This speed of getting stronger was truly terrifying.
"Of course. I train hard every single day. Everything I have today is all thanks to my own hard work and sweat."
"Hiss"
Although Furina was just spouting nonsense, Zabuza didn't doubt it. In his understanding, no matter how high one's talent was, hard training was still indispensable to cash in on that talent just like Furina, surpassing him at such a young age.
On the contrary, ever since he embarked on the path of a rogue, he seemed to have stopped serious training. Every day it was either carrying out missions or idling around at their base...
No, unlike this kid, at his age things were basically set in stone. No matter how hard he trained now, it would be difficult to make much progress. He had almost been led astray by this guy.
"However, Haku."
Looking at Haku standing together with Furina, chatting and laughing, Zabuza's eyes shifted slightly, as if he had thought of something.
That's right. He was getting old and it was hard for him to improve much, but Haku was different. He was a genius who had created one-handed hand seals on his own and possessed the Ice Release kekkei genkai. Apart from training intensively for a short period at the beginning, Haku had mostly been carrying out missions with him ever since, with very little time left for actual training.
Yet even with so little training time, Haku's strength had still reached a level that couldn't be underestimated. And if he could calm down and have enough time to train properly, he would definitely be far beyond his current level.
"..."
After realizing that he might have been holding Haku back, Zabuza's mindset underwent a subtle change.
He wanted to kill the Mizukage why did it have to be him doing it alone? Haku was his... companion. Zabuza didn't mind the other's help. If that was the case, if Haku could become as strong as Furina, then together with himself, taking down the Mizukage would be a piece of cake.
Once this idea appeared, many methods to assist the other in training emerged in Zabuza's mind. As he thought about it, the way Zabuza looked at Haku became somewhat meaningful.
"Hm?"
Just as Zabuza was fantasizing about the future, Haku who had been happily chatting with Furina suddenly had a bad feeling, as if something terrifying was about to happen. But when he followed the feeling and looked over, all he saw was Zabuza. How could the other have any malice toward him?
"That's strange"
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I just suddenly felt a bit strange earlier. Probably my imagination."
Hearing Furina's concern while still puzzled, Haku immediately explained what had just happened. But even as he said it, Haku didn't take it to heart. How could Mr. Zabuza possibly harm him? Absolutely impossible.
"Oh~ I see."
...
"Thank you so much, esteemed ninja lords. Please come with us to the capital. We will surely repay you properly."
After a while, Kakashi who had earlier hit a wall with Zabuza returned with Koyuki Kazahana and the manager's group. Upon meeting, the manager immediately expressed his gratitude.
And not just him the others all had smiles on their faces, excitement evident in their expressions. Clearly, Kazahana Doto's defeat had given them great encouragement, and the future seemed to hold hope.
"Don't rush to say that. By the way, what was that 'treasure' this guy mentioned earlier? Could you let me take a look too? I'm really curious about something he's so fixated on."
"This..."
Hearing Zabuza's request, the manager felt a sinking feeling. Although he didn't know exactly what the so-called treasure was, he knew it was definitely something extremely important to the Land of Snow. That's why he had kept expressing thanks from the moment they met, hoping to avoid the other party making such a request.
This tactic might work on Konoha ninjas like Furina and Kakashi, but Zabuza clearly didn't buy it. If he were some upright gentleman, he wouldn't have attempted to assassinate the Mizukage.
After all, although the Mizukage had implemented the Bloody Mist policy in Kirigakure, he was still the highest ruler of the village. So even if assassinating him could be seen as an act of justice, it wasn't something a rule-abiding person would do.
One could only say that in this strange world where tremendous supernatural power existed yet the rulers were still ordinary daimyo, nothing that happened seemed particularly surprising anymore.
"Esteemed ninja lord, about that..." While slowing his speech, the manager "inadvertently" glanced at Furina and Kakashi beside him. He knew that in this situation, only if they spoke up could the problem be resolved. But unfortunately, even after waiting a long time, he still didn't get any help from the two.
"No need to say more, Manager. These two ninja lords also contributed to defeating Kazahana Doto. We should repay them accordingly."
Before the manager could continue, Koyuki Kazahana who had come with him stepped forward to interrupt. At the same time, she took out the necklace, showed it to Zabuza, and continued.
"This is the key to opening the treasure. Since both of you are interested in it, please take it as my thanks.
To me, compared to this vague treasure, the Land of Snow is far more important. Moreover, this so-called treasure played no role at all in saving the Land of Snow, but you two ninja lords genuinely helped me. I know all of this."
From Koyuki Kazahana's relaxed demeanor, it was clear she truly didn't care much about the so-called treasure. The reason she said so much was mostly to comfort her manager.
"Heh, this little girl sure knows what's what. Fine, since you're so sensible, I won't go back on my word. I just want to take a look purely that. You can rest easy. No matter how tempting the treasure is, I won't take it by force."
"Is that so? Thank you so much, I..."
"Alright, alright, no need for polite talk. I may not take your treasure, but the thanks can't be skimped on. That Kazahana Doto guy wasn't easy to deal with. I won't ask for much just the same as what you're giving to Kakashi and those two."
Seeing that Koyuki Kazahana seemed about to start talking endlessly again, Zabuza quickly waved his hand to interrupt. If this went on much longer, he was afraid he'd end up getting nothing. That was absolutely unacceptable.
"Haha, of course. Whatever is given to Miss Furina and Mr. Kakashi, I will give the same amount to both of you without missing a single bit. However, all of this will need me to prepare back at the capital first. For now, I would trouble you all to accompany us. I will host the heroes of the Land of Snow with the highest honors."