39: Chapter 39 Investigation of the Akatsuki OrganizationLife in the Land of Waves moves at a breakneck pace, like a clockwork mechanism.
In just a few months, the name of the Apocalypse Chamber of Commerce has become a new rule in this land that was once shrouded in gloom.
The port's throughput steadily increased, and the black market trade, under the new rule of "taking a commission to ensure safety," even showed some signs of prosperity—at least, fights decreased sharply, and business people felt much more at ease.
Naruto stood on the rooftop terrace of the newly renovated business headquarters, looking down at the orderly dock below.
The sea breeze, carrying a salty, damp scent, ruffled the blond hair on his forehead.His gaze was calm, like a young monarch surveying his domain.
"President." Shizune walked over carrying a stack of documents, her tone as efficient as ever."This is the revenue report for each port this month, which is 15 percent higher than during the Kado period."
"In addition, the background information on those promising but down-on-their-luck samurai and rogue ninjas that you asked me to keep an eye on has been compiled."
Naruto took the document and quickly scanned it.
He doesn't need just thugs, but people who are capable, have weaknesses, and can be controlled.
"This ronin named Tessū is quite skilled with his sword, but he's being hunted down because he offended a daimyo."
"We can make contact with him and try giving him the position of 'security supervisor'." Naruto pointed to one of the documents."And this 'Hibari', a former rogue ninja from Amegakure, skilled in stealth and intelligence gathering, but a bit addicted to gambling… Have your subordinates 'help' her quit gambling, and then bring her to see me."
"Understood." Shizune nodded as she took notes, then pushed up her glasses, a hint of helplessness in her eyes."Also.Lady Tsunade has overspent the medical department's budget by thirty percent again this month.saying she's going to develop a 'super soldier pill' that can instantly unleash human potential."
"Let her go over the limit, as long as she doesn't blow up the lab.If there's not enough money, just take it from my share."
His current need for villainous value far outweighs his need for worldly money; as long as it can improve his overall strength, this investment is nothing.
Inside the medical ward, Tsunade was frowning as she stared at a crucible emitting eerie purple smoke.
Sakura nervously handed over a new recipe: "Lady Tsunade, look at this ratio."
Tsunade caught it, glanced at it, and casually tossed it into the trash can: "No!The energy burst isn't intense enough!What we need is to instantly surpass our limits, not gentle nourishment!"
A burly man who used to be one of Cardo's men, now "invited" to be a volunteer, turned green with rage at the sight of the purple smoke from the pot, and his calves trembled.
Tsunade glared at him, annoyed."What are you afraid of?I tested the medicine myself and nothing happened!"
As she spoke, she actually scooped up a small spoonful and was about to put it in her mouth.
"Grandma!Stop it!"
Naruto's voice came hurriedly as he strode in, snatching the spoon from his hand."The color of this pot of stuff looks like poison."
Tsunade retorted, "What do you know?This is art!"
Naruto sighed and pointed to a lab rat in a cage next to him, foaming at the mouth and convulsing uncontrollably: "This is your artistic creation?You dare to eat it yourself?"
Tsunade: ".Uh, this must be because the dosage wasn't controlled properly."
Sakura and Shizune silently wiped their sweat from the side.
After finishing his chores, Naruto arrived at the training ground set up in the backyard of the Chamber of Commerce.
The atmosphere here was completely different from the chaotic scene in the medical department; it was filled with a somber and tense atmosphere.
A dozen or so members, who were initially selected and have some basic ninja skills or special talents, are receiving basic training in combined attack tactics and discipline.
The instructor is Zoka, who performed well before and is now highly regarded by Naruto.
Upon seeing Naruto's arrival, everyone immediately stopped what they were doing and bowed in unison: "President!"
His eyes held awe, even a hint of fanaticism.
In a short period of time, Naruto's skills and Tsunade's godlike power have completely won over these former outlaws.
Naruto nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd.
This is just the beginning; the future "Apocalypse" armed forces will be much more than just home defense.
Meanwhile, the largest tavern in the Land of Waves, "Voice of the Tide," welcomed two special guests.
A tall man wearing a black robe with red clouds on it carried a large sword called Samehada wrapped in bandages on his back.His face was fierce.It was Kisame Hoshigaki.
The other person was dressed similarly, but had a cold demeanor, a handsome face but no expression, and a pair of scarlet Sharingan eyes that indifferently scanned the surroundings.It was Uchiha Itachi.
To avoid alerting the enemy, the two used illusion magic to slightly alter their appearance, making them look like ordinary wandering ninjas.However, their extraordinary aura still caused the surrounding patrons to instinctively keep their distance.
"Mr.Itachi, it's amazing that such a run-down place has such good wine."
Kisame gulped down the locally produced strong liquor and smacked his lips, saying, "It tastes much better than the Land of Rain."
Itachi didn't drink alcohol, he only asked for a glass of water.
His gaze seemed to fall casually on a few merchants in the center of the tavern who were boasting and joking, but his ears were picking up all the useful information.
".Have you heard?The female president of the Apocalypse Merchant Guild broke the mast of that Water Kingdom merchant ship that was causing trouble at the dock with a single punch a few days ago!"
"More than that!I heard that Zoka, the fiercest of Kado's former subordinates, is now like a mouse before a cat when he sees that blond little guild leader!"
"Tsk tsk, what's the background of this chamber of commerce?It's so powerful."
"Who knows?Anyway, they're in charge of the Land of Waves now.The rules are a bit strict, but at least it's safe, and they're quick to pay."
Fragmented information flooded into Itachi's mind.
The Apocalypse Merchant Guild, Tsunade, the blond-haired boy "Nine-Tails Jinchuriki," formidable strength, strict rules.
The outline of this emerging organization is gradually becoming clear.
"It seems this is no small matter," Itachi said calmly.
Kisame grinned, revealing his shark-like teeth: "Interesting.We need."Why not just go and 'check out' their hideout?
"No need." Itachi rejected the suggestion."Pain's order was to investigate, not to engage in conflict.We need more information, about their purpose, and… the true state of that Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."
He noticed that in the corner of the tavern, a seemingly drunken ronin kept glancing in their direction with a very subtle scrutiny in his eyes.
Itachi calmly withdrew his gaze and said to Kisame, "Let's go somewhere else.People have already noticed us here."
The two left money for the drinks and got up to leave, without causing much of a ripple, but a dangerous undercurrent had already quietly reached the coast of the Land of Waves.
At the Chamber of Commerce headquarters, Naruto had just finished giving a speech to the trainees when he suddenly received an encrypted message from the external intelligence agent through a specific channel: "Two suspicious wandering ninjas have been discovered.Their strength is unfathomable, and their characteristics suggest they may be members of the Akatsuki organization."
Naruto's eyes sharpened instantly.
Have the fish finally caught a whiff and swam over?Faster than expected.
He walked to the window and looked at the azure sea in the distance.
Akatsuki.the largest "mercenary" organization in the ninja world?Let's play hide-and-seek for now.
"Sister Jingyin,"
He summoned Jingyin and said, "Pass down the order to strengthen security at all outposts, keeping the outside area relaxed but the inside area under tight control."
In addition, add a few calming and soothing herbs to that distinguished gentleman's "maintenance package," and encourage him to stay home and receive fewer guests recently.
"Understood." Shizune understood immediately.
Naruto turned and headed towards the medical department.It was time to calm down the "technical director," who was probably furious again because of another failed experiment, and also.check on how the new "medical assistant" was settling in.
[Ding!Initial formation of an armed force has been established, gaining +800 Villain Points!]
[Ding!Successfully triggered an official investigation by the Akatsuki organization, gaining 800 Villain Points!] [Current Villain Points: 20453]
Prev Next