Make the Kazekage Do His Job!
Several days later, two figures appeared on the border Land of Rain and Land of Grass.
"Company President, weren't we going to the Land of Wind? Why are we in the Land of Grass?" A hint of confusion lingered on Sakamoto's tired face.
"The client sent one of their own people to join our mission." Kakuzu stopped and turned to look at Sakamoto, speaking slowly.
Seeing the weariness on Sakamoto's face, he unconsciously fell into deep thought...
Three years ago, Kakuzu passed through a town in the Land of Frost. The streets were bustling with people, and a teenage boy named Sakamoto knelt on the cold stone slabs, his clothes tattered, constantly kowtowing and begging passersby for money to treat his seriously ill mother.
However, passersby hurriedly walked around, and no one was willing to offer help.
Logically speaking, after decades in the Shinobi World, Lord Kakuzu's heart should have been hardened and cold.
But when he met Sakamoto, he softened his heart and stood by for a long time. He didn't sympathize with the suffering itself, but he noticed the unyielding determination in the boy's eyes.
This scene stirred up his long-buried memories, reminding him of his past as an elite member of Takigakure, who had risked his life for the village, only to be betrayed by it in the end.
A similar obsession touched him. Kakuzu, who was never one to part with a Kakuzu, spent money to save Sakamoto's mother. He saw that the boy was resilient and quick-witted, so he took him under his wing.
After all, Kakuzu had already secured a stable position in the government and was receiving a government job from Kagami Uchiha.
At that time, due to Kagami Uchiha's orders, he hadn't gone to the Bounty Station earn money for a long time.
Various reasons led to this connection.
Once he regained his Kakuzu, Kakuzu remained calm and said indifferently, "Hey, Sakamoto, this trip might be dangerous. Why don't you go back first?"
"How can that be? Company President, I swore to follow you forever, and no matter what danger I face, nothing can shake my resolve!" The boy's eyes were unwavering, and his voice was strong and clear.
"Let's continue our journey to the capital of the Land of Grass," Kakuzu said calmly, though a ripple of emotion stirred within him.
Kid...
Meanwhile, the Peacekeeping Force stationed in Konoha (the Land of Grass.
Shimura Danzō of the Northwestern Commander, personally visited the Land of Grass. It is said that the Lord Hokage and specially sent him to comfort the people of the Land of Grass.
It is said that on the day Danzo arrived, the Grass Ninja Leader personally led a group of Grass Ninja to the camp to welcome him.
After exchanging greetings, Danzo casually, inquiring about the other party's name.
The Grass Ninja Leader bowed and stated his name frankly. "In reply to your question, sir, I am Fool."
Inside a tent at the Peacekeeping Force's camp.
"Sakumo, besides offering some superficial reassurance, I have another important matter to attend to in my personal visit to the Land of Grass: to convey the special mission entrusted to you by the Lord Hokage." Danzo in the main seat, his expression and tone quite gentle.
"Please speak frankly, Danzo Hatake Sakumo will definitely complete the mission!" Sakumo, who had been sitting upright, immediately stood up and said firmly.
"Haha, there's no need to be so reserved in front of me. Your teacher and I are close friends." Danzo as he looked at the solemn expression on the boy's face.
"Here, take this and see for yourself." With that, he handed over a well-sealed scroll.
Hatake Sakumo quickly stepped forward, respectfully accepted the scroll with both hands, and immediately unrolled it and began to read it.
Sakumo, my disciple, seeing this letter is like seeing you in person.
Several months have passed since you went to the Northwestern Border. As your teacher, I often worry about your safety. However, to become a strong person, one must be tempered by the trials of the battlefield. I have always placed high hopes on you.
I have a special mission for you. You must travel to the Land of Wind together with my unofficial Kakuzu, Kakuzu. Kakuzu knows all the Kakuzu of the mission, and he will explain them to you once you meet.
The Land of Wind is currently at peace, Kazekage Shadow's ambitions remain undiminished, and he always has his eyes set on the territory of the Land of Fire.
It seems the People of the Land of Wind are living too well. I have only one request for your purpose in coming here: that you ensure the Kazekage does his job well.
Miners should act like miners; they shouldn't be idle Tenten, always thinking about how to profit through war.
Remember to exercise restraint and avoid provoking a full-blown conflict. Weigh the pros and cons in all matters and protect yourself.
I await news from you two.
Oh, right, the teacher has already spoken with the Inuzuka Clan ninja. When you come back, you can choose a puppy to be your Summoning Beast.
--Kagami Uchiha *^_^*
Hatake Sakumo read through Kagami Uchiha's handwritten words line by line, a warmth welled up in his heart.
The teacher is always so gentle...
No, he has to get married and have a son as soon as possible to carry on the Hatake Clan. He can't wait to change his name...
He carefully folded the letter in half and put it in his pocket. His short, silvery-white hair was slightly ruffled by the wind blowing in from outside the tent, and his expression was calm.
Kakuzu... that renowned Bounty Hunter, the man who was once defeated and subdued by his teacher.
Sakumo then looked up at Danzo: "This subordinate has understood the Lord Hokage's instructions. Please instruct me when to depart."
"Go to the Capital of the Land of Grass; your colleague will meet you there," Danzo calmly.
Upon hearing this, Hatake Sakumo bowed respectfully, turned around, and walked out of the tent.
The Capital of the Land of Grass.
Since the Peacekeeping Force from Konoha were stationed in the Land of Grass, the entire Capital has been peaceful, and the surrounding towns have also become much more stable.
Although the Land of Grass is a small and insignificant country, as the Capital of a nation, it is lined with shops and taverns, and the sounds of street vendors hawking their wares and pedestrians chatting fill the air, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere that exudes a rare sense of peace.
Deep in the heart of a street, there sits an elegant tavern facing the street.
Unlike the bustling shops lining the main street, this place has a quiet and rustic facade, exquisitely carved wooden windows, and simple cloth curtains hanging at the entrance. It is frequented by merchants and traveling warriors, making it a peaceful place.
The shop was well-ventilated and bright, with spotless wooden tables and chairs, and a faint aroma of wine mixed with the scent of tea wafting through the air. Guests sat down in twos and threes, chatting idly.
Hatake Sakumo sat near a window, looking out at the unique street scene of the Land of Grass, where carriages and horses moved slowly and people lived peacefully.
Just then, a respectful voice softly sounded beside him:
"Excuse me, are you Mr. White Fang?" Sakamoto bowed respectfully, his manner humble and proper.
"Yes, you're the Company President?" Sakumo turned around at the sound of his voice, calmly sizing up the boy in front of him.
"No, no, no, I'm just an employee under the Company President. The Company President has already booked a private room and has been waiting for you for a long time." Sakamoto quickly waved his hand, speaking briskly and politely.
"Lead the way." Hatake Sakumo slowly stood up, his short, silver-white hair standing out in the dim light by the window, his posture upright and neat. He followed closely Sakamoto, walking slowly towards the private rooms deep inside the tavern.
Squeak--
The wooden door to the private room was gently pushed open.
The interior was quiet and elegant, isolating it from all the noise of the street outside.
There were no lights or candles in the private room; only soft natural light filtered through the carved wooden windows on both sides, creating a warm and subdued atmosphere.
On the central prayer cushion sat a burly figure.
He was impeccably dressed in a sharp black suit, dark sunglasses perched on his nose, concealing the emotions in his eyes. A thick, heavy gold chain hung between his collars, gleaming with a subtle metallic sheen in the dim light, while a gold ring on his finger added a touch of understated luxury, exuding the aura of a business tycoon.
It was none other than Kakuzu, the Company President of Black Yu Financial and Commercial Company.
Um... this is Kakuzu? The infamous Bounty Hunter?
Sakumo glanced at Sakamoto beside him with a puzzled look.
Could he have led us astray...?
Hearing the door open, Kakuzu did not turn his head immediately. He lightly tapped the table with his fingertips, his relaxed posture exuding an invisible sense of pressure.
After a long while, he turned his head, his dark green eyes glancing faintly at Hatake Sakumo by the door through the edge of his sunglasses.
"White Fang, I've long admired your Daimyo."