Chapter 156: Onto Iwagakure....

Land of Water, Black Market.

Senshi and Karin were here doing a few missions, meanwhile getting a sense of the local situation.

Having taken care of the matters involving Uchiha Itachi and Sasuke, he was now ready to leave. Though he could easily swing by to see Mei Terumī, he deemed it unnecessary at the moment. Better for her to save more money first; then he'd go sell her some more items.

Before this, in order to unlock his advanced draw feature, Senshi had blown through fifteen hundred consecutive draws. As a result, his system storage was piled high with all sorts of goodies. Bloodline limits and ninjutsu that he personally had no use for could just be sold to Mei Terumī or to other people instead.

Walking along a street in the black market, Karin, full of delight, was counting the scratchcards in her hands. She'd originally set a small goal for herself of collecting 200 cards, but that had turned out too easy, so she'd decided to push for 300. Watching her flip through a stack of cards repeatedly, Senshi felt equal parts amused and exasperated.

He patted her head and asked, "We've finished up everything here. Are we heading back to Amegakure, or do you want to stay here and keep doing missions?"

Karin promptly grabbed hold of his leg and cajoled, "No, no, no! I want to…uh, mooch off your missions. Oops, slip of the tongue—I mean, I want to assist you in carrying out missions!"

Senshi rolled his eyes, not bothering to call her out. Without further delay, he laid a hand on Karin's shoulder and channeled the Speed Force into her. He did have spatial teleportation powers, but he simply chose not to use them—just for fun. Once he finished "charging" Karin, he pointed in the direction of Amegakure and said, "Off we go!"

The instant he spoke, his whole body lit up in dazzling gold, transforming into a gold thunderbolt and vanishing on the spot.

Karin followed right behind him, likewise becoming a streak of gold light. Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh—in the blink of an eye, golden lines streaked across the distance from Kirigakure to Amegakure.

Soon, Senshi and Karin had returned to Ame.

Now that Senshi had Speed Force and the Kāma spatial teleportation, he was starting to feel the ninja world was too small. Once he leveled up a bit more, he figured he could learn from the Ōtsutsuki clan and expand his mission business to the entire universe. Those were just future thoughts, though.

Right now, he needed to step up his progress on the mission Black Zetsu had posted—to collect all nine Tailed Beasts.

Currently, except for the two Tailed Beasts in Iwagakure, the rest were already in his reach and could be captured whenever he pleased. As for those two, he only knew their approximate location, so he'd need a local guide to ensure everything went smoothly. Luckily, the Akatsuki had a member from Iwagakure—Deidara.

There was no need to let Iwagakure's two Tailed Beasts roam free out there. He could stash them in Karin's Kamui dimension and "lock them up."

Then, whenever it was time to deliver them for a mission, he could simply pull them out.

Back in Amegakure, Karin looked at him with wide eyes and asked, "Senshi, what are we going to do next?"

After thinking for a moment, he answered, "First, let's go talk to Sister Konan. I need to pick up a mission from her."

Karin nodded, somewhat curious about what kind of job Senshi was planning to take on. After all, it didn't seem like either Amegakure or the Akatsuki had an urgent mission requiring his personal involvement at the moment.

Senshi wasted no time. He activated Kāma's spatial teleportation, taking Karin with him straight to Nagato's office atop Amegakure's tower.

"Huh?" The instant they walked in, both Senshi and Karin froze.

Senshi: (O_O)???

Karin: (O_O)???

Karin tilted her head, then said to Senshi, "Senshi, I get it! We must have opened the door the wrong way. Let's leave and come in again!"

Senshi shook his head. That definitely wasn't the issue. Right before their eyes, Nagato had reverted to his old, emaciated appearance, looking utterly worn down.

Senshi couldn't help grumbling to himself, What in the world has Konan been doing to him? Even having Captain America's constitution plus Uzumaki vitality can't stand up to it?!

At that moment, Nagato glanced up from reviewing documents. His eyes were bloodshot; if not for the lack of Sharingan tomoe, Senshi might have suspected he'd evolved a double Rinne-Sharingan. On seeing Senshi, Nagato spoke wearily, "Senshi…why are you here? Something you want to discuss with me and Konan?"

Konan also turned her gaze on Senshi, clearly curious about his sudden arrival. He nodded. "Yes, I do have a few things to say." He couldn't help pivoting the conversation, though, asking, "Sister Konan, why does Nagato look so drained?"

Before Konan could reply, Nagato asked, puzzled, "I look worn out?"

Konan shook her head calmly. "Not at all. You're much better off compared to the time you spent in that life-support contraption leading the Akatsuki."

Hearing that, Nagato relaxed, concluding that his condition must be fine. It had felt unfamiliar initially, but he'd gradually adapted. Even though both Nagato and Konan thought nothing was wrong, Senshi couldn't help noticing his mouth twitch. He pressed, "Sister Konan, has Nagato been taking on a whole lot of duties in Amegakure lately?"

In Senshi's eyes, the man's exhaustion was simply due to overwork. But considering Nagato was both Uzumaki and boosted by the serum, it still seemed odd for him to be this fatigued.

Konan, cheeks coloring faintly, gave a shy smile. "Yes, it's just a matter of 'the capable do more work.' Right now, the tasks left for Nagato in Amegakure are…maybe a tiny bit more than usual."

Senshi: (O_O)???

Karin: (O_O)???

Though Konan called it "just a bit," Senshi was certain it was anything but simple. Frowning in thought, he asked, "Is Nagato basically in charge of leading the village, then?"

Konan nodded. "Yes. All major developments related to Amegakure require his sign-off, and the same goes for the Akatsuki's affairs."

Hearing that, Senshi immediately understood.

Not only was Nagato heading Amegakure, he was also simultaneously the leader of the Akatsuki—two large organizations in one.

The Akatsuki itself was full of big names, like Orochimaru, Kakuzu, Hidan, Sasori, Deidara, all of them either missing-nin from major villages or dangerous terrorists.

Managing those sorts was no easy chore. Meanwhile, Amegakure was in the midst of explosive growth, even surpassing the Five Great Nations' speed, which in turn demanded heaps of energy from its leader.

Still, even with two roles, Senshi doubted it should drain Nagato to this degree. Then a thought struck him: previously, whenever Senshi had collaborated with people like Mei Terumī, all negotiations were done with Tendo Pain—not Nagato's real body. Casually, he asked, "So does Tendo also oversee some of the village's day-to-day?"

Because both Nagato's real body and the Six Paths collectively consumed Nagato's mental energy. If Tendo was also taking on some tasks, that meant Nagato was effectively doing the job of three people.

Konan, a bit self-conscious, replied, "Yes, Tendo is the village's 'public figure' and the head of foreign affairs."

Senshi: (O_O)???

He found himself feeling sorry for Nagato. Not only was his main body overworked, but Tendo Pain likewise had to do two jobs. Yet in seconds, Senshi realized he'd still been too optimistic.

Konan went on, her tone bright. "Not just Tendo. Here in Amegakure, all of the Six Paths of Pain have their own responsibilities."

"Wha?" Senshi and Karin both stared, dumbfounded. There's even a trick like that?

Curious, Senshi asked, "So what's Naraka Path in charge of?"

Konan immediately answered, "Naraka Path Pain is our minister of police."

Senshi felt his sympathy deepen. Nagato's real body had to serve as "Amekage" plus head of the Akatsuki. If Tendo and Naraka's roles counted as well, that was four different positions. But from Konan's earlier remarks, that still wasn't everything.

Senshi continued, "Does the Human Path also do any official work around the village?"

Konan smiled, "Yes, the Human Path is the head of interrogations."

Senshi's eyes lit up in understanding. The Human Path's memory reading ability obviously made them ideal for interrogating criminals. Confirming that Tendo, Naraka, and Human Paths were all assigned major roles, Senshi pressed further, "What about Animal Path, Preta Path, and Asura Path? Are they likewise managing some of the village's affairs on a daily basis?"

Konan's cheeks flushed a bit, and she answered, "The Animal Path is head of scouting, Preta Path is head of security, and the Asura Path is head of ninja-tool research."

Now Senshi fully understood why Nagato looked this worn out. Konan had scheduled the Six Paths—and the main body—to do different official tasks, meaning Nagato was effectively performing eight people's worth of labor. Holy cow. Even a workhorse wouldn't stand for that.

In Konan's arrangement, Nagato was basically used as seven separate people. Next time anyone told Senshi he was exploiting his teammates, he was going to get mad. After all, at worst he made them grind missions day and night. Meanwhile, Nagato had to be on call 24/7 × 7. That was 7 years of labor compressed into 1 year. If a Saiyan saw that, they'd shake their head in pity. Indeed, in the realm of "overworking," Senshi had to concede; Konan was on a whole other level.

After Konan finished detailing the Six Paths' jobs, Nagato began to realize maybe he was tackling too much. Especially after the Chūnin Exams, in which Senshi led Amegakure's delegation to stunning success, Ame had become the entire ninja world's focus. The village had already been in high-speed development, with a mountain of tasks to handle. Post-exams, those soared again. Before Senshi's arrival, Nagato had been too busy to even think about it. Now, just considering it briefly, he found something was very off.

Sensing Nagato's misgivings, Konan quickly gave a sweet smile. "Yes, Nagato's handling a lot, but there's no helping it: 'the capable do more work.' Think about it—can you name any other ninja in the village who could do what you and the Six Paths are doing?"

The truth was yes—Senshi presumably could. But employing Senshi for each job would cost a fortune, and if the job could be done by the local ninjas, it wasn't practical to hire Senshi.

Nagato weighed it all in his mind and finally pressed a hand to his forehead in exasperation. "Fine. For now, I'll keep doing it. But we must train specialized personnel to replace me."

He paused, then added, "It's not that I'm trying to dodge work. I only think the younger ninjas deserve an opportunity to prove themselves."

Senshi almost snorted out loud. Hearing Nagato's words, Konan nodded seriously. "I'm already doing exactly that."

At that, Nagato felt a bit relieved. "Glad to hear it. Keep training ninjas who can handle these tasks."

Konan gave a slight bow, then said sheepishly, "Don't worry—I'll see to that. Honestly, I've thought for a while that certain Pain bodies in the Six Paths deserve more important, more complex responsibilities. They're a little underemployed in their present roles. Anyway, this is only temporary, and in the future, I'll have them take on bigger responsibilities."

Nagato: (O_O)???

He nearly blacked out from shock hearing that. What in the world is Konan saying? He silently vowed that once she trained up enough talented ninjas to fill these posts, he would definitely recall a few Pain bodies to reduce his workload.

Done with the job discussion, Konan turned to Senshi. "By the way, what brings you here? Do you need anything from Nagato?"

Senshi gave Nagato a sympathetic glance and said, "Sister Konan, it's nothing major. Let's go talk in your office. No need to bother the 'leader.'"

Hearing that, Nagato felt relieved. So many tasks already burdened him—he wanted Amegakure ninjas and the rest of the ninja world to learn from Senshi's example: if it wasn't absolutely necessary, don't trouble him. There were plenty of tasks Konan or others could do, so the leader needn't be involved personally.

Senshi then headed off to Konan's office for further discussion. Karin, however, stayed behind in Nagato's. Frowning, Nagato asked, "Karin, do you still need something?"

Karin beamed. "Leader, I can help review the village's paperwork, or sort it, and I can bring you water or give you a shoulder rub."

Nagato was touched—Karin had really grown. He recalled letting her join the Akatsuki missions as Senshi's assistant. Look at her now—so thoughtful, even offering to share the leader's workload. So he said casually, "Karin, would you mind getting me a cup of water?"

"Sure thing!" She zipped off and soon returned with water, setting it before him with a bright smile. "Leader, here's your water. That'll be a 500,000 ryō commission. Since it's our first time, I'll do it at 90% off. Thanks for giving me this job!"

Nagato: Wait, what??? (O_O)???

He was floored. Why does a cup of water cost half a million? Before he could collect himself, Karin continued cheerily, "Leader, I do errands for merchants in the village at a base rate of 500,000. If you want me to give you a shoulder rub, that's a million per half hour. And if you need me to handle files or help you review documents, that's 10 million for half a day. Got any other tasks?"

Nagato felt short of breath. He had known Senshi was extortionate, but never imagined Karin had turned this unscrupulous, too. Just for a cup of water? 500,000? And the real kicker was that she was staring at him now with big, hopeful eyes, waiting for more "jobs." But who could afford her standard? And who knew what other hidden fees might arise?

He quickly filled out a check for 50,000 ryō and handed it over. Then he said, "Karin, next time you do anything for me, let's please negotiate the commission first—before you start."

It was just 50,000 wasted this time; not a huge deal. He worried next time he might ask her to do something bigger and end up with a giant invoice. Hearing that, Karin carefully put away the check. Then she waved her little hand in a faux wise manner and said, "Leader, come on, we're all on the same side. I totally trust your integrity! No matter what job you need me for, I can finish it first and collect payment afterward."

Nagato: Gee, thanks.

He simply forced a smile, watching her leave. Another lesson learned—he'd have to guard against not just Senshi, but also Konan and Karin.

In Konan's office, Senshi couldn't help letting out a small laugh. Through his Mantra, he'd witnessed Karin "scamming" Nagato.

Strictly speaking, though, "scamming" might be unfair. After all, her standard rate for urgent or large deliveries in the village was indeed at least 500,000. It was just that in this particular case, Nagato had only asked for a cup of water, so it felt like a waste.

Plus, because Nagato regarded Karin like a child in his own household, he ended up paying out of the kindness of his heart. Had it been some other ninja causing trouble, Nagato would've crossed his arms and asked, "How many wells can you dig before breakfast?"

Unaware of why Senshi was chuckling, Konan waited until he sat on the sofa, then asked casually, "What did you want to discuss?"

He quickly sobered and got to the point. "I'm planning to make a trip to Iwagakure soon and capture the two Tailed Beasts there."

Given Senshi's capabilities, Konan was surprised but not incredulous. The Akatsuki had clearly established a bounty of 100 million per Tailed Beast, so Senshi was here to pick up that commission. After some thought, Konan nodded. "No problem. The Akatsuki can pay you 200 million in total to stealthily capture the two Tailed Beasts from Iwagakure."

She had confidence he could get it done. After all, Kirigakure was still in the dark about how Senshi had captured the Three-Tails.

"Sister Konan, you're amazing."

[Client: Konan]

[Goal: Help the Akatsuki capture Iwagakure's two Tailed Beasts]

[Reward: 200 million ryō]

[Rank: S-rank]

[Bonus: 200,000 Employment Pointa]

When the mission prompt flashed in his mind, Senshi was delighted.

He'd not only earn the Akatsuki's commission; he'd also earn from Black Zetsu.

And the missions didn't conflict at all. The Akatsuki wanted Tails One through Nine so they could forge a Tailed Beast weapon to intimidate the ninja world.

Once Nagato resurrected the Ten-Tails, Senshi would then help Black Zetsu capture it. Would there be any issues with that? Of course not.

They wanted him to collect the Tailed Beasts; that he could do. Whether they sealed them in the Gedo Statue or tried forging a Tailed Beast weapon was none of his concern. As far as Senshi was concerned, their goals would be met, Black Zetsu's goals would be met, and he would fulfill his own tasks—everyone was a winner.

After accepting the Tailed Beast capture mission from Konan, Senshi didn't want to waste time. With a big smile, he asked, "Sister Konan, where's Deidara at the moment? I'll need him to guide me when I go after Iwagakure's Tailed Beasts."

Konan thought for a moment. "He should be on a mission with Sasori near Kusagakure."

With that settled, Senshi stood to take his leave. "Alright, Sister Konan, I'm off, then. The organization can just wait to receive the Tailed Beasts—leave the rest to me!"

Bidding her goodbye, he used a time-space ninjutsu to grab Karin—who was still busy fiddling with her scratchcards—and whisked her off to find Deidara and Sasori.

~~~

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