The coastal area facing the Land of Fire was calm that morning, with the faint roar of waves striking the unfinished bridge that stretched across the strait. It was the same bridge Menma and the others had crossed yesterday — the bridge Tazuna had poured all his heart and soul into. He called it the Bridge of Hope — a dream that, once complete, would connect the impoverished Land of Waves to the prosperous Land of Fire.
Years of labor had brought it near completion. Only a small portion of the structure remained unfinished. If completed, it would become a beacon of unity and courage for the people of the Land of Waves. But for Gato, the corrupt businessman who controlled the country through fear, this bridge represented rebellion — something he could not allow.
Menma couldn't help but shake his head slightly at Gato's foolishness. There were countless ways to destroy the bridge or eliminate Tazuna, yet Gato chose the most complicated and least efficient one. No wonder this man hides behind thugs instead of doing real work himself.
Still, for Menma, Gato's arrogance and lack of foresight made him the perfect opportunity — the perfect stepping stone.
When Menma and Naruto arrived at the bridge entrance, they saw Sakura and Sasuke guarding both sides, while Kakashi leaned casually against a tree near the shore. His ever-present orange book, Icha Icha Paradise, rested lazily in his hand.
As soon as Kakashi noticed the two returning figures, he closed the book with a soft snap and leapt down from the tree. His single visible eye reflected mild surprise.
"Menma, Naruto — back already? Did you find anything?"
"Yes, Kakashi-sensei." Menma nodded calmly. "We've confirmed that Gato himself plans to come here today. He'll be leading a group of hired men to finish this himself."
Kakashi's eye narrowed slightly. That was unexpected. Originally, he had suspected deeper involvement — possibly even hidden ties to Kirigakure, given Zabuza Momochi's presence. But if this was simply the greed of a cowardly merchant, then the situation was much more straightforward.
"Are you certain?" Kakashi asked, his tone serious.
"Nine out of ten chance," Menma replied confidently. "We'll know for sure in an hour or two. If my information's right…"
Before he could finish, a deep honk echoed across the misty sea — the unmistakable sound of a large vessel approaching.
Kakashi, Menma, and Naruto turned toward the southern horizon. Even through the haze, the outline of a ship became visible.
Menma smirked. "Seems our guest arrived right on schedule, Kakashi-sensei."
"Perfect timing," Kakashi murmured.
Naruto grinned, his excitement rising. "Heh, looks like there's gonna be a fight!"
"Let's go see for ourselves," Kakashi said, his voice calm but alert.
The three of them dashed toward the coast, their sandals tapping lightly on the bridge's steel girders before splashing onto the sea's surface — walking on water with perfect chakra control.
From the bridge, Sakura gasped and leaned over the railing. "Huh!? They're walking on water!?"
Sasuke glanced over, initially indifferent — until he actually saw it. His dark eyes widened slightly, his mind already analyzing the technique. So that's chakra control on water… He clenched his fists. I need to learn that too.
Back on the waves, the trio sped toward the incoming ship. Naruto, though capable of the same feat, couldn't hide his mild frustration.
"Wait—you already mastered this too, Menma!? I thought I was ahead for once!"
Menma chuckled faintly. "Let's just say I had some extra time for training before the Academy."
Naruto pouted, but before he could retort, Kakashi's voice cut through the sea breeze.
"Focus. We've reached the target zone."
Ahead, the massive cargo ship loomed clearly through the mist — Gato's flagship.
"Remember," Kakashi said as he drew up his forehead protector slightly, revealing his Sharingan. "Our top priority is to secure Gato alive. Don't let him escape, and don't engage recklessly until we assess the enemy."
"Understood!" Menma and Naruto replied in unison.
The calm before battle settled over them, the mist thickening as the ship creaked closer.
This wasn't just a mission anymore — for Menma, this was a test. A chance to prove his will and claim the resources he needed for the future he envisioned.
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