A crackling noise rang in Kakuzu's ears.
For a moment—he felt lost.
All these years of working tirelessly as a bounty hunter…
Suddenly it felt ridiculous.
This kind of money…
Could it really be made like this?
Was it just that white-haired kid?
Or… was everyone doing this already?
But none of that mattered anymore.
Teach me.
This was practically money falling from the sky.
If he didn't learn it—he'd be a fool.
"Kid… no… sir…"
"Can you teach me?"
Kakuzu's hoarse voice trembled slightly.
Begging a kid in front of so many people—this was a first.
His pride struggled inside him.
But—
What was pride worth?
If it had value, Kakuzu would've sold it long ago.
"Learn futures from me?"
Sakumo Hatake blinked in surprise.
Truthfully—
He didn't understand it either.
Everything he did was under Uchiha Ren's guidance.
But he didn't panic.
The Hokage had prepared everything.
A true "expert"—
Needed followers.
Needed disciples.
"Of course."
Kakuzu's eyes burned with intensity.
He had to learn this.
Sakumo reached into his robe.
He pulled out a small booklet.
Inside—
Were "investment insights."
In reality—
Just stock-trading tricks.
"Salvation lies within."
He handed it over.
The cover read:
From Zero to Trading Master
Then—
He turned and left.
Graceful.
Calm.
Mysterious.
Just as instructed.
Say things people don't understand—
And they'll think you're profound.
Kakuzu held the booklet tightly.
"Please—your name!"
Sakumo didn't turn back.
"Call me White Fang."
Kakuzu felt a spark of reverence.
Knowledge in this world—
Was monopolized.
To learn anything real—
You either had status…
Or sold your life to a village.
And yet—
He got this so easily.
He opened the booklet eagerly.
People crowded around him instantly.
Trying to peek.
"Investment… is about going where others don't…"
"…"
"Everyone dies… except me…"
"…"
Kakuzu snapped it shut.
No way.
This was his.
His alone.
"You all—get lost!"
Killing intent exploded outward.
The temperature dropped.
People scattered instantly.
Money was important—
But life was more.
And even if they read it—
Would they understand it?
Kakuzu sat down.
Alone.
Reading carefully.
Line by line.
"Brilliant…"
He nodded repeatedly.
No wonder White Fang made money.
Hokage Office.
A long sofa had been added.
Uchiha Ren lay comfortably.
His head rested on Feng's soft thighs.
Cool. Smooth.
Perfect.
Her fingers massaged his temples.
Beside them—
Ling peeled grapes and fed him.
Luxury.
Pure luxury.
Ren had given up resisting.
Everyone already knew.
So why pretend?
He simply made them his secretaries.
Better than leaving them bored at home.
Though—
There was a problem.
Too much energy at night.
…His body couldn't keep up.
"Knock knock."
The door interrupted everything.
Ren sighed and sat up.
Work time.
He fixed his clothes.
"Come in."
Uchiha Tomita entered.
Holding urgent intel.
He paused briefly.
Seeing Feng and Ling—
Frowned slightly.
But said nothing.
Not his place.
"Leave us."
Ren spoke calmly.
They left immediately.
The room fell serious.
"Urgent report from Kirigakure."
Ren's expression changed.
"Explain."
Tomita nodded.
"Kirigakure… has already engaged with Uzushio."
"…What?"
Ren's heart sank.
Too early.
Tomita continued.
Kirigakure had been secretly mobilizing.
Preparing to strike Konoha.
But—
They were discovered.
By Uzushiogakure.
Without warning—
Uzushio launched a preemptive strike.
Attacking Kirigakure's ports.
Trying to burn their ships.
No coordination.
No discussion.
Just action.
"Reliable allies…"
Ren muttered.
But the situation was dangerous.
Uzushio—
Was a small village.
Even with the Uzumaki Clan's strength—
They couldn't match Kirigakure.
This…
Was reckless.
In another world—
Villages like Grass would stay neutral.
Follow whoever was stronger.
Survive.
But Uzushio didn't.
They chose loyalty.
And that choice—
Would cost them dearly.
Ren's eyes darkened.
A memory surfaced.
…The destruction of Uzushio.
This—
It was the beginning.
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