"It's ten million Ryo. Well then, welcome aboard, Mr. Kakuzu."
Insect Man corrected Kakuzu's mistaken words with a hint of resignation.
He walked over to the cabinet beside him. Inside was a black briefcase, which he took out and placed where Kakuzu could see it.
"Inside are the uniforms required for official missions, along with many interesting little toys. I hope you'll like them. By the way, the contract period is forty years. After forty years, Mr. Kakuzu can choose to renew the contract with us, or opt to regain his freedom. We won't insist either way."
"Forty years, huh? Truly a brief number."
Kakuzu stepped down from the hospital bed and gave a cold smile.
Forty years was nothing more than an ephemeral life experience for someone like him with seemingly endless longevity.
"I think it's long enough."
After all, not everyone possesses such a long lifespan.
Insect Man was quite envious of Kakuzu in this regard.
"Take me to your leader then. I want to see what sort of monstrous fiend you have, that managed to expand the Land of Demons' pharmaceutical industry across all nations in the Ninja Realm within just a few short years."
Kakuzu made his request.
"Wouldn't you like to rest a bit more?"
Insect Man inquired.
"These injuries are no hindrance."
"Is that so? But before meeting the leader, I need to handle a small trouble first."
"Hm?"
Before Kakuzu could react, Insect Man walked over to him, reaching out to pat Kakuzu's shoulder.
A strange energy surged into Kakuzu's body, and suddenly, his body trembled. From his shoulder emerged a mass of white, expanding substance. This white mass continued to grow as a White Zetsu was dragged out of Kakuzu's body by Insect Man.
The White Zetsu, extracted from Kakuzu's body, was completely shocked, never expecting its presence to be detected by the enemy.
It looked at Insect Man with incredulous eyes, about to speak, but Insect Man swiftly slashed at its neck with a kunai.
Its head rolled off, maintaining the posture of speaking, and its headless white body fell to the ground.
"What's this?"
Kakuzu stared blankly at the scene before him, completely unaware that a jutsu had been cast on his body.
"These things called White Zetsu don't have much strength, but their ability to hide is extremely potent. Without careful examination, they can steal information."
"You rescued me..."
Kakuzu suddenly realized something.
"It was an arrangement by the Rinnegan. Despite possessing strong perception ability, they allowed us to take you away, which seemed suspicious, didn't it? Initially, I thought we'd have to navigate carefully and possibly use some secretly developed military weaponry. Tasks going too smoothly often indicate something unusual."
The opposing side possesses special reconnaissance soldiers like White Zetsu, so caution is necessary.
However, the exposure of the Nokizaru Group was a strategic mistake.
Yet thinking about it, this actually isn't much concern.
They rescued Kakuzu, bringing him to this previously abandoned stronghold for temporary treatment, rather than heading to the town in the Land of Tea or seeking official institutions in the Land of Demons for treatment.
The opposing side could only gather information on Nokizaru Group's close connection with the Undead Kakuzu.
No matter how, the Nokizaru Group is a notable Ninja Mercenary Corps even in the Underground Black Market, having business dealings with renowned bounty hunters like Kakuzu is sufficiently justified.
After all, collaboration between bounty hunters is entirely normal.
"Alright then, everything's fine now, follow me, Mr. Kakuzu. I'll take you to meet the leader."
"Who is he?"
Kakuzu followed Insect Man, inquiring from behind.
To stimulate Kakuzu's interest, Insect Man said with a smile, "To be precise, there are three leaders. All are famous figures in the black market, with their combined bounties exceeding two billion. Mr. Kakuzu, you can look forward to it."
Upon hearing this, Kakuzu's green eyes gleamed with unprecedented brightness.
Two billion, a bounty of two billion... Hearing this number, Kakuzu's heart raced, filled with excitement.
However, he soon thought of something and sighed inwardly.
Unfortunately, he must work off his debts now and won't regain his freedom for forty years; he cannot violate the contract and eliminate the employers.
Integrity in earning money is the foundation for a bounty hunter's survival in the black market, an unbreakable principle.
He hoped that after forty years, their bounties wouldn't depreciate.
In forty years, how could he eliminate these so-called three leaders and claim all high rewards? Kakuzu couldn't help but start planning for the distant future in his mind.