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“Kakuzu actually has a bounty on his head? And it’s so high!”
Kushina held up a bounty poster.
Kakuzu’s bounty was currently the highest—surpassing even the Kage in the underground black market.
“Not surprising. After all, he killed the Daimyo’s son and the Hokage’s son. It’d be strange if his bounty wasn’t high.”
Shin wasn’t surprised. Kakuzu would likely find it difficult to move freely in the Shinobi world from now on.
“Given Kakuzu’s greedy nature, I wonder if he’d cut off his own head to collect the reward if he knew how much it was worth?” Shin joked.
Of course, Shin was just kidding. Kakuzu wasn’t stupid. No matter how much he loved money, he wouldn’t decapitate himself for it.
“Actually, I’m curious. Who would pay to have the Land of Fire Daimyo’s eldest son killed?” Kushina asked Shin, puzzled.
“It’s easy to guess. Who benefits the most? It has to be one of the Daimyo’s other sons.”
The Land of Fire Daimyo had more than one son, but only one heir. Internal struggles and schemes were inevitable among them.
But Kakuzu was truly audacious to accept such a mission. And the black market was even more audacious for issuing such a bounty.
The black market had existed since the Warring States period, even before the Five Great Villages were established. Its longevity wasn’t due to its own strength, but because it filled a need—handling shady business that couldn’t be done openly.
However, the black market was likely facing trouble now. Konoha and the Land of Fire wouldn’t let this slide. Even if the black market wasn’t completely destroyed, it would suffer a major blow.
“We’ve been out for five days. Shouldn’t we head back?” Shin asked Kushina.
“Are you… tired of being with me, Shin?” Kushina asked, blinking innocently.
“Of course not! I’d get tired of myself before I got tired of you.”
“Liar.”
“….”
Though Kushina called him a liar, the undeniable smile on her face revealed her true feelings. His words made her heart flutter.
“No need to rush back. Let’s play for a few more days.”
Once they returned, she wouldn’t have Shin all to herself anymore. Kushina admitted to herself she was being a bit selfish, but women often felt that way about their men.
If she didn’t truly love him… why would she be willing to share him with other women?
Kushina decided she would be selfish just this once. Even if Tsunade and Mikoto criticized her when they got back, she’d accept it.
Kushina clung to Shin’s arm, pleading sweetly. Shin ultimately couldn’t resist her charm offensive.
‘Kushina’s sweet attack is very strong!’ Shin nodded, agreeing to stay out with her for a few more days.
Kushina immediately flashed a victory sign. More alone time with Shin! She felt utterly content. Kushina was easily satisfied.
———
After spending a few more days traveling and enjoying themselves, Shin and Kushina finally prepared to return to The Land of Whirlpools. Otherwise, Tsunade and the others might storm out looking for him.
But before heading back, Shin had one more thing to do.
“Why are we in this deserted place?” Kushina asked Shin, looking around the deserted wilderness.
‘Had he brought her here for some—private time?’ The thought made her blush.
“No! Not now! Kushina waved her hands frantically at Shin.
“What?” Shin looked at Kushina, completely bewildered. What on earth is she imagining now?
“You weren’t thinking inappropriate thoughts, were you?” Shin asked Kushina suspiciously.
He had guessed correctly, but Kushina, of course, wouldn’t admit it.
“No! I absolutely wasn’t thinking anything inappropriate! I swear!”
Though Kushina denied it, her blushing face betrayed her completely.
“Kushina, If you were thinking of something naughty, tell me. Maybe I can… make your dreams come true!” Shin continued to tease her.
“No! I already said no! If you say that again, I’ll hit you!” Kushina threatened, shaking her fist at Shin.
Whenever Kushina got flustered and angry, she resorted to threats. And right now, she was definitely flustered and angry.
Based on experience, Shin knew not to push her further. Besides, he had business to attend to.
He quickly formed hand seals, completing several in an instant, then clasped his hands together.
“Those hand seals… Reaper Death Seal?” Kushina’s face paled. Though she hadn’t learned the jutsu itself, she recognized the hand seals.
“Shin, are you crazy?! Why are you using the Reaper Death Seal?” Kushina grabbed Shin’s hand frantically.
“Relax, Kushina. I’m not crazy. I just want to meet the Shinigami. You don’t really think it can take my soul, do you?”
Shin reassured Kushina.
The Shinigami had no power over his soul—which was why he dared to use the forbidden sealing jutsu.
He was alive and well, enjoying life; he had no intention of committing suicide.
“Really?” Kushina asked worriedly.
“Of course. When Minato Namikaze used the Reaper Death Seal, I assessed the Shinigami’s power. It poses no threat to me.” Shin ruffled Kushina’s hair, calming her down.
Kushina tentatively relaxed. Thinking about it, Shin wouldn’t do anything he wasn’t confident about.
As they spoke, the Shinigami materialized. This time, Shin could see it more clearly than before.
Clad in white robes, with a demonic face, two horns, and a short blade clenched in its teeth.
As Shin looked at the Shinigami, its gaze met his.
“Shinigami, can you speak?” Shin asked.
The Shinigami remained silent, but its gaze towards Shin turned dangerous.
The Shinigami, which had appeared with its eyes closed, now opened them. Its dark, eerie eyes were frightening; even Kushina jumped back in fear.
“This thing is ugly and creepy! Shin, why did you summon it?” Kushina asked Shin.
She truly didn’t understand why Shin would risk using the Reaper Death Seal just to summon the Shinigami.
“I have my reasons.” Shin replied with a faint smile.
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