Fuma's large hand gently ruffled Obito's spiky hair. No matter what, the kid was still on his side for now.
Through Konan, Obito could be nurtured into his most reliable and powerful ally. However, Obito's overly abundant emotions would require some guidance in the future.
Fuma patted Sestsuna on the shoulder. As Setsuna stood there, bewildered, Fuma removed the clan leader's robe from his back and draped it over Obito.
"Obito, I hope that when you grow up, you can wear this robe and become the future leader of the Uchiha clan."
Fuma patted Obito's head and spoke earnestly.
Obito gazed at the robe on his body, gently touching it. His eyes were brimming with tears.
Fuma had high expectations for Obito. He was an Uchiha whose talent could rival Indra, and he was able to withstand the erosion of Hashirama's cells. Such potential demanded serious attention and cultivation.
Fuma didn't realize that through this gesture, Obito had already come to see him as someone truly important in his heart.
This robe was the second gift Obito had ever received in his life—the first being the Great Fireball scroll from Konan.
After Obito left, Fuma met with a few other talented young members of the Uchiha clan, offering them his heartfelt guidance.
This hopeful and warm atmosphere caused the clan gathering to heat up, gradually reaching its peak.
Seeing the excitement among the crowd, Fuma decided to pour more fuel onto the fire.
Fuma took out a sealing scroll. With a clap of his hands, a massive golden mountain, made of gold bars, appeared before everyone.
Though the world of the Hidden Leaf had banks and paper currency, nothing could compare to the impact of holding heavy gold bars in one's hands.
These gold bars were the result of Fuma's savings over the years.
It wasn't that Fuma was particularly generous—at his current level of strength, wealth no longer mattered.
Items like medicinal baths, specialized food, martial arts manuals, and ninja tools, which required money to acquire, could no longer provide any significant boost to Fuma.
In the ninja world, there were too many things money couldn't buy. For example, no amount of money could buy Fuma a Rinnegan or a Tailed Beast to feast on.
If he ever needed some extra funds, he could simply leave the village, kill a few enemy Jonin, and cash in their bodies at the exchange office, a walking bank in every sense.
Besides, ever since Fuma and Tsunade developed a new type of game, Tsunade had long lost interest in gambling. Instead, they bet on verbal sparring matches throughout the night—healthy for both the mind and body and easy on the wallet.
If Fuma really needed money, he could always earn some by "working hard" at night for the eldest princess of the Senju clan.
Financially, the Uchiha clan was not in the best shape. Many of its members were long assigned to the Police Force and couldn't take on ninja missions like others.
As a result, they received fixed salaries, which were lower than what other ninjas of comparable strength earned.
Though the clan was wealthy and most families had resources, the enormous costs of being a ninja were slowly eating away at those savings.
Throughout Fuma's mercenary career, he had taken on 16 Jonin-level assignments, 42 Special Jonin contracts, and countless Chunin missions.
He also had a major contract with Sarutobi Shinnosuke and earned extra bonuses from the exchange office.
Based on Fuma's rates, mercenary work for a Jonin started at 15 million ryo, Special Jonin at 10 million ryo, and Chunin at 3 million ryo. His total earnings from these jobs amounted to nearly 800 million ryo.
In addition to that, he had looted plenty of gold from the daimyo of other nations, received payment from missions, and laundered money from war spoils.
Fuma never lacked for money, and even Minato, who had grown up around him, had little understanding of its true value.
Minato looked at the pile of gold below, feeling nothing but amusement.
This blond had grown up with the best food and clothing. By the age of twelve, he had already mastered the S-rank jutsu, Flying Thunder God, and had the sealing techniques of the entire Uzumaki clan as his dowry. A true second-generation rich kid in the ninja world.
However, the sight of billions of ryo worth of gold shining before them left most of the Uchiha clan in a state of shock. Their minds were reeling.
They stared at Fuma, their gazes now frozen. Was this still their clan leader?
No, this was a living god of wealth!
With a grand wave of his hand, Fuma generously declared:
"For the widows of those who died in the last war, for the orphans in need, and for those injured and disabled in battle, I will compile a list and, after approval, offer appropriate compensation."
"Also, for those children who wish to become ninjas but lack the funds for training, they too can apply for financial support."
"Don't hold back—these funds are meant to be spent!"
"What?! This is amazing!"
"We fully support Fuma-kun as our clan leader!"
The clan members shouted with passion. Even in the world of ninjas, money had undeniable power.
Only Setsuna stood awkwardly, staring at the pile of gold. As the previous clan leader, he had never offered such generous benefits to the clan members.
He couldn't help but wonder—where had Fuma gotten so much money?
Thunderous applause erupted within the hall, and Fuma's name echoed throughout the chamber, unceasing.
Satisfied with the reaction, Fuma wasn't done yet. He had one more surprise in store for the Uchiha clan.
Fuma pulled out a thick scroll and spoke gravely:
"Currently, the ninja academy in the Hidden Leaf offers decent instruction, but the pace is slow and doesn't suit the Uchiha."
"By the time most students graduate, they've barely learned chakra refinement and the Three Basic Jutsu."
This was a well-known fact. The academy's curriculum was designed to accommodate civilian students, leaving it somewhat lacking for the Uchiha clan.
Though most Uchiha children received further education at home, that didn't stop Fuma from offering his clan more and better resources.
"In this scroll, I've gathered most of the C- and D-rank jutsu for the five basic elements, along with a few easy-to-learn B-rank jutsu. Any clan member in need can come to the assembly, register, and receive the jutsu for free."
At this, the entire hall of Uchiha members erupted. Fuma's policy had shattered the knowledge barrier within the clan.
Previously, the Uchiha had operated under a feudal-like system, where exchanging jutsu required many conditions, a way to flaunt the power and prestige of the clan's upper ranks. This was a common issue among many ninja families.
Fuma, however, understood that B-rank jutsu were easily mastered by the gifted. Even if these jutsu spread, it wouldn't matter much.
By distributing them freely, he hoped to foster faster growth in the clan's talented members while ensuring they felt the Uchiha clan's care and support.
The internal atmosphere of the Uchiha clan had never been particularly great. Long oppressed by the Hokage's faction, and naturally proud of their power, many Uchiha children without resources faced significant discrimination.
In the original timeline, Obito was frequently ridiculed as a child and didn't have a single friend within the clan.
So, when Obito later gained power and massacred the Uchiha, he showed no mercy—a reflection of the clan's cold and unforgiving nature.
But now, with Fuma at the helm, those arrogant Uchiha were thoroughly subdued.
In his presence, none of them stood a chance, creating a new kind of equality.
The Uchiha members exchanged glances. After a brief exchange, under Fugaku's lead, they all shouted in unison:
"Chief Fuma, let's hold the clan leader inauguration ceremony now! We can't wait any longer!!"
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