A Lifelike Painting

What to do after making money?

Of course, we have to celebrate!

So, he casually increased Danzō's bounty.

And thinking that it wasn't much difference, he decided to save some time and round it up.

He figured Danzō would be extremely happy.

After all, even the God of Shinobi didn't get this treatment back then. He was probably ecstatic about surpassing the God of Shinobi!

But this morning...

Why were there so many hidden masked shinobi around?

Uchiha Fuyou brushed his teeth, opened the window, and enjoyed the early morning breeze. He didn't pay attention to the shinobi hidden in the shadows, pretending not to see them.

He hadn't done anything wrong, just made some money and teased some kids.

It wasn't illegal!

They wouldn't actually arrest him, would they?

As for the bounty... that was issued by someone else. What did it have to do with him, Uchiha Fuyou of Konoha?

He knew nothing; he was just an ordinary rich person.

After changing his clothes, he left the apartment.

He thought about how he had rented this apartment for some time. When he first graduated, he went out to start his own business. The conditions were tough, and he couldn't go back to the small house in his clan's territory. So, to save startup capital, he simply rented an apartment.

Now, this small apartment no longer suited his status.

Of course, building a house would have to wait until the Ninja World calmed down. Now was not the time.

He went out and started strolling through the streets.

The village had been much quieter these past two days. The higher-ups had also issued many village cleanup missions recently, likely in preparation for the Chunin Exams.

Although the atmosphere was a bit tense now, the Chunin Exams would still proceed. The first purpose was to scout the strength of each ninja village, the second was to showcase the strength of each village, and the third was to increase exchange between the ninja villages.

Therefore, barring any accidents, the Chunin Exams would generally not be canceled.

Also, some ninja villages, in order to showcase their village's future, would have talented shinobi who had already been promoted to Chunin or Jonin act like they were weak to participate in the Chunin Exams.

Of course, the situation was a bit unstable this year. The Sand Village's activities were becoming more frequent, and each village seemed to have its own secret plans.

All in all, feeling like he had developed enough, it was time to make a splash. Therefore, he didn't know how many ninja villages would participate in this Chunin Exam.

But this didn't stop him from advertising to the shinobi from various villages as usual, letting other ninja villages get familiar with him. Perhaps when peace arrived, his milk tea could successfully enter other ninja villages and countries?

So, he planned to visit Mitokado Homura later.

Don't look at Hiruzen Sarutobi's team as useless in their old age, being the number one source of annoyance, but they held important positions.

As for why he didn't approach the Hokage?

It was easy to attract criticism. For matters like using connections, it was better to find someone with a lower position.

Looking at the fresh fruit in Konoha Village, the rich Uchiha Fuyou took a bite. It tasted good, juicy and sweet. He immediately waved his hand, "Boss, pack these two boxes nicely, all of them for me!"

"Certainly! Master Fuyou!" They were familiar customers, especially rich ones. Unlike other rich people who were stingy even when buying a few apples, Fuyou, who was wealthy and never haggled, was already well-acquainted with the boss. As soon as he walked in, the boss hurried over to greet him, telling the staff to pack them quickly, and then voluntarily offering a discount, "Do you need someone to deliver these to Master Fuyou?"

"No need, I'll take them myself!"

A simple small gift box, and he needed a delivery person?

Besides, how could he let others know about using connections?

After paying, Uchiha Fuyou headed towards the Hokage Building.

In a short while, he arrived at Mitokado Homura's office. After the shinobi announced his arrival, Uchiha Fuyou walked directly in, closing the door securely, and then placed the two boxes of fruit on the table.

He said nothing, just sat down.

Mitokado Homura's eyelids twitched. He glanced at the exquisite fruit, which was not cheap, and then looked at Uchiha Fuyou in front of him. He said calmly, "I already know your intentions. Take this back. You think a mere bit of fruit can bribe me? I am highly trusted by the Hokage, how could I act recklessly and betray the Hokage's trust?" His tone was righteous and aboveboard. "Also, advertising at the Chunin Exam venue is impossible. What do you think that place is? In front of so many important guests, if you were allowed to act recklessly, would Konoha still have any face?"

After he finished speaking.

Uchiha Fuyou still said nothing. He directly took out a thick envelope and placed it on top of the fruit boxes.

However.

Mitokado Homura only glanced at it, and his face immediately turned cold. "Are you insulting me? You think a mere bit of fruit and money can make me go against my principles?"

"..."

That's right.

This gift was too shabby!

Wouldn't that attract criticism?

Uchiha Fuyou's whole body trembled. Righteously, as Mitokado Homura's eyebrows twitched, he took back the envelope and said, "Lord Mitokado, you misunderstand. I merely admire your character and your silent contributions to Konoha, diligently guarding Konoha's noble integrity! As a member of Konoha, I just wanted to buy some fruit for you to maintain your health. After all, if Lord Mitokado falls ill, it would be a great loss to Konoha! I had no other intentions."

"..."

If that's the case, why did you take the money back?

Mitokado Homura coughed lightly and pointed indifferently at the door. "If there's nothing else, leave quickly! Uchiha Fuyou!"

His attitude was firm.

His tone had completely changed.

What a shame.

He had also undergone [System] training in business.

Therefore, he ignored Mitokado Homura's words, a grinning expression on his face. He lowered his voice and said, "I heard that Lord Mito recently received a painting personally drawn by the First Hokage. Actually, Fuyou has always greatly admired the First Hokage. Could Lord Mito let me take a look and admire it?"

After he spoke.

Mitokado Homura raised his eyebrows again. "How did you know about that?"

"I heard it by chance! Really!"

"You really want to see it?"

"Yes!"

"Since that's the case." Mitokado Homura pondered for a moment, as if making an important decision. He gritted his teeth. "Since you also admire the First Hokage, I'll let you see it. Remember, you can only look, don't touch anything!" With that, he opened his drawer and, under Uchiha Fuyou's expectant gaze, took out a piece of paper and unfolded it on the table.

The paper was... blank, completely empty.

But Uchiha Fuyou looked at it with an expression of intoxication and obsession, as if there truly was a peerless masterpiece on the white paper. "What a painting! What a painting! As expected, the First Hokage is not only a god of ninjutsu, but his paintings are also unmatched in the Ninja World!"

"Is it really that good?" Mitokado Homura frowned, rubbing his hands together, appearing proud that his [collection] was being seen.

"Yes! It's excellent! Lifelike," Uchiha Fuyou said with a smile, looking at him leisurely. "It's worth at least five million Ryo. It truly stirs Fuyou's heart. I wonder..." He paused. "Would Lord Mito be willing to part with it? Give Fuyou a chance?"

After he spoke.

Another stack of envelopes was placed on the table.

This was a small forest near the Land of Earth.

Minato, having just killed the enemy, looked at the figure with emotion. He then looked at the enemy lying motionless on the ground in a very undignified posture, and a shiver ran down his spine as he recalled the brutal scene just moments ago.

Obito... why had he become like this?

He really needed to find time to have a good talk with Obito!

With a sigh, Minato clapped his hands, a gentle smile appearing on his face. "Come, everyone, gather around. I have something to say!"

"???"

The three youngsters gathered around curiously. Whether it was intentional or not... Kakashi paused and then moved a little further away from Obito.

"Teacher Minato, what is it? Are there any further arrangements for the next mission?"

"That's not it," Minato smiled and shook his head. "Don't be nervous. The Chunin Exams are coming up in a few days. I wanted to ask if you wanted to participate. I'll respect your choice."

After he spoke.

Kakashi looked indifferent, Rin looked surprised, and only Obito excitedly raised his fist. "Hahaha, is it finally here? I will definitely become a Chunin!" He looked at Minato resolutely. "Teacher Minato, I want to participate!"

"..."

Minato's eyelids twitched. He suddenly had a bad feeling and quickly gave a wry smile. "I think you still need more training. How about we... skip this time?"

Really!

Listen to the teacher this time!

Silently asking for votes again.