How to Survive as an Uchiha

157 – Kakuzu’s Client Service Rating

Matsu's injury healed quite quickly.

This could be attributed to the excellent medical techniques of Konoha.

Although Tsunade had developed a mental health condition during the Third Great Ninja War and could no longer fight on the battlefield, before she left the village for a break, she was still serving as a kunoichi of Konoha.

However, she had moved from the front lines to the logistics department, still leading a medical team.

As the final victor in the competition among medical-nin in the post-Hashirama era, her leadership was incredibly effective. Also, as the granddaughter of the First Hokage, she was originally favored by Hiruzen to become the Fourth Hokage.

But fate had other plans.

In the original timeline, following Hiruzen's death, Jiraiya rejected the council's offers. He chose instead to find Tsunade and bring her back as Hokage, reinforcing her significance to the village.

Both Orochimaru and Jiraiya knew well that while they three of them were called the Sannin, they were somewhat like "assistants" in the sense that their roles were less central compared to her.

The Senju clan, as a ninja family, may have disbanded, but they did not disappear.

The former Senju clan became Konoha, and nowadays, it was difficult to find anyone in Konoha who wasn't related to the Senju clan in some way.

Unless Tsunade had no heirs, thereby ending this bloodline, one of its descendants would always have a place in the Hokage Building.

It was quite ironic, but if anyone wanted to push her out of the picture, the first to protest would likely be the Uchiha clan.

In this regard, Sarutobi was less resolute than the Uchiha clan members.

In this timeline, Konoha's situation was far better than in the original timeline. Internal conflicts were not as intense, and the Uchiha clan, which had been the focal point of much of the conflict, had now normalized its relationship with the Hokage's office.

However, the Sannin had not changed. Jiraiya was still

Unless you are at their level, it's best to keep your head down when dealing with those who were.

This way, there was a chance they wouldn't strike you down on a whim. Even if they did, they might let you live afterward.

Never let the prestige of your village make you overconfident. Getting killed and "everything being under the village's control" were not mutually exclusive.

Such was the tragic reality of many jonin.

Before becoming one, they imagined it to be a status worth flaunting. After becoming one, they realized the game had only just begun.

"As long as you know the rules," Kakuzu said, giving him a once-over. His tone was neutral but not harsh.

he thought. t.

With that conclusion, the masterful businessman decided to showcase his renowned service quality. After all, building a century-spanning brand was one of his modest goals.

"Let's go," he said, stepping forward.

His brevity was one of the reasons he was so well-regarded in the industry—because when he started talking too much, it usually meant heads would roll.

Matsu quickly followed, but he made sure not to walk side by side with the missing-nin.

Kakuzu didn't care, as long as the client didn't get lost.

The two walked along the river.

Following its flow, they entered the Land of Iron.

Like the Land of Waterfalls, the Land of Iron was a neutral nation. But it was more steadfast, maintaining a frosty attitude toward ninjas.

However, exceptions were made for ninjas from the Five Great Nations.

And if it was a kage-level ninja, their understanding deepened—provided they were only passing through.

As such, Kakuzu and Matsu, who fit the bill perfectly, faced no obstacles.

They soon crossed into the Land of Rice Fields. Matsu felt a wave of relief.

But to his surprise, the missing-nin stopped in this country.

Sensing his client's confusion, Kakuzu said, "This is where your kage and we agreed to meet."

"Understood. I'll follow your arrangements," Matsu said immediately.

"It's not my arrangement," Kakuzu said, appreciating the Kumo ninja's cooperative demeanor. This one wasn't like some clients who loved to argue.

"Another of my colleagues is here. He'll handle it."

"Ah, someone to be called your colleague must be extraordinary," Matsu said, trying to make conversation.

"No, he's disgusting. I'd love to sell his head for money," Kakuzu replied.

Matsu fell silent.

"Don't say that, Kakuzu. I rather like you," a sinister voice whispered into Matsu's ear.

The voice sent shivers down his spine, as though something grotesque were crawling inside his body.

He turned his head to see another figure in a black robe with red clouds—a man with a snake-like appearance standing beside him.

"Orochimaru!" Matsu hadn't expected to encounter one of the legendary Sannin here.

As for whether he had truly betrayed Konoha, Kumo wasn't sure.

If he had, why hadn't Konoha taken decisive action?

If he hadn't, why was he on their public bounty list?

The notion that Orochimaru might be a double agent was absurd. Even if Konoha dared to play such a risky game, the very idea of someone like him being involved would shatter belief systems.

Whatever the case, the man was an enigma.

"Still thinking of killing me?" Orochimaru ignored Matsu and focused on Kakuzu, a playful smirk on his face.

"The next part is your responsibility," Kakuzu said coldly.

Currently, Akatsuki had four kage-level members, including Pain.

Pain aside, he thought Sasori was a fool, fixated on calling his puppet hobby "art."

As for Orochimaru, Kakuzu felt he had genuine issues, given how the man once asked him to collaborate on a "research project."

"Understood," Orochimaru replied indifferently. "We'll be traveling together anyway. Let's chat."

"Not interested. Stay away from me," Kakuzu growled, black tendrils of his Earth Grudge Fear emerging from his body.

Orochimaru's eyes lit up at the sight.

But Kakuzu's murderous intent was genuine. There was no way he would let the Snake Sannin have his threads for research.

"I'll let it slide today. There's always tomorrow," Orochimaru said with a sinister chuckle. Turning, he gestured, "Follow me. The Raikage is already waiting."

Kakuzu retracted his threads and looked at Matsu.

"You walk in front."

"..."

Even if they were hired by his village, it didn't feel safe.

Reluctantly, he followed Orochimaru.

"What's wrong with your leg?" Orochimaru suddenly asked, twisting his neck a full 180 degrees.

Startled, Matsu froze.

For a moment, he thought Orochimaru might be about to snap his own neck for dramatic effect.

But as those snake-like eyes bore into him, he realized the man was simply curious.

"It's injured," he replied cautiously.

"Interesting. Let me take a look later. Perhaps I can fix it," Orochimaru offered.

"No need," Matsu stammered, swallowing hard. "The medics from Konoha already said it's beyond repair."

"After Tsunade left, Konoha's hospital became a den of mediocrity," Orochimaru said dismissively, turning his head back around. "Don't come crying to me later."

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