Kisame's shark-like grin widened. "The head of our target's family is the owner of the Dog's Spring Inn."

"The Dog's Spring?" Hidan tilted his head, thinking for a moment before his eyes lit up. "I know that place! It's in the town just ahead. His family is filthy rich! Their hot spring business is one of the biggest in town, and they have a huge family…"

Hidan grew more and more excited as he spoke, his eyes turning a fanatical shade of red. "Lord Jashin, it seems I can offer you a great number of sacrifices this time! It was definitely the right choice to join the Akatsuki!"

"Stop your rambling and lead the way," Kakuzu said impatiently. "I want to make that man understand what happens when you dare to owe money to the Akatsuki!"

Within the newly established territory of the Uchiha clan, the village planning meeting continued in an orderly fashion at Uchiha Fugaku's house. Shiro and White Zetsu, however, had already departed. They now had a more pressing matter to attend to: money.

This was a task that could not be delayed. The sooner they acquired the funds, the sooner the village could be built, and the sooner the Uchiha clan could truly begin its new life.

Shiro rode leisurely on White Zetsu's shoulders. "White Zetsu," he asked, "where is Obito nii now? Please, can you help me contact him? I need to see him."

"Of course. Wait just a moment."

White Zetsu closed its eyes, sending a telepathic message to its other half. Hey, tell Obito to come back soon. Shiro misses him.

A second later, Black Zetsu's voice echoed in its mind. What a coincidence. Obito also misses Shiro. We are on our way back now.

White Zetsu relayed the message. "Obito will be here soon. Let's just wait here for a little while."

"Okay."

Not even two minutes later, a spatial vortex swirled into existence beside them.

"Shiro chan!"

"Obito nii!"

"It feels like it's been so long. I missed you so much!" Obito gently lifted Shiro from White Zetsu's shoulders and placed him on his own.

"What have you been busy with recently, Obito nii?"

"I have been in the Land of Water. There are many things that require my attention there. But let's not talk about that for now. Come, I'll take you out to play!"

"Wait, we can play later. I have something very important to tell you," Shiro said, hopping down from Obito's shoulders. His expression was unusually serious. " Obito nii, I need money. Lots and lots of money."

"Hmm?" Hearing this, Obito was taken aback. "Shiro, what do you need money for?"

White Zetsu interjected, "You may not know yet, but Lord Madara decided this morning to build a new village, one led by the Uchiha and completely independent of any country. Since we cannot seek support from other nations, we must find the funds to build the village ourselves."

"Oh?" Obito frowned. "That old man truly does whatever he pleases!"

Shiro added, "Obito nii, my father is doing this especially for me."

"So that's it." After hearing Shiro's explanation, Obito's frustration vanished. "Well then, I'll return to the Akatsuki base right now. I'll have to think of a good reason to tell Nagato about using the funds. The money is with Kakuzu, after all, and he guards it very strictly. If it's not for an official organization expense, he won't part with a single ryo."

White Zetsu chimed in, "I agree. I have never met anyone who loves money more than him. Tsk tsk… he treats the organization's money as if it were his own lifeblood."

Shiro declared, "Then take me with you. I want to get to know the other members of the organization anyway. If I can speak with Kakuzu directly, then I won't have to trouble you in the future when I need money."

Obito pretended to be offended. "Shiro, you're being too formal! It is my duty to help you. It is no trouble at all. If you say that again, I will be angry."

"Hehe, you're so busy, I'm just worried you're too tired," Shiro said, taking Obito's hand with a smile. "I know you care for me, but I care for you too."

"You're a good kid, Shiro. So considerate," Obito said, pinching the boy's cheek lovingly, a genuine sigh escaping his lips. "When I was your age, I couldn't even help an old woman cross the street… Alright, I'll take you to the Akatsuki base right now."

The air rippled, and the vortex reappeared. In the blink of an eye, Shiro and Obito vanished into the swirling portal, leaving White Zetsu standing alone.

"…"

"Hey! What's going on?! You're not taking me with you? Or did you just forget about me?!"