What Gato thought or planned, Shen Mo knew but didn't care.
To convert traded wealth or items into universal trading points, both parties' consent and a value ratio within a set range were needed.
Meaning…
Gato paid, and no matter how harsh Shen Mo was, he had to give items worth at least a fifth of the price.
So now, Gato was a near-Kage-level, short but fierce Martial Artist.
"Pity, deals with tycoons shouldn't be too frequent," Shen Mo said with a pleased smile, muttering regretfully to himself. "Too many, and money loses value. For the long haul, I'll have to target ninjas more."
"Meow—" Hiju replied lazily, her little head unable to grasp Shen Mo's words.
"Hey, it's about to start." Shen Mo's gaze sharpened.
Excited, his form vanished like a phantom, reappearing on the sea's surface.
It was early morning.
A faint mist hung over the sea, not blocking sight but bringing a chill.
In the sea's midst, a wide bridge under construction spanned from a small island to the shore.
The exact spot of the Land of Waves arc's final battle in the original.
"The place is the same, but the people… they're completely different…"
Shen Mo murmured, his mental strength clearly sensing two figures cloaked in mist on the sea.
Zabuza and Haku.
Their attire now clashed with this world's style, more like players from a game world. From armor to clothing, all refined, aesthetic.
It was clear.
They'd fully adapted to their new powers.
The first official PVP was about to begin.
Shen Mo reviewed his plan mentally, ensuring no oversights, chuckled, and hid himself with trading points.
Now, just watch.
Zabuza and Haku spotted the Konoha ninjas on the bridge, guarding their target, Dazuna.
"Haku," Zabuza said gravely, "per the plan: I draw the brats' attention, you find an opening in the mist to kill the target. Careful—don't kill the Konoha ninjas, not even the brats. We don't know that man's stance."
Zabuza never meant to cross Konoha too far.
Learning the brats bought cans too, he was even warier.
He felt that man sold cans with a deeper purpose.
Like his first words on appearing.
—Seeking the will to change fate.
It felt…
Like they were handpicked.
"Yes, Lord Zabuza!" Haku said firmly, suiting his heart.
Haku disliked killing, only forcing himself for Zabuza's sake.
"Let's go!"
Zabuza said no more, leaping with a push, landing before Kakashi and the others, alert.
As direct as ever.
"Momochi Zabuza?"
Kakashi stared at the man with a strange weapon, clad in brownish armor, taking a moment to be sure.
His look was so different from last time.
The kicker—
"Your Decapitating Carving Knife?" Kakashi frowned.
As a former Seven Ninja Swordsman of the Mist, Zabuza's blade was more iconic than he was.
Zabuza didn't answer.
His brown eyes glanced at Sasuke and Naruto.
Sasuke seemed to misread him.
Anger flared. Sword in hand, he charged in a flash.
"You dare show up again? This time, you won't escape!"
This past week, Sasuke had time to master his new powers, leaps beyond seven days ago.
Even without Naruto…
He was confident he could fight Zabuza alone—or win!
His steps blurred like phantoms, reaching Zabuza in a blink. His sword traced an arcane path, stabbing at Zabuza's heart.
Killing intent bared!
Last time's humiliation and his resolve to temper his sword with blood left Sasuke merciless.
Clang—!
His skillful strike was blocked by Zabuza's odd weapon, sparks flying.
"Brat, alone, you're no match," Zabuza scoffed.
"Hmph." Sasuke stayed cool, lips curling up. "Worthy of a jōnin. But my sword's more than that!"
He twisted his feet, force flowing from legs to waist to arms. In an instant, his body's strength surged into his sword.
Feel my training's fruits!
Sasuke's excited gaze pictured Zabuza's weapon knocked away, even him spitting blood, flying back.
Boom—!
A clear sound rang.
Not from their clashing weapons, but from Zabuza's feet.
The concrete bridge cracked under two dented footprints.
Yet Zabuza didn't budge!
Sasuke's smile froze.
In that moment, he felt like he'd struck a boulder—no, a mountain. Even channeling his full force into one point with swordplay finesse, it stood unmoved.
Impossible!?
This was masterful sword technique!
"Brat."
Zabuza leaned down, his brown eyes like a demon's in Sasuke's view, bone-chilling killing intent hitting unrestrained.
His next words made Sasuke's pupils shrink.
"Don't think a few cans from that man make you invincible." Zabuza gripped his massive Teigu, voice icy as he snapped it open. "Or you'll die ugly—like your sword!"
The scissor-like Teigu locked Sasuke's blade in his stunned moment, then sheared down.
Crack—!
The Qingfeng Sharp Sword's faint wail hit Sasuke's ears.
In his disbelieving stare, Zabuza's arm muscles bulged, bellowing.
"Break!"
With the sound of splitting metal, Sasuke's can-drawn treasure sword shattered. A third of the blade shot off, embedding deep in the bridge.
The Qingfeng Sharp Sword… broken.
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