Chapter 174: Drugging
"Hey, Tsunade, Orochimaru, was it really necessary to buy so many? Our mission funds from the last half-month are gone just like that." Jiraiya sighed repeatedly.
In Masahiko's shop, Tsunade bought figures of Hashirama, Tobirama, Hiruzen, and even custom-ordered one of herself, totaling four. Orochimaru, besides buying one of himself, even bought one of Madara Uchiha.
In total, there were six figures. Masahiko did a "buy five, get one free" deal and charged them five million ryo. Their hard work over the past half-month—the entire payout for an S-rank mission—was completely spent.
"Tsunade, there is something wrong with that shop owner," Orochimaru said in his raspy voice.
Tsunade nodded solemnly.
Jiraiya looked back and forth between them, initially confused, before his expression also turned serious.
"Indeed, there is a problem." Although he didn't know where the problem lay.
Tsunade shook her head, her expression relaxing. "I can probably guess who it is."
Orochimaru paused, then nodded. "Then my guess isn't wrong either."
After that, the two stopped talking, leaving Jiraiya feeling very sorrowful...
In the Taobao Shop, Masahiko watched the three walk away, then turned and took a few pieces of wood to start "restocking."
During this time, many curious villagers walked in. After looking around, they were interested in buying, but upon asking for the price, they all looked at him as if to say, "Are you crazy, or am I?"
After sending away a dozen people with the same expression, Masahiko frowned. He took a wooden board and carved onto it: Items in store: One million ryo each. Serious inquiries only.
Sure enough, no one else came in until evening.
Masahiko wasn't in a hurry. He hadn't planned to be a quiet shopkeeper anyway. He had only chosen this location because it was in the center of Konoha Village. Not only could he observe Ichiraku Ramen up close, but he could also be the first to arrive if any major or minor events happened in Konoha.
As for the Akatsuki's raid, he wasn't too worried. The current Nawaki was no longer a weakling who could be instantly killed.
The days became peaceful. Masahiko practiced the Gentle Fist daily, carved a few figures, and observed Teuchi, enjoying himself. This continued until a slightly familiar figure entered Masahiko's field of view.
"That guy, I remember he is..."
The newcomer was dressed similarly to Kakuzu, with a thick cloak concealing his figure. On his back, he carried a long sword wrapped in layers of bandages.
"Is that supposed to be a disguise?" Masahiko didn't know whether to laugh or cry. One could tell from the shape of the blade at a glance; it was undoubtedly the Kubikiribōchō (Executioner's Blade). Wrapping it in bandages was completely self-deceptive.
The person carrying the Executioner's Blade naturally wasn't Zabuza, as Zabuza was likely just born. It was Biwa Jūzō. Masahiko remembered that he had participated in the Hidden Mist's battle against the Land of Whirlpools back then.
Masahiko sensed slightly and confirmed the familiar chakra fluctuations. Aside from that, Masahiko also sensed at least four Anbu following him. However, fearing collateral damage to civilians, they didn't attack immediately. Sakumo was among them.
Masahiko found it amusing. "Was this guy sent by the Akatsuki? Infiltrating Konoha so blatantly?"
Biwa Jūzō was currently having an internal breakdown. During the war between the Land of Water and the Land of Whirlpools, Kento-kun had killed three of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. The other four scattered and fled. Only he chose to completely break away from the Land of Water and become a missing-nin.
With his strength, life as a missing-nin was colorful and exciting, especially after joining the Akatsuki. Although the leader occasionally issued strange tasks, the mission funds were plentiful—much more than what he earned in the underground black market—and the mission difficulty was generally not high.
But this time, acting on impulse, he accepted a mission he would regret for the rest of his life: Break up a couple in Konoha Village: Nawaki Senju and Mikoto Uchiha.
He originally thought breaking up a couple wouldn't be hard. He even secretly criticized the leader in his heart, thinking the leader might have had his love stolen by someone and was seeking revenge on society. But upon arriving near Konoha, he found out that Nawaki Senju was the heir of the Senju clan, and Masahiko Uzumaki, the Great Elder of the Land of Whirlpools, was also in Konoha.
After hesitating for a month and finally learning that Masahiko had returned to the Whirlpool, he gritted his teeth and infiltrated Konoha to give it a try. Unexpectedly, he was instantly targeted by Konoha's Anbu. Moreover, one gaze was locked onto him firmly, preventing him from making any rash moves; it was definitely a powerhouse.
He knew he was only safe for the moment because of the crowded streets. Looking left and right, he gritted his teeth and actually walked into Ichiraku Ramen.
Not far away, Masahiko, who had been staring at him, was stunned. "This guy has the leisure to eat ramen?"
Biwa Jūzō leisurely ordered a bowl of ramen, but in reality, he was looking around for a chance to escape. The longer he delayed, the more disadvantageous the situation became for him.
Masahiko had an idea and roughly understood the situation. He focused his mind, and suddenly, a gale rose on the street. Sand and wind obscured vision, causing pedestrians to stumble.
"A chance!" Biwa Jūzō shouted internally. However, just as he rushed to the door, the gale stopped abruptly. He almost coughed up blood.
"Customer, your money for the ramen..." Teuchi's shout came from behind. He gritted his teeth and walked back.
"I haven't finished eating yet." He replied and continued eating.
The Anbu hiding in the dark exchanged glances. Sakumo frowned and decided to act; the gale just now almost let the target escape their line of sight.
Just as Sakumo was about to make his move, he saw Biwa Jūzō swaying, then plunging headfirst into the noodle bowl, splashing soup everywhere.
After two seconds of silence, an uproar ensued.
"Ah! The ramen killed someone!"
Teuchi was flustered, not knowing what to do.
Four Anbu members used the Body Flicker Technique to arrive instantly and checked Biwa Jūzō's condition.
"Captain, it seems like food poisoning."
Sakumo was clearly a bit bewildered too. For an S-class missing-nin to be arrested in a Konoha noodle shop due to food poisoning was truly pathetic.
Sakumo frowned and looked at Teuchi, who wore an expression of innocence.
"The shop is temporarily sealed, and take the owner away too!"
As the farce came to an end, Masahiko shook his head inwardly.
"Sorry, Teuchi."
It was Masahiko who used gravity to stir up the gale, and it was also him who seized the opportunity to add a "little something" to the noodle bowl. This way, Biwa Jūzō could be captured without injury. As for Teuchi, he would just undergo an investigation and would be fine. He might even get a "Good Citizen Medal."
"The Akatsuki indeed took action, but why send only such a guy? Is there a backup plan?" Masahiko muttered, pondering for a while. "Could it be that they really don't have anyone else..."
"And that Executioner's Blade..." Masahiko hesitated. The sword had also been taken away by the Konoha Anbu just now. He actually wanted it. There were three swords in the Land of Whirlpools; he wanted to collect another one. There was always a chance to gather all seven and summon the dragon.
"I'll find a chance to steal it..."
"No, take it."