Uchiha Kairen returned to the Uchiha compound, rested for a while, but couldn't sleep.
He got dressed, stepped outside, and leapt up onto the roof.
The clansmen on night watch nearly jumped out of their skin when they saw a figure land above them—
but once they recognized him, they bowed respectfully and moved off to continue their patrols elsewhere.
Under the vast sky filled with stars, Kairen's thoughts drifted far away.
Today, he and his comrades had made quite the entrance.
Their decisive display hadn't just showcased the might and pride of the Uchiha clan—it had also stunned a group of narrow-minded politicians into silence.
In a sense, they'd helped Konoha clean up a few surface-level problems.
And with that, he figured, if he made a few moves of his own now, the higher-ups probably wouldn't pay too much attention.
First: Collaborate with the two clans who had already aligned with them to build factories and split the profits by shares.
The Higashino clan's grain could be used for brewing sake; the Hirahara clan's livestock for opening restaurants—maybe even a "KFC."
If there's no cola, use other drinks instead.
Establish their own brand first, then expand to outside markets.
Copy the business models from his previous life completely—and make sure the advertising is strong.
Second: Form a merchant guild.
Once they start making real money, others will naturally get jealous.
Bring in the daimyō, and rope in a few moderates and neutral nobles.
Give it a prestigious name—"The Royal Chamber of Commerce."
Monopolize the entire fast-food industry of the Land of Fire.
Ban private brewing of "Royal Sake."
Anyone who breaks the rule—arrest them.
Then share a portion of the profits with Konoha itself.
Third: Win the daimyō's trust and cultivate friendly relations.
Continue to sow discord among the Hokage faction.
They could recommend White Fang to the daimyō under the pretext of "maintaining public security," and use him to eliminate another group—the 'Valley.'
That would destroy another of Danzō's sources of income and deepen the rift between the factions.
Fourth: Use money to buy over smaller clans, just like the other nobles do with land.
Expand continually—build factories, open orphanages, and establish hospitals throughout the Land of Fire.
Fifth: Form a new Twelve Guardian Ninja.
Ensure that the Uchiha, Hyūga, Uzumaki, and Inuzuka clans, along with the ninja sword families, all hold important roles within it—and invite the Fire Temple monks to join as well.
Exhaling deeply, Kairen thought to himself:
These five points—no matter the order—all must be realized.
He would turn the Land of Fire into the Uchiha's branch base.
Even if the worst happened, the clan would still have a foundation to survive upon.
---
The next morning, just after breakfast, one of the daimyō's close attendants arrived at the compound to pay respects to the Second Elder.
Not long after, the elder had the butler summon Uchiha Kairen and Uchiha Danten.
The two entered the main hall, where the elder gestured for the attendant to explain his purpose personally.
The man stepped forward and presented two boxes.
When opened, each contained a Guardian Ninja waistcloth.
"The daimyō," he said respectfully, "was deeply impressed by the performance of the two young Uchiha prodigies yesterday. Out of admiration for your talent, he wishes to appoint you both as members of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, to safeguard his safety."
Kairen looked at the waistcloths, slightly amused.
No shooting stars last night, yet I fall asleep and wake up to a gift like this?
Without hesitation, he accepted the box with a bow, fastened the waistcloth around his waist, and said,
"I am deeply grateful for the daimyō's trust. I shall do everything in my power to protect him and serve his interests."
Danten, seeing his younger comrade accept, quickly took the other and tied it on, returning the courtesy with a few formal words of thanks.
The attendant's relief was palpable.
He had expected resistance—maybe even hostility—but to his surprise, the Uchiha were rather cooperative.
And their attitude toward the daimyō… wasn't at all like that of other Konoha shinobi.
Then Kairen spoke again.
"May I ask—are the other Guardian Ninja as strong as the one we met yesterday?
If they're all on that level, then just the two of us might find it difficult to properly protect the daimyō.
We have three more clansmen whose skills are exceptional. If the daimyō doubts it, I can have them fetch proof themselves."
He pointed casually to the waistcloth at his side as he said this.
The attendant broke out in a cold sweat.
So the rumors were true—this clan really does have a habit of solving everything by killing people! If I refuse, will I even make it out alive?
Seeing his unease, Kairen smiled reassuringly.
"There's no need to be troubled. Just take us with you to the daimyō's residence. We'll speak to him ourselves. You won't be held responsible for anything."
That made the man exhale in relief.
"Very well," he said, "I can take you to the estate, but whether or not the daimyō grants you an audience—or when—that isn't up to me."
---
Following the attendant, Kairen and the others arrived at the daimyō's mansion.
Along the way, Uchiha Honō discreetly slipped the attendant a few pieces of silver.
"Please guide us," he said politely. "We're new to the daimyō's residence and unfamiliar with its customs. We'd be grateful for your advice."
Money makes even ghosts dance—this truth holds in every world.
The attendant's face brightened instantly, and he began enthusiastically explaining the layout and etiquette of the mansion all the way through.
Before long, the group was seated in a side hall, waiting for the daimyō's summons.
Inside, the attendant did his part well.
As the saying goes, "Take a man's money, dispel his troubles."
He laid it on thick—praising the Uchiha endlessly:
how their hospitality reflected the grace of ancient noble clans,
how each of them was a talented youth far beyond the shallow showpieces of other shinobi,
how loyal and devoted they were to the daimyō's interests—
a torrent of flattering words that ended with,
"They are now waiting humbly in the side hall for your summons, my lord."
The daimyō knew perfectly well that the man had been paid off, but… who doesn't enjoy a little flattery?
Still—the Uchiha sending bribes?
That alone surprised him.
It meant these young men definitely had something in mind.
Well then, no harm in meeting them and hearing what they wanted.
Before long, a messenger arrived at the side hall.
"The daimyō will receive you in the garden," he announced.
Led through winding paths, they soon reached a tranquil garden, where the daimyō awaited them.
This time, he was dressed simply, like a wealthy but unassuming elder—no regal airs, smiling kindly, approachable.
The Uchiha bowed in unison.
"Greetings, Daimyō-sama."
"Haha, no need to be so stiff," he said, waving a hand.
"You two have done well—now official Guardian Ninja. So, what brings you here today?"
Kairen met his gaze, calm and steady.
"Your Excellency's insight is as sharp as ever. Yes—we did come with something to discuss.
After hearing that you wished to appoint my cousin and me as Guardian Ninja, we were both honored and thrilled… yet also concerned for your safety.
Your Excellency chose us for our skill—but in an organization of twelve, if only two have the strength to truly protect you, isn't that the same as having no protection at all?
In this shinobi world, there are many ninja like us—some even stronger.
For us, the purpose of the Guardian Ninja is to ensure your safety, to serve you, and to place your interests above all else.
To put it bluntly—the other Guardian Ninja are too weak.
I believe the Twelve should be reorganized.
If Your Excellency doubts my ability to lead such a task, you may enlist Konoha's White Fang—Hatake Sakumo—to assist in forming the new corps.
Hatake Sakumo, known across the Land of Fire as the new War God, currently heads the ANBU.
He's also one of the strongest contenders for the title of the Fourth Hokage.
If Your Excellency sends word to Konoha, the Uchiha will gladly act as intermediaries to ensure your request succeeds."
The daimyō studied the confident young man before him.
"Your aim isn't merely to reorganize the Guardian Ninja, is it?"
Kairen smiled faintly.
"Indeed, Your Excellency.
I wish to ease your burdens—to remove a long-standing thorn in your heart.
I intend for the new Guardian Ninja to eradicate a place known as 'The Valley.'
I believe you've heard of it before.
We Uchiha have already destroyed one such 'Valley' ourselves.
There's no reason to let another exist—don't you agree?"
He spoke as though discussing something as casual as sweeping away dust.
The daimyō thought for a moment, then nodded.
"I can write to the Hokage. Whatever you do after that—I neither know nor wish to know.
Just deliver the results I want."
Kairen bowed deeply.
"Rest assured, Your Excellency.
Everything we do will be of our own initiative as Guardian Ninja.
It will have nothing whatsoever to do with you."