Hatake Kakashi: "No wonder Haku rushed forward without hesitation when facing my Raikiri."
Gaara: "Being treated like a monster by your own parents... it's no surprise that would make someone lose control."
Kimimaro: "I understand Haku's feelings. After all, I'm the same. Without Orochimaru-sama, I wouldn't exist. I'm willing to give everything for him."
Orochimaru: "How touching, Kimimaro. Don't worry—when the time is right, I'll definitely bring you back to life."
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "You snake, Orochimaru! Are you planning to deceive the dead again?"
Orochimaru: "Tsk tsk, Hiruzen-sensei, only an old fossil like you could think like that. Who wouldn't want to see a loved one return from the dead? Isn't that true, Princess Tsunade?"
Senju Tsunade: "Orochimaru, have you forgotten? I already rejected your offer. Sure, I miss Nawaki and Dan... but I've come to understand the value of life."
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "That's right. Stop with your twisted ideas, Orochimaru!"
Orochimaru's face paled.
He hadn't expected Tsunade to overcome her grief.
Damn Tsunade.
Damn Hiruzen.
Just you wait...
Once my arms are healed,
I will destroy Konoha!
---
As the sky darkened, Haku finally said his goodbyes to Uzumaki Naruto.
In the warm glow of the setting sun, Haku's face wore a gentle, peaceful smile.
"See you next time, Naruto."
He waved, then turned and walked away.
Naruto remained silent, watching Haku's fading silhouette.
He knew that the next time they met, it would be as enemies—each bound by duty as ninja.
Though he didn't hate Haku, their paths no longer aligned.
He would show no mercy.
"Goodbye," Naruto whispered, then turned to leave as well.
---
Back at Dazna's home, a hearty dinner had been prepared.
Dazna's daughter, Tsunami, had cooked a special meal. Even Sakura had contributed, making a dish especially for Naruto.
Kakashi's health had improved considerably, and it looked like bridge construction would resume the next day.
In the poor island nation of the Land of Waves, fresh vegetables were hard to come by. Fortunately, Dazna's family had a small garden.
Sakura had made scrambled eggs with tomatoes using freshly picked produce.
"How is it, Naruto? Do you like it?" she asked eagerly.
Naruto took a bite. The sweet and tangy taste danced across his tongue.
"Not bad," he said casually.
Hearing his response, Sakura beamed with joy. "Really? I'll cook for you again next time!"
"Ahem…"
Kakashi cleared his throat loudly, clearly irritated.
He was the one who had just recovered from a near-death experience—shouldn't he be getting the special treatment?
Did Sakura care nothing for her teacher's health?
Jiraiya: "Kakashi, don't tell me you're jealous Naruto is more popular than you?"
Might Guy: "I never imagined Kakashi would envy his own student. Should I worry he might be jealous of me next?"
Nohara Rin: "An annoyed and jealous Kakashi? That's something I'd like to see!"
Hatake Kakashi: "..."
Just then, Tsunami placed a piece of fish into Naruto's bowl with a smile.
"This is my specialty. Try it, Naruto. Don't worry—it's perfectly clean and safe."
Jiraiya: "Forget what I said. Naruto's living the dream!"
Namikaze Minato: "Naruto from that world is seriously popular!"
Uzumaki Kushina: "Hehe, it's a shame he never got to taste my cooking. I'm telling you—nobody cooks like a mom!"
Naruto: "Really? I wish I could try it!"
Kushina: "Don't worry, I'm alive again now. Once this comparison system ends, I'll cook for you every single day!"
Naruto: "Awesome!!"
Minato: "Now that you mention it... it's been a long time since I tasted your food too, Kushina."
Kushina: "Minato, you better hurry up and resurrect! You have to catch up!"
Minato: "For you and Naruto, I will!"
He had been closely following the system prompts.
But so far, he hadn't received any chances to answer questions.
It seemed that the early questions had been bonuses for newcomers.
He suspected that not only would the frequency of questions decrease going forward, but their difficulty would increase dramatically.
"I was too cautious," Minato thought, regretfully recalling the opportunities he had missed.
---
The next morning, Kakashi had fully recovered.
Bridge construction finally resumed.
Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura's job was now simple—escort Dazna and ensure the bridge wasn't destroyed by Cardo's men.
Although things appeared to be going well on the surface, Naruto and the others noticed something troubling.
The number of workers arriving at the site was gradually decreasing each day.
They were being threatened by Cardo in secret and had no choice but to quit.
Dazna silently accepted each resignation, saying nothing and simply continuing his work with quiet determination.
"This country really needs courage," Naruto murmured to himself.
He remained on alert, waiting for Zabuza and Haku's return.
This time, he wouldn't let them catch him off guard.
As long as Sasuke didn't drag him down, he was confident he could handle both of them alone.
Uchiha Sasuke: "???"
What's that supposed to mean? Who are you calling weak?
---
Several days passed without incident.
It was Naruto's turn to rest, and he was allowed to arrive at the bridge later than usual.
But he didn't waste time.
He continued practicing with shadow clones, trying to grow stronger each day.
Kakashi noticed his efforts and often let him sleep a bit longer in the mornings as a small reward.
He felt a sense of responsibility—not just as Naruto's teacher, but as the son of his late teacher.
"Are you up, Naruto?" Tsunami called as Naruto descended the stairs.
She had prepared a modest breakfast—just a glass of milk and half a loaf of bread.
But in the current state of the Land of Waves, it was considered quite luxurious.
Lately, Tsunami had started treating Naruto like family.
She took good care of him every day, and Kakashi couldn't help but feel jealous.
He didn't understand—what made Naruto so special?
"Are you heading to the bridge soon?" Tsunami asked.
"Yeah. The bridge that connects the Land of Waves to the outside world is nearly finished. I'm sure Cardo will make a move soon."
At the mention of Cardo, Tsunami's hands froze mid-clean.
She looked at Naruto, worry clouding her eyes.
Then, without warning, she walked over and hugged him tightly.
Naruto's face pressed into her soft chest, and the sudden affection stunned him.
But he didn't pull away.
After all… it was surprisingly comfortable.
Tsunami whispered softly, "Promise me, nothing bad will happen this time…"
"Bad things? What do you mean?" Naruto asked.
Before she could answer, the door suddenly burst open.
Two fierce-looking warriors stormed in.
"You're Dazna's daughter, right? We're here on Cardo's orders. Come with us!"
Hearing the name Cardo, Inari ran downstairs, bravely stepping in front of his mother.
"You're not taking my mom!" he shouted.
One of the thugs, a tall man with a scar over one eye, stared coldly at the boy.
A wave of killing intent rolled off him, paralyzing Inari with fear.
Just when Inari seemed to lose all hope—
A calm, confident voice spoke up from behind them.
"Hey, you two... what kind of men bully women and children?"