Uchiha Raizen gave Kakuzu a preemptive warning to manage his expectations, lest he reject them all and cause the duo to get angry and attack him.
As Kakuzu led the way, he said, "Rest assured, Boss Raizen. These are top-tier goods we just acquired. You'll definitely be satisfied."
"There are virgins, young wives, elegant older ladies—a whole variety. There's bound to be someone you like."
"And if you don't take them, I'll just have to personally send them on their way."
Raizen's brow furrowed slightly.
If he didn't select some of these women, would they suffer a cruel fate at Kakuzu's hands?
Before long, the three of them reached an inn. Kakuzu opened a room where eighteen women sat in silence. When they saw Kakuzu return, a flash of panic crossed their faces.
"Boss Raizen, everyone is here. Take your pick!" Kakuzu said with a greedy smile.
Raizen scanned the group. Their looks were indeed impressive, all scoring above 90 in terms of beauty. However, every face was etched with fear; they had clearly been abducted by force.
"What are those lotuses on their foreheads?" Raizen asked, puzzled. Each woman had a vivid, crimson lotus mark on her brow.
Kakuzu explained, "Those are the seals used to control them. If any of them dare to run, I can trigger the seal, causing a blood-lotus to bloom and drain every drop of blood from their bodies."
"That's quite barbaric."
Raizen thought for a moment before addressing the eighteen women. "Do you know why I am here?"
Before any of them could answer, Kakuzu cut in, "I've already told them, Boss Raizen. Don't worry about that. As long as you pick them, they'll be obedient and bear your children. You can have as many as you want; you can treat them purely as tools for reproduction."
Raizen crossed his arms and walked a few circles around the group. "I'll take them all. Teach me the method to control their seals."
"Of course! A pleasure doing business with you, Boss Raizen!!!" Seeing that Raizen wanted the whole lot, Kakuzu beamed with joy.
"Likewise," Raizen replied.
The shinobi world was a place where the strong preyed on the weak. Raizen didn't bother getting indignant about Kakuzu kidnapping women. It wasn't that he was cold-hearted, but his capacity for care was limited to those he valued. Since the deed was done, the only thing he could do was take them all in and save their lives.
"Very well, Boss Raizen. Let's settle the bill."
"One Jōnin, five Chūnin, and twelve Genin."
"Fifteen million Ryo for the Jōnin, forty million for the five Chūnin, and thirty-six million for the twelve Genin. Total: ninety-one million Ryo."
"Boss Raizen, if you please..."
Raizen countered, "Teach me the methods to control and release the seals first. Then I'll pay you immediately."
"No problem." Kakuzu readily taught Raizen the hand signs for the Blood-Lotus Seal.
Once he had mastered the control and release methods, Raizen pulled out a check and handed it over.
"Boss Raizen... isn't this a bit short?" Kakuzu took the check and frowned at the amount. It was only one-tenth of the total: 9.1 million Ryo. His eyes narrowed as he stared at Raizen. If the man didn't provide a valid explanation, he would kill him on the spot. No one cheated Kakuzu out of his money.
Raizen explained calmly, "Kakuzu, this is a 'Seeking Heirs' mission. You've brought the people, but the children aren't born yet. I can't pay in full. I will pay the remainder only after the children are born."
"Can't you trust my reputation?"
"Boss Raizen is right. My apologies for the outburst; I didn't mean to startle you." With Raizen's explanation, Kakuzu's brow smoothed over. Raizen was right—the mission wasn't technically complete until the children were born.
"You lot better work hard and bear children for Boss Raizen, or I'll come back and finish you myself. I'll send you on your way personally."
Kakuzu threatened the women with a terrifying aura, then tucked the check away. He turned back to Raizen with a smile. "Boss Raizen, you'll have to put in a lot of effort!"
"I look forward to receiving the full payment in ten months."
Raizen smiled. "Don't worry. As long as they stay healthy, you'll get the rest of your money in ten months."
"Excellent. I'll be waiting for the good news." Kakuzu laughed. "Boss Raizen, I know a place nearby that sells top-shelf tiger-penis wine. Interested in a bottle to help the process?"
Raizen shook his head. "My kidneys are in perfect health. I have no need for such things."
"Then I'll leave you to it. I'll be back here in ten months to meet you."
"Agreed." Raizen nodded. In business, he valued integrity above all. One thing was one thing; even if Kakuzu was a villain, he would honor the payment as promised.
"By the way, Boss Raizen, do you need more?"
"Shall I go out and find a few more for you?"
Kakuzu realized that even if it was just a 10% deposit, with enough numbers, it was still worth several S-rank mission payouts. Compared to high-risk S-rank combat missions, finding beauties for Raizen was much easier and safer. There were so many small hidden villages with exotic beauties; collecting them for Raizen was a goldmine!
With the System rewards at stake, as long as they met his standards, Raizen was naturally unwilling to refuse.
"Ideally, find those with special bloodlines or unique abilities. While we're having children, I'd like to strengthen my clan's potential."
"If they have special abilities or bloodlines, I'll add an extra 50% to the fee."
Hearing that special traits meant more money, Kakuzu's excitement spiked. "Boss Raizen, you truly are generous!"
"I like the way you think."
"Let's go, Hidan!"
"Goodbye, Boss Raizen. Once I have more goods, I'll send word."
"Hey, Kakuzu! Why the rush?!" Hidan grumbled as he was dragged away. "Wait for me! Why are you in such a hurry?!"
"Time is money. We have work to do," Kakuzu replied flatly, his pace never slowing.
After they left, Raizen turned back to the eighteen women. They looked at him with sheer terror. From this moment on, Raizen held the power of life and death over them.
"Don't be afraid. As long as you are obedient, your lives are not in danger."
"If you stay by my side and behave well, I will consider releasing your seals and giving you your freedom."
"If you wish to leave then, I won't stop you."
"However, I suspect you have nowhere to go. Men like Kakuzu and Hidan don't usually leave survivors. Your families and friends back home are likely gone."
"If you go back, you'll have nothing. Here, you can start a new life without worrying about food or shelter."
"And as you heard, I only pay Kakuzu the remainder once the children are born."
"If you fail to bear children, Kakuzu loses a massive sum of money. He will take his rage out on you. You've seen his methods; you know what that means."
"So, the choice is yours. I won't force you, but I wanted you to understand the consequences."
Raizen fell silent.
"My Lord... we are willing to bear your..."