Pokémon Breeder In One Piece!

"You're mostly wandering aimlessly now, clinging to survival. Why not join Akatsuki? When peace is achieved, you'll be one of the most famous figures in the ninja world," Dak said, continuing to persuade Kakuzu.

This version of Kakuzu was still relatively easy to influence. He hadn't yet become consumed by his obsession with money and was still searching for a purpose in life.

Recruiting him later would have required large sums of money, but for now, his ideals could still be shaped.

"Fame?" Kakuzu murmured, his tone uncertain. He had little ambition for fame or recognition.

"And for the obsession in your heart. Being betrayed by your village must've been unbearable, right?" Dak said, pointing a finger at Kakuzu's chest.

The first heart Kakuzu likely replaced using his newfound Earth Grudge Fear technique was his own. That act of replacing his heart must have been a deeply conflicted moment for him.

"You know?" Kakuzu's eyes widened slightly.

"Of course I do. I know many things. In time, you'll understand more from Madara and Izuna," Dak said with a nonchalant shrug. "Akatsuki forbids all forms of betrayal or harm to its members. If anyone violates this rule, the Uchiha brothers will personally deal with them."

"How can you ensure no betrayals will happen?" Kakuzu asked skeptically.

"If it does, you can handle it yourself. Swear on your five hearts that all traitors will die," Dak replied, his tone firm.

"All traitors will die..." Kakuzu muttered, his green eyes flickering with a sharp glint. He quickly regained his composure. "So, what's in it for me?"

"We are working toward a noble, selfless, and luminous goal. One day, we'll be the most renowned individuals in the ninja world, standing at the pinnacle of society, admired by countless people!" Dak declared, spreading his arms like a zealous preacher.

It was, essentially, painting a grand picture for Kakuzu—but it wasn't far from the truth.

"Fine words, but I need something tangible first—something to convince me," Kakuzu countered, unwilling to work for Akatsuki for free.

"Alright, alright. How about I give you a partner who will never betray you?" Dak suggested.

"A partner who will never betray me?" Kakuzu narrowed his eyes, skeptical of such a claim.

"Never," Dak affirmed.

While most Pokémon are inherently loyal to their trainers, some species, like Charizard and Serperior, can be more independent. However, with proper bonds, even they remain unwaveringly loyal.

"It's not some kind of puppet, is it?"

"It's a Pokémon—a creature you can think of as a summoning beast that doesn't require hand seals to use. Pokémon possess high intelligence and the purest of emotions. The more affection you show them, the more they'll return it. They'll stand by you no matter what and never betray you," Dak explained, his tone as persuasive as a devil tempting a soul.

"...Fine. I don't know what kind of creature this 'Pokémon' is, but you've piqued my interest," Kakuzu said after a long pause, sighing deeply.

He decided to trust one last time. If betrayed again, he vowed to never take another partner, ensuring he wouldn't face a backstabber again.

"Excellent. You won't regret this," Dak said, opening his mystical shop. After a quick scan, he pulled out a blue Pokémon egg and handed it to Kakuzu.

"What's this? An egg?" Kakuzu asked, instinctively taking it.

"Yes. A companion you hatch yourself will be the most loyal. It'll be like your own child—more faithful than any human could ever be," Dak said matter-of-factly.

Kakuzu stared at the egg, unsure of what to expect.

"This is a Tangela, a Grass-type Pokémon. Think of it as a weaker, but more versatile version of Wood Release," Dak explained, handing Kakuzu a Pokédex with the evolution Tangrowth's entry highlighted. "Don't they look a bit like you?"

Tangrowth, much like Kakuzu, had exceptional regenerative abilities. Its vines could regrow almost instantly and served various purposes, from materials to food for other Pokémon.

"...Hmph," Kakuzu scoffed, not bothering to argue. What truly caught his attention was the mention of abilities resembling Wood Release—the technique that once overwhelmed him.

"Close enough," Dak said, dismissing further explanations. He trusted Kakuzu would discover its potential in time.

With Kakuzu's extended lifespan and Tangrowth's abilities, they might eventually refine its powers to rival or even surpass Wood Release.

"I'm in. Now, where's your base, and what's my job?" Kakuzu asked.

"Patience. I'll show you," Dak said, placing a hand on Kakuzu's shoulder and teleporting them to a hidden cavern behind a waterfall. "Welcome to Akatsuki's base. It's located within the Land of Water, hidden behind this waterfall. From today onward, you're Akatsuki's treasurer. Your job is to find ways to make money for the organization and manage its finances."

"...Space-time ninjutsu?"

"It's not ninjutsu. It's my unique ability," Dak replied, unfazed by Kakuzu's surprise. "The other member of the organization is Hanzō of the Salamander, leader of Amegakure. He scouts and recruits talent while managing his village."

"Hanzō? That Hanzō?" Kakuzu exclaimed, clearly impressed.

Hanzō's reputation as a powerful shinobi rivaled the current Kage of the Five Great Nations.

With Hanzō, the Uchiha brothers, and Dak's mysterious abilities, Kakuzu realized the organization had the potential to become a force that could shake the entire ninja world.

"All you need to focus on is generating funds for the organization. Don't rely solely on missions; that's the slowest and most foolish method. Study how the wealthy across the nations amass their fortunes," Dak instructed before turning to leave.

"Madara and Izuna will handle capturing the One-Tails and Three-Tails, as well as eliminating a certain target. Hanzō is busy recruiting talent. You likely won't see them for at least half a month."

"And you?"

"I'm heading to my next target—Uzushio Village," Dak replied.

"The Uzumaki clan? I've heard their situation isn't looking good," Kakuzu said, frowning. He had seen several high-paying missions targeting Uzushio's red-haired ninja at the exchange recently.

"They're on the brink of annihilation due to their powerful sealing techniques. With the deaths of Hashirama and Tobirama, Konoha lacks the strength to protect them."

"I see. The Uzumaki clan is likely to become collateral damage of the war. Desperate times will make them willing to take any lifeline," Kakuzu mused.

"If Akatsuki becomes that lifeline, the Uzumaki clan will serve us loyally for a long time," Kakuzu said with a grin.

"Don't say 'serve.' Once they join, we'll all be comrades, united in purpose," Dak corrected.

The Uzumaki clan's fall was all but inevitable, and no one in the ninja world seemed willing to save them. Only Akatsuki dared to challenge the status quo.

Madara and Izuna, in particular, would be thrilled to declare war on the entire world if it meant achieving their goals.

(End of Chapter)

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