Where there are people, there is a world of connections.
And that world—
It is not about fighting and killing.
It's about relationships.
The shinobi world is no different.
What do people struggle for their entire lives?
Money.
What do shinobi fight to the death for?
Also money.
A high-risk profession—
For a high-risk reward.
A chance at a better life.
And now—
Konoha's biggest problem wasn't manpower.
It was money.
But with money—
Manpower follows.
With enough funding—
One village fighting four wouldn't even be impossible.
Just see who runs out first.
If funds were abundant—
Every shinobi could carry dozens of explosive tags.
Throw a handful on sight.
Efficient.
Simple.
Comfortable.
Unfortunately—
That kind of luxury was impossible.
—
Uchiha Ren leaned back in his chair.
Before him—
A lavish spread of dishes filled the table.
Color.
Aroma.
Presentation.
Everything perfect.
The venue—
The most luxurious restaurant in Konoha.
Reserved specifically for hosting important Uchiha guests.
This single meal—
Cost 30,000 ryō.
Even Ren clicked his tongue internally.
An A-rank mission could earn him several hundred thousand—
But eating like this every day?
That would bankrupt anyone.
Thankfully—
The clan was paying.
This was business.
"Today's guest is named Fujii Hiroki," Uchiha Raizen explained from the side.
"The Fujii family controls one of the largest iron mines in the Land of Fire."
"They've been our long-term partners."
"They also have connections within the Fire Daimyō's court."
He continued—
Background.
Personality.
Preferences.
Every detail.
Teaching patiently.
Dealing with nobles and merchants—
Was nothing like being a shinobi.
As a shinobi—
You just kill.
As a clan head—
You must think.
Raizen held nothing back.
Ren had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan.
He was the future of the Uchiha.
Everything—
Would be passed to him.
This dinner—
Raizen had insisted on attending personally.
The Uchiha owed the Fujii family a large sum.
Delayed for months.
Tonight—
There would likely be unpleasant words.
And Raizen was worried.
Worried Ren might lose his temper.
After all—
The image of Ren throwing a Lava Release attack into a crowd was still fresh.
This new Ren—
Could not be judged by his past behavior.
If he drew his blade here—
And killed Fujii Hiroki—
The consequences would be catastrophic.
Debt unresolved—
And the creditor dead.
The Fire Country's nobles would unite.
They could crush Uchiha business entirely.
No one could allow such a precedent.
Because every major clan—
Was drowning in debt after the war.
If everyone started killing creditors—
The nobility would retaliate.
Bounties.
Sanctions.
Economic strangulation.
The power of money—
Was no less terrifying than ninjutsu.
Even the Uchiha—
Could not withstand that.
—
Ren listened carefully.
It was clear—
Raizen was sincerely teaching him.
Some of this knowledge—
Was something ordinary shinobi would never touch in their entire lives.
Then—
The door opened.
A slightly plump, well-dressed middle-aged man entered.
Clearly wealthy.
"Raizen! Long time no see!"
"Long time no see!"
They exchanged greetings.
Then Raizen introduced Ren—
The new Uchiha clan head.
Fujii Hiroki's expression shifted slightly—
Then immediately returned to a warm smile.
He introduced himself again politely.
Ren responded just as smoothly.
Because in his previous life—
He had worked in sales.
Scenes like this—
Were second nature.
Back then—
He trained to close deals.
This life—
He trained to kill.
But now—
His old skills resurfaced instantly.
Dealing with clients?
He was a professional.
Once seated at the table—
Ren took control.
Toasts.
Compliments.
Conversation.
Effortless.
Smooth.
Relentless.
Raizen watched from the side—
Eyes widening.
Too smooth.
Too natural.
Almost unreal.
The flattering phrases flowed endlessly.
Even the drinking lines—
Creative and unfamiliar.
Fujii Hiroki drank one cup after another.
At one point—
He brought up the debt.
Ren immediately began complaining.
About hardship.
About war.
About suffering.
Even Raizen couldn't bear listening.
Some parts were clearly exaggerated.
But effective.
As for repayment—
Ren didn't refuse.
He simply promised—
Once funds arrived—
They would repay everything.
Principal and interest.
Fujii Hiroki couldn't press further.
Then—
More drinking.
Two against one.
With Ren controlling the rhythm—
The atmosphere shifted completely.
Jokes.
Stories.
Topics every man enjoyed.
Soon—
They were calling each other brothers.
"Brother, I'm in trouble. Will you help me?"
"What are you saying? Of course I will… hic…"
Fujii Hiroki slurred slightly.
"I still have some say in the family…"
"Another month of supply? No problem… hic…"
Ren's eyes flashed.
"Big brother! Let me toast you!"
More drinks.
More laughter.
—
"Quick—write it down!"
Raizen moved instantly.
Paper.
Brush.
Agreement signed.
Before Fujii Hiroki sobered up.
—
While Ren entertained his "big brother"—
Elsewhere in Konoha—
Two figures walked the streets.
Hiruzen Sarutobi
And Danzo Shimura.
They had just returned from the battlefield.
Then faced pressure from Uzumaki Mito.
Now—
They walked together.
Planning.
Discussing Konoha's future.
Danzo's emotions were complicated.
When he heard Mito would support Hiruzen—
Relief came first.
Then—
Regret.
If he had stepped forward first that day—
Would he have been Hokage instead?
Joy.
Jealousy.
Bitterness.
All mixed together.
He couldn't help but think—
How things might have changed.
Once equals—
Now one would stand above all.
It stung.
More than anything.
Yet—
Danzo hadn't noticed.
The villagers around them—
We're watching.
With faint looks of disdain.
And contempt.
The storm—
It was already beginning to gather.
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