Apprenticeship Banquet, Ever-Changing Konoha

Konoha, training ground.

The afternoon sun filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

Uchiha Jun leaned against a large tree, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the short-haired white boy in front of him.

Kabuto Yakushi.

The changes in the pocket are visible to the naked eye.

Compared to his malnourished, thin, and timid appearance at the Konoha Orphanage, Kabuto now has a rosy complexion and his eyes have a new sparkle.

Although she is still somewhat introverted, at least she doesn't hide behind Nonō like she used to when she sees strangers.

Kabuto Yakushi paused for a moment, then nodded seriously. "I've read through all the basic Medical Ninjutsu scrolls that Lord Jun gave me, and I've also memorized all the herbal knowledge that Dean Nonō taught me before."

"You've finished reading it all?" Uchiha Jun raised an eyebrow. "Then let me test you."

"Yes!"

How many bones are there in the human body?

"Adults typically have around 206 bones, but infants and toddlers have more because some bones, such as the skull and sacrum, are not yet fully fused."

Kabuto Yakushi barely hesitated before blurting out, "Furthermore, there are slight differences in the number of bones between the sexes; women have two more pelvic bones than men."

Uchiha Jun remained noncommittal and continued, "What is the composition of Chakra?"

"Chakra is a mixture of bodily energy extracted from 130 trillion cells in the human body and spiritual energy accumulated through cultivation, in a certain proportion."

"This is the content of the first chapter of the Ninja Academy's textbook, but according to the records of more advanced Medical Ninjutsu scrolls, Chakra can be further divided into Yin Release Chakra and Yang Release Chakra. The former is more focused on the mental level, while the latter is more focused on the physical level."

"Then tell me, what are the core principles of medical-nin?"

"To complete the treatment without causing unnecessary harm, at the lowest possible cost."

Kabuto Yakushi said, "medical-nin need to remain calm in battle, prioritize assessing injuries, and allocate Chakra rationally."

"Furthermore, medical-nin are usually the last ones to fall in the team, because we are responsible for healing our teammates. If we fall first, no one will take care of them."

Uchiha Jun smiled.

Kabuto Yakushi's answer was methodical and logical, and most importantly, many of the things he said were beyond the comprehension of ordinary Genin or even Chunin medical-nin.

It can be said that, apart from lacking combat experience and Chakra, Kabuto Yakushi's theoretical knowledge was sufficient to make him a qualified medical-nin.

This insight is invaluable in the Shinobi World, where everyone is constantly fighting and killing.

"That's right." Uchiha Jun nodded, then asked, "Do you know why the most basic healing technique in Medical Ninjutsu requires extremely precise Chakra control?"

Kabuto Yakushi and answered seriously, "Because the cells in the human body are very fragile. If too much Chakra is released, it will damage the cell structure."

"If the output is too small, it will not achieve the desired therapeutic effect. The essence of Medical Ninjutsu is to use one's own Chakra to activate and guide the patient's own cell regeneration ability, so it must be precisely controlled."

"Furthermore, the cellular regeneration capabilities of different organs and tissues vary, as do the amount and frequency of Chakra required."

"For example?" Uchiha Jun pressed.

"For example, the liver has the strongest regenerative capacity and can recover on its own with only a small amount of Chakra; while once myocardial cells are damaged, they can hardly regenerate and require a large amount of continuous Chakra stimulation to barely repair themselves."

"Nerve cells are also the most difficult to repair; if not handled properly, they can lead to paralysis."

A hint of approval flashed in Uchiha Jun's eyes. It was obvious that Kabuto Yakushi had extraordinary talent in medicine. No wonder Orochimaru chose Kabuto Yakushi as his assistant in the original work and promoted him to a position second only to Orochimaru.

"You kid, you didn't disappoint me."

Uchiha Jun readily offered his praise and affirmation.

Kabuto Yakushi's eyes lit up, and an excited blush spread across his face.

Uchiha Jun stood up, took a scroll from his ninja tool pouch, and casually tossed it to Kabuto.

"Then."

Dou hurriedly caught it, looked down, and his pupils suddenly contracted.

It was a scroll marked with Sealing Jutsu, and a note attached to it read "two million taels".

"Lord Chun, this is..."

"Your reward," Uchiha Jun said casually. "I told you, you did a great job, you deserve a reward. Take it, don't be shy."

"Spend it as you please."

Kabuto Yakushi's hands were trembling slightly.

Two million taels.

This number was astronomical to him.

"Lord Chun, this is really too precious--"

"It's nothing to me. Also, call me Master." Uchiha Jun chuckled.

Kabuto Yakushi wanted to say something, but seeing Uchiha Jun's unyielding gaze, he swallowed his words, solemnly put away the scroll, and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Master! I will definitely train hard and live up to your expectations!"

Uchiha Jun waved his hand, about to say something, when his gaze turned towards the entrance of the training ground.

At the entrance to the training ground, a woman dressed in a nun's habit was carrying a lunchbox and slowly walking towards them.

Yakushi Nonō.

"Kabuto, dinner's ready." Yakushi Nonō walked over with a smile. She was slightly taken aback when she saw Uchiha Jun there, then bowed respectfully. "Lord Jun, you're here too."

"Nonō." Uchiha Jun nodded, acknowledging her.

Uchiha Jun glanced at the sky; it was noon, and the sun was shining brightly.

He thought for a moment, then suddenly raised his hand and snapped his fingers into the air.

"Smack."

The next second, a dark figure appeared silently in front of him and knelt on one knee.

He was a ninja wearing a Konoha Anbu mask, exuding an aura of sharpness and skill, clearly a seasoned veteran.

"My lord," the Anbu Ninja's voice was low and respectful.

Uchiha Jun took two scrolls out of his ninja tool pouch and casually tossed them over.

"Two million taels each, take it to all the restaurants in Konoha, buy food, and deliver it to the Uchiha Clan Head's residence." He paused, then added, "The best quality, and the portions must be large enough for at least twenty people. Go to all the famous restaurants in Konoha, pick their signature dishes, and buy as much as you can."

The Anbu Ninja took the scroll and waited for him to continue.

"The other is one million taels, which can be considered as the mission reward for your shift."

Uchiha Jun said, "After delivering the food, go and inform Uchiha Fugaku that I'm back. Have Uchiha Fugaku bring Itachi along for lunch so we can catch up on what's been going on lately."

The Anbu Ninja was visibly taken aback.

A mission reward of one million taels?

This... this is way too extravagant!

As a former Anbu Ninja, he had carried out numerous A-Rank Mission, each one fraught with danger.

The highest bounty ever offered was only a little over one million taels of silver.

Now, you can earn a million taels of silver just by running errands like buying food or delivering messages?

Mr. Chun is indeed as generous as rumored!

Even when I was serving under the Third Hokage, I never encountered anything like this!

"Sir, this..." The Anbu Ninja hesitated.

"What? You think it's not enough?" Uchiha Jun raised an eyebrow.

"No, no..." The Anbu Ninja quickly lowered his head, cold sweat beading on his forehead. "It's just that this bounty is far too high; I feel unworthy of it."

"Take it, you deserve it." Uchiha Jun waved his hand, his tone casual as if he were handing over a tip.

"Also, inform Kurama Murakumo, Orochimaru, and Hizashi Hyuga to bring their respective people to the Fugaku at noon and say I have something to discuss."

The Anbu Ninja no longer refused, solemnly put away the two scrolls, and bowed, saying, "Yes!"

"Oh, right, there's one more thing," Uchiha Jun called out to him, "Have Kurama Murakumo and Orochimaru bring their capable subordinates with them. Something good is going to happen at noon today."

The Anbu Ninja obeyed the order and vanished from the spot with a Body Flicker Technique.

Uchiha Jun turned around, looked at Yakushi Nonō and Kabuto, and said in a much more relaxed tone, "Now that we've dealt with most of the trivial matters, it's time to hold a formal apprenticeship ceremony."

"A discipleship ceremony?" Yakushi Nonō and Kabuto were both taken aback.

"Yes." Uchiha Jun nodded. "Give Kabuto and Itachi a proper status."

Uchiha Jun looked at Kabuto, a serious look in his eyes. "I am formally accepting you as my disciple. This noon, at the Uchiha Fugaku residence, in front of everyone, we will finalize this."

"Then inform the whole village to hold a ceremony to celebrate the apprenticeship."

Let's go.

Meanwhile, in the Uchiha Clan Grounds, at the clan head's residence.

Uchiha Fugaku was sitting in the living room, holding a thick report in his hand, his brows furrowed.

The changes in Konoha during this period have been enormous.

Since Orochimaru took over Acting Hokage, various reform measures in the village have been implemented one by one.

First, there's the reform of the mission system—previously, missions were uniformly assigned by the Hokage Building, and ninjas could only passively accept them, having to rely on the Hokage Building's approval; now, Orochimaru has opened up a mission-accepting system where any ninja can choose their own missions as long as they meet the level requirements.

This reform directly ignited the Konoha mission market.

In the past, when an A-Rank Mission came out, more than a dozen ninjas would rush to take it on.

Now, there are so many missions that the ninjas can even be picky, choosing those with high bounties and low danger.

Secondly, there's the tax rate adjustment—previously, the village took a cut of up to 50%. After completing a mission, half the money went to the village, and the rest had to be shared with teammates, leaving you with very little.

Now, with the tax rate reduced to 30% and various subsidy policies in place, ninjas' income has more than doubled.

Furthermore, with Uchiha Fugaku personally intervening and facilitating connections with the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, trade between the two forces was further strengthened, resulting in Konoha's fiscal revenue increasing several times over.

"Knock knock knock."

The knocking interrupted Fugaku's thoughts.

"Come in."

The door was pushed open, and an Uchiha Clan clansman entered, bowing respectfully. "Clan Chief, an Anbu Ninja has arrived outside, saying he is here on Lord Jun's orders to see you."

"Jun-kun?" Uchiha Fugaku raised an eyebrow and immediately put down the report in his hand. "Let him in."

Soon, the Anbu Ninja came in and relayed Uchiha Jun's words verbatim.

When Uchiha Jun Uchiha Fugaku had returned to Konoha and was going to hold a banquet at his house, a rare smile appeared on his face.

"Finally back."

Uchiha Fugaku walked to the window, looked at the bright sunshine outside, and was filled with emotion.

Uchiha Jun, a clansman more than ten years younger than him, has become his most important ally.

Without Uchiha Jun, there would be no Uchiha Fugaku today, and the Uchiha Clan would not have their current status in Konoha.

Just a few months ago, the Uchiha Clan was struggling to survive under pressure from the Konoha High Command.

Shimura Danzō eyeing the situation covetously, the Third Hokage watched coldly from the sidelines, and the other ninja clans were all watching the spectacle unfold.

And now?

The Uchiha Clan has become one of the most powerful clans in Konoha.

The Konoha Military Police Force is firmly under their control, and all the major ninja clans are vying to curry favor with them. Even the policies of the Hokage Building have to be subject to their approval.

Even the daimyo of the Land of Fire had to show them some respect.

All of this is because of Uchiha Jun.

That boy, only sixteen years old, already stood at the pinnacle of the Shinobi World.

"Today, we're holding a ceremony to formally accept the apprenticeship..."

Uchiha Fugaku muttered to himself, a meaningful smile appearing on his face, "It seems he really intends to cultivate his own team."

He turned and walked out of the room, preparing to personally greet this "distinguished guest."

At midday, Uchiha Fugaku's residence was bustling with activity.

A lavish meal worth two million taels of silver was laid out almost from the living room to the courtyard. A dazzling array of delicacies were on display, including whole roasted beef, braised fish, tempura, sushi platters, grilled saury, honey-glazed pork... There were even a few top-tier dishes from the Land of Fire Capital, which were enough to make anyone's mouth water just by looking at them.

It was less of a formal banquet and more of an unconventional "buffet".

When Uchiha Jun arrived with Yakushi Nonō and Kabuto, quite a few people had already gathered.

Kurama Murakumo, accompanied by several Elite Jonin of the Kurama Clan, was standing in a corner of the courtyard, conversing with a few familiar ninjas.

He was dressed in a dark blue suit, looking very energetic, and showed no signs of his previous worried appearance.

Orochimaru leaned against a pillar, holding a cup of sake in his hand, his face pale, with a faint smile on his lips.

He didn't speak to anyone, just stood there quietly, like a snake lurking in the shadows, making it impossible to know what he was thinking.

Hizashi Hyuga, along with several members of the Hyuga Branch Family family, sat quietly on one side of the living room.

He was speaking quietly to the clansmen beside him, his expression calm and composed, no longer displaying the subservient demeanor he once had in front of the Main Family.

Upon seeing Uchiha Jun arrive, everyone gathered around him.

"Lord Chun!"

Uchiha Jun greeted everyone with a smile, neither arrogant nor overly familiar, striking the perfect balance.

Just then, Uchiha Fugaku came out of the inner courtyard with his family.

Uchiha Fugaku walked at the front, a rare smile on his usually serious face.

He was dressed in a black suit with the Uchiha Clan's Gunbai emblem printed on the back, exuding a calm and composed aura.

Behind him followed Mikoto Uchiha, dressed in a light purple kimono, dignified and elegant, with a gentle smile on her face.

Behind them was a composed young man dressed in a black kimono.

Itachi Uchiha.

Although it was only five or six years old, Itachi's aura already far surpassed that of his peers.

He followed behind his father, his steps steady, his eyes clear, like a renowned sword yet to be drawn.

Those dark eyes swept across the room, and although they were still young, they already carried a calmness that didn't belong to someone his age.

"Jun-kun." Uchiha Fugaku walked up to Uchiha Jun and patted him on the shoulder with a smile.

"Fugaku," Uchiha Jun smiled, "You've had a hard time these past few days."

"Not at all, I'm just doing my job for the clan." Uchiha Fugaku said, stepping aside to reveal Itachi behind him. "Itachi, why don't you call him Master?"

Itachi Uchiha stepped forward and bowed respectfully to Uchiha Jun: "Master."

Although his voice was still young, his tone was calm and composed, displaying the air of a great general.

Uchiha Jun nodded, his gaze lingering on Itachi Uchiha for a moment before he gave a satisfied "hmm".

"Not bad, you haven't been slacking off lately and have improved quite a bit."

Itachi Uchiha bowed slightly. "Master, you flatter me."

Uchiha Jun smiled, then stepped aside to make way for Kabuto Yakushi behind him.

"Come, let me introduce you to everyone." He put his hand on Kabuto Yakushi's shoulder. "This is my new disciple, Kabuto Yakushi."

The room fell silent for a moment after he said that.

All eyes were on Dou, filled with scrutiny, surprise, curiosity, and—envy.

Kabuto Yakushi.

This name was familiar to most of the people present.

After all, Uchiha Jun and Yakushi Nonō's collaboration wasn't kept secret.

But no one expected that Uchiha Jun would formally accept Kabuto Yakushi, a commoner ninja, as his disciple.

"Kabuto, this is Uchiha Fugaku clan, and this is Itachi," Uchiha Jun introduced them one by one. "Over there are Chief Kurama Murakumo, Lord Orochimaru Hizashi Hyuga clan..."

Kabuto took a deep breath, then bowed to everyone. "Greetings, esteemed sirs! Please take care of me from now on!"

Everyone responded.

"To be chosen by Master Chun, one's future is limitless!"

"If you need anything in the future, just come to me!"

Kabuto responded to each question, and although he was a little nervous, he behaved in a generous and proper manner, and did not embarrass Uchiha Jun.

The ninjas standing to the side all looked at Kabuto with deep envy.

After all, given Uchiha Jun's current status and position, becoming his disciple would be an incredible stroke of luck.

Look at the people around Uchiha Jun — Kurama Murakumo, who was originally just the head of a small, insignificant clan, is now one of the most powerful figures in Konoha; Hizashi Hyuga, who was originally just the head of the Hyuga Branch Family family and could only serve as a foil to Hyuga Hiashi, has now also entered the core of Konoha.

He was on equal footing with Hyuga Hiashi, without having to consider the Main Family's feelings at all. Yet, the Hyuga Main Family didn't dare to do anything, since beating Hizashi Hyuga was equivalent to beating Uchiha Jun.

When the time comes, the Root and the Konoha Police Force will give them a good beating; even if they don't die, they'll be badly injured.

Hyuga Ten, who had his eyes gouged out in public back then, is now living like a crayfish.

This is the benefit of following the right people.

"Alright, everyone, stop standing there and let's eat," Uchiha Fugaku said with a smile, gesturing to the group.

Everyone readily agreed and began to eat.

Uchiha Jun had Yakushi Nonō take Kabuto and Itachi to eat with Mikoto Uchiha, while he himself followed Uchiha Fugaku, Orochimaru, and the others into the inner courtyard's reception hall.

The inner courtyard reception room.

As soon as the door closed, the noise outside immediately subsided.

This is a spacious Japanese-style room with dark wooden floors and a low table in the center, on which are placed tea sets and several plates of snacks.

Sunlight streamed through the paper windows, casting soft shadows in the room.

Uchiha Jun sat down in the main seat, with Uchiha Fugaku sitting next to him, Orochimaru sitting opposite him, and Kurama Murakumo and Hizashi Hyuga sitting on either side.

These five people represent the core power circle in Konoha.

"Alright, tell me." Uchiha Jun picked up his teacup, took a sip, and glanced at the people present. "How has Konoha fared while I was away?"

Orochimaru put down his wine glass, a slight smile appearing on his pale face, "Overall, very good."

He began his introduction.

Since Orochimaru took over Acting Hokage, he has implemented a series of reforms.

The first step is to reform the task system, changing it from the original allocation system to a system where tasks can be freely accepted.

This reform caused the workload of Konoha to increase more than threefold.

"In the past, ninjas had to wait in line to receive missions, and they also had to be mindful of the Hokage Building's attitude."

Orochimaru said, his voice slightly hoarse, "Now, we've opened up free quest taking. Anyone who meets the level requirements can choose their own quests, and the quest rewards are 30% to 40% higher than before."

"The mission bounty has increased?" Uchiha Jun somewhat surprised. "Where is the money coming from?"

"This is where we must mention the merit of Clan Chief Fugaku." Orochimaru looked at Uchiha Fugaku with a hint of admiration in his eyes. "He acted as a bridge between me and the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, successfully advancing trade between the two powers."

"Now, the Daimyo Palace is taking on the additional subsidy portion of the Konoha mission bounties, and has also opened up more channels for business cooperation."

"Furthermore, the reputation you've built on the battlefield brings a 'brand' premium to Konoha, making it more attractive to those posting missions in Konoha, even at a premium."

Uchiha Fugaku smiled modestly and waved his hand, "It's all thanks to Jun-kun's trust and Lord Orochimaru's support. I was just running errands."

Uchiha Jun nodded, secretly admiring him.

It's surprising that the Uchiha Clan Head in the original work, who was so cowardly that he could be a pushover, also possessed such shrewd and skillful management abilities that are truly unmatched by ordinary people.

Now, thanks to Uchiha Jun's encouragement, his talents have finally found a place to shine.

"What about the financial aspect?" Uchiha Jun asked.

"Very good." Orochimaru gave a two-word evaluation. His tone was flat, but the light in his eyes betrayed his inner pride. Clearly, he had bragged about it quite a bit in front of Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Konoha's fiscal revenue has reached more than five times that of the Third's era."