CHAPTER 182

The words of Earth and Stone made Kakuzu freeze for a moment.

Redemption?

Can you still play like this?

But if I take the money, aren't you just going to kill me?

Kakuzu wanted to refuse, but he didn't dare to say the words.

After all, people can only continue to make money if they're alive.

Earth and Stone No. 1 and No. 2 were watching Kakuzu's conflicted expression in the sealed space, and the corners of their mouths twitched wildly.

What's so confusing about this?

Is money really more important than life in your eyes?

"If you don't take the money, there will be no chance," Earth and Stone said, his tone growing impatient.

"If you die, you can't make money anymore. You still have so many years ahead of you, and so much money waiting for you to earn. Are you really willing to throw that away?"

At the same time, he kept pushing, trying to persuade him.

…What you said makes sense, Kakuzu thought bitterly, but how could it be good if you're just a bad guy trying to steal my money?

I don't believe it!

But… it really does make sense.

Kakuzu wrestled with his thoughts for a long time until something clicked in his mind.

His eyes lit up, green pupils glowing.

"How much money can redeem my life?"

Earth and Stone hadn't actually considered that. He only knew Kakuzu had a lot of money—but not exactly how much.

He decided to throw out a number and see what happened.

"One hundred million ryō."

As soon as the words left his mouth, a hint of relief flickered in his eyes.

Earth and Stone No. 1's mouth twitched again.

That seems like too little.

Damn, this big spender—our main body and so many clones are worried about money, yet you hoarded it all!

You always said money was hard to earn, but you're giving it up just like that!

Kakuzu quickly did the math in his head.

One hundred million ryō… If he was lucky, he could make that back in a year by hunting a few high-bounty targets. Even under normal conditions, five years would be enough.

And more importantly, he could live… well, a long time.

Yes, a long time.

Without powerful enemies trying to kill him and constantly replacing his heart, he could probably live for hundreds of years.

The Earth Grudge Fear technique was truly powerful in that regard.

By stealing hearts, it devoured vitality and greatly extended Kakuzu's lifespan.

Damn… in that case, one hundred million ryō actually sounds like a good deal.

"Deal!" Kakuzu said immediately, not daring to hesitate—worried the price would go up.

Earth and Stone stared at him.

"The price just went up. Two hundred million."

"What?! Wasn't it one hundred million? How can you do this?"

Kakuzu was dumbfounded. This man was going back on his word!

Even if he'd increased the price before Kakuzu agreed, that would've been acceptable—but raising it after the deal?

That was robbery.

"Now it's four hundred million."

"…Alright, alright! Four hundred million! No more increases—I agree!"

Kakuzu let out a cry like a pig being slaughtered.

This guy is so cruel.

It started at one hundred million ryō, and in the end, it became four hundred.

It really was like being mugged at knifepoint.

Earth and Stone had already judged Kakuzu's limits and didn't push further.

This seemed to be an amount Kakuzu could earn back in a relatively short time if he went all out.

Damn.

No wonder you can't beat me. You're probably making money 24 hours a day.

Without another word, Earth and Stone transformed his hand into a staff and knocked Kakuzu unconscious.

Earth Grudge Fear was ugly, but it was a legitimate technique involving vitality.

Earth and Stone knew that his main body had done extensive research on the concept—but had almost given up.

After all, he hadn't developed Reincarnation of the Self yet, and unlocking Outer Path: Samsara of Heavenly Life was still out of reach.

Unexpectedly, he met Kakuzu at this moment.

The Earth Grudge Fear technique plundered hearts and absorbed vitality. That was why Kakuzu had fought during Hashirama's era and still looked like a middle-aged man—with no decline in physical strength.

Perhaps… by studying it, something valuable could be found.

Vitality might even help resolve the side effects of the Mangekyō Sharingan. It was worth investigating.

As for the situation in the Land of Lightning, there was no rush.

What exactly is vitality?

Externally, it manifests as the number of times cells can divide.

But what drives them to divide?

Cell viability? No—more than that.

Not just the general state of cells, but the force that drives them to divide.

After dispelling his summon, Earth and Stone roughly cleaned up the scene and left with Kakuzu.

He wasn't afraid of being recognized. He was much stronger now.

As for Madara Uchiha?

After so many years, he was probably running on fumes. While still a super-Kage-level threat, the so-called "immortal" Madara was now hooked up to tubes and had poor mobility.

If he couldn't win… he definitely couldn't run.

After leaving the Land of Earth, Earth and Stone entered the Land of Taki, where Kakuzu's former shinobi village was located.

Finding a secluded cave, Earth and Stone began studying the tentacle-like threads emerging from Kakuzu's body.

The broken mask fragments especially drew his attention—those were his primary focus.

"The vitality of cell division… the driving force that compels cells to divide will diminish with each division until it disappears.

At that point, the cells stop dividing, and the organism dies of old age."

"So, absorbing vitality means absorbing the energy of other cells.

That suggests vitality is a substance—or energy—that can be transferred."

So what exactly is vitality?

Through Kakuzu's Earth Grudge Fear, Earth and Stone seemed to be discovering something.

Konoha.

After being notified by the Hokage, Hui had made early preparations. But the next day, he received word that the mission was delayed two days, leaving him confused.

What happened?

One day earlier.

Inside the Hokage's Office.

Boom!

A rough pounding on the door startled the Third Hokage from his paperwork.

Before he could even reprimand the visitor, an angry voice rang out.

"Old man! Are you targeting me?! Minato just returned a few days ago, and now you're sending him out again? Are you doing this on purpose?!"

The Third Hokage sighed.

This troublesome girl again.

Maybe he shouldn't have entrusted her to Tsunade. She definitely inherited that temper.

"Kushina, you have to understand that Minato is a jōnin of the village. It's his duty to go on missions. I'm not targeting anyone."

He softened his voice, slipping into that practiced diplomatic tone.

"The situation in the Land of Lightning is serious, so I had no choice but to assign him. Minato is one of the finest ninjas of his generation."

Smooth.

He even complimented Minato.

Kushina's heart swelled with pride.

Of course Minato was the best!

But that wasn't the point!

"I don't care! Old man, if Minato leaves for so long, what am I supposed to do?!"

The Third Hokage rubbed his temples.

"…What do you want?"

Kushina's eyes gleamed with mischief.

The Third Hokage immediately sensed trouble.

"I'm going with him!"

"No! Absolutely not!"

After a long, loud argument, Kushina didn't get permission to leave—but she did get a consolation prize.

The mission was delayed by two days so she could spend more time with Minato.

Also, she secured a promise that next time, she'd be allowed to go.

For Hui, the delay wasn't a problem.

"Two extra days? Well, I might as well explore Konoha."

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