After resolving the problems in Kirigakure, Madara Uchiha returned to the Land of Waves, where Tazuna's bridge construction was in full swing.
According to the information from Madara's Shadow Clone, Sasuke and the others had encountered no problems during his several days away—which was only natural. After all, Madara had sent people to raid the home base of Gato, the man trying to stop them, so there were no obstacles left.
"Hey, hey, hey! What are you doing here? What, do you want another fight with us?"
Two days after Madara returned, he was watching Sasuke and the others help build the bridge when two unexpected visitors arrived—Zabuza and Haku appeared before him once again.
Naruto, who had already encountered Zabuza and Haku, was naturally on edge, while Sasuke and Sakura moved to shield Tazuna.
"I can't see eye to eye with those higher-ups in Kirigakure. Kid, I still haven't repaid what I owe you. Got any use for me?"
From Madara's perspective, helping him infiltrate Kirigakure had been Zabuza's greatest value. After killing the Fourth Mizukage, Madara had actually removed Zabuza's Cursed Seal. He hadn't expected the man to remain willing to follow him after gaining both his freedom and a place in Kirigakure.
From Zabuza's perspective, Madara had liberated Kirigakure, which left him in Madara's debt. Zabuza disliked owing people favors, and he really couldn't see eye to eye with Ao and Mei Terumi anyway. He might as well follow Madara.
"You won't be all that useful, but you aren't completely useless either. If you want to serve under me, go report to Ajin. There'll be a place for both of you in Konoha."
"Kirigakure wants to form an alliance with Konoha?"
While Zabuza was pledging his loyalty to Madara, the information Madara had instructed Kaito to