Localized time freeze.
Countless beings across endless worlds wield such power. Shen Mo used Amber's ability from Darker than Black, not only stopping time but selectively freeing specific people.
Of course, the age-regression side effect was erased with trading points.
This entrance, even in the Naruto world, was staggering.
Zabuza's forehead glistened with cold sweat.
"This… is your doing?"
If not genjutsu, what kind of ninjutsu was this?
"Just a small trick to avoid interruptions," Shen Mo said with a warm smile, stepping forward like a phantom to stand before Zabuza, whose pupils shrank.
Seal-less space ninjutsu?
His ninja handbook had no record of such a figure.
"No need for fear or dread," Shen Mo said, his words laced with strange charisma, unreasonably quelling their terror and even their urge to fight.
Zabuza's blade slowly lowered.
Realizing this, he plunged into deeper shock.
Controlling emotions?
What was this being?
"Allow me to introduce myself," Shen Mo said, his smile widening, as if reading Zabuza's thoughts. He waved his scepter gracefully, bowing. "I'm a merchant from another world, chasing wills that crave to change fate. Zabuza, from the moment you met me, your fate diverged."
Another world's merchant?
Zabuza didn't grasp the phrase.
But he understood one thing.
This man was beyond his defiance.
"Excuse me," Haku spoke suddenly, lifting his delicate face, asking softly, "What does a merchant sell?"
"Of course," Shen Mo glanced at the boy, easily reading his intent.
Knowing he and Zabuza couldn't resist, Haku aimed to draw attention.
A classic move to shield a comrade in crisis.
Zabuza…
Stayed silent.
"I've said it—I sell fate," Shen Mo smiled, waving his scepter again.
Instantly, the duo felt space tear around them, as if standing in an endless starry void.
Phantoms emerged.
Roaring monstrous beasts, weapons radiating blood-soaked killing intent, books glowing with mystic light… Unimaginable items, sealed by supreme power into tiny cans. In the end, only cans of various sizes floated around them.
"Mighty creatures, invincible weapons, universal knowledge… These little cans hold countless treasures to change fate," Shen Mo said, tapping a large can with his scepter. It floated to them, opening slowly.
A sword hilt with intricate patterns rose, exuding an awe-inspiring aura.
Zabuza's Decapitating Carving Knife trembled. He gripped it with both hands.
The blade was afraid.
Zabuza was certain. He'd never seen such a weapon. Just the hilt felt like it held world-shattering power, beyond mere blades.
Yet…
Shen Mo didn't let the sword fully emerge.
With a wave, it sank back, the can rejoining the floating swarm.
The cosmic scene vanished, returning them to the forest glade, still frozen.
"Now, do you see what I sell?" Shen Mo smiled elegantly. "So, want to buy some cans, try changing your fate, and fulfill your ideals?"
Gulp. A clear swallow.
Zabuza stared at Shen Mo, then at the frozen surroundings, unsure if this was genjutsu or reality, but his heart raced uncontrollably.
A merchant from another world.
Cans packed with powerful items.
If this was real, his dream—overthrowing the Mizukage, rebuilding the village…
"How… are these cans sold?" Zabuza asked, voice hoarse.
Real or not, he'd find out by trying. He had no choice anyway.
"Anything," Shen Mo said, knowing Zabuza was hooked. With a devilish smile, he added, "Money, weapons, even memories, emotions, lifespan—everything's tradable. I'll judge their value and give you enough cans."
"Anything can be sold?"
Zabuza accepted this easily, even relieved.
No free lunch.
A price meant possible gains.
But…
"My money's not on me," he said, frowning.
Over memories or lifespan, cash was the obvious choice.
For years, planning his next coup, he'd taken missions, worked, and strong-armed, amassing wealth, but didn't carry it all.
"A trifle," Shen Mo chuckled, waving his scepter. Cash, treasures, and weapons dropped from thin air, piling into a small mound.
"Lord Zabuza…" Haku's prettier-than-a-girl eyes widened.
He recognized it—their hidden coup funds, even vital supplies.
Even items stashed in secret spots appeared.
"…Worthy of an otherworldly merchant," Zabuza said, shocked but, after accepting Shen Mo's marvels, this seemed minor. Only excitement remained.
The stranger's feats grew odder.
The more likely this was real.
Shen Mo was thrilled too.
He'd run a wealth scan on Zabuza at first sight—why he'd gone all out to hook him.
No doubt…
A rogue ninja with strength, going all-in on cash, outearned most.
Zabuza was a budget Kakuzu.
His ill-gotten wealth totaled 15 million trading points, or 2.5 billion.
No wonder he was hunted.
Beyond assassinating the Mizukage, his wealth-grabbing likely played a part.
Pity…
Most tycoons' reserves were locked in bank-like institutions, heavily guarded. Otherwise, how'd Gato dare deal with a notorious jōnin like Zabuza?
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