Reborn in Konoha as the Anbu Torturer

Zabuza Momochi stared at the Third Mizukage, realizing his narrative had smoothed over the previous tension. No matter what he said next, it would be much easier.

"He agreed."

Zabuza maintained a serious demeanour, though his current story was a fabrication to cover his actual actions. In reality, Minato Namikaze proposed the terms to extract information from Zabuza. Faced with no choice, Zabuza reluctantly agreed to Minato's terms, betraying the shinobi code and revealing his employer's identity.

Zabuza had rephrased the events to cast himself in a better light, learning the art of storytelling. By presenting himself as composed and strategic in the face of danger, he masked the humiliating parts of the ordeal.

"After I proposed this to Minato, he hesitated, unsure whether to believe me or not, worried that I might be trying to sow discord within Konoha."

"That hesitation was my main obstacle."

"But just when I didn't know what to do, Danzo came in clutch by leading the Konoha Anbu to attack Minato."

"This action convinced Minato that Konoha was indeed trying to assassinate him."

"Minato then decided to trust my words, realizing that the mastermind behind this plot was Danzo, with the Third Hokage as the puppet master."

"From that point, Minato agreed to establish friendly relations with us, ending our assassination attempt."

"After our agreement, Minato used his space-time ninjutsu to leave."

Zabuza's explanation was met with nods of understanding from the assembled shinobi. They recognised the complexity of the situation and the strategic decisions made.

"Could any of us have handled it better?" they wondered, understanding the complex position Zabuza had been in.

"So you understand what happened at that time?"

The Third Mizukage seemed to grasp the situation, nodding as he pieced together the events from Zabuza's recounting.

"Exactly."

Zabuza nodded confidently, his eyes gleaming with conviction. Having navigated the most challenging part of the explanation, he now faced the easier task of interpreting the events.

"From what I gathered, the Third Hokage and Danzo teamed up to suppress Minato, primarily because the Third Hokage wanted to remain in power."

"As long as the Third Hokage stayed in power, Danzo and his allies' interests were secure."

"But Minato's emergence disrupted this balance."

"Minato's accomplishments in the Ninja World War, coupled with his rising fame and the Third Hokage's declining influence, meant that Minato was the prime candidate for the next Hokage."

"Given this context, the events make more sense."

Zabuza's analysis, from an outsider's perspective, was remarkably close to the truth. His wealth of intelligence made him uniquely positioned to piece together the scenario.

"If I'm not mistaken, the Third Hokage, Danzo, and Orochimaru are all victims of this political maneuvering."

"The stories circulating outside might not reflect what truly happened."

"But the Third Hokage had to step down."

"Whether it's scapegoating, mudslinging, or defamation, the ultimate goal was to replace the Third Hokage with Minato Namikaze."

"That's the core of this situation, not the bizarre tales being spread."

"It's simply a power transition."

"Victors write history, losers are cast aside."

Zabuza's understanding of the situation was profound, given his direct involvement in the turmoil, making his intelligence invaluable.

"I believe you make a lot of sense."

After listening to Zabuza's detailed analysis, the Third Mizukage found his perception of Zabuza transformed. He now regards him with increased respect.

When a shinobi prioritises the village's interests above all, even in failure, a leader cannot fault them. The Third Mizukage, though still growing into his role, realised the value of Zabuza's actions.

After hearing Zabuza's narrative, the assembled shinobi recognized the depth of his insight. While his conclusions were speculative, they seemed the most logical given the information at hand.

Having directly interacted with Danzo, Zabuza's unique position gave him an edge in understanding the intricacies of Konoha's recent upheavals.

"Zabuza, now I must assign you a mission."

The Third Mizukage addressed Zabuza, whose posture straightened immediately, anticipating the responsibility.

"Yes!"

Zabuza, though filled with anxiety, knew he had to uphold his earlier claims. The task ahead would demand all his diplomatic skills and courage.

"Your mission is to go to Konoha."

"Represent our village."

"Establish friendly relations with the new Hokage."

"Can you do that?"

The Third Mizukage's tone conveyed the gravity of the task. Success would hinge on Zabuza's ability to forge these crucial ties.

"I can."

Zabuza, though apprehensive, agreed, knowing the importance of this mission for his village's future.

"I will do whatever it takes for the village."

"I will go to Konoha."

"Establishing friendly relations with the new Hokage."

"If you succeed, our village will become stronger because of you!"

The Third Mizukage promised, understanding the pivotal role Zabuza would play.

"Understood."

Zabuza nodded, fully aware of the stakes. He would have to navigate this diplomatic mission with the same cunning he had displayed before, hoping to secure his village's future through this critical alliance.