Theme 5 - Story {Zabuza x Haku}

When Haku had first met Zabuza there had been uncertainty between the two; Haku having been brought up as he had been, found it a little difficult to trust the older ninja. Seeing this as a problem for the future, Zabuza took it upon himself to gain the young-one’s trust. He did this using the age-old method of telling stories.

One night after travelling a long distance, the pair settled down at a small tavern in the land of Thunder. Haku was tired and so he was quick to nestle down under the covers of the bed. Zabuza, following tradition, sat on the end of the bed, his arms folded and his eyes closed as if in meditation. He paused for a moment, then began to tell Haku the story of his own childhood. At first the small boy was frightened of the words Zabuza spoke, but then, after time he grew sleepy and lulled his head, the words washing over him like a warm comforting wave.

Before his tale was over, Zabuza looked to the top of the bed. Haku, as always, had fallen to sleep, his mouth slightly agape as he breathed. A small smile was on the boy’s lips. Zabuza noted that each time the boy fell asleep after listening to him tell his stories, the smile would be just that little bit bigger.

The ex-mist ninja rose up from the bed and walked to the top of it, tucking the covers under Haku’s small frame. He paused, watching the boy for a moment, then he found himself comfortable in an old armchair. He glanced at the boy in the bed again then closed his eyes and fell asleep; an air of peace about him.