Chapter 35. A Lifelike Painting

Chapter 35. A Lifelike Painting

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What do you do after making money? 

Celebrate, of course! 

So, he casually decided to raise the bounty on Danzo a little. 

Since he was close to rounding off the amount, he thought he might as well save time and make it an even number.

Danzo was likely thrilled about it. 

After all, even the God of the Ninja World didn't receive such a high bounty back in the day. Surely, Danzo must be delighted to have surpassed the legendary figure in this regard!

However, early this morning… 

Why were there so many masked ninjas hidden around him? 

Uchiha Yuto finished brushing his teeth, opened the window to enjoy the morning breeze, and paid no mind to the ninjas lurking in the shadows, pretending not to see them. 

After all, he hadn't done anything wrong—he was just making money and teasing a few people. 

He hadn't broken any laws. 

No way they'd actually arrest him, right? 

And as for the bounty… well, that was issued from elsewhere. What did that have to do with him, Uchiha Yuto of Konoha?

He knew nothing—just an ordinary, wealthy citizen.

After dressing up, he left his apartment. 

Thinking about it, he realized he'd rented this place for a while now. After graduation, he had left to start a business, unable to return to his family estate, so he'd rented an apartment to save on startup costs.

Now, though, this little apartment no longer suited his status. 

Of course, building a house would have to wait until the ninja world had calmed down. Now wasn't the right time.

He strolled through the streets. 

The village had been quieter recently, with several clean-up missions issued, likely in preparation for the upcoming Chunin Exams.

Even with the tense atmosphere, the exams would still proceed. First, they were primarily to assess the capabilities of each ninja village. Second, to demonstrate power to the rest of the ninja villages, and third, to promote exchanges between villages.

Therefore, unless there was a major incident, the exams were rarely canceled. 

Sometimes, certain villages would send their talented ninjas, already at Chunin or Jonin level, to participate undercover, posing as ordinary Genin to surprise their opponents. 

However, the situation this year was particularly tense, with Sunagakure acting more frequently, and each village seemingly plotting in secret.

Overall, it felt like everyone thought they'd grown strong enough and were ready to make a move. 

No telling how many villages would participate this time.

But that didn't stop him from subtly advertising his wares to visiting ninjas from various villages. If peace came, his milk tea business might spread to other villages and nations!

Later, he planned to visit Mitokado Homura. 

Though Sarutobi Hiruzen's team was incompetent at everything, the problem was that as they were getting older, each member held an important position. 

As for why he wouldn't go straight to the Hokage? 

It would be too easy to leave a bad impression—going through back channels was better suited to someone in a lower position.

Noticing the fresh fruits in the village, Yuto, the wealthy Uchiha, took a taste. It was juicy and sweet. With a grand gesture, he said, "Pack these two boxes nicely for me, boss!" 

"Got it, Lord Yuto!" The vendor knew him well, especially since he wasn't the type to haggle over prices. Unlike other wealthy patrons who quibbled over a few apples, Yuto was generous. As soon as he entered, the vendor came to greet him, offering a discount and suggesting, "Would you like us to deliver this for you?"

"No need, I'll carry it myself!" 

A small gift box didn't need a delivery. Besides, backdoor deals should be kept discreet.

After paying, Yuto made his way toward the Hokage building. 

Soon, he arrived at Mitokado Homura's office. Once the guards announced his arrival, he entered, closed the door tightly, and placed two boxes of fruit on the table. 

Saying nothing, he sat down.

Homura raised an eyebrow, glanced at the high-end fruits, then looked at Uchiha Yuto and spoke with a composed tone. "I know why you're here. Take this back; do you think a mere box of fruit can buy me off? I'm trusted by the Hokage and won't betray that trust." 

His voice was righteous, unyielding. "There's no way you can advertise during the Chunin Exams. Do you think that's an appropriate place? With so many esteemed guests present, letting you mess around would ruin Konoha's reputation!"

As he finished, Yuto remained silent, simply placing a thick envelope atop the fruit box. 

Homura glanced at the envelope, his face darkening. "You insult me? Do you think a bit of fruit and cash is enough to make me break my principles?"

"….."

That's right.

This is such a poor gift! Wouldn't it just give people a reason to criticize? 

Uchiha Yuto straightened himself and, with a righteous tone, retrieved the envelope, speaking as Homura's eyebrow twitched. "Mitokado-sama, you misunderstand. I simply admire you as a person. You've quietly contributed to Konoha and upheld noble ideals. As a member of the village, I merely hoped to gift you some fruit to help keep you in good health. After all, if you were to fall ill, it would be a huge loss for Konoha. Nothing more. I have no hidden intentions." 

"….."

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

Mitokado Homura cleared his throat and pointed to the door calmly. "If there's nothing else, leave now, Uchiha Yuto." 

His tone was firm, almost unyielding. 

Unfortunately, Yuto was also well-versed in the business side of things. 

He ignored Homura's words, maintaining a cheerful expression as he lowered his voice and said, "I heard that you recently received a painting personally created by the First Hokage. I've always greatly admired the First Hokage. Would you allow me a chance to see it and pay my respects?" 

Homura raised an eyebrow. "How do you know about that?" 

"Just accidently happened to hear it! It's true!" 

"Really want to see it?" 

"Yes!" 

"Very well." Homura paused, as though making a critical decision, gritting his teeth. "Since you admire the First Hokage, I'll let you take a look. But remember, only look—don't touch!" He opened a drawer, and with Yuto watching eagerly, he pulled out a piece of paper and laid it on the table.

The paper was blank. There was nothing on it!

But Uchiha Yuto gazed at it, entranced, as if it held a masterpiece. "What a painting! Truly, the First Hokage's skill is unmatched in both ninjutsu and art!" 

"Is it really that good?" Homura's brow furrowed, rubbing his hands with pride over his collection being appreciated.

"Yes, absolutely. It's lifelike." Yuto smiled at him. "I'd say it's worth at least five million ryo. Truly captivating. I wonder..." He paused. "Would you consider parting with it, Mitokado-sama? Give me a chance?"

He placed yet another thick envelope on the table.

… 

In a small forest near the Land of Earth. 

After defeating his enemies, Minato looked at the figure before him, then at the defeated enemies sprawled on the ground in extremely indecent poses. Remembering the brutal scene, he felt a chill down his spine. 

Why had Obito… become like this? 

I need to find time to talk to him!

After a sigh, Minato clapped his hands, smiling warmly. "Alright, everyone, come over; I want to tell you something!" 

"???" 

The three gathered around, though Kakashi, whether intentionally or not, shifted a bit farther away from Obito. 

"Minato-sensei, is something up? Is there more to our mission?" 

"Not exactly," Minato shook his head with a smile. "Don't worry, it's just that the Chunin Exams are coming up soon. I wanted to know if you'd like to participate. I respect your choices." 

Kakashi looked indifferent, Rin surprised, while Obito excitedly pumped his fist. "Haha, it's finally here? I'm definitely becoming a Chunin!" He looked determinedly at Minato. "Sensei, I want to participate!" 

Minato's eye twitched, a sudden sense of unease creeping in. He forced a smile, "I think you might need a little more training. Maybe… skip this time?" 

Really. 

Just listen to Sensei this time!