Selling Cans from Naruto to Beyond

"You're saying…" Kakashi seemed skeptical, "you were controlled by genjutsu?"

"Exactly!" Cardo nodded vigorously, wailing, "That organization not only controlled me, using me to commit atrocities, but also took all my money. They're utterly despicable, openly violating the ninja village covenant. Konoha can't ignore this!"

There was indeed an agreement among ninja villages that ninja shouldn't arbitrarily target civilians.

Though loosely enforced…

Controlling wealthy merchants or nobles was still a grave matter.

"…"

Kakashi, hearing Cardo's words, glanced instinctively at Shen Mo above.

He was somewhat convinced.

The reason: Cardo's badge.

He'd clearly met Shen Mo, who, by his account, had freed him from genjutsu.

No one would dare lie in Shen Mo's presence without a basis.

But Haku couldn't bear it.

"You're saying you're already broke?"

A chilling aura radiated from him.

He and Lord Zabuza had fought to the death for money, only for Cardo to claim he had none?

"Correct," Cardo said, his comical face looking grievously wronged. "After the honored lord freed me from genjutsu, I rushed here to cancel the mission. Haku, it's not my fault—we were both played by that vile organization!"

Zabuza's body, lying on the ground, twitched visibly.

No one could stomach this.

Haku even less!

"Even canceling a mission requires a penalty fee…"

Haku glared at Cardo, icy killing intent rising.

If Cardo didn't pay…

He'd shoot an arrow without hesitation.

If he could rob money now, Haku wouldn't hesitate either.

"I'll pay, I will!" Cardo shrank back, a fleeting glint of glee in his eyes. "Once I reclaim my money from that evil organization—double, no, triple the penalty! Where's Zabuza? We're all the honored lord's members now. Help me, and I won't shortchange you."

His tone grew eager.

That morning, after the lord left…

He'd pondered long.

His merchant instincts kicked in. Instead of personal revenge, he'd push this onto the ninja villages.

The money stolen by the Akatsuki was the biggest lure for this commission.

Plus, he needed to rebuild his power base.

Realizing Haku had bought cans, he quickly extended an olive branch.

Haku hesitated.

He desperately needed money to revive Zabuza.

But Cardo wasn't trustworthy…

Shen Mo watched silently from above, offering no stance or intent to expose Cardo's true face.

The PVP stage system was set.

The Akatsuki's money—whether they spent it on cans or it was taken and spent—would end up in his hands.

Kakashi spoke up, "Which organization?"

"The Akatsuki!" Cardo spat the name, eyes blazing with unmasked hatred. "I'd heard of them—a mercenary group of rogue ninja from various villages, often hired for small nations' wars. But I never expected them to stoop to such despicable plundering, controlling me, committing all sorts of evils!"

The Akatsuki wasn't fully hidden, currently in their first phase of amassing wealth.

In certain circles, they were semi-known, with some members' identities public.

As a tycoon, Cardo had deliberately gathered Akatsuki intel, given his need for mercenaries.

"Akatsuki…" Kakashi muttered, his expression darkening.

He knew of them.

"Oh, right," Cardo said, as if recalling something, eyeing Kakashi with malice. "Konoha has an S-rank rogue ninja in that group, doesn't it? What's his name… Uchiha Itachi? I hear he's a genjutsu master. I suspect he controlled me! Konoha bears responsibility too!"

Uchiha Itachi.

The name's mention…

Made Sasuke's heart jolt, though he lay near death.

Kakashi's gaze grew grim.

If it was truly Uchiha Itachi…

Left unchecked, countless elites might be controlled—even daimyo could be at risk.

"I need to report this to the Hokage," Kakashi said finally, staring at Cardo. "If you want to issue a commission, come with us to Konoha and explain everything."

"No problem!" Cardo agreed readily.

He'd never been to Konoha, knowing his infamy made him unwelcome.

But now…

He'd pinned most of the blame on the Akatsuki.

A new scapegoat was born.

But then, as if struck by a thought, Cardo shook his head, saying:

"I have urgent matters to handle. Once I'm done, I'll come immediately. Please relay my commission to the Hokage. I'll offer twenty—no, thirty percent of my wealth as payment! If Konoha refuses, I'll have to turn to other villages."

Though most of his company's liquid assets were stolen, he still held substantial fixed properties.

This was a tempting price.

Not to mention the stolen portion.

Every ninja village—even an entire nation—would be enticed.

Kakashi said nothing.

He just looked at Haku.

Haku's grip on his bow loosened slightly.

No money, no point fighting.

He silently returned to Zabuza's side, kneeling.

Ignoring his elven gear…

Haku now seemed to carry a hint of youthful valor.

"It's finally over…"

Kakashi exhaled long, legs giving out, collapsing to the ground.

Avoiding a fight was best.

Shen Mo knew.

The stage was done; it was his turn.

In a flash, he appeared before them. Cardo flinched, dropping to his knees in abject deference.

"Honored Lord…"

His tone dripped with sycophancy.

Shen Mo glanced at him. This man was truly a contradiction—utterly servile yet burning with resentment against that servitude.

A twisted soul.