Chapter 86. Will of Fire
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It had been a few days since the attack on Danzo.
Obito was officially promoted to Jonin and soon after left on a mission with Kakashi as their team leader.
Meanwhile, the village's security had tightened significantly following the attack on Danzo.
It seemed that—
Danzo-sama… was even safer now.
Uchiha Yuto sighed deeply, feeling a profound sense of comfort in his heart.
The son has grown up!
He saved his father 600 million!
"Hehe!"
"Yuto!" A hesitant voice interrupted his thoughts. It was Suzune standing beside him. "What's going on with you?"
That smile… it seemed a little eerie!
"Do you need… my help?"
"It's nothing! Just that the child has grown up!"
"???"
"Never mind. Let's focus on marketing. For some of those ventures, it's okay if they just break even," Yuto said, as if dismissing the topic. He smiled and continued, "It's all about capturing the market share, so don't worry too much about them."
Peace would eventually come, and when that happened, it would be time for Yuto's enterprises to expand outward.
"Understood!" Suzune nodded. Seeing Yuto return to normal, she smiled slightly and said, "I'll pass on the instructions. By the way, winter is approaching, and about this year's seasonal warm drinks…"
"I'll handle it later!"
Every season brought its own specialty beverages for the milk tea business, so it wasn't a major concern.
The shop was open.
The rest could be left to the system.
Yuto stretched and stood up. "I'm heading out for a bit. I have some things to take care of. I'll leave this place to you for now!"
"Need any help?"
"No, it's fine." Yuto shook his head, smiled, and then paused in thought. "I'll give you the promotional posters later. We might need to make… more this time."
"???" Though Suzune wasn't sure why they needed more than usual, she trusted Yuto's judgment. After a brief moment of puzzlement, she nodded. "Understood. I'll follow Yuto's instructions."
"Alright, I'll get going."
"W-wait a moment."
"???" Yuto turned back, puzzled. "Is there something else?"
"The day after tomorrow…" Suzune's face turned slightly red. "Do you have anything planned the day after tomorrow?"
"The day after tomorrow?" Yuto was momentarily stunned, then thought about it. "I don't think so."
What could possibly come up after returning to the village?
As for anything else?
Raising Itachi?
I have no ulterior motives—just ensuring his big brother has peace of mind and no worries.
However—
Before he could say more—
Suzune seemed delighted, nodded, and said, "Alright! Yuto, take care!"
She then hummed a cheerful tune as she went back to work.
Yuto, stepping out the door with a perplexed expression, was left wondering—what's happening the day after tomorrow?
How strange!
After leaving the office, Yuto ran into Uncle Sato, the owner of the main Konoha shop.
It was a chilly day.
Combined with the increased deployment of ninjas outside the village, business had slowed down a bit recently.
Of course, running a business came with the challenge of seasonal fluctuations, so shopkeepers were mentally prepared for such situations.
Not to mention—
The system ensures we have profit!
"Boss." Uncle Sato greeted him with his usual cheerful expression.
Since retiring from ninja due to an injury, Uncle Sato had been living a much more relaxed life, no longer having to run around completing missions for pay.
"Boss, are you heading out?"
"Just to the Hokage's office."
"The Hokage's office? Is to commission a mission?"
"Something like that." Yuto didn't elaborate. Since things weren't finalized yet, it was better not to make any bold claims.
After all, maybe the strongest Hokage wouldn't bend to financial incentives?
"Is there something you need?"
"Oh, no." Uncle Sato scratched his head sheepishly, realizing he might have asked too much. After all, Yuto was the boss, and he was just an employee. "I just noticed the Winter Festival is coming up, and this year's seasonal drinks haven't been announced yet."
"Oh, is that all?"
The Winter Festival was much like the Summer Festival, featuring floats, stalls, and fireworks—a rare time for rest and celebration.
Yuto nodded casually and said, "Suzune…" He paused, as if something clicked. "The Winter Festival… when is it?"
"The day after tomorrow! It's the same time every year," Uncle Sato replied cheerfully. "But I suppose this year will be a low-key affair, given how busy the village is, not to mention Danzo-sama's recent attack." With a sigh, he added, "It feels like tensions are rising. Otherwise, why would ninjas from Kirigakure and Sunagakure launch a direct attack on Konoha?"
"…"
They came for the 600 million.
Yuto chuckled helplessly.
So, the day after tomorrow is the festival?
I guess, the village would probably keep things simple this year.
Waving his hand, he said, "I'll be heading out. Let's talk later if there's anything else!"
"Understood, Boss!" Uncle Sato watched him leave with a smile. Once the door closed, he shook his head and muttered, "Boss is such a fool sometimes!"
With that, he returned to his work.
…
Today.
The autumn sky was high, and the air was crisp.
A perfect day for practicing calligraphy.
After practicing calligraphy for an hour, Sarutobi Hiruzen gazed with satisfaction at the words he had written on the table.
"The Will of Fire!"
The strokes were deep and precise, the form as graceful as a dragon in flight!
It seemed his calligraphy had improved significantly over this period.
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled faintly, like a true calligraphy master, carefully setting down his brush. He nodded approvingly, saying, "Not bad! Not bad! Not bad!"
Three consecutive declarations of satisfaction!
Clearly, he was quite pleased with today's work.
Ever since… his best friend had been attacked, Hiruzen had resolved to ensure such tragedies would never happen again. Following Danzo's capture, he had bolstered the ANBU's protection of the Root organization.
This protection now ranked just second to the safeguarding of the village's Jinchuriki.
It was imperative.
He must protect his best friend from harm ever again!
Now, Danzo… is no longer merely Danzo of the Shimura clan. He is Danzo of Konoha!
Danzo belonged to the entire village!
Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed deeply and took a sip of hot tea. Just as he set the teacup down—
Knock, knock.
A knock came at the door.
"Hokage-sama, Uchiha Yuto seeks an audience," came the voice of an ANBU ninja from outside.
"Yuto???" Sarutobi Hiruzen was taken aback.
What was he doing here at this time?
He glanced at the "Will of Fire" written on the table, then raised his head expressionlessly and said flatly, "Let him in."
...
Before long, guided by the ANBU ninja, Yuto entered the Hokage's office.
Then—
"Come, come, Yuto! Have a seat here!" Sarutobi Hiruzen greeted him with a kind smile, as though he were looking at a younger family member. "What brings you to visit this old man today? What a pity!" He sighed with regret. "You had such talent! Yet you gave up on becoming a ninja. Why are you standing there? Sit down, quickly!"
"..."
What was going on?
Yuto shuddered all over as he looked at the Third Hokage in front of him.
What was this?
Overwhelming flattery!
And yet… this demeanor was a bit unnerving!
With trembling hands, he accepted the teacup and looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen with an expression of both panic and excitement. In an emotional tone, he said, "Hokage-sama..."
"Don't be nervous, relax," Hiruzen said with a faint smile, seemingly satisfied with Yuto's reaction. "Just think of me as an ordinary grandfather. You young ones..." He sighed wistfully. "You are the outstanding youth of Konoha!"
"Yes!" Yuto straightened his back.
"Speak, what is it you need?" Hiruzen took a small sip of tea, occasionally glancing downward.
"That's right… I heard the village is surrounded by enemies, and certain ninja villages have resorted to despicable sneak attacks. But Konoha seeks peace. Though under your leadership, the village grows stronger and more prosperous each day. Still, two fists cannot fend off four hands. When I heard of this, my chest burned with anger. I wished I could go to the battlefield myself and fight the enemy! But alas… I am weak and unskilled, unable to lift even a chicken. Every time I think of this, I am filled with regret! Why did I give up? If I hadn't, I could have given my life for the Will of Fire!"
Yuto's voice grew impassioned, his words resonating with fervor. Seeing the Third Hokage lost in thought, he calmed his emotions and, with a mixture of determination and regret, said, "But even though I am not a ninja, as a member of Konoha, I can still contribute to the village!"
"Such… a strong Will of Fire!" Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed deeply, setting down his teacup. "You truly are a part of Konoha!"
After a pause—
His tone shifted, and his smile grew even kinder as he looked at Yuto. "Konoha appreciates your support, Yuto. So, how do you plan to let the village help you?"
"..."
That direct?
Shouldn't they have shared a moment of mutual admiration, reflecting on the unity of the villagers like one family and embodying the Will of Fire?
Yuto froze for a moment but quickly regained his composure. "I heard the village is facing financial difficulties in its efforts to protect its people and maintain peace. I still have some resources to spare!"
"Oh? What do you have in mind?"
"Here's the plan..."
After Yuto finished explaining, Sarutobi Hiruzen's expectant expression turned hesitant. "That's inappropriate! After all, this involves ninjas, and it's a battlefield matter!"
"100 million!"
"No! It's inappropriate! Konoha also has to save its face!"
"180 million!"
"Yuto, since you're no longer a ninja, you shouldn't involve yourself in these things. Focus on being a businessman!"
"280 million!"
"I've always known you were outstanding, but you must also consider the other ninjas!"
"For Konoha!" Yuto's expression turned resolute as he gritted his teeth. "380 million!"
"Your Will of Fire is truly…" Sarutobi Hiruzen's hand trembled slightly. Looking at this excellent Konoha villager, his face softened into a kind smile. "Alright, alright. Let's set this aside for now. Since it's rare for you to come here, let's talk about something else!"
With that, he pulled out a nearby piece of paper inscribed with the words "The Will of Fire."
"I've recently taken a liking to calligraphy. Take a look! I've heard from Homura that you have a deep understanding of art and calligraphy. What do you think of my writing?"
He smiled as he awaited Yuto's response.
Yuto: …
The corner of his mouth twitched as he stared blankly at the four characters on the table.
[How can the calligraphy of the current Hokage, the strongest Hokage, the light of Konoha and the Ninja Professor compare to the white landscape paintings of the First Hokage?]