Chapter 22. Tremendous Loss
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I am Uchiha Setsuna!
The Uchiha clan's elder watching over its development from the shadows, with the dream of seeing the clan restored to its former glory.
After a busy morning, Uchiha Setsuna slumped onto a nearby rock, weary and drained.
Age was catching up to him; now even a few simple movements left his back sore!
Back in the day, Uchiha Taijutsu was strong enough to rival the Senju clan. For him to make it to the position of the elder spoke volumes about his strength.
Alas, time spares no one.
With a deep sigh, he took a cup nearby, scoffing as he downed it in one gulp.
He admitted he was wrong that day, as it made sense for Yuto to hire a ninja specializing in taijutsu—no ordinary person could have hauled so much water!
Of course, a waste was still a waste!
No matter what, it didn't change the fact that he was a useless ninja who couldn't even handle a mission!
Just as Uchiha Setsuna was scoffing, a dignified older woman with clouded eyes approached him.
"Be glad someone fetched your water, yet you act so disdainful," Hyuga Hana sneered. "Is this the best of Uchiha manners?"
"Better than the stubborn Hyuga clan!" Uchiha Setsuna retorted, unwilling to back down. "At least our clan doesn't have as much nonsense as yours!"
"Your old bones and stubborn ways haven't killed you yet?"
"Same to you! Hahaha!" Setsuna laughed heartily. "An old person's dance is all it is. These eyes of mine…" He pointed to his eyes, "One look, and I've got it down!"
Plagiarism.
No one could beat the Uchiha at it!
But Hana only looked at him with her calm, clouded eyes and replied blandly, "So childish, even at your age!"
Fair enough.
She was still herself.
She was once the proud White Flower of the Hyuga clan, and despite her shorter stature and wrinkled face, she was still that graceful orchid in a white kimono.
But alas, he was no longer the Uchiha Setsuna he once was.
Setsuna tapped his cane against the ground with disdain, scoffing as he pulled two Yuto BBQ meal vouchers from his pocket, saying coolly, "Don't believe me? Then join me tomorrow. Let me show you the Uchiha's true strength!"
"Ridiculous!" Hana glanced at the BBQ vouchers in his hand, sneering. "So, you want me to help Uchiha Yuto boost his new business?"
After all, she was a prominent figure in the Hyuga clan, so her appearance at Uchiha Yuto's grand opening would have a unique impact!
She saw through his ploy immediately!
Looking at Uchiha Setsuna, she remarked, "You old fox, scheming now, are you?"
At that, Uchiha Setsuna paused in silence, then sighed with a touch of admiration, "As expected… I can't hide anything from you, Hyuga Hana!"
Exactly!
That was precisely his plan!
"Well, are you coming?"
"Why wouldn't I?"
…
"Grand Opening Sale! Grand Opening Sale!"
"Spend 3,000 ryo, and get unlimited free beer, plus a complimentary snack with each drink!"
"Sign up now! For the first 100 customers, spend 10,000 and get an extra 5,000. Spend 20,000 and receive an additional 10,000, plus a free upgrade to Yuto Dining VIP! All Yuto Dining and Catering customers will enjoy a 15% discount!"
"100 ryo vouchers off for every 1,000 spent! Only one voucher can be used per 1,000 spent! Come grab yours now!"
The grand opening of Yuto BBQ is tomorrow, and the streets are full of children holding flyers. These kids are working part-time from the orphanage, which Uchiha Yuto regularly supports with assistance and job opportunities to help it operate.
As the young voices echoed, many villagers paused to take a look. After all, they were already aware of Yuto BBQ. The other day, for some reason, they felt a sudden urge to go in, but it hadn't opened yet. Now it was opening tomorrow—and the deals were amazing?!
As expected from Lord Yuto!
Lord Yuto was known for his wealth, generosity, and kindness, buying without bargaining and often purchasing in bulk. Many shop owners loved this big spender.
Rumors has it that Yuto was from the Uchiha clan, a genius ninja who almost became a disciple of one of the Legendary Sannin, Jiraiya.
But that was obviously a joke.
Who would turn down the chance to become a ninja?
And the Uchiha… please! Those people, always with cold expressions, as if everyone owed them millions, always so stingy? There's no way that generous, wealthy Lord Yuto could come from the Uchiha clan!
As for becoming a Sannin disciple? Despite recent odd rumors about Jiraiya, he's still a renowned ninja of the shinobi world, unlikely to take a businessman as a disciple.
Complete nonsense.
It must be other merchants spreading rumors to discredit Lord Yuto.
Forget that—better to show up early tomorrow to line up and try to be one of the first 100 to get 5,000 ryo free with a 10,000 ryo purchase! Such a great deal!
As expected from Lord Yuto!
Many were impressed, thinking that Lord Yuto must be taking a loss to bring in business!
Still, a good deal feels good.
…
Meanwhile…
"Yuto, are you sure you won't lose money doing this?" Jiraiya looked at the voucher in his hand. "100 ryo free for every 1,000 spent, unlimited free beer at 3,000? If Tsunade finds out, she could drink you out of business, you know?"
Although Tsunade's drinking skill wasn't quite on par with the Great Toad Sage, her capacity was unmatched!
It's rumored she learned to gamble and drink at six years old, under the subtle influence of the First Hokage. So, she's a force to reckon with!
"Of course, it's a loss!" Uchiha Yuto sighed, taking a sip of tea. "It's a huge loss, but for family! Today, I'll cover the costs myself to thank everyone for their support. Jiraiya-sensei, why don't you start with a 100,000 ryo? You'll get 150,000!"
Big loss!
At this rate, he could maybe afford a Ferrari… if there were Ferraris here!
He patted his chest generously, saying, "Just a small way to repay Konoha for raising me! No need to hold back—charge it up!"
"Is that really okay?"
"I've got the cash! Go ahead—family don't stand on ceremony!" Yuto said confidently. "Whatever you'd like to put in, Jiraiya-sensei, I'll set up your membership right away, VIP treatment!"
"How about a million?"
At that, Uchiha Yuto fell silent.
Jiraiya hesitated, "Too much? Maybe just 100,000, then?"
"No, no! Too much? Not at all!" Yuto said boldly. "Anything for Sensei! Charge it up to a million—no need to be polite!"
Huge loss.
If this keeps up, he might even manage a Rolls-Royce… though there aren't any here.
Still.
Yuto remarked, "Sensei, remember to tell your friends about this—missing out on a deal is foolish! It's all for family!"