"Elder Ryunosuke, you're here please, sit down and rest for a moment."
Since this wasn't a formal clan assembly, Chiya didn't put on the airs of a patriarch. Instead, he sensibly invited Uchiha Ryunosuke to sit and have tea, just as Mikoto would have done for honored guests at the compound.
After taking a sip, Ryunosuke asked respectfully, "Patriarch, what instructions do you have for me today?"
Chiya smiled slightly. "A month ago, when I first assumed the role of clan head, I announced two major goals. The first was to restore the Uchiha name within the village to change the impression that the villagers of Konoha hold about us. Now, looking at the results, I'd say that goal has been achieved beyond expectation."
At the mention of this, Fugaku couldn't help but give Chiya a silent thumbs-up from where he sat. This changing how the villagers saw the Uchiha was something every former patriarch, even Fugaku himself, had once attempted. But none had succeeded.
Who would have thought that a boy barely past his academy years this "little brat Chiya" would actually accomplish it?
And the most unbelievable part?
He had done it all in just one month.
"The patriarch truly possesses great wisdom…" Ryunosuke said hurriedly, almost tripping over his own words in admiration.
Chiya chuckled softly. "Elder Ryunosuke, I'm still a child my heart's not that steady yet. You should be careful before praising me too much."
"No, no!" Ryunosuke said with both hands raised. "The patriarch's insight and composure far surpass those of ordinary shinobi! Even the Hokage would recognize your ability!"
The elder's sincerity was unmistakable. In fact, it wasn't just Ryunosuke; every elder in the Uchiha Council now deferred to Chiya's leadership without hesitation.
Putting away his teasing tone, Chiya straightened his expression. "The first goal is complete," he said calmly. "Now it's time to begin the second: revitalizing our clan's economy. Every Uchiha should live in prosperity. We will not only be the strongest in Konoha but also the wealthiest!"
Ryunosuke's blood stirred at those words. "Patriarch, what should we do to achieve that?"
"If we want quick results," Chiya replied with a spark in his eye, "we must enter the world of commerce."
"Commerce?" Ryunosuke frowned, troubled. "But all the profitable ventures in Konoha are already monopolized by the major clans the Hyūga handle textiles, the Nara deal in medicinal herbs, and even the Yamanaka run the flower trade. We Uchiha have no foothold in business at all!"
Chiya smiled calmly. "The business I want us to start is something that has never appeared in the village before! And it has two major advantages."
"First," he raised a finger, "aside from rent, the cost is almost zero."
"Second," his eyes gleamed with confidence, "the profit margin is enormous practically unmatched!"
Ryunosuke and Fugaku exchanged stunned glances.
Low cost?
And extremely profitable?
What kind of venture could possibly exist in Konoha that fit both conditions?
Chiya looked straight at Ryunosuke. "I want you to gather all the funds the clan currently holds," he ordered. "Then go to the busiest street in Konoha preferably near the central market between the Yamanaka Flower Shop and Ichiraku Ramen and rent a storefront. Decorate it immediately."
"All… the money?" Ryunosuke hesitated. The risk sounded enormous. What if it failed? If they lost their savings, the entire clan might end up scraping by on missions again, barely affording kunai and paper bombs.
Besides, running a business wasn't just about ideas.
There were countless complications permits from the Hokage's office, competition from the Hyūga, and even ANBU surveillance on Uchiha activity.
But then, Ryunosuke remembered: this was the same Chiya who had, in just one month, completely changed the villagers' opinion of the Uchiha something every previous patriarch, even Fugaku, had failed to do.
He drew a deep breath and stood up firmly. "Understood! I'll handle it right away."
With that, he hurried out, believing wholeheartedly that Chiya would create another miracle for the clan.
"That's settled then," Chiya said, nodding. "As for me, I'll be away in training for a while refining some jutsu, so I might vanish from the compound temporarily. But if anything comes up, send word immediately."
Fugaku nodded with his usual stern expression, a hint of respect in his eyes. "Understood. I'll take care of things while you're gone."
Then he turned and left briskly, his footsteps steady and full of energy.
As Chiya watched Fugaku's retreating back, a subtle, meaningful smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
Moments later, he summoned another familiar figure Uchiha Tetsuhō (Iron Fire).
"Patriarch…" Tetsuhō said quietly, his tone uncharacteristically restrained. Once, he and Chiya were like brothers-in-arms on missions. But now, Chiya was the head of the clan a leader even elders deferred to.
Chiya chuckled lightly. "No need to be so stiff. I'm still the same as before just with one extra title."
He playfully tapped Tetsuhō on the chest with his fist.
"This…" Tetsuhō scratched his head, still uneasy, unsure how to act.
Chiya thought for a moment, then grinned. "Alright, let's make a deal. When it's a formal occasion, you call me 'Patriarch.' But when it's just us, like this, you can call me 'brother' again. How about that?"
Uchiha Tetsuhō blinked. "Eh? Really?"
After that bit of humor, the tension melted away. Tetsuhō relaxed, sat down with his usual grin, and said, "Alright then, Brother Chiya what do you need me for this time?"
Chiya's smile turned serious. "I need you to find a few clan members who have already awakened the Sharingan especially those proficient in genjutsu. The more, the better."
Tetsuhō didn't even question it. He nodded immediately. "Got it! Leave it to me. I'll gather them within the shortest time possible!"
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