To be honest, since the Hokage himself cannot participate in missions, White Fang is now the face of Konoha. Both nobles and merchants deeply trust this Konoha Jonin's abilities and reputation, and their interactions are always very pleasant.
Not only can he protect their goods, but their personal safety has never encountered any mishap.
Currently, within Konoha, there's only this one Jonin who can accomplish such things.
After investigation, many nobles and merchants have expressed doubts about Konoha.
They don't care about the internal struggles of the Ninja Village; they only care about their goods and personal safety, and it is White Fang who can provide these for them.
Now that White Fang is gone, their enthusiasm for Konoha will naturally decline.
According to incomplete statistics, the income from missions accepted by Konoha has dropped significantly compared to previous years.
Among this, there are rumors spread by other Ninja Villages to tarnish Konoha's image and to justify White Fang's reputation.
And this bitter fruit is something Konoha's higher-ups can only swallow themselves.
◎
The matter of Sakumo's death has come to a halt.
Hakushi would also inquire about Kakashi's current situation in the village or visit him personally.
Outside, he would have his subordinates look after Kakashi to avoid any incidents.
For these subordinates who secretly took care of Kakashi, Hakushi also provided a salary reward.
Since it was not an organizational duty, but a personal matter, this part of the funds had to be provided by himself.
During this time, Hakushi also heard about something.
It was that the Konoha Ninja saved by Sakumo had quietly ended his life at home in a similar way.
Regarding this, Hakushi couldn't make a complete judgment.
Because, in Sakumo's heart, he never blamed this Konoha Ninja. Whether he was slandered or not, it actually didn't matter, Sakumo didn't take his slander to heart.
He did not need to commit suicide; he, like Sakumo, was just a pawn sacrificed in this political struggle, a tool to be discarded after use.
Even if he didn't do it, others would, perhaps in a more ruthless manner.
He was not at fault; it was merely coincidental misfortune.
Just happened to be chosen as the 'spokesperson'.
"704 people... Disregarding combat personnel and external members, there are only 76 technical staff? The monthly expenses, the total income of the organization..."
In the underground laboratory of Konoha, Hakushi held the information reported by Insect Man.
This was the current scale of the organization's development, the number of bases and personnel in various countries, as well as salaries for each level, and organizational assets...
No, the organization currently had no assets.
The source of the organization's funds was also maintained by Ruri's mines.
Within the organization's accounts, funds were adequate.
If insufficient, they could just sell another mine.
Even a small country's mine could attract many merchants to bid up the price, selling for a considerable sum.
Currently, the organization consisted mostly of external members, individuals who could become part of the organization but had not formally joined. These numbered around four hundred and were responsible for less important tasks, unable to access the organization's core secrets.
Next were the combat personnel, all humans modified with Natural Energy by Hakushi.
They totaled over two hundred.
Most were concentrated in the headquarters base in the Land of Demons, with a few engaged in secret activities in various countries.
The elite team led by Insect Man was extremely rare, conducting not only confidential work but also significant organizational tasks.
The remaining were technical personnel.
Including Hakushi, only six were engaged in research and development.
The majority were talents in other fields.
Reaching this level of development, Hakushi felt the organization had achieved a certain scale.
After all, Natural Energy was more convenient than Chakra for mass-producing combat personnel.
First, enhance Taijutsu, then learn Ninja Techniques slowly. Even if they couldn't learn Ninja Techniques or weren't suited to be Ninjas, combat personnel strengthened by Natural Energy could still hold their own against a Genin.
The organization's next step was still to focus on recruiting personnel, needing talents across various industries.
Moreover, they also needed to establish a company to diversify the organization's revenue streams, rather than relying solely on selling mines for sustenance.
Personnel were sufficient, and there were no issues with funding.
What he needed now was someone proficient in business operations to take on the role of person in charge.
Finding a list, Hakushi set his sights on one individual.
Marked with the words 'business' in their area of expertise.
"Kado... let's have this person give it a try then..."
As Ruri said, throw the money out there and listen for the sound.
At some point, Hakushi felt a newfound sense of confidence.
This was the power of 'money'.
"By the way, the organization still lacks an accountant..."
Thinking of something else, Hakushi realized the organization still needed someone proficient in accounting.
Although someone was handling this task, they weren't professional enough.
A professional was needed to handle the accounts.
◎
In the Land of Tea, a very run-down, seldom-visited teahouse.
In the secret layer of the teahouse was the branch base of an underground exchange.
Insect Man and his team of five came here to communicate with the staff in charge.
"We need to hire a professional in financial management."
Upon hearing Insect Man's request, the staff was momentarily stunned.
"Hiring a financial management professional?"
"Yes, such a mission can be posted, right?"
"It can, but it's just that such missions are rare. Most of what we receive here are for corpses, very seldom for living individuals."
The staff of the underground exchange nodded, indicating understanding of Insect Man's mission request.
Although the mission's content was a bit unusual, since it was the customer's need, they had to do their best to satisfy it.
After all, with the intelligence of their underground exchange, finding a professional in financial management for Insect Man and his team was no difficult task.
"Just keep an eye out for us. If you find someone, I can offer you a reward of two hundred thousand ryo."
After posting the mission, as Insect Man was preparing to leave, the staff promptly responded, "Excuse me, Mr. Insect Man, please wait a moment. I happen to have a suitable candidate. Would you like to hear about it?"
What's important is not the money, but ensuring that customers feel a sense of belonging.
The service philosophy of their underground exchange is to make customers feel mentally and physically fulfilled.
The staff convinced himself with this reasoning.
"Oh?"
This staff member's attitude became enthusiastic.
Thinking about it, two hundred thousand ryo as a reward was not a small amount of money.
"Have you ever heard of the legend of the Undead of the underground exchange?"
"The Undead?"
"He is an eccentric who has served at the underground exchange for decades, whose appearance is said to never change, a constant VIP of ours. I've heard he's an obsessive money person, meticulous to an awe-inspiring degree with anything related to finance. Many joke he shouldn't be a Bounty Hunter but should apply for a finance management officer position at a large company."
This piqued Insect Man's curiosity.
"Who is he?"
"A man named Kakuzu. I believe he is the financial management professional you are looking for. He possesses unparalleled experience in this field."
"Where can I find him?"
"He was here a few days ago. He usually stays in a country for one or two months before moving on to hunt in other places. He should still be in the Land of Tea. This is his photo."
The staff found a photo and handed it to Insect Man.
Insect Man picked up the photo, placed it in his pocket, and without hesitation, pulled out one hundred thousand ryo and gave it to the staff.
"If he really is the financial management officer we're searching for, I will pay the remaining hundred thousand ryo afterward."
"Safe travels, Mr. Insect Man."
With the staff's sincere bow, Insect Man and his team of five departed.