Chapter 29: Various Families and Industries

"Are you still thinking about what happened earlier?"

After leaving that street, the two wandered around for a bit. In just one morning, they witnessed six incidents of conflict, some major and some minor.

After a simple lunch, they arrived at a place with fewer people.

Sima Yi noticed that Kai remained gloomy and let out a light laugh as he asked, "What's on your mind?"

Kai, looking troubled, nodded and said, "Uncle Yi, why do you think this is? Uncle Yashiro and the others were just doing what they were supposed to do, yet they're being rejected by the villagers like this."

"Moreover, it was after they reported us that the Police Department came forward to try to resolve the issue. Yet, they insult us Uchiha like this; it's absolutely outrageous!"

The more Kai spoke, the angrier he became. The last time he was this furious was at the Rear Camp when Shisui was questioned by Utatane Kaori.

Damn Utatane!

Sima Yi glanced around at the shops, smiling lightly but remaining silent. He could see the problem, but with so many people around, he wouldn't let himself be caught in the gossip.

He only comforted Kai, saying, "Misunderstandings are always unavoidable. Perhaps if you interact more with the villagers, they will come to understand the Uchiha."

Understand?

Kai looked at Sima Yi with a strange expression, "Uncle Yi, how come you also say that?"

Now it was Sima Yi's turn to be surprised, "Who else has said that?"

"It seems like everyone says it—Shisui, Clan Leader Fugaku, Tekka, Inabi, and even my dad. Oh, and Hokage-sama too."

"Each one talks about mutual understanding, but in all these years, I've only met a few who truly understand the Uchiha. Kakashi is one, and the Fourth Hokage was another. What a shame."

As he spoke, Kai became even more depressed.

"Hehe, well, why bother about those trivial matters? Let's keep looking; why is this street so sparsely populated?"

Sima Yi observed that the decorations of the shops around were noticeably different from before, and the people passing by all carried an air of gloom and brutality.

Sima Yi had seen this situation before; most of these people had just returned from the battlefield, and their emotions were still unstable.

"This area mainly sells items related to Ninja, and the prices are quite high. Ordinary people simply can't afford them, so most of those who come here are Ninjas," Kai explained. He suddenly pointed to a shop with the Uchiha clan emblem and said, "That's one of our Uchiha shops, specifically selling explosive tags, Kunai, and some low-level Fire Release Ninjutsu that Hokage-sama has allowed to be sold."

Sima Yi looked at the deserted shop in front of him and sighed, "It seems business isn't very good!"

Kai, visibly angry, pointed across the street and said, "Because there's another shop over there that has taken away all the business."

Sima Yi followed Kai's gaze and turned to look, only to see that while the shop across the street couldn't be called bustling, the flow of people was consistent and rarely interrupted.

"What kind of people would dare compete with the Uchiha Clan for business?"

To take away someone's livelihood is like killing their parents; how could the Uchiha endure such blatant behavior?

Kai's gaze shifted around, and he leaned closer to Sima Yi's ear, whispering, "I heard from people in the clan that it seems to be the Sarutobi Clan, but we can't find any evidence. However, Clan Head has suppressed it and told us not to cause trouble."

Sarutobi!

Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage!

Sima Yi suddenly realized this and glanced at the decorations of the other shop, confirming that it indeed lacked the clan emblem, prompting him to smile.

"Hehe, I see."

"After that night with the Nine-Tails, many of our clan's shops have disappeared, and most of the business has been taken away. Clan Leader Fugaku has repeatedly backed down, and our lives are getting harder and harder."

As the two walked along the street, Sima Yi took note of all the shops on this street and the families behind them.

"Those pharmacies belong to the Nara family. When I was training Taijutsu, my dad often came here to buy medicinal herbs. They're quite expensive; my dad spent almost half of his mission rewards on them!"

"These are from the Hyuga family. In Konoha, they are considered the strongest family after us Uchiha."

"Oh?"

Sima Yi became interested and took a closer look, but just as he was about to step forward, he was stopped by Kai.

He leaned closer to Sima Yi's ear and whispered, "Uncle Yi, what are you doing? That's the Hyuga; we can't go in there!"

"I'm getting older, and my eyesight isn't as good. I just wanted to see what they're selling up close."

"What can they sell? Just some secret medicines and ninja tools. They're not going to give us massages, are they?"

Kai muttered quietly, clearly harboring some disdain for the Hyuga Clan.

Sima Yi maintained a calm demeanor and gently changed the subject, "Why is there an art shop here?"

In the midst of several large shops was an inconspicuous small door, with a family crest carved above it.

"That's the Kurama Clan. They've always had a good relationship with us Uchiha, but now they've also fallen on hard times."

Kai sighed, reminded of the situation of the Uchiha, feeling sentimental at the sight.

The political faction failure had led to their downfall.

Sima Yi made a mental note of this family as well.

"Over there, with the smoke rising, is the Akimichi family's barbecue restaurant. I heard that they use secret spices purchased from the Nara family, and it's beneficial for Ninjas, but it's a bit pricey."

Kai pointed at an intersection, drooling as he introduced it, his eyes shining with anticipation as he looked at Sima Yi.

"It's getting late, so let's have some barbecue before heading back."

Sima Yi didn't want to spoil the mood and nodded cheerfully in agreement.

"Great! I'll go buy a few bottles of sake; Uncle Yi, you grab us a table."

Kai clapped his hands in excitement, but after taking a few steps, he turned back with an awkward expression.

Sima Yi had already anticipated this. He took out a few banknotes from his pocket and said, "Hurry back."

"Long live Uncle Yi!"

After grabbing the money, the two parted ways. Sima Yi slowly approached the entrance of the Akimichi barbecue restaurant, where he saw the word 'Food' emblazoned on the curtain with the family crest.

"Excuse me, sir, dining alone?"

Before he could step forward, a large, kind-faced member of the Akimichi clan, wearing a scarf, walked past him.

"Two people; please help me find a quiet spot."

Sima Yi looked at the man in surprise, but only for a moment before averting his gaze.

"Please come in~"

Sima Yi followed the man to a comfortable corner. A little farther away were tables full of people drinking and shouting, all wearing forehead protectors—Ninjas. They glanced at the old man but quickly returned their focus to their entertainment.

"The menu is on the curtain; what would you like to order, sir?"

Seemingly worried that Sima Yi couldn't read, the owner even began to read each item aloud for him.

"Let's have two of each, and please prepare a basin of hot water for me; I'd like to warm up some wine."

".Alright, just a moment."

Hearing that he wanted two of each item, the owner was a bit surprised but didn't ask further. After noting the order, he glanced at the nearby tables of Ninjas and advised, "If you need anything, sir, feel free to call me."

After saying this, he turned and left.

Sima Yi maintained his composure as he surveyed the area, deep in thought.

However, his attention soon shifted away from the Ninjas. He studied the curtain that displayed the menu and couldn't help but shake his head at the prices.

"Eight hundred ryō for pork, twelve hundred ryō for lamb, fifteen hundred ryō for beef, and two thousand ryō for venison! With such prices, it seems there's indeed a problem."

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