"You expect me to buy that? What about Yahiko and the others?"
"Drop it."
Nagato knew if he didn't refuse firmly, Kakuzu would keep pestering him.
This Tailed Beast wasn't something they'd taken just to sell for money.
"No room for negotiation at all?"
"I'm telling you, I won't sell it."
Kakuzu shifted closer slightly, trying to save face. He wanted to show he wasn't just some greedy bastard.
"Look, we're almost there."
Nagato decided not to pursue this further and looked away.
Through the thin mist, the outline of the dock was already visible ahead.
"Mm."
Kakuzu murmured in response, his eyes dimming as he decided not to push further.
"Stay alert and project some authority."
"Tailed Beasts aren't exactly everyday goods—do you really think anyone would dare buy one?"
Nagato could understand Kakuzu's feelings. Knowing there was so much money within reach yet being unable to claim it must've felt awful.
But what Kakuzu said held weight too. The Taki incident made one thing clear: buyers willing to take on a Tailed Beast weren't unheard of—but they were rare as hell.
"That's true enough."
It suddenly hit Kakuzu—aside from the major villages, where else could he even find buyers?
And then again, how likely was he to actually sell to any of these big villages?
"Alright, prepare to land."
Nagato stood up and walked toward the bow, his red bangs falling over his eyes again.
About ten minutes later, with the ship vibrating slightly beneath them, they had reached the Land of Lightning.
Under the captain's guidance, Nagato and Kakuzu stepped onto solid ground one after another.
"Esteemed guests, our village is still some distance away."
"Shall we rest overnight first, or start off immediately?"
This was a special vessel sent by the Cloud Ninja Village—the captain himself was a Jonin.
Yet knowing Nagato and Kakuzu's identities and strength, his every word and gesture carried a humble tone.
"This is actually my first time visiting the Land of Lightning."
"Forgive us for troubling you, but we'd like to sightsee a bit first. There's no rush about our journey."
Nagato glanced around casually, showing absolutely no sense of urgency.
To Nagato, the scenery of the Land of Lightning seemed more important than the Tailed Beast itself.
"Of course, no problem at all—it would be my honor."
"But please don't stay too long, otherwise I'll have difficulty explaining to Lord Raikage."
The Cloud Ninja hadn't expected this result. The moment he spoke, it sounded more like he was begging Nagato to hurry up and retrieve the Tailed Beast.
"Don't worry, I'll make it easy for you."
"Thanks for your efforts these past days."
Smiling politely, Nagato inwardly marveled once again at how valuable his teacher's advice had been.
Now, not only had he regained control of the situation, he could also enjoy good food and beautiful views.
From now on, as long as he kept up the act that the Tailed Beast was nothing, this trip to the Cloud Ninja Village might just go off without a hitch.
"This sure beats doing missions."
"Then let's head into town first and settle in."
Laughing heartily, the Cloud Ninja took the lead, walking forward confidently.
"Sounds good. We'll follow your arrangements."
Together, Nagato and Kakuzu followed closely behind the Cloud Ninja.
Before long, the three of them reached the small town. Being close to the dock, it turned out to be quite prosperous.
Thanks to the Cloud Ninja's arrangements, Nagato and Kakuzu checked into the town's most luxurious hot spring inn.
Over the next few days, the three men traveled at a leisurely pace. Nagato didn't mention the Tailed Beast even once.
To Kakuzu and Nagato, it seemed like they were on vacation—utterly relaxed and enjoying themselves.
The Cloud Ninja, however, wasn't having such a pleasant time. He had to foot the bill himself, and it was no small expense. On top of that, he had to deal with confidential letters from the Third Raikage inquiring about their progress.
By the fifth day, the Cloud Ninja's pockets were nearly empty.
Although he could get reimbursed after returning, he still couldn't help but feel a pang in his heart.
"Lord Nagato, Lord Kakuzu, have you two been enjoying your time so far?"
"I suppose it's about time we head to the village."
The Cloud Ninja wore a smile on his face, but it looked pitiable rather than cheerful.
"We've had a great time. I guess this must've cost you quite a bit."
"Why don't we eat lunch first before departing?"
Nagato politely offered, then readily agreed. After all, even he could only enjoy the act for so long.
This wasn't like traveling with Nonou. Three grown men going sightseeing? There was little fun in that.
"Mm."
Kakuzu maintained his usual aloofness, merely grunting in response.
"Sure, it's almost lunchtime anyway."
The Cloud Ninja couldn't hide the excitement in his tone—finally, he would be freed from this torment.
He had initially assumed this mission would be a breeze. Picking up some guests and escorting them to the village earned performance points.
After barely managing to win the assignment over others, the reality turned out to be unbearable.
Even though he was an elite among Jonins, here he was acting as a tour guide footing the bill himself, all while facing the wrath of the Raikage.
Unbelievable!
"That place ahead looks decent. Let's just grab something quick there."
Nagato had sharp eyes. The restaurant he pointed out was lavishly decorated.
"Alright."
The Cloud Ninja spat out the word through clenched teeth, all previous excitement instantly gone.
Nagato and Kakuzu might not know the Land of Lightning well, but he sure did.
That restaurant? Sure, the food was good—but absurdly expensive.
With no way to refuse, the Cloud Ninja could only comfort himself by thinking everything would be reimbursed eventually.
After the trio finished their meal, the Cloud Ninja spent every last coin in his wallet, even shamefully writing an IOU.
Had his family name not carried some clout in the Land of Lightning, today he might have ended up scrubbing dishes.
Two days later, the three arrived at the Cloud Ninja Village.
As soon as they entered the village, the Cloud Ninja immediately handed Nagato and Kakuzu over to the welcoming party and quickly excused himself without hesitation.
Not until he got his expenses reimbursed would he be able to rest easy.
"Welcome."
The Third Raikage showed great respect, personally arriving with several high-level officials.
There weren't many people—neither flashy nor excessive—but clearly showing how seriously he regarded Akatsuki.
"You're too kind, Raikage-sama."
Nagato slightly bowed as a sign of politeness—his behavior was proper, neither overly modest nor arrogant.
Kakuzu stood silently beside Nagato, expressionless.
"Now that you're in my Cloud Ninja Village, why not stay for a few more days?"
"As your host, I'll see to it that you're treated well."
The Third Raikage wore a broad, generous smile, unfortunately giving no sign that he intended to discuss business.
"That sounds amazing—I haven't finished exploring yet."
"The scenery here in the Land of Lightning truly is one-of-a-kind."
Nagato's joy seemed genuine, leaving the Raikage puzzled.
Was this kid here to play or here to claim the Tailed Beast?
Naruto: Starting from Pursuing Tsunade – Please favorite this page: (m.