Making a Comeback

Hokage Office.

The Third Hokage reviewed the documents on his desk, thoroughly examining all the findings.

From foot traffic to customer spending, everything had been meticulously recorded over time. It was clear that Danzo had been eyeing the Uchiha's businesses for quite some time.

Danzo's preparations were thorough, with everything detailed, surprising even the Third Hokage.

The Uchiha's income had reached an astonishing level.

According to the data, Konoha's funds were more than ten times greater than the Uchiha's.

But that money wasn't solely at the Third Hokage's disposal. He couldn't decide where to spend it all.

Village infrastructure, ninja salaries, secret technique research, and the support of the Anbu—all required funding from this pool.

The Uchiha's situation was different. Ninety percent of the money the Uchiha clan earned belonged to Fugaku, the clan leader, who could spend it as he saw fit.

If this continued, would the Uchiha eventually take control?

Interests drove all ninja clans. If the money were right, it would be possible for them to cast their votes for Uchiha Fugaku.

The Third Hokage hadn't realized how severe the situation had become, feeling a sudden sense of urgency.

As he prepared to contemplate a solution, he noticed Danzo standing before him.

The Third Hokage smirked inwardly.

It's best to leave professional tasks to the professionals.

After all, Danzo was very familiar with this.

The Third Hokage tapped his pipe against the paper. "What's your plan?"

Danzo responded, "My people have tried to replicate the recipes, but the taste is always a bit off."

"There are some secret ingredients we don't know, and we can't match their flavor."

Seeing Danzo's ambitious look, the Third Hokage couldn't help but ask, "You're not planning on using force, are you? You can't withstand their Susano'o."

Danzo's face darkened. "Hmph, I'm not going to fight them head-on."

Danzo shook the documents in his hand. "Hiruzen, you could use the pretext of supporting them to get Fugaku to share the secret recipes."

The Third Hokage frowned. "Fugaku likely won't agree."

Danzo sneered. "If he doesn't agree, there are ways to make him comply."

The Third Hokage seemed to ponder this. "What do you want?"

Danzo replied without hesitation, "Restore Root."

The Third Hokage paced repeatedly, finally glancing at the massive figures in the Uchiha clan's earnings column.

The Third Hokage shook his head. "Restoring Root is out of the question."

Danzo said nothing. He knew restoring Root wouldn't be easy, but since the Daimyo had given him this task, the Third Hokage would have to consider the Daimyo's face, so he knew there was more to come.

The Third Hokage continued, "I can speak with the other ninja clans and allow them to collaborate with you."

Danzo scoffed slightly. "That's not enough, Hiruzen."

The Third Hokage thought for a moment. "I can give you two honorary elder positions."

"Honorary elder," Danzo pondered.

Honorary elders were positions held by each significant ninja clan, except the Uchiha. They had no real power but had the right to make suggestions. During the election of the Hokage, their votes were crucial.

It was a step into the power structure.

To become a full-fledged advisor, an honorary elder position was a must.

The Third Hokage offered Danzo an honorary elder position, with another position as Danzo's operational asset.

Danzo, satisfied, asked, "Hiruzen, who do you think is suitable for the other honorary elder position?"

The Third Hokage took a drag from his pipe and said, "The Police Force could use a change."

Danzo pondered briefly.

Hiashi Hyuga currently manages the Police Force. The Hyuga clan's central family had become quite old-fashioned in their thinking. If there were benefits involved...

Conveniently, the Root members Danzo had planted in the Police Force had been inactive since Nakamura, and his team was dismissed.

Hiashi, who owed Yamaki a favor, had kept these Root members strictly controlled, allowing them to patrol only one specific area.

If an elder from the Hyuga central family got involved, could Root make a move?

...

Hokage Office.

Fugaku received an invitation from the Third Hokage.

He arrived at the Hokage Office early.

Entering the office, he saw the Third Hokage already handling business.

Since the last incident with Kumogakure, this was the first time Fugaku had seen the Third Hokage.

"Third Hokage-sama." Fugaku's demeanor had changed, showing no emotions toward the Third.

Having witnessed the future destruction of the ninja world, it was hard for Fugaku to feel respect for a village leader.

The Third Hokage, maintaining his genial exterior, smiled. "Fugaku, please sit."

Fugaku complied.

"What brings you to see me, Third Hokage-sama?"

The Third Hokage picked up his teacup. "Fugaku, we haven't seen each other in a while. Your Uchiha clan seems to be thriving. You, as the clan leader, deserve much credit."

Fugaku replied indifferently, "It's mainly thanks to Yamaki's efforts. It has little to do with me."

The Third Hokage sensed Fugaku's change in attitude.

He continued cheerfully, "Your clan's restaurants are quite popular in Konoha."

Seeing that Fugaku didn't respond, he added, "Fugaku, the village plans to support your businesses."

Fugaku raised an eyebrow. "How does the Third Hokage intend to support us?"

The Third Hokage took out a map of Konoha, circling an area with his finger.

"The 'Chinese Cuisine' shops are all concentrated on one street, while other streets have significant foot traffic. This is a big waste."

The Third Hokage spoke earnestly.

"I plan to allocate eight shops on each of the main streets for your businesses, covering the entire village."

Fugaku followed the Third Hokage's finger. The circled area encompassed all of Konoha's commercial streets.

The Uchiha clan's income would undoubtedly double if 'Chinese Cuisine' shops were established on all these streets.

However...

Fugaku apologized to the Third Hokage. "Third Hokage-sama, the Uchiha don't have enough people. We can't manage so many shops."

The Third Hokage nodded. "I anticipated that. So, I'll have people manage the shops. The Uchiha only need to provide technical training."

"In the end, we can split the profits. What do you think, Fugaku?"

Fugaku sneered inwardly. So, this is about coveting our secret recipes.

"No need, Hokage-sama. The Uchiha's current businesses are sufficient. We can't expand right now."

Fugaku stood up.

"I have many clan matters to attend to. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

With that, Fugaku walked out.

Despite Uchiha's earnings being a fraction of Konoha's, the franchise fees from the Land of Fields provided substantial backing.

Fugaku felt confident, not needing to appease the Third Hokage.

The Third Hokage didn't stop Fugaku, calmly putting away the map.

This was just the first move. He knew the Uchiha couldn't be controlled as easily as before.