The Kakuzu-Style Scam!

Hatake Sakumo stepped into the private room and gently shut the door behind him. He gave a slight nod, his expression calm.

"Company President Kakuzu, I've heard the stories about you too." Sakumo sat down on the cushion opposite him. The Ninja Blade on his back rested against the floor, but he showed no sign of letting down his guard. "I've received Lord Hokage's letter. Since we're on the same side, why don't you tell me what this mission actually involves?"

Sakamoto discreetly withdrew to a corner of the room and stood with his hands at his sides, careful not to interrupt them.

Kakuzu tapped the table lightly with his fingertips. His gold ring struck the wood with a faint, rhythmic click.

"No need to be so tense, kid. We're not going to fight Sunagakure's shinobi on this trip," Kakuzu said evenly. "My company has planted plenty of informants in the Capital of the Land of Wind. Nobles, officials—quite a few of them have financial dealings with the Black Yu Trading Company. I've gathered a good deal of intelligence on Sunagakure's movements and the Kazekage's recent plans."

Sakumo ignored the slight and leaned forward. "Tell me what you've learned. What exactly is the Kazekage planning?"

"Shamon has been quietly building up his forces for years. On the surface, he stays in his desert, but behind the scenes, he keeps sending people to infiltrate the neighboring small nations. His eyes are fixed on the Land of Fire," Kakuzu said.

"But after Iwagakure's failure in the Land of Grass, he called off his original attack plan."

"That man's a snake. He won't give up. Fortunately, you did well in the Land of Grass. I hear Lord Hokage even sent Hiruzen Sarutobi to hold the southwest."

"As expected of that great man! His