Uchiha compound.
In the newly built Naka Shrine, Uchiha Yuzuru took the head seat for the first time as clan chief.
The Uchiha elite sat below him, eyes firm.
They'd left Konoha only a few short months ago, yet everyone's spirit had been reborn.
"Today's clan meeting is to share good news."
"Not long ago, we traded our clan's ninjutsu resources for all of Kumogakure's body-tempering secrets and Lightning Release techniques."
"These arts suit the Uchiha perfectly. I'm certain everyone's strength will climb higher in the days ahead."
At that, excited looks spread among the Uchiha.
Since arriving in Kumogakure, many had sparred with Kumo shinobi.
What impressed them most were Kumo's taijutsu methods.
If they could combine those arts with the Sharingan, the power unleashed would be tremendous.
Thinking of this, Yakumi Uchiha raised his hand. "Clan Chief Yuzuru, can all of us train these body arts?"
Yuzuru smiled. "Of course. Everyone can learn the introductory secrets and techniques freely. The higher-level ones come with a small condition."
"What condition?"
"Make a sufficient contribution to the clan's population," Yuzuru said evenly. "For each child you have, you may choose one high-level secret art from the clan."
"Families with five or more children may train any techniques in the clan as they wish."
"Naturally, the clan will issue a child-rearing fund for every child, cover free medical care and all educational costs until graduation from the Ninja Academy."
"Even children without the talent to become shinobi will be placed in jobs that can support a household."
"So there's no need to worry about heavy burdens."
"Additionally… if you haven't married and had children by the age of twenty, you'll no longer receive clan benefits."
Now that things had stabilized, it was time to put population growth first.
The policies surprised many at first, but the more they thought, the more reasonable they seemed.
Back in Konoha, Yuzuru had already spoken of strengthening the clan by increasing its numbers.
"I've said my piece—please raise your hands to vote."
Arms shot up in unison.
Everyone knew that without Yuzuru, the Uchiha would never be enjoying this life.
Whatever Clan Chief Yuzuru wanted to do, they would support unconditionally.
Besides, both secret arts and high-level ninjutsu were priceless.
An ordinary person would be lucky to obtain a single B-rank technique in a lifetime.
(Ninjutsu ranks denote training difficulty in principle, but for clarity in this story, rank also reflects a technique's strength and value.)
(Of course, 'strength' here compares techniques under equal casting conditions. A strong user pouring chakra into a C-rank can still exceed a weak user's A-rank.)
And now, all they had to do was have a few children to gain what countless people dreamed of.
Put that offer outside, and the world would go mad.
"Alright, that's it for today's meeting. Be sure to publicize this properly among the clan."
Yuzuru finished and turned to leave.
Fugaku Uchiha hurried after him.
Once they left the Naka Shrine, Fugaku asked, with some worry, "Yuzuru, if we reward people as you promised, the industries the Third Raikage granted us won't cover the cost."
The Third had given them holdings to keep the clan running, but this welfare seemed… extravagant.
Yuzuru stopped and looked at Fugaku. "Have you forgotten we still have many assets in the Land of Fire? With those included, we won't have funding issues even if our population grows tenfold."
"Eh?" Fugaku scratched his head, baffled.
Land of Fire assets?
Hadn't they defected?
"Given our situation, Konoha has probably swallowed our properties already," he said.
"Then we'll make them spit it out."
"Hah? You think Hiruzen Sarutobi will agree?"
Seeing Fugaku's earnest face, Yuzuru clapped his shoulder and spoke patiently. "Fugaku, we left Konoha, but we didn't walk away empty-handed. What right does Hiruzen have to take what was ours?"
"If they won't give it back, we'll keep pushing until they do."
"I imagine the Third Raikage will be delighted to take action against Konoha."
Fugaku gaped. "We can do that?"
Yuzuru lifted a hand. "Just learn from me."
—
A carter drove a supply-laden wagon along a muddy road. A silk-clad, slightly plump man sat opposite him.
On either side walked a pair of burly guards.
A, stern-faced, strode ahead, while Killer B followed with pencil and notebook in hand.
A tiny Gyūki perched on B's shoulder, peering about with curiosity.
Atop the stacked cargo, a handsome youth in Uchiha fan attire sat cross-legged.
"So it really won't work?"
Yuzuru slowly opened his eyes, displeasure on his face.
Among the resources exchanged with Kumogakure was the method for training Lightning Release chakra.
Yet after many attempts, he still couldn't master it.
His body simply couldn't withstand the violent energy of training in the Lightning Release Chakra Mode.
Hearing Yuzuru's voice, A let out a smug snort. "Kid, did you think anyone could train Kumo's Lightning Release Chakra Mode?"
"Without a body on par with a tailed beast, forcing it will only put you in danger."
"My advice—give it up before you ruin yourself."
Yuzuru didn't argue.
Harsh as A's words were, they were true.
For now, he could only stimulate his cells by gentler means to improve speed, strength, and reaction.
As for Lightning Release Chakra Mode…
He might have to wait until he transplanted Hashirama cells or White Zetsu cells.
T/n:
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