Zabuza, feeling the changes in his body, looked in amazement as his wounds healed rapidly.
'This speed of recovery... is even faster than Medical Ninjutsu.'
'No, at least several times faster!'
'Is this... a miracle?'
No matter how Zabuza tried to sense it, the person before him seemed like an ordinary human.
There was nothing unusual about him.
But the more ordinary he seemed, the more Zabuza felt a sense of awe.
'The strength of this person... must be far beyond the limits of what I could perceive!'
As someone famous throughout the ninja world for his Silent Killing technique, Zabuza knew how difficult it was to conceal one's presence! Especially in such a face-to-face situation!
---
Suddenly, Haku, who had been unconscious, opened his eyes.
In a weak voice, he asked, "Zabuza-sama... where are we?"
Hearing Haku's voice, Zabuza couldn't contain his joy. He had never imagined Haku could survive.
All of this was thanks to the person before him.
Before Zabuza could speak, Yuto smiled at the two of them and said, "You're still on the bridge, but I saved you."
"In exchange, you need to agree to a condition of mine."
'As expected...'
Zabuza spoke solemnly, "Sir... please state your condition."
In his words, Zabuza placed himself in a very humble position.
It was clear how much respect he had for Yuto.
Yuto spoke the words he had rehearsed in his mind several times, "The condition is... you two come back to Konoha with me."
---
"Wha…what?"
"How is this possible? What does this guy think he's doing?"
"Who does he think he is? How can he just let Missing-nin into the village?"
---
Before Zabuza and Haku could respond, the three Anbu's members hiding in the shadows were already in an uproar.
Even Kakashi, who was standing nearby, looked surprised, his expression filled with disbelief.
Kakashi naturally recognized who the newcomer was, but he didn't speak up rashly.
He remained silent, quietly watching Yuto's performance.
Zabuza also wore a look of astonishment. "This... how is that possible? I'm a Missing-nin."
Moreover, even if there was a chance to join, Zabuza wasn't interested in it.
With his strength, he had held a respectable position in Kirigakure.
The reason he had assassinated the Mizukage and defected was because he still had feelings for the village... not for the Mizukage.
As for today's battle, it was also for his own ambition.
Yuto had indeed considered this point. He wasn't sure if Konoha had any way to accommodate Zabuza and the others.
"Hmm, I see... that's troublesome. Kakashi, can Zabuza and the others stay outside the village?"
Seeing Yuto's question, Kakashi realized Yuto was determined to keep Zabuza. Although he didn't know why, he answered truthfully.
"No, their status as Missing-nin means they can't legally enter any nation's borders."
Yuto wasn't ready to give up and asked, "Is there no other way?"
Kakashi shook his head, "Sorry... there isn't."
---
"Hey, does this guy know Captain Kakashi or something?"
"What a delusional idea! Trying to bring Missing-nin into the village? Elephant, what do you think?"
"Quiet, I'm thinking."
---
At this time, the mist still lingered, thick and unyielding.
From within the mist, three figures slowly emerged.
At the forefront was a woman with a curvaceous figure and a beautiful face.
The woman walked up to the group and smiled softly, "It seems I haven't arrived too late."
Everyone looked over, their expressions varying.
'Terumi Mei?!'
'And the two beside her were... Ao and Chojuro!'
Since Yuto wasn't using the Mayfly Technique at the moment, he had no idea the three had arrived.
Kakashi's expression remained unchanged, while Naruto was completely stunned.
'Why did a bunch of unfamiliar faces suddenly show up just as things were winding down?'
Zabuza didn't hide the surprise on his face.
"Te… Terumi Mei?! What are you doing here?"
As fellow high-level combatants from Kirigakure, Zabuza and Mei were clearly acquainted.
Mei's smile remained as she said, "Heh, Zabuza, it's been a while..."
"Why are you here? To hunt me down?"
Zabuza's tone gradually grew serious, as if he was ready to fight at any moment.
"Ara, ara, it's been so long since we last met. Why start a fight right away?"
Zabuza silently complained in his heart, 'This crazy woman, what does she want?'
Zabuza knew Mei was just as ruthless as he was, otherwise, how could she have survived in Kirigakure until now?
"Then why are you here? Answer my question."
Seeing Zabuza so impatient, Mei's smile curved into an even more charming arc. She reached behind her and pulled out a prepared hat, placing it on her head.
The hat, made of blue and white, had a single word prominently displayed on it.
[Water]
"Huh? This is…"
Zabuza was shocked. The man who had just killed dozens of thugs without batting an eye now couldn't hide the panic on his face.
He knew exactly what this was, the symbol of the Mizukage.
Which meant, he should now address Mei as the 'Fifth Mizukage.'
Haku, who had just regained consciousness, quickly stepped forward to support Zabuza, "Zabuza-sama, please calm down!"
---
After a while, Zabuza finally come to terms with this reality, and couldn't help but laugh at himself: "Haha... I actually lost to a woman?"
"I'll take that as a compliment to my abilities."
Mei wasn't offended at all, maintaining her ladylike demeanor.
"Young man, you seem unfamiliar. I heard you wanted to invite Zabuza to Konoha?"
Yuto glanced at the remaining time on his Kamui Mangekyo, 'Hmm, still about seven minutes left. No problem, I could keep up the act for a bit longer.'
"Yes, ma'am."
Yuto thought to himself, 'This might just work out.'
'But from what I remembered, Mei shouldn't have become the Mizukage yet, right?'
'She should have taken the position just before the Fourth Ninja World War.
"Terumi Mei, what exactly happened?"
Zabuza's expression turned fierce as he questioned her.
"How can you be so rude to a lady?"
Mei rolled her eyes at Zabuza, then turned to look at Kakashi and said:
"I think we can head to Konoha first. I've come with sincerity..."
Kakashi also had to be careful at this time, because the three before him were all high-level combatants from Kirigakure, and Zabuza was still a wildcard.
'But fortunately...' Kakashi glanced toward Yuto.
Yuto understood what he meant immediately, 'Damn... you're not expecting me to handle this, are you?'
"Cough, Kakashi, this is your call to make."
At this time, Mei also spoke up, "No need to worry. You're the famous Copy Ninja Kakashi, after all..."
"Besides, don't you have three Anbu hiding nearby? Why be afraid of a weak woman like me?"
'A weak woman...'
The corner of Kakashi's mouth twitched. Although Mei's reputation wasn't as fearsome as Zabuza's, Kakashi didn't dare underestimate her.
"Tenzo, Elephant, Yugao... come out."
Under Zabuza's disbelieving gaze, three figures wearing animal masks descended from the distance...
Yuto quietly fed an unconscious Sasuke a Healing Pill, then slipped away from the group and used the Mayfly Technique to return to the village ahead of everyone else.