"We used to be enemies. Why did you hire me?" Zabuza Momochi asked. The question had baffled him for days and nights, and he simply could not figure it out.
"Didn't I tell you?" Naruto explained. "You're practically the most conscientious employees ever—no, the most conscientious ninja. That Gato guy is completely unscrupulous and a terrible person. You took Gato's money and were willing to work hard for someone like him. Just based on that alone, I came to like you."
"Oh! That's all?" Zabuza Momochi said. "Aren't you afraid that if someone offers us a higher price, we'll cut off your head? I'm Zabuza the Demon!"
"Because I can offer the highest price that no one else can afford!" Naruto said proudly. "I can give you a home!"
Zabuza Momochi and Haku were both shocked!
Zabuza Momochi was a rogue ninja from Amegakure, listed as Amegakure's number-one wanted criminal. No matter where he fled, he would be hunted down, never to know a day of peace.
Haku was a homeless orphan. Wandering the streets, he happened to meet Zabuza Momochi, another lost soul in this world. The two had joined forces, and Haku followed Zabuza down a blood-soaked, wandering road.
"Hahahaha." Zabuza Momochi shook his head and said mockingly, "What you mean is that you want to recruit us? You've got some nerve. I don't even know how many arrogant people like you my Kubikiribōchō has beheaded."
"Not recruit—take you in," Naruto said. "What does Amegakure amount to? They might dare hunt you across the world, but they would never dare enter Konoha. Only in Konoha can you live peacefully."
"Only in Konoha can you finally stop and rest."
Zabuza Momochi was moved. "What makes you think I'll agree?"
"Because you were willing to risk your life for Gato," Naruto said. "You were willing to work for Gato for money, but what you truly need isn't money—it's a stable, safe home. You want to use money to flee somewhere without ninja."
"But no such place can exist in this world. Only Konoha, a village full of ninja, can bring you peace. The only place where you can settle down and make a life for yourselves is—Konoha."
"..." Zabuza Momochi fell silent.
"..." Haku also fell silent. As he looked at Naruto, a strange light appeared in his eyes.
"You're only a Genin. Even if you stand out in the Chunin Ninja Exams, you'll only become a Chunin," Zabuza Momochi said skeptically. "What gives you the right to make Konoha protect us?"
"Because I'm the future Hokage," Naruto said. "I'm definitely going to become Hokage. Whether I can become Hokage will require your help as well. Once I become Hokage, I'll set the rules of this village."
Haku smiled happily.
"Hahahaha!" Zabuza Momochi laughed wildly. "I must be crazy, listening to a Genin brat spout nonsense."
"Either way, you won't lose out," Naruto said. "While I employ you, not a single cent will be missing. I'll let you see the day I become Hokage."
"Remember this: before I become Hokage, you must hide your identities and avoid drawing attention. Once I become Hokage, you'll be able to live openly in Konoha."
Naruto left the forest, leaving Zabuza Momochi and Haku standing there in the wind. Haku looked at Zabuza expectantly. After thinking for a long time, Zabuza, whose heart was as hard as steel, said, "Haku, how about we trust that kid just once?"
"Mm." Haku nodded happily.
Naruto was walking down the streets of Konoha when Sasuke and Sakura ran over. Sakura said, "Naruto, where did you run off to? We've been looking for you forever."
"I was looking for you too, but I couldn't find you anywhere," Naruto said in frustration. "I was even worried you might have gotten lost."
With a loud thud, Sakura's iron fist slammed into Naruto's head. "What nonsense are you talking about? Sasuke and I obviously went to find Kakashi-sensei. We found out the time and place for the next exam. You're the only one who disappeared without a trace."
Naruto squatted on the ground, clutching his head. A good man doesn't fight with women. With how unreasonable Sakura is, aside from that idiot Sasuke, who would ever want her? Compared to my Hinata, she's miles behind...
Some time later, the many Genin examinees gathered in the wilderness. Mitaraishi Anko, the chief examiner for the second round, had been waiting there early. Once everyone had arrived, she began announcing the rules.
Vulture cries echoed through the sky, while roars of wild beasts reverberated from the towering mountains all around. Insects chirped from hiding, birds fell silent, and everything spoke of the danger of this place.
"This place really gives me the creeps." After staying there for a while, Sakura felt goosebumps rise all over her body.
"That's right. This place is called the Forest of Death. You'll experience it for yourselves," Mitaraishi Anko said with a smile. "You'll personally learn what wilderness survival means." Because Mitaraishi Anko had such a voluptuous figure, the full parts of her body bounced as she spoke and laughed.
Naruto immediately copied her mannerisms. "That's right. This place is called the Forest of Death. You'll experience it for yourselves. You'll personally learn what wilderness survival means."
As Naruto spoke, he struck flirtatious poses. From the way he looked, he was clearly mocking Mitaraishi Anko, the chief examiner.
"..." Sakura froze. Naruto's got way too much nerve. Is he not afraid of dying...?
Sure enough, a sharp kunai came flying toward Naruto. Naruto leaped with the momentum, startling even Mitaraishi Anko.
The kunai grazed past Naruto's ribs, slicing through his clothes and leaving a long cut beneath his ribs. Blood immediately began to flow.
Is he an idiot?! Mitaraishi Anko cried inwardly. The kunai I threw was only meant to scare him. It was supposed to pass by his face, leaving at most a small cut on it. He actually jumped up to meet the kunai himself. Is he trying to use my hand to kill himself...?
The kunai that had grazed Naruto's ribs did not stop. It shot straight toward a ninja standing some distance away.
Under everyone's shocked gazes, that ninja suddenly extended a tongue over three feet long and caught the kunai firmly with it.
Naruto glanced back. Tch, even Anko's thrown kunai couldn't do anything to him? I deliberately provoked Anko to make her throw that kunai, then used my body to shift its direction. I wanted to test him... I didn't expect him to neutralize it so easily. As expected of Orochimaru, one of Konoha's Three Legendary Ninja...
Naruto's injury was minor, merely a scrape on the skin beneath his ribs. This time, Mitaraishi Anko was truly furious. She felt that this examinee had deliberately come looking for trouble.
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