Kakashi nodded.
"This is also excellent," said Cherry as he sampled Zabuza's dish. "The trout is seared to near-perfection while the side dish allows one to clear that flavor. Both dishes are well-prepared and nutritional - also a point in your favor."
"So, Sharingan Kakashi," rumbled Zabuza. "Are you prepared to lose? Fish has a better nutritional value than duck."
"Ah, but the smell of grilled fish is potent enough that it could warn enemies of your presence," pointed out Kakashi. "There's also the potato to consider."
"Winner: Sasuke Uchiha."
"I don't see where the potato enters into it," scoffed Zabuza, who then paused.
"What?!" asked Zabuza and Kakashi together.
Naruto looked over at Sasuke. "I didn't know you could cook."
"Tch," indicated Sasuke. "I've been living alone for years, and unlike you - dobe - I can't exist solely on ramen."
"My shaved ice with cherry syrup was disallowed as it wasn't an actual meal," momentarily moped Haku.
"Well, winning yourself would have been a bit awkward," said Sakura.
"I am sorry, Zabuza-sama." Haku bowed to her teacher before lightly posing and considering. "I am not familiar with the situation or role, but I think I read a manga once that provided the appropriate response..."
"Eh?" asked Sasuke, his smirk (Uchiha 1, Everyone Else 0) faltering as he suddenly got a danger sense working.
"Sasuke-sama! Dai suki!"
Naruto pouted. "Why does Sasuke get the ninja princess... ratzzin fratzzin not fair."
Sakura nodded, proud of her Sasuke doing so well, then realized that Sasuke was being glomped. "HEY! HE'S MINE! HANDS OFF!"
Sasuke was being tugged back and forth between the two girls (one born that way) before looking squarely at Naruto. "And... you want this sort of crap to happen to you? Why?"
"Well, not THAT so much," admitted Naruto. "You get all the girls though."
"Hmph," said Zabuza, finding the actions of Haku a bit disturbing and wanting to concentrate on other things anyway. "He won with Mongolian Stir Fry? How'd he even manage the ingredients?"
"Well, he was Rookie of the Year for his class," noted Kakashi.
"So..." said Kakashi a bit later.
"Meh, I can always find other work," said Zabuza. "Though I'll stick around here for a little bit. I have a feeling there'll be some opportunities for a little salvage work."
"In other words you're going to wait for Gato to attack us with his mercenaries, then you're going to loot everything that isn't nailed down from his headquarters?" asked Kakashi.
"Don't be silly," said Zabuza. "Who said I was going to leave anything just because it was nailed down?"
"Ah, true," admitted Kakashi.
"Why are you being so... friendly-like now?" asked Sakura.
"If you're going to hold grudges just because someone's on the other side in a battle, you'll end up holding grudges against everyone," said Kakashi, sounding philosophical. "Today's opponent might be tomorrow's opponent, but might also be tomorrow's ally against tomorrow's opponent. Relationships in the professional ninja world can be... complicated."
Zabuza made an odd noise in his throat before speaking. "Also today's ally might be the assassin coming after you tomorrow. What makes you think we're friendly? Both of us are ready for any sudden move that the other might make."
"Well, yes, though there ARE protocols and treaties involved," said Kakashi.
"Fare well, Kakashi Hatake," said Zabuza, standing up slowly. "Until we fight at least. Oh, and good luck with the tsundere comedy team."
"GET AWAY FROM SASUKE!"
"No. He Is My Master."
"HE DOESN'T NEED YOU TO HAND-FEED HIM!"
"She's so uncouth and bothersome, isn't she Lord Sasuke?"
Kakashi sighed. Naruto was being silent and brooding off to the side. Which was about the only part of this situation not being bothersome at the moment.
Sure enough, Haku was forming ice walls and barriers - which Sakura was using her new strength as a wood-elemental to shatter. Which lasted until Haku froze the ground underneath Sakura and she windmilled her arms and legs in an effort to keep standing upright.
Oh well, it was good practice using their abilities.
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(Posted Mon, 12 Aug 2013 03:04)
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