Wandering

Therefore, the best way to face hardship is to confront it and think of a solution. The only path forward is to first improve my own strength; I must reach at least Kage-level within these few years to establish my own influence in this chaotic world. Developing oneself and being self-sufficient is the fundamental basis for growth. Without roots of one's own, no matter how lush the growth or how sweet the fruit, one will eventually just become nutrients for others. Having settled on a plan, Uchiha Zhuang felt a surge of confidence. He opened his eyes to look at the women still sewing nearby and instructed, "Go to sleep now, rest well, and take care of your health." "Hai," they replied. A moment later, as the night lamp was extinguished, the three women laid out their bedding and slept beside Uchiha Zhuang. The night passed in silence.

The next morning, the early sunlight spilled onto Uchiha Zhuang's resolute face. Furrowing his brows, he once again sank into the fragments of the world of a Kage-level powerhouse, engaged in endless combat. It was mid-morning by the time a drenched, sweating Uchiha Zhuang finally woke up. Tsugutama, who had been waiting nearby for a long time, handed him a towel and gently wiped the sweat from his face. Uchiha Zhuang stood up, untied his sleeping robe, and began to contemplate his next move. After Tsugutama finished wiping him down, Uchiha Zhuang decided to first travel through the nearby towns and villages to see if he could discover any interesting people or events, while also broadening his horizons and perhaps righting some wrongs along the way. He could not return to the village yet; he had to wait for the cooldown of Echo of the Distance to finish before teleporting back, otherwise, entering through the village gates would surely be disastrous. Moreover, these three women had to be settled properly, as they would be the core strength of the organization he intended to build.

After cautioning the women not to leave the house for the next few days, Uchiha Zhuang shouldered his tachi and strode out of the courtyard gate. Looking at the Golden Scroll in his hand, he arrived at the entrance of the Earth Warehouse (pawnshop) in town. Seeing that the Earth Warehouse was significantly taller and more luxurious than the surrounding buildings, Uchiha Zhuang realized that pawnshops in times of chaos were truly treasure troves. He walked into the establishment under the three gleaming, prominent characters of "Daikokuya."

The service inside was indeed attentive and full of enthusiasm. The clerk, seeing Uchiha Zhuang's large tachi and sturdy physique, couldn't help but deepen the fawning smile on his face and said respectfully, "Master Samurai, may your martial fortune prosper! It is a true honor for our humble shop to have you grace us with your presence! Is there anything I can do for you?" "Do you have gold?" The clerk's smile grew even wider. "Yes, yes, of course. How much does Master Samurai require?" "I recall the Daimyo once issued an order forbidding the pawning of gold, silver, and other precious items, right!?" "Master Samurai, you are unaware; the nobles have their own plans, and we small merchants must have our own little schemes as well!" the clerk said helplessly. Uchiha Zhuang nodded. "Enough, stop the chatter. How much gold can you exchange for this scroll?" With that, Uchiha Zhuang pulled a Golden Scroll (gray) from his lapel. The clerk looked at the scroll with a surprised expression, then became even more respectful. "This is the most credible gold voucher from the underground black markets of the Five Great Nations. At current market value... I dare not deceive you, Master Samurai, it is worth five hundred ryo!" He finished by glancing at the large tachi on Uchiha Zhuang's back. Without further suspicion, Uchiha Zhuang asked, "Can you exchange it? I don't need that much gold. Give me one hundred ryo in gold, and exchange the remaining four hundred ryo into silver notes from the black market firm." "Hai! Master Samurai, please wait a moment, shimasu!" The clerk hurried away clutching the gold voucher. After waiting for nearly the entire morning—during which tea and snacks were served three times—and just as Uchiha Zhuang was losing his patience, the clerk returned with a shrewd old man sporting a topknot, both of them carrying a box. Though called a box, it was more like a case—a beautifully crafted, ornate wooden box fitted with a turtle-carved flag lock. One had to admit, the shop was sophisticated and knew how to handle things! If he ever had to rob the rich to help the poor in the future, he would have to go a bit easier on them.

Uchiha Zhuang didn't speak, waiting for the old man to introduce himself. The old man approached and bowed to Uchiha Zhuang before sitting down. "An honored guest has come from afar; you must be tired. Why not rest in our shop today? We have excellent guest rooms and a famous hot spring. What does the honorable guest think?" Listening to the old man's polite pleasantries, Uchiha Zhuang smiled and said, "I have a mission to attend to and cannot stay long. Exchange it quickly." Looking at the youthful boy before him, the old man—who looked quite aged—smiled slowly and said, "Master Samurai, the items you requested are all in this box. Do not worry, Daikokuya guarantees its reputation. You will not lose out on this exchange. Furthermore, if you see a Daikokuya elsewhere in the future, just mention my name, and someone will help you if you encounter difficulties." Looking at the old man's withered, leathery face, Uchiha Zhuang felt a surge of curiosity and asked who he was. The old man laughed heartily. "This humble one is the Old Turtle of Tanba, Hatano Yu!" Uchiha Zhuang was amused upon hearing this and said with a smile, "Do you have a granddaughter named Hatano Yui?" Hatano Yu looked at Uchiha Zhuang in surprise and said, "Master Samurai, are you perhaps a master of divination? My family does indeed have such a girl." Uchiha Zhuang had no interest in making small talk with the old man; he picked up the box and, ignoring the old man's attempts to keep him, strode outside. After exiting, he took a look at the bustling commercial street and headed toward his house.

Back home, he gave all one hundred ryo of gold to Hanako for safekeeping and left about one million in silver notes for daily expenses. Given the price levels in the world of Naruto, one million ryo was enough to cover the expenses of a small noble family for at least several years. Hanako looked at the large sum of money and was about to say something, but Uchiha Zhuang interrupted her. "First, this money is for you to buy better clothes and hire someone to tidy up the residence. Second, I will hire a teacher to instruct the three of you in etiquette, swordsmanship, and general knowledge. Third, this money is an investment in you; I expect you to earn it back in the future, and I hope there will be no losses." Hanako opened her mouth but said nothing, eventually only managing a "Hai."

Having arranged these matters, Uchiha Zhuang did not hesitate any longer, left the house, and headed out of town.

Traveling within the Land of Fire, even in the border regions, the standard of living for commoners was several grades higher than elsewhere. At a glance, the villages were filled with vast, lush green fields, with wooden houses scattered in the distance, and people even cultivating land on the hillsides. A group of children played and frolicked, and the villagers heading to work showed no signs of fear or terror at Uchiha Zhuang's arrival. Uchiha Zhuang abandoned the thought of disturbing them; a village that was too peaceful was not suitable for the breeding of violence. Without violence, there is no darkness, and without darkness, there is no power. A life of comfort would only affect the speed at which I draw my blade. Leaving the peaceful village behind, he continued on his way.