The management of any organization ultimately comes down to two core aspects, internal affairs and external relations.
Therefore, in the spring of the 40th year of Konohagakure, Uchiha Hayashi focused on only two things: stabilizing internal clan governance and strengthening ties with the major clans of the village.
Within the Uchiha Clan, there were still many urgent issues to resolve, especially problems related to ideology and working style.
As a self proclaimed "advanced ideological thinker" in this world, Hayashi held multiple internal meetings, repeatedly emphasizing the need for progressiveness, unity, and organizational purity. He also instructed all Uchiha ninja to adopt a people centered approach in their actions and responsibilities.
At the same time, he carried out internal consolidation of power, removing those who relied on family connections and acted recklessly within the clan structure.
Compared to internal reform, building relationships with other major clans was relatively simple.
To those with political awareness, the transfer of the Military Police Force authority was already a clear signal, indicating a gradual easing of the village's stance toward the Uchiha Clan.
Furthermore, Hayashi being the disciple of the Third Hokage meant his interactions with other clans did not violate any political boundaries.
On top of that, his battlefield achievements had already built him a wide network of life and death connections, many of whom held him in high regard.
To further enhance the reputation of the Uchiha Clan Compound, Hayashi issued an order to all Uchiha jonin leading squads outside the village: they were required to bring their students to dine at the clan compound at least once a day.
This policy deepened relationships while also stimulating the internal economy, effectively solving two problems at once.
To further expand influence, Hayashi introduced a membership card system for the Uchiha Commercial District.
Anyone who brought ten customers to spend money within the Uchiha Clan Compound would be eligible for a Bronze Membership.
Bronze Members received a five percent discount across all restaurants on Uchiha Commercial Street.
Those who brought fifty customers would be upgraded to Silver Membership.
In addition to restaurant discounts, Silver Members also received a five percent discount on ninja tools at all weapon shops within the district.
For ninja, this was a significant benefit since tools were consumable resources. More importantly, all shops in the Uchiha Commercial District were directly managed by the clan, meaning prices were already lower than market average due to the absence of middle layers and rent exploitation.
In simple terms, there were no unnecessary intermediaries inflating costs.
If a person brought in one hundred customers, they would obtain Gold Membership.
Gold Membership offered even greater privileges.
Beyond the Silver benefits, holders were granted special training sessions with an Uchiha jonin, limited to five days per month.
This benefit was especially attractive.
Large clans were indifferent to it, but ninja from smaller clans and civilian backgrounds found it extremely valuable. Guidance from a jonin, particularly one from the Uchiha Clan, was a rare opportunity.
Hayashi's intention was clear, to attract this group and gradually earn their loyalty.
Following this structure, additional tiers were introduced, Platinum, Diamond, Grandmaster, and finally the "King of Talk" Membership.
The King of Talk Membership was the highest tier available.
It granted one full week of personal guidance directly from Hayashi himself.
Given his battle record, this alone was enough to create overwhelming demand.
Once this tier was announced, even ninja from major clans began to show interest.
Hayashi also guaranteed that all membership cards would remain valid for seventy years, and in the event of the holder's death, the benefits could be passed down as inheritance.
Of course, final interpretation rights belonged entirely to the Uchiha Clan.
Within a short period, ninja from all backgrounds began mobilizing connections, inviting friends, relatives, and acquaintances to spend within the Uchiha Commercial District.
The system expanded outward from families to neighbors, forming a chain of consumption.
Although it resembled a referral network, it was not a pyramid scheme but a functioning economic cycle.
Within months, spending activity in the village surged dramatically. In order to earn more money for purchases, ninja took on more missions, and the entire economy of Konohagakure began to accelerate again.
Observing the economic recovery, the Third Hokage was extremely satisfied. He even considered appointing Hayashi as an economic advisor.
In March, the first wave of non Uchiha shops officially entered the Uchiha Commercial Street.
As expected, competition for store space was intense.
To maintain quality, Hayashi strictly controlled shop entry standards, rejecting any business that failed basic hygiene or operational requirements.
Teuchi followed this opportunity and opened the first Ichiraku branch inside the Uchiha District.
Hayashi also sponsored the launch of Ichiraku Instant Noodles under the Uchiha name.
Instant noodles already existed in the world, but this version introduced something new.
Inside each package were collectible cards featuring Hokage from different generations, famous jonin, and notable figures across the Five Great Nations, totaling one hundred and eight characters.
There were also ultra rare limited edition Gold Cards representing the Nine Tailed Beasts.
Hayashi even came up with the promotional slogan.
"If you want to collect all ninja cards and tailed beast cards, then eat Ichiraku Instant Noodles. Everything you want is inside."
Each card included detailed illustrations and background stories on the reverse side, making them highly collectible. At the same time, it was impossible to complete the entire set through ordinary consumption.
Hayashi planned to monitor sales closely. If successful, production would be expanded further. Future editions could include rogue ninja cards such as Uchiha Madara and other legendary figures.
Once the Akatsuki Organization became active in the future, even limited editions could be introduced.
At that thought, Hayashi could not help but admire the potential.
He even muttered to himself that the real money was not in adults, but in children and collectibles.
He realized he might actually have a talent for business.
For years, he had risked his life on missions just to accumulate a modest fortune. Now, with a few ideas and the backing of the Uchiha Clan, wealth was flowing in effortlessly.
Then a sudden thought crossed his mind.
What if the Uchiha Clan eventually abandoned ninja life and became a commercial empire instead?
A future headline flashed in his imagination.
"The Uchiha Commercial Street goes bankrupt, Clan Head indulges in excess and flees after massive debt."
Hayashi shivered slightly.
Fortunately, he did not have a sister in law to complicate things.
Early that morning, on Uchiha Commercial Street, Hayashi sat eating breakfast with Hatake Kakashi.
Since the membership system had been introduced, Hayashi, as Clan Head, naturally led by example and often brought Kakashi along for meals within the district.
After finishing breakfast, Kakashi quietly paid the bill.
At this stage, the young Kakashi was already beginning to develop his signature tired expression.
Hayashi could only sigh internally.
The first time they went on a mission together, Hayashi intended to pay, but Kakashi insisted on covering the cost himself.
He was unusually stubborn, and as a teacher, Hayashi could not refuse his student's goodwill.
So he agreed.
The second time, he simply left after eating without even waiting for Kakashi to speak.
Occasionally, he also brought Uzumaki Kushina along, who easily became the top eater at Ichiraku Ramen.
Kakashi, on the other hand, could only take D rank missions. After a few meals, his wallet was already running thin.
He was the type who cared too much about pride.
Hayashi simply wanted to see how long he could keep it up.
As for "learning from Tsunade," that was absolutely not the case. Hayashi still had to receive a cut from her gambling debts anyway.
The real purpose was training Kakashi's patience.
And honestly, even Hayashi felt a little impressed with himself for going this far as a teacher.
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