Tsunade's Curiosity

"Yoichi, what brings you here in the morning?"

Uchiha Kenji lifted his teacup, took a slow sip, then said with a smile: "I thought you'd be training. Is there something you need from me this time? Oh, right, I heard you brought back a bear last night and got a bit injured."

After speaking, Uchiha Kenji glanced at Uchiha Yoichi's body and noticed he had no wounds on him.

"That bear was special—stronger than an average Jonin. I've already made it my Summoning Beast, but it eats a lot. Even with my savings from recent years, I can barely afford to keep it."

Uchiha Yoichi finished speaking and saw Elder Kenji about to respond. Guessing what he'd say, he quickly cut him off.

"Elder Kenji, I'm not here to ask for money. But I do have a few ideas that, if realized, would definitely make a fortune. That way, the Uchiha Clan would have several steady income streams, and even the kids wouldn't have to worry about spending money."

Hearing this, Uchiha Kenji couldn't help but chuckle softly, then shook his head and said: "Young Yoichi, your intentions are good, but for a ninja, money isn't all that important."

One of the Three Forbidden Jutsu is a prohibition on luxury, meaning that money and material things can corrode a strong warrior's heart. That's why some Jonin earn plenty from missions yet live very simply at home.

"Elder Kenji, when I say no worries about money, I don't mean luxury or indulgence. In battle, ninja tools make up a significant part of a ninja's combat power. Maybe Jonin rely on them less, but for Chunin and Genin, the role of ninja tools absolutely cannot be ignored."

Uchiha Yoichi explained: "For example, if one of our clan's Chunin runs into three enemy Chunin, but happens to have three hundred Explosive Tags on him—"

"..."

Uchiha Kenji was left speechless, his brain nearly short-circuiting from that example.

One Explosive Tag, even a low-quality one, is more lethal than most D-rank Ninjutsu. Plus, it barely consumes Chakra—just activate it and throw.

Three hundred Explosive Tags are roughly equivalent to three hundred C-rank Ninjutsu. Even a Hokage-level ninja—could they fire off three hundred Fire Release Ninjutsu in a row?

"Elder Kenji, if it were about making money for pleasure, I wouldn't support it either. But having more funds can improve our clan members' survival rate on the battlefield—even Jonin can't ignore that. If everyone had a Chakra weapon or high-quality armor, our people's chances of survival would rise significantly."

After hearing Uchiha Yoichi's words, Uchiha Kenji had already set his teacup down on the table and found himself nodding in agreement.

Seizing the moment, Uchiha Yoichi continued: "If I'm to become Clan Head, I need the support of the clan. So I want to establish an Uchiha welfare system, ensuring every clan member's basic needs and medical care."

He then briefly outlined the welfare system he had in mind. Uchiha Kenji listened and nodded along—it was indeed a good idea that would benefit all clan members.

If it were built, the entire clan would owe Uchiha Yoichi their gratitude.

"And just now, on my way here, I saw the Clan Head's wife heading out with gifts to visit Lady Ryota's wife. Elder Kenji, even Lord Fugaku is trying to win over the clan's hearts now. I plan to keep a low profile, but I don't want to do nothing in the race for Clan Head."

Uchiha Yoichi spoke up. He had the will now, but not the means.

Even Uchiha Kenji couldn't push someone without battle achievements, widespread clan support, or contributions to the clan into the position of Clan Head.

In short, it came down to earning respect. Uchiha Yoichi's age, achievements, and merits hadn't reached a level where the clan would accept him. If he could get most of the Uchiha Clan to submit to him, then Uchiha Fugaku naturally couldn't remain Clan Head and would have to step down.

"I understand, Yoichi. Your idea is good. The clan isn't short on money, but we don't have extra funds for this. If you can build the Uchiha welfare system, then go ahead and do it."

After hearing Uchiha Yoichi out, and learning that Mikoto was also courting clan ninjas, Uchiha Kenji found no reason to oppose him, so he decided to give his full support.

"I'll find the people or things you need. If you need anything else, you can come to me anytime."

Uchiha Yoichi smiled and replied: "Then thank you, Elder Kenji. I just need some relevant personnel. I still have money for now."

After that, he wrote down the technical staff he needed. In the current Ninja World, TVs already existed, but computers were still bulky. So developing a Ninja Game would have to start with game consoles.

Just as Uchiha Yoichi was about to leave, Uchiha Kenji suddenly spoke: "Yoichi, those Magic Goats you sent have already given birth. In two or three years, that ranch should be up to scale."

That was good news, but he still needed to confirm whether the Magic Goats born in the Ninja World retained the same effects as their predecessors.

Still, the Ninja World did have Natural Energy, and it was enough to make toads talk. Even if it wasn't as good as the Elemental Forest, it probably wouldn't be far off.

"Jonin Ikemoto, Thank You for Your Trouble. Let's talk in detail at Inoue Izakaya after work today."

After hearing Jonin Ikemoto agree, Uzumaki Mina named a meeting place for tonight.

Konoha didn't have many entertainment spots right now—only two izakayas and not many places to eat.

"Understood, Mina-san. I'll be there today."

Ikemoto agreed readily. He was impressed by Uzumaki Mina's outstanding talent in Medical Ninjutsu, and the Uchiha Clan's influence certainly helped, so he accepted.

With everything settled, just as Uzumaki Mina was about to leave, the door suddenly swung open.

"Ikemoto, is that thing I asked for last time ready? Huh, Kushina?"

Tsunade was surprised to see a red-haired figure inside. The hair looked just like Kushina's. But when she got closer, she realized she'd mistaken her—it wasn't Kushina.

"It's ready. I'll get it for you now, Lady Tsunade."

Seeing Tsunade arrive, Ikemoto finished speaking and stood up to fetch the medicine she'd requested last time.

Uzumaki Mina, noticing Tsunade's presence, spoke quietly: "Jonin Ikemoto, Lady Tsunade, if there's nothing else, I'll head back first."

Ikemoto nodded: "Go ahead, Mina-san."

After she left, Tsunade withdrew her gaze. That hair color was too similar to Kushina's. In Konoha, people with such vivid red hair were rare.

"Ikemoto, is she also from the hospital?"

"Yes, Lady Tsunade. Mina-san is a genius in Medical Ninjutsu. She's been here less than a month and has already completed the step of healing a live fish, and she had no prior Medical Ninjutsu foundation. She's far better than I was back then."

Ikemoto praised without hesitation. Back then, it had taken him nearly half a year to heal a live fish—compared to Uzumaki Mina, he was worlds behind.

"Less than a month? That talent is indeed impressive."

Tsunade was also surprised, growing more curious about this red-haired young woman named Mina.

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