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The mist had finally cleared, revealing the devastation that stretched across the Great Naruto Bridge. Concrete lay shattered in jagged heaps, twisted rebar jutting out like broken bones. Massive craters punctuated the bridge's surface, some still smoking from the intense heat of lightning strikes and fire jutsu. The air hung heavy with the metallic scent of blood and the sharp tang of ozone—remnants of Naruto's Purple Lightning techniques.
Naruto lay motionless at the center of the largest crater, his body sprawled at an awkward angle. The crimson chakra cloak had vanished completely, leaving him looking smaller, vulnerable—just a fifteen-year-old boy with tattered clothes and blood-matted blonde hair.
Yugito knelt beside him, her own clothes singed and torn from her partial transformation. Her usually immaculate blonde hair hung in disheveled strands around her face as she pressed her fingertips against Naruto's neck, checking his pulse, just beneath the new scar on his neck.
"He's alive," she announced, the relief evident in her voice. "His heartbeat is strong."
Darui approached, limping slightly. A deep gash ran across his left thigh, hastily bandaged with a torn piece of his sleeve. The dark-skinned jonin's white hair was stained with soot and blood, but his expression remained composed as he assessed the situation with calculating eyes.
"Kisame's sword did a number on me," Darui drawled, his tone casual despite the gravity of the situation. "But nothing that won't heal. How's our hothead doing?"
Before Yugito could answer, Naruto's body jerked violently. His back arched as if electricity were coursing through him, and a hoarse scream tore from his throat. His eyes snapped open—no longer the crimson, slitted eyes of the Nine-Tails, but his natural blue, wide with terror.
"GET OUT OF MY HEAD!" Naruto shouted, his voice raw and desperate.
Yugito grabbed his shoulders, pressing him back down as gently as she could. "Naruto! It's me! You're safe!"
Naruto's gaze darted wildly, taking in his surroundings with the frantic energy of a cornered animal. Gradually, recognition dawned in his eyes.
"Yugito?" he croaked, his voice barely audible. "What... where's Itachi?"
"Gone," Darui said, crouching down beside them despite his injured leg. "Both he and fish-face retreated after you went down."
Naruto's hand shot up to his temple, fingers digging into his scalp as if trying to claw something out. "He was in my mind. He showed me..." His voice trailed off, his expression hardening. "It doesn't matter."
"What did he tell you?" Yugito pressed, concern etched across her features.
Naruto set his jaw, a muscle twitching in his cheek. "Nothing important. Just trying to mess with my head." He attempted to sit up, wincing as pain lanced through his body. "Where's Omoi? Is he—"
"NARUTO!"
The shout came from the far end of the bridge. Omoi was sprinting toward them, his white hair bouncing with each step. His trademark lollipop was nowhere to be seen, and his sword was drawn.
"You're alive!" Naruto's face split into a relieved grin that quickly morphed into a grimace of pain.
Omoi skidded to a halt beside them, his chest heaving. A bruise was forming on his right cheekbone, and his left arm hung at an odd angle.
"Dislocated shoulder," he explained, noticing Naruto's concerned look. "That fish-looking freak caught me by surprise."
"You always were too stubborn to die," Naruto chuckled, then immediately regretted it as pain shot through his ribs.
"Look who's talking," Omoi retorted, sheathing his sword. His expression sobered. "I knew something bad was happening when I woke up and felt the Bijuu chakra all over the place."
Naruto's gaze dropped. "Yeah, well, it still wasn't enough. Not even close." His fingers curled into fists, knuckles whitening. "He was toying with me the whole time."
A few meters away, another figure stirred. Sasuke Uchiha pushed himself to a sitting position, holding his head in his hands. His usually pale complexion had an ashen quality to it, and his dark eyes were unfocused, confused.
"Itachi..." he murmured, drawing the attention of the Kumo shinobi.
Kakashi Hatake appeared beside his student, the visible portion of his face taut with concern. The green aura of the two gates he had opened had dissipated, leaving him visibly drained. Dark circles ringed his visible eye, and he moved.
"Easy, Sasuke," Kakashi cautioned, placing a hand on the young Uchiha's shoulder. "You're still recovering from whatever genjutsu Itachi placed on you."
Sasuke batted Kakashi's hand away, his expression a mixture of confusion and frustration. "It doesn't make sense," he muttered, more to himself than to his sensei. "Why would he show me that? Why would he teach me..."
His voice trailed off as he noticed the Kumo shinobi watching him. His features immediately hardened into the characteristic Uchiha mask of indifference.
"What are you looking at?" he snapped.
"A kid who got his ass handed to him," Naruto replied bluntly. "Welcome to the club."
Sasuke's lips thinned into a tight line, but before he could retort, Kakashi interjected.
"Not now, Sasuke." The jonin's tone left no room for argument. His single visible eye shifted to Naruto, studying him. "Interesting that a Kumo shinobi would possess the Nine-Tails."
The statement hung in the air like a challenge. Naruto met Kakashi's gaze unflinchingly.
"What of it?" Naruto's voice was deliberately casual, but his body had tensed, ready for conflict. "Kumo has two tailed beasts. Always has."
"Three would be a significant advantage," Kakashi observed mildly. "Especially when one of those is supposed to be sealed in Konoha."
Darui stepped forward, positioning himself subtly between Naruto and the Konoha jonin. "This really the time for political discussions, Kakashi? We've both got injured teams to worry about."
Kakashi's eye crinkled in what might have been a smile beneath his mask. "Just making an observation."
Nearby, Zabuza Momochi stirred, pushing himself to his feet with a grunt of pain. The former Mist ninja's bandages were soaked with blood around his midsection.
"What the hell hit me?" he growled, surveying the destruction around them. His gaze fell on Naruto. "Kid, your eyes were red. Like that Uchiha bastard's, but different."
Naruto glanced away. "It happens sometimes."
Zabuza snorted. "Sometimes, he says. Like turning into a chakra monster is an everyday occurrence." He stumbled over to where Haku lay unconscious, her delicate features peaceful despite the chaos that had unfolded around her. "Haku. Wake up."
He nudged her with his foot, surprisingly gentle for such a brutal man. When she didn't respond, he crouched down—wincing as the movement pulled at his wounds—and shook her shoulder.
"Haku. Enough sleeping."
Haku's eyes fluttered open, confusion clouding her gaze momentarily before recognition set in. "Zabuza-sama!" She sat up abruptly, then swayed as disorientation hit her. "What happened? The Uchiha, he looked at me, and then..."
"Genjutsu," Zabuza grunted. "You've got to work on resisting those."
"Yes, Zabuza-sama." Haku lowered her head, shame evident in her posture. Her eyes widened as she took in the state of the bridge and its occupants. "Was there a battle? Are you injured?"
Zabuza waved off her concern. "I'm fine. The kid there," he jerked his chin toward Naruto, "turned into some kind of chakra beast. Went toe-to-toe with Uchiha Itachi and almost held his own."
"He was toying with me," Naruto muttered, finally managing to stand. He swayed slightly, and Yugito steadied him with a hand on his elbow. He touched his neck, feeling the scar left when Itachi had sliced his neck so casually despite Naruto being in a Three-Tails Chakra Cloak. "He was levels beyond me. Beyond any of us."
An uncomfortable silence fell over the group as they each processed the humbling reality of their defeat. Darui was the first to break it, clearing his throat.
"Alright, we need to get moving. The bridge is structurally compromised, and we've all got injuries that need proper attention." He turned to Zabuza and Haku. "The Raikage's offer still stands. Sanctuary in Kumogakure, in exchange for your loyalty and service."
Zabuza's eyes narrowed, calculating. "And if we refuse?"
Darui shrugged his uninjured shoulder. "Then you're on your own. So, what'll it be? Kumo or the road?"
Zabuza looked at Haku, then at the Konoha team, his gaze lingering on Kakashi. Finally, he turned to Naruto.
"The kid. He turns into a chakra monster, has some weird purple lightning technique I've never seen, and goes toe-to-toe with Uchiha Itachi." He paused, seemingly weighing his words. "And your village treats him like he's normal? Like he belongs?"
Naruto's expression softened slightly. "I'm the Raikage's grandson. But yeah, they treat me like I belong. They treat Yugito the same, and she's got the Two-Tails."
Zabuza was silent for a long moment. Finally, he nodded. "Alright. Kumo it is. But if I don't like what I see, we're gone. Got it?"
"Got it," Darui confirmed. "Now let's get off this bridge before it collapses under us. We've got civilians to inform, wounds to treat, and," he glanced meaningfully at the spot where Gato's body had been incinerated, "a power vacuum to address."
As they gathered their strength to move, Kakashi continued to watch Naruto with that same calculating intensity. The jonin's mind was racing, connecting dots and drawing conclusions that he kept carefully hidden behind his impassive demeanor.
"Minato-sensei," he thought to himself, "could it be? Could your son really be alive all these years, raised as a Kumo shinobi?"
The implications were staggering—and potentially devastating for the fragile peace between the Hidden Villages. This was information the Hokage needed immediately. But for now, he had a team to look after and a bridge to cross.
"Sasuke, Sakura, Sai," he called, his voice betraying none of his inner turmoil. "Form up. We're moving out."
.
.
Word of Gato's demise spread through Wave Country like wildfire, carried on whispers that grew louder with each retelling. By midday, the village square had transformed into an impromptu celebration. Men who had spent months hunched in fear now stood tall, their weathered faces split with incredulous grins. Women wept openly, clutching children who didn't fully understand but joined the revelry nonetheless.
"Is it really true?" An old fisherman grabbed the sleeve of a passing villager. His calloused hands trembled. "Gato's dead? Really dead?"
"Burned to ashes!" The younger man exclaimed, mimicking an explosion with his hands. "Those ninja from Kumo and Konoha—they obliterated him and his whole army! I heard it from Tazuna's nephew himself!"
Near the edge of the gathering, a group of men conversed in hushed tones, their expressions more cautious than celebratory.
"Who controls the shipping now?" One asked, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Gato's company still owns the docks."
"Who cares?" Another countered, slapping his companion on the back hard enough to make him stumble. "We're free! We'll figure out the rest later!"
A third man shook his head. "It's never that simple. There's always someone waiting to fill the vacuum. You think Gato was the only shark in these waters?"
Their debate was interrupted as Tazuna pushed through the crowd, the ninja teams trailing behind him. The old bridge builder's face was a complex mixture of exhaustion and elation. His shoulder-length gray hair was more disheveled than usual, and dark smudges beneath his eyes spoke of sleepless nights, but he stood straighter than he had in years.
"My friends!" he called, his voice carrying across the square. The crowd fell silent immediately. "The rumors are true! Gato is dead!"
The villagers erupted into cheers so thunderous they seemed to shake the very ground. Tazuna let them celebrate for a moment before raising his hands for quiet.
"Our bridge will be completed within the week!" he continued. "And with it, Wave Country's future is secure! No more isolation, no more monopolies—we will trade freely with the mainland once again!"
As Tazuna continued his impromptu speech, Naruto scanned the crowd. His body still ached from the battle, but Kyuubi's healing factor had closed the worst of his wounds. His gaze landed on a small figure at the fringes of the gathering: Inari, Tazuna's grandson, standing apart from the celebration, his small face unusually solemn.
Naruto nudged Omoi. "Something's wrong with the kid."
Omoi followed his gaze, absently reaching for a lollipop that wasn't there. "Maybe he's just processing everything. A lot happened yesterday."
"No," Naruto shook his head, frowning. "Something else is going on."
He broke away from the group, weaving through the celebrating villagers toward Inari. The boy didn't notice his approach, his eyes fixed on his own hands that sent warning signals through Naruto's mind.
"Hey," Naruto said softly, crouching to meet Inari's eye level. "You okay?"
Inari jumped, startled from his reverie. When he recognized Naruto, his expression shifted from surprise to something more complex.
"I'm fine," he answered, his voice too flat to be convincing.
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Want to try that again?"
Before Inari could respond, Tsunami approached, her delicate features drawn with worry. She placed a protective hand on her son's shoulder.
"Inari hasn't said much since yesterday," she explained, her voice low enough that nearby villagers wouldn't overhear. "Not since the attack."
"Attack?" Naruto straightened, instantly alert. "What attack?"
Tsunami glanced at her son, then back to Naruto. "After you all left for the bridge, two of Gato's men came to our house. They had swords." Her voice trembled slightly. "They threatened us, said they were going to take me hostage."
"What happened?" Naruto asked, though something in Inari's posture gave him a sinking feeling he already knew.
"Inari..." Tsunami's eyes welled with tears. "Inari protected me. He had been practicing with that spear technique you showed him." She swallowed hard. "He killed them both."
Naruto's gaze snapped to Inari, who was staring at the ground now, his small shoulders rigid. "You took down two armed men with a spear you've been practicing with for what, two days?"
Inari nodded stiffly. "One in the throat," he said mechanically. "One in the chest. Just like you showed me." He looked up, and the emptiness in his eyes sent a chill down Naruto's spine. "They were going to hurt Mom. I had to stop them."
"Yeah," Naruto agreed softly. "You did."
Across the square, Tazuna had finished his speech, and the crowd was dispersing, breaking into smaller groups, some heading home to spread the news, others remaining to continue the celebration. The old bridge builder made his way toward the ninja teams, his expression becoming more solemn as he approached.
"I can never repay what you've done for our country," he said, bowing deeply to both teams. "You've given us our lives back."
Darui shrugged, wincing slightly at the movement. His injuries had been bandaged, but he moved stiffly. "Just doing the job we were hired for."
"No," Tazuna shook his head emphatically. "You did far more. You freed an entire nation." He turned to the Konoha team. "And you, who came because of a misranked mission—you stayed when you could have left."
Kakashi's visible eye crinkled in what might have been a smile. "Abandoning comrades isn't the Konoha way."
"Nor the Kumo way," Naruto added, rejoining the group with Inari and Tsunami.
"When will the bridge be finished?" Sasuke asked, his voice flat. He had been unnaturally quiet since regaining consciousness, occasionally reaching up to touch his temple as if expecting to find something there.
"Three days," Tazuna replied confidently. "Four at most. The structural damage from your battle isn't as bad as it could have been. We can work around it, incorporate it into the design even." He smiled wryly. "The scars will be a reminder of what was sacrificed to build it."
Naruto's attention shifted to the small form huddled beneath a blanket near the edge of the square. Ranmaru, the strange child who had been Raiga's companion, sat alone, his unusual red eyes watching the proceedings with wary curiosity.
Naruto approached him, moving slowly to avoid startling the boy. "How are you feeling?"
Ranmaru looked up, his pale face framed by lavender hair. "Empty," he answered with disarming honesty. "But... free, I think."
Naruto crouched beside him. "You know, your abilities—they're special. Rare."
"They're why Raiga kept me," Ranmaru said, his voice matter-of-fact. "I could see through walls, sense enemies, create illusions to protect us."
"In Kumogakure, you wouldn't be used for those abilities," Naruto said carefully. "You'd be trained to master them, to become strong in your own right."
Ranmaru's unusual eyes studied Naruto's face, searching for deception. "Why would you offer this to me? You don't know me."
"Because I know what it's like to be different," Naruto replied simply. "To have something inside you that others fear or want to use." He extended his hand. "In Kumo, you could find a home. Like I did."
Ranmaru stared at the offered hand for a long moment. Finally, he reached out and took it.
"I'd like to see mountains," he said softly. "Raiga always talked about them."
Naruto grinned. "Kid, Kumo's got the best mountains you'll ever see."
As they spoke, villagers continued to celebrate around them, their voices rising and falling like waves.
In the midst of it all, Inari stood beside his mother, watching Naruto. In his mind, he replayed the moments of his kill—the weight of the spear in his hands, the resistance of flesh, the surprised expressions that had frozen on the bandits' faces. He had protected his mother, just as Naruto had said a man should.
And he hadn't cried. Not once.
Night
The moon cast long shadows through the window of Tazuna's guest room, painting the wooden floor in strips of silver and black. Outside, Wave Country continued its impromptu celebration, distant sounds of revelry filtering through the night air. Inside, however, the atmosphere was tense.
Zabuza Momochi sat cross-legged on a tatami mat, his massive sword propped against the wall within arm's reach. His bandages had been changed. Without the customary wrappings around his lower face, his sharp teeth were visible, giving every expression a predatory edge.
"So," he growled, breaking the silence. "Kumogakure wants the Demon of the Hidden Mist." He snorted, a sound somewhere between amusement and derision. "Never thought I'd be headhunted by one of the Five Great Nations."
Darui leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest. His posture appeared casual, but his dark eyes remained alert. The Black Lightning user had removed his flak jacket, revealing bandages wrapped tightly around his torso.
"It's not just you we want," Darui clarified, his tone laid-back despite the seriousness of the conversation. "Haku's kekkei genkai would be highly valued in Kumo. We've been working to rebuild our bloodline diversity for years now."
Haku, kneeling beside Zabuza with perfect posture, lowered her eyes modestly. "My abilities are nothing special," she murmured. "I serve Zabuza-sama. That is all."
"Bullshit," Naruto interjected, pacing the small room. Despite his injuries from the battle, he couldn't seem to stay still. "I've never seen anyone handle ice like you do. You're wasting your potential playing sidekick to Bandage-Face here."
Zabuza's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Watch your mouth, kid."
Naruto grinned, unintimidated. "Or what? You'll get your ass handed to you again?"
"Naruto," Yugito warned from where she sat by the window. "Not helpful."
Omoi, perched on a wooden chest in the corner, unwrapped a fresh lollipop—apparently having restocked his supply in the village. "What happens if Kiri hunter-nin track them to Kumo?" he asked, anxiety evident in his voice. "Would that trigger a diplomatic incident? Could it lead to war? What if—"
"Omoi," Darui interrupted, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Not now."
"Just saying," Omoi muttered, popping the candy into his mouth.
Zabuza studied the Kumo ninja. "Why the interest in a missing-nin and his apprentice? What does the Raikage gain from sheltering us?"
Darui straightened slightly, his expression becoming more serious. "Kumo values strength, and you've got plenty. The Raikage's been building specialized units for years. Your swordsmanship would be invaluable for training our kenjutsu specialists."
"And Haku?" Zabuza pressed.
"Would be granted full citizenship and the opportunity to develop her abilities without fear of persecution," Darui answered. "Kekkei genkai aren't hunted in Kumo. They're treasured."
Haku's eyes widened slightly at this, a flicker of longing crossing her delicate features before she carefully composed herself again.
"What about my freedom?" Zabuza demanded, leaning forward. "I don't do well with chains, metaphorical or otherwise."
"You'd be expected to serve Kumogakure loyally," Darui replied bluntly. "But you wouldn't be a prisoner. You'd hold rank, receive missions, have quarters in the village." His lips quirked in a half-smile. "And you'd get paid. Regularly."
Zabuza barked a short laugh. "Better than hunting bounties and sleeping in caves."
"Much better," Haku agreed softly, her first indication of personal preference.
Zabuza glanced at her. He turned back to Darui. "And the men? The ones who attacked the kid and the girl?"
"We don't know who they are," Darui admitted. "But they wore matching cloaks and seemed to be working together systematically. In Kumo, you'd have the protection of an entire hidden village if they return."
"They wore rings too," Yugito added, her voice tight. "Different designs, but both on their right hands. Some kind of organization, clearly."
Zabuza's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Powerful, whoever they are. That Uchiha used techniques I've never seen before. And Kisame was the most powerful one from us, if he is just their soldier, then I don't want to think how strong the leader must be."
The room fell silent as this information settled. Finally, Zabuza spoke again, his voice lower.
"If I join Kumo, I have conditions." He raised one finger. "First, Haku is treated with respect. Not as a weapon or a breeding stock for her kekkei genkai." A second finger joined the first. "Second, I maintain autonomy over my missions where possible." A third finger rose. "And third... I reserve the right to settle my unfinished business with Kirigakure someday."
Darui's eyebrows rose slightly. "That last one's complicated. Diplomatic relations and all."
Zabuza's expression hardened. "It's non-negotiable. I left things... unresolved... when I defected. Someday, I need to go back and finish what I started."
Naruto broke the silence, stepping forward. "You're talking about the Bloody Mist regime, right? The one that made academy students kill each other to graduate?"
Zabuza's head snapped toward Naruto, genuine surprise flashing across his features. "How do you know about that?"
"Killer Bee likes history," Naruto shrugged. "Says knowing the past helps you avoid repeating it. He told me about Kiri's graduation exam." His blue eyes hardened. "Also told me you slaughtered an entire class without being a student yourself."
"I did," Zabuza acknowledged, no remorse in his tone. "And I'd do it again to end that twisted system."
Understanding dawned on Yugito's face. "You tried to overthrow the Mizukage."
"And failed," Zabuza confirmed. His fingers clenched into a fist. "But the regime is rotting from within. The time will come for another attempt."
Darui exchanged glances with his team, a silent communication passing between them. Finally, he nodded. "I can't authorize a future attack on Kirigakure. But I can promise that if there's ever a legitimate mission involving Kiri that aligns with your... interests... you'd be the first choice to lead it."
Zabuza considered this. "Acceptable," he finally grunted. "For now."
"Zabuza-sama," Haku spoke up. "Are you certain this is the path you wish to take?"
The swordsman turned to his apprentice, his expression softening almost imperceptibly. "What do you think, Haku? You've followed me through hell. I'd hear your thoughts on this."
Haku blinked, clearly surprised to be consulted. She composed herself quickly. "I think... I think Kumogakure offers stability we haven't known in years." Her gaze lowered. "And I would like to learn more about my abilities without fear of persecution."
Zabuza studied her for a long moment. Then, with a decisive motion, he extended his hand toward Darui. "We have a deal, Kumogakure. But remember my conditions."
Darui stepped forward and clasped Zabuza's hand firmly. "Welcome to Kumo, Demon of the Hidden Mist."
Naruto's face split into a wide grin. "Just wait until you meet Killer Bee! He's gonna write so many bad raps about you!"
Zabuza's expression immediately turned to one of confusion. "What?"
Omoi groaned, slumping against the wall. "Oh no, now there's going to be verses about mist and swords and demons for weeks!"
Yugito couldn't suppress a smile. "Welcome to Kumogakure, where the Raikage's son thinks he's a rap star."
"It's not too late to reconsider," Darui deadpanned, his eyes gleaming with humor.
Zabuza looked between them with mounting horror. "What have I agreed to?"
Haku covered her mouth to hide a small, genuine smile—perhaps the first since they'd met her. "A new beginning, Zabuza-sama," she said softly. "A new beginning."
Inari
The wooden dock creaked beneath Inari's feet as he dangled his legs over the edge, his small sandals skimming just above the water's surface. Moonlight danced across the gentle waves, painting silver patterns that shifted and reformed with each ripple. Two days had passed since Gato's death, since the battle on the bridge—since Inari had killed for the first time.
He stared at his hands in the pale moonlight. They looked the same. Ordinary. Small. The hands of a child. Yet they had taken lives.
Inari closed his eyes, but the darkness behind his eyelids only made the memories sharper.
The first bandit had laughed when he entered Inari's bedroom. "Just a kid," he'd sneered, turning his back carelessly, sword held loose in his grip. The wooden spear had felt heavy in Inari's hands, but Naruto had shown him where to place his fingers, how to thrust from the hips for maximum force.
The point had slid into the man's stomach with a sickening ease. One moment, resistance—then nothing, just the yielding of flesh. The bandit's shocked expression, the disbelief in his eyes as he looked down at the wooden shaft protruding from his abdomen. The way his intestines had spilled out when Inari wrenched the spear free, pink-gray and glistening.
Inari's stomach lurched at the memory. He swallowed hard, forcing the nausea down.
The second bandit had been downstairs, holding his mother by the hair. Inari had walked down the stairs slowly. His hands had trembled as he raised the small crossbow. The first bolt had caught the man in the shoulder, or was it his stomach? The second is in the throat. The third between the eyes. Blood had fountained with each impact, spraying across his mother's terrified face.
"Couldn't sleep?"
Inari flinched violently at the voice, nearly toppling into the water before a strong hand steadied him. He looked up to find Naruto standing over him.
"How'd you find me?" Inari asked, his voice sounding small even to his own ears.
Naruto shrugged, lowering himself to sit beside Inari. "Wasn't hard. If I'd been through what you did, I'd want to be somewhere quiet too."
They sat in silence for a moment, the gentle lapping of waves against the dock posts the only sound. Inari stole a glance at Naruto's profile. The older boy looked tired, shadows under his eyes suggesting he hadn't been sleeping much either, and Inari could see a scar on the left side of his neck, which looked quite deep, and Inari wondered how Naruto was even alive.
"Does it ever go away?" Inari finally asked, the question that had been consuming him for two days finally finding voice.
Naruto didn't pretend to misunderstand. "The memory? No." He reached down, trailing his fingers through the water. "But it gets... easier to carry."
"I keep seeing it," Inari admitted, his small shoulders hunching inward. "When I close my eyes, when I try to eat, when Mom hugs me. I keep seeing their faces. The way they looked when they died."
"Yeah," Naruto nodded. "That's normal."
"Normal?" Inari looked up sharply. "There's nothing normal about—" He cut himself off, unable to finish the sentence.
"About killing?" Naruto supplied gently. "For civilians, no. For shinobi..." He trailed off, gazing out at the moonlit water. "I was fourteen, the first time. Just two weeks after becoming a Genin."
Inari's eyes widened. "What happened?"
"A D-rank mission gone wrong," Naruto continued, his voice taking on a distant quality. "My team was assigned to help this little house in the countryside. Simple stuff—repairs, gardening. Then a group of bandits attacked while we were there."
Inari found himself leaning closer, hanging on every word.
"They thought we'd be easy prey," Naruto said, a humorless smile touching his lips. "Just a bunch of rookie bandits. But Uncle Bee had been training me in lightning jutsu for years. I hit the first one with a basic Thunder Palm technique." His hand clenched unconsciously. "It stopped his heart instantly. The second one tried to run. I threw my kunai and caught him in the back of the neck."
"Were you scared?" Inari asked.
"Terrified," Naruto admitted. "But more scared of dying than killing. It wasn't until after, when I saw what I'd done..." He shook his head. "I threw up all over myself. Cried for hours when we got back to Kumo."
"You cried?" Inari couldn't hide his surprise. In his mind, Naruto had always seemed invincible, fearless.
"Like a baby," Naruto confirmed with a short laugh. "Drove Yugito crazy. She said I was being too loud."
Inari looked down at his hands again. Small. Ordinary. Stained with blood only he could see.
"I don't feel bad that they're dead," he confessed, the words barely above a whisper. "They were going to hurt Mom. Maybe kill her. I just feel... strange... that I'm the one who did it."
Naruto studied him for a long moment. "That's the thing about killing to protect someone," he said finally. "It's not clean. It's not simple. But when you're defending people you love, the choice becomes clear, even if the feelings afterward are complicated."
"How do you handle it now?" Inari asked. "When you have to... to kill someone?"
"I remember why I'm doing it," Naruto answered. "To protect my village. To protect my precious people. I focus on those I'm saving, not those I'm hurting."
Inari nodded slowly, his young mind grappling with concepts too weighty for his years.
"I won't cry anymore," Inari decided, squaring his small shoulders. "Not over people who would hurt my family."
Naruto frowned slightly. "That's not exactly what I—"
"You're strong because you don't hesitate," Inari continued, not hearing Naruto's attempt to interject. "You protect what matters without letting feelings get in the way."
"Inari—"
"I'm going to be strong too," Inari declared, his voice hardening with conviction. "Strong enough that no one can threaten my mother or grandfather ever again." In his mind, he added: And next time, I won't feel anything at all.
Naruto studied the boy, concern evident in his blue eyes. "Being strong isn't about not feeling, Inari. It's about feeling everything—the fear, the doubt, the regret—and moving forward anyway."
Inari nodded, but the words slid past him without taking root. In his mind, he was thinking of ways to get stronger. The spear techniques Naruto had shown him. The crossbow he'd become surprisingly proficient with. Maybe swordplay next. Anything to ensure he never felt helpless again.
"Thanks, Naruto," he said, offering a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "For talking to me. For understanding."
Naruto hesitated, clearly sensing there was more beneath Inari's words, but ultimately nodded. "Anytime, kid. Just remember—strength without compassion isn't strength at all. It's just violence."
"I'll remember," Inari promised, even as another part of him whispered: Compassion didn't save Mom. The spear did. The crossbow did.
They sat in silence for a while longer, the moon's reflection fragmenting on the water's surface. To Inari, it looked like something whole breaking into countless pieces—like innocence shattered, impossible to fully reassemble.
When Naruto finally stood to leave, placing a gentle hand on Inari's head before walking back toward the town, Inari remained on the dock, eyes fixed on the horizon where the ocean met the night sky.
"I'll be strong," he whispered to himself, a vow carried away by the sea breeze. "Strong like Naruto. Strong enough that no one will ever hurt us again."
In his mind's eye, he saw the bandit's surprised face as the spear slid home, felt again the strange power that had coursed through him in that moment. He had decided who lived and who died. He had been in control.
𖣐
𖣐
Dawn broke over Wave Country, casting long shadows across the newly completed bridge. The entire village had gathered for the ceremony, their faces alight with a hope many had forgotten how to feel. Children darted between the legs of adults, playing tag. Merchants had set up impromptu stalls, selling sweet dumplings and hot tea to the crowd.
In just three days, Tazuna and his workers had transformed the battle-scarred structure into something magnificent. The damage from Naruto and Itachi's fight had been incorporated into the design—craters filled with decorative mosaics, scorch marks from lightning strikes preserved and enhanced with metallic inlays.
Tazuna stood at the center of the bridge, his weathered face beaming with pride. His work-hardened hands gestured expansively as he addressed the gathered villagers and ninja teams.
"This bridge represents more than just a connection to the mainland," he proclaimed, his voice carrying in the morning stillness. "It represents our freedom, our future, and the courage of those who fought to make it possible!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, their voices rising like a wave toward the cloudless sky. When the noise subsided, Tazuna turned to face the two ninja teams standing to his right.
"Without these brave shinobi, our dream would have died with me on the road to Konoha," he continued, emotion thickening his voice. "They risked their lives not just once, but repeatedly. They stood against impossible odds and prevailed."
He gestured toward a covered wooden sign at the bridge's entrance. Two villagers stepped forward, untying the ropes holding the cloth in place. It fell away, revealing ornately carved letters:
"THE GREAT NARUTO BRIDGE"
A murmur rippled through the crowd. Naruto's eyes widened in genuine surprise, his mouth falling open comically.
"Wait, what?" he blurted, pointing at the sign. "You named it after me?"
"Who else would we name it after?" Tazuna chuckled. "The hyperactive ninja who inspired our village to fight back? Who protected my grandson and taught him courage? Who faced down demons and lived to tell the tale?"
Naruto's face flushed red, an uncharacteristic display of embarrassment from the normally brash shinobi. He rubbed the back of his neck, lost for words.
"I... well... I mean..."
"Just say thank you, idiot," Yugito muttered, elbowing him in the ribs with enough force to make him wince.
"Thank you," Naruto managed. "I don't know what to say."
"That's a first," Omoi quipped, unwrapping a fresh lollipop.
Tazuna stepped forward, embracing Naruto in a bear hug that lifted the young ninja off his feet. "No, thank YOU, boy. Wave Country will never forget what you've done here."
When Tazuna released him, Naruto noticed Inari standing at the front of the crowd, watching him with a smile. Their eyes met, and Inari gave a small, determined nod. Naruto returned it.
The ceremony concluded with a traditional Wave Country blessing, the villagers casting small paper boats into the sea below the bridge, each containing a lit candle. "For those who didn't live to see this day," an elderly woman explained as her gnarled fingers released a boat into the current. "And for those who will cross this bridge in generations to come."
As the final boat disappeared into the distance, the time for farewells arrived. Villagers surged forward, shaking hands and offering gifts—jars of preserved fish, handwoven scarves, small carved trinkets.
A young girl with pigtails approached Naruto shyly, holding out a crudely made bracelet of shells. "For luck," she whispered as he crouched to accept it. "So you come back someday."
"Count on it," Naruto promised, tying the bracelet around his wrist with care.
Near the bridge's entrance, the two ninja teams prepared for departure. Darui checked his equipment, adjusting the sword strapped across his back. Zabuza stood nearby, his massive blade freshly sharpened and wrapped. Haku, dressed in a new kimono provided by the village, knelt beside Ranmaru, adjusting the smaller boy's traveling cloak.
"The mountain paths will be cold," she explained gently. "Keep this closed tightly around you."
"I've never seen mountains before," Ranmaru replied, his unusual eyes wide with anticipation.
"Kumo has the best mountains in the world," Naruto declared, bouncing on his toes impatiently. "You can see forever from the village lookout!"
On the opposite side of the bridge, Kakashi gathered his team. His visible eye kept darting toward Naruto, calculating, assessing.
"We need to move quickly," he instructed, his normally lazy drawl replaced by a clipped, professional tone. "No stops except for absolute necessities."
"Sensei, what's the rush?" Sakura asked, adjusting her pack. "We completed the mission successfully, didn't we?"
"The mission parameters have... evolved," Kakashi replied cryptically. His gaze shifted to Sasuke, who had been unnaturally quiet since regaining consciousness. "Sasuke, I need you at full alertness. Whatever your brother did to you, you need to compartmentalize it for now."
Sasuke's head snapped up at the mention of Itachi, his dark eyes narrowing. "I'm fine," he bit out.
"Sai," Kakashi continued, turning to the pale-skinned boy. "I assume you've been taking detailed notes on everything you've observed?"
Sai's face remained expressionless as he nodded. "Everything of significance has been recorded, Kakashi-senpai."
"Good. The Hokage will want to know immediately."
Sakura glanced between her teammates, confusion evident on her face. "Know what immediately? What's going on?"
Kakashi rested a hand on her shoulder, his eye crinkling in what might have been a reassuring smile beneath his mask. "All will be explained once we reach Konoha. For now, focus on speed."
The final goodbyes were exchanged as the sun climbed higher in the sky. Tazuna shook hands with both team leaders, his eyes suspiciously bright.
"If you ever need a master bridge builder," he joked, his voice thick with emotion, "you know where to find me."
"Take care of your grandson," Naruto responded, flicking a glance toward Inari. "He's got a lot of potential."
"That he does," Tazuna agreed, though something in his expression suggested he'd noticed the change in the boy as well.
The teams stood at opposite ends of the bridge, preparing to depart in different directions—Team Kumo heading north toward Lightning Country with their new allies, Team Konoha heading south toward Fire Country.
Just before they moved out, Naruto turned, his gaze locking with Kakashi's across the expanse of the bridge. The Copy Ninja's expression was unreadable, his posture casual yet somehow alert, like a predator feigning disinterest.
"Let's move," Darui ordered, breaking the moment. "We've got a long journey ahead."
Naruto turned away, adjusting the straps of his pack with a sharp tug. "Yeah," he muttered. "And I bet father has a ton of questions about those cloak-wearing freaks."
"Not to mention what we'll tell Bee-sensei about his favorite student getting his ass handed to him," Omoi added, earning a glare from Naruto.
"I didn't get my ass handed to me," Naruto protested, though without his usual fire. "I just... miscalculated."
"Whatever helps you sleep at night," Yugito teased, falling into step beside him.
As they moved further along the bridge, Naruto glanced back one last time. The path behind them was already empty—Team Konoha had departed with remarkable speed. In the distance, he could see the villagers of Wave, still waving, still celebrating.
His eyes rose to the sign marking the bridge's entrance. The Great Naruto Bridge. He felt a surge of pride, for the first time ever. He had done something good for a place. It was not like the Tea Country; this was different. He had done Good. He had helped those people, not because the mission told him to do it, but because he wanted to.
"You coming or what?" Omoi called from ahead.
Naruto turned away from Wave Country, his expression hardening into determination. "Yeah," he answered, quickening his pace. "I'm coming."
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