Konoha Spider

Trial by Combat

The ninjas of Team 7 were unaware of what was happening and how the life of their friend was being discussed as they talked about training methods that they might practice. Haku had already promised to continue their training in using pressure points during their training if he was allowed to stay. "Hey guys," Kakashi greeted as he saw that the two male members of his team were casually talking with the boy.

"So what did they decide Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto questioned the Jonnin excitedly.

Kakashi looked over at Haku as he spoke. "The Village Council is split upon their feelings on whether or not they should grant Haku citizenship and shinobi status. Zabuza's reputation and the attitude that Water has toward Bloodlines has made them somewhat dangerous in that regard. We really don't want to risk starting a war with them either should they take offense at our recruiting from their lands. It has therefore been decided to give Haku a chance to prove himself in a trial by combat. It shall be a physical test that shall discover if Haku has the skills and power that would make him worth the effort of recruiting and protecting. It has therefore been decided that Haku will prove his worth by fighting a proving battle against Sasuke in an exhibition match that will allow everyone to see just what Haku is capable of. Until then Team 7 is to act as your escorts and guards."

Naruto grinned at that. "Alright Haku, you can beat up Sasuke Teme and not get in trouble for it." He cheered the other boy as he patted him on the back.

Haku smiled at the excitable younger boy. "We shall see." He said with a smile. "If you were able to defeat me, then maybe the Uchiha boy can as well. I remember Zabuza-Sensei talking about the Uchiha clan and their strengths. They are the original users of the infamous sharrigan eye that has helped bring you such acclaim. It was one of the few dojutsu's that Zabuza-sensei respected and feared."

"Yes, the Uchiha Clan has a very powerful bloodline." Kakashi said in agreement. "Whatever you do, do not underestimate Sasuke, he is easily as powerful as Peter perhaps more so." Kakashi warned the other boy. "Part of Peter's advantage is that he does not need to use Chakra to increase his physical abilities unless he's fighting someone so much more advanced than him like you are. Come, it's time to examine the training grounds I've already sent a shadow clone to retrieve Sakura so that we can go over it together." The boys nodded and followed after the man. A grumpy looking Sakura greeted them, and the group waited while Haku examined the training grounds and the nearby bridge that made up their training grounds. Team 7 pointed out various things about the grounds as they watched over the boy. Haku wandered the grounds for a couple of hours as he familiarized himself with the area.

After Haku had seemed comfortable having gone through a couple of practice kata's they left the training ground and entered the supply store and Haku was able to buy several sebon needle packs for the coming fight. The ninja also refilled and examined the other weapons that were around the room. Peter always seemed to find some joy at looking at the various weapons and he did get flashes as he looked at various things. Today he had stopped as he saw a pair of sai's and the image of a kunochi dressed all in red with dark hair came to mind. The boy shook his head at that only to see a collapsible staff and the image of a ninja in a red bodysuit with horns came to mind. Unfortunately the pair were both without headbands so he couldn't figure out what village they might be from. He turned to examine a matching pair of Tekagi-shuko. They were ninja weapons that a ninja strapped onto their hands and it gave them a set of four clawed blades that shot out a foot or two. As he examined them he thought of a man in gold and yellow uniform with some sort of retractable version of the weapon in his gloves. The man reminded him of the Inuzuka clan members who were always sniffing around at times with their canine companions. Peter sighed as he turned away. He was on duty he couldn't let his want to find out what the images meant distract him from what he was doing. The group allowed Haku to get his weapons, and got a few other things that they needed before leaving the supply store.