I Have a Black Market Friend!

"Hm?"

Seeing Kazeka's state, Zabuza frowned, but then relaxed:

"Oh, I get it. The mission wasn't posted by you, but by a black market friend of yours, and you just happened to find out about it, right?"

When you want to do something, but you don't want it to be public, you can claim to have a friend.

This sort of thing is also common in the black market.

"Mm, that's right..."

Kazeka nodded, then used Summoning Jutsu to summon a large snake:

"Because I have some connection with that guy, he also assigned me a transport mission..."

Kazeka directed the large snake to swallow the Rogue Ninjas one by one:

"Leave these Rogue Ninjas to me. You don't need to worry about the rest. As for Haku, we'll be in touch..."

"Your mission in the Land of Waves, you did well. You dealt with Gato and helped the people of the Land of Waves achieve peace and a more prosperous life..."

In the Hokage's office, the Hokage, while puffing on his pipe, praised the Ninja standing before his desk:

"For Kakashi's Team 3, I'm upgrading your previous C-rank mission to B-rank, to be completed jointly with Kurenai Yuhi's Team 8!

Kurenai Yuhi, your Barrier repair mission also encountered unforeseen circumstances.

Therefore, the rank of your mission remains unchanged, but I'll increase your reward by thirty percent!"

Looking at the Ninja before him, the Third Hokage's face was filled with relief.

They knew how to react to sudden situations, reported to the village in a timely manner, and managed to resolve the issue perfectly. This made the Third very satisfied.

These are the future pillars of Konoha. From the reports of Kakashi and Kurenai, Even though it was their first time dealing with high-intensity missions, Naruto and the other new generation of Ninja performed admirably.

With them around, Konoha's future will only get brighter.

The Third nodded continuously, until he saw Kazeka, and his face suddenly fell!

"Kazeka, look at the mess you've made!"

The Third slammed the table:

"Stealing money from a rich man and then posting a bounty on the black market? What kind of example is that for others to see?

We are Ninja of Konoha, not ruthless Rogue Ninjas!"

"Tch!"

Kazeka scoffed dismissively:

"My approach was the best possible solution.

Zabuza and Gato had a deep-seated grudge. My actions merely gave him an excuse to act.

Even without me, Gato would have ended up dead at Zabuza's hands sooner or later.

And now, I've not only gotten Gato's money but also Zabuza's friendship. It's a complete win-win situation.

As for the black market bounty, I followed the rules completely. Anonymous posting, anonymous bounty, they can't trace it back to me, there's absolutely no fault to be found!

Don't tell me the village has never posted bounties on the black market. They're all shady, so why single me out!"

"Sharp-tongued brat!"

The Hokage glared fiercely at Kazeka:

"Even so, you should hand over the money you got from Gato. It was obtained during a mission and should be submitted in full!

And those Rogue Ninjas, hand them over to the village for processing as well!"

"Wow, Hokage, you really have the nerve to say that..."

Kazeka's eyes widened in disbelief, seemingly completely taken aback by the shameless words coming from the Hokage:

"If the village hadn't been restricting my research funds all this time, would I have had to go to such lengths to earn money outside?

That's my money!

And as for those Rogue Ninjas, I'm willing to hand them over, but the village needs to provide Ninja of equivalent strength in exchange!"

"You scoundrel, that's not how you calculate things..."

Seeing Kazeka's stubborn refusal, the Hokage was furious:

"Regarding the flow of funds, the village has to consider all aspects.

I order you, in the name of the Hokage, to submit the money and the Rogue Ninjas.

As for your hard work, the village will review it later and give you additional compensation!"

"Heh!"

Kazeka let out a cold laugh.

"Once I hand these over, the reward they give me afterward will only be scraps. I'm not falling for that.

Also, I remember the Chunin exams are coming up soon, right?

At that time, we'll also have to host ninja from other villages for the exams, and the village's seals and barriers will need further strengthening and maintenance.

If you push me too far, I won't maintain the barriers anymore!"

"You insufferable brat!"

The Third Hokage glared at Kazeka. There weren't many ninja in the village who understood Sealing Jutsu and Barrier Jutsu.

Moreover, Kazeka's techniques were masterful, and he could often resolve historical issues left by barriers, completing repairs and updates quickly.

In this regard, he was incredibly useful.

Just as Kazeka said, with the Chunin exams imminent, the village truly couldn't afford to be without his help.

The Hokage hadn't expected Kazeka to hold him hostage over this matter!

Taking a deep breath, the Hokage unhappily took a few puffs from his pipe:

"Alright, considering your hard work on this mission, the village won't pursue the rewards you obtained during it.

However, in the future, when you conduct experiments, the village will send people to supervise you to prevent you from going too far.

Remember, this time, you're not allowed to knock out the supervisors again!"

"Tch, it was rightfully mine, and they're still being so stingy about it..."

Kazeka shot the Third Hokage an annoyed look but didn't say anything further.

The Third Hokage paused, then addressed Kakashi and Kurenai Yuhi again:

"I originally intended to speak with you two alone, but since Kazeka has already brought it up, I'll say it in front of everyone.

The village will be holding Chunin selections soon. After you return, think about it and submit the names of those you deem suitable!"

"No need to think about it..."

Kurenai Yuhi responded with great confidence:

"After observing them these past few days, I'm certain the children under my command have met the standards for Chunin selection.

I nominate Kazeka, Kiba Inuzuka, and Hinata Hyuga!"

"Mhm, I'm the same..."

Seeing Kurenai Yuhi's confident demeanor, Kakashi's spirits lifted slightly:

"After the battle in the Land of Waves, I've also confirmed that Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno have all qualified to prepare for the Chunin exams.

I nominate all three of them!"

"Really?"

"We're going to be Chunin!"

"Awesome!"

"Quiet!"

The Hokage rapped on the table, calming the excited young boys and girls:

"You've only been nominated, you haven't become Chunin yet. Go back and prepare well, the exam date is fast approaching!"

With the Chunin exams drawing near, the nominated Genin trained relentlessly, hoping to improve further in a short time. Kazeka, however, was even busier.

Training was put aside for now. He was not only busy maintaining and updating the barriers daily but also conducting experiments on Rogue Ninja, and even squeezing in time to help Sasuke with his experiments. He was swamped every single day.

Every time Sasuke went to Kazeka's, he would emerge after the experiment with a face full of suppressed pain, residual fear, and covered in blood!

Naruto and Sakura, his teammates, were horrified!

However, the effort yielded astonishing results.

In just a few short days, Sasuke's Single Tomoe Sharingan had evolved into a Double Tomoe Sharingan.

There was just one thing, though. Whether it was Naruto and Sakura's imagination or not, they felt that Sasuke's gaze towards Naruto these past few days had been... strange!