The Land of Rain.
It is a basin located in the center of the continent, surrounded by mountains, with a treacherous terrain.
Thick rain clouds, like a giant curtain, tightly shrouded the land, immersing the entire Land of Rain in a perpetually damp atmosphere.
Countless rivers and streams crisscross the land, forming a complex water system that brings abundant water resources to the Land of Rain.
On the edge of the Land of Rain, in the Falling Rain Town.
Because of its proximity to the border and convenient water transportation, this place gradually developed into a unique town.
Unlike other parts of the Land of Rain.
Occasionally, a few rays of sunlight would pierce through the sky above Falling Rain Town, bringing a unique warmth to this humid country.
The town features a diverse range of architectural styles.
The area features both traditional pointed-roof wooden houses from the Land of Rain and brick and stone structures from neighboring countries, creating a unique streetscape.
In Falling Rain Town, the most striking feature is the numerous trading markets scattered throughout the town.
In this place, the black market is no longer in the shadows, but has taken root and flourished openly.
It became the most bustling and attractive place in the entire Land of Rain.
From rare ninja tools and scrolls of advanced Ninjutsu to all kinds of scarce resources, it has everything, attracting people from all over the world.
Whether you're a wanderer seeking opportunity, an information broker with ulterior motives, or a ninja desperately needing special items, you can find your target here.
Stepping into the market.
The first thing that catches the eye is the rows of stalls and shops, with shouts and bargaining sounds rising and falling.
On a slightly narrow street, yet bustling with people.
Kakuzu walked slowly with steady steps, accompanied by several fierce-looking subordinates.
To do business in the markets of this Land of Rain, one must follow the rules.
The rule is simple: pay taxes!
In the Land of Rain, from ancient times to the present, death and taxes are the only things that cannot be escaped; no one can be an exception!
Some black market dealers scoff at such rules.
From ancient times to the present.
The black market has only been prevalent for about a year; the Land of Rain didn't have so many rules before.
However, they weren't particularly opposed to it.
After all, before the rise of the black market in the Land of Rain, underground transactions in various places were often accompanied by double-crossing.
Goods are stolen, buyers default on payments, and in some cases, people are even murdered for their goods.
After the god of Amegakure took over, he established ironclad rules.
Those who pay taxes are protected by the Amegakure, while those who evade taxes are fed directly to the fish.
Not to mention the presence of the renowned immortal ninja Kakuzu, who gave them a great sense of security.
Here, even if you're selling Hokage's personal belongings, as long as you pay the tax, no one will dare touch you.
The taxes are a bit high, though.
Amegakure does not pay taxes based on a fixed share, but rather on transaction volume and profits.
"Three million taels this month."
Kakuzu's deep voice was exceptionally clear amidst the bustling marketplace.
His green eyes peered coldly through the gaps in his mask at the trembling herbal medicine merchant before him.
"Lord Kakuzu..."
The businessman rubbed his hands together, fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
"The market for medicinal herbs isn't good lately. Could you make an exception and charge less? I'll definitely make up the difference next month."
As soon as he finished speaking, the hustle and bustle of the market seemed to quiet down instantly.
The surrounding vendors all quietly pricked up their ears, but dared not openly look over.
Kakuzu's fingers tapped lightly on the ledger, producing a dull sound.
"Three million taels," he repeated, his tone completely unchanged.
The businessman swallowed hard, his eyes darting around.
"You see, I was just ripped off by a caravan from Sunagakure last month, it was really..."
"Bang!"
Kakuzu suddenly slammed his palm on the stall, and the wooden counter immediately cracked in several places.
The merchant stopped abruptly, his face turning deathly pale.
"Three million taels," Kakuzu said for the third time, this time with a hint of impatience in his voice, "Or I'll send you to feed the fish right now."
The merchant shuddered and quickly dragged a heavy money box from under the counter.
"Three million taels, not a penny less!"
Kakuzu took the money box, opened it, and immediately confirmed the amount with a sidelong glance.
He then snorted coldly, ticked off a mark in the ledger, and turned to walk towards the next stall.
This idiot thinks he can fool me? Nobody can evade taxes with me.
Walk to the center of the market.
Kakuzu stopped and looked around.
The black market was bustling with activity, filled with the cries of vendors.
"Latest Sunagakure prosthetic limb, 80% new!"
" Konoha Sealing Jutsu Scroll, absolutely genuine!"
" Kirigakure missing-nin, a user of the Kekkei Genkai, highest bidder wins!"
This is a really nice place.
Previously, taking on an S-level bounty and risking one's life would only net a few million taels of silver. Now, just collecting taxes can easily bring in a million taels a day.
Pain is right; controlling the economy is more efficient than killing people.
Kakuzu touched the ledger in his pocket and added, "And it's much safer."
" Kakuzu!"
A richly dressed merchant jogged up to him, his face beaming with smiles.
"This is last month's 'special tax,' five million taels. Would you like to count it?"
Kakuzu glanced at the money pouch and nodded slightly.
This is an extra commission on the sale of contraband, twice the regular tax rate, but merchants still flock to it.
This so-called contraband is different from the others; if it weren't for the special protection of the Akatsuki, it would have been confiscated by the Five Great Shinobi Villages long ago.
A wise choice.
Kakuzu made a note in the ledger.
Paying more money can save your life—it's such a simple truth, how can anyone not understand?
At this moment, the merchant glanced around and then secretly slipped a bulging brocade pouch into Kakuzu's arms.
" Kakuzu, this is an extra gift from me to you. Please accept it."
Kakuzu subtly squeezed the brocade pouch, which was filled with heavy gold bars.
His green eyes narrowed slightly, and a barely perceptible smile curved his lips.
After collecting the taxes from the last stall, Kakuzu closed the ledger with satisfaction.
The setting sun in Falling Rain Town shone through the rain clouds, casting dappled light and shadows on him.
This once feared bounty hunter has now found a more lucrative business.
"Is this Falling Rain Town? It's quite 'prosperous'!"
Hoshino stood alone at the entrance to Falling Rain Town.
Rain dripped from the straw hat on his head. He looked up at the town, which was faintly visible in the rain, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.
Stepping into the town, the damp air, mixed with various smells, hits you.
The bitterness of medicinal herbs, the rusty smell of metal, the greasiness of food, and the bloodshed hidden in the shadows.
The streets were bustling with people, the shouts of vendors rose and fell, and occasionally one could hear whispered conversations.
Hoshino's mechanical prosthetic eye flickered slightly, rapidly scanning the surrounding environment and taking in every detail.
"Prosthetic bodies from Sunagakure, scrolls from Konoha, Kekkei Kirigakure... it truly has everything."
He chuckled softly, his gaze settling on a stall not far away, where several Sunagakure cybernetic modules were displayed.
Hoshino walked slowly closer, his fingers gently tracing the surface of the prosthetic body, and the sensors under the armor immediately responded.
These are indeed genuine products, and they are from the latest batch.
"This guest has excellent taste!"
The stall owner was a burly man with a face full of scars. He grinned, revealing a few gold teeth.
"This is a high-grade item from Sunagakure; it's quite rare to see on the market."
Hoshino didn't look up, but simply asked, "Price?"
"Five million taels for a set, no bargaining."
The burly man rubbed his hands together, a greedy glint in his eyes. "If it's Chakra Crystal, I can give you a discount—four hundred per set."
Hoshino finally looked up at him, a glint of red light flashing in his mechanical eyes.
"Oh? It's so expensive. Aren't you afraid the Sunagakure's Inspection Department will come knocking on your door?"
The burly man laughed heartily and patted his chest.
"In the Land of Rain, as long as we pay our taxes, no one can touch us! This is a rule set by Lord Hanzō... no, now it's Lord Pain!"
" Pain..."
Hoshino repeated the name softly, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes.
He had already scouted the area before he came.
The Akatsuki has now come to the forefront, with its members scattered throughout the Land of Rain, each responsible for a specific area.
The black market in Falling Rain Town and the surrounding towns are all under Kakuzu's control, and there is also a Rain Ninja force of several hundred people nearby.
In case of any special circumstances, they will immediately enter the town and take over the black market there.
Thinking of this, Hoshino withdrew his hand, turned and left, leaving behind only a meaningful remark, "I hope your backer is strong enough."
The burly man paused for a moment, then scoffed, "Playing tricks!"
Hoshino ignored him and continued strolling down the street.
Suddenly, his communicator vibrated slightly, and he heard Yashamaru's voice in his ear.
"The transaction time has been confirmed: 11 PM tonight. The location is the abandoned post station in the center of town. The Third Elder and several other contacts will be there."
"Understood," Hoshino replied in a low voice. "Proceed according to plan, and don't alert the enemy."
After cutting off the communication, Hoshino turned his gaze toward the center of the town.
There was a dilapidated post station there, seemingly deserted, but in reality, undercurrents were swirling.
As night fell, the lights of Falling Rain Town shone even brighter.
The hustle and bustle of the black market did not diminish; on the contrary, it became even more lively as night deepened.
" Chakra Crystal, Sunagakure technique, purity guaranteed!"
"A rare copy of the Uzumaki Clan's Sealing Jutsu. Only those with discerning taste will appreciate it!"
" Lightning Release Chakra Mode Secret Technique, available for immediate purchase, first come, first served!"
The cries of vendors echoed through the rainy night as they held up specially made waterproof lanterns to attract customers to their stalls.
Hoshino was passing by a stall when he was drawn to the shouts from the side.
Um?
Lightning Release Chakra Mode, a secret technique that only Kage in Kumogakure) are qualified to learn.
Is it possible for someone to actually get their hands on this?
The stall owner was a tall, thin man wearing a one-eyed mask, calling out his wares in a hoarse voice.
" Kumogakure, absolutely unique, 15 million taels, no bargaining!"
"Can I inspect the goods?" Hoshino asked in a low voice.
The one-eyed stall owner let out a sneer.
"Is this your first time at the black market? This level of Ninjutsu is all about fate; we don't accept inspections."
Hoshino's mechanical prosthetic eye flickered slightly, scanning the Sealing Jutsu formula on the scroll's surface.
It is indeed the style of the Kumogakure, but it's hard to tell if it's genuine or not.
"Too expensive," Hoshino shook his head, "And there's no guarantee of authenticity."
"Expensive?" the stall owner suddenly lowered his voice, "If you think it's too expensive..."
He mysteriously pulled another small scroll from his pocket, "Here's a simplified version, only three million taels."
Hearing this, Hoshino's lips twitched slightly.
Simplified version? Looks like a conman who specializes in counterfeit goods, pretty impressive.
Are you planning to make a quick buck and run?
"Fifteen million taels? Okay, I'll buy it."
"However, I don't have that much cash on me. How about I use half of it in Chakra Crystal and half in silver notes?"
A hint of surprise flashed in the one-eyed stall owner's eyes, and he nodded quickly, "Sure, sure, I'm fine with anything!"
Hoshino calmly took out the carefully prepared Chakra Crystal and silver notes from his pocket and handed them to the stall owner.
After careful inspection, the stall owner confirmed that everything was correct.
Only then did he hand over the so-called Lightning Release Chakra Mode secret technique scroll to Hoshino.
"Hmm, it looks pretty good."
Hoshino stepped forward and patted the stall owner on the shoulder, "If you find anything good in the future, remember to come find me."
The stall owner nodded hastily, inwardly sneering.
Hmph, another sucker!
Did they really think they could buy a secret technique that only Kage Level from Kumogakure could learn?
This kid is too easy to fool. Fifteen million taels is enough for me to fly far away and continue my swindling in another place.
Judging from his silly look, he probably thinks he got a great deal.
Hoshino turned and left, disappearing into the bustling crowd.
He hadn't gone far when he found a relatively secluded corner and opened the scroll to examine it.
As expected, the contents were all random nonsense and not at all a secret technique of Lightning Release Chakra Mode.
Instead, there were some nonsensical runes and spells, as well as some patterns that looked like random scribbles.
"Hmph, he really is a liar."
Hoshino casually tossed it into a nearby pile of trash, then looked up at the seemingly dilapidated but actually heavily guarded building not far away.
Two Rain Ninja stood at the entrance of the inn, wearing specially made breathing masks.
Occasionally, vendors push their goods in and out through the side door, but they are subject to strict checks.
Hoshino took out an exquisite metal badge from his pocket.
This is an invitation that Yashamaru "borrowed" from the Third Elder, and it bears the emblem of Amegakure.
"I hope this thing works," he muttered to himself as he walked toward the post station.
The two Rain Ninja guards immediately looked over alertly.
Most people who trade on the black market have shady identities or pasts, or sell items that cannot be brought to light.
It's quite rare to find someone who doesn't try to hide anything at all.
One of them held out his hand, "An invitation."
Hoshino handed over the badge.
The guard took the badge, examined it carefully, and nodded to his companion to confirm it was correct.
Another guard pushed open the creaking wooden door and gave instructions.
"Go in! Remember the rules: no fighting, no stealing, and leave immediately after the transaction is complete."
Hoshino entered, and the view suddenly opened up before him.
The interior of the post station was completely different from its dilapidated exterior; the spacious hall had been transformed into a high-class trading venue.
The floor was covered with a thick, dark red carpet.
Delicate lamps hung on the wall, emitting a soft glow.
"Would you like a guide, sir?"
A woman dressed in the traditional attire of the Land of Rain appeared silently beside Hoshino, holding an exquisite tea tray in her hands.
However, this so-called traditional clothing appears to have been modified.
At least in this country where rain is plentiful, clothing wouldn't be as revealing as hers.
Every movement revealed large expanses of snow-white skin.
"Please give me a brief introduction!" Hoshino said.