"I need to clarify something first: doing missions is fine, but it can't interfere with my research on the puppets," Scorpion said.
Konan replied, "Xiao's regular missions aren't many, but they're all very difficult, so please make sure you complete them."
"Hmph, don't doubt my strength."
Sasori was still somewhat dissatisfied with losing to Konan, and he was hoping for a rematch.
Maybe... perhaps...
Having discussed the obligations, let's talk about the benefits. Konan explained, "Half of the reward for the task will be given to you, and we will also provide any materials you need."
In addition to these, the organization also provides personal protection and intelligence support.
"All my enemies are dead. If there were any, that would be difficult to deal with."
"Haha... Don't worry, if you encounter someone you can't handle, the leader will step in. If you encounter something you can't handle, I'm willing to do my best to assist you," Aoki Tsuki added.
In short, just go for it with confidence; someone will back you up.
Who knows what the future holds? Let's just say some polite words to reassure Scorpion.
"It seems alright... Well then, that's settled. I'll be going now."
Scorpion is a man of action. Because he waited anxiously for his parents to return home when he was young, only to receive news that both of them had died in battle, he developed a deep hatred for waiting.
Now that I've joined Akatsuki and obtained the communication ring, there's no need to stay any longer.
After Sasori left, Deva Path Pain said, "Let's disperse."
Kakuzu then silently left, Aoki Tsuki quickly followed, saying, "Kakuzu-senpai, we're going the same way, let's walk together."
What's with the "follow my lead"? I didn't even say where I was going!
"Hmph, kid, just say what you want to say. My patience is running out."
It seems he's still holding a grudge about being thrown into the mud last time.
"Haha... Senior is indeed amazing. It's like this, I heard that you often travel in the black market, specializing in killing bounty traitors to exchange for money."
It would have been fine if money hadn't been mentioned, but the mention of money touched a nerve with Kakuzu, who instantly became alert:
"What are you up to?"
"Don't worry, don't worry, I'm definitely not trying to steal your business. I'm just saying that you inevitably have times when you're overwhelmed, like with some really tough targets, right?"
Maybe we can team up and pull off a few big heists, enough to live off for several years.
"No need, I can handle it."
Just kidding, Kakuzu been a hunter for years. He always carefully selects his targets before taking action, and he would never do anything that might cause trouble.
Those who come from major ninja villages all have a series of troubles behind them; he's not that stupid.
Aoki Tsuki said he had guessed beforehand that Kakuzu wouldn't cooperate with him easily. The older you get in the martial arts world, the more timid you become. Kakuzu, this old man, has lived for so long and is exceptionally cautious.
"Of course, I believe you can handle most problems. I mean, if you encounter anything particularly difficult, please be sure to contact me. I'll only take 40%."
"Forty percent? Don't dream about it... I never share money with others."
Kakuzu hearing this, Kakuzu's attitude became even more resolute. He didn't want to take even a single tael, let alone forty percent; wouldn't it be better to keep it all for himself?
Watching Kakuzu's hurried departure, as if he were afraid Kakuzu would rob him.
"Damn, why is this old Deng so difficult to deal with?"
If this doesn't work out, we'll have to look for another opportunity later.
Being a bounty hunter for rogue ninjas isn't an easy business. If you don't know the ropes, you won't even be able to find the door to the Exchange, let alone find those high-value rogue ninjas who are elusive and have hidden whereabouts.
They're all like cunning monkeys, hiding somewhere, trying to make a living this way, they'll starve to death.
If an experienced master craftsman is unwilling to take on newcomers, that cannot be forced.
"Sigh, I'd better just focus on doing the tasks first."
The payment for ordinary commissioned tasks is usually low, but the client makes a lot of demands and likes to ramble on.
After everyone had left, an aloe vera-shaped head emerged from an ancient tree. It was Black and White Zetsu Jutsu. Their main task was to monitor the Rinnegan.
"Oh dear, it seems Nagato has recruited another new member. The organization is growing stronger again," White Zetsu said.
Black Zetsu replied, "He looks a bit like that genius puppeteer from Sunagakure. The disappearance of the Third Kazekage is inextricably linked to him."
"That sounds pretty impressive. Should we tell Obito?"
"Not for now. This guy's gotten a bit cocky lately, always hanging around Konoha. Who knows what he's up to."
"You mean he doesn't want to follow Madara's plan? What should we do then?" Zetsu asked worriedly.
Madara was very powerful, but he's dead Obito. If Obito really doesn't follow the plan, there's not much they can do.
"It's too early to say anything now. No matter what he does, he'll still have to rely on the Rinnegan in the end. We just need to keep an eye on Nagato."
Black Zetsu remained calm, knowing full well that his own abilities were limited and his combat power was zero; he could only rely on others to fight him.
Obito's abilities are quite extraordinary. If he were to truly escape control, the Rinnegan would have to be stabilized to create a restraint.
In other words, we need to see Obito's reaction to decide our next move; we can't let him really take control of the situation.
"Then let's not tell him yet."
Aoki Tsuki Jonin explain the mission to Jonin Tomohisa, and then returned to the village with Tomohisa's letter of loyalty.
Life on the border is really tough; it's much more comfortable in the village.
Konan read through Tomohisa Jonin's letter and nodded.
"Moon, you completed both tasks very well this time. You'll be recorded as an S-rank candidate."
He successfully persuaded Tomohisa to surrender and also played a crucial role in providing key intelligence during the process of subduing Sasori.
"You're too kind, Konan. You could have easily handled it even without me. I was just playing a supporting role."
He dared to be so unconventional because he stood on the shoulders of giants.
"Yes, I'm pleased that you have this awareness."
Konan nodded.
"For now, I'll pay you according to the B-Rank Mission reward. Don't worry, I've remembered the part that's owed to me, and I'll definitely make it up to you in the future."
"Uh... this... is fine, I guess." Aoki Tsuki felt utterly devastated.
He'd be a fool to believe such nonsense.
Previously, Takenaka Osamu at least paid him A-level compensation, Konan went even further, demoting him directly to B-level.
The angel's culinary skills have improved astonishingly; in such a short time, she's been drawing bigger and bigger pie in her mouth, making them with ease.
However, he was not one to be trifled with and immediately demanded compensation.
"Lord Konan, well... I actually have a new request, but I'm not sure if I should say it."
"Speak."
The way to manage subordinates is to alternate between strictness and leniency.
As long as Aoki Tsuki's requests aren't excessive, Konan is still willing to show some mercy.
" Satō Ichirō used to treat me quite well. I promised him I would take good care of his wife. Although Kikuno Momo is Konoha spy, she must have her reasons..."
"Don't try to ramble on. What do you want?" Konan interrupted.
"Can I go see her? Maybe bring her some food, a change of clothes, or something."
"I didn't realize... you're quite sentimental!"
"Mainly because they both helped me when I was weak."
When he became a collaborator, his "loyalty" persona had already crumbled, and he needed to quickly establish another one, such as "gratitude."
Everyone has moments of weakness, and everyone needs help from others at times; it's only human nature.
"Go to the dungeon where I was imprisoned before. Go if you want, but don't do anything foolish."
Aoki Tsuki nodded repeatedly, "I know what I'm doing, don't worry."
Watching Aoki Tsuki's cheerful steps and the barely suppressed smile on his face as he left, Konan frowned secretly.
" Konoha's Anbu is truly cunning, arranging for such a beautiful woman to be a spy. Even if someone discovers her true identity, they probably won't be willing to expose her."
Whether Satō Ichirō knew his wife's true identity remains to be investigated.
This person is already dead; there's no point in saying anything more.
In the dimly lit dungeon, Kikuno Momo sat calmly on a small wooden bed, her appearance unchanged except for her slightly dirty clothes.
Just then, a conversation could be heard coming from the doorway.
"Sir, what brings you here?"
"I've been given permission to visit the prisoner. I hope she's been doing well lately."
"Yes, please rest assured, we absolutely did not mistreat her. The Lady Angel instructed us to make sure she was well-fed and well-hydrated."
"That's good. I'll go in and talk to you."
"Alright, we'll excuse ourselves for a moment." The two guards turned and walked away.
Everyone knows that Aoki Tsuki is now the third-in-command of Amegakure after Lord Pain and Lady Angel, and his position as an advisor is equivalent to that of an elder.
You absolutely must not offend them.
From a distance, through the iron fence, one could see Kikuno Momo dressed in her pajamas, who also looked over.
" Little Tsuki is so thoughtful to come see me."
Kikuno Momo smiled slightly as she spoke, a smile that was truly captivating.
"Sister Mimoto, you've lost weight. I brought you some pastries and clothes."
Aoki Tsuki handed the things into the room, then moved a chair over and sat down.
"Thank you so much, you're still so thoughtful."
"These are minor matters, there's not much I can do. The main issue is that your identity is quite sensitive, and you probably won't be able to leave in the short term."
"Are you here to gather information? I'm just a low-level intelligence officer; my knowledge is limited," Kikuno Momo said frankly.
This was within Aoki Tsuki's expectations; spies are beings who can be discarded at any time, and he probably hadn't even seen Danzo's face.
Even at the very outermost edge of the root, it's not as good as his part-time job.
"Sister Mimoto, you're overthinking it. You should know that I occasionally help Gen with his work, so I understand your feelings perfectly. Nobody wants to be a spy; it's always out of necessity."
However, I have one advantage: I know when to abandon darkness and embrace light, so you see, I'm doing just fine now."
'Sigh... This guy clearly betrayed and surrendered, but he's making it sound like a virtue.'
Kikuno Momo thought to herself, "One minute she's Hanzō's man, the next she's Danzo's man, and now I don't even know whose man she's on."
They have absolutely no principles.
"What's the meaning?"
Whether someone is a spy or not is completely unimportant; as long as you can choose the right side at crucial moments, a disadvantage can be turned into an advantage.
"You want me to betray Root?" Kikuno Momo shook her head with unusual firmness.
"It's not betrayal, it's flexibility. Look, I still send Danzo a message every month to say hello."
The only thing we can do is not let him worry.
"I'm different from you. Besides, I'm practically worthless now. When I woke up, I was groggy, like my soul had been ripped out."
All the intelligence had definitely been leaked, which didn't surprise Kikuno Momo.
Konoha also possesses techniques that allow direct access to a person's brain to uncover secrets.
"Your value lies in living well and maintaining the status quo; perhaps one day you'll still have a chance to return to Konoha."
"Is that possible? I've never heard of a spy surviving after being discovered."
"Who can say what the future holds? As long as you're alive, there's always hope. Actually, I've always had a question: if I remember correctly, Ninja Cat are exclusive to the Uchiha Clan, right?"
The Ninja Cat residing in the Kūku have long served the Uchiha Clan, including but not limited to providing intelligence, weapons, and medicine.
Kikuno Momo's mouth agape slightly, "You... you even know this?"
This time she was truly shocked; this information was known not only to people from other villages, but also to very few people in Konoha.
She had watched Aoki Tsuki grow up step by step and thought she understood him quite well, but now she realized that wasn't the case at all.
"Hmm, I heard about it by chance, so do you have any connection with this clan?"
Kikuno Momo remained silent this time.
"Well... I was just asking out of curiosity. You know I'm the village's diplomat now, so I have a lot of opportunities to deal with Konoha."
If there's anything you'd like me to tell you, don't hesitate to ask. That's all for today, bye.