Uehara Naraku did not stop running until he was several miles away from Tanzaku Town.
He leaned against a large oak tree panting heavily. The Speed Boots were effective granting him the speed of a high level Chunin but they consumed stamina.
"That was close" Uehara wiped sweat from his forehead. "Grandma Tsunade is terrifying. Her aura alone felt like a mountain crushing down."
He checked his surroundings. He was in a dense forest on the way back to the Land of Rain. The sun was setting casting long shadows through the trees.
Uehara patted the pouch at his waist. The 5.5 million Ryo was still there safe and sound.
"At least the risk was worth it" he grinned. "With this money I can buy better food and maybe bribe some people later. Being a Mastermind requires funding."
He pushed off the tree and prepared to continue his journey.
Suddenly a deep and gloomy voice came from behind the tree.
"5.5 million Ryo. A decent sum."
Uehara froze.
He had not sensed anyone. His perception stats were decent and he had Command: Protect active which should have alerted him to nearby chakra. Yet this person had appeared like a ghost.
Uehara turned around slowly his hand drifting towards his card pouch.
Standing on a thick branch above him was a tall man wearing the traditional Akatsuki cloak black with red clouds. He wore a white hood and a mask that covered the lower half of his face. His eyes were a striking unusual green with red sclera.
Kakuzu.
The Treasurer of the Akatsuki. The man who had lived since the time of the First Hokage and fought him (or so he claimed).
"You are..." Uehara feigned ignorance though his heart pounded. "Who are you?"
Kakuzu jumped down landing silently. He stared at the money pouch at Uehara's waist with a gaze that was almost loving.
"I am Kakuzu" the man said his voice rough. "I manage the finances of the organization. I heard from the leader that a new intern had gone to collect bounties."
Kakuzu extended a hand palm up. The gesture was universal.
"Hand it over."
Uehara blinked. "Hand what over?"
"The money" Kakuzu said impatiently. "The 5.5 million Ryo. All earnings by organization members belong to the organization treasury. It is for our future goals."
Uehara stepped back clutching his pouch protectively. This was his hard earned money! He had killed four ninjas and gambled with a legendary Sannin for this!
"But... Konan sensei said this was my pocket money!" Uehara lied through his teeth.
Kakuzu's eyes narrowed. "Konan? That woman spends millions on explosive tags every month. She has no concept of financial management. That money will be wasted in her hands or yours. Give it to me. I will invest it."
[Side Mission Triggered: Protect Your Wallet.]
[Description: Kakuzu wants to confiscate your funds. Do not let him take everything.]
[Reward: 100 Gold Coins.]
Uehara gritted his teeth. Fighting Kakuzu was suicide. Kakuzu had five hearts and access to all five chakra natures. He was an elite Jonin bordering on Kage level.
But Uehara was not just a fighter. He was a Mastermind.
"You can't take it all!" Uehara shouted acting like a stubborn brat. "I need money to eat! I am growing! And I need to buy ninja tools!"
Kakuzu took a step forward. His arm suddenly detached at the elbow connected by thick black threads. The fist shot forward grabbing Uehara by the collar and lifting him into the air.
"I am not asking" Kakuzu said coldly. "In this world money is the only truth. A kid like you doesn't need millions. Hand it over or I will tear it from your corpse. The Leader said you were an elite but to me you are just a walking wallet."
Uehara struggled his feet kicking in the air.
"Fine! Fine!" Uehara choked out. "I will give it to you! Put me down!"
Kakuzu retracted his arm dropping Uehara.
Uehara coughed rubbing his neck. He looked at Kakuzu with resentment. This workplace was toxic. The CFO was literally mugging the interns.
Slowly Uehara untied the pouch. He opened it and took out a small handful of bills roughly 50000 Ryo.
"Here is the rest" Uehara handed the heavy bag to Kakuzu while keeping the small handful. "I am keeping this for travel expenses. Even you can't expect me to starve on the way back."
Kakuzu weighed the bag. He checked the contents. 5.45 million Ryo.
He looked at the small amount in Uehara's hand.
"Hmph. Acceptable" Kakuzu muttered tying the bag to his own waist which already had several other pouches. "You are reasonable. Unlike Hidan. That idiot wastes money on rituals."
[Mission Complete: Protect Your Wallet (Partially).]
[Reward: 50 Gold Coins.]
Uehara sighed. He lost 99 percent of the cash but he completed the mission and kept his life.
"By the way" Kakuzu said turning to leave. "You have the ring right?"
"Yes" Uehara showed the silver ring on his finger.
"Good. That means you are useful" Kakuzu said. "There is another bounty nearby. A rogue ninja from the Waterfall Village. Since you are here come with me. You can be the bait."
Uehara's eyes twitched. "Bait?"
"Yes" Kakuzu said walking away expecting Uehara to follow. "He is worth 30 million Ryo. If you help me kill him... I might give you 1 percent as a commission."
Uehara stood there.
1 percent.
That was 300000 Ryo.
It was better than nothing. And more importantly fighting alongside Kakuzu was a chance to see his abilities up close and perhaps trigger more missions.
"Coming Kakuzu san!" Uehara shouted running after him.
As he ran Uehara secretly opened the system store.
"System buy a Dagger. And upgrade Speed Boots to Berserker's Greaves."
He needed more attack speed. If he was going to be bait he wanted to make sure he could sting back.
Just you wait Kakuzu Uehara thought looking at the older ninja's back. One day I will bankrupt you.