There were also Hinata and Sakura, whose sympathy was visibly overflowing.
After all, they were still young and lacked both social experience and real understanding of the world. In terms of combat strength, even a hundred Daznas would not be opponents for Kiba, Sakura, or Hinata. But when it came to life experience, even if all of them were tied together, they still couldn't compare to Dazna. Even those who always appeared calm and rational had pupils hidden beneath their gazes that faintly flickered with a particular luster of emotion.
Sasuke did not care about any of this at all.
Naturally, he wouldn't concern himself with it.
As for Kurenai Yūhi and Kakashi Hatake, the two jōnin, they were not fooled by Dazna's somewhat clumsy acting. However, since they had already agreed to continue the mission, there was no need to expose anything. Going back and forth over the matter was pointless anyway. It was only a matter of a few more days. As for what would happen after the bridge was completed, that wasn't something Kakashi or Kurenai intended to worry about or involve themselves in.
Naruto, walking slightly toward the rear of the group, curled his lips subtly at that moment.
In Naruto's view, Dazna's way of thinking was still far too simplistic. Of course, this was also closely related to Dazna's identity. How could a civilian from a small country truly understand how the world functioned? Gatō might be a well-known businessman on the surface, but that reputation was limited. In a world where ninja held absolute authority, it was impossible for a mere wealthy merchant to possess such enormous assets and subvert small countries on his own. Naruto knew this very well. Even in his previous life, powerful businessmen always had influential backers. In this world, that rule was even more absolute. Every major wealthy figure was, bluntly speaking, nothing more than a white glove for high-ranking nobles and politicians.
Someone like Gatō, a "famous rich man" across the ninja world, must rely on powerful forces behind the scenes. While he might not be directly connected to a daimyo, the gap there was still too large. However, he was almost certainly backed by extremely influential nobles within one of the Five Great Countries.
Only people like that could provide support—and protection—for Gatō.
If not.
Leaving aside the Five Great Ninja Villages for the moment.
Even second-tier ninja villages such as Takigakure, Kusagakure, or Yugakure would have taken action against someone like Gatō long ago. After all, if money was lying around unprotected, why wouldn't they take it?
As for a mere tycoon being able to command wandering ninja.
That alone clearly proved that there was powerful support behind him.
Only under such circumstances could Gatō's existence make sense.
Naruto had more than enough reason to believe that Gatō had lived comfortably in this world for so many years because of his extremely solid background. Smuggling? Drug trafficking? Even human trafficking?
If no influential figures were protecting him.
Gatō would have been devoured long ago.
To put it plainly.
Gatō was nothing more than an agent for powerful politicians and nobles.
Those small countries that were subverted or controlled were doing so under the will of major powers.
This time, the Land of Waves was no exception.
Dazna claimed that Gatō wanted to occupy and control the entire Land of Waves. In Naruto's eyes, this was more likely a reflection of the quiet struggle between the Fire Country and the Water Country. With open war being difficult or undesirable for the major nations at the moment, they instead used proxy conflicts and economic control to contend for influence.
This possibility was far from zero.
Never assume that this world was ruled only by ninja.
And never assume that the dignitaries of the major countries were fools.
Especially those at the top of the Five Great Countries.
Not a single one of them was simple.
In this world, idiots who survived either still had value and hadn't been discarded yet—or their graves had long since grown weeds.
"Gatō is just the surface. The water behind this runs deep…"
Looking toward the small island of the Land of Waves drawing closer.
And at Dazna, who was still talking endlessly, clearly trying to garner more sympathy.
Naruto shook his head inwardly and muttered quietly, in a voice only he could hear.
However, even if Gatō truly had powerful nobles and politicians backing him.
Naruto's plan would not change in the slightest.
Killing such a person.
Let alone the current Naruto—even the Naruto who had just arrived in this world would feel no psychological burden at all.
There was no need to worry about the aftermath either.
After all, he was a ninja. As long as his actions were clean and left no traces, who could investigate him?
What's more, Naruto even believed that some people would secretly welcome Gatō's disappearance.
After all, the money Naruto could seize from Gatō would only be liquid assets and valuables. The truly massive interests were things Naruto couldn't touch. With that in mind, Naruto was confident that Gatō's death would create a situation that benefited more people than it harmed.
"This really is the rumored fat sheep."
As they boarded the boat heading toward the Land of Waves, Naruto's blue eyes shone with an unusually bright light. This caused Sasuke, seated beside him, to frown slightly and cast a suspicious glance toward Naruto.
At the same time.
Under the leadership of Kakashi and Kurenai, Teams Seven and Eight escorted Dazna onto the island of the Land of Waves.
This place lay far from the Fire Country.
It was a small island nation located between the Fire Country and the Water Country.
Earlier, after being forced to retreat by Kakashi, Zabuza Momochi had withdrawn to this location. At this moment, besides the Demon Brothers, there was also a young man wearing the mask of a Kirigakure Hunter-nin beside him. Unlike the Demon Brothers, this youth was Zabuza's true subordinate. If Naruto were present, he would immediately recognize him. This was Haku—a master of Ice Release, a character with many fans in Naruto's previous life. A beautiful young man, unmistakably male, possessing an almost unreal purity. His surname, Yuki, indicated a connection to the Yuki clan of Kirigakure, a bloodline once known for Ice Release. According to the original records, Haku inherited his kekkei genkai from his mother, later becoming a wandering child before being taken in by Zabuza. While some details remained unclear, this much was certain.
Bringing Haku and the Demon Brothers to the island was not considered late.
At that moment, a short, oddly proportioned figure appeared before Zabuza.
The strange outfit, exaggerated sunglasses, ridiculous mustache, thick cigar held in his right hand, and an unmistakably arrogant posture made him instantly recognizable.
This figure was none other than Naruto's "fat sheep."
Gatō.
At this moment, the obese merchant looked at Zabuza, who had just disembarked, with an air of leisure and indifference.
"Oh? Zabuza Momochi. Has the job been completed?"
Gatō took a deep drag from his cigar and slowly exhaled a cloud of smoke, his tone carrying mockery and disdain as he smiled and spoke to the man before him.
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