The Situation

I couldn't help but lean back and sigh as I looked over the documents scattered across my desk.

It had been two days since I was officially made Clan Head, and both Sasuke and I had moved into the Clan Head's house.

For the past two days, after training and practice, I'd been sorting through this mess, and at last, I had a decent understanding of our current situation.

The Uchiha Clan survived largely on the 10% tax we collected from missions undertaken by our members, meaning we took 10% of their earnings.

Our second source of income came from rental properties. Each of our apartments brought in 50,000 yen monthly, and with 75 currently rented, we earned 3,750,000 yen a month. The remaining 25 apartments still needed to be sold or rented out.

Our primary expenses were utilities, maintenance, and equipment. Members of the Uchiha Clan received weapons and other necessary supplies from the clan.

But now, with almost all of the clan gone and the electricity shut off in 74 houses, our expenses for the Clan Head compound were down to 13,000 yen.

So, each month, Sasuke and I had around 3,737,000 yen at our disposal. But, unfortunately, more expenses were on the horizon.

I would have to arrange security patrols for the Uchiha compound. Previously, the ANBU had taken care of this, but Hiruzen had informed me that this responsibility now fell to me.

A four-man Chunin squad would cost around 300,000 yen a month, but that was a premium almost nobody paid, as most security contracts went to Genin, which were far more affordable. However, the situation here was different.

I knew that, sooner or later, mercenaries and thieves would be drawn to the treasures within the Uchiha district. And while Genin could handle petty thieves, they were no match for seasoned mercenaries—or worse, other ninja.

Any of the major or minor villages wouldn't pass up the chance to plunder an unguarded Uchiha district, given the secrets held here.

So, I decided to hire two Chunin squads for protection, placing the order just a few hours ago.

However, it was getting late, and I was exhausted from Raido's training regimen.

---

**Two Days Earlier**

"Alright, Genin. You've passed your Jonin exam, but don't think you're anywhere near me—I'll crush you if you try." Raido's words were blunt. We sat before him on the training ground, and even I was speechless.

"The truth is, I only took on a Genin team because I need three Genin's recommendations for my next Jonin exam, and I'll earn an A-rank payment if you reach the Chunin finals and an S-rank if one of you wins." His honesty left us all stunned.

I knew the Chunin exams were about villages showing off their shinobi, but I hadn't expected Jonin sensei to be incentivized this directly. How shameless.

"The next Chunin Exams are in just under six months," he continued. "To qualify, you need 50 D-rank missions and one C-rank mission. So, for the next four months, we're focused on building your strength."

He didn't have to tell us twice. We all nodded, a smirk spreading across each of our faces.

"For the first four months, we'll train in physical drills, chakra control, elemental mastery, and teamwork. The final month, we'll complete four D-rank missions daily, and the last week, we'll handle a bandit extermination mission." 

I had to admit, I preferred Raido's direct approach. Sure, building bonds with a sensei might be nice, but getting stronger was far more critical.

"We'll start with physical training, then move on to chakra control," he instructed. Suddenly, he was behind us, and before we could react, he kicked us into the center of the training ground.

"Free for all, taijutsu only. Go!" he shouted.

---

Hoka won that first spar, and over the week, we developed a routine. Each session started with a free-for-all match, then the losers dueled each other, and finally, the winner faced the victor of the initial match. It quickly became a pattern:

- Hoka vs. Katsuro vs. Sayo = Hoka wins

- Katsuro vs. Sayo = Katsuro wins

- Hoka vs. Katsuro = Hoka wins

Every one of us was improving, even Hoka, who was humbled when Raido sparred him one-on-one.

Our days became structured, with the first two hours dedicated to sparring and the next four hours focused on physical conditioning. After a break, we spent five hours training our chakra control.

At the end of the week, Raido handed out chakra papers to test our elemental affinities. I already knew mine: strong fire release and minor earth release.

When Sayo and Hoka performed their test, Sayo's paper split in half, indicating wind affinity, while Hoka's became damp, showing water affinity.

Raido began guiding Sayo and Hoka in elemental training suited to their styles, while he worked with me on Earth Release techniques.

"Earth Style: Hiding in Rock Technique," he demonstrated, sinking into the ground completely before resurfacing.

I activated my Sharingan and focused on learning the hand signs and chakra flow.

He then showed me the "Earth Style: Rock Shelter," a C-rank jutsu that formed a half-dome of solid rock for defense.

Finally, Raido performed the "Earth Clone Technique," which produced physical clones that disintegrate upon impact.

After Raido left, I began practising the jutsu.

Firstly, the Earth Release: Hiding in Rock Justu, I threw up the hand signs, finishing it with the Snake seal before slamming my hands into the ground, as I slowly began sinking, and I felt my chakra instinctively moving towards my feet. 

However, as my head passed through the ground my eyes widened.

I couldn't breathe...

Of course I can't, I'm underground, it'd only make sense for me to be unable to breathe.

I quickly began panicking as I realised I hadn't been taught how to exit the ground.

But after a few seconds, I regained myself and focused. And I quickly caught on that the chakra was sent to my foot, used like tree-climbing, holding me against the ground.

Perhaps if I blast it out!

And I tried, putting as much chakra as I could into my feet, as I suddenly flew up. Though the ground and 4 meters into the air, at speeds I couldn't reach before.

As I landed and began regaining myself, I quickly realised. 

This shit can be used as a spring!

---

That night, I reviewed my progress. The Hiding in Rock technique was versatile for both offense and defense, while the Rock Shelter provided a reliable shield. As for the Earth Clones, they added a new layer to my combat strategy.

My path was set. With my responsibilities as Clan Head, my commitment to training, and my new techniques, I was determined to uphold the Uchiha legacy.