The night had settled into a quiet lull, and Team 7 was finishing up their dinner. The weight of the mission and the recent battle with Zabuza still lingered in the air. But for Kakashi, his mind wasn't on the battle, nor the safety of the Wave Country. No, his thoughts were already focused on something far more personal: the payment system.
After the meal, Kakashi called Tazuna aside, stepping outside into the cool night air. Tazuna, his face tired but curious, followed him out onto the small porch of the house.
"Alright, Kakashi, what's this all about?" Tazuna asked, looking at Kakashi as the masked ninja stood with his arms crossed.
Kakashi didn't waste time. "I'm setting up a toll system for the country."
Tazuna raised an eyebrow, confused. "A toll system? What do you mean?"
"Every person who enters or leaves the Wave Country will be required to pay a fee," Kakashi explained in his usual calm, almost detached voice. "A hundred dollars per person, each time they cross the border. I'll come by once a month to collect the payment, or if I'm unavailable, I'll send someone else to handle it."
Tazuna stared, baffled. "You're charging people just to leave or enter? Are you serious? This is a poor country, Kakashi. People are struggling to feed themselves, and you want to charge them to cross the border?"
Kakashi's expression didn't shift. "That's the plan."
Tazuna's face tightened in frustration. "But Kakashi, how are people supposed to pay for that? A hundred dollars? The people here can barely afford anything as it is! This could put the whole country into further debt!"
Kakashi remained unfazed, his eyes focused, almost detached. "I'm not asking for your approval, Tazuna. The toll system will be set up. I'll make sure the payments are collected, and I'll make sure people understand that they won't be able to leave or enter without paying. The payment is a requirement. You don't have a choice in the matter."
Tazuna stepped back, his expression souring as he tried to comprehend what Kakashi was proposing. "But why? What are you getting out of this?"
Kakashi's tone was matter-of-fact as he replied, "I'll be collecting the payments directly, and this money will be mine. I'll come every month, collect the fees, and make sure everything is handled. This is for my benefit, Tazuna. And frankly, it's the most efficient way for me to get paid for my services."
Tazuna was silent for a moment, his mouth hanging slightly open as he processed what Kakashi was saying. "You're just… using this country's situation to make money for yourself?"
"That's the plan," Kakashi said coldly. "I'm not here for charity. I'm here to get paid for my work. And that's exactly what I'm going to do."
Tazuna looked ready to protest again, but he saw the unyielding resolve in Kakashi's eyes. He knew that no matter how much he disagreed, this plan was already set in motion. Kakashi wasn't asking for approval; he was simply informing him of what was happening.
"You're serious about this, aren't you?" Tazuna finally asked, his voice a mix of disbelief and resignation.
"Absolutely," Kakashi replied with a nod. "The money will be mine to collect. I'll come by every month to gather the funds, and I'll make sure everyone understands that they can't leave or enter without paying."
Tazuna sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping. "I don't know what to say, Kakashi. I really don't."
Kakashi simply gave a short shrug. "There's nothing more to discuss. It's happening, and it'll be taken care of. You don't have to worry about anything else."
With that, Kakashi turned to walk back toward the house, leaving Tazuna standing there, still stunned by the cold, calculated manner in which Kakashi had handled the situation.
Inside the house, Team 7 was quiet, unaware of the conversation that had just transpired. Kakashi didn't bother explaining the toll system to them; this wasn't their concern. His mind was already set on the next step—collecting the payments and building his wealth. After all, this was just the beginning. Once he had enough resources, he could focus on his real plans.
Tazuna watched Kakashi walk back into the house, shaking his head as he tried to process what had just happened. It was clear that this mission was about more than just protecting the country. Kakashi had his own goals, and it was becoming clearer by the minute that those goals didn't align with the interests of the people of Wave.