Peter took the thick stack of money from Kakuzu's hands and carefully placed it into the system space. He smiled cheerfully and asked, "So, you want another box of nanorobots?"
"Yes, boss!" Kakuzu replied enthusiastically, then began to count the money he had left. His sharp eyes scanned the piles of bills and coins scattered on the floor.
After a few moments, Kakuzu stared at the 35 million ryo lying before him and fell into deep thought.
He had originally thought that the money he had saved would be enough to buy two more boxes of nanorobots, but to his surprise, it was only enough for one.
It hit him suddenly — all those years spent accepting bounties and missions, all the hard-earned cash, had been spent so quickly.
With a sigh, Kakuzu carefully placed the remaining 15 million ryo into his storage scroll, deciding to save up more money before fully arming himself with nanorobots.
He had discovered that nanorobots were not only powerful offensive weapons but also gave him strong defense. They enhanced his attack capabilities, while reinforcing his health and resilience.
"Who could possibly defeat me now?" Kakuzu muttered with a grim smile.
He then handed the remaining 20 million ryo to Peter, saying, "Boss, here's the money."
Peter accepted the money with a warm smile, putting it into the system space. Then, reaching under the counter, he pulled out a box of nanorobots and handed it to Kakuzu.
Without hesitation, Kakuzu opened the box and swiftly installed the nanorobots into his body.
Peter's eyes sparkled with excitement. Kakuzu had just spent two million ryo on him, proving once again that this old warrior, who had lived all the way from the Sengoku period to the present, was truly wealthy.
"Brother, is there anything else you need?" Peter asked casually, clapping Kakuzu on the shoulder.
Kakuzu sighed deeply. "Boss... I have no more money."
Peter nodded knowingly, placing a firm hand on Kakuzu's shoulder. "In this world, family, love, and friendship may betray you... but only your own power and the money in your hands will never betray you."
Kakuzu gave a rueful laugh and nodded in agreement.
He had lived for countless years and had seen it all — brothers turning on each other for petty gain, children wishing ill on their own parents, and so much cruelty born from desperation and greed.
Over those long years, Kakuzu had survived the deaths of former friends and enemies alike. He had witnessed the glory of legends like Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara and experienced the bitter cruelty of war and the coldness of human nature.
Peter's words echoed in his mind, and Kakuzu realized their truth.
That was why he had thrown himself wholeheartedly into endless money-making schemes, spending as much as he could to buy what he needed to grow stronger.
"But for me," Kakuzu said thoughtfully, "money and strength go hand in hand. If you have enough money, you can exchange it for strength here."
Peter smiled and nodded in agreement. "Exactly! Just keep making money and come to me to spend it. The more you spend, the stronger you'll become!"
Kakuzu's eyes gleamed with determination. "I understand, boss!"
He made up his mind — he would earn 85 million ryo as soon as possible to buy the remaining nanorobots.
Peter looked at Kakuzu's determined expression and nodded with satisfaction. As long as Kakuzu understood the principle, all his efforts to persuade him were worthwhile.
"Boss, I'm going back to make money first!" Kakuzu said, turning toward the door.
Peter grinned. "I hope you make a lot of money soon!"
Kakuzu lifted his head and strode to the door — only to stop abruptly. The door was locked.
Peter scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Sorry, I locked the door because I was afraid you'd suddenly run away without paying."
He quickly opened the door with a laugh.
"Come often!" Peter waved his hand in a friendly gesture.
Kakuzu nodded, the nanorobots swirling around his legs like a faint golden mist, then he hurried out of the room.
Peter watched Kakuzu's retreating back and muttered with heartfelt hope, "I really hope he can make a lot of money soon."
Yawning, Peter then turned and went back inside.
---
The Fire Nation Border
"Konan, wait!"
Konan, who was searching relentlessly for Orochimaru, stopped when she heard the voice.
She turned and looked at Pein, who was leaning casually against a tree with an unreadable expression.
"Pein, why are you here?" Konan asked, clearly puzzled.
"There's been a change of plans," Pein said calmly, straightening up. "You look for a ninja named Kakuzu at the gold exchange on the border of the Land of Fire. I will find Orochimaru myself."
"I understand," Konan nodded. Without another word, her body dissolved into a flurry of paper, scattering into the wind as she flew off to her mission.
"Chief, White Zetsu has sent word that Orochimaru is heading toward the Land of Rice Fields," said a short, stocky man standing nearby.
If Peter were here, he would recognize the man immediately — Fei Liuhu of the Red Sand Scorpion.
"Heading to the Land of Fields?" Pein murmured thoughtfully.
"Yes."
"Then let's go."
The two figures — one tall and imposing, the other short but fierce — took off, moving swiftly toward Tianzhiguo.
---
The Country of Fields
"Since Orochimaru-sama returned, he has been locked away in his laboratory, not coming out at all."
"Keep your voice down! Lord Orochimaru is probably conducting some experiments."
The ninjas who followed Orochimaru whispered quietly, curiosity and worry etched on their faces as they glanced toward the laboratory.
Suddenly, a massive explosion echoed through the building, shaking the ground beneath their feet.
The ninjas outside froze, their faces draining of color.
"What on earth is Orochimaru-sama working on?" one whispered, voice trembling.
"That explosion was terrifying!"
Inside the laboratory, Orochimaru wore a green Taoist robe. He had tied his long black hair behind his head, resembling a true Taoist priest.
This outfit was specially made based on illustrations in the "Compendium of Alchemy," as Orochimaru believed that was how a real cultivator should dress.
Now, covered in dust and coughing uncontrollably, Orochimaru stared at the Complete Book of Pills in his hands, his expression one of frustration.
"Did I fail again?" he muttered bitterly.
He couldn't figure out where he had gone wrong.
Recalling his boss's words, he sighed. "Boss was right... this alchemy is not so simple."
He opened the furnace and found seven pills inside — six were blackened and useless, while one gleamed with a dazzling golden light.
"Wow... a golden legend."
Orochimaru carefully picked up the golden pill and examined it closely.
According to the book, "The surface of the Dali Pill is golden. After ingestion, it temporarily enhances physical fitness, but once the effect wears off, the user falls into a weak state."
The pill was glowing faintly, indicating the refining had succeeded.
Orochimaru licked his lips in anticipation but hesitated. He didn't dare test the medicine on himself — what if the side effects were fatal?
He decided to find an unlucky volunteer to test the pill instead.
Suddenly, distant screams erupted from outside the lab, but they quickly fell silent.
Orochimaru's lips curled into a sly smile.
"A guest has arrived..."
Before he could finish his thought, the laboratory door was suddenly blasted off its hinges by an overwhelming force.
A gust of wind swept through, causing Orochimaru's robe to flutter dramatically.
"Tap, tap, tap."
Two men in black robes strode into the laboratory with purpose.
"Akatsuki?" Orochimaru muttered, eyes narrowing.
When he defected from Konoha, he had heard of Akatsuki — an infamous organization made up entirely of rogue ninjas.
Seeing their distinctive black cloaks, Orochimaru immediately recognized them.
He hadn't expected that after defecting, Akatsuki would come for him so soon...