Chapter 102. Departure

Chapter 102. Departure

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"Lately, milk tea shops across the Land of Fire have been experiencing noticeable growth during certain hours!" Yuto examined the system's revenue notifications—something only he could see.

Of course, since this was wartime, business had been pretty average. But over the past few days, there was a clear increase in sales during a particular period.

Was peace finally approaching, leading people to celebrate with milk tea?

As expected. Looks like this round of advertising was very effective!

Some people probably heard about it and decided to give it a try—hence the sudden surge in revenue.

Satisfied, Yuto nodded. He decided to ramp up promotions even further. Once peace truly arrived, he was confident that his revenue would skyrocket several times over.

However…

What was happening in the Land of Rain?

According to the system, sales there were far too low. Of course… judging by the data, it seemed that Hanzo of the Salamander was keeping his promise and hadn't made a move against the stores in the Land of Rain.

Honestly, given that old guy's reputation, Yuto fully expected him to go back on his word and destroy all the stores. But surprisingly—he did nothing.

Meanwhile, Danzo hadn't made any moves either.

After all, the last time he left the village, half of Root's forces were wiped out.

If he really dared to go to the Land of Rain now… and those guys found out…

Well—Sarutobi Hiruzen might end up clutching Danzo's clothes and sobbing uncontrollably.

Ah, the deep bond between those two…

Even a rich man like him was moved by it.

Yuto sighed with emotion, shaking his head. "I wonder how things are going over there?"

…

Meanwhile, in the Land of Rain.

"How are those people doing now?"

"Reporting to the leader—they've been following the original agreement. Apart from a few shops, their people haven't entered our territory."

The Amegakure Jonin respectfully replied, then hesitated before adding—"But… they seem pretty rich."

And… their stuff tastes pretty good too.

One time, he passed by Yuto Milk Tea and—

At first, he wanted to resist… But something in his heart pushed him inside.

He wasn't sure why.

Maybe… it was because he loved the Land of Rain?

So, he had to buy a cup—to see if he could gather intel.

But later on… Whenever he walked past, if he didn't get a cup, he felt restless all day.

And then there was Yuto BBQ…

Now, Ame Ninjas would celebrate missions there.

So strange!

"They… actually succeeded?" Hanzo of the Salamander's eyes flickered, his tone laced with a hint of disbelief and melancholy. "They actually succeeded?"

Asking twice—clearly, even Hanzo found it hard to believe.

The Land of Rain was not a good place for business.

It rained constantly.

If there was a flood, everything was ruined.

On top of that, the country was surrounded by three great nations and several small ones, filled with various ninja villages, rogue forces, and utter chaos.

And yet…

Someone actually managed to sell milk tea here?!

That was nothing short of a dream.

Not to mention, most people were dirt poor—even if they had money, they wouldn't risk stepping outside.

But somehow…

Someone still succeeded.

Even he was affected.

Sometimes, when his cravings got the better of him, he'd sneak in and buy a cup. At first, he thought he must be under genjutsu.

How could he, the Demi-God of the Ninja World, fail to resist a mere drink?!

But later—

There was no genjutsu.

It really was just that good.

Hanzo pondered for a moment, then turned to his subordinates.

"I heard they have an export business as well?"

"Yes! The 'Akatsuki Brand Underpants'—it features the same signature design as their uniforms: black fabric with red clouds." The Jonin nodded. "The material is similar to a ninja's mesh armor, but with a silk lining—soft, smooth, breathable, and highly durable. I've heard they're selling extremely well."

In fact, he bought two pairs himself. Even kunai couldn't pierce them!

"Hmm." Hanzo nodded again, then fell into deep thought before waving his hand. "Leave."

Once his subordinates left, he sighed, shook his head, and said nothing more.

His brows furrowed slightly as he sat in silence.

Then, finally—He stood up.

Muttering to himself—"Talking about this has made me thirsty… I'll grab a cup on my way back."

Especially since the second cup is half-price…

One was enough, but not getting two felt like a waste!

Even the Demi-God of the Ninja World had his struggles!

…

Evening.

After dinner.

Minato came over.

For mahjong.

Apparently, Obito and Kakashi had already gone to the dance hall, planning to train their ninjutsu in their free time.

Rin went too.

Though, let's be honest—she probably just went along to be a third wheel.

What a tragic love triangle.

Yuto took Suzune with him and headed to Minato's place.

A typical Japanese two-story house.

Minato bought it himself.

Fully paid off!

As for Kushina…

The village mascot—she lived on a fixed salary. Probably lost most of it playing mahjong against the Nine-Tailed Fox.

So, Minato had his own house at such a young age, which really shows how much one can achieve at a young age!

Meanwhile…

Uchiha Yuto.

Owned dozens of stores but still hadn't bought a house yet!

He knocked.

Minato opened the door with a big grin. "You guys made it?"

Then, leading them inside—

On the second floor…

There was a dedicated game room for mahjong?!

Wow. Minato really spoils his wife.

As for the Nine-Tailed Fox…

I guess it's because I love the person and the fox in her.

Everyone arrived.

The game began.

Minato looked especially happy.

After playing a 1-dot tile, he still had a cheerful tone, "Now that I've bought the house, Kushina and I are planning to—"

Before he could finish…

Yuto's face darkened. "Stop! No war talk during mahjong."

Minato, stop raising flags randomly. If the time comes, it won't be Obito who is not [dead], but you who will die instead!

"Yeah, you're right!" Minato burst out laughing. "Let's talk after I get back!"

Then it was the fox's turn. "Three characters."

"Pung!"

Yuto took it.

Immediately, Kurama's expression turned sinister. His sharp fox eyes locked onto Yuto.

"I sense… a very unpleasant malice from you."

Then, a moment later—"Wait… it's gone?"

"…"

Seriously?

Just one pung, and you're already threatening me?! What a sore loser!

Yuto rolled his eyes. "Maybe it's just the power of the Sharingan."

Lately, he had grown stronger—his Sharingan's chakra might be irritating the Nine-Tailed Fox.

"Oh? Well, whatever." Kurama huffed. "I was just going easy on you anyway!"

"Yeah, yeah. Master Nine-Tailed Fox, undefeated and unrivaled. Anyway—I win!"

"…"

Damn Uchiha!

Kurama glared at Yuto. "I was only letting you win one round!"

"…"

At this rate, you'd be "letting me win" for ten rounds.

Yuto rolled his eyes again and shuffled for a new game. Then suddenly, he remembered it. "How about this—once the war is over, I'll organize a Ninja World Mahjong Tournament and invite players from every village?"

As soon as he said that—

The fox's eyes narrowed sharply. "Kid… I like the way you think."

…

Time flies.

In the blink of an eye.

Several days passed.

Team Minato finished their break and had to go back to missions.

Of course—

Minato would still leave the team. After all—you can't have three Jonin in one team!

What is this, an S-rank mission?!

Honestly, if not for the current situation, even Kakashi and Obito (both Jonin) would've been separated.

Minato patted Kakashi's shoulder, looking proud. "As team captain, you have to take good care of your subordinates!"

Kakashi nodded calmly and then Minato turned to Obito, who was grinning like an idiot. He paused for a moment before saying—

"Put on... the mask!"

Obito: "…."