Before long, the door to the basement creaked open, and two weary-looking Shinobi stepped inside. They're none other than the two brothers, Kin and Gin.
"What happened to you two? Did Zabuza bully you?" Naruto frowned in concern.
Kin waved his hand and said, "It has nothing to do with Zabuza-sama."
Gin nodded in agreement, "Managing this much money is no small task. We dare not relax for a moment. Please don't worry about us, Naruto-sama, we're holding up just fine."
'Rapid Healing!'
Naruto raised his hand, and two beams of soft green light enveloped Kin and Gin.
In moments, their pale faces regained a healthy glow at a speed visible to the naked eye.
"Just bring the financial reports and accounts. You two must rest, after all, your health is your most valuable asset." Naruto said with genuine concern.
Through his Observation Haki, Naruto could clearly sense that their mental states were in shambles. No ordinary person would be this exhausted, let alone Shinobi like Kin and Gin. It was evident that they had been working tirelessly, day and night, to achieve their results.
'That three percent growth wasn't a coincidence… it was something Kin and Gin earned through sheer determination and effort!'
Naruto was never stingy with rewards for those who worked hard for him.
The brothers had done more than enough.
"Naruto-sama, we really can't rest. We brothers are on rotation, so you really don't have to worry about us."
Kin explained.
Naruto waved his hand and said, "I told you to take a rest. Just hand over the accounts and your tasks to Kakuzu, he's well-versed in economics."
"Do as Naruto-kun says and take a break. Don't make things difficult for him." Zabuza added with a cold snort.
Not daring to argue further, Kin and Gin handed the accounts and task details to Kakuzu before leaving the basement.
"Ahh! Wow! Incredible! Magnificent!"
Kakuzu exclaimed as he flipped through the financial records, unable to contain his amazement.
He simply couldn't fathom how such a massive workload had been managed by just two people… it was astonishing.
"Well, I didn't lie to you, did I?" Naruto said proudly.
Through his Observation Haki, Naruto could sense that Kakuzu's loyalty had increased significantly.
Kakuzu said excitedly, "Naruto-kun, you really didn't lie to me."
"So, can you handle these financial records?" Naruto asked.
"Of course..."
Kakuzu froze mid-sentence, "Wait, Naruto-kun, what do you mean by this?"
Naruto smirked and said, "If you can handle it, then I'll entrust this critical responsibility to you."
Having read the original work, Naruto had full confidence in Kakuzu's financial acumen.
Of course, this didn't mean he would abandon Kin and Gin brothers. However, they were destined to remain skilled subordinates rather than great leaders. So letting them assist Kakuzu was the best choice.
After all, Kakuzu's most impressive ability was his immortality, which is achieved through heart transplantation. Entrusting him with financial management would ensure longevity in the truest sense.
"This, this, this… Naruto-kun, am I hearing this correctly? Is this for real?"
Kakuzu was momentarily stunned before recovering, his expression one of utter shock. He hadn't expected Naruto to place such an important task in his hands.
Naruto patted Kakuzu on the shoulder and said, "Just do it with confidence. Don't betray my trust, or I'll take away your authority without hesitation."
Hearing this, Kakuzu hurriedly expressed his loyalty, "Naruto-kun, rest assured. I will give it my absolute best and never let you down."
Naruto thought for a moment and said, "Don't make any grand promises just yet. Show me how you handle things today. If you do well, we'll discuss the specifics tomorrow."
"Got it, I'll get to work immediately."
Kakuzu grabbed the financial records and headed straight to the accounting office.
Naruto initially planned to follow him, but Haku had already prepared a delicious meal. Without hesitation, he decided to join the others, leaving Kakuzu to his tasks.
During the meal, Zabuza asked tentatively, "Naruto-kun, can Kakuzu really be trusted? And is his capability truly superior to that of Kin and Gin?"
Zabuza dared to raise the question because he was one of Naruto's servants, someone Naruto could trust implicitly. Though his words seemed like a simple inquiry, they were, in truth, a subtle suggestion for his master.
Naruto waved his hand and said, "We'll see the proof of Kakuzu's ability tonight. As for trustworthiness, that's beyond question."
Naruto knew Kakuzu all too well.
The saying 'Money makes the world go round' perfectly described Kakuzu's entire philosophy.
If Kakuzu could use money to manipulate others, Naruto could certainly use his vast wealth to turn Kakuzu into the ultimate worker.
As for fears of betrayal or Kakuzu secretly embezzling funds? That is even more impossible.
Through his Observation Haki and his understanding of the original work, Naruto knew Kakuzu's current loyalty was as high as Hidan's, which is virtually maxed out. So Kakuzu becoming a dedicated employee was practically a done deal.
Even without these guarantees, Naruto wouldn't be worried.
Throughout their journey, Naruto had displayed his terrifying capabilities in countless ways, often through games and casual activities. Anyone with common sense would think twice before betraying him.
After all, in the eyes of Kisame, Itachi, Hidan, and Kakuzu, Naruto was someone who could even command the Shinigami itself. To go against the power behind the Shinigami? Kakuzu, even with five lives, wouldn't dare entertain such a notion.
Seeing Naruto's confidence, Zabuza said no more.
After finishing the meal, Kisame couldn't hold back his enthusiasm, "Naruto-kun, isn't it about time we start?"
"Start what??" Zabuza asked in confusion.
Naruto explained with a grin, "Every time we arrive at a new location, we hold a little game, a team-building exercise, so to speak."
"Oh, I see! Can I join too?" Zabuza asked eagerly.
He was no fool and quickly sensed something unusual.
If it were an ordinary game, why would Kisame be so enthusiastic? After observing everyone, Zabuza found that the others were also brimming with energy, their spirits soaring.
'It was obvious that this 'game' was more than just casual fun, and it had real significance.'
While Zabuza wasn't yet sure what, his instincts from being Shinobi for decades told him that participating was the right choice.
"You want to join? Of course, no problem," Naruto said without hesitation.
After all, games were more fun with more people. Having Zabuza, the newcomer, participate would also help him integrate into the group faster.
Naruto saw Haku standing nearby from the corner of his eye, and asked, "Haku, what about you? Do you want to join?"
"Me? Can I?"
Haku looked toward Zabuza, who gave a slight nod of approval. Only then did Haku smile and reply, "Since Naruto-kun asked, I'd be honored to join!"
Seeing everyone eager to participate, Naruto pondered for a moment and said, "Alright, since we're in the Land of Waves, let's tailor the activity to the setting. How about we hold a dragon boat race?"
"Dragon boat race? What kind of game is that?" Kisame asked in confusion. He had never heard of this kind of game.
Naruto wasn't surprised by the question, after all, dragon boat racing was a traditional activity from his previous life, celebrated during the Dragon Boat Festival.
After organizing his thoughts, Naruto explained: "In simple… it's a rowing competition..."