Chapter 51: S-Ranked Bounty Mission, Spotting Kakuzu
Notes:
The Land of Rice Fields, formerly known as the Land of Sound, was a relatively new player on the political stage. Bordering the Land of Fire, it was gaining influence quickly.
Meanwhile, far from the peaceful Fire Temple where the Konoha ninja had settled, the Underground Bounty Station in the Land of Rice Fields buzzed quietly with darker dealings. Rogue ninja Kakuzu sat counting a stack of freshly minted bills, the crisp rustle of currency a symphony to his ears.
But even in this moment of profit, his sharp eyes remained vigilant. Mid-count, he paused, plucking out an old, worn note from the bundle and glancing sharply at the cashier. "This one's too faded. Swap it for a fresh bill."
The staff member hurriedly complied.
At that moment, the bounty station chief emerged cautiously from the shadows and leaned in close, voice hushed. "Kakuzu-sama, word just came through… an S-rank mission has been issued."
Kakuzu's eyes glittered with cold excitement—S-rank meant a jackpot. "How much?"
"Fifteen million Ryo."
With deliberate care, Kakuzu slid his money into a sturdy case and snapped it shut. "Bring me the details."
The chief hesitated, weighing the risk, then lowered his voice even further. "This is a top-secret contract. Once you see it, refusal is not an option. Also, the employer has a strict condition: only one assassin per bounty station may be assigned this mission."
Kakuzu waved the warning away with a casual flick. "I'll take it. You know what I'm capable of."
Nodding, the chief produced the mission scroll and handed it over, along with the details. "Target: Fire Temple's Master Chigo. The assassination must take place the moment he departs the Hot Water Temple. Most critical—he must not be allowed to return to the Land of Fire."
Kakuzu frowned, rechecking the words. "Just killing a monk?"
The chief nodded. "Yes, the monk himself is likely no match for you. But be warned—he may have shinobi escorts."
Satisfied, Kakuzu rolled the scroll with a cold smile. "Fifteen million Ryo is enough. And on the way, I'll deal with a couple of minor targets in the Land of Hot Water. Two birds, one stone."
Five days later, Namikaze Minato's team accompanied Master Chigo as they arrived on Rose Street, the bustling thoroughfare leading to the Hot Water Temple. The journey had been uneventful, and now the temple stood proudly atop a nearby hill.
The street was alive with fervor—Buddhist followers from distant regions lined both sides, bowing deeply to Master Chigo as he passed. Their faces radiated devotion and awe, a sea of believers welcoming a revered figure.
This part of the Land of Hot Water was known for its tranquility—danger was practically unheard of here—so Minato allowed Chigo to walk ahead while he, Uchiha Tonan, and Hatake Kakashi brought up the rear.
Every few steps, Chigo paused to nod respectfully and return greetings. Only when they reached the hill's base did the throng begin to thin.
Wiping sweat from his brow, Minato smiled brightly. "Master Chigo commands a powerful following."
Tonan nodded silently, eyes fixed on Chigo's retreating figure. "Is this what it means to be a truly enlightened monk? To have the unwavering faith of so many hearts?"
Chigo's voice was calm and humble. "It is not me they revere—it is Buddha."
Tonan grinned, a flicker of admiration in his gaze. "Seems becoming a Buddha might not be such a bad career path after all."
At that moment, Chigo's brow furrowed deeply. His spiritual senses sharpened—he could feel the stirrings of a dark desire nearby, a corruption that unsettled even a seasoned monk.
Looking back at Tonan, he casually asked, "Young man, have you ever considered what kind of person you wish to become?"
Tonan adjusted his glasses, mulling over the question. "Before my father passed, he told me to become pure and virtuous—free from the distractions of worldly desires."
Minato smiled warmly and ruffled Tonan's hair. "I believe in you. You can absolutely reach that ideal."
Chigo, though, remained contemplative. His ability to sense the hearts of others came from a spiritual perception known as the "Heart-Eye," a gift honed through Buddhist practice. Still, it was not infallible.
"You should read the scripture I gave you often. And if ever you feel lost, come to the Fire Temple—I will help guide you."
By now, the group reached the summit. Monks from the Hot Water Temple awaited, hands folded respectfully. The temple head, Eshu, stepped forward.
"Welcome, Master Chigo."
"Greetings, Master Eshu."
"The debate begins tomorrow. Please rest here tonight."
"Thank you."
Night fell. Tonan and Kakashi took shifts guarding Chigo's quarters—Kakashi the first half, Tonan the second. Above, a crescent moon hung like a small boat anchored among sparse branches.
Inside, Chigo sat cross-legged before a Buddha statue, deep in meditation and chanting sutras. Outside the door, Tonan sat perfectly still, silently commanding a flock of white pigeons to survey the area.
In this world, a shinobi could never drop their guard.
The pigeons perched around the street flickered to life, their Sharingan eyes activating. Tonan, boosting his perception with the Byakugan, scanned the entire Rose Street.
He could see chakra signatures weaving through the crowd—mostly Hot Water ninja maintaining order during this gathering.
Suddenly, one pigeon's gaze caught a peculiar chakra signature.
"This amount of chakra… that's—"
Tonan triggered his three-tomoe Sharingan, weaving the Mirror Heaven and Earth Change to zoom and sharpen his vision until the figure grew clear.
Meanwhile, in a nearby inn, Kakuzu sensed a piercing gaze. Rising from his bed, he looked out the window. The street was empty.
"Was that just my imagination?" he muttered, tension flickering through his veins.
He felt no more scrutiny and returned to rest, though his senses remained alert.
Unseen, the white pigeon on the rooftop spread its wings and flew silently away.
"That guy's sharp… why would he be here? Can't be after me… no bounty on my head."
Tonan quietly deactivated his Sharingan.
Suddenly, the door behind Tonan creaked open, faint light spilling in. Chigo appeared, eyes solemn.
Earlier, when Tonan activated the Sharingan, Chigo had sensed an intense evil aura.
"You haven't slept, Master Chigo?" Tonan asked gently.
After a pause, Chigo approached and sat beside him, gaze lifting to the lonely crescent moon.
"I felt a dark aura just now."
Tonan glanced away, studying the night sky. "That was from me, wasn't it?"
Chigo nodded softly. "Since you are a ninja, I need not worry. But I am a monk—my duty is to save all living beings from suffering."
The cold moonlight cast a serene glow on Tonan's face. After a long silence, he finally spoke, voice quiet but earnest:
"Are you trying to convert me, Master Chigo?"