Chapter 8: The Great Naruto Bridge!
The menacing Gato has arrived!
"Well, well, well, looks like I was right to not put all my eggs in this basket...".
Team 7 (besides the unconscious Sasuke), along with Tazuna, Zabuza, and Haku turned to look at the source of the voice.
Arriving from the Land of Waves portion of the bridge was none other than the oligarch Gato, with a horde of his own personal army at his back.
He began to monologue.
"So, Zabuza, it seems that you've failed to live up to your end of our agreement. Don't worry about the boy, though, I always take good care of my slaves.".
Zabuza gritted his teeth.
Gato added, "As for you, Leaf shinobi, I'm sorry to say that you'll have to tell your hokage that you've failed in your mission to keep Tazuna alive. That was the mission, right?".
Kakashi dryly replied, "Well, that and making sure the bridge gets built.".
Gato responded, "Oh well, one out of two isn't so bad. I actually wanted this bridge the whole time.".
Tazuna gasped.
Gato continued, "Surprised? I thought you'd be. You see, at first I fully intended to have your head hung in the town square when I heard about the bridge, but then I had the brilliant notion to use this bridge to my advantage. You planned for it to be a bridge for commerce and culture, which it certainly will be. Just, my commerce, and my approved culture. You've done me a big favor; I didn't even have to pay anyone! On the contrary, I just raised the taxes on all construction-related prospects, and collected more than ever before, thanks to you! And when your pathetic life is over, I'll raise the taxes on everything else - - and I can announce this into the open air because of the simple fact that the people fear me. They've grown accustomed to the poverty and obedience I've ordained, especially thanks to the sacrifice that your son made. What was his name, Kato? Kora?".
A young boy's voice roared over the bridge.
"HIS NAME WAS KAIZA!".
Gato turned around.
He ordered, "Shit, I can't see anything. Lift me!".
On command, two of the soldiers lifted Gato on their shoulders.
The man was shaken by what he saw.
It seemed as if every single citizen of the Land of Waves was crowded at the bridge, blocking in Gato's army.
The crowd of citizens was so large, in fact, that it extended past the far end of the arcade, into the suburbs, and even into the forest nearby.
And at the forefront was Inari, held up by his mother, Tsunami.
Gato immediately fell back from shock, landing in a pratfall.
Tazuna taunted, "Looks like the Aono name still means something, eh?".
Gato began to shriek. He rolled around, struggling to rise.
Once his men helped him back up, he stumbled and stammered, "Kill them, you stupid morons! Kill them now!".
The men failed to do as ordered.
Confronted with the sight of thousands of angry citizens as far as the eye could see, Gato's men froze and shook with fear.
Simultaneously, they dropped their weapons and fell to their knees, except for a few.
They were in the middle and near Gato; they were the man's most trusted allies.
They yelled to their comrades, "Get up, come on, we can take them! They're just civilians!".
And then, one of the men was hit in the head with a rock.
When another checked on him, he saw that his eye had been hit, and he was bleeding from his head.
A few more of Gato's men attempted to charge at the crowd, but were stopped by a slew of kunai and needles - - thrown by Zabuza and Haku.
As the men fell dead, Gato's army trembled even more.
To combat the demoralization, Gato shouted, "Come on, you cowards! Don't you remember what we did to that fool, Kata?!".
Tazuna called out, "I remember, very well. Perhaps you'll share his fate...".
The citizens of the Land of Waves began to storm the bridge, overtaking Gato's army, and arresting them all.
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Tazuna' s House, Afternoon
Naruto sat in the living room, watching TV, when Kakashi plopped himself down next to him.
Kakashi told him, "Everyone else is busy at the moment; I think we should talk.".
"About what?".
"You know.".
Naruto looked down. "Oh...".
"Yeah, 'Oh'.".
"What do you wanna know?".
"For one, were you in control the whole time?".
"Uh, yeah. Definitely.".
I don't wanna lie, but I don't trust Sensei. I know better than that.
Kakashi replied, "Okay... If it ever happens again, just remember that I'm here for you.".
The man got up and left.
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Holding Cells
A very bored Zabuza and Haku sat in a jail cell, as Kakashi entered with trays of food.
He said, "Sorry about the whole imprisonment thing... It's just a formality, since you're legally going to be labeled as prisoners of war, which will only serve to make the prospect of helping us look better on the record.".
The jailed men remained silent.
Kakashi sheepishly added, "I brought home-cooked food... Enjoy.".
He gently placed the trays on a small table in the cell, and took his leave.
"I'll have you two out in time to see what they do to Gato.".
After Kakashi left the building, Haku got up to eat at the table.
As he was eating, Zabuza told him, "There's something you need to know about your mother...".
Haku spoke, "Hm?", as he continued to eat.
Zabuza continued, "She wasn't some crazy bitchnaz that just wanted to kill you out of cruelty... She was trying to protect you from a warlord.".
"...".
"He was cracking down on individuals with specific kekkei genkai, either enslaving them, or murdering them in the most painful ways. Your mother knew that you had the ice mirrors, and thought to spare you the warlord's pain by ending you quickly.".
"How did you get there?".
"Honestly, I just wanted to take advantage of the chaos and rob your home. I didn't expect to encounter a damn mercy killing...".
"Sounds to me like fate.".
"Yeah... Your mother begged me to take you. Evidently, I agreed.".
"Then why did you give me the runaround as I followed you?".
"I thought it would make you strong if you had to struggle for it.".
"...".
"...".
Haku remarked, "You're a big softy, Zabuza.".
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Later That Night
Naruto sat at the computer in the living room.
The computer itself was heavy, its fan was loud, and its surface teemed between hot and warm.
The monitor was similarly heavy and blocky, though this wasn't of any issue for Naruto.
He was approached from behind by Sakura, who leaned over to see what he was doing - - he chose to not mention her chest rubbing up on his face.
She asked, "Hey, what're you doing on the computer?".
Naruto answered, "I just... I heard a name, and I need to search it up on the web.".
Sakura asked, "What name?".
Rather than verbally answer, Naruto simply entered the name into the search bar on his browser.
jiraiya
Naruto groaned, "There's too many results...".
Sakura told him, "Try looking at the one on top.".
Naruto asserted, "I don't think the guy I'm looking for is on the... sex offender registry...".
Sakura then suggested, "Well, he's got a last name, doesn't he? Search that, too.".
Naruto replied, "I dunno about a last name, but he does have a group!...".
He typed in the name.
jiraiya legendary sannin
As the page loaded, Naruto whispered, "Alright, score! I've got him...".
Sakura was perplexed. She questioned, "You're looking for one of the Sannin?".
As he clicked on an encyclopedia page, Naruto responded, "Yep...".
Naruto and Sakura read the contents of the page.
The images depicted a tall, burly man with long white hair. Clad in red and green, even his face seemed to portray something perverse.
The blonde noted as he read the page, "Oh, so he is a sex offender, after all...".
As he read on, he absentmindedly read out the parts that intrigued him.
"Toad sage... Shinobi master... Fourth Hokage's sensei... Author... Specter Hunter?...".
This guy's really done it all...
Sakura inquired, "What are you even trying to find?".
Naruto lied, "I dunno... Just heard the name and it stood out to me, y'know.".
Sakura sighed and said, "Whatever. Let's just play something.", as she pulled up a chair.
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Midnight
As Sakura left the bathroom and approached the bed, Naruto squeaked out, "Don't step on me again...".
Sakura looked down, and noticed that Naruto was in the sleeping bag he bought.
She questioned, "Really? We're still doing this?".
Naruto affirmed, "Yep yep yep! I bought this thing, so I'm gonna get my money's worth!".
Sakura sighed. "Whatever. It's still cold, so move over, Punk.".
Naruto obliged, giving Sakura room to squeeze in.
She told him, "You know the drill...".
"Yeah, yeah, don't tell anyone or I die...".
Sakura smirked and snuggled up to him. "Good.".
Absentmindedly ruffling Naruto's hair, Sakura asked, "So, what happened on the bridge, when we all froze? You saw it, right?".
No response.
Sakura quickly realized that he had already fallen asleep.
This guy...! Oh, whatever I'll just ask him later. It was a crazy day, and we all need some rest.
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The Next Morning
Naruto had woken up in the morning bright and early, happy as ever.
After getting ready for the day, he skipped down the stairs and noticed that the house was completely empty.
Not so much as a whisper was present inside, which Naruto found odd, as breakfast time would usually be a symphonic hum of voices.
He walked out onto the porch, where he spotted his team, along with Tazuna's family.
Kakashi spoke, "Glad you could join us, Naruto. We're taking a lazy day today...".
The group began to walk towards the town.
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Town Bridge
After having exited the arcade, the group came across the bridge, whose construction had been finished just a few minutes earlier.
At the Land of Waves portion of the bridge was a makeshift wooden platform facing a crowd.
Tazuna walked past the group to stand on the platform, onto the designated speaking area in the center.
He announced, "I'm proud to announce that today, the people of the Land of Waves are not subject to Gato's tyranny!".
The crowd cheered.
Tazuna continued, "However, we must let this bridge serve not only as our liberation, but also as commemoration for the values that we must maintain in order to avoid being in need of liberation! We must never let ourselves devolve to our state before Gato, the state which led us to being trampled on to begin with!".
Scattered shouts of "Indeed!" followed.
Tazuna then added, "For this reason, the nomen of this bridge shall reflect someone who embodies these values, without whom we would not have had a relatively peaceful resolution yesterday morning!".
Naruto watched in anticipation.
Who could that be?
Tazuna beckoned, "Naruto Uzumaki, come up here!".
Naruto was shocked.
Me? No way, it's gotta be another Naruto...
Kakashi nudged Naruto from behind and told him, "Go on, kid, that's your cue...!".
Naruto gulped.
Wide-eyed, he looked around at the group he was with.
Sakura, Tsunami, and Inari all gave him looks of approval, telling him silently to go up.
Still barely able to believe it, Naruto walked around the side of the platform to reach the stairs.
He walked up and took his place beside Tazuna, who grabbed his forearm.
Lifting up Naruto's hand, the old man shouted, "This is The Great Naruto Bridge!".
Tazuna pulled on a piece of rope which revealed a hidden arch over the bridge, which read GREAT NARUTO BRIDGE.
The crowd erupted into cheers. The sound of their joy enveloped the surrounding area was so great, it felt as if the air itself were shaking, and the sound traveled deep into the land across the bridge and the forest.
Naruto smiled. The sweet nectar of recognition was all he ever desired, and his resolve steeled as he realized something greater.
All this, it isn't just about me... It's about these people...! I've made their lives better, made them happy and inspired. Can't I do that for everyone?
Kakashi admired his student.
This is just the beginning of what's to come, Naruto. You'll be just like Minato-sensei one day, I know it.
He called out, "Don't let it get to your head, kid!".
Naruto pouted.
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That Same Evening
Upon going back to Tazuna's house, Naruto retreated to the guest room to watch TV.
Man, my battery is drained!
As the sun made its way to the last quarter of the afternoon, Sakura burst into the room.
She commanded, "Get up, loser, we're going to a festival at the arcade!".
Naruto whined, "Awwwwwww, can't a guy get a break?...".
Sakuea skipped over to him and insisted, "Come on, it'll be fun, I promise! It's not every day you get to go and have a time like this...!".
Naruto groaned, "Oh, alright, but it better not be boring!".
Sakura struck a pose, putting one hand on her hip and poking her cheek with the other, teasing, "How could you be bored hanging out with me?".
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Arcade
Fireworks, flags, local dishes, and other festive products lined the streets, along with a carnival in the town square extending across the straight path.
As Naruto and Sakura walked by in traditional kimono, Naruto remarked, "Weren't these people starving peasants a day ago? How'd they set this up so fast?".
Sakura replied, "Who cares? Let's just have some fun!".
For the next few hours, they did just that.
The two shot at plastic boards, played UFO catchers, fooled around in bumper cars, and even used a photo booth.
As they continued winning games, the rewards continued to pile.
Naruto was compelled by Sakura to hold all the rewards in his hands, resulting in him being overwhelmed with stacked plushies and goodie bags.
As they walked through the street, Sakura looked back and saw Naruto's condition.
She questioned, "Why are you holding all that? Can't you make one of your clones take it to Tazuna's house?".
Naruto stopped dead in his tracks.
She's... Right. My mind's been a mess lately!
Thus, the boy summoned summoned shadow clones to do just that.
Now clear of the prizes, Naruto replied, "Sorry, it just slipped my mind, ha.".
Sakura responded, "No, I'm sorry, I should have told you that I thought you'd unload the prizes as we collected them. Now come on, we've got more stuff to do!".
Naruto requested, "Please tell me it's a restaurant... I'm starving!".
Sakura told him, "I thought it could wait until later, but sure, let's go now!".
She grabbed his hand and made a beeline for a restaurant she'd visited a few days prior.
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In the Restaurant
The duo had found seating at a small indoor ramen stand not far from where they were walking.
Sakura spoke to Naruto, "I had veggie ramen last time, but I'll take whatever you have today, alright?".
The blonde responded, "O--oh, okay...". He called out, "Excuse me, we'd like the miso ramen with uh, beef and the little swirly things!".
The man behind the counter asked, "Naruto?".
Naruto joked, "Hey, how'd you know my name?".
The man's expression remained unchanged as he explained, "Er, no, I meant the topping...".
Naruto deadpanned and said, "Yes, the topping.".
As the man left, Sakura chuckled.
She jested, "Looks like living under a dictatorship kind of kills people's sense of humor, huh?".
Naruto stated, "That's government for ya...".
The man behind the counter returned with ramen for both genin. They continued the conversation over their meal.
Naruto said, "Y'know, ramen's my favorite food...".
Sakura smiled and replied, "Yeah, I know.".
That's why I brought you here, idiot!
Naruto asked, "So, what's your favorite?".
"Well, I'm more of a pizza gal; ramen's pretty high up there, though.".
Naruto suggested, "Well-- maybe when we go back home, we could have some pizza together, you and I?".
"Yeah, that sounds like a great idea; we should bring Kakashi-sensei, and Sasuke, and our friends too - - it'll be fun!".
Naruto frowned.
That's not what I meant... Whatever, I shouldn't push it.
After a few minutes, Sakura asked, "So, what did you see on the bridge yesterday?".
Naruto froze.
I can't tell her about the fox, or Fuuka; she'd think I'm crazy!
He told her, "I blacked out; I don't remember.".
Sakura pouted.
She replied, "Oh, sorry for asking... Though you're probably better off for it; it was really scary, not even being able to control my own body. I shudder thinking about it.".
"Y--yeah, sounds scary. Couldn't imagine.".
"Wouldn't want you to, either...".
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The Next Morning
It was time for Team 7 to leave the Land of Waves.
They, along with their prisoners, stood outside Tazuna's house, ready to fare them well.
As they left, Naruto commanded, "Alright, now, Inari, don't cry!".
Alas, it was too late.
Tears were spilling from the young boy's eyes, as his elder soon joined.
At this, the group shared one final laugh together before departing.
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In the Car, Afternoon
On the ride home, Sasuke sat in the front passenger seat as Sakura, Naruto, Haku, and Zabuza were squished in the back.
Besides the sound of the engine, it was silent.
Eventually, Naruto spoke up.
"I know we tried to kill each other a day ago, but does it really need to be so awkward between us?".
Zabuza responded, "Hey, kid.".
"Yeah?".
"Shut up.".
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Hidden Leaf, That Night
Two recently-promoted shinobi continued their regular guard of the finished portion village wall.
The man with hair mopping over his eyes began to slowly fall asleep.
His spiky-haired partner shouted, "Izumo! Stay up, man! We're working!".
Izumo jolted back to wakefulness.
He shouted back, "Come on, man! You and I both know that no one's going to come this way, especially not at this time! I might as well get some Zs in!".
The spiky-haired man retorted, "Even so, it's our job, and we can't be distracted!".
Izumo argued, "Arguing about my sleeping seems like a pretty big distraction, doesn't it?!".
"Well then, maybe you should just do your job!".
An approaching voice suggested, "That sounds like good advice for both of you.".
The guards froze, and slowly looked to the voice.
Team 7 and their prisoners had arrived.
The guards stammered, "K-k-k-k-k-Ka-Kakashi?!".
Kakashi greeted, "Izumo, Kotetsu. My team's just returned from an A-rank mission, and we've got prisoners. You know what to do.".
Kotetsu stumbled into the booth next to him, and fervently began writing.
"Hatake Kakashi... Haruno Sakura... Uzumaki Naruto... Uchiha Sasuke...".
He popped his head out of the booth.
"Who are the prisoners?".
Kakashi answered, "A young man named Haku - - no last name, and Zabuza Momochi of the Mist.".
Jotting down the names, Kotetsu gulped.
He laid his finger on the intercom and requested, "Please open the Northeastern gate for six arrivals, please.".
The massive gates of the village creaked loudly as they gradually opened, slowly letting the warm lights from inside the village pour out.
People woke up from sleep, and several citizens even stepped outside of their homes, or stopped entirely what they were doing, to see who could be coming to the village so late. Even animals nearby ceased their activities, curious about the unusual event.
Kotetsu walked back out the booth, and announced, "You may pass.".
After the arrivals passed through the gate, murmurs sparked among the onlookers.
Whispers of Kakashi's legendary status, of Zabuza's cruel reputation, of Sasuke's disheveled state, of Naruto's notoriety, and even of Sakura's unusual career path for a girl of her family's prestige.
The village looked on as the group made their way to the hokage's building, effectively disappearing from their view, at which point they all went back inside.
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Hokage's Office
The genin of Team 7 stood back as Kakashi briefed the hokage with Zabuza and Haku at his side.
The jonin finished his explanation with, "As you can see, these two were vital to our mission's success, and being that the mission's true rank matches Zabuza's rogue rank, I'd like to suggest that you file in their favor a section 3-W-A-1B.".
Hiruzen looked up at him. He asked, "Section what?".
Kakashi answered, "It allows for men in Zabuza's position to become a citizen of the Leaf, working directly for the government, and be exempt from taxes to that end.".
Hiruzen nodded as he replied, "Ah, yes, of course... I'll have to file the paperwork, so Mr. Momochi will have to remain under our detainment until it all goes through. And the boy, Haku, no rogue rank?".
Kakashi told him, "No, Sir. He's more or less a ghost. I was hoping he could get citizenship, as an adoptee of Zabuza, and a proper education here, on Zabuza's dime.".
Hiruzen sighed. "Alright, I can make that happen...".
He addressed Zabuza as he penned the details down. "You, I'm going to need you to change your appearance a bit. Maybe grow your hair out or trim it, grow a beard, and for God's sake, change your wardrobe.".
Naruto rubbed his eyes and yawned.
He exclaimed, "If you're done with your boring adult work, can we please go home, now? I feel like God's pulling down my eyebrows...".
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Naruto's Apartment
Naruto announced, "I'm home!", as he swung open the door.
Though he expected Anko, it was Kakashi who showed up, much to the blonde's dismay.
And he's stolen Tazuna's bathrobe!
Kakashi smirked.
"Hey, there, Na--"
"No. I don't wanna talk to you. How'd you even get here before me? Actually, never mind! I'm gonna go take a shower!".
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That Night
As Naruto lied in bed, he found himself almost unable to fall asleep.
To think, this isn't even truly my body... I'm gonna barf!... I wonder if Fuuka knows the Fox. Maybe they're conspiring? They live in the white room, right? But it felt different when Fuuka was there. Evil bitch. Can they hear me?
Naruto tossed and turned.
Can I even tell anyone about this? I can't deal with this on my own!
Panic began to creep up his spine and into his heart. His breath became shallow.
He rose from bed, and stumbled through the door into the main bathroom.
Having closed and locked the door, he put his hands on the sink and continued to hyperventilate.
He looked up into the mirror.
I can barely recognize myself... I've already only got a a quarter dozen years of memories to begin with, but a bombshell like that?
Naruto took note of his flushed tan skin, ran his hands through his hair, and inspected the inside of his own mouth.
Who am I? I gotta find out. Maybe I can lure that Jiraiya guy here somehow, Fuuka said I was with him before. But where could he be now? Why would he leave me? Nothing makes sense...
Naruto left the bathroom and returned to bed, steeling his resolve once again.
I'll find him. I have to.
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