Chapter 294. The Suddenly Appearing Otogakure Team
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Kumogakure.
Towering peaks pierced the skies, wrapped in mist, echoing with deafening thunder.
It really did have a bit of that ethereal, immortal-like vibe~
And was quite distinctive, too.
In recent years, after moving into the online world and joining the film industry, Kumogakure now had businesses from the Yuto Group operating within it.
Though the Fourth Raikage had initially been against it, in the end… didn't he still let the Yuto Group in?
So—
Upon arriving in Kumogakure, things weren't too troublesome. Yuto and his group were promptly attended to by a designated staff for special service.
Once inside and with everything arranged, before the race began, Yuto took Honoka and the others around for a bit of sightseeing.
The village was lively these past few days.
And as for their arrival—
This time they came in Jiraiya's vehicle.
And honestly?
Gamabunta carrying the van ran pretty fast. Even with so many of them aboard, it was still fast and steady.
Soon—
The time for the race arrived.
Yuto, holding a cup of milk tea bought from Yuto Milk Tea, sat in the spectator stands with Honoka, Suzune, Kana, along with Hanzo of the Salamander, the Fugaku family, and Minato's family, looking down at the track.
Today—
The much-anticipated Ninja Grand Prix was about to begin.
But—
He glanced at Hanzo waving a cheer stick like a fanboy in his old age… Shouldn't this guy be selling salamanders in the Land of Rain? What's he doing here watching a Ninja Grand Prix?
This doesn't seem very "Demi-God" of him!
"Shortsighted! Making money is important! But enjoying life is just as important," Hanzo scolded Yuto like a seasoned veteran, shaking his head as he spoke. "I spent most of my life fighting, earned the title of Demi-God of the Ninja World, founded the renowned Hanzo Salamander Company. Now that I'm old, can't I relax and enjoy life a bit? Can't I come watch a race?"
"…Sure!"
Just… something about this feels off.
Yuto looked oddly at Hanzo, then asked, "How's business lately?"
"Not bad! It's booming!" Hanzo replied humbly. "It's just the number one in the salamander industry, that's all! See that?" He waved grandly and pointed below. "This time, the Land of Rain team is fully sponsored by me~"
If he had a cigar in his right hand, he might've really looked like a business tycoon.
"…Impressive! Truly impressive!" Yuto said a few words with emotion, then turned his attention away, looking toward Honoka and Suzune, who were also holding cheer sticks.
They were here to cheer for Hyuga Hanabi.
Thinking about Hanabi…
In this world, she didn't have many friends. Her father and mother were about her age, and kids her own age were still wearing open-crotch pants, so the only ones cheering for her were her students and Suzune.
As for Kana, she seemed ready to cheer for Konan.
Honestly—
It was a surprise that our Miss Konan actually participated!
He heard that Konan's driving skills were pretty average—she was probably just here to join the fun.
"She said she's prepared a secret weapon," Kana smiled slightly, with a bit of meaningful mystery in her tone. "Just watch."
"???" Yuto blinked, frowning slightly as he muttered, "So secretive."
After that—
He glanced at Fugaku's family, quietly watching the race, then his gaze swept toward the blond stay-at-home dad behind them, who wore a mask while watching the kids. Hesitating a bit, he said, "Minato… you really don't need to wear the mask anymore."
"You've got the wrong person. The Fourth Hokage is diligently working in the Hokage Building right now!" Masked Minato said with a serious face. "I'm not the Fourth Hokage."
"…"
This guy!
Just because you've got some space-time ninjutsu, you think you can do whatever you want?
Of course, Yuto didn't expose him. After rolling his eyes, he simply turned his head and looked back toward the track.
At this moment—
The race was about to begin.
Following Kumogakure's special event—a rap performance by Killer Bee—the sound of fireworks rang out, and the host returned to the stage.
"This event is proudly sponsored by the Yuto Group."
"All drivers in this year's Ninja Racing Grand Prix are about to embark on a journey to fulfill their racing dreams in Kumogakure."
"The spectators at the scene and viewers in front of their TVs can participate by texting in for a chance to win a 100-ryo coupon from Yuto Mall. Special thanks to Yuto Mall for its generous support of this event."
"And now, let's welcome the current Raikage of Kumogakure to the stage for the opening speech."
As soon as the words fell—
A burly man, shirtless and dressed in traditional attire of the Land of Lightning, walked up with a stern face and roared into the microphone, "Welcome everyone. The race begins now!"
That was it.
After saying just that—
He stepped off the stage.
Talk about quick and to the point~
You could tell Kumogakure took this event very seriously. From the ornate decorations and lanterns throughout the village, to the various vendor discounts, colorful buildings, and expansive viewing platforms—it was clear.
Kumogakure had definitely invested big for this event.
Of course, there was also strong support from sponsors—
Such as the Yuto Group and the Hanzo Salamander Company.
That's right.
In order to promote his brand, that old man specifically ran ads for his salamander business here too. Just look at the giant gray-skinned salamander on that bright blue billboard below the stands.
That's the official mascot of the Hanzo Salamander Company!
Even Danzo's Root Studio took the chance to advertise their upcoming film.
So maybe Kumogakure didn't even spend a ryo and actually made a ton off this event?
At that moment—
The racing teams from each village began entering the track.
Yuto curiously looked down, immediately spotting Hanabi in her all-white racing suit. That fullness on her chest… wasn't any less than Suzune's. This racing suit's really something~
Huh?
Pakura's here too?
That black-gray racing outfit actually suited her pretty well, though she still had her usual lazy, nonchalant look.
And that purple car beside her…
Konan was also in a purple racing suit, cheerfully waving in their direction. But that huge salamander face on her car's hood… seriously? If she wanted a sponsor, she could've just come to him.
Why go to that outsider, Hanzo, for a deal?
Yuto gave Hanzo a suspicious glance. "How did you get Konan to advertise for you?"
"That girl respects her elders!"
"How much did you pay?"
"Two hundred million!"
"…" Yuto looked at Hanzo in shock. "You actually paid that much?"
"It's just a tiny little bit of cash!" Hanzo scoffed with a sneer. "It's nothing! That girl's got talent—this ad was worth it! Think of it as my love for the younger generation."
"Then can you stop trembling?"
"Who's trembling? J-Just two hundred million—why would I tremble?!"
"…"
Die-hard pride, suffering in silence.
Yuto didn't bother arguing with the face-conscious 'Demi-God' anymore. After giving him a disdainful glance, he turned back to the track.
But then—
"Otogakure?" Upon spotting a team down below that clearly came from that special ninja village, he raised an eyebrow. "Why are they here?"
As he spoke—
He suddenly turned his head, brows furrowing as he scanned the area.
[Orochimaru… He is not here, is he?]
He came all the way to join a Ninja Grand Prix… No way it's just for that ten million prize, right?!
Don't joke with me!
He was once a man who was not far from Konoha's Billion—how would he care about a mere ten million?!
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