When it came to money, Kakuzu was always interested. However, as someone over fifty years old, he had to maintain a dignified air. He let out a cold snort to appear aloof.
Tōshirō patiently persuaded him, "If you learn this, you can manage your finances better and avoid being scammed."
He then casually gave an example of a company's financial officer who secretly embezzled funds to visit brothels, causing cash flow problems that eventually led to bankruptcy.
The moment Kakuzu heard this, he dropped the act. As a man who valued money more than life itself, he could not tolerate the idea of risking his life on the front lines to earn money while some bookkeeper secretly embezzled funds behind his back—without him even realizing it.
To make it easier for Kakuzu to accept, Tōshirō suggested that he could pay tuition for the lessons. Only then did Kakuzu agree.
"This sounds somewhat useful," Kakuzu reluctantly accepted the idea.
As for why Tōshirō knew all this? Kakuzu didn't care.
Tōshirō simply smiled.
If anyone asked why he was so familiar with accounting—even able to draft financial statements—it was because, in his previous life, he worked in that miserable profession.
In fact, his cause of death was overworking on financial reports at the start of the month… leading to sudden death.
He deeply regretted choosing that career.
Not to mention the terrible salary raises—
For example, when the sales department asked for a raise, it went like this:
"Boss, since I joined, our sales revenue has increased by a few percentage points compared to the same period last year. You decide whether to give me a raise or not."
The boss would hear that, find it reasonable, slap his thigh, and agree to a raise.
When the R&D department requested a raise, the conversation went like this:
"Boss, since I joined, our product has outperformed competitors and sold at a better price. Do you think I deserve a raise?"
Again, the boss found it reasonable—giving a raise was a must.
But when an accountant asked for a raise?
"Boss, since I started working here, financial reports are prepared several days earlier than before, and the data is more accurate. Can I get a raise?"
The boss would look at the accountant like they were an idiot and think, Isn't that just your job?
Since the accounting department doesn't directly generate revenue, in the boss's eyes, they were nothing more than a pure expense category.
You should be grateful I'm not cutting your salary—asking for a raise? Keep dreaming!
Low pay, heavy workload, constant stress—
Accountants often joked among themselves: We worry like drug lords but earn less than construction workers.
Actually… construction workers probably earned more.
Tōshirō had always thought his past profession was useless in this new world. But unexpectedly, it helped him fool Kakuzu—he even got him to pay for lessons.
Suddenly, he felt that having a skill was important—you never knew when it might come in handy.
With a sly grin, Tōshirō said, "Since I'm teaching you accounting, shouldn't you call me 'teacher'?"
Kakuzu's face darkened instantly.
"I'm just joking, don't get mad." Tōshirō coughed and quickly changed the topic. "Since we have the same goal, let's discuss how to kidnap the Daimyō's son and extort ransom."
Kakuzu nodded, already considering how much ransom to demand.
"Since you initiated this kidnapping plan, you'll be in charge of the strategy," he said.
After working together for some time, Kakuzu had come to trust Tōshirō's intelligence—especially when it came to making money.
As the mastermind, Tōshirō suggested, "Since we're running a group operation—uh, I mean, a group venture—we need a strong name to establish our brand."
"I don't care, you decide," Kakuzu said indifferently. His role was clear—just muscle for hire, much like his old bounty hunting days. As long as he got his share of the profit, he was fine with anything.
"Alright, then I'll name it Akatsuki—symbolizing how we will use wealth to bring a new dawn to the world."
At this point, the "Akatsuki" organization had not yet been founded in this world. Without hesitation, Tōshirō claimed the name first.
"Hah, you're really making this feel official," Kakuzu mocked. "Did you come up with this name while you were rotting in prison?"
"Of course. I even came up with our slogan."
While locked up, plotting revenge had been Tōshirō's main motivation for survival.
"Oh? You even have a slogan?"
Kakuzu found it amusing. They were planning to kidnap the Daimyō's son, yet Tōshirō was treating it like some grand organization, almost like a child playing pretend.
Then again, upon closer thought, Tōshirō was still young.
Kakuzu gave him a meaningful look. Someone so young, yet already this ambitious—and possessing the talent to match that ambition.
It made him wonder… just what kind of person Tōshirō would become in the future?
However… if someone lacked the ambition, talent, and courage for this, then they weren't worthy of partnering with Kakuzu in the business of making money.
"What's the slogan?"
Kakuzu's lips curled into a faint smirk beneath his mask.
Tōshirō raised his arm and declared, "We don't generate money—we're just transporters of wealth!"
Kakuzu: …
It sounded ridiculous, but at the same time… oddly convincing.
After all, robbery and extortion weren't too different from being transporters.
Except in this case, they were transporting money.
Given how the original "Akatsuki" organization had ultimately failed, Tōshirō planned for their group to operate differently. Instead of acting as a duo, he wanted a fully unified team—like the Phantom Troupe—where every member was present for missions.
While this approach was slightly less efficient, it guaranteed success. Besides, Tōshirō needed Kakuzu, a Kage-level powerhouse, to keep the subordinates in check and prevent any betrayals.
Establishing an organization meant first identifying who was worth recruiting and who was just a disposable tool. That distinction was crucial.
"Kakuzu, do you have any suitable candidates to bring into Akatsuki?" Tōshirō asked.
Having worked as a bounty hunter for years, Kakuzu likely knew the right people to recruit.
Kakuzu replied in a low voice, "You can only judge suitability after meeting them."
He had always worked alone and rarely interacted with others in his field.
"Fair enough."
Tōshirō nodded in agreement. In any case, there was no rush.
Even after gathering members, kidnapping the Daimyō's son wasn't something they could just rush into. It required planning, rehearsals, and even a backup escape strategy in case things went south. These things took time.
Tōshirō gave a reminder, "Oh, by the way, when looking for teammates, we should handle it personally. Don't delegate it to your subordinates and act like some hands-off boss. This isn't something we can afford to be careless with. If word leaks, we're both finished."
"You're really cautious, huh…"
"Given that we haven't 'delivered justice' in a while since our last job, should we find an easy target to warm up?"
"Justice?" Kakuzu chuckled. "You sure make it sound noble."
Tōshirō remained unfazed. "I have principles. I only rob those who are truly corrupt and evil. That makes me an agent of justice."
Kakuzu thought about it and realized… that was actually true.
"What a hassle…"
Tōshirō shrugged. "This world isn't lacking in immoral rich people. If we can make money and sleep soundly at night, why not?"
Kakuzu nodded in agreement.
"Alright then, let's do it. We'll investigate potential targets separately and meet in two weeks at a nearby teahouse."
"Two weeks? Isn't that a bit long?"
Kakuzu figured a couple of days would be enough for such a task.
"Taking our time to compare options and be thorough is never a bad thing. Plus, we can use the opportunity to scout for new recruits."
After considering this, Kakuzu found it reasonable and agreed.
"In that case, I'll be off to investigate potential targets."
Tōshirō stood up, ready to leave. Of course, he was lying. It wasn't about being cautious—
The real reason was that he had promised to go on a date with Tsunade in a few days.
So, while Kakuzu would be grinding away at their money-making schemes, Tōshirō would be out on a date.
As the young man walked away, an oblivious Kakuzu felt satisfied with his dedication to making money.
Even a kid like him is working so hard… I can't fall behind. I need to step up and keep grinding.
With that thought, Kakuzu had no intention of staying idle. As he left the room, his subordinates flashed flattering smiles.
"Kakuzu, you're already heading back to work after just a few days off?"
"Hm."
Kakuzu gave a casual response and shut the door behind him.
After he left, his subordinates exchanged looks of admiration.
"Kakuzu is seriously dedicated. He's already made more money than he could spend in multiple lifetimes, yet he keeps working."
"Yeah, I really respect him. If even someone as rich as Kakuzu works this hard, we have no excuse to slack off."
"Exactly."
…
A week later, Tōshirō arrived early at the designated meeting place.
Since he didn't know exactly when Tsunade would finish her mission—and this era lacked mobile phones—waiting at the arranged location was his only option.
After half a day in the teahouse, he suddenly felt a shadow cast over him.
A crisp, bell-like voice sounded behind him.
"Guess who?"
A pair of warm hands covered his eyes.
From the familiar voice alone, Tōshirō knew exactly who it was.
"I'm not deaf."
As soon as he spoke, the hands were removed, and his vision cleared.
"Hmph, you could at least pretend not to know."
With a slightly aggrieved tone, Tsunade pouted as she stared at him.
(End of Chapter)
[Sorry for the Delay (3+ Chapter) ]
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