Chapter 21 – Great Hero's bridge
The mist cleared at last. Morning sunlight broke across the waves, painting the stone bridge in gold. For the first time since the battle began, the Land of Waves felt alive.
Naruto knelt quietly beside Haku and Zabuza, his fists resting on his knees. His face was streaked with dried tears, but his eyes held a strange stillness.
These two weren't his comrades. They had been enemies. And yet… the ache in his chest felt no different than losing someone close.
Sakura approached slowly, holding a bundle of white cloth given by the villagers. "Naruto… should we…?"
He nodded without speaking. Together, they wrapped Haku and Zabuza's bodies with care, covering them with the simple dignity of silence.
When they finished, Naruto stood and clenched his fists. His voice trembled, but it carried strength.
"They weren't just tools. They… they mattered. And I'll never forget them."
Kakashi's single eye softened. He had seen this before—the way battle carved lessons deeper than any training could.
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Later, as the villagers gathered, old Tazuna approached the bridge. His eyes scanned the two shrouded forms, then turned to Naruto and the others.
"You children… you've given us more than freedom. You've given us hope."
He raised his hand toward the structure that now connected their land to the world. "This bridge will be a symbol. And it deserves a name worthy of the ones who fought here."
Naruto's head jerked up. "A name…?"
Tazuna smiled gently. "The Great Naruto Bridge."
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd. Eyes shone with tears, voices hushed with reverence.
Naruto swallowed hard. For the first time, the weight on his chest felt… lighter.
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That night, Team 7 rested at Tazuna's home. The warmth of a real meal, the laughter of villagers rebuilding, the gentle sound of Inari's joy—it all felt surreal after so much blood.
But when the laughter faded, Naruto slipped outside. He stood at the shore, watching the moonlight dance across the waves.
His voice was barely a whisper.
"Haku… Zabuza… I'll carry your dream too. I'll become someone strong enough to protect everyone precious to me. I swear it."
The wind carried his words across the sea.
And for the first time since leaving the village, Naruto felt the quiet strength of a vow that would never break.
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✨ End of Chapter 21 ✨