Konoha: From the moment I was adopted by Tsunade

Chapter 18 The Akatsuki Organization in its Early Stages

"You've finally arrived."

Orochimaru's tone was somewhat impatient.

These past two weeks have felt like an eternity to him, and he eagerly awaits Natsume's arrival every day.

As a scientist, he naturally possessed a strong thirst for knowledge.

The Mangekyou Sharingan is a completely new field.

He naturally wanted to know.

"I'm glad you're still alive."

Natsume casually sat down, drank a cup of tea, and said, "The taste is a bit strange. I'll buy some better tea next time."

If you can talk, then talk more.

Orochimaru smirked. He needed Orochimaru's help, so he pretended not to hear and asked, "How does one obtain the Mangekyou Sharingan?"

"Trade is about the exchange of equal value."

Natsume didn't answer directly, but smiled and asked, "Where are the Hashirama cells I requested?"

"It's in hand."

Orochimaru's snake-like eyes darted around as he said, "I can hand it over to you now."

Natsume has always used wooden clones.

However, once the wooden clone is dispelled, the items will not go back with it, so the wooden clone must return to the original body.

If Orochimaru acts properly, he will be able to find out the identity of this mysterious person.

Natsume could, of course, guess what he was thinking.

This was the reason he had been struggling with how to trade.

But now there is a solution.

After taking control of Gunma Company, he received nearly 100 million taels of cash.

This is the revenue that casinos and underground banks have accumulated over the past decade.

Even excluding expenses and real estate, the available liquid funds are already substantial.

Natsume plans to hire ninjas to rescue Karin and her daughter.

In the current ninja world, besides the five great villages, who is the most powerful?

That's right, it's the Akatsuki, our main villain.

Some might say that the Akatsuki organization is dangerous and could potentially fail.

But this is the early stage of the Akatsuki organization, a phase of accumulating funds.

They make money in two ways: by taking on missions and by offering bounties for kills.

Let's not talk about the latter for now.

The former means that the Akatsuki organization became an employment organization.

And the most important thing for employees is trust.

If you kill your employer and it gets out, you'll lose credibility and no one will give you any more tasks.

Even if the Akatsuki were stupid, they wouldn't break the rules at this time.

In other words, they are trustworthy as long as you pay them.

Orochimaru wants to test us? Fine, here are two Akatsuki members for you to test.

"No rush, I'm just an avatar. I'll let you know in a couple of days."

Natsume waved his hand dismissively and said, "You can make a deal with a member of our organization."

"no problem."

Orochimaru nodded.

Even if you can't see Natsume himself, it's the same as being able to contact members of his organization.

With his abilities, he was confident that as long as he obtained even the slightest clue, he could follow the trail and completely uncover the mystery of this organization.

"Let me give you another piece of advice."

Natsume looked at him with a meaningful gaze, "If you want to take action, make sure you have enough safety precautions. They're not as easy to talk to as I am."

A phrase that sounds familiar.

Orochimaru was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, then a nameless rage surged within him.

This guy is way too arrogant!

If I can't beat the Mangekyou Sharingan, do you think I can't beat your subordinates?

Do you think I got the title of one of the Three Legendary Sannin by chance?

"Then let's continue talking about the Mangekyou Sharingan."

Natsume changed the subject, and Orochimaru paused, then looked expectant.

"The Mangekyou Sharingan is an advancement from the Three-Tomoe Sharingan."

"Doesn't that mean the Uchiha clan has quite a few Mangekyou Sharingan users?"

Orochimaru couldn't help but interject.

In his view, while Uchiha Shisui was undoubtedly a genius, there were many other Uchiha geniuses before him.

Over the years, it must have been more than just a pair of eyes.

"It's not that simple. Those who open their eyes must possess exceptional talent and extraordinary opportunities; neither can be lacking."

Natsume held up three fingers and said, "So far, there have only been three people: Uchiha Madara, Uchiha Shisui, and the mysterious person who controls the Nine-Tails."

Actually, there's more than that, but there's no need to say it.

For example, Uchiha Izuna also had one.

Orochimaru was startled.

really.

He had long suspected that it was impossible for an ordinary three-tomoe Sharingan to control the Nine-Tails.

"Who is this mysterious person? Is he also from the Uchiha clan?"

Orochimaru had a fairly good understanding of the members of the Uchiha clan.

But in the past ten years or so, I have never heard of any extraordinary genius.

Before Uchiha Shisui, the most famous genius was Uchiha Fugaku.

But he is indecisive by nature and would never do such a thing.

Moreover, after the Nine-Tails' rampage, the Uchiha clan faced an even more difficult situation.

Fugaku Uchiha wouldn't invite trouble upon himself.

"That's the price."

Natsume said with a smile.

There's no point in telling Orochimaru that the mysterious person is Obito Uchiha.

He gained nothing of value.

Orochimaru's face suddenly turned ugly. "I've already taken my pants off, and you're telling me this?"

"What's the price?"

He believed he had some spare money.

However, he also understood that Natsume was not short of money, and what he was exchanging must be something precious.

"A price you can't afford."

Ignoring his gloomy expression, Natsume continued, "Uchiha Shisui, you've already fought him, so you should understand that obtaining his eyes is impossible."

Orochimaru was unhappy, but he couldn't find a reason to refute it.

He looked at Natsume, his eyes suddenly lighting up, and asked, "Can your organization help me steal Uchiha Shisui's eyes?"

"Like I said, you can't afford the price."

Natsume shook his head and asked in return, "And if I actually got my hands on it, why would I give you something so good?"

Orochimaru remained silent.

Natsume can't handle this alone without getting help from Hiruzen Sarutobi, Jiraiya, and others.

But even if they were truly willing to help, after witnessing the Mangekyou Sharingan, they would never let him keep it all to himself, but would instead give it to Konoha.

At this time, the Akatsuki organization was not particularly famous, and they were originally wandering ninjas, not ninjas from the Five Great Villages.

Orochimaru naturally didn't care and was unaware of their existence.

"Well, there is a way."

Natsume changed the subject, saying, "Our organization has discovered another Uchiha genius after investigation. He has a very high probability of awakening the Mangekyou Sharingan. More importantly, you can easily obtain him; it just depends on whether you have enough patience."

Orochimaru, unable to contain his joy, immediately asked, "Who is it?"

He has plenty of patience.

If he doesn't successfully reincarnate, he will have infinite life.

"Uchiha Itachi".

Natsume revealed the name of his deskmate.

Orochimaru paused for a few seconds before remembering who he was.

The eldest son of Uchiha Fugaku.

The main reason is that Itachi Uchiha is only six years old now, and his fame has not spread yet, so Orochimaru doesn't have a deep impression of him.

"Itachi Uchiha's talent is no less than that of Shisui Uchiha."

Natsume chuckled and suggested, "However, he is the son of the Uchiha clan head, and he has a close relationship with Uchiha Shisui. You need to act quickly, or things may change."

Orochimaru nodded.

He was intelligent enough to know the difficulty involved.

The Uchiha clan and Konoha are currently in a very tense situation.

If he goes to find Fugaku Uchiha, he will most likely return empty-handed.

Orochimaru quickly came up with a solution, but when he looked up, Natsume's clone had already dissipated.

He actually still has problems, but for now we have to give up.

the next day.

Orochimaru arrived at the Hokage's office.

Orochimaru?

Hiruzen Sarutobi showed a surprised expression.

What a rare guest!

Since the end of the Third Shinobi World War, Orochimaru has become a complete shut-in.

They don't do any tasks, just stay at home all day, not knowing what to do.

Hiruzen Sarutobi knew long ago that Orochimaru and Danzo Shimura were the same kind of people, with wicked intentions, and were not suitable to be Hokage.

However, since their combined strength was advantageous to Konoha, he turned a blind eye to it.

As long as they don't betray us, that's fine.

Ninjas are ruthless, so it's normal for them to have mental issues.

"I want to take on apprentices."

Orochimaru got straight to the point.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was slightly taken aback.

What happened?

Tsunade just took on a disciple, and now you're going to take on one too?

"What made you decide to take on a disciple?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked.

Orochimaru's previous disciple was Nawaki.

But after he died, all that was left was Mitarashi Sweet Potato, oh no, I mean Red Bean.

"It's nothing, we're just short-staffed for the experiment, so we're looking for two apprentices."

Orochimaru's answer was very casual, but it was in line with his personality.

Hiruzen Sarutobi asked, "Who have you taken a fancy to?"

"No target at the moment."

Orochimaru, naturally unwilling for him to notice, said, "I plan to select two good students from the Ninja Academy."

"no problem."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's doubts were completely dispelled, and he said, "I'll have the Ninja Academy hold an exam, and you can go and choose then."

He is nominally the principal of the ninja academy.

But after he finished speaking, he suddenly thought of someone else.

Uchiha Itachi.

What makes him so memorable is that he is the son of Fugaku Uchiha, and he is exceptionally talented, ranking first in his school.

If Orochimaru were to take him as a disciple, there might be unexpected benefits.

In the original work, Fugaku Uchiha sent Itachi Uchiha to join the Anbu as a spy.

But Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't know that.

Judging from the current situation, Fugaku Uchiha would not want Itachi Uchiha to become a direct descendant of the Hokage lineage.

Because the Uchiha clan had just moved, they were filled with rage.

However, Orochimaru's acceptance of disciples was a legal and perfectly legitimate procedure.

Hiruzen Sarutobi believed that bringing Itachi Uchiha into the Hokage lineage might just create another Shisui Uchiha.

"Orochimaru, I remember Fugaku's son, Uchiha Itachi, is quite talented. You could take him as your apprentice."

"I'll consider it."

Orochimaru initially thought he had exposed his target, but after a moment's thought, he understood Hiruzen Sarutobi's plan.

The Uchiha clan is currently very difficult to deal with.

Hiruzen Sarutobi inherited the softer side of his teacher Tobirama Senju and planned to break through from within, bringing Shisui Uchiha and Itachi Uchiha under his command before slowly making his move.

Danzo Shimura, on the other hand, took a hard line and planned to eradicate the Uchiha clan completely.

noon.

Ninja Academy.

Grade 1, Class A.

Naoto Yamanaka walked into the classroom and said, "Class, great news! Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin, will be coming to the school this afternoon to select disciples. Every one of you has a chance!"

The classroom erupted in cheers.

The Three Ninjas held a very high position in their hearts.

It's important to know that the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, was one of the Legendary Sannin and a student of Jiraiya.

If they become Orochimaru's disciples, wouldn't they be fellow disciples of the Fourth Hokage?

Although Orochimaru is usually cold and aloof, he is incredibly powerful, has outstanding achievements, and has many die-hard fans.

Moreover, for ordinary ninjas, joining the Hokage lineage is undoubtedly a meteoric rise.

Therefore, their excitement is normal.

Natsume, sitting in the back by the window, was somewhat surprised.

Is this really how they recruit apprentices?

But upon closer inspection, it's very clever.

Even the Uchiha clan had nothing to say about it.

The only thing to blame is Itachi Uchiha's exceptional talent.

Natsume wasn't interested in Orochimaru taking on disciples; he was more concerned about the wooden clone in Tanabata.

Ninjas normally accept missions through ninja villages.

Unofficial channels include the underground black market.

Here, there are all sorts of shady missions and bounties on heads.

For example, Sarutobi Asuma, whose unit of measurement is known as the Hokage's, had a rank of 35 million ryo.

Don't underestimate this price; it's already very high.

A regular Jonin isn't worth that much money at all; a few million would be considered good.

After all, under normal circumstances, even the most difficult S-rank ninja missions only start at a million taels of silver.

There is no underground black market in Konoha Village, but there is one in Tanabata.

Through his connections at Gunma Corporation, Natsume found out the exact location.

In the morning, I sent the wooden clone over to check on the situation.

A fairly ordinary two-story Japanese-style wooden house.

Natsume opened the door, and what came into view were various counters.

It's a bit like the mission lobby in a game or anime.

"Guest, would you like to accept a quest or post a quest?"

A young man who looked to be in his twenties or thirties behind the window asked politely.

"Issue a task."

Please fill out the form.

"My mission is quite difficult. I'd like to ask which ninjas would be recommended? I'd like to know who have a good reputation."

Natsume casually slipped him a thousand taels.

"You've come to the right person!"

The young man immediately laughed and said, "Let me tell you, about a few months ago, several extremely skilled ninjas suddenly appeared. They specialize in taking on highly difficult missions and bounties, and they haven't failed a single time."

"oh?"

Natsume looked interested and asked, "What's your name?"

"They use code names; I only know one of them is called Kakuzu," the young man replied.

"Okay, then I'll assign them the tasks."

Natsume grinned and said.

The task can be assigned to a specific person, but the price will be higher.

"Please wait a moment, sir."

The young man quickly explained, "They have a rule that if you want to appoint them, the reward must be at least one million taels."

"It's nothing."

Natsume said nonchalantly, "I'll offer two million taels."

The young man was immediately blinded by the money.

He issued the task at lightning speed.