Undercurrents

In Konoha Square, the notice hit the calm surface of village life like a boulder dropped into a lake.

Ripples spread outward, growing wider and reaching farther.

In less than half a day, word had reached every street, every shop, and every household in Konoha.

Two ninja-tool shop owners chatted across a counter without stopping their work.

"Heard the news?"

The balding owner on the left lowered his voice. "The Uchiha are hiring. They're even taking outsiders."

"Heard about it ages ago."

The other owner wiped down the Kunai in his hand. "Tsk. 350,000 Ryō a month. That's better pay than the Anbu get."

"What do you think the new Uchiha clan head is up to?"

The balding owner set down his tools and leaned closer.

"Who cares what he's up to?" He chuckled.

"As long as he pays promptly for ninja tools. Several Uchiha ninja came by this afternoon to stock up on equipment. They spent freely without batting an eye."

"True enough..."

In a corner of the Ninja Academy, several students nearing graduation huddled together, their heads close and their voices low.

"My brother says the Konoha Military Police Force is hiring."

A round-faced boy rubbed his hands together excitedly. "Even Genin get 50,000 Ryō a month!"

"Seriously?"

The tall boy beside him stared wide-eyed. "That's more than my dad earns from missions!"

"And I heard..."

The round-faced boy lowered his voice. "Your kids can train at the Uchiha Training Ground for free. That's the Uchiha we're talking about. Do well enough, and you might even learn the Uchiha Clan's jutsu."

They exchanged glances, their breathing quickening.

But one of them hesitated.

"But... if we join the Uchiha, won't the higher-ups start watching us?"

"Watching us?"

Another boy rolled his eyes. "You think way too highly of yourself.