After Sailing with the Pirate King, I Returned to Konoha - 203

Chapter 203: Zabuza X Haku X Demon Child Descends!

The Land of Vegetables.

A small country without ninja. This nation's monarch had always adhered to peaceful development principles—though perhaps simply because they lacked sufficient military force. With the monarch leading by example, the residents here were generally gentle and kind, even mocked by other countries as "bleeding hearts."

But since we said "generally," there were inevitably exceptions.

Several power-hungry ministers colluded with foreign ninja, not only killing the original Land of Vegetables daimyo but also using conspiracies to imprison the princess in another country, creating the illusion of "royal bloodline extinction" to gain legitimacy for their rule.

Over the following ten years, their rule became increasingly secure. Considering the princess might attempt to restore her country, these ministers decided to simply kill her.

Originally, things should have proceeded this way. Unfortunately, two ninja appeared halfway through assassinating the princess, quickly dispatching the ninja they'd hired.

Afterward, these two mysterious ninja helped the princess reclaim her country and purge the traitorous ministers. The price? They wanted an undisturbed place for retirement.

These two ninja were named "Zabuza Momochi" and "Haku."

Honestly, they didn't particularly like that selfish princess. Facing danger, she unhesitatingly abandoned her ministers and companions, even considering using the Land of Vegetables' residents as diversion tools.

But business was business. Resolving the princess's troubles wasn't difficult for Zabuza and Haku. Plus, the Land of Vegetables was indeed suitable for retirement, so they reluctantly agreed to the princess's request.

Afterward, the princess fulfilled her promise, giving them a separate area on the country's edge to live. However, she'd still occasionally visit uninvited, wanting Zabuza and Haku to truly become the Land of Vegetables' ninja—her subordinates protecting her.

Of course, these were futile efforts.

In the morning, Haku rose from his bedroom and began drawing water and cooking. Zabuza handled the physical labor, like chopping wood.

Haku thoroughly enjoyed this peaceful daily life. In his view, as long as he lived with Zabuza-sama, he could accept anything.

As for Zabuza—initially, he was somewhat uncomfortable. After all, he was a tough character from the Bloody Mist. His first half of life was either pursuing others or being pursued.

Suddenly living such a peaceful life made Zabuza feel somewhat undeserving. He constantly worried some former enemy would suddenly appear for revenge.

Fortunately, after living in the Land of Vegetables so long, aside from that somewhat annoying princess, no other outsiders appeared. This tranquil life seemed capable of continuing indefinitely.

Until—

"Never thought the 'Demon' would willingly retire in such a small place. Really—"

A pleasant female voice suddenly came from nearby. Not the princess who frequently bothered them, but a woman somewhat familiar to Zabuza.

"Mei Terumi."

Zabuza put down his axe, instead pulling out the Executioner's Blade hidden in the woodpile with one hand, preparing for battle. This blade had previously been accidentally broken by Naruto. Later, Zabuza found it again and completed repairs with blood.

Hearing the commotion, Haku rushed from the kitchen, standing beside Zabuza in a combat stance. He didn't recognize this provocatively dressed woman, but Haku knew anyone making Zabuza-sama show such wariness definitely wasn't simple.

"No need to be so tense."

Mei pushed open the yard's fence, walking in leisurely, showing no intention of attacking throughout.

"I just happened to pass by. Hearing rumors of a 'ninja wielding a large blade,' I came to check."

"Didn't expect it to really be you—by the way, is this your wife?"

Halfway through speaking, Mei's gaze shifted to Haku.

Though reluctant to admit it, Haku's appearance was indeed slightly better than hers. Especially that gentle, flawless temperament—no wonder it attracted the "Demon."

"I'm male."

Haku's answer was consistent as always.

"Oh~ male—MALE?!"

This completely threw Mei off. Her rhythm was disrupted. Gently rubbing her temples, Mei decided not to dwell on a man possessing better looks than herself, turning instead to Zabuza.

"Zabuza, interested in returning to Kirigakure?"

Mei lowered her hand, her face becoming serious.

"What joke is this?"

Hearing this, Zabuza immediately frowned. She's mocking me.

After all, he'd attempted assassinating the Fourth Mizukage. After committing such crimes, returning to the village seemed impossible.

"The Mizukage has been controlled."

Mei understood Zabuza's concerns and directly revealed her discovery to this "junior." Including what Ao discovered using his Byakugan.

"No wonder the Mizukage made such absurd decisions."

Zabuza didn't doubt Mei's words. Rather, this made sense.

"Now we need to break the Mizukage's control, but first, we must subdue him."

"Therefore, Kirigakure needs to unite all available forces."

Speaking, Mei extended her hand toward Zabuza.

"If you join, this should be enough to clear your name."

Facing Mei's invitation, Zabuza fell silent. He'd chosen to assassinate the Mizukage because he opposed the "Bloody Mist Policy" and persecution of bloodline families.

After the failed assassination, he became that mercenary ninja killing for whoever paid. Before that, Zabuza Momochi was also one of Kirigakure's genius ninja.

Thinking this, Zabuza's hand slowly released the blade hilt, seemingly preparing to grasp Mei's hand. But the next moment, as if remembering something, he gripped the hilt again.

"Sorry, I don't want to participate in these matters anymore."

Hearing Zabuza's words, Haku also resummoned the ice needles he'd put away. He'd attack Mei without hesitation at any command.

Seeing their expressions, Mei seemed to understand something, then withdrew her hand with a light laugh.

"Never thought there'd be something making even you, the 'Demon,' willingly return to being human."

"Is this the bond you've found?"

Her gaze swept between Haku and Zabuza, ultimately showing no intention to continue pestering.

Just then, something fell with a thud, attracting Mei's attention. Zabuza and Haku seemed to realize something, their faces immediately showing tension.

This made Mei even more interested. Even facing me, Zabuza hadn't been this nervous.

The next moment, a terrifying cry echoed throughout the yard, making all three cover their ears.

"Waaaaah!!"

The door was kicked open by a tiny foot. A four- or five-year-old black-haired little girl emerged from the room, looking as adorable as a porcelain doll.

Crying incoherently while rubbing her eyes, she shuffled over to Haku's side. Then the girl turned dissatisfied blue eyes toward Mei, pointing a chubby little finger at her.

"You woke me up! Are you a bad person?!"

As she spoke, the girl opened her mouth, revealing sharp teeth.

The little girl had two small pigtails and baby fat typical of young children. Even with her childish features, her striking beauty was already evident. Those big eyes blinking at Mei gave this woman, who'd never dated anyone, an almost overwhelming urge to kidnap her.

Too cute.

Unlike Mei, who was observing the girl with interest, Zabuza and Haku immediately began nervously trying to calm her, repeatedly emphasizing that Mei wasn't an enemy.

This was the first time Mei had seen such helpless, troubled expressions on Zabuza's face.

"Is she—your daughter?"

Unfortunately, this question suddenly set off the little girl just as her tantrum had been dying down. She effortlessly yanked free from Haku and Zabuza's hands, jumping before Mei, then very seriously declared with hands on hips:

"Bad woman! Kosei isn't Zabuza and Haku's daughter! Kosei's dad is the 'Great Hero'!"