Chapter 11: Hire Akatsuki to defend the Uchiha clan

"The baby has just been born!" Natsuo's eyes lit up. 

In the next second, a powerful surge of chakra erupted from his body, instantly strengthening his limbs and even making his heartbeat stronger. 

Although it was just a "+1," it felt like the newly added chakra was almost the same amount that Natsuo's own already possessed! 

Even though the Uchiha clan couldn't compare to the Senju and Uzumaki clans in terms of chakra amount, they were still a ninja clan with a large amount of chakra! 

"This '+1', is it almost the amount of chakra of an elite Chūnin?" Natsuo thought to himself. 

At the same time, memories of the "Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation" technique appeared in Natsuo's mind. 

The Uchiha clan actually had a scroll of this ninjutsu, which detailed numerous esoteric knowledge, including key points of training, collected over the years by members of the clan. 

However, the knowledge that appeared in Natsuo's mind at this moment was different. It was vivid and seemed to have truly experienced countless releases of ninjutsu. 

It even contained many techniques, timing of release, and methods to speed up hand seals when using the "Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation" in battle. 

Natsuo believed that if he were to release this ninjutsu now, he would definitely be able to do it skillfully and completely master it! 

His strength had greatly increased! And this was just a child! 

Natsuo carefully looked at the system prompt. 

"'Comprehensive Potential Evaluation'. So, it's not just about quantity, but also about quality?" he said. 

"It seems like I still need to work hard to find high-quality female ninjas in Konoha!" 

Natsuo couldn't help but shift his gaze to Yūgao and the others who were also pregnant. 

... 

The Uchiha clan was welcoming a new member again! 

For a family with only two pure-blooded Uchiha members, this was a big deal! 

Sasuke came to see this baby every day after school, for a month without interruption. With a sense of guilt due to his brother destroying the Uchiha clan, he saw the new generation of Uchiha as if it were his own redemption. 

Every day, he bought a bunch of toys that the newborn couldn't even play with yet, as well as delicious food that the baby couldn't eat, taking care of his "nephew" in a slightly childish but caring way. 

Natsuo felt that Sasuke's current appearance reminded him of the care Itachi gave him when he looked after Sasuke. Considering the Uchiha clan's tendency to have brother complexes and be obsessed with their siblings. 

Although Sasuke didn't show any brother complex in the original work, that was because he didn't have a younger brother at all! 

But now... 

Well, okay. Natsuo looked at the seven-year-old Sasuke who was amusing the newborn baby. 

Although they were not much different in age when Itachi was taking care of Sasuke, based on their seniority, maybe he should be called "nephew-obsessed"? 

... 

Uchiha Residence. 

"Meow, that's how it is, meow." A black and white kitten licked its paw and said, "The mining area has been attacked three times this month, and the miners have suffered losses, meow." 

"Natsuo, what do you plan to do, meow?" 

"Another attack, huh?" Natsuo narrowed his eyes and said, "It seems that some shinobi and nobles from the Fire Country can't hold back anymore." 

As the largest clan back in the day, the Uchiha clan's assets were not limited to cash and properties in Konoha. There were mines that produced materials for ninja tools, ninja tool shops scattered throughout the village, and businesses under the protection of the Uchiha clan. Compared to mission rewards, these industries were the true financial sources for the Uchiha clan. 

Other major clans were similar. For example, the Nara clan-controlled half of the medicinal herb production bases in the Fire Country, the Yamanaka clan had access to 70% of the poison and fresh flower channels, and the Akimichi clan owned many large chain restaurants. 

How much money could they earn from missions alone? 

Of course, true major clans would not openly associate with a group of weak merchants. 

For example, the Uchiha clan relied on the Nekomata clan, their staunch ally, to act as a front while secretly controlling these industries, gathering intelligence, and earning high profits. 

However, these industries were naturally stable when the Uchiha clan was strong, but now that the Uchiha clan was weakened, they naturally attracted countless wolves. 

They hired shinobi to attack the mines, ambush merchant caravans, and cause trouble in the shops. Various incidents kept occurring! 

In fact, if it weren't for the Third Hokage's consideration of the Uchiha clan's recent heavy losses and not allowing the oppression of the Uchiha clan while they were weakened, which would affect the unity of Konoha, these things would have happened long ago. 

Of course, Sarutobi Hiruzen wasn't being kind-hearted either. 

Natsuo believed that during this time, he had also learned a lot about the Uchiha clan's industries, and the Sarutobi clan would soon quietly enter the scene and become the biggest winner of this feast. 

"Meow-san, with the Uchiha clan's current strength, it's impossible to protect these industries." Natsuo looked at the black and white cat in front of him and said frankly, "Let's hire shinobi." 

"But Natsuo, wouldn't that be equivalent to giving money to the village?" Meow-san frowned, and its soft and fluffy appearance made people want to pet it. 

"What's the difference between that and drinking poison to quench thirst? It's like walking into a tiger's den, meow!" 

Most of the people who were itching for action now had some connection to the shinobi of Konoha Village, otherwise, they wouldn't be able to find shinobi who could attack well-guarded mines! 

By hiring Konoha shinobi, it thought Natsuo believed that those attackers would naturally "disappear." But after the mission was over and some time passed, they would reappear. 

In the end, it was like cutting his own flesh to feed a tiger and drinking poison to quench thirst. 

However, Natsuo shook his head. 

"Who said I wanted to hire shinobi from the village?" 

"Meow-san, I believe in the loyalty of your Nekomata clan towards the Uchiha clan, and I also believe in your underworld intelligence capabilities. Can you help me use your channels to contact 'Akatsuki'?" 

Natsuo's mouth curled up. 

"I want to hire shinobi from 'Akatsuki' to defend the Uchiha clan!"