"Lord Kakuzu."
Kakuzu tucked the note into his robe, his sharp green eyes flicking toward the black cat.
"More business?"
The cat licked its paw, emerald eyes narrowing with amusement.
"Of course. The Ginza Consortium, jointly built by the ninja cats and the Uchiha, never lacks for business."
It continued at an unhurried pace.
"For this Mist invasion, the Uchiha have issued an additional bounty."
"A Kirigakure chunin—two hundred thousand ryo. A jōnin—one million ryo. Proof of kill required. Immediate payment. No delays."
Kakuzu fell silent.
In principle, he preferred not to provoke one of the Five Great Villages.
But then again… with enough money, who wasn't worth killing?
Five chunin—or one jōnin—already matched the minimum payout of an S-rank mission.
And S-rank missions always meant risking one's life.
"…Deal."
The cat's tail flicked happily.
"Then I wish you… a fruitful hunt, Lord Kakuzu."
Kakuzu's hand rested on the doorframe. His large frame paused slightly.
Without turning back, he asked,
"This task—just for me? Or open to all bounty hunters?"
The black cat chuckled softly.
"Surely you jest, Lord Kakuzu. Kirigakure's reputation alone is enough to scare most wandering ninja senseless."
"A job like this… is reserved for trusted partners of proven strength."
Most rogue ninja in the world were little more than rabble—bandits preying on civilians, easy prey for even mid-level shinobi of the great villages.
True experts like Kakuzu were rare—and difficult to deal with.
The cat had heard of others, like a Konoha rogue named Hiruko—someone nearly killed one of their own.
"That's good."
Satisfied, Kakuzu stepped out and disappeared down the stairs.
—
On the bustling streets of Infinite City, Kakuzu began planning.
The Mist had arrived in force. Charging in alone—even for him—would be inefficient and risky.
He needed… support.
His path shifted toward the city's underground black market.
He intended to recruit expendable fighters.
They might be weak—but they were greedy.
Desperate.
Perfect for drawing fire, disrupting formations, and increasing his efficiency in hunting Mist ninja.
As for their pay…
Kakuzu smirked coldly.
A fifth of the bounty would be enough.
If they lived long enough to claim it.
—
At a crowded intersection, Kakuzu's gaze flicked toward two figures ahead.
That chakra… unmistakable. Uchiha.
Not weak, either. High-ranking?
They're here already?
The thought of them cutting into his profits made him quicken his pace.
As if moving slower would cost him mountains of gold.
—
"General, that man is suspicious."
Uchiha Shisui's eyes narrowed as he watched Kakuzu's retreating figure.
His hand rested on the hilt of his short blade.
"Should we follow him?"
"Every shinobi walking this world has something to hide," Ren replied calmly, watching Kakuzu vanish into the crowd.
"Don't create unnecessary trouble."
He gave Shisui a light pat on the shoulder.
"You look more dangerous than he does right now."
"…Eh?"
Shisui blinked, instinctively restraining his killing intent.
Ren turned away.
"Come. We have business."
—
They moved through several streets before arriving at the same tavern Kakuzu had just left.
Shisui followed Ren up the stairs, confusion growing.
Inside the private room—
A black cat sat on the table.
Beside it—a red-haired woman and child.
"Ren-sama. Shisui-sama."
The cat greeted them, then glanced at the woman.
Understanding, she gently placed the baby down and bowed deeply, her forehead touching the tatami.
"Uzumaki Minako greets the honored lords of the clan."
Ren showed no reaction.
Shisui, however, stepped aside awkwardly, startled.
Uzumaki? From the Land of Whirlpools?
Why are they here…?
"Shisui," Ren said casually, "learn her situation."
"Madam Minako, you're safe now."
"Chief, with me."
Ren stepped into the inner room, the black cat following.
—
Left behind, Shisui turned toward Minako.
"Please, stand."
His tone was gentle.
Minako relaxed slightly—but then the baby began to cry.
She panicked.
"I'm sorry, Lord Shisui… Karin must be hungry. May I…?"
Shisui nodded—then froze as he realized what she meant.
His ears flushed faintly.
"…Of course."
He quickly turned to face the wall.
—
Inside—
"How did it go?" Ren asked.
The black cat lounged lazily.
"The mother and child are stable. With time, they'll recover."
"No husband?"
"Dead. Killed by Grass ninja."
"…A pity."
The cat continued,
"The hunting order has been delivered."
"Kakuzu accepted?"
"Of course."
"Inform Mikoto later."
"Understood."
Ren nodded.
This was only a side move.
If Kakuzu inflicted damage—good.
If not—it didn't matter.
A mercenary was still a mercenary.
—
"The Uzumaki must be properly settled," Ren continued.
"Leave the troublesome elements and expendable goods here as bait."
The cat's tone turned sharp.
"Everything is prepared. Our people are watching the city lord's estate."
"When the Mist invades, those nobles who took our money but failed to act… will meet unfortunate ends."
"Then the Red Armor Army arrives as saviors."
"Our aligned nobles will petition the daimyo—requesting Uchiha presence and military expansion."
"A second 'Konoha'… under our control."
The cat's whiskers twitched.
"Though… what a waste of money. This city cost us dearly."
Ren stroked its fur calmly.
"Nothing wasted. Old things must fall for new ones to rise."
"Ensure civilians are organized. No unnecessary deaths."
He had no intention of reckless slaughter.
But this world—
Ran on power.
Even the daimyo could dictate a village's fate with a word.
This was simply… playing the game better.
—
"The fires will guide them," the cat said coldly.
"The Mist will rush in like sharks to blood."
"And fall into our net."
Ren nodded.
"The security forces?"
"Ten battalions. A thousand men."
"All trained. All equipped."
"They'll arrive within a day."
The cat's voice carried pride.
"These orphans… will become a force rivaling any village."
Sunlight filtered through the window, casting shifting shadows across Ren's face.
A blade was taking shape in the dark.
—
"Spread word," Ren said.
"In two days—release this."
"There are one hundred million ryo worth of war supplies stored in Infinite City."
A fortune.
Enough to tempt anyone.
The Mist would come.
The only question—
Would they wait?
Or take the bait?
—
"I understand," the cat said.
"Once the battalion leaders arrive, you'll inspect them?"
"Naturally."
Power changed people.
But the Sharingan ensured control.
Ren rose.
Everything—
Was already in motion.
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