Starts In Konoha: Unlocking Shadow Clone

"Don't worry, Naruto-sama. This is my assistant, Haku."

Seeing that Naruto was looking at Haku, Zabuza quickly explained to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.

Naruto nodded, "Since you're an assistant, it's only right to show your true face. Haku, remove your mask."

"Yes, Naruto-sama!"

Haku took off his mask without any hesitation.

Beneath the mask was a delicate, youthful face with a gentle, almost serene gaze. It was hard to believe this soft-eyed boy was actually a ruthless Shinobi.

'That Kishimoto… it's ok that he drew a girl and tried to make him a boy, but he even had the heart to draw this cute boy to death. Unforgivable!'

Naruto couldn't help but complain in his heart, but now that he had traveled to this world, he had every intention of rewriting this tragedy.

"Let's go. Show me to your base." He instructed.

"Yes!"

Zabuza responded and flickered in one direction.

Naruto concentrated the Kyubi's Chakra under his feet, and his speed increased several times.

He wouldn't let those three days of training go to waste.

Before long, the trio reached an overgrown, desolate ruin.

Haku drew a kunai and pried open a concealed door hidden amidst the weeds. Naruto followed them through the door, taking in his surroundings with interest.

Underneath lay a long stone stairway that led to an underground hideout, hollowed out with several rooms lined up. A few masked Kirigakure's Shinobi patrolled the area.

Upon spotting Zabuza, Haku, and Naruto, these Kirigakure's Shinobi bowed in respect: "Greetings to Zabuza-sama, Haku-sama."

They didn't ask about Naruto's identity and continued their patrols.

Seeing all of this, Naruto began to understand.

'No wonder Zabuza had avoided capture all this time. It turns out that he has set up an underground base, which greatly reduced the risk of detection. It seems that Zabuza still has some brains.'

"Naruto-sama, here is a list of our organization's members, please take a look."

After entering an empty room, Zabuza handed over a document.

Naruto took the list, and a gleam of excitement appeared in his eyes.

Apart from Zabuza and Haku, the organization had thirty-seven members in total, including thirty-three people with Chunin-level strength and four people with the Tokubetsu Jonin-level strength.

It was much better than Naruto had expected. After all, when watching the anime, he had only seen Zabuza, Haku, and the Demon Brothers, totaling four people.

However, he still had one unresolved question. Back when he'd watched Naruto, he hadn't quite grasped the difference between Tokubetsu Jonin and Jonin, so he asked Zabuza directly.

Zabuza explained, "The ranking of Shinobi strength recognized by the Five Great Nations, from weakest to strongest, is divided into Genin, Chunin, Tokubetsu Jonin, Jonin, Elite Jonin, and Kage."

"A Tokubetsu Jonin is skilled in a specific area, with strength that falls between Chunin and Jonin. A Jonin, however, has balanced overall abilities but lacks any finishing Ninjutsu. Elite Jonin are those with well-rounded abilities and possess deadly Ninjutsu."

"Generally speaking, the Elite Jonin are the backbone of the village, though their fame and influence are still below that of a Kage."

After listening to Zabuza's explanation, Naruto nodded in understanding.

'So, Ebisu is only outstanding in education, which makes him a Tokubetsu Jonin. Asuma, who has no special moves, is an ordinary Jonin. As for Kakashi and Guy, with both powerful skills and deadly moves, could be considered Elite Jonin.'

'No wonder Kakashi became the Rokudaime Hokage in the end… he'd simply amassed enough fame.'

With everything now clear, Naruto looked at the roster with a newfound understanding.

Among the four Tokubetsu Jonin in this organization, two are good at reconnaissance and assassination, and two are good at financial management.

After Zabuza went into hiding, he'd need substantial funds to make a comeback, so having finance specialists made perfect sense. This arrangement also played right into Naruto's hands.

"Zabuza, call the two Takagi brothers over."

Naruto instructed after pondering for a while.

The two brothers, Takagi Kin and Takagi Gin, are Tokubetsu Jonin who are good at financial management. This time, Naruto's plan is to annex Gato's wealth. So with the help of these two brothers, it should be a lot easier.

After a while, two rotund, short men shuffled in. They looked nothing like Shinobi, more like plump landlords.

"Since everyone's here, I'll get straight to the point. My goal is simple: I want all of Gato's assets." Naruto declared firmly.

Hearing this, the Takagi brothers' eyes lit up with delight, "Naruto-sama, that is a great idea. We've had our eyes on his wealth for some time now. As long as we get Gato's wealth, we will have resources that are rich enough to rival a country."

"I disagree."

Zabuza shook his head and said, "I once had similar thoughts, but Gato is cautious and always surrounded by numerous bodyguards. Assassinating him might be feasible, but taking control of his assets is nearly impossible. I have investigated and found that his wealth is spread across various locations worldwide. Gathering it all would be a monumental task."

"Spread across various locations worldwide? That just makes it easier."

Naruto chuckled, "Zabuza, your idea is too circuitous. In fact, there is a simplest way. We are all Shinobi, and sometimes, we have to think from a Shinobi's perspective."

Zabuza was puzzled and said, "What do you mean? Besides killing people, I don't know what else Shinobi can do."

Naruto sighed, finding it futile to dance around the point with Zabuza's rigid mindset.

"As Shinobi, we all know how to use Transformation Technique. Since Gato's assets are scattered, why don't we send people transformed as Gato to different locations and transfer his assets to us?"

Hearing this, the Takagi brothers' eyes brightened, raising their thumbs in approval.

Sometimes, the simplest methods are the easiest to overlook. With Naruto's suggestion, the Takagi brothers felt like doors to a new world had opened, and ideas began streaming through their minds.

But Zabuza still looked unconvinced and frowned, "Naruto-sama, your plan is indeed brilliant, but Gato's no fool. A small amount missing might go unnoticed, but eventually, he'll realize something's wrong."

"Ugh, you really are dense."

Naruto sighed, "Didn't you just say you're good at killing? So why not kill Gato, then disguise yourself as him and continue running things as if you were him? That way, no one would suspect a thing while we transfer the assets."

Seeing that Zabuza still wanted to ask question, Naruto continued, "Think about it… Gato reached his position by being ruthless and cunning. Once we capture him, we can extract every detail about his operations, so we'll play the part without a hitch."

As he said that, he threw out a document, "Here's a detailed plan. Follow this, and within half a year, all of Gato's assets should be transferred to the organization."

Zabuza opened the document and read it carefully. After just a few glances, his eyes widened with realization. He was visibly shaken, with glints of excitement lighting up his gaze, "Naruto-sama, your talent truly is remarkable. I'm in awe…in awe..."