Becoming a Merchant

In fact, even for the Akatsuki Organization,

if Kakuzu had not always been in the habit of saving money, it would have been difficult for them to produce so much wealth at once. After all, they managed an entire Rain Village, and their expenses were not low.

Orochimaru was the same. Most of his wealth had actually been spent on various bases and experimental expenses.

"Then I’ll buy fifteen hundred Level 3 Chests." Konan made her decision decisively and explained, "Rain Village cannot rely on me alone. Some funds must be retained for the village’s development and that of the others."

"It sounds like you’re planning to disband the Akatsuki Organization?" Shen Mo had read her thoughts.

"…"

Konan fell silent for a moment. She raised her delicate face to look at the sea beneath the distant night sky and said softly, "The Akatsuki Organization was founded by Yahiko. I will continue to maintain its existence, but its members must also inherit Yahiko’s will and mine."

Although every current member of the Akatsuki Organization was outstandingly capable, each of them carried their own will.

None of them shared the same ideals as their leader.

Such an organization went against Yahiko’s original intentions.

Konan still missed the former Akatsuki Organization. Though weak, its companions had all recognized one another.

Shen Mo understood.

The reason she had not spent all her money was because she wanted to use it to cultivate new companions who shared her ideals.

"An excellent decision," Shen Mo suddenly said.

Konan turned her head.

She discovered that the smile of the powerful being before her, who seemed like the ruler of the world, was somewhat different from before.

It was gentler.

"You truly have not disappointed my expectations, Konan." Shen Mo looked at her warmly and smiled. "When faced with power within reach, not everyone has the courage to share it with others. In the near future, you will be glad for your decision."

Konan’s eyes widened slightly, as though she did not quite understand what he meant.

But she remembered it firmly.

In truth, Shen Mo was indeed rather satisfied with her decision. From the perspective of long-term gains, it would certainly be necessary to avoid excessive concentration of resources in the later stages.

To that end, Shen Mo had already made plans.

It simply was not yet time to implement them.

But by then, raising the strength of other companions, and even ordinary ninjas, would undoubtedly be more beneficial.

After thinking for a moment, Shen Mo suddenly said, "Do you know what conditions are required to become a Merchant Guild merchant?"

"(д)!!!"

Caught off guard by those words, Konan’s eyes widened at once.

"After opening so many Chests, you are indeed qualified to know. I’ll tell you in advance." Shen Mo did not seem surprised by Konan’s reaction. He raised three fingers and continued, "To become a Merchant Guild merchant, the first step is to become an assistant. Three conditions must be met."

"First, possess the strength of a Senior Member."

"Second, gain the recognition of a formal merchant."

"Third, sign a permanent contract, or trade yourself to the Merchant Guild. In the latter case, you will receive a substantial amount of Points and be more trusted. Incidentally, Ikaros behind me chose the latter."

Whether through purchase or contract, the purpose was to ensure that employees could not betray them.

However, there was one difference.

With a contract, it needed to be continually reinforced as an employee’s strength increased. But if the price was paid to buy someone outright, as with Ikaros, then no matter how much her strength was enhanced, betrayal would remain impossible.

Therefore, for Shen Mo, the latter was undoubtedly cheaper and more reassuring.

But then again,

if they were to become companions, Shen Mo still preferred to respect personal choice.

After all, the Merchant Guild was meant to grow larger. There was no point if its employees harbored grievances.

Faced with this sudden information, Konan gradually recovered. Some of the information she had received earlier concerned the Omniscient and Omnipotent Merchant Guild, and she had only felt that it was an incomparably mysterious and vast organization.

It spanned countless worlds and was nearly omnipotent.

Konan’s heart began to pound.

It was unavoidable.

Anyone who had witnessed the power of Chests would feel some unease. They did not understand the Merchant Guild’s purpose, yet they could sense the pressure it exerted. Before an existence they could not resist, joining them seemed like the best choice.

"You need not think too much about it. After all, you do not currently meet even one of these three conditions." Shen Mo smiled. "There are many Senior Members who want to become Merchant Guild members. For now, you should focus on increasing your strength."

He was merely planting a seed first.

The initiative had to remain in his own hands.

If she was tempted, then she should act properly.

Then he would decide.

Konan also did her best to suppress her emotions.

As expected, it was not so easy.

She firmly remembered the three conditions, then said, "Fifteen hundred Chests from the Talisman Series, sir."

"As you wish."

With a wave of Shen Mo’s hand, a vast number of Chests appeared neatly along the shore, reflecting magical light beneath the moonlight.

At the same time, more than half of the Akatsuki Organization’s stored supplies vanished.

Fortunately, they had all been sealed away.

Had they been guarded manually, with so many stockpiled supplies suddenly gone, Rain Village would likely have descended into chaos immediately.

Konan began a tremendous increase in strength.

Her luck was neither particularly good nor particularly bad. Basically, every hundred Chests or so, she could open a Blue Rare Grand Prize. Most were powerful talismans that required study and practice, along with some rather powerful skills. There was even a magical artifact brush used for drawing talismans.

As she continued opening Chests,

Konan’s aura visibly changed.

Washed by spiritual power, her skin became smoother and fairer, making her even more beautiful. Combined with the confidence brought by increased strength and knowledge, even the temperament between her brows seemed to begin changing.

Shen Mo could sense it.

She was transforming.

Chests changed people very quickly. This was unavoidable—or rather, it was normal growth. A person’s state of mind naturally continued to grow as their strength, status, and horizons changed.

Shen Mo could not help feeling curious about what she would become.

This was the first time someone had bought so many Chests at once.

Konan’s opening speed was not particularly fast.

It took three full days and nights to open all fifteen hundred Level 3 Chests.

Naturally, Shen Mo had not stood beside her the entire time.

Nor had he left. He remained rather concerned about the growth of his biggest customer, but he was not bored either. Ikaros and Hikari had been playing in the sea or along the shore, and Shen Mo occasionally accompanied them. Looking at Ikaros in her swimsuit, it felt rather like a vacation.