"But I really don't want to kill you."
Aomi looked down at Kakuzu and said softly, "How about this, tell me where you keep your money, and work for me for ten years. Consider it a way to buy back your life, how about that?"
Kakuzu sneered.
As expected, no matter how strong they are, kids are still kids, capable of such clumsy rhetoric.
Even more naive than that Tsunade!
In Kakuzu's eyes, Aomi had no reason not to kill him. This was just a ploy to extract the last bit of value from him before his death.
If he were to speak, then Muramasa's blade would immediately pierce through his heart.
But eager for death, Kakuzu casually named a hiding place for gold, and peacefully awaited his end.
To Kakuzu's surprise, Aomi did not make a move, instead he walked away.
A moment later, Aomi returned with the corpse of a mountain bandit, placing it in front of him: "Though it might not meet your expectations, use it for now, as the situation is urgent."
Kakuzu was stunned, what does this mean, is he really not going to kill him?
"Kid, do you know what you're doing..." Kakuzu's eyes were cold, "Are you trying to insult me?"
Aomi smiled helplessly, flicking the Hidden Waterfall forehead protector in his hand: "Do you think I'm a high-ranking official of Hidden Waterfall?"
Aomi looked directly at Kakuzu, sincerity clear in his eyes: "I'm neither playing with fire nor letting the tiger return to the mountains... I'm simply thinking about what you've said—Is there really no truth in this Ninja World?"
"As things stand, you voluntarily came to kill me. Now, I offer you forgiveness under the condition that you work for me for ten years. My terms aren't excessive, are they?"
Aomi looked directly at Kakuzu and slowly said, "If you believe there's still truth in this Ninja World, then you should keep your word..."
"If after today you regret it, I don't fear having you as another enemy, but I would understand the deception of the Ninja World, which would be worthwhile for me."
Kakuzu's heart trembled, did this strange Uchiha kid really listen to his story?
"Stop lingering, Kakuzu, man up and let me know your choice."
Aomi looked down at Kakuzu, somewhat irritated: "Your dawdling already makes me feel the falseness of the Ninja World..."
Kakuzu remained silent for a long time, then slowly said, "The contract is made. But only for ten years, I will work for you for only ten years."
Aomi nodded, gave him a disdainful glance, then efficiently extracted the heart of the bandit and placed it in Kakuzu's back: "Alright, go ahead. I'll contact you when needed."
With his back writhing, the black threads absorbed the vitality of this heart, barely bringing Kakuzu back from the brink of death.
Kakuzu slowly got up, unabashedly staring at Aomi, seemingly trying hard to discern his true intentions: "You still want the money, don't you? Tell me, how do I give you all the money I've saved up..."
Aomi waved his hand: "Keep it for me first. When it's needed, I'll notify the Gold Exchange, and you'll know."
"Go on now, we'll meet again if fate allows, my first employee."
"Kid..." Kakuzu snorted coldly, but didn't know what to refute.
He really had become Aomi's employee, with a ten-year contract over his life, and his savings cleared...
Kakuzu stood up, slowly walking towards the exit of the canyon.
Based on Kakuzu's experience, he knew the best course of action now was to leave quickly.
Yet his steps were slow, as if waiting for Muramasa to pierce his chest again, while Aomi lets out a twisted laugh, playing a cat-and-mouse game with his dignity...
This wasn't Kakuzu being paranoid, but many ninjas have such twisted hearts.
But nothing happened to Kakuzu until he reached the exit of the canyon, unable to resist turning back for a glance.
Aomi was resting on the ground, noticed his gaze, and even waved goodbye.
"Tch... what a boring kid. Ten years from now, I'll find a way to kill you again..."
Kakuzu swore internally but clumsily waved back at Aomi.
[From target Kakuzu: You have acquired Earth Grudge Fear (Chakra Mimicry)!]
[Earth Grudge Fear (Chakra Mimicry): Your chakra can mimic Earth Grudge Fear, allowing you to absorb the life force and chakra of others, and perform complex surgeries.]
"You don't seem very honest, Kakuzu-san?"
Hearing the pleasant electronic voice, Aomi smiled and thought to himself: "I wonder how much longer until Asuma and Tsunade can make it back?"
"Hmm, better not heal just yet, having injuries gives a bit more impact..."