Chapter 40: Chapter 39: Hanzō's Henchmen
Arriving at the Black Market in the Land of Rain, Konan and Byakuya couldn't help but be surprised by the unusually smooth journey. They had expected to encounter some trouble, perhaps rogue ninjas or bandits, but instead, they witnessed an unexpected sense of public security in the area.
Byakuya, in particular, had anticipated the opportunity for combat practice or to seek out potential members for their organization among the supposed threats along the way.
However, to their surprise, the journey was devoid of any such encounters. Not even a single bandit or rogue ninja crossed their path.
Reflecting on this unexpected turn of events, Byakuya considered the recent influence of the Akatsuki in the Land of Rain, and how their efforts to take over and protect the villages had possibly contributed to the surprisingly peaceful state of the region.
He mused over the rarity of encountering skilled 'rogue ninjas', realizing that those who would choose to wander freely were likely individuals who had somehow offended the village's authorities.
After arriving at a familiar town, Konan turned to Byakuya before asking,
"The Black Market is just ahead. Are we working together this time or completing our tasks separately?"
Byakuya glanced at Konan and replied,
"Let's split up. I'm having a gut feelingthis place isn't safe enough."
Konan nodded, showing a look of understanding as expected. After their previous mission together, she knew that Byakuya didn't like dealing with too many people and preferred operating in the shadows.
This preference was different from that of most other members of their organization.
After confirming that they would act separately, Byakuya didn't leave immediately. Instead, he followed Konan, deploying his paper clones to gather intelligence related to her.
Once Konan entered the Black Market, she attracted the attention of many people, including Black Market merchants, rogue ninjas, and the hidden figures behind the Land of Rain's Black Market.
Byakuya could sense these gazes thanks to the 'Mind's Eye of the Kagura' ability he had obtained from Nagato.
The 'Mind's Eye of the Kagura' is an exceptionally powerful sensory ninjutsu, capable of discerning others' intentions and moral alignment. In this respect, its abilities can be even more terrifying than the Byakugan and Sharingan.
Byakuya continued to follow Konan.
After turning into an alley in the Black Market, Konan found a Black Market merchant. Upon seeing Konan, the merchant immediately put on a fawning smile and approached her.
Konan had been a regular customer in recent months, each time bringing a large number of explosive tags to sell, allowing the merchant to earn a significant profit as an intermediary.
Konan was not deceived by the merchant's ingratiating smile. She took out a scroll containing the explosive tags and began negotiating the price.
One side argued that the demand for explosive tags had decreased due to the recent lull in warfare, and thus, the price would drop. The other side insisted that the production of explosive tags was limited, and if the price did not meet expectations, she would rather not sell them.
Byakuya had little interest in the bargaining process; he was more concerned with finding out who controlled this Black Market.
As Byakuya looked around, he noticed the bodyguards surrounding the merchant, which caught his attention.
These individuals had chakra levels far higher than those of ordinary people, reaching Chūnin levels. The merchant negotiating with Konan was even more exceptional, possessing Jōnin-level chakra.
However, the merchant seemed to be dealing with some health issues and appeared very weak.
After some negotiation, Konan left the alley with a box of money.
Byakuya chose not to follow her, but instead, he hid in a corner to observe the Black Market merchant.
In addition to helping Konan sell the explosive tags, Byakuya was also looking for potential business partners. Collaborating with an existing merchant would be much simpler than starting from scratch.
This Black Market merchant seemed to be a promising candidate.
As Konan finished her business at the Black Market and started to make her way out, a group of sly ninjas approached the merchant and menacingly gestured across their throats with their fingers.
"Lord Shigure, the blue-haired kunoichi has returned to peddle her explosive tags. Shall we apprehend her?"
"I've heard rumors that she's affiliated with the notorious Akatsuki. They've been quietly expanding their influence, but their leader has never bowed down to Lord Hanzō. Perhaps it's time to bring her before Lord Hanzō."
After listening to his subordinates' report, the Black Market merchant named Shigure shook his head:
"The most important thing in the Black Market is the rules. We cannot break them. Besides, do you think a ninja daring enough to sell explosive tags would be an ordinary person? She must have the backing of one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages. We just need to earn a bit of profit; there's no need to offend one of the Great Villages. I will report this information to Lord Hanzō and let him decide."
"Yes, Lord Shigure," the Rain Ninjas responded respectfully.
"You can all leave now. Don't disturb my rest..."
Waving his hand to dismiss his subordinates, Shigure turned around, revealing a sullen expression. He seemed quite impatient with his underlings.
Byakuya overheard the conversation between the Rain Ninjas and noticed Shigure's dark expression.
Shigure, the black market merchant, was actually a Jōnin from Amegakure.
This revelation didn't surprise Byakuya as he suspected that the black market within the Land of Rain was connected to the nation's upper echelons.
What surprised him was that the Black Market was directly controlled by Amegakure and its merchants were ninjas.
This revelation was concerning because it meant that Konan's activities, such as selling explosive tags and procuring supplies, had always been under Amegakure's watchful eye.
The thought that Hanzō might have been monitoring the Akatsuki all along wasn't comforting. The fact that Hanzō hadn't taken action against the Akatsuki yet might simply be because the organization was too weak, and Yahiko's ideals were too pacifist.
An organization that consistently sought peaceful resolutions through dialogue appeared to pose no real threat. The Akatsuki's presence held the potential to bolster security outside Amegakure's borders, and Hanzō may have welcomed the prospect of the Akatsuki's growth, possibly even entertaining thoughts of a future alliance with Amegakure.
However, these possibilities were contingent on the absence of external interference. It was improbable for the Land of Rain, the infamous battleground of the Third Shinobi World War, to remain undisturbed. The destabilization of the Land of Rain played to the advantage of the three major nations bordering it.
Thus, while the Akatsuki projected an image of non-aggression, they could not afford to be entirely powerless.
After meticulously noting down Shigure's name and chakra pattern, Byakuya silently departed from the Black Market, making his way to the designated rendezvous point with Konan.
Upon seeing Byakuya, Konan curiously asked.
"Byakuya, how's your investment plan going?"
Byakuya decided to tease Konan a bit as he smirked,
"I've got some leads on the investment plan, but first, can you guess the identity of the Black Market merchant you were dealing with?"
"You followed me? But what does the merchant's identity have to do with us?"
Konan retorted.
Byakuya explained with a hint of exasperation.
"The Black Market merchant's name is Shigure, and he's a Jōnin from Amegakure. This means your activities of selling explosive tags and procuring supplies have been under Hanzō of the Salamander's watch."
"Isn't that obvious? Our activities couldn't possibly escape Hanzō's notice."
Konan replied nonchalantly.
Konan was not surprised. Within the Akatsuki, almost everyone believed that Hanzō of the Salamander wouldn't be a threat to their organization.
If Byakuya only knew of Hanzō's reputation and not the future plot, he would have thought the same. Unfortunately, Hanzō, the once-great hero, ultimately became a villain, killing the new hero and giving rise to an even more terrifying demon.
Confronted with Konan's steadfast belief, Byakuya chose to present an alternative perspective.
"Hanzō may not directly oppose the organization, but who's to say there aren't individuals influencing him from behind the scenes? What if they convince him to turn against us?"
Konan nodded in agreement, her expression turning serious as she looked at Byakuya.
"You're right, Byakuya. We must prevent that from happening. What do you plan to do, and do you need my help? Should I start procuring supplies from a different place?"
Konan's sudden change in attitude caught Byakuya off guard, but he quickly responded.
"The organization is already exposed to Hanzō. It's too late to stay hidden. Continue as you have been; leave the rest to Yahiko and me."
Hearing this, Konan nodded slightly.
"I trust you, Byakuya."
Konan's trust warmed Byakuya's heart, but as he calmed down, he realized something was off. Did Konan think he might be the one sowing discord within the Akatsuki?
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