The Hunt for Tsunade

Chapter One: Clash! The Legendary Sannin Vs. The Demon of the Hidden Mist!

Zabuza Momochi, the Demon of the Hidden Mist, felt a bit out of his element. He and his subordinate Haku made their way through the village. It was a cheerful, rural sort of area. A farmer wheeled his goods along to the market.

The six-foot-tall tan-skinned professional murderer with a sword as large felt out of place. Haku faired moderately better with her colorful attire. But it was nothing like home.

The door they came to met the address. But it was not the sort of place one would expect to find a man who was hiring a ninja. It was a house built into a mossy green hill. It had a perfectly round door, like a portal, painted bright blue and a golden knocker: no guards or anything.

'This is the place.' confirmed Haku.

Zabuza made his way forward, and, after a moment of contemplation, knocked.

'No!' roared a voice from inside. 'I don't want any more sycophants or gamblers! And no Mom and Pop stores demanding a loan they can't pay back for that matter!'

'I am Zabuza Momochi.' said Zabuza, annoyed.

There was silence. Then the door opened to reveal a short little man with white hair. He wore a bright red waistcoat, and brown pants and clogs were on his feet. Well, this is a bit awkward.'

'You called for me, Banker Gortel.' asked Zabuza.

'Ah, yes, I apologize. I've been run off my feet lately.' said Gortel. 'Some of my relatives make themselves a nuisance. They've always wanted my estate. One day you might get a contract from them, hah! Come in.'

Zabuza and Haku entered while Gortel bustled around, talking as if welcoming in a house guest. This was not the sort of reaction Zabuza was used to. Most of his employers either were stone-cold terrified of him or regarded him as a living weapon.

'I wasn't expecting you so soon.' said Gortel as he entered the kitchen. 'Would you care for some tea? Or perhaps something a bit stronger? I have a number of very good brands of sake I came into some years ago. Laid down by my uncle, see.'

'I'll have tea.' said Zabuza, who did not mix alcohol with business.

'It was a very good year, you know?' said Gortel. 'Are you sure?'

'Tea.' said Zabuza.

'Very well, very well,' said Gortel, 'and you young lady?'

'I'm a boy.' lied Haku.

'My apologies,' said Gortel. 'It's just with the long hair and dress I thought-'

'It is not a problem.' said Haku. 'I am often mistaken as such. I'll have some tea if you don't mind.

'Excellent.' said Gortel, setting the kettle on the stove. 'Now please, both of you sit down and make yourselves at home. We have some business to discuss.'

And that was how Zabuza and Haku found themselves sitting in a cozy living room. They were drinking tea while Gortel got settled across from them. Zabuza wondered what the man's angle was. He decided to cut to the chase. 'Why did you call for me, Gortel?'

'That is a very complicated question,' said Gortel. 'Most unfortunate business. Would you care for the details? Or shall I just give you the names and what I want to be done to them?'

'I'll take the details.' said Zabuza. 'I like to know the nature of my targets when I go after them. It helps with the kill.'

'Very well, say no more, say no more,' said Gortel. 'You may want to get comfortable; it's a long story and quite involved. But first, let me ask you something. How much do you know about the Legendary Sannin?'