Chapter 196: Entering the Black Market, Outsmarting Zabuza

Chapter 196: Entering the Black Market, Outsmarting Zabuza

After getting settled, Haneda started investigating the location of the black market. In Kirigakure, the "Village Hidden in the Mist," which is currently the most chaotic ninja village in the world, an underground black market is bound to exist.

Haneda quickly found its location—a secluded, abandoned temple—thanks to Zabuza's unwitting guidance. Without a guide, it would have taken several days to locate the black market.

At the temple, Haneda put on a cat mask, while the young Haku, following his lead, chose a black cat mask. As they entered the black market, Haneda and Haku immediately attracted attention. They were new faces, likely newcomers, and they received greedy, mocking looks from the patrons and some who just wanted to watch the scene unfold.

*Clink—clang!*

A kunai blocked the blade of a man trying to sneak attack from behind. Haneda chuckled and, with a swift movement, his lightning chakra surged through the kunai, slicing through the blade. In one graceful motion, he cut the attacker's throat.

"Pathetically weak."

Ignoring the body, Haneda approached the counter, bringing a nervous Haku with him.

"I want information on the latest developments with the Kaguya clan."

The black market attendant replied, "That involves Kirigakure's secrets; it'll cost 350,000 ryo."

After Haneda paid promptly, the attendant handed him a scroll with the Kaguya clan's latest intel and quietly added, "Someone has leaked your presence here in Kirigakure to the Anbu."

Knowing that Zabuza was behind this, Haneda didn't even flinch.

"Leak that rogue ninja's identity to the Anbu as well. You know who I mean."

"Sir, the black market prides itself on client confidentiality," the attendant said, feigning reluctance.

"One million ryo."

Haneda held up one finger, smiling as he looked at the attendant.

The attendant hesitated for a second, but Haneda's offer was too tempting to refuse.

"Very well, sir. We'll arrange it immediately."

---

After leaving the black market, Haneda and Haku were walking back when Haku, full of curiosity, asked, "Haneda-sensei, why did that man refuse at first, then accept after you made the offer? Isn't that against principles?"

Haneda glanced at the innocent Haku and replied with a smile, "Only children worry about right and wrong; adults consider profit. The black market is only too happy to help, as they get to use someone else's hands to get rid of Zabuza while earning a hefty fee. But it's not easy money—they may well regret taking it."

As he examined the scroll, it confirmed his suspicions: the Kaguya clan, alongside other bloodline clans, was planning a coup within three days.

Suddenly, Haneda sensed the presence of a Flying Thunder God mark nearby.

He smiled and said, "Let's go. We're about to meet someone interesting."

---

In a dimly lit tavern, Zabuza was drinking in silence. Although he was a rogue ninja, his instincts as a shinobi forbade him from drinking too much. But here, back in his homeland, he allowed himself one cup.

Suddenly, he sensed something and looked towards the tavern's door, wary yet apprehensive. Haneda and Haku entered and walked directly to Zabuza's table. Haneda sat across from him with a smile.

"I'm curious. You're a rogue ninja who betrayed both your organization and your village. Why would you leak my information to Kirigakure?" Haneda asked, resting his chin on his hand with a smirk, as Haku stood obediently beside him.

Zabuza couldn't read Haneda's intentions. However, knowing Haneda had discovered the leak, he assumed he might intend to kill him. Zabuza nervously took another sip of his drink and replied with a smirk, "Who doesn't long for their homeland?"

"Fair enough."

Haneda waved over a waiter and ordered a glass of mild wine, saying thoughtfully, "Humans are complicated creatures."

While Zabuza pretended to drink nonchalantly, he remained on high alert, ready to grab Haku as a hostage if necessary. But Haneda, showing no hostility, simply sipped his wine and watched.

"I understand your intentions now," Haneda said eventually. "Are you interested in working with me on something big? I know you despise the Blood Mist policies of Kirigakure. I can help you overthrow them."

Haneda watched a Kirigakure shinobi chase down a foreign spy outside and added, "And don't you think the world is a mess? If the world were unified, Kirigakure's policy of training elites wouldn't need to exist. There'd be no more need for ninjas to slaughter each other."

"Ridiculous," Zabuza scoffed, giving Haneda a hard look before getting up to leave. "You should focus on your own problems, especially being a foreign ninja in enemy territory."

Haneda took another sip of his wine, smiling. "You too."

He calmly finished his drink before leading Haku back to their inn. Yet, unbeknownst to them, someone's invisible eye was watching—Sharingan!

---

Black Zetsu informed Obito, who was seated in a dark underground chamber, "Uchiha Haneda has arrived."

"He's mastered both the Mangekyou Sharingan and Wood Release. This may be the best chance to take him down," Black Zetsu advised.

Obito remained silent, seemingly deep in thought, while White Zetsu, who was being controlled by Black Zetsu, taunted, "Lord Madara, are you still hesitant because of your past friendship with him? He's the greatest threat to the Moon's Eye Plan."

Obito continued to say nothing until the Fourth Mizukage arrived and reported, "The rogue ninja Momochi Zabuza has leaked Haneda's location to the Anbu. Lord Madara, what would you like us to do?"

After a long pause, Obito finally responded, "I have my own plans. Also, assign someone from the Anbu to dispose of Momochi Zabuza."

Just then, a White Zetsu clone emerged, reporting, "Lord Madara, your friend Uchiha Haneda has leaked information about the rogue ninja Momochi Zabuza to the Anbu through the black market. Shall we pursue him?"

The Fourth Mizukage saluted and left to make arrangements, while one of the White Zetsus stared in confusion as he left.

Another White Zetsu whispered, "Idiot! Lord Madara has already decided to pursue Momochi Zabuza. He dared to leak Haneda's intel!"

"Silence," Obito said coldly.

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