Freelancer in the Ninja World

Before Senshi finishes the mission he accepted, he's certainly not going to let himself be taken advantage of so easily.

Moreover, as one of the foremost researchers in the ninja world—indeed, as its foremost scientist—Orochimaru had already learned the most efficient way to communicate with Senshi. In short: "How much does it cost? Fine, let's do it."

When it came to Senshi, any talk not related to a mission was best left unheard, let alone believed—otherwise you might end up like a certain shark, falling for his flattery and getting sold off one day without realizing it.

Karin was feeling a bit angry. True, Senshi had no shame, no principles, and no bottom line when it came to securing employment commissions—but wasn't Orochimaru a bit too rude?!

She started contemplating whether she should hop into her "Gundam" (Susanoo) and chase Orochimaru down, to teach him some manners.

Naturally, Orochimaru had no idea what was going through Karin's head, or else he might've felt grateful to the universe—or to the Sage of Six Paths—for sparing him. Walking around outside, you run into an Uzumaki descendant who even has an Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan. The question is, could he seize that massive opportunity?

As for Senshi, he paid Orochimaru's attitude no mind. He was content to wait until the day he could fleece Orochimaru of everything, just to see if Orochimaru could stay that arrogant. Nonetheless, he did feel some regret.

"Sigh… Too bad! This time I couldn't squeeze any mission out of Orochimaru. The ninja world is getting tougher by the day. Even Orochimaru has wised up—can't fool him so easily anymore."

"Used to be I could show off my 'elemental form' ability to trick him into giving me a long-term commission. Now, though, he just ignores me. All my powers of persuasion have nowhere to go!

Missions are really becoming harder to get!"

Senshi felt quite drained, and he blamed Kakashi. All because Kakashi wasn't lazing around in Konoha—otherwise Senshi wouldn't be in this predicament.

He then recalled that at least Terumi Mei in Kirigakure was more obliging: whenever he asked Terumi Mei for a mission, she'd simply say yes. But that village, being the former "Blood Mist," was always tight on funds. They couldn't pay much to hire the greatest mercenary of their era.

"Sigh… Kakashi's ruined my plans! Can't that stubborn mutt just stay quietly in Konoha so I can help him make the tough decision of giving up that Sharingan?"

As Senshi walked on with Karin, complaining nonstop, they unexpectedly ran into yet another acquaintance. Rather, Senshi knew the person, but the latter hadn't met him before. Approaching them was none other than the "First 'Pot' Hokage," Shimura Danzo.

Danzo, for his part, had been returning to the village in a buoyant mood—his dreams of a brighter tomorrow dancing in his head. But after walking a bit, he realized a serious oversight. He'd been so overjoyed that he neglected a few important details with Orochimaru, such as arranging check-ins every ten days or so on the experiment's progress. More crucially, they hadn't agreed on a secure time and place for the final delivery. That was obviously critical. If Konoha gained true mastery of Wood Release, it would take the village's power to new heights—but if something went awry with Orochimaru, or if other villages learned of the experiment to cultivate perfect Hashirama cells, enemy shinobi might try to seize those results. Danzo wanted to warn Orochimaru about maintaining strict secrecy and about handing over the finished product in the safest possible conditions. Until that was settled, Danzo couldn't rest easy—so he circled back.

He hadn't expected to run into two unknown shinobi on his way. Seeing how they dressed, Danzo frowned:

"Are they Akatsuki members? Why are they here?"

Others might not recognize Senshi's and Karin's outfits, but Danzo did. Although the Akatsuki was still fairly obscure, its secrecy and particular attire were on Danzo's radar. As the head of Root, he had vast intelligence channels, and Root personnel were adept at gathering info. He knew Orochimaru was part of the Akatsuki, too. Although Orochimaru hadn't shared much intel on them, Danzo still knew a bit. That made it beyond doubt that this man was part of Akatsuki.

Quickly recalling everything he knew about them, Danzo regarded Senshi with a frown and barked:

"Who are you? State your identity! What's your relationship with Orochimaru? And what business do you have near Konoha?"

Senshi inwardly chuckled, Well, well—the 'Pot Hokage' in the flesh. Since his collaboration with Orochimaru was still ongoing, Senshi wouldn't expose Orochimaru, lest Danzo storm off in a rage and Senshi lose out on any more jobs from him. At the same time, Senshi had no intention of letting a "big patron" like Danzo slip through his fingers—a man who could casually shell out ten billion was definitely a "super Kage-level goldmine."

He turned to Danzo with a grin and began introducing himself, certain that with Danzo's intel network, the latter would know his name:

"Danzo-dono, let me introduce myself: I am Uzumaki Senshi."

Sure enough, the moment Senshi said his name, Danzo's face changed. On one hand, he was startled that Senshi knew who he was—after all, not everyone in Konoha knew Danzo, let alone outsiders. But more importantly, he recognized this ninja was indeed "Uzumaki Senshi." Danzo knew about Senshi's extensive activity in various black markets, even earning the moniker "Strongest Ninja in the Underworld." Danzo's expression hardened. Senshi pressed on in a professional tone:

"Danzo-dono, I am the strongest mercenary in the black market. With your intelligence resources, you shouldn't find that surprising. Over the years, I've accepted countless commissions—large and small—and always accomplished them quickly, with a 100% success rate. I believe no other ninja in the world has done as many missions while maintaining such perfection. So, Danzo-dono, are you looking to commission a job?"

In Senshi's mind, if Danzo was foolish enough to give Orochimaru one billion at once, there was no reason he couldn't cough up another ten for a separate job. Having finished his self-introduction, Senshi let Danzo stare him down with that single eye for a while, until Danzo finally spoke in a murky voice:

"So you're Uzumaki Senshi, huh? Hmph! In one of your previous jobs, you not only wounded my men, but also seized the Uzumaki clan property I'd spent ages seeking—and yet you dare to hawk your services to me?!"

Karin gasped in shock:

"Ah? This was the man who tried to grab me back then?"

Realizing that the "bad guy" who'd wanted to capture her so long ago was Danzo, Karin ducked behind Senshi. She might be strong now, but like Chopper on Luffy's ship, people still have reflexive fears.

Senshi: "!!!???"

Thinking a moment, he did recall a mission from long ago, when he rescued Karin. He'd nearly forgotten until Danzo brought it up. But it didn't matter—he had something to say in response. As the "strongest, most reliable mercenary with a 100% success rate," he couldn't allow any stain on his reputation! Senshi responded with a calm smile:

"Danzo-dono, it seems you haven't clarified the facts.

1. The first time that merchant hired me, it was to guarantee his personal safety.

2. Even the second, last-minute job request from that merchant was merely for the safety of his subordinates.

3. I had no idea I was carrying away any 'cargo' from the caravan. I thought I was just rescuing an innocent child.

4. As for injuring your men, that was because they themselves tried to mess with me. I assume back then you hadn't given them orders to attack me, correct?

So you see, it was just a misunderstanding!"

Senshi bothered to clarify at such length only because he saw Danzo as a "big sucker." Danzo had been tricked by Orochimaru, so Senshi thought he might as well make use of it. Danzo, of course, rejected Senshi's explanation. No matter how persuasive Senshi sounded, he'd still ruined Danzo's plan that time! Staring down Senshi, Danzo let out a cold snort:

"Hmph! I don't trust you. Unless you hand over the girl by your side, you and I are enemies. If it weren't for your meddling, she'd already be my property."

With that, Danzo's eyes bulged. He'd noticed that the red-haired girl behind Senshi possessed Mangekyō Sharingan. In the shinobi world, few could claim more familiarity—or obsession—with the Sharingan than Danzo. He was the real "Sharingan collector." Though he detested the "innately evil" Uchiha clan much like the Second Hokage had, Danzo carried that loathing to new extremes. The Uchiha might be reluctant to use their eyes for forbidden jutsu like Izanagi, but Danzo willingly burned through them. They might be unwilling to "ride certain vehicles," but Danzo stood up on them and pedaled away.

Now that he realized Karin was an Uzumaki plus she had Mangekyō, Danzo made up his mind: he must take these eyes. She could also serve other purposes. An Uzumaki descendant fused with Mangekyō? The possibilities were endless: either he could bring her to Root and brainwash her, or hand her to Orochimaru as the perfect experimental subject. If Orochimaru had such a pristine sample, maybe even more advanced scientific accomplishments would emerge!

As Danzo's greedy gaze locked onto her, Karin shrank behind Senshi, thinking, This old man is terrifying—he wants to capture me again? But she was ready. If that scary codger made even the slightest move—

Danzo again addressed Senshi:

"Uzumaki Senshi, you're sure you won't hand over that Uzumaki child behind you? You really want to make an enemy of me? If not for your interference back then, she would've long since become my property."

Hearing this, Senshi felt an angry laugh bubble up; a hint of killing intent flickered in his eyes.

"Danzo, can you not see she's already one of my people? As for what happened before, I've explained it thoroughly."

Danzo's glare remained sharp, the cross-shaped scar on his chin twisting menacingly as he let out a derisive chuckle:

"Uzumaki Senshi, I know everything about you, whereas you know nothing about me. In that situation, do you really mean to fight me?"

~~~

Guys, can we aim for a higher ranking? Next week, let's go with Higher Ranking = More Chapters!

Thanks in advance! Let's do this!

Also check my Patreon! More Chapters available there!

Patreon(.)com/Bleam

— Currently You can Read 70 Chapters Ahead of Others!