- In Marvel: I Start by Marrying Scarlett Witch [Complete]
- MWM Chapter 51
“No, with your help, the Mist’s tracking forces haven’t been able to gather any information on me and Haku. I plan to take this opportunity to sneak back into the Mist Village and verify the intelligence you provided earlier.”
Zabuza planted his beheading sword into the ground, regaining his stamina.
Since the Land of Waves was now entirely under Leo’s control, with most of the townspeople working for him, it was impossible for the Mist’s tracking forces to find any clues about Zabuza without Leo’s consent.
Ninjas collect intelligence in much the same way as ordinary people—by asking local residents or paying informants.
If the events occurred recently, some special reconnaissance ninjas might track based on specific traces and techniques.
However, both Zabuza and Haku were very experienced in this area and had already erased any traces they left behind.
“In that case, join the caravan. Matsukawa has already set up some shops in the Land of Water that can help conceal your identities.”
Leo nodded in agreement without objection.
At the moment, he didn’t need Zabuza’s help with anything specific. It was fitting that Zabuza could better understand the value of joining the organization Leo founded after verifying the intelligence he provided.
Once they had rested, they returned to the orphanage, which was situated away from the towns.
Inside the orphanage, Haku, dressed in a pink kimono, was gently teaching the recovering children how to better use their ninjutsu.
“Honestly, I think he might be more suited to this job now than to going around killing people with you,” Leo remarked to Zabuza as he watched Haku.
Zabuza remained silent for a while before muttering:
“It’s not the right time yet.”
Leo had no interest in interfering with Zabuza and Haku’s matters. He gave Matsukawa a brief update and then prepared to leave the Land of Waves.
Three days later, back at the Fire Temple, he delved deeper into learning the Fire Temple’s secret jutsu, *Kage·Thousand Hands Killing* and *Fudo Myo*, from Jilu while waiting for the time to return to the main world.
Zabuza’s role was to improve Leo’s practical combat skills. For more advanced ninjutsu principles and knowledge, he still needed to consult Jilu.
For example, aspects like chakra nature changes, making explosive tags, and setting up various jutsu and barriers.
Zabuza, though paid for his work, would not teach these aspects. Only Jilu, his master, would impart all this knowledge without reservation.
Despite Leo being able to suppress Zabuza with his full strength, much of it was due to his past life’s martial arts, elemental chakra advantages, and the use of his mission space.
There was still much to learn about ninjutsu.
Moreover, all the planned activities in the small world had been completed, even exceeded, so it was time for a break.
However, just the day before he was quietly preparing to return to the main world, an unexpected event occurred.
“Your Highness, the Daimyo has sent someone to inform you that he wishes to see you this afternoon. He has something to discuss with you.”
In the morning, Kina hurried to the Fire Temple to report to Leo.
Leo was taken aback by Kina’s words. According to the memories given to him by the panel, the Daimyo rarely called on him unless it was for a special holiday or celebration.
His current identity was not a fabrication by the panel but was a real person existing in the world of Naruto.
From the memories implanted by the panel when he first entered the small world, the life details of the original Yuan Chuan were vividly detailed.
However, the real Yuan Chuan had passed away before his arrival.
It was clear that the appearance of Yuan Chuan in the panel’s memories was not his current one.
“Alright, I understand. Let me first say hello to Master Jilu.”
Leo nodded, then went to inform Jilu. Upon hearing that it was the Daimyo’s summons, Jilu didn’t dare be negligent and quickly urged Leo and Kina to prepare.
…
At three in the afternoon, Leo, dressed in princely attire, met his world’s nominal uncle at the Daimyo’s mansion.
The Daimyo, who appeared to be around fifty years old and wore a fan adorned with three flames, greeted Leo with a warm smile.
“Litlle Chuan, I heard you’ve been studying ninjutsu at the Fire Temple?”
“Yes, I have been apprenticed to the Fire Temple’s head monk.”
Leo responded respectfully.
The Daimyo nodded:
“That’s good. You used to stay at home all the time and never went out. It’s beneficial to learn some ninjutsu and exercise your body.”
According to his memory, since his younger brother and sister-in-law had died, this nephew had become reclusive, staying home and growing increasingly frail.
He was genuinely worried that his nephew might meet the same early demise as his deceased brother due to poor health.
The Yuan family was already few in number, and another death would reduce the family further, which he felt would be unfair to his late brother.
So, seeing his nephew finally willing to step out and learn ninjutsu, he was genuinely pleased.
“Thank you for your concern, Uncle.”
Leo could sense that the Daimyo’s attitude toward him was quite favorable and relaxed.
After chatting about family matters and inquiring about Leo’s life and ninjutsu studies at the Fire Temple, the Daimyo cleared his throat and said with some gravity:
“Little Chuan, since you’re doing well with your studies at the Fire Temple, I have a task to assign to you.”
“Please tell me, Uncle.”
Leo’s heart stirred, but his expression remained calm.
The Daimyo took a sip of the tea in front of him and then slowly asked:
“When you were studying ninjutsu at the Fire Temple, Master Jilu should have told you about the ninja promotion process, correct?”
“Yes, Master Jilu did mention that. Generally, to advance from Genin to Chunin, one must participate in the Chunin Exams, which are held twice a year and hosted alternately by the allied ninja villages.
For promotions to Special Jonin and Jonin, it is decided internally by the ninja village’s higher-ups based on missions and abilities.”
Although the Fire Temple did not participate in these matters, Jilu, as his master, would have taught him these basics of the ninja world to prevent him from being uninformed during his travels.
The Daimyo put down his cup:
“Most of what you said is correct. However, the Chunin Exams are not just for Genin to advance to Chunin; they also serve as an important occasion for observing the national strength among various countries.
Through the performance of the latest generation of ninjas from each major ninja village, the overall strength of the villages can be roughly assessed.
In ten days, on July 1st, this year’s Chunin Exams will officially begin in Konohagakure. The Wind Country, Rain Country, Grass Country, Waterfall Country, and Rice Country will all send their ninja villages’ representatives.
Their lords and nobles will also be present to watch.
So, I hope you will represent me and lead the nobles of the Land of Fire to observe the event.”