Demon · Momochi Zabuza

"Teacher Cangwu~"

Sakura's breathing quickened.

Looking at the unfamiliar, roguish smile on Cangwu's lips, her heart couldn't help but race.

Teacher Cangwu is so wicked~

So captivating~

Sasuke, however, felt nothing.

"Sasuke, there will be trials."

"Also, don't you want to know who has more wealth: a common person, or the Uchiha clan's inheritance?"

Hearing this, Sasuke's pupils contracted sharply.

He looked up, gazing at Cangwu with utmost seriousness.

Seeing that Cangwu's expression was not faked, Sasuke couldn't help but take a deep breath.

"Right now, I only want to kill that man... Until I kill that man, I don't plan to concern myself with anything else."

Cangwu ruffled his hair and chuckled, "It won't be long. It's time to prepare, and I'll find you some helpers then."

"Also, it's about time I taught you new ninjutsu."

"Really?!" Naruto had appeared at some point.

His eyes lit up at the mention of new ninjutsu.

Cangwu looked at him, puzzled, "Why haven't you left yet?"

"Leave where?" Naruto was also confused.

"Didn't you say you'd help for free?"

"Go, go, go, hurry up and get the people of the Land of Waves to recognize you," Sakura chimed in.

"Uh..." Naruto's face was filled with embarrassment.

He then saw the smirk on Sasuke's lips.

He immediately clasped his hands together in a bow and apologized, "I'm sorry, I'm an idiot."

"Naruto, kindness isn't a bad thing, but it shouldn't be excessive," Cangwu patted Naruto's head.

Then, he walked towards Tazuna.

"Mr. Tazuna, it's time for us to depart."

He pulled the IOU from Tazuna's trembling hand.

"Okay..." Tazuna forced a smile that was uglier than crying.

"Mr. Tazuna, don't smile like that."

"Did we force you?"

Looking at the obedient and cute girl in front of Cangwu, Tazuna quickly shook his head.

"No, no!"

"I'm doing this voluntarily!"

"Thank you so much!"

Sakura turned back and gave Cangwu a peace sign.

"See? He's thanking us too~"

Tazuna: "..."

However, in a flash, Tazuna breathed a sigh of relief.

It was enough that he agreed to help.

Furthermore, after speaking his mind, Tazuna felt a significant burden lifted.

After a brief adjustment, the group continued on their way.

Along the journey, Naruto was filled with regret over his powerlessness, so he bypassed Cangwu and took the initiative to scout ahead.

However, he was destined to be disappointed.

Until sunset, no enemies appeared.

This left Naruto, who wanted to prove himself, feeling frustrated.

His surge of anger quickly dwindled into a small amount of resentment.

"Seriously... why aren't there any?"

"Idiot, do you actually want us to be attacked?" Sakura playfully chided him.

Naruto was like a wilted vegetable, not even in the mood to bicker with Sasuke.

"Grumble--"

Tazuna took a swig of wine and glanced at Naruto.

"Brat, you're so weak, how dare you hope for enemies to appear?"

Naruto drooped his head, ignoring Tazuna.

At first, he would have exploded at such words, but now, he just wanted to travel in peace.

The five of them rested on the spot.

Tazuna's friend would arrive around dawn.

Sasuke used Fire Style to start a bonfire.

Naruto and Sakura were responsible for setting up the tents.

Tazuna was responsible for... drinking.

Cangwu?

Cangwu was responsible for fishing.

Swish--

The fishing line went taut, and a palm-sized fish flew onto the shore.

"Wow~!"

"Teacher Cangwu is so amazing~!" x2

Naruto and Sakura exclaimed.

Then, Naruto eagerly ran over to piggyback on the fishing rod.

Cangwu handed it directly to him, letting Sakura handle the fish.

With a turn, Cangwu disappeared from his spot.

In just a few breaths, Cangwu returned, holding a cute little bunny in his hand.

Half an hour later, Cangwu called everyone to eat.

Naruto's eyes were red, and he dropped his fishing rod and jumped into the water.

Like many others, he was naturally suited to be an "air force."

At dawn, the five of them boarded the boat of Tazuna's friend.

Tazuna's face was full of solemnity.

Sasuke closed his eyes to rest, while Sakura and Naruto sat dozing on either side of Cangwu.

Soon, the boat reached the shore.

"We've already entered the Land of Waves."

Tazuna waved goodbye to his friend and looked at Cangwu, speaking in a deep voice.

Cangwu nodded slightly.

"Swastika formation."

The three youngsters understood and formed a triangle to protect Tazuna.

"Let's go."

The sky was already turning white, not far from dawn.

After walking for a while, Sakura frowned, "Teacher Cangwu, this fog seems to be getting thicker."

Hearing this, Sasuke glanced at Sakura.

This ugly woman...

Naruto blinked and waved his hand at the surrounding mist, "It does seem to be the case."

"Could it be... the enemy is from Kirigakure!" Sakura analyzed.

Cangwu stopped in his tracks, looked at the three youngsters, and the corners of his mouth twitched, "Well said."

"Then... everyone get down."

Swish--

The three youngsters quickly pulled Tazuna down.

Regarding Cangwu's orders, they would only ask questions after executing them.

Even Naruto, upon hearing Cangwu's command, completed it immediately.

Seeing this, Cangwu finally turned his head.

In just this short while, the mist had grown so thick that one couldn't see anything more than five meters away.

Hummm—!!!

Suddenly, a sharp, piercing sound cut through the air.

The sound came from afar, rapidly approaching their location.

Boom—

A gust of wind dispersed the mist, and a rapidly spinning greatsword came into view.

The moment the greatsword appeared in their sight, it was in front of Cangwu within a single breath.

Cangwu found his angle and raised his hand.

Hummm—

The next instant, the Kubikiribōchō sliced past his chest.

"Teacher Cangwu!"

Naruto exclaimed.

Sasuke's expression remained unchanged as he scanned their surroundings.

Sakura glanced at Cangwu, confirming that the scoundrel had once again ignored an attack, before warily observing their surroundings.

Cangwu gripped the Kubikiribōchō's hilt with one hand, a hint of joy flashing across his brow.

The effect of the physique enhancement is truly remarkable.

I can catch a Kubikiribōchō flying at this speed with just one hand.

"Hm?" A confused voice sounded from beyond the thick fog.

He had planned to wait until the Kubikiribōchō was embedded in a tree trunk before making a cool, flashy entrance, standing atop it.

This Konoha Jonin could actually catch it with one hand?

Who was he?

Zabuza squinted from behind the thick fog.

There was no record of anyone named Cangwu in the intelligence he possessed.

Unbeknownst to him, this thick fog couldn't obstruct Cangwu's vision at all.

Cangwu looked at Zabuza, who was hiding behind a tree, and swung the extremely heavy Kubikiribōchō in his hand.

Zabuza, huh... That's fine. As a rogue ninja, killing him outright would be a waste.

Gato has so many assets. It's likely Danzo the old dog will send people to check the situation in a few days.

I'll swallow Gato's assets, and along with it...

Of course, if Zabuza were still alive... then I would be the one dead.

The Jinchuriki and the last Uchiha would also fall into the Root Organization's hands.

From within the dense fog, a cold, murderous voice echoed:

"I didn't expect you to be able to block the Kubikiribōchō."

"You're qualified to be written into my roster... State your name!"