Kirigakure

Eventually we stopped playing around with the old emissary. Mostly because none of us knew how to get to Kirigakure or gain entry but the emissary didn't have to know that. I am nothing if not a merciful prince after all.

After composing ourselves we got back on the road. Kakuzu eventually changed clothes to an outfit very similar to my own. His whole get up reminded me a bit of Kakashi. The location of his beige headband now hand the Kanji for Fire on it. I was really commuting to the thirteen guardian ninja bit. I had learned my jokes had consequences after all so I got ahead of it this time.

On the trip over to Kirigakure we were attacked on a few more occasions. The attacks came from three teams of of four man jonin squads and one team of a ten man rag tag group of chunin. Unfortunately for them Kakuzu was my official treasurer now. A treasurer I promised hearts to. Let's just say the level of carnage could only be met by Tsunades madness when experimenting on a save and load clone.

The few occasions we were outside the carriage for these attacks left a twinkle in the eyes of Tsunade and I. A fact that managed to disturb our retinue of Root operatives and most of all the emissary. Tsunade and I couldn't be bothered with such a thing, our ever growing interest in Earth Grudge Fear stifled such issues in our eyes. Tsunades interest was in the medical applications of the jutsu. Medically it was crude but the fact the technique allowed for almost perfect reattachment of limbs including nerves was impressive. My interest were obviously more in the fact the man was essentially increasing his chakra pool with every kill.

Kakuzu hadn't reached the depths of Kisames ridiculous chakra pool or a tailed beast. However he wasn't really that far off. With the correct hearts added to his collection he likely would reach such heights. Every opportunity within the confines of the carriage were spent analyzing his body structure through the Byakugan. When he stole a heart was when Tsunade and I spent even more of our attention.

It was an odd sight, Kakuzu had replaced all his blood with the tentacles. They essentially became his blood as soon as his hearts pumped. Only his hearts themselves contained actual blood. How such an instantaneous conversion allowed him to live could only be explained to chakra shenanigans. It actually wasn't that uncommon considering the tailed beasts were nothing more than massive sentient pools of chakra that can take a physical structure. Not to mention the endless hiding in substance (earth, mud, water, mist etc).

The hearts were still pumping and generating chakra and his physical body still existed, otherwise Naruto couldn't destroy his chakra system. It was an interesting but confusing subject for anyone not versed in Narutos version of anatomy. The actual details of how the jutsu performed on this level of permanence without a constant chakra drain is really what was eluding me. Once I got my hands on the jutsu my hydrification would be perfected. Not to mention what the application of having five chakra pools would mean for someone like me. The more I analyzed the technique, the shorter Kakuzus life span would get.

It's not that I minded having a capable subordinate. Financially there would be very few people that could contend with me in the wealth department, so buying him away from me was unlikely. His personality quirks didn't really matter, while the man was short tempered he wasn't an idiot. His assassination of me was unlikely as well as he wouldn't kill me without gaining the most profit possible. A level of profit only found by getting my main bank accounts and secrets that I wasn't just going to handover.

Buying the jutsu was a possible option instead of killing the guy, but if my application of the technique was copied I would only be creating a monster. Decisions, decisions.

Eventually we managed to reach Kirigakure. Upon entry it became clear there was a wealth division upon its districts. Unlike Konoha that kept a uniform structure as far as structure quality, kirigakure was clearly divided. The concept of a slum was clear at its outer rings, with the circular home structures becoming sturdier and sturdier as you reached the center. It was easy to know why as well. They operated on a caste system.

If Konohas treatment of its inhabitants and quality of home structures could be compared to a modern japan. Kirigakure would then be compared to ancient India. In Konoha noble clans existed but would have little in ways of lording through the streets and doing as they pleased. The same did not apply in Kirigakure. Your social class determined a lot and some citizens clearly had young master syndrome walking around as if they owned the place. It was a very large contrast to what I was used to. Hiashi Hyuga had young master syndrome in his youth but these guys made him seem tame by comparison.

At the front gate we were allowed to proceed rather quickly because of this. Not to mention that Karatashi was an emissary of high standing, I was a Hozuki to them. The Hozuki currently were the most respected clan in all of Kirigakure. Having the strongest Mizukage in history in charge had that effect. As soon as we reached the Mizukages office Karatashi left us to report our arrival.

While waiting I spoke to my new treasurer Kakuzu privately.

" The second you get an opportunity, assassinate that emissary. That bounty on his head is a great excuse and I'm sure you know how to cash it in discreetly Kakuzu."

" Is that wise boy? I'm not one to say no to such an easy windfall but his assassination would be too coincidental no?"

" It doesn't matter. As you said, eliminating cowards that sell out their lord truly is a financially responsible decision. His heart may not be to your liking but the ten million wouldn't hurt."

" Very well boy. I'll get it done. Just remember his bounty goes to my personal funds."

(Laughing) " I'll double it with my own personal payment once the job is completed then."

A happy Kakuzu could be seen. Kakuzus only thought was: following this kid may be a decent decision after all. After speaking with Kakuzu I spoke with the Root operatives.

" During our stay here prioritize taking care of Tsunade. She'll be directing the four of you. Information gathering is secondary monitor her gambling. Make sure she gambles small amounts. If she ever wins we flee the village immediately."

Finally it was time to get Tsunade on board.

" Hello wife, please lead the four Root operatives. If you could do some light gambling for information gathering that would be great. Make sure to spread out your bets so they last the whole year, ok?"

" What will you be doing in the mean time Ren? "

" Trying to fool the worlds greatest Mizukage that I'm his relative. While trying to get all the training in water jutsu he is willing to give."

" Are you prepared for the tests that come with taking this identity Ren?"

" It shouldn't be that hard. You know I'm really the idiot who called himself Prince Zuko in front of that Swordsman of the Mist. So my story isn't that hard to fake."

" Right I had a good laugh the first time I heard the story but it's no longer funny Ren. We are in the enemy's home. Even with your ability it's possible that we may die if you're not convincing."

" I just have to act like a slightly smug and sarcastic version of myself."

" That's the original version of yourself…"

" Which means there shouldn't be a problem my love. See we have nothing to fear!" ( ear to ear smile)

"…."

Staring at Rens idiotic grin Tsunade could only clutch her copy of Hashiramas necklace. If one looked closely a seal stating save could be seen. She could only think:

[We're escaping this place the second I win at gambling. ]