New Soul (Naruto Various! x Reader)

Ch. 18: The Land Where a Hero Once Lived

Your POV

At the docks...

I am with Sakura watching over Tazuna as he continued to construct the bridge. Yes, I am calling her by her regular name because I am still ticked off from how much of a jerk she was. Apparently, Mr. Kaka assigned me to be with her due to us not getting along, so he decided that I should tag along with her and continue my training later. To be honest, I'd rather stay with Duckie and Naru to complete my training. But, whatever the sensei says, goes. Right now, we are avoiding each other and I am standing away from her as she sits on the concrete close to the railing. As I look out to the ocean, I heard Sakura yawning.

"Are you always this lazy?" I heard Tazuna asked.

I secretly smirk. 'You have no idea.'

"Where's that weird blonde kid and the one with the attitude?"

"They're training, climbing trees." She answered.

I turn my head to them.

"Too tough for you both?"

"No in fact, I'm the best. That's why the sensei sent me here to guard you. For y/n, I'm not sure why she's with me but, whatever the reason is she didn't fully complete her training."

I rolled my e/c eyes towards her bragging and crossed my arms. Tazuna stops walking and gives her a doubtful look.

"You're joking. For the musical elf, I understand why she's here since her power is useful."

Even though he called me that horrid name, I can't help but feel pleased for what he said about me. Sakura on the other hand got pissed off and growled in anger. Hehe.

In the corner of my eye I notice another guy walking up to the old man.

"Tazuna, uh, I need to talk to you."

"Huh? What about?"

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

That enrages Tazuna, "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 every day 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."

I suck air through my teeth, already knowing that their friendship is broken.

"It's a lost cause, Tazuna. Why don't we stop now while we can still get out of this alive?"

After a few minutes of silence, "No chance. 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!"

"There's not going to be much if we're all dead." His ex friend looks away.

"It's already noon. Let's break for lunch." He coldly said as he walks away.

"Tazuna, let's not end it like this-"

"Save your breath." He cuts him off. "Oh, and Giichi, don't bother coming back after lunch." He continues to walk away.

I gaze back and forth from Giichi to Tazuna sadly. Next thing I know, Sakura and I look at each other at the same time and follow him.

Time skip to after work

Tazuna, Sakura, and I are walking through the village. During our walk, I can't help but look around and see how poor and miserable the town folks are. Even the children are just as miserable, sitting on the ground with their heads down on their arms. This brings tears to my eyes. My attention was then caught by Sakura's question.