Chapter 69. Comeback

Hokage Building.

The Third Hokage meticulously sifted through the documents spread across the table, absorbing every piece of information he could find.

Danzo's thorough preparation caught even the seasoned Sandaime off guard.

Danzo's comprehensive report included detailed statistics on customer flow, pricing analysis per customer, and long-term trends.

It was evident that Danzo had been monitoring Uchiha's business operations for quite some time.

The Third Hokage was surprised by the immense income generated by the Uchiha store.

According to the statistics, Konoha's funds surpassed Uchiha's by more than ten times.

However, the funds in Konoha did not belong solely to the Third Hokage.

They were allocated for various purposes, including village construction, ninja wages, research, ANBU support, and more.

On the other hand, the Uchiha clan's earnings, primarily controlled by Fugaku, the clan leader, provided greater flexibility.

Fugaku could allocate the money as he saw fit.

The importance of this financial disparity raised concerns about the Uchiha clan gaining significant influence, possibly even dominating the village.

As he pondered how to address this pressing issue, he noticed Danzo standing before him.

The Third Hokage welcomed the intrusion, recognizing the need for expert intervention.

With a tap of his pipe on the paperwork, Sandaime inquired, "What do you propose?"

Danzo replied, "My operatives attempted to replicate the recipes, but the taste always falls slightly short. There are some undisclosed secrets, and the flavor simply cannot be replicated."

Seeing the ambitious gleam in Danzo's eyes, the Third Hokage couldn't help but warn, "You won't be able to handle them forcefully; you can't confront their Susanoo."

Danzo's expression soured. "Hmph, I won't engage them directly."

Waving the document in his hand, Danzo continued, "Hiruzen, you can use supporting them as an excuse to persuade Fugaku to share the secret recipe."

Sandaime furrowed his brow. "I doubt Fugaku will agree."

Danzo's grin turned sinister. "If he refuses, there are ways to make him agree."

He appeared to be in contemplation. "What do you want?"

Danzo replied without hesitation, "Restore the Roots."

After pacing for a while, the Third Hokage's gaze landed on the substantial figure in the Uchiha family income column.

He shook his head. "Restoring the Roots is impossible."

Danzo remained silent. He understood that reviving the Roots wouldn't be a straightforward task.

However, the Daimyo had assigned him this mission, and the Third Hokage was expected to have a counterproposal.

The Third Hokage finally spoke, "I can talk to the ninjas and allow them to cooperate with you."

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

Sandaime pondered for a moment. "I'll offer you two additional honorary elder positions."

"Honorary elder," Danzo mused.

The position of an honorary elder, held by every major ninja clan except the Uchiha, provided no real authority but granted the right to make suggestions.

The votes held by these elders during the Hokage elections were influential, making it a significant status.

To secure the position of an elder, being an honorary elder is crucial.

Satisfied with receiving the honorary elder position, Danzo now sought the other candidate for this esteemed role.

"Hiruzen, who do you think is the right choice for the second honorary elder?" Danzo inquired.

Taking a drag from his cigarette, Sandaime contemplated for a moment before responding, "The police force could be a possibility."

Danzo considered this proposal. The current head of the security department was Hyuga Hizashi.

The Hyuga clan had lost much of its former influence, and if Danzo could benefit from this situation...

Being strategically placed within the security department, Danzo had control over the Root members, especially after Nakamura Kazuya's expulsion.

However, their operations were at a standstill.

With Hizashi's focus on Natsuki and his strict restrictions on their activities, Danzo's operatives were confined to patrolling only the first to fourth streets of Konoha. They were prohibited from intervening anywhere else.

If an elder from the Hyuga Clan were to become an honorary elder, could this pave the way for the Roots to expand their influence?

...

Hokage Building.

Fugaku received an invitation from the Third Hokage and arrived at the Hokage Building early.

Upon entering, he found the Third Hokage already engrossed in official business.

Greeting the Third Hokage, Fugaku's demeanor was different, devoid of the previous hostility.

Seeing the Third Hokage evolve into an elderly figure over the years made Fugaku's emotions complex.

Seating himself as instructed, Fugaku inquired, "Hokage-sama, what is the purpose of summoning me?"

With a smile, the Third Hokage responded, "It's been a while, Fugaku. Your Uchiha clan seems to be flourishing. As the clan leader, you must have played a significant role in this."

Fugaku calmly replied, "It's fine. These achievements are largely attributed to Natsuki and don't concern me much."

Sensing the change in Fugaku's demeanor, the Third Hokage continued cheerfully, "Your Uchiha restaurants are gaining popularity throughout Konoha."

Fugaku remained composed, offering no response.

The Third Hokage added, "Fugaku, the village is eager to provide substantial support to your shops."

Raising his eyebrows, Fugaku inquired, "In what way does the village plan to support us?"

The Third Hokage presented a Konoha Village floor plan and circled an area with his finger.

"The [Summer food] shops are currently concentrated on Eighth Street, but there's still significant foot traffic on other streets. It's a significant waste," stated the Third Hokage.

"I propose assigning eight shops on each street from 1st to 7th Street to your establishment, ensuring your shops cover the entire Konoha," he added.

If [Summer Food] shops were established on these streets, the Uchiha clan's income would undoubtedly double. However...

Fugaku looked apologetic and addressed the Third Hokage, "Hokage-sama, Uchiha don't have enough people, and we can't manage so many shops."

The Third Hokage nodded, "I anticipated this issue long ago. I'll assign someone to oversee the stores. Your Uchiha clan only needs to provide technical training."

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

Internally sneering, Fugaku realized the Third Hokage coveted their secret recipe.

"No need, Lord Hokage. I believe Uchiha's current business is sufficient, and we don't have the capacity to handle additional responsibilities. I have no plans to open more stores at the moment."

With that, Fugaku stood up, "The clan is preoccupied with matters. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

As Fugaku walked out, the current Uchiha's income on the surface appeared less than one-tenth of Konoha's, but with the considerable franchise fees left by Natsuki from Land of Sound.

Fugaku felt confident and no longer concerned about the Third Hokage's intentions.

Sandaime calmly put away the map.

He understood that dealing with the current Uchiha wouldn't be as simple as it was in the past. 

The situation required a more strategic and diplomatic approach.