Who Said the Uchiha Clan Was Bad at Thinking?

They didn't announce the results of the first written test on the spot. Instead, they decided to make the official announcement the next day, leaving a subtle air of suspense inside and outside the exam hall.

Hayato had no objections to the decision. He privately guessed that the examiners still placed considerable importance on the theoretical knowledge required for promotion to Chunin.

However, none of it seemed to matter much to him. He was confident in his own abilities.

As the day's exam drew to a close, Hayato headed home at an easy pace, feeling relaxed and carefree.

The Kazama brothers were busy with chores around the house. They didn't want to accept help without giving anything in return, and had been doing their best to lend a hand these past few days.

"Hayato, how did it go? Did the exam go well?" As soon as Yuki saw Hayato step through the door, he hurried over, concern in his eyes.

Hayato wore a relaxed, cheerful smile, as though everything was under control.

"If all goes well, the written test shouldn't be a problem."

Takuya came over when he heard them and offered his sincere congratulations as well. "Then let me congratulate you in advance."

"Oh, and the Grand Elder is in the main hall. It looks like he's waiting for you." Yuki set down what he was working on, a hint of anticipation in his voice.

Hayato had promised to support their research. Perhaps today would be the decisive moment.

A look of delight flashed across Hayato's face. He was just as interested in the project as the Kazama brothers were.

It was only that he'd been busy preparing for the Chunin Ninja Exams lately and hadn't had a moment to spare.

He nodded to show that he understood, then strode quickly toward the main hall.

Takuya watched him go, gripping the broom in his hand tighter without realizing it. His expression was complicated, full of both nerves and anticipation.

Before long, Hayato reached the main hall. The Grand Elder sat at the table, savoring his tea with an air of leisure.

"Grandpa, did you get an answer about that matter?" Hayato asked directly.

Hearing his grandson's voice, the Grand Elder's face immediately lit up with a smile. "Yes. After several days of discussions with the clan head, he's finally agreed."

At that, the weight lifted from Hayato's heart, and a wave of relief washed over him.

"That's great! I'll go tell the two of them right away."

His voice brimmed with joy. He couldn't wait to share the good news with the Kazama brothers.

But just as he was about to leave the hall, the Grand Elder called out again. "Wait, Hayato."

Hayato stopped in his tracks and turned around, looking puzzled.

The Grand Elder spoke slowly. "There's one additional condition."

Hayato's brows knit slightly, a hint of worry in his eyes.

After a brief pause, the Grand Elder continued. "Of course, it benefits us too. Our family will have to cover one-third of their research expenses. In return, when they get results, we'll receive a corresponding share."

Hayato's expression turned peculiar. Who said the Uchiha Clan was bad at thinking? They're pretty shrewd.

He understood that the risk had to be shared. Since he was the one who'd vouched for the brothers, it was only reasonable for his family to cover part of the costs.

From the clan's perspective, the Grand Elder's agreement made sense. The Uchiha Clan didn't have much to show for itself in business.

Unlike the Ino-Shika-Cho families, each of which had its own enterprises.

It was undoubtedly an opportunity, but also a gamble.

"What do you think, Grandpa?" Hayato asked, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

"I came to ask you for your final decision." The Grand Elder smiled, his eyes full of trust and respect for Hayato.

What he meant was that he respected Hayato's decision. If Hayato chose to invest, he would certainly stand with him.

After all, the condition said the family would bear the cost. It didn't mean Hayato would have to shoulder it alone.

Once he understood, Hayato smiled and said, "I have no problem with it. I believe in them, and I trust my own judgment even more." His tone was firm, and confidence shone in his eyes.

"Good. I understand. I'll go reply to the clan head right away." The Grand Elder slowly rose to his feet. His movements were unhurried, but his resolve was clear.

"Oh, and good luck with the Chunin Ninja Exams." Just before leaving the hall, the Grand Elder turned back to encourage Hayato. His eyes were full of hope, as if he could already see Hayato's bright future.

Hayato gave a confident nod. "No problem."

"Ha ha! That's my grandson!" The Grand Elder's laughter echoed through the hall, full of pride and satisfaction.

Hayato watched the Grand Elder leave, his heart filled with gratitude and determination.

He knew his choice affected not only him, but the future of his entire family.

Then Hayato hurried off to share the news with the Kazama brothers.

When Takuya and Yuki heard it, delighted smiles appeared on their faces.

Takuya looked at Hayato with heartfelt sincerity and expressed his gratitude. "Hayato, we won't let you down. And... thank you."

Hayato waved a hand and smiled. "Don't put too much pressure on yourselves. Just take it one step at a time. This kind of thing can't be rushed."

Though Hayato reassured them, the Kazama brothers still felt a great deal of pressure.

After finishing their chores, the two hurried back to their room to discuss things.

The room was filled with a tense but hopeful atmosphere. They knew this research project was a huge challenge for them, but also a rare opportunity.

Meanwhile, Hayato was thinking about his plans for the future.

The Kazama brothers' situation had given him both pressure and motivation.

Whether it was to earn Hiruzen's approval as soon as possible and be promoted to Jonin, or to support the communications technology industry, he would have to take on more missions and earn more money after the Chunin Ninja Exams.

After the Chunin Ninja Exams, he would have to take on more missions and earn more money.

After all, he was the one who'd brought them in, and he was the one who'd wanted to pursue this project. He couldn't rely entirely on the Grand Elder and Shota's family to make up the difference.

He shook his head, setting those thoughts aside for the time being.

"For now, I should focus on finishing the Chunin Ninja Exams. One step at a time, steady and sure."

Then Hayato began pondering the Sealing Technique Kushina had taught him some time ago.

He sat in his room, sunlight streaming through the window and bathing him in a golden glow.

He focused on every detail of the Sealing Technique, as though the whole world had dwindled to just him and this mysterious art.

At that moment, his heart was filled with anticipation for the future.