reprimanded him.

 “The Shinobi’s art is deception, always keep your enemy guessing; even when executing a single jutsu one must distract their opponent’s attention…” Yea, exactly like Kakashi is right now… I slipped my special kunai back in my weapons pouch. I put my hands together discreetly; 'shadow clone jutsu' I mouthed, tapping into Kale’s power and shrouding the chakra of the two clones that formed directly behind me. I motioned for one to circle right while the other was to circle left around Haku.

 I grinned as both clones blended into the mist; this is why you don’t stop to chitchat while in a battle. I turned back to the scene in front of me, they were still talking… good. I pulled a normal kunai as I unshrouded the clones’ chakra, charging Haku from the front as he turned to block my clones’ attacks. I whipped kunai at him left and right, dodging as best as I could as he countered with his needles, catching my arms and body.

 He maneuvered to the right, killing my clone with a needle to the neck; I gritted my teeth, switching to shuriken only to have him back flip over them and kill my second clone with a kick to the chest.

 I stopped between him and his mirror jutsu, wincing as I felt all the cuts on my arms and legs. Maybe this wasn’t the best idea, but he is farther away from his jutsu. “Saki!” someone yelled, I didn’t take my eyes off Haku as he rose from his crouch, seeing that I was done. “That was a bit reckless, but the clones were a surprise,” he commented. “Someone had to remind you people that we are still in a fight and not having tea and crumpets,” I smiled, catching my breath.

 *WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!?! WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PLAN!* I winced in pain slightly, *I got impatient, but don’t worry we’ll still destroy those mirrors*  *WELL YOU COULDN’T HAVE WAITED!?*  *Sorry, I’ll wait for you before doing anything else ok?*  *You better or I’m coming up there full out!*  *Ok ok I got it*

 I sighed; wait… why is it so quiet? I turned my attention back to the group in front of me, which had focused all their attention on me. “What?” I looked beyond Haku at the rest of them, “what are you looking at?” I glanced behind me, Sasuke still sat on the ground inside the mirrors and also looking at me. I’m wearing clothes, Kale isn’t here, I didn’t say anything out loud… everything’s normal, what’s their deal?

 “Saki what were you doing?” Naruto spoke up, “what do you mean?” “Just now, you winced and started making a bunch of faces.”  *You can’t blame that on me*  *The hell I can!*  I crossed my arms over my chest, wincing as the motion aggravated my wounds, “I was thinking, is it a crime to make faces while you’re thinking!”  “I ah… guess not,” he said confusedly, scratching his head.

 I ran a hand over my face, “you know what, just go back to whatever you were doing, this was obviously a waste of energy,” I waved a hand at them. “Well Haku? What is the meaning of this?” Zabuza asked after a moment, apparently taking my advice. “This boy, let me fight him my own way, please,” “bring it on,” Naruto challenged.

 “Hmph, so you want me to leave this to you, is that it Haku? As usual, you’re too soft,” he said distastefully. “Forgive me,” he whispered. By now I had backed myself up until I was a few feet away from the mirrors. “He could have done a lot worse, I mean I’m still standing, he could have caused a lot more damage than this,” I whispered to Sasuke, who was inspecting his own wounds.

 He ignored me, aiming a glare at Haku as he ground his teeth in anger. “I’m warning you, one way or another I’m going to rip off that mask and take you apart!” Naruto yelled. “Don’t even think about it, you know the score Kakashi; if you go after Haku, I go after the bridge builder,” Zabuza warned him. “Don’t you worry Kakashi, I’ll take care of the boys, you just focus on Zabuza,” I gave him a close eyed smile.

 “See, relax Kakashi, she’ll take care of them,” Zabuza laughed, “you might as well sit back and watch the show, let’s see how they do.” “That mask and your bogus story, you were with Zabuza all along, you think you can get away with a stunt like that?!” “I’m sorry, but as your sensei said, deceiving your opponent, catching them off guard; that is the art of the Shinobi, please don’t take it personally.”

 I watched silently as Sasuke pulled a kunai, throwing it at Haku as he spoke to Naruto. The boys gasped as he simply moved his head back, easily avoiding the attack “Sorry Sasuke, he’s on high alert now after my attack, that’s not going to work,” I looked down.

“I haven’t forgotten about you... either of you, not for an instant. You think I don’t know what your plan was? Trying to get in between me and my mirror jutsu,” Haku stated. I narrowed my eyes, a low growl escaping through my clenched teeth.

 “Some warriors accept defeat gracefully, they know when they are beaten; others do not, so be it, let us finish our battle then to the death,” he turned around taking slow steps back towards us. I tried stepping in front of his path, but needles landed in front of me, “don’t interfere, I’ll deal with you separately, after Naruto of course,” He disappeared into the mirror before I could even take another step.

 “OH NO YOU DID NOT PUT ME AFTER NARUTO!” I yelled. “Sasuke!” Sakura and Naruto shouted as he fell to the ground after a wave of needles. “Sasuke, Saki, Naruto think! You need to attack from the outside and the inside at the same time,” Kakashi instructed. My hand inched towards my weapons pouch, time to use my secret weapon. I couldn’t help but slap my forehead in embarrassment as Naruto popped up inside the mirrors, “hey, I snuck in here to save you. Pretty cool move huh Sasuke,” he grinned.

“YOU ARE A COMPLETE LOSER! YOU’RE A SHINOBI, THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU MOVE!” “WHAT THE HECK’S YOUR PROBLEM! YOU SHOULD THANK ME FOR COMING IN HERE AND TRYING TO HELP YOU!” “Naruto, if we’re both inside here… FORGET IT I’VE HAD IT WITH YOUR MISTAKES! SAKI IT’S UP TO YOU,” Sasuke yelled.

 “WELL I’VE HAD IT WITH YOUR ATTITUDE, BELIEVE IT!!” “THAT’S IT I’M GOING TO DESTROY THESE MIRRORS RIGHT NOW!” he did the hand signs for his fire style jutsu. “Hey, what attack are you using?!” Naruto yelled. “These mirrors are made of ice, how do you destroy ice? Figure it out.” “Wait Sasuke it won’t…!” I was too late as he released fire from his mouth, blocking my view of them. As the fire sputtered out I knew I would find the mirrors still perfectly intact.

 “THAT DIDN’T DO ANYTHING AT ALL!” “You’ll need much more heat than that to melt this ice,” Haku informed them. “Where are they coming from, which one is the real one?” Naruto gasped frustrated. “Look into every mirror as hard as you like, you will never learn the secret.” “OH YEA!? Shadow clone jutsu!” “NO DON’T!” Sasuke tried to warn him, but he didn’t listen and went on with the jutsu.

 Haku flew through the mirrors, jumping from one to the next as he destroyed each clone with lightning speed. “These mirrors only reflect my image, allowing me to transport myself at light speed. Through my eyes, you appear to be moving in slow motion.” “I knew it; it’s a bloodline trait, a Kekkei Genkai,” I faintly heard Kakashi exclaim.

 “I’m not giving up and I’m not gonna lose here, cause I have a dream and no one’s going to take that away from me. Someday I’ll be respected in my village, that’s my dream, to be the greatest Hokage!” Naruto said in a steely voice.

“It was not my desire to be a Shinobi… it’s painful, I don’t want to kill you… but if you advance, I will have no choice. Then I will kill the kindness in my own heart to fully embrace the Shinobi way… and there will be no mercy, no turning back, this bridge will be the battle where our dreams collide. Now I must fight for my dream, just as you fight for yours. Please do not blame me, I fight for someone who is precious to me; I live for him and I face death for him, so that his dream may become a reality. That is my dream and for the sake of that dream if I must, I will act as a Shinobi and take your lives,” Haku finished.

 I watched my boys smile determinedly, readying themselves for the next wave of attack. I slipped a hand into my bag, pulling my special kunai knife out at the ready. My face lifted up in a grin of my own as I felt my eyes become more wolfen. Sorry Haku, but by the end of this battle, the only dream shattered… will be yours.

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Sorry AGAIN for the late upload, I think