Naruto: Hatake's No Misfortune

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"What is this second kind of Blood Demon Art?"

Pakura was visibly startled by the sudden transformation on the ground. While it was no secret that demons could wield multiple Blood Demon Arts, achieving such mastery required an exceptional connection to their bloodline. Pakura herself had only recently mastered her first technique and knew it would take considerable time to progress further.

"The Blood Demon Art is truly enviable. I must work harder to improve my strength."

Among the current Twelve Kizuki, only she and Haku possessed the potential to be the Upper Moons. Though Pakura lacked a burning desire to surpass her peers, being left behind would still sting her pride.

Suddenly, the frozen ground began to shift. Countless crystal-clear lotus flowers emerged, their beauty accentuated by a chilling mist. Yet, the elegance of the lotuses could not conceal the murderous intent radiating from them.

Muzan noticed the air around them growing colder. The blooming of the lotuses signaled the peak of Haku's killing intent.

"Blood Demon Art: Bloodfang Blade!"

A grotesque, flesh-forged blade appeared in Muzan's hand. In an instant, an invisible clash of power severed the newly formed ice lotuses, scattering them into crystalline fragments. Only those present could comprehend the overwhelming strength behind Haku's Blood Demon Art.

"Impressive."

As the progenitor of the demon bloodline, Muzan's mere presence countered Haku's techniques with ease. "You have the potential to ascend to the Upper Moons. Strive for it."

Before Haku could respond, his small frame wavered, and he collapsed unconscious.

"This…"

Muzan observed him quietly. The guidance he had provided had undoubtedly pushed Haku to new heights, but the leap was too extreme. Such a powerful Blood Demon Art drained immense energy, and contrary to common belief, Blood Demon Arts relied heavily on the body's stamina for execution.

Haku, still a child in terms of development, was unable to endure the immense strain.

"Take him back."

With this, the Twelve Kizuki grew closer to being fully assembled. After leaving Muzan could finally focus on completing his ultimate demon army.

Although eliminating the fatal weakness to sunlight remained a distant goal, their strength was already unrivaled.

---

Kakuzu, who had arrived just in time to witness the aftermath, was astonished by how swiftly Muzan had created a capable subordinate.

"So this is the true power of the Twelve Kizuki? The rumors among the shinobi are clearly outdated."

As someone who had spent decades valuing money above all else, Kakuzu quickly assumed responsibility for managing the organization's finances upon arriving in the Land of Waves. However, when he reviewed the financial records, even Kakuzu—accustomed to large sums—was momentarily stunned.

The Twelve Kizuki's ability to generate wealth was faster than outright robbery.

Their dominance over arms and medical supplies was immensely profitable. With no governing body to impose taxes, the entirety of their earnings flowed directly to Muzan.

Still, Kakuzu noticed a critical issue. He approached Muzan, holding the ledger.

"Kakuzu?"

Muzan's gaze landed on the ledger in Kakuzu's hands as the latter spoke bluntly:

"While reviewing our finances, I noticed some concerning trends. In addition to outstanding invoices, there are numerous bad debts."

Bad debts—unpaid balances for arms deals—were an unavoidable risk in times of war. Buyers often paid one-third upfront and promised the remainder upon delivery. However, wars rarely followed plans, and buyers were frequently eliminated before they could fulfill their payments, leading to growing deficits.

If left unchecked, these debts could destabilize the organization's financial backbone.

Muzan nodded thoughtfully. "We've moved past the initial stage; there's no need to rely on low-pricing strategies anymore."

Initially, Muzan had undercut his competitors to disrupt established markets. This approach, combined with strategic dumping, had dismantled smaller vendors. With the competition eradicated, Muzan now commanded a monopoly over these industries.

"Now that Zabuza of the Hidden Mist has joined us, assign this matter to him. Idleness will not be tolerated."

A splash of water roused Zabuza, who had been unconscious. Shivering amidst the cold mist, he looked around, bewildered. Muzan offered him a cold yet pragmatic invitation:

"You escaped the Hidden Mist Village with nowhere to go. Here, you have a chance to protect your comrades and find purpose. Defy me, and you'll regret it."

Zabuza's pride as one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen made him reluctant to accept Muzan's authority, but he knew he had no choice. Clenching his fists, he turned to Haku, who now bore the mark of a demon.

"Damn it... I am one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen!"

His defiance earned him no sympathy. Muzan's hand shot forward, nearly piercing Zabuza's chest.

"Strength is all that matters here. Prove yourself, or prepare to die."

Zabuza was flung backward, colliding with a massive tree. Glaring at Muzan, he realized he had no choice but to follow.

---

The cold laboratory lay in ruins, its equipment damaged beyond repair. Muzan realized that some of the specialized parts he needed could only be crafted by the artisans of the Land of Craftsmen.

"The only place that can produce the parts I require is the Land of Craftsmen," Muzan thought grimly.

The backward technology of the Naruto world had interrupted Muzan's experiments repeatedly. Each failure served as a bitter reminder of the limitations imposed by this world's underdevelopment.

"A backward and ignorant society shackles the progress of science and technology," he mused, his resolve hardening. Muzan's plans were not just about personal power; they were about reshaping the very foundation of the world.

"The so-called daimyo and nobles are nothing more than parasites! Their hoarded wealth creates a vast inequality that stifles progress in every field."

To overthrow this oppressive system would ignite a revolution that would reverberate across the world. The chaos Muzan envisioned would make the Third Ninja War seem insignificant. Not just the ninja nations, but samurai and even the nobility, would be drawn into the conflict.

"Backwardness and ignorance will be consumed by the flames of war," Muzan declared to himself. "Under a new regime, technology will flourish. The Five Great Shinobi Countries will no longer hold dominion. In the next Ninja World War, all nations will be involved, and we will forge a world where technology reigns supreme. A world where demons walk freely under the sun."

Muzan surveyed his ruined laboratory and spoke softly, though his words carried a chilling determination. Zabuza, who overheard him, felt a jolt of unease.

"What on earth is this madman planning?" Zabuza wondered.

Zabuza, once a high-ranking ninja of Kirigakure, understood the power dynamics of the world. Even the Fourth Mizukage had been subject to the daimyo's authority. While ninja fought among themselves, the nobility remained untouched, their power absolute.

But Muzan intended to challenge that order.

"Lord Muzan's vision will become reality," Pakura said firmly. "I'm tired of the endless bloodshed among ninja. The very existence of the ninja world is a mistake."

Muzan nodded. "We will proceed as planned. This brief period of peace is an opportunity. Kakuzu will continue overseeing our finances, and Zabuza, you will assist him in collecting any outstanding debts. The rest of you will accompany me to the Land of Craftsmen."

Pakura hesitated briefly before speaking. "Most of our arms business originates from the Land of Craftsmen."

The Land of Craftsmen, known for producing ninja tools, maintained a neutral stance in the world's conflicts. However, Muzan's ambition had carved out a significant share of their market, creating inevitable friction.

"Don't worry," Muzan reassured Pakura. "Though their hostility is inconvenient, it's manageable. For the right price, we'll get what we need."

---

In the Land of Craftsmen

In the heart of the Land of Craftsmen, the village chief and his council were locked in a heated debate. The chief's face bore a troubled expression.

"Our orders have dwindled drastically. Many clients have turned to the Land of Waves," one council member said.

He placed a bundle of thirty kunai on the table. "These are from the Land of Waves. Look at them."

The kunai were identical in size and pattern—a level of precision that stunned the craftsmen.

"I visited their factories once. Smoke billowed from their chimneys as machines churned out weapons. A single machine can outproduce a dozen of our master craftsmen," the council member explained bitterly.

The chief clenched his fists. For generations, their village had relied on traditional craftsmanship. But now, they faced an industrial force they could not compete with.

"If this continues, Takumi Village won't survive," the chief said grimly.

One council member hesitated before suggesting, "Should we consider collaborating with them? We need those machines too."

The room fell silent. It was a pragmatic idea, but asking their competitors for help felt like an admission of defeat.

---

Unaware of the internal strife in the Land of Craftsmen, Muzan's caravan approached the village gates. The villagers glared at them with open hostility.

"They really don't know their place," Yamanosatsu muttered, his voice laced with menace. A single Twelve Kizuki could obliterate this entire village.

Muzan raised a hand, silencing him. "There's no need for provocation. We're here to negotiate. If they're reasonable, this could benefit both sides. But if they refuse…" He turned to Yamanosatsu. "Feel free to assert yourself."

"Yes, Lord Muzan," Yamanosatsu replied with a smirk.

As they entered the village, Muzan observed the forges blazing and the constant sound of metalwork. Despite the volcanic activity nearby, the village was alive with industry.

"Why is the Land of Waves' caravan here?" one villager whispered angrily.

"I don't know, but that man in the mask gives me chills," another muttered.

"They're heading to the central forge," a third noted.

The chief and his council hurried to meet Muzan. Though displeased, they masked their emotions. To offend Muzan would be disastrous.

"Stay focused," the chief reminded his companions.

The two forces, each with their own ambitions, were about to collide.

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(A/N:-The Land of Craftsmen (Takumi Village) appears in Naruto Shippuden Episode 237, titled "Ah, My Hero Lady Tsunade!")