Chapter 44

"Yoichi, what brings you here in the morning?" Kenji asked as he slowly sipped his tea, then smiled and said, "I thought you were training. What do you need from me this time? Oh right, I heard you brought back a bear last night and got a bit injured."

After saying that, Kenji took a look at Yoichi's body and noticed he didn't have any injuries.

"That bear is quite special, stronger than the average Jōnin. I've made it my summoning beast, but it eats a lot. My savings over the recent years might not be enough to keep it fed."

Yoichi had barely finished speaking when he saw the Second Elder about to say something, so he quickly interrupted, "Second Elder, I'm not here to ask for money. I have a few ideas that could definitely make a lot of money. This way, the Uchiha clan will have a few continuous sources of income, and even the children won't have to worry about spending money in the future."

Kenji laughed at Yoichi's words, then shook his head and said, "Yoichi-kun, your idea is good, but money isn't that important to ninjas."

One of the three ninja prohibitions is the ban on luxury, meaning money and material goods can corrupt the spirit of the strong. This is why some Jōnin easily earn high rewards from missions but live in modesty.

"Second Elder, I'm not talking about spending money on luxury. In combat, ninja tools play a significant role in enhancing strength. Maybe Jōnin rely on them less, but Chūnin and Genin definitely can't ignore the role of ninja tools."

Yoichi explained, "For example, if one of our Chūnin encounters three enemy Chūnin but has three hundred exploding tags on him..."

Kenji was momentarily speechless, almost crashing his brain with that analogy.

Even a low-quality exploding tag has more destructive power than most D-rank ninjutsu and doesn't consume much chakra. Just activate and throw it.

Three hundred exploding tags are almost equivalent to three hundred C-rank ninjutsu. Could even a Hokage-level ninja continuously cast three hundred Fire Release techniques?

"Second Elder, if it's just about making money for luxury, I wouldn't agree either. But having more money can increase our clan members' survival rates on the battlefield. Even Jōnin can't ignore that. If everyone had a chakra weapon or top-notch armor, it would significantly increase our clan's survival rate."

After hearing Yoichi's words, Kenji put down his tea cup and nodded in agreement.

Yoichi continued, "If I aim to become the clan head, support from our clan members is essential. So, I want to establish a welfare system for the Uchiha, ensuring every clan member's food, clothing, and medical benefits."

He briefly outlined the welfare system he envisioned. Kenji nodded along, recognizing it as a great idea that would benefit all clan members.

"If it's built, the whole clan will be grateful to Yoichi."

"Moreover, on my way here, I saw the clan leader's wife preparing to visit Elder Ryota's wife. Second Elder, even Fugaku is now trying to win over clan members' hearts. Although I plan to keep a low profile, I don't want to do nothing in the competition for clan head."

Yoichi spoke up, realizing he had the intention but not the conditions.

Even Kenji couldn't place someone without battle achievements, the support of most clan members, or significant contributions to the clan as the clan head.

In summary, it's about winning people's support. Yoichi's age, battle achievements, and contributions hadn't reached the level to convince the majority. If he could win over most Uchiha members, Fugaku naturally couldn't remain clan head and would have to step down.

"I understand, Yoichi. Your idea is excellent. Although our clan isn't lacking money, we don't have surplus funds for these things. If you can establish the Uchiha welfare system, then go ahead."

After listening to Yoichi's words, especially after Yoichi mentioned Mikoto was also courting clan ninjas, Kenji felt he had no reason to oppose and decided to support Yoichi fully.

"Whatever people or resources you need, I'll help you find them. If you need anything, you can always come to me."

Yoichi smiled and said, "Thank you, Second Elder. I just need some relevant personnel for now. I still have some money."

He then listed the technical personnel he needed. With televisions already in the ninja world, computers were a major focus; developing ninja games had to start with gaming consoles.

As Yoichi was about to leave, Kenji suddenly said, "Yoichi, those magic goats you brought have already given birth. In two or three years, that breeding farm will be sizable."

This was good news, but it was necessary to confirm if the magic goats born in the ninja world retained their previous generation's nutritional effects.

However, the natural energy in the ninja world, which allows toads to speak, shouldn't be much inferior to the Elemental Forest.

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"Ikemoto-san, thank you for your help. Let's talk more after work today at Inoue Izakaya."

Mina set a place for their meeting tonight upon hearing Ikemoto-san's agreement.

With not many entertainment venues in Konoha, and only a couple of izakayas and dining places, it was an easy choice.

"I understand, Mina-san. I'll definitely keep the appointment."

Ikemoto readily agreed, impressed by Mina's medical ninjutsu talent and acknowledging the face of the Uchiha clan, which is why he agreed.

As everything was settled and Mina was about to leave, the door suddenly opened.

"Ikemoto, have you prepared the things I asked for last time? Eh, Kushina?"

Tsunade was surprised to spot a red-haired figure inside, reminiscent of Kushina. But upon closer inspection, she realized she had mistaken the person for someone else.

"It's ready, Lady Tsunade. I'll get it for you now."

Seeing Tsunade, Ikemoto immediately rose to fetch the medicine she requested last time.

Mina, upon seeing Tsunade, quietly said, "Ikemoto-san, Lady Tsunade, if there's nothing else, I'll be going now."

Ikemoto nodded, "Go ahead, Mina-san."

After she left, Tsunade retracted her gaze. Red hair as vivid as Kushina's is rare in Konoha.

"Ikemoto, is she also from the hospital?"

"Yes, Lady Tsunade. Mina-san is a medical ninjutsu prodigy. In less than a month, she completed the step of healing a live fish. And she had no prior medical ninjutsu training, far surpassing me when I started."

Ikemoto praised without hesitation; it took him half a year to heal a live fish, making Mina's achievement seem far superior.

"Less than a month? That talent is indeed impressive."

Tsunade was somewhat surprised, growing increasingly curious about this red-haired girl, Mina.

(End of Chapter)