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"Then, Yōichi-kun, please go ahead and speak."
Even though Fugaku deeply disliked Yōichi, in front of so many clan members, he still had to maintain the appearance of a magnanimous clan leader.
However, the incident at the entrance of the police force, that strike, was still vivid in Fugaku's memory.
"Thank you, clan leader. As some of the clan members might already know, I have established some businesses outside, including the Uchiha Pharmaceutical Factory, which is already profitable. There's also a ninja game that will soon be launched for sale, and a combat suit research factory."
Yōichi spoke calmly, his voice clear enough for all clan members to hear.
While the ninja game and combat suits were unfamiliar to many, the pharmaceutical factory was somewhat known, as even ninjas have the habit of reading newspapers.
Advertisements for the Uchiha Pharmaceutical Factory were becoming annoyingly frequent, opening the newspaper to the glaring message, "You're not healthy! For the sake of your body, quickly purchase XXXX health products!"
It was rumored that Yōichi had made a significant amount of money, though no one knew exactly how much. Nonetheless, there was little envy within the clan.
"The money I've earned is more than I can use, so after discussing with Elder Kenji, I've decided to allocate the earnings to establish the Uchiha Welfare System, allowing all clan members to share these benefits."
"Some clan members still go to work daily. While their earnings suffice for daily expenses, purchasing quality clothes or improving their diet long-term is still challenging. As a member of the Uchiha, I find this unacceptable."
"Our Uchiha clan has nearly a thousand years of heritage, having lived through the era of the Sage of Six Paths. Wars and natural disasters over the millennia have not eradicated us. The history of the Uchiha is far longer than that of the Land of Fire, yet it's wrong for some clan members to toil away just for basic necessities!"
"Therefore, I've decided to use the money earned to establish the Uchiha Welfare System. Every non-ninja adult member of the Uchiha will receive 30,000 ryō per month, and children under twelve will receive 10,000 ryō."
"Genin of the Uchiha clan can receive 100,000 ryō per month, to be used for improving their living conditions or purchasing ninja tools and exploding tags, among other things."
"Chūnin of the Uchiha clan will receive 500,000 ryō per month, and Jōnin will receive 1 million ryō."
"This welfare system isn't for enjoyment but to alleviate the financial worries of clan members in difficult circumstances. It allows them to focus on missions for experience or training and to buy more exploding tags and ration pills, increasing their chances of survival in war."
Finally, Yōichi added, "I believe our clan deserves this, and with our strength, we are worthy of such treatment."
After Yōichi finished, the room at Naka Shrine fell silent, with everyone digesting his words.
Fugaku listened throughout, clenching his fists slightly.
His first thought was that this was a move to win over the hearts of the clan, but even with that in mind, he couldn't openly object.
This was a benevolent act for the clan, even considering the children. How could he, as the clan leader, argue against it? The ninja world's three prohibitions?
Yōichi had said it himself, providing welfare to the Uchiha ninjas was meant to enable them to focus more on their training and accumulate experience without financial worries.
Moreover, the welfare could be used to purchase ninja tools and exploding tags, enhancing their survival odds on the battlefield.
To oppose this would imply a desire to see clan members perish in battle.
Seeing the reactions from everyone in the room, Kenji couldn't help but smile and speak, "Everyone, after Yōichi-kun proposed the Uchiha Welfare System, it seemed there might be aspects he hadn't considered. Bringing it up at this clan meeting is to involve everyone in the discussion. If there are any dissatisfactions or suggestions for improvement, feel free to voice them."
The typically reticent Grand Elder asked, "Yōichi-kun, how long can this welfare system sustain?"
"If nothing unexpected happens, it will continue indefinitely. The profits from the pharmaceutical factory alone can support the Uchiha Welfare System, and I have other businesses as well, so there's no need to worry."
Hearing this, the Grand Elder nodded and fell silent, finding no grounds to object.
"Everyone, and the clan leader, do you have any objections to the welfare system I've proposed?"
Many present were part of the peace faction, not particularly fond of Yōichi.
But even with their lack of affection, faced with Yōichi offering money to them, their families, and friends, they found it hard to argue.
"I support it. As Yōichi-kun said, this money is all for purchasing exploding tags and ration pills. Being on the battlefield, this will greatly increase our clan members' chances of survival."
"I also support it, well, because it's a good thing. There's no reason to oppose."
"I support it too."
Now, those speaking were mostly from the Uchiha clan's warrior faction. After they finished, Yōichi turned his gaze towards Fugaku and his faction, asking,
"Clan leader, and Eighth Elder, what do you think of this proposal?"
Fugaku, feeling everyone's eyes on him, slowly unclenched his fists and said, "I have no objections. Your proposal is beneficial for the clan."
Seeing Fugaku relent, knowing this matter couldn't be stopped, the Eighth Elder after some thought said, "It might not be easy managing so many people, Yōichi-kun. Perhaps this should be overseen by the clan leader."
"Sorry, Eighth Elder, but I have plans for the surplus from the pharmaceutical factory. My summoning creatures have quite the appetite, and there are other expenses."
Yōichi interrupted, almost saying outright that the money was his to manage. What need was there to involve the clan leader?
"If the Eighth Elder worries about oversight, having the clan leader supervise is fine, but with the clan leader's busy schedule, there might be conflicts."
Suddenly, an idea struck Fugaku, who then said, "There's no need for supervision. I trust Yōichi-kun has the clan's best interests at heart. However, since this involves all clan members, including many women, why not let my wife assist? This way, we can better implement the initiative."
The Eighth Elder clearly wanted to involve himself, but knowing Yōichi's character, it was unlikely he'd allow it.
Thus, involving his wife under the guise of representing the women in the clan could, in a sense, represent him as the clan leader.
Hearing Fugaku's words, Kenji seemed to grasp the clan leader's intentions, helping Yōichi out by saying, "Clan leader, if I remember correctly, Mikoto is also taking care of Sasuke, right?"
Fugaku responded, "Sasuke is already one. Mikoto will manage."
The Eighth Elder added, "Having Mikoto-san help would be good."
"With that settled, let's proceed in this manner."
Yōichi spoke, giving Kenji a reassuring look.
They didn't understand the power of controlling capital. Even if more people were involved, they would still be working for Yōichi.
With Yōichi's agreement, Fugaku felt he had regained some ground, saying, "Then it's decided. Tomorrow, Mikoto will discuss with Yōichi-kun. Anything else?"
"There's one more thing."
Yōichi didn't relent, continuing, "Clan leader, Elders, my combat suit research factory has also made significant progress. The defense capability of the developed combat suits will be five times that of regular ninja attire.
Taking this opportunity, I'd like to expand the Uchiha clan's arms business. Of course, the new combat suits will be prioritized for our clan's ninjas."
After a year of research, despite having complete manufacturing guides, the challenge of sourcing materials prevented the creation of combat suits identical to those of Saiyans.
However, the ninja world's unique materials, including a combination of spider silk and silkworm thread, offered strong resilience.
By applying the Saiyan combat suit manufacturing techniques to compress these materials, a new type of combat suit was produced.
While different from the original, it was the best option available in the ninja world. Moreover, the spider clan, with a leader that was a four to five-meter tall spider, had been subdued and signed a summoning contract with Yōichi's people.
"The clan leader, I think Yōichi-kun's proposal has no issues."
The Grand Elder spoke, surprising Fugaku and others. In recent years, the Grand Elder had been like a mascot, rarely expressing opinions. Today was a first.
But the Grand Elder had his reasons for speaking. With Yōichi contributing 260 million ryō a month and involving the clan leader's wife, now moving into the arms business was also for the clan's benefit.
Although the combat suits were unknown, since they were mentioned, they must be significant.
Opposing now would seem unreasonable, even to the peace faction members, making the clan leader appear excessive.
Fugaku, still trying to grasp the situation but seeing the Eighth Elder nodding, said, "Alright, Yōichi-kun, you'll be in charge of the clan's arms and weapons from now on."
After settling this matter, Fugaku mentioned the need to strengthen patrols by the police force to guard against spies from outside the village. Seeing Yōichi no longer speaking, he concluded the clan meeting.
After the meeting.
Kenji caught up with Yōichi, and in a secluded spot, couldn't help asking, "Yōichi, why let Fugaku's wife get involved?"
"Kenji-senpai, I'm well aware of what the clan leader is thinking, but they misunderstood from the start. The Uchiha Welfare System was my idea, and I'm funding it. Even if they put ten clan leader's wives in, it won't make a difference. Mikoto is just there to help."
Solving this issue was simple; when distributing the money, just attach his name to it, indicating a gift from Uchiha Yōichi.
Over time, all clan members would see Mikoto as a mere assistant.
"If you're confident, then there's no problem. But what about the arms business?"
"Let Tokugawa take over the business for now. After that, it's about stockpiling and expansion. War is approaching, and the preparations made so far are far from sufficient."
Uchiha Tokugawa was in charge of the combat suit research factory, and he found and signed the contract with the summoning spider.
"If that's the case, then the future matters are in your hands. If you need help, come find me."
After speaking, Kenji patted his waist, smiling wistfully, "I'm getting old. To think I'd feel tired after a clan meeting. The future of the Uchiha lies with you young people."
"How could that be? The clan will still need you, Kenji-senpai."
Yōichi replied with a smile, and as it was getting late, they parted ways and went home.
(End of Chapter)