New Teammates?

The mission in the Land of Waves had ended. Because of Yinsen's interference, the story had undergone some subtle changes.

For example, the famous Great Naruto Bridge was gone. Once the bridge was completed, who knew what it would be called?

Would they name it Konoha Bridge to thank Konoha for its help? That was basically impossible. No matter how weak the Land of Waves was, it was still a country. They would never name such an important bridge after Konoha.

"It'll probably be named something more meaningful to them, right?"

In the final battle, Konoha's side had won a sweeping victory. They had successfully eliminated Gato, and none of the Konoha ninja, including Kakashi, had suffered any real injuries. So after only two days of rest and wrapping up the loose ends of the mission, Team 7, along with their outside support Yinsen and their captive Haku, set off on the journey back.

Unlike Zabuza, a registered Rogue Ninja from the Hidden Mist Village, Haku had no affiliation at all. He was a Wandering Ninja, so Kakashi could bring him back to Konoha without any pressure.

Since no one had been injured, Naruto and Sasuke were still overflowing with energy. They continued training on the way back and had practically mastered Water Walking by the time they returned.

Of course, the reason they worked so hard was because Haku, the captive who would be returning to Konoha with them, had said something particularly provoking.

"You two don't even know Water Walking?"

Although he forcefully swallowed the rest of his words, everyone present could guess what he had wanted to say: Were Konoha's ninja really this poor? Lord Zabuza had actually been defeated by people like this. How pathetic...

"..."

Compared to Zabuza, who had fought his way out of