Who Said the Uchiha Clan Wasn't Smart?

The results of the first written exam were not revealed on the spot, but were instead reserved for an official announcement the following day. This arrangement left a subtle sense of suspense hanging both inside and outside the examination hall.

Hayato did not express any objection to this decision; he secretly speculated that the examiners still placed considerable importance on the theoretical knowledge required for promotion to Chunin.

However, all of this seemed irrelevant to him, as he was filled with confidence in his own strength.

As the curtain fell on the day's examination, Hayato set off on his way home, his steps light and his mood relaxed.

The Kazama brothers were busy with household chores; unwilling to accept favors for nothing, they had been doing their best to help out these past few days.

"Hayato, how did it go? Did the exam go smoothly?" As soon as Yuki saw Hayato step through the door, he hurried forward, his eyes full of concern.

A relaxed and pleasant smile hung on Hayato's face, as if everything were well within his grasp.

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

Takuya came over upon hearing the voice and likewise offered his sincere congratulations: "Then let me congratulate you in advance."

"By the way, the Grand Elder is in the main hall; it seems he is waiting for you." Yuki set down the work in his hands, his voice carrying a hint of anticipation.

Hayato had promised them that he would support their research, and perhaps today was the decisive moment.

A flash of joy crossed Hayato's face; his interest in this research was no less than that of the Kazama brothers.

It was just that he had been too busy preparing for the Chunin Exams recently to spare any time.

He nodded to show he understood, then picked up his pace and walked quickly toward the main hall.

Takuya watched his retreating figure, his grip tightening unconsciously on the broom in his hand. The expression on his face was complex, filled with both nervousness and anticipation.

Before long, Hayato arrived at the main hall to find the Grand Elder sitting at the table, savoring a cup of fragrant tea with a look of leisurely contentment.

"Grandfather, is there a result regarding that matter?" Hayato asked straight to the point.

Upon hearing his grandson's voice, the Grand Elder's face immediately broke into a smile: "Yes, after my repeated discussions with the Clan Head over these past few days, he has finally agreed."

Hearing this, the heavy stone in Hayato's heart finally fell, and a sense of relief welled up within him.

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

His words were filled with joy, and he couldn't wait to share the good news with the Kazama brothers.

However, just as he was about to step out of the main hall, the Grand Elder's voice sounded again: "Wait a moment, Hayato."

Hayato's footsteps faltered, and he turned around, his eyes full of confusion.

The Grand Elder spoke slowly: "There is an additional condition to this matter."

Hayato couldn't help but frown slightly, a hint of worry appearing in his eyes.

After waiting a moment, the Grand Elder spoke slowly: "Of course, it is also beneficial for us. It is that our family must bear one-third of the research expenses for the two of them. Naturally, when there are results, we will also have a corresponding share of the profits."

Upon hearing this, a strange look appeared on Hayato's face, and he couldn't help but mutter to himself: Who said the Uchiha Clan wasn't sharp? This is quite shrewd.

He understood that this was risk-sharing; since he was the one vouching for them, it was only reasonable to cover a portion of the expenses.

From the perspective of the clan's interests, the Grand Elder agreed with this approach. The Uchiha Clan itself did not have any particular achievements in business.

Unlike the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, who each had their own industries.

This was undoubtedly an opportunity, but it was also a massive gamble.

"What do you think, Grandfather?" Hayato asked, his eyes filled with anticipation.

"I came to find you to hear your final choice, didn't I?" The Grand Elder said with a smile, his eyes full of trust and respect for Hayato.

The implication was that he respected Hayato's decision; if Hayato decided to join in, he would certainly support him.

Because the condition stated it was for the family, not just for Hayato alone to bear.

After thinking it through, Hayato smiled and said: "I have no problem with it. I believe in them, and I believe even more in my own judgment." His tone was firm, and his eyes shone with confidence.

"Very well, then I understand. I will go and reply to the Clan Head now." The Grand Elder stood up slowly; his movements were somewhat sluggish, yet they revealed a firm resolve.

"By the way, good luck with the Chunin Exams." Before the Grand Elder lifted his feet to leave the main hall, he turned back to encourage Hayato. His eyes were full of expectation and encouragement, as if he had already seen Hayato's future brilliance.

Hayato nodded slightly and said confidently: "It won't be a problem."

"Haha, as expected of my grandson." The Grand Elder's laughter echoed in the main hall, filled with gratification and pride.

Hayato watched the Grand Elder's departing back, his heart filled with gratitude and determination.

He knew that his choice concerned not only himself but the future of the entire clan.

Afterward, Hayato jogged all the way to tell the Kazama brothers the news.

Upon hearing the news, Takuya and Yuki's faces lit up with joyful smiles.

Takuya looked at Hayato with sincere eyes, expressing his gratitude: "Hayato, we won't let you down. And, thank you."

Hayato waved his hand and said with a smile: "Don't put too much pressure on yourselves. Just take it one step at a time; these things cannot be rushed."

Although Hayato comforted them, the Kazama brothers still felt immense pressure.

After finishing their chores, the two hurried back to their room to begin their discussions.

The room was filled with a tense yet hopeful atmosphere. They knew full well that this research project was a huge challenge for them, as well as a rare opportunity.

On the other side, Hayato was also thinking about his future plans.

The matter of the Kazama brothers served as both a source of pressure and a driving force for him.

Whether it was to earn Hiruzen's recognition as quickly as possible to be promoted to Jonin, or to support the communications technology project, he had to do his best to take on more missions and earn money after the Chunin Exams.

After all, he was the one who had recruited the people and initiated the project; he could not rely entirely on the Grand Elder and the couple, Shota and his wife, to foot the bill.

He shook his head, temporarily setting these thoughts aside.

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

With that, Hayato began to ponder the sealing techniques Kushina had taught him some time ago.

He sat in his room as the sunlight streamed through the window, casting a golden glow upon him.

He focused intently on every detail of the sealing technique, as if the entire world had narrowed down to just him and this mysterious art.

In this moment, his heart was filled with longing and anticipation for the future.