Chapter 263: Underground Intelligence System!!

Kazuhiko swiftly retrieved a parchment, a testament to Kakuzu's formal induction into the Land of Red.

"Sign this document, and henceforth, you will be recognized as an esteemed citizen of the Land of Red!"

Kakuzu accepted the document but refrained from perusing its contents, instead posing a sincere inquiry, "Should the day arrive when I desire to depart from the Land of Red, what course will you undertake?"

Kazuhiko extended his hands in a conciliatory gesture, remarking, "We, the people of Red, do not coerce. If you find our way of life unsuitable, you are free to depart at your discretion.

"We do not impose discomfort upon our residents. Your discomfort would be ours as well; hence, it is preferable to bid farewell directly.

"We shall not hinder those who seek to depart our realm. However, be forewarned: returning shall prove arduous once you depart."

Kakuzu, having absorbed the proclamation, uttered little, casting a profound gaze at Kazuhiko before wordlessly affixing his signature to the document.

After a brief interval, Kakuzu completed the signing, and Kazuhiko, assuming possession of the parchment, conducted a meticulous review to ensure accuracy.

Kazuhiko rose to his feet, regarding Kakuzu, who likewise stood. "As of this day, you are recognized as a citizen of the Land of Red, Kakuzu. Welcome to our nation."

"Yes, Kazuhiko-sama!" At this moment, Kakuzu promptly acknowledged his newfound status.

With entry into the Land of Red comes the requisite reverence for its ruler.

Kazuhiko nodded, content with Kakuzu's demeanor.

Kazuhiko procured a pre-prepared letter of appointment for the position of Minister of Finance of Land of Red.

"Here is your letter of appointment, a hallmark of our esteemed Land of Red. Do peruse it."

Kakuzu glanced over the document, its pale gold hue bearing the inscription:

"Mr. Kakuzu is hereby appointed as the inaugural Minister of Finance of Land of Red!

Appointed by: Kazuhiko

The first year of the Land of Red's winter.

There stood before Kakuzu an imposing Kazuhiko seal alongside the seal of the Red Kingdom's leader, an arrangement unlike any Kakuzu had witnessed in his travels across other nations. This formality struck him as novel and impressive.

As he accepted the letter of appointment with solemnity, Kakuzu couldn't help but feel a surge of seriousness wash over him. 

"Yes," he affirmed.

In the heart of Kazuhiko, there bloomed a sense of wielding the destinies of heroes.

"Very well. Begin by acquainting yourself with your office and your subordinates," instructed Kazuhiko. "Share any requirements you may have, and feel free to appoint those you deem fitting for your team."

"Additionally, Gatō serves as the Minister of Commerce within the Ministry of Finance, also holding the position of Deputy Minister. Engage in conversation with him; his business acumen is exceptional."

"Proceed. The Ministry of Finance is currently in need of capable individuals, and it's up to you to find them."

Kazuhiko paused, sensing Kakuzu's emotions, before continuing, "There will be a banquet this evening, where you'll meet other ministers and get acquainted."

"Yes!" Kakuzu withdrew with contentment, gazing at the commission before him. Everything within the Land of Red seemed to exude a different aura.

He struggled to articulate his thoughts, but the professionalism displayed here was unparalleled, leaving him in awe. 

Previously oblivious to it, his encounter with the Land of Red unveiled the irregularities in efficiency and administrative management elsewhere. 

The Land of Red stood out as the epitome of formality and efficacy, while other nations appeared as disorganized rabble in comparison.

Observing the unity among the Land of Red's citizens, all working tirelessly together, Kakuzu couldn't help but believe in the promising future of the Land of Red.

"The future of the Land of Red shines brightly! Surpassing even Konoha is not beyond reach!"

With excitement bubbling within him, Kakuzu felt assured that aligning himself with this decision would prove immensely profitable.

Confidently, he strode out, only to return shortly after realizing his error: the Ministry of Finance lay in the rear room...

Kazuhiko glanced at the parchment in his hand, then shifted his gaze to the roster of the Uchiha clan.

Indeed, the members of the Uchiha clan had already arrived in the Land of Red. However, their arrival couldn't simply be a casual affair.

Given the affluent and influential status of the Uchiha clan, they had no shortage of resources. Many among them had opted to charter boats directly to reach the Land of Red, with most arriving alongside the caravans accompanying them.

With the current presence of the Uchiha clan in the Land of Red, Kazuhiko had already made necessary arrangements for them.

Originally, this group couldn't attract too much attention, especially from the people of Konoha.

Hence, these Uchihas were ideal candidates for discreet assignments.

For instance, Kazuhiko had recently delved into the operations of the underground black market.

His intention was to groom them into an underground intelligence network.

They would navigate the shadows, gathering vital data and intelligence.

Kakuzu had aligned himself with the Land of Red precisely for this purpose, to oversee the Uchihas and assume control over the underground black market, a domain he was renowned for.

Having spent countless years immersed in the underground black market, Kakuzu's modus operandi and capacity for gathering intelligence were unparalleled.

Serving as their instructor, Kakuzu's extensive network and resources promised significant strides for the Land of Red's underground intelligence apparatus.

Furthermore, Kakuzu could establish a comprehensive framework for the underground intelligence system, drawing from his wealth of experience in the black market.

Coupled with the inherent abilities of many Uchiha clan members, their prowess in combat, ninjutsu, and accumulated knowledge, nurtured within the Uchiha clan, ensured they possessed a head start over others.

When Kakuzu completes his training, initiating will become easier, especially if he can subdue these Uchiha individuals.

However, given Kakuzu's strength and acumen, Kazuhiko didn't anticipate it would pose much of a challenge for him.

"The Uchiha clan, I entrust you with overseeing the underground intelligence operations of the Land of Red. I trust you won't disappoint me. Naturally, I must now meet with them to assess their current status."

*****

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