Ren knew from the voice that it belonged to Black Zetsu.
Looking towards the source of the sound, Jue, half-black and half-white, stepped out.
Faced with Black Zetsu's questioning, Ren smiled and said...
"It depends on your perspective. From my point of view, it precisely demonstrates my trust in you and my belief that the Akatsuki has unlimited potential. This is an investment in advance."
Black Zetsu ignored Ren's absurd reasoning and continued speaking.
"That's the most I can do. This is the last time. Otherwise, I will report the information to the leader truthfully next time!"
Ren chuckled and said.
"Jue, do you really see him as the leader, and not a pawn?"
Black Zetsu offered no explanation in response to Ren's question, something he was quite proud of.
They turned powerful ninjas into pawns to achieve their own goals.
Black Zetsu looked at Ren, who was mocking Nagato, and found it even more amusing.
Uchiha Yushu, what's the difference between you and him?
Black Zetsu, who had dealt with the Uchiha Clan for nearly a thousand years, knew that he had to go along with their wishes at this time.
"You're right, but he's the best person to execute the plan right now, and you don't want any unexpected problems to arise, do you?"
Ren appropriately displayed his impatience and disdain before speaking.
"Okay, I understand. I'll be more careful from now on!"
Seeing Ren's reaction, which was exactly as he had expected, Black Zetsu nodded and then disappeared underground.
Those who needed to be dealt with have already been dealt with.
After Black Zetsu left, Ren stopped walking and flew into the sky, quickly heading towards Konoha.
In just half a day, Ren returned to Konoha.
Meanwhile, Kakuzu and Sasori, who had already left the Land of Fire and arrived in the Land of Rice Paddies, were preparing to start a major operation.
As for the Akatsuki's mission, it has already been reported through the ring. Now it's free time.
Half a day was enough time for Kakuzu to calm down.
Reflecting on his past experiences, he realized that he had taken on an extra task, which not only caused him to lose the 100 million taels he had gained for free, but also cost him his own 100 million taels of savings.
The more I think about it, the more something seems off.
The previous scenes replayed in Kakuzu's mind. Everything was fine at first, but then Sasori said, "Wait a minute!"
Things started to go wrong.
Kakuzu a gambler. If Ren's 100 million ryo was gone, so be it. He hadn't even had a chance to enjoy it yet. It was his own 100 million ryo, and it was making Kakuzu heartbroken.
It really hurts, like it hurts five times more.
Kakuzu in endless self-blame and regret, Kakuzu once again recalled the broad prospects Ren had painted for him, and the tidal wave of returns after the investment.
I cast aside all my previous guesses and focused only on my vision for the future.
Kakuzu help but believe it, because only by believing that everything was true could Kakuzu continue to persevere.
Otherwise, without anyone lifting a finger, as long as Ren admits that he was actually lying to Kakuzu, the money will be gone forever.
Kakuzu would probably die of anger, and I'm not exaggerating; he would literally die of anger.
Having worked for decades, Kakuzu naturally wouldn't have so little savings. However, Kakuzu, finally managed to pull out such a large sum of money, only to be scammed.
Kakuzu's faith will collapse.
There is no other way but to firmly believe that you have made the right choice.
The two were currently in a teahouse, but had not ordered anything.
Sasori is unnecessary, while Kakuzu saves resources.
Often, these stingy misers can surprise everyone when they actually make a move.
Thinking that Sasori had also spent 150 million taels, making him an even bigger sucker than himself, Kakuzu felt a sense of camaraderie with Sasori that he hadn't felt in decades.
Whether it's to strengthen one's resolve or to convince oneself.
Kakuzu took the initiative to ask Sasori a question.
What kind of person do you think the Fifth Hokage of Konoha was?
Sasori was somewhat surprised that Kakuzu, a guy who rarely uttered a word, would actually take the initiative to chat with him.
The topic was Yuuki, whom Sasori both loathed and found quite Ren, and Sasori began to seriously consider it.
After carefully recalling every detail of the past, Scorpion finally spoke and answered.
"Powerful, foolish, treacherous, arrogant, self-righteous—in short, good for nothing except for his immense strength!"
In Sasori's eyes, Ren had absolutely no redeeming qualities; aside from his undeniable strength, he was a disgrace to humanity.
After Sasori revealed his true thoughts, he noticed that Kakuzu's expression was quite unpleasant.
"Who asked you that? I was asking about money!"
After spending some time with Kakuzu, Sasori finally understood Kakuzu's point of view.
Scorpion answered while thinking.
"As for money, I don't know too much, but he's very rich, extremely rich!"
Scorpion recalled what he had seen and heard in Konoha. Almost everyone's life was inseparable from the businesses established by Ren. Although he didn't understand economics, he knew that Tomoki was quite wealthy.
Kakuzu's eyes lit up when he heard this. "It's good to be rich. Someone so rich wouldn't lie to me, right?"
"Anything else?"
Kakuzu pressed on, asking further questions.
Is there anything else?
Scorpion felt that apart from not knowing how rich Ren was, there was nothing else to say about him. However, considering that Ren paid salaries to himself and other researchers, and invested in them regardless of cost, he was still impressed.
As if having found its direction, Scorpion spoke again.
"Also, he's very generous, doesn't treat money like money, and isn't very smart. He often wastes money on useless people and is quite proud of it."
Scorpion clearly thought of the situation where others could get whatever they wanted without needing to go through layers of checks, unlike himself.
In conclusion, Scorpion said.
"Well, if I had to sum it up in one sentence, it would be: 'Foolish people with too much money!'"
Kakuzu, who had been listening attentively, heard the answer he wanted to hear and felt much happier.
However, I immediately became worried again.
Are they stupid and rich?
Remembering all the rosy prospects Ren mentioned before, could it be that it won't actually make any money?
No!
We must make money; we absolutely cannot fail to make money!
Because of the huge investment, Kakuzu cannot allow this project to fail. Anyone who dares to prevent him from making money will be eliminated!
Kakuzu, who was constantly radiating murderous intent, suddenly became incredibly resolute in his gaze.