The next morning, shortly after the Uchiha clan leader's family finished breakfast.
"Father, please wait a moment!"
Shen stopped his father, who was about to go inspect the clan compound. Aiko and Fugaku both wore confused expressions at the dining table.
Kazushi looked at his younger son with a questioning gaze, clearly implying he expected something serious instead of nonsense. Otherwise, he would simply walk away.
Shen felt awkward. When had he ever been unserious? It was just that barbecue incident slightly crossed some boundaries, but did they really have to look at him like that?
He imagined that if the Commercial Street project succeeded, he'd definitely open a [Finger Barbecue] branch—and Kazushi himself had to be its face. Kazushi endorsing Finger Barbecue! The double meaning was brilliant! Plus, it could help clan members better practice their Fire Nature Chakra Mode... Oops, got distracted again—he quickly refocused.
Signaling for Kazushi to sit back down, Shen hurried upstairs and returned with a stack of papers he'd spent all night writing, placing them proudly on the table. He then stood upright. "Everyone! How do you think the Uchiha should interact with the village?"
The three below began thinking upon hearing this question, then Fugaku responded first: "Obviously by fulfilling our duties properly. With us in charge of Konoha's security, who in the village would dare cause trouble?"
Kazushi and Aiko nodded immediately upon hearing Fugaku's words—it was typical for the Uchiha to never fear anyone.
"That approach definitely won't work," Shen immediately rejected.
The three instantly looked toward him, clearly expecting immediate clarification.
"Think about it," continued Shen. "How many years has it been since we've changed anything? Doesn't it feel like we've stayed stagnant ever since Konoha was founded?"
Seeing thoughtful expressions appearing on the other three's faces, he decided to share his ideas: "Standing still means no progress. It's time the Uchiha stepped into the spotlight! Now please check out my reform plan I worked on non-stop for three days and nights."
With those words, Shen handed each of the three copies of the document before sitting down calmly to wait.
"The Proposal and Guiding Principles for Reforming the Uchiha Commercial Street"
Given the strained relationship between the Uchiha Clan and Konoha Village, I—Shen Uchiha—hereby present the following proposals:
First, considering the need for breakthroughs within the Uchiha Clan, it is suggested that a commercial street be established within the clan compound, with shops available for rent.
Second, these stores shall operate twenty-four hours daily, while the decorations must remain grand, bright, and clean.
Third, employees working on the commercial street shall greet customers politely without any rudeness. This matter demands special attention. Additionally, non-clan members may also be hired.
Fourth, publicly accessible shops require strict daily business supervision, with regular inspections conducted by the Uchiha Clan.
Fifth,
Finally, all rights of interpretation are reserved by the Uchiha Clan.
After reading through the proposal, they looked like they were wondering whether such a simple plan could really improve the Uchiha's standing in Konoha. Fugaku seemed completely puzzled, though both Kazushi and Aiko wore thoughtful looks.
"Now," said Shen, leaning lazily back in his chair, an expression of pride evident on his face, "is there anyone who doesn't understand?"
Prompted by this, Fugaku immediately spoke up: "Me! Honestly, I still don't see the point here. Wasn't your original idea for the Commercial Street completely different?"
Shen almost blurted out, "That was just me pulling your leg," but caught himself—no way did he want another "talk between brothers."
"Cough."
Shen cleared his throat and began speaking thoughtfully, "Firstly, the purpose of establishing the Commercial Street is to help the villagers better understand the Uchiha Clan. Brother Fugaku, you get my point, right?"
"I already understand that part. What's next?"
"Secondly, it's about making money. There aren't any twenty-four-hour shops in the village yet, are there? Ninja missions don't only happen during daytime, and when ninja return late at night after completing missions, they have nowhere to spend their hard-earned cash. Our Commercial Street can't afford to miss out on this customer base."
Fugaku was stunned—so this was how you made money?
Seeing the good atmosphere developing, Shen hurried over, grabbed a bottle of sake, and poured three cups. With the Uchiha couple watching him closely, Shen took a small sip first as if to show it was safe: "Father, Mother, the third point doesn't need much explanation, right? By binding interests with non-clan members, these people will speak for the Uchiha based on their own benefits."
"Interest binding, huh?" Kazushi took a sip of wine and murmured thoughtfully.
"Humans maintain relationships only through mutual benefit. Once we set this up, even if someone wants to target us, they'll have to think twice." With raised eyebrows, Shen quickly explained his reasoning.
"Well said!" Aiko sighed appreciatively before raising her cup for another sip.
"The fourth point lies in taking control of the initiative," Shen remarked calmly as he tapped the table.
Kazushi nodded and said, "Clever strategy!"
Taking a tiny sip from his cup, Shen concluded, "I've also planned how we can make money. The Konoha village really lacks decent entertainment options."
"Will it actually be profitable?" Aiko asked with obvious concern.
Seeing both parents' cups were empty, Shen refilled them and gave a mysterious smile: "Of course it will. Once the Commercial Street takes off, the money will keep pouring in steadily."
"Making money off other clans? Brilliant!" Kazushi saw things clearly from the clan head's perspective.
"Afterward, we'll first collect all the rich landlords' money properly. Then whenever one particular family gets too wealthy, we raise the rent and take our share. If they refuse, we just conduct daily inspections. Eventually, they'll have no choice but to comply with our terms." Putting down his cup, Shen wore a delighted expression. He had encountered this exact tactic back in his previous life.
"So we're not going to make money from the ninja who come here?" Aiko looked puzzled.
"That's definitely not the case." Seeing his parents paying close attention now, Shen continued, "First, we introduce membership services. Ninja with membership cards receive discounts while visiting businesses along the Commercial Street, and we must include different membership tiers. Second, we offer installment payments with minimal service fees—I doubt anyone would say no to that. Third, we create shopping festivals, holding annual grand sales where we first slightly raise prices, then offer 20–40% off. After all, shoppers rarely behave rationally."
"What if some clan members oppose this?" Kazushi touched upon the critical point. Without agreement from within the clan, everything else would be pointless.
"Earning money's nothing to be ashamed of!" Shen's reply immediately showed Kazushi and Aiko an entirely new approach for convincing stubborn clan members, although they still felt slightly uneasy: "What if they buy next year's supplies during this year's sale?"
Wearing an enigmatic smile, Shen replied confidently, "Cut down the weeds and new ones sprout right away—there's always another round of easy targets waiting. With such amazing discounts and installment payment options, how could they resist coming back for more?"
After hearing the reply, the Uchiha couple exchanged glances but still felt like they had missed something.
Shen noticed this. He dipped his finger into his drink and wrote three Chinese characters on the table. The Uchiha couple finally understood completely. Both of them raised their glasses in response.
Fugaku stared at the word "Police Force" drawn from liquor on the table—it felt oddly familiar somehow. But since his elders had already taken action, he could only set aside his confusion and lifted his cup as well.
"Cheers!" — four glasses clinked together in unison.
Shen was satisfied. Though today's effort wouldn't completely change the Uchiha clan, when people are practically throwing money at you, even someone who hates dealing with outsiders would have to crack a smile, right?
The Uchiha couple were also satisfied. The problem of others copying and faking their work had been perfectly resolved, leaving absolutely nothing to worry about in the future.
Fugaku, however, remained very unsatisfied. He once again began questioning his life choices.
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