Naruto: One Eye Tenseigan

After nearly a month in the Land of Waves, Teams 2 and 7 stood at the base of the newly completed bridge, gazing at the grand structure that symbolized hope and renewal for the villagers. The ocean breeze carried a salty freshness, mingling with the rhythmic crash of waves below. For the shinobi, this mission had been anything but ordinary—it was not just about completing a job but witnessing the transformation of an oppressed community reclaiming their future.

Villagers crowded around, their faces glowing with joy and gratitude. At the forefront stood Tazuna, arms crossed and a wide grin lighting his weathered features. Beside him, Tsunami and Inari stood quietly, their expressions a mix of relief and optimism. Inari clutched the headband Naruto had given him, his fingers tight around it as if holding on to the courage he had found in himself.

"It's finished," Tazuna declared, his voice firm and brimming with pride. Turning to the shinobi, he added, "You didn't just protect us—you gave us the courage to stand on our own."

His words hung in the air, resonating deeply with everyone present. This mission had evolved beyond its original scope; it had become a catalyst for an oppressed community to reclaim its future. For the villagers, the bridge was not merely an architectural feat but a harbinger of liberation and renewal.

As the excitement subsided, Inari's voice rose above the chatter. "Grandpa, what are we going to name it?"

Tazuna stroked his beard thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on the monumental structure. "It should symbolize what this bridge represents—what it means to all of us."

The shinobi exchanged glances, some curious, others reflective. In the original timeline, Tazuna would have named it "The Great Naruto Bridge" in honor of Naruto's role in inspiring the villagers. But here, things had unfolded differently. Naruto's contributions were quieter, marked more by personal sacrifice than grand heroics. It was Tomaru who had handled the greatest threats—Zabuza, Haku, and even Gato—and ensured the mission's success. Yet Tomaru's personality wasn't one to seek fame or recognition, and his actions were deliberately discreet.

After a contemplative pause, Tazuna made his decision. "We'll call it Fūmei Ōhashi—The Great Bridge of Clear Winds. It's a symbol of the freedom now sweeping through this land."

The villagers cheered louder this time, their voices carrying the weight of their hard-earned freedom. The name felt perfect—simple yet profound, embodying their journey from despair to hope.

As the cheers rang out, the shinobi teams gathered near the bridge. Sakura smiled softly. "It's a beautiful name," she said, her voice quiet amidst the celebration.

Mai, ever the tease, smirked. "Sure, but 'The Great Naruto Bridge' would've been funnier."

Naruto puffed out his chest. "See? Even Mai gets it!"

"That wasn't a compliment," Mai retorted, laughing.

Mina adjusted her glasses, her tone measured. "The chosen name reflects the significance of the bridge. A personal moniker would've lessened its symbolic value."

Naruto groaned theatrically. "You guys have no sense of fun."

As the festivities died down and the sun dipped below the horizon, Teams 2 and 7 gathered by the water's edge. Their mission was complete, and the villagers' gratitude was overwhelming, but the journey hadn't been without its trials.

"Hard to believe we were here for almost a month," Sakura said, looking out over the water.

"Yeah," Mai added, stretching her arms above her head. "Feels like we've been here forever. Not that I'm complaining—free food and all."

Naruto's gaze lingered on the horizon. His missing arm was a constant reminder of his limitations, and despite the joy around him, a shadow of self-doubt crept into his thoughts. "We really did something good here, didn't we?" he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.

Mina gave a small nod. "We did. But it's only the beginning for these people. Rebuilding their lives will take time."

Sasuke, standing slightly apart from the group, crossed his arms. "We did what we came here to do. That's enough."

Mai glanced at him and smirked. "Wow, Sasuke, was that almost a compliment? Careful, or we might think you have a heart under all that brooding."

Sasuke's lips twitched briefly, almost forming a smirk, before he turned his gaze back toward the bridge.

Kakashi, leaning casually against a tree with his ever-present book, finally spoke. "You all did well," he said with his usual nonchalance. "But don't let it go to your heads. There's always room to improve."

Mai rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, work harder, stay humble, yadda yadda."

Kakashi's visible eye crinkled in amusement. "Exactly."

Naruto raised the question everyone seemed to be thinking. "Hey, isn't this too weird? Where did Zabuza go?"

"Is he too scared of Sayuri-sensei that he doesn't dare to come back?" Naruto blurted, his tone curious and direct. "I mean, he never came back after losing to us."

Kakashi's gaze darkened, his expression thoughtful. "Zabuza's retreat was… unusual. After our encounter, Sayuri and I searched extensively. Neither he nor his accomplice left any trace."

Mina adjusted her posture, her analytical mind at work. "Maybe his failure ruined Gato's plans."

Kakashi and Sayuri exchanged a glance, their expressions tightening. Zabuza wasn't the type to back down so easily, but his disappearance remained a mystery.

Mai crossed her arms, frowning. "Or maybe they just gave up. But for someone hyped as one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, Zabuza's actions don't make sense."

"You know, we never even got to see Zabuza," Mai added, curious. "If he's as strong as you all say—the kind of guy who could fight Kakashi-sensei and make Naruto lose his arm—where did he disappear to?"

Sakura glanced at Naruto, guilt flickering in her eyes when his arm was mentioned. Naruto waved it off with a grin, trying to move the conversation along. "Yeah, but that's not the point! The point is, why didn't he come back? A guy like him doesn't just vanish."

Mai leaned forward, skeptical. "So, what's the deal? Did Zabuza just get scared and run? That doesn't sound like the big, bad swordsman you all hyped up."

Naruto shook his head. "No way! Zabuza wasn't scared. He was super strong—it just doesn't make sense for him to give up so easily."

Sakura hesitated, fiddling with her chopsticks. "Do you think… something happened to him after the fight?" she asked softly.

Mina adjusted her glasses thoughtfully. "If Gato was as ruthless as people said, it's strange that he didn't do more. Maybe Zabuza's loss messed up Gato's whole plan."

Mai frowned. "Or maybe Gato ran out of options. Still, I wanted to see this Zabuza guy. If he almost beat Kakashi-sensei…"

Kakashi's gaze remained distant, his thoughts elsewhere. "Zabuza wasn't just strong. He was clever and ruthless. His failure to come back… it doesn't add up."

Naruto, as persistent as ever, pressed on. "Exactly! Wasn't he supposed to be fearless? But he just gave up after one defeat. That's not like him."

Mina tilted her head. "If he was told to retreat, who could've made Zabuza follow orders?"

Kakashi sighed, leaning back in his chair. "That's the real question. Whoever—or whatever—made this happen is beyond anything we faced here. For now, it's all just guesses."

Sayuri nodded, her tone calm but serious. "It was as if they vanished without a trace. Even stranger is that Gato, the man funding Zabuza's mission, also disappeared. You'd think he'd retaliate or hire someone else to stop the bridge, but… nothing."

Kakashi and Sayuri exchanged another look, their understanding unspoken. While the conversation moved on, the unanswered questions about Zabuza and Gato lingered in their minds. Whatever had happened in the shadows of the Land of Waves, it wasn't over yet.

As the celebration wound down, the shinobi teams prepared to leave. The villagers lined the bridge, waving and calling out their thanks. Tazuna approached the group one last time, bowing deeply. "We won't forget what you've done for us," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Naruto lingered at the edge of the bridge, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The sight of the completed bridge should have filled him with pride, but instead, his eyes drifted to his missing arm. The realization of his limitations gnawed at him. Inari noticed and stepped forward, holding the headband tightly. "Naruto, you taught me to be brave. Now it's your turn to be brave too."

Naruto blinked, then managed a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, kid. I'll keep that in mind."

---

Land of Iron.

The tea's aroma filled the room, a small comfort against the cold air outside. Karin sat quietly, her eyes occasionally wandering toward Touma. His spiky silver hair caught the dim light, and his dark blue eyes seemed softer when he wasn't speaking. Despite his sharp features, his demeanor was easygoing.

There was something calming about his presence. Karin felt her usual guardedness ease, as though his very proximity dissolved her tension. She found herself breathing more evenly, the subtle warmth of the room amplified by his quiet confidence.

Her musings were interrupted by the sound of the sliding door. A rush of cold air followed, and her gaze snapped toward the entrance.

Touma's brows rose slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his face as the man stepped aside to reveal the others.

A man entered first, his heavy boots announcing his presence. He was shorter than she expected, but the way he carried himself left no doubt about his strength. His black hair fell in straight layers, cut into a curtain style that framed his face. On his back, twin swords rested securely, their large, curved shapes impossible to ignore. His dull gray eyes swept across the room before he stepped aside.

Behind him came someone who caught Karin completely off guard. She blinked, momentarily stunned, as a beautiful figure stepped into the room, carrying a small child on their back. With pale skin, long black hair tied neatly into a bun, and delicate features framed by two loose locks held by metallic cuffs, the person looked more like an ethereal maiden than someone traveling with a group like this.

Karin's first thought was simple: She's gorgeous.

The child on her back, however, drew her attention away. Small and fragile-looking, he had chin-length purple hair that parted neatly in the middle, framing a soft face. His striking red eyes darted around nervously, as though unsure of the safety of the space.

The last to enter was a man with tousled blond hair falling to his shoulders. His rugged appearance contrasted sharply with the others, though there was a quiet intensity in his gray eyes. A green scarf hung loosely around his neck, and his lavender shirt seemed a bit too casual for the occasion, though his steady movements betrayed no lack of seriousness.

Without waiting for an invitation, the group settled onto the cushions around the table. Karin rose gracefully, moving to prepare tea.

She began pouring tea, her hands steady, though her thoughts lingered on the striking girl among the arrivals. As she handed her a cup, Karin couldn't help but offer a polite smile.

As she served the pale girl, Karin smiled politely. She still couldn't shake the thought: She's far too beautiful.

Touma leaned back, his relaxed posture unchanged. "What about the materials?" he asked, his tone light, as though they were discussing nothing more important than the weather.

The black-haired man unslung the twin swords from his back, setting them on the floor beside him. Then, from his cloak, he pulled out a scroll, placing it on the table in front of Touma.

Touma took the scroll and unrolled it slightly, glancing at its contents before setting it aside. Then he retrieved a scroll of his own.