"Hmph. It's not that hard to get money. You just need the right kind of profiteer to rob," Ash said lazily, unimpressed by Nagato's shock.
"This is one hundred and fifteen billion, Ash."
Nagato stared at the numbers printed in the passbook, eyes trembling.
"Even a profiteer shouldn't have this much liquid cash. This alone could fund a small nation—maybe even build an entire shinobi village."
"Profiteers are profiteers because they have… special ways of hoarding wealth."
Ash shrugged. "Just look at Gato. That should tell you enough."
With that, he wrapped an arm around Konan and headed back toward his room.
Back in the hallway, they met Haku carrying the plate she had prepared.
Freshly fried rice, steam rising, with a neatly placed fried egg on the side. The aroma alone restored Ash's appetite.
He sat down and immediately began eating.
"In the past three years, our Akatsuki has nearly completed its preparations," Ash said between bites. "What we're missing now are the positions of the current Jinchūriki. By the way, Konan—get me Kakashi's complete file."
As he spoke, he suddenly remembered Kakashi's Sharingan. A faint glint flashed in his eyes.
Konan nodded. "I can gather it. But why are you interested in him? Kakashi's strong, but nowhere near your level."
"It's not interest," Ash replied. "I found something odd about him this time. But I need the data first. And listen—when you investigate Kakashi, make sure the masked man and his partner—don't get wind of it."
The memory of Kakashi's Sharingan surfaced again in Ash's mind.
There had been a familiar feeling to it. A resonance. If his guess was correct, Kakashi's file would allow him to deduce the identity of the masked man—Tobi.
Konan nodded. When it came to Ash's orders, she rarely refused. He had become too central—too trusted—to doubt.
Suddenly Ash paused, frowning.
"What's wrong?" Konan asked.
Ash pointed at the glowing ring on her finger—the communication link for urgent messages.
"Why are they contacting me again? I finished everything they gave me."
"This time it isn't from me," Nagato said as the holographic projection activated. "It's from Orochimaru. He wants to collaborate with you. I've already reviewed his proposal. The plan is quite good—at the very least, it will drain a significant amount of Konoha's strength."
Hearing this, Ash sighed irritably. He hated being interrupted while eating.
"Orochimaru, huh… That guy's bold enough to approach us himself."
Ash took the scroll Nagato sent and unrolled it.
As he skimmed its contents, a crooked smile formed on his lips.
"So this is the Konoha Crush Plan… Looks like the event from the original timeline is about to begin. Fine. I won't spoil his fun this time."
He folded the scroll and tucked it away.
"I'll take the mission. Want me to kill Orochimaru afterward?"
Ash traced two fingers mockingly across his own neck.
"No," Nagato said firmly.
"If we kill Orochimaru now, every major village will suspect Akatsuki immediately. Our money is sufficient, but we still need time. The positions of the Jinchūriki, the balance of power—nothing is ready yet. Wait three years."
"Makes sense," Ash muttered, leaning back.
"Besides, my ninjutsu has no natural resistance to Orochimaru. His whole existence is disgusting."
He stood and headed for the exit.
"Konoha… I'll give you a lovely gift this time."
Ash chuckled to himself. "And that hidden trump card I got from trading those Fairy Beans with Sasori… looks like it will finally be useful."
He stepped out of the office, scroll in hand, eyes gleaming dangerously.
"Konan, Haku—this time I'm taking a mission myself. I might be gone for a month or two, so I'm telling you in advance."
After returning to his room, Ash spoke calmly while Haku washed the dishes beside Konan.
"You just got back, and now you want to leave again?"
Konan's expression darkened immediately.
"You could have handed off the previous mission, but you insisted on doing that one yourself. And now this? I'll go speak with Nagato—"
"No."
Ash pulled her gently into his arms before she could turn away. "This time, I'm going personally."
Konan hesitated. But once Ash explained the nature of the mission, she fell silent. She understood his lingering grudge with Konoha—and so she didn't try to stop him again.
After gathering his things, Ash left Amegakure and headed for the meeting place agreed upon with Orochimaru. As he walked, his mind drifted.
Once Konoha collapses, I should be able to return to the main world. I wonder how Cynthia and Sabrina are doing… As for Konan, I can only apologize. When I have complete control of this world, time itself will obey me.
He had asked the system before, and the answer had been clear:
Once he completely mastered the world, he could manipulate its flow of time—pause it, accelerate it, slow it.
And when he gathered all twelve Infinity Gems, he would even be able to bring Konan to the main world.
An hour later, Ash arrived at the border between the Land of Rain and the Land of Wind, close to the small Bird Country. Orochimaru was already there, accompanied by several subordinates.
"Well, well… long time no see, Ash-kun."
Orochimaru's voice slithered out like poison as his unnaturally long tongue flicked across his lips.
"You're still as revolting as ever, Orochimaru."
Ash frowned at the habitual gesture. "And to think—even after betraying the organization, you dare show your face and ask to cooperate with us."
(End of Chapter)
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