bookrebus Chapter 763 Hand
Chapter 763 Hand
Mabui looked at Zhang Hai's outstretched hand, at the complex emotions in his eyes. She struggled internally for a long time, feeling resentment, humiliation, and a mixture of uncertainty and a sliver of hope for the future. She knew she had no choice; with her chakra locked and powerless to resist, refusal would only lead to worse consequences. Finally, with utter desperation, she slowly extended her slender little hand.
Seeing her compromise, Zhang Hai breathed a sigh of relief. He solemnly grasped Mabuyi's hand, his eyes filled with sincere welcome. "Welcome to the team, Mabuyi."
Then, he turned to Scorpion and instructed, "Red Spider, come up with a code name for her."
Scorpion scrutinized Mabuyi, his unwavering eyes scanning her up and down. He recalled Zhang Hai's earlier statement, "To judge a woman's purity, you don't look at her physical appearance," and thought of Mabuyi's delicate yet somewhat ordinary face, and her proud yet slightly helpless demeanor. He still felt a certain disdain for Mabuyi's appearance, and for a moment, he couldn't think of a suitable nickname. He was used to defining puppets by their appearance, but when it came to living people, especially those whom Zhang Hai had "valued," he was at a loss.
Zhang Hai's gaze fell on Mabuyi, a thoughtful look in his eyes. He smiled at Scorpion and said, "Let's put the codename aside for now." He turned to Mabuyi, his tone calm yet undeniable, "From now on, Miss Mabuyi, you are the 'Secretary.' Your abilities, especially your Heavenly Delivery Technique, are an indispensable strategic asset to the organization." He paused, then added, "Your meticulousness and understanding of when to advance and retreat make you the perfect candidate for Secretary."
Upon hearing the "codename" and the title of "secretary," Mabuyi felt resentful, but she understood that this was her only option at the moment. She didn't object, but simply stared coldly at Zhang Hai.
Zhang Hai then instructed Scorpion, "Red Spider, let her rest first. Once she's fully recovered, take her to the base."
Scorpion responded, his gaze sweeping over Mabuyi. Although he still felt some disdain, he wouldn't say anything since it was Zhang Hai's arrangement.
Zhang Hai took Scorpion and left the room, leaving Mabuyi alone inside. The door was gently closed, cutting Mabuyi off from the outside world.
As soon as he stepped out of the room, Scorpion couldn't help but ask, "Brother Black Earth, if she really wants to leave, are you just going to let her go like this?" His tone was filled with doubt and confusion, because this was completely different from Zhang Hai's style of doing things.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Hai's smile vanished instantly, replaced by a cold and profound expression. He said coldly, "Of course not. She already knows too much." His voice was devoid of any warmth, as if his earlier "high regard" for Mabuyi had never existed. He turned to look at Scorpion, his eyes sharp as knives: "Once we reach the stronghold, you must keep a close watch on her and not give her any opportunity to use the Heavenly Delivery Technique alone. If any information leaks out, handle it according to your previous methods."
When Scorpion heard "handle it the way you did before," a glint of excitement and bloodlust flashed in his eyes. It meant he could turn Mabui into a puppet without any scruples.
However, Zhang Hai added, "But don't take that step unless absolutely necessary. A living person's mind is stronger than a puppet's." He paused, a complex light flashing in his eyes, "I still hope to win her over genuinely."
Scorpion's excitement subsided slightly. Although he didn't understand why Zhang Hai was so obsessed with a living person, he still respectfully replied, "I understand, Brother Black Soil. I won't do anything reckless."
A day later, Scorpion left the Land of Craftsmen with Mabui. Zhang Hai remained in the Land of Craftsmen, practicing with the Supreme Blade while waiting for the craftsmen to complete the remaining parts. During this time, as expected, ninjas from Kumogakure came to the Land of Craftsmen to inquire about Mabui's whereabouts and the attack on the Kumogakure Anbu. However, under Zhang Hai's remote direction, the craftsmen of the Land of Craftsmen had already colluded and easily evaded the issue. They claimed they had never seen Mabui and knew nothing about the Kumogakure Anbu's ordeal, completely denying any involvement.
A few days later, the Supreme Blade was finally completed thanks to the tireless efforts of the craftsmen. Zhang Hai held this newly born weapon, feeling its cold yet perfect touch, a powerful force surging in his palm. A shiver ran through him—a shiver of excitement, and also a premonition of a blood-soaked future. This weapon was destined to unleash a storm of carnage.
The craftsmen standing around Zhang Hai all felt the invisible aura emanating from him. It was a chilling pressure, as if this man possessed the power to destroy everything. They were awestruck by this aura, and a sense of awe and fear involuntarily rose within them.
Sixiang, the leader of the Craftsman Kingdom, felt this powerful force and a bold idea suddenly arose in his mind. He gritted his teeth, took a deep breath, stepped forward, and said respectfully and firmly, "Lord Baiyun, the Craftsman Kingdom... the Craftsman Kingdom is willing to pledge its allegiance to you!"
Zhang Hai didn't immediately agree. He turned around, his deep gaze falling on Si Xiang, as if trying to see through him. "Oh? Why this sudden idea?" His tone was calm, yet tinged with inquiry. "Are you trying to use me to withstand the pressure from the five great nations?"
Cold sweat beaded on Si Xiang's forehead, but he still spoke frankly: "Lord Baiyun, you are wise. We no longer wish to serve the Five Great Nations. Rather than be exploited by them, we would rather... rather 'sell ourselves for a good price.'" He lowered his head, not daring to meet Zhang Hai's gaze.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Hai's lips curled slightly, and he exclaimed, "Brilliant!" He accepted the Four Symbols' allegiance, but then changed the subject: "However, not now." He pointed out, "During the Third Shinobi World War, the disappearance of the Craftsman Country would be too conspicuous. How about this, I will send people to assist you in completing the orders you turned down, while also ensuring your safety. Once the war is over, the Craftsman Country will belong entirely to me."
Upon hearing this, Si Xiang was overjoyed. This was undoubtedly the best possible outcome. Not only would they be freed from the control of the five great nations, but they would also gain Zhang Hai's protection. He immediately bowed and replied, "Yes! We will follow Lord Baiyun's arrangements!"
Having left the Land of Craftsmen, Zhang Hai, riding his eagle puppet, embarked on his journey back to Konoha. The wind whistled past his ears, ruffling his hair. He gazed down at the receding mountains and rivers, a rare wave of longing washing over him.
This longing did not stem from his desire for power, nor from his dedication to a goal.