MTLNOVEL Chapter 94: Chapter 94. How About... Borrowing Some Money?
Chapter 94. How About... Borrowing Some Money?
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"Hahaha! You kid, even though you're no longer a ninja, you still have a keen eye!" Uchiha Setsuna laughed heartily, stroking his long beard with a calm and collected demeanor, exuding the air of a worldly hermit.
Then, he patted Itachi on the shoulder. "Remember your Uncle Yuto's words: the essence of Uchiha taijutsu lies in momentum—an unstoppable momentum that traps your enemy within it, forcing them to dance along with you!" He paused, contemplating for a moment. "On the 28th beat, the rhythm was a bit slow. Practice that on your own for now."
"Yes, Chief Elder Grandpa!" Itachi nodded earnestly, his chubby cheeks moving slightly.
As for the Chief Elder, he sipped his tea calmly and walked over, smiling at Yuto. "Alright, speak. What brings you here today?"
"Chief Elder, haven't you been going to the dance hall lately?" Yuto got straight to the point.
"Busy, of course!" Uchiha Setsuna sighed with a hint of emotion. "Fugaku has taken Uchiha clansmen to the battlefield. As a member of the Uchiha clan, how could I, at a time like this, roam around aimlessly? Someone has to oversee the clan!"
With that, Yuto leaned in, lowering his voice, "Don't worry. The Second Elder won't find out!"
"This has nothing to do with the Second Elder!" The Chief Elder's body stiffened, and he said righteously, "It is the duty of every Uchiha clansman!"
However...
What a hypocrite!
Yuto ignored his words and continued in a hushed tone, "I heard that since Chief Elder haven't been going, Elder Hana hasn't been as spirited during his dances—looking listless, in fact."
"Of course." Setsuna snorted proudly. "I'm not trying to brag, but only I can keep up with that old stick-in-the-mud's rhythm! That woman never changes! Honestly! The Hyuga clan has always been a bunch of stiff and rigid people—just like they were back in the day!"
"..."
A typical Uchiha simp comment.
I didn't expect you to be this kind of Chief Elder?!
So, when you're dancing, is it you who follows Elder Hana?
Also... would you dare say that last sentence to her face?
Yuto gave Setsuna an odd look, who was beaming smugly, then leaned in again and whispered, "But I heard that yesterday a handsome guy invited Elder Hana..."
Before he could finish, Setsuna interrupted, "She definitely turned him down! Hana can't go without me!"
However...
Yuto sighed and glanced at Setsuna's graying hair, shaking his head. "Nope. Elder Hana accepted the invitation!"
"?!"
"Last night, their rhythm was impeccable, their moves dazzling, their expressions utterly serious... Their performance was seamless, like a blossoming white flower—pure and untainted. The crowd couldn't stop applauding, shouting, 'Better than Setsuna, that old man...'"
And that was where he stopped.
No need to go further.
Yuto glanced at the Chief Elder, whose face alternated between green, blue, and bright red, his cloudy eyes turning crimson. Hesitating, he said, "Chief Elder..."
Had he gone too far?
But last night...
It was indeed, him—the handsome guy—who filled in for the Chief Elder and was invited by Elder Hana for a dance, during which they discussed some matters regarding the Hyuga clan.
Will the Chief Elder kill me when he finds out later?
At that moment, the Chief Elder's body trembled. His eyes sharpened like a hawk locking onto its prey, exuding a terrifying aura.
He waved his hand and said coolly, "Prepare a bath, get my hair done, and fetch my battle robe!"
"???" Yuto stared blankly at the suddenly energized Chief Elder as he headed indoors. "Chief Elder, the Uchiha..."
Before he could finish, Setsuna cut him off.
"You'll have to shoulder more responsibilities, Yuto. Just make sure nothing happens until Fugaku returns."
"..."
Ha, the men of the Uchiha clan!
One second, it's all about the clan; the next, he's vanished into thin air.
Yuto pursed his lips and sighed as he glanced in the direction where the Chief Elder had disappeared. Then, he turned his gaze to the small figure diligently practicing Uchiha taijutsu.
With a faint smile, he walked over to Itachi, lovingly patting his head. "Itachi! Are you tired? Hungry? Let's go eat something, okay? How about some meat?"
As for the Uchiha clan?
No time for that!
It would only get in the way of making money!
Besides, it didn't seem like anyone in the clan was planning a rebellion at the moment.
As long as everything stayed the same, it would be just fine!
…
At the same time.
Konoha's Root.
Ever since the attack on the esteemed Shimura Danzo, a key figure in Konoha with a net worth of 600 million, the Third Hokage has been deeply concerned for his close friend's safety.
Without hesitation, he made a swift decision!
Despite the current lack of manpower, a small team of Anbu was dispatched to the Root base to protect his dear friend. The security was intense, with checks every three steps and more thorough inspections every five. The goal was clear: to ensure Danzo-sama's safety at all costs.
Such sincere friendship!
At this moment...
Shimura Danzo sat in the central chair with a cold expression.
The Anbu stationed at the entrance seemed impossible to dismiss, but he no longer cared.
He wasn't going anywhere anyway.
So, whether or not the Anbu stood at the door made no difference.
However...
Research.
He had the people, the data, and the materials.
Now... all he needed was money to get started!
Unfortunately...
Even a hero ninja can be stumped by the lack of a single penny!
"Hiruzen!"
Danzo's expression darkened as his tone sank. His right hand gripped the armrest tightly, his heart aching faintly.
A few days ago, he had gone to Hiruzen to request funds.
Only to be refused.
Despite Hiruzen hoarding 80 million ryo, he claimed to have no money. And even though he had previously reduced Root's funding for the sake of Konoha, Danzo hadn't said a word.
But now Hiruzen wouldn't even approve 40 million?!
Bah!
Despicable!
Hiruzen even dared to desire his body!
How shameless!
It was a wrong decision after all!
Danzo sighed deeply, disappointment evident in his eyes. "Money!"
Of course, his net worth hasn't increased during this time.
That was the one thing he found comfort in.
Shaking his head in frustration, he murmured, "Where am I supposed to find money?"
As his words fell, he glanced downward.
His gaze landed on the Root ninja silently staring at him.
Instantly, his face turned green.
These ungrateful fools!
With a cold snort, he watched them lower their heads in submission. Deep in thought, his mind wandered to the recent buzz around the Third Hokage's calligraphy incident, "The Will of Fire."
Danzo's eyes narrowed slightly.
Perhaps... he could go to that guy and "borrow" some money?
…
Meanwhile...
As an uncle, Yuto watched Itachi, whom he had secretly taken out for snacks, sipping milk tea with both hands. He nodded in satisfaction.
Before Fugaku returned...
He would absolutely raise the child to be plump and healthy, proving to Fugaku that he, as an uncle, would never mistreat his nephew!
And yet, Fugaku had told Itachi to avoid him?!
Did his elder brother not feel even a hint of guilt?
Yuto rubbed his chin in thought. He decided he'd drop Itachi off at the dance hall later to spend time with his little girlfriend. Later in the evening, he'd pick him up with Suzune and grab a late-night snack.
Suzune usually got a bit peckish in the evenings, after all.
Perfect!
With a smile, he patted the chubby Itachi.
"???" Itachi blinked his sparkling eyes in confusion at his Uncle Yuto.
Why did Uncle Yuto look emotional one moment and smile the next?
Did he have something on his mind?
However...
Even at his young age, Itachi felt helpless.
I promised Father I'd avoid Uncle Yuto, but how did he manage to drag me out again?
How infuriating!
As Itachi stared at the milk tea in his hands, he silently vowed not to let Uncle Yuto find him tomorrow.
But just then...
A figure wearing a strange mask appeared before them, blocking their path. The figure spoke in a deep voice, "Boss Yuto, Danzo-sama wants to see you!"