Reflections and Resolve
On the way to the Land of Waves, Naruto explained his decision to hold back during the battle. "That Kirigakure rogue ninja wasn't serious. He held back and had no intention of killing us. If he had gone all out, Sasuke, you'd have been dead in seconds."
Naruto's tone was calm, almost casual, as if discussing the weather. "It's fascinating, isn't it? A rogue ninja with a sense of kindness. You don't see that every day."
Sasuke frowned, his pride stinging. "So you just let him go? Zabuza is dangerous. Letting him escape could make things worse."
Sakura, ever protective of Naruto, pinched Sasuke's arm. "Don't question Naruto. He knows what he's doing."
Naruto chuckled. "It's not just about kindness. If we killed them now, the mission would end too quickly. I'd rather stretch it out a bit. Besides, we've seen their strength. Sasuke, you've got some catching up to do. Next time, try not to embarrass yourself."
Sasuke's jaw tightened. "Hmph. Next time, I'll crush him."
Tazuna, walking behind them, seethed silently. He couldn't understand Naruto's reasoning. Why let a dangerous enemy escape? The next attack would only be more brutal. But he kept his thoughts to himself, knowing he had no right to complain after lying about the mission's danger.
Kakashi, who had regained consciousness after taking a soldier pill, sighed as he listened to Naruto's explanation. He knew his student well. Naruto's gentle demeanor masked a fierce pride and a thirst for challenge. He didn't just want to complete the mission—he wanted to test himself against stronger opponents.
"Naruto, you're something else," Kakashi muttered, shaking his head. He had watched the battle unfold, noting how Haku had held back. Naruto's decision to let them go wasn't just arrogance; it was a calculated move to push himself and his teammates to grow.
Arrival in the Land of Waves
After days of travel, the team finally arrived in the Land of Waves. They were greeted with cheers and gratitude from the townspeople, who saw them as saviors. Tazuna, overwhelmed with emotion, bowed deeply. "Thank you, ninja-sama. With your help, the Land of Waves has hope again."
The townspeople echoed his sentiments, their faces filled with relief and joy. "Our heroes are here! Kado's men won't dare come back now!"
That evening, Tazuna's family hosted a feast in their honor. But amidst the celebration, one person sat alone in the corner—Inari, Tazuna's grandson. The boy's somber expression stood out starkly against the cheerful atmosphere.
Naruto noticed Inari first, his curiosity piqued. Tazuna, following Naruto's gaze, sighed and began to explain. Inari had once been a bright, hopeful child, idolizing his father, who had stood up to Kado's tyranny. But when his father died in the struggle, Inari's faith in heroes died with him. Now, he believed heroes were fools, and hope was a lie.
"It's tragic," Sakura said softly, her heart aching for the boy.
Sasuke scoffed. "Pathetic."
Naruto, however, saw something deeper. Inari wasn't just disillusioned—he was trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and fear. He had convinced himself that hope was pointless to avoid facing his pain.
Night Training
Late that night, Naruto stepped outside to clear his head. The sound of rushing water led him to a nearby waterfall, where he found Sasuke training relentlessly. Despite the late hour, Sasuke was pushing himself to the limit, his feet anchored to the water's surface as he practiced his Lightning Release techniques.
Naruto watched silently, impressed by Sasuke's determination. "What a madman," he murmured, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Sasuke's drive to grow stronger was undeniable, and Naruto couldn't help but admire it.
As he turned to leave, Naruto noticed a small figure approaching—Inari. The boy's eyes were hollow, his steps slow and heavy. He stopped by the stream, staring at Sasuke with a mix of curiosity and bitterness.
Naruto hesitated, then walked over. "Can't sleep?"
Inari flinched, startled by Naruto's presence. He shook his head, his voice barely above a whisper. "Every time I close my eyes, I see my dad. He… he thought he could change things. But he died for nothing."
Naruto crouched down to meet Inari's gaze. "Your dad wasn't a fool. He believed in something bigger than himself. That's what heroes do."
Inari's eyes filled with tears. "But what's the point? Kado's too powerful. No one can stop him."
Naruto's smile was gentle but firm. "Maybe not alone. But together, people can achieve the impossible. Your grandfather's building a bridge, isn't he? That's his way of fighting back. And we're here to help."
Inari didn't respond, but Naruto could see the gears turning in his mind. The boy's walls were starting to crack.
As Naruto stood to leave, he glanced back at Sasuke, still training under the moonlight. "Sometimes, the hardest battles are the ones we fight within ourselves," he said, more to himself than to Inari. "But that's where real strength comes from."