IN NARUTO AS KURAMA

The team of four, along with Tazuna, finally arrived in the Land of Waves after days of travel. The journey had been taxing, but they had made it.

Tazuna turned to the group, his voice softer than usual. "Thank you all for protecting me. I welcome you to my home."

Despite his gratitude, his eyes lingered on Naruto Uzumaki with a trace of unease, a reminder of the young ninja's earlier display of raw power.

Naruto grinned, waving dismissively. "No big deal, old man. Let's get some food!"

The group followed Tazuna to his modest house.

As they approached the door, a young woman appeared, waving energetically. "Father!"

Tazuna beamed. "This is my daughter, Tsunami," he introduced, motioning to her.

Tsunami greeted the group warmly, though her smile faltered slightly as her eyes landed on the hardened looks of Kakashi and his team.

"Come in, everyone," Tazuna said, ushering them inside. "Tsunami, prepare some food for our guests. They've been through a lot."

"Yes, Father," Tsunami replied, disappearing into the kitchen.

Once seated, Tazuna's demeanor changed. His face turned somber as he let out a deep sigh. "I owe you an explanation."

The group listened intently as Tazuna began to speak. "I'm just a bridge builder, but my work isn't appreciated by the powerful businessmen here. They see my bridge as a threat to their monopoly, especially Gato, a ruthless tycoon who controls the seas around the Land of Waves."

Tazuna's voice trembled slightly. "Gato sent mercenaries, even ninjas, to stop me. I didn't have the money to hire proper protection, so I lied about the mission's rank. I didn't expect him to send a Jonin like Zabuza Momochi…"

He bowed deeply to the team. "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be alive. Thank you."

---

Meanwhile, at Gato's mansion, chaos reigned.

"Useless fools!" Gato roared, throwing a glass across the room. "You couldn't even kill a single bridge builder! What am I paying you for?!"

Zabuza Momochi, standing in the shadows, stepped forward, his tone cold. "If you're so eager, why don't you fight them yourself?"

In a flash, Zabuza's hand shot out, grabbing Gato by the throat. Gato's face turned pale as Zabuza's grip tightened.

"Remember," Zabuza growled, "I don't take orders from weaklings like you. If you try to insult me again, I'll make sure your head rolls."

From behind, Haku spoke softly. "Zabuza-sama, what's the plan? Do we move forward or retreat?"

Zabuza released Gato, letting him fall to the floor in a heap. "We finish the mission. That kid might've caught me off guard, but I won't make the same mistake twice."

Haku's gaze softened. "As you wish, Zabuza-sama."

Unbeknownst to them, Shiro was watching from the rafters, his expression one of mild disdain. "Ordinary men… so predictable."

With a flick of his fingers, Shiro descended and seated himself in Gato's chair. A pulse of chakra flowed from him into Gato, and the man's eyes glowed faintly gold.

"Now," Shiro said, his voice calm, "tell me everything."

Gato's voice became robotic, recounting his history. "I am the president of the Gato Company, one of the wealthiest men in the world. I control the seas around the Land of Waves, using my influence and mercenaries to maintain a monopoly. Zabuza Momochi was hired to kill Tazuna because the bridge threatens my power."

Shiro smirked. "Forget the bridge. I want you to focus on taking full control of the Land of Waves. Use your resources to establish a new regime under my guidance."

"Yes, master," Gato replied, bowing.

Shiro disappeared in a flash, leaving behind a newly controlled puppet.

Back in the sealed space, Shiro addressed Naruto. "Don't kill Gato. He's useful. Consider him part of your growing army."

Naruto's eyes lit up, and he tackled Shiro in an attempted hug. "You're the best, Master!"

Shiro sidestepped with a look of disdain. "Don't touch me, you idiot. I don't like men."

Naruto froze, his face turning red. "Master! That's not what I meant!"

Shiro scoffed, kicking Naruto out of the sealed space.

Back in reality, Naruto shuddered, glancing at Sasuke. "Hey, do I look like someone who… likes guys?"

Sasuke gave him a deadpan look and walked away.

Naruto: "???!"

---

One Week Later – The Bridge

The mist rolled in thickly as Tazuna's workers continued construction on the bridge. Their tools clattered to the ground as figures appeared in the haze.

"Enemy ninjas!" one worker shouted.

Hatake Kakashi stepped forward, his Sharingan glowing. He murmured to himself, "So they've come after all. Zabuza… and his little friend."

From the mist, Zabuza Momochi emerged, his Executioner's Blade glinting in the faint light.

"No brat to save you this time," Zabuza sneered. "This time, I'll kill the Copy Ninja of Konoha."

Kakashi smirked, his kunai in hand. "You're welcome to try."

Their blades clashed, sparks flying as the battle began.

---

Meanwhile, Uchiha Sasuke attempted to move toward Kakashi, but his path was blocked by dozens of mirrors forming around him.

From one of the mirrors, Haku stepped out, his voice cold. "Your opponent is me."

Sasuke's Sharingan flared as he prepared for the fight. "Fine by me."

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