Naruto: From Konoha to One Piece

At this moment in the Hidden Leaf Village, Kakuzu was hunched over a calculator, pressing its keys with obvious excitement.

Across from him, Nara Shikaku looked pale. While Konoha was wealthy, their funds weren't endless, and if Kakuzu kept calculating like this, the village would surely go bankrupt.

One could only blame Shin's overwhelming strength and how easily Kumo's forces crumbled, reducing them to ruins.

Although Konoha had a contract with Shin, no one had expected him to dismantle the Hidden Cloud Village so efficiently, almost destroying it. The resulting compensation was staggering.

"Alright, I've tallied everything. The total is 14,368,900,000 ryō. I'll give you a discount, let's call it 14,369,000,000 ryō!"

Hearing this, Koharu Utatane, standing behind Shikaku, clutched her chest and nearly fainted. Mitokado Hamura, beside her, trembled, too shocked to even question why they owed more after the discount.

"Would it be… possible to pay in installments?" Shikaku asked.

Not paying wasn't an option; after seeing Shin's display in Kumo, no one doubted that Konoha could withstand such a monstrous opponent. And while it was a massive amount, the alternative—an all-out war with Hidden Cloud Village—would cost even more, both in funds and lives.

However, in that scenario, the Land of Fire would bear the brunt of the expense, allowing payment to be dispersed over several years. Since Konoha had commissioned the war contract, they had to pay most of the cost. Although the Land of Fire could potentially provide some assistance, it wouldn't be enough. 

Liquidating this sum all at once would cripple Konoha's economy, likely creating a domino effect that would drain their cash flow and even jeopardize ninja salaries.

"Installments, hmm…" Kakuzu pressed a few more buttons on his calculator. "That's possible, but then there's the matter of interest…"

While Shikaku's intellect and Koharu and Hamura's experience in governance were notable, none could match Kakuzu's exceptional negotiation skills. By the time they left the room, all three were visibly drained, their legs shaky.

"Boss, mission complete! Konoha has agreed to pay 18 billion ryō, spread over three installments within three years." Kakuzu couldn't hide his grin as he made the report. Shin could practically see him beaming even through his mask—a record-breaking payday for Kakuzu, far exceeding any of his earnings.

But Kakuzu was aware enough not to let it get to his head. He knew the only reason for this enormous profit was Shin's strength. If Kakuzu had attempted such extortion alone, he'd have been dead before even leaving the village gates.

Ninja villages might appear honorable, but they were often ruthless mercenaries. In the past, Suna had raided Konoha even with low odds, a testament to the importance of funds for survival.

And calling Shin "Boss"? Kakuzu would happily address anyone as "Boss" if it meant landing an 18-billion-ryō contract.

The members sat in muted awe in the Akatsuki base as Kakuzu detailed the transaction, glancing between Shin and Pain.

Shin's achievements had shaken them all. In this group of renegades, it was now conceivable that Shin could lead the Akatsuki if he wished. But Shin remained composed, neither vying for leadership nor making demands, showing none of the ambition that characterized other powerful figures in this world.

"Looks like this funding will cover our operations for the next decade," said Pain from his seat. "We've almost completed our recruitment efforts."

Shin looked around. Including himself, the Akatsuki now numbered nine: himself, Sara, Obito, Black and White Zetsu, Pain, Konan, Sasori, Orochimaru, and Kakuzu.

Obito broke the silence. "I found someone else willing to join us."

A young man with silver hair and a giant scythe stepped forward from the shadows behind Obito.

"So, this is the organization you wanted me to join? It seems interesting. By the way, would any of you like to join the Cult of Jashin?" he asked, smiling darkly.

Shin recognized him immediately as Hidan, though he had half-expected to see Kisame, the shark-faced ninja. 'Obito must be under a lot of pressure,' Shin thought. Obito's increased recruitment efforts were likely to boost his influence within Akatsuki and to ensure some counterbalance to Shin's faction.

The difference was clear from the original timeline, where Obito had always lurked in the shadows. Now, he was more visibly active, perhaps feeling that Shin's presence was too unsettling to ignore.

Too bad for him, thought Shin. Most Akatsuki members were here only for their own goals; none would swear loyalty to anyone but themselves.

"How about it? Convert to the Jashin Faith, and you'll find true purpose!" Hidan declared, looking around for any potential converts.

But this crowd wasn't easily swayed. The others barely acknowledged him, treating his fervent declaration like the hum of an annoying mosquito.

"What is this guy's ability that makes him worthy of joining us?" Kakuzu asked, eyeing Hidan with evident skepticism.

"Can I sew his mouth shut?" Sasori asked bluntly.

"Hey, what's with that attitude? Do you want me to show you the path to Lord Jashin?" Hidan retorted, gripping his scythe.

Obito, ever calm, intervened. "Hidan's not an ordinary recruit; he's genuinely unkillable."

"An undying body…" Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with interest, an unsettling smile spreading across his face.

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