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The following morning after breakfast, Zabuza planned to make good on his deal with Ann while getting the groceries. It also doubled to go to his sister's place to look for anything of sentimental value because of the storm. He needed to figure out what kind of kekkei genkai Auron had without worrying about being watched.
Zabuza~Before I go, is there anything you want me to get?
Ann~Chocolate?
Zabuza~I didn't forget. What fruit do you want? I already got bananas, apples, oranges, and peaches.
Ann~Melons and sweet potatoes?
Zabuza~Anything else?
Ann~Jerky?
Zabuza~We'll see. We might have to make our own.
Ann~Nuts?
Zabuza~Should be doable. Do you still have peanut butter?
Ann~Out. And milk and orange juice.
Zabuza~Alright. I have another thing to do, but I should be back well before dark.
He patted his hip bag to make sure he had everything then leaned against the door frame
Zabuza~Will anyone ever come by? What do you do if anyone forces the door?
Ann~No one but you is ever to come. I hide in the bedroom. If the door breaks, I grab the go bag and run west to port.
Zabuza~Good. Who do you find? What's the signal that it's safe?
Ann~Find Mei. Don't talk to anyone unless I'm offered a half-peach with the pit still in it. Will I recognize Mei?
Zabuza~She’s easy to recognize when she wants to be. What's after making contact?
Ann~Follow her instructions to get to Fire Country. Continue west to the Leaf. Only discuss with Hokage.
Zabuza~What do you do if I don't return?
Ann~Wait a week or until food runs out, whichever is first, grab the bag and go.
Zabuza~Good. I'll be back soon. Remember what I said about the prunes if you need a snack, only three pieces if you don’t want a stomachache
He ruffled her hair, pulled up his hood, and left. Ann sighed and went to their room to pull the bag out of the closet to set up near the window. She knew this routine since she could remember, but it wasn't until his uncle reveal and their first sparring session that the meaning behind the instructions started to take weight each time she recited it. She still didn't know what the danger was and why they were affected.

With the storm still going Zabuza was able to move freely in concealment. He didn't sense anyone nearby and he didn't feel like he was being followed as he went to his sister's old place. It was technically Auron's clan's compound, but with the rumor of it being haunted and a number of people experiencing it as well, it was mostly left alone in the past five years. As far as he knew, he'd been the only one to venture into the place.
Zabuza~This place is still creepy…How did Ane live here by herself?
He made his way inside the main building and shed his coat and shoes at the entry way before going towards the bedroom. The storm had picked up again, rattling the windows and doors. He continued down the hall. A flash of lightning struck as he passed the nursery. He didn't stop to look in the room, but he saw the bassinet rock slightly from the coming thunder and a chill ran down his back. The place was creepy as ******** without Ane to keep his attention.
Inside his sister's room, Zabuza had to ignore the feeling of being watched. He didn't sense anyone nearby, and the window was clear as well. He even threw open the closet door to make sure no one was there. However, he still thought there was a presence. The room just felt too heavy.
He couldn't waste any more time trying to reason with a feeling that was unjustified, so he focused on what he was originally trying to do. Find something that hinted at Auron's family.
He lifted the mattress, looked under the bedframe, opened drawers, ran his hand over shelves, and checked every place he could think of for any sort of document or exchanged letters. He came up with nothing but dust and frustration. Then he remembered a trick she used to do to hide his things.
Zabuza~You’re dumb enough to still do this, right?
He pulled out the top dresser drawer and ran his hand underneath until he found what he was looking for. He poked his finger through the hole and a fake bottom lifted in the drawer. It held exactly what he needed, including something he didn't expect. There was an envelope with his name on it and a peach stamp. The same peach stamp that Mei used on the drops for Ann's infancy. He ripped open the letter.

Zabuza,

If you're reading this then you already know that I'm gone. The regime couldn't keep trusting that I'd stay in line and decided to execute me instead. I don’t know what's going on with Yagura, but the brat hasn't been himself since he became a jinchuriki.

I suspect there's more to his behavior but nothing I could prove. Don't let him get his hands on her. She has a special kekkei genkai. The Maboroshi's can use telepathy, change memories, speak with the dead, and summon them.

Some of Auron's letters are here to explain what they can do in detail so you can understand the severity of it. Memorize it and burn it. Keep her safe. Don't tell her of her powers until the time comes.

—Ane

PS. Auron's sword is hidden in the closet behind a fake wall. Obviously don't send her to the Leaf with it, dumbass. Maybe you can gift it to her when she's older.

He swallowed hard. That look the Mizukage had that day a few years ago was probably him plotting to use her as a tool. That stupid pink-eyed fool might do something just to steal his brat and turn her into another weapon if he ever stepped out of line, against his will. It explained Yagura's recent behavior around him. It seemed like he was sizing him up, trying to find a reason to dispose of him. With Ane gone, Zabuza was the only one between him and his brat.
His niece.
His kid.
Zabuza~Ann you stupid ******** brat…MY stupid ******** brat…
He folded the letter back up and grabbed the other letters as well. From inside his hip pouch, he took out a plastic bag to protect the letters from the rain before he could read it. He still needed to get groceries and get back to his kid before it got too late. The unease about Yagura keeps deepening and he can only protect them from him for so long.
Zabuza~I'm going to kill the b*****d to keep you safe, brat…
The room felt lighter from saying that. He wasn't convinced his words made a difference as the winds died down outside as well, but the rain was still pouring as hard as it had been earlier. He put the letters in his pouch as he moved back to the closet. Zabuza tapped the walls to compare the sound and found the right side wall to be different.
Zabuza~How would you open this one? Or did you only mean for it to be single use?
He pulled out a kunai and stabbed it into the wall, making sure the tip was wedged into it. Then he slowly pulled and the wall went with it. Once it came out far enough, he grabbed the top of it and pulled the wall further to reveal a sword.
It was large, something like a greatsword, but it had one sharp edge and the blade's slight curve reminded him of a katana. The base of the blade had a decorative swirl pattern with no hilt to separate it from the grip. The grip had rope woven around it.
Zabuza~I wonder if there's a reason for Auron bothering to send it from…wherever he went…Maybe one of the letters will say something about it.
He took the blade and made his way out, fixing it to his back like he does with his own sword. The grip was shorter compared to Kubikiribocho, as well as the blade, so he could conceal it under his coat fairly easily. The weight was deceiving though. It was heavier than it looked but still not as hefty as his own. This could be an in-between sword for Ann to learn how to use Kubikiribocho. Probably not practical for a four-year-old, but he'd rather her know how to use it.
Back at the entry way, he put his shoes and coat back on to go to the market. The sword's edge was sharp too, so if needed he could cut through his coat and use it. The rope on the grip was coarse enough to prevent slippage if it became necessary to use it too.

Zabuza came home with everything on the list plus other things to use for the week. The market trip was efficient on account of the weather. Hardly anyone was out to shop, so he had room to haggle prices without an old lady trying to steal his groceries from under him. However, no sight of Ann was worrying, especially since he couldn’t sense her. He really hoped she was practicing chakra concealment.
He removed his coat, dropping it next to the bags, and silently padded in, hand on the sword's handle. If someone other than Ann was here, he didn't want them to know about her existence.
When he got to the hallway, Ann jumped out with a shout. Zabuza swung at her, but stopped when her frightened scream registered. The blade was inches from her face. His arm shook from the restraint, but mostly from his own anger at himself. And it came out at her.
Zabuza~The hell were you thinking?!
Ann~Why were you going to kill me for it?!
He watched her wipe her eyes and shift uncomfortably. He sighed and set the sword on the table.
Zabuza~I'm sorry, kid. I'll clean that later. Let's take care of you first…
He walked her to the bathroom to clean her up. He turned on the shower and adjusted the temperature.
Zabuza~Wash up. I'm gonna grab your clothes and come back.
Ann~O-okay…
Zabuza quietly sighed as he left the bathroom. The circumstances were extremely shitty. He wanted to be proud that she scared him, but all he felt was guilt for nearly killing her and making her piss herself. He can't call it protection if he was the reason for her getting hurt. Hopefully the chocolate was good enough for their deal AND this.
Zabuza ******** hell…If Ane doesn't kill me for accidentally teaching her how to swear she'll get me for this for sure…
He went back to the bathroom with her clothes, and knocked on the door to let her know he was back.
Zabuza~Are you finished?
Ann~Not yet…
Zabuza~Do you want help?
Ann sniffled~Uh huh
He set her clothes to the side and came over to wash her. He was slow with his movements, careful not to scare her any more than she already was. Once she was clean, he brought her out and patted her dry with a towel. He also made sure not to cover her face when drying her hair.
Zabuza~Were you just practicing your chakra control?
Ann~Yeah…
Zabuza~You got me. I didn't sense you.
He grabbed her clothes and helped her into it.
Ann~I scared you? Really?
She looked at him in disbelief and a bit of hope of true praise without a backhanded remark.
Zabuza sighed~Yeah…Yeah, you did
He carried her out to the table then went to clean up her mess from earlier.
Ann~Where did you get this sword?
Zabuza~Places. It's for you.
Ann~It's huge though.
Zabuza~You'll get there soon enough.
Ann~Does it have a story? Your sword does.
Zabuza~Not until you're older.
Ann~It's not the endocrine thing again, right?
Zabuza~No…Ah, s**t…
Ann~Huh?
He stopped what he was doing and grabbed the bags to take into the kitchen. He washed his hands and quickly put some things away into the freezer. He hoped that the groceries were enough to distract her from asking more about the sword until the time was right.
Ann~What’s that?
Zabuza~Some meat…and your chocolate.
He put the collection of fruit and some other items on the counter and started sorting the rest into the fridge.
Ann~You’re not lying about not sensing me?
Zabuza~No, Ann. You really got me.
She smiled, but it didn't stay. She still almost got hurt.
Ann~Why did you swing?
Zabuza~I was already on edge. I didn't see you, hear you, or feel your chakra. I feared the worst.
Ann~I'm sorry, Zabi…
Zabuza~Don't be. That's a good thing you did. I need to adjust to your skills getting better.
He put away the last thing and went back to wiping and disinfecting the mess.
Zabuza~Have you eaten anything since I left?
Ann~No. I dunno if I can eat though…
Zabuza~That’s fine. You can still help cook lunch. Maybe your appetite will come back when you smell something to eat.
He got up from cleaning and put the things away. He washed his hands again then grabbed the sword to store it with his collection of other weapons.

Zabuza had her help him with making lunch by cutting vegetables, adding seasoning, and stirring the pot. He also took some of the sweet potato to bake for later as well. And just like he predicted, Ann got hungry while helping him cook and ate a serving of curry and had a sweet potato.
Zabuza~Do you want to try that chocolate or are you too full?
Ann~Why is it in the freezer?
Zabuza~It's called ice cream. Remember your end of the bargain. I didn't cheap out on this.
He took their plates to put into the sink then came back with a spoon and a small pint of ice cream.
Ann~That's it? Nothing bigger?
Zabuza~I said it wouldn't be overly indulgent. I did enough of that with the flavor. It just so happens to work out in my favor because I scared you…
He pulled off the top and her eyes widened at the brown gooey mess that he'd probably call junk.
Zabuza~Chocolate ice cream, brownie chunks, and fudge syrup. I don't plan on getting this again anytime soon. So, don't eat it all at once.
He wanted to tell her to go slow, but it'd be more satisfying to watch her get a brain freeze. He watched her spoon out the middle where it had equal parts brownie and ice cream and was covered with fudge. He took the spoon after she ate her bite to get a smaller scoop of just ice cream at the side
Zabuza~So? Is it enough?
Ann just made a satisfied groan. She slowly chewed the frozen brownie bit, letting the overly sweet treat fill her senses. Then she yelped and pressed her palms to her forehead.
Ann~Why does it hurt?!
Zabuza chuckled~It's called a brain freeze. It happens when you eat something cold too fast, or in your case, too much at once.
Ann~And you didn't tell me???
Zabuza shrugged~You wouldn't have believed me
Ann groaned as it still hadn't gone away. Zabuza chuckled again as he got another scoop. He should have gotten vanilla for himself. This was too sweet for his liking.
Ann yelped again when a crash of thunder right after a flash of lightning. He brought her chair closer then pulled her to his chest. Keeping her safe from the storm was easier than whatever the hell the future had planned.