"It's here!"
Uchiha Kuro's eyes lit up.
In the next second, a surge of powerful chakra burst from his body. His limbs instantly felt stronger, and even his heartbeat became more forceful.
Although it was only a "+1," the amount of chakra gained felt almost equal to his original reserves!
Even though the Uchiha clan couldn't compare to the Senju or Uzumaki in terms of sheer chakra, they were still known for having large reserves!
"So this '+1'… is it adding a full unit of chakra?" Uchiha Kuro thought to himself.
At the same time, memories of Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation surfaced in his mind.
The Uchiha clan did possess scrolls for this technique, with detailed records including the subtle insights and training notes left by their ancestors.
But the knowledge now appearing in Uchiha Kuro's mind was different.
It was vivid—almost as if he had personally performed the technique countless times.
It even included combat applications, timing, faster hand seal execution…
Uchiha Kuro was certain—
If he used this jutsu now, he could execute it flawlessly!
A huge boost in strength!
And this was only from a single child!
Uchiha Kuro carefully examined the system notification.
"'Overall potential rating'… So it's not just about quantity, but also quality?"
"Looks like I need to focus on finding high-quality female ninja in Konoha…"
His gaze unconsciously shifted toward Yugao and the others, who were also pregnant.
…
The Uchiha clan had gained a new member!
For a clan with only two pure-blooded Uchiha remaining, this was a major event!
Sasuke came every day after school to see the baby—without fail—for an entire month.
Carrying a sense of guilt for his brother's destruction of the clan, seeing a new generation of Uchiha felt like a form of redemption…
He bought piles of toys the baby couldn't yet use, and food the baby couldn't yet eat, caring for his "nephew" in a way that was childish, yet full of sincerity.
Uchiha Kuro couldn't help but feel that Sasuke's behavior resembled how Uchiha Itachi used to care for Sasuke.
Considering how Uchiha were naturally inclined toward doting on siblings…
Although Sasuke didn't show such tendencies in the original story, that was only because he never had a younger sibling!
Now…
Well…
Uchiha Kuro looked at seven-year-old Sasuke playing with a newborn baby.
Despite the small age gap, given their generational difference—
Perhaps it should be called "uncle complex" instead?
…
Uchiha compound.
"Meow, that's how it is," a black-and-white kitten licked its paw as it spoke. "This month alone, the mines have already been attacked three times. The workers have suffered heavy losses, meow."
"Uchiha Kuro, what are you planning to do, meow?"
"More attacks…" Uchiha Kuro narrowed his eyes. "Looks like some noble families and ninja clans in the Land of Fire can't hold back anymore."
As the former number one clan, the Uchiha's assets extended far beyond cash and property within Konoha.
Mines that produced raw materials for kunai, weapon shops across the ninja world, merchant networks under Uchiha protection…
Compared to mission rewards, these industries were the real financial backbone of the clan.
Other major clans were the same.
The Nara controlled half of the medicinal herb production in the Land of Fire.
The Yamanaka controlled seventy percent of poison and flower distribution.
The Akimichi ran numerous large restaurant chains…
How much could you really earn from missions alone?
Of course, major clans wouldn't openly mingle with ordinary merchants.
The Uchiha relied on their close allies—the ninja cats—as intermediaries, secretly controlling these industries, gathering intelligence, and reaping massive profits.
But while these industries were stable during the Uchiha's peak—
Now, with the clan weakened, they had attracted countless predators.
They hired ninja to attack mines, ambush caravans, and cause trouble at shops…
Incidents were happening one after another!
In fact, if not for the Third Hokage initially preventing anyone from taking advantage of the Uchiha's weakened state—fearing it would damage Konoha's unity—
These attacks would have started long ago.
Of course, Hiruzen wasn't acting out of kindness.
Uchiha Kuro was certain that during this time, he had already gathered considerable intelligence on the Uchiha's industries. Soon, the Sarutobi clan would quietly move in and claim the largest share of this feast…
"Meow-san, with the Uchiha's current strength, it's impossible to protect these assets," Uchiha Kuro said calmly, looking at the black-and-white kitten. "We'll have to hire ninja."
"But Uchiha Kuro, wouldn't that just be giving money to the village?" Meow-san frowned, its fluffy appearance almost begging to be petted. "Isn't that like feeding a tiger with your own flesh? Drinking poison to quench thirst, meow?"
Most of those stirring trouble were connected to Konoha's ninja clans—
Otherwise, they wouldn't even have the means to attack heavily guarded mines.
If they hired Konoha ninja, the attackers would conveniently "disappear."
But once the mission ended, they would reappear again…
Over time, it would just be a cycle of loss—feeding the enemy endlessly.
However, Uchiha Kuro shook his head.
"Who said I was hiring ninja from the village?"
"Meow-san, I trust the loyalty of your ninja cat clan, and I trust your underground intelligence network…"
"Can you use your channels to help me contact… the Akatsuki?"
A smile curved at Uchiha Kuro's lips.
"I want to hire the Akatsuki organization—"
"To protect the Uchiha!"