While Haku was busy bringing Naruto to Gato's estate,
Zabuza was living his best life, raiding different hideouts and swimming, quite literally, in Gato's money.
Each hideout was packed to the brim with gold coins, cash, and treasures. Even Zabuza's storage scrolls were filled to capacity.
For the first time in his life, Zabuza encountered a strange problem. he was running out of space to store money.
But he didn't mind. In fact, he hoped this kind of problem would become permanent.
By the time he had finished collecting all the money, half a day had passed. Zabuza had raided every known hideout Gato owned.
The amount he collected was astronomical roughly 3 billion ryo, far more than the secretary had claimed.
Just looking at the overflowing scrolls made him feel like he was about to ascend to heaven.
On the other side, Haku worked quickly.
He barged into Naruto's room, picked him up (much to Naruto's confusion), and returned to the secretary in no time.
Before Naruto could even ask what was going on, he found himself standing beside Haku in front of a strange old man.
The secretary's name was Masato, and he had served Gato loyally for nearly a decade.
Now that Gato was dead, Masato was at a loss for what to do. But with Zabuza's arrival, he quickly understood who was now in charge.
He knew he couldn't outrun a ninja and after witnessing what they were capable of, he could only accept his fate.
So, Masato made a quick decision: for the sake of survival, he would obey whatever orders they gave.
Seeing Haku return with Naruto, Masato quickly stepped forward.
"Sir, is this the person you mentioned?"
"Yes, that's him. Hand over everything to him he'll be the new owner," Haku said calmly.
Hearing this exchange, Naruto looked around in confusion.
'Who's the "one"? What are they handing over? This is so confusing…'
Masato glanced at Naruto and sighed internally.
'This kid really is lucky. To end up with that much money at such a young age... ninjas truly are unpredictable.'
Masato was also baffled about why Haku didn't want a single coin and was giving it all away to someone else.
But he could only sigh inwardly.
'Why are ninjas so weird? If I had the chance, I'd gladly keep the money for myself…'
Then, Haku pulled Masato aside for some final instructions.
"You'll manage these lands but stop all shady business from now on. All revenue will go to him. Understand?"
"Yes, ninja-sama. I'll do exactly as you say. I'll shut down all of Gato's black-market operations. From now on, the company will run only legitimate business."
Masato now had the job of finalizing all the transfers.
It was just a matter of paperwork, names, and ownership stamps—things Haku had no patience for.
Masato, desperate to stay alive, nodded repeatedly and swore to handle every detail perfectly.
Satisfied with Masato's response, Haku returned to Naruto's side.
Naruto was still completely lost.
First, he got dragged out of his room, and now they were whispering things he didn't understand. It was all so cryptic.
What Naruto didn't know was that his kind-hearted "big sister" Haku had just handed him the biggest gift of his life ownership of land and assets worth billions.
Naruto had now unknowingly become one of the richest people in the world.
Before Naruto could even ask what was going on, Haku asked:
"Naruto… do you want to go back to your team?"
Naruto's face lit up instantly. Of course he did.
Sure, this big sister was kind… but Zabuza? That guy was terrifying.
He still hadn't fully recovered from the last beating.
"Can I? I really wanna go back," Naruto asked awkwardly.
It felt weird being kidnapped and then asked by the kidnapper if he wanted to go home.
Obviously, he wanted to!
Haku paused for a moment in thought. Now that they had what they needed, Naruto no longer mattered to Zabuza.
He was certain Zabuza wouldn't mind if the boy left, there was no more use for him.
Zabuza would soon return to the Hidden Mist, ready to launch his coup with all that money.
Naruto? He was free to go.
"Alright. I'll send you back to your team now."
"Really? Thanks, big sister!" Naruto beamed with joy.
And with that, Haku quickly set off with Naruto, making their way toward Kakashi's team.
Haku had already guessed that they might be staying at Tazuna's house, so that's where he headed.
Haku glanced at Naruto as they walked, the wind gently tugging at their cloaks.
"Naruto, why did you become a ninja? Do you have a purpose?"
"Yeah! I want to become Hokage, so that everyone in the village will recognize me!" Naruto replied, fire in his eyes.
Haku smiled gently at that.
"Recognition... that's a powerful desire. I know what it feels like, to want to be seen, to be acknowledged. To prove that you exist."
He looked up at the trees, as if remembering something far away.
"But Naruto, let me tell you something I've come to understand. While we live, we need a reason to exist a purpose that gives meaning to our struggle. Without that, even breathing feels heavy."
He paused, letting the words sink in.
"But chasing the acknowledgment of everyone... it's like trying to grasp mist. You'll exhaust yourself, and in the end, some people will still never accept you."
He looked down at Naruto, his voice softening.
"What truly matters are the people you care about and those who care about you in return. Even if it's just one person. If you can protect that bond, that connection... you'll find a strength far greater than recognition."
Haku placed a hand gently on Naruto's head.
"I became strong not for fame, not for praise, but because someone precious to me gave me a reason to live. My strength is not mine—it's borrowed from that purpose."
He said this while gently ruffling Naruto's hair.
He had guessed it right Naruto was just like him.
"People I care about..."
Naruto fell into deep thought, Haku's words lingering in his mind.
The walk was quiet after that, with Naruto lost in thought.
Haku didn't disturb the silence he knew some truths had to sink in on their own.
Before long, Tazuna's house came into view.
Haku stopped and pointed ahead.
"We've reached our destination. See that house over there? Your team should be inside."
Naruto's face lit up with happiness.
"Thank you, sister! Ah… I still don't know your name!"
"It's Haku. My name is Haku, Naruto."
"Oh! Sister Haku, that's a nice name!"
"Naruto… I'm a man."
(ﾟ дﾟ )?!
Naruto's mouth hung open in shock.
"That… can't be. She no... He's even more beautiful than Sakura!"
His entire worldview shook.
For a moment, it felt like reality had betrayed him.
"Wait… if Haku is a guy… IS SAKURA ALSO A GUY?!"
Naruto trembled just imagining it.
His mind spun as a horrifying image formed Sakura turning to him with a smile and saying:
"Naruto, I've been a boy this whole time."
Just thinking about it sent chills down his spine.
At that moment, Haku unknowingly gifted Naruto a lifetime trauma—one that would forever make him question the gender of beautiful people.
Haku, watching Naruto's soul leave his body in real time, had no idea how to comfort him.
The boy went through ten different emotions in two minutes and none of them were good.
Finally, Haku placed a hand on his shoulder and said softly,
"Let's part ways here, Naruto. I hope we meet again someday… but under better circumstances."
And with that, Haku turned and walked away.