Chapter 51. The Hard Working Chief Elder
---
[The Rich Man is Here]
[Beginner Entrepreneur]
[Congratulations! You have become a well-known entrepreneur in the business world.]
[Beginner Entrepreneur Mission]: Staying within the country alone will not create a top-tier enterprise. Please begin expanding internationally to increase your company's influence.
As his level advanced, Uchiha Yuto felt a boost in his spirit, energy, and understanding of business. Even his chakra reserves and physical fitness had improved significantly.
Strictly speaking, his overall strength had grown considerably.
But despite all this, his Mangekyo Sharingan still hadn't awakened.
Would it really take some intense emotional upheaval for that to happen?
If so, the only likely trigger might be… bankruptcy!
But no. That wasn't an option.
Brother, forgive me, but if it comes to that, I'll take care of Sister-in-law and Itachi!
Enjoying the soft touch of the Gentle Fist massage on his back, Yuto let out a relaxed "Mmm~" without noticing the faint smirk on Suzune's lips as she continued to press her fingers lightly against him. Letting go of his wandering thoughts, he refocused on the system interface.
Suddenly, his eyes lit up.
"Is the research module loaded now?"
If so, then next…
Just as he was about to invest in some research to explore its potential:
"Creak…"
"Yuto! Suzune! Are you two in there?"
A bold voice rang out as the door swung open without warning.
The scene of Yuto's exposed back and Suzune's slightly flustered expression was met by Kushina standing at the door, blinking in surprise.
After a brief moment of awkward silence:
"Sorry to bother you!" Kushina gave a quick bow and began closing the door. "Also… you shouldn't be doing that in the store!"
"…"
Doing what?
As a boss and his beautiful secretary, it's perfectly normal to discuss business in a closed office!
Nothing improper was happening!
He had a clear conscience!
Why are you straightening your clothes, Suzune? I'm the one who should be doing that!
Feeling helpless, Yuto put his shirt back on and sat in his office chair, clasping his hands beneath his chin like someone caught in an unspeakable act. Then he called out seriously, "Come in!"
"All good?" Kushina asked with a mischievous grin as she reopened the door. Then, with a tone of mock seriousness, she added, "Yuto, remember to lock the door next time!"
"…"
Enough with the act!
As a ninja, you've probably seen much worse than a bare upper body!
Rolling his eyes, Yuto leaned back in his chair, accepting the tea Suzune handed him. He took a light sip and asked with exasperation, "What brings you rushing here, Sister Kushina?"
"Hahaha, it's boring! But it's not really me—it's Nine-Tails! That old gambling fox has been whining all morning about wanting to play mahjong!" Kushina shot a playful glance at Suzune as she accepted a cup of tea. Then, with a tone of helplessness, she added, "It's driving me nuts! I couldn't find anyone else to play with it."
And besides, playing with others would risk exposing Nine-Tails. But the fox was a terrible player, with bad skills but a huge addiction. Losing repeatedly made it frustrated, and if ignored, it just kept whining—absolutely maddening!
"It's indeed boring~" Yuto commented, setting down his teacup and looking puzzled at Kushina. "It's wartime, after all~"
With the major ninja villages at war, the Ninja World had grown increasingly tense. All village entertainment activities had been suspended.
"Exactly! And that makes Nine-Tails such a pain!" Kushina complained. "It even gets smug about everything, which makes it even more insufferable!"
"…"
Isn't that pretty normal, though?
Its once peaceful existence had been ruined. Now it was treated like a pet cat, sealed away, mocked before its imprisonment, and left in a damp, dark place.
How could the fox not hold a grudge?
If Konoha fell, Nine-Tails would probably laugh out loud!
Recently, because of the heavy snowfall, even the Chief Elder had paused his dancing. But it wasn't uncommon to see the Chief Elder and Lady Hyuga strolling together in the snow, exchanging occasional taunts.
Is this what a twilight romance looks like?
I'm scared! I'm scared!
With a wry smile, Yuto set aside his thoughts. Mahjong wasn't on his mind right now. He had more pressing matters as a village-loving entrepreneur!
After pondering briefly, he glanced at the still-unread parts of the system interface. His eyes narrowed slightly, and his lips curled into a faint smirk as he turned to the confused Kushina.
"Maybe… there'll be some fun soon!"
The next industry…
It turned out to be such a classic one!
…
Winter fades, and spring arrives.
In spring, life awakens. Animals enter their mating season, and the air becomes thick with the scent of hormones.
The snow has melted. Within the Uchiha clan compound, green grass once again flourishes, and trees sprout tender, green buds. A spring breeze, carrying the earthy scent, drifts gently by.
Taking a deep breath, the air feels refreshing and invigorating.
But in the courtyard, an elderly man stands, gazing forlornly at the damp ground in front of him.
It rained yesterday.
The ground has yet to dry.
With a deep sigh, Uchiha Ishizawa taps the ground lightly with his cane.
Old age spares no one.
Even once-mighty ninja become frail.
For instance, this winter, he had nearly frozen to death. Moreover, last night's rain left him sore all over and woke him multiple times throughout the night.
Unfortunately, despite their age, rest was not an option. They had to continue working tirelessly for the Uchiha clan. Without them, who knew what fate awaited their already embattled clan, whose position in the village was growing ever more precarious?
Perhaps… the Uchiha might vanish altogether.
Looking at his elder brother, Uchiha Setsuna, was proof enough. Having lived through the era of the First Hokage and witnessed the strength and majesty of Lord Madara, he had survived the First and Second Ninja World Wars. Now, despite his advanced age, he tirelessly worked for the sake of the next generation.
The Chief Elder—he had spent most of his life striving for the Uchiha clan.
This winter, despite the harsh cold, he had ventured out. The results, of course, were remarkable.
When the Chief Elder acted, his efforts counted for double.
Now, his relationships with the elders of other clans were strong. One day, Ishizawa even saw his brother chatting and laughing with elders from other clans.
The Chief Elder had silently dedicated himself to the Uchiha clan. Seeing his brother shivering as he returned home, exhausted from his efforts in the biting cold, filled Ishizawa's heart with pain.
He wanted to help bear some of the burden, but his brother refused.
"The waters are too deep," he had said. "There's too much at stake. You can't grasp it."
And then there was that Yuto—always carefree, laughing and joking, completely oblivious to the Chief Elder's efforts. He spent his days idling around, mingling with that young Hyuga girl, and recently even started building something again!
At a time when the other ninja villages were on the rise and the Uchiha clan had a chance to prove themselves and reclaim their place among the village leadership, that boy wasted resources on frivolous endeavors!
What a disgrace to the Uchiha name!
Gripping his cane tightly, Ishizawa's hunched figure radiated unwavering determination. With a sigh of both lament and admiration, he exclaimed, "How fortunate the Uchiha are to have Chief Elder Setsuna!"
His voice rang like stone, firm and resolute.
...
Meanwhile, on the streets of Konoha.
The spring rain falls softly.
An elderly man holding an umbrella walks leisurely alongside an old woman.
"Why'd you drag me out here in this rain, you old fool?"
"I haven't moved much in a while. Thought I'd take a stroll and check if you're still alive, you old hag!"
"Hah! Childish!"