Because the new furniture hadn't arrived yet, there was no way to prepare breakfast, so early in the morning, Hayashi took Kushina toward the Uchiha clan's commercial street.
Yes, the Uchiha clan's commercial street.
As one of the two major clans that had helped found Konoha, the Uchiha naturally occupied a sizable area in the village center. Moreover, they had established a complete commercial system within their territory.
This system covered everything from food, clothing, daily necessities, and housing to weapons—rarely needing to rely on the village itself. The Uchiha also retained some mineral resources. Most of these had been handed over during the village's founding, but a portion remained under clan control.
Why were the Uchiha's ninjas often stronger than civilians or smaller families' ninjas? Power played a role, but money was also crucial.
No matter the situation, having money meant influence. In the ninja world, wealth determined options. Elite jonin? A personal guard? Even protection from the Hokage? Money could buy it.
Otherwise, how could someone like Kado hire Zabuza, a rogue ninja? Simple: one knife and the problem would be solved. But these days, even Akatsuki respected contracts; killing or theft for personal gain was rare.
Speaking of Akatsuki, who were they doing all that money for? They didn't buy high-tech equipment, nor did they have someone who could consume enormous resources in a single meal. That question remained a digression.
In short, the Uchiha clan resembled a village within a village. They were largely self-sufficient, and most jonin rarely took students from outside, selling their services directly into the police force when needed.
Few outsiders could challenge this system. Small villages might attempt ethnic autonomy or local governance, and occasional "Uchiha independence" sentiments appeared. Even if Hayashi were Hokage, he couldn't overlook it.
From his perspective, the Uchiha clan would inevitably need reform to survive.
Yet walking through the commercial street with Kushina, he found himself uncomfortably enjoying the scene.
Wherever he went, villagers greeted him warmly. Various Uchiha aunts selling vegetables pressed produce and eggs into his hands. A slightly plump aunt even tried to hand him a watermelon.
This was excessive. Some gestures were clearly leftover ninja training habits—throwing objects with precision. He pulled Kushina along, eager to avoid becoming the subject of a "smashed by a watermelon" tale.
After finally evading a dozen enthusiastic villagers, the two paused, slightly out of breath.
"Hayashi, your popularity has grown since school," Kushina remarked, straightening her clothes with a smile.
She had seen some of this before, but the fanfare here dwarfed any attention at the ninja academy. From ordinary Uchiha clansmen, she heard pride and detailed knowledge of his achievements—from the moment he awakened his Sharingan to defeating notable opponents.
Even with the village's publicity, it was impressive.
Hayashi reflected for a moment. It was likely due to a group of Uchiha ninjas who had witnessed his feats firsthand.
The first time he achieved a major accomplishment in the Land of Rain, his clan's recognition had been muted. Few believed in his strength. This time, those returning from the battlefield had firsthand proof, naturally eager to brag.
Three years ago, his contributions had gone largely unnoticed, partially because of limited publicity and short-lived reports. But as Hayashi continued achieving, and with deliberate village coverage, even previously isolated Uchiha clansmen couldn't ignore his reputation.
Under the current patriarch, Uchiha Yama, the clan had seen limited achievements in the Daimyo Mansion conflict against Sunagakure, with hints of heavy losses. While unspoken, ordinary clansmen were critical of the patriarch's performance.
On one side, a twelve-year-old prodigy terrifying enemy ninjas across two battlefields; on the other, a long-serving patriarch with few tangible successes. Normal people would naturally see where hope lay.
Of course, this opinion came from middle- and lower-level ninjas and ordinary clansmen. They had no real authority. To put it bluntly, they were like weeds clinging to the strong, keyboard warriors of the real world.
Still, Hayashi's existence stirred waves in the stagnant waters of the Uchiha clan.
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As Hayashi guided Kushina through the street, she was wide-eyed with curiosity.
The Uchiha clan was self-contained, so outsiders rarely shopped here. Living on the outskirts, Kushina had visited the commercial street only a few times.
Yet she was still overwhelmed, especially by the curious gazes of the clansmen.
Passing a cut-cake stall, Kushina suddenly grew cautious.
"What is it?" Hayashi asked, puzzled.
"That stall… the cut cake seller," she whispered, pointing.
"Two years ago, I came here with Nono to shop. I asked for a small portion, but he cut far too much," she explained, gesturing.
She had wanted a piece roughly the size of a ping-pong ball, but the vendor offered a portion the size of a basketball.
"At first, we agreed on one or two slices. But he demanded five hundred taels and said the cake would spoil if not purchased. He even threatened to call the police force!"
Kushina's expression darkened.
"…Wow," Hayashi muttered. The Uchiha were not only protective of their territory but also enforced strict rules on transactions.
He wondered whether the vendor had the typical gruff accent of the clan—an enduring mystery.
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