After dinner, Naruto and Sasuke went to bed early.
While carrying the two of them back, Chiba had sensed how exhausted their bodies were.
The whole way, it had felt like carrying two dried salted fish. Neither had any strength left to resist.
Naruto was especially worn out.
If Chiba had not carried him back, he probably would have taken ages to get home.
Even walking was a struggle for him, which showed just how hard he had trained.
"Chiba, come with me for a moment."
After dinner, Kakashi Hatake spoke to Chiba.
By then, his injuries had mostly healed.
At the very least, nothing seemed wrong with him on the outside.
Chiba nodded and followed Kakashi Hatake outside.
Tazuna's house stood beside the dock.
Behind the house stretched an endless expanse of sea.
Chiba stood on the wooden planks, feeling the sea breeze brush against him.
The sea at night had a beauty all its own.
"Chiba, I've had an ominous feeling for a while now."
"Something major is bound to happen when the bridge is completed tomorrow!"
Kakashi Hatake's eyes were grave.
Chiba nodded and said:
"So Zabuza Momochi will definitely show up?"
"Not just him. That Pursuit Ninja from Kirigakure will be there too."
Kakashi Hatake seemed to have more on his mind.
"I can hold Zabuza Momochi off, but that boy's strength..."
He stopped there.
Clearly, he did not want to put too much pressure on Chiba.
But Chiba guessed what Kakashi Hatake was thinking and said with a smile:
"Don't worry, Kakashi-sensei."
"Just focus on dealing with Zabuza tomorrow!"
Seeing the confident smile on Chiba's face, Kakashi Hatake seemed to catch some of that confidence himself, and his worries eased considerably.
"That makes me feel much better."
"Now all that's left is to wait for tomorrow!"
Kakashi Hatake gazed out at the distant sea, his eyes deep and unreadable.
The next morning.
By the time the first ray of sunlight shone inside, everyone was ready to leave.
"Looks like Naruto has worn himself out!"
Looking at Naruto Uzumaki, who was still lying on the tatami, Kakashi Hatake felt a headache coming on.
He was the most unreliable ninja in Team 7.
But Naruto Uzumaki was also its most unpredictable ninja.
"Let's wake him up."
Chiba suggested:
"Naruto's body recovers very quickly!"
A hint of surprise appeared on Kakashi Hatake's face.
"You noticed that too?"
Chiba shook his head and explained:
"Jiraiya-sensei told me a lot about the shinobi world."
"That included the Uzumaki Clan."
He left it at that.
A flash of shock crossed Sasuke Uchiha's eyes, and the way he looked at Naruto changed at once.
So Naruto comes from a special clan too?
He silently clenched his teeth.
Chiba noticed Sasuke Uchiha's unusual reaction and knew he was thinking of the Uchiha Clan as it had once been.
He wanted to deepen the bond between the two of them.
Sometimes, giving them equal footing was a good way to do that.
Kakashi Hatake warned them:
"Try not to let any of this get out."
"Naruto's background is rather special."
Chiba nodded, stepped forward, and gave Naruto a tap on the head.
"Naruto, it's time to go!"
Naruto Uzumaki jolted awake and sprang up from the tatami.
"Where's the enemy?!"
"It's time to leave. If you keep holding us up..."
Chiba spoke calmly:
"We'll have no choice but to leave you behind."
Naruto Uzumaki hurriedly changed his clothes.
The group of five set off for the Great Bridge!
Before leaving, Chiba looked back at Tazuna's house and smiled.
"What is it, Chiba?"
Kakashi Hatake felt that there was something different about Chiba today.
"Nothing. Let's get moving."
"Let's try to finish the Great Bridge today, so we can give this country what we promised."
Chiba pressed down on the ninja tool pouch at his waist and walked ahead.
He had accounted for every detail to complete each mission.
Don't let me down this time!
After walking for some time, they finally arrived at the Great Bridge.
But the sight before them left everyone horrified.
All the bridge workers lay on the ground, their faces twisted in pain.
At the sight, Tazuna rushed toward the workers in a panic.
"Phew..."
"Thank goodness. Their lives aren't in danger."
But in the next instant, thick mist surged up.
An almost tangible killing intent enveloped the entire Great Bridge!
Zabuza Momochi had arrived!
Before you continue