Chapter 12

It's been a week since the fight the rumor of Gatoh going out of the country with his men has spread all over the place. This kinda gave a morale boost to people and a lot of people came back to complete the construction. This sounded a bit fishy but there was no sign of gatoh or his men. the company gatoh own which had the entire monopoly in this country's trade was also gone too making the people in the country move more freely.

Today we were going back to Konoha since there was no danger for the people. Haku was awake after a few days and almost recovered from her injury. I packed my bag and headed to her room. I reached the door and open it. she was looking through the window still mourning the loss of Zabuza.

"Are you ready, Haku" She turns around nodding her head.

"I'm fine, Sasuke-Kun" she replies

"Don't worry, I know where we are heading it's a new place for you and you don't know anyone there but I'll be there for you. If you need anything, I promise."

"Sasuke-Kun thanks for everything."

"It's fine, Haku. Didn't I tell you? we should stick to each other." Sasuke tells her giving a gentle smile and hugging her tight. After a while, he lets go and looks at her in the face.

"Now, let's head out. everyone has been waiting for us outside."

"Hmm."

while walking beside Sasuke looks at haku thinking back to the bridge scene. ' It worked out the genjutsu. I had put her under the bridge after the fight. I changed the location of the battle far away from Zabuza or Kakashi to put the genjutsu in her and the fact she nearly exhausted her chakra reserve and I had temporarily disabled her chakra path made it also easy to put it without her notice.'

'She is loyal and talented. I am glad I got her to my side. Now I just need to win her heart to fully use her to the fullest capacity. I have to thank Zabuza since he was the one to find her and the fact she was okay with being a tool will give me an easy time to make her one again.'

*

We arrive at the bridge and saw many people had come to see us off. " Lot of people have found courage after the fight and unite together. it's all because of you guys. I'm thankful for what have you done for us." the old man says as he bows down.

"Oldman you shouldn't do this, you are older than us."

"You don't have to Tazuna-san."

"What do you talking about Oldman. Of course, we were going to protect you guys." Sakura, Kakashi, and naruto's response to Oldman. the Oldman stands straight and looks at them.

"No, I should do this to our heroes who save us."The old man replies then he looks at Sasuke and speaks.

"I hope you can achieve your dream, kid."

"Don't worry Oldman I will achieve my dream," Sasuke tells Oldman while thinking ' I hope you won't regret it. what you just say, Oldman. When I achieve my dream.'

After the talk with Oldman, team 7 rides on the boat crossing the bridge. Many people screen giving them farewell. The journey to Konoha was a lot faster since they didn't have to guard anyone nor there was any disturbance in their way so the journey was a smooth sail arriving in Konoha in a day and a half.

*

Back in the factory Gatoh was looking at the black flame. Suddenly the flame starts to die down. "It finally happen, just like he said it would." gatoh muttered to himself looking at it blankly then he hear a voice behind him.

"Looks like someone wasn't believing my words." Sasuke's clone appears behind him. The clone was left behind by Sasuke to handle things with Gatoh before he left the place.

"I...?"

"I don't care here catch it" Sasuke throws a paper at him. Gatoh catches hurriedly looking at it.

"Be careful gatoh that paper holds a billion ryō worth of money."

"WHAT? BILLION RYO, SIR" Gatoh shout in disbelief.

"Yeah, The paper contains a formula for a soda drink. I want you to finance this drink. Advertise it and sell it to the public."

"Sir, Are you... sure," Gatoh speaks hesitantly doubting the clone.

"Just, Do what I say Gatoh. You don't need to think, that's my job get it."

"Yes, sir"

"Good, Make sure to sell the drink in cold. it makes it a lot tastier. Also advertise and sell it as a product to reward yourself with it. People can get addicted more this way naturally rather than relying on caffeine all by itself.

"Sir, where do we start the operation, where to mass-produce it and how should I invest in this product."

"Of course, somewhere in tropical and subtropical areas, where we could grow caffeine. As for the workforce, We will hire poor people and transport them to the site and make them work for us for a little Ryo money. And most importantly, you will make a different company to sell this product and work behind the scene, get it. You have a nasty reputation, Gatoh it's better if you don't have a relation to this company from public view."

"Yes, sir. I choose the perfect guy to do my bidding."

"Also, Stay low and focus on expanding the business. While expanding you need to change your way. I won't allow the same tactic you used, the brute and direct method should only be reserved when we have exhausted our options and when it's a very important matter."

"We have to appeal to the public and make a good appearance to them, make them trust us. Make connections with other people, especially the fire daimyo and you better drop that attitude, be respectful of others and become a more approachable person get it. "

"Yes, Sir but may I ask. what is the product name."

"COCA-COLA"

The clone and gatoh continue for a few hours conversing about many different topics. Eventually, around noon clone feels satisfied telling him, what he wanted to, and he signs feeling mentally drained.

"Keep updating me, on your progress and always contact me at the end of the month." Clone says to gatoh and disappears into a cloud of smoke.