Leviathan Judicator

It was a few hours after the intense battle with Zabuza when Team 7 and Tazuna finally arrived at the bridge builder's house. The sky was painted in soft hues of orange and pink as dusk began to settle. Tazuna approached the door and slid it open, revealing a woman standing in the entryway. She had kind eyes and a warm yet concerned expression.

"Father, you're home!" she exclaimed, relief evident in her voice.

Tazuna gave her a small smile, though his exhaustion was clear. "I'm back, Tsunami, but the story can wait. These ninjas need a place to rest."

The woman, Tsunami, nodded quickly, stepping aside to let them in. "Come in, come in. You all look like you've been through a lot."

Without wasting any time, the group entered the house. Naruto and Sasuke helped Neuvillette carefully carry Kakashi inside. They laid him down on a futon in a spare room, his breathing steady but his face pale from chakra exhaustion.

Tsunami frowned, her eyes filled with worry as she looked at Kakashi. "Is he going to be alright?"

"He's just exhausted," Neuvillette said, his tone calm and measured. "He pushed himself too far in the battle, but with rest, he'll recover."

Naruto flopped down onto the floor, letting out a dramatic sigh. "Man, that was crazy! That Zabuza guy was no joke!"

Sasuke sat nearby, his arms crossed as he replayed the battle in his head, analyzing every move. Sakura, meanwhile, helped Tsunami bring over a warm blanket for Kakashi and some water for the group.

Tazuna cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "I owe you kids—no, you ninja—a big thanks. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have made it back."

Naruto perked up, a proud grin spreading across his face. "Of course! We're awesome ninjas, after all!"

Sasuke rolled his eyes, muttering, "Barely..."

Tsunami offered the group a kind smile. "You're all welcome to stay here as long as you need. Thank you for protecting my father."

Naruto beamed at her, while Sakura nodded politely. Neuvillette, still focused on the horizon, simply said, "Thank you."

As night fell over Tazuna's home, the room was dimly lit by a single lantern. The soft sound of crickets chirping outside filled the air. Kakashi stirred on the futon, his one visible eye slowly blinking open. He groaned slightly as he attempted to sit up, but his body protested.

Before he could rise fully, Neuvillette stepped forward, placing a firm yet gentle hand on his shoulder. "Sensei, you need to rest," Neuvillette said, his calm voice carrying a hint of authority.

Kakashi looked up at the young ninja, his lips curling into an eye-smile. "I appreciate the concern, Neuvillette, but I'll be fine," he said, attempting to move again.

"You're not in any condition to move right now," Neuvillette insisted, his expression unwavering. "Pushing yourself will only slow your recovery."

Naruto, sitting cross-legged nearby, chimed in. "Yeah, Sensei! Even I know you need to rest after a fight like that."

Kakashi let out a soft chuckle, his hand resting on his chest as he leaned back slightly. "Alright, alright. You win. I'll rest—for now," he said, giving in to the collective concern of his team.

As Kakashi rested on the futon, Tazuna entered the room with a weary smile, followed by a kind-looking woman carrying a glass of water. The woman had a calm demeanor and introduced herself with a polite bow. "Ah, you've woken up," she said softly, walking over to Kakashi and offering the glass. "My name is Tsunami. I'm Tazuna's daughter. Here, drink this; it'll help."