IN NARUTO AS KURAMA

Zabuza Momochi struggled to his feet, his body trembling with anger and desperation as he screamed, "I'll kill you, brat!"

Naruto, standing calmly with a watermelon rind still perched on his head, glanced at Hatake Kakashi with an amused grin. "You or me?"

Kakashi's face turned serious. "I'll handle it."

Naruto stepped back, nodding, as Kakashi summoned lightning-charged chakra into his hand.

"Lightning Blade!" Kakashi shouted, his voice cutting through the tension.

He darted forward, faster than Zabuza could react.

But just as Kakashi's Lightning Blade was about to connect, Haku appeared in a blur, stepping between them.

Pierce!

The Lightning Blade plunged into Haku's chest, blood spraying from the mortal wound.

"Haku!" Zabuza's voice cracked as he watched his most loyal companion collapse.

Haku coughed violently, blood spilling from his lips. He turned his head toward Zabuza and spoke weakly, "Zabuza-sama... I was your tool, your light in the darkness. Let me be that until the very end..."

Tears filled Zabuza's eyes as he roared, "Why, Haku?! Why did you do this?!"

Haku gave him a faint smile. "Because you showed me kindness when no one else would." His voice faltered, and his eyes slowly dimmed. "For you, Zabuza-sama..."

Snowflakes began to fall, gently covering the battlefield. The sight of Haku lying lifeless in Zabuza's arms under the snowfall was surreal, like a scene from a dream.

---

Consumed by rage and grief, Zabuza grabbed his kunai and charged at Kakashi with wild abandon.

"You'll pay for this!" Zabuza screamed, his attacks erratic but powerful.

Kakashi, still composed, dodged Zabuza's strikes and summoned his Lightning Blade once more.

"Zabuza, it's over."

Kakashi plunged the Lightning Blade into Zabuza's chest, ending the fight. Zabuza collapsed to his knees, coughing up blood as he clutched Haku's lifeless body.

"Why?" Zabuza murmured, his voice breaking. "Why did you do this, Haku? You were all I had..."

Zabuza's vision blurred, and he imagined Haku walking toward him, dressed in a pure white kimono.

"Zabuza-sama," Haku said softly, smiling as if inviting him to join.

With his strength fading, Zabuza fell beside Haku, his hand brushing against Haku's. Snow continued to fall, blanketing the two in peace.

Watching from the sidelines, Naruto Uzumaki sighed. "Is this what it means to be a ninja? To fight, to lose, and to die in the name of duty?"

Kakashi placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Naruto, this is the reality of being a ninja. Our duty often leads us to tragic ends, but it's what we do to protect those who can't protect themselves."

Kakashi's tone turned firm. "But remember this, Naruto: A ninja who doesn't cherish their comrades is worse than scum. Never forget that."

Naruto nodded solemnly. "I'll remember."

Kakashi gave Naruto a rare smile and ruffled his hair. "Good. Now, clean up the battlefield while I check on Sasuke."

Naruto groaned. "Clean-up duty? Seriously?"

As Naruto summoned his Shadow Clones to clear the debris, a group of private soldiers approached from the edge of the bridge.

The leader saluted Naruto. "Sir, we're from Gato's company. Allow us to assist you."

Naruto, confused but grateful, accepted their help. They handed him a drink and even provided a comfortable seat.

"This... doesn't cost money, right?" Naruto asked suspiciously.

The soldiers assured him it was free, and Naruto relaxed, sipping his juice.

---

Tazuna's home

Later that evening, the four ninjas sat around the table with Tazuna and his family. Tazuna raised a glass in gratitude.

"Thank you for everything. Because of you, the Land of Waves can finally break free from Gato's tyranny. You've given us hope."

Tears streamed down Tazuna's face as he drank deeply.

The team shared a quiet toast, sipping their tea as they reflected on the mission.

---

At the border of the Land of Waves

As the team prepared to leave, Kakashi looked at his students. "So, what did you learn from this mission?"

Sasuke frowned. "Is this really how most ninja end up? Dying on some foreign battlefield?"

Kakashi smiled slightly. "It depends on how hard you're willing to work."

Sakura clenched her fists. "I'll train harder. I'll become a great ninja. You'll see!"

Kakashi nodded approvingly. "That's the spirit."

All eyes turned to Naruto, waiting for his response.

Naruto scratched his head, grinning sheepishly. "I don't know... I guess I've grown a little. And I've learned what it means to protect people."

In the sealed space, Shiro smirked. "You're so full of yourself, Naruto. Stop being so dramatic, or I might punch you myself."

Naruto rolled his eyes, tuning out his master's taunts.

Suddenly, he dashed off.

"Get back here, Naruto!" Sakura yelled.

"Thousand Years of Death!" Sasuke shouted, chasing after him.

As the sound of laughter and playful shouting echoed through the forest, the sun set over the newly named Great Naruto Bridge, a symbol of hope for the Land of Waves.

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