Uehara Naraku returned to the high tower in the center of the village. The metal room was cold and damp, typical of Amegakure, but it was the safest place in the country.
Konan was standing by a window, looking out at the endless rain. When she heard footsteps, she didn't turn around.
"You're back."
"Yes, Konan-sensei," Uehara replied, shaking the water off his clothes. He hesitated for a moment, putting on a confused expression. "Sensei, I met a strange guy outside today. He looked like a plant... or an Aloe Vera."
Konan turned around, her amber eyes showing a hint of surprise. "You met Zetsu?"
"Is that his name?" Uehara tilted his head. "He said he was your subordinate. He seemed... weird. Half black, half white. I thought he was a failed experiment of the village."
Konan walked over and gently patted Uehara's shoulder. "He is indeed a member of the organization. He specializes in intelligence gathering. Don't provoke him; his abilities are... unique."
"I know," Uehara grumbled. "He ran away very fast."
Konan paused. Ran away? Zetsu retreated from a child? She chalked it up to Zetsu not wanting to hurt her student.
"Naraku," Konan's tone became serious. "Your training has been progressing well. However, the ninja world is dangerous. You must not let your guard down just because you learned a few jutsus."
"I understand," Uehara nodded obediently.
He looked at Konan, then at the piles of paper on her desk. A thought crossed his mind—a very practical, Mastermind-style thought.
"Sensei," Uehara asked suddenly, "Is our organization... poor?"
Konan blinked. The topic jump was unexpected. "Why do you ask that?"
"Well," Uehara pointed at the grim surroundings and the simple furniture. "And that Aloe Vera guy... he doesn't even wear clothes, just that plant thing. It looks like we can't afford uniforms."
Konan's stoic face twitched slightly. "The organization has sufficient funds. We are not... poor."
We just spend a lot on paper bombs, she didn't add.
"That's good," Uehara sighed in relief. "I was worried I'd have to go out and beg for food."
[Side Mission Triggered: Ask for Pocket Money.]
[Reward: 100 Gold Coins.]
Uehara's eyes lit up. The System was truly considerate. He immediately put on his most innocent, puppy-dog face.
"Then... Sensei? Since we aren't poor, can I have some money? I want to buy... ninja tools. Yes, tools."
Konan looked at her disciple. He was growing up fast. It was only natural he would need resources. She reached into her robe and pulled out a small pouch.
"Here," she handed it to him. "Use it wisely. Do not waste it on useless things."
Uehara took the pouch. It felt heavy.
[Mission Complete: Ask for Pocket Money.]
[Reward: 100 Gold Coins.]
"Thank you, Sensei!" Uehara beamed.
He opened the pouch. Inside was a stack of Ryo notes. It was a significant amount for a genin-level ninja.
"By the way," Konan added, turning back to the window. "Pain and I have discussed your progress. We believe it is time for you to take on a real task."
Uehara stiffened slightly. A mission? Already?
"What kind of task?" he asked.
"Hanzo of the Salamander is dead," Konan said calmly, dropping a bombshell that would shake the world if it got out. "But his remaining forces are still troublesome. There is a small group of wandering ninjas loyal to the old regime causing trouble on the outskirts. Go and... deal with them."
[Main Mission Triggered: The First Blood.]
[Description: Kill 10 Enemy Ninjas.]
[Reward: 500 Gold Coins. Random Skill Card.]
Uehara closed the money pouch and tied it to his waist. His expression shifted from the innocent student to something slightly colder, though Konan couldn't see his face.
"Understood, Sensei," Uehara said. "I'll clean them up."
"Be careful," Konan warned. "Do not die."
"I won't," Uehara replied. "I haven't spent my pocket money yet."
He turned and walked towards the exit. The "Mastermind" journey was officially moving from training to killing. And he had a feeling that his skills—especially the ones he bought with his system gold—were going to surprise everyone.