Naruto: Hatake's No Misfortune

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"Cooperation? If there's a bounty, I don't need your help. I can handle it alone," Kakuzu said coldly, suspecting the other party was trying to use him for free. Yet, when he attacked earlier, they didn't press him further, taking a step back instead.

Besides, they were in a bounty station. Any unnecessary damage could get him blacklisted.

"I think you've misunderstood. With our resources, we don't waste time chasing down targets ourselves," Muzan said, glancing at Kakuzu. The man before him valued money above all else, and while Kakuzu was ruthless, he was undeniably a financial genius.

"What if I hired you as a financial advisor?" Muzan suggested. "The pay would be more than satisfactory."

He extended his hand, signaling Kakuzu to lean in closer. Kakuzu's skepticism was evident, but as Muzan whispered, his eyes widened in surprise.

"What you said... is that true?"

"Absolutely."

The offer had Kakuzu intrigued. He glanced at the head behind him, realizing it no longer held the same appeal. His obsession with money was unmatched, and Muzan had promised him a path lined with wealth beyond imagination.

"When things settle down on our end, I'll send for you. If you manage the finances well, you'll even earn equity," Muzan promised.

The deal was hard to resist. War had increased demand for Muzan's blood-discrimination technology, and he had more than enough funds to offer. Kakuzu's financial expertise could ensure the Twelve Kizuki's capital remained intact, unlike Pakura, whose strategies often faltered.

"It sounds good," Kakuzu said thoughtfully. "But to make sure you're not tricking me, I'll need a deposit first."

Kakuzu wasn't foolish. Muzan's promises were tempting, but he wouldn't move until he saw real money.

"How dare you question Lord Muzan!" Yamanosatsu, standing nearby, growled. His hand twitched, ready to strike down Kakuzu for his insolence.

"Calm yourself," Muzan said, raising a hand to stop him. He unsealed a scroll and handed Kakuzu a bag of money.

Kakuzu quickly inspected its contents. Satisfied, he smirked. "Very generous. Once things settle down, you can find me at the bounty station."

For decades, Kakuzu had lived a simple life—completing missions, collecting money, and avoiding unnecessary attachments. Despite the numerous bounty hunters who targeted him, all had been swiftly eliminated.

Muzan had considered turning Kakuzu into one of his ogres, but his immortality was already a unique form of survival. Altering him could introduce weaknesses that might compromise his abilities.

Besides, Kakuzu's status as a bounty hunter made him an ideal ally. Muzan's identity and the Twelve Kizuki were still shrouded in secrecy, and it wasn't time to reveal his plans.

After the discussion, Muzan returned to Orochimaru's camp. He was certain that Orochimaru had some inkling of his mission. However, Orochimaru, despite his twisted nature, had yet to completely discard his humanity. Their cooperation, for now, was mutually beneficial.

Strength was the foundation of their alliance, and with the power Muzan wielded, even a Tailed Beast was no longer a threat. Orochimaru, aware of this, wouldn't act recklessly. After all, Muzan's cells held untapped potential.

Only Konoha's upper echelons were aware of Muzan's true mission. Not even the Jonin knew where Muzan had been during his absence.

Upon entering the camp, Muzan sensed something amiss.

" Orochimaru-Sensei," he greeted as he entered the snake's den.

A cold, ominous aura filled the area. Orochimaru's gaze, sharp and serpentine, fell on Muzan with an eerie intensity.

"Back so soon?" Orochimaru hissed, eyeing Muzan like a predator sizing up prey.

His eyes flicked to a painting on the table—a portrait of Scarlet Moon's likeness, compared with the man standing before him.

"It seems the resemblance is uncanny," Orochimaru remarked.

"Yes, Orochimaru-sensei," Muzan replied calmly, knowing he had anticipated this encounter.

Orochimaru's obsession with immortality and the fragility of life was well known. Seeing Muzan now, it seemed Orochimaru had found a potential answer to his dilemma.

"But sensei, there's no need for concern. Everything fades in time, even for beings like us," Muzan said, referring to the ogre's vulnerability, especially to sunlight.

"True," Orochimaru admitted, his voice more composed now.

Orochimaru had been experimenting with powerful cells, even those of the First Hokage, Hashirama. Yet, despite their regenerative properties, they each had significant flaws. Hashirama's cells consumed the host's body, while ogres could never bask in the sunlight.

These were not the results Orochimaru desired. However, Muzan's cells represented a new path—one he was eager to explore.

"I can help you eliminate your bloodline's weaknesses," Orochimaru offered. "All I need is a small sample of your cells."

The offer was expected. Muzan, after all, was a goldmine for someone like Orochimaru.

"Of course, Orochimaru-sensei, but I'd prefer if our arrangement remained... private," Muzan replied, implying secrecy from Konoha's leadership.

Orochimaru readily agreed. Even Danzo, Orochimaru's current partner, provided only funding. Muzan's cells rivaled Hashirama's in certain aspects, making them a valuable asset.

Orochimaru's disdain for Konoha had grown. Should the village refuse to evolve after the war, Muzan knew Orochimaru wouldn't hesitate to act. The gleam of ambition in his eyes was unmistakable, and even Muzan could feel Orochimaru's murderous intent as they conversed.

"Keep your identity hidden," Orochimaru advised. "Wear a mask so no one will recognize you. As for the Hokage, leave him to me."

"And, I'll help you overcome your weakness to sunlight."

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