Tazuna took a gulp of sake, his face fierce. "Gato. He's one of the top billionaires in the world. On the surface, he's the president of a shipping company, but behind the scenes, he uses gangs and ninja to traffic drugs and contraband."
"Previously, seeing that the Land of Waves was isolated and helpless, he used violence to monopolize all maritime transport and trade!"
"Now, the entire Land of Waves is like a plaything in the palm of his hand! Prices have skyrocketed, taxes are heavy, and anyone who dares to resist him mysteriously vanishes."
"Our country has been completely controlled by him, turning into a poor, desperate place with no future!"
His voice was emotional, and his fists were clenched tightly.
"The bridge I am building is the bridge of hope leading the Land of Waves to the future! Once completed, it will break Gato's absolute monopoly on maritime transport! Goods and people will be able to travel back and forth freely, and the Land of Waves can regain its vitality! Gato's ruling foundation will also be shaken as a result!"
Tazuna turned his head, looking at Kakashi Hatake and Team 7, his face filled with bitterness and apology.
"That's why Gato will never allow this bridge to be built. The assassins he sends aren't just targeting me, the person in charge of building the bridge, but are meant to destroy the last hope of the people of the Land of Waves!"
"I truly couldn't afford the high reward for a B-Rank Mission or higher, so I had to conceal some facts on the mission request form and register it as an ordinary B-rank escort mission."
"I'm sorry for dragging you all, especially these children, into such a dangerous matter."
After speaking, as if drained of all strength, he