The morning sun bathed the lands of Konohagakure, signaling the retreat of darkness and the promise of a new beginning. Villagers gradually emerged, their presence breathing life into the bustling streets.
Kakuzu adjusted his loose, sleeveless jacket as the crisp autumn breeze swept past him. For someone with his well-built physique, the chill was more invigorating than uncomfortable.
Shhh—shhh—shhh.
"Good morning!" an elderly woman sweeping her storefront greeted Kakuzu warmly.
"Good morning," Kakuzu replied politely, inclining his head before continuing down the street. As he entered the main avenue of Konoha, the number of people around him increased significantly.
"Come and take a look! Today's fresh batch of three-colored dango! Don't miss out!"
A street vendor, pushing his cart, enthusiastically promoted his wares to passersby.
"I'll take one," Kakuzu said as he approached.
"Coming right up!" The vendor quickly handed over the dango, his movements practiced and swift.
Kakuzu took a bite, his sharp teeth easily tearing through the treat. He savored the mix of sweetness and the rich texture of the filling.
"It's very sweet, and the umami from the filling is delightful. For those who like sweets, this is perfect. And for those who don't, just ask for it without the syrup—it's still an excellent dish."
The vendor beamed at the praise, insisting on gifting Kakuzu a few extra skewers as thanks. His enthusiasm and dedication to quality were admirable, and Kakuzu mused that, in time, the vendor might establish a successful shop in Konoha, passing it down through generations.
"Hey, big guy! Interested in making some cash? We're short on workers—1,000 ryo a day, with meals and lodging included!"
"You there! You've got strength to spare. Join our caravan as a guard—we're heading from the Land of Fire to the Land of Wind!"
The streets buzzed with offers and conversations. Though not as lively as modern times, Konoha had a budding charm, hinting at the growth to come.
Kakuzu's ability to remain composed here stemmed from one simple fact: he wasn't a ninja of Konoha—he was merely affiliated. If he were truly part of the village, he'd be wearing the headband emblazoned with Konoha's symbol. But Kakuzu had no intention of doing so.
What would becoming a Konoha ninja bring him? A future branded as a rogue shinobi? After all, Konoha's missing-nin were notoriously powerful and played key roles in shaping the shinobi world, as evidenced by the Fourth Great Ninja War, largely a result of Konoha's internal conflicts.
But Kakuzu wasn't particularly interested in such drama. Instead, he entered the village as an ordinary civilian.
This, however, brought a new dilemma. Without a shinobi status, he wasn't obligated to take on Konoha's missions—but no missions meant no income. And no income meant no sustenance.
Working a regular job? No way. A few thousand ryo a month wasn't worth his time—not for someone who could earn millions in mere weeks.
Starting a business? It sounded appealing, but Kakuzu had no talent for entrepreneurship. Whether in his past life or the present, the smooth-talking nature of merchants irked him. He could confidently crush them in combat but couldn't match their business acumen.
In short: working was out of the question, and starting a business wasn't viable. That left him with one option—to get creative.
...
Two weeks later
Outside the Hokage's office, Kakuzu met Senju Hashirama once more. The two had grown familiar enough to drop formalities—Hashirama called Kakuzu by name, and Kakuzu refrained from adding honorifics.
Still, it felt a bit odd to Kakuzu. Addressing the leader of Konoha so casually didn't sit well with him. Out of respect, he occasionally reverted to calling him Hokage-sama.
Pointing to an empty plot of land, Kakuzu explained his ideas while Hashirama listened, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. The First Hokage nodded along, occasionally interjecting with suggestions.
"Exactly! Kakuzu, you've got some fantastic ideas. I think this is doable. But for that spot you just mentioned, perhaps we should reposition the restroom facilities. That way, it'll be easier for the workers to connect to the sewer system."
Hashirama gestured enthusiastically, ensuring Kakuzu understood his reasoning.
Kakuzu nodded, taking the advice seriously. "As expected of Hokage-sama, your insight is unparalleled. I hadn't considered that."
The two shared a common goal—bringing prosperity and innovation to Konoha—which made their conversations surprisingly productive.
"Alright, let's get started!" Hashirama declared, stretching his fingers as he prepared to mold the terrain.
Kakuzu stepped aside, his sharp gaze fixed on the vacant lot with a hint of anticipation.
Just then—
Swish!
Kakuzu's expression shifted. He turned his attention sharply to his left, his brows furrowing.
"Ah! There it is again, that scrutinizing gaze." Kakuzu sighed inwardly, feeling a mix of frustration and helplessness.
Just as Senju Hashirama was about to act, he paused, curiosity flickering in his eyes as he turned to the new arrival.
"Huh? Tobirama, what are you doing here? Oh, wait, you must've used the Flying Thunder God seal on Kakuzu's hand to get here, right? Perfect timing! Let me tell you, Kakuzu's about to pull off something big—"
Tobirama frowned, his square-jawed face framed by his distinctive ninja headband radiating an air of authority without effort.
"Brother, why didn't you inform me about such an important matter?"
Only now did Tobirama learn what Kakuzu had been plotting in Konoha—a real estate business.
Reflecting on his past life and observing the current situation, Kakuzu had realized this was a golden opportunity. It was the fifth year since the founding of Konohagakure, and everything was still in its infancy. The fertile lands of Konoha were destined to develop into a densely populated village, that much was inevitable.
If he bought a piece of land now and constructed numerous buildings, Kakuzu believed he could live a carefree life in the future, relying solely on rental income. Not only could he earn an endless stream of money, but he could also finally free himself from the drudgery of being a working man. Endless wealth, a leisurely life, and infinite longevity—wasn't this the ideal life Kakuzu had always dreamed of?
Faced with Tobirama's skepticism, Kakuzu raised an eyebrow and strolled forward unhurriedly.
"Heh, Lord Tobirama, there's no need to get worked up. I'm merely preparing for Konoha's future. Here, take a look for yourself."
Kakuzu pulled several documents from his thick briefcase.
When Tobirama got a clear look at the contents, his expression turned to one of utter shock.
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