LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 47: The Crimson Delight
Naruto's footsteps echoed down the quiet alleyway as he made his way to The Crimson Delight, a charming little bakery that had become one of Konoha's most beloved spots. To the unassuming public, it was just another quaint establishment, known for its delicious cupcakes and baked goods. But to Naruto and his closest allies, it was the perfect front for his secret operations.
As he entered the warm, aromatic shop, the scent of freshly baked goods filled the air—vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and a variety of other flavors. Behind the counter stood Rina, the manager of the bakery, her apron dusted with flour, a warm smile on her face.
"Welcome, Lord Uzumaki," Rina said with a respectful bow, wiping her hands on a towel before addressing him. "Everything is running smoothly today. The new batch of strawberry cupcakes is proving to be quite popular."
Naruto smiled, his expression a mixture of amusement and approval. "Good. Keep up the quality. We can't afford any slip-ups with the new customers coming in."
Rina nodded, her eyes flickering with understanding. While the cupcakes were a front for their true activities, the bakery's reputation needed to remain pristine, and they couldn't afford any distractions.
"Of course, everything is in place. The shipments for the supplies will arrive on time, and our employees are discreet. We've also had a few new 'regulars' show up. All the right people," she added with a knowing look.
Naruto leaned against the counter, his voice low but firm. "Good. The next phase begins soon. Make sure the backroom operations stay secure. I don't want anyone prying into the real business."
Rina's eyes narrowed slightly, the flicker of danger beneath her calm demeanor evident. "Don't worry. The new security measures are already in place. The backroom is as secure as a fortress."
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The Bakery's True Purpose
Behind the bakery's innocent facade lay an entire underground operation. The backroom, hidden from customers and the public, contained far more than baking tools. It was Naruto's hub of intelligence, business dealings, and covert actions.
A series of hidden compartments and rooms allowed Naruto and his team to oversee several networks—both legal and illegal—operating within Konoha. It was also where they laundered money, distributed goods, and held strategic meetings with those who had a vested interest in his rise to power.
Upstairs, in a private office with a view of the bakery floor, Naruto met with his closest managers—Ryoko, Akira, and Daigo—who were all well-versed in the dual nature of the business.
"How are the operations running?" Naruto asked, taking his usual seat behind the desk. He looked at Ryoko, who was always meticulously organized, as she handed over several reports.
"The cupcake business is thriving, and we're maintaining our cover perfectly. Sales are up 10% this month. As for the underground operations, we're seeing some movement," Ryoko said, tapping a scroll. "The new shipments of supplies have arrived, and we've already begun distribution to our partners."
Akira, the head of security, spoke up next. "We've increased patrols around the perimeter. There have been some unusual inquiries, but we've handled them discreetly. No one suspects the real operation behind the bakery."
"Perfect," Naruto muttered, scanning the documents Ryoko had provided. "And Daigo, any word from our suppliers? I need our inventory of rare ingredients ready for the next phase."
Daigo nodded, adjusting his glasses. "The shipments of rare herbs and specialized ingredients will arrive tomorrow. I've arranged for a discreet delivery to the backroom. All necessary precautions are in place."
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The Disguise of Normalcy
Downstairs, Naruto walked through the bakery's bustling main floor, watching the customers browse the display cases filled with mouthwatering treats. The cupcakes were as beautiful as they were delicious—vanilla with caramel swirls, chocolate with a hint of espresso, and lemon with a raspberry glaze.
Naruto's attention flickered momentarily to the bakery's staff: a mix of hired workers and undercover operatives, all part of the carefully orchestrated cover for the real purpose of The Crimson Delight. While to the outside world, they were simply bakers and servers, they were secretly some of his most trusted agents.
He exchanged a nod with Sora, one of the bakery's regular patrons who was also a trusted informant. Sora was discreet, operating in the shadows to gather vital information about Konoha's political and economic movements. The bakery was his perfect cover for staying under the radar while feeding Naruto critical intel.
Naruto turned back to the counter, where Rina was preparing another batch of cupcakes. "Have we had any complaints about the products?" he asked, maintaining his casual tone.
"Not a single one," Rina replied, her voice laced with pride. "Everyone who tries our cupcakes comes back for more."
"Good," Naruto said. "Keep it that way. We don't want to attract unwanted attention."
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The Next Phase
As the evening approached, Naruto made his way into the hidden backroom of The Crimson Delight, where his true business was conducted. The room, unlike the bakery's cozy, cheerful atmosphere, was cold and methodical, filled with shelves of documents, maps, and plans. A large table in the center was cluttered with files and scrolls, all related to his covert operations.
He opened a drawer and retrieved a small, unassuming box. Inside was a ledger that tracked the secret movements of goods and services that flowed through his network. Each page revealed names and transactions that appeared innocent on the surface—baked goods, shipment deliveries, and catering services—but underneath, they were part of Naruto's broader network of influence and power.
Naruto set the ledger down with a sigh, tapping the pages thoughtfully. "Everything's coming into place. Soon, Konoha will realize what we've been building here. The question is… will they be ready?"
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The Calm Before the Storm
With a final glance at the map of Konoha, Naruto stood up, his resolve solidifying. The bakery was just a small piece of a much larger puzzle—one that involved not only his rise to power but the reshaping of the entire village.
He could feel the tension in the air. Konoha's leaders were growing suspicious, and his operations were under scrutiny. But Naruto was always several steps ahead. His cupcake business was only the beginning.
As he walked back to the front of the bakery, the sun setting behind him, Naruto couldn't help but smile. The stage was set, and the next move was his.