Chapter Seventy-Two: Dealing with Spies

“Kawakawa, it’s been a long time.”

Upon seeing Kahn, Kawakawa was momentarily stunned, but she quickly regained her composure and hurried forward to greet him.

“Boss, you’re back?”

Before returning, Kahn had inquired about the current year. He had been away for quite some time, and there were many matters awaiting his attention upon his return, though none more important than those concerning Kawakawa. Yet, he couldn’t help but notice the change in her expression.

“You seemed quite surprised just now. Kawakawa, has something happened?”

After he asked this, he saw Kawakawa lower her head without protest, as if admitting a fault outright. He went on, “Go and prepare the recent account books, Kawakawa. You know I don’t care much about money. If there’s been a loss, you needn’t feel bad.”

“I understand, Boss. I’ll get right on it.”

With that, Kawakawa prepared to leave, but before she could go, Kahn called her back. “Wait a moment—let me give you a new guild emblem.”

Kawakawa paused, not fully understanding his intention, but she followed his instructions, removing the badge from her collar and handing it to Kahn. He gave her a new one, which she pinned on.

Kawakawa then left the room to organize the business ledgers from the past few months. She managed the guild’s main accounts, even those from the Land of Waves and the Village Hidden in the Leaves, all of which passed through her hands.

Once Kawakawa was gone, Kahn extracted a listening chip from her old badge, then retrieved a computer from his dimensional pack. After uploading the data, he scanned through the events that had transpired around Kawakawa, converting audio to text for a rapid review.

The timeline was extensive, but after reading through, Kahn finally understood why Kawakawa had seemed ill at ease.

After a while, Kawakawa returned, knocking politely before entering with several files in hand. She addressed Kahn respectfully, “Boss, these are the accounts, carefully categorized by region and type. There’s also a list of newly recruited members.”

“Very well, I see.”

Kahn glanced through the documents. The income was impressive—especially the casinos, whose profits had increased by fifty percent over the past four months. Besides the original locations in Kawamoku County and Tanzaku Street, Kawakawa had opened new establishments in the capital of the Land of Fire and in Hikawa County, bringing the total to four casinos. Next year’s projected income looked even more promising.

Though the confectionery business wasn’t as lucrative as the casinos, it was highly popular among commoners in the Land of Fire, and particularly among the ninja. These high-calorie, filling sweets could, in a sense, substitute for military ration pills, though lacking the ability to quickly restore chakra.

The ledgers from within the Village Hidden in the Leaves were only backups. Nanami had refrained from aggressive expansion during Kahn’s absence, choosing instead to maintain the status quo. Donations to the orphanages continued steadily, with Nanami sensibly using Kahn’s name for charitable acts, further enhancing his reputation.

After the war, orphanages in and around the Leaf Village could now ensure that more and more war orphans were clothed and fed—thanks to Kahn’s efforts. Ordinary civilians elsewhere, even with both parents alive, couldn’t always count on a full meal.

This goodwill came at a high price: at least seventy percent of the income from the thirteen businesses within the Leaf Village, plus Kahn’s book royalties, was funneled into supporting the orphanages.

As for the accounts from the Land of Waves, there was nothing unusual in the regular reports. Transactions with the Hidden Mist were always handled personally by Kahn, and by the looks of it, he would have to make another trip soon.

Kawakawa, having set the ledgers down, didn’t leave right away. She waited quietly for Kahn to finish his review. Only when he looked up did he ask,

“Kawakawa, is there something else?”

She hesitated for a long moment before making up her mind. Producing a roster, she said, “Boss, these are the recent new hires. I think some of them may not be suited for the guild, so…”

“That’s not a major concern, Kawakawa, but I’m glad you brought it to my attention.” Kahn smiled, setting the list aside. He continued, “Let’s adjust your responsibilities. From now on, just focus on sweets and food expansion. I’ll have someone else handle the casinos and other matters.”

“Understood, Boss.”

Though some of her authority had been removed, Kawakawa felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She couldn’t help but feel that her boss seemed to know everything—as if he could see right through her thoughts.

Perhaps it was for the best. Now she had an excuse. Kahn was always kind and trusting toward her, generous in his good deeds, and never overstepped his bounds. Kawakawa had wronged him, and her conscience pricked at her, as such acts went against the principles of the Senju clan.

After Kawakawa left, Kahn began considering guild affairs, especially finding suitable replacements for her. Capable, hardworking veterans like her were rare. Until Nonoyu Yakushi matured, he would have to make do with others.

Kahn had high hopes for Nonoyu Yakushi. In a few years, Nonoyu would likely graduate from Tsunade’s tutelage, and at that point, she would be the first among his subordinates in the ninja world to benefit from the new Absolute Virus serum.

Later, Kahn summoned one of Kakuzu’s men and gave him a message to deliver.

“Please tell Kakuzu there will soon be a caravan heading to the Land of Waves. Here’s the route and a list of personnel. Make sure none survive.”

He handed over the task details—all recent Konoha agents embedded in his ranks. There might be others, but Kahn would sift them out himself.

For this batch, however, there would be no mercy. “Tell Mr. Kakuzu—the payment is in the escort chest.”

Once briefed, Kakuzu’s subordinate departed to relay the message.

Konoha’s spies might have some skill but would never be top-level. Even a mid-level fighter was unlikely; only the Yakushi line seemed to combine espionage with strength.

Eliminating a few cleverly disguised but ultimately weak infiltrators could net two million ryo; perhaps Kakuzu should reconsider his devotion. Money was all well and good, but maybe he’d be better off placing his faith in Kahn.

……

After taking care of matters in the Land of Fire, Kahn realized he still had much to do. The war orphans he’d taken in would soon begin weapons training. He also planned to establish homes for war orphans not just in the Land of Fire, but in other smaller nations as well—solving local headaches, building his own reputation, and cultivating future subordinates.

A modern firearms unit would only be effective in sufficient numbers. Fortunately, Kahn could now use shadow clones to handle tasks, and—thanks to Hashirama’s cells—his clones could last a long time.

There was still the Hidden Mist transaction to handle, which had already been delayed. Though the Land of Waves had reserves for the Hidden Mist to purchase, Kahn still needed to make a trip himself.

He wondered whether the bloodline clans of the Hidden Mist would be open to cooperation. For now, Kahn wasn’t dabbling in the arms trade, which made things somewhat complicated.