Chapter 276:
Amegakure.
Akatsuki's Headquarters.
"Boruto? Is he a civilian…?" Konan looked at the future Boruto holding Hanabi's hand. "What's your relationship with the Hyūga Clan?"
"I once received some kindness from them. At their request, I rescued Miss Hanabi from the Hidden Leaf Village."
Unfazed by Konan's suspicion, future Boruto answered calmly. Already clever by nature and tempered by the hardships of the post-apocalyptic ninja world, he was no longer the kind to slip up over something so minor.
"This ring is yours now. For the time being, you'll team up with Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame. Go to the black market and find Kakuzu and Hidan. Right now, the organization's mission is to raise funds. As for that Hyūga brat, she can stay here in Amegakure."
Hanabi tugged lightly on Boruto's sleeve from behind. Catching the "Sky" ring tossed over by Deva Path Pain, Boruto shook his head and said, "No. Hanabi's coming with me."
"..." Deva Path Pain stared at Boruto for a moment before replying, "Do what you want—as long as it doesn't interfere with the mission."
—
Black Market.
"This the newbie you roped in?" Hidan slung his scythe over his shoulder, eyeing future Boruto. Then his gaze drifted to Hanabi hiding behind him. "Why's there a brat tagging along?"
"No helping it. The guy insisted on bringing her," Kisame said from the side.
"Hey, kid—want to join the Jashin Cult? Worship the Evil God and gain eternal life."
Hanabi shrank back in fear and shook her head vigorously.
"Hidan, where's Kakuzu?" Uchiha Itachi asked.
"He's inside, picking out a suitable bounty task."
No sooner had Hidan spoken than Kakuzu emerged from the black market.
"Kakuzu, what bounty did you pick?" Kisame asked.
"Since we've got more people now, I picked something with a bit more challenge," Kakuzu replied, handing a sheet of paper to the group.
"Orochimaru?!" Kisame stared at the image on the paper in surprise.
"Yes. Taking care of traitors is part of our duty in the organization. Besides, Orochimaru's head is worth fifty million ryo."
Kakuzu spoke matter-of-factly.
Though the last sentence was the real reason, the idea of earning money while eliminating a traitor wasn't exactly objectionable.
"This bounty was issued by the Hidden Leaf Village," Hanabi pointed at the paper, poking her head out from behind Boruto.
"I don't care who's paying—as long as the money's good." Kakuzu tucked the paper away and glanced around. "What do you all think?"
"Orochimaru is indeed a solid choice. He may have killed the Third Hokage in their last battle, but he paid for it with both his arms. Right now, he's at his weakest."
A head suddenly popped up from the ground.
"Zetsu? What are you doing here?" Hidan looked at him in surprise.
"Out gathering intel. Thought I'd stop by and check on you," Zetsu replied.
"You just don't trust the newbie," Kisame said, casting a glance at Boruto.
"Zetsu, you joining us?" Kisame continued. "You usually just gather intelligence, but your combat strength could at least count for half a unit."
"No, no, I've got other investigations to attend to."
And with that, Zetsu vanished back into the ground.
"That creepy guy…" Kakuzu muttered as he stared at the spot where Zetsu disappeared, then looked back at the group. "Well? What's everyone's verdict?"
"I'm in," Uchiha Itachi said with a nod. It was a good excuse to check in on his foolish little brother.
"Me too," Kisame chimed in immediately. If Itachi was in, he naturally had no objections.
"I heard Orochimaru's place is crawling with kids. They'd be perfect recruits for your cult," Kakuzu said, glancing at Hidan.
"Really?! Then I'm in!" Hidan exclaimed.
Being longtime partners, Kakuzu knew Hidan all too well.
That left only Boruto to weigh in.
"Boruto, your turn," Kisame prompted.
"Doesn't matter to me," future Boruto replied.
"And me, too… I don't mind either…" Hanabi raised her hand timidly.
"Great! If no one's opposed, then Orochimaru it is."
With so many new members, and Orochimaru gravely injured, this was the perfect chance to kill him and earn that fifty million ryo bounty. In Kakuzu's mind, he could already see the towering pile of money calling to him.
—
Oto Village.
"So this is the Village Hidden in Sound," Kakuzu said as they walked through the settlement.
"This is the place Orochimaru built? There's hardly anyone around. You call this a ninja village?" Kisame, walking beside Itachi, scoffed. "Got a battle plan or what?"
"It's just an injured Orochimaru. Why would we need a battle plan?" Kakuzu replied. Then he looked over at Hanabi, who was sticking close to Boruto. "That brat better not slow us down. If she does, I'll kill her myself."
Hanabi, frightened, clung tightly to Boruto's sleeve.
"If that happens, I'll kill you first," Boruto shot back, staring coldly at Kakuzu.
"If you think you can, go ahead and try," Kakuzu sneered.
Unlike the truly immortal Hidan, Kakuzu's pseudo-immortality came from his Earth Grudge Fear technique. By stealing others' hearts, he could have up to five in total—so long as they weren't all destroyed, he couldn't be killed.
"Whoa, whoa, calm down, you two," Hidan interjected. "Let's not start fighting before we even reach Orochimaru. Don't forget—we still need to rescue my dear followers."
—
"Orochimaru-sama, there's a group of guys in Akatsuki cloaks attacking the village!"
Kabuto informed Orochimaru, whose arms hung limply at his sides.
"Akatsuki? Now of all times… damn them…" Orochimaru growled through clenched teeth.
"Orochimaru-sama, maybe we should retreat," Kabuto suggested.
"No. Akatsuki won't let me go that easily. The only option now is to switch to a new body."
"But preparations with Uchiha Sasuke aren't complete. If you transfer now, the success rate is too low."
Kabuto voiced his concern.
"Then use one of the backup bodies you prepared earlier."
"Yes, Orochimaru-sama."