"Missing-nin from Takigakure, Kakuzu."
"Missing-nin from Kirigakure, Hoshigaki Kisame."
"I don't know much about this pitcher plant and the masked man."
"But all of these people belong to an organization called 'Akatsuki.'"
"You can investigate in that direction."
Shishou didn't mind the Third Hokage's probing and instead offered his own perspective.
"Akatsuki?"
The Third Hokage frowned, recognizing the name.
"Alright, Lord Hokage."
"I've basically completed your commission."
"Now it's time for you to show your sincerity."
Shishou didn't plan to dwell on the Akatsuki matter and turned his gaze to the Third Hokage, asking for his reward.
"Hehe, Mr. Lurigan, you are right."
"This is a list of Konoha's researchers. You can hire the personnel you need from it."
Although Shishou only brought information about the Wood Release user and not the Flying Thunder God user, the Third Hokage was satisfied and handed over a list of personnel to Shishou.
Shishou glanced at it and handed it to Takeko behind him.
These people were all Konoha ninjas and staff members. Shishou could only hire them for a while at a high cost and without guaranteeing their loyalty.
But it was enough for Shishou for now.
After all, he wasn't planning to invent anything shady.
Takeko would handle the personnel selection; he only needed the results.
The Third Hokage then handed an envelope to Shishou, smiling, "This is a recommendation letter I've prepared for you, Mr. Lurigan. It will allow you to meet the Daimyo of the Land of Fire."
Shishou took the letter, glanced at it, and handed it to Takeko.
He didn't plan to contact the Daimyo just yet.
"I'd like to commission you, Mr. Lurigan, to investigate the Akatsuki organization again."
"Would you be interested?"
Seeing Shishou ready to leave, the Third Hokage quickly voiced his request.
If Lurigan investigated the Akatsuki, Konoha could avoid direct conflict with them, reducing unnecessary casualties.
Hearing the commission, Shishou stroked his chin.
Knowing the plot, he was well aware of Akatsuki. He could easily drop a few names occasionally to complete the mission without personally investigating.
It seemed quite profitable.
"I need someone proficient in genjutsu to guide my genjutsu training."
"If Konoha agrees, I'll accept the task of investigating Akatsuki."
Considering his weak genjutsu foundation, which hindered his ability to fully utilize the Mangekyō Sharingan's genjutsu, Shishou made his request.
He didn't expect the Third Hokage to agree readily; it was just an attempt.
As an outsider, obtaining Konoha's ninjutsu guidance wasn't easy.
"This..."
The Third Hokage hesitated at Shishou's request for genjutsu guidance.
Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane, who had been silent, also frowned at Shishou.
Each village's ninjutsu was highly confidential.
Is there hope?
Seeing the Third Hokage hesitate, Shishou felt a glimmer of hope and maintained his calm demeanor.
"If the Third Hokage agrees to my request."
"I will waive the commission fee."
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was in a dilemma, looking at Shishou.
"Mr. Lurigan, if you..."
Shishou interrupted before he could finish, raising one finger.
"Ten million ryo per year for guidance."
Ten million ryo?
The Third Hokage was stunned by Shishou's offer.
He had only offered Five Million ryo for the previous commission.
But Shishou, to learn genjutsu, not only waived his fee but also offered Ten million ryo in return.
This left the Hokage in shock.
Even the advisors beside him were astonished.
One million ryo, annually.
How wealthy was this Mr. Lurigan?
Seeing no response, Shishou raised another finger.
"Twenty million!"
At Shishou's doubled offer, the Third Hokage and his advisors were breathless.
An S-rank mission typically offered Ten million ryo, and even then, such missions were rare...
Yet, Shishou was offering Twenty million ryo annually, just to learn genjutsu...
This was beyond their comprehension!
Seeing no reaction still, Shishou frowned.
"Thirty million ryo."
Adding the five Milion ryo waived fee, it was almost comparable to Asuma Sarutobi's bounty.
If the Third Hokage still didn't agree, he'd drop the matter.
He wanted to master genjutsu to fully utilize the Mangekyō Sharingan, like Itachi and Shisui Uchiha.
In essence, he wanted to learn genjutsu to defeat enemies swiftly.
To be blunt, he wanted to learn it to show off.
It wasn't an absolute necessity.
Seeing Shishou's impatience, Koharu Utatane finally tugged the Third Hokage's sleeve, signaling him to agree.
Thirty million ryo!
No, 35 million ryo!
It was a huge profit!
"Ahem!"
"Mr. Lurigan, we accept your request."
The Third Hokage finally agreed, coughing lightly and addressing Shishou formally.
"In that case, I'll leave the rest to you."
"She will coordinate with you to finalize the research personnel list."
"If you have investment needs, you can also discuss with her. If there's profit, we can invest in Konoha."
Seeing the Third Hokage nod, Shishou stretched lazily and stood up.
Thirty-five million ryo was nothing to someone with numerous casinos, banks, and mines.
Hearing Shishou's investment offer, the Third Hokage and advisors were intrigued.
Takeko began discussing the research personnel requirements with them, while Shishou, accompanied by Anko, strolled through Konoha.
Seeing Konoha from an outsider's perspective was refreshing for Shishou.
Walking along, he stopped.
He saw his insect clone...
Perhaps sensing his gaze, the clone stopped and looked back at him.
Then, it gave a creepy smile and left quickly.
Wait, the clone should be attending class at the Ninja Academy!
Shishou's body stiffened, and his hair stood on end.