Chapter 7: There Is No Free Lunch In The World

[Makoto Ito: Okay, that's enough. Don't you all want to see what the outside world looks like now?]

The moment Makoto Ito finished speaking, the group chat fell into complete silence. Even Madara, who had been arguing just moments ago, stopped.

Without wasting any time, Makoto activated the vision-sharing function. Instantly, all the members of the group gained the ability to see through his perspective

At first, what they saw was Makoto Ito's face reflected through the chat box. Then, they observed the small house he was in, catching glimpses of the modest interior. Through the window, they managed to see a little bit of the world outside.

This solidified their belief in the chat group's capabilities. The functions were real and it truly allowed them to witness the current state of the ninja world.

[Senju Hashirama: This is incredible! It's absolutely amazing. I want to check on Konoha immediately!]

[Uzumaki Kushina: Wow, we can actually see the outside world. Naruto, Mom is here to see you.Makoto, please take us to see Naruto. I need to see how he's doing!]

[Senju Tobirama: I wonder how the little monkey has been handling things. My clan should be safe under his leadership. I trust that Konoha has grown into a formidable village by now.]

_______

By this point, everyone in the group had already learned about Namikaze Minato's position as the Fourth Hokage. They also knew that after his death, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, had reassumed control over Konoha.

As a result, it was clear to all that the current leader of the village was still the Third Hokage.

However, amidst all this information, one thing particularly irked Hashirama.

It was Minato's death itself.

Was the Nine Tails really have been powerful enough to kill a Hokage?

Back in his time, Hashirama used to play around with the Nine Tails single-handedly as if it were a mere pet.

How did the Hokage of later generations end up so weak? Did simply sealing the Nine Tails really cost Minato his life? Isn't that far too embarrassing for someone holding the Hokage title?

Faced with Hashirama's unintentional mockery, Namikaze Minato could only stay silent.

He was up against a monster. There was no point in comparing himself.

_________

Now that everyone had caught a glimpse of the outside world through Makoto Ito's vision, they were completely overwhelmed with excitement.

For a group of people who were already long dead, the opportunity to witness the living world once more was nothing short of a miracle.

While everyone was focused on their chat boxes, eagerly watching the scenery outside, the screen suddenly went black.

In an instant, their vision returned to darkness.

[Uchiha Madara: Kid, what do you think you're doing?]

[Senju Hashirama: ???]

[Namikaze Minato: What just happened?]

[Uchiha Izuna: Why can't I see anything?]

[Hyuga Hizashi: Did your screens go black too?]

As the group chat filled with confused and anxious messages, Makoto Ito had a sinister smile on his face.

If one had to describe it, it would be the kind of smile one would expect from a salesman who was about to say an outrageous price after gaslighting the customers.

[Makoto Ito: Everyone, Do you really think you can get something for free? I'm sure you were all powerful figures in your time and understand this simple truth. If you want to see the outside world, that's possible But tell me, are you willing to offer me something in return?

Look at the ninja world now—how beautiful it is! Look at the flowers, the grass, and the trees. Oh my, the air is so fresh!

Oops, wait… Did I just catch a glimpse of Naruto and Sasuke through the window?

[Makoto Ito: So, tell me, don't you want to see it too?]

The moment Makoto Ito sent this message, every group member in the Pure Land had an uncomfortable expression.

This kid was something else and his approach was downright ruthless.

First, he stirred up their emotions by telling that their loved ones might not be doing well. Then, he showed them the group chat's vision-sharing function, proving that it was real and that they could see the outside world.

And just when they were hooked, he turned off the vision and demanded compensation for turning it back on.

It was a flawless scheme that was both infuriating and impressive.

[Makoto Ito: Oh, I almost forgot to mention one very important detail. I have the ability to enable vision sharing for specific individuals. In other words, whoever offers me the best benefits will get access to the outside world.

But those who don't? Well, your screens will remain black forever!]

At that moment, the group chat fell into stunned silence.

They had initially assumed that as long as someone offered something, the vision-sharing function would be restored for everyone.

But Makoto Ito's words shattered that illusion completely. He wasn't just demanding payment—he was turning this into a competition.

[Uchiha Madara: Damn it!]

[Uchiha Izuna: Fuck!]

[Senju Hashirama: Shit!]

[Senju Tobirama: You brat!]

[Namikaze Minato: You are truly cunning.]

With that, the chat once again grew quiet. Now, everyone was deep in thought.

What could they offer?

If they gave away something too valuable, they would feel cheated.

After all, Makoto Ito wasn't their ally or family. Why should they hand over their precious techniques or knowledge for nothing?

But if their offer was too insignificant, Makoto Ito would simply ignore them and refuse to share the vision.

Thus, rather than rushing in blindly, they chose to wait. Let someone else go first.

That way, they could gauge what kind of compensation was acceptable before deciding on their own.

__________

Minutes passed.

Then, suddenly, a notification popped up in the chat.

[Uchiha Fugaku has gifted the group leader a Master-Level Proficiency in Three Bodies Technique!]

[Uchiha Fugaku: How about this, group leader? Not a bad gift, right? Now, please enable vision sharing for me!]

The moment everyone saw that someone had finally taken the first step, their eyes lit up with suprise.

So, this was all it took?

The Three Bodies Technique was just a basic ninja school technique.

If it was enough, then they had plenty to offer. They could toss out low-level skills all day without breaking a sweat.

It was an easy price to pay.

After seeing the message, Makoto Ito's face darkened.

[Makoto Ito: The Three Bodies Technique?! Are you trying to feed a beggar here?!]

[Uchiha Fugaku: Uh… Well, I noticed that the group leader looks quite young.

You probably haven't even graduated from the ninja academy yet, right? I thought this would be a useful technique for you, and I happen to be quite proficient in it.]

Everyone had already noticed Makoto Ito's appearance and strength when the vision-sharing function was still active.

What could they say? Even calling him weak would be an overstatement. With the way he was now, most of them could defeat him with one finger.

Upon hearing what Fugaku had said, Makoto had an ugly face while laughing in anger.

[The group leader, Makoto Ito, has banned group member Uchiha Fugaku for three minutes!]