Chapter 12: The hard life of Kakuzu

Akatsuki. 

Flashes of light and shadows flickered. In the center, a man with Rinnegan opened his eyes and spoke in a deep voice. 

"We have received a commission". 

"The commission is for Akatsuki to kill all the ninja attacking the Sado Mine, as well as the behind-the-scenes black market merchants and nobles. The reward is equivalent to three standard S-rank missions." 

"Killing a few ninjas, along with some merchants and nobles, doesn't seem worth such a substantial reward," Sasori said in a hoarse, elderly voice. "But this kind of small matter that anyone can handle shouldn't require the leader to gather all of us, right?" 

Everyone's gaze turned towards the owner of the Rinnegan. 

Nagato didn't hide anything. "The Sado Mine is the Uchiha clan's property. This is a commission from the Uchiha clan. Recently, their property has been heavily harassed by some ninja, so they came to hire us." 

"The Uchiha clan?" 

Everyone was stunned, then subconsciously looked towards Uchiha Itachi beside them. Itachi's eyelids drooped slightly, and his pupils contracted imperceptibly. But his expression remained unchanged, as if it had nothing to do with him. 

Orochimaru licked his lips. "Even the proud Uchiha clan is asking for help. But he probably doesn't know that the culprit who caused the famous Uchiha clan to fall into such a situation is right here in our organization Akatsuki". 

Others also laughed. 

The Uchiha clan has always been proud and accustomed to solving their enemies with their own strength, which was well known during the Sengoku period. 

Who would have thought that they would hand over their security to others? Not only that, but they also even came to us for help. 

This is really... 

"By the way, I heard that the only two remaining members of the Uchiha clan have completely lost the Uchiha's glory and started crazy polygamy, completely acting as studs." 

"I heard that too. The former prestigious family of the ninja world has fallen to such a state, this makes one really mourn". 

"Hehe, don't say that. The current Uchiha clan leader's plan is actually quite reliable. According to my intelligence, he recently had a child. The contribution of this child to the growth of the Uchiha clan is much greater than what he, a mere Chūnin, can achieve." 

Everyone laughed without any scruples. On the other hand, Nagato remained expressionless throughout, quietly looking at Itachi. "Itachi, what do you think?" 

Akatsuki is not yet the complete team of elites, still in the process of gathering funds and lacking a large amount of capital. 

Normally, Akatsuki would not refuse a mission with such a huge reward and low difficulty. 

But this time, it's related to an Akatsuki member. It's not that he has any feelings for these people in Akatsuki. Except for Konan, he doesn't approve of the behavior of the other ninjas. 

But Itachi's value to his plan is obviously much higher than a meager reward. 

"I have no objections," Itachi's voice remained as calm as ever. "The Uchiha clan is no longer worthy of my attention. Uchiha is Uchiha, and I am me." 

"For the sake of our grand plan, I don't mind the organization's actions." 

Nagato nodded. Everyone is a ninja, there's no need for unnecessary fuss. 

Since Itachi says he doesn't mind, then he really doesn't mind. 

"In that case, let's accept it." Nagato spoke up. "Orochimaru, this mission is entrusted to you." 

"I don't mind." Orochimaru smirked coldly. "But I remember that Kakuzu is the one who loves missions with a lot of money, right?" 

"Oh, speaking of which, he didn't attend this gathering, did he? Is there something going on?" 

As he spoke, he looked around to confirm that Kakuzu was indeed absent. 

Kakuzu's companion, Hidan, said carelessly, "Nothing much, just a while ago when that guy Kakuzu found out about the high price the Uchiha clan was offering for having a child, he couldn't help but take an extra look at Konan. Then, the leader beat him up badly, and he still can't get out of bed." 

Um?... 

The expressions of the people instantly became strange. Everyone knows Kakuzu's personality, it's obvious that she was looking at Konan with that look of hers. He probably has some thoughts! Like packaging and sending Konan, a Kage-level expert? 

He probably won't take action, but he definitely has thoughts! Even daring to have thoughts about the leader's teammate with the Rinnegan, Kakuzu is quite bold! 

Is he willing to give up his life for the money? 

"Alright, then I'll do it." Orochimaru smirked coldly. "After all, I'm more familiar with the Land of Fire. But since the attacks were carried out by shinobi, their traces have to be well hidden. It will be quite troublesome to investigate the culprit this time." 

"Itachi, if you don't mind, would you like to accompany me?" 

"You're quite familiar with the Uchiha clan's assets, aren't you?" 

His snake-like tongue extended, and Orochimaru's eyes were filled with greed as he looked at Itachi. 

Itachi nodded slightly. His expression remained calm, as if he hadn't noticed Orochimaru's gaze at all. But in his heart, he sighed softly. 

"Shall we, Itachi..." 

... 

Of course, Natsuo knew that Itachi was currently in the Akatsuki organization. And he understood even more that Itachi's actions against the Uchiha were for the sake of Konoha. Or rather, he believed it was for the sake of Konoha. 

But regardless of his actions, if Itachi didn't feel any guilt in his heart, that would be a joke; Even in the original plot during the Fourth Great Ninja War, when he faced Yakushi Kabuto, he openly admitted his own failure and regretted his hasty decision. 

Although it was still early for him to repent, his guilt in his heart would not disappear because of it. 

So don't even think that Itachi would let the Akatsuki refuse the Uchiha clan's request. He would even strive to complete this mission as perfectly and thoroughly as possible! 

"I hope Itachi can do it perfectly and intimidate those shinobi even more". Natsuo chuckled lightly. 

Then he looked behind him. During this time, some high-quality female shinobi had joined the Uchiha family. Some of them were even pregnant. 

Of course, what made Natsuo even happier was... 

The women from this group, including Yūgao, had given birth!