Chapter 126. Root BBQ

Chapter 126. Root BBQ

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Today, the weather was clear and sunny, with a gentle breeze. 

It was the perfect day for some barbecue. 

The Koji family was like this. They were thinking of just grabbing something simple, but unexpectedly… one month ago, a barbecue restaurant endorsed by the Third Hokage opened?! 

Immediately, curiosity bubbled up inside them! 

After all, who was the Third Hokage? 

Konoha's strongest Hokage, the most powerful ninja in the ninja world, and the leader of the strongest village, Konoha! 

Now he was personally endorsing a barbecue restaurant?! 

This had never happened before, so just how good could this barbecue be? 

Otherwise, how could the Hokage endorse a restaurant for no reason? 

It must be delicious! 

For instance, that "Yuto BBQ" in town… Every time he passed by, he felt itchy all the time, so much so that he'd started avoiding that road. 

It is okay to feel itchy, but the problem was… he was running low on money! 

"I can't think about it! If I keep thinking about it, I'll feel itchy inside!" Mr. Koji looked at the flyer for Root BBQ, which advertised ninja-themed barbecue. It sounded really unique! After all, the Third Hokage was the most powerful Hokage. 

This was ninja-recommended barbecue! 

And the opening promotion was huge—spend 100 ryo, get 100 free; spend 1,000 ryo, get 1,000 free; spend 3,000 ryo, get 3,000 free, plus free beer! 

The discounts were even bigger than the opening deals at Yuto BBQ! 

It was essentially a 50% off offer! 

So if they didn't take advantage of this, they'd be fools! 

Looking around at the crowd of people eagerly waiting for the barbecue endorsed by the Hokage, Mr. Koji couldn't help but sigh, "The Third Hokage truly is amazing!" 

As soon as people heard the Hokage had recommended it, they were all filled with anticipation! 

He lowered his head and looked at the flyer's bottom left corner, where there was an image of an elderly man enjoying barbecue amidst flames. 

The man was wearing Konoha's ceremonial robe, a Konoha forehead protector, and a serene, kind smile. The slight upward curve of his lips seemed to glow with confidence. 

Truly worthy of being the Hokage of Konoha! 

Even as he aged, the old man still looked so dignified! 

Next to the image, there was a sentence: "Even the Hokage says this barbecue is delicious!" 

See that? 

It must be so delicious if the Hokage himself says so! 

Mr. Koji was already full of anticipation. He sucked up the saliva from the corner of his mouth with a "slurp" and touched his son, who was also looking forward to it! 

Maybe it was a taste beyond imagination? 

But what Mr. Koji didn't know was— 

This advertisement was actually Danzo's idea, inspired by an old ad from Obito. Danzo, knowing his best friend's reputation was greater than Obito's and that he didn't have to spend money on it, had simply roped in his best friend to endorse it. 

After all, this time… he'd invested a fortune and teamed up with Hiruzen once again. Failure simply wasn't an option! 

So, in truth, Hiruzen had never even tasted Root BBQ, yet he was featured in the ad. 

At that moment, deep within the Root base, Danzo was sitting with a serious, poker-faced expression, staring ahead. 

But only he knew… how nervous he really was at the moment! 

He had to be nervous! 

Hiruzen's 80 million ryo, plus his own 80 million, weren't fully spent yet, but if he failed… his grand ambitions would be blocked! 

Blocked by money! 

Especially the 80 million… which he had borrowed from the Uchiha brat by selling his own body to fund his experiments. If he lost that, the experiments would have to be put on hold! 

So, who would understand how much he had sacrificed? 

Suddenly, a bitter, mournful feeling overtook him. 

Ever since last week, he had started suffering from insomnia. Every time he closed his eyes, he couldn't stop thinking about his plan. Although he had no experience in running a barbecue business, he knew… with Yuto BBQ dominating the market, he had to come up with something unique.

That's why, after much research and adapting ninja techniques, he came up with the concept of "Ninja-themed barbecue" and borrowed several of Hiruzen's clan members for it. 

And what about Hiruzen? 

What does he know? 

He knows nothing! 

All he ever said was, "Don't be too impulsive!" and, "Start with one or two stores to test the waters." "Maybe we should secretly ask Yuto for advice?" It was so annoying! 

Hiruzen had become so whiny and timid! 

He didn't understand the pressure Danzo was under! 

Danzo was more nervous than he was! 

At that moment, just as Danzo was lost in his thoughts, he suddenly looked up, seeing a Root ninja enter the room. His tone, though cold, betrayed a hint of nervousness as he asked, "How is it?" 

"Sold out! The crowd is bigger than ever!" The Root ninja replied, his head bowed in respect but with a hint of excitement in his voice. "Even though we haven't officially opened yet, there's already a huge crowd at the door, everyone's waiting in anticipation!" 

The conversation ended. 

Danzo froze for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter, his voice echoing with confidence. Finally, he shouted, "Good!" 

His voice was powerful! 

It felt as if a heavy weight had been lifted off his shoulders. 

Tightening his grip with his right hand, he began pacing back and forth. After a brief pause, he fixed his gaze on the Root ninja. "Quick! Go! Tell the Hokage! Our time is coming!" 

"Yes!" 

"Also... I want the sales figures for the first hour after opening and sent them to me immediately!" 

"Yes!" 

With that, Danzo leaned back into his stone chair, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth. However, the way his right foot twitched and his clenched fist showed that he was still feeling somewhat nervous. 

He was waiting! Looking forward to it! 

Looking forward to the sales numbers in one hour! 

As time passed, the moment of truth finally arrived. 

The official opening of Root BBQ was here. 

Everyone was excited! 

You could see it! 

It was clear that the Hokage's endorsement had a tremendous influence. Many people had shown up just because of the phrase, "Even the Hokage says this barbecue is delicious!" 

But the crowd was massive. 

They were incredibly enthusiastic! 

The restaurant was packed! 

So, they had to admit customers in batches. 

Luckily, the Koji family was among the first to be seated. 

As they looked around… 

The interior was simple but had a strong ninja vibe—ninja headbands, kunai, and ninja vests adorned the walls. There was also the Third Hokage's famous phrase, "The Will of Fire!" 

Where the leaves fall, fire will continue to burn. The flames will continue to illuminate the village and nurture the new leaves to grow. 

Mr. Koji silently repeated it in his mind, feeling a rush of determination rise within him! 

It was the spirit of sacrificing for the future! 

Even he, an ordinary person, could understand it. 

Of course, the most important thing about coming to a barbecue restaurant was the barbecue! 

No question about it. 

After observing the surroundings, Mr. Koji glanced at the menu. 

And indeed, it was filled with ninja spirit! 

He quickly made up his mind and, looking at his children and wife who were also looking forward to it, waved his hand generously, "One Jonin set!" 

Seeing his child's excited smile, his heart burned with the same Will of Fire! 

As for the Special Jonin set, Elite Jonin set, Advisor set, Hokage set… well, those were too expensive for now. He'd try them next time! 

Soon after placing the order, a ninja appeared, wearing a headband that was unlike the Konoha forehead protector—it looked more like a branch tied around his forehead. 

He was ready to light the charcoal! 

At first, everything seemed the same as any other barbecue restaurant—just like Yuto BBQ, with the standard charcoal grill. 

So… what's so special about the ninja theme? 

Was it just the costume? 

That was a bit disappointing. 

But, of course, Danzo-sama wasn't going to let his customers down. 

Once the grill was set up, under the eager gazes of the customers, the strange ninja began forming a hand sign. 

"Fire Release: Root BBQ Secret Grilling Jutsu!" 

With that, he puffed up his cheeks and, to the confusion of the onlookers, spat a small fireball out of his mouth—like a spit, it landed right on the charcoal. 

Then, the ninja wiped his mouth with a calm smile and said, "Please enjoy!" 

With a graceful turn, he left, leaving behind a dumbfounded group of customers. 

"..." 

Excuse me… Is it too late to cancel the order?