Chapter 36
Thinking and executing are reflections of a person with a determined temperament. While Sunagakure and Hitoshi were still processing the situation, Uzumaki Akisawa took swift action.
He borrowed a significant sum of money in the name of the Uzumaki Clan and used it to purchase a large number of living creatures from Sunagakure. These creatures were then directly distributed to the clansmen of the Uzumaki Clan.
Although the Uzumaki Clan consisted of only a hundred native clansmen, there were many other family members of Uzu no Kuni Shinōbi who had joined the Uzumaki Clan.
In the gathering place of the Uzumaki Clan in Sunagakure, Uzumaki Akisawa stood before the crowd and delivered a resounding speech:
"Greetings to all members of the Uzumaki Clan and our affiliated Shinōbi. I am Uzumaki Akisawa, the current Clan Leader. Many of you are familiar with me.
It has been five days since I arrived in Sunagakure, and you have all witnessed the changes taking place. You are aware of the systems and opportunities provided by Sunagakure for our clan.
I want to emphasize that our clan will not restrict your growth. The choices you make are entirely up to you. What kind of life do you envision for yourselves? That is for you to decide.
Clan will provide you with the essential housing and living conditions, but the rest is in your hands.
If any of you have questions or comments, please feel free to speak up."
Uzumaki Akisawa stood confidently, awaiting the inquiries and feedback from the clansmen gathered before him.
"Lord Clan Leader, if I understand correctly, we will continue to bear the Uzumaki clan name. Clan will not require us to contribute financially. Instead, it will provide us with assistance. However, if we desire a life of prosperity and wealth, we must rely on our own efforts, correct?" One of the Uzumaki Clan Shinōbi who had followed him stood up and asked excitedly.
"Yes, you are absolutely right. Clan will only guide us in the general direction. The money we earn does not need to be turned over to the clan. They have funds and will provide subsidies. If we do not have enough money, it is our responsibility to handle it," Uzumaki Akisawa explained with a smile.
"Understood," the clansman replied.
After listening to Uzumaki Akisawa's explanation, discussions broke out among the clansmen.
This new approach challenges the accustomed collective lifestyle of the Uzumaki Clan, where everyone relies on the collective for sustenance. However, the idea of keeping the money they earn, without having to contribute a large portion of it, excited them.
After much deliberation, the unanimous decision within the Uzumaki Clan was that the Lord Clan Leader was right. They should rely on themselves.
Even the widowed mothers who had previously relied on the clan's provisions realized that they could seek better employment opportunities to live a comfortable life.
Why depend solely on the clan and merely survive?
Witnessing the agreement among the clansmen, Uzumaki Akisawa nodded and began distributing the materials he had purchased.
As the Clan Leader, it was his responsibility to ensure his clansmen could lead stable lives.
A short distance away, on the rooftop of a building, Hitoshi sat at the edge, supporting his legs and resting his cheeks on his hands.
"Interesting, I didn't expect such excitement and fun to unfold before my eyes," remarked Hitoshi, who had transmigrated and understood the significance of Uzumaki Clan's actions. It marked the beginning of the aristocratic family's differentiation.
"Given the circumstances, Uzumaki Clan should be given a slight advantage. Otherwise, the other clans will continue to hesitate," Hitoshi thought with a mischievous mindset.
........
The story of Uzumaki Clan quickly spread throughout Sunagakure and the entire Shinōbi World. The news of Uzumaki Clan joining Sunagakure became common knowledge.
People held a curious and mocking attitude, eager to witness how Sunagakure, which had fallen out with the Daimyo and was known for its poverty, would be received.
However, what followed left everyone wide-eyed with astonishment.
Sunagakure and Kaze no Kuni Daimyo reconciled and generated tremendous wealth by selling land. It seemed logical that Sunagakure's actions would have greatly offended others.
One would expect everyone to retaliate against Sunagakure and vent their anger fiercely.
But at that moment, the concept of timing and a desperate, starved camel being larger than a horse emerged. It became evident that one's strength and influence were determined by their actions and power.
During the turbulent times of the Second Shinōbi World War, when chaos ensued and everyone was embroiled in a mix of conflicts, Sunagakure chose to withdraw and focus on its own affairs.
In terms of strength, one of the Five-Great Ninja Villages possesses several Kage-level individuals capable of causing large-scale destruction. In such a scenario, no one wants to be the first to take the risk and become a pioneer for others.
As for unity in the Shinōbi World, it is nothing more than a joke. Even before it begins, everyone is focused on dividing the spoils of war.
Despite what others may think, Uzumaki Akisawa knows only one thing since joining Sunagakure: their days as part of Uzumaki Clan are getting better with each passing day.
To showcase his friendship with Uzumaki Clan, Hitoshi generously provided them with low-interest loans, allowing them to build research institutes and hospitals. They were also granted permission to teach at Sunagakure Shinōbi Academy and select suitable students.
Furthermore, Sunagakure announced the recruitment of individuals with Sunagakure household registration for its own factory. Coincidentally, a new textile factory was opened, which required a significant amount of labor. The female clansmen brought by Uzumaki Clan now had a place to work.
Sunagakure, the residence of Uzumaki Clan, consisted of barrel houses with one family per room. The water supply came from the underground river through tap water.
Uzumaki Akisawa, after a busy day, looked lively and energetic. The children of Uzumaki Clan were seen happily playing, bringing a smile to his face.
"What a truly happy life. No more fighting, no dangerous missions. We have enough food every day and live in spacious houses that protect us from the elements," Uzumaki Akisawa exclaimed, expressing his satisfaction.
Who could have imagined that Sunagakure would offer such a comfortable life? Aside from water usage restrictions, everything else is smooth sailing.
I live in a beautiful stone-built house. The rooms are equipped with electric lights and we have the convenience of cooking with electricity.
"Yes, yes, life would be better if I didn't have to live with you," Uzumaki Homura muttered as he emerged from the adjacent room, a grudge evident on his face.
He is Uzumaki Homura, an ambitious youth of Uzumaki Clan, a young researcher specializing in various medical studies, and a renowned doctor at Sunagakure Hospital. He could be considered an eligible bachelor.
And yet, here he is, living with a single dog.
"Then go ahead and buy your own house, I won't stop you," Uzumaki Akisawa responded disdainfully, looking at him as if to say, "Who are you to dislike me? I certainly don't dislike you."
"I...," Uzumaki Homura held back the words, feeling trapped.
Uzumaki Akisawa was right. He could go out and buy a house, but could he really afford it?
The little money he earned went towards repaying the loan.
"Why did all my money disappear? Don't you understand?" Uzumaki Homura's bitterness grew.
The two of them had taken out a substantial loan. Although the interest rate was not high, it would still take a long time to repay.
"Haha, there's no way around it. You didn't see it, and I haven't received my salary yet.
Just wait, wait until the hospital starts making more money, and then we'll have the means to repay the loan and buy a house," Uzumaki Akisawa comforted Uzumaki Homura, patting him on the shoulder with a hearty laugh.
No one noticed the tears welling up in the corner of his eyes.
It was a pang of heartache he felt.