But Mr. Tazuna remained steadfast in his beliefs no matter how many difficulties he faced. Even when his life was on the line, he showed no sign of backing down.
Yeah, as long as you don't give up, you'll surely get closer to your goal.
"Yeah, I believe Mr. Tazuna's bridge will be built really well!"
"Then thank you for your kind words, little girl."
.................
It was deep in the night. Everyone had lain down to rest, but Sakura was still standing by the river, constantly practicing Medical Ninjutsu.
Previously, at the recommendation of Teacher Kakashi, she wanted to have more precise control over her Chakra. So, she was recommended to study in the Medical Ninja class.
To be honest, medical knowledge was complex and cumbersome, and learning Medical Ninjutsu was extremely difficult. She wanted to give up several times.
She didn't understand the reason for working so hard. At first, it was because she didn't want to be left too far behind by Naruto and Sasuke, but life was full of separations.
They are all Genin now, so they can be together without a care. But what about a few years later? Sasuke and Naruto will definitely become Chunin, or even Jonin like Teacher Kakashi. By then, she might be reassigned to another group and have to part ways with them.
Although separation was sad, people naturally had different aptitudes and abilities.
But today, seeing the hopeful look in Mr. Tazuna's eyes, she suddenly realized that if you don't try hard, how do you know you can't do it? She hadn't given her all, so she should give it her all!
As Sakura's expression gradually became solemn, the Chakra in her hand slowly flowed in. The fish in the Scroll gradually regained its vitality, and its tail began to sway and jump. Sakura happily wiped the sweat off her forehead and let out a sigh of relief.
"Ah! It's so awesome that I finally made it after practicing for so long!"
...
There was a commotion by the river. Sakura looked in the direction of the sound.
"Are you still practicing?"
"Yeah! It's Inori. What's wrong? Why aren't you asleep so late?"
"What you're doing is just a waste of time. No matter how hard you try, you can never catch up with those two. Why don't you just give up?"
"A waste of time? Maybe you're right. Among the three of us, I have the poorest natural talent. But even Sasuke and Naruto, who are so talented and have been called geniuses since childhood, are undergoing cruel training in places I can't see. Since the geniuses are working so hard, shouldn't us ordinary people work even harder?"
"And look, this fish is alive again!"
Inori blushed slightly at Sakura's beautiful smile. She took a few steps back and stammered angrily.
"You... You ugly girl, stop showing off!"
Ugly girl!
Sakura was about to lose her temper and teach this ill - tempered kid a lesson, but like the wind, Inori was gone in a flash, leaving no trace behind.
She runs so fast! Is she really that frightening?
..................
"Sakura, did you stay up all night practicing again yesterday?"
"Yeah, Teacher Kakashi, but it's okay."
"
"Well, as long as you don't mind. After all, the dark circles under your eyes are terrifying! Ah---"
Sakura, smiling, gave Kakashi a hard punch in the ribs. He clutched his ribs in pain.
Holy cow! He'd never make such a dumb joke about a looks-conscious teenage girl again.
.................
"Inori, come and have dinner."
Tazuna felt very strange. Since Naruto and the others had moved in, Inori had been avoiding everyone. But why was she willing to have dinner with them today?
Inori sat down next to Naruto. Although Sasuke was handsome, there was always an air of authority about him. She'd rather choose someone more amiable.
"I heard your dream is to become the Hokage. Isn't the Hokage the most powerful ninja leader in the Land of Fire?"
Naruto was a bit surprised. He didn't expect this child to initiate a conversation with him.
"Yes, it is. Becoming the Hokage has been my goal since childhood. When I was little, I couldn't learn ninjutsu well and for other reasons, I was always ostracized by the villagers. At that time, I wanted everyone to recognize me, so I set this goal for myself and have been working hard towards it ever since."
"How is it possible that you were bad at ninjutsu? I heard from grandpa that you're very powerful and defeated a Kekkei Genkai ninja from Kiri!"
"Haha, nobody becomes a badass overnight! It's all about working hard and practicing non-stop to turn the impossible into possible! As long as I don't give up, I believe I'll achieve it one day!"
Inori widened her big round eyes. Naruto's look at this moment was exactly the same as grandpa's when he talked about building the bridge!
Both were so bright. Unlike herself, who was always so gloomy. She lowered her head and chewed the rice in the bowl listlessly.
"But Gatō is very powerful, and so are his hired men. They've been controlling this place. If someone doesn't obey them, they'll end up like my father, killed by Gatō! I really hate them and myself. I even hate that I don't even have the determination to fight back!"
"Inori..."
It was the first time Tazuna and Tsunami heard Inori pour out her heart, and her state of mind was the same as that of all the people in the Land of Waves at that time.
They hated Gatō, and even more, they hated themselves for not having the heart to fight back. Facing such a powerful enemy, they could only rot away in the darkness.
...........
"Just make a change."
Sasuke's words were like a bombshell ringing in their ears.
"Make a change?"
Sasuke moved his chopsticks, chewing the food in the bowl and taking a sip of the soup.
"Isn't that bridge the starting point of your change? Isn't it the crystallization of your will to resist? After all, such a big bridge can't be built by just one or two people. The people here aren't as cowardly as they think. Instead, they're very brave."
....
"Sasuke... Haha!
You're really right!
After listening to Sasuke's speech, Naruto laughed, pounding the table while giving loud praise. Everyone at the dinner table had hopeful smiles on their faces.
Yeah, if you're not satisfied with the present situation, just make a change.
It may turn out worse, but it could also turn out better, right?
But if you just curl up in a dark corner and do nothing, your life will remain unchanged forever. You'll always be the one being bullied and insulted, always having to face this terrible environment.
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