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Early the next morning, Night Namikaze set off. However, he didn't head directly to Hell Valley. Instead, he changed direction and traveled via the Land of Iron.
"Taking the sea route directly is too boring, and a bit risky."
Looking at the distant horizon, he calculated in his mind: The Mist isn't entirely incompetent. It's unlikely they haven't discovered that I took the Uzumaki clansmen.
Although, like Yashiro Uchiha, they probably think I was just a participant in a larger scheme, there's no need to take unnecessary risks and deliberately provoke a great nation's bottom line.
The small town in the Land of Iron was shrouded in thin mist. This samurai-revered nation had always maintained neutrality, making it a rare pure land in the ninja world.
For this reason, Night specially changed into a samurai outfit, carrying the simple long sword Tsunade gave him at his waist, perfectly blending into the local atmosphere.
He strolled along the bluestone-paved streets, experiencing customs vastly different from the Land of Fire.
Just as he was about to find an inn to rest, an unexpected figure caught his attention.
In the town's only tavern, the bounty hunter Kakuzu sat alone in a corner, sipping sake methodically.
At this time, he hadn't yet donned the iconic black robe with red clouds of the Akatsuki; he wore only a plain robe.
But those emerald green eyes and the stitching faintly visible under his mask allowed Night to recognize his identity instantly.
Almost the moment Night's gaze landed on him, Kakuzu looked up sharply. His eerie green eyes locked onto Night with precision.
Oh? Hasn't put on the Akatsuki uniform yet? No "invincible golden body" buff then... the advantage is mine, Night thought to himself, but outwardly he remained impassive and sat down opposite Kakuzu.
"This seat is taken," Kakuzu said, his emerald pupils shifting slightly. His voice was low and carried an obvious rejection.
"I know."
Night casually waved for another pot of sake. "The morning in the Land of Iron is too lonely. Drinking alone is boring. Why not join me?"
Kakuzu's gaze lingered on the long sword at Night's waist for a moment. "Samurai?"
"Just a wandering swordsman. My name is Minato Namikaze. May I ask how to address you, sir?"
Night poured himself a full cup and drank it down in one go.
As for the ninja prohibition on alcohol?
Night smirked internally. What does the trouble "Minato Namikaze" gets into have to do with me, Night Namikaze?
Kakuzu didn't respond. The table fell into a long silence; clearly, he wasn't interested in this "nobody."
Night didn't mind. He continued probing, "Judging by your attire, you don't look like a local of the Land of Iron. You must be a ninja. Are you perhaps here for some... special commission?"
Kakuzu snorted coldly. "None of your business."
Just then, the tavern owner carefully brought over a plate of appetizers.
Night casually tossed some silver coins, landing them precisely in the owner's palm. This simple action made Kakuzu's eyes narrow slightly.
"It seems Mr. Kakuzu has just completed a deal."
Night deliberately emphasized the name "Kakuzu." "I wonder if there are any new orders worth noting at the Bounty Station recently?"
He picked up a peanut with his chopsticks, swallowed it with sake, and smacked his lips, silently complaining about the poor quality of the wine.
Kakuzu wasn't a fool. The person opposite him had clearly recognized him. After all, he was quite famous in the bounty circles.
Only now did he look at Night directly, a trace of sarcasm flashing in his green eyes. "The Bounty Station isn't something any random stray cat or dog can understand. Besides..."
He paused meaningfully. "Your surname is Namikaze? There happens to be a brat with the same surname on the list recently, though the bounty isn't high."
"Oh? I wonder which unfortunate compatriot that is? Perhaps I know them." Night's heart stirred, but his face showed just the right amount of curiosity.
Kakuzu didn't answer directly. He drained his cup and replied coldly, "Talking is useless. Don't spoil my mood."
Night acted like a true rogue swordsman, unconcerned by the other's attitude. He continued to provoke, "What if I said I know some clues about the hidden treasure of the Hidden Waterfall Village?"
Kakuzu's hand paused while pouring sake. A dangerous light suddenly erupted in his green eyes, and the temperature in the entire tavern seemed to drop a few degrees.
"Let me hear it... what do you know?"
Daring to mention this taboo term to his face... Kakuzu's voice now carried unconcealed killing intent.
"Just some hearsay."
Night poured another cup calmly and continued, "I heard the Hidden Waterfall has been looking for a lost secret treasure recently. The reward is terrifyingly high.
"Something called 'Earth Grudge Fear'? I wonder if Mr. Kakuzu is interested? We can cooperate. Once it's done, I'll split half with you!"
Kakuzu almost laughed out of anger. He felt the guy was mocking him. What do you mean "take my stuff to do a mission and split half with me"?
Without replying, several black threads shot out from his sleeves, striking at Night's face like lightning.
Night was prepared. While flipping backward, he didn't even unsheathe his sword. With a slight turn of his wrist, the scabbard parried all the black threads precisely.
"See? Found it already, didn't we? It seems Mr. Kakuzu doesn't like chatting much," Night even had the leisure to tease.
A flash of surprise crossed Kakuzu's green eyes. Although he hadn't used full force, an ordinary samurai could absolutely not have blocked it so easily.
Hearing Night's words, he was even more certain this person was playing him and knew all along that "Earth Grudge Fear" was in his possession.
"Who exactly are you?" Kakuzu stood up slowly, chakra surging around him.
"I told you, wandering swordsman Minato Namikaze."
Night leaned against the side of the tavern, replying calmly while his fingers gently rubbed the hilt of his sword.
Kakuzu stared at him dead on and snorted. "Playing tricks! No matter who you are, you should know that knowing too much can get you killed!"
Night's hand also pressed onto his sword hilt, and an astonishing aura spread out. "Business failed, but benevolence remains. Why go this far?"
The two faced off in the small tavern. The tension was palpable, causing the other patrons to flee in panic.
The killing intent in Kakuzu's green eyes grew stronger, while Night maintained a calm smile.
Just at this critical moment, Night suddenly retracted his aura and casually tossed a money pouch onto the table. "Drinks are on me. If Mr. Kakuzu changes his mind, you can find me at the 'Senbonzakura' Inn in town."
With that, he actually turned and walked away, seemingly exposing his back completely to Kakuzu. This move, however, made Kakuzu uncertain.
"Minato Namikaze? I'll remember you."
Kakuzu stared fixedly at his retreating back until Night disappeared completely. The expression in his green eyes kept shifting.
This man calling himself "Minato Namikaze" was suspicious in every way. Not only was his strength unfathomable, but he also seemed to know Kakuzu's intel like the back of his hand.
"Um, Mr. Ninja..." The tavern owner spoke up tremblingly. "The money pouch he left..."
"It seems to be empty."
"???"