Naruto: Lost to Hinata on Purpose, and Now Everything's a Mess Chapter 69 69

After Zabuza left, Riku chuckled and said, "It looks like this isn't over yet. I don't believe that guy would give up on killing Tazuna just because of this."

Kakashi sighed. "I hope he does. If you really wanted to kill him, it wouldn't be difficult for you—but now isn't the ti to reveal your strength."

He lowered his voice, speaking directly to Riku.

In truth, Kakashi didn't want Riku's abilities exposed. If it were just the two of them here, Kakashi would've supported him taking Zabuza out. But with Sasuke, Naruto, and the others present, not to ntion Tazuna, revealing Riku's full power wasn't necessary.

Sasuke stared at Riku with intense focus, fists clenched tightly. Why is this guy so strong? He never seed like it back in school—always acting so average, but I didn't notice he was hiding it all along.

He felt like a clown for ever believing he was the top student.

But I'll surpass you. I still have the Sharingan. Once I awaken it, I'll definitely be able to beat you.

Sasuke had unwavering faith in the Uchiha clan's Sharingan. As far as he was concerned, evolving it would make surpassing Riku inevitable.

Naruto had also started to see Riku as a rival—soone he needed to surpass no matter what.

Sakura, on the other hand, didn't feel competitive. Instead, she was simply grateful to Riku for saving her earlier.

Tazuna had seen enough to know that both Riku and Kakashi were incredibly powerful. If Zabuza couldn't kill them, then neither could anyone else. That thought reassured him.

He led the four of them back to his house in the village. Along the way, he began to show Riku a new level of respect—perhaps even more than he gave Kakashi. That murderous aura Riku had unleashed earlier had made a strong impression.

Once they arrived at Tazuna's ho, Kakashi began delegating tasks. Every day, two of them would accompany Tazuna to the construction site and guard the bridge while it was being built. The others would remain at the house.

Construction would take at least another month, so the group would be staying there for a while.

anwhile, back at Gato hideout, Zabuza had returned, having failed the mission. Gato harshly berated him while Haku stood nearby, watching the exchange unfold with quiet fury.

Inside, Haku seethed. Don't you understand how strong the enemy is? That's Hatake Kakashi, and the one beside him—he has Jonin-level strength. You expect Mr. Zabuza to fight off two Jonin by himself?

Gato turned on Haku and shouted, "And what about you? Aren't you supposed to be one of the Seven Ninja Swordsn's apprentices? And you're being stopped by one damn Kakashi? You call yourself an assassin? You're nothing but a waste!"

The insult sent a flash of rage through Haku. He reached for his senbon, ready to strike.

Zabuza stopped him with a calm voice. "We'll make another attempt."

Gato scoffed. "Of course you will. I paid good money. If you're not going to finish the job, give my money back."

Gato was arrogant, but wealthy. And in this world, wealth could manipulate even shinobi. While ninja possessed power, they were still bound by contracts, and n like Gato knew it. Zabuza couldn't simply kill him—not if he wanted to keep taking jobs. Killing a client would make it impossible to get work again, especially from the rich.

So even though Gato was an insufferable bastard, Zabuza held his tongue.

After Gato left, Haku frowned and asked, "Why didn't you kill him, Zabuza-sama?"

Zabuza sat in his chair and replied calmly, "We're in exile. We need jobs to survive."

Sure, stealing was always an option, but for a mber of the Seven Ninja Swordsn, resorting to thievery was beneath him. He still considered himself a ninja. That pride mattered.

And thieves—even powerful ones—were easy targets. No matter how strong he was, the five great shinobi villages could crush him if they decided to. As long as he wasn't desperate, he wouldn't betray the code and kill a client.

Rich n like Gato always ca with egos. As long as they paid, it didn't matter.

After a pause, Zabuza added, "We still have to finish the job and kill Tazuna."

Hearing this, Haku brought up his concern. "Zabuza-sama, I think that boy—Riku—may be the one we need to watch out for. He might be even stronger than Kakashi."

Zabuza nodded. "You're right. That brat's strength surpasses Kakashi's. I never expected Konoha to have a genius like him."

"He's our biggest obstacle. If we can't eliminate him, then we need to draw him away from Tazuna."

"I can kill Tazuna even with Kakashi around. But not with that kid there. He's too unpredictable."

"Best option? Separate him from Tazuna."

Zabuza had realized from their earlier clashes that Riku's strength possibly outmatched his own. Even when he used the Hidden Mist Technique, Riku had no trouble locating him—like the mist didn't affect him at all.

That kid has so special ability... he can sense in the mist.

Haku nodded. "Yes. He's... different."

"But Zabuza-sama, we might be able to lure him away using his teammates."

Although Haku didn't like killing, he hated seeing Zabuza unhappy even more. If failing the mission ant disappointing him, then it was worth doing whatever it took.

Zabuza's eyes narrowed. "You might be right. Start with one of his teammates... pull him away."

"Keep an eye on them. And when Riku isn't nearby—kidnap the girl."

Haku nodded obediently.

Zabuza had observed that Kakashi's team had five people, but only one girl. In most shinobi teams, especially those from the five great nations, the standard was a three-man cell—two boys and one girl. The idea was to spark rivalry between the boys, pushing them to beco stronger.

That ant the girl—Sakura—was likely the emotional linchpin of the team.

Zabuza had also noticed that, of the group, Naruto and Sakura were the weakest.

Naruto wasn't worth targeting. But Sakura? She could be the key.

If they could take her hostage, Riku would have no choice but to leave Tazuna's side.

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