S-Rank Rogue Ninja Kakuzu; Ninja Federation Finance Department

More than thirty li away, deep within a desolate, remote valley littered with jagged rocks.

Kakuzu, an S-rank rogue ninja who had roamed the Shinobi World for decades and hailed from the same era as the First Hokage, was crouching beside a muddy stream.

He carefully opened a Sealing Scroll. Inside were neatly stacked, brand-new banknotes carrying the scent of fresh ink.

His layered green eyes, like the rings of an ancient tree, gleamed with immense satisfaction and delight.

"Eight hundred thirty-five million ryo..."

"I never thought that intelligence from before was real. The Land of Demons actually has this much money!~"

He muttered under his breath, his rough fingers gently brushing the edges of the bills as though caressing a lover's skin.

"This is enough to make up for all the 'leisure' I've had lately.

Hmm, when I got back, I could find an exchange office and get rid of some of it. As for the rest... maybe I should consider buying a hot spring estate in the Land of Hot Water?

I heard prices there have risen sharply recently..."

"Whatever. Buy first. Wait for the prices to rise, then sell. I might make a fortune..."

"..."

While calculating how to use this "windfall," he vigilantly scanned his surroundings from the corners of his eyes.

Years of fleeing and killing had made him accustomed to remaining alert at all times and in all places.

Even somewhere he considered absolutely safe.

However, at the very moment he was about to reseal the scroll!

He did not even have time to think. Relying purely on the instincts forged through countless struggles at the edge of life and death, he abruptly rolled forward in a clumsy tumble!

Screech! Screech! Screech!

Several shuriken wrapped in razor-sharp Wind Release Chakra skimmed past his back,