Blood Pressure Surges!

Watching the figure of Might Duy walk away with a thick bundle of oilpaper, Sarutobi Hiruzen knew that as long as the Uchiha clan maintained this loan program, they would completely win over the hearts of the people.

What had been done so far was already enough to fundamentally change the perceptions of those who had previously held prejudices against the Uchiha clan.

Even some minor ninja clans could not help but lean toward the Uchiha; after all, they were not as wealthy and generous as the Uchiha clan.

Naturally, this was not good news for him.

He had always firmly believed in the words of his teacher: "The Uchiha clan is a clan of evil; they cannot be trusted."

During the eras of the First and Second Hokage, the Uchiha clan had incited rebellions. Sarutobi Hiruzen did not believe that in his own era as the Third Hokage, the Uchiha clan would honestly behave themselves.

If one were to make a comparison, he was simply not on par with the First or the Second.

After changing their clan head, the Uchiha clan had managed to cause him so much trouble in just a few short days.

Sarutobi Hiruzen rubbed his temples with a headache; whenever this happened, he would think of that dear friend who had been single-mindedly obsessed with trying to oust him from his position.

If he were still alive, he might have been able to help him shoulder a little bit of the burden.

A series of actions that left him unable to react in time, just as decisive as the night Danzo was cut down.

Uchiha Yuji, to make such big moves in such a short time—are you not afraid of taking a wrong step? Are you not afraid of burying the Uchiha clan entirely by your own hand?

In contrast to the grim-faced Sarutobi Hiruzen, the expressions of the Uchiha clan members acting as lenders were exceptionally subtle.

"Hmph, what can you even do with this pittance of money?"

"Are you looking down on our Uchiha clan? Borrowing such a small amount?"

They scolded as they pleased and showed disdain where they felt it, grabbing people and dragging them away without ceremony. Yet, the villagers before them did not show the usual fear or disgust; instead, they were... filled with gratitude?

What is wrong with these people?

On the other side, the Uchiha members teaching ninjutsu were having an even better time.

"You can't even learn such a simple ninjutsu? Are you an idiot? Trash!" The Uchiha instructor clearly did not have a good temper; he kicked the student to the side. "Move aside, watch closely, and let me show you the power of our Uchiha clan!"

He stood in place, calmly and slowly weaving hand seals, performing the release of the Great Fireball Technique.

The boiling flames even set the pond ablaze, the scorching heat distorting the air, and this ignited the hearts of the civilian ninjas.

"A mere Great Fireball Technique is a basic ninjutsu in our Uchiha clan. If you can't even do this, you might as well retire early!"

"Fool, do you need me to demonstrate it again?" The Uchiha clansman lifted his chin, looking down at them through his nostrils.

The student being taught did not show any annoyance; instead, the corners of his mouth curled into an uncontrollable smile.

He bowed and scraped, begging for instruction on how to use it. Although the Uchiha clan had foul mouths, their teaching was harsh, and they liked to hit people, this ninjutsu was truly and genuinely related to their lives.

Civilian ninjas could not learn any useful ninjutsu out in the world; being able to get their hands on two of them was already considered the mark of a veteran genin.

Furthermore, they were not exactly gifted with genius, so naturally, they wished the Uchiha would be even stricter. A few kicks were nothing; compared to losing their lives on the battlefield, this was significantly more comfortable.

This was not like paying money to learn how to drive and getting scolded; this was a genuine survival skill!

This situation was happening in every training ground, and the roaring explosions made the Uchiha clan even more lively.

It was truly hot, and truly noisy.

The policy had only been in effect for half a day, yet almost all the Uchiha felt even more respect for Uchiha Yuji. Even the elders who had previously only submitted to power had to admit that people were not all the same.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had just snuck into the training facility, looked at the scene before him, feeling as though the bright sunshine had dimmed significantly.

"What a troublesome opponent. To be so calculating despite being only a youth?"

He had just said in yesterday's meeting that the Uchiha clan was not good at teaching, and today, Yuji had played this card. If he were to propose that plan again at the next meeting, it would be difficult for him to refuse it again.

He could already foresee that by the next meeting, many civilian ninjas would be standing on the side of the Uchiha.

While civilian ninjas did not make up a large proportion of the jonin, they formed a massive base among the chunin.

If their children had an Uchiha clan member as a team leader, not only would the Uchiha's powerful combat strength protect their safety, but they could also get ninjutsu for free. These beneficiaries would certainly support the Uchiha with all their might.

And when faced with the "greater good," even those other ninja clans would find it hard to speak up.

"The Uchiha clan has produced someone even more troublesome than Uchiha Madara."

Sarutobi Hiruzen stopped observing and quickly returned to the Hokage office to begin dealing with the pile of official business.

"Zero, go down and issue a notice: effective immediately, the Hokage office building will also issue loans at the same interest rate as the Uchiha clan."

Although he was one step behind the Uchiha, in the current situation, he would recover as much public support as he could.

As for teaching ninjutsu, no matter what he did, he would certainly not be as proficient as those guys from the Uchiha clan. Did they really think the observant Sharingan was a joke?

Moreover, the Anbu were not suited for this kind of work, and in terms of manpower, they were no match for the Uchiha clan.

He did not intend to invite humiliation upon himself.

But before Sarutobi Hiruzen could pick up his pen to handle the trivial aftermath of the war, another Anbu suddenly appeared in the office.

"Lord Hokage, the delegation from Kumogakure has arrived at the border of the Land of Fire." The Anbu, kneeling on the ground, said in a deep voice.

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded slightly. "Anbu, keep a close eye on the delegation at all times, and order the border defense troops not to lower their guard to prevent the Kumogakure ninjas from suddenly launching a surprise attack."

"This time, we can make Kumogakure bleed properly."

The Anbu always came and went in a hurry. Before long, only the wisps of smoke and the faint sound of pen scratching on paper remained in the Hokage office.

Time flew by with incredible speed when one was immersed in paperwork, and as soon as his lower back began to protest, Sarutobi Hiruzen honestly put down his work.

Rubbing his aching back, he stood up and walked to the window, intending to gaze out at his beautiful territory.

However, when he looked down, he happened to see two figures inseparable as glue, eating snacks together and laughing and chatting, and Sarutobi Hiruzen's face turned black instantly.

While I am dealing with the mess you created for me, you heartless fellow are actually off dating.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's blood pressure was frighteningly high today.