ALL NOVEL Chapter 64: Report and Arrival
Chapter
65: Report and Arrival
The seaside location facing the Land
of Fire was a scene of intense anticipation. Above the strait that Menma and
others had crossed the previous day was an unfinished bridge—Tazuna's vision of
bringing courage and hope to the people of the Land of Waves. After more than a
year, the bridge was nearing completion. Just a final part remained to connect
the Land of Waves and the Land of Fire.
This bridge was something Gato would
not allow. In Menma's opinion, Gato's methods were overly complicated and
ineffective. There were simpler ways to destroy the bridge and kill Tazuna. It
was fortunate for Menma that Gato's brain was not up to the task. Otherwise,
things would have been more difficult.
When Menma led Naruto to the
entrance of the bridge, they saw Sasuke and Sakura standing guard while
Kakashi-sensei sat leisurely against a big tree, reading one of his
"treasure books." Upon noticing Menma and Naruto, Kakashi-sensei's
eyes flashed with surprise. He closed the book, jumped up, and approached them.
"Menma, Naruto, you're back so
soon. Have you discovered anything?" Kakashi-sensei asked.
"Yes, Kakashi-sensei. It seems
Gato plans to make a move against us personally," Menma began, keeping his
tone serious. "From the information we gathered, Gato has bribed several
locals to act as informants and spies. One of these informants followed us, and
when confronted, he revealed that Gato is bringing a large force to deal with
us and the remaining resistance in the Land of Waves today."
Menma paused, ensuring
Kakashi-sensei absorbed the information. "The informant didn't know many
details, but he confirmed that Gato himself would be leading the assault. It
matches the patterns we've seen of Gato's arrogance—believing he can control
everything with his wealth. Given the timing, Gato's forces should be arriving
soon by ship."
After hearing the report,
Kakashi-sensei's eyes flashed with a mix of surprise and realization.
Originally, he had thought the situation was related to the Land of Water and
Kirigakure. Even if Zabuza was a rogue ninja, the ninja world was full of
secrets. Kakashi-sensei knew not to make decisions lightly without all the
information. However, it seemed this mission was simpler than anticipated—it
involved Gato, a profit-obsessed businessman.
"Is this 100% certain,
Menma?" Kakashi-sensei asked seriously.
"Nine times out of ten,
Kakashi-sensei. It's simple to verify. If the information is correct, we will
see Gato arrive in person within one or two hours," Menma answered
confidently.
Just then, a larger ship's sound
echoed from the southern sea. Ninjas like Kakashi-sensei, Menma, and Naruto,
with their heightened senses, easily detected the subtle changes.
Menma smiled, "Look, isn't this
what's coming? Kakashi-sensei."
Naruto, surprised, remarked,
"It came on time!"
"Well, let's go take a
look," Kakashi-sensei said, shaking his head in amusement.
As they moved towards the ship,
Sasuke and Sakura noticed their actions from the bridge.
"Eh? Where are Kakashi-sensei
and the others going? Have they found Gato's location? Or is it that
ship?" Sakura asked, curious, as she leaned over the guardrail.
Sasuke glanced but paid little
attention. He considered Gato just an ordinary person and was only interested
in getting stronger.
"Hey! How can Kakashi-sensei
and the others walk on water? What kind of ability is this?" Sakura
exclaimed, drawing Sasuke's attention back.
Sasuke's eyes showed a special
light, intrigued by the ability to walk on water. Both he and Sakura hadn't
been exposed to tree climbing and water walking training yet. Sasuke made up
his mind to ask Kakashi-sensei about it later.
Meanwhile, Kakashi-sensei, Menma,
and Naruto were getting closer to the ship. Menma wasn't surprised Naruto could
walk on water at high speed, given his unique upbringing. Sarutobi Hiruzen, who
knew about Menma's training over the past twelve years, had ensured
Kakashi-sensei was aware as well.
"Ah? You've also completed tree
climbing and water walking training, Menma? I thought I was the only one who
mastered it in advance," Naruto said, slightly discouraged.
"Well, these are some tips from
life in the past," Menma replied with a faint smile.
"Eh? In life? That is..."
Naruto began, but Kakashi-sensei interrupted.
"Okay, stop gossiping. We've
reached the target location!" he said.
The ship was now clearly visible.
Kakashi-sensei reminded them, "Remember, the first goal is to ensure that
Gato is captured 100%. Do you understand?"
"Yes!" they responded in
unison, ready for the task ahead.