Battered in both body and mind, Kakuzu fled. Clutching his last remaining gold bar tightly to his chest, he ran all the way back to the Shadow Organization and took refuge there.
He wandered, utterly dejected, through the Shadow Organization's orderly streets, tallying the losses from this trip.
In short-he had lost a fortune.
Kakuzu grumbled inwardly, his heart aching.
He hurried down the street, then knocked on the door of the Shadow Organization's highest office.
"Come in."
The voice sounded muffled through the door.
He pushed open the not particularly heavy door, the bitterness on his face apparent even through his mask.
"Have a seat, Kakuzu. What happened? Are you hurt?"
Lord Dark looked the same as ever, dressed in black robes with a mask covering his face.
He pushed aside the documents in front of him and lifted his masked face slightly.
Kakuzu felt himself being scrutinized from head to toe. The sensation of being seen straight through made him a little uncomfortable, but before that discomfort could take hold, those warm words of concern reached his ears.
For the first time in ages, warmth stirred in Kakuzu's heart.
Ever since I deserted my village, everyone in the Shinobi World has wanted me dead. Even those who use my services only hire me for their own interests.
Yet now, before I've even reported on the mission, Lord Dark is asking about my health...
It looks like Lord Dark isn't just rich. He's a good man, too.
In this turbulent world, only my dear Shadow Organization can offer me a little warmth.
"My lord, I'm sorry. The mission failed. I encountered a powerful enemy in the Land of Lightning."
Watanabe Ichiro had already recalled the Disguise he had sent out to commit robbery and recovered its memories, so he