Zabuza and Haku, early rivals to the protagonists, weren't exactly rich—just not poor.
To overthrow the Fourth Mizukage, controlled by Obito, Zabuza took on countless assassination jobs.
By now…
He'd likely saved a decent sum.
But in the Land of Waves arc, Shen Mo's real interest was Kado, the so-called top-tier global merchant.
Why?
His vibe was just too low.
Touted as controlling a nation, yet without a single decent guard, arrogant, blind to power gaps, and finally hiring bandits to strut out, drawing aggro, only to be easily killed by a bloodied Zabuza.
How such a man built a trade empire—or even survived—was baffling.
Regardless…
Shen Mo planned to check it out himself. No money-making chance could be missed.
"The plot where they meet Momochi Zabuza seems to happen on the first day."
Shen Mo mused, glancing at the eager Tsunade, deciding not to rush over. Instead, he used the System to exchange for a magic world's remote scrying spell in his mind.
Since Sasuke had a badge…
He could easily pinpoint them.
Projecting the scene from a bird's-eye view in his mind, Shen Mo casually strolled with Tsunade, the old auntie.
…
Naruto and Sasuke…
Had already faced Kado's first wave of assassins.
Unlike the original plot, Sasuke shone brighter, and Naruto wasn't frozen in his first life-or-death fight. Shen Mo's earlier words had planted seeds of courage, making him act eagerly.
As for Sakura…
Well, her Stand Still Jutsu was mastered.
Shen Mo's lips twitched with a wry smile.
No helping it—Sakura had no cash or chakra, no knack for creating jutsu, zero trade value, and no training potential.
But Nohara Rin…
True to her war-era roots, though not strong, her sharpness and awareness were solid, causing Kakashi no trouble.
The group reached the Land of Waves.
"Damn it, Sasuke, leave me one! I haven't tested my Gauntlet of Justice's crit!" "You're just too weak." "Argh, next time I won't let you steal the spotlight!" "Heehee, Kakashi… your students are like us back then," Rin said, sticking by Kakashi, her eyes crescent moons when she smiled, drawing his gaze. Despite being their age, she placed herself as an elder.
Quite lively.
Shen Mo watched with relish, like binging an anime, a unique feeling.
But…
He spotted Momochi Zabuza, hiding in the woods.
Black short hair, nearly bare torso showing lean, honed muscles, tall frame, plus that oversized blade on his back. Even with bandages wrapping his mouth and neck, he exuded a sharp aura, his weathered eyes adding to his striking look.
No wonder even Haku, the super-cute boy, was smitten.
Now…
Zabuza eyed the group below, focus locked on Kakashi.
Konoha's Copy Ninja, huh?
"Hmph," his bandaged mouth seemed to sneer. "Looks like a decent foe…!?"
A sharp presence behind him made his heart race. He leaped instinctively as a blade flashed where his neck had been.
It was Sasuke, wielding a Qingfeng Sharp Sword.
It's on!
Shen Mo felt like he was watching a movie's climax.
"You dodged," Sasuke said, holding the Qingfeng, standing on a branch, coldly staring at Zabuza. "You're different from the others."
"This brat…"
Zabuza gripped his giant blade's handle, eyeing Sasuke, his narrow eyes squinting.
He'd snuck up silently.
And that sword's speed…
Since when did Konoha have such a young monster?
"Damn it, Sasuke, stealing the show again!" Naruto, seeing Sasuke shine, charged at Zabuza, fists swinging. "This time, watch me!"
"Just a normal brat," Zabuza muttered, seeing Naruto's sloppy rush, readying his blade to grab him for a hostage or mind games.
Then, Naruto's gauntleted right fist slammed into the blade.
Boom!
A dull impact rang out, the gauntlet glinting. Air pressure exploded.
Before Zabuza's hand reached Naruto, a massive, unexpected force hit.
He and his blade flew sideways.
Crash! He smashed into a tree.
Critical hit!
Naruto stared at his fist, stunned, hardly believing it.
This… was a crit's power!
How? It didn't even hit him directly, but this feeling—so thrilling!
Super satisfying!
Shen Mo, spying, chuckled inwardly.
Beyond the joy of gaining power, the even sweeter thrill of using it in battle was a surefire way to hook players into spending. Satisfaction was key—even a gacha game was for fun.
But Zabuza wasn't having fun.
His wrist tingled, his heart reeling.
A brat's strength?
If that fist hit his head, even he'd spin three loops midair.
Was this Konoha's monster squad?
"Aren't you Momochi Zabuza, the rogue ninja from Mist?" Kakashi said, hands in pockets, strolling over, glancing at Naruto's gauntlet, a bit amazed.
That punch…
Was at least 200% Naruto's normal strength.
An idea sparked.
"Copy Ninja, Kakashi," Zabuza said, standing, slinging his oversized blade over his shoulder. "Didn't think the famed Kakashi would be a babysitter now."
Zabuza felt a sinking dread.
Kakashi alone was pressure enough.
Now, add these monstrous brats.
"Babysitter? Nah," Kakashi said, shaking his head. "Just their team sensei. Perfect, actually—you'll teach them plenty."
"Oh?" Zabuza's gaze darkened.
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