Two weeks later.
Thanks to the Four Star Consortium's investment of manpower and funds, the bridge connecting the Land of Waves to the outside world was completed ahead of schedule — in less than half the time it originally took. The bridge's completion, along with the newly established Four Star Seed Company, created a massive number of jobs.
Now, nearly everyone in the Land of Waves—except those whose loved ones had died at Gato's hands—had accepted the status quo. Of course, Menma had arranged for Gato to spend money, hiring influential people to praise the new administration and sway public opinion.
They claimed that the previous year was merely a test before the investment. They spun a narrative that the Land of Waves had passed this test with resilience and unity, promising that days of plenty were just around the corner.
It was a lot of seemingly reasonable fluff that was actually just praising the Consortium and promising a bright future. This effectively eliminated the resistance of the vast majority of the Land of Waves' citizens. They began to envision the future exactly as Menma had dictated, grateful for the jobs that provided them with enough to eat and a decent living, and for the prospect of soon having their own ninja village. Now, they didn't need to defend themselves anymore. Anyone still criticizing or boycotting the Four Star Consortium would be drowned in the spit and fury of their fellow citizens.
Their prestige was even beginning to surpass that of the Daimyo of the Land of Waves.
However, the Daimyo didn't seem too concerned; he was making money and living a life of luxury, just like the nobles of a major power. Compared to his previous fear of being silenced and constantly worrying about assassination by Gato, this was a massive improvement.
In short, the tactics Menma had learned from his previous life left Gato—who hadn't been able to conquer the Land of Waves in a year—utterly impressed. Working for him at the lowest wage and being grateful for it was simply outrageous! If Gato had possessed even half of Menma's abilities before, he would have conquered the Land of Waves long ago.
Of course, Menma's series of tactics could only fool the impoverished citizens of the Land of Waves. The members of Team 7, coming from the wealthy Konoha, were all astonished by this combination of open and covert strategies. Kakashi, in particular, was utterly baffled.
If Gato possessed such audacity and methods, why hadn't he succeeded in his year-long scheme in the Land of Waves, and instead faced fierce resistance from the people? Was it because their arrival forced Gato to use his wits?
Although they couldn't understand it fully, Team 7 had successfully completed their mission and had no reason to linger. After bidding farewell to the frustrated Tazuna family, they embarked on their journey back to Konoha.
...
Meanwhile, in the Land of Hot Water—
A figure, hidden in a black coat and sporting a slicked-back hairstyle, blocked the path of a passerby.
"Brother, how about learning about the Jashin Cult?"
"What... Ah!"
A moment later, the poor passerby was nailed to a tree with an iron bar. Below the tree was a strange religious symbol drawn in blood.
The screams attracted the attention of Menma and his two companions, who were pursuing Hidan.
"This is the third one along the way. Truly a cruel method."
Looking at the bloody scene before him, Haku unconsciously frowned, a look of disgust appearing on his face.
Seeing Haku's frown, Zabuza's face lit up with interest.
"Not for money, not for grudges, just killing for the sake of killing. I actually quite like this kind of scum."
Although they had killed many people, they were all mission targets or people who were detrimental to them. Besides, some mission targets were so pitiful that they were often released by feigning death, and he usually turned a blind eye. Compared to that, he suddenly felt that he was actually a good person!
Zabuza turned his head, a bloodthirsty smile on his lips. "Boss, can I kill him later?"
"The screams of such scum must be very pleasant to hear, a real treat for the soul."
Hearing Zabuza's words, Menma, who had been sensing malice with his eyes closed, opened them. "If you can kill him, so be it."
With that, he turned and walked nonchalantly to the other side of the road. "Follow me. He hasn't gone far."
Because Menma seemed to doubt he could kill him, Zabuza's smile froze. Then, his eyes darkened, and he quickly followed. Since Menma looked down on him and said it was up to him, he was determined to take down Hidan later!
The three hadn't walked far when, as expected, they encountered Hidan, who was strolling leisurely. Hidan sensed the people behind him and turned around.
"Yo, three this time! Truly, Jashin is protecting us!"
Seeing the three, Hidan's face broke into an excited smile. Because of his constant killings, far fewer people walked this road. Now, three people had suddenly appeared—almost a day's worth! Truly, Jashin is blessed!
"Hey, handsome guy, beautiful girl, and an ugly man. Want to join our Jashin Cult?"
Being mistaken for a woman was nothing new to Haku, and he didn't bother to argue.
"Ugly man?" Zabuza knew without a doubt who the other man was referring to, his face filled with a chilling glint. It was one thing for Menma to say that, since he was the boss. But now, someone on his kill list dared to say that!
Hidan, thinking Zabuza hadn't understood, continued explaining with his excited smile. "Our doctrine is truly excellent! Killing won't bring punishment; it will only please the evil god even more and may even bring forth blessings! How about that? Isn't it incredibly savage!"
Looking at the sickly look on Hidan's face, Zabuza felt even more disgusted. He drew his Executioner's Blade from his back and pointed it directly at Hidan.
"You're that serial killer, aren't you? Are you ready to die?"
"Don't let him draw your blood if you don't want to die," Menma casually reminded him as a fight seemed imminent.
Hidan, who was in front, also heard Menma's words and his mouth dropped open in shock. "You even know about prayer rituals? Are you also a follower of the evil god!?"
"You talk too much nonsense!"
Seeing that Hidan dared to speak to Menma ahead of him, Zabuza coldly swung his sword. Hidan reacted immediately, swinging his scythe, ready to trade blows.
However, a large gash was slashed across Hidan's chest, blood flowing freely. Zabuza, on the other hand, was instantly reduced to a puddle of water by the scythe.
Before Hidan could even wonder what was going on, Zabuza's cold voice rang out behind him.
"Hmph, riddled with weaknesses. I really don't know why the boss would even notice trash like you."
As he spoke, the Executioner's Blade pierced Hidan's heart and was then forcefully pulled out. Crimson blood splattered everywhere.
"It ended so easily. How boring." Zabuza disdainfully sheathed his Executioner's Blade.
Just as he was about to leave, his arm was suddenly grabbed by Hidan, who was bowing his head.
"Do you know..." Hidan coughed up blood, drawing patterns with his toes on the ground. "I'm in a lot of pain!"
With an angry roar, Hidan's other scythe whistled as it swung.
"What the hell? You're still alive!" Zabuza looked surprised and confused.
Zabuza drew his Executioner's Blade again to block in front of his chest, simultaneously kicking out to free himself from Hidan's grasp. Watching Zabuza escape, Hidan showed no discouragement, instead laughing triumphantly.
He then brought the fingers that had just gripped Zabuza to his lips, sucking the blood from under his nails.
"Prepare to accept the punishment of Jashin! The ritual begins!"
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