章節 238: Chapter 237: Partnering to Seek the "Lucky Cat"
"The last sighting of Obito's organization was in the Land of Waves." Konan pulled out a paper filled with writing.
"It seems they prefer to operate on the outskirts of the continent, they rarely approach central areas... Here, Yuto-sama, this is intelligence related to the Hidden organization."
"Paper Release is truly convenient. I've never seen a ninjutsu so well-suited for making notes." Yuto chuckled as he took the document.
The purple-haired woman covered her mouth with a light laugh, but as if something came to mind, she said, somewhat embarrassedly, "Yuto-sama, I hate to trouble you, but there's something..."
"What is it?"
"We... have no money."
"Hmm?" Yuto paused in surprise.
"Is there a financial problem with Amegakure and the Akatsuki?"
"Not originally, but after building this underground base, our savings hit rock bottom." Konan frowned, counting on her fingers.
"First, those chains binding the Four-Tails—made of a rare metal infused with fuinjutsu inscriptions—are extremely scarce. They're volcanic materials expelled onto the surface, priced at twenty and a half times that of gold. Second, cultivating the First Hokage's cells consumes tons of nutrient fluids daily, which need to be replaced regularly..."
Yuto sighed and waved his hand, indicating for Konan not to continue.
Maintaining a "large research base for imprisoning and studying tailed beasts" was no different from burning money with Fire Release. Even though Yuto had unparalleled power in the shinobi world, he couldn't just resort to robbery to obtain the resources they needed.
"Alright, I'll handle it," Yuto said, rubbing his temples with a headache. He added, "Keep an eye on the Hidden organization and Obito. If their goal is also the tailed beasts, sooner or later, we'll clash with them."
"Understood, Yuto-sama."
The two left the underground facility and returned to the tower, where they found Kitsu waiting for them.
Konan, sensing that the two had something to discuss, politely excused herself.
"So, when will the five of us reunite?" The now-grown Kitsu lazily asked.
"I can already use Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence."
"Not quite yet," Yuto patted his shoulder. "I'm waiting for Uchiha's clone to awaken the Mangekyō."
"That guy's taking forever."
"The Mangekyō takes time. I'll be heading out soon, and I can check on his progress... Want to come along?"
"Not interested. Even if we're both your clones, the Senju and Uchiha bloodlines ensure we'll never see eye to eye."
"Fine." Yuto instructed, "Don't go on any missions for now. Head to the research base and finalize the development of the new generation bionic beast soldiers. I've marked the specific steps on the desk—just follow them."
Kitsu nodded and left for the underground base.
Though Yuto was the hidden mastermind behind Amegakure and the Akatsuki, most of the day-to-day affairs were handled by Konan. Whenever Yuto stayed in this perpetually rainy land, he focused on research and self-training, only occasionally listening to Konan's reports. His life was quite peaceful.
Two weeks later, once again atop the artistically designed tower, Konan handed Yuto a new report.
"The negotiations between the Land of Water and the Land of Fire have completely collapsed. It's said that during the final meeting, the Mizukage brought the gravestones of Yagura and Mangetsu."
"Hahaha... Mei really knows how to make an impression. I'd love to have seen that scene."
Yuto laughed as he flipped through the report.
"Great, we've also located our 'lucky cat'. Konan, I'll be heading out for a while."
"Yuto-sama, do you plan to recruit that person?"
"Yes. When it comes to making money, he's quite skilled."
"And how do you plan to recruit him?"
"Beat him into submission. I recall he has several hearts. When we meet, I'll rip out two of them and ask if he'll follow me. If not, I'll just keep pulling! Not like I have anything better to do—it'll be fun."
"Yuto-sama... What did the Hyuga clan and Konoha teach you?" Konan sighed in exasperation.
"Why don't I go with you? Since he's a future ally, it's best not to sour relations too much. With Kitsu in charge at Amegakure, everything will be fine."
Yuto readily agreed without much thought.
Maybe it was the opportunity to finally get out for a bit, but Konan seemed visibly excited. Trying to suppress a smile, she coughed lightly.
"I'll go pack some clothes..."
---
Three days later, at the ruins of Uzushiogakure.
Just like two years ago, this once-destroyed land remained mostly barren and desolate. The ruins, marked with the Uzumaki clan symbol, lay buried under the soil, silently telling of their former glory.
Yet, due to the existence of a massive port, a strange form of prosperity had appeared in some corners.
Somehow, the neutral city of Garden in the Land of Whirlpools had become a world-famous hub of decadence.
Thriving sea trade routes brought in hot money, and with the covert support of the bounty station, Garden City rose from nothing, becoming a free city filled with a mixture of shady individuals.
Rumor had it that the headquarters of the renowned bounty station was located in this very city.
"Damned fool! You eat without paying! Beat him! Beat him to death!"
"Oh? Tough one, huh? Grab a stick and beat him to death, it's on me!"
"Alright, alright, seems like we've got a real tough guy today..."
Sounds of beating echoed through the streets, and, as always, people gathered to watch the commotion. In a nearby tavern, many customers even abandoned their meals to see what was happening.
"Your order is here... Please make way... Sirs, here is everything you ordered."
A server placed tea and food on the table, unable to resist sneaking a few glances.
A man and a woman, both stunningly attractive.
The woman had purple hair, a slender figure with enticing curves, and wore a long dress embroidered with various flowers. Beside her stood an ornate paper umbrella. She was more beautiful than the most popular courtesan in the city.
The man was even more striking, with long black hair and a face so handsome he could live off his looks alone.
The server quickly lowered his head, reining in his thoughts. He knew that serving customers in this tavern required sharp observation skills, and he realized these two were definitely important figures. Even the owner of the tavern wouldn't dare provoke them.
He had seen beautiful women before, but they were usually accompanied by wealthy merchants. He had also seen handsome men, but they were typically draped over the laps of wrinkled, greasy women. A beautiful man and woman together? This was no ordinary pair.
"Hey." To the server's surprise, the handsome man turned around, smiling as he gently grabbed his arm.
"Care to sit down for a chat? I need to ask you something..."
"I'm sorry, sir. As you can see, it's peak hours, and we're really busy. We're an established business, and we have strict rules—"
The server's perfect smile froze when something heavy suddenly appeared in his hand.
"Go ahead, ask anything you like! I've been working here since I was a child, I know everything!"
"Oh? Not busy anymore?" Yuto teased him with a laugh.
"Still very busy, but that's no longer my concern." The server quickly shed his apron, carefully hiding the money and coins inside his clothes.
"I've just quit my job."
(End of Chapter)
每周推薦票狀態
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榜單 
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