"Uncle... isn't this bad?"
Killing Gato and then taking his property—no matter how you look at it, it seems like something a villain would do.
"You guys are really naive."
Ge Liang shook his head and continued, "Gato, as an oligarch who monopolized almost all resources in the Land of Waves, his assets would be at least tens of millions of ryo. Even if it were over a hundred million, I wouldn't be surprised. And even if most of it is real estate, his liquid assets shouldn't be less than five million ryo."
"Even if you're afraid of tarnishing your reputation by doing it yourselves, you could have Zabuza and Haku do it. They were the ones who killed Gato, so it's perfectly reasonable for them to take over the assets."
"Tsk tsk, at least five million ryo in cash, just like that, you gave it up."
After hearing what Ge Liang said, the trio all made pained expressions.
Naruto was the most exaggerated, constantly cursing himself for being an idiot.
"Sasuke, Sakura, do you think we can still make it to the Land of Waves if we leave now?"
"Forget it, Naruto. Not to mention whether we can leave the village, even if we could, it would be too late to rush to the Land of Waves now."
Among the three, Sasuke, the wealthy scion, was the first to calm down. Thinking of the large inheritance he still had at home, he didn't seem to feel so bad about Gato's money anymore.
"Ah, my money~"
〒▽〒
Naruto wailed.
"Alright, stop thinking about these unhappy things. Where are Zabuza and Haku? Where did they go?"
"Oh, they went to see the Hokage with Kakashi."
Ignoring Naruto, who was still being dramatic, Sasuke directly answered Ge Liang's question... At this moment, in the Hokage Office, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, looked troubled by the two people Kakashi brought back.
If Kakashi had brought back ordinary people, it would have been fine, but he brought back a Rogue Ninja from the Hidden Mist, and also the user of the executioners blade. This made Hiruzen Sarutobi feel it was difficult to handle.
First, Zabuza is a Rogue Ninja. What if Kirigakure sends people to hold them accountable? Will they think Konoha is supporting Zabuza in causing trouble?
Second, the executioners blade is one of the Seven Ninja Swords of the Mist. If they come to claim it, should they give it back or not?
If either of these matters is not handled properly, it could lead to a diplomatic dispute.
If it were according to his own character, he would certainly hand Zabuza and Haku over to Kirigakure. This would not only solve the trouble but might also gain some benefits from the Hidden Mist.
However, these two were specifically requested by Ge Liang.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had always been wary of Ge Liang. He hadn't forgotten that Danzo had fallen into Ge Liang's hands.
Before Konoha became strong, he tried his best not to offend such a person.
Didn't he even let Konohamaru go to the internet cafe recently?
This was a signal to further show goodwill.
Now that he had finally 'improved' his relationship with Ge Liang, if he were to go against Ge Liang again because of Zabuza, wouldn't all his previous efforts be in vain?
Taking in Zabuza would offend the Hidden Mist.
Not taking in Zabuza would offend Ge Liang.
Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly found himself in a dilemma.
In front of the desk, Kakashi, Zabuza, and Haku stood waiting for the Third Hokage's decision.
Kakashi and Zabuza seemed indifferent.
One was a Konoha Ninja, who only needed to follow orders.
The other had already accepted his fate, whatever the outcome, he would accept it.
Only Haku seemed nervous. He was afraid that Ge Liang's influence wasn't as great as Kakashi had claimed. What if the Third Hokage ultimately decided to hand them over to the Hidden Mist?
It didn't matter if he died, but Zabuza-sama must not die.
After a long thought, the Third Hokage sighed and said, "You really know how to give me problems."
"So, Hokage-sama, what is your decision? Will you hand us over to the Hidden Mist or take us in?"
Glancing at the indifferent Zabuza, the Third Hokage finally decided, "Alright, I'll consider this as doing Ge Liang a favor. As long as you don't cause trouble in Konoha, I'll pretend you don't exist."
"Is that so?"
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
The Third Hokage made his decision. Zabuza still had a deadpan expression, but Haku seemed particularly excited, bowing repeatedly to the Third Hokage in thanks.
"Remember my words, don't cause trouble in Konoha."
"Don't worry, Hokage-sama, we will abide by Konoha's rules."
"Hmm, alright, you may leave."
The Third Hokage gave the order to leave, and Kakashi naturally led Zabuza and Haku out of the office.
Outside the Hokage Building, Haku asked, "Kakashi Jonin, are you taking us to see Ge Liang-sama?"
Kakashi nodded and replied, "Yes."
Aside from Ge Liang, the three had no common topics. What could be said, Kakashi had already said outside the village, so after he answered Haku, the three fell into silence... When the three arrived at the internet cafe, they saw a 'tired of life' Naruto, and Sakura with a look of heartache.
"What... what happened?"
Seeing Kakashi ask, Sasuke quickly told Kakashi what had just happened.
After hearing what Sasuke said, Kakashi's eye twitched uncontrollably.
Naruto and the others didn't know, but how could Kakashi not know?
As the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, even with an Elite Jonin like Kakashi in the team, the Third Hokage was still worried about the Jinchuriki's safety.
After they left the village, a team of Anbu secretly followed them. If there were no dangerous situations, they naturally wouldn't appear, but if there were dangerous situations, they would appear in time to save the day.
This time, nothing unexpected happened in the Land of Waves. Logically, this Anbu team would follow them back to the village.
However, after Gato was dealt with, Kakashi noticed that this Anbu team was gone.
As for where they went... hehe, does it even need to be said?
Now Naruto was regretting it after hearing Ge Liang's words.
Kakashi just wanted to say: You're overthinking it.
Even if Naruto had gone to claim Gato's assets at that time, all that would be waiting for them would be some unmovable real estate.
Trying to snatch food from Konoha's hands?
I think you're dreaming.
Of course, to maintain Konoha's image as not being bandits, Kakashi naturally wouldn't say it aloud.
"You lost a sum of money, Sasuke, aren't you depressed?"
Kakashi was a bit curious as to why Sasuke was so calm. Hadn't Naruto already felt that life had lost its meaning? Even Sakura had a bitter Face. Why was Sasuke so calm?
"Hmm... my family left me some money, so, you know."
Kakashi:...Rich kid!