Naruto: The New Beginning

89. One More Brother

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"Haku, why are you here?"

Naruto looks at Haku, who is helping in the kitchen, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. Did I miss a chapter or two of my own life?

"Naruto, call him your brother!" Kushina corrects him, holding a spoon in her hand.

"Brother?" Naruto raises an eyebrow, feeling a bit confused, Isn't this turning into a strange, extended ninja family?

"Yes, Haku officially became my son a few days ago," Kushina says, her face lighting up with happiness.

Haku tilts his head slightly, showing a smile so beautiful it could make many girls envious. "Naruto-kun, no, Otouto, please take care of me from now on!"

Naruto nods, still a bit stunned. Having more brothers is fine, but being called *Otouto* always reminds him of Sasuke.

His mind wanders briefly, imagining them all going on missions together. He pictures them facing enemies, using their various kekkei genkai to defeat foes several times their size.

The enemy, beaten and lying on the ground, asks in shock, "You're so strong! Who are you?"

Kimimaro steps forward and says, "I, Kimimaro, am the son of the Fourth Hokage!"

Haku follows, "I, Haku, am the son of the Fourth Hokage!"

Karin steps up next, "I, Karin, am the daughter of the Fourth Hokage!"

And Naruto, of course, finishes, "I, Naruto, am the son of the Fourth Hokage!"

So stupid!

Snapping back to reality, Naruto remembers something and turns to Kushina, "Wait, why didn't you tell me about this over the phone? That's kinda important, don't you think?"

Kushina chuckles. She doesn't bother correcting him anymore. "I wanted it to be a surprise. Are you happy?"

"...Happy?" Naruto mutters. Sure, he's happy, but he's starting to wonder if his spot in the family hierarchy is slipping.

"Can you tell me what happened while I was gone? Did Haku join Konoha for good?"

Minato appears at that moment. "Let me explain. Before Zabuza and Haku were captured, they were both considered rogue ninjas."

Naruto notices that Haku doesn't react at all to the mention of his past. He just smiles softly.

Minato continues, "Although I intended to cooperate with them, we had to interrogate them as part of protocol. I apologize for that."

"You've apologized enough, Hokage-sama," Haku says gently. "Zabuza-sama and I understand your position."

Minato nods and explains further, "Afterward, Kushina learned about Haku's past and insisted that Haku and Kimimaro, both have faced so much hardship, should be part of our family."

Naruto already knows Haku's backstory—how his entire village feared and persecuted him for his Ice Release kekkei genkai.

Hakus's father killed his mother upon learning of her abilities and was about to do the same to Haku.

In his panic, Haku unleashed his Ice Release, turning the entire house into an ice sculpture.

He survives but is later taken in by Zabuza, who treats him as a mere tool—though they eventually grow to care for each other in their own way.

"So, did Haku just agree to this?" Naruto asks, turning to Haku.

"Well, Zabuza-sama was about to leave for a mission and insisted that I stay in Konoha. He told me that he used to see me only as a tool, but after seeing how easily you interact with the Hokage and Jonin here, he realized that Konoha might be a better place for me."

"You didn't agree right away, did you?" Naruto asks. He guesses Zabuza's mission probably has something to do with the Land of Water. His father, after all, is trying to pursue peace across the ninja world.

Haku smiles softly. "At first, I didn't. I insisted on staying as Zabuza-sama's tool. But then, he gave me one final order as his tool—to become a real person and live for myself."

Naruto's eyes widen in surprise. Zabuza, that guy, doesn't seem like such a cold-blooded killer after all.

"But I wasn't sure how to do that until your parents invited me into their home. I feel something warm here," Haku says, placing a hand on his chest. "It's similar to the feeling I had when I was needed by Zabuza-sama, but... different. Warmer."

Haku smiles again. "I'm not sure if I'm a real person yet, but I can tell you this—I like this family."

Naruto slowly nods, starting to understand the situation. Not bad, he thinks.

"So, what happens after Zabuza finishes his mission? Will you go back to him?"

Minato ruffles Naruto's spiky blonde hair. "Zabuza will become one of Konoha's strongest allies. We won't stop Haku from meeting or even teaming up with him."

"Oh." Naruto ducks away from Minato's hand.

"Excuse me!" Shizune suddenly bursts in, carrying Tonton.

"You're late, Shizune!" Tsunade throws her cards down in frustration. She has been playing cards with Jiraiya, Kakashi, and Kimimaro.

Naruto suspects she lost once again and has used Shizune as an excuse to stop playing.

"It's not my fault, Tsunade-sama! You left all the work to me!" Shizune sits down with a sigh.

"Oink!"

"See? Even Tonton agrees!" Shizune retorts, using her uncanny ability to understand Tonton's "language."

Tsunade nonchalantly pours herself another cup of sake. "Oh, quit whining. Can't you see I'm busy?"

Shizune makes a dramatic face. "Busy drinking?! You're supposed to be taking over the entire medical division! Please, take it seriously!"

Tsunade rolls her eyes, but Shizune isn't wrong. Minato had arranged for Tsunade to take over Konoha's medical affairs, and Jiraiya is being prepared to handle intelligence, slowly replacing the current advisors.

As everyone settles down, the table is full of food. The whole family gathers around, raising their cups.

"Cheers!"

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