"That moment isn't far off anymore.
Once Black Zetsu returns, the ninja world will truly come alive.
When that time comes, it won't just be the spectacle of iron fists, Lord Madara, even your dance will reappear. All of those legends will once again manifest in this era of the ninja world."
White Zetsu hurriedly flattered him.
"Speaking of Black Zetsu, where is he? He's been gone for so long. Why hasn't he arrived yet? My tolerance for this ugly, decrepit body is already nearing its limit."
Madara frowned.
Ever since learning that the sky over the Land of Water had split open, his emotions had grown increasingly impatient.
Although he had already reclaimed his Rinnegan, he still could not change the reality of his body nearing the end of its lifespan.
In fact, because reinstalling the Rinnegan placed an even heavier burden on him, his dissatisfaction with this aging body only grew stronger.
"He's here."
White Zetsu had just been about to soothe Madara's mood when news arrived from the other clones.
Upon hearing this, the dissatisfaction in Madara's heart was finally suppressed.
Before long, two figures entered his field of vision one after the other, caught by the corner of his eye.
"You're the employer? Let me make this clear first, I recognize money, not people.
You sought me out and made me travel this far. Whether I end up doing the job or not, the payment still has to be made."
Kakuzu's gaze passed over Black Zetsu standing before him and landed on Madara, who was shrouded in the pouring rain.
Looking at this man standing in the downpour, without an umbrella or even a straw raincoat, he cursed inwardly.
The world of the rich was truly incomprehensible.
Of all places to meet, they had to choose a spot like this, rain pouring down, not even a single tile to shelter their heads.
He had already been in a foul mood after traveling so far, and now getting drenched in the rain only made it worse.
Kakuzu immediately decided that the price for this mission would be doubled.
"Do you like money?"
Madara asked calmly, his back still turned to Kakuzu, with no intention of looking at him.
It was as if he were telling everyone present that Kakuzu was not even worthy of a backward glance.
"In this world, aside from money, there is nothing that can be trusted, everything else will betray you."
At the mention of money, Kakuzu instantly perked up.
"Then how much does it cost to buy a life from you?"
Madara asked, still not turning his head.
"Thirty million ryo!"
Kakuzu replied in a deep voice.
"Thirty million ryo? I've heard that you once challenged Hashirama and survived."
The corner of Madara's mouth lifted slightly.
"Since you know my deeds so well, then you should understand that I'm worth that price."
A cold glint flashed through Kakuzu's eyes.
What he hated most was hearing others mention his challenge against Hashirama. It always dragged up a flood of unpleasant memories.
Barely clinging to life under Hashirama's Wood Release. Being betrayed by Takigakure. All of it.
With Madara bringing it up, Kakuzu was already thinking of killing this employer the moment he took the money.
"Give him the money."
Madara waved his hand indifferently.
White Zetsu emerged from the ground and handed three chests to Kakuzu.
"The price for a life is thirty million ryo, but there's one hundred and fifty million ryo here…"
Kakuzu cautiously opened the chests. When he saw that they were filled with money, his mood immediately improved.
"Although I don't know how trash like you managed to survive under Hashirama's hands, since it's a fact, I'll reluctantly acknowledge your value.
Thirty million ryo per life. I'm giving you one hundred and fifty million, buying five of your lives. That's perfectly reasonable, isn't it?"
Madara's lips curled slightly. His teasing tone, however, radiated a terrifying killing intent.
"Buying my five lives?"
Kakuzu's expression changed drastically. Grabbing the three chests with his left hand, he retreated rapidly.
But after only a few steps, he came to a halt.
Black Zetsu and White Zetsu had already blocked his escape route.
"Who exactly are you?"
Kakuzu stopped in his tracks, his eyes locked tightly onto Madara.
Such horrifying killing intent, casually exposing the secret of his five lives, and that way of addressing the God of Shinobi calling him 'Hashirama.'
All of it filled Kakuzu with intense unease.
"Who am I? Didn't you challenge Hashirama? Then there's no way you wouldn't recognize who I am."
Madara slowly turned around.
His aged face and the scarlet Sharingan were reflected in Kakuzu's eyes at the same time.
"You… you… you are…"
At the sight of that face and the Sharingan with its rotating black tomoe, Kakuzu froze. Then, the more he looked, the more familiar it became, and the more terror crept into his heart.
"My name is Uchiha Madara."
Madara's expression was icy. His scarlet Sharingan gleamed with arrogance and disdain.
"Uchiha Madara… how can it be you…? Weren't you already killed by Hashirama?"
Kakuzu's body trembled slightly. His hurried voice was filled with panic and shock.
At this moment, he was on the verge of going insane.
What in the world was going on with this ninja world?
First, the hero of the ninja world who vanished after the end of the Warring States Period suddenly reappeared, ending the Third Great Ninja War with his own strength alone.
And now, Uchiha Madara, had emerged… and even came looking for him.
Thinking of Madara's fearsome reputation, along with the words he had just spoken, Kakuzu's heart slowly sank to the bottom.
He knew that someone like himself, who prided himself on living as long as sky and earth, was likely reaching the end of his life this time.
...
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