A Lifelike Painting

What should you do after making money?

Of course, celebrate!

So he casually raised the bounty on Danzo a little.

And since it was not far off anyway, he decided to save some time and round it up.

Danzo was probably thrilled.

After all, even the God of Shinobi had never received such treatment. He was probably secretly delighted that he had surpassed the God of Shinobi!

But early this morning...

Why were there so many masked ninja hiding nearby?

After brushing his teeth, Uchiha Fuyou opened the window and enjoyed the morning breeze. He paid no attention to the ninja concealed in the shadows and simply pretended not to see them.

He had not done anything. He had merely made some money and teased some children.

He had not broken the law~

They would not actually arrest him, would they?

As for the bounty... that had been issued elsewhere. What did it have to do with Uchiha Fuyou of Konoha?

He knew nothing. He was merely an ordinary wealthy man.

After changing clothes, he left the apartment.

Thinking about it, he had rented this apartment for quite some time. Back when he had just graduated and gone out to start a business, conditions had been difficult. He could not return to his little house on the clan grounds, so he had simply rented an apartment to save startup funds.

Now, this tiny apartment no longer suited his status.

Of course, he would have to wait until the shinobi world had settled down before building a house. Now was not the time.

After leaving, he wandered through the streets.

The village had become much quieter these past two days. The higher-ups had recently issued quite a few missions to clean up the village, likely in preparation for the Chunin Ninja Exams.

Although the atmosphere was somewhat tense now, the Chunin Ninja Exams would still be held. First, to gauge the strength of the various ninja villages; second, to display their own strength; third, to increase exchange between ninja villages.

Therefore, barring unexpected circumstances, the Chunin Ninja Exams generally would not be canceled.

Some ninja villages even had genius ninja who had long since advanced to Chunin or Jonin disguise themselves as weaklings to take part in the Chunin Ninja Exams, all to showcase the future of their village.

Of course, the situation this year was somewhat unstable. Sunagakure had been making increasingly frequent moves, and the various villages seemed to be plotting something in secret as well.

In short, they felt they had developed enough and it was time to come out and make some waves. Thus, no one knew how many ninja villages would attend this Chunin Ninja Exam.

But that did not stop him from advertising to ninja from the visiting villages. If they became familiar with it first, perhaps once peace arrived, his milk tea could naturally enter other ninja villages and countries.

Therefore, he planned to visit Mitokado Homura shortly.

Do not be fooled by how Hiruzen Sarutobi's old team could not do anything right once they got old and excelled only at causing trouble. Every one of them held an important position.

As for why he was not going to the Hokage?

It would be too easy to invite criticism. For something like pulling strings, it was better to find someone of slightly lower status.

Seeing the fresh fruit in Konoha, the wealthy Uchiha Fuyou took a bite. It tasted good—juicy and sweet. He immediately waved a hand grandly. "Boss, pack up these two boxes nicely. I'll take them all!"

"Right away, Lord Fuyou!" They were regular customers, especially wealthy regular customers. Unlike other rich people who haggled over buying a few apples, Fuyou was generous and never bargained. The boss had long since grown familiar with him, so the moment he entered, he hurried over to receive him, had the clerk pack everything up, and conscientiously gave him a discount. "Would you like us to arrange someone to deliver them for you, Lord Fuyou?"

"No need. I'll carry them myself!"

Did such simple little gift boxes need delivery?

Besides, how could anyone else be allowed to know about pulling strings?

After paying, Uchiha Fuyou headed toward the Hokage Building.

Before long, he arrived at Mitokado Homura's office. Once the ninja had announced him, Uchiha Fuyou walked straight in, carefully shut the door behind him, and placed the two boxes of fruit on the desk.

He did not say anything and simply sat down.

Mitokado Homura raised a brow. After glancing at the expensive premium fruit, he looked at Uchiha Fuyou before him and said blandly, "I already know why you have come. Take these things back. You think a little fruit can buy me off? I am trusted by the Hokage. How could I act recklessly and betray the Hokage's trust?" His tone was righteous and aboveboard. "And advertising at the Chunin Ninja Exams is impossible. What do you think that place is? With so many important guests present, if we let you fool around, would Konoha have any dignity left?"

After he finished speaking.

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

However.

Mitokado Homura merely glanced at it, and his expression immediately darkened. "Are you insulting me? You expect me to violate my principles for a little fruit and money?"

"..."

Right.

This gift was terribly handled!

Was he not trying to avoid inviting criticism?

Uchiha Fuyou shuddered all over. Under Mitokado Homura's twitching brow, he righteously took back the envelope and said, "Mito Gate Lord, you misunderstand. I merely admire your character, your silent contributions to Konoha, and your diligent defense of Konoha's lofty principles! As a member of Konoha, I only wanted to buy some fruit so that Mito Gate Lord could nourish your health. After all, if Mito Gate Lord were to fall ill, that would be a tremendous loss for Konoha! There is no other meaning behind it."

"..."

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

Mitokado Homura gave a fake cough and blandly pointed at the door. "If there is nothing else, leave at once! Uchiha Fuyou!"

His attitude was extremely firm.

Even his tone seemed to have changed.

Unfortunately.

He had received systematic training in business as well.

So he ignored Mitokado Homura's words. With a cheerful smile on his face, he lowered his voice and said, "I heard that Mito Gate Lord received a painting personally drawn by the First Hokage some time ago. In truth, Fuyou has always greatly admired the First Hokage. Could Mito Gate Lord let me have a look and pay my respects?"

After he finished speaking.

Mitokado Homura raised a brow again. "How did you know about that?"

"I happened to hear about it! Really!"

"You truly want to see it?"

"I do!"

"Since that is the case..." Mitokado Homura pondered for a moment, as though making some important decision, then gritted his teeth. "Since you also admire the First Hokage, I shall let you see it. Remember, you may only look. Do not touch it carelessly!" With that, he opened a drawer and, beneath Uchiha Fuyou's expectant gaze, took out a sheet of paper and unfolded it on the desk.

The paper... was completely blank. There was nothing on it.

Yet Uchiha Fuyou looked utterly intoxicated and absorbed, as though that blank sheet truly held some peerless masterpiece. "What a painting! What a painting! As expected, the First Hokage was not only godlike in ninjutsu, but unmatched in the shinobi world even in painting!"

"Is it truly that good?" Mitokado Homura frowned and rubbed his hands together, seeming proud that someone had seen his collection.

"Yes! It is exceptionally good! So lifelike." Uchiha Fuyou smiled at him and said leisurely, "It is worth at least five million ryo. It truly moves Fuyou's heart. I wonder..." He paused. "Could Mito Gate Lord part with it and give me an opportunity?"

After he finished speaking.

Another stack of envelopes was placed on the desk.

This was a small forest near the Land of Earth.

Having already killed the enemy, Minato looked at that figure with emotion. Then he looked at the enemy lying motionless on the ground in an extremely undignified pose. Recalling the brutal scene from moments earlier, a chill ran down his back.

Why had Obito... become like this?

He had to find time to have a proper talk with Obito!

After sighing, Minato clapped his hands and revealed a gentle smile. "Come on, everyone, gather around. I have something to say!"

"???"

The three of them gathered around in confusion. Though whether intentionally or not... Kakashi paused, then moved a little farther away from Obito.

"Minato-sensei, what is it? Is there some arrangement for the next mission?"

"Not that." Minato shook his head with a smile and said, "Do not be nervous. The Chunin Ninja Exams are in a few days. I wanted to ask whether you wish to participate. I respect your choices."

After he finished speaking.

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

"..."

Minato's eyelid twitched. He suddenly had a bad feeling and hurriedly gave an awkward laugh. "I think you still need more training. How about we... skip this one for now?"

Really!

Listen to your teacher this time!

And silently ask for votes again.