The Battle on the Bridge

Naruto lay in bed, thinking about Inari. Even if they helped this country overcome its current crisis, that wouldn't change its situation. The people here had no resolve to stand on their own. The thought troubled Naruto.

Dark Naruto said, "If the people here are beyond saving, what are you worrying about? Just finish the mission and go back to the village. They're the ones who don't believe they can change their future."

Good Naruto retorted, "You can't say that. If you don't try to change them, how do you know they can't change?"

Dark Naruto replied, "I don't have much faith in people like that. Don't forget, I embody the evil side of human nature. I know better than anyone how hard it is for people like them to change."

Good Naruto laughed. "Heh, it's hard, but not impossible. We should still try. Naruto, we can't give up on them."

Dark Naruto was about to say more when Naruto cut in. "All right, both of you, quiet down. You're giving me a headache. Let me have some peace and quiet."

Troubled, Naruto left his room to take a walk and clear his head. He had just reached the river when he heard Kakashi's voice. Curious, he went over and heard Kakashi telling Inari about himself.

Kakashi said, "Naruto grew up without parents. He might not even know who they were. He didn't have many friends, either. But he never let himself drown in pain and sorrow. Instead, he worked as hard as he could to earn other people's recognition.

"Maybe he's the person who understands you best. Naruto has probably told himself many times that crying and suffering are useless. That's why he knows better than anyone what strength means."

Inari was astonished by Kakashi's words. He hadn't expected that cheerful, carefree guy to have had such a tragic life. Compared to Naruto, he had been much more fortunate.

Hearing Kakashi's words, Naruto said coldly, "Kakashi-sensei, you sure are nosy."

Kakashi smiled when he saw Naruto. "Oh, Naruto. Why aren't you asleep yet?"

"I couldn't sleep, so I came out for a walk. Then I heard someone being nosy." Kakashi awkwardly scratched the back of his head and was about to explain.

Inari suddenly asked, "Can things really change?"

Naruto looked puzzled. "What?"

Inari gathered his courage. "Can we change this country if we work hard?"

"Changing this country isn't as simple as us giving you hope," Naruto said flatly. "You also need the courage to change your own situation. If you don't even have the courage, then building the bridge will be pointless."

Naruto finished speaking and started to head back to bed. Inari called after him, "I'll work hard. I won't let you look down on me."

The corner of Naruto's mouth lifted before he replied, "Do whatever you want. It's none of my business. I just need to finish the mission."

Kakashi smiled. "You really aren't honest about your feelings."

Inari's face lit up with happiness. "I know what I have to do now. Thank you, Mr. Kakashi."

Kakashi smiled. "Heh, don't mention it. I'm just glad you've pulled yourself together."

Lying in bed, Naruto felt happy. Good Naruto said, "See? As long as we don't give up, there's still hope for them."

Naruto smiled. "Heh, maybe you're right."

Dark Naruto scoffed. "It's just a blind squirrel finding a nut, but these people really can be saved. They haven't let fear defeat them."

Naruto smiled. "Heh, now I have motivation, too." With that, he fell asleep peacefully.

After Naruto had fallen asleep, Dark Naruto asked Good Naruto, "Why did you do that?"

Good Naruto smiled. "Heh, what's wrong with it? Whether he succeeds or not, it can't hurt him, can it?"

Dark Naruto thought for a moment, then said, "You're right, but I just can't stand how fake you are."

Good Naruto snapped, "How am I fake? I've always been like this. Apologize! You're slandering me."

Dark Naruto ignored him and returned to the Mental Space. Good Naruto could only fall silent in exasperation.

Over the next few days, Naruto kept getting used to his current strength, from ninjutsu and Taijutsu to the speed at which he molded chakra and activated his Kekkei Genkai. Every day, he was so exhausted he could barely move. It was painful, but satisfying.

Naruto woke up late that day. When he went downstairs, only Inari and Tsunami were there; everyone else had left. Naruto asked, "Where is everyone else?"

"Mr. Kakashi and the others went to the bridge," Tsunami replied. "Today is the day it's finished."

Naruto had intended to head straight to the bridge, but just as he was about to leave, he sensed someone approaching.

"I'll go take a look at the bridge first," Naruto said, then headed out.

But after using the Body Flicker Technique, Naruto returned to Tazuna's house and hid on the roof. He wanted to see how Inari would act when faced with trouble.

By then, a battle had already begun on the bridge. Kakashi was fighting Momochi Zabuza, while Sasuke was trapped inside Haku's secret ice technique, unable to escape. After exchanging a powerful blow, Zabuza and Kakashi each retreated.

Zabuza smiled. "Kakashi, are you worried about that Uchiha brat?"

Kakashi smiled. "Heh, you're the one who should be worried. I don't think someone from the Yuki Clan can beat Sasuke."

Zabuza smiled. "Is that so? Then let's keep going. I've figured out how to deal with your Sharingan." After speaking, he formed Hand Seals and said, "Water Release: Kirigakure Jutsu."

Kakashi could no longer see where Zabuza was, and could only rely on his senses to fight him. Sasuke was in even more trouble. Like Kakashi, he was now surrounded by Haku's Kirigakure Jutsu.

But unlike Kakashi's situation, Haku's Kirigakure Jutsu was infused with the Yuki Clan's Ice Release chakra. Sasuke's speed, boosted by Earth Walk, was forcibly slowed by the mist infused with Ice Release.

Moreover, because of the Kirigakure Jutsu, the Sharingan could only make out Haku's shadow. Sasuke barely dodged one of Haku's senbon and cursed, "Damn it! I didn't know the Sharingan had this weakness."

Haku's voice rang out. "As long as you don't try to leave my Ice Mirrors, I won't attack you."

Sasuke felt insulted and snapped, "What, you think I'm not worthy of being your opponent? Don't underestimate me!" He rapidly formed Hand Seals. "Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"

Sasuke concentrated half his chakra into the technique. The temperature around them suddenly rose, and his Great Fireball dispelled the mist.

Haku praised him. "I didn't expect you to dispel my Kirigakure Jutsu that way. I have to admit, you're a genius. But you're still inside my Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals, so you'll have to stay here."

Meanwhile, Naruto had finally waited for Gato's men to arrive. When he saw Inari finally muster the courage to fight back, Naruto was relieved. After getting Inari out of trouble, he used the Flying Thunder God Technique to appear beside Sasuke.

But as soon as Naruto arrived beside Sasuke, he sensed danger. He immediately grabbed Sasuke and darted aside. Naruto's sudden appearance brought the fighting to a halt.

Naruto looked at the exhausted Sasuke and the countless Hakus concealed inside the Ice Mirrors. He smiled. "Sasuke, looks like you're in a tough fight. How about I help?"

Sasuke was furious at Naruto's casual attitude. "What, you think I need help from an idiot like you?"

Seeing Sasuke get angry, Naruto put on a cheeky grin. "Why are you getting mad again? You need to work on that temper. If you're always so angry, you'll never find a woman."

Sasuke knew what Naruto was like. The more you reacted, the more he teased you, so the best thing to do was ignore him. Sasuke said coldly, "Be careful. His technique is powerful."

Naruto was a little disappointed that Sasuke hadn't taken the bait, but he knew this wasn't the time for fooling around. "I can see that. If I were outside, I could break this technique from the outside. But it's not that simple from in here."

Sasuke asked, puzzled, "Can't you just use your Flying Thunder God to get out?"

"I could, of course, but there's no Flying Thunder God Mark outside this bridge. And I don't think he'll let me throw a Kunai out there."

"Then we can only defeat him."

Naruto smiled. "Don't rush. I only said it's hard to break from the inside, not that it's impossible. Watch this."

Seeing Naruto's confidence, Sasuke knew he could break the secret technique. Naruto looked at the countless Hakus before him and smiled. "Haku, will you release this technique yourself, or do I have to break it?"

Seeing that Naruto had recognized him, Haku removed his mask and said, "Naruto, I hope you won't make this difficult for me."

Naruto smiled. "Heh, Haku, I know you're a good person, but I hope you'll understand me, too. Besides, all Zabuza wants is Gato's money. I can help him with that. How about it?"

"I'm sorry, but I can't go against Mr. Zabuza's wishes," Haku said regretfully.

Sasuke said to Naruto, "Looks like your persuasion failed."

Naruto sighed. "Yeah. In that case, I'll just have to break these Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals."

Naruto called out to Kurama. "Kurama, time to get to work."

Kurama laughed. "I'm ready." Powerful chakra suddenly burst from Naruto.

Golden chakra enveloped Naruto and Sasuke, forming a fox with five tails. Naruto's appearance changed dramatically, too. (Well, it was a weakened version of Nine-Tails Mode.)

Sasuke stared at Naruto in shock. "What happened to you?"

Naruto grinned smugly. "Pretty impressive, huh? This is how much I've improved over the past few days. I synchronized with Kurama's chakra and can use his power perfectly."

Naruto activated his White Eye and saw Haku's true form. Then he swept his five tails outward, keeping them clear of Haku. The Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals shattered. Naruto looked at Haku and smiled. "Haku, do you still want to keep going?"