Naruto: The Jinchuuriki Princess

Ch15: Battle on the Bridge! (Part 1)

NARUTO

Akimi's POV///

It's been a week since our training. I managed to remain standing in the water for about three hours straight, any longer then I'm pretty much drenched, and Naruto and Sasuke were finally able to walk on a tree without difficulty. And now, today was the day we were heading to the bridge. I would have left a shadow clone to guard Tsunami-san and Inari-kun, but Naruto would save them in the end. So, I'll leave one hiding in the shadows in case Naruto might not make it.

When we reached the bridge, everyone was unconscious or probably killed. I highly doubt it though. Zabuza would have killed them, but I bet Haku made them unconscious instead.

"What the hell is this?!" Tazuna shouted. Everyone was staring at the scene shocked. I frowned, but I knew they were unconscious. I walked towards one of the civilians. I knelt down and placed two fingers against their neck. I could feel the pulse beating on my fingers. I looked back at the others.

"He's alive." I stated. They relaxed slightly but were still tense and cautious.

"What's going on?!" Sakura exclaimed in fear. Right when I was about to answer her, the bridge was suddenly covered in mist. My eyes glanced around, searching for Zabuza and Haku. I would've searched them by sensing their chakra, but the fog is messing with me right now. I reached my hand under my sleeve of my right arm and brought out a black kunai.

"All of you, get into position!" Kakashi ordered. Sakura and Sasuke had a kunai in their hand.

"Kakashi-sensei? Isn't this the Hidden Mist Jutsu?" Sakura asked, gaining Kakashi's attention. "That's right. I knew Zabuza was still alive. He just couldn't wait for round two, could he?" Kakashi held his hand up in a sign.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Kakashi! I see you still have those brats with you." His voice echoing around us as Zabuza appeared in front of us -but only I could see him- with Haku by his side. He looked at my team before glancing at me. His gaze soften softly, almost unnoticeably before regaining his composure. "Ah, It's nice to see you again, Akimi." He smirked.

"Otō-san..." I mutterred, low enough for him to hear as I stared at the ground. I stayed still, closing my eyes to concentrate. Snapping my eyes open, I caught a senbon needle between my index and middle finger. I knew Haku was behind me, the moment I looked down from Zabuza, Haku had already disappeared. Without looking away from ahead, I snapped the needle in two as it dropped to the ground.

Suddenly we surrounded by Zabuza's clones. Kakashi smiled slightly and turned towards Sasuke. "Why don't you handle this, Sasuke?" Sasuke smirked before lunging forward, easily destroying all the clones as they all crumbles to water.

"So you noticed they were water clones? Impressive, looks like the brat's improving." Zabuza was now visible for my team to see with Haku by his side. We stared at each other.

"Looks like you have a rival, Haku."

"So it seems..." He said emotionlessly. I noticed Zabuza muttering something to Haku and narrowed my eyes. Haku suddenly spun around rapidly, creating a cyclone. It approached Sasuke who was glaring at Haku. Facing the ravenette, I called him.

"Sasuke," I started and he looked at me, confused. I gave a small smile before signaling a slight nod.

"Get him." His eyes widen the slightest bit at me, surprise shining in his eyes before smirking.

"But I'll intervene if things go roughly," I warned.

"You won't need to," He smugly said. I rolled my visible eye playfully. Sasuke and Haku started to engaged in battle. Haku was using his Senbon needles while Haku was blocking his attacks with hid kunai. They both were forcefully pushing eachother. The power struggle was all-in-all equal.