"What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like I'm crazy?"
Tōshirō's complete lack of self-awareness prompted Kakuzu to sneer without mercy. "Unifying the world—there's never been a shortage of ambitious fools like you in any era. And without exception, they've all failed. I thought you were smart, but you're just chasing a pipe dream. At the end of the day, you're still just a kid—prone to wild fantasies."
Tōshirō simply laughed off Kakuzu's scorn. "If a kid doesn't dream big, are they even a kid?"
"When I first met you, you dared to kill the Land of Fire's feudal lord. The second time we met, you were already scheming to kidnap the daimyo's son for ransom. Back then, I wondered what kind of chaos a kid as dangerous as you would stir up in the future. And now, not long after, you've already managed to surprise me again. Looks like I still underestimated you."
Tōshirō chuckled. "Hearing you say that, I'll take it as a compliment."
"It's not a compliment."
Tōshirō's tone became slightly more serious. "People need something to strive for, don't they?"
Kakuzu scoffed. "When ambition surpasses ability, disaster is inevitable."
Tōshirō corrected him, "It's not conquest—it's reform."
Kakuzu stared at him and bluntly pointed out, "Is there even a difference? Whether it's conquest or reform, the prerequisite is defeating anyone who resists."
Tōshirō didn't deny it. "That's true."
"Why are you suddenly so interested in this? When I first met you, all you cared about was money."
Kakuzu narrowed his mismatched red and green eyes, waiting for Tōshirō's response.
"To put it simply, maybe I've been making money too fast lately. And, well, your earlier remark made me realize—money alone doesn't satisfy me anymore."
"You're too ambitious—don't pin that on me." Kakuzu made it clear he wasn't taking the blame. Even without his remark, this kid would've likely gone down this path anyway.
Tōshirō paused to gather his thoughts before speaking. "A starving, freezing person only wants food and warmth. Once they have that, they start wanting a home. And once they have a home, they develop new desires—and those desires keep growing layer by layer."
"Overindulgence suits you perfectly," Kakuzu sneered.
Tōshirō shrugged and then made an official invitation. "Kakuzu, would you ever be interested in helping me create a new world?"
Kakuzu didn't hesitate for a second before replying, "If it's not about money, I'm not interested."
As expected. Tōshirō completely understood—convincing Kakuzu would take time.
Among the Akatsuki, Kakuzu was probably the most 'honest' member, aside from Kisame.
Tōshirō thought their conversation was over, but unexpectedly, Kakuzu had something more to say.
"But…"
Hearing that word, Tōshirō's gaze sharpened. A "but" usually meant a twist.
Kakuzu then said, "If, in the future, you awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan, then maybe I'd be interested."
"Mangekyō Sharingan?"
Tōshirō's eyes flickered with surprise.
"That's the ultimate dojutsu of your clan. Back in the day, Uchiha Madara wielded its power to stand alongside Senju Hashirama and bring an end to the Warring States period."
Kakuzu had never fought Madara himself, but judging by Hashirama's power, Madara was certainly no weaker. Naturally, the power of those eyes intrigued him.
"So the Mangekyō Sharingan… I've heard of it."
Tōshirō, indulging his natural tendency to act like a teacher, deliberately asked, "Why bring that up?"
"If you want to realize your ambitions, the power of the Mangekyō Sharingan is essential," Kakuzu explained. "That's the only power that can rival Senju Hashirama's Wood Release. If you ever obtain that strength, I imagine standing by your side would be a very profitable venture."
Tōshirō, wearing an expression of realization, nodded. "Then it's settled."
Kakuzu responded noncommittally, "I only said I was interested," before turning away and leaving.
Tōshirō watched as the door closed behind him, the corners of his mouth curling up. Looks like, in the end, persuasion still comes down to strength.
———
In the blink of an eye, six months had passed.
During this time, Tōshirō and Kakuzu carried out a series of crimes, amassing an unimaginable fortune.
Their organization had also expanded from just the two of them to about ten members.
Leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, Kakuzu spoke to Tōshirō, who was preparing to leave. "Heading back to the village again?"
"It's been too long—I should check in every now and then."
Over the past six months, Tōshirō had occasionally returned to the village.
"How long are you staying this time?"
Tōshirō replied casually, "Depends on my mood."
Kakuzu closed his eyes, as if deep in thought. "By the time you return, that big fish should be ready to catch."
He was referring to the daimyo's son.
Six months had been more than enough time for them to gather every detail about their target.
"Once we pull this job, we should call it quits," Tōshirō suggested.
The organization had become too notorious—continuing would only increase the risks. Besides, Tōshirō didn't trust the other members.
At the end of the day, they were nothing more than a group of bandits united by profit. It was only a matter of time before greed led to betrayal.
There were already signs of trouble—disputes over loot distribution were stirring resentment among the members.
For now, Kakuzu's overwhelming strength kept them in check, but that wouldn't last forever.
Tōshirō's ideal subordinates were more like Orochimaru's future test subjects—kids taken in from a young age, raised and trained under his own system.
Since these people were never part of his long-term plans, he hadn't bothered fostering any real bonds. After this job, they would part ways permanently.
"Well, that's a shame," Kakuzu said, his deep voice carrying a hint of regret. Fast money like this wasn't easy to come by.
"Anyway, I'm off."
After leaving the base, Tōshirō traveled to another country, and only when he was certain no one was watching did he carefully revert to his original form. He then bought some local specialties before heading back to the village.
Not long after arriving, he ran into Jiraiya, who spotted him and waved excitedly.
Tōshirō noticed Jiraiya—and more importantly, the two people standing beside him. Approaching his companions, he smirked. "Looks like I came back at the perfect time."
Tsunade immediately stretched out her hand, her tone blunt. "Hand it over."
"Hand over what?"
Tsunade responded as if it were obvious. "A gift. You seriously don't get it?"
Tōshirō raised an eyebrow, his expression clearly saying, And who do you think you are? Why would I buy you a gift?
Under Tsunade's frown, Tōshirō handed the souvenirs to Jiraiya and Orochimaru instead.
Seeing this, Tsunade was instantly annoyed. "You did that on purpose, didn't you?"
Tōshirō solemnly declared, "Brothers are like limbs; women are like clothing."
Tsunade scoffed in disdain. "Such a damn chauvinist. No wonder you're still single."
Tōshirō stiffened and shot back, "You're single too! Who are you to talk?"
Tsunade smirked. "Not wanting a relationship and being unable to get one are two different things, okay?"
The moment they met, the two started bickering again, leaving Jiraiya and Orochimaru utterly helpless.
Seriously, how do these two always have so much to argue about?
Tōshirō chuckled coldly and retorted, "It's been a while since I've seen you. Your chest hasn't grown much, but your ego sure has."
(End of Chapter)
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