Kakuzu sat in the reception room of the Hokage Building with an exam paper before him. Inside, several Konoha shinobi serving as proctors stared intently at him. Outside, Tobirama Senju monitored his every movement through his senses, missing nothing.
Thoroughly bewildered by this unexpected test and Konoha's elaborate precautions, Kakuzu could only pick up the paper helplessly. His eyes scanned the questions mechanically, but his mind churned as one question after another raced through his head-
Why did I have to take an exam just to meet Lord Hokage?
Why were all these questions about money?
But remembering the hellish line outside, then the heavy responsibility on his shoulders, Kakuzu resolutely picked up his pen and threw himself into the calculations.
Tobirama's eyes grew brighter as he supervised the exam. He realized that Kakuzu not only wasn't cheating, but was probably quite strong as well. In particular, watching Kakuzu complete the calculations with remarkable speed and precision made him increasingly pleased.
He could balance accounts, understood economics, and had chakra. Wasn't this exactly the sort of talent Konoha desperately needed?
Several hours later, Kakuzu handed over his carefully completed paper and waited anxiously for the results. What he never expected was for Tobirama Senju, a figure renowned throughout the shinobi world, to come meet him personally.
Though Kakuzu stood stiff and utterly at a loss, Tobirama gave his shoulder a warmly enthusiastic pat. His expression remained impassive, but anyone could tell he was in an excellent mood.
"Tomorrow-no, come with me now. I'll walk you through the work procedures."
"What?!"
Normally composed and steady, Kakuzu was instantly overcome with horror. His eyes widened as he suddenly realized what a stupid mistake he had made. Filled with regret, he hastily explained:
"Lord Tobirama, I didn't come here looking for work!"
"Rest