Naruto:The Monkey King

Return to the land of waves

16: Return to the land of waves, Council Meeting and the tense encounter at the Northern Hideout.

After their exploits at Orochimaru’s main hideout, Naruto, Kabuto along with Kimimaro and Suigetsu headed towards Orochimaru's Southern Hideout, located off the coast of the Land of Waves. The journey took them back to the place where Naruto had experienced his first real mission, a mission that held bittersweet memories of hardship, battle, and newfound friendships.

Naruto and his companions finally docked at the harbor, the familiar sight of the peaceful village greeting them. The village had changed since his last visit. The atmosphere was lighter, the people more cheerful, and the shadows of poverty and fear that once loomed large had faded away.

As Naruto walked through the village streets, he was greeted with warm smiles and waves. Men and women called out his name, their voices filled with admiration and gratitude. Small children ran up to him, eager to see the man they had heard countless stories about, the hero who saved them from despair.

"Naruto!" one villager called, bowing respectfully.

"Thank you for everything you've done for us!" another added with a bright smile.

Naruto, unused to the adulation, sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. “C'mon, guys, it’s not a big deal. I was just doing my job,” he said, embarrassed but happy to see that the people of the Land of Waves had recovered and were thriving.

Suigetsu, walking beside Naruto, glanced around the village with a smirk. "Damn, Boss. Seems like you’re a legend around here." His tone was teasing, but the underlying respect was clear.

Naruto chuckled softly, still rubbing his head. “I guess so.”

Naruto and his group soon reached Tazuna's house, where they saw the old man and his grandson, Inari, fishing by the river. The peaceful sight warmed Naruto’s heart, a far cry from the frightened and helpless child Inari once was.

Inari, noticing Naruto from a distance, dropped his fishing rod and sprinted towards him. “Nii-chan!” he yelled, jumping into Naruto’s arms.

Naruto caught him effortlessly, a wide grin spreading across his face. “Heh, told ya I’d come back, didn’t I?” he said, ruffling Inari’s hair.

Inari looked up at him with shining eyes. “You’re really back! I knew you’d keep your word!”

Tsunami soon joined them, carrying a tray with lunch for Tazuna and Inari. She smiled warmly at Naruto, wiping her hands on her apron. “Naruto, it’s so good to see you again. We weren’t expecting visitors.”

Tazuna also approached, his face crinkled in a pleased grin. “Well, if it isn’t the kid who saved our hides. You’ve grown, Naruto!”

Naruto greeted them both with a respectful nod, glad to be among old friends. “Yeah, it’s been a while, huh? I’m just glad to see you all doing well.”

They shared a moment of quiet happiness, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the river and the village. The hardships of the past felt like distant memories now, replaced by the warmth of friendship and peace.

Suigetsu, observing the scene with confusion, muttered to Kabuto, "Who are these people?"

Kabuto adjusted his glasses, replying coolly, "The family Naruto helped during one of his early missions. Tazuna is a bridge builder. This village was once oppressed by a tyrant named Gato, and Naruto played a significant role in their liberation."

Suigetsu shrugged, still unimpressed. "Well, good for them, I guess."

Kimimaro stood silently, watching the interactions but saying nothing, his mind focused elsewhere. Naruto’s carefree demeanor with the villagers was in stark contrast to the powerful warrior he had fought just days before.