By the time they reached the border of the Land of Waves, the sky was already gradually darkening. Gloomy clouds hung over the barren land, and the sea wind struck their faces with a salty, bitter tang. Dilapidated fishing boats lay crookedly stranded on the beach, and ragged civilians could be seen everywhere, their eyes numb and filled with despair. There was none of Konoha's prosperity and peace here, only the suffering and desolation of a people oppressed by a tyrant.
Tazuna looked at his homeland, his eyes full of pain and anger. "This is the Land of Waves. It used to be a place where people could live and work in peace. But ever since Gato came, everything changed. He monopolized all trade and stole the people's food and property. Anyone who dared resist was brutally murdered by him. I'm building this great bridge to reconnect the Land of Waves to the outside world, break Gato's monopoly, and let the people live good lives again."
Naruto looked at the bleak scene before him, his heart burning with indignation. He had been isolated in Konoha since he was little and had tasted plenty of coldness, but he still couldn't bear to see ordinary people suffer. He clenched his fists and shouted, "That's way too much! That bastard Gato—I'm definitely gonna teach him a lesson! Mr. Tazuna, don't worry. We'll help you finish the bridge and let the people of the Land of Waves be free again!"
Sasuke silently looked around, a complicated emotion flashing deep in his eyes. He had seen the tragedy of the Uchiha Clan being wiped out, and he knew all too well the pain of losing one's home and being oppressed. Though he remained cold on the surface, he secretly made up his mind that he