"Sir, I am Uchiha Fugaku, head of the Uchiha clan. May I ask who you are?" Fugaku's expression was calm, his attitude one of deep respect. From the man's red-clouded cloak, Fugaku knew he was an associate of Obito's. He was likely not an enemy. Moreover, he had just used the word "Visitor" Could it be that Shiro or Obito had sent him to deliver the promised funds? The Uchiha's most desperate need was money. If this was true, Fugaku dared not show any disrespect. He could not risk ruining Shiro's carefully laid plans.

"That's enough! No more fighting." At that moment, Obito, Shiro, and White Zetsu appeared before them, their timing perfect.

"Shiro-dono!" Upon seeing the boy, Fugaku, Yakumi, and Inahiro immediately bowed their heads in a display of profound respect. The sight shocked Kakuzu to his core. The head of the great Uchiha clan, bowing to a mere child? The Uchiha were more unpredictable than he had ever imagined. And the boy… he was the most unpredictable of them all.

"Fugaku, this man is Kakuzu. He is here to deliver our funds," Shiro introduced calmly. "From now on, we are all on the same side. There is no need for fighting."

Hearing this, Inahiro and Yakumi quickly lowered their guard. "Our sincerest apologies, Kakuzu-dono. We were too hasty."

"Hmph! It is fine," Kakuzu grunted, completely unconcerned. He retracted the elemental hearts into his body, his voice a low growl. "It was not a bad exchange. At least it allowed me to witness your strength." As he spoke, he pulled a bundle of scrolls from his cloak.

"Release!"

The scroll unfurled, and with a soft poof of smoke, ten large chests appeared in its place.

"Here is three hundred million ryo. It is yours."

"Three… three hundred million ryo?! So much!" Uchiha Fugaku was overjoyed. He quickly ordered Inahiro and Yakumi to secure the chests, his movements anxious, as if he feared Kakuzu might change his mind. As he was about to bow in thanks, Kakuzu looked off into the distance, pointing a finger.

"There are a few people working in the fields over there. Are they also Uchiha?"

"Yes, they are our people."

After receiving Fugaku's confirmation, a complicated look flickered in Kakuzu's eyes.

"Hmph. A surprisingly resilient clan," he grunted. "Not only are you renowned as the strongest, but after leaving your village, you started over from nothing. You were not too proud to work the land with your own hands, and you build your own homes with your own jutsu. You are completely self-sufficient. I, Kakuzu, have lived for many, many years, and I have never seen shinobi quite like you."

Though his tone was gruff, the admiration in his voice was unmistakable. It was a rare thing for the arrogant and ruthless Kakuzu to admire anyone.

"The leader's decision was correct," he continued. "I now have a new understanding of the Uchiha clan. Hiring you is the right decision. You are trustworthy."

"Hire… hire us?" Fugaku was stunned. Just as he was about to question the word, he caught Shiro winking at him. He understood instantly and held his tongue, not daring to speak further.

After a moment's hesitation, Kakuzu continued, "Three hundred million ryo… is it enough?"

"It is more than enough! This amount is perfect as our starting capital!"

"No! It's not enough! In fact, you must have more!" Kakuzu declared, much to everyone's astonishment. "On behalf of the Akatsuki, I will give you another two hundred million!"

"As long as you work diligently in the future, the bonuses and remuneration will be even greater!"

"Bonus? Remuneration?" Fugaku was growing more and more confused, but he knew this had to be part of Shiro's scheme. He dared not say more. Drawing on his years of experience, he quickly agreed with a smile, "Do not worry, Kakuzu-dono. I will do my best."

"Good," Kakuzu nodded, satisfied. "I will have someone deliver the remaining funds to you. Let's go." With that, he turned, about to depart.

"Uncle Kakuzu, won't you stay for a while? Sit and have a cup of hot tea with me."

"Hmph. I do not have time for such pleasantries. I will drink your tea when the Uchiha clan has reclaimed its glory." As soon as he finished speaking, Kakuzu's figure flashed and vanished from sight.

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