Naruto clutched his head, gritting his teeth as he asked, "Any news from Gato's side?"
Kakashi nodded. "Some traces of him were spotted near the borders of the Land of Waves. Looks like he's planning to sneak abroad and start a new life."
After Team Seven eliminated Zabuza's forces, they spent several days clearing out secret bases of various sizes. During this time, Inari rushed about, calling out to frightened workers to come rebuild the bridge.
But Gato, already one of the wealthiest men in the world, still had the means to stage a comeback.
Naruto thought for a moment, then smiled at Kakashi. "Boss, I actually have an idea."
"Oh?" Kakashi perked up. "Tell me."
…
At the border of the Land of Waves.
The sea breeze carried a salty tang, passing over towering masts. In the distance, warehouses lined up neatly. The deep blue waters shimmered under the sunlight as waves lapped gently against the harbor walls.
Gato changed into work clothes and pulled a long cap low over his face, scanning the crowds along the coast.
He was one step away from escaping this turbulent land and starting anew in an unfamiliar place.
Thinking back, he did feel a little lost when he first arrived in this forsaken place.
In his previous life, his looks weren't as handsome as Gong Yoo's, but he was considered a rare genius. Long, elegant legs—friends and family often said he looked like Lee Kwang-soo's doppelgänger… though, admittedly, Lee Kwang-soo himself was pretty good-looking.
Yet his experiences were completely different. He had spent five consecutive years taking civil service exams, all to no avail. Left with no choice, he worked as a supermarket cashier while continuing to study.
He prided himself on his diligence. Every morning, he would copy all the points he'd learned the day before. Notebooks filled with words were stacked neatly in his bag. He borrowed money from his mother to pay for numerous cram schools… yes, borrowed money, promising to repay immediately once he found a job.
But his mother didn't understand him. She said the notebooks took up too much space at home and should be thrown away as garbage!
Damn it, how could he throw them away? These were the fruits of his labor!
Soon, his inner struggle intensified. Luckily, a friend invited him to a small group sharing session. People vented and comforted one another; he finally felt warmth he hadn't experienced in a long time.
From there, things progressed naturally. He gradually caught the attention of the group leader and was recommended for training, learning advanced concepts like the "Sacred Doctrine" and "Spiritual Awakening."
At first skeptical, he listened as the leader claimed these teachings could solve all human problems and placed high expectations on him.
My friend, you have the chance to become humanity's savior!
From birth, he had never received such respect. The leader's words hit him like a hammer, shattering all his psychological defenses.
He began spreading the organization's teachings to everyone around him. Eventually, he abandoned his exam prep—after all, how could studying compare to saving the world?
Throughout it all, only his mother strongly opposed him, even threatening to report him to the organization. He was furious. She hadn't supported him while preparing for exams, which was one thing, but now she tried to stop him from saving the world? Couldn't she at least be on his side?!
Fine, fine—don't expect your tuition back!
Eventually, he seemed to overexert himself and passed out. When he opened his eyes, he found himself in a completely new, unfamiliar world—and in a short, chubby body.
Damn! Why am I stuck with such ugly skin… oh, wait, I'm rich here. That's fine.
Why did I travel through time? Because in my previous life, I tried to save people, and God rewarded me by letting me enjoy life in this one.
As long as Koreans exist, they can't avoid chaebols—but isn't it enough that I became one?
Yet he could not be complacent. He had to continue spreading the teachings in God's land, letting the light of truth shine upon the world.
Huh, wait—this world seems to have ninjas as a profession. That name sounds familiar… I think I've heard of it in my previous life.
No matter. For now, I must continue my mission here in the Land of Waves. This seems like a beginner village; my great journey will begin here.
Damn it, what's with these people? Can't they even manage a three-person escort group?
Tsk, the newly built settlement was looted, and the high-paid assassins were defeated. What happened? I'm the protagonist here! That guy named Daz hid… that bastard! I'll make my friends search the entire mountain! Let's see what you'll do!
It's over, it's over—they're coming to attack! We have to escape.
Ninjas! The key to all this is the ninjas. Damn it, why does an obstacle appear every time I try to do something great, when I haven't done anything wrong?
You Konoha idiots are as clueless as my mother… wait, wait, wait—when I come back, I'll still be the hero! As Chow Yun-fat said, that's true heroism!
Gato finally identified a few suspects who seemed like ringleaders. He slowly approached them one by one, observing closely.
"My dear… my friend, are you thinking of taking the water route?"
The man turned his head, lowering his hat and making a five-finger hand sign.
Gato was surprised, though the price was a bit high, which puzzled him. "Friend, I don't have much cash on me, so I'll give you a discount. I'll introduce you to more clients in the future."
The man revealed one blue eye. "Introduce clients? Are you stupid?"
Gato's blood boiled. Just as he was about to argue, another tall man pulled him aside.
Lowering his voice angrily, the tall man said, "Are you crazy? That guy is a Konoha ninja. He's here specifically to fish!"
Though terrified, Gato kept a calm façade. "Why do you say he's a Konoha ninja?"
"Look at his eyes, idiot! He's one of the ninjas protecting Daz—his name is Uzumaki Naruto. And look at his hair."
Gato looked carefully and noticed a small tuft of blond hair peeking from the man's cap.
I almost got recognized… thank goodness he didn't! he thought, shocked, and quickly followed the tall man.
When they reached a dim corner, the tall man gave Gato another number.
"What? Even more expensive than the previous guy!?" Gato's eyes widened; he began to suspect he was being scammed.
"If you want to go by land, go. If not, get lost. This is a custom service. Meals will be provided during the journey, and you'll receive a map upon landing. Got it?"
At that moment, another man approached with his head lowered. The tall man's eyes immediately went alert.
"When going down the mountain, please keep your distance. This is the business I bring."
A man named Yamashita looked at Gato, smiling. "Brother, I've been watching you for a long time. Are you thinking of taking the water route?"
"My price is half of his, and I provide meals and lodging," Yamashita added.
The tall man was furious, pulling something from his pocket.
Seeing this, Gato quickly restrained him, slipped a coin into his hand, and sent him away. He then questioned Yamashita further and finally settled the price.
Gato continued along the mountain path, weaving left and right, and eventually arrived at a secluded shore where a semi-opaque houseboat was docked.
"Is it here?"
"Yes."
Gato cautiously stepped inside, but the room was empty.
As he wondered, a few people entered from behind.
"Hey, dear friend." The blond-haired, blue-eyed young man removed his hat, expressionless, and stared at Gato.
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All the fanfiction is 30-chapter ahead but this "A Witty Life in the Naruto World" is 30 chapters ahead there