Konoha: Naruto, Taught by Aizen

Facing Haku's question, Naruto smiled faintly, answering with confident composure:

"To welcome permanent peace, the most important thing is to change people's fundamental way of thinking. This is the first step I will take: vigorously develop education! Grant everyone the right to be educated. Knowledge can change destiny; knowledge can bring innovation! Only with knowledge can one escape ignorance, escape barbarism."

"Then comes the development of ninjutsu. Ninjutsu has always been used for warfare, but in reality, ninjutsu can also be applied to other industries, such as agriculture, fishing, and education."

"This way, people will focus their energy on innovating their lives. No one will worry about food and drink, and no one will be displaced and wandering."

"And before achieving all this, I will become the strongest, to deter them, to lead them."

"I was originally like you, hating battle, hating to wield a sword."

"But to complete my mission, to protect those I want to protect, I will wield my sword without hesitation, shattering all thorns that block my path."

Naruto's gaze pierced through the clouds, as if seeing those refugees suffering from the ravages of war, raggedly dressed and unable to cover their bodies.

He also saw those refugees who wielded choppers, transformed into demons.

His tone was exceptionally firm.

"Before I complete my mission, I will absolutely not die. I will make all those in power, even the Shinigami from hell, fear me."

"I will part the dark clouds shrouding this world, allowing everyone to see the warm sunlight! To achieve peace in its truest sense."

Naruto's eyes were profound as he declared resolutely, "From then on, this continent will become the cradle for countless geniuses."

"Naruto, if that's the case, you definitely can't do it alone, right?" Haku asked softly.

"Yes. That's why I'm searching. Not for tools, not for subordinates, but for... like-minded partners!" Under the sunlight, Naruto revealed a brilliant, gentle smile, like a warm sun.

"Haku, I know you're very confused right now, but if you truly don't know where to go, come help me. Help me build a peaceful world together. If I disappoint you along the way, you can leave at any time." Naruto's tone was extremely confident. "No one is born loving to wield a sword. But when you wield a sword for your own beliefs and dreams, you will find that all of it is filled with meaning."

Naruto's tone became somewhat wistful. He looked at the sunset and said softly, "It is precisely because I have felt pain that I possess the courage and conviction to wield a sword."

Although Naruto didn't elaborate, Haku could appreciate the hardships Naruto had endured along the way, and that pure, sincere heart yearning for peace.

One who detests devils will eventually become a devil.

But the devil Naruto wants to become is one who will bear all pain and malice, leaving peace for others.

"Naruto-kun, I also want peace. Can I help you?"

Hearing this, Naruto smiled and extended his right hand to Haku. "Welcome aboard, Haku."

Afterward, Naruto took Haku to pay respects to the buried Zabuza.

Haku knelt before Zabuza's grave, tears streaming down his face.

"Zabuza-sama, please rest in peace. From this day forward, I have my own dream. I want to protect Lord Naruto's dream."

Haku said many things before Zabuza's grave, only rising after a long while.

"Let's go, Lord Naruto."

"You can just call me Naruto."

"Yes, Lord Naruto."

"..."

Haku, reborn, seemed much more cheerful. According to Naruto's plan, Haku donned a black robe, covering that devastatingly beautiful face.

Perhaps due to possessing chakra, his Shinigami form could be seen by ordinary people.

However, the current Haku had not yet awakened his exclusive Zanpakuto. In terms of combat power, he was still weaker than when he was alive.

But his upper limit was definitely far beyond his human form.

After bidding farewell to Naruto, Haku embarked on a journey. His mission would be to find like-minded companions and, at the same time, be on standby.

Watching Haku gradually disappear from sight, Naruto also headed towards the town. In this battle, all the underlings Gato had brought were slaughtered by Zabuza, and even Gato himself had fallen into the sea.

Dying in the very waters he had always controlled.

It was rather ironic.

Without Gato's oppression, the residents of the Land of Waves regained their fighting spirit. But they all knew that though one Gato had fallen, thousands more could rise up.

This was the cruelty of the world—cruelly real, cruelly helpless.

But the completed bridge would give this lifeless country a glimmer of hope.

They named the bridge "Sasuke Bridge."

Hoping that in the future, they could be as courageous as Uchiha Sasuke.

"Because of Sasuke-niichan, I understood that no matter how strong the opponent, you can't give up. Trying and working hard again and again might not lead to success, but at least it means I once gave it my all," Inari said crisply, looking at Sasuke with adoration.

Facing Inari's worshipful gaze, Sasuke felt rather uncomfortable. He turned his head to the side, unable to meet his eyes, his small face slightly flushed. "Tch, brat~"

He suddenly felt an indescribable sensation welling up in his heart.

So, is this what it feels like to be a light?

Although he didn't want to admit it, Sasuke's heart felt a slight infatuation with this feeling.

"Sasuke has grown up; he's even become someone who supports others' beliefs," Kakashi watched this scene with a smile, feeling proud.

Unconsciously, that once awkward boy had also inherited the Will of Fire.

"Thank you, ninja-sama! Please come visit anytime!" With the respectful farewells of the townspeople, Team Seven embarked on their journey home.

On the way, Kakashi very seriously summarized, "This mission..." His gaze fell on Sasuke and Sakura. "You did well. Sakura played her support role excellently, healing many people. Sasuke, you did very well; your strength has improved greatly, and you even gave the townspeople hope."

"As for Naruto..." Kakashi dragged out his voice, only to find the latter admiring wildflowers by the roadside. His face instantly darkened, and his tone became much sharper.

"Naruto, you were too casual on this mission! Facing an unknown enemy, you weren't vigilant enough and even let the opponent go! Do you have any idea—"

"I understand, Kakashi-sensei. I sincerely apologize for my arrogant actions earlier," Naruto interrupted Kakashi, his expression gentle.

"I will definitely go all out on the next mission."

"Ahem, as long as you know. However, for everyone to complete this mission together, I am proud of you all," Kakashi said with a smile. "This was comparable to a major A-rank mission, after all."

"When we get back to the village, my treat. Let's eat—"

"Ichiraku Ramen!"

The three answered in unison.

"I've been so tired lately; I can eat three bowls," Naruto said with a smile.

"Hmph, I'll eat five bowls," Sasuke retorted, not to be outdone.

"I... I don't have a big appetite. Kakashi-sensei, can I invite Ino?" Sakura raised her hands.

"Then let's just invite Kiba and the others too. I hear Hinata can eat a lot," Sakura then said, pouting in a thoughtful pose.

Kakashi suddenly felt immense pressure, his hands even beginning to tremble. "Can I take back what I just said?"

"No!" the three shouted in unison.