Controlling others.

Some use love to persuade, others employ power and wealth to bribe, while some utilize fear to dominate.

Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

But Qingchuan, who merely focused on Gato's treasury, obviously leaned toward the latter.

While he couldn't directly take Gato's money just yet,

enjoying the treatment of a bully was quite satisfying...

Gato's ship had its positives; its sailing speed was commendable.

The journey was relatively smooth.

Under the service of countless subordinates, Qingchuan dined luxuriously and was comfortable on the way.

On his first journey at sea, accompanied by so many followers,

Qingchuan felt a rush of adventure akin to setting course for the Grand Line...

It was exhilarating.

As the Land of Water drew closer,

Qingchuan considered how he would summon the Fourth Mizukage.

Yagura was under the control of Obito's genjutsu.

Yet Obito wouldn't stay in the Hidden Mist 24/7...

The current Yagura was likely following the orders implanted by Obito through his genjutsu.

Approaching the Mizukage's building directly...

seemed unwise.

After all, that place was the most fortified in a ninja village.

Storming in and out would greatly disrespect the Hidden Mist...

Moreover, a multitude of lost souls had yet to return to the Pure Land,

so it was easy for the Sage of the Six Paths to notice.

Indeed,

a careful plan was needed.

"Sir... we are almost there."

One of the subordinates timidly approached, offering a plate of fruits,

while Gato maintained his grip on the Explosive Tags atop his head, feigning a flattering attitude.

Qingchuan glanced at his underlings.

Then he popped a grape into his mouth, tasting it.

"Hmm... wait, you... you two recognize those Explosive Tags; come with me off the ship. The rest stay here and wait for me."

Qingchuan commanded.

Gato's identity as a wealthy merchant concealed him well.

Using Gato to enter the Hidden Mist would save a lot of effort.

He spoke, noticing Gato's increasingly strange expression, and raised an eyebrow.

"What's wrong? Not happy?"

"I'm happy, happy, happy!"

Gato quickly nodded vigorously!

"Serving you, sir, is a great honor!"

Now he genuinely did not dare to have any ulterior motives...

At least, not before sending off this daunting figure.

He could only blame himself for his short-sightedness.

Why playfully tease a little girl?

And look what happened...

Instead of hooking a tiny fish, he snagged a shark instead.

One that wouldn't spit out bones!

Gato had already quietly resolved...

from now on, he needed to hire a few reliable ninjas!

He couldn't skimp on a single dime!

As for Gato's caution...

Qingchuan noticed but had no intention of exposing him.

Once the Three-Tails were in hand, and Gato's money was taken, it would be time for goodbyes.

The parting would not be pleasant.

He also didn't want Gato to be too sad at that moment...

The mist thickened.

Finally, the large ship docked, and they had finally arrived at the Land of Water.

Gato hurried ahead to clear a path, with two ninjas closely following Qingchuan.

This display... wasn't too bad.

"Make way, make way! This is the Princess of the Land of Waves!"

"You filthy fishermen, stay away from the Princess!"

Gato shouted arrogantly, showing none of the awareness one might expect from a small nation merchant entering a big country.

Qingchuan raised an eyebrow, silently giving a thumbs up to the pudgy bully.

Although pretending to be sincere, his blatant show of attention was clearly an opportunity to find trouble and seek a means to escape...

As expected,

a few greedy and hostile gazes turned towards them, their intentions unmistakable.

The present Land of Water was far from peaceful...

With a smile, Qingchuan decided to ignore them and strode forward confidently.

However, just as he took a few steps,

several shuriken sliced through the air, heading straight for... his two subordinates!

Ding!

Thud!

One subordinate barely managed to block them, while the other wasn't so fortunate...

Struck directly in the chest, he let out a scream and fell to the ground, on the verge of death!

"Sir, be careful!"

The ninja hired by Gato appeared to have a sense of duty,

and without hesitation, he turned to make a run for it!

Qingchuan shrugged, taking no action to stop him.

People had their own aspirations...

Some things couldn't be forced.

Such as loyalty.

However,

those who attacked him clearly didn't intend to let that subordinate live.

In the blink of an eye, a figure blurred and rushed forward, swiftly dispatching the attacking assailants, returning a soul to the Pure Land...

But as the two bodyguards fell,

another aura suddenly surged into the battlefield, moving swiftly and decisively to eliminate the attackers silently!

Qingchuan raised an eyebrow.

This place surprisingly had another expert.

"I heard him say... you are the Princess of the Land of Waves."

Shortly thereafter, through the thickening fog, a man wrapped in bandages gradually emerged.

He held another ninja by the throat,

the face of which was flush and nearing suffocation.

"Um... that's what he said."

Qingchuan threw a glance at the bandaged man holding the ninja, then at the bandaged man himself, and his expression became somewhat curious.

It seemed his luck was still pretty good.

First, he ran into Gato, and now he'd encountered Gato's future "trusted subordinate."

Zabuza Momochi.

Currently, Zabuza wielded nothing more than a standard blade.

His attire didn't reflect that of a defector.

This perplexed Qingchuan somewhat...

"If you don't want to die, return from whence you came,"

Zabuza coolly declared, slicing the throat of the rogue ninja he held, his eyes filled with disdain.

He had come to eliminate the missing-nin as part of his mission.

The Land of Water had seen a sharp rise in rogue ninjas lately.

Although protecting other countries' princesses wasn't within his mandates, he had no interest in such tasks.

However, for filth like this...

He killed one on sight, leaving no mercy.

"The current Land of Water does not welcome outside visitors."

Zabuza finished coldly before disappearing from view.

But Qingchuan's eyes lit up!

With a flick of his finger, a surge of spiritual energy imbued Gato, allowing him to track him upon returning from the Land of Water.

Meanwhile, Qingchuan activated his Shunpo, swiftly chasing after Zabuza's figure...

There was a hunch rising within him.

Three Tails...

There was a connection here!

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