In short, within just a few days, a large number of buildings had already been constructed.
Though it was called a ninja village, its scale was pitifully small.
The purpose of these buildings was merely to provide comfortable living space for a small number of people.
Of course, the conditions were excellent.
There were residential areas, entertainment facilities, and training grounds.
There was even a dedicated Ninja Academy.
It was just that there were no teachers or students yet.
Naruto wasn't worried about the lack of students.
The real issue was teachers.
He thought about it for a long time and finally settled on one candidate.
And that person even came knocking on his door of his own accord.
After hearing that Naruto had established a ninja village, Zabuza—who had already become disillusioned with Kirigakure—rushed over.
Not for any other reason, but simply to see Haku again.
To Zabuza, Kirigakure was already a thing of the past.
Previously, at Naruto's suggestion, Zabuza had returned to Kirigakure to take a look.
Under Mei Terumī's leadership, the village was developing in a positive direction.
And he—Momochi Zabuza—was nothing more than a rogue ninja.
There was no possibility of reintegrating into the village.
Moreover, Mei Terumī wouldn't overlook potential risks just for Zabuza's sake and allow him to stay.
Thus, after realizing that Kirigakure was no longer what it used to be, Zabuza's mindset changed.
He became lost and confused.
Later, upon hearing that Naruto had established a ninja village, Zabuza once again returned to the Land of Snow.
"My point is, I want to see your leader!"
Near the Daimyō Manor in the Land of Snow, at the main gate of the newly built village, Zabuza stood with the Kubikiribōchō resting on his shoulder.
Impatiently, he warned the ninja guarding the gate.
"The guy who built this ninja village—why is he only recruiting a bunch of nobodies?"
These gatekeepers were all ninja who originally served the Land of Snow.
Because the Land of Snow lacked the conditions to cultivate powerful ninja, their overall strength wasn't very high.
Seeing Zabuza's ferocious expression and the jagged steel blade on his shoulder, the guards were momentarily terrified.
"Is this guy human or a ghost? Where did he come from?"
"Y-Yeah… who are you?"
Zabuza's expression darkened, impatience welling up inside him.
He considered his temper fairly good.
After all, he hadn't killed anyone recently.
But dealing with this group of people—
Fortunately, someone appeared just in time.
A familiar figure emerged from the snowstorm.
That was…
Haku.
After parting ways with Zabuza, Haku had been assigned to manage the barrier defenses around the Daimyō Manor.
Now that Zabuza had returned, Naruto had sent Haku to receive him.
Haku walked out from inside and looked at the familiar figure.
With mixed emotions, he said,
"Zabuza-sensei, please follow me."
Sensei?
Tch.
That title was a bit unfamiliar.
But Zabuza didn't mind.
As long as he didn't have to waste time dealing with these people anymore.
The two entered the ninja village together, and Zabuza observed his surroundings as they walked.
The more he looked, the more something felt off.
Although it was a ninja village, it clearly couldn't accommodate many people.
Yet strangely enough, the training facilities were extremely complete—on par with those of a large ninja village.
Could it be…
That the ninja village Naruto established was following an elite-only route?
No… that didn't seem quite right.
Zabuza glanced at the academy building they passed and shook his head slightly.
He didn't realize that he would be dealing with that place constantly from now on.
Haku led Zabuza to Naruto's office.
"Well, if it isn't Zabuza. Long time no see."
Naruto smiled, a hint of joy flashing in his eyes as he looked at him.
Free labor had arrived.
Zabuza subconsciously frowned.
He suddenly felt something was off.
"You knew I would come?" he asked.
"I didn't. Don't overthink it," Naruto denied immediately, then continued,
"What do you think about the position of headmaster of the Ninja Academy?"
Zabuza: "..."
Boss.
Are you joking?
In what way do I look like someone suited to teaching children?
Facing Zabuza's strange stare, Naruto remained completely unfazed.
"You only need to teach chakra refinement and some basic ninjutsu," Naruto explained calmly.
"Teach combat, not morals. That shouldn't be difficult for you, right?"
"This…" Zabuza was slightly surprised.
"Why do you want so many nobodies?" he asked.
Naruto smiled.
"A ninja village needs people at the grassroots level. Just tell me whether you can do it or not."
"If you can't, I'll find someone else. If you can, then we'll discuss the follow-up arrangements."
Zabuza's purpose in coming to the Land of Snow was to stay.
And teaching chakra refinement?
That was easy.
Without hesitation, he replied,
"I can."
Naruto nodded.
"Good. Starting today, I'll take care of your rogue ninja status."
"I'll also provide food, lodging, training facilities, and triple the annual salary of an elite jōnin."
"In return, you'll stay here and teach chakra refinement and basic ninjutsu."
The待遇 was exceptionally generous.
Especially the promise to resolve his rogue ninja status.
That surprised Zabuza.
"The Kubikiribōchō is still in my hands," he said.
"I won't hand it over. My rogue ninja status shouldn't be removable. Are you sure you're not just making empty promises?"
Naruto shrugged.
"Believe it or not—that's your choice."
Zabuza's strength was sufficient, and he only taught combat, not ideology.
He was more than capable.
Moreover, his fierce appearance alone would keep troublesome people in line.
In the end, Zabuza agreed.
Haku, who had been watching from the side, suddenly had tears streaming down his face for no apparent reason.
"Hey! You brat!" Zabuza snapped when he saw Haku crying like that.
"Don't be so embarrassing!"
Haku hastily wiped his tears.
"Yes, Zabuza-sensei."
Finally…
Did they have a stable life now?
Haku and Zabuza had wandered the ninja world for years.
It looked free, but in truth, they lived in constant tension.
Now they finally had a place to belong.
Saying they weren't happy would be a lie.
And with both of them under the same banner, meeting in the future would be much easier.
After recruiting Zabuza, Naruto had Haku help him settle in.
The Ninja Academy problem was solved.
Now came the truly critical part.
Naruto had established the ninja village primarily to have a place of his own to settle down.
And to carry out the missions assigned by his system.
At present, his system mission required him to unify the ninja world.
As for how to unify it—
He couldn't possibly beat every village into submission one by one.
That would be far too troublesome.
So Naruto decided to hold a grand opening ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Land of Snow's ninja village.
That would give him a legitimate reason to invite the major ninja villages of the ninja world.
Then—
He could gather them all in one place.
And convince them in one sweep.
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