The Third Raikage had always been decisive.
The moment the meeting ended, he immediately dispatched people to invite the CEO of Blue Sky Plan—Hatake Sakumo—to Kumogakure for cooperation talks.
Making money couldn't wait.
Even if it was just a shot in the dark—it was worth trying.
Konoha
"Futian, security must be flawless."
Uchiha Ren spoke seriously.
"The Police Force and ANBU—everyone works overtime. No exceptions."
"This New Year's Gala will host the Daimyo, nobles, major business groups, and even foreign merchants."
"This is Konoha's chance to show its best side to the entire world."
"Our business environment. Our infrastructure."
"This directly affects next year's trade."
"Not a single mistake is allowed."
He paused, then added:
"All overtime—triple pay. Double holiday bonuses."
Uchiha Futian nodded firmly.
As long as the money was in place, no one would complain.
At that moment, Nara Shikaku walked in, looking exhausted.
"Fire Shadow-sama… Uzumaki Ashina has arrived."
"He brought… quite a large group with him."
"Would you like to meet him?"
Ren smiled slightly.
"Of course."
Meeting Uzumaki Ashina
"Fire Shadow-sama, bringing so many people here… I feel a bit embarrassed."
"Don't be."
Ren waved it off casually.
"Konoha and the Uzumaki Clan are like one family."
"Even if you brought the entire clan here, it wouldn't be a problem."
Then he shifted the topic smoothly.
"Children studying here will inevitably miss their parents."
"If one parent stays in Konoha to accompany them, it's actually beneficial."
"No need to worry about expenses."
"If you lack funds—Konoha will cover it."
Ashina felt a warmth rise in his chest.
The Uchiha… are actually this generous?
But he still hesitated.
Less manpower meant less income for the clan.
And worse—
The Uzumaki had already gotten used to Konoha's lifestyle.
Once you've tasted luxury—
You can't go back.
Ren noticed the hesitation.
So he used the simplest solution.
"Are you short on funds?"
"…A little."
"How much?"
"…Around ten billion ryo."
Ren raised two fingers.
"Twenty billion."
Ashina froze.
"…Fire Shadow-sama… you're serious?"
"Of course."
Ren smiled.
Behind that smile—
Everything was already under control.
The Uzumaki Clan was already economically dependent on Konoha.
At this point—
They had no real way out.
Ashina made his decision instantly.
"…Then we'll follow your arrangements."
Mito Arrives
Soon, Uzumaki Mito hurried over.
"Ashina-nii!"
The reunion was warm.
After a brief exchange, Ashina pulled her aside and whispered:
"I'm asking about Yangyue."
"…She's doing well—"
"I'm not asking that."
Ashina cut her off.
"I'm asking about her and the Fire Shadow."
"…Have they progressed?"
Mito's expression immediately darkened.
"…No."
Ashina frowned.
"The best outcome for her—"
"Is to become the Hokage's wife."
Mito snapped back instantly:
"We don't need marriage alliances!"
"Konoha will support us regardless!"
Ashina shook his head.
"That's naïve."
"The Nine-Tails Jinchūriki—what status is that?"
"If Yangyue wants a stable position in Konoha—"
"Marriage is the best path."
"If every generation of Uzumaki Jinchūriki becomes the Hokage's wife—"
"Then the Uzumaki, Senju, and Uchiha will be permanently bound together."
"That's how true long-term stability is built."
His logic was cold. Precise.
Calculated.
Mito, however, was furious.
"You think too highly of him!"
"That bastard Uchiha Ren—what's so great about him?!"
Ashina replied calmly:
"He just gave the Uzumaki Clan twenty billion ryo."
"…Twenty billion…"
Mito fell silent.
Money.
Spoke louder than anything.
Even she couldn't refute that.
Invitation
Mito quickly changed the topic.
"…Let's go back to the Senju compound."
"Yangyue is there—with Tsunade."
Ashina nodded.
Then turned toward Ren.
"Fire Shadow-sama, are you busy?"
"Why not join us for lunch?"
"Yangyue has been complaining—you haven't visited her."
Ren paused.
Here we go again…
Two people already created a mess.
Three?
That sounded like disaster.
"…That might not be appropriate."
"Nothing inappropriate about it!"
Ashina grabbed his arm and dragged him along.
Mito, walking behind them, looked utterly miserable.
"Ashina-nii… do you really have to do this…"
"Hmph."
Ashina corrected her immediately:
"Show respect."
"You should address him as Fire Shadow-sama."
Then he smiled.
"Come, Fire Shadow-sama—let's go."
Ren sighed inwardly.
And was forcibly escorted toward the Senju compound.
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