The next morning, rainclouds rolled in over the village. The smell of wet earth lingered in the air as Tazuna's workers trudged toward the bridge, carrying tools and planks. Despite their weary faces, there was a glimmer of hope—hope born from the protection of shinobi standing guard.
Inside the house, Naruto tugged at his jacket straps, readying himself for another long day. But his eyes drifted toward the corner, where Inari sat hugging his knees. The boy hadn't spoken since their fight yesterday, but his silence was heavier than any argument.
Naruto clenched his fists, frustration gnawing at him. Finally, he snapped, "Why do you keep acting like everything's already over? Don't you get it? We're still fighting!"
Inari flinched at the sudden outburst, his small frame curling tighter.
Naruto took a step closer, his voice trembling but firm. "I know you've lost people. I know it hurts. But if you stop believing… if you stop trying, then you're letting Gato win before the fight even starts!"
The boy's lip trembled, his eyes glistening. "You don't know anything! You didn't see him die… you didn't watch someone you love get crushed because they tried to stand up!" His voice cracked. "My dad was a hero… and they killed him. Now everyone here is too scared. Heroes just die, Naruto. They all die."
The room fell silent. For a long moment, only the rain tapping against the roof could be heard.
Naruto swallowed hard. His voice softened. "Then I'll just be the kind of hero who doesn't die. Believe it."
Inari blinked at him, startled by the sheer stubbornness in his tone.
Naruto stepped toward the door, tightening his headband. "You don't have to believe in heroes right now. Just… watch me. I'll prove it to you."
With that, he left, slamming the door behind him.
---
At the bridge, the mist rolled in thicker than usual. Workers coughed and muttered, their voices uneasy. Tazuna tried to encourage them, but his own hands shook slightly as he lifted a hammer.
Team 7 stood nearby, scanning the fog. Kakashi's single eye narrowed. "Stay sharp. Something's not right."
Sasuke smirked, adjusting his stance. "Finally. Maybe today we'll actually see some real action."
Naruto crossed his arms, but his heart thudded in his chest. He could feel it too—the air was heavy, charged with danger.
Then, from the dense mist, came the sound of slow, deliberate footsteps.
The workers froze, dropping their tools. One by one, dark shapes emerged from the fog—mercenaries, armed with blades and clubs, their faces twisted with greed.
At their front, two figures appeared.
Zabuza Momochi, the Demon of the Mist, towering with his massive blade resting on his shoulder. And beside him, Haku, masked once more, silent as a shadow.
Gasps echoed among the workers. Some turned to flee, but Kakashi's voice cut through the fear like steel. "Stay behind us. Do not run."
Naruto's breath caught in his throat. The enemy was here—stronger than anything he had faced before. Yet, deep inside, something flared. A promise. Inari's broken words replayed in his head, and he clenched his fists tighter.
I'll prove to him… and to myself… that I won't break.
Zabuza's deep laugh rumbled through the mist. "So… the brats are still alive. Good. Killing you once wasn't enough fun."
Haku's voice was calm, almost gentle. "Zabuza-sama, allow me to handle them. I won't fail again."
Naruto gritted his teeth, stepping forward. "This time… it's going to be different!"
The mist swirled thicker, curling like living shadows. The battle for the bridge was about to begin.
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✨ End of Chapter 14 ✨