Chapter 53 - 53: Riches, Regrets, and Really Bad Ideas
Zeldris didn't look too surprised when the masked man appeared in front of him.
Honestly, he'd half expected it.
He stared at the figure in the black cloak with a lazy, indifferent gaze. The kind of look you give an old friend who owes you ramen money.
"Huh. Haven't seen this guy in a while," Zeldris mused.
'Wonder what he's been up to? Shopping? Betrayals? World domination? Simping?'
The man in the orange spiral mask greeted him with uncharacteristic cheer.
"Yo. Long time no see, Zeldris."
Wait... was that pleasantness?
Zeldris blinked.
Uchiha Obito, usually about as cheerful as a thundercloud at a funeral, was actually sounding chipper. Something had to be wrong.
Like, "we're-about-to-cause-global-chaos" wrong.
Still, Zeldris played along, nodding coolly.
"Yeah, it's been a minute. So... what's up? You miss me that much you came all this way?"
Obito's voice dropped back into his dramatic villain tone.
"Actually, I have a mission. Super S-rank. High risk, high reward. I need your help."
Zeldris didn't even wait for the pitch to finish. He bolted upright with the energy of a broke man hearing the word "bonus."
"Super S-rank? Say less. What's the pay? Don't waste time asking if I'm interested—if there's money, I'm already emotionally invested!"
Obito blinked behind his mask.
This guy... was basically the spiritual reincarnation of Kakuzu.
But hey—money motivation worked. He'd planned on this.
Obito gave a small, dark chuckle.
"Of course. This one... is about Konoha."
At that, Zeldris's grin dropped half an inch. His eyes narrowed just a little.
Here it comes, he thought. This guy's about to pitch me a starring role in the Uchiha clan tragedy.
Obito continued.
"You used to be from Konoha. I figured I should ask... is that going to be a problem?"
Zeldris tilted his head, as if thinking deeply. Very deeply.
Obito felt a flicker of unease.
Wait... is he actually going to say no?!
Then Zeldris raised a brow and smirked.
"Depends. How much?"
Obito sighed in relief. Back on track.
"Fifty million."
Zeldris paused, stared at him for a beat, then made an expression like Obito had just handed him a coupon for 10% off instead of actual cash.
"Fifty? That's it? For an entire clan? Bro, do you think I'm running a charity?"
Obito's eye twitched.
This greedy little...
Zeldris tapped his chin thoughtfully, then smiled.
"Look, I'm emotionally traumatized by my Konoha past and all, but not enough to work at a discount. You want results? Gotta double it."
Obito stared at him. "Double?"
"One hundred million," Zeldris said cheerfully.
"Final offer. Take it or... you know, ask someone else with less personality."
Obito was silent. Internally, he was screaming.
One. Hundred. Million.
He wasn't sure whether to punch Zeldris or put him on payroll permanently.
But... the plan needed him. Itachi alone might not be enough. And Danzo did promise to cover half. He'd just have to tell Kakuzu to cough it up.
"Fine," Obito finally muttered. "One hundred million. But you follow my lead."
Zeldris gave a mock salute. "Aye aye, masked man."
Obito sighed, already regretting his life choices.
"I'll contact you when it's time. Be ready."
Without another word, he vanished in a whirl of chakra.
Zeldris, now alone, let out a low whistle.
"Whew. That guy's gonna pop a blood vessel one day."
He stretched, grinning.
"So it's finally happening, huh? The Uchiha Massacre..."
He stood, eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Let's see how much I can mess with canon this time."
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