Because Tsunami had just buried her head in Naruto's chest, everyone present quickly realized Naruto was there too.
Inari suddenly remembered something.
Recently, Naruto had been sneaking off around noon every day to go to the bridge. He also recalled Naruto once saying something bold—he would defeat Gato and save the Land of Waves.
"Hmph, isn't this the useless Konoha Genin that Dazna hired?" sneered a white-haired samurai, looking at Naruto with complete disdain.
To him, Naruto looked like nothing more than a naive child. He wasn't the least bit intimidated.
Clearly, Zabuza hadn't told Gato's men anything about Naruto. The relationship between them must have been strained. Otherwise, they would've known not to underestimate him.
"Brat from Konoha, move aside if you know what's good for you!" barked a one-eyed samurai, stepping forward impatiently.
But Naruto stood firm. He didn't flinch, didn't step back.
The samurai smirked as he raised his blade slightly. He was preparing to use an Iai Slash—a fast, deadly sword technique that a mere Genin had no hope of surviving.
The two samurai moved simultaneously, ready to strike Naruto down—
But in that moment, a swirling ball of blue chakra had already formed in Naruto's palm!
"Rasengan!" he shouted.
With one hand, Naruto hurled the Rasengan forward. The chakra sphere struck the white-haired samurai with devastating force, sending him flying and crashing into the one-eyed warrior behind him. Together, the two were launched dozens of meters away from the doorway!
The impact was terrifying.
Blood splattered everywhere. The white-haired samurai's abdomen was mangled, as if it had been sliced apart from the inside. It was a horrifying sight.
The one-eyed samurai didn't fare much better. Though he didn't suffer the same external wounds, Rasengan's raw power caused massive internal injuries. His organs twisted in agony, leaving him gasping for breath and writhing on the ground.
---
In the viewing realm—
Jiraiya clicked his tongue. "Tsk tsk. Using Rasengan on these two losers? What a waste of talent."
Kakashi nodded. "Yeah, honestly. In that world, Naruto could've knocked them out with a single punch."
On the black screen, the camera lingered on Naruto.
Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, watched silently.
The wind blew gently, ruffling Naruto's blond hair. His youthful face, though still boyish, looked calm and unwavering. At that moment, Naruto truly resembled a hero.
Standing behind him was Inari, who stared in disbelief.
He hadn't expected Naruto—someone only slightly taller than himself—to be this powerful. In just a single attack, Naruto had taken down two of Gato's infamous men!
These weren't ordinary thugs. These were killers.
A spark of hope flickered in Inari's eyes.
Minato suddenly understood.
That's why Naruto used the Rasengan—to bring hope and courage back to the Land of Waves.
Minato spoke softly: "Maybe… Naruto's real purpose isn't just to protect. He's here to awaken courage in others."
The others watching fell into thoughtful silence.
And then they saw it—in the black screen, Inari's expression had changed.
That one Rasengan, that single moment of bravery, had planted a seed of hope in the boy's heart.
Rasengan wasn't just a powerful ninjutsu—it was a legacy. A jutsu created by the Fourth Hokage to protect.
Even Second Hokage Senju Tobirama, famed master of Forbidden Jutsu, had once praised it.
Minato was indeed a genius among geniuses.
---
Back in the alternate timeline—
"I have to go protect the bridge now," Naruto told Inari.
"Remember… tears won't save the Land of Waves."
With that, he turned and sprinted toward the construction site on the bridge.
In his heart, he was sure—today was the day Gato would make his move.
---
In the viewing realm—
Chiyo chuckled, "Konoha really does raise talented kids. If I were 30 or 40 years younger, I might be the one seducing Naruto instead."
Kankuro nearly choked. "Are you seducing him or traumatizing him, Granny Chiyo? Please be clear."
Chiyo waved her hand nonchalantly. "Same difference. Once the rice is cooked, it's all the same!"
Terumi Mei, the Fifth Mizukage, looked conflicted. "Even though Zabuza is from my village, I still want Naruto to win."
Ohnoki, the elderly Tsuchikage, nodded. "With Naruto's current performance, defeating Zabuza should be easy."
Terumi Mei smiled faintly. "Yes, perhaps I've fallen for Naruto just a little."
Jiraiya, ever the flirt, immediately jumped in: "Lady Mizukage! Can't you spare some of that love for me too?"
Tsunade suddenly appeared. "Since I came…"
Jiraiya, his eyes lighting up: "What's wrong, Tsunade? Are you finally realizing you want to be with me again?"
Tsunade: "...Ouch."
Tenten laughed awkwardly. "Your relationships are seriously complicated."
Naruto, watching the whole thing, could only sigh. "..."
---
Back in the alternate timeline—
A thick fog had settled over the bridge in the Land of Waves.
Kakashi narrowed his eyes. "Be careful. Zabuza's here again!"
He immediately sensed something was off. The mist wasn't natural—and this time, Zabuza hadn't come alone.
Quickly, Kakashi issued orders.
"Sakura, protect Dazna! Sasuke, with me!"
Sakura pulled out a kunai and stood in front of Dazna. She didn't tremble like before. Thanks to Naruto's intense training, her reaction speed and reflexes had improved significantly.
Sasuke, too, looked calm and confident. He had completed all of Kakashi's grueling training.
He was sure of it—he had finally caught up with Naruto!
---
Back in the viewing realm—
Itachi Uchiha watched the scene silently.
"…My foolish little brother."
---
Back on the bridge—
"Kakashi, we meet again!" Zabuza's voice echoed through the mist.
"Where's that brat Naruto? What a shame. I was looking forward to killing him too."
Zabuza and Haku stepped out from the fog, entering Kakashi's field of vision.
Kakashi immediately lifted his forehead protector, revealing his Sharingan. He drew his kunai, ready to fight.
"Hm? Where's my beheading sword?"
Zabuza frowned. He had come here for two reasons: to eliminate Dazna, and to retrieve his massive sword.
But the weapon in his hand now wasn't his—it was just a large blade he'd taken from Gato's men.
"Your sword isn't with me," Kakashi replied calmly.
Zabuza instantly understood.
Naruto. That brat must have it.
"Hmph. I'll deal with you first, then go get my sword back!"
Zabuza quickly formed hand seals. In moments, the thick fog swirled and coalesced.
Using the moisture in the air, he created more than a dozen Water Clones of himself!
Swish! Swish! Swish!
But the moment the clones formed, a blur of motion shot through the mist—
Uchiha Sasuke!
With swift, precise movements, he destroyed every clone before they could even attack.
He had been waiting for this moment.
This was the result of his tireless training, day and night.
He had worked so hard—for one reason only:
To catch up to Naruto.
---
In the viewing realm, Sasuke watched himself on the black screen.
A proud smile spread across his face.
"Heh… No matter what world I'm in, I'm always this excellent."
---
To Be Continued...
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