At the secret base of the Akatsuki, Kakuzu returned to the main hall alone, the heavy cash box slung over his shoulder clinking with the promise of profit. He happened upon Itachi and Kisame, who were just about to depart.

Kisame's jagged teeth formed a wide, mocking grin. "Out moonlighting again, are we? You must be working yourself to the bone, Kakuzu-senpai."

"It's not moonlighting," Kakuzu growled. "It's debt collection."

"Oh? You're still responsible for collecting the bills, senpai?"

"Hmph," Kakuzu snorted coldly. "This organization would fall apart without me! As the treasurer, I'm the only one who cleans up the messes when our clients get… forgetful."

"There are always fools—small nations, arrogant nobles—who think their power means they don't have to settle their accounts. Anyone who owes us money and doesn't pay has forfeited their right to live in this world."

Hearing this, Kisame's expression was one of gleeful malice. "Is there anyone foolish enough to owe the Akatsuki money? Senpai, if you see such a person again, just let me know. I've been terribly bored recently. My sword, Samehada, has grown thirsty. And so has Itachi, I'm sure."

Uchiha Itachi remained silent.

Kakuzu rolled his mismatched eyes at the two of them. "As a matter of fact, I still have a mess to clean up. It's the client from your last mission."

Kisame's brow furrowed. "No, that can't be right. I remember the client for that mission was a business tycoon from the Land of Hot Water. A man like that has no shortage of money."

Kakuzu scoffed. "Hmph. It is often the richest who are the most miserly and greedy!" With that, he turned to continue deeper into the base, his business with them concluded.

"Wait, Kakuzu," Uchiha Itachi's voice, quiet but firm, cut through the air.

Kakuzu stopped, turning with a look of genuine surprise. It was a rare occurrence to hear the Uchiha speak at all.

"Well, well. So you can talk," Kakuzu said, his eyes narrowing. "I haven't heard you utter a word for so long, I was beginning to think you were mute. What do you want? Is there a problem?"

Uchiha Itachi whispered, his voice even, "The missions that Kisame and I undertake are assigned by the leader and Konan. Konan is the one who relays the mission details to us. As for whether the client pays or not, that is a matter that does not concern us. We simply complete the mission."

Kakuzu replied, "You don't have to explain that to me. I understand. I don't blame you or Konan for not collecting the payment. In any case, the bounty I collect after slaughtering those who don't pay is often much more than the mission fee itself."

"The mission the leader just gave us is in the Land of Hot Water," Itachi stated. "You can accompany us and, while we are there, collect the debt from the business tycoon."

"?" Hearing this, Kakuzu was stunned for a moment, then let out a derisive sneer. "Haha, and here I thought you might have something important to say. You want me to be your free muscle? Hmph! I think I prefer it when you keep your mouth shut."

Kisame interjected, "Senpai, don't be so quick to dismiss him. It was actually the leader's idea to have you accompany us. Itachi and I have been waiting for you here for some time."

Kakuzu raised his brows. "The leader's idea?"

Kisame smiled wickedly, a conspiratorial glint in his eye. "The members of the Akatsuki always operate in pairs. You've been alone for some time now. The leader has identified a candidate he believes would be a very suitable partner for you. He's in the Land of Hot Water."

"Of course," he added, "this trip will not be a waste of your time. There is a reward. Capturing him is also a commission from the Daimyo of the Land of Hot Water. Your future partner has killed many people there."

"…" Kakuzu was silent for a moment, then said, "You want me to partner with this man? Hmph. Then I suppose I would like to see for myself what kind of person he is."

"Let me make one thing clear," he growled. "If this candidate does not satisfy me, I will kill him on the spot. And when I do, don't even think about trying to stop me."