Chapter Twenty-Six: Searching for Kakuzu

"Gentlemen, what follows is somewhat private, so please wait here for me," said Karn to the Chunin squad assigned to guard him. This small town had an underground exchange, information he had gleaned from the owner of the Spring Bookstore. Anyone able to operate a chain bookstore in the Land of Fire must have noble backing, and naturally would be familiar with such clandestine organizations. Konoha was certainly aware of its existence, but both sides generally kept to themselves. Occasionally, bounties issued by Konoha were filtered through the underground exchange; if bounty hunters fulfilled these tasks, the exchange would arrange for someone with a spotless record to collect the reward in Konoha. Moreover, many aristocrats in the Land of Fire relied on such shadowy forces to handle their personal affairs.

After Karn departed, a Genin, curiosity piqued, asked, "Captain, what's our employer doing? Why all the secrecy?"

"It's probably personal business..." another muttered, already helping himself to the feast before them. This journey had been unexpectedly pleasant—whenever they reached a town, they ate well, lodged comfortably, and sometimes even enjoyed hot springs. It hardly felt like a mission; it seemed more like a holiday.

"Don’t pry into the employer’s affairs. Besides, this town is special. Since he doesn’t require our protection, let’s respect his wishes," the Chunin captain said quietly, then joined his squad in sampling the meal. Only after a few bites did he, seeing the curious glances of his three subordinates, slowly explain, "This town has an underground exchange. Since the employer doesn’t want us to follow, he’s likely headed there. Such organizations aren’t fond of ninja from the Five Great Nations. If we tag along, it would make things difficult for him."

"So don't worry about it. Perhaps after we finish eating, he'll return," he added.

The three Genin nodded in sudden understanding. "So it's because of the underground exchange. I’ve heard of it before, but never actually seen one..." Satisfied with the explanation—and sensing their captain's reluctance to elaborate—they dutifully focused on their meal.

...

"Thankfully, it's a bathhouse—not a latrine..."

Karn arrived at the location of the underground exchange and felt relieved to see a bathhouse before him. He was a man who valued cleanliness; had it been a restroom, he would have endured it, but with great discomfort. Following the directions given by the Spring Bookstore owner, Karn easily found the underground exchange hidden behind the bathhouse. This was the place where bounties and requests were issued, usually frequented by aristocrats and wealthy merchants' retainers. Rogue ninja bounty hunters had their own separate venues.

After stating his request, Karn left the exchange under the odd gaze of its attendants. He had issued only one bounty—one million ryo, specifically summoning Kakuzu to meet him.

Kakuzu, master of five elements, skilled in advanced ninjutsu, with five lives and a notorious love of money, seemed the easiest to recruit in Karn's opinion. Karn merely wanted Kakuzu as a call-on enforcer; if nothing happened, he would essentially be paid for doing nothing. It was a lucrative deal, and Kakuzu had no reason to refuse.

Having posted the bounty, Karn resumed his travels in the Land of Fire, escorted by Konoha ninja. He visited prosperous towns and even villages on their outskirts, mainly to observe the country's commercial activity and economic status—crucial information for his future plans.

Half a month later, Karn returned to Chuanmu Town, enriched by his journey and ready to focus on building his influence. Upon arrival, the Chunin squad completed their assignment, just as Karn had arranged with the Hokage’s mission office. Still, the squad seemed reluctant to part ways. Though vigilance had been required, the comforts of the journey had been undeniable.

"Well then, we'll take our leave, Karn-san," the Chunin leader bowed respectfully with his three Genin, adding, "Thank you for your hospitality. We felt at ease throughout the mission. I hope we can work together again."

Karn responded with equal courtesy, then bid them farewell. Once the Konoha squad had departed, Natsukawa approached and said, "Boss, there's someone here who says you summoned him. He’s been waiting for three days... but he’s a rogue ninja, and seems quite powerful."

"He’s been here three days? That’s a bit early. Bring him to me, Natsukawa; he’s the one I called," Karn replied, recognizing from her description that Kakuzu had arrived ahead of schedule.

When Natsukawa brought Kakuzu over, the man grumbled in discontent, "I’ve waited three full days. If you weren’t here, you should have said so in advance. In three days, I could have completed—"

Bang!

Karn produced a box from his spatial backpack and placed it before Kakuzu. It was small but very heavy.

"This two million ryo is a greeting gift, apart from the one million delivered through the exchange. Kakuzu-san, I wish to discuss a long-term arrangement with you."

Karn’s words prompted Kakuzu to open the box immediately. Inside were bundles upon bundles of banknotes. He didn’t bother counting each bill, but estimated by weight and volume that the sum was indeed two million ryo. Still, he meticulously went through each bundle, counting them one by one.

Karn was familiar with Kakuzu’s habits, so he paid little mind, sipping tea as he waited. Natsukawa, on the other hand, watched wide-eyed, astonished at such blatant greed; Kakuzu acted as if no one else existed, counting his money as if it were the only thing in the room.

Once Kakuzu finished counting, he closed the box and said, "So, what’s this business you mentioned? I’m only good at killing—little else interests me."

Karn sensed a slight softening in Kakuzu’s tone, though perhaps it was just his imagination. Still, when it came to business, Karn grew serious and explained, "I plan to open several casinos in the Land of Fire. I hope Kakuzu-san can act as a flexible enforcer and debt collector for them. You’ll be well compensated for your efforts."

"Casinos? I don’t join any organizations. If that’s what you want, I can’t help you," Kakuzu replied decisively. He worshipped money, but refused to affiliate with any group.

"I’m not asking you to stay at the casino all day. Only when your presence is needed, you’ll be contacted and expected to arrive promptly. You’ll discipline troublemakers or collect debts, depending on the situation. The minimum payment is two hundred thousand ryo per job—comparable to an A-rank mission from a major village," Karn explained slowly. He smiled and added, "Besides, during idle times, you’ll remain the most famous bounty hunter in the underground exchange. The casinos won’t interfere with your bounty work."