Naruto: Starting with Tsunade

Chapter 446 Zabuza

"The Godfather...where do we go next?"

Following behind Aokiji, Kimimaro called out in a childish voice, still somewhat unaccustomed to calling out to him for the first time.

"Hidden Mist Village..."

Aokiji figured that since he was already here, he might as well get some business done.

Hidden Mist Village?

Kimimaro looked puzzled.

Aokiji joked, "What? Afraid I'll hand you over to Kirigakure?"

Kimimaro shook his head, his eyes reflecting a firm resolve: "I believe the Godfather wouldn't do that."

He then added, "With the Godfather's power, he wouldn't need to go through all this trouble."

Aokiji smiled slightly: "Kid, you're quite smart. No wonder you're the child I've been looking for."

Upon receiving Aokiji's praise, Kimimaro revealed an innocent smile, his joy evident on his face.

Now, he has found meaning in life through Aokiji.

Aokiji laughed and said, "Let me teach you a lesson."

Kimimaro pricked up his ears.

"The essence of politics is to make more friends and fewer enemies."

Now that he has made a lot of enemies, Aokiji plans to win over some allies. Kirigakure may seem like an impossible target, but in reality, it is a very good one to win over.

Kimimaro pondered these words and kept them in mind.

"Come on, let me teach you properly by example."

"Yes, Godfather."

Kimimaro followed closely behind.

It's quite a distance from here to Kirigakure, and we pass through a small town along the way.

"Gurgle..."

Aokiji stopped and looked down. "Are you hungry...?"

Kimimaro blushed slightly, feeling somewhat embarrassed. He usually ate very little, and with the huge energy expenditure from that day's battle, he hadn't eaten for a long time, so this physiological reaction was normal.

"Don't be embarrassed, it's only natural."

Aokiji walked to a nearby restaurant, bought some food, and even ate some himself to make Kimimaro feel less reserved before handing him the food.

Kimimaro took a small bite, then lowered his head and remained silent.

"Is it not to your liking?"

"No, it's delicious."

Kimimaro held the food in both hands and spoke softly.

Aokiji looked at Kimimaro, who had a smile on his face, and said in a gentle voice, "Is that so? If you like it, then eat more."

"Um……"

Not far away, a boy silently watched all of this.

He has black hair, a delicate and fair face, and a slender build. If you didn't know his gender, you could easily mistake him for a girl at first glance.

Standing beside him was a young man carrying a large knife on his back, his face wrapped in bandages that extended from his body to his face, his eyes fierce, and his appearance made him look like someone not to be trifled with.

The boy was thin and weak, while the young man was tall and fierce; it was an odd combination.

Following the boy's gaze, the fierce-looking young man casually asked, "What's wrong, Bai?"

"It's nothing, Mr. Zabuza."

The boy named Shiro said this, but in his heart he was thinking that the boy was the one he met on the street a few days ago. At that time, his eyes were empty and lifeless, exactly the same as when he met Zabuza.

But now things have changed, becoming just like he is now.

Thinking of this, his gaze fell on the white-haired youth in front of the boy.

Is it because you met someone similar to yourself?

Bai couldn't help but take a few more glances.

But that's all...

He is now Zabuza's tool, and Haku doesn't need to care too much about things that have nothing to do with him.

Haku raised his head and glanced sideways at Zabuza, the one who gave him meaning to live.

"This guy is..."

Zabuza stared at the white-haired youth, his gaze sharpening, and a deep voice emanated from beneath his bandages.

Although it was the first time, this guy gave me a sense of déjà vu, and my brain was racing to search for and match related information.

"No, it can't be him!" The wide-eyed disbelief was gone.

"Zabuza-san, what's wrong?"

This was the first time Haku had seen Zabuza with that look in his eyes since they met.

Aokiji, who was talking to Kimimaro, noticed a gaze on him. He turned his head slightly and saw a tall young man whose lower face was wrapped in bandages. His forehead bandage was difficult to wear, just like Kakashi's. This was the standard ninja attire.

It's not uncommon for ninjas to appear on the street, but Aokiji lingered behind him for a few more seconds, or more precisely, behind the man's iconic large sword.

"Oh dear... who is it? It's the legendary Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist! My apologies for not recognizing you sooner."

Aokiji's eyes narrowed, and his tone became teasing.

Zabuza said coldly, "When you meet someone as important as you, I should be the one saying those words."

Hearing the two talking, Haku couldn't help but ask, "Zabuza-san, do you know him?"

Zabuza's eyes were solemn, revealing a deep sense of apprehension.

Uchiha Aokiji, the number one madman in the ninja world.

Not only did he execute the daimyo of the Land of Fire in front of everyone, but he also purged all the nobles in the country and then declared himself king.

Rumor has it that in order to achieve this, this guy not only assassinated all the high-ranking officials of Konoha, but also wiped out the family behind them.

Decisive and ruthless.

Zabuza, such an ambitious man, is nothing compared to him; he's not even worthy of carrying Zabuza's shoes.

Zabuza reached for his guillotine behind his back, entering battle mode: "Why would someone like you appear here? What is your purpose?"

He was just asking symbolically, like shouting "Don't run away" when chasing someone.

They would honestly answer that they had no expectations whatsoever regarding Aokiji.

But to everyone's surprise, Aokiji replied, "Nothing much, just wanted to chat with you Kage about something, like forming an alliance."

Zabuza asked in surprise, "An alliance?"

Aokiji said with a self-deprecating laugh, "I've realized I seem to have made quite a few enemies, so I'm thinking of finding some allies..."

Zabuza couldn't understand what Aokiji was up to: "I really don't get it, but whatever, none of this concerns me anymore anyway."

Zabuza is now a rogue ninja, and the fate of the village is no longer his concern.

He called Bai and prepared to leave.

"Don't make such a decision so easily. If the alliance goes smoothly, you might be able to go back to the village."

Aokiji saw through Zabuza's thoughts.

Zabuza stopped in his tracks: "What do you mean...?"

"I've heard about your deeds; it seems you attempted to assassinate the Mizukage, but failed and ultimately became a rogue ninja..."

Zabuza said expressionlessly, "Laugh all you want to laugh."

Aokiji smiled slightly: "No, you misunderstood. I wasn't mocking you. On the contrary, I actually approve of your behavior."

Zabuza turned around, his eyes showing surprise.

However, considering the rumors surrounding Aokiji, it's not surprising that he would say that.

"If you're interested, then come over."

Aokiji left with those words, taking Kimimaro with him.

"Mr. Zabuza?"