176-180

Chapter 176: The Hall of Divine Thunder

The exchange office, where bounty ninjas exchange their rewards for tasks.

In the inconspicuous corners of the ninja world, there are exchange offices.

For example, the exchange office in front of me is hidden in a luxurious public toilet.

"Senior Kakuzu, is this where you want to exchange your bounty?"

Kimimaro looked at the public toilet in front of him, speechless.

The leader of the bounty organization really has a strange hobby.

It's hidden, but can't you find a place with a better smell as a base?

"If you don't like it, stay outside."

"Then I'll go in and see with you. I'm quite curious about this kind of place."

After all, it was the first time in his life that he saw such a place as an exchange office, and Kimimaro was still very interested.

Of course, if the air was better, it would be perfect.

"Then stop talking nonsense."

Kakuzu skillfully pushed open the secret door of the toilet and walked in, followed by Kimimaro.

As soon as they entered, someone came up to greet them.

"Lord Kakuzu, you are here."

Obviously, Kakuzu was their regular customer, and everyone here knew him.

"Hmm. This is the S-class bounty hunter Kurosuki Raiga on the list, worth 30 million taels. You can verify it and give me the money."

"Yes, Lord Kakuzu, please wait a moment, I will verify it for you."

He was not surprised to see that Kurosuki Raiga's heart was gone.

Of the corpses Kakuzu sent to the exchange office, at least half of them had no hearts.

The people here only think that Kakuzu has some special hobbies.

After all, there are not a few such people in the ninja world.

Bounty ninjas are all a bit abnormal.

Kimimaro looked at the wall beside him, which was covered with small squares.

These squares are pulled open, which is the place to place the corpse.

"It's really gloomy."

Kimimaro complained, and looked at the other wall.

It's all about bounty missions.

At a glance, Kimimaro found Asma's photo.

Name: Sarutobi Asuma.

Age: 28 years old.

Identity: Konoha Jonin, son of the Third Hokage, one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja.

Ability: Good at wind escape and physical skills.

Bounty amount: 35 million taels.

"As expected of the currency unit of the ninja world, this position is really conspicuous."

Kimimaro glanced over and found many familiar faces.

Kakashi is worth 50 million taels, Jiraiya is worth 70 million taels, and Orochimaru is also 70 million taels.

Kimimaro even saw Kakuzu's bounty, 68 million taels.

I don't know if Kakuzu would want to exchange one of his lives for a bounty.

After all, he has five lives, and he can continue to replenish them.

"Ninja is really a job that offends people."

Kimimaro sighed.

If there is no hatred, how could someone issue such a task.

How many strong people in the ninja world have achieved their fame by stepping on dozens or even hundreds of lives?

With fame, there will naturally be no shortage of hatred.

These hatreds turned into bounty missions posted on the wall.

Of course, this price is not enough to buy their lives in most cases.

After all, except for Kakuzu, few strong people would kill for money.

After reaching a certain level, money is the least important thing.

After reading these bounties, Kimimaro had nothing to look at. Except for the corpses, there was not much in this exchange office, which seemed a bit empty.

So he checked the photo reward.

"Congratulations to the tourists, the photo with the character Heichuki Raiga was successful, and the reward was obtained: the Hall of Divine Thunder."

The Hall of Divine Thunder, from Fairy Tail, is Laxus' forbidden magic.

The thunder attribute magic released with the help of magic crystals, the intensity of its power is directly related to the number of magic crystals, and the number reaches 300, which is enough to destroy a city.

Of course, how many magic crystals can be used depends on one's own strength.

"The skill is a good skill, but this magic crystal... is a bit troublesome."

Kimimaro quickly finished reading the entire content of this skill.

In addition to the casting method of the Hall of Divine Thunder, the skill finally explained the production method of magic crystals.

Of course, it can't be called a magic crystal now. Under the improvement of the Time and Space Inn, it should be called a Chakra spar.

To make Chakra spar, you need to condense your own thunder attribute Chakra.

"Using this method to make thunder-type Chakra spar, it will take at least an hour to condense one. To make 300 thunder-type Chakra crystals, it will take nearly 13 days without sleep. If Chakra's recovery problem is included, it will take at least a month. It's a big project."

Kimimaro thought to himself, then looked at Pikachu who was playing with the thunder knife on his shoulder.

Isn't this a ready-made labor force?

Pikachu turned his head and met Kimimaro's gaze.

"Pika?"

"Little guy, let me show you something good, okay?"

"Pika..."

Pikachu felt something was wrong, but out of trust in Kimimaro, it didn't refuse.

Labor Pikachu is online.

"The character is confirmed to be the target Heichuki Raiga, Lord Kakuzu, this is 30 million taels, please keep it."

The corpse was sent to the morgue, and two suitcases were placed in front of Kakuzu.

Kakuzu opened the suitcase and started counting money.

His expression was filled with excitement that Kimimaro had never seen before.

Those green eyes were even more radiant.

"Kakuzu's love for money has really reached a perverted level. This money counting speed, without 20 years of skill, I'm afraid I can't practice it."

Thirty million taels only lasted for a minute in Kakuzu's hands before being counted.

"The quantity is correct, happy cooperation."

Kakuzu put down the cash in his hand with satisfaction and closed the suitcase.

"Welcome to visit us next time, Lord Kakuzu."

The exchange office welcomes hired ninjas like Kakuzu very much.

Only with more ninjas like Kakuzu can their exchange office develop.

Kimimaro was somewhat curious about who the owner of this exchange office was.

To be able to run such a bounty organization in the ninja world, one's own ability must not be too bad.

After getting the money, Kakuzu didn't leave immediately, but looked at the wall covered with photos.

He is looking for the next bounty target.

Life does not stop, making money does not stop.

This is Kakuzu's creed in life.

I don't know who the next unlucky guy will be.

A few minutes later, the two left the exchange office.

"Senior Kakuzu, where are we going next? We won't go directly to kill the next mission target, right?"

"No, find a place to save money first."

"Then do you want to treat me to dinner by the way? I happen to be a little hungry."

Kakuzu glanced at Kimimaro and said, "I gave you the Thunder Sword, isn't that enough? The meal and the Thunder Sword cancel each other out."

"Senior Kakuzu, you are so stingy."

"Small fortunes come from thrift."

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 177: The Adorable Side of Kakuzu

Kimimaro's life in the Akatsuki organization officially began.

And there were only three things he did in the organization.

Work, work, and more work!

Kakuzu would take on a bounty mission almost every week to hunt down ninjas and earn money.

Although Kimimaro didn't have to do it himself, he had to go along.

After all, the Akatsuki organization stipulated that unless there were special circumstances, everyone had to travel in pairs.

On the one hand, it was to support each other, and on the other hand, it was to supervise each other to prevent the other party from doing something that would betray the organization.

The purpose of pairing a newcomer like Kimimaro with a veteran like Kakuzu was more for surveillance.

Of course, Kimimaro still had considerable freedom.

Kakuzu wasn't particularly loyal to the Akatsuki organization and wouldn't keep a close eye on Kimimaro all the time.

He only joined the Akatsuki organization because he was defeated by Pain and had no choice but to join.

As long as Kimimaro didn't go too far, Kakuzu wouldn't bother to care.

Moreover, their brief previous encounter had made him realize that Kimimaro's strength was not to be underestimated.

He wouldn't turn against Kimimaro unless absolutely necessary.

As a seasoned veteran, Kakuzu wasn't a fool.

Therefore, Kimimaro also had enough free time to conduct his own research.

In the laboratory, eight pills were placed in front of him.

One was the special soldier pill he had made before, which was brown.

The other seven black pills were the black food pills he had just developed.

These were all made from the black blood pepper he had picked before.

In order not to reduce the effect, Kimimaro retained the spicy taste while adding many different medicinal herbs to match the medicinal properties, and only then did he complete the research.

These medicinal herbs added to the black food pills were all picked and purchased when he was on missions with Kakuzu.

Kimimaro had invested a lot in this.

"The loss is higher than expected. With so much black blood pepper, only seven pills were made. But both the taste and the effect are better than the previous special soldier pills."

In order to improve the previous unpalatable taste, Kimimaro specially incorporated Liu Maoxing's cooking skills.

So although the black food pills were spicy, they tasted great.

Simply put, they tasted like extremely delicious Mapo Tofu.

Originally, he had made eight black food pills, but Kimimaro had eaten one for testing, so now there were only seven left.

It was a bit of a waste, but without trying it, he wouldn't know the specific effect.

The final result was very satisfying to him.

It restored ninety percent of his physical strength and eighty percent of his chakra, far exceeding ordinary soldier pills.

And the side effects were negligible for Kimimaro's body.

As for what effect it would have on others, he didn't know.

He didn't intend to give this to others; everything was adjusted according to his own body characteristics.

After doing all this, Kimimaro's gaze fell on the Pikachu beside him.

At this moment, Pikachu was condensing lightning crystals, and beside it were ninety-nine identical crystals.

The crystals were yellow with a lightning pattern in the middle.

This was the lightning crystal needed to activate the Thunder Temple.

"Pika..."

Looking at Pikachu's listless appearance, even its lightning tail drooped, it was obviously exhausted.

The hundredth lightning crystal was completed.

Pikachu's legs went weak, and it sat directly on the ground.

"Little guy, you've worked hard."

Kimimaro smiled and rubbed Pikachu's little head. Its entire face was filled with grievance, and its teary eyes made it look even cuter.

"Alright, your hard work won't be in vain. Didn't the Lightning Fang we brought back last time become bigger? Tomorrow we'll set off and find someone to modify the sword for you. You'll be able to use it soon."

"Pika!"

Pikachu, who had a aggrieved face, suddenly perked up.

"Not feeling wronged anymore?"

"Pika!"

Pikachu nodded cutely.

The Akatsuki Lightning Fang version of Pikachu was about to be launched.

"You're going to the Land of Artisans?"

The next day, Kakuzu was quite surprised when he learned of Kimimaro's intention to go to the Land of Artisans.

"I want to find a ninja craftsman to modify this Lightning Fang and make it smaller for the little guy to use."

Kimimaro pointed to the Pikachu on his shoulder.

"Lightning Fang is a top-notch weapon in the ninja world, and you want to give it to this little mouse? I've never seen anyone as extravagant as you."

Although Kakuzu didn't care about ninja swords, he couldn't help but complain when he heard Kimimaro's idea.

"Making the best use of everything, right?"

"Forget it, it's rare for someone to survive a month as my teammate. I'll go to the Land of Artisans with you. I happened to see ninjas from the Land of Artisans on the bounty list before, so I won't be bored when we get there. The amount is a bit small, but every little bit counts."

If these ninjas knew that Kakuzu was going there because of this, they would probably want to give Kimimaro a piece of their mind.

"Thank you, Senior Kakuzu."

"Have you found a suitable ninja craftsman?"

"About that... not yet. I'm not very familiar with that area, so I plan to inquire more after we get there."

Hearing this, Kakuzu extended his right hand towards Kimimaro.

"What's this for?"

Kimimaro was puzzled, not understanding what Kakuzu meant.

"Give me one hundred thousand Ryo, and I'll help you find a ninja craftsman who can modify the Lightning Fang. I guarantee it'll be done well."

"Senior Kakuzu also knows ninja craftsmen?"

Kimimaro was a bit surprised.

"When I was roaming the ninja world, your grandfather wasn't even born yet. Of course, I know a lot more than you. Modifying the Lightning Fang isn't something an ordinary ninja craftsman can do. With my help, it can save you a lot of trouble."

Kimimaro was delighted to hear this.

Having an elder in the family is like having a treasure.

This saying was indeed true.

When it came to knowledge of the ninja world, few people could compare to Kakuzu, who was nearly ninety years old.

"If Senior Kakuzu is willing to help, of course, I'd be more than happy. But... we're teammates after all, are you going to charge even your own people?"

"Don't try to get close to me. My only true companion is money, and with you, it's just a temporary arrangement. Give me the money, I'll help. No money, no help."

"Senior Kakuzu is really heartless."

Although Kimimaro said this, he still readily handed over one hundred thousand Ryo to Kakuzu.

It was just a small amount of money.

Any trouble that could be solved with money wasn't considered trouble to Kimimaro.

Kakuzu quickly counted the money, and after confirming it was correct, he said, "Refreshing. We can set off now, I'll lead the way."

After getting the money, Kakuzu's mood visibly improved.

As long as the money was in place, Kakuzu, who could even take down a Kage-level ninja, suddenly seemed inexplicably adorable in Kimimaro's eyes.

He really was a pure-hearted old man.

Unlike the old folks in Konoha, whose minds were full of twists and turns.

Teaming up with Kakuzu during this time had been quite enjoyable overall.

The two set off for the Land of Artisans.

And at this moment, the Land of Artisans was also not peaceful.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 178: The Ninja Craftsman

The Land of Artisans, the supply base for ninja tools in the entire ninja world.

More than 70% of the ninja tools in the ninja world are produced here.

On the one hand, it's because there are extremely rich ore resources here, and on the other hand, it's also because there are many skilled craftsmen here.

These people are called ninja craftsmen.

In the Land of Artisans, there is also a small ninja village called the Craftsman Ninja Village.

It has the most cutting-edge ninja tool technology in the entire ninja world.

However, this time, Kakuzu didn't take Kimimaro to the Craftsman Ninja Village, but to a small mountain village on the edge of the Land of Artisans.

"Senior Kakuzu, is this the place where the ninja craftsman you mentioned is? It doesn't look like it."

Kimimaro looked around; it was a bit too desolate here.

"Kid, learn well. Truly good things won't be displayed on the street for you to find. Just like truly capable people, they are usually low-key.

The ninja craftsman I know is no less skilled than anyone in the Craftsman Ninja Village. It's just that this guy has a problem, he doesn't want to make money, he just likes to stay in this broken place."

Hearing Kakuzu say this, Kimimaro became interested.

Was this a recluse expert?

Soon, Kakuzu led Kimimaro to a small house.

Only here did he feel the traces of a ninja craftsman's existence.

Because there was a huge furnace next to the house, it was obvious at a glance that it was a place for forging ninja tools.

"Blackstone, business has come."

Kakuzu stood at the door and called out directly.

After a long time, an old man walked out of the room.

"You're not dead yet, Kakuzu."

Seeing Kakuzu, the old man's mouth curled up slightly, with a bit of joy at the reunion of old friends, even the wrinkles on his face seemed to have smoothed out a bit.

"You're still alive and well, how could I die before you?"

Kakuzu sneered.

"You, your words are still so unpleasant. Eh, who is this..."

"My new teammate."

"He's really young. To become your teammate at such a young age, I don't know whether to say he's unfortunate or unfortunate."

"Blackstone, are you looking for a beating?"

"Hahaha."

Kakuzu was cold, but Blackstone was somewhat enthusiastic.

The two were like old friends who hadn't seen each other for years, and the atmosphere of their conversation was very relaxed.

Kimimaro could also see that the old man had a good relationship with Kakuzu. At the very least, they could joke with each other.

If someone else spoke to Kakuzu like this, the grass on their grave might be three meters high.

"Alright, enough joking. Judging by your appearance, you must have something to ask me, right? Otherwise, you wouldn't have come to me. Tell me, what ninja tool do you want me to make?"

Blackstone and Kakuzu were considered friends, but Kakuzu always had a reason for visiting, so Blackstone knew that he must have something to ask him.

"This kid wants you to modify a pair of swords. You can handle it as you see fit. I recommended you, so do a good job, or I won't let you off the hook."

After Kakuzu finished speaking, he looked at Kimimaro.

Kimimaro instantly understood Kakuzu's meaning and took out the Lightning Fang from his space scroll.

"This is... the Lightning Fang of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist? You guys are really something. Did you kill Kurosuki Raiga and take his sword?"

Blackstone recognized the Lightning Fang at a glance, with a hint of surprise in his eyes.

"That guy's head is worth thirty million Ryo, quite a bargain."

Kakuzu said without changing his expression, as if he was talking about pork loin costing twenty yuan per catty at the market.

"You really haven't changed. After being a bounty ninja for decades, you still love this profession as much as you did back then. Young man, don't learn from him. This guy has no future. Sooner or later, he'll die because of his bounty target."

Blackstone complained and stepped forward to take the Lightning Fang, carefully examining it.

"What a fine sword. What needs to be changed about such a sword? It doesn't look damaged."

"Senior, I want to make this sword a bit smaller."

"Smaller? Isn't this size just right for you?"

Blackstone was puzzled.

"You misunderstood, Senior. It's not for me, it's for it."

Kimimaro pointed to the Pikachu on his shoulder.

Pikachu tilted its head slightly, looking harmless.

"Pika!"

"It?"

Blackstone was stunned for a moment, but he wasn't surprised.

The summoning beasts in the ninja world were all sorts of strange, and some of them used weapons.

It was said that Jiraiya, one of the legendary Sannin, could summon a toad that used a short sword.

However, the Pikachu in front of him didn't look like a powerful summoning beast at all; it looked more like a pet that lived by being cute.

"You're quite generous. This is a fine weapon that most people would beg for. And you want to give it to a summoning beast."

"It was stolen anyway, so it doesn't matter whether I'm generous or not."

"You're quite straightforward. Indeed, after spending so much time with Kakuzu, you can't learn anything good. Alright, I'll take this job, but I have one condition."

"Please tell me, Senior."

"I won't charge for modifying the sword. But the leftover scraps belong to me. This Lightning Fang can gather lightning; its material is not ordinary. If I keep it, I might be able to create something interesting."

"No problem. As long as you modify the sword well, Senior, the remaining materials are all yours."

The materials were of no use to Kimimaro.

He didn't need to forge weapons at all; his bones were his best weapons.

"Refreshing."

Blackstone took the Lightning Fang and threw it into the forge.

"Modifying the sword will take about three days. Do you want to stay here with me? I recently got a bottle of good wine, and it's no fun drinking alone. Want to join me?"

"No time, I'm still in a hurry to kill people."

Kakuzu refused directly.

"The Land of Artisans is quite chaotic right now. It's better for you not to wander around outside. Although there's no danger for you, it's still troublesome."

Blackstone advised.

"What happened in the Land of Artisans?"

Kimimaro was quite curious.

In fact, along the way, he had also noticed that something was strange about the situation in the Land of Artisans.

"Some of my friends told me that the Four Heavenly Kings of the Craftsman Ninja Village don't know what they're thinking, but they seem to be targeting the One-Tailed Jinchuriki of the Sand Village. They're quite busy lately."

Hearing this, Kimimaro exchanged a glance with Kakuzu.

The One-Tailed Jinchuriki was the Akatsuki's target, but the people assigned to capture it were Sasori and Deidara, so it had nothing to do with them.

"The Four Heavenly Kings? What kind of insignificant people dare to have their eyes on a Jinchuriki? They really overestimate themselves."

Even through the mask, one could sense the mockery on Kakuzu's face.

"To you, the Four Heavenly Kings are naturally nothing. But to others, these four guys are quite capable. The four ninja tools passed down through generations in the Craftsman Ninja Village are quite powerful. In a way, they're even stronger than this Lightning Fang."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 179 - Gotta Pay More

The Infinite Hole Armor, Dragon Eye Telescopic Sword, Peacock Twin Swords, and Light Sword are the four ninja tools passed down from generation to generation in the Artisan Ninja Village.

Each sword possesses unique abilities and considerable power.

In Kimimaro's view, these should be the prototypes of scientific ninja tools.

Compared to them, the Lightning Blade isn't weak.

It's just that the first four are more user-friendly, while the Lightning Blade requires the user to have sufficient skill.

Otherwise, it's impossible to unleash its full power.

For example, Kurosuki Raiga's skill is quite poor, and it's a waste to give him the Lightning Blade.

"No matter how powerful a weapon is, it depends on the user's ability. Relying on four ninja tools to challenge the Sand Village? Although the Sand Village has always been at the bottom of the Five Great Ninja Villages, it's not something any force can easily shake.

These Four Heavenly Kings aren't very bright, and the leader of the Artisan Ninja Village just lets them do as they please?"

"With the strength of the Artisan Ninja Village, they can't stop those four at all. To protect themselves, the ninja craftsmen in the village have already relocated."

Black Stone sighed, quite worried.

The Four Heavenly Kings are the signature of the Artisan Ninja Village. Although they have betrayed the village now, the outside world doesn't know.

Once this matter blows up, the Artisan Ninja Village won't be able to explain it clearly.

Plus, the village is wealthy, and there's no guarantee it won't be taken advantage of.

So the village is contacting Konoha, hoping they can send someone to stop the Four Heavenly Kings, while also relocating in advance to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

The Artisan Ninja Village is making two preparations, aiming to minimize the damage.

Hearing their conversation, Kimimaro felt that Black Stone seemed to know a lot about the Artisan Ninja Village.

This kind of information isn't something ordinary people would know.

The next moment, their conversation confirmed Kimimaro's thoughts.

"I remember you were also from the Artisan Ninja Village, right?"

Black Stone nodded.

"It's been many years since I went back."

"Ten million Ryo."

Kakuzu casually quoted a price.

"What?"

Black Stone was taken aback.

"Just by looking at you, I know you're worried about the Artisan Ninja Village. You left the village full of anger because of that incident. But you still can't let go of that broken village. Ten million Ryo, I'll kill the Four Heavenly Kings for you, and then there won't be any problems, right?"

Kakuzu said matter-of-factly.

"You're still the same, always resorting to violence."

Black Stone sighed helplessly.

"If killing can solve the problem, then it's not a problem. So, are you in or not? The longer you drag it out, the more trouble there will be. If we wait until a big mistake is made, it'll be useless even if I kill them."

Kakuzu's words made Black Stone determined.

"Deal! But I hope you can bring back those four ninja tools intact, they're very important to the Artisan Ninja Village."

"Sure, gotta pay more, a total of fifteen million Ryo."

Black Stone: "..."

Kakuzu's price hike left Kimimaro stunned.

A money-making genius.

"Fine, fifteen million Ryo it is."

Black Stone didn't lack that much money, so he agreed without bargaining.

He also knew that haggling with Kakuzu was impossible.

This guy was a money bag.

"Very good. Now tell me the information."

Kakuzu showed a satisfied expression.

In the blink of an eye, Kakuzu had closed another big deal.

Kimimaro couldn't help but admire Kakuzu's money-making ability.

After the information exchange was complete, Kakuzu said to Kimimaro, "Kid, let's go. By the time we get back, your sword will be ready."

"Okay, Kakuzu-senpai."

Kimimaro didn't refuse and left with him.

Black Stone watched their departing figures and muttered, "I hope they can really stop the Four Heavenly Kings. The Artisan Ninja Village is really troublesome."

On the way, Kakuzu's gaze kept sweeping over him.

"Senpai, why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?"

Kimimaro was unaffected by his stare and asked directly.

"I feel like I lost out."

"Lost out? On what?"

Kimimaro was puzzled.

"Each of those four ninja tools could sell for five million Ryo, but I gave you the Lightning Blade for free. I lost at least one million Ryo there."

Kimimaro: "..."

So it was because of that, and it had been so long ago, he was still keeping track.

"Kid, how about I treat you to a meal, and you return the sword to me. If that's not possible, you can make up the difference, not much, just one million Ryo."

Kakuzu tried to renegotiate, but Kimimaro definitely wouldn't agree.

"The deal is done, there's no going back. Kakuzu-senpai, just consider it a lesson learned."

Kimimaro said, quickening his pace.

"You stingy kid, when did you become so frugal?"

Kakuzu was slightly dissatisfied.

"Naturally, I learned it from you, senpai."

"Hmph. Next time I get the chance, I'll definitely kill you!"

A financial dispute had begun, and it might well turn into a murder case.

At this moment, Kimimaro had an idea and said, "Senpai, how about we make another deal? I can give you ten million Ryo."

Kakuzu's green eyes lit up upon hearing this.

"What kind of deal?"

"Give me a meter-long piece of Earth Grudge Fear, I want to study it. I'm quite interested in this thing."

Kakuzu immediately stopped in his tracks.

"Kid, you're eyeing my Earth Grudge Fear? Are you looking to die?"

"Of course not. I just see that Kakuzu-senpai has such a long life, so I'm curious about the composition of Earth Grudge Fear. If I figure it out, maybe I can even help you make a breakthrough. You only have five hearts now, who knows, maybe you can get seven?"

Kakuzu was actually a bit tempted upon hearing this.

On the one hand, there was the lure of money, and on the other hand, he had reached the limit of his control over Earth Grudge Fear. If there was a way to go further, it would be a good thing.

As for whether Kimimaro would turn against him after studying Earth Grudge Fear, Kakuzu wasn't worried.

Earth Grudge Fear didn't have any weaknesses.

Moreover, whenever someone in the Akatsuki lost an arm or a leg, they would come to him to reattach it. He had already given away quite a bit of Earth Grudge Fear and didn't mind giving some to Kimimaro.

As his teammate, if Kimimaro really wanted to mess with Earth Grudge Fear, Kakuzu wouldn't be able to defend against it anyway.

It was better to give it to him now that he had brought it up openly.

It would both strengthen their bond and earn him money.

Of course, the most important thing was the money.

Thinking of this, Kakuzu immediately made a decision.

He held up two fingers with his right hand, gesturing.

"Twenty million Ryo. In addition to the deal we just discussed, I can continue to provide Earth Grudge Fear if you run out of research materials later."

Expanding the deal, raising the price.

"Deal."

Kimimaro smiled, his eyes narrowed.

Kakuzu was truly a good teammate.

Earth Grudge Fear, easily acquired.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 180 - Dual-Wielding Pikachu

In the forest.

The Four Heavenly Kings were traveling at full speed.

Suddenly, two figures appeared in front of them.

"Who's there!"

The Four Heavenly Kings were startled and stopped, looking at the two people before them.

Black robes with red clouds.

One old, one young.

They stood there, as if they had been waiting for a long time.

"You're really slow."

Kakuzu sneered, clearly dissatisfied.

He didn't waste any words and initiated the battle directly.

Kimimaro stayed where he was, keeping a close eye on the four to prevent them from escaping.

After spending time together, he and Kakuzu had developed a growing understanding.

Generally speaking, Kakuzu was responsible for the offense, and Kimimaro was responsible for watching the show.

"Kakuzu-senpai is really impatient."

Kimimaro commented, then activated his Byakugan, pulling all the scenery within a three-kilometer radius into his mind.

After this period of training, his Byakugan was no weaker than Hiashi Hyuga's.

The Byakugan was gradually revealing extraordinary power in him.

"This is..."

New figures appeared in his vision.

Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari were rushing towards them.

Kimimaro's gaze fell on the Four Heavenly Kings again.

The one with the lightsaber was carrying a puppet on his back.

With his Byakugan, Kimimaro could see there was a person inside.

"A hostage? These Four Heavenly Kings only do unscrupulous things."

Kimimaro shook his head slightly, expressing his disdain for their actions.

On the other side, Kakuzu stepped forward and threw a punch. His fist, covered in Earth Release chakra, turned pitch black, capable of inflicting tremendous damage.

Earth Release: Earth Spear!

Speed Burst!

The Four Heavenly Kings naturally wouldn't wait to be killed. The Peacock Twin Swords activated, and wind blades slashed out from them.

At the same time, the Dragon Eye Telescopic Sword transformed into three dragons, pouncing on Kakuzu.

Facing such an attack, Kakuzu didn't dodge or evade, but instead, threw his right fist.

Boom!

The force of the punch exploded.

Whether it was the wind blades or the dragon-shaped chakra, they were all shattered by the pitch-black fist.

Flashy things weren't practical at all.

At least, in the hands of these four, they couldn't unleash their full power.

"What!"

The Four Heavenly Kings panicked.

Kakuzu was like a wolf among sheep, his fists reaping their lives.

In a matter of moments, the Four Heavenly Kings were already down.

Their breaths were incredibly weak, and it was clear they wouldn't survive.

"That was really clean and efficient."

Kimimaro sighed.

When Kakuzu faced his targets, if he could finish them with one move, he would never use a second.

These Four Heavenly Kings were at most special Jonin level and couldn't compete with Kakuzu at all.

Moreover, Black Stone had already told Kakuzu about the characteristics of the four ninja tools, so the Four Heavenly Kings had lost their last advantage. Being beaten by Kakuzu was only natural.

"Kid, catch."

Kakuzu took the ninja tools from the four and tossed them to Kimimaro.

The Infinite Hole Armor that could absorb chakra, the Dragon Eye Telescopic Sword that could transform into dragons for attacks, the Peacock Twin Swords that could release powerful Wind Release, and the lightsaber that could utilize light for combat.

Among these four, the Infinite Hole Armor should be the most difficult to deal with.

Speaking of which, the ability to absorb chakra really ran throughout the entire Naruto series.

Starting from the Crimson Armor, similar abilities appeared every once in a while.

"Kakuzu-senpai, someone's coming."

Gaara and the others were getting closer, and Kimimaro intended to call Kakuzu to retreat together.

"Let's go."

Kakuzu immediately retreated upon hearing this.

The Four Heavenly Kings weren't their bounty targets, so he naturally had no interest in their corpses.

After confirming they were dead, he could leave.

Not long after the two left, Gaara and the others arrived.

"What happened here?"

Seeing the lifeless bodies of the Four Heavenly Kings, Gaara and the others were shocked.

"They're already dead, all four killed with a single blow. The one who did this is very strong."

Gaara went forward to examine them and gave his conclusion.

"Lord Gaara! I'm here!"

At that moment, an excited girl's voice came from the puppet.

Gaara quickly opened the puppet.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. Just now, two people suddenly appeared, and in the blink of an eye, the Four Heavenly Kings were killed by them."

"Two people killed the Four Heavenly Kings in the blink of an eye?"

Temari and Kankuro looked at each other, both seeing the shock in each other's eyes.

They had fought against the Four Heavenly Kings before, and in one-on-one battles, they were at a disadvantage.

Yet such opponents were killed in an instant by the other party.

Who were they?

"Did you see clearly who attacked?"

Through the eyeholes of the puppet, Little Matsuri could see what was happening outside.

"I had my back to them, so I couldn't see clearly. But when they were leaving, I saw their backs. They were wearing the same clothes, they should belong to some organization."

"What kind of clothes?"

"Black robes with red clouds."

Gaara frowned slightly, he had no impression of this attire.

"Gaara, the matter is resolved, let's go back first, the village is waiting for us."

Kankuro said.

"Alright. Let's go."

Unable to determine who the attackers were for the time being, Gaara could only give up.

Fortunately, the outcome of this mission was still good.

The hostage was rescued, that was enough.

As for whether those two mysterious people were friends or foes, the Sand's Anbu would investigate, it wasn't something he should be concerned about.

Several days later.

Black Stone looked at the four ninja tools placed before him, a nostalgic look in his eyes.

"You really live up to your reputation, you're so efficient."

"Pay up."

The indifferent Kakuzu, demanding his payment online.

Black Stone was prepared and handed two suitcases of cash to Kakuzu.

Taking the suitcases, Kakuzu started counting the money again.

"Senpai, is my sword ready?"

Kimimaro seized the opportunity to ask.

"It's ready. Come with me."

Black Stone led Kimimaro to a nearby ninja tool room and handed him a box.

"This is probably the smallest ninja sword I've ever made in my life, it's for you."

Kimimaro opened the box, and inside lay a miniature version of the Lightning Blade.

"Pika!"

Seeing the Lightning Blade that fit its size, Pikachu became excited.

"Little guy, give it a try."

Pikachu didn't hesitate and immediately went forward, grabbing the Lightning Blade.

The Lightning Blade, several sizes smaller, was perfect for Pikachu.

With the dual swords in hand, Pikachu danced around excitedly, like a child who had received a new toy.

"It seems the size is perfect, senpai's craftsmanship is truly excellent."

"Hehe, it's nothing worth mentioning. However, young man, your summoning beast doesn't seem to know swordsmanship."

Black Stone's eyes revealed a hint of confusion.

"It doesn't matter, as long as it likes it. As for swordsmanship, it can learn."

Pikachu's imitation ability was very strong, learning swordsmanship wouldn't be difficult.

Kimimaro was already imagining what Pikachu would look like performing the Starburst Stream.

Dual swords naturally required dual-wielding.

He was very familiar with this sword style.

(End of Chapter)