Tazuna had been drinking when he was suddenly and inexplicably brought to the Hokage Building.
Looking at Yuzuru and Fugaku in front of him, Tazuna felt a trace of nervousness.
Especially Yuzuru, who sat in the main seat.
Tazuna had the distinct feeling that those pitch-black eyes were like a bottomless abyss, capable of seeing through everything about him.
"My lords, may I ask why you've summoned me?"
Tazuna asked respectfully.
His demeanor was completely different from how he had acted in front of Sarutobi Hiruzen and Hatake Kakashi in the original story.
But that wasn't surprising.
After all, in today's ninja world, strength ruled above all—and the two before him were the most powerful figures in the entire world.
After carefully observing Tazuna, Yuzuru finally spoke, "You're Tazuna, right? Drinking in broad daylight—seems you're in quite a good mood."
Tazuna was well-dressed, nothing like the sloppy old man he had been in the original story.
Although he reeked of alcohol, his eyes were clear and sharp.
It seemed that due to Yuzuru's interference, his life had changed quite a bit.
Tazuna hadn't expected Yuzuru to say something like that, and could only hurriedly reply, "It's all thanks to your policies, Lord Yuzuru. I've been able to take on many bridge-building jobs and have some spare money, so I couldn't resist having a drink."
Yuzuru nodded noncommittally and said directly, "Tazuna, I've seen your mission. I'll be taking it."
"Huh?!"
Tazuna's mouth fell open in shock.
He had imagined countless possibilities—just not this one.
The strongest ninja who had nearly unified the entire ninja world… was taking his escort mission?
This was simply unbelievable.
Thinking this, he quickly said, "Lord Yuzuru, I did pay for an A-rank mission, but I'm not even certain if anyone will actually come to assassinate me."
"How could I trouble you personally with something like this?"
He had heard from the people of the Land of Waves that Gato planned to hire ninja to kill him, but he didn't know whether it was just a threat or the truth.
But even if Gato really did hire assassins, there was no need for Yuzuru himself to step in…
Seeing Tazuna's panic, Yuzuru explained, "I have three children who want to gain some experience outside, so I accepted your mission."
"You don't need to worry. It's nothing serious."
Hearing this, Tazuna finally relaxed.
He immediately knelt down and said respectfully, "Then I'll be troubling you, Lord Yuzuru."
If that was the reason, then there was nothing for him to worry about.
Being able to hire Yuzuru to protect him was something he could brag about for the rest of his life.
Besides…
If Gato really did send someone to assassinate him, things would become very interesting.
Tazuna had been worried about this before, which was why he had spent a large sum to issue an A-rank mission.
But now that he knew Yuzuru would personally escort him to the Land of Waves, he instead felt a strange sense of anticipation.
Gato… you'd better keep your word.
I really want to see the expression on the face of whoever you send to assassinate me when they see Yuzuru!
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The next day.
Early in the morning, Yuzuru led Naruto, Gaara, and Sasuke to the village gate.
Tazuna was already waiting there.
When he saw them approach, he immediately said, "Lord Yuzuru, shall we set off?"
Yuzuru nodded and glanced at the carriage Tazuna had prepared in advance.
"Get on."
How could Tazuna dare to get on? He quickly said, "Lord Yuzuru, please take the carriage. I'll drive."
Yuzuru didn't enter the carriage either. Instead, he sat outside on the other side, opposite Tazuna, with both of them positioned on either side of the carriage.
As for Naruto, Sasuke, and Gaara, none of them got on—they chose to travel on foot.
Along the way, the sun grew harsher.
Tazuna licked his dry lips and took out the gourd at his waist, taking a sip.
Naruto sniffed curiously. "Uncle, is that alcohol?"
Tazuna smiled. "That's right. Alcohol is the essence of grain—the more you drink, the younger you feel."
Naruto stepped closer and whispered, "Can I try some?"
"This…"
Tazuna looked at Yuzuru, unsure of what to do.
Yuzuru snorted lightly. "Wait until you're an adult."
Naruto pouted and walked away, disappointed.
Tazuna forced a smile. "My apologies, Lord Yuzuru."
Yuzuru waved it off casually. "No need to be so tense. After all, you're our employer—just relax."
After speaking, he took out a bottle of alcohol from the Kamui space.
"Here, try mine."
The moment the bottle was opened, a rich fragrance filled the air.
Tazuna swallowed hard.
Fragrant!
Incredibly fragrant!
He had never smelled such a strong and enticing aroma of alcohol before.
Seeing Yuzuru pour him a cup, Tazuna didn't hesitate any longer.
He first rinsed his mouth with water, then poured the entire cup of alcohol into his mouth.
The next moment, his eyes narrowed into slits.
"Delicious… this is amazing!"
"Lord Yuzuru, what kind of alcohol is this?"
Yuzuru poured him another cup and said lightly, "I don't know. It was a gift."
After two cups, Tazuna's courage grew.
He began chatting freely with Yuzuru, which slightly improved Yuzuru's impression of him.
After a while, Gaara floated over on a stream of sand and came to their side.
"Uncle Tazuna, why did you hire ninja to protect you? Building a bridge for the people of the Land of Waves should be a good thing, shouldn't it?"
Tazuna sighed. "The Land of Waves is an island nation. Building a bridge is indeed a good thing."
"But the surrounding seas are controlled by a merchant named Gato."
"Any ship entering or leaving must have his approval."
"My bridge threatens his profits, so he threatened to have me killed."
"With no other choice, I had to hire ninja to protect me."
After hearing his explanation, Naruto, Gaara, and Sasuke all showed anger.
Naruto snapped, "That Gato guy is too despicable! For his own profit, he's ignoring the people of an entire country. Why don't we take care of him while we're at it?"
Gaara and Sasuke nodded immediately. "Agreed."
Only Yuzuru quietly glanced at Tazuna.
This old man… he's trying to kill with a borrowed blade.
Still, given his situation, such small schemes were understandable, so Yuzuru said nothing.
Unifying the southern nations… would begin with the Land of Waves.