At this moment, Hidan no longer cared about what would happen to him if he were turned in for a reward.
"Even death is better than staying with this brat using Wood Style!"
"See? Even the head admits it," Morkel said nonchalantly.
The person in charge of the bounty station hesitated. "But the mission requires a complete body. If you only bring back a head, we can only give you half the reward…"
Seeing the stubbornness of the bounty handler, Morkel had no choice but to use the Flying Thunder God Technique and return to the top of the mountain where the battle had taken place. Moments later, he returned with the rest of Hidan's body.
After verifying both corpses, the handler finally nodded in satisfaction. Morkel was awarded a reward of 135 million ryo!
When the massive check was handed over, Morkel's eyes lit up.
"This is far more profitable than working as a bodyguard for some big shot."
After pocketing the money, Morkel casually asked, "You only wanted the bodies, right?"
"Can I take the clothes and jewelry they're wearing?"
The handler nodded, unconcerned.
Without delay, Morkel entered the room, stripped the two corpses of their cloaks, and removed the rings from their hands.
Satisfied, he left the building with Naruto and the Wooden Golem.
As they walked through the streets of the Land of Demons, the Wooden Golem felt like she was in a dream.
First, they were attacked by the Akatsuki organization—an encounter that should have ended in tragedy.
Then, from out of nowhere, Konoha's legendary young genius appeared.
With overwhelming strength, he killed two of Akatsuki's most feared members and saved them all.
The Wooden Golem turned to look at Morkel's calm and handsome profile.
Could this guy be a gift from the heavens to compensate me for twenty years of single life?
Morkel noticed her gaze and smirked. "Is there something on my face?"
She quickly looked away. "No, just… a little dry skin."
Morkel nodded in agreement. "Makes sense. I'm out on missions a lot, always exposed to the wind and sun. Dry skin is normal."
Suddenly, Morkel leaned in close to her, inspecting her face with genuine curiosity.
Their faces were so close that the Wooden Golem could feel the warmth of his breath.
What is this guy doing?!
The scent of youth filled her nose, and her heart skipped a beat.
Are all the boys from Konoha this good at teasing?!
After a long moment, Morkel nodded and said, "Your skin is actually pretty good. What skincare products do you use?"
The Wooden Golem was speechless.
---
Meanwhile, in the Land of Thunder…
Near the ruins left behind after Morkel's intense battle with Kakuzu and Hidan, Zetsu finally emerged from the ground.
He surveyed the devastation and sighed.
"We failed to capture the Two-Tails… Hidan and Kakuzu, the so-called immortal duo, fell at the hands of that kid."
---
In the Land of Water, at one of Orochimaru's hidden bases…
Orochimaru lay weakly on a bed, his arms blackened and unusable. Yakushi Kabuto moved swiftly, adjusting medical equipment.
After Orochimaru escaped Konoha, the Third Hokage had chased him down. Their clash ended in a narrow victory for Orochimaru, but not without cost—the Third Hokage had used the Shiki Fuujin to seal Orochimaru's arms.
Now, unable to use jutsu, conduct experiments, or even lift his hands, Orochimaru raged.
"Damn you, old man! You're dead, and you still dragged me down with you!"
He turned to Kabuto. "This body is ruined. I need another. What about Sasuke?"
Kabuto answered, "He's still at the Three Tomoe stage. The conditions to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan are… harsh."
Orochimaru sighed. "Sasuke is a rare genius, but still not enough."
Kabuto, slightly bitter, added, "You still can't forget Morkel, can you?"
Orochimaru didn't deny it. "Such a perfect body… How could I let it go so easily?"
Suddenly, Orochimaru winced in pain as another wave of agony surged through his useless arms.
After a moment, he gasped, "We must initiate Living Corpse Reincarnation soon. If not Sasuke, bring me the woman. Her bloodline is decent."
Kabuto nodded and left to carry out the order.
---
Back in the Land of Thunder…
Morkel, Naruto, and the Wooden Golem arrived at the Raikage's office.
Although Morkel had secretly left a Flying Thunder God mark in the office during his previous visit, he refrained from using it this time. After what had happened at Sunagakure, he was cautious about teleporting into secured locations.
The Raikage beamed when he saw the Wooden Golem return safely.
"You're amazing, Morkel," he said, clapping Morkel on the shoulder.
Morkel calmly sidestepped. "Konoha and Cloud are allies. Helping allies is our duty."
"And the reward we agreed on?"
Laughing heartily, the Raikage waved his hand, and a tray of ryo coins was brought in.
Morkel, having just accepted a much larger sum, received the reward with a calm expression.
The Raikage continued, "On behalf of Cloud Shinobi leadership, I award you both the Cloud Shinobi Peace Medal."
Morkel smiled politely and accepted the medal.
After a few more formalities, he advised, "Akatsuki won't stop chasing the tailed beasts. You should take more precautions to protect your Jinchūriki."
The Raikage nodded seriously.
Later, as they walked through the streets, Morkel handed Naruto a thick stack of banknotes.
"Take it."
Naruto was stunned. "I didn't do much. Are you sure?"
Without waiting for an answer, Morkel shoved the cash into Naruto's hands. Naruto's heart warmed, and he accepted it silently.
As the sun began to set, their shadows stretched long beside them.
"Where do we go next?" Naruto asked.
Morkel paused.
Truthfully, he hadn't thought that far ahead.
Then, he reached into his cloak and pulled out three rings.
Each ring had a different engraving: "North," "Jade," and "Three." They had belonged to Kakuzu, Scorpion, and Hidan.
Morkel said, "First, we'll visit Killer Bee and learn about training tailed beasts. Then we'll head to the Rain Village. Lady Tsunade said Jiraiya went there to gather intelligence. Maybe we can help."
Naruto nodded. "Alright. I'll go wherever you go."
Suddenly, the rings on Morkel's fingers began to glow with faint chakra.
---
Konoha Village…
After the Third Hokage's body was returned, an autopsy confirmed that Orochimaru's injuries had played a role in his death.
Following this, Konoha intensified its efforts to track down Orochimaru.
That evening, Tsunade drank at a tavern, clearly frustrated.
"Jiraiya still hasn't sent a single message. Probably busy flirting with some barmaid again," she complained. "Ye— I mean, Morkel was right… all men are pigs."
Shizune, ever supportive, said, "Rain Village is Akatsuki's home. Jiraiya must be cautious."
Suddenly, an Anbu appeared and knelt beside them.
"Orochimaru's base has been found on the Water Country's border."
Tsunade immediately sobered up. "Is this confirmed?"
"Yes. Also, intelligence suggests the Three Tails is nearby. But we lost contact with the scout…"
Tsunade's eyes narrowed. "Assemble a reconnaissance team. Kakashi's and Kurenai's squads. Send them to investigate."
"Yes, ma'am."
Later, another report came in.
"From the Land of Lightning. Morkel and Naruto saved the Two-Tails. The Raikage awarded them Peace Medals."
Tsunade chuckled. "He's even making money off Akatsuki now…"
Then, she asked, "Any idea where they're headed?"
"Last seen near Yunlei Gorge. Likely visiting Killer Bee."
Tsunade nodded. "Probably for training with the tailed beasts…"
---
In the Land of Water…
Morkel and Naruto were on a small boat, rowing across a peaceful lake.
They had intended to head to Rain Village but lost their way and ended up here.
Killer Bee had initially agreed to train Naruto on Turtle Island. However, due to Akatsuki's relentless pursuit of the tailed beasts, the plan was postponed.
Now, drifting on the lake, Morkel studied the glowing rings.
Chakra surged from them, and the last seal broke.
Suddenly, Morkel's consciousness was drawn into another space.
---
In a dark cave, the large hand statue of the Akatsuki stood, with the spirits of six members gathered around.
Zetsu began, "Hidan and Kakuzu are dead. That kid took their bodies to collect a bounty."
Another added, "Kakuzu was our financial guy. Without him, our funds are tight."
The Akatsuki leader, eyes swirling with the Rinnegan, replied, "We'll find new ways to fund ourselves. Focus on our next move."
Deidara asked, "Should we target another tailed beast?"
"Yes," the leader said. "The Three Tails is unguarded in the Land of Water. Deidara, Scorpion—go."
"Afei wants to come too," Deidara said.
"Fine. Let him."
Just then, a seventh shadow appeared on the statue.
Everyone stared in shock.
"Morkel?! How did he get in here?!"
The leader's voice was cold and commanding. "I'm surprised you unlocked the ring's seal."
Morkel's eyes locked on the Rinnegan. He whispered, "I thought those eyes were just legend…"
Suddenly, the leader waved his hand.
Morkel's consciousness jolted.
When he came to, he was back in his body, breathing hard.
Naruto rushed over. "What happened?!"
Morkel caught his breath. "The rings… they're used for communication. I saw them talking. They're going after the Three Tails next."
---