Days Later at the Resting Place of Haku and Zabuza…
Everyone gave a silent prayer to the pair as the sword of the legendary swordsman rested peacefully in the soil.
Naru deeply frowned as she still couldn't understand how a village can force their own to kill each other. In the Leaf, they trusted each other, they worked together. The only way for a shinobi to take down another from the same village would be of betrayal. But this, this was truly a disturbing thing. This was a village betraying their ninja. Itachi, who had grounded both her and his brother for frightening him and being careless, looked to his bride and knew what she was thinking about as he had the same thoughts himself when he was young.
"In the Ninja World, Shinobi are nothing more than tools to those of power and prestige to settle disputes and settle a crisis. Often betraying or abusing those who follow them in the process, causing revolutions and betrayal. But most accept this as the fact of the world, though cruel it is." Itachi informed the group.
"That'll change when I become Hokage. No ninja should be forced to kill because some jerk says so. They should be out there protecting people and helping others, Dattebayo." Naruto vowed as her fiancé smiled at her.
"The world will be a wonderful place when you become a Kage, Nau," Itachi told her as Sakura was surprised by the sincerity in his voice.
"And you'll be sure househusband…" Sasuke muttered, though still not happy about his brother getting married, but was warming up to the girl.
Wishful thinking worked.
"Oh, I almost forgot! I got you something. I wanted to give it to you when we got back, but you came with us." Naru remembered as she pulled out something from her pocket.
From the land of waves was a souvenir from one of the shops, a painted shell with stars to make a pendant.
"It's wonderful, Beloved. Thank you." He gently grinned as he plucked it from her hands and wore it, earning a smile he loved so much, "But you and Sasuke are still not off the hook."
"Ah, what?"
At the Nameless Bridge…
It was time to say goodbye as the Wave Village was returning to its luster and hope begin to settle in once again.
Both Inari and Naru were trying not to cry as they say goodbye to each other as Kakashi and Itachi chuckled a bit. It seemed that a friendship has grown and Naru had earned some respect from the village as well. Maybe when they are wed, Itachi should build a summer home here for his family to enjoy.
"Alright, your punishment begins now."
Before Naruto and Sasuke had time to react, Itachi tossed his brother on his back while Naru was carried bridal style. All with one arm.
"You both are not allowed to walk until we return to the Hokage." Itachi informed them, "And I don't care how embarrassing it is, this is a good lesson in humility."
"Aw, man!"
"We'll send over the trade route papers soon," Kakashi informed the bridge builder and grandson, not even bothering to suppress his chuckle.
Sakura said goodbye as the group left.
They would soon learn that the people of the wave soon named their Bridge, Naruto, after the woman who gave them hope.