Loyalty Should Not Be Wasted

Back in their temporary lodgings, Naruto Uzumaki placed the small porcelain bottle on the table.

He unscrewed the stopper, and a crisp herbal fragrance drifted out.

He dabbed a little ointment with his fingertip and brought it close to his nose for a sniff.

The ointment's ingredients were not complicated—common plants used to stop bleeding, reduce inflammation, and promote muscle recovery.

But the proportions were nothing short of perfect.

Any more would be wasteful; any less would make it ineffective.

That required an exceptionally profound understanding of pharmacology, as well as extensive practical experience.

That "girl" named Haku not only possessed a will as steadfast as a glacier, but also such superb medical knowledge.

More importantly, Haku had casually given such precious ointment to a "stranger" met by chance.

That kindness was so pure it contained not the slightest impurity.

But in Naruto Uzumaki's eyes, that was precisely Haku's greatest "weakness."

Pure kindness, in the face of cruel reality, was like an ice crystal beneath the sun—beautiful, yet shattered at the slightest touch.

And that ultimate loyalty, if not guided by a sufficiently powerful will, would ultimately become nothing more than fuel for tragedy.

Naruto Uzumaki replaced the stopper and put away the porcelain bottle.

He had better medicine, but he accepted this "kindness."

On the battlefield in the future, it might become an interesting variable.

The atmosphere in the living room was oppressive.

Sasuke was wiping his kunai over and over again, his movements mechanical while his eyes remained empty.

What Naruto Uzumaki had said about "revenge" that day was like a thorn lodged deep in Sasuke's heart.

His right to revenge had been absorbed by that man in a manner that allowed no objection.

From then on, every slash he made and every hand seal he formed would no longer belong entirely to him.

They would become part of a plan called "Naruto Uzumaki."

He raised his head and looked toward Naruto Uzumaki by the window.

That figure was clearly smaller than him, yet seemed like an insurmountable mountain, its shadow enveloping everything in Sasuke's life.

"You seem very uneasy."

Naruto Uzumaki's voice came without him turning around.

Sasuke's body tensed instantly, as though his thoughts had been seen through.

"I'm only thinking about how to kill enemies more efficiently."

He used his usual cold tone to conceal the turmoil in his heart.

"Is that so?"

Naruto Uzumaki turned around and walked over to him.

"You're afraid."

Naruto Uzumaki stated a fact.

"You're afraid that your revenge, your strength, even your existence, will no longer matter."

Sasuke's pupils contracted sharply.

"Bullshit!"

The words came out almost as a growl.

"Today, in the forest, I met Zabuza's companion."

Ignoring Sasuke's rebuttal, Naruto Uzumaki abruptly changed the subject.

"He was strong?"

Sasuke asked. He knew Naruto Uzumaki would not bring it up without reason.

"No."

Naruto Uzumaki shook his head.

"He was 'pure.'"

"Pure?"

Sasuke could not understand the word.

"His sole reason for existing is to serve as Zabuza's weapon. For Zabuza, he can offer up everything without hesitation, including his life."

Naruto Uzumaki looked into Sasuke's eyes.

"His loyalty is his greatest strength. Because of that loyalty, he will not be confused, waver, or be disturbed by any emotion."

"And you, Sasuke Uchiha, are filled with impurities."

Naruto Uzumaki's words were like a sharp scalpel, cutting open Sasuke's pride once again.

"Your hatred seems powerful, but it is mixed with attachment to the past, uncertainty about the future, and anger and unwillingness at your own weakness."

"All those things constantly drain your energy, preventing you from focusing one hundred percent of your strength on a single point."

Sasuke's breathing quickened. He could not refute it.

Because every word Naruto Uzumaki said struck at his weakness.

"A pure soldier will always be more threatening on the battlefield than a general torn by inner conflict."

Naruto Uzumaki stood up.

"Until you learn how to purify your will, you will never surpass that man."

"And you will never kill Itachi Uchiha."

The name "Itachi Uchiha" struck Sasuke like lightning.

He shot to his feet and stared at Naruto Uzumaki.

"You..."

"Get stronger, Sasuke."

Leaving behind those words, Naruto Uzumaki turned and walked away.

"Become strong enough that your will can bear your hatred, rather than be consumed by it."

Sasuke slumped back down. The kunai in his hand fell to the floor with a crisp clang.

For the first time, he began thinking about things beyond hatred.

Will.

Loyalty.

Those intangible words seemed to possess tangible power when spoken by Naruto Uzumaki.

In the room on the other side, Sakura was carefully studying the notebook Naruto Uzumaki had given her by the light of an oil lamp.

The anatomical diagrams inside were so precise that even she, a top student in theory classes, felt ashamed.

The methods for treating various wounds were even more unheard of.

For example, when treating extensive burns, the notes mentioned an ointment made by mixing specific herbs with animal fat. It could keep the wound moist to the greatest extent, prevent infection, and stimulate granulation tissue growth.

This had already gone beyond basic first aid. It was more like some lost secret technique.

The more she read, the more shocked and fascinated she became.

It was as if she had opened the door to a new world.

Medical ninjutsu was not merely green chakra light.

Behind it lay such a vast and precise body of knowledge.

For the first time, she felt that she was not dead weight who could only scream from the rear.

She could have power too.

A power of her own, capable of saving her companions and deciding life and death.

Kakashi leaned against the doorframe, silently watching everything.

He watched Sasuke sink into thought and Sakura study without regard for food or sleep.

His two students were transforming at a speed he could never have imagined.

And the one responsible for all of it was that blond boy.

He walked over to Naruto Uzumaki and lowered his voice.

"You went to the forest today to meet that masked ninja on purpose?"

"Yes."

Naruto Uzumaki admitted it calmly.

"Why?"

Kakashi did not understand.

"Reconnaissance, assessment, and... testing."

Naruto Uzumaki answered blandly.

"A qualified commander must grasp all available information on every useful piece before the decisive battle, friend or foe."

"Pieces?"

Kakashi frowned.

"Sensei, don't you think it would be wonderful if a soul with such pure loyalty could be used by Konoha?"

Naruto Uzumaki asked in return.

Kakashi froze.

Naruto Uzumaki's wild and audacious idea left him speechless.

Recruit the enemy?

A dangerous person like Zabuza's companion, no less?

This was no longer tactics. This was playing with fire.

"You're gambling, Naruto Uzumaki."

Kakashi's voice turned serious.

"No."

Naruto Uzumaki shook his head.

"I never gamble. I only make investments I am confident in."

"I trust my judgment, and I trust my methods."

Kakashi fell silent.

He realized that he was understanding this student less and less.

Naruto Uzumaki's way of thinking had completely transcended the limitations of being a ninja. He was more like a sovereign planning his moves from afar.

He viewed the entire world as his chessboard.

And all of them, friend or foe, were merely pieces on that board.

The feeling sent a chill through him, yet also gave rise to an inexplicable anticipation.

He truly wanted to see what kind of game this student would ultimately play.

Two days passed in the blink of an eye.

The morning of the decisive battle arrived as promised.

Thick fog surged in like a tide, instantly swallowing the bridge in a sea of white.

At the bridgehead, the four members of Team 7 had already taken their positions.

Sakura was stationed in the middle of the bridge. Beside her were neatly arranged bandages, disinfectant, and various sorted herbs.

The usual panic was gone from her face, replaced by an unprecedented focus.

Sasuke stood at the entrance to the bridge, his Sharingan already activated. Two Tomoe slowly rotated in his eyes as he vigilantly scanned every corner of the dense fog.

His breathing was steady, his heart calm as still water.

Naruto Uzumaki's words had shown him a new path.

Before killing Itachi Uchiha, he had to become a qualified blade—the sharpest blade, one that would not be swayed by emotion.

Kakashi stood behind Naruto Uzumaki, looking at the backs of his two students with countless emotions in his heart.

How long had it been?

They had already grown from fledglings needing his protection into warriors capable of standing on their own.

And all of it stemmed from the Genin before them, the least Genin-like Genin of all.

Naruto Uzumaki stood in the center of the battlefield with his eyes closed, as if taking a nap.

Yet his senses spread like an invisible giant net, covering the entire bridge.

He was waiting.

Waiting for those two familiar presences that belonged to the enemy.

At last.

Within the thick fog, two figures—one tall, one short—slowly emerged.

Momochi Zabuza still carried the enormous Kubikiribōchō over his shoulder, his eyes cold as blades.

Beside him stood Haku, wearing a white mask.

"Looks like you didn't run away."

Zabuza's voice echoed through the dense fog, carrying a trace of mockery.

"Konoha's ninja have more backbone than I expected."

Kakashi stepped forward, his Sharingan already fixed on Zabuza beneath his forehead protector.

"We're only carrying out our mission, until the bridge is completed."

"Then we'll see whether you'll still be alive to see that day."

Zabuza snorted coldly, and killing intent burst forth.

"Haku, leave these brats to you."

"Yes, Zabuza-san."

Haku's voice remained clear, yet devoid of any emotion.

"Kakashi-sensei." Naruto Uzumaki did not turn around. "Proceed according to the plan. Sasuke, Sakura, Formation Three."

As soon as the words fell, the three scattered instantly. Sakura leaped to Tazuna's side, the Kunai in her hand glinting coldly. Sasuke crouched low, his Sharingan slowly spinning in the mist.

A silver flash pierced through the fog, aimed straight at Tazuna's throat.

Sakura's body reacted faster than her mind. She stomped her foot and activated the chain of Explosive Tags Naruto Uzumaki had set beforehand.

Boom!

The blast's firelight instantly lit up the mist. The Senbon were knocked off course by the shockwave and embedded themselves in the bridge railing.

"Not bad reflexes." A cool voice rang out as a white figure emerged from the fog.

It was a slender boy wearing an ice-crystal mask, his long hair cascading down his back. His slight frame nevertheless carried lethal danger.

Sasuke's Sharingan locked onto his movements.

"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"

The fireball roared toward a specific point. It was not meant to kill, but to evaporate the mist and restrict Zabuza's range of movement.

"You brats are putting on a decent show of teamwork." Zabuza leaped out through the firelight, his Kubikiribōchō cleaving down at Kakashi.

Kakashi raised his blade to block, and the colliding weapons burst with dazzling sparks.

"But the game is over." Haku flashed and appeared at Sasuke's side.

Sasuke's pupils contracted as his Sharingan caught the trajectory of the attack. He twisted aside and slashed back with his Kunai.

Haku easily evaded it, his hands rapidly forming seals.

"Secret Technique: Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals!"

Ice mirrors rose from the ground and rapidly joined together in the air, forming an enclosed circular cage. Sasuke was trapped inside.

"Sasuke!" Sakura cried out.

"Don't move recklessly." Naruto Uzumaki's voice remained calm. "Sensei, focus on Zabuza. Don't get distracted."

Kakashi's heart sank, but he silently followed Naruto Uzumaki's words.

Within the ice mirrors, Haku's reflection appeared in every surface. Senbon rained down upon Sasuke.

Sasuke gritted his teeth and dodged, his Sharingan desperately tracking Haku's movements. But Haku was too fast.

Blood dripped from Sasuke's arm, and multiple cuts had already been carved across his body.

Was this my limit?

The pride of the Uchiha was ruthlessly crushed by reality in that moment.

"Sensei, the first phase of testing is complete." Naruto Uzumaki looked at the ice-crystal cage and said to Kakashi, "Sasuke's performance limit data has been fully collected."

"Naruto Uzumaki, what are you talking about?!" Kakashi shouted as he fended off Zabuza's attacks. "Sasuke is your companion!"

"Precisely because he is a companion, his combat parameters need to be accurately assessed." Naruto Uzumaki stepped forward. "Now it is time to collect the other data."

"Careful! That jutsu is dangerous!" Kakashi wanted to stop him, but Zabuza kept him firmly entangled.

Ignoring the warning, Naruto Uzumaki walked straight toward the Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals.

"Don't come closer!" Haku's voice carried a warning from within the mirrors. "Take one more step, and I'll kill this Uchiha!"

Naruto Uzumaki stopped and tilted his head.

"Kill him?" Naruto Uzumaki gave a soft laugh. "Do you really want to kill him?"

Haku's movements halted for an instant.

"Or are you merely carrying out an order to 'create a threat without causing fatal harm'?" Naruto Uzumaki continued forward. "All your Senbon struck nonfatal areas. Was that a tactic Zabuza taught you, or a choice you made yourself?"

Haku's breathing quickened. How did this blond boy know such things?

"You are confused." Naruto Uzumaki's voice carried a detached calm, as if he saw through everything. "Because you have realized that you do not actually want to kill a boy close to your own age."

"I... I am Lord Zabuza's tool! Tools do not need feelings!" Haku's voice trembled slightly.

"A tool?" Naruto Uzumaki reached out and pressed a hand against one of the ice mirrors. "Then tell me, why would a 'tool' choose to disobey orders when its master faces mortal danger?"

A trace of chakra mixed with the will of judgment flowed into the ice mirror. Haku felt a chill rise from the depths of his soul, colder and more piercing than his own Ice Release.

What was this? This pressure... it was like facing some indescribable existence.

Haku's movements stopped completely.

Seizing the opportunity, Naruto Uzumaki flashed forward and entered the encirclement of the Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals.

"Stand down." Naruto Uzumaki ordered Sasuke. "Your task is to observe and record."

Sasuke clenched his teeth. Again. He was being treated as dead weight that needed protection again.

Still, he retreated to the side, his Sharingan fixed on Naruto Uzumaki's every movement.

"Now." Naruto Uzumaki stared directly at all of Haku's reflections in the ice mirrors. "Let us discuss your issue of loyalty."

Every one of Haku's reflections looked toward Naruto Uzumaki, their eyes filled with shock and confusion.

"Your loyalty is wasted in a place like this."