Chapter 83: Complete Control of the Land of Waves!

Zabuza’s intelligence caused Terumi Mei’s brows to knit together; the name Uchiha Madara represented legend and power throughout the shinobi world. Even in the distant Land of Water, within Kirigakure, there was no one unaware of Uchiha Madara. The First Hokage of Konoha was famed for his overwhelming strength, and Madara was one of the rare individuals who could challenge him as an equal. In fact, even rogue ninja from the Village Hidden in the Waterfall boasted endlessly about surviving under the First Hokage’s hand, but Madara managed to battle him to a draw—a feat bordering on the miraculous.

Yet… wasn’t Uchiha Madara long dead?

“The Madara from back then may or may not have actually died, but someone has always been using that name to stir up trouble,” Zabuza replied. “It’s said that the infamous destruction of the Uchiha Clan was orchestrated by this so-called Madara.”

During his time as a fugitive, Zabuza had been pursuing a man who claimed to be Uchiha Madara. This man seemed to have intricate connections to every disturbance in the shinobi world since the end of the Third Great Ninja War. Zabuza even glimpsed his shadow in the Land of Rain, entangled with the one who annihilated Salamander Hanzo.

“I’m also tracking another man—Kisame Hoshigaki,” Zabuza continued. “He seems to be closely allied with the one who calls himself Uchiha Madara.”

A sharp glint flashed in Terumi Mei’s beautiful eyes; she realized the gravity of this intelligence. Kisame Hoshigaki, another member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, was also a rogue ninja. (Why do you Seven Swordsmen always end up as deserters? Terumi Mei mused.) His name was legendary in Kirigakure—a man whose chakra reserves rivaled those of a tailed beast.

If Kisame truly had ties to Uchiha Madara, then Yagura’s death was anything but undeserved. The recent unrest, just quelled, might only be the prelude to a greater conspiracy.

Terumi Mei knew she had to act, lest Kirigakure, barely emerging from civil strife, fall into peril again. She resolved to cooperate with Zabuza, even if it meant joining forces with a former enemy. At this moment, she had no other choice. Only by uniting every possible ally could Kirigakure survive its most dangerous hour.

“Zabuza, I will investigate this man who claims to be Uchiha Madara. If he truly is linked to the recent unrest—”

Mei gazed firmly at Zabuza. “And you, I hope you’ll stay and help the village through this crisis.”

“I won’t stay,” Zabuza sneered. “I’ve already pledged myself to Lord Orochimaru, founder of the Ryuzo Society. Orochimaru gives generously and is truly tolerant.”

He laughed coldly. “As for Madara and Kisame, I’ll pursue them myself. No need for you to worry.”

“My coming here was only to witness Yagura’s fate, and the one who ended him. I won’t aid the village any further.”

With that, Zabuza turned to leave. But just before departing, he glanced back and said, “Oh, one more thing. Give up on the Land of Waves.”

“The Land of Waves has attracted the attention of someone even Lord Orochimaru admires. If you reach out again, you’re doomed to fail.”

As Zabuza’s silhouette receded, Mei and her two companions fell into deep contemplation. Orochimaru? The legendary Sannin, Orochimaru? And the one he respects—what kind of person could that be?

Meanwhile, attention shifted to the Land of Waves.

The news of a completed trans-sea bridge spread, and the people of the Land of Waves saw the dawn of hope. With rumors of Gato’s eradication and details of his public trial circulating, the Land of Waves grew eager for a hero like Naruto to champion their cause, hoping he would become their daimyo.

However, the local aristocrats were unwilling to relinquish their power so easily. They tried to use their resources and supposed “status and righteousness” to oppose the will of the people.

Their resistance resulted in utter catastrophe.

Naruto understood that only by completely destroying these forces could the Land of Waves be reborn. His original plan was to seize their assets, redistribute their land, and let them live as commoners. But the local clans, desperate, resorted to scorched earth tactics and persecuted the populace—such heinous crimes could not be tolerated.

Leading a force of steam-powered mechanical armies and elite shinobi, Naruto began a campaign to purge the local powers.

Battles erupted across every corner of the Land of Waves. The steam-driven machines, like unstoppable steel beasts, shattered the enemy’s defenses and demolished their fortresses. The shinobi silently infiltrated, using their masterful techniques to subdue and capture the leaders.

Throughout the conflict, Naruto remained on the front lines, his figure inspiring unwavering faith among his followers. He did not resort to coercion or bribery; instead, he told his followers that this battle was not only to defeat the aristocrats, but also so everyone could pursue a better future, ensuring their descendants could live in peace and prosperity.

After an intense series of battles, the local daimyo and aristocrats were finally eradicated. Their fortresses became ruins, the evil samurai and nobles—and even the Land of Waves’ daimyo—were publicly tried.

The Land of Waves experienced an unprecedented upheaval.

When all was done, Naruto stood atop the roof of the Land of Waves’ castle tower, gazing down at the land for which he had fought, his heart filled with boundless pride. This victory was only the beginning. Whether it was the future of the Land of Waves, the future of the Land of Whirlpools, or Naruto Uzumaki’s own journey in this world, everything was just starting.

Within the castle below, Karin and Aoi represented Naruto in negotiations with envoys from the Land of Fire. The Land of Fire, one of the Five Great Nations, had long coveted the Land of Waves. Previously, they tried to bypass Konoha by making deals with the local aristocrats, hoping to bring the Land of Waves into their sphere of influence.

Now, unable to achieve their aims on the battlefield, they sought to do so at the negotiation table.

Naruto himself had little interest in negotiating with the envoys from the Land of Fire; he always found the politicking of nobles and statesmen tedious, much like Hiruzen Sarutobi’s endless games. If they couldn’t win on the battlefield, how could they expect to win at the table? What wishful thinking!

However, Karin had gathered some explosive information about the Land of Fire and was eager for these negotiations. So Naruto let Karin handle the talks, with Aoi assisting to guard against any genjutsu specialists.

Karin conducted a series of frank and in-depth exchanges with the Land of Fire’s representatives. In the end, the Land of Fire reluctantly compromised with the Land of Waves. They agreed not to interfere in the Land of Waves’ internal affairs and promised to establish trade relations, with the only condition being that the Land of Waves would not secretly meddle in the Land of Fire or support any forces hostile to it.

The daimyo of the Land of Fire was dissatisfied with the agreement, but powerless against the Land of Waves; in the end, he could only avert his gaze and sigh, unable even to hire Konoha shinobi to stir up trouble in the Land of Waves.

A new era belonging to the Land of Waves had finally arrived.