While Shinsuke was engrossed in killing monsters to earn Cursed Spirit Points, two unexpected guests arrived at the rundown town.
The two wore black cloaks embroidered with red clouds, and their hats were adorned with wind chimes.
Although the cloaks obscured their bodies, a brief glimpse through the hats revealed that it was a duo of a man and a woman.
"This is the town rumored to have monster sightings?"
"Hmm."
"Doesn't look special."
"Pain is just being cautious. Even if it has nothing to do with the Tailed Beasts, it needs to be investigated."
"Heh, I only care if these monsters' corpses can fetch a good price."
"Don't be careless; I don't want to bring back your corpse."
"No one can kill me."
"Hope the leader doesn't get mad hearing that."
"He won't care about such things; after all, gods and humans are different."
"..."
Konan gave Kakuzu a silent glance, her lips moving slightly, but she said nothing in the end.
Kakuzu, however, chuckled inwardly, "You're still too naive, young girl!"
The conversation ended, and they continued walking through the town.
As they considered whether to split up to search, a slimy, disgusting mass suddenly shot toward them at high speed.
Konan frowned slightly and subtly stepped back half a step.
The message was clear.
Kakuzu noticed this through the corner of his eye, his mouth twitching slightly, but he stepped forward and quickly formed hand seals.
"Fire Release: Intelligent Hard Work!"
Facing an unknown enemy, Kakuzu didn't hold back, unleashing a sea of flames that instantly engulfed the mass.
The slimy creature melted instantly without even a scream.
Even Kakuzu, who executed the attack, felt a little empty in his five hearts.
Was that it?
He exchanged a glance with Konan, neither ready to draw any conclusions yet.
They pressed on, and soon a ball-like creature with a human face flew toward them from afar.
This time, Kakuzu unwrapped the black threads from his arm, releasing a portion of his fighting strength.
Tentacle Punch!
Bang!
The human-faced balloon burst with a single punch.
Pulling his fist back, Kakuzu looked again at Konan, who, though annoyed, remained calm. "It's just rumors, after all. Let's keep looking."
"Whatever."
Kakuzu's interest waned.
These weaklings couldn't fetch much money.
Suddenly, a violent tremor shook the ground, as if a giant beast was approaching.
Looking up, they saw a herd of strange, hippo-like creatures with mouths, charging in panic as if fleeing from something terrifying.
Kakuzu didn't pay attention to these details or perhaps didn't care anymore.
Seeing Konan still in her 'vacation' mode, he smirked and acted on his own.
"Lightning Release: False Darkness!"
A masked creature emerged from his body, unleashing a sharp lightning spear from its mouth.
Before the charging hippo monsters could reach Kakuzu and Konan, they were struck by the lightning spear, collapsing with a sorrowful wail.
So weak, far too weak!
Kakuzu was genuinely displeased now. Was this a waste of his precious time?
"Let's go. There's no need to continue investigating these..."
"Who the hell did this?!"
Before Kakuzu could finish, a voice filled with anger interrupted.
Frowning, he saw a person emerge from behind the hippo creatures, carrying a ridiculously large sword on his shoulder.
This person was none other than Shinsuke, who had been busy slaying monsters!
If Kakuzu and Konan had been paying attention, they would have noticed that the slimy creature, human-faced balloon, and hippo monsters all came from the same direction.
Shinsuke, relying on his 'radar,' had nearly killed all the Cursed Spirits in the area.
The remaining Cursed Spirits, seeing their imminent demise, tried to fight back together.
But they failed!
In their final defeat, they scattered.
Shinsuke, unwilling to let any escape, relentlessly hunted them down, prioritizing the valuable ones. He ignored the weaker [Grade 4 Cursed Spirits] and [Grade 3 Cursed Spirits] if chasing them would waste time.
This hippo monster was the last [Grade 2 Cursed Spirit], worth 300 Cursed Spirit Points!
Shinsuke immediately pursued after freeing himself.
But he didn't expect someone else to kill it first!
Aside from his default teammate, Hidan, Shinsuke didn't receive any Cursed Spirit Points from others' kills.
This made him furious!
It felt like 300 Cursed Spirit Points had slipped right through his fingers. A huge loss!
So, he decided to confront whoever dared to steal his prey!
Upon seeing the person's distinctive outfit, Shinsuke couldn't help but smile.
"Kid, watch your mouth. Or I'll tear out your tongue and use it to strangle you," Kakuzu warned, his eyes flashing with killing intent.
"Interesting, you're the first to speak to me like that."
Shinsuke grinned. If it were any other Akatsuki member, he might have been more cautious.
But Kakuzu?
Not much of a threat.
Shinsuke knew this guy's fatal weaknesses too well.
As long as there wasn't a line of idiots waiting to offer Kakuzu their hearts, Shinsuke was confident he could win this fight.
Of course, as long as Konan didn't get too excited and summon Pain's Six Paths, he was fine.
He wasn't ready to experience pain yet; he couldn't handle that kind of power.
"Kid, repent in hell, for you've crossed the wrong person."
Kakuzu's words were ruthless as he launched a Tentacle Punch.
Swish!
It was hard to believe, but the massive sword in Shinsuke's hand twirled with ease, precisely slicing off Kakuzu's incoming right hand.
"Stealing my prey and then acting tough. If I don't chop you up today, I won't have an answer for Hidan's stupid questions."
Shinsuke raised the sword, pointing it at Kakuzu, whose face darkened.
Konan frowned and stepped forward but was immediately stopped.
"Konan, don't interfere. I'm going to teach this ignorant brat a harsh lesson, one he'll regret for the rest of his life."
Kakuzu was... angry.
Konan thought for a moment and then stepped back.
With Kakuzu's special abilities and her support, everything was under control.