CH - 279 Tobi Environmental Recycling Co.
Reflecting on this period, Uchiha Obito sighed deeply. He had anticipated that life would become simpler after graduation, with fewer assignments and responsibilities. However, unexpectedly becoming the leader of the Uchiha clan had thrust him into a whirlwind of new challenges.
After the recent disaster and the subsequent relocation to an unfamiliar land, the clan faced a myriad of issues. As the newly appointed clan leader, Obito was burdened with responsibilities he hadn't anticipated: reassuring the clan members, planning the future of the Uchiha, and managing day-to-day affairs.
He couldn't simply abandon his duties and retreat into a quiet life, especially considering his sudden rise from a student to a leader without any prior experience or preparation for such a role. The weight of the clan's expectations and the enormity of the tasks before him left him feeling overwhelmed and uncertain.
Fortunately, Uchiha Izumi and Uchiha Tetsu were invaluable in supporting Obito through this turbulent period. Their assistance, combined with the village's intervention, helped alleviate some of the clan's immediate burdens. The village had sent a range of professional ninjas to support the Uchiha clan, including psychological counselors who helped soothe the clan members' anxieties. Their efforts were remarkably effective, restoring hope and confidence among the once-dejected members.
Additionally, the village deployed ninjas from the poverty alleviation department to assist with the clan's financial struggles. This newly established department, which had been working across the Land of Grass and the Land of Rain, aimed to uplift impoverished areas. Most of their efforts were concentrated in the Land of Rain.
However, the notion of poverty was almost laughable for the Uchiha clan, whose heritage and resources could sustain a wealthy lifestyle in the Land of Grass. The arrival of poverty alleviation ninjas felt like an affront, suggesting that the Uchiha were destitute.
After expressing his objections, Obito managed to repurpose the poverty alleviation ninjas into career counseling ninjas. These new roles involved helping the Uchiha clan members secure appropriate employment. With their guidance, the remaining Uchiha members began to find suitable job opportunities, gradually stabilizing their situation and integrating into their new environment.
Uchiha Tetsu had been invited to join the Guard Department, a role that seemed familiar given his previous experience in the Konoha Guard Department. However, the new position in the Land of Grass carried more responsibilities, requiring him to undergo additional training before he could officially assume his duties.
On the other hand, Uchiha Izumi, deeply affected by the recent events that had shaken the clan, decided to leave behind the life of a ninja and the Guard Department. She chose a completely different path, opting to open a dango shop at the village entrance. Despite not knowing how to make dango initially, she enrolled in the village's pre-employment training institutions. There, she received comprehensive job training, including the preparation of various snacks. The training offered a wide range of culinary skills, ensuring she was well-prepared for her new venture.
This approach mirrored the support provided to the Yuki clan when they first arrived in Grass Village. Like the Uchiha, the Yuki clan had faced significant challenges in adapting to their new environment. The village's training programs had been instrumental in helping them learn new skills and integrate into society, ultimately aiding in their successful transition and adaptation to life in Grass Village.
Reflecting on recent developments, Uchiha Obito couldn't help but notice the influx of unusual new jobs emerging in the Land of Grass. It was only in the past few days that he fully grasped the extent of these changes.
Under the village's arrangement, every clan member found a role that suited them. Some ventured into selling various foods or necessities, while others joined the guard department or took up positions at the academy. Gradually, all the Uchiha clan members began to integrate into Grass Village.
In time, Obito realized the strategic brilliance behind Akihiko's plan. By keeping everyone engaged in work, Akihiko aimed to help them forget their inner sorrow and start anew in the Land of Grass. Despite Akihiko's nature, Obito had to acknowledge his exceptional leadership qualities.
The process of integrating into Grass Village turned out to be less daunting than initially perceived. This led Obito to a poignant realization: perhaps the Third Hokage and others in Konoha never truly intended for the Uchiha clan to integrate into the village from the beginning. The contrast between Konoha's lack of genuine support and the proactive assistance provided by Grass Village highlighted the difference in leadership and intentions.
Speaking of which, it seemed like that guy had ventured out again recently. Each time he returned, he always brought something back, and Obito found himself wondering what he might bring from Sand Village this time.
Obito sighed and shook his head, glancing at the Zetsu squatting beside him. They were both idly sitting by the roadside. With most of the clan matters handled, Obito had some free time over the past few days and decided to visit the underground hideout. There, he encountered Zetsu as well.
Since Madara's departure, Zetsu had become quite enigmatic, seldom staying in the hideout despite occasional returns, as reported by Black Zetsu. Obito couldn't help but wonder what he was up to, leading them to sit and chat by the roadside.
"Huh? Me?" Zetsu scratched his head in confusion and replied, "I didn't know what else to do, so I ended up collecting garbage."
"Still collecting garbage?" Obito's face twitched at Zetsu's response, and he sighed deeply.
He recalled the days when Madara had just saved him. Back then, Zetsu had taken to collecting garbage before dawn to support Obito's training. It was hard to believe that even after Madara's departure, Zetsu continued with the same routine.
Turning to the grinning Zetsu, Obito said, "You don't have to do that anymore. How about I take care of you? As the Uchiha clan leader, I have more than enough money now."
"No need," Zetsu shook his head with a smile. "I actually enjoy it now."
"Then… how about working in a factory? Your original self is employed there, and I hear it's pretty easy," Obito suggested.
"I know, but I still prefer not to work in a factory," Zetsu replied with a smile. Despite rarely returning, he was well aware of what the other White Zetsus had been up to.
"Congratulations on graduating and becoming the Uchiha clan leader, Obito!" Zetsu exclaimed cheerfully, waving his arms with excitement. "Oh, and by the way, I've given myself a new name—Tobi. You can call me Tobi from now on."
"Tobi?" Obito asked, puzzled by the resemblance to his own name.
"Yes, Tobi," Zetsu, now Tobi, said with a grin. "I need to get back to work now. See you next time, Little Obito!"
"See you next time," Obito replied, nodding as he watched Tobi bounce away, feeling a mix of emotions. Despite Madara's departure, Tobi continued to work diligently, never giving up on his tasks.
Reflecting on this, Obito's thoughts drifted to Black Zetsu, and he felt a headache coming on. Black Zetsu was still attending the academy, and just a few days ago, he had been reprimanded for fighting and injuring some new students. Obito wondered what Black Zetsu was up to. Was this truly the will of Madara-sama?
Muttering to himself, Obito resolved, "I really need to have a serious talk with him next time. Skipping studies and picking fights? This isn't acceptable."
In stark contrast was Tobi, who, despite all these years, remained diligently collecting garbage. Obito thought, "I should find more ways to support him in the future."
He couldn't help but sigh, remembering how Tobi had rejected his help. It seemed that Tobi, too, was quite proud.
As Obito stood there lost in thought, he watched in surprise as Tobi turned a corner and entered a building with a sign that read, "Tobi Environmental Recycling Company."
Wait— Tobi? Tobi has his own company? Obito was stunned. Had he really been offering help to someone who was managing his own business all along? Was he the real fool in this situation?
His shock was interrupted when a Grass ninja approached him respectfully. "Obito-sama, the leader has called for a vehicle and requests your immediate presence."
Huh? A vehicle? What did that have to do with him? Obito's confusion turned to realization as he looked at the ninja's serious expression. His face darkened as he understood who the 'vehicle' was.
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