Chinya listened to what Yahiko had said—that Zabuza and Haku had been hired by a shipping company in the Land of Waves. It took him a while, but he finally remembered.
Naruto Uzumaki's first C-rank mission seemed to involve fighting against Zabuza and Haku.
And that battle marked the beginning of everything.
Yahiko remarked with sarcasm, "Now both Zabuza and Haku have fully integrated into Otogakure, contributing to its development. As for some people… hmm, I don't even know what to say anymore."
Although Zabuza and Haku hadn't participated in the early construction of Otogakure, they gradually got involved in its later phases of development.
People like Zabuza and Haku—who had suffered under Kirigakure's tyranny—deep down longed most for a peaceful place to belong.
Therefore, those who actively participated in Otogakure's construction, such as Zabuza and Haku, naturally developed an innate sense of identification with it.
Initially, Zabuza only brought Haku along temporarily, treating Otogakure and the Xiao organization as a temporary refuge.
However, after Yahiko's persuasion combined with their growing sense of belonging toward Otogakure, Zabuza and Haku eventually chose to officially join Otogakure.
Chinya frowned and said, "You don't need to mock me like that—I did contribute too! Don't you remember who blew through all our money back then?"
Yahiko's face stiffened.
That chapter had already become Yahiko's dark history.
Just as Yahiko was about to say something to save face, Chinya waved his hand dismissively, "Alright, no need to explain further. No matter how much you talk now, you can't change the facts. Soon, I'll take Miyuki out for a trip—we'll bring Sōnagi and the others along too. It's time for Miyuki to meet Naruto."
Yahiko asked, surprised, "Are you going to Konoha?"
Chinya shook his head, "Not going to Konoha. Soon, Naruto's batch of students from Konoha's Ninja Academy will graduate and go on missions outside the village. When they leave for their mission, it'll be enough for Miyuki to just see Naruto."
Yahiko questioned suspiciously, "But Naruto is a Jinchuriki. Konoha has already 'lost' Miyuki—who used to be one—would they really allow another Jinchuriki like Naruto to leave the village?"
Chinya stated confidently, "They will, because… based on intel from our moles in Konoha, Minato Namikaze seems to be close to waking up."
Yahiko's eyes widened slightly, then curled into a smirk, "If Minato Namikaze wakes up, things are definitely going to get interesting."
Chinya also smiled, "Yes indeed. Will Hiruzen Sarutobi return the Hokage position to Minato Namikaze? Or will he continue holding onto power himself? And once Minato truly sees through Sarutobi and Konoha's true nature, would he feel guilty about sacrificing both Miyuki and Naruto years ago? That's quite intriguing.
Since Minato Namikaze is about to wake up, Hiruzen Sarutobi will certainly try covering up all the things he and Konoha did to Naruto. To maintain appearances, he surely will pretend Naruto is an ordinary ninja, letting him go outside the village on missions."
Yahiko asked, "Then again, what if Naruto decides to return to our village with Miyuki afterward?"
Chinya replied after a brief pause, "Naruto has his own thoughts and independent judgment now. Based on what I know about him, he might not necessarily return to our village with Miyuki afterward. He'll probably just continue with his own affairs once he confirms that Miyuki is doing alright.
Even if Naruto chooses to return with Miyuki, it won't pose a problem. We can keep Naruto hidden, and Konoha likely won't suspect Otogakure since our cooperation with them has become so close recently, right?"
Yahiko nodded, "That's true enough."
Right now, Chinya couldn't help but wonder how the coming battle between Kakashi and Zabuza would play out—who would come out on top?
Both Kakashi and Zabuza had significantly improved compared to their earlier days.
After Zabuza pledged full allegiance to Otogakure and officially became part of the village, Yahiko began teaching him the Water Release techniques Chinya had originally learned from Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage.
Furthermore, while in the village, Zabuza constantly sought battles with Pakura and Raiga Kurosuki whenever they were around.
When Pakura and Raiga weren't around, Zabuza would immediately seek out Chinya for training.
Unless Chinya was otherwise occupied, he rarely turned down Zabuza's sparring challenges.
Zabuza's current strength shouldn't be underestimated—he'd become highly skilled at using Water Release techniques in combination with his Kubikiribōchō.
Haku also received guidance from Chinya, just like Kimimaro Kaguya and the others.
Though Chinya himself didn't possess Haku's Ice Release kekkei genkai, his experience was more than sufficient—after all, he had witnessed the Third Mizukage use numerous Ice Release techniques during their past battle.
So giving Haku some pointers wasn't an issue at all.
As for Kakashi, he had become highly proficient in adapting his [Thunder Breathing Full Sword Techniques] to fit his personal combat style.
Additionally, thanks to the Yin Seal, as long as Kakashi didn't activate his Mangekyō Sharingan, the chakra stored within the Yin Seal should be more than enough to support prolonged combat utilizing the Sharingan.
Still, Chinya believed Kakashi would have the edge—the sheer speed advantage alone was something Zabuza would struggle to handle.
Then again, the battle could swing either way—Zabuza would stop at nothing to win and carried no sentimental baggage.
Although Naruto had learned the [Wind Breathing All Sword Techniques] from Chinya, they still weren't enough to let him face Zabuza—perhaps only capable of holding his own against Haku.
As for Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, those two were absolute liabilities at the moment.
That's why the result of Kakashi vs. Zabuza was anyone's guess.
But precisely because of that uncertainty, the fight would be exciting.
Chinya rose from the sofa and said to Yahiko, "Alright then, I'll get out of your way now. As for my plan to take Miyuki to meet Naruto, please don't mention it yet—I'll tell Miyuki myself when the day finally comes for Naruto to leave Konoha.
Otherwise, if unforeseen circumstances arise and we have to wait longer before meeting Naruto, I'm afraid Miyuki will be deeply disappointed. You know there's not a moment when she isn't thinking about Naruto, right?"
Yahiko nodded in understanding, "I know."
Chinya left the Hokage Tower and returned to his home in Otogakure.
Chinya was the only one at home. Uzumaki Sōnagi had taken Kimimaro Kaguya to Rice Country to uphold justice, while Uzumaki Kushina and Uzumaki Miyuki were still stuck at the leader's headquarters working.
Chinya lay alone on the bed, deeply lost in thought.
A completely unfamiliar figure named Jigen had recently appeared within the Akatsuki Organization. Now, two unknown individuals wearing swirl-patterned masks had surfaced in the Shinobi World, their intentions unknown.
Although it gave him a sense of things slipping beyond his control, this uncertainty and mystery thrilled Chinya, making him feel challenged and eager to see how everything would unfold in the future.
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