Disclaimer: I make no claims of ownership of Naruto....it belongs to
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It was a festive scene at the entrance of the now completed bridge in the Wave Country. Tazuna, with the help of the workers who finally came back once the treat of Gato was gone, plus a heavy dose of shadow clones from Naruto, was able to get the job done efficiently. The result was a beautiful and sturdy bridge that signified the hopes and dreams of the people of the Wave Country. Team 7 was able to locate Gato's base of operations and distribute whatever food, clothing and other essentials they could to the people. Gato's cash was also distributed amongst the people as a way to help them cope and to jumpstart their economy.
We now find Team 7 plus Kakashi facing the residents of the country they helped liberate. They were packed and ready to head back to Konoha as their mission was finally complete.
"I want to thank you Kakashi-san and your team. None of this would be possible if it wasn't for the help of you guys. The Wave Country will forever be thankful to you." Praised Tazuna sincerely. Kakashi just scratch the back of his head awkwardly.
"Maa maa Tazuna-san. We are shinobi of Konoha. It's our job to complete our missions. Just be sure to send the proper amount to the Hokage for the revised ranking of the mission." Answered Kakashi.
"Do you really have to go Naruto-niichan?" Asked a sobbing Inari as he clung to Naruto's pant leg. Naruto for his part just smiled wryly.
"Come on now Inari. You're a big boy now right. You protected your mom and your country. I know you'll do great in the future. I'll even try to come visit if my mission ever pass through here." Replied Naruto with a gentle smile. Who knew that the whiny and moody little boy would open up to him in such a way? It made him happy to know that he could help others in such a way.
As their final goodbyes were said, Team 7 finally set off for Konoha.
"There they go....We need to decide on the name of the bridge. I was thinking the super Amazing Tazuna Bridge. What do you think?" Queried Tazuna, earning deadpan stares from the people around him and causing his daughter to cover her face in embarrassment.
"The Great Naruto Bridge....that should be its name." said Inari, earning shouts of approval from the people. Tazuna himself couldn't argue with that, so he settled for a smile.
(Scene Change)
Team 7 were currently standing at attention in front of the Hokage as Kakashi gave the mission report.
The journey back was an uncharacteristically quiet one as Naruto kept to himself for the most part. His teammates didn't care much about what was going on with him. Sakura was too lost in her fantasies of her precious 'Sasuke-kun' while said avenger-wannabe was enjoying the thrill of his newly awakened Sharingan by constantly turning it on and off. Kakashi did keep a somewhat worried eye on them but decided to leave them be.
After the report was done, the Hokage dismissed them but asked Naruto to stay behind.
"How are you feeling Naruto-kun?" Asked the aged leader delicately. He knew how painful it was to lose a loved one. It came as a surprise to him that Naruto fell in love with an enemy kunoichi, but he wasn't going to judge his surrogate grandson. He would do his best to comfort him though.
"I'm doing better Jiji. It was painful at first, but I tell myself that she would want me to live on. The pain is still there but it helps me get through the day." Answered Naruto with a sad smile. The Sandaime just nodded in understanding.
"Just now Naruto-kun, if you ever need to talk, my door is always open." Advised the Hokage. Naruto nodded his head in thanks.
"Thanks Jiji, I'll take you up on that sometime. I'd like to get home now though. It's been a long journey and I'm missing my place." Answered Naruto. The Hokage just chuckled sympathetically and motioned to Naruto that he is allowed to leave.
