NOVEL NEXT Chapter 8: Chapter 8. A Fat Sheep for Others to Fleece
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Chapter 8. A Fat Sheep for Others to Fleece
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Night.
The evening breeze blew gently.
The Uchiha clan had concluded their evening discussion for the day.
The results weren't good. As the clan leader of the Uchiha family, Uchiha Fugaku did not agree, as everyone had hoped, to allocate all resources to Uchiha ninjas.
The elders of the Uchiha clan watched as the clan leader walked away, letting out a long sigh of disappointment. One elder turned to the Great Elder beside him and asked, "Elder Brother, what do we do now?"
"Don't be anxious." Uchiha Setsuna, the Great Elder of the Uchiha clan, leaned on his cane, his face wrinkled and aged, with a calm gaze as he narrowed his eyes slightly. "Let me first go meet that kid, Yuto."
Uchiha Yuto.
Once the genius of the Uchiha clan, he had shown extraordinary talent at a young age, diligently studying and training, often forgetting to eat while immersed in the clan's library and training grounds.
He possessed the will of fire that the Third Hokage often spoke of. Although the Uchiha clan generally dismissed the concept of the "will of fire," Yuto's recognition by the Third Hokage and his ability to write inspiring articles about the will of fire could serve as a link between the clan and the village, potentially reintegrating the Uchiha clan into the power center of Konoha and gaining acceptance from the village.
They even went to great lengths to prepare for Yuto to become a direct disciple of the Third Hokage, learning under one of the legendary Sannin. Yuto was also quite promising, as he recognized the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki as his sister and met the graduation requirements at the academy after only a few years of study.
Although he ultimately didn't apply for early graduation, it was evident that Yuto had great talent.
A genius of the Uchiha clan!
Moreover, a genius recognized by the Third Hokage.
At that time, they all believed that Uchiha Yuto could lead the Uchiha clan's geniuses toward a new future.
Uchiha Setsuna thought so too.
Unfortunately, things did not go as they had hoped.
On the day of graduation… everything proceeded as expected. Everyone had been happily preparing to celebrate the Uchiha clan's genius, but that night, when it mattered most…
Being a ninja couldn't save the Uchiha.
That brat actually said this in front of the elders and the clan leader, and he didn't even care about being expelled from the Uchiha clan.
It was a disgrace to the Uchiha clan!
At that time, everyone was prepared to expel him from the Uchiha clan and let him fend for himself, but…
"It's really a pity!"
Uchiha Setsuna gazed at the moon in the sky, sighed sadly, shook his head, and lightly tapped the floor with his cane.
After much hesitation, he, as the Great Elder, decided to give the boy a chance, believing that if he lived independently for a while, he would understand that being a ninja was the future of the ninja world.
Without strength, any wealth would merely become a dress for someone else.
To his surprise, that brat actually made something of himself.
Though that little bit of money wasn't much for the ancient Uchiha clan, it was still free money that could be acquired annually, and that amounted to a significant sum.
Even the Uchiha clan couldn't spare that much each year. They might be able to, but it could affect the clan's overall operations.
Therefore, if this money could be used for Uchiha ninjas, it would definitely enhance their strength.
"What does the elder plan to do?" asked an elder beside him, his hair equally white. "Should we invite Yuto to come here directly?"
"Let's wait a moment. You all know how stubborn that kid Yuto is, or rather… geniuses always think they are right. What a pity!" Uchiha Setsuna shook his head in regret, tapping the floor with his cane and contemplating for a moment. "Let me first go see what those old folks are up to… what exactly they're doing."
Dancing? Singing?
Is this what ninjas should be doing?
Sighing, he turned around. "Don't worry, I will definitely find some so-called 'evidence' to make that brat Yuto understand what is right!"
Ninjas!
Ninjas with absolute strength!
That is the only way out for the Uchiha clan!
So, since that brat said that being a ninja couldn't save the Uchiha, let him, as the Great Elder of the Uchiha clan, tell that brat… that a few measly coins cannot save the Uchiha.
They would only be seen as… fat sheep for others to fleece.
…
"Being seen as a fat sheep at this stage is better than being viewed as a hidden danger for the village!"
After sending Hyuga Suzune back to the Hyuga clan, Uchiha Yuto walked alone down the streets of Konoha, reflecting on the somewhat desolate streets and shaking his head.
For example, the Hyuga clan and the Uchiha clan, both prominent clans in Konoha, have always been rivals, neither willing to yield to the other.
Especially the Uchiha clan… Although they once reached their peak, ever since the Second Hokage initiated a series of reforms and the Third Hokage reformed the ninja teams, the Uchiha clan has declined. Consequently, the Hyuga clan has become more arrogant and proud upon seeing the Uchiha clan.
They believed they were the number one Dojutsu clan in Konoha.
However, when they saw Uchiha Yuto, they couldn't help but greet him with a smile and call him "Boss Yuto."
It was nothing else. He, Uchiha Yuto, is a rich and naïve man. He has always relied on his money to get close to others.
And he believed that in a few more years… he would become even more approachable!
…
Yuto arrived at the orphanage on the streets of Konoha.
After pondering for a moment, he walked inside…
"Brother Yuto!"
"Boss Yuto!"
He was immediately greeted warmly by the children.
Originally, according to the initial plan… Uchiha Yuto was supposed to possess a strong will of fire, making friends in the academy, enhancing bonds with classmates, and then showcasing his strength so that the higher-ups wouldn't underestimate him.
However, an unexpected turn of events occurred.
He had become a "wealthy man" with a net worth of more than billions.
There was no choice.
He thought about it; if he didn't engage in business, even if he focused on research, exploring his bloodline, or developing jutsu, it would still take a long time. And he might barely begin to show promise, only to end up becoming a rogue ninja.
It was too dangerous.
It was better to enjoy the present, letting everyone think that Uchiha Yuto had given up the ninja path and not pay him any mind.
Otherwise, relying solely on the so-called will of fire to gain the Third Hokage's recognition was simply a joke.
Just look at what the Third Hokage said every time Danzo wanted to take action:
"Let me think about it!
Let's wait a bit longer! Maybe there's another way!
Don't act rashly!"
And what happened?
Uchiha Yuto didn't know how many ashes were scattered under the regret, self-blame, and shame of the Third Hokage.
He casually ruffled a few children's heads and headed toward the office of the orphanage director.
He knocked on the door, and a gentle voice called out, "Come in!"
Yuto walked in and immediately saw a woman with glasses, draped in a white cloak, sitting in a chair. She seemed to notice him enter and turned her head with a smile to look at him.
With a gentle smile, her eyes crinkled as she softly regarded Yuto. "Is it Yuto?"
"Sister Nono, it's me." Yuto nodded slightly, casually sitting down beside her. "It seems like Sister Nono is also troubled. Is something bothering you? Do you need help?"
"It's nothing." Nono organized the documents with a smile, shaking her head. She poured Yuto a cup of tea, saying, "Just some minor matters at the orphanage, nothing serious."
"Have there been many more orphans?"
Although the war was in its early stages and not very intense, with the main focus on defending against Sunagakure, there were still casualties due to the war.
Yuto pondered for a moment and then, seeing Nono looking at him in confusion, smiled and said, "In a few days, I'll be opening a few barbecue restaurants and will need several apprentices."
"?!" Nono was taken aback for a moment, then smiled lightly, seemingly relieved, nodding and saying, "This is a great help!"
"I just happen to need apprentices!"
"I know." Nono shook her head helplessly and poured Yuto, who was looking all "wealthy," another cup of tea. "I really appreciate Yuto's help."
Otherwise, she and the orphanage might…
As she thought of this, Nono suddenly furrowed her brows, as if recalling something. "Yuto, are you leaving the village in a few days?"
"Yes!" Yuto nodded. "I have some business to handle outside. After all, this war seems to be escalating; it might get very intense. So, I need to take advantage of the calm now to finish up my business."
"Is that so…" Nono murmured to herself, then raised her head seriously to look at Yuto. "Please remember! You must hire more ninjas, and also…" She paused and lowered her voice, "Be careful of Root ninjas!"
"???"
Root ninjas?!
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TL Note:
Sorry for the sudden pause. I was a bit caught up in the religious festivities, so I couldn't post regular updates. But now, I'm back.