Naruto: Bonds Unbroken

The sun had barely risen when Team 7 gathered at the village gates, ready for their next mission. The crisp morning air carried the scent of damp earth, and a gentle breeze rustled the trees lining the path ahead. For the first time, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura were leaving the safety of Konoha—not for a routine task, but for a mission that could truly test their abilities.

Standing before them was their client, Tazuna, a bridge builder from the Land of Waves. He was an older man with a rough appearance, his posture slightly slouched as he adjusted the pack on his back. He looked at the young ninja before him and sighed.

"These are my bodyguards?" Tazuna muttered under his breath. "I expected actual warriors, not a bunch of kids."

Naruto immediately stepped forward, puffing out his chest. "Hey, old man! We're ninja! Strong ones!"

Sasuke merely sighed. "Ignore him."

Kakashi, as usual, was unfazed, flipping a page in his book. "Now, now. No need to argue. Let's get moving."

Tazuna grumbled something but adjusted his pack, signaling that he was ready. With that, Team 7 and their client departed, the village gates closing behind them as they stepped onto the open road.

---

A Suspicious Presence

The road stretched ahead, flanked by towering trees and dense foliage. Birds chirped overhead, and leaves rustled in the gentle wind.

At first, everything seemed normal.

Too normal.

Sasuke was the first to notice something off. As they walked, his sharp eyes locked onto a small puddle sitting in the middle of the dirt path.

"A puddle?" he thought, frowning. "But it hasn't rained in days…"

His instincts kicked in immediately. He subtly shifted his stance, one hand hovering near his kunai pouch.

Then, without warning, the puddle rippled unnaturally.

In an instant, two figures burst from the water—clad in dark armor, moving with precision. Their headbands bore the symbol of another village.

Kakashi reacted instantly. Before the attackers could strike, he intercepted them, swiftly countering their movements. The fight lasted mere moments before Kakashi disabled them.

Naruto stood frozen for a second before gripping his fist. "They… they were really going to attack us."

Sakura exhaled, trying to steady her nerves, while Sasuke simply observed the outcome.

Kakashi crouched beside the subdued enemies, his expression unreadable. "They were trained ninja, not random bandits. That means this mission isn't as simple as we thought."

His gaze shifted to Tazuna. "You wouldn't happen to know why someone would send ninja after you, would you?"

Tazuna looked away. "…I may have left out a few details."

---

The Truth Comes Out

As they rested by the side of the road, Tazuna finally spoke, his tone quieter than before.

"The truth is… I'm being targeted."

Naruto, still tense from the earlier fight, perked up. "Targeted? By who?"

Tazuna sighed. "A man named Gato. He's trying to control the Land of Waves, and the bridge I'm building threatens that. If the bridge is completed, my people will have a chance to resist his control."

Sasuke folded his arms. "So he hired ninja to stop you?"

Tazuna nodded. "Yes. And if you all leave now… I'll be as good as finished."

Naruto clenched his fists. "We're not leaving."

Sakura hesitated. "But, Naruto—"

"If we don't help, who will?" Naruto said firmly. "People like Gato shouldn't get to decide everything just because they have power."

Kakashi observed his students for a moment. He could see Naruto's determination, Sasuke's quiet agreement, and even Sakura's reluctant acceptance.

"…Looks like we're continuing this mission."

Tazuna's expression softened. "Thank you."

Kakashi stood, adjusting his headband. "Let's move. The Land of Waves awaits."

As they resumed their journey, a cold wind blew through the forest.

Unbeknownst to them, a pair of sharp eyes watched from the shadows. A towering figure, his expression hidden, observed them carefully.

The real test was yet to come.