After finalizing the grand plan to reattach his legs, Kakuzu wasted no time and set off for the Sand Front.
Before he left, Uchiha Mai broke off a willow branch from a tree by the bridge and gave it, along with his personal sword Izumi no Kami Kanesada, to Kakuzu.
Grasping Kakuzu's shoulder, Uchiha Mai bid him farewell with deep reluctance. "Once we part here, you will drift like a lone tumbleweed across ten thousand miles.
"Kakuzu-san, this willow branch represents my feelings for you. I hope you will not disappoint me by doing something that will make both of us regret it.
"This uchigatana has been with me for many years and symbolizes my identity. Hatake Sakumo, the person in charge of the Sand Front, and Danzo both recognize it.
"When you reach the Sand Front, take this sword to Hatake Sakumo and tell him I sent you there as reinforcements. He will know how to assign you."
The former Uchiha Mai had relied heavily on the formidable killing power granted by famous blades.
That was no longer the case. Even without a famous blade, he could still exert his full strength with methods such as the World-Shattering Selfless Killing Fist, Mai Style Ancient Martial Arts, and the Consciousness-Only Mangekyō Sharingan.
The only reason he still used a long sword in battle was that he was used to it and too lazy to change.
Kakuzu solemnly accepted the sword and willow branch, then stuck them behind his back, looking like an old general on a stage with banners filling his back.
"Boss, don't worry. I know what to do," Kakuzu vowed, patting his chest to assure him that he would never do anything as foolish as running off with the money.
Though Kakuzu, with his restored heart, had five