The atmosphere surrounding them was one of absolute, terrifying stasis. In this pocket of suspended animation, where every particle of dust hung frozen, the Amber magic Shen Mo was utilizing—a powerful time-stop ability—made his appearance nothing short of divine.
Zabuza's face, partially obscured by the bandages, was slick with cold sweat beneath the surface.
"Your Excellency created all this?"
If this wasn't Genjutsu, then what impossible Ninjutsu was he witnessing?
"Merely a few minor parlor tricks to ensure our conversation remains undisturbed," Shen Mo replied, his voice a gentle, melodic counterpoint to the silence. He took a single step, appearing instantly and effortlessly directly in front of Zabuza, causing the Missing-nin's visible eye to constrict.
Space-Time Ninjutsu without seals? This defied every recorded law of the ninja world.
"There is no need for alarm, nor fear," Shen Mo assured them. His words carried an unnatural, hypnotic magic that instantly quelled the panic and, more alarmingly, suppressed the fighting instincts of both Zabuza and Haku. Their hands, which had gripped their weapons tightly, slowly relaxed.
Zabuza felt a secondary wave of shock. He can control even the emotions of others. What terrifying existence stood before him?
"Allow me a brief introduction," Shen Mo continued, his smile broadening. He gently manipulated the elegant staff in his hand and offered a graceful bow. "I am a businessman from a reality beyond your comprehension. I deal in the currency of fate. Zabuza, from this moment forward, the course of your life has irrevocably shifted."
A businessman from another world—the words made little sense, yet the display of power granted them immediate credibility. Zabuza understood one thing clearly: resistance was futile.
"Excuse me," Haku suddenly interjected, raising his handsome face to look at Shen Mo. His voice, usually soft, held a distinct edge of courage. "Merchant, what exactly is it that you sell?"
Shen Mo easily read Haku's thought process: Divert the attention to me to protect Zabuza. It was a perfect display of devotion.
"I sell destiny, as I said," Shen Mo affirmed, his smile widening further. He waved the staff again.
In a breathtaking instant, the frozen forest disappeared. Zabuza and Haku felt the tearing sensation of space as they were plunged into an illusory, boundless starry expanse.
Spectral visions materialized around them: colossal, roaring beasts; weapons radiating an aura of mountainous carnage; books glowing with mysterious, arcane light. Everything they could not imagine was now packaged within small, floating jars, sealed by a supreme power.
"Powerful creatures, invincible weaponry, boundless knowledge... These jars hold treasures that can rewrite your fate," Shen Mo narrated. He tapped the staff, and a massive, archaic jar flew forward, its lid slowly opening.
From within, a sword hilt emerged. Intricately carved, it pulsed with a devastating aura. The Kubikiribōchō in Zabuza's hand trembled uncontrollably; he had to grip it with both hands to maintain control.
The sword's energy was so overwhelming that Zabuza had a sudden, terrifying certainty: it was a sword that would cut down anything out of sheer fear. He knew, without seeing the blade, that its power was world-destroying.
Before the weapon could fully manifest, Shen Mo waved his hand, and the hilt retreated, the jar returning to the cloud of floating wares. The vision dissolved, and they were back in the silent forest, the only persistent element being the unnerving stillness.
"Now, you understand the nature of my business," Shen Mo said, his expression elegantly persuasive. "Do you wish to purchase a jar, change your destiny, and achieve your true ambitions?"
Gulp. The sound of Zabuza swallowing was harsh in the suffocating silence. He looked from Shen Mo to the perfectly frozen world. Is it an illusion or reality? His heart hammered against his ribs.
"These jars..." Zabuza's voice was hoarse. "What is the cost?"
He decided the only way to test the truth was to buy in.
"Anything," Shen Mo purred, adopting a truly demonic charm. "Money, weapons, even memories, emotions, or your lifespan. Everything can be traded. I will assess the value and provide you with a commensurate number of jars."
"Any price?" Zabuza echoed, a palpable relief washing over him. He knew better than to trust a free gift. A price meant a genuine possibility of reward.
"I do not possess my savings here," Zabuza frowned, his focus immediately shifting to the pragmatic. Money was his most readily available asset, valued far above his memories or life force.
"A minor inconvenience," Shen Mo chuckled. He waved his staff, and from the air, a torrent of cash, gold, jewels, and hidden weaponry poured down, quickly accumulating into a shining, unorganized hill.
"Lord Zabuza..." Haku's beautiful eyes widened in shock. This was the hidden war chest—the funds, the necessary materials, and the contingency caches they had painstakingly hidden across multiple locations for the coup.
"...Truly, a merchant from another world," Zabuza whispered, the shock momentary before excitement consumed him. The magic required to locate and instantly retrieve all their hidden assets proved that Shen Mo's power was absolute. Therefore, the promise of destiny was highly probable.
Shen Mo, for his part, was equally energized. He had performed a comprehensive asset sweep as soon as he located Zabuza.
I have to hand it to him, Shen Mo thought. Zabuza—a motivated, professional rogue ninja—could accumulate wealth with shocking efficiency. He was effectively a single, high-yield Kakuzu.
The total value of his accrued assets was approximately 250 million Ryo, converting to 15 million Trade Points.
No wonder he's constantly hunting; his motive for regicide seems fueled as much by ambition as by a pathological need for massive capital.
Shen Mo was pleased. Now, for the transaction.