"Mr. Tazuna, before we reach the pier, I need to ask you clearly—who attacked you, and why? Otherwise, our mission may end the moment you step off the boat."
It was originally supposed to be a C-rank mission, yet they were attacked. Based on the situation, this no longer qualified as a C-rank task.
Still, Kakashi was curious about the reason behind the attack. As for why he didn't immediately retreat with Naruto and the others—it was because he had full confidence in himself. Not to mention... Naruto's Nine Tails.
Kakashi had already learned from Naruto that the seal on the Nine Tails had been released.
And if there had been no incidents after unsealing it... then that meant they had another perfect Jinchūriki.
All in all, whether the enemy was human or not, they could retreat safely.
Now that things had come to this point, Mr. Tazuna had no choice but to speak up.
"It seems I have to explain. Please, listen. As you said, this might already be beyond the scope of your mission. In truth, my life has long been targeted by someone terrifying."
"Someone terrifying?"
Kakashi and the others exchanged confused glances.
"Who is it?" Kakashi asked.
"You've probably heard of him. He's a wealthy businessman, the head of a shipping company—a man named Gato."
The moment he said that name, Kakashi's expression shifted. As for Naruto and the other two, they looked clueless. They'd spent most of their lives in the village, rarely hearing about the outside world.
If Menma were here, he'd be drooling just at the mention of Gato's name.
Menma: Your uncle! Do I still need to make money? Do I still need to write novels? Do I still need to drive Kurama around town? I'd just rob Gato—that fat, juicy tuna.
Gato was a well-known tycoon in the Naruto world.
"What? Who? Who's that?" Naruto asked curiously. He'd never heard his brother mention this guy.
Mr. Tazuna continued, "On the surface, he's a shipping magnate. But behind the scenes, he uses thugs and rogue ninjas to traffic drugs and contraband. Eventually, he even began taking over companies and small nations—living off shady dealings.
About a year ago, he set his sights on the Land of Waves. Using his wealth and violence, he instantly monopolized all sea transport and shipping routes."
"For an island nation like the Land of Waves, controlling the sea means controlling all commerce, politics, and the people. The only thing Gato fears now is the completion of the bridge we've been building."
After hearing Mr. Tazuna's explanation, the team finally understood what was really going on.
But Kakashi still had one question. He looked at Mr. Tazuna and asked, "If the enemy is that dangerous—someone who can hire ninjas—why hide the truth from us and request only a C-rank mission?"
"The Land of Waves is incredibly poor—even the feudal lords have no money."
When Tazuna said this, Naruto couldn't help but recall how his brother used to borrow money from the Third Hokage when they were kids.
He hadn't understood back then. But now, he realized how hard it had been for Menma.
"As for me, I'm even worse off. I couldn't afford the high cost of a B-rank mission. But if you cancel the mission once we land, I'll definitely be killed before I even make it home."
"But don't worry about me. If I die, it's just my adorable 8-year-old grandson who'll cry all day. Oh, and then my daughter will hate Konoha ninjas for the rest of her life, and live out her days in loneliness..."
Kakashi: "…"
Sasuke: "…"
Sakura: "…"
Naruto finally said, "Uncle Tazuna, if you hadn't said that last part, I would've helped you without hesitation. But after hearing that… I feel like you're kind of emotionally manipulating us."
He added, "Now the decision is in our hands."
Naruto may have seemed simple and honest on the outside, but growing up with Menma had taught him well—he was sharper than most gave him credit for.
Mr. Tazuna was stunned. This little brat isn't easy to fool!
"It's nothing. It's not your fault," Mr. Tazuna replied sheepishly.
Naruto continued, "Still, Uncle Tazuna—I've decided to help you. I don't want your grandson to lose someone he loves, like I did."
Then he turned to Kakashi. "Mr. Kakashi, I'll cover the cost of the mission on Mr. Tazuna's behalf."
If they wanted to continue, Kakashi had to agree. And to convince him, Naruto was willing to upgrade the mission and make up the pay.
As for the enemy? What was there to fear?
I've got Kurama. Kurama can fly, tunnel, and fight. He's all-powerful. Right, Kurama?
Naruto couldn't help but flatter the Nine Tails.
Kurama:That's more like it, brat. Finally saying something smart.
The flattery worked wonders.
Kurama:No matter how many show up, I'll slash them all down with a single claw! If they're not dead, they'll be half-dead!
Naruto:Whoa, you're incredible, Kurama!
Kurama:Of course!
"Are you rich?" Kakashi asked.
"Ah… My brother is. I'll ask him to pay when we get back," Naruto said without hesitation.
"Hahaha! You're not afraid Menma will beat you to death?" Kakashi burst out laughing.
At that, Naruto's body trembled. Will he beat me to death...? Probably not... right?
Kakashi looked at Mr. Tazuna and said, "Fine. We don't have much of a choice anyway. We'll continue to protect you."
Tazuna's face lit up. "Oh! Thank you so much!" He then turned to Naruto. "Thank you too. May I ask your name?"
"My name is Naruto—Naruto Uzumaki! Oh, and I have an older brother—Menma Uzumaki. My brother is amazing!" Naruto began proudly praising his brother.
Sasuke: "…"
Sakura: "…"
The two of them exchanged knowing glances. Here we go again.
Anytime Naruto had the chance, he'd talk about his brother.
"Well then, I hope I get the chance to meet your brother," Mr. Tazuna said politely.
"Sure! When the bridge is done, I'll ask my brother to bring me here again. Uncle, you better treat us to a feast!" Naruto grinned.
(Menma: I never agreed to that!)
Kakashi couldn't help laughing at Naruto's enthusiasm. I can't wait to see Menma's expression when we return to the village… o(￣︶￣)o
He was definitely in a good mood.
(End Of Chapter)
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