Chapter 35 Powerful Kill! Ultimate Control!

The bridge would be finished soon. Now that their training was complete, Kakashi had new orders. "Since you've both finished your training, you two will accompany me to protect Uncle Dazna tomorrow. Morkel can take a day off."

Sasuke and Naruto had no objections. They knew Morkel had been handling all the protection duties during this time, even helping the islanders build the bridge every day. He was so exhausted that he would fall asleep almost immediately upon returning home. Yet despite the fatigue, there was a look of deep satisfaction on his face.

Perhaps this was what Kakashi meant by "doing justice and improving yourself."

"Don't worry! Let Morkel rest. Sasuke and I will take full responsibility for Uncle Dazna's safety," Naruto said with a confident grin, flashing his white teeth.

After completing his training, Naruto's chakra control had improved significantly. In a way, he hoped something would happen tomorrow—just so he could show off.

Kakashi nodded. "Good. Now get some rest."

A Well-Deserved Break

The next day, Kakashi ordered Morkel to rest, a command that Morkel initially refused. Though the work was exhausting, it was also fulfilling. He had even gained insights into his physical skills and chakra control while helping the workers. Still, Kakashi insisted, and Morkel reluctantly took the day off.

But his rest was short-lived.

A commotion downstairs jolted him awake. He got up and quickly went to investigate. He found Uncle Dazna's daughter arguing with two samurai warriors.

A Desperate Struggle

Just minutes earlier, the two warriors had stormed into Dazna's house, demanding a hostage. Their eyes soon settled on Dazna's daughter.

One of the samurai then noticed Inari, the young boy of the household. They discussed among themselves—one hostage was enough. They could kill the boy.

But before they could act, Dazna's daughter stepped forward, her voice steady despite her fear. "If you touch my son, I will bite my tongue and kill myself right here! You'll lose your hostage."

The warriors exchanged looks. Killing the boy might be satisfying, but losing their only bargaining chip wasn't worth it. Frustrated, they decided to just take the woman and leave.

Inari, hiding behind the door, had seen everything. But his fear paralyzed him. He could do nothing but watch as the samurai dragged his mother away.

That was when Morkel came downstairs.

Inari's Resolve

Before Morkel could speak, Inari, who had been crying moments earlier, suddenly stood up, clenching his fists. He remembered Morkel's words from a few days ago:

"A true hero protects everything he holds dear."

Wiping his tears away, Inari muttered, "I won't run away this time."

With that, he rushed out the door.

Morkel, standing behind him, smiled. The boy had finally inherited his stepfather's courage.

But could Inari actually save his mother alone? No. That's why Morkel decided to step in.

A Child's Courage vs. A Warrior's Cruelty

In the woods outside the house, Inari stood in front of the two towering warriors, his small frame dwarfed by their sheer size.

"I won't let you take my mother," he said, his voice trembling but determined.

One of the samurai sneered. "Hey, kid, we were gonna let you live. But since you came to us on your own, don't blame us for being merciless!"

He drew his sword, pointing the tip at Inari.

Dazna's daughter tried her old trick again. "If you hurt my son, I swear I'll kill myself!"

The second warrior, clearly annoyed, knocked her unconscious with the blunt side of his blade. "Women are such trouble."

The samurai advanced on Inari. The boy backed up, shaking, but he didn't run.

The first samurai chuckled cruelly. "Don't worry, kid. I won't kill you right away. I'll cut off your arms first, then your legs. Then—"

"DON'T TOUCH ME!" Inari shouted, his voice quivering. "My grandfather is protected by ninjas! If they find you, you're doomed!"

The samurai burst into laughter. "Ninjas? Hah! Those pathetic shadows lurking in the dark? Bring 'em on! Let's see if they can even last a few seconds against my blade!"

At that moment, a voice interrupted them.

"You called?"

Morkel appeared behind Inari, holding a kunai.

The warriors stiffened in surprise. Their eyes locked onto the headband on Morkel's forehead, confirming that he was, indeed, a ninja.

When they realized it was just one kid, however, their arrogance returned. "Oh, you must be the ninja brat that kid was talking about. Hah! Red hair like a tomato!"

Morkel's expression darkened. "Tomato?"

The samurai smirked. "Oh? Did that make you mad? Let's see what happens when I slice this tomato!"

With that, he lunged forward, sword raised.

Ultimate Control

Morkel met the blade with his kunai. CLANG! Sparks flew as steel clashed against steel. But Morkel wasn't just defending—his free hand was already forming seals.

The second warrior rushed in, swinging his blade down at Morkel.

But in that instant, Morkel's forehead protector reflected the sunlight, momentarily blinding them.

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"

A massive fireball erupted from Morkel's mouth, engulfing both warriors in an instant.

"WAAAHH!"

The samurai screamed as they were consumed by flames, their bodies reduced to charred remains within seconds.

But just as the fireball surged forward, Inari's eyes widened in horror—his mother was directly in its path!

"NOOOO!" Inari cried.

Just as the fire was about to reach her, it suddenly vanished—completely extinguished in the blink of an eye.

Morkel stood there, unharmed, his hands lowered. He turned to Inari and smirked. "What's wrong? You doubted me?"

Inari's legs gave out, and he collapsed onto the ground, staring at Morkel in shock. "Y-You controlled the flames?!"

Morkel nodded. "I knew she was there. I'd never put innocent people in danger."

Inari was speechless. He had just witnessed the true power of a ninja—not just strength, but complete mastery over his abilities.

That day, he finally understood what it meant to be a hero.

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