Originally, Danzo had intended to silently and discreetly use the most powerful genjutsu to take control of the Hyuga clan's eldest daughter and make her his pawn—but now…
"…Your wariness is commendable."
Danzo halted his attempt to use Kotoamatsukami and, unusually, showed a faint smile. Though given the way his face contorted, it looked more like a sneer. "It's been a long time since someone in the Hyuga clan didn't follow the rules."
"So I take it you're here to propose cooperation, right? I don't like your methods, but at least I can understand them."
Without drawing attention to it, Hinata subtly stepped back. She wasn't too worried about her life, but honestly, who could say what tricks this scapegoat king from the original series might have up his sleeve? If she fell into one of them, it wouldn't be worth it.
"Heh, cooperation? You're quite an amusing little girl. But… the time's not right yet."
Danzo studied Hinata for a moment, satisfied, then chuckled coldly. "Once you've become a little more valuable, we'll meet again. Until then… Sai, you'll stay by this young lady's side."
As for the order, the kneeling Sai didn't resist at all. He simply nodded.
"Yes, Lord Danzo."
Once Danzo's figure disappeared into the shadows, the boy who had been kneeling raised his head with a smile and looked at Hinata.
"Then, please take care of me, Lady Hinata."
"Heh~~"
Staring at Sai, Hinata understood Danzo's tactic perfectly. On one hand, it looked like he was assigning Sai to assist her. On the other, Sai would be monitoring her constantly.
And honestly…
"At the very least… I don't hate it~~ hmhmhmhm~~"
"Well then~ let's get started. I'm assigning you your first task."
——————
"Money is a wonderful thing~~"
In another dark underground chamber, another figure echoed the phrase softly.
"So, the two of you are clear on the mission, right?"
Wearing his usual fake smile, Sai remained on high alert. As someone raised in darkness, he could clearly sense the dense scent of blood radiating off the two people in front of him.
This was clearly outside the Hidden Leaf Village. The air was foul, with faint hints of blood and decay. In the underground world, this kind of place was referred to as a black market agency.
Though the five major villages had official channels for taking missions, they couldn't accept everything—especially the more unsavory ones.
Hence, places like this emerged: black market agencies that would take any job, for the right price.
They were like real-world assassin guilds—if you paid enough, you could get anything done. Even hiring missing-nin from rival villages to do your dirty work. It didn't matter what nation you were from.
One thing was certain: the stronger the ninja, the higher their bounty.
Sai had come here under a direct order from the white-eyed heiress, acting as a Root agent able to enter and leave Konoha quietly.
"Please don't worry. Brother Kakuzu is our top performer. The fact that he just happened to take a job today is a very lucky sign."
The broker seated across from him spoke professionally. While it wasn't common for kids to come to places like this, it wasn't unheard of either. In a world of shinobi, plenty of child soldiers were already experienced killers.
"Good. Can you deliver within a week?"
Sai asked, suppressing his unease. Across from him, the tall masked man replied coldly, "A non-Konoha ninja under thirteen years old, with excellent physical condition. One million ryo. Delivery within a week is no problem."
"Ah ah ah~ it's not hard~ but why does it have to be alive? Wouldn't a corpse be enough?"
The mocking voice came from the silver-haired youth sitting beside Kakuzu. With his wild slicked-back hair and manic energy, he was the complete opposite of the stoic masked man.
"For specific reasons, we require an intact living body."
Sai reiterated, prompting a click of the tongue from the silver-haired man. But then, a glint of malicious interest sparked in his eyes. Standing up, he leaned toward Sai, staring intensely. "Hey~ kid, you seem like you've got a knack for killing. Wanna join the cult of Jashin?"
"Shut it, Hidan. We don't kill the client before we get paid. Know your limits."
Thankfully, Kakuzu wasn't in the mood to waste time. He stood up and left the table, his tone still cold.
"We'll deliver within a week."
Seeing Kakuzu walk off, the disgruntled Hidan could only grumble and follow. Sai, watching the two leave, furrowed his brows.
"…Are they really trustworthy?"
The broker, knowing he was the one being questioned, quickly responded with full confidence.
"Rest assured, sir. They're part of the Akatsuki—an organization with the highest success rate in recent years. You just need to wait one week."
Sai nodded slightly and stood up. With a polite tone, he said:
"Akatsuki, huh? I'll remember that."
"Until next time. I'll return when the delivery arrives."
---
Pop~!
The sound of a corn kernel bursting was something Hinata was well used to by now. As she picked up another from the bag beside her, she spoke casually: "So, a member of the Akatsuki took the job I had you submit?"
They were on the hillside where Hinata usually trained. Sai remained half-kneeling behind her, his ever-fake smile in place. Compared to Naruto and the others, his formality as a shinobi was far more professional.
"Yes. Their names are Kakuzu and Hidan. They belong to a rogue ninja organization called Akatsuki. The agency confirmed they have the highest recent success rate."
This answer made Hinata's lips curl into a pleased smile. This was one of the rare moments she felt genuinely satisfied.
Kakuzu and Hidan—of course she knew them. As iconic villains from Naruto, the immortal duo hadn't appeared often in the original series, but their strength and uniqueness were undeniable across the shinobi world.
After all, in a world where life was fragile, what was more valuable than being immortal?
Hiring such high-tier bounty hunters for just a million ryo? Hinata was very pleased with how this turned out.
"Now that we've found reliable contractors, you don't have any other tasks for now. Since I've already paid, I just have to wait."
Hinata turned her head, her pale eyes flashing with a glint of mischief.
"But since Danzo said you'll be following me, I can't have you sleeping outdoors all the time. So... you'll disguise yourself as my maid."
"...Huh?"
Sai raised his head, smile intact, but there was a trace of disbelief. Was this girl serious?
"Well, I am the Hyuga clan heiress. Having a boy constantly by my side would be unseemly. So, you—put this on."
She tossed a paper bag with clothes to his feet. Her tone was completely casual. After dealing with natural cross-dressers like Naruto and Shikamaru, Hinata had long stopped caring about who wore what.
"...Understood."
Sai's smile didn't change, though his movements were clearly a bit hesitant. But Danzo's harsh conditioning made obedience second nature. He picked up the bag and disappeared into the nearby trees.
A few minutes later, he returned in full outfit. Gone was the black-clad assassin. In his place stood a thin, elegant figure in a black-and-white maid uniform and pitch-black stockings. Sai's naturally fair skin and androgynous frame only enhanced the cold, graceful femininity he now exuded.