Why is Tsunade here? Is it really to safeguard Sarutobi Shinzo? Probably not. From the words of Orochimaru, he understood that Tsunade had a significant disagreement with the village's high-ranking officials, otherwise, she wouldn't have left for so many years.
So, is it because of the First Hokage's weapon? This is possible, after all, noble families prioritize family honor above their own lives.
The head of the Senju clan, the former god of the shinobi world, the First Hokage; with these honors, a weapon left behind is a disgrace to the family and undermines the Senju clan's standing in the ninja world.
Therefore, Tsunade is probably here for the great sword used by the First Hokage. The idea that she's here to protect Sarutobi Shinzo has likely been deliberately promoted by someone.
Propaganda! To create a positive image for herself, Tsunade, knowing this, chose to go along. It's probably a trade-off; Tsunade needs information on the Whirlpool Country, and someone needs to ride on her coattails.
With continuous analysis, Sesshomaru quickly figured everything out. No wonder Sarutobi Shinzo occasionally mentioned Tsunade; he was taking advantage.
"Big brother, I was kidnapped here. Just escort me home, my family is wealthy."
Amidst the colorful lights of the bustling town at night, Sesshomaru looked down and sideways at Tsunade, who was acting cutesy behind him, and couldn't help but sneer.
Although being called a Sannin was flattering, it was clear that Tsunade probably knew his identity. The only person who could have divulged this was Sarutobi Shinzo.
The information Sarutobi Shinzo shared with Tsunade was probably to keep him in check. What is Tsunade getting close to him for? Just then, young Tsunade put on a pitiful look, her big eyes filled with helpless tears. Seeing this, Sesshomaru fell silent.
"I will charge a fee."
After all, he has to maintain his persona, and Tsunade, pretending to be a young girl, cried out in joy, perfectly playing her role.
Both are acting; it's a matter of who is more skilled in the end.
Tsunade showed a grateful expression, but was secretly pondering. Is this guy cold-hearted or does he have ulterior motives for young girls?
Thus, they seem to have entered into a temporary employer-employee relationship. Sesshomaru escorts her home, and she pays him a fee.
"But only after I finish my business."
Sesshomaru, with an indifferent expression, walked towards the hotel across the street, with the young girl Tsunade following timidly behind him.
On the bustling street, a low cooing sound echoed. Under Sesshomaru's indifferent gaze, Tsunade revealed a shy demeanor, seemingly masking her awkwardness.
Sesshomaru thus turned his head away and continued walking indifferently, as though his heart was as cold and unfeeling as his appearance. However, his direction towards the hotel shifted slightly.
The Tsunade who was pretending to be a young girl watched as Sesshomaru led her inconspicuously towards the snack street. The corners of her mouth imperceptibly lifted, thinking that this little guy was not too bad; his scowling face was unmistakably Uchiha.
A wad of green bills slowly emerged, appearing directly in front of Tsunade. Before she could understand what it meant, Sesshomaru coldly said, "Put it on the tab."
What a stingy little guy, not at all like an Uchiha, but the scowling face was truly inborn.
"Thank you." Although she cursed inwardly, Tsunade, pretending to be a young girl, showed a grateful expression. She nervously held the money, appearing to be at a loss.
In the end, Sesshomaru led her to a snack stand. Stopping briefly, Tsunade pretended to have an epiphany and hastily began to buy food. It was obvious that he had intentionally stopped to let her purchase something.
"I'll have this, thank you."
Tsunade, role-playing as a young girl, had to fit the character. With an innocent expression tinged with caution, she didn't dare to indulge, opting for the cheapest snack that would fill her stomach. Deception is a required skill for every ninja, and reaching this point meant mastery. Her strong capabilities concealed everything.
After witnessing today, indeed, there are no simple existences among ninjas, especially those who have made a name for themselves.
Having received her snack, Tsunade cautiously ate while keeping close behind him, pondering deeply.
She planned to use this little guy to find her grandfather's weapons first, as her identity attracted too much attention. Only by laying low could she play the fisherman.
Lastly, this little guy had meddled in Orochimaru's human experiments. The thought of the "Wood Release Experiment" made her increasingly angry. Eventually, she vowed to discipline this little guy, find out the real reason behind Orochimaru's expulsion, and who restarted the Wood Release Experiment. How many more disgusting experiments could there be in the village?
While Tsunade was secretly planning, Sesshomaru (Uchiha Yoru) was also scheming in his heart. The most dangerous enemies are those hidden in the dark. Now that he knew, how could he turn the tables?
Ancestors had said that unity among the majority could deal with the minority. As for power, he couldn't really overcome these veteran Kage-level masters, so he had to outsmart them.
Both people have their own calculations in mind. Tsunade is confident that no one can recognize her, as even if she were to return to Konoha in her current appearance, only a few would recognize her. Similarly, Uchiha Yoru (Sesshomaru) is confident that she hasn't recognized him.
Tactical thinking!
Sesshomaru (Uchiha Yoru) started pondering. The three Sannin are of the same age; Jiraiya was 50 years old when he appeared in the Chunin Exams, and the protagonist graduated at 12. The Chunin Exams obviously took place the following year, making him 13. If you go back 13 years, it was the night of the Nine-Tails, and Tsunade is now precisely 40 years old.
At 40, Tsunade is in the prime of her life, and with her Yin Seal, she maintains her appearance as if she were in her peak twenties.
Furthermore, Tsunade's personal status and her title as the "Medical Saint" make her one of the most well-connected people. Added to this is her membership in the Senju clan; in terms of status, even the other two Sannin combined don't measure up to her, not even the Third Hokage.
If Tsunade were to side with him, he would have the courage to confront the village's high-ranking officials.
Being a "kept man" is not shameful; the key is how to be one effectively.
Just then, amidst the flickering lights and the joyful laughter of children in the distance, a glint flashed in Uchiha Yoru's eyes, which Tsunade behind him had yet to notice.
"Master."
Suddenly, Sesshomaru stopped, and Tsunade, who had hurriedly finished her last bite of rice, showed a respectful demeanor. After all, she is currently playing the role of a helpless girl wanting to go home.
He took out some coins and handed them directly to a nearby vendor. Before Tsunade could understand what was happening, Sesshomaru picked her up with one arm and placed her on a merry-go-round.
"Play here, wait for me to come back and pick you up."
Under Sesshomaru's irrefutable cold tone, Tsunade, who was acting like a pitiful young girl, nodded blankly. She was truly bewildered, surrounded by dazzling lights.
A merry-go-round!
Damn it! I'm a 40-year-old woman, and I have to ride a merry-go-round!
Tsunade felt extremely frustrated, but she had her own plans and had to endure this embarrassment. As she watched Sesshomaru's retreating figure, she silently cursed, "Damn brat, just you wait, I'll make you pay."
Sesshomaru's figure had not left her sight; he was merely talking to someone else. As Tsunade was currently disguised as an ordinary person, she couldn't easily use chakra. As the childish voices rang out, dazzling lights emerged all around.
The merry-go-round started spinning, and the area was filled with the joyful laughter of excited, happy children.
In a distant tea pavilion, Sesshomaru sat indifferently. At this moment, the proprietor courteously brought over two cups of hot tea.
"Sir, here are the two cups of hot tea you ordered."
After the two cups of hot tea were placed down, Sesshomaru calmly picked up one cup. After waiting for a moment, a figure wearing a gray ninja hat and a black face mask took a seat across from him.
"When did you find out?"
The eyes visible through the black face mask were cold and filled with indifference, a different kind of coldness compared to Sesshomaru's deliberately displayed aloofness.
Sesshomaru's indifference was of a noble kind, as if nothing in the world was worthy of his attention, while the person opposite him was indifferent towards life itself.
In response to the question, Sesshomaru lightly lifted his cup as a gesture. The other party picked up their tea cup after a brief moment of silence. Thus, two strangely aura-filled individuals sat together, drinking tea.
"Alive or dead?"
Sesshomaru, exuding an aristocratic air, slowly finished his tea. After waiting for the other party to finish theirs as well, perfectly adhering to the etiquette of not speaking while eating or drinking, he then uttered a phrase that would seem abrupt to others. However, the other person showed no surprise.
Those green eyes, indifferent towards life yet seemingly filled with years of hardship, looked back at Sesshomaru impassively. With a unique, husky voice, the figure said, "Eight million if alive, five million if dead."
At the mention of money, a visible fluctuation appeared in those green eyes. Sesshomaru thought to himself, "I was right; it is this person."
The individual was known as Kakuzu, also the representation of 'money' within the Akatsuki organization.
"You're at a loss."
The sparing use of words made the other party frown, responding in a puzzled deep voice, "Your head has already been posted on the black market. Five million, or eight million if captured alive. That's the usual price for an elite shinobi from the Five Great Nations."
The elite shinobi of the five major countries would naturally have bounties on them, but the price is usually around 5 million, as one would have to bear the wrath of the five nations. As for why the bounty for Asuma Sarutobi in the original story is so high, in one word, his identity is worth that price.
Looking at Kakuzu in this state, Sesshomaru calmly looked at him, "Kakuzu, a notorious figure in the black market."
"Ten million, three months."
After uttering this sentence, others might be confused, but Kakuzu, who is obsessed with money, brightened his eyes instantly, "You mean to protect you for three months for 10 million?"
Kakuzu started pondering silently. To capture the other for 8 million, he could probably do it but would need to fully understand the other's capabilities, which would take time. Also, he couldn't let someone else get ahead. Even if he captured him, would someone try to steal the bounty? Furthermore, based on his investigation, the other party seemed to have some background, and the price seemed off. Moreover, the other party suddenly appeared on the black market, adding to the suspicions.
Kakuzu, who had not yet joined the Akatsuki, was exceptionally cautious in his wanderings through the ninja world, which is why he had survived so long.
Weighing the pros and cons, he finally concluded that protecting the other for three months seemed more beneficial to him.
"Three million for the first month, four million for the third month!" Kakuzu directly chose the terms most beneficial to him.
However, Sesshomaru shook his head, "Two million for the first month, three million for the second, five million for the third."
Both were serious about the deal and seemed to resonate with each other, both having a deep understanding of money.
"I don't know your background; if we encounter ninjas from the five major countries, the price must go up."
"If ninjas from the five major countries get involved, add another two million in the end."
"Deal."
Just like that, in a few short sentences, the two had established an employment relationship, and both parties were very satisfied. Especially Kakuzu, whose eyes practically glowed with the color of money.
Three months will bring in ten million in revenue. If ninjas from the Five Great Nations participate, an additional two million can be added. He's just protecting the other party, who is also quite strong.
An even more important point is that their relationship is merely a contractual one. Even if matters related to the Five Great Ninja Villages are involved, it's still a contractual relationship, so there won't be any major complications. Moreover, three months should suffice.
Perfect.
"Boss."
The moment the deal was struck, Kakuzu immediately revealed a respectful smile and said a word, instantly stepping into his role. Money truly is a persuasive force, though all of this is for the sake of money.
Kakuzu's demeanor did not offend Sesshomaru; on the contrary, he looked pleased. Taking someone's money to avert their disasters—how many people in the past have managed to do this? But once Kakuzu agrees to a deal, the transaction will proceed unless the mission fails.
This quality, although based on money rather than loyalty to the employer, earned Kakuzu the admiration of Sesshomaru (Uchiha Yoru), who has seen many facets of human nature.
"Here's one million. The balance will be paid at the end of the month. I need you to investigate and find out the information about the First Hokage's weapon that has been secretly circulating recently."
Upon receiving the start-up funds, Kakuzu immediately showed a satisfied smile. He almost wanted to shout 'what a generous boss', but after hearing the latter part of the sentence, he said solemnly, "Gathering information exceeds the scope of protective employment."
At this point, Kakuzu paused, "But it's not impossible, you'll just have to pay more!"
Well, well, trying to fleece me now? Seeing Kakuzu's demeanor, although Sesshomaru (Uchiha Yoru) remained expressionless, he was secretly speechless. Usually, he's the one fleecing others, and today someone dares to fleece him. But it's fine; in the end, he'll make sure the other party realizes the value for their money.
"Fine, one million if the information is accurate."
Generous!
Kakuzu immediately showed a satisfied smile again. It's hard to find such an upfront and generous boss these days. In such a short time, they've already negotiated so much. This is indeed his most satisfactory deal in many years.
Similarly, Sesshomaru (Uchiha Yoru) was also secretly amused. Payment will only be made if the information is accurate, and this price is entirely worth it.
~~~
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