After organizing his words, Naruto said, "It's like this. When the audience votes, I'll have them write their names on their ballots and place them in an opaque box, so no one can see the results."
"However, I have a way to see through the box and know the outcome in advance. Before the results are officially announced, you can set up a betting pool. Do you understand?"
"Oh... I understand, I totally understand!"
Kakuzu suddenly became extremely excited.
If they know the result in advance, they just need to manipulate the odds and use clones to disguise as bettors to mislead people into betting on the wrong choices. It was a guaranteed profit scheme.
"Kakuzu, remember, we're not saints. Even in the worst-case scenario, where we lose money, we don't have to worry. We can just grab the cash and run. What could these ordinary people possibly do to us? After all, you're already Missing-nin." Naruto added mischievously.
Naruto was secretly glad he'd been using a Transformation Technique all along.
After all, no matter what happened, this scheme couldn't be traced back to him.
However, this statement seemed to awaken Naruto's mischievous side. He also added, "The shop owner took quite a bit of your money earlier. In my opinion, you can rope them into the scheme. Tell them about my foolproof profit idea. That way, you can get back every cent you spent and maybe even double it."
Listening to Naruto's stream of suggestions, Kakuzu was so excited that he was panting heavily, "Naruto-kun, your brilliance is unparalleled! I am completely in awe. You are like a raging mudslide in the world of finance… unstoppable and utterly dominant!"
"Mudslide? Are you praising me or insulting me?"
Naruto felt utterly speechless.
Kakuzu rarely showed a smile, "Naruto-kun, I have nothing but immense admiration for you. Your understanding and control over money surpass even my own."
Having dealt with money for many years, Kakuzu had an intimate understanding of its workings. However, his vast experience also became a shackle, limiting his ideas. What he needed were innovative approaches.
With new ideas, money would naturally flow in endlessly.
For him, though he was impressed by Naruto's strength, what truly captivated him was Naruto's financial ingenuity. The talents Naruto displayed in this area were what completely floored him.
"Alright, enough flattery. Go get busy."
Naruto waved his hand.
In truth, these shady tricks weren't originally his ideas. They were tactics he had learned from watching live streams in his previous life.
The betting games in those streams often employed similar manipulative practices. Since there was no real money involved, it wasn't considered fraud.
But now, in this chaotic Shinobi World, Naruto couldn't care less about such distinctions.
Surviving and living a better life was what truly mattered.
Deep down, Naruto was fundamentally different from the original Naruto. He was a realist and a staunch egoist.
He would always, always put himself first!
Before long, a crowd of 100 spectators gathered at the entrance of the shop, eagerly awaiting the start of the beauty pageant.
The plump shop owner stepped onto the stage and announced, " The rules of this beauty pageant's final differ from the preliminaries. This time, the judges will not be a panel but the 100 spectators here today, which means you all! After watching all the contestants, you'll cast your vote for the most beautiful lady, placing your ballot in the sealed box at the front of the stage. The results will be tallied and announced in front of everyone to ensure fairness, justice, and transparency!"
"Marvelous!"
"Great idea!"
"I can't wait! Let's get started!"
The crowd erupted in cheers. Previously, they had only been passive observers. Now, they were active participants with the power to decide the outcome. This sense of involvement thrilled them beyond measure.
Seeing the crowd's enthusiasm, Naruto couldn't help but form another idea.
In the future, once his foundation was secure, he could host talent shows himself. Not only would it be entertaining and aesthetically pleasing, but it could also rake in massive profits and attract sponsors. It was a win on every front.
He mentally filed this idea away for later, then the plump shop owner announced, "Next, let's welcome the contestant number one."
Contestant number one was none other than Aizawa Nana. At this moment, she had changed out of her bloodstained white kimono and into a light blue one that matched her hair, making her resemble a princess of the deep sea. Her entrance left the audience breathless, not from disgust, but because she was stunningly beautiful.
"Water Release: Water Prison Technique!"
From the side of the stage, Kisame cast his Water Release Ninjutsu, and at the next moment, a huge water ball appeared on the stage, trapping Nana inside.
Nana was not surprised at all. Instead, she seemed to thrive in the aquatic environment. Moving gracefully within the water sphere, she displayed her figure with elegance and charm, embodying the image of the daughter of the sea!
'Damn it! This guy!'
Naruto cursed inwardly, not expecting Kisame to get so clever, adding such flashy theatrics to the presentation.
However, Naruto had to admit that Kisame's creative use of the Water Release Ninjutsu truly earned Nana extra points, leaving a deep impression on the audience.
"Contestant number one has completed her performance! Next, let's welcome contestant number two."
The shop owner enthusiastically announced.
The words had barely settled when a striking red figure emerged onto the stage.
She swayed her hips confidently, ditching the traditional kimono for a fiery red bodycon dress. The tight fabric accentuated her curves while her glowing white skin seemed almost luminescent under the spotlight.
The plunging neckline and short hemline revealing her long, slender legs made her the embodiment of desire.
Seeing this, the male audience erupted into cheers and whistles.
Too sexy!
There is only one person who could pull off such an outfit and exude this aura of allure, and that is Hana.
"Handsome young men, those who vote for me tonight will enjoy free drinks at the Rose Tavern. Who knows, we might even share a delightful evening together. So remember, cast your votes for me~"
Hana teased, throwing a seductive wink and curling her finger provocatively.
Even Naruto felt his heart skip a beat by this.
'As expected of a mature woman, she had the male audience eating out of her hand.'
Naruto nodded approvingly at her tactics.
When it came to sheer beauty, youth often held the edge. However, Hana targeted the male audience directly… though fewer in number, they were easier to sway with incentives.
She ended her performance with a tantalizing dance, deliberately cutting it short to leave the crowd wanting more. Swaying her hips, she exited the stage.
Her abrupt departure left the male audience clamoring for more, shouting her name.
"Settle down, everyone! The performances are timed. Now, let's welcome contestant number three!"
The plump shop owner said this from the side of the stage. He didn't even dare to go on stage for fear of being cursed by the male audience who couldn't hold back.
"We don't care! Bring back contestant number two!"
The male audience roared.
"Don't you guys want to see me?"
A soft, pitiful voice silenced the commotion almost instantly.
Contestant number three was none other than Aoko, the champion of the previous beauty pageant.
Draped in a serene blue kimono, Aoko resembled a woman who had stepped out of a painting.
Her beauty, proven by her victory in the previous contest, had already made her the dream girl of many men in the audience.