The more the audience watched, the more captivated they became.
It was evident that Uzumaki Naruto in this alternate world wasn't the same good-natured boy from the original timeline. His focus wasn't on pleasing others or earning their favor. Instead, he prioritized becoming stronger, refusing to let anyone take advantage of him or belittle his resolve.
Take Dazna's case, for example. Even when the client disregarded established rules, Naruto didn't back down or compromise unnecessarily. He made it clear that favors were not handed out freely.
This version of Naruto had a hardened resolve, cultivated from his own difficult experiences.
His transformation from an innocent child into a pragmatic ninja struck a chord with the audience. Though different from the original Naruto, both versions showcased immense talent. The divergence in their paths, however, hinted at dramatically different futures for each.
The people watching couldn't help but feel intrigued by Uzumaki Naruto's no-nonsense approach.
---
[Scene Transition]
Dazna's attitude had shifted completely. Gone was the indifferent, evasive man they met at the mission's start. Now, he openly shared the plight of the Land of Waves.
He explained the significance of the bridge he was building. It wasn't just a structure—it was a beacon of hope and progress for the impoverished nation.
Naruto, listening intently, found himself agreeing with the man's ideals. Dazna's vision resonated with him, even as he maintained his guard against deceit.
As the group pressed forward, they entered a quiet stretch of forest. The towering trees provided an eerie backdrop. Unbeknownst to them, a pair of watchful eyes observed their every move.
---
[Meanwhile, hidden in the woods...]
"So, it's him," muttered Momochi Zabuza, narrowing his eyes.
The infamous rogue ninja of Kirigakure was analyzing the team ahead of him. His sharp gaze lingered on Kakashi, his long-time nemesis.
"That explains why the Ghost Brothers couldn't handle them," Zabuza said, his lips curling into a smirk.
Just as he began to strategize his attack, Kakashi's instincts kicked in.
"Everyone, get down!" Kakashi shouted, his voice sharp with urgency.
---
[The group reacts immediately.]
A massive blade—Zabuza's iconic Kubikiribōchō—sliced through the air, narrowly missing their heads. The weapon embedded itself in a nearby tree with a loud thud.
The team barely had time to process what happened before a figure appeared, standing atop the blade's hilt.
It was Zabuza. His menacing figure loomed over the group, his back turned as if dismissing them outright.
For a moment, silence hung in the air, broken only by the rustling of leaves.
Naruto, unshaken, looked up at the rogue ninja and muttered, "This guy… his entrance is kinda cool."
The statement was so unexpected that even Zabuza stumbled slightly.
---
[The Pure Land Reaction]
In the Pure Land, the afterlife of the ninja world, Momochi Zabuza's spirit twitched with irritation.
"Cool? Is he mocking me?" Zabuza growled, his teeth gritted.
Beside him, Haku, his loyal companion, smiled nervously. "I think he means it, Zabuza-sama. He's young and might genuinely admire your dramatic style."
"Bah! I'll show that brat what fear really is," Zabuza grumbled, although his irritation seemed tinged with amusement.
---
[Back in the Present...]
Zabuza leapt down from the sword and faced Kakashi.
"Hatake Kakashi," he drawled, his voice carrying both disdain and amusement.
"Ah, if it isn't Momochi Zabuza," Kakashi replied evenly. "Kirigakure's missing-nin and self-proclaimed Demon of the Hidden Mist."
Naruto perked up, his curiosity piqued.
"Missing-nin?" he muttered, glancing at Zabuza's forehead protector. The slash across the Kirigakure insignia signified his defection.
Naruto tilted his head, deep in thought. He must have been bullied in his village. Why else would he leave but still carry the forehead protector? Maybe it's sentimental… or maybe it's to scare people.
The boy's inner monologue continued unabated. Still, if he defected because of bullying, isn't that kinda weak?
Naruto's musings were interrupted when Zabuza finally noticed the boy staring at him.
"What's with that look, brat?" Zabuza barked, clearly irritated by the attention.
Naruto's face broke into a grin. "Nothing! I just think it's cool how you carry yourself. But… I guess I'd be annoyed too if my reputation was built on running away from my village."
Kakashi froze. Sasuke blinked.
And Zabuza?
The man nearly dropped his sword.
---
[Audience Reaction]
The people of the ninja world erupted in laughter.
"That boy really has no filter," Terumi Mei chuckled, shaking her head.
Onoki, the Tsuchikage, nodded. "A sharp tongue like that is more dangerous than any weapon."
Even in the Pure Land, Zabuza couldn't help but scowl. "This brat… I swear, if I could go back, I'd make him my first target instead of Kakashi."
---
[Back in the Present...]
Ignoring Naruto's commentary, Zabuza refocused on Kakashi.
"So, you're here to protect this old man?" Zabuza asked, nodding toward Dazna.
"And you're here to stop us," Kakashi replied, pulling up his headband to reveal his Sharingan eye.
Zabuza's smirk widened. "This is going to be fun."
---
[A Sudden Change in Tactics]
Before Zabuza could attack, Naruto stepped forward.
"What's your problem, no-eyebrows big brother?" Naruto called out, earning a sharp glare from Sasuke.
"This isn't a game, Naruto," Kakashi warned, though he didn't stop the boy from speaking.
"Look, I get it. You're here to fight us, and we're here to stop you. But do you really want to waste all that energy on us when you could just, I don't know, go somewhere else?" Naruto said casually, his tone lighthearted.
For a brief moment, Zabuza stared at the boy, dumbfounded.
Then he burst into laughter.
"You've got guts, kid," Zabuza admitted. "But guts alone won't save you."
With that, the battle commenced, leaving no room for further banter.
------------------–––--––--------------------------------
Visit our Patreon for more:
patreon.com/Samurai492