Mission Complete

Following Gato's directions, Kakuzu arrived at his company.

"Where's my money?"

"Don't be angry, Lord Kakuzu! I'd like to discuss a business deal with you—one that could bring you an enormous return!" Gato said, fawning over him.

"Talk."

"If I hand over all my money, you'll certainly make a tidy sum. But if you let me stay and run this company for you, you'll have a steady stream of income!"

"Surely a man with your judgment wouldn't kill the goose that lays the golden eggs! My company operates in more places than just the Land of Fire. I have a presence in other countries too. With your protection, the profits would soar!"

Gato made himself as humble as possible. Every word was framed around Kakuzu's interests.

He understood now that money wasn't everything. Strength was. He was merely rich; any ninja could kill him and take his wealth.

If this powerful ninja protected him, his company could expand wildly. There was nothing but upside.

So what if he had to grovel? He had done plenty of that before making his fortune. What mattered was gaining the strength to secure even greater profits.

Kakuzu stroked his chin and considered it.

"How much money can you give me?"

"Right now, I can pay you six hundred million a year. Give me some time, and even several billion would be easy!" Gato said.

"I believe you. But if you dare lie to me, you know what will happen."

"Of course, of course!"

Gato handed him a scroll containing most of the wealth he had saved over the years.

Kakuzu's eyes lit up when he saw the amount. How many ninja would he have to kill for bounties to earn this much? He found himself trusting Gato a little more.

No matter how hard a man worked, he couldn't match the interest a billionaire earned from leaving his money in the bank for a single day.

"I'll come once a month. Tell me if there are any problems, and I'll collect my money each time. If I'm not satisfied with the amount, you know the consequences!" Kakuzu threatened, letting his killing intent spill out.

The killing intent he had amassed over so many years chilled Gato to the bone. Trembling, he insisted over and over that he would never dare.

Only then did Kakuzu nod in satisfaction. He took the money and left.

Gato clenched his fist in secret. Just you wait! Sooner or later, I'll grind every last one of you beneath my feet!

With Kakuzu protecting him, Gato began making bold moves. While amassing wealth, he sent trusted subordinates to search for ways to grow stronger.

Strength of his own would be more reassuring.

He refused to believe that diligently cultivating chakra was the only way to become stronger.

"From this day forward, we'll call it the Great Konoha Bridge!"

"Thank you, Konoha, for helping us! The Land of Waves finally has a bridge of its own. Now we can ship goods to the outside world!"

"Where's Yoru? Isn't he coming with us?" Naruto Uzumaki asked when he noticed Uchiha Yoru was nowhere to be seen.

"Walking's too tiring. You guys keep it up!"

A carriage came racing over and stopped in front of Naruto.

On the way back to Konoha.

"Haku, let's get something to eat before we return to the village!"

"Whatever you say, Lord Yoru!"

"Haku, are you tired? Want me to hire you a carriage?"

"Whatever you say, Lord Yoru!"

From inside the carriage, Uchiha Yoru listened to Sasuke Uchiha fuss over Haku. He stuck his head out and said, "Haku's with me, Sasuke. Why are you so concerned?"

"Mind your own business!"

"You said it. Then I won't interfere!"

Uchiha Yoru thought back to when he was ten. He hadn't even known what it meant to like someone. Yet here Sasuke was, fawning over Haku like a hopeless lovesick fool.

Doesn't he know that kind of devotion gets you nowhere?

I warned him. Whatever happens from here on out is none of my business!

Over the past few days, Haku had looked after the injured Sasuke almost constantly.

A boy his age was bound to develop a crush. Unfortunately, it had Naruto and Sakura seething with jealousy.

Sakura Haruno smiled and said nothing, but the other self inside her already wanted to pin Haku to the ground and thrash him.

My Sasuke! How did you turn into a lovesick fool? Seeing the boy of her dreams like this, Sakura screamed inwardly. I'll have to teach Haku a lesson!

"Stupid Sasuke. He keeps ignoring me and hanging around Haku. Hmph!" Naruto Uzumaki muttered as he walked.

They returned to Konoha.

"That's what happened on the mission!"

"I never expected the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist and a Kage-level ninja to appear on a C-rank mission. You may go. This mission will be reclassified as S-rank!"

"Yes. One more thing: Uchiha Yoru brought back a ninja with the Ice Release bloodline ability. He hopes she can be given identification papers for Konoha!"

"And..."

"And what?"

"Nothing!"

Kakashi was still torn over whether to report that Shimura Danzō had tried to assassinate them. In the end, he decided against it.

The Third Hokage and Danzo were thick as thieves. Even after Shimura Danzō had been placed under confinement for his role in the destruction of the Uchiha Clan...

Everyone knew the confinement was in name only. Danzo still did whatever he pleased!

"Of course, of course. Go on, then!"

"Yes!"

"The Chunin Ninja Exams are coming up soon. See to the arrangements that need to be made!"

"Yes!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi gazed out the window at the thriving Konoha. Once the Chunin Ninja Exams are over, it'll be time for me to step down!

Uchiha Itachi's performance all this time had left him thoroughly satisfied. His strength, his way of thinking, his handling of affairs—Hiruzen couldn't find a single fault.

Since that was the case, he had no intention of clinging to his position. It was time to pass it on to someone capable and enjoy retirement.

As soon as Uchiha Yoru got home, he collapsed onto his bed.

"Don't bother me. I'm going to sleep here for the rest of my life!"

"My beloved bed!"

"Yoru, you went outside the village on a mission. How was it?"

"I'm never going out again! It was exhausting and uncomfortable!" Uchiha Yoru complained to Itachi with his back turned.

Kakashi: What did you even do? You rode in a carriage the whole way! You barely fought! I was the one working myself to the bone!

I'm never going out again. When Pain comes to the village, I'll find an excuse to take a mission, then sneak back to watch the show!

But does that mean the milk cow won't be coming back, since Uchiha Itachi is already here? Forget it. I'll look for her at a gambling house next time! I've got to try my luck at the tables!

Who's Pain? What is Yoru talking about now?

"Get some sleep, then. I'll be resting at home for a while. If you have any questions about ninjutsu, you can ask me!" Uchiha Itachi said, then left.