With Gato's arrangements, Seiryu, Kakashi, and Naruto's team enjoyed a lavish meal at the finest restaurant in Konoha.
Gato had closed the restaurant for the evening, dedicating all staff to their service.
After the meal, Kakashi took the three kids home, leaving Seiryu behind.
Gato signaled a server to bring Seiryu hot tea.
"So, what's this big show for?" Seiryu asked, glancing at Kado.
"Nothing escapes you, Grand Minister," Gato fawned, waving the staff away. "While procuring supplies, Granny Cat and I received a warning from Calvin, the arms dealer from the Land of Lightning."
"A warning?" Seiryu raised an eyebrow. "What did that old fox say?"
"He said the ninja tool market is saturated, and we're not welcome. If we insist on pushing in, we'd better beef up security at the factory," Gato explained, watching Seiryu's reaction.
Seiryu's face darkened. "What, that thug from Lightning thinks he can tell the Land of Fire what to do?"
"What should we do?" Gato asked nervously.
"Do what needs to be done!" Seiryu said coldly. "You told me that Calvin's backed by Kumogakure?"
"Yes," Kado replied, sweating.
"Does the Fourth Raikage really think I'm Sarutobi Hiruzen?" Seiryu sneered. "Where's his factory?"
"East side of the Land of Lightning, in a military-industrial town," Gato said.
"Good. Keep pushing ahead; don't worry about security, I'll send elite Uchiha Jonin. And right now, bring me five hundred million ryo in cash."
"Right now?" Gato was stunned. All company funds had gone into the factory—unless he used his own money.
"Is that a problem?" Seiryu asked, eyes cold.
"No, please wait." Gato gritted his teeth and left to arrange it.
Half an hour later, Gato returned with two sealed scrolls.
Seiryu checked the gold inside, nodded, and said, "Good. Prepare yourself—Konoha's new city expansion is going to you. Work with Dragon Construction's boss."
"Yes!" Gato was ecstatic. Partnering with Dragon Construction, a state enterprise run by Seiryu and Kakashi, was a massive opportunity.
'I knew it—show the Hokage my loyalty, and he'll never be stingy.'
"Get ready, and finish what I asked," Seiryu said, pocketing the scrolls and heading out.
"I understand. Let me see you out," Gato said, walking Seiryu to the door.
After leaving, Seiryu went straight to the Naka Shrine.
Black Zetsu, having received word that Seiryu was on his way, hurriedly got into position.
As soon as Seiryu entered the shrine basement, Black Zetsu emerged from the stone.
"You're here," Black Zetsu said in a low voice.
"Ancestor," Seiryu bowed slightly. "How's Kirigakure lately?"
"As you instructed, the controlled Yagura has subtly encouraged the ordinary ninja to oppose the bloodline clans. The conflict is more intense than ever. The Hozuki and Yuki clans are nearly wiped out—only two children survived, taken by Orochimaru," Black Zetsu reported.
"I see," Seiryu raised an eyebrow, surprised that even with all the world hunting him, Orochimaru was still abducting children.
"But recently, a new group has formed in Kiri, recruiting bloodline clan survivors and some discontented ordinary ninja, trying to overthrow Yagura. Their leader is the woman you met at the tavern. I'm planning to have Yagura send ANBU to suppress them," Black Zetsu said.
"Why suppress them?" Seiryu smiled. "Wouldn't a coup cause even more chaos?"
"What do you mean?" Black Zetsu asked.
"We want Kiri in chaos. Nothing creates more chaos than a coup," Seiryu replied.
"How do you plan to do it?" Black Zetsu asked, having realized after the last Kiri visit that Seiryu was a master at stirring trouble.
"Can White Zetsu forge me an identity to infiltrate the rebels?" Seiryu asked.
"Yes," Black Zetsu nodded.
"Then leave it to the professionals," Seiryu grinned.
"Understood," Black Zetsu nodded, catching on.
"By the way, Ancestor, can your contacts reach Akatsuki?" Seiryu asked.
Black Zetsu was startled, breaking into a cold sweat.
'Why is he asking this? Did he find something out?'
Seeing Black Zetsu's reaction, Seiryu smiled faintly. After a pause, he said, "Never mind, I'll try other channels."
Black Zetsu relaxed a little, then said, "Why do you want to contact Akatsuki? I can get in touch."
"Really?" Seiryu feigned surprise. "I didn't expect you to have a way."
"That group was closely tied to Uchiha Madara, so it's normal to have contact methods. But what do you want with them?" Black Zetsu asked.
"I have a mission for them. Confidential, of course," Seiryu said.
"I understand." Black Zetsu nodded. After a while, White Zetsu, Tobi, emerged from the ground.
"Salute to Hokage-sama!" Tobi shouted, saluting.
Seiryu's mouth twitched, but he returned the salute out of courtesy.
Seiryu then sent a shadow clone with Tobi, who wrapped around it, transforming its appearance and chakra. Seiryu and Black Zetsu then slipped underground together.
…
Half an hour later, near an underground exchange in the Land of Hot Water, Black Zetsu and the disguised Seiryu clone surfaced.
"Here?" the clone asked.
"Yes, an Akatsuki team is active nearby. If you want to hide your identity, post the mission here," Black Zetsu replied.
"Got it." The clone strode into the exchange.
Disguised as a rich fool, Seiryu immediately drew the attention of everyone present.
He calmly approached the counter. "I have a mission. The reward is five hundred million ryo."