The mission was to protect the daimyo of the Land of Waves.
Ensuring his policies could be implemented.
In Naruto Part 1, the Land of Waves appeared.
Tazuna tricked Team 7, hiring them for a C-rank fee to protect him.
During which, they clashed with Zabuza.
Though the outcome was good, Kazuku disapproved of Tazuna's actions.
Claiming the bridge was the nation's hope while refusing to pay more…
To Kazuku, it was hypocritical.
But that was the future.
The priority now was reaching the Land of Waves to protect the daimyo.
After a day's rest, the team set out.
However…
Torifu, having used the Red Chili Pill to fight Kazuku, suffered severe side effects, needing recovery.
So, he didn't join.
Kazuku led as captain, with Hiruzen, Danzo, Koharu, Homura, and Kagami…
As the daimyo's escorts.
With no advanced transport, they traveled on foot, then by ship to the Land of Waves.
In fact…
The Land of Waves and Land of Fire weren't connected by land, separated by sea.
This allowed Kado, controlling maritime transport, to hold the Land of Waves' lifeline.
Even surpassing the daimyo's authority.
But that was later.
"The daimyo should be a nation's leader, right? Why hire us instead of their ninja village?"
On the way, bored, Koharu chatted.
Though she'd later join Konoha's leadership as a Fire Shadow advisor, managing administration…
She was now a teenage girl.
Lacking knowledge of the world.
"Not every nation has a ninja village. The Land of Waves has none."
Hiruzen explained, "It's a small, sea-surrounded nation with almost no ninja."
"The daimyo's protection is handled by samurai."
"Against ordinary people, samurai suffice…"
"But against ninja, they're weak."
Hiruzen knew much about the ninja world.
Every nation's daimyo had samurai armies.
The Land of Fire's daimyo had tens of thousands.
But few samurai could use chakra.
Against elite jonin, they had little chance.
Given the mission's S-rank status, Hiruzen believed they'd face ninja…
Almost certainly.
"Small nations like the Land of Waves have poor economies and average living standards."
Hiruzen shook his head, "Yet the daimyo offers two million ryo."
"He must be in serious trouble."
Two million ryo was significant even for Konoha.
When Tobirama mentioned it…
Kazuku felt his eyes gleam.
If not for their rivalry…
Kazuku truly thought…
Tobirama could bond with Kakuzu.
"Didn't expect Tobirama to care so much about money…"
Kazuku mentally quipped.
But it made sense.
Konoha was newly founded.
Everything needed money.
The Fire Shadow Rock's carving.
The village's construction.
They couldn't let villagers sleep on streets, right?
All sorts of expenses—none didn't require money.
As Konoha's acting leader, Tobirama needed funds to enact policies.
And…
Win hearts, develop the village.
From Hashirama's Five Kage Summit, proposing to distribute tailed beasts, and Tobirama insisting on money, it was clear.
Money…
Was crucial.
Even the God of Ninjutsu…
Without money…
Got headaches.
Given this…
If Kazuku completed this mission…
Earning two million ryo…
Would be a great achievement.
His village contribution would be substantial!
It'd also boost his reputation!
At only seven, becoming village-famous wasn't hard.
Thinking this…
"Tobirama's schemes are layered, interlocking."
"Subtly paving my path and tasks."
Kazuku felt Tobirama's cunning…
Was unfathomable.
How far did his vision extend?
Having a grandfather like Tobirama…
Was too perfect.
After days of trekking, Kazuku's team reached the shore.
The Land of Waves' ship awaited.
Without threats like Kado, the ship…
Wasn't like Team 7's small, cautious boat.
Of course, it wasn't grand either.
A decade post-Warring States, everyone was poor.
For the Land of Waves, a sailboat showed sincerity.
"You must be Konoha's ninja? I'm Kabi, a samurai guard for the Land of Waves' daimyo."
Kabi approached Hiruzen, introducing himself formally.
He assumed Hiruzen was the captain.
After pleasantries…
Confirming Kazuku's team was from Konoha, Kabi ordered the ship to sail.
He didn't say much about the daimyo.
Only that they'd learn the details upon meeting him.
Seeing Kabi's reticence, Kazuku's team didn't press, resting in the cabin.
"If we face enemy ninja, which village will they be from?"
Homura, sitting, grew curious.
"So many ninja villages, who can guess?" Koharu replied offhand.
"Well, by elimination, definitely not Konoha."
Kazuku chimed in, joking to lighten the mood.
But…
"Sunagakure and Iwagakure are too far from the Land of Waves, unlikely first choices."
"Non-Five Great Village ninja wouldn't scare the daimyo this much."
"That leaves Kirigakure and Kumogakure."
"Mist excels at assassination."
"I'd bet Mist Village ninja."
After analyzing, Kazuku shared his thoughts.
(End of Chapter)