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After returning to Konoha, Mina went to the Konoha Hospital and brought back two medical ninjas.
At a payment of one hundred thousand ryō each, equivalent to the full reward for a top-tier C-rank mission, and for just treating a summoning beast, naturally, there were no objections.
Ninjas, although not lacking money, wouldn't refuse such easily earned cash; upon arriving at the Uchiha compound and seeing Gates' pitiful state, the medical ninjas immediately started their treatment without any comments.
Burnt fur was trimmed and ointments applied. The larger wounds, although not bleeding anymore, still required stitching, and some injuries needed their Mystical Palm Technique.
Motivated by the payment, these two medical ninjas treated this task with great dedication, performing the treatment wholeheartedly.
An hour later, the two medical ninjas, exhausted to the point of disregarding their appearances, simply sat down on the ground.
Having consumed a vast amount of chakra, they treated all of Gates' wounds thoroughly. Now, all it needed was a few days of rest for a complete recovery, and through soul communication, Yoichi learned that Gates was feeling much better.
Afterward, they were paid and sent on their way.
The next day.
After resting for the night, Yoichi felt much better. Upon waking, he even found his bedding warm, reaching temperatures of about fifty or sixty degrees Celsius, likely related to the evolution of Godzilla inside him. However, Yoichi didn't feel uncomfortable; instead, he found his energy quickly replenished after sleeping.
In the morning, he planned to visit the Second Elder, asking him to use the clan's resources to find talent for manufacturing electronic devices, as it was time to start making money.
Now with another big eater in the house, even the cheapest pork costing forty to fifty ryō per pound wasn't enough; Gates wasn't fond of pork, preferring at least lamb or beef.
The cheaper beef was about 340 ryō per pound, with slightly better quality costing around 460 ryō per pound. To properly feed Gates, it would cost 320,000 ryō per day!
Even using slightly inferior beef would still cost over 200,000 ryō daily.
Calculating this figure last night, Yoichi hardly slept well.
His entire fortune could barely sustain Gates for a little over a year. The combat abilities of this summoning beast were indeed impressive; once familiar with ninja combat techniques, ordinary ninjas would stand no chance against it.
If Gates reached its adult stage, it would be equivalent to a standard tailed beast.
Although it would take some time, Gates told him that 1,000 years is the natural maturation age for Earth Bears, simply lying in a cave and sleeping. However, most Earth Bears seek food that accelerates their growth, reaching maturity at around 700 years old. With parental assistance, it's not uncommon for them to evolve into adults at 500 or 600 years old. Unfortunately, Gates is an orphan; its mother never returned from searching for food.
If Yoichi wants Gates to reach maturity sooner, he'll need a significant amount of money.
Adding to the Uchiha clan's welfare system and the cost of hiring other ninjas, expenses were everywhere.
The Second Elder was keen on making him the clan head, and Yoichi didn't refuse.
What's wrong with becoming the head of the Uchiha clan, arguably the most powerful clan in the ninja world, filled with potential and strong members?
Once the three tomoe Sharingan is activated, becoming a Jōnin and rarely losing in one-on-one fights is almost guaranteed.
"One-on-one, must escape."
This wasn't just Uchiha boasting; it was a conclusion drawn by other villages through combat with the Uchiha. Encountering an Uchiha alone meant it was better to flee.
Once caught in a genjutsu, without someone to release you—since not everyone can train like Might Guy to combat by watching feet—it's a dire situation.
The only downside to becoming the Uchiha clan head might be dealing with a few lunatics in the clan, though most members are normal. The influence of the three tomoe Sharingan on Uchiha members exists, but it's not significant.
However, to become the clan head, he first needs to establish a welfare system to win over the people's hearts.
While contemplating this, Yoichi suddenly notices the situation ahead.
A beautiful, mature woman holding a gift box just left a house. The female homeowner, appearing somewhat embarrassed, sees her off and then closes the door.
Sighing upon exiting, the woman's expression of loss vanishes upon noticing Yoichi passing by.
"Mrs. Mikoto, are you delivering a gift to Captain Ryota?"
Yoichi glances at the elegantly wrapped gift box in Mikoto's hands, curious about its contents.
Was this directed by Fugaku? Even starting to engage in social visits to win over clan members' hearts?
"This wasn't Fugaku's doing; I wanted to do something for him."
Uchiha Mikoto's expression complicates as she recalls Yoichi's prior disrespect and her initial embarrassment.
However, hearing about Yoichi siding with the radical faction led by the Second Elder and almost harming Fugaku compounded her complex feelings. She knows Yoichi, standing before her, could be considered an enemy of her family.
Though calling a clan member an enemy is a bit much, Mikoto is aware of her husband's attitude towards Yoichi at home. Following her husband's lead is natural for her.
Her visit to Ryota was intended to assist Fugaku, but Mikoto didn't expect Ryota's wife to have been forewarned, neither accepting her gift nor intending to deepen their relationship.
"Yoichi-san, we're all part of the same clan; why can't we work together? Fugaku doesn't have any ulterior motives."
"Mrs. Mikoto, I believe your words. The clan head probably doesn't have any ulterior motives, but he lacks the capability, you know?"
Yoichi interrupts, believing the Uchiha clan would face destruction under Fugaku's leadership even without his interference.
"My desire to become clan head wasn't strong, but being repeatedly wronged by the clan head left me no choice but to resist!"
"To be honest, I don't recognize Fugaku as the clan head. When the opportunity arises, I will take up the position myself, and you needn't bother with such futile gestures."
Yoichi speaks with certainty, then glances at the gift box in Mikoto's hands, asking, "Do you still need this?"
"Eh?"
Caught off guard by Yoichi's question about the gift box, Mikoto, realizing it was pointless to keep it, hands it over when prompted.
Taking the unwrapped gift box, Yoichi heads to Ryota's house.
After ringing the bell, Ryota's wife opens the door, surprised to see Yoichi standing there.
"Madam, I'm Yoichi. Captain Ryota has been very kind to me recently. Passing by today, I didn't have a suitable gift, but I'll make a formal visit to express my gratitude when Captain Ryota is home."
"Ah, it's Yoichi-san. No need for such formality; Ryota often mentions you."
Hearing it's Yoichi, Ryota's wife smiles and naturally accepts the gift box, "Yoichi-san, would you like to come in?"
"No need, madam. I'll visit when Captain Ryota returns."
"Then, next time, Yoichi-san, you're welcome to visit."
Witnessing this, Mikoto feels anger and frustration, realizing Yoichi used this method to show her approach was useless.
This sense of defeat intensifies Mikoto's frustration, biting her lip before turning to leave with a thought, 'Fugaku was right; this guy is really annoying!'
(End of Chapter)