Chapter 179 - Gotta Pay More

The Infinite Hole Armor, Dragon Eye Telescopic Sword, Peacock Twin Swords, and Light Sword are the four ninja tools passed down from generation to generation in the Artisan Ninja Village.

Each sword possesses unique abilities and considerable power.

In Kimimaro's view, these should be the prototypes of scientific ninja tools.

Compared to them, the Lightning Blade isn't weak.

It's just that the first four are more user-friendly, while the Lightning Blade requires the user to have sufficient skill.

Otherwise, it's impossible to unleash its full power.

For example, Kurosuki Raiga's skill is quite poor, and it's a waste to give him the Lightning Blade.

"No matter how powerful a weapon is, it depends on the user's ability. Relying on four ninja tools to challenge the Sand Village? Although the Sand Village has always been at the bottom of the Five Great Ninja Villages, it's not something any force can easily shake.

These Four Heavenly Kings aren't very bright, and the leader of the Artisan Ninja Village just lets them do as they please?"

"With the strength of the Artisan Ninja Village, they can't stop those four at all. To protect themselves, the ninja craftsmen in the village have already relocated."

Black Stone sighed, quite worried.

The Four Heavenly Kings are the signature of the Artisan Ninja Village. Although they have betrayed the village now, the outside world doesn't know.

Once this matter blows up, the Artisan Ninja Village won't be able to explain it clearly.

Plus, the village is wealthy, and there's no guarantee it won't be taken advantage of.

So the village is contacting Konoha, hoping they can send someone to stop the Four Heavenly Kings, while also relocating in advance to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

The Artisan Ninja Village is making two preparations, aiming to minimize the damage.

Hearing their conversation, Kimimaro felt that Black Stone seemed to know a lot about the Artisan Ninja Village.

This kind of information isn't something ordinary people would know.

The next moment, their conversation confirmed Kimimaro's thoughts.

"I remember you were also from the Artisan Ninja Village, right?"

Black Stone nodded.

"It's been many years since I went back."

"Ten million Ryo."

Kakuzu casually quoted a price.

"What?"

Black Stone was taken aback.

"Just by looking at you, I know you're worried about the Artisan Ninja Village. You left the village full of anger because of that incident. But you still can't let go of that broken village. Ten million Ryo, I'll kill the Four Heavenly Kings for you, and then there won't be any problems, right?"

Kakuzu said matter-of-factly.

"You're still the same, always resorting to violence."

Black Stone sighed helplessly.

"If killing can solve the problem, then it's not a problem. So, are you in or not? The longer you drag it out, the more trouble there will be. If we wait until a big mistake is made, it'll be useless even if I kill them."

Kakuzu's words made Black Stone determined.

"Deal! But I hope you can bring back those four ninja tools intact, they're very important to the Artisan Ninja Village."

"Sure, gotta pay more, a total of fifteen million Ryo."

Black Stone: "..."

Kakuzu's price hike left Kimimaro stunned.

A money-making genius.

"Fine, fifteen million Ryo it is."

Black Stone didn't lack that much money, so he agreed without bargaining.

He also knew that haggling with Kakuzu was impossible.

This guy was a money bag.

"Very good. Now tell me the information."

Kakuzu showed a satisfied expression.

In the blink of an eye, Kakuzu had closed another big deal.

Kimimaro couldn't help but admire Kakuzu's money-making ability.

After the information exchange was complete, Kakuzu said to Kimimaro, "Kid, let's go. By the time we get back, your sword will be ready."

"Okay, Kakuzu-senpai."

Kimimaro didn't refuse and left with him.

Black Stone watched their departing figures and muttered, "I hope they can really stop the Four Heavenly Kings. The Artisan Ninja Village is really troublesome."

On the way, Kakuzu's gaze kept sweeping over him.

"Senpai, why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?"

Kimimaro was unaffected by his stare and asked directly.

"I feel like I lost out."

"Lost out? On what?"

Kimimaro was puzzled.

"Each of those four ninja tools could sell for five million Ryo, but I gave you the Lightning Blade for free. I lost at least one million Ryo there."

Kimimaro: "..."

So it was because of that, and it had been so long ago, he was still keeping track.

"Kid, how about I treat you to a meal, and you return the sword to me. If that's not possible, you can make up the difference, not much, just one million Ryo."

Kakuzu tried to renegotiate, but Kimimaro definitely wouldn't agree.

"The deal is done, there's no going back. Kakuzu-senpai, just consider it a lesson learned."

Kimimaro said, quickening his pace.

"You stingy kid, when did you become so frugal?"

Kakuzu was slightly dissatisfied.

"Naturally, I learned it from you, senpai."

"Hmph. Next time I get the chance, I'll definitely kill you!"

A financial dispute had begun, and it might well turn into a murder case.

At this moment, Kimimaro had an idea and said, "Senpai, how about we make another deal? I can give you ten million Ryo."

Kakuzu's green eyes lit up upon hearing this.

"What kind of deal?"

"Give me a meter-long piece of Earth Grudge Fear, I want to study it. I'm quite interested in this thing."

Kakuzu immediately stopped in his tracks.

"Kid, you're eyeing my Earth Grudge Fear? Are you looking to die?"

"Of course not. I just see that Kakuzu-senpai has such a long life, so I'm curious about the composition of Earth Grudge Fear. If I figure it out, maybe I can even help you make a breakthrough. You only have five hearts now, who knows, maybe you can get seven?"

Kakuzu was actually a bit tempted upon hearing this.

On the one hand, there was the lure of money, and on the other hand, he had reached the limit of his control over Earth Grudge Fear. If there was a way to go further, it would be a good thing.

As for whether Kimimaro would turn against him after studying Earth Grudge Fear, Kakuzu wasn't worried.

Earth Grudge Fear didn't have any weaknesses.

Moreover, whenever someone in the Akatsuki lost an arm or a leg, they would come to him to reattach it. He had already given away quite a bit of Earth Grudge Fear and didn't mind giving some to Kimimaro.

As his teammate, if Kimimaro really wanted to mess with Earth Grudge Fear, Kakuzu wouldn't be able to defend against it anyway.

It was better to give it to him now that he had brought it up openly.

It would both strengthen their bond and earn him money.

Of course, the most important thing was the money.

Thinking of this, Kakuzu immediately made a decision.

He held up two fingers with his right hand, gesturing.

"Twenty million Ryo. In addition to the deal we just discussed, I can continue to provide Earth Grudge Fear if you run out of research materials later."

Expanding the deal, raising the price.

"Deal."

Kimimaro smiled, his eyes narrowed.

Kakuzu was truly a good teammate.

Earth Grudge Fear, easily acquired.

(End of Chapter)