One month later, under the cover of night, in a mountain-stream town within the Land of Lightning—
A, the Raikage's son, walked briskly toward an inn, carrying a money box in his hands. Three Kumo ninja followed closely behind.
Inside, Kazuyama was already preparing for his next crime. To avoid suspicion, he had booked two rooms in advance. As soon as he entered, a puff of white smoke rose, revealing his true form. A devious smile spread across Kazuyama's face.
"Another 40 million ryō in my possession."
"And Lightning Bro has racked up another 40 million in debt."
In just one month, Kazuyama had borrowed money from ten different lenders—all in A's name. His personal savings had now soared to a staggering 400 million ryō, inching ever closer to his goal. Meanwhile, A's debt had also exceeded 400 million ryō.
Each time Kazuyama took out a loan under A's identity, his abilities grew. Watching his stats climb higher and higher, his enthusiasm only intensified.
Borrowing money really is the fastest way to get rich—especially when you don't have to pay it back.
Casually sealing the money box into a scroll, he prepared for his next move.
[Kazuyama Gekkō]
Affiliation: Konohagakure, Gekkō Clan Jōnin, Jinchūriki (Seven-Tails)
Kekkei Genkai: Transparent Escape Technique (Perfect Mastery), Second Kekkei Genkai (Inactive, Mission Progress: 426 million ryō saved)
Ninjutsu: Multiple Shadow Clone Technique, Eight Inner Gates, Flying Thunder God Technique, Fire Release (Fireball, Phoenix Sage Fire), Earth Release (Earth-Style Wall, Double Suicide Decapitation), Wind Release (Protective Wind, Great Breakthrough, Wind Cutter), Hidden Shadow Snake Hand, One Thousand Years of Death (Enhanced Power +11%, Rotation Variant), Summoning Technique (Snake)
Senjutsu: Ryūchi Cave Senjutsu (Not Activated), Natural Energy (Beginner)
Tailed Beast: Chōmei (100% Affinity), Tailed Beast Transformation (100%), Tailed Beast Ball (Mastered, Optimization 0%)
[Stats]
Strength: 72
Speed: 75
Chakra: 95
Stamina: 82
Ninjutsu: 96
Taijutsu: 54
Genjutsu: 61
Hand Seals: 78
His chakra and ninjutsu had improved the most—after all, each time he scammed A, they increased by five points.
Over the past month, Kazuyama had made his way through most of the banks in the Land of Lightning, leaving behind countless IOUs and photos of A.
At that moment, A was still fighting on the front lines, completely unaware that he had unknowingly become a multi-millionaire—at least on paper.
Under the cover of darkness, Kazuyama set off once more, heading west. He had no intention of venturing deeper into the Land of Lightning. If Kumo caught on, he needed to be able to escape early.
"Chōmei, wings—let's keep moving!"
Kazuyama always traveled at night, taking advantage of Chōmei's flight ability. No matter how fast someone ran, they couldn't outrun the sky. His mobility was the key to pulling off so many successful schemes in just one month.
"Huh? A convoy?"
From above, he spotted a procession moving through the night, the Kumogakure banner flying proudly.
"Chōmei, keep an eye out for me—I don't want to get dazzled in the dark."
Chōmei was speechless. His Hive Mind allowed him to see perfectly at night—how could Kazuyama get dazzled? Still, he humored him and took a look.
"Fifteen people, ten wagons—Kumogakure's transport unit."
Kazuyama nodded, his gaze locking onto the ninja at the front.
"A Kumo Magnet Release user… is that Toroi?"
If someone like him was leading the escort, the cargo had to be strategic supplies. A convoy protected by a Jōnin with a Kekkei Genkai was no ordinary shipment.
His fingers twitched with anticipation.
"Chōmei, strategic supplies. You in the mood to mess with them?"
"Hehehe… I'll get Scale Powder ready immediately."
The two were perfectly in sync, their minds connected. Chōmei, having fully taken on Kazuyama's form, prepared for the attack.
Activating the Transparent Escape Technique, Kazuyama dove toward the convoy.
Below—
"Speed up. These supplies need to reach the Land of Rice Fields as soon as possible," Toroi ordered.
"Captain, why are we delivering supplies there?" a ninja beside him asked. "Iwa has already retreated, hasn't it?"
"That's exactly why," Toroi replied. "We need to take control of the Land of Rice Fields before anyone else does. Most of our forces are fighting Konoha in the Land of Hot Water, but this territory is just as important."
"The Raikage has his own plans. We just follow orders."
Above—
Kazuyama's eyes narrowed.
Kumo is setting up a front in the Land of Rice Fields too? Makes sense. The Raikage wants to keep the battlefield outside his own borders—just like he did with the Land of Hot Water.
Unfortunately for him, he ran into me. If this shipment reaches its destination, I'll write my name in reverse.
"Chōmei, ready?"
"More than ready. Paralysis Powder."
Kazuyama clapped his hands in response.
"Ninja Art: Scale Powder Paralysis Technique!"
Invisible under the night sky, the fine, colorless powder spread through the air, covering the entire convoy.
"Huh?! No—!"
Toroi felt his body go numb. He tried to warn his squad, but it was too late. One by one, the others collapsed, and soon, he too sank to the ground, powerless.
"You were able to react—just as expected of a Kumo ninja with a Kekkei Genkai."
Kazuyama slowly emerged from the wagon, a hint of disdain curling at the corner of his mouth.
His Scale Powder had never failed before, and this was just another ninja with a Kekkei Genkai.
"Hoh… quite a lot of stuff."
Opening two supply crates, his eyes lit up.
"Food, weapons, explosive tags."
He pulled out storage scrolls, preparing to seal everything away—only to freeze the next moment.
He was almost out of scrolls. Only two were left, the rest already filled with money or daily necessities.
"Damn, scrolls are never around when you actually need them."
"Chōmei, got any bright ideas for hauling this stuff?"
Chōmei stared at him in disbelief.
"I'm inside you, damn it. What do you expect me to do?"
"...How about we both go full Tailed Beast mode? We can just fly off with everything."
Kazuyama stomped his foot in frustration, then suddenly had a better idea.
Biting his finger, he formed a hand seal.
"Summoning Technique!"
Boom!
A massive golden snake materialized beside the wagon, its vertical pupils gleaming menacingly.
"Kazuyama! You dare disturb my beauty sleep?! Do you know the consequences?"
"Oh, come on, my dear Kinrin, help me out here."
Kinrin narrowed her eyes in confusion.
"Quickly, take all these supplies back to Ryūchi Cave. I'll pick them up from there when I return to Konoha!"
Kinrin's eyes widened.
What the hell?!
She'd been summoned in the middle of the night… just to carry cargo?!
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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