A month passed quickly. A terrifying newcomer had appeared on the black market. Wearing a Shinigami (Death God) mask, he had hunted down over twenty wanted targets in just one month. The weakest of them was Jonin-level. His most impressive kill was the leader of a major clan who possessed a bloodline limit and had once supposedly fought the Third Hokage to a standstill. This fearsome record earned the newcomer a title: "The Shinigami."
This Shinigami was, of course, Hozuki Zangetsu.
"While I didn't get any particularly strong jutsu, it wasn't a total loss. At least I copied a lot of ninjutsu of various elements," he thought after completing another bounty. The Sharingan's copying ability had netted him nearly a hundred jutsu. Unfortunately, since his chakra natures were only Water and Fire (the latter obtained from Mikoto), he could only effectively use about fifteen of them.
"Controlling-type genjutsu and secret techniques are really rare," he sighed. The few genjutsu he had copied were useless against someone like Fugaku. "I really wish I had the genjutsu Madara taught Obito to control Yagura. That would make things simple." But he wasn't about to go looking for Madara. The old man might be on his deathbed, but he still had the Rinnegan. It wasn't worth the risk.
"I've mastered my Mangekyo Sharingan. It's time to head to the battlefield and set a trap for my dear rival."
As he walked through a quiet, secluded area, he stopped. "You've been following me for a while. It's time to show yourselves," he said, raising his voice slightly.
Three figures emerged from the forest. Zangetsu turned, his expression unchanging, but he was surprised internally. He recognized them.
A boy with orange hair and a sunny disposition, a red-haired boy whose eyes were covered, and a beautiful girl with light blue-purple hair.
Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan.
"Hahaha, you found us! As expected of the bounty hunter called the Shinigami! You're ridiculously strong!" Yahiko laughed.
"So, what do you want with me?" Zangetsu asked, though he already had a good idea.
Yahiko's expression turned serious. "We want to invite you to join the Akatsuki."
"I refuse," Zangetsu replied instantly and turned to leave. Join the Akatsuki? He had zero interest. He knew Nagato's eyes were Madara's Rinnegan, and that the trio was being monitored by Madara and Black Zetsu. He wanted no part of that, especially not Black Zetsu. That creature was far more dangerous than it looked.
"Hey! That was a quick refusal! At least listen to what the Akatsuki is all about! Maybe you'll be interested!" Yahiko called out, trying to stop him. The Akatsuki was growing, but it desperately lacked a top-tier powerhouse.
"Oh? Then let's hear it." Zangetsu, who was about to leave, suddenly stopped. He scanned the three of them, his gaze lingering on Konan for an extra second.
Just as he was about to leave, he had heard the system's voice.
"Ding! Romance Target list has been updated."
On his system panel, the sixth card, which had previously been a question mark, now showed Konan's face.
At the same time, a seventh card appeared, also showing a question mark.
So, Konan was now his new romance target.
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