The dim light of the cluttered hideout flickered overhead, casting long shadows on the piles of cash and valuables stacked neatly on the table.

Kakuzu’s dark eyes were narrowed in concentration, the slow, meticulous rhythm of counting bills filling the stale air.

Every movement was precise—each note and coin accounted for, separated, and cataloged with a care that spoke of a man who valued wealth almost as much as power.

You stood nearby, shifting your weight from one foot to the other, trying your best to catch his attention.

But Kakuzu was far too engrossed in his task, his attention locked onto the piles of money like it was the most important matter in the world—which, to him, it was.

Your attempts to speak, to poke at his arm, or make some playful noise only earned a brief, annoyed glance.

The corners of his mouth twitched in irritation, and his patience, already worn thin by the endless counting, was fraying fast.

Finally, with a deep, exasperated sigh, Kakuzu paused.

The flicker of something dark and cunning crossed his face—the spark of an idea born from equal parts annoyance and grudging affection.

Without a word, the mask stitched into his back began to shift.

Slowly, a grotesque yet strangely animated creature formed from the twisted seams—a small, snarling figure, its eyes gleaming with unnatural life. Kakuzu turned to you, his expression unreadable.

“This one’s for you,” he said gruffly, pushing the creature toward you. “Play with it. Keep yourself busy while I work.”

You blinked, staring at the strange little mask-thing with a mix of curiosity and surprise. It growled softly, twitching its limbs as if waiting for your next move.

It was bizarre, certainly, but exactly the distraction Kakuzu knew you’d need.

As you reached out tentatively, the creature snapped playfully, its odd movements both unsettling and oddly endearing.

Kakuzu returned to his money, a satisfied smirk barely visible beneath his mask. The balance was restored: you entertained, and he conquered the chaos of his finances.