"Finally, I'm out. Kawakaze Hatake deserves some credit after all."
Kakuzu thought about his years of savings and couldn't help but feel distressed. This was the most frustrating time of his life. Even when he was tasked with assassinating Hashirama and forced out of his village as a scapegoat, it wasn't this maddening.
Back then, taking the hearts of the village's high-ranking members had given him a sense of relief. But now, the idea of seeking revenge on Kawakaze didn't even cross his mind. If he tried, he wouldn't have 900 million to exchange for his life again. He'd likely end up with his body and head separated.
After running for a while, Kakuzu had fully distanced himself from Konoha. He stopped briefly to get his bearings and then headed toward the Land of Rain. Regaining his strength was his priority—losing two hearts still felt unnatural.
In his haste, he failed to notice the slugs scattered around.
These are eyes!
"Target spotted, ready to go!" a young man with blonde hair and a mask shouted from behind.
"Yes, Senior Brother," the three behind him responded in unison. It was the Minato Squad.
"Sensei said to put on a good show," Minato said with a hint of unease, offering another word of advice.
"I know, it's no problem," Konan replied confidently.
"I'm talking to you. Don't be so jumpy," Minato said, looking at her with a small smile. "Be careful when the fight starts, and don't say much."
"Ssshhhh…" Konan dismissed his concerns, not taking it seriously. Her playful grimace remained hidden behind her mask.
"Let's go."
Minato took the lead, rushing toward Kakuzu. At the same time, Kakuzu, unaware of what was about to unfold, was speeding toward the Land of Rain.
He perked up when he sensed the presence of four people approaching. Still in the Land of Fire, he decided to be a bit more cautious. However, he didn't pay them much attention. With his current strength, he felt confident that ordinary people wouldn't be able to deal with him.
If nothing happened, it would be ideal, but even if something did, he wasn't afraid.
Soon, the four figures came into view, and Kakuzu recognized them immediately as Konoha's Anbu ninja. Judging by their appearance, he assumed they were a squad returning to the village after completing their mission.
Following his usual principle of "better to do less than more," Kakuzu deliberately stepped aside—a rare courtesy from him. However, the group seemed unwilling to let him go.
"Who are you?"
"Wandering in the Land of Fire," Minato asked, stopping a short distance from Kakuzu. His tone carried an air of arrogance, as though he were a big shot in the Land of Fire, demanding even passersby to identify themselves.
"I know Lord Kawakaze of Konoha. Now I'm heading to the Land of Grass," Kakuzu replied, using Kawakaze's name as a shield in hopes of avoiding a confrontation.
"He's lying! A person who hides their face and only shows their eyes doesn't look like a good person," Konan declared, pointing a finger at Kakuzu and labeling him indiscriminately.
"I'm wearing a mask. But you're all wearing masks too," Kakuzu muttered, too drained to argue. These kids were clearly looking for trouble.
"Yes, let's take him down first," Yahiko suggested. "If he really knows Lord Kawakaze, we can just apologize afterward." His logic was clear and straightforward.
Nagato, however, remained silent, standing still like a stake.
"What's your name, where are you from, and where are you headed? Better tell the truth, or you'll regret it."
Minato maintained his arrogant tone, while the others stood casually, showing no signs of concern.
"I really do know Lord Kawakaze. Just go about your business. Wouldn't it be nice if we all just left each other alone?" Kakuzu said, barely suppressing his anger. He was not a good-natured man and was on the verge of exploding.
How dare a few little Anbu show me disrespect? He had killed countless people like them in a single year.
"How dare you threaten us?" Minato said incredulously, though his expression seemed to betray inexperience. He appeared every bit like a second-generation Anbu, someone who had grown up without hardship and knew little of the world's harsh realities.
"Young man, you need to watch where you're going. You can't mess with just anyone," Kakuzu said coldly. "It's not too late for you to leave. I can pretend this never happened."
Kakuzu's dismissive tone made it clear he underestimated the four. His confidence suggested he could easily overpower them, and they should be grateful if he decided to spare them.
"Arrogant," Minato muttered. "I'll see what you're made of. Beat the hell out of him! Even if something happens, I'll take responsibility with Lord Kawakaze."
With that, Minato pulled out a kunai and charged at Kakuzu. The other three—Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan—immediately scattered, forming a circle around their target.
"You stupid brats. I'll take your hearts," Kakuzu growled.
This was exactly what he wanted. If he killed these Anbu, he could flee faster. Once out of the Land of Fire, Kawakaze would be too far away to intervene.
"Cut the crap and watch my moves!" Minato shouted as he closed the distance.
Minato's speed was remarkable. Without even using the Flying Thunder God Technique, he was already in front of Kakuzu, swinging his kunai in a sharp arc aimed at Kakuzu's throat.
"Your Taijutsu is pathetic."
Kakuzu's arms erupted with black threads as he swiftly blocked the attack, mocking his opponent.
"Rasengan."
Minato's kunai strike was deflected in one motion, but with his other hand, he had already thrust the Rasengan toward Kakuzu's body.
"It's just futile," Kakuzu muttered.
At first, he didn't think much of it. But the moment the Rasengan collided with the black threads, he realized he had severely underestimated them—and instantly regretted it.
Bang!
A deafening explosion reverberated as Kakuzu felt like he had been hit by an elephant. The black threads of his Earth Grudge Fear couldn't withstand the Rasengan's power, and he was sent flying.
How could an ordinary Anbu be this strong?!
"Attack!"
Nagato seized the opportunity, and the three of them launched their Ninjutsu simultaneously. Water Release, Fire Release, and Paper Ninjutsu converged on Kakuzu from three directions.
Midair with no way to regain his footing, Kakuzu watched as Minato approached, wielding a massive Rasengan. Judging by its size, Kakuzu knew that taking a direct hit might cost him another heart.
"Earth Release: Iron Skin."
He activated the technique once more, enveloping himself in black threads for added defense. Even so, he felt uneasy. These opponents didn't seem like pampered children—far from it. He hadn't realized that Minato and Nagato alone could pose a serious threat. Now, with all four working together, they were treating him as if he were the target of a royal hunt.
"Die!"
Minato's Big Ball Rasengan struck with precision, slamming Kakuzu to the ground with the weight of a boulder. The impact created a half-moon-shaped crater, spreading cracks like a spiderweb across the terrain.
The black threads were obliterated, revealing the darkened skin beneath Kakuzu's body.
"Cough... cough..."
Kakuzu coughed up blood as he staggered to his feet. His fears were confirmed. Minato's attack had reduced him to just two hearts.
Feeling increasingly vulnerable, Kakuzu regretted his carelessness, but there was no remedy for his current predicament.
"What's the matter? Still not going to surrender?" Minato asked, halting his assault. Their orders were to capture Kakuzu alive.
"Dream on."
The defiant words spilled from Kakuzu's lips, tinged with a sense of déjà vu.