When Goku mentioned Master Roshi's classic teachings, Bai's calm eyes flickered with a hint of emotion.
Not just him—Zabuza, and even Kakashi, Naruto, and Sasuke, who had just arrived nearby, all reacted in their own ways to the words:
"Exercise well, study well, and live a good life."
"Enjoy a happy, interesting, and energetic life?" Kakashi repeated the phrase, admiration shining in his eyes.
"This Master Roshi… he seems like someone who has reached an extremely high spiritual level!"
Naruto pinched his chin thoughtfully and nodded seriously.
"Well, isn't this basically my life right now?" he muttered to himself.
He used to do regular sit-ups, and over the past two days, he'd even tried some weight training—it was good exercise. And studying? He had actively sought Wukong's guidance on practicing Qi.
As for having fun… well, the graffiti he had left on the Hokage Rock should count, right? And eating, resting, living—he seemed to have all that covered too.
So, by Kakashi's assessment, he really was an expert!
A grin spread across his face at the thought.
Sasuke, noticing Naruto's expression, turned his head with a scowl.
"Idiot," he muttered under his breath.
Inside, he seethed: Happy and interesting? Ever since that man interfered, those things don't exist in my life anymore!
Pat.
At that moment, Bai slowly removed the mask covering his face, revealing features so strikingly beautiful that even the moon and the flowers would pale in comparison.
"A girl? A girl?!" Naruto blurted out, stunned.
He never expected the person who had tormented him and Sasuke earlier to be a girl of their own age.
Sasuke's shock mirrored Naruto's as he turned toward the figure after hearing the exclamation.
"I… I lost to a girl again!" he muttered, clenching his fists in frustration.
He had already been defeated by Sakura in tree climbing, and now he had lost in battle to a girl his own age. When, he wondered bitterly, would he get his revenge on that man?
Just as his frustration threatened to overwhelm him, Bai's calm voice steadied him slightly.
"No, I'm a boy," Bai said softly, smiling gently at Naruto.
Then, turning to Wukong, he asked sincerely, "Excuse me, who is the Turtle Hermit you're talking about, and where does he live? If possible, I would like to ask him some questions in person."
Wukong scratched his face, a little embarrassed.
"Ah… this one…" he muttered. Quickly, he checked in his mind whether Shenlong could send Master Roshi over or send Shiro. After receiving a negative answer, he forced a small smile.
"You probably won't get to meet him anymore."
Bai's expression fell slightly. Thinking that Master Roshi had passed away, he stopped asking and instead turned to Zabuza, who had remained silent.
"Master Zabuza, do you like this kind of life? Or would you accept me living this life with you?"
Zabuza's gaze flicked between Bai and the surrounding group—Goku, Kakashi, and the others—before he sneered.
"Bai, you're too naive. Do you really think they won't kill us?"
Before Bai could respond, Wukong tilted his head curiously.
"You're not evil people. Why would I kill you?"
Kakashi, observing the non-lethal wounds covering Naruto and Sasuke, nodded in agreement.
"As long as you no longer intend to kill Mr. Dazna, we can let you go."
Bai looked at Zabuza and smiled faintly, as if to silently say: Master Zabuza, what reason do you have to refuse now?
Zabuza's face remained uncertain—until an arrogant voice interrupted from nearby.
"Tsk tsk… isn't this the famous Kirigakure? And yet, he's on his knees?"
"Look at him! Doesn't he look like a dog? Hahaha!"
A short, stout man in a suit and sunglasses swaggered over from the bridge, laughing as hundreds of men surrounded him.
He was the mastermind who had hired Zabuza and his team to assassinate Dazna—a wealthy tycoon controlling sea trade routes to island nations like the Land of Waves. The bridge Dazna planned to build would connect the Wave Country with the mainland, cutting off Cardo's monopoly and ruining his fortune. That's why he had spent a fortune hiring ninjas to eliminate him.
Zabuza's repeated failures, however, made Cardo doubt even the strength of skilled ninjas. Secretly, he had hired hundreds of wandering warriors, planning to crush them all at once and complete his plan while saving money—killing two birds with one stone.
Hearing his laughter, his men laughed grimly in response.
"Yeah! What's the big deal? I could beat him with one hand!"
Zabuza, ignoring the ridicule, lowered his head in thought.
Seeing Zabuza silent, Cardo's interest waned. He turned toward Dazna, who watched calmly from behind the crowd, and grinned maliciously.
"Old man, do you know who these two are?"
He clapped his hands, and his men brought two figures forward from the crowd.
"Tsunami! Inari!"
Dazna's calmness remained; he believed that even though Zabuza had been defeated, these newcomers could not make a significant impact. But Cardo was utterly shameless—he had secretly captured Dazna's daughter and grandson.
"Old man," Cardo sneered, "if you want them alive, kill yourself."
He pressed a knife against Inari's neck, showing he had already captured them as bargaining chips.
"You despicable villain!" Dazna roared, stepping forward—but Sakura held him back.
"Mr. Dazna, Mr. Kakashi and the others will save Tsuna-nee and Inari," she said firmly.
Frustrated, Cardo raised the knife. "So, you want your grandson to die, then!" he shouted, making a chopping motion.
At that critical moment, Wukong appeared before him. His hand shot out, grabbing the knife and crushing it effortlessly.
Click. Click. Click. The fine steel weapon shattered like tofu in Wukong's grip.
"You are truly hateful," Wukong said, loosening his hands, letting the debris fall.
Cardo's face drained of color as he stepped back repeatedly, terrified.
At the same time, Kakashi appeared and rescued Tsunami and Inari. Seeing his leverage vanish, Cardo's rage boiled over.
"Everyone! Kill them!" he barked.
His men charged at Wukong—but the next moment, a feral growl escaped him:
"Ha—!!!"
Sun Wukong clenched his fists, unleashing a powerful aura that seemed almost tangible, surging toward the wandering warriors with overwhelming force.
"Whaaaaaa!!"
Before they could reach him, the warriors were hurled backward, unconscious before they hit the ground.
In less than two seconds, Cardo was left standing alone in front of Wukong.
Bang!
"I give up! I give up!!" he cried, collapsing to his knees.
"I… I have vast wealth! All of it can be yours—just let me live!"
Wukong pinched his chin thoughtfully.
"You said you have a lot of money?"
"Yes! Yes! Lots and lots of money!!" Cardo stammered, trembling.