Naruto: From Konoha to One Piece

"So, you're willing to use everything you've learned over the years just to get my help for Konoha?" Shin asked, looking at Tsunade, who seemed a bit impatient.

"Haven't you always wanted to learn my medical ninjutsu? Shizune lacks the talent for some of the advanced techniques, so she can't fully master them. But I can teach them all to you," Tsunade offered, her expression showing slight discomfort.

With Tsunade's blunt, straightforward nature, this was already going a long way. Shin nodded slightly in response.

"Alright, I'll think it over first."

Hearing that he needed time to think, Tsunade raised an eyebrow in irritation, though Shizune eventually tugged her back, calming her down.

As Tsunade left, Orochimaru entered, handing Shin a toad.

"What's this? Jiraiya's summoning beast?" Shin asked curiously. He doubted it was just an ordinary toad. Orochimaru's summoning beasts were snakes, and to maintain surveillance of Sound Village, he'd deployed several of them, effectively making it a snake den.

Except for the summoning toads from Mount Myoboku, any toads that appeared here would likely be devoured on sight.

"Yes, Jiraiya apparently has something to discuss with you," Orochimaru said, setting the toad down with a peculiar expression. "This is a communication toad from Mount Myoboku. Two matching toads allow people to hear each other's voices directly, making it feel like they're speaking face-to-face."

Shin was momentarily stunned. This sounded almost like a den den mushi from the One Piece World, minus the facial expressions and numbers.

'Maybe I should bring over some den den mushi in the future… actually, never mind. This world already has walkie-talkies, so they're probably not far from inventing telephones,' Shin mused.

After a moment's thought, Shin looked at the toad, unsure of how to begin, when Jiraiya's voice came through from the other end. "Is that you, Shin?"

Shin tilted his head. "You found my name pretty quickly, even though I didn't try too hard to hide it… Anyway, what do you need?"

"The Akatsuki organization you're part of can be hired for missions, right?" Jiraiya inquired.

Although Jiraiya knew Shin was essentially the new head of Akatsuki, he probably wasn't sure who else might overhear this conversation, so he chose his words carefully.

"Yes. Are you saying Konoha wants to hire us?" Shin's eyes glinted slightly with interest.

"Absolutely. As long as you agree to help, money isn't an issue, and your past actions can be forgiven."

At that moment, an older voice chimed in, one Shin identified as the Third Hokage.

This made sense. Konoha's strength might not be the highest among the ninja villages, but their economic standing was undoubtedly superior. And knowing Shin's capabilities, their budget was likely far beyond that of the other villages.

"We'd pay a base employment fee of several hundred million. Besides the black-market reward, we'd offer twice the bounty's value for shinobis with bounties on the enemy's side. For ordinary enemy shinobi, each head would bring two hundred thousand ryō. How does that sound?"

Shin nodded; this was indeed a fair rate, effectively doubling the usual fee for mercenary work.

While money wasn't a major concern for Shin, maintaining the Akatsuki organization required funding. Now that he saw Akatsuki as his own group, he had no reason to refuse Konoha's substantial offer.

"Deal," he agreed.

After negotiating the details, the communication toad vibrated, signaling the end of the conversation.

Orochimaru licked his lips. "Seems that Cloud Village is about to have some misfortune. But, sir, did you actually join an organization? How many powerful figures are in it?"

Shin shook his head. "Rather than joining, it's more like an infiltration. I control Akatsuki; technically, my wood clone is its leader."

Orochimaru chuckled, unbothered by the clarification. "With your abilities, sir, it's only natural you'd be in charge, regardless of which group you joined."

"An organization that has your interest must have some qualities," Orochimaru commented.

Shin immediately recognized Orochimaru's intentions. "You want to join too?"

"If given the chance, I'd be open to joining a strong organization," Orochimaru replied.

'Eyeing the talents and techniques of others in the group, no doubt,' Shin thought. He knew Orochimaru too well—he was always one to pursue self-interest.

In the original story, Orochimaru joined Akatsuki to pursue powerful bloodline abilities, like the Rinnegan and Sharingan. In his attempt to obtain Itachi's Mangekyō Sharingan, he ultimately fled Akatsuki in defeat.

'But this time, with me here, he won't dare make a move,' Shin thought confidently.

"Well, if you're interested, head to Rain Village tomorrow. Someone will come to fetch you," Shin said nonchalantly, unfazed by Orochimaru's interest in Akatsuki. Regardless of his ambition, Orochimaru would be working under him.

Satisfied, Orochimaru departed. Stretching, Shin was preparing for some training when he spotted Neji Hyuga approaching, looking downcast, accompanied by his father, Hizashi.

Curious, Shin asked, "What's the matter, Hizashi? Do you need something?"

Hizashi's expression was slightly embarrassed, but after Neji took a deep breath, he stepped forward, overcoming his initial hesitation. "Sir, we want to go to Hidden Cloud Village and rescue Lady Hinata."

Hizashi provided further context. "Hinata is my niece and Neji's cousin."

Shin didn't need this explanation to remember who Hinata was. Even after more than a decade, he couldn't have forgotten the heroine of the series.

"Just the two of you? Or rather, you alone? Are you expecting me to intervene?" Shin asked, raising an eyebrow. Neji was only four years old, and though talented, he had no real combat capability yet. Was Hizashi planning to save her on his own?

With Byakugan's reconnaissance abilities, the Hyuga clan had excellent surveillance, but combat was another matter. Storming Kumo to rescue someone without the Tenseigan seemed reckless at best.

Hizashi smiled awkwardly, his gaze shifting uneasily.

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