Naruto: Bonds Unbroken

The mist slowly began to clear, revealing the sun beginning its descent toward the horizon. The air still carried the sharp scent of battle, and ripples danced across the water's surface where Zabuza had fallen.

Naruto's fists were clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. His eyes remained locked on the spot where Haku had disappeared with Zabuza.

"That's it? We just let them go?" His voice was filled with frustration.

Kakashi sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "A hunter-nin's job is to eliminate missing-nin. Zabuza was already taken care of."

"But it was too easy," Sasuke muttered. His gaze was sharp, analytical. "Something doesn't add up."

Kakashi looked at Sasuke, his expression unreadable. "You noticed too, huh?"

Sakura frowned. "What do you mean?"

Sasuke crossed his arms, his mind still processing everything. "Zabuza was strong, really strong. And that hunter-nin took him down in an instant. That doesn't make sense."

Naruto's eyes widened. "You're saying… that guy wasn't trying to kill him?"

Kakashi nodded. "Exactly. A real hunter-nin would have destroyed the body on the spot to prevent enemy villages from extracting information."

A heavy silence followed.

"Then… he's still alive," Sakura whispered.

Kakashi turned toward Tazuna. "Regardless, we need to get moving. This fight wasn't the end."

Tazuna, who had remained quiet through most of the battle, nodded. "Right. My house isn't far. You'll be safe there."

Kakashi took one last look at the misty horizon before sighing. "Alright, let's move."

---

By the time they arrived at Tazuna's house, exhaustion was beginning to set in. The wooden home sat near the ocean, overlooking the peaceful waves. A woman in her late 30s greeted them at the door.

"Dad! You're okay!" she cried, hugging Tazuna tightly.

"Of course, Tsunami," he chuckled. "Thanks to these ninja."

Tsunami turned to Team Seven and bowed deeply. "Thank you for protecting my father."

Naruto grinned, rubbing the back of his head. "Hehe, it was nothing!"

Sasuke simply nodded, while Sakura smiled politely.

But Kakashi…

Kakashi suddenly stumbled, his body swaying.

"SENSEI!" Sakura rushed to his side as he nearly collapsed.

Naruto's face paled. "Hey, what's wrong?"

Kakashi chuckled weakly, raising his head slightly. "Using the Sharingan for that long took a lot out of me."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. So, there is a drawback to it after all…

Kakashi gave a weak smile. "Looks like I'll need a few days to recover."

Tsunami quickly ushered them inside. "Come in. You can rest here."

---

As they settled in, Tazuna began explaining the state of the Land of Waves.

"Our village used to be peaceful," he said, staring at his half-empty cup of tea. "But ever since Gato came…"

Naruto's brow furrowed. "Who's Gato?"

"A businessman," Tsunami said bitterly. "But he's nothing more than a tyrant."

Tazuna nodded. "He took control of the village by force. He owns everything—our trade, our ports, even our food supply. The people live in fear."

Sakura's fists tightened. "That's horrible…"

"That's why I need to finish the bridge," Tazuna continued. "If I complete it, we can cut off Gato's control and bring in supplies from the outside."

Naruto's expression darkened. "And that's why Zabuza was after you."

Tazuna sighed. "Exactly. If I die, the bridge doesn't get built. And Gato keeps control."

Sasuke listened in silence, his mind processing everything.

Kakashi, despite his exhaustion, finally spoke. "We'll continue guarding you until the bridge is complete."

Tazuna looked at them gratefully. "Thank you."

Naruto, however, was still fuming.

"This isn't right," he muttered. "Why do bad people always get to do whatever they want?"

Tsunami placed a hand on his shoulder. "That's just how the world is, young ninja."

Naruto clenched his fists.

Then I'll change it.

---

The next morning, Naruto woke up early, still restless from the previous day's battle. Deciding to clear his mind, he wandered toward the forest near the house.

As he walked, he spotted something—or rather, someone—standing among the trees.

A boy, around his age, with long dark hair tied in a low ponytail. He wore a simple kimono, and his soft brown eyes carried a calm, almost sad look.

Naruto tilted his head. "Who's that?"

The boy turned to him and smiled gently. "Oh? A traveler?"

Naruto frowned. "No, I'm a ninja!"

The boy's smile widened. "A ninja, huh? That's amazing."

Naruto crossed his arms. "And you? Who are you?"

The boy placed a hand on his chest. "My name is Haku."

Naruto blinked. "Haku…?"

The boy simply smiled. "Tell me, young ninja… do you think strength is necessary to protect those you care about?"

Naruto's eyes widened slightly at the question.

He opened his mouth to respond—but something about Haku's gaze made him hesitate.

He didn't know why…

…but something told him this boy wasn't just any ordinary villager.