Raizen paused, and Anko Mitarashi couldn't help but ask anxiously:
"So what? Spit it out!"
Raizen wore an apologetic expression. "The Papaya Nutritious Juice is temporarily out of stock."
It wasn't that Raizen was being stingy; he truly didn't have many bottles left. He had to pay Haruko and the other maids five bottles every month. Plus, Kurenai and Momoko drank it regularly. With over ten people in the household and everyone wanting a few bottles, he was burning through dozens at a time. He had only started with a hundred bottles.
"Is it really all gone?" Anko's eyes went wide.
"Temporarily. There might be more in a year or two, or maybe longer," Raizen said vaguely.
Anko stared him down. "Are you lying to me? Is this just to help Little Kurenai flex on me?"
"How could I? Am I that kind of petty person?" Raizen countered.
Anko watched him, half-believing and half-doubting. "Fine, then you just owe me. But you have to swear that the moment you get more, I'm the first one you give it to."
Raizen raised his hand. "I guarantee that the moment I get new Papaya Nutritious Juice, I will pay Anko first."
Raizen thought to himself: Hehe, 'obtaining new juice' has nothing to do with the stock I already have. I can still use the current stash to pay Haruko and the others without breaking my promise to Anko.
However, his current supply really wouldn't last much longer.
Even without the juice, Anko still agreed to the job. Although she and Kurenai loved to bicker and compare sizes, she would always be the first to help if Kurenai's safety was at stake. Asking for the juice was just a bonus she tried to negotiate.
And so, Anko Mitarashi officially became a guard for the Uchiha. With her joining, the clan's defensive capabilities increased yet again.
The Hokage Building
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood on his balcony, gazing toward the Shimura clan district. After the previous night's attack, the Shimura clan had suffered heavy casualties, and over half their district lay in ruins.
"Shikaku, who do you think attacked the Shimura clan?"
Beside him, Shikaku Nara frowned and shook his head. "It's unclear. We haven't found a single lead. The enemy appeared out of nowhere and vanished just as quickly. However, one thing is certain: they are extremely familiar with the village's barrier layout and patrol routes, allowing them to bypass security with ease."
Hiruzen's brow furrowed. "Last night the Uchiha were attacked, and tonight the Shimura clan was hit. Is there a connection?"
Shikaku didn't know that Danzo had been the one to attack the Uchiha, so he couldn't connect the dots. He simply shook his head. "I don't know. There isn't even a shred of evidence."
Hiruzen sighed. "Notify the other clans to stay alert, lest they share the Shimura clan's fate. Also, increase the night patrols. We must ensure the safety of the civilians."
"Understood, Lord Third. I'll pass the word down."
After Shikaku left, Hiruzen looked toward the Uchiha compound.
Uchiha Raizen, was it you?
But according to Kakashi's report, when the Shimura clan was being bombed, Raizen was eating barbecue with Guy. Is this a coincidence, or a carefully crafted alibi? Do you recognize those curse marks?
Hiruzen's frown deepened. He wanted to bring the Uchiha into his fold and use their power, but he feared history repeating itself—feared they would become radicals and attempt another coup.
But even if the Uchiha try to regain their strength, it will take over a decade. By then, I likely won't even be here. For now, they pose no threat to me. Instead, I can use their presence to needle Danzo and keep him in check.
Reports say the two Consultants have been very close to Danzo lately. It seems they likely had a hand in the Uchiha attack as well. They really are making things difficult for me.
But since you've teamed up against me, I won't let you get your way so easily.
Hiruzen looked up at the Hokage Rock, his gaze turning profound.
A Hidden Cave
"Leader, I saw a new mission at the black market. I think it's perfect for you."
A lower-level Akatsuki member knelt before Konan, holding a mission scroll.
Konan raised an eyebrow. "A mission for me?"
"A long-term bodyguard mission. The client is very generous—three million Ryo a month!"
"That much?" Konan was surprised. She took the scroll and unrolled it. When she saw the name, she froze. "Uchiha Raizen again?!"
Hearing the name, Itachi Uchiha, who had been resting nearby, opened his eyes instantly.
The messenger continued, "Someone attacked the Uchiha clan. For security, Uchiha Raizen wants to hire a female Kage-level expert. You are perfectly suited for this, Leader. One month's pay is almost as much as our usual half-year income."
"You said someone attacked the Uchiha?" Itachi stood up and walked over to the man, his face darkening as he stared him down.
"Yes." The man shrank back from Itachi's gaze; those Three-Tomoe Sharingan were incredibly intimidating.
Lord Third, is this how you keep your promise to me? Itachi asked silently.
"I need to leave for a while," Itachi said.
"Where?" Konan asked.
"Konoha," Itachi replied coldly.
Konan stood. "Let's go together. I'm quite interested in this mission."
The Akatsuki was still in its early stages and desperately needed funds. Konan wasn't about to pass up such a massive payout, even if it meant taking a "bodyguard" job personally.
"Mhm," Itachi nodded and walked out.
"Itachi-san, wait for me! I'm coming too," Jūzō Biwa shouted, chasing after him. After their recent time together, Jūzō had become quite fond of Itachi and now addressed him with respect.
The Grass Village
Hidan sat on the ground, wiping blood from his scythe. Around him, the ground was stained a deep crimson, littered with corpses.
Nearby, Kakuzu held a long rope. Tied to the rope was a line of beautiful young women—girls, young mothers, and elegant ladies. All were exceptionally attractive and fit.
Hidan shouldered his scythe and walked over, laughing. "Kakuzu, with this many people, we're going to strike it rich!"
Kakuzu didn't look back. "We need to hit a temple next."
"What for? Those monks are just infidels who don't respect Lord Jashin. Are we going to send them to hell?" Hidan licked his lips excitedly.
Kakuzu shook his head. "No. we need the seals those monks use to control their followers. It'll make it easier to 'deliver the goods' and get our money. Let's move. I know a temple nearby; we should reach it before dark!"
Tugging the rope of women, Kakuzu could almost see the mountains of cash waiting for him.