Naruto: Mikoto and Tsunade, don't let either of them go.

"Who are you?"

Uchiha Kakuyama looked leisurely at Zabuza in front of him and said:

“A passerby just recognized an acquaintance and said hello, wouldn’t you say so, Momochi Zabuza?”

Upon hearing Uchiha Kakuyama's words, Zabuza's pupils involuntarily contracted sharply. He knew that the person in front of him was coming for him, so he began to carefully guard against him, while his right hand gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, ready to strike at any moment.

He said, "I don't know you, sir. I'm not an acquaintance of yours."

Uchiha Kakuyama nodded and admitted, "Actually, I've never met you before. I've just heard so much about you that I couldn't help but greet you."

Zabuza had no intention of catching up with him. Instead, he dashed into the nearby woods, and the fog around the woods thickened.

The signature ninjutsu of Kirigakure—Hidden Mist Technique

Zabuza's voice came from all directions, and his emotions seemed to calm down considerably.

"Who exactly are you? I will not kill nameless nobodies."

Uchiha Kakuzan watched the surrounding mist with great interest, but his gaze was always fixed on Zabuza's movements. Even when Zabuza moved, Kakuzan's eyes remained fixed on him, as if the person in front of him was unaffected by the mist. This made Zabuza extremely wary.

While locking onto Zabuza's location, Uchiha Kakuzan said:

"Although I have never met Zabuza, I have long admired him. I have seen quite a few of his fellow villagers. Meeting Zabuza today makes up for my regret."

Unbeknownst to him, Uchiha Kakuyama had already activated his three-tomoe Sharingan and looked at Zabuza, who was hidden in the thick fog.

Upon seeing Uchiha Kakuzan's Sharingan, Zabuza's heart sank. The Sharingan of the Uchiha clan, and with three tomoe, was a mark of an elite Jonin.

If he is in good condition now, he can fight him, and even if he can't beat him, he can still escape unscathed.

Now, only he himself knows how bad his condition is. Don't be fooled by his clean and efficient movements just now; they were just something he did with great effort to confuse the enemy, so that they wouldn't see through his true strength and wouldn't act rashly.

Zabuza looked at Uchiha Kakuzan, who was standing still without making a move, and said loudly, "So you are a member of the Uchiha clan? I remember that the Uchiha clan has now separated from Konoha. Do you still want to work for Konoha?"

Uchiha Kakuyama also sensed Zabuza's outward bravado but inner weakness, and smiled, saying, "Zabuza, you're overthinking it. Not to mention Konoha, in this world, no one can command me."

Zabuza was taken aback by Uchiha Kakuzan's words and said in a deep voice, "What exactly do you mean by blocking my way?"

Uchiha Kakuzan watched as Zabuza, still unwilling to give up, changed his position, and then stared at him and said, "I have a small suggestion. Since Mr. Zabuza has nowhere to go, why not follow me? Following me would at least not be an insult to Mr. Zabuza."

Zabuza knew he was no match for the man before him, but he was still amused by his words and said arrogantly.

"What right do you have to make me follow you? No matter what, I, Zabuza, am one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. Anyone who can gain my loyalty must be at least a Kage-level powerhouse. Even the Third Hokage of Konoha is not qualified to make me his subordinate, let alone an unknown like you."

Zabuza tightened his grip on the Executioner's Blade, preparing for one last gamble, his final act of pride as one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.

Seeing Zabuza's reaction, Uchiha Kakuzan knew that Zabuza wouldn't be convinced unless he showed his true abilities.

Uchiha Kakuzan's lips curled into a smile. He then took a small step forward and gradually unleashed his aura. Accompanied by his immense chakra, he rushed towards Zabuza, even dispersing the thick fog around him and revealing Zabuza hidden within it.

Originally, when Zabuza saw Uchiha Kakuyama make a move, he knew that he was about to attack and was preparing to draw the Executioner's Blade behind him. However, he did not expect that this person would exude such a suffocating aura, which made him freeze in place and lose the courage to fight. He knew very well that if the person opposite him wanted to, he would be killed in the next second.

Having experienced countless life-and-death situations, Zabuza was well aware of this aura; this person's strength far surpassed his own, even their Mizukage was far inferior to him.

Seeing Zabuza's reaction, Uchiha Kakuyama slowly withdrew his aura and said with a smile:

"I wonder if Mr. Zabuza has changed his mind now?"

After Uchiha Kakuzan withdrew his imposing aura, Zabuza also let out a long sigh of relief. He loosened his grip on the hilt of his sword, his face filled with bitterness, and said with difficulty:

"Who exactly are you? You are definitely not some nobody. Even if I am to die, I must die knowing why."

Chapter 274 Conquer

Chapter 274 Subjugation

Looking at Zabuza's grim expression, Uchiha Kakuzan calmly asked, "What? Not going to resist?"

At this moment, Zabuza had released his grip on the Executioner's Blade and shook his head with difficulty. How could he possibly resist anymore? Even if he were in good condition, let alone now that he was seriously injured, he probably wouldn't last long against the person in front of him.

Although Zabuza was injured, his mind was still sharp. He broke Zabuza's Hidden Mist Technique with just the impact of chakra and aura. Zabuza had never even dared to dream of such a thing, let alone encountered it.

Based on Zabuza's experience, he knew that the man in front of him was far stronger than him. Even the so-called perfect Jinchuriki, the Fourth Mizukage, whom he had just assassinated, put far more pressure on him than this man.

Seeing that Zabuza was ready to give up, Uchiha Kakuyama's lips curled up slightly. He had originally wanted to take Haku back, but he didn't expect Zabuza to deliver himself to his doorstep.

Zabuza's strength was decent, and his temperament was good, making him a qualified subordinate. Although Uchiha Kakuzan didn't lack combat power, Zabuza would still be somewhat useful for his future plans, so Uchiha Kakuzan decided to take him in.

Uchiha Kakuzan glanced at Zabuza, then activated his Sharingan, transforming it into the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan. This rendered Zabuza's body immobile, unable to move an inch. Following this, Uchiha Kakuzan's calm voice rang out:

"You may be familiar with my name, you should have heard of it. My name is Uchiha Okayama."

Zabuza was startled when he heard what Uchiha Kakuzan said, even though he had prepared himself mentally.

Uchiha Kakuzan's name has now spread throughout the entire ninja world. He is arguably the most famous person in the Uchiha clan. What made him famous was not because he became the head of the Uchiha clan, but because he used Susanoo to unleash a sword strike outside Konoha Village. That single strike sent more than a dozen Jonin to their deaths, yet he not only escaped unscathed but was also comforted by the Third Hokage afterward.

Which ninja village doesn't have a few old fogies? Uchiha Kakuzan's sword strike using Susanoo immediately reminded them of Madara Uchiha, another ninja demon from the Uchiha clan.

It's important to understand that when Madara Uchiha was born, aside from the First Hokage Hashirama Senju, no one in the entire ninja world could rival him. Madara Uchiha's formidable reputation was earned through sheer force of battle.

In the ninja world of that era, Madara Uchiha could be said to have suppressed the contemporary ninjas. Even the current Tsuchikage, Onoki, still harbors psychological trauma from Madara Uchiha, not to mention those who are not as good as him.

Uchiha Kakuyama, who used Susanoo to instantly kill ten ninjas, reminded them of that person once again.

In their eyes, even if Uchiha Kakuzan is not as strong as Uchiha Madara, he should be close to him. This makes these ninja villages quite wary of him. Zabuza, as a Jonin of Kirigakure, has naturally heard of his name. In fact, Zabuza remembers all the information about Uchiha Kakuzan.

If it were anyone else, even the renowned Uchiha Shisui, Zabuza wouldn't be so wary. But this person is Uchiha Kakuzan, the head of the Uchiha clan, a figure who could potentially rival Uchiha Madara.

Zabuza paused for a moment, looked at Uchiha Kakuyama, and said with a complicated expression, "So you are the head of the Uchiha clan, Lord Uchiha Kakuyama. I was presumptuous."

Uchiha Kakuzan is the head of the Uchiha clan, and the person in front of him also possesses the Sharingan of the Uchiha clan. If he were not Uchiha Kakuzan, he wouldn't dare to impersonate their clan head even if he had eighty times the courage. Moreover, judging from the aura he displayed and the vast amount of chakra he possessed, there are very few people besides Uchiha Kakuzan who could have it.

Looking at Zabuza before him, Uchiha Kakuzan said again, "Judging from your appearance, you must have failed in your assassination attempt on the Mizukage, right? Now there's nowhere for you to stay in the Land of Water. Why don't you come with me?"

Zabuza was startled by Uchiha Kakuzan's words. He hadn't expected his assassination attempt on the Mizukage to be exposed so easily. Then, Zabuza gave a self-deprecating laugh. So what if he was exposed? He was a loser anyway, and had nowhere else to go. Following this person might not be so bad.

Besides, given my current situation, I don't have the confidence to refuse him. It's either follow him or die.

Zabuza, not wanting to die, had no choice but to follow him.

Zabuza's eyes dimmed slightly. He casually drew the Executioner's Blade from his back and planted it beside him. Then, he knelt on one knee, placed one hand on his chest, and bowed his head towards Uchiha Kakuyama.

"The demon, Zabuza Momochi, is willing to follow you, sir."

Seeing Zabuza's actions, Uchiha Kakuyama calmly nodded and instructed, "Get up. Don't worry, I won't mistreat my own people."

Zabuza had also adjusted his mindset. After Uchiha Kakuyama finished speaking, he stood up again, put the Executioner's Blade back on his back, and stood there quietly, waiting for his orders.

Uchiha Kakuzan frowned slightly at this moment, because in his keen senses, several more uninvited guests appeared within his perception range. Judging from their behavior, it seemed that they were sent by Kirigakure to hunt down Zabuza.

Uchiha Kakuzan had already exceeded his objectives; he had not only found Haku but also captured Zabuza. He didn't want to waste any more time entangled with them, so he casually grabbed Haku and went to Zabuza. He activated Haku's Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan and used the eye technique Kotoamatsukami on the still somewhat uneasy Zabuza, making him his most loyal subordinate. After Zabuza recovered, he calmly said...

“There are some small insects coming from the direction you came from. I don’t want to waste any more time here. Relax, I’ll take you somewhere.”

Zabuza knew perfectly well what the little bug Uchiha Kakuyama was referring to. Although he didn't know where Kakuyama was taking him, he still respectfully replied, "Yes, sir."

Immediately afterwards, Uchiha Kakuzan placed his right hand on Zabuza's shoulder, and with a thought, he carried Haku and Zabuza back to the Uchiha clan's territory, Uzushio Island, using his eye technique, Takamagahara.

Chapter 275 Boiling Release, Melting Release

Chapter 275 Boiling Escape, Melting Escape

Uchiha Kakuzan did not believe that he possessed the legendary aura of a king, which allowed him to easily gather followers everywhere, and that they would all be loyal to him.

In Uchiha Kakuzan's heart, apart from his clansmen, he could only trust a few people. If the rest wanted to become his subordinates and make him feel at ease, they would have to use Kotoamatsukami. In that way, even those who were not very loyal to him would become his die-hard loyalists.

You have to understand, ninjas are meant to ambush enemies and gather intelligence; expecting them to be completely loyal to you is unrealistic. Besides, there's such a thing as "talk-no-jutsu" (a form of persuasion) in this world.

Just like Naruto Uzumaki, with his talk-no-jutsu, he could even persuade Nagato and Obito Uchiha, who had stuck to their own paths for over a decade. What is impossible in this world?

Therefore, after subduing Zabuza, Uchiha Kagakuzan immediately used Kotoamatsukami on him to ensure his future loyalty, which would be good for everyone.

In a moment of confusion, Zabuza found that his surroundings had changed drastically. This sudden change startled him, and then the word 'space-time ninjutsu' suddenly appeared in his mind, causing another wave of turmoil in his heart.

Everyone in the ninja world knows that Uchiha Kakuzan is very strong, but almost no one knows that he is also proficient in the legendary space-time ninjutsu, which made Zabuza refresh his understanding once again.

Uchiha Kakuyama led them directly to the Grand Elder's house and found two Uchiha ninjas skilled in medical ninjutsu. He instructed them to take Zabuza away to treat his injuries. Since Zabuza had become his subordinate, it was best to treat him to avoid causing any future problems.

Next, Uchiha Kakuyama settled the kitten-like Haku into his home. Although he hadn't lived there yet, he let her look after the house for him first, so that she could train with her peers in the Uchiha clan in the future.

After settling Bai in, Uchiha Kakuyama went to the Grand Elder's house. After all, he needed to inform him of what he had done so that the elder would be aware of the situation.

When Uchiha Kakuzan arrived at the elder's house, the elder already knew he was coming and had prepared food and wine.

Uchiha Kakuyama didn't stand on ceremony and sat down directly. He first clinked glasses with the elder and drank. These past few days, he had been taking Haku around the Land of Water. The Land of Water was in a state of turmoil, and it was good enough to barely fill one's stomach, let alone have wine and food.

After a few rounds of drinks, Uchiha Kakuzan began to tell the elder about his gains this time.

"Elder, do you know where I went to bring these two people back this time?"

The elder wasn't senile; although he didn't recognize the two men, he noticed the Kirigakure headband on Zabuza's head and, after glancing at him, said:

"You went to Zhishui this time, right? Why didn't you bring them back?"

Uchiha Kakuyama looked at the elder with some boredom and said, "It'll be soon. At Shisui's speed, they'll arrive at Kirigakure in two days at most, and their mission will be complete."

The Grand Elder stroked his beard and said, "Then what's the deal with these two people you brought back this time?"

Uchiha Kakuyama said with some pride, "That little girl named Haku is from the Yuki clan. She has awakened Ice Release and I brought her back. She can be my subordinate from now on."

The elder, being well-informed, was somewhat surprised to hear Uchiha Kagami's words and said, "Wasn't the Yuki clan wiped out by Kirigakure? I didn't expect there to be any survivors. That's good, at least they weren't completely wiped out."

Uchiha Kagami nodded, somewhat annoyed, and said, "It's a pity I didn't find anyone from the Kaguya clan. If I had, I would have brought them back."

The elder glanced at Uchiha Kakuyama and said, "You should be grateful that you were able to find a member of the Yuki clan who possesses Ice Release. Besides, although the Kaguya clan's Shikotsumyaku is a powerful weapon in battle, they are all battle maniacs and not easy to control. Even if you bring them back, it will be troublesome."

Uchiha Kakuyama nodded. Although Kimimaro wasn't a battle maniac, he did suffer from an incurable bloodline disease that even Orochimaru couldn't cure. Bringing him back would be troublesome. Besides, he figured Kimimaro had probably already been taken back by Orochimaru, so he wouldn't bother.

Uchiha Kakuyama continued, "You may have heard of another person's name as well, namely Zabuza Momochi, the Demon from Kirigakure."

The elder frowned: "Momochi Zabuza, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, the ruthless one who killed all his classmates and forced the Mist Village to change its graduation rules. Hiss, how could you have brought such a person back?"

Uchiha Kakuzan understood the elder's concerns, pointed to his eyes, and comforted him, "Don't worry, elder, I know what I'm doing. This time, I'm just bringing him back for treatment. Once he's recovered, I have other plans. After all, there are some things that are not suitable for members of our Uchiha clan to do."

The elder was relieved to see Uchiha Kazuyama's actions. After all, Uchiha Kazuyama's strength far surpassed his own. Since Kazuyama knew what he was doing, the elder was at ease.

After explaining these things to the elder, Uchiha Kakuyama went straight back to his home on Uzushima Island. After all, there was still the little girl he had brought back at his home, and if he didn't appease her, she would probably start overthinking things again.

Moreover, it's estimated that Uchiha Shisui will arrive at Kirigakure in the next couple of days. Once Shisui arrives, I'll rush over there and drive away Uchiha Obito who's hiding there. I'll also take a look at Mei Terumi, who possesses the dual bloodline limits 'Lava Release' and 'Boiling Release', to see if she's already quite outstanding.

In fact, due to the various policies implemented by the Fourth Mizukage, everyone in Kirigakure lived in fear, and even Zabuza, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, wanted to assassinate him.

Mei Terumi and the elder 'Genji' of Kirigakure had already noticed something was wrong. The arrival of Uchiha Kakuzan only accelerated the process of Uchiha Obito losing control of Kirigakure.

Moreover, Kirigakure has been severely weakened by Obito Uchiha, and Uchiha Kakuzan wants to go and see if there is anything he can do to intervene.

After all, Uchiha Kakuzan had already visited three of the five great ninja villages, so one more wouldn't make a difference. As for Sunagakure, to be honest, Uchiha Kakuzan didn't think much of it.

Chapter 276 The Lively Villa

Chapter 276 The Lively Villa

As he pondered what was to come, Uchiha Kakuzan returned to his home on Uzushima Island.

Since he was already the vice-head of the Uchiha clan when he built this house, and Fugaku Uchiha was also preparing to pass the position of clan head to him, the scale of his house was built according to the scale of the clan head. Although he only stayed there for a few days when he returned to guide the clan members after it was built, someone came to clean it and kept it clean.

When Uchiha Kakuyama returned to his home, the poor little Haku was still in the living room. Although female clan members had been arranged to accompany her, she was still a bit shy and pitifully stayed in a corner with her knees drawn up and her head down.

Uchiha Kakuzan waved his hand, dismissing his clansmen, before approaching Haku and looking at her with a hint of helplessness.

Hearing the familiar footsteps of Uchiha Kakuyama, Haku raised her head. Seeing that it was the adult returning, she scrambled to her feet and looked up at him pitifully, asking:

"Does the master no longer want Bai? Or has Bai lost its value and no longer even qualify to be a tool for the master?"

After saying that, Bai's eyes were faintly moist, and tears welled up.

Uchiha Kakuyama raised his hand and placed it on Haku's head, gently rubbing her scalp. He said in a tender tone, "Kid, how could I abandon you? You are a treasure I brought back from the Land of Water. Although I have many subordinates, you are one of a kind."

Uchiha Kakuyama paused for a moment, then continued, "The reason I brought you back is to train you here. Only by training and studying diligently and defeating all your peers can you become a qualified tool, a retainer of mine, and follow in my footsteps. If you perform well, you can even receive the surname I bestow upon you."

Upon hearing Uchiha Kakuzan's words, Haku's previously dim eyes regained their light. Under Uchiha Kakuzan's gaze, he nodded vigorously and said firmly:

"I understand, sir. I will definitely work hard, defeat everyone, strive to become a qualified tool for you, and follow you forever."

Seeing that Shiro had been calmed down, Uchiha Kakuzan nodded and had the clansmen waiting outside take her away.

Before Bai was taken away, he asked with some anticipation, "Lord Qiu Shan, when you have time, could you come and see me?"

Uchiha Kakuyama nodded: "Don't worry, Haku, I definitely will when I have time. This is my home, of course I will come back often."

Upon hearing Uchiha Kakuyama's words, Haku's previously tense face broke into a smile. She gave a firm "hmm" and then went downstairs with the person responsible for taking care of her.

After calming the brat down, Uchiha Kakuzan didn't linger and returned directly to his spatial dimension.

Since Meiqin gave birth to his child, he hasn't had a proper chance to spend time with her. He wonders if she might overthink things.

Uchiha Kakuyama didn't go anywhere else, but went directly to the second floor of the villa in the space. Mikoto had been living here ever since she moved into the space, and I believe she hasn't moved yet.