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Naruto kicked at a stray pebble as he wandered the dirt paths of the Wave Village. His mind had been restless for days, memories of the Land of Tea still lingering like a bitter taste in his mouth. The weight of what he had almost allowed to happen.
For the past week, Naruto had taken it upon himself to help anyone he could in the Wave Village. Whether it was mending an old fence for an elderly couple, carrying water from the river, or simply playing with the children, he was there. Even when the townspeople looked at him with suspicion at first, wondering why a shinobi from a distant land cared about their struggles, Naruto greeted them with a wide smile. Slowly, their hesitance melted into gratitude.
One of the kids tugged at the sleeve of his jacket as he helped repair a small wooden cart for the baker's wife.
"Big brother Naruto!" The boy's voice was eager. "Can you teach me how to do that cool jutsu again? The one with the lightning fingers!"
"You mean Lightning touch? I dunno, kid. You sure you're ready to handle that? Could be dangerous!" He grinned, crouching down to meet the boy's level.
The boy's eyes widened, and he puffed out his chest. "I'm strong! I'm ready! Please!"
Naruto ruffled the kid's hair. "Alright, alright. How about this—once I finish up here, I'll show you a trick. Deal?"
The boy nodded excitedly, running off to gather his friends. Naruto smiled to himself, watching the kids scatter through the streets. For the first time in a while, he felt a strange peace settle in his chest. He had made a mistake in the Land of Tea. Here, in Wave, he could make amends by helping those who couldn't help themselves.
Back at Tazuna's house, Darui stood with arms crossed, his sharp eyes fixed on the old man sitting across from him.
Tazuna wore a furrowed brow, deep wrinkles creasing his forehead. He sat with his arms folded, eyes squinting at the Jonin.
"I'm tellin' ya, kid," Tazuna grumbled, "I ain't signing that damn contract. How do I know this will be for the good the town?"
Darui exhaled slowly, trying to keep his cool. For the past few days, he had been negotiating with Tazuna about the Raikage's proposed contract, a document that would ensure Wave's protection under Kumo's influence. It was an opportunity—a chance for Wave to rise from the ashes of Gato's tyranny and rebuild under the protection of a powerful ally. But Tazuna was having none of it.
"You know, Tazuna," Darui began, his voice calm but firm, "this contract isn't just for Kumo. It's for Wave. With Kumo's protection, no more thugs like Gato will have the chance to take over. Your village can grow, your people can thrive. It's an opportunity you won't get again."
Tsunami stood by the stove, her hands stirring a pot of stew. She glanced at her father, her lips pursed in thought before she finally spoke, her voice steady but laced with concern.
"Father," she said softly, "I know you're worried about outside forces, but look at what's happening here. Gato has already crippled this town. If we don't sign this contract, we may never get another chance at rebuilding. This could be Wave's only hope."
Tazuna grumbled, shifting in his seat, clearly torn. He scratched at his beard, the conflict written all over his face.
"I know that, Tsunami," he muttered, "but... it's not just about Gato. It's about who we trust with our future. I built that bridge with my own hands. I don't want to see Wave fall under someone else's control—shinobi or otherwise. How do I know Kumo won't turn us into their slaves?"
Darui's eyes flickered with understanding. He knew where the old man was coming from. Tazuna had lived under Gato's rule for too long, had seen what unchecked power could do to a small, defenseless village. But Darui also knew that the Raikage had no intention of turning Wave into a puppet state.
"Listen," Darui said, leaning forward, his voice dropping to a more sincere tone. "I won't lie to you. Kumo's not perfect. No village is. But we're offering you a partnership. We protect you, and in return, you become part of a larger network. You'd still run your own affairs. But you'd be safer. And your people wouldn't have to live in fear."
Tazuna's jaw tightened, his fists clenched. He looked up at Darui, meeting his gaze head-on. "Yeah, but according to this contract. This town should give money to your village every six months, and on top of that. It states that in the future, the Land of Lightning might decide to build something here, and our town should just allow it to happen."
"I understand your concern, but every place out there pays taxes to the main village for protection. Land of Tea, Land of Waterfalls, Land of Crystals, and many places out there pay tax to the main village for protection. If you sign the contract, there will be many positive things for this place. If in the future Wave needs help. Your requests will be fifty percent cheaper. Allowing you to hire better shinobis with a much lower price, and since you will be under the Land of Lightning. You have the right to ask for Territory Protection. Since this town is small, it will be in the Small Town Category, and Kumo will send ten shinobis to protect this land if the future leader of Wave desires more protection for his people, not to mention that your people can cross the border, and walk into The Land of Lightning without a passcard. Giving your people opportunity to live somewhere else, and work somewhere else."
Tazuna thought deeply about it; despite the price their town would pay every six months, the positives were there, as well as the thought of Inari being able to leave this place and live in a much more secure place. It sounded amazing, but there was one more thing he needed to discuss. "And what about Gato? He's still out there, still controlling most of the shipping lanes. As long as that rat is alive, it doesn't matter what paper I sign. We'll never be free."
Before Darui could respond, Tsunami stepped away from the stove and placed a hand on her father's shoulder, her expression soft but determined.
"Father," she said quietly, "Gato isn't invincible. He's just a man. A coward who hides behind his money and his thugs. If we sign this contract, Kumo will have a reason to help us get rid of him. But if we keep waiting, hoping for something better to come along, we'll lose everything."
Tazuna looked up at his daughter, his eyes softening for a moment before his resolve hardened again. He stood from his chair, pacing to the window. The sun had begun to set, casting long shadows across the village below. He watched the people walk through the streets—his people. They were tired, hungry, and beaten down by years of oppression. He wanted more for them, but at what cost?
Finally, he turned back to Darui, his voice gravelly but resolute.
"Alright," he said, his words slow but deliberate. "I'll sign your damn contract. But only if you kill Gato. If that bastard's head is brought to me, I'll trust Kumo to protect this village."
It wasn't just about a bounty now—it was about justice for an entire village. Gato's death would send a clear message: Wave wasn't to be trifled with anymore.
"Deal. We were already ordered to kill him anyway, so this makes this even easier." Darui said, his voice steady as he extended his hand. "But you need to understand this isn't just about one man. After Gato's gone, you'll need to step up, Tazuna. Your village will need a leader. Someone to keep things from falling apart."
Tazuna hesitated for a moment before taking Darui's hand, shaking it firmly. "I've been taking care of this village for years, boy. I'm not planning on stopping now."
Naruto sat on a small wooden bench, wiping the sweat from his brow. He had just finished helping an old fisherman repair his boat, and the satisfaction of doing something meaningful—something good—filled him with a quiet pride.
He stared out at the water, watching the gentle waves lap against the shore, and thought about all the people he had met in the past week. Their faces, their struggles, their resilience. They were good people, just trying to survive in a harsh world.
A figure appeared at his side—Tsunami. She had a soft smile on her face, her hands folded neatly in front of her.
"You've been helping everyone around here, haven't you?" she asked, her voice gentle.
Naruto shrugged, offering her a sheepish grin. "Yeah, well... I just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing, y'know? I can't stand by and watch people suffer when I can help."
Tsunami's smile grew a little wider, and she sat down next to him on the bench. "You're a kind person, Naruto. My father... well, he's stubborn, but I think even he sees what you've been doing."
Naruto rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a little embarrassed. "I'm just trying to make up for some things I've done... or almost did. I don't want to make the same mistakes again."
Tsunami's gaze softened. "Whatever happened in the past, it doesn't define who you are now. What matters is what you're doing here, today. You've given this village something it hasn't had in a long time."
Naruto tilted his head, curious. "What's that?"
"Hope."
Her words struck a chord deep within him, and Naruto felt a sense of warmth spread through his chest. He looked back out at the water, his heart a little lighter.
Maybe, just maybe, he could help make things right this time.
Back inside the house, Darui prepared to leave, thinking when Omoi would return.
As he opened the door to step outside, Tazuna's gruff voice called after him.
"Hey," the old man said, his tone softer than before. "Tell that blonde kid of yours... thank you. He's done more for this village than he realizes."
Darui smiled faintly and nodded before stepping into the night air. He can't help but think about Naruto. The kid was proving to be something else.
He wondered how he went from someone who would do everything his grandfather told him to this. He wasn't sure yet what the future held for him, but he knew Naruto could prove to be someone very special, someone capable of bringing out the light and making this filthy world a better place.
✇
✇
For the following week, Naruto found himself working harder than ever. Whether it was fixing rooftops, carrying lumber, or mending broken carts, he was always on the move, offering a helping hand wherever needed. It wasn't just about repenting for what had happened in the Land of Tea anymore—it had become something deeper. The people of the Wave Village had slowly started to accept him. Some even greeted him with smiles now instead of the cautious glances they had given him when he first arrived.
Naruto liked that feeling. It made him feel like he belonged, even though he was far from Kumo.
Yugito, however, wasn't as enthusiastic.
"You know, you don't have to help these people every single day, Naruto," she said one evening as they sat together near the riverbank. She stretched her legs, leaning back on her hands as she glanced at him sideways. "This village isn't even part of Kumo. These people have nothing to do with us."
Naruto paused from sharpening a kunai, looking at her with a soft smile. "I know, but... it's not about Kumo or missions. These people are struggling, and I can help. Isn't that what we're supposed to do as shinobi? Help those who can't help themselves?"
Yugito frowned, still not fully convinced. She wasn't used to seeing Naruto this introspective, this focused on something beyond the mission. "I just don't see why you're so determined. It's not like they'll remember us after we leave. Why does it matter?"
Naruto looked back at the village, his gaze softening as he watched a few kids playing in the distance. "Maybe they won't remember me. Maybe they will. But that doesn't change the fact that they need help right now. And... I dunno, Yugito, it feels right."
Yugito studied him for a moment, trying to make sense of his reasoning. They had a mission to complete, and wasting time helping random villagers didn't make much sense to her. Still, there was something about Naruto's determination that she couldn't help but admire.
"Alright," she said with a small sigh, leaning forward to rest her elbows on her knees. "I'll help. I still think you're working too hard, but... if this is what you want to do, I won't let you do it alone."
Naruto beamed at her, his smile wide and infectious. "Thanks, Yugito."
Meanwhile, the Konoha team had not been faring as well. Since the fight with Yugito, Sakura had fallen into a heavy silence. She rarely spoke, and when she did, it was only when absolutely necessary. Her usual energetic attitude was gone, replaced by a quiet, almost haunted demeanor. She hadn't forgotten the way Yugito had humiliated her in that sparring match—how effortlessly the kunoichi from Kumo had toyed with her, reducing her to little more than a pitiful mess on the ground. Every time she saw Yugito, Sakura's heart raced with a mixture of fear and shame.
Sasuke, on the other hand, had been growing more aggressive by the day. His anger toward Naruto and Yugito simmered like boiling water, boiling over at the slightest provocation. He had tried several times to pick fights with both of them, throwing out insults and challenges, but neither Naruto nor Yugito seemed interested in engaging with him.
One afternoon, Sasuke found them near the outskirts of the village, helping an old woman carry water jugs back to her house. The sight of them working together, laughing and chatting, only stoked the fire of his jealousy.
"You think you're better than me?" Sasuke spat as he approached, his fists clenched at his sides. His Sharingan flickered to life, his eyes burning with frustration. "You think you're so strong, helping these weak villagers like a couple of heroes?"
Naruto sighed, handing the last water jug to the woman before turning to face Sasuke. "What's your problem, Sasuke?"
"My problem is you," Sasuke snapped, stepping closer. "You and that girl from Kumo. You think you're so high and mighty just because you got a lucky win in that fight."
Yugito raised an eyebrow, barely paying Sasuke any mind. "Lucky? Please. If I wanted to, I could defeat you in less than a minute. You're not worth my time, Uchiha."
Sasuke's face contorted with anger, his pride wounded by her dismissive tone. "Why don't you back up those words, then? Fight me. Right here, right now. Let's see how tough you really are."
Naruto stepped between them, holding up a hand. "Sasuke, enough. We're not here to fight each other. We're here to help the people of this village. If you want to keep picking fights, you can do it alone."
Sasuke sneered, his eyes narrowing as he glared at Naruto. "You're just scared. You know you can't beat me."
Naruto's expression darkened, his patience wearing thin. "Scared? Of you? Sasuke, I've beaten people a lot stronger than you, and I didn't even break a sweat."
Yugito smirked, leaning against a tree with her arms crossed. "He's right. You're not worth the effort."
Sasuke's fists trembled, his teeth grinding together. "I'll show you..." He launched himself at Naruto, his Sharingan spinning rapidly as he aimed a punch directly at Naruto's face.
But Naruto didn't move.
At the last second, Naruto sidestepped Sasuke's attack effortlessly, grabbing his arm and twisting it behind his back in a fluid motion. Sasuke struggled, but Naruto's grip was ironclad.
"Stop this, Sasuke," Naruto said, his voice firm but calm. "This isn't about you or me. There are bigger things going on here."
Sasuke wrenched his arm free, spinning around to face Naruto with fury in his eyes. "You don't understand, Naruto. You don't understand anything. You've never lost everything you cared about."
Naruto's gaze softened, and for a moment, there was a flicker of sympathy in his eyes. "I know you've been through a lot, Sasuke. But taking it out on us won't change anything. You can't keep fighting everyone who gets in your way."
Sasuke glared at him for a long moment before finally turning on his heel and storming off, his fists still clenched at his sides.
"He's gonna get himself killed if he keeps that up," she muttered.
Naruto sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah... I know. But we can't help him if he won't let us."
"Not our problem," Yugito said with a shrug. "Let him do whatever he wants. We've got more important things to worry about."
Elsewhere, Sai had been observing the entire interaction from the shadows, his notebook in hand as he sketched the scene with quick, precise strokes. His face remained emotionless, but his mind was racing with curiosity.
Naruto... Yotsuki? His features are too similar to be a coincidence, Sai thought, his eyes narrowing slightly as he glanced at the sketch of Naruto's face. The blonde hair, the blue eyes, the strong jawline. All of it reminded him of the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze.
But why would a boy with such a striking resemblance to the Fourth Hokage be a shinobi of Kumo? The more Sai thought about it, the more questions piled up in his mind. His orders from Danzo had been clear: to watch out for Sasuke and make sure that in the future, he would become part of Root, but that didn't mean that Sai could not do a little something outside of his orders.
Naruto had become an unexpected anomaly. Something about him didn't add up.
With a final glance at his drawing, Sai tucked the notebook into his bag and disappeared into the shadows.
Later
The gentle sound of the river's current filled the silence as Naruto and Yugito sat on a rocky outcrop, the sun sinking behind the mountains. Naruto had spent the day helping the locals again, while Yugito had been notably distant, spending most of her time training alone or watching from the sidelines.
Naruto, his body tired from a long day's work, sat beside her, trying to make sense of why she didn't seem to share his eagerness to help the villagers. He had noticed her reluctance over the past week, how she would assist when asked but never volunteered. It didn't sit right with him, especially since he'd come to know her as someone who cared deeply for those she called friends.
Yugito stared at the water, her arms crossed over her chest, her expression unreadable. She sensed Naruto's gaze on her but didn't acknowledge it.
"Yugito," Naruto began cautiously, his voice softer than usual, "you don't seem to care much about helping the people here, do you?"
Yugito's eyes flickered, but she kept them trained on the river. "I help when necessary."
"That's not what I mean," Naruto pressed, leaning forward slightly. "I know you're doing your part, but you're not... I don't know... invested, I guess. I can see it in the way you act. It's like you don't really care about what happens to them."
There was a long pause. Yugito's jaw tightened, her lips pressing into a thin line. For a moment, Naruto thought she wouldn't answer, that she might just brush him off with a dismissive comment like she usually did. But this time, she surprised him.
"You're right," she said quietly, her voice devoid of its usual sharpness. "I don't care."
Naruto blinked, caught off guard by her bluntness. "But... why?" he asked, genuinely puzzled. "I mean, these people are suffering. We're shinobi—we're supposed to protect those who can't protect themselves."
Yugito sighed, running a hand through her blonde hair. "I care about the people I'm close to. My team, my friends... you." She glanced at him briefly, her mismatched eyes softening for a split second before hardening again. "But strangers? Civilians I don't know? I just... don't feel anything for them."
Naruto frowned, not understanding. "But why? Why wouldn't you want to help them, especially when they need it?"
She clenched her fists, her knuckles white against the fading light. "It's... complicated," she muttered, her voice tight with restraint. "Let's just say that I've learned not to care about people who aren't part of my world. Civilians have their lives, and we have ours. They don't need us unless we're fighting their wars for them."
Naruto studied her, sensing that there was more to her words than what she was letting on. He could tell that something deeper lay beneath her aloofness, something painful that she wasn't ready to share. But he wasn't going to push her. He knew better than to pry into someone's past if they weren't ready to talk about it.
"Alright," he said softly, leaning back and looking up at the sky. "I won't push you. But just so you know... I'm here if you ever want to talk about it. Whatever it is."
Yugito remained silent, her eyes fixed on the water. She appreciated Naruto's offer, but some things were too difficult to voice, even to someone she trusted. She wasn't ready to tell him about her mother—about the woman who had loved the religion of Kumo more than she had ever loved her own daughter.
Naruto, still looking up at the darkening sky, sighed. "I guess I just feel like I owe it to these people. After what almost happened in the Land of Tea... I don't want to stand by and watch people suffer when I can do something about it."
Yugito glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, her lips curving into a small, sad smile. "You're a good person, Naruto. Probably better than most of us."
Naruto laughed lightly, though there was no humor in it. "I don't know about that. I just want to do what's right."
Before the conversation could go any deeper, they heard footsteps approaching. Naruto and Yugito turned to see Omoi jogging toward them, his expression unusually serious.
"Omoi!" Naruto greeted him, standing up. "You're back! How'd the mission go?"
Omoi slowed to a stop in front of them, catching his breath before answering. "I found it," he said, his voice steady but tinged with exhaustion. "Gato's headquarters. It's in an abandoned fort near the coast, about five miles north of here."
Yugito's eyes narrowed. "You're sure?"
Omoi nodded, brushing a hand through his messy white hair. "Yeah. It's well-guarded, but I got close enough to confirm. There's a lot of hired muscle—mercenaries, bandits, the usual scum Gato keeps around. But the fort's not impenetrable."
Naruto clenched his fists, his heart racing with anticipation. "Then we can finally take him down."
Omoi glanced between Naruto and Yugito, his brow furrowed. "Yeah, but it's not going to be easy. Gato's got Zabuza and from what I heard, he also has a girl working for him, she is supposed to be very powerful?"
Yugito nodded, her expression serious. "We'll need a plan. Going in headfirst would be suicide, especially if Zabuza's involved. That guy's a monster."
Omoi grimaced. "Yeah, no kidding. I didn't get close enough to run into him, but I felt his chakra. He's dangerous."
Naruto nodded, his mind already working on how they could approach the situation. "We'll need to take out the guards first, maybe set up some distractions to thin their numbers. If we can get past them, we can confront Gato directly."
Yugito crossed her arms, her eyes thoughtful. "And what about Zabuza? He's not going to just sit back and watch while we take out his paycheck."
Naruto grinned, his eyes flashing with determination. "Leave him to me. I'll deal with Zabuza if it comes to that."
Yugito raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "You really think you can handle him?"
Naruto gave her a playful nudge. "Come on, Yugito. You know me. I didn't train for three months under Yoruichi sensei to not get stronger." Naruto said as purple lightning danced in his fingertips.
"I thought you trained with her because of her ass." Yugito commented bluntly and Naruto had the audacity to blush a little.
"Hey, in Naruto's defence. She has a great ass, I would gladly die on that." Omoi defended him with a wink, and Yugito rolled her eyes before muttering something about men being stupid.
"So because you trained under her, you think you can defeat Zabuza?"
Omoi smirked. "Just don't get too cocky, Naruto. Zabuza's not some run-of-the-mill thug. He's one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. He'll cut you in half if you're not careful."
Naruto chuckled, though there was a seriousness behind his usual bravado. "I know. I'll be ready."
As they spoke, Darui approached from behind, having overheard the last part of their conversation.
"You did good, Omoi," Darui said, placing a hand on his subordinate's shoulder. "Finding Gato's headquarters is a huge step forward."
Omoi smiled slightly, nodding at the praise. "Thanks, Sensei."
Darui looked at Naruto and Yugito, his eyes gleaming with determination. "We'll attack in two days. That gives us enough time to prepare and come up with a strategy."
Naruto and Yugito both nodded in agreement.
"Two days," Darui repeated, glancing back at the village in the distance. "Rest up, train hard, and be ready. Because when the time comes, we're taking that fort, and Gato won't know what hit him."
Later - Night
Right now, Tazuna's house felt like a battlefield, one could tell things were about to explode inside. Team Kumo and Team Konoha sat around the long wooden table. Plates clattered as food was passed around, but the peace didn't last long.
"Hey, Sasuke, why so quiet?" Omoi teased, leaning back in his chair with a smirk. "Still sore from Naruto beating you?"
Sasuke shot him a cold glare, but said nothing, stirring his food instead. Sakura, sitting next to him, glanced nervously between the two teams, clearly uncomfortable with the barbed comments flying back and forth. She opened her mouth to speak, but Darui beat her to it.
"Cut it out, Omoi," Darui said with his usual laid-back tone, though his eyes were sharp. "We're all here to finish a mission, not trade insults."
Omoi shrugged, though the smirk didn't fade. "Just trying to lighten the mood, Sensei. These guys look like they haven't cracked a smile in days."
Sai chimed in with his usual detached tone, his fake smile plastered on his face. "Perhaps the Kumo shinobi smile so often because they're used to failure."
"We're just not as uptight as you lot. But I guess when your strongest is a guy who hides behind a mask, and reads porn in public that's what you get." Yugito said with an annoyed look before pointing a finger at Kakashi.
Kakashi raised an eyebrow at the comment but didn't bother to respond, but he did look as if he wanted to say 'What did I ever do to you?'
"So, do all Konoha shinobi spend their days looking moody, or is that just the Uchiha's thing?" she quipped, eyes flicking toward Sasuke, her voice dripping with casual disdain.
Naruto chuckled into his bowl of rice, earning a glare from Sasuke. "Nah, that's just him. I hear he's practicing to become the next village statue. Still needs to work on that scowl, though. Doesn't quite have the statue look down yet."
"That's rich coming from someone who spends more time smiling than actually winning fights. Do you think if you grin hard enough, you'll become Raikage by default?" Sai chimed in.
Omoi raised an eyebrow at Sai, unimpressed. "At least he has a personality, unlike some creepy art student who looks like a pale ghost wandered in from a graveyard."
Sai's fake smile widened. "Thank you for noticing my complexion. I work very hard to keep my skin from looking as worn out as the Kumo shinobi, who look like they've been baking in the sun for too long."
"Oh, good one," Yugito sneered, leaning forward, her tone sarcastic. "Maybe if you say it again with more feeling, you might actually sound human."
Sakura, who had been quietly fuming, finally snapped. "You talk a lot for someone who's basically a cat with a chakra problem."
Yugito's eyes glinted dangerously. "A cat with a chakra problem that could flatten you into the ground, pinky."
Naruto leaned back in his chair, grinning as he reached for a rice ball. "So, Sasuke, still sore from that last fight? I thought you'd be used to losing by now."
Sasuke, seated at the far end of the table, clenched his fork tighter, his Sharingan flickering in his eyes for a moment. "Tch. You call that a fight? You were barely trying."
"At least he's not throwing fireballs in the air," Yugito added, smirking as she picked at her food. "You'd think someone with fancy red eyes would know when to quit."
Sakura flinched at the jab, her eyes darting between the Kumo team and her teammates. "Yugito, there's no need to—"
"Don't worry, Sakura. We're just having fun," Omoi interrupted with a grin, leaning forward. "Though, I can see why you'd be sensitive about losing, seeing how you got taken out so quickly last time."
Sakura's face burned, her hands balling into fists as she dared to glare at Yugito. "You didn't have to go that hard on me! That was a spar, not a real fight!"
"Could've fooled me," Yugito said with a shrug. "It's hard to tell when someone's fighting seriously when they don't even land a punch."
"Maybe if you didn't hide behind your team all the time, we'd see if you were worth anything."
Yugito's eyes flashed, but before she could respond, Darui cleared his throat. "Enough. We're here to eat, not to compare bruised egos."
Sakura stood up, fists clenched, but before she could say anything, Kakashi's voice rang out from the end of the table. "Alright, enough. This isn't a competition to see who can throw the most insults."
The room fell into a tense silence, though the smirks and glares continued to fly across the table.
Inari who had been silently watching from the corner of the room, suddenly stood up, his small fists clenched, his face red with anger.
"You're all stupid!" Inari shouted, his eyes blazing with frustration. "Sitting here, laughing, throwing around insults like everything's fine. You don't know anything about real pain! You act like you're so strong, like nothing can touch you, but you don't know what it's like to lose everything!"
His words hung in the air, and the playful banter around the table died immediately. Naruto's smile faded, and even Yugito's cocky smirk faltered as they all turned to face the boy. Sasuke's eyes narrowed, his gaze hardening as he silently locked eyes with Inari. For a moment, it looked like Sasuke would say something, but he clenched his jaw and remained silent. He is just a stupid kid, Sasuke thought, deciding to just ignore him.
Inari's chest heaved, his anger palpable as he glared at the shinobi around the table. "You think you can just fight and make everything better? That you can just fix everything with your strength? Well, you can't! You're all just arrogant idiots! You can never win against Gato. You all will die. Die because you cannot win against him."
Naruto, sensing the tension, raised a hand. "Inari, I—"
"I hate you!" Inari yelled, cutting Naruto off, his voice raw with emotion. "I hate all of you! You've never lost everything! You don't know what it's like to see people you love die, to be powerless! You're all just playing pretend, acting like you're heroes, but you don't know what real pain is!"
Yugito's eyes flared with sudden, cold fury. Her entire body went rigid, her fingers curling into fists on the table as her mismatched eyes locked onto Inari. Her chakra spiking with barely-contained rage. For a moment, the room felt suffocating, as if all the oxygen had been sucked out. Her gaze was filled with such hatred that even Darui, who had seen her at her worst, felt a chill run down his spine.
Darui quickly reached out, placing a firm hand on Yugito's arm, his voice low and urgent. "Yugito. Calm down."
Yugito didn't respond immediately, her glare still burning into Inari. For a split second, Darui feared that Yugito might lose control, that her fury might boil over and result in something terrible.
Tsunami quickly moved to his side, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder, her expression filled with concern. "Inari, please..."
But the boy shook her off, his eyes still blazing with anger.
"Inari, why do you think it will be all pointless?" Everyone quickly turned to look at Naruto.
"Because you can't win. You will die just like..." A choked sob escaped his throat.
"Inari, I will not pretend to know what you have been through, but I believe you must have lost someone because of Gato." Another choked sob escaped Inari as tears streamed down his face.
"For the last weeks, I have been helping this place, not because I was expecting money in return, but because I wanted to help them. Because it's the right thing to do. They all have suffered under Gato same as you, but despite all that. There's still hope in their eyes. Hope for a better future. You say we don't know pain, but we do. We, as shinobi, the first we are taught before becoming one that pain will be our oldest friend until the end. You lost someone against Gato, and I feel sorry for that...he must have been a good man." Naruto said with a sympathetic look, he had seen the picture hanging on the wall.
"...He...he was my father...Gato....he killed him." Inari choked out weakly.
"Then why are you losing hope then?" This causes Inari to look up at Naruto.
"You say that we have no chance of defeating Gato. You want your FATHER'S life to be for nothing. Gato can never die. That's the biggest insult you can make to your father's sacrifice." Naruto shouted at the end, and Inari's eyes went wide. Everyone fell silent, looking at Naruto.
"You want to make him proud, then show him that you still have it..."
"...Have...what?"
"Hope." Naruto said with a little smile.
Inari fell on his knees as Tsunami held him close, his face on her shoulders as he sobbed loudly. "I...I miss...I miss him..." he cried as Tsunami kissed his cheek and walked upstairs with him.
Sasuke looked at Naruto strangely as the blonde sat back down, getting a compliment from his sensei, a pat on the back from Omoi, and a kiss on the cheek from the crazy cat girl.
Hope, Sasuke muttered the word under his breath. It felt strange to say it.
Tomorrow
The next morning, Naruto found himself wandering through the forest, his mind still replaying the events from dinner the previous night. He had asked Tsunami how the boy was doing, and she told him something that caught him a little off guard.
' "He was holding it, Naruto." Tsunami told him, her eyes foggy with tears.
"Holding what?"
"Kaiza made him a little spear for him when he was four, and Inari always adored it, but after...my husband's death. Inari never touched it again. He put in a box, and he buried the box outside of the outside." Tears streamed down her face as her arms spread and hugged Naruto.
"You helped my son. Thank you...You are a special boy, Naruto." '
Naruto felt good for the kid. Maybe after Gato was gone. This town could return back to a more normal place. As he ventured deeper into the woods, a flicker of movement caught his eye. Through the greenery, he spotted a figure crouched near a patch of wildflowers, carefully collecting herbs. At first, he thought it might be a villager, but he realized that this... the woman wasn't a villager.
Naruto tilted his head, taking a few steps closer, before calling out, "Hey! Good morning!"
The figure straightened up, turning to face him. It was a young woman, or so it appeared at first glance, with long dark hair tied in a loose ponytail. She wore a simple pink kimono, her expression soft and serene.
"Good morning," she replied, her voice gentle. "You're up early."
Naruto rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "Yeah, I couldn't sleep, so I decided to take a walk. What about you? What are you doing out here?"
The woman smiled softly, holding up a small bundle of herbs in her hand. "I'm gathering herbs. There are many plants here that have medicinal properties."
Naruto's curiosity piqued, and he took a step closer. "Herbs, huh? Are you a doctor or something?"
She shook her head, her smile never fading. "No, I'm not a doctor. I just know a bit about medicine. My name is Haku."
"Haku, huh? I'm Naruto!" he introduced himself enthusiastically. "Nice to meet you!"
Haku nodded politely. "Nice to meet you, Naruto."
There was a brief silence as Naruto glanced at the herbs in her hand and then back at Haku.
After a moment, Naruto blurted out, "You're a very pretty girl!"
Haku blinked, her expression remaining serene, but there was a brief flicker of surprise in her eyes. "Thank you," she said simply, her voice still calm. "But I'm actually a boy."
Naruto's jaw dropped, his eyes wide. "Wha—?! No way! Are you serious?!"
Haku chuckled softly at his reaction. "Yes, I'm serious."
Naruto scratched the back of his head, looking slightly embarrassed. "Well, I guess that's not the weirdest thing I've heard."
"I will take that as a compliment."
"So...do you want me to help you?" Naruto asked, and Haku nodded without much thought.
As they started collecting, Naruto realized that Haku must really know her stuff. She was choosing all the right flowers.
"Do you someone important in your life?" Haku suddenly asked, catching Naruto a little off guard.
"What?"
Haku's gaze softened as she observed Naruto's puzzled expression. "You know, when people are protecting something truly precious to them, they can become... as strong as they need to be."
Naruto blinked at his words, feeling a strange sense of familiarity in the sentiment. "Protect something precious?" he repeated, his mind wandering back to his friends, his village, and the people of the Wave.
"Yes," Haku replied gently. "When you have someone important to you, someone you want to protect, your true strength can emerge. That's what gives people the will to keep going, even when things seem hopeless."
He glanced at Haku, a small smile forming on his lips. "You're pretty smart, you know that?"
Haku smiled back at him, the warmth in her eyes unmistakable. "I've just had a lot of time to think."
Naruto nodded, feeling strangely comfortable around Haku. "Yeah... I guess I get that."
They stood in silence for a moment, the peaceful morning air surrounding them as the sun continued to rise higher in the sky. Finally, Haku turned back to the herbs she had gathered, carefully bundling them together.
"Well, I should be going now," she said, her voice soft but final. "It was nice meeting you, Naruto."
But then, without warning, Naruto broke the silence.
"You're with Zabuza, aren't you?"
Haku's hand froze in midair; her fingers just inch from a needle. She didn't look at Naruto immediately, her expression remaining calm, though there was a sudden tension in the air. After a beat, she slowly turned her head to face him, her eyes unreadable.
"How did you figure that out?" she asked, her voice still calm but carrying a subtle edge.
Naruto didn't flinch under her gaze. "You've got too much chakra to be a civilian," he replied casually, as if discussing the weather. "I noticed it the moment I saw you. Civilians don't have that kind of chakra flow."
Haku's calm demeanor remained, but her body tensed ever so slightly. She stood up straight, her hand hovering near her side as if ready to draw a weapon. "You're sharp, Naruto. I'll give you that," she said quietly, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "So, what now? Do you plan to fight me?"
Naruto shook his head, standing up as well, his expression relaxed and non-threatening. "There's no need for a fight," he said with a shrug. "Look, I'm not here to cause any trouble. As long as Zabuza agrees to come with us to Kumo and stops his plan to kill Tazuna, then we can be allies."
Haku's eyes flickered with something—surprise, curiosity—but her posture remained guarded. "And what if Zabuza says no?"
Naruto's expression turned serious, his blue eyes locking onto Haku's. "Then he'll die."
The bluntness of Naruto's words hit like a hammer. Haku's eyes hardened, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. Her hand twitched slightly, prepared for the worst, but she didn't move to attack. She simply stared at Naruto, measuring his resolve.
"You would kill him?" Haku asked quietly, her voice low but carrying a dangerous edge. "Zabuza is important to me."
Naruto didn't waver. "I don't want to kill him. I'd rather he came to Kumo and became one of us. But if he doesn't stop, if he keeps going after Tazuna and trying to hurt innocent people... I won't have a choice."
Haku considered her options. She could strike now, eliminate Naruto before he became a bigger threat to Zabuza's plans. But there was something about the way he spoke, the calmness in his voice, that made her hesitate. He wasn't lying. He didn't want this fight, but he was prepared for it if necessary.
Naruto turned away from her, breaking the intense stare. "I'll give you time to think about it," he said, his voice a little softer now. "You care about Zabuza, and I get that. I care about my team too. But this is bigger than just us."
He took a few steps away before glancing back over his shoulder, his expression thoughtful. "Just... talk to him, okay? Think about what I said."
With that, Naruto walked away, his hands casually slipping into his pockets as he disappeared into the trees, leaving Haku standing there in the quiet forest, alone with her thoughts.
As Naruto continued his walk through the forest, lost in thought about the conversation with Haku, he was unaware that two figures were watching him from the shadows above, hidden among the trees.
Perched silently,one leaned forward, resting his elbow on his knee, his sharp grin widening as he watched the blonde boy disappear into the distance.
"That's the Kyuubi's Jinchuuriki?" He chuckled, his voice low and amused, his sharp teeth glinting in the dappled sunlight that filtered through the canopy. "I'm a little disappointed. He looks like a brat playing shinobi."
Beside him, Itachi Uchiha remained silent, his dark, piercing eyes trained on Naruto's retreating form.
Kisame's grin grew wider. "Why are we hiding anyway, Itachi? We could take him right now." He straightened up slightly, his fingers resting on the hilt of Samehada, his oversized sword that seemed to pulse with life.
At that moment, Darui appeared beside Naruto, his posture relaxed, but his eyes scanning the forest as if sensing something off. Naruto stopped in his tracks, surprised to see his Jonin instructor.
Itachi immediately shifted slightly, signaling for Kisame to stay hidden. "Not yet," Itachi murmured under his breath.
Kisame's grin faded into a disappointed frown. "Come on, Itachi. We can take that guy. Why are we hiding?"
His voice, calm and measured, cut through Kisame's bravado. "We don't know the full extent of his abilities yet. And Kakashi Hatake is nearby."
Kisame scoffed, his grin never fading. "Kakashi? That kid? He's not even in our league."
"He has the Sharingan," Itachi reminded him, his tone still quiet and calm. "And while the Kyuubi's Jinchuuriki is untrained, if Naruto accidentally uses the fox's chakra, he could be more dangerous than we expect."
Kisame's grin faltered for a brief moment as he glanced at Itachi. "You think the kid could control the Kyuubi already? He doesn't look like he could handle that kind of power."
Itachi didn't respond immediately, his eyes narrowing slightly as he thought. "Not yet," he admitted, "but if he taps into it during a fight, we might have a problem. He doesn't need to know how to control it to become a danger to us. It's better to wait until they've weakened themselves."
Kisame chuckled again, his interest clearly piqued. "Weakened, huh? So you're saying we wait until Zabuza and the Kumo team tear each other apart? Then, we swoop in and take the kid and the girl when they're too tired to fight back?"
Itachi nodded once, his expression as cold and unreadable as ever. "Precisely. Let them exhaust themselves. Then we strike."
Kisame sighed but didn't argue. He rested his hand back on Samehada's handle, though his grip loosened. "Fine, fine. You're the brains here. But tomorrow, we better not hold back."
Itachi gave a small nod, his eyes never leaving the two shinobi below. "We'll wait until the fighting between Zabuza and the Kumo team is over. Once they're weaker and exhausted, we'll take Naruto and the two tails girl."
Kisame grinned again, his earlier disappointment replaced with excitement. "Sounds like a plan. Tomorrow, then."
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