The Days of Being the Richest Man in the Ninja World

Chapter 132. Embezzlement of Public Funds

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Time passed bit by bit.

Root Milk Tea seemed to have gradually established itself, attracting more and more customers.

At first, Yuto estimated they would last about a month, but surprisingly... two months had passed, and they were still holding on!

As expected.

The Shimura and Sarutobi clans truly lived up to their reputation as major Konoha families, with profound heritage!

Even during the Fourth Ninja World War, the Sarutobi clan was able to send out so many Jonin for a reason.

After all, there was no way... they were embezzling public funds, right?

That would be absurd!

How could the Third Hokage ever do such a thing?!

Uchiha Yuto let out a few hums of satisfaction as Suzune massaged him, then sighed comfortably.

Lately, he had the feeling someone was watching him—who could it be?

Could it be that someone was eyeing his money?

After a brief moment of contemplation, he continued to enjoy Suzune's massage while tucking away the letter in his hand. "The movie theater should be almost finished, right?"

The letter was from the Fire Daimyo's residence. After all, Uchiha Yuto was now somewhat of a wealthy man. With a little "networking" at the Daimyo's court—combined with the Uchiha name—he had managed to gain a solid reputation.

"It's already done!" Suzune glanced at the letter curiously but paid it no mind. She furrowed her brows in thought before saying, "Yuto, are you planning to open for business soon?"

"Everything is ready! It's time."

Besides, the films had already been arranged through the system.

With the system upgrade, all technology related to movies became available.

So, he had two options: either spend money to order customized content from the system or produce it himself.

Of course, system-made movies were significantly more expensive.

After some consideration, Yuto decided to use the system for his first film.

"What about Kirigakure? It should be almost ready too, right?"

"Based on the latest reports, they should be able to start operations soon." Suzune nodded. "Kirigakure seems very pleased with this business deal."

"Of course they are! That war took a heavy toll on them too!" Yuto chuckled.

He did a mental calculation.

If both Kirigakure and Kumogakure launched their theaters, he might be able to level up again.

Unfortunately...

He still hadn't found the right opportunity for Sunagakure.

Maybe...

He should take a trip there?

The problem was that Sunagakure still believed the Third Kazekage was killed by Konoha. If an Uchiha showed up there... would he be kicked out immediately?

With a sigh, he decided not to dwell on it and closed his eyes to enjoy Suzune's massage.

Suddenly—

"Oh right, someone came from the Uchiha clan." Suzune seemed to remember something and added, "They asked you to return to the clan."

"???"

Yuto blinked in confusion. "What do they want with me now?"

Did Itachi get fat again?

That's impossible!

He hadn't seen the little guy in a while.

"No idea." Suzune shook her head, smiling lightly. "Maybe Clan Leader Fugaku just misses you?"

"Oh! Tsk, tsk." Yuto smirked helplessly and stretched lazily. "Well, in that case, I'll drop by in a few days."

Perfect timing.

He could deliver a couple of movie tickets to the Chief Elder.

Apparently, their square dance had started up again, and every morning, a bunch of them were heading to the back mountain to dance.

It seemed they felt the atmosphere of the dance hall wasn't quite right—dancing under the sun just felt more natural.

Meanwhile, Jiraiya hadn't been seen in a while. A while ago, he had taken Shisui out for "research," but the next day, Shisui had come back red-faced and flustered.

Lately, the kid even seemed to be daydreaming during class.

And as for the last fan meeting... since only male fans showed up, Jiraiya had been so upset that he swore never to hold another book signing again.

So, did he leave the village all alone in disappointment?

Sigh~

Life wasn't easy for anyone.

…

Meanwhile, at the Daimyo's…

"Konoha is asking for money again?"

"Didn't we already send funds recently? They're ninjas—shouldn't they rely on themselves?"

"Since the war ended, we've already allocated two rounds of funding. Why so soon again? If it were wartime, fine—explosive tags were expensive, we understand. But in peacetime, shouldn't they have resumed their mission commissions by now?"

"Hmph! Maybe the Hokage is embezzling funds! I've always said ninja villages shouldn't exist!"

Silence.

For about two minutes.

Then—

"Hahaha!"

Laughter echoed through the room.

"Don't joke like that, Kazuma-sama! That's the Hokage we're talking about!"

"Exactly, exactly! How could he possibly do such a thing?"

"I know Sarutobi Hiruzen—he's a kind and loving man, upright and honest! There's no way he'd ever be corrupt!"

"I swear, I'll report this slander to the Daimyo immediately!"

"Let's drop it, Kazuma-sama! We wouldn't want to provoke the ninjas over baseless accusations."

"This is an insult!"

"The Third Hokage is a highly respected figure—it's impossible!"

Yet.

As the voices of opposition filled the hall, a certain black-haired young man stood up silently. Without a word, he turned and left, his face blank.

"A bunch of fools."

…

Today.

The weather was nice.

Uchiha Yuto brought Suzune to the Uchiha clan grounds.

Although he didn't know what Fugaku wanted, he still came, buying a large pile of snacks along the way for his little nephew.

As he entered, greeted by calls of "Yuto-sama," he walked inside.

Passing by the veranda, he noticed a certain "mouse" napping in the afternoon sun. Grinning, he walked over and gave him a pinch, clicking his tongue, "Look! How thin has this child become!"

At those words—

Itachi suddenly jolted awake!

Seeing Yuto in front of him, he froze for a moment.

Then—

He stood up in panic!

"This kid—look at him! Seeing his uncle made him so happy!" Yuto chuckled as he ruffled Itachi's hair again and stuffed the snacks into his hands. "Come, come! Don't be nervous! Your uncle bought these for you!"

"…"

As a result.

When Itachi looked like a startled little hamster—

"Ahem~"

A cough came from inside the house, and Yuto, still grinning, walked in.

Inside—

As always, Fugaku sat there with a blank expression, arms crossed.

So, what was he called here for?

Was it really just for dinner?

As he was wondering—

"Yuto, you're here?" Mikoto appeared from inside, smiling. "Please wait a little, dinner is almost ready!"

However—

Yuto froze for a moment and gave Mikoto a suspicious look.

Could it be… she was expecting his second nephew?

No wonder they invited him for dinner.

Ah, so that's what this is!

His gaze shifted knowingly to Fugaku, who looked confused.

Got it!

Still feeling shy about it?

He'd definitely have to prepare a big red envelope later!

Thinking of that, he took out two movie tickets and handed them to Fugaku. Seeing the puzzled look in his eyes, Yuto grinned. "The cinema is opening in a few days. Brother, take sister-in-law and go show some support!" He patted his chest. "Don't worry about Itachi, I'll take care of him! You two go relax!"

"…"

That's exactly what I'm worried about!

And where are your eyes looking?

Fugaku still let out a cold snort, took the movie tickets, put them away, then sipped his tea and said calmly, "The Third Hokage is retiring."

"???" Yuto looked at Fugaku, confused.

So that's what this was about?

What about his second nephew?

Also, wasn't the Third Hokage just losing money in business with Danzo? Why was he suddenly retiring?

Was he planning to go all-in on his business ventures?

"Feeling old? So, he's stepping down?"

However—

Fugaku didn't answer immediately. He took another sip of tea, glanced at Yuto from the corner of his eye, and said flatly,

"Embezzlement of public funds."

At those words—

"???"

Huh?

Yuto stared at Fugaku, utterly dumbfounded.

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