The Land of Iron.
A narrow forest path.
The recent rainfall had left the uneven road muddy, with puddles scattered throughout.
Two figures clad in black cloaks adorned with red clouds strode along the path. One walked with his hands lazily resting behind his head, his face filled with an air of nonchalance.
The other, however, held a thick book in both hands, his head lowered as he read with intense focus.
Splash!
The reading ninja stepped into a puddle, sending muddy water splattering onto his companion's cloak.
"Kakuzu!" The other ninja frowned in irritation as he looked down at his now-filthy cloak.
"What the hell are you reading? Can't you at least watch where you're walking?"
Hearing his partner's complaint, Kakuzu lifted his head, his glowing green eyes locking onto him as he spoke in a deep voice.
"Hidan, I'm reviewing the bounty ledger."
"There are a few individuals in the Land of Iron with rather generous bounties on their heads."
At this, Hidan sighed in exasperation. "You really are a workaholic, aren't you?"
"If only you'd devote yourself to the ways of Lord Jashin, I'm sure he'd be pleased."
Kakuzu scoffed. "The only thing that interests me is making money."
"If your so-called Jashin could bless me with endless riches, I wouldn't mind becoming a believer."
Hidan retorted, "You can't expect rewards for serving Lord Jashin!"
"Besides, once we reach the capital of the Land of Iron, you'll be collecting a bounty of one hundred million ryo. That should keep you satisfied for a while."
"No." Kakuzu shook his head. "That hundred million won't come easy."
"Our target this time is none other than Uchiha Mirai."
Hidan raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Kakuzu, are you scared?"
Kakuzu let out a cold snort, carefully tucking away the bounty ledger before replying with pride.
"Hidan, don't underestimate me."
"I've lived for over eighty years—there's nothing I haven't seen."
"Back in the day, I even attempted to assassinate the First Hokage himself."
"Though I failed, I still managed to escape unscathed."
"Do you think a mere Uchiha brat would be enough to make me afraid?"
His tone was filled with arrogance.
After all, surviving an encounter with the man known as the "God of Shinobi," the First Hokage Senju Hashirama, was no small feat.
Not to mention, back then, he had yet to master Earth Grudge Fear.
If he had to face Hashirama now, who's to say he wouldn't succeed?
"Ugh, not this again. You and your 'I tried to assassinate the First Hokage' story. I've heard it a thousand times…" Hidan grumbled.
Ever since they became partners, he'd been forced to endure Kakuzu's endless recounting of that tale.
Old-fashioned, stubborn, and utterly dull—he had had enough.
But Kakuzu ignored him and instead asked with interest, "Hidan, do you think you can defeat Uchiha Mirai?"
Hidan ran a hand through his slicked-back hair, a crazed grin appearing on his face.
"Lord Jashin will bless me. I'll not only defeat Mirai, but I'll offer him as a sacrifice to my god!"
"Just thinking about it makes my blood boil with excitement."
"Kakuzu, don't you dare interfere, or I might have to sacrifice you too."
Kakuzu snorted. "You can have your ritual, but I'm taking his corpse to the black market."
"His head alone is worth five billion ryo."
Even Hashirama's bounty had never reached such astronomical heights.
If he could claim Uchiha Mirai's bounty, he would become a living legend among bounty hunters.
With that thought, Kakuzu and Hidan exchanged a glance before breaking into laughter…
...
Konoha.
Inside a two-story villa near the village center.
Yuhi Shinku, Yuhi Kurenai, Nohara Rin, and Uchiha Mirai sat leisurely in the living room, sipping tea.
"Shinku-sensei, you haven't been taking many missions lately, have you?"
Hearing this, Yuhi Shinku smiled. "Ever since the Divine Nation was established, the ninja world has been much more peaceful. The demand for ninja has naturally declined."
"Honestly, I never expected the Five Great Villages to unite into a single nation."
His eyes were filled with admiration as he gazed at his student.
Back when Kurenai had begged him to take in Mirai as a disciple, he had been hesitant.
After all, everyone knew of the Uchiha's complicated status in the village, along with their notoriously rebellious nature.
Yet, in just a few short years, this once-young boy had grown into a force that reshaped the ninja world.
His own standing as a jonin instructor had risen alongside him.
If he had refused Kurenai back then, he would have regretted it immensely.
Mirai chuckled. "Sensei, since missions are scarce, why not help me out instead?"
"The Divine Nation is still in its infancy, and there's an endless amount of work to be done. Consider it a favor for your student."
Yuhi Shinku scoffed. "Don't think I don't know what you're up to."
"Kurenai has been wanting to move in with you now that she's an adult. I won't interfere with that."
"But the bride price—don't even think about skimping on it."
Having his beloved daughter taken away so soon after graduating from the Academy still stung.
If he had to suffer, then Mirai was going to suffer too.
Of course, he had no intention of actually keeping the money.
He simply wanted Mirai to experience the sting of parting with a large sum. After a few days, he planned to return it all.
Mirai, unfazed, waved a hand. "Sensei, name your price."
Shinku thought for a moment before holding up one finger.
"Ten million ryo?" Mirai asked earnestly.
Shinku's heart skipped a beat.
His initial expectation had been a mere one million, but Mirai had jumped straight to ten million…
"Why so quiet? Is it a hundred million?"
Pfft!
Shinku nearly choked on his tea.
One hundred million?!
Just how much money did this kid have?!
Seeing Kurenai's expression darken, Shinku quickly cut in. "Enough, that's enough."
He was afraid Kurenai would turn on him if he pushed further.
"One hundred million it is!"
Then, a mischievous grin spread across his face.
Mirai, now you know what heartache feels like, don't you?
Just the thought of it filled him with satisfaction.
As Shinku watched, Mirai took out a brush and started writing on a piece of paper.
"Sensei, here's a list detailing my commitment to the bride price. Keep it safe."
Shinku took the document and skimmed through it—only to frown in confusion.
"Mirai, didn't we agree on one hundred million? Why does it say two hundred million here?"
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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