The Hidden Leaf Village is riotous. Many clans and high-ranking officials of the ninja village are salivating as they look at the Uchiha.
There is no way around it. Natsuo has been lavishly spending money, bringing both the passion of high-quality kunoichis from Konoha and the attention of countless others.
In fact, there are many wealthy families like the Uchiha clan, but as ninjas, why would they be so ostentatious with their money?
It immediately caught the attention of countless people. Coupled with the current situation of the Uchiha clan, it is like a child walking through a bustling market with a gold nugget.
Danzo was tempted! Money, in many cases, is powerless.
For example, the Uchiha clan's wealth cannot buy back the lives of their clan members, and Konoha's wealth cannot withstand Nagato's fierce attacks.
But in many cases, money is powerful! By obtaining the Uchiha clan's wealth, Danzo can easily expand his own roots.
With increased strength, power naturally rises.
Not to mention Danzo, even Sarutobi Hiruzen was tempted. If it weren't for the concern about the reactions of the major clans within the village, he would have already taken action when the Uchiha clan was annihilated.
Or rather, if Natsuo hadn't handled it properly, he would have already taken action!
And now, a year has passed, and the fear of the major clans has gradually diminished. They can now take action! And when Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but order the Sarutobi clan to start moving.
Suddenly! A piece of news reached Konoha!
In the capital of the Fire Country, three noble families with a hundred years of heritage were wiped out overnight. Seven wealthy merchant families with considerable influence were all exterminated. The ninja sent by the major clans to target the Uchiha clan's assets all disappeared without a trace.
Among them were high-level Jōnin...
In an instant, the owners of all the greedy gazes were shocked, hastily retracting their reaching hands, and looking at the Uchiha clan with a hint of fear in their eyes.
"This is indeed one of the great families that survived the Sengoku period. Even in their current state, they still have the ability to reach this level."
Uchiha clan... is so terrifying!
Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo understood in their hearts.
"It must be the work of Itachi." Sarutobi thought to himself, "He still can't let go of the Uchiha clan".
Danzo's eyes were filled with fear. "Itachi... Is this the power of the Mangekyō Sharingan?"
Those noble families and wealthy merchants all had powerful guards!
...
Itachi's intimidation was successful. Many ninja clans, including Danzo, restrained themselves. While many people desired money, they valued their lives more.
Of course, except for Kakuzu, top-level experts and major clans don't care too much about money.
Even Orochimaru didn't pay much attention to it. Killing a few people was nothing to him.
The biggest problem was probably the reaction of Akatsuki.
"Itachi, you have caused quite a stir." Biwa Jūzō couldn't help but look at him with a strange gaze.
"Indeed." Nagato remained calm. "You have killed too many people this time. It wouldn't be difficult for some capable ninja clans to find out that it was us, Akatsuki. The power we have exposed is too strong and will arouse the suspicion of others."
"That's not my problem." Itachi's expression remained calm, on par with the dead puppet Yahiko. "It was Orochimaru's doing."
"Orochimaru?" Everyone was stunned.
"Yes". Itachi nodded. "After he failed to ambush me, he might have been worried that you, the leader, would come after him. When I arrived at the target location, Orochimaru had already killed them all".
"Perhaps he wanted to exchange this way for Akatsuki's forgiveness?"
"As for why he killed so many... it's probably because he was in a hurry and wanted to beat me, who was familiar with the Uchiha industry. So, he would rather kill a thousand by mistake than let one go."
"It's also possible that he wanted to expose Akatsuki and attract others to attack, in order to avoid our pursuit."
"I don't know the specific reason."
In any case, it's Orochimaru's problem! It has nothing to do with me, Uchiha Itachi. If you have any questions, I suggest you go ask him directly.
The others thought Itachi was deceiving them, but there was no evidence.
Uchiha Itachi remained expressionless. Although this incident increased the risk of his exposure, when he made the agreement with Obito to "join Akatsuki in exchange for not attacking Konoha," the other party already understood that he was likely a spy for Konoha.
In fact, with Itachi's intelligence, he never uncovered any important secrets until his death.
It shows that this spy doesn't have much significance. Now, even if there are more suspicions, it doesn't matter.
"Well, let's just assume it was Orochimaru." Nagato finally ended the topic and continued, "In any case, your employer is very satisfied with this mission."
"At the same time, there is an additional mission to hire skilled members of Akatsuki to protect the Uchiha clan's members".
"This is a long-term guarding mission, calculated based on the payment for three S-rank missions per month."
Again? The expressions of the others instantly became strange. Even Itachi's expression changed slightly.
Nagato remained expressionless and continued, "Who among you is willing to go?"
"I am!"
A slightly weak but determined voice rang out.
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice.
"Oh, it's Kakuzu, old man."
"I knew you wouldn't miss out on a well-paying mission like this."
"By the way, Kakuzu, why did you change your appearance like this?"
The expressions of the others gradually became strange. Everyone else was standing, but Kakuzu seemed to be lying on the ground like a pile of mud.
Why maintain this posture? Didn't the injuries inflicted by the leader heal already?
"Oh, it's like this." Kakuzu's considerate teammate, Hidan, laughed, "Actually, this time, Uchiha contacted Akatsuki through Kakuzu."
"Uchiha wanted to add a mission to 'capture a Kage-level female ninja' and offered a billion Ryō for a Kage-level female ninja who can bear children."
"So Kakuzu couldn't help but take another look at Konan. Anyway, now he's collapsed on the bed again and can't get up."
Everyone: "..."
Wow, the old man is really the old man.
"But there's no need to attend the meeting with injuries. Akatsuki shouldn't oppress its employees like this, right?"
"If I don't attend the meeting, will I still have a share in this mission?"
Kakuzu's gaze was intense, his voice resolute. "Leader, I want to participate in this mission. I didn't get anything from the last mission, so this time, don't even think about competing with me!"
"Whoever dares to compete, I'll kill them!"
Even though he was seriously injured and lying on the bed, Kakuzu still raised his arm in a trembling but unwavering manner, like an elementary school student raising their hand to answer a question, his expression full of seriousness.
Everyone: "..."
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