Wherever people gathered, there was a world of its own, and that world wasn't about fighting—it was about human relationships. The ninja world was no different.
What did people spend their whole lives striving for?
Money, of course!
Ninjas fought like madmen for the same reason!
They worked in a high-risk profession to earn a fortune at the risk of their lives and enjoy a comfortable life.
Aside from its manpower shortage, Konoha's current predicament came down to one thing: it had no money.
But money could attract people. With enough of it, what did it matter if one village had to fight four? They could just see who could outlast whom.
If they had enough funds, every ninja could carry dozens or even hundreds of Exploding Tags and toss a few at every enemy they met. Wouldn't that be great?
Unfortunately, such an extravagant idea was unlikely to become reality.
Uchiha Nan leaned back in his chair. The table before him was covered with all sorts of dishes, each one a feast for the eyes and the palate. Most importantly, they were in Konoha's most luxurious hotel, where the Uchiha entertained their important guests.
Just this table of food and the venue had cost thirty thousand ryo, leaving Uchiha Nan clicking his tongue in amazement.
Uchiha Nan was worth enough to earn hundreds of thousands of ryo from an ordinary A-rank mission, but even he felt the sting of paying for this meal.
Eating like this every day would bankrupt him. Fortunately, he wasn't footing the bill himself. The clan was paying, since this was Uchiha business.
"Our guest today is named Hiroki Fujii. His clan, the Fujii Clan, has secured the rights to the Land of Fire's largest iron mine, and they've always worked with the Uchiha."
"They have connections at the top. Some of their relatives hold high office in the Land of Fire."
"He's got a good temper, and I get along well with him."
Uchiha Tomita explained Hiroki Fujii's background and personal preferences, covering every detail and patiently guiding Uchiha Nan.
Dealing with the powerful clans of the Land of Fire was nothing like being a ninja.
As a ninja, all you had to do was cut people down. As Clan Head, you had to consider much more.
Now that Uchiha Nan had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan and become the Uchiha clan's future, Tomita would pass on all his experience as Clan Head, holding nothing back.
Tomita had made a point of accompanying Uchiha Nan to this meeting. The Uchiha owed the Fujii Clan a great deal of money, and they had put off repayment for a long time. There would probably be some harsh words over dinner.
Tomita worried that Uchiha Nan might lose his temper and, relying on his strength, draw his sword and cut down Hiroki Fujii. The scene of Uchiha Nan hurling Lava Style at a crowd was still fresh in his mind.
Clearly, Uchiha Nan had a temper. Tomita couldn't judge him by the way he used to act.
If they really killed Fujii, things would get ugly. The Uchiha would have failed to repay their debt and killed their creditor to boot. The powerful families of the Land of Fire could join forces to blacklist the Uchiha's businesses.
They couldn't set such a bad precedent. The nobles of the Land of Fire were afraid of that, too.
Every ninja clan in the Five Great Shinobi Villages had piled up debts fighting this war. If they all followed the Uchiha's example—killing anyone who came to collect—would the nobles of each country be able to live in peace?
If the Uchiha dared to ignore the rules and lead the way, the Daimyo of every country would band together and show them the power of money. Bounties would rain down one after another, making sure the Uchiha paid dearly.
No matter how strong they were, the Uchiha were still just one ninja clan.
Uchiha Nan listened attentively to Uchiha Tomita's advice. It was clear that Tomita sincerely wanted to teach him how to be a capable Clan Head. Some of what he shared were secrets about the aristocracy of the Land of Fire—
things that low-level ninjas who only knew how to cut people down would never learn in their entire lives.
Suddenly, the door creaked open. A middle-aged man with a round, slightly plump figure walked in. His clothes were bright and elegant; he was clearly rich and powerful.
"Tomita, long time no see!"
"Long time no see!"
Uchiha Tomita went over to greet him. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, he introduced Uchiha Nan as the Uchiha's new Clan Head.
Hiroki Fujii's expression shifted slightly, but he immediately broke into a broad smile and introduced himself to Uchiha Nan.
Uchiha Nan was just as warm in return. In his previous life, he'd worked in sales, so he was more familiar with this sort of thing than anyone.
In this life, he'd spent all his time training to kill and studying how to cut people down efficiently.
But now, his old professional instincts sprang right back to life. Wasn't this just about sucking up to the client?
Uchiha Nan was a seasoned expert!
Once he sat down at the table, he could use his wealth of experience to make sure you had the time of your life.
Uchiha Tomita sat to one side, drinking along with them. He stared wide-eyed at Uchiha Nan, amazed. The kid was so practiced, it was unbelievable.
He had one stream of auspicious flattery after another, along with drinking toasts Tomita had never even heard of. He got Hiroki Fujii to drink one cup after another, making Tomita wonder if he'd even needed to come along.
In the middle of it all, Hiroki Fujii still remembered his purpose and brought up the debt. Uchiha Nan immediately started lamenting the clan's hard times. Even Uchiha Tomita couldn't bear to listen; the story was getting a little too outrageous.
As for the debt, Uchiha Nan wasn't refusing to repay it. As soon as the funds came through, the first thing he'd do was pay it back, principal and interest.
Hiroki Fujii naturally couldn't press the issue any further.
Then they went back to pouring drinks. It was two against one, and with Uchiha Nan's practiced client-pleasing skills, his jokes and banter, and a few topics every man enjoyed, they soon had Hiroki Fujii seeing double and calling them brothers.
"Your little brother's in trouble. Big brother, are you going to help him or not?"
"What are you saying? Don't worry about the debt. I'll take care of it. Hic... hic..."
"Your big brother still has some influence in the clan. We'll keep supplying the Uchiha for another month."
"..."
"What a great big brother!"
"Your little brother will drink to you again!"
"..."
Get it in writing!!
Quick, get it in writing!!!
Uchiha Tomita hurriedly asked a waiter for paper and a pen, then got the contract signed, afraid Hiroki Fujii would sober up and deny everything.
While Uchiha Nan feasted with his big client at the hotel, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō wandered through Konoha's streets.
After risking their lives to escape the battlefield and then getting a thorough scare from Mito Uzumaki, Hiruzen Sarutobi and his good friend Shimura Danzō decided to find somewhere to eat, catch up, and discuss Konoha's future.
Especially after Shimura Danzō heard that Mito Uzumaki would support Hiruzen Sarutobi becoming Hokage. His anxious heart immediately settled, and he felt relieved—but at the same time, a faint sadness lingered within him.
He couldn't help remembering that moment. If he had been the first to step forward and face death, would he have become the Third?
Joy and regret filled his heart.
He was glad when his friend was struggling, but couldn't stand it when his friend got ahead. That was Shimura Danzō right now. At first he'd worried about Hiruzen Sarutobi, but now that his friend was on the rise, Danzō was miserable.
His longtime companion, who had always been about his equal, was suddenly about to become the village's highest authority. It was more painful than being killed.
But Danzō was far too optimistic. He didn't notice how the villagers on the street kept glancing at them, their eyes flickering with contempt and disdain.
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