Facts have proven that in the world of Naruto, the strength of a nation has little to do with how many ninjas it has. A truly powerful ninja can annihilate an entire country on their own.
Expecting to adopt a large number of orphans in the Land of Waves and train them into a ninja army was nothing more than a dream. If even one Jōnin could emerge in a few years, that would already be considered incredibly lucky.
With that in mind, it was better to focus on improving his own strength and recruiting true geniuses in the ninja world, like Zabuza and Haku, into his organization.
Carl understood very clearly that the main purpose of coming to this small world was to enhance his own power. Everything he did had to serve that goal. If he put the cart before the horse, there would be no point.
Because when he eventually left this small world, the only thing he could take with him would be his own strength.
After lunch, in the afternoon, Carl continued accompanying Sakura to the bridge to protect Tazuna. As the sun began to set, through the mist rising from the sea, a massive ship with the character "Chuan" on its sail slowly came into view.
"Wow, what a huge ship!"
Sakura pointed at the approaching vessel and exclaimed.
For someone like her, who had lived in the village her whole life and rarely traveled, this was the first time she had seen such a large boat.
"Yo, looks like my friend is here!"
Carl looked at the flag on the ship and immediately recognized that Matsukawa had brought the people as promised.
When the ship docked, a middle-aged man stepped off with more than forty strong laborers, all carrying tools for construction.
"My lord, I've brought everyone."
"Great. Just have them follow Mr. Tazuna's instructions."
Carl nodded, then smiled at Tazuna, who was standing behind him.
"Mr. Tazuna, this is my friend, Matsukawa. If you have anything to discuss about bridge construction or trade, please speak with him. I don't know much about those things."
After making the introduction, Carl stepped aside and didn't get involved in the conversation between Tazuna and Matsukawa.
At that moment, Sakura approached him, her voice low and filled with curiosity:
"Brother Carl, why do I get the feeling that your friend Mr. Matsukawa respects you a lot?"
If it had been Naruto or Sasuke, they probably wouldn't have picked up on that detail—they were more interested in powerful ninjas than subtle dynamics. But Sakura was observant.
From Matsukawa's tone and behavior, she could clearly see that his attitude wasn't what you'd normally expect from a friend.
"Well, he respects me more… maybe because I lent him the money he used to start his business back in the day."
Carl replied with a calm smile, choosing not to elaborate.
Sakura nodded thoughtfully. That made sense to her, so she didn't press any further.
She hadn't meant anything by it—she was just curious.
With the help of the professional construction workers brought by Matsukawa, the bridge's construction speed significantly increased. According to the calculations of Tazuna, the master bridge builder, it was estimated that the bridge could be completed in less than a month.
At night, Carl didn't return with Sakura and Tazuna. Instead, he stayed on the large ship docked at the shore to ensure the safety of Matsukawa and his crew.
At Tazuna's house, things were inconvenient for him because Kakashi was around.
"We meet again, Mister Zabuza and Haku!"
Inside the ship's cabin, Carl greeted Zabuza and Haku, who were resting.
"Hello, Mr. Carl."
Haku greeted him politely, while Zabuza just gave a cold snort.
"When do we kill Gato?"
"Wait a little longer. Let Gato get desperate enough to attack first. Ideally, Kakashi and his team will take him out. If not, you two will."
Carl sat down and poured himself a cup of tea.
As one of the wealthiest men in the world, Gato wasn't someone who could simply be killed without consequence. Carl was concerned that Kakashi might hesitate to eliminate Gato, fearing the political repercussions it could bring to Konoha.
If that happened, it would be up to them to act outside the bounds of official orders.
"No problem. Here—these are for you."
Zabuza nodded, then took out two scrolls and placed them on the table.
Carl picked them up, opened them one by one, and raised his brows in surprise.
"These are the B-rank Water Dragon Bullet Technique and the A-rank Great Waterfall Technique!"
"I don't like owing people. Since this organization is built on mutual support, consider these scrolls and the job of killing Gato as repayment for the intel and support you've given us before."
Zabuza responded with his usual stoic tone, his expression cold.
What Carl needed was ninjutsu—specifically, advanced ninjutsu. As long as it was high-level, he wanted it. The Water Dragon Bullet and Great Waterfall Technique weren't particularly rare techniques, nor were they exclusive to Kirigakure. Ninjas from other great villages would have access to them as well.
After learning about Carl's needs, Zabuza made a note of it and handed the scrolls over.
Although these two ninjutsu didn't compare to the valuable information and help with hiding his identity that Carl had provided earlier, they still demonstrated Zabuza's sincerity after joining the organization.
"Of course, it would be even better if you could teach me these two ninjutsu when you have time. In return, I'll pay for it!"
With two advanced ninjutsu in hand, Carl was in a very good mood.
Four days later, Kakashi was fully recovered, and two weeks later, Naruto and Sasuke had finally mastered the tree-climbing technique. At that point, the bridge was less than 100 meters away from completion.
This morning, everything was as usual. Tazuna led dozens of bridge builders from Chuanji to work, while Carl and Kakashi kept watch, ensuring everyone's safety.
However, at this moment, a short middle-aged man in a suit, holding a scepter, approached the bridge, flanked by hundreds of ninjas wielding various weapons.
He pointed arrogantly at everyone, including Tazuna and Carl, and sneered:
"Did you think that because the bridge is almost finished and you have hiring a few ninjas from Konoha, i'm afraid? Hahaha, I just wanted to wait until your hopes were at their highest, only to crush them. I want everyone to know that resisting me, Gato, will never end well, and you will never escape my control!"
"Looks like it's time to step in."
Kakashi calmly observed Gato and his hundred-plus wandering ninjas. His face remained emotionless as he turned to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura.
"Alright, let's see the results of your training so far."
"Ah, just the three of us? Mr. Kakashi, you won't help us?"
Sakura looked panicked.
The over one hundred ninjas before them all exuded murderous intent, their faces fierce. How could the three freshly graduated ninjas possibly stand a chance against them?
However, before she could voice her concerns further, Sasuke had already rushed forward with Kunai in hand. Seeing Sasuke charge ahead, Naruto followed suit, unwilling to appear weak.
"Sasuke, you're not going to outshine me again! I won't lose this time!"
"Sakura, trust in yourself. They're actually not that strong."
Carl reassured her with a smile, and Sakura, finding her courage, followed suit and rushed forward as well.