"Although the genjutsu controlling the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, has been lifted, you are still considered a traitor for attempting to assassinate him. For the sake of Kirigakure's reputation, they won't call off their hunt for you.
But don't worry—as a partner of the organization, I'll help you conceal your identity.
And if you truly intend to return and seize the position of Mizukage one day, I can help with that too—especially by offering financial support."
Carl clapped his hands together and rose to his feet.
Zabuza also got up, gripping his Executioner's Sword tightly. He stared at Carl for a long moment before finally speaking:
"What do you want us to do?"
There was no such thing as a free favor. The other party had provided intel, healing, returned his sword, and offered assistance. There had to be a price.
"We're all companions here—this help is nothing," Carl replied with a smile. "But, if you're up for it, help me take down Gato in a few days.
With him still alive, even if the bridge is completed, the people of the Land of Waves won't see peace.
Monks are merciful. I don't want to see innocent people suffer."
Carl even put on an expression of benevolence, which made both Zabuza and Haku's mouths corners twitch slightly.
Then Carl tossed a pair of black-and-white engraved tokens to them.
"These are the tokens of our organization. With them, you'll be welcomed at any Chuanji store in the Land of Fire. Head to the nearest town to recover for now. I'll let you know when it's time for action."
Shortly after returning to the ninja world, Carl had begun directing Kinai to establish stores under the Chuanji name in every town across the Land of Fire. On the surface, they were ordinary grocery stores supporting the trade caravans—but beneath them were hidden compartments, perfect for rest, refuge, and secret operations.
The organization was still strapped for funds. But once Gato's business empire was dismantled and the commercial profits of the Land of Waves were absorbed, Carl planned to expand Chuanji operations into every major country—supporting both business and intelligence gathering.
Grocery stores, inns, custom shops, hot springs… a full-range, diversified network.
"How many members does our organization currently have?"
Zabuza asked Carl, who was about to turn and leave, while putting away the token.
Carl pointed at Zabuza and Haku, then at himself:
"Right now, it's just the three of us as official members. I'll recruit more based on the situation. Of course, if you know someone suitable, feel free to recommend them."
With that said, he didn't linger any longer and turned around, quickly vanishing into the distance.
Once Carl's figure had completely disappeared, Haku looked to Zabuza and asked:
"Zabuza-sama, are we really joining his organization?"
Haku had a good impression of Carl, but only because there hadn't yet been any conflict of life and death between them. If they were ever ordered to kill Carl, Haku would still act on Zabuza's command.
Zabuza rested the Executioner's Sword across his shoulder and replied:
"It doesn't harm us, and as for that Gato, if it weren't for the money and needing to avoid constant pursuit, I would've killed him a long time ago.
Even some weak, ordinary guy dares to boss me around."
Zabuza knew Carl was using them, but he didn't mind—he intended to use Carl in return. After all, what he truly wanted to know was who exactly had cast the genjutsu on Yagura.
---
Elsewhere, Carl, having concluded his business with Zabuza and Haku, returned to the original battleground and followed the trail left by Naruto and the others to quickly locate Tazuna's house.
"Brother Carl!"
Sakura was wringing out a towel at the door, and her face lit up with relief and surprise when she saw Carl approaching.
Just moments ago, she'd been worried about whether it had been too dangerous for Carl to go after Zabuza and that boy—especially since anyone working alongside Zabuza couldn't possibly be weak.
"Sakura, where's Mr. Kakashi?"
"Kakashi sensei passed out after you left. He still hasn't woken up," Sakura replied, clearly anxious.
Unlike Sasuke and Naruto, Sakura—though a top student—had combat ability closer to an average fresh genin. Watching the high-level clash between Kakashi and Zabuza had left her feeling overwhelmed.
"Looks like he was injured fighting Zabuza," Carl said reassuringly. "Fortunately, this monk is pretty good at medical ninjutsu. I'll go take a look and help."
Sakura was overjoyed when she heard this. She immediately dropped the towel and led Carl to the room where Kakashi was resting.
Inside the room, in addition to Naruto and Sasuke, were Tazuna and his family. The moment Carl appeared, Naruto eagerly asked:
"Brother Carl, did you take them down after you caught up?"
Though Sasuke remained silent, he perked up, clearly invested in the answer.
Carl shook his head and replied with a wry smile:
"Ashamed to say, I did catch up, but that young man is quite powerful. He uses some unique ninjutsu. I wasn't able to stop him, and he even managed to snatch back the scroll sealing the Executioner's sword."
Then, Carl quickly shifted the topic:
"Anyway, let's not talk about that right now. Let's treat Mr. Kakashi first."
With that, he knelt beside Kakashi and activated his Palm Sage Technique, directing chakra into Kakashi's body through his palms.
"Mr. Kakashi's external wounds aren't serious. The main problem is chakra exhaustion and physical strain. With a few days of rest, he'll recover fully."
"Damn it! He's not much older than us, yet he's that strong. I really have to step up my game!" Naruto growled through clenched teeth, frustrated. The strength gap between him and that mysterious boy made him feel like dead weight.
Sasuke, though silent, balled his fists. For the first time, the ever-proud Uchiha felt he wasn't much different from Naruto in terms of ability.
At that moment, Kakashi regained consciousness. Hearing Naruto's outburst, he reached up and placed a hand on Naruto's head.
"Out there in the world, there are ninjas not much older than you who are already stronger than me. Keep training hard."
Kakashi's mind flashed to a former subordinate in the Anbu—Sasuke's older brother. The same person who became an S-rank rogue ninja of Konoha after massacring the entire Uchiha clan: Uchiha Itachi.
"That boy is only three or four years older than you," Carl added with a gentle smile. "When you're his age, I believe you'll surpass him. As for this little monk here—he's already twenty, eight years older than you. By then, I'm sure you'll be renowned throughout the ninja world."
What Carl said wasn't just to comfort them—he meant it. If things followed the original timeline, both Naruto and Sasuke would become top-tier powerhouses in the ninja world before the age of twenty.
"Brother Carl is so gentle and handsome. If only monks could marry..."
Sakura thought to herself, watching Carl as he treated Kakashi. She then shifted her gaze to the ever-cool Sasuke, and her cheeks turned bright red.
"But Sasuke and I are a perfect match. When we're both twenty… will we have kids together?"