Naruto: I, the villain template, was hailed as a savior.

Chapter 153 A mere thirty million? You think you can manipulate me at will?

"...Iwagakure Village?"

Even Kakuzu, a man of great experience and aloof personality, couldn't help but sound a little surprised at this moment.

"That's right." The person in charge nodded and admitted, "The person who issued the bounty was none other than Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage of Iwagakure."

While the other four Kage kept quiet about the underground black market and bounty hunters, Onoki had already secretly established a stable trading relationship with the underground black market.

They often hire bounty hunters from the underground black market to handle matters that Iwagakure cannot handle themselves.

Although it might seem that hiring mostly rogue ninjas as one of the Five Kage would damage the Tsuchikage's prestige, the shrewd and calculating man clearly didn't care.

"So far, all the bounty hunters who have worked with that Tsuchikage have said that the cooperation has been very pleasant and there has been no case of the big company bullying its customers."

Looking at Kakuzu, who seemed to be deep in thought, the person in charge explained before changing the subject: "However, he's not just any bounty hunter who can accept any missions he assigns."

"The most important thing is not strength, but the credibility of the bounty hunter ninja."

Only after confirming that the other party's creditworthiness is reliable enough will the Tsuchikage selectively choose employees based on their abilities.

Kakuzu's mission completion rate is 100%, and coupled with his obsession with money and his beliefs, he has gradually gained credibility in the underground black market.

"Lord Kakuzu, please consider whether you wish to accept this mission."

The person in charge sincerely advised, "Being employed by a wealthy merchant in the ninja world and being employed by the Tsuchikage, one of the Five Kage, are two completely different concepts, because every bounty hunter he has employed has ultimately increased in value."

Bounty hunters employed by Onoki must possess both credibility and skill, essentially earning the label of being recognized by the Kage.

Naturally, they will be favored by more wealthy merchants and nobles, and the tasks and rewards they can accept will naturally increase.

Kakuzu wasn't tempted into agreeing impulsively. Instead, he frowned and asked, "What is that bounty offered by the Tsuchikage?"

"Assist the Sunagakure forces in attacking Amegakure's supply depot."

The person in charge smiled slightly and replied, "However, before that, we need to investigate a force called Dawn in the northern part of the Rain Kingdom. You can consider it a pledge of allegiance, or you can consider it a small test."

"If you pass the test, there will be an even more substantial reward waiting for you."

Upon hearing this, Kakuzu's exposed upper face showed a look of astonishment, and he blurted out, "That guy actually wants to hire bounty hunter ninjas to participate in the war?"

The audacity of that Earth Shadow also exceeded his expectations.

Previously, they only dealt with rogue ninjas and political enemies, but now they dare to let bounty hunters participate in war operations.

However, this method can indeed effectively reduce the casualty rate of Iwagakure ninjas. As long as the credibility of both parties is guaranteed, one can obtain an equal or even greater return by simply paying money.

Although he was very tempted, Kakuzu hesitated for a moment and then shook his head.

"No." He exhaled and said indifferently, "That's war. Anyone can die, even me."

As an immortal ninja, he wanders through the beginning of a long history, even tracing back to the earliest period when ninja villages were established in various countries.

As an elite member of Takigakure, he was tasked with assassinating the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, but was defeated by Wood Release.

Even after fleeing back to the village in a sorry state, facing the threat of death, he still faces the stigma of mission failure and severe punishment.

For Kakuzu, who had risked his life for the village, this was undoubtedly an exceptionally cruel and heartless betrayal and abandonment.

Filled with intense hatred, Kakuzu escaped from prison and betrayed the village.

They stole the forbidden technique that Takigakure Village considered a priceless treasure, and also took the hearts of all the high-ranking members of Takigakure Village.

"Secret Technique: Earth Grudge Fear" allows one to extend their lifespan by stealing and replacing the hearts of others and storing them in their own body, and to master new chakra attributes through the meridians on the hearts of other ninjas.

This so-called "immortal ninja" would be killed instantly, just like everyone else, if his heart were destroyed by the enemy in one go.

Undoubtedly, in the midst of a war filled with smoke and fire, it is common for people to die without a complete corpse.

Farewell.

Kakuzu stood up without hesitation, picked up the box in front of him, and was about to leave.

But as he turned around, the person in charge's voice came from behind him again.

"Please wait a moment."

Kakuzu's steps did not falter at all, but a familiar, muffled sound came from behind him.

"One hundred million taels," the person in charge said. "A deposit of thirty million taels."

Upon hearing this, Kakuzu, who had already reached the main entrance, stopped in his tracks, turned to look at the smiling manager behind the counter, and said coldly, "A mere thirty million taels? Don't think you can manipulate me at will."

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"Lord Kakuzu, please accept this. This is your 35 million taels."

Inside the secret room, looking at the several large boxes of money and banknotes in front of him, Kakuzu's breathing became heavy.

There was nothing I could do; he gave me too much.

Swish! Swish!

Kakuzu, oblivious to everyone around him, began counting the money with practiced ease. His fluid movements and unwavering focus were a level of mastery that ordinary people could never achieve.

Knowing the other person's quirks, the person in charge wisely refrained from bothering him this time.

I just watched him patiently counting the money and tickets, from night until sunrise.

Kakuzu counted three times in total. There was no pause in between, nor was he deliberately sped up; he maintained an unusually constant speed without any time difference.

The people in charge couldn't help but admire and be moved by Kakuzu's dedication and piety at that moment.

This person truly treats money as a religion, enjoying the process of making and counting money without caring about the intrinsic value of money.

After all, with the bounty that Kakuzu earned day and night for two or three decades, he would have long been able to retire and live a fulfilling life as a wealthy man, and he would not need to live a life of constant danger like he does now.

But Kakuzu did not do that, and he could not think of any other reason besides love and faith.

Bang!

Kakudo closed the suitcase, let out a satisfied sigh, and said with a sense of happiness, "Not bad, the numbers match up this time."

"Don't worry, I will complete the mission."

Having said that, he stood up without hesitation, turned around, and walked towards the front door.

"Please take care, Mr. Kakuzu. Welcome to visit again next time."

The person in charge smiled and bowed to Kakuzu's departing figure, paying tribute to this bounty hunter who seemed destined for wealth.

Click click.

A hidden door opened in the overgrown toilet, and Kakuzu emerged carrying two large leather suitcases.

Looking at the sun that had already risen in the distance, even though it was already morning, the temperature outside was still bone-chillingly cold.

Kakuzu subconsciously gripped the leather suitcase in his hand, feeling the heavy weight of the money. The chill seemed to dissipate somewhat, and his body and heart couldn't help but feel warm.

"Indeed, in this cold world full of falsehoods, only money can make me feel warm," he remarked, squinting his eyes.

The Land of Rain, Amegakure (Hidden Rain Village)...

Oh right, and what's this "Dawn" thing?

Great, let's go take a look.

(End of this chapter)