Two Missions, Subduing Zabuza

For the next period, Feng Yao spent a rather comfortable time in Shikkotsu Forest, complaining about the system daily while continuing to familiarize himself with the application of Sage Mode.

He could also listen to Katsuyu Sage talk at length about his various insights into the Eastern Medical Canon. He had established a certain friendship with Katsuyu Sage, and originally, Katsuyu had wanted to sign a blood contract with Feng Yao.

However, Feng Yao politely declined; with such a scam of a system, even if he signed the contract, he would be completely unable to use summoning jutsu right now.

"Host, I seem to have just heard you insulting this system."

"Cough, cough, how could that be? I was praising you."

The system fell silent for a moment, and Feng Yao suddenly had an ominous premonition.

"Congratulations to the host for triggering a mission: Revenge on Konoha. Duration: six months. Mission requirements: As a rogue ninja of Konoha, you must retaliate against Konoha within the specified time. Rewards will be based on the degree of damage caused to Konoha. Slogan: An eye for an eye, go and become an avenger, young man."

"Are you crazy? Settling personal scores? This mission looks like you just thought of it, and this slogan is clearly targeting me. Also, attacking Konoha? Do you think I'm Pain? I'm not listening to you."

Feng Yao was firm this time, determined to fight this pit-inducing system to the end. He was a Sage now, after all; how could a great man be content to live under someone else's thumb for long?

"Congratulations to the host for triggering another mission: Build a Faction. Mission requirements: A powerful transmigrator needs not only personal strength but also subordinates. Please recruit three experts at the Jonin level or above to serve you. Duration: six months. Mission reward: Youth Preservation Pill. Slogan: Start your own legend in this powerful world, young man."

"...Brother System, I was wrong, okay?"

"Please complete the mission as soon as possible, otherwise, you will be erased."

The system's voice returned to its usual ruthlessness. Feng Yao was truly like a mute eating coptis—unable to voice his bitterness. If he continued to complain now, he feared the system would throw another mission at him, demanding he recruit Jonin-level ninjas. Was he supposed to go to the major ninja villages and poach people?

"I say, System, I can understand this mission, but the reward is too casual! I have to recruit three Jonin, and you only give me some lousy Youth Preservation Pill."

"The host will be the leader of a faction in the future. If you are too ugly, you will be laughed at by others. This Youth Preservation Pill is a necessity."

"I feel like you are insulting me, but I have no evidence..."

While the two were bickering, Katsuyu Sage came over to deliver his meal. Looking at Katsuyu Sage, he suddenly had a bold idea. He walked over and picked up the small-sized Katsuyu Sage in his hands.

"Lord Katsuyu, I would like to ask you for a favor."

"What is it? Did you get injured again while practicing senjutsu?"

"Cough, let's not mention that for now. It's like this: I want to build a faction, and I would like to invite you to be the first to join."

Feng Yao said with a serious tone. In terms of strength, Katsuyu Sage was definitely an existence that surpassed a Jonin. Having lived for thousands of years, he not only possessed great power but was also rich in experience.

"Oh, join your faction? But wouldn't it be better to just sign a blood contract with me? That way, I can help you whenever you need it."

"Uh, that's actually a bit complicated. I can't sign contracts, and joining my faction is just to have you as a nominal member. You don't need to do anything."

"Is that so? You really are the strangest ninja I've ever met. If it's just that, then I agree."

Yes, the first Jonin was secured. Looking at it this way, it didn't seem that difficult. However, he still had to think carefully about where to swindle the next two Jonin. As for the revenge on Konoha, that would have to be planned carefully, because Feng Yao didn't want to go too far; his parents lived in Konoha.

"System, what is the minimum damage percentage required to pass the first mission?"

"At least ten percent."

This figure was acceptable. After all, he had been hunted by those three Anbu for a whole day; a little retaliation wasn't excessive.

Feng Yao carefully thought about the time he had spent in the Naruto world so far and suddenly realized there was a place where he might be able to recruit two other ninjas with Jonin-level strength. But it was still quite far from his current location, and he needed to set off as soon as possible.

The next day, Feng Yao said goodbye to Katsuyu Sage, with whom he had lived for over a week. He activated Sage Mode to travel, and combined with Geppo, he was extremely fast. On the way, he passed through the Land of Fields.

This was a small country bordering Konoha. Originally, there were no ninjas there, but later, Orochimaru bribed the Daimyo of the Land of Fields to establish Otogakure, and it became Orochimaru's base.

Feng Yao had originally thought about whether he could recruit Orochimaru as a subordinate, but after careful consideration, he decided against it. Orochimaru was simply too dangerous.

Currently, he not only had the Sound Four under his command but also mastered the forbidden jutsu Impure World Reincarnation, and he himself was a ninja comparable to a Kage. If he recklessly ran over and said he wanted to make Orochimaru his subordinate, he would likely be turned into a specimen by Orochimaru in a heartbeat.

A few days later, Feng Yao arrived at a small path and quietly hid himself. This was the only way to the Land of Waves.

The person Feng Yao was looking for this time was the rogue ninja from Kirigakure, Zabuza Momochi. This person was definitely at the Jonin level in terms of strength. Added to that was Yuki Haku; Haku could not only weave signs with one hand but was also a possessor of a Kekkei Genkai. Zabuza had once claimed that even he might not be able to defeat Haku.

Judging by the timeline, he had arrived early. At this moment, Team Kakashi and Zabuza had not yet met.

Feng Yao could only stay in the trees and rest for a while.

"The mission this time is to kill that bridge builder, Tazuna. I heard he hired Konoha ninjas for protection."

"Hmph, what kind of ninjas can that poor country afford to hire?"

The two ninjas who spoke were both wearing headbands symbolizing Kirigakure, and their faces were covered by masks, looking quite sinister.

These must be the two Chunin who launched the first assassination attempt on Team Kakashi, known as the Demon Brothers. They had arrived at the ambush spot a step early and were preparing to wait for their prey.

"You two, may I ask for a favor?"

"Who's there!"

Upon hearing someone nearby, the two Kirigakure ninjas immediately assumed a combat stance. One of them threw a Kunai toward the source of the voice.

But it was clearly ineffective. Feng Yao used Geppo to dodge and landed directly in front of the two.

The Demon Brothers were skilled in combined assassination. Seeing Feng Yao close in, they were not alarmed but delighted, pulling the chain weapons on their arms, intending to kill Feng Yao instantly.

Feng Yao was not impatient, softly spitting out two words: "Iron Body."

This was a defensive technique from the "Rokushiki." By pumping power into his toned body, he could make his skin as hard as steel. The chains could not hurt him at all.

After activating Iron Body, he grabbed the chains around him and pulled hard. The two men struggled to keep their footing and tried to break free.

But how could Feng Yao let them have their way? He grabbed one in each hand and threw them out, slamming them into a nearby tree.

He walked slowly toward the two of them.

"Don't get excited; I just have something to ask you."

"Water Style: Hidden Mist Jutsu."

Seeing that their opponent was beyond their capabilities, the Demon Brothers immediately used the Hidden Mist Jutsu to attempt a retreat.

However, watching the thick fog before him, Feng Yao seemed completely unaffected; he charged straight into the mist and kicked both brothers to the ground with a single strike each.

Because Feng Yao's sensory abilities had greatly improved after completing his Sage Mode training in Shikkotsu Forest, he could lock onto the Demon Brothers' positions within the mist even without activating Sage Mode.

He hoisted one Mist ninja up in each hand.

"I want to ask you one thing. Answer, and you may live."

"You must be the Konoha ninja responsible for protecting Tazuna! I never expected Tazuna could hire a ninja of your caliber, but I won't tell you anything."

The Mist ninja struggled while glaring at Feng Yao with venomous eyes.

"I see. Then go to hell."

With that, a single Rankyaku sliced one of them in two. Rankyaku was one of the Rokushiki techniques, a leg-based skill that didn't rely on physical impact to damage the enemy, but rather on vacuum blades created by high-speed kicks.

This was the first time Feng Yao had killed since experiencing life and death several times over, but he was no longer the weakling who would tremble while holding a Kunai. He had to be ruthless with such desperate criminals to instill fear in them.

"You... don't kill me! I'll talk, I'll tell you whatever you want to know!"

Seeing his companion's gruesome death, the other one seemed to have lost his nerve and appeared ready to confess everything.

"Wouldn't it have been easier to do that sooner? I want to know where Zabuza Momochi is. You are his subordinates, right?"

"Yes, he... he is a few kilometers north of here. You can reach him by taking the middle path. I can take you there, just don't kill me."

Feng Yao glanced toward the north.

"North, is it? There's no need for you to take me, because I... don't trust you!"

Before the man could react, Feng Yao unleashed another Rankyaku, slicing through his chest and sending him to join his brother.

Although the man's eyes had seemed panicked, he had glanced at his companion's corpse several times while speaking, and there had been subtle movements behind his back.

"You... you broke... your word."

The man spat blood continuously and expired within seconds. Feng Yao walked over and flipped his body over.

Clutched in the man's hand behind his back was an Explosive Tag; he had likely intended to take Feng Yao with him when his guard was down, but he hadn't expected Feng Yao to strike immediately upon hearing the information, leaving him no time to trigger it.

"How does it feel to kill for the first time, Host?"

"The world of ninjas is truly cruel. Once someone is identified as an enemy, they fight with the resolve to die, but now, so do I."

"It is best that the Host thinks this way. If you had been soft-hearted and unable to strike, you would never be able to complete the system's subsequent missions."

"You have the nerve to say that. Every mission is a trap; can't you be more professional?"

After finishing, he cleared the scene, took all their equipment, and hastily disposed of the bodies before heading off to find Zabuza. Meanwhile, Kakashi's team was also approaching, but since the Demon Brothers had already been dealt with, Naruto and the others would not encounter them.

Feng Yao arrived in front of a wooden hut shaped like a spinning top; this was Zabuza's base. The information the Demon Brothers had given him was actually correct. Dealing with Zabuza could not be as casual as dealing with the Demon Brothers.

Thus, Feng Yao first activated Sage Mode not far from the house; his white hair and blue eyeshadow appeared once again.

In Sage Mode, Feng Yao's perception was even sharper than before, allowing him to detect the exact number of people inside the house. He quietly climbed onto the roof to eavesdrop on the conversation within.

"Zabuza-san, it seems necessary to be wary of the client for this mission. I've heard that Gato often hires rogue ninjas for tasks, only to secretly eliminate them once the job is done."

"Hmph! Who does he think I am? I am the great Zabuza Momochi, the Demon of the Hidden Mist! If he tries to play clever with me, I'll just twist his dog head off."

The voices belonged to Zabuza and Haku. Their client this time was Gato, one of the world's wealthiest men, but unfortunately for them, they had run into Kakashi's team.

Zabuza's assassination mission had failed, and as rogue ninjas, they were already drifting from place to place. Feng Yao wanted to recruit these two for his own use.

Just as he prepared to enter, a chill suddenly rose from behind him, and a Kubikiribōchō, twice the height of a man, slammed into the spot where he had just been lying.

"Quite sharp, aren't you? No wonder the Demon Brothers were defeated by you. Who are you?"

"How did you know? Hmph! It seems I was played by those two after all."

"Those who go out on missions always consider the possibility of being captured alive. The Demon Brothers didn't lie to you, but there were surveillance ninja tools along the road. If I hadn't known beforehand, I truly would have had a hard time finding you."

Looking at the bandaged Zabuza Momochi, Feng Yao felt increasingly satisfied with this future subordinate. The person inside the house was merely a Water Clone used to distract him, while Zabuza himself had used the Silent Killing Technique to try and finish him in one blow—but unfortunately, he had failed.

"I have no ill intentions in coming here. My name is Feng Yao, and I am here to sincerely invite you to join my faction."

"Hahaha! Looking at you, you're just a brat who hasn't even grown his hair out, yet you want me, the great Zabuza Momochi of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, to serve you!"

Zabuza laughed in fury at Feng Yao's words, raised his hand, and swung the Kubikiribōchō toward Feng Yao.

But Feng Yao's strength in Sage Mode was many times greater than before; he caught the Kubikiribōchō with one hand.

At the same time, he used "Shigan" from the Rokushiki. Using Rokushiki in Sage Mode could significantly boost their power. This technique involved concentrating all of one's strength into the index finger, delivering a strike with a hardened finger in the blink of an eye, with enough power to easily pierce a human body.

Feng Yao thrust his finger toward the blade he was holding, and the sword snapped instantly.

Seeing that his Kubikiribōchō, which had achieved countless feats for him, couldn't even withstand a single finger from his opponent, Zabuza was shocked by the power of this taijutsu and stepped back.

"Water Style: Hidden Mist Jutsu."

Zabuza's Hidden Mist Jutsu was clearly far superior to the Demon Brothers'; in just a moment, the thick fog obscured all vision.

However, Zabuza was not trying to escape; he was merely searching for an opening within the mist. Feng Yao, however, did not have the time to keep dragging this out, as his Sage Mode had a limited duration.

"Art of Inorganic Reincarnation!"

This was a ninjutsu capable of granting life to inorganic matter and controlling it. The stones on the ground suddenly twisted and warped, rapidly changing shape as they shot into the thick fog...

A pungent scent of blood began to spread from within the mist.

"Zabuza-san!"

Haku, standing to the side, felt a surge of intense killing intent erupt in his eyes. He charged directly toward Feng Yao, throwing silver needles with lightning speed, each one aimed at a vital point.

But Feng Yao dodged them all using Geppo. At this moment, Haku seemed to have lost his reason, rushing forward to engage Feng Yao in hand-to-hand combat without even utilizing his Kekkei Genkai.

The result was, naturally, a total failure. Feng Yao used Iron Body to bolster his physical defense, took one of Haku's strikes head-on, and then backhanded him, locking him in a chokehold.

"I haven't killed him yet. If you keep acting recklessly, I can't guarantee his safety."

The thick mist gradually dispersed. Zabuza's hands and left foot were pinned by stone pillars created by the Inorganic Reincarnation, rendering him unable to move, yet his eyes were filled with even greater killing intent.

"You have already lost, Zabuza. Think carefully about the proposal I just made."

"Hmph! Then just kill me already. I will never submit to your command."

"Oh? Are you sure about that?"

As he spoke, Feng Yao tightened his grip on his right hand, and Haku began to struggle for breath.

"You wouldn't try to threaten me with Haku, would you? He is merely a tool of mine. If I die, he has no value. Do you really think I would agree to your terms for his sake?"

"I... am sorry... Zabuza... san."

"Hey, your subordinate is so loyal to you; won't you reconsider? He just threw himself at me without a second thought for your sake. He didn't even care about his own life to save you. Don't you think you're being too cruel?"

Feng Yao was well aware of the bond between Haku and Zabuza. Although Zabuza was cold, he was not heartless—he had shed tears for Haku before. Combined with his own version of Naruto's "Talk no Jutsu," he figured this was in the bag.

"Ninjas are, at the end of the day, just tools. I only took a fancy to his bloodline, not the person himself. If you want to kill him, go ahead."

Damn it, your reaction is all wrong! My process should have been perfect. How is Zabuza not reacting at all? How on earth did Naruto pull this off? Feng Yao complained frantically in his mind.

"Host, you are just an ordinary person. Without the protagonist's halo, your words are nothing but nonsense."

"..."

Feng Yao stared at Zabuza, locked in a stalemate for a long time, before finally letting go of Haku and dispelling the Inorganic Reincarnation.

"Cough... cough... Zabuza... san."

The moment Haku was freed, he rushed to Zabuza's side to support him, while Zabuza glared fixedly at Feng Yao.

"What is the meaning of this? Do you think that by sparing me, I will become your subordinate? You are far too naive; I will only look for a way to kill you."

"I know, but you cannot kill me. How about this: let's make a deal."

Seeing the current situation, Feng Yao realized that completely subduing Zabuza for now was impossible, so he had to take a step back.

"What kind of deal? Let's hear it."

"I know you are a missing-nin from Kirigakure who assassinated the Fourth Mizukage due to your dissatisfaction with the village's tyranny. I can help you take your revenge and allow you to return to your country. You have seen my strength; I have the ability to make this happen."

Hearing this, Zabuza fell silent. After his failed assassination attempt, he had fled the village and become a rogue ninja; for years, he had longed to return.

To take that country into his own hands—this brat before him might have a big mouth, but his strength was formidable. At the very least, he couldn't defeat him on his own.

"What are your requirements?"

"It's simple: serve as my subordinates for one year. During this year, you will enjoy full freedom; you only need to lend me a hand when I require it. After a year, we go our separate ways. How about that?"

Zabuza fell into silence. The conditions were clearly very lenient. For him, a year of time in exchange for a chance to return to Kirigakure was a very worthwhile trade.

"Fine, I agree."

"It's a deal. Don't worry, you will definitely be glad for the choice you made today."

Zabuza, however, ignored him and returned to the house with Haku's support. Feng Yao followed him inside, where several other Kirigakure assassination ninjas—all Zabuza's confidants—were waiting.

"Congratulations to the Host for completing the mission: Establish your own force. Reward: one Youth Preservation Pill. Do you wish to use it now?"

"This... use it. Let me see what kind of magical effect it has. If the results are mediocre, I'm giving you a bad review."

"This system does not accept any evaluations or criticisms. Commencing use."

As soon as he said that, he felt the bones and muscles in his face become active, constantly shifting positions. Feng Yao instinctively covered his face.

The ninjas nearby didn't know what was happening, but the moment Feng Yao took his hands away from his face, everyone's minds went slightly blank, and a single thought surfaced in their heads:

How can there be such a beautiful person in this world?

Feng Yao's features now looked as if they had been carved by the world's most exquisite sculptor; his features were more precise than the parts of a machine, possessing an aura of natural perfection. If someone with this face were a woman, she would surely be a beauty capable of toppling kingdoms.

In particular, his deep, dark blue pupils made everyone present feel a sense of intimacy when they met his gaze.

"What happened to your face? It's different from just a moment ago."

Even Zabuza took a few deep breaths. First, he was shocked by the change in the other's appearance, and second, he discovered that when he met the other's eyes, he couldn't help but feel a sense of closeness.

But Zabuza was no ordinary man, and he quickly recovered.

"Eh! What's wrong with my face? Has it changed that much?"

Feng Yao felt uncomfortable under the gazes of surprise and obsession surrounding him. Since the room was filled with grown men looking at him with such lustful eyes, it was even more unbearable than fighting Zabuza. Zabuza tossed a mirror over to him.

"Take a look for yourself."

He had originally thought the people around him were just perverts who had been starved for years, getting so excited over a man's face, but when he looked into the mirror, he was stunned. This was a world of difference from his previous self.

It was ten thousand times better than any plastic surgery clinic; after all, surgery could never achieve such a natural, seamless feel. Even he felt a bit of an impulse looking at this face.

"Damn, System, your pill is too OP. It's a waste that you didn't find a plastic surgeon to be your host."

"Products from this System are always top-tier."

After a moment of silence, Feng Yao returned the mirror and took the opportunity to ask Haku for a mask. He didn't want to be stared at by this group of men any longer. Once he put the mask on, the gazes of the people around him were no longer as scorching as before.

"It seems you really have quite a few secrets. I'm becoming more and more interested in our deal."

Watching Feng Yao's recent transformation, Zabuza said with a gloomy expression.

He had never seen anyone capable of changing their face so drastically in such a short time, and this wasn't some kind of genjutsu.

The stronger the other party was, the more help it would be for his future attack on Kirigakure, but one still had to be wary of someone with such formidable power.

Feng Yao gave a light cough.

"It's just a small trick, no need to pay it any mind."

Zabuza glanced at his trusted subordinates and issued his command.

"From this day forward, this person is our new leader. Whatever orders he gives, you must carry them out without defiance."

Feng Yao nodded at the crowd as a greeting.

Just then, an angry voice suddenly came from outside. The target of the words was none other than Zabuza Momochi.

"Zabuza, you useless fool! I paid a high price to hire you, yet your two pathetic subordinates couldn't even touch the target before being taken out by who knows who. They've already reached the bridge—how are you going to answer to me?"

Hearing this, Zabuza looked toward the corner. Feng Yao guiltily rubbed his nose, silently responding in his heart that those two would have been useless anyway; it was better that he had dealt with them himself. Zabuza swung the Kubikiribōchō directly and warned:

"Gato, don't waste your breath. Next time, I will handle it personally. You don't need to worry your head about it."

Looking at the Kubikiribōchō less than half a meter from his face, Gato swallowed nervously. In truth, the blade should have reached Gato's face, but Feng Yao had interrupted part of it.

However, the Kubikiribōchō could regenerate its blade by absorbing the iron content from the blood of others, so there was no need to worry.

"Th-then I'll leave it to you. Don't make any more mistakes... There seem to be powerful ninja over there, and I see you... you're injured. Will there be a problem?"

Looking at Zabuza, Gato was fearful but still voiced his concerns. He wasn't worried about Zabuza, but rather that Zabuza wouldn't be able to complete the mission.

"Hmph, rest easy. Just be ready to collect their corpses."

Zabuza replied to Gato in a gloomy tone, then had Haku chase the group away.

After Haku returned, he looked at the injured Zabuza and said with concern:

"Zabuza-san, your injuries are not suitable for an assassination mission right now. I don't think it's necessary to strike now."

An assassin must have absolute certainty for a one-hit kill. If the first strike fails, the opponent will be on guard, and Zabuza was clearly not at his peak.

"Don't worry, they are just a few Konoha ninja. You will come with me, Haku."

Zabuza did not yet know that the one who had come from Konoha this time was Hatake Kakashi, known as the Copy Ninja. If he had known, he would certainly have been more cautious.

However, Feng Yao didn't intend to tell him. It would be best to let Zabuza get hammered half to death by the opponent, and then he could step in to save him, taking the opportunity to farm some favorability.

Just as he was thinking this, Zabuza suddenly turned his head toward him.

"Leader, I need to go complete the employer's mission now. Do you have any other business?"

"Go ahead, I'll be staying in this vicinity for a while. I just heard you say the opponents are Konoha ninja. You are the pillar of my organization and a subordinate I value highly, so please, be very careful..."

Although he said this on the surface, Feng Yao knew very well that Zabuza would definitely get beaten to a pulp this time. He would sneakily follow behind later; it would be a loss if this subordinate he had worked so hard to recruit were killed.

"Host, your concern is truly hypocritical and disgusting. This System is about to vomit."

"Hmph! You have no vision. This is called the art of managing subordinates. Go read a book."

But clearly, Feng Yao's art of management needed improvement, as both Zabuza and Haku were looking at him with expressions of utter disgust.

"Next time... it's better not to say things like that. It's too sickening."

"Zabuza-san, it seems we made a wrong choice."

Having said that, the two left, leaving Feng Yao alone, disheveled in the wind.