Naruto: Kazumi Uchiha

The Land Where a Hero Once Lived

Me and Sakura sat down while everyone else worked on the bridge.

"Are you two always this lazy?" Tazuna asked. "Where's that weird blonde kid and the one with the attitude?"

"They're training climbing trees." Sakura responded.

"Too tough for the both of you?" He questioned.

"No. In fact, I'm the best. That's why the Sensei sent me here to guard you." Sakura bragged.

"Pff. Yeah, right. And that's why Kakashi told me to protect you, Sakura, if we got caught up in any kind of trouble." I said, rolling my eyes.

She looked at me and didn't say a word.

"You're joking." Tazuna remarked, making Sakura extremely angry.

"Tazuna, uh, I need to talk to you." One of the workers approached him.

"Huh? What about?" Tazuna replied.

"Uh, the thing is, I've been thinking a lot about the bridge. And I've decided I've pushed my luck far enough. I want out." He answered.

"-Now you're going to quit on me, just like that? You're kidding!"

"You know, I stayed on because of our friendship. But I'm putting my life on the line everyday I stay here. Gato and his thugs will show up eventually. When they do, they'll kill you and the bridge will never get finished anyway. It's a lost cause, Tazuna. Why don't we stop now while we can still get out of this alive?" He continued.

I stood up and walked over to Tazuna and the guy he was talking to.

"In the ninja world, those who break the rules are scum. That's true. But those who abandon their friends are worse than scum." I stated firmly, remembering Kakashi's words. "This is what someone important to me once said."

I felt Sakura lock her eyes on me, she was shocked completely.

"Kid, it's alright. I'm not going to stop building this bridge. This is our bridge. Our island is poor, and it will stay that way until this bridge connects us to the mainland. Commerce, trade, and hope- that's what we're building here." Tazuna spoke, glancing at the man in front of him.

"There's not going to be much if we're all dead." He argued.

I can't stand this guy anymore. Sakura noticed this and immediately ran towards me.

"-Kazumi.. Don't get worked up over him. He's not worth it."

"Right. Thanks, Sakura." I gave her a small smile.

We then left the bridge, following Tazuna.

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"Uh, where are we going?" Sakura asked.

"You want to eat tonight, don't ya? I got to pick up some things for dinner." Tazuna responded.

I found myself studying the people surrounding us. They really need that bridge. Some were stealing from each other, some were practically begging for money and food, others were simply trying to scrape up enough of money for something small.

Whenever this bridge gets finished, it'll help them out a lot. I just know it. I have faith in these people and their future.

"Here we are." Tazuna announced.