The Days of Being the Richest Man in the Ninja World

Chapter 95. How About My Words?

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"Danzo?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi raised an eyebrow as he read the intelligence report handed to him by the Anbu.

Why is my best friend looking for Uchiha Yuto at a time like this?

One was an irreplaceable figure in Konoha. The other… a businessman of Konoha.

Could it be… that he was borrowing money?

The thought made Hiruzen pause for a moment. Memories of Danzo coming to him for money a few days ago surfaced in his mind, and suddenly, the possibility seemed even greater!

However…

"Danzo, he…"

Hiruzen furrowed his brows. He knew his close friend very well.

Danzo loved the village. He was willing to sacrifice everything for Konoha, even... himself.

Hiruzen had always believed in that!

Even though his methods were sometimes extreme, it was precisely because of those methods that he could bear Konoha's darkness.

But…

A few days ago, Yuto had just donated 380—Ahem, 300 million ryo to aid Konoha. If Danzo turned around and ended up killing him over money, wouldn't that completely ruin his own reputation?

The other businessmen might start suspecting that Konoha was extorting them for money!

Not to mention…

What if that brat Yuto, for the sake of face, exaggerated the donation amount and spread rumors of 380 million ryo? If people started thinking that the Third Hokage was embezzling funds, what then?!

After all, he was the Light of Konoha—how could he ever do such a thing?!

Hiruzen let out a long sigh, removing the pipe from his lips. He muttered to himself,

"For the sake of Konoha's benevolent businessman… looks like I have to personally intervene!"

Yes.

He.

The Third Hokage, who loved talents the most!

There is no other reason!

…

At this moment.

Yuto had just dropped Itachi off with the freshly bathed, flamboyantly dressed, and meticulously groomed Elder Setsuna.

It seemed the Chief Elder's passion for dancing was already burning. Though the dance hall hadn't even opened yet, he was already clad in his battle attire, fully prepared.

Yuto could only hope that Elder Hana would maintain her dignified and aloof demeanor. Ideally, as soon as Chief Elder approached her, she would slap him across the face and coldly scoff,

"Why would I need you, Uchiha, for a dance partner?"

Otherwise…

He was genuinely afraid that by the time he came to pick up Itachi tonight, Chief Elder might have unlocked his Mangekyo Sharingan and started inviting him to dance~

Terrifying.

After handing Itachi over, he sent a quick message to the milk tea shop before finally setting off towards Root Headquarters with the Root ninja.

Though he wasn't particularly worried about being ambushed in broad daylight, especially considering he had been throwing around millions over the past few years, he remained cautious.

And besides…

Seeing how patient these Root ninjas were in waiting for him, Yuto felt even more at ease.

If it were something sinister, these guys would have already held a kunai to his throat and forced him to go with them.

So, this probably wasn't a robbery-murder situation.

Yuto paused slightly.

Could it really be about borrowing money?!

Even the Root of Konoha, the man who carried the darkness… was struggling to make ends meet?

Was this the effect of rising explosive tag prices?

A short while later.

After numerous twists and turns, they arrived at a dense forest. The Root ninja used a secret technique to open a concealed cave entrance.

It seemed this was Root's base.

Should I… sell this intel to the black market later?

That way, maybe some fearless idiots would try to break in and steal from them.

Yuto's eyes flickered momentarily with mischief but quickly returned to a calm, neutral expression as he followed inside.

The atmosphere within was dark, eerie, and damp, with rocky cliffs and various metal structures forming an intricate labyrinth.

Well…

For an organization that bore Konoha's darkness, the setting certainly fit the theme.

But still…

The sheer complexity of the layout, the maze-like structure, and the overwhelming number of traps—this was a bit excessive, wasn't it?

Then again, this was Konoha's Root.

Stable. Secure.

Anyone unfamiliar with the base was guaranteed to get lost!

After an uncountable number of turns, just when Yuto was beginning to feel dizzy, the Root ninja finally came to a halt.

Then.

With Yuto looking at him in confusion, the Root ninja respectfully bowed and gestured forward.

"Boss Yuto! Danzo-sama is waiting inside. Please proceed."

"..."

So, I'm going in alone?

Yuto's eyes were filled with doubt. The whole situation felt suspicious—sneaky, secretive. It didn't seem like they were planning to attack him, but at the same time… it didn't feel like they were asking for a loan either!

After a moment of hesitation, he decided to step inside.

After all, he was just an ordinary, unremarkable rich man—how could he possibly refuse an invitation from [Anbu]?

That would be too suspicious!

Passing through the stone door, he soon found himself in a wide-open space.

The walls were lined with gray stone bricks, and although there were a few oil lamps, the place still felt dim and dreary.

At the center…

A staircase.

At the top of the staircase, a waist-high platform.

And on that platform…

A lone figure.

Dressed in a gray kimono, barefoot, standing with his back to Yuto.

This was—

The man ranked high on the black market bounty list, valued at six hundred million, the Hero of Konoha, the one who bore Konoha's darkness—the leader of Root, Shimura Danzo.

Yuto recognized him immediately.

But…

What's with this dramatic setup?

This… didn't seem like a simple request for money.

Yuto fell silent. Danzo, too, said nothing.

So…

Why did he call him here?

Minutes passed in silence.

Then—

"You've here."

A deep voice broke the stillness.

And then—

Without another word, Danzo suddenly leaped into the air.

Like a mighty eagle, his aura sharp and intense.

A massive calligraphy brush appeared in his hands.

It was only then that Yuto noticed—

On the wall in front of Danzo was a gigantic sheet of blank paper!

But soon—

Thick, bold strokes of ink began to appear on the paper!

It was Danzo!

Danzo was writing!

Yuto's mouth twitched. A thought surfaced in his mind—

"This guy… don't tell me he's about to—"

He glanced at Danzo on the platform.

Should he say—as expected of Konoha's Darkness?

His taijutsu was truly awe-inspiring!

His brushwork—swift, powerful, fluid—every stroke carrying weight and intention!

Not long after—

The brush stopped. The movement ceased.

Danzo stood there, brush in hand, still facing away from Yuto.

And Yuto—

"Exquisite calligraphy!"

Without hesitation, he began clapping.

"I have long heard of Danzo-sama's great name—the hero of Konoha, a man who has dedicated his entire life to protecting the village! Hardworking, diligent, upright, and untainted by greed! Though your fame is not widespread, Konoha would not be what it is today without your contributions! As they say, a person's writing reflects their character. Your calligraphy—Root of Konoha—is as magnificent as a soaring dragon and as bold as stormy clouds! Its strokes penetrate the very paper, exuding an unyielding spirit! And yet, it flows freely, unrestrained, reflecting an ambition as vast as the sky! Just like the Roots of Konoha—silently nourishing the tree, never seeking recognition!"

He let out a heartfelt sigh, his gaze misty with admiration.

"Truly exceptional calligraphy!"

The room fell into silence.

Danzo's right hand trembled slightly. [How much is this worth? More than Hiruzen's, right?] But as a man who thrived in darkness, he quickly regained his composure.

Without turning around, he spoke in a calm tone.

"So? How about my words?"

"..."

I knew it…

Yuto's mouth twitched.

He's trying to sell his calligraphy!

Excuse me, how can the calligraphy of the Konoha's Darkness, the close friend of the Third Hokage, and the leader of Root compare to that of the Third Hokage?

But just as Yuto was contemplating his response—

"Whoosh—"

A figure rushed into the room.

"Danzo-sama, the Hokage is here!"

"?!" x2