Ninja Recruitment System - Chapter 421
Having been in the Naruto world for so long, Zhang Miao discovered that the development of this world closely followed the story he once read.
On a basic level, this phenomenon could be called the momentum of the plot. On a deeper level, it was the will of this world.
As Neji Hyuga from the original Team 11 put it, this was fate!
So, Zhang Miao’s curiosity was piqued. He really wanted to see if this so-called “fate” would lead to an encounter between Konoha’s Team 7 and Zabuza.
“I hope this fate truly exists; otherwise, it would be a shame to miss such a great show!”
Perhaps Zhang Miao’s hope had an effect, or perhaps fate truly existed in this world, because Shino Aburame returned after just two days with a report.
“Boss, I saw Tazuna. He was attacked by Zabuza, the rogue ninja from Kirigakure. He is currently being protected by a group of Konoha ninjas on their way to the Land of Waves. Among those ninjas is your brother, Uzumaki Naruto!”
“Uh…”
Hearing Shino’s report, Zhang Miao’s eyes widened, then he burst into laughter.
“Haha, I guessed it right! Kuro plans to use Konoha to eliminate Gato. His manipulation has steered the plot back on track. This is interesting… very interesting, hahaha!”
Seeing Zhang Miao laughing, Shino was puzzled. When Zhang Miao’s laughter subsided, Shino asked again.
“Boss, should I go investigate further?”
“No need!”
Wiping away tears of laughter, Zhang Miao waved his hand.
“Since Kakashi is leading the team, Zabuza won’t have it easy. But to complete his mission, he won’t give up easily. Their final battle will definitely be at the bridgehead on the Kusanagi Coast!”
Seeing Zhang Miao’s confident expression, Shino frowned. “Why would they battle at the bridgehead?”
“Because of fate!”
Zhang Miao thought this but didn’t say it aloud. Seeing Shino’s puzzled look, he grinned and raised a finger.
“Heh heh, the reason is simple. First, Zabuza is known as the ‘Demon of the Hidden Mist,’ and his specialty is the Silent Killing Technique, which requires a thick mist. The coastal bridgehead provides the perfect environment. Second—”
Raising a second finger, Zhang Miao continued.
“Our ninja village is in the Land of Waves. If Tazuna reaches the Land of Waves, Zabuza will lose his chance to kill him. Considering these points, Zabuza will make his move at the bridgehead on the Kusanagi Coast!”
After hearing Zhang Miao’s analysis, Shino nodded in realization.
“Boss, I understand now. I will go to the village and inform Fujio-sama to bring the guards. If asked why, I’ll say that when Zabuza appears, we can capture him immediately!”
“Capture him? Who said I want to capture him?”
Hearing Shino’s suggestion, Zhang Miao waved his hand.
“No capturing. I’m here to watch their battle. It’s a crucial fight for my brother, a milestone in his growth and the development of his bond with Sasuke. Explaining more would be lost on you. Just go to the bridgehead and inform me when they arrive!”
“Yes!” Shino answered and left.
After he left, Zhang Miao patted his round belly and sighed.
“Sigh, I can’t meet Naruto in this condition. It would be too embarrassing to explain. I’ll just watch from afar with the Byakugan. After their fight, I’ll have someone retrieve Zabuza and Haku’s bodies for resurrection!”
Thinking this, Zhang Miao’s eyes brightened.
“At that time, recruiting them will be easier, and I can also solve one of the top ten mysteries of Naruto. Heh heh!”
Three days passed quickly, and Shino brought the news Zhang Miao was waiting for.
“Boss, just as you predicted, Kakashi and Zabuza have reached the Kusanagi Coast, and Gato has brought his men as well!”
“I see!” Zhang Miao nodded. “Alright, you can rest now. You’ve worked hard these past few days.”
“Yes!” Shino responded and left to rest.
Zhang Miao then activated his Byakugan, looking toward the bridgehead on the Kusanagi Coast and grinned.
“Heh heh, the fight has already started? Just as I expected, they met as in the original plot, using the same techniques. Interesting!”
In Zhang Miao’s vision, Kakashi and Team 7 were facing off against Zabuza. Zabuza had used the Hidden Mist Jutsu, just like in the original plot.
The Hidden Mist Jutsu not only obscures the caster but also erases their scent and chakra. Zabuza excelled at using this thick mist to assassinate his opponents, earning him the title “Demon of the Hidden Mist.”
Against the Byakugan, this technique would be ineffective. But Kakashi had the Sharingan, known as the “Combat Eye,” making it difficult for him to deal with the thick mist.
While Kakashi couldn’t see or attack Zabuza, Zabuza’s assassination attempts only left minor wounds on Kakashi.
They were at a stalemate.
While Kakashi and Zabuza were in a deadlock, Naruto and Sasuke were having a lively battle, their sounds echoing.
But it was just noise. They couldn’t land any significant blows on Haku, who had the Ice Release Kekkei Genkai and had already activated his Secret Jutsu—Crystal Ice Mirrors!
Crystal Ice Mirrors was Haku’s unique technique, creating dozens of solid ice mirrors and hiding within them. Using the reflections, Haku confused his opponents about his true location and attacked with senbon needles.
Even if found, Haku could swiftly move between the mirrors, making him hard to track.
Naruto and Sasuke were trapped in Haku’s mirrors, unable to identify the real Haku. Sasuke’s Sharingan occasionally spotted Haku’s true form but couldn’t match Haku’s speed.
Haku could attack them freely, and soon both Naruto and Sasuke were riddled with senbon needles, looking like porcupines and beginning to waver.
Seeing this, Zhang Miao, observing from a distance, didn’t panic but smiled.
“Heh heh, the turning point is near. I should get going. By the time I arrive, the fight should be over, and I can clean up!”
With that, Zhang Miao got into his eight-person palanquin, lowered the curtain, and gave his orders.
“Let’s go, back to the Land of Waves!”
“Yes!”
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