Kakuzu was silent. He now finally understood why the leader and Konan might agree to such a proposal. However, to act on the word of a child, even with the testimony of Tobi and Zetsu, was a risk his cautious nature would not allow.

"Kid," he finally growled, "we will discuss this matter further when I return to the base and confirm it with the leader myself. Right now, I have an important mission to complete."

"Okay," Shiro agreed cheerfully. "Since we're here, do you mind if I accompany you on your mission?"

"Hmph. Follow me if you're not afraid of death."

Soon, the group arrived at a large, opulent mansion near the Dog's Paw Hot Spring.

White Zetsu exclaimed, "Wow! This place is so big and luxurious! Are we going to take a dip in the hot spring before we start the mission?"

"No," Kisame replied. "This is our destination. We're here to collect a debt."

"Debt collection?"

"Yes. The owner of the Dog's Paw hired us to assassinate his rival, the owner of the Cat's Paw. It seems they had a rather deep-seated grudge. After the assassination was completed, he failed to pay the mission fee."

"Ah?" White Zetsu laughed in shock. "He dares to owe the Akatsuki money? He must have a death wish! So, what's the plan? Do you want me to sneak in and retrieve him?"

Kakuzu snorted coldly. "Hmph. There's no need for such trouble. This is a family business. I'll just go in and kill them all. I will make them understand the terrible price one pays for owing money to the Akatsuki!"

As he spoke, Kakuzu walked toward the mansion's main gate. Seeing him approach, a guard came over with a practiced, slick smile.

"Hey there, sir! Are you here for a nice, relaxing soak? The hot spring is just next door. Allow me to show you the way. You have excellent taste! You won't find a better spring than ours!"

"I'm here to collect a debt."

Hearing this, the guard's friendly expression instantly soured. "Debt collection? Get lost! Can't you see I'm busy? Let me tell you, my employer is—"

Before he could finish his threat, Kakuzu's arm shot forward, punching clean through the man's chest.

"Ghh!"

Before the man even understood what had happened, he saw Kakuzu holding his still-beating heart. His vision went black, and he collapsed, his life extinguished.

Thump.

Kakuzu tossed the heart aside and, with another heavy punch, shattered the mansion's ornate front door. The people inside were startled, their gazes snapping to the entrance. Seeing the dead guard and his bloody heart lying on the ground, they began to scream.

"Murder! Someone's been murdered!"

"Quick! Go and report to the head of the family! Someone is causing trouble! Ahhhh!"

Dense black threads shot out from Kakuzu's arms, thin and sharp as razors. Anyone who came within his line of sight had their necks instantly entangled by the deadly tendrils. In moments, the front hall was littered with bodies.

Hidan complained loudly, "Hey! Leave some for me! I still need to make my sacrifices!"

Kakuzu rolled his eyes at him. "Hmph. There are plenty more inside. First come, first served!"

The two of them rushed deeper into the mansion, their progress marked by a trail of blood and the sound of miserable, dying screams.

Shiro and the other members stood outside the door. He turned to Itachi, his expression puzzled. "Aren't they here to collect a debt? Why are they killing everyone? Who will pay them if everyone is dead?"

Uchiha Itachi explained, "This is Kakuzu's unique method of debt collection. First, he kills the entire family that owes him money. Then, he loots their home of all its valuables. That is how he considers the debt repaid."

"Oh. I can't imagine you get much money that way," Shiro said with a helpless chuckle, shaking his head. He then strode into the mansion, his small form a stark contrast to the carnage within.

White Zetsu quickly asked, "Shiro, where are you going?"

"Wait for me here. I will be back soon."

"The Akatsuki's affairs are my affairs. Simply paying with their lives is not enough for the crime of owing the Akatsuki money. I will ensure this family continues to pay its debt for generations to come. No… for several lifetimes!"

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