Chapter 272. Iwagakure's Plan

Chapter 272. Iwagakure's Plan

---

Online shopping figures continue to rise.

At first, when the online marketplace was launched, very few people chose to shop online. But over time… more and more people started using it.

As network coverage expanded, more merchants joined the platform, increasing the variety of goods available. The number of online shoppers across different regions grew as well.

With such a large user base, it's no surprise that total online shopping data appears massive.

Of course—

Overall, [Yuto Mall] has now stabilized.

Time flies.

The Chunin Exams were drawing closer.

Ninjas from various villages had begun their journeys, preparing to participate in the exams.

Konoha was getting livelier by the day.

Businesses launched various promotions, hoping to make a fortune from this grand event. As a result, all sorts of weird and creative advertisements flooded the streets.

To welcome visitors from other villages, the village underwent special decorations.

Konoha looked slightly different from usual, exuding a festival-like atmosphere.

After all—

Most spectators had paid for their tickets. Konoha had to make sure these tourists felt the grandeur of the event!

Otherwise, if there was nothing special, people might complain about it online!

Meanwhile, in Iwagakure—

Though the pyramid scheme incident had dealt a heavy blow to the Land of Earth, the nation quickly restored order, preventing any further embarrassing situations.

However…

For Iwagakure, this was a disgrace!

Especially for the Third Tsuchikage, who had been openly mocked because of it.

Who could tolerate that?!

The times have changed?

So what if they have?!

The Land of Earth was one of the Five Great Nations, and Iwagakure was one of the Five Great Ninja Villages!

They had their own plans!

These so-called "new technologies" were nothing more than inventions made by a crazy Uchiha—who would even believe them?!

Onoki's expression was grim as he stared at the Iwa ninja before him. "How's the intelligence gathering going?"

His son, Kitsuchi, responded with a serious expression, laying out the information they had gathered.

"Based on our investigation… this new form of scam is called a 'pyramid scheme.'" He continued, "The first known case dates back several years. However, unlike the incident in our country, that one was orchestrated by a so-called Yuto Group executive. He claimed to have a massive business project and recruited investors under the pretense of guaranteed returns. Participants were required to contribute 69,800 ryo, with a promised final payout of 10.4 million ryo! As a result, it was named the 1040 Financial Project. According to reports, tens of thousands fell victim to it. Some, having lost their money, were so devastated that they hanged themselves."

At this point, his tone grew heavy.

"Later on… Konoha and other villages sent ninjas to investigate. But, just like us, they found nothing. That's why I suspect… the scammers who struck our Land of Earth are likely the same group! They possess an incredibly sophisticated intelligence network—one that allowed them to evade us and escape from Iwagakure."

In other words—

This whole mess could have been avoided.

But it happened too suddenly. And… most people simply didn't take it seriously at first. That's why Iwagakure became a laughingstock.

Kitsuchi sighed, hesitated for a moment, then looked at his father. "Father… Tsuchikage-sama, in reality, this type of scam was exposed years ago. It's just that… our Land of Earth remained unaware due to its isolation."

Though… "isolation" wasn't entirely the reason. The Land of Lightning was even farther away, and the Land of Water was across the sea. Yet, they had long been aware of such schemes.

Ultimately, this was the result of decisions made by Onoki and the village elders.

So… Kitsuchi couldn't say it too bluntly.

Besides—

Just look at the elders' faces.

Even though he had phrased it carefully, many of them were already scowling.

The room fell into silence. Kitsuchi knew it wasn't the right time to speak further, so he quietly stood aside.

No one knew how much time had passed before—

"Yuto Group…" The Third Tsuchikage let out a deep sigh, his voice heavy with seriousness. "The Uchiha clan… truly cannot be underestimated."

With that, he turned to Kitsuchi.

Kitsuchi immediately understood his father's intent. He clapped his hands.

Immediately, two Iwa ninja stepped forward, each carrying a strange-looking object.

Kitsuchi picked up one of the items. With a solemn expression, he announced, "This is a smartphone. As long as an area has either an internet connection or a signal, two people can communicate—even over vast distances. You can even see the other person's face."

As soon as those words fell—

"?!"

Everyone was shocked, murmuring among themselves.

After a brief discussion, someone frowned at Kitsuchi. "Jonin Kitsuchi, have you been caught in a Genjutsu? How could something like this exist?"

A tiny box that could enable long-distance communication—even showing the other person's face?

Was it some kind of space-time ninjutsu?

"We've tested it, and it's indeed real." Kitsuchi gave a bitter smile. "But as I said earlier, it only works within areas covered by a signal! There's also something called a 'computer'... While both of these devices can turn on even without a signal, they can only perform simple tasks and cannot connect or enable long-distance communication."

As the elders' expressions grew heavier, Kitsuchi sighed inwardly. He still remembered how the Yuto Group had sent representatives to discuss this with them before.

But…

For various reasons, Iwagakure had refused.

Especially because the mysterious leader of the Yuto Group was rumored to be from the Uchiha clan—which made Iwagakure even more vigilant.

Kitsuchi shook his head helplessly. "Then there's the Yuto Car—a fascinating mode of transportation. With simple controls, it moves on its own. It's somewhat like the puppets from Sunagakure—except much easier to operate and far more convenient. Since it's too large, I couldn't bring one in here."

As he spoke, the elders exchanged uncertain glances, their faces filled with disbelief. Even the Tsuchikage frowned, his expression grim.

At that moment—

Kitsuchi once again recalled that one particular phrase written that day. His heart felt even heavier.

[The times have changed!]

And it wasn't just these three things.

According to their intelligence reports, there were many more strange innovations—far too many to describe in just a few words.

In fact—

They still had no idea how to even use half of these things!

Kitsuchi took a deep breath. "This is all the intelligence we've gathered so far. As for those responsible for the pyramid scheme…" He bowed slightly. "We still haven't identified them."

With that, he sat down as the Third Tsuchikage nodded in acknowledgment. Kitsuchi said nothing more, silently observing as the elders and advisors continued their discussions, shaking their heads in frustration.

No one knew how much time had passed before—

"Uchiha Yuto… I still believe there's some hidden conspiracy behind all of this!"

"Iwagakure is already one of the Five Great Ninja Villages! Even without these absurd inventions, we have nothing to fear!"

"Still… we need to pay attention to one thing! After all, among the Five Great Ninja Villages, Iwagakure is the only one without internet access."

"Honestly, it does sound intriguing!"

The elders fell into debate—some insisting it was irrelevant, while others urged caution.

After all, the other villages weren't foolish!

Especially the other four Great Ninja Villages. If they had adopted these technologies, then surely there must be something worthwhile about them.

Unfortunately—

They had yet to see these advancements firsthand. Or rather—the intelligence they had was simply too limited. Naturally, there was doubt in their hearts.

Suddenly—

"Tsuchikage-sama, what do you think?"

The moment that question was asked, the room fell silent.

All eyes turned to the Tsuchikage.

However—

Even Onoki himself was filled with doubt and uncertainty due to the lack of information. But as he recalled that one phrase, he fell into deep thought before finally speaking.

"For this Chunin Exam… Iwagakure will participate as well!"

The room fell into momentary silence. Then, as realization dawned—

"Tsuchikage-sama, are you suggesting…?"

"That's right!" Onoki interrupted firmly, narrowing his eyes. His voice was heavy with determination. "Let's see for ourselves exactly how the other villages have changed!"

The times had changed?

How exactly had they changed?!

===

Read upto [Chapter 310] in advance! - patreon.com/kurato6180