With the system's chime, new information about the Scorch Release kekkei genkai poured into Yuzuru's mind.
He lifted his hand, willed it, and a high-temperature fireball condensed in his palm.
The heat was so intense that even the surrounding air rippled, and the tea inside a nearby cup evaporated instantly.
Yuzuru's lips curved slightly.
Not bad at all.
If someone were standing beside him right now, they'd probably turn into a dehydrated corpse on the spot.
Compared to ordinary Fire Release, the Scorch Release's lethality had increased by an absurd margin—and it was notoriously hard to defend against.
Normally, a ninja might use Earth-Style Wall or Water Formation Wall to block fire-based attacks.
But against Scorch Release, such defenses were useless.
Even if they managed to block the flames, they couldn't stop the extreme heat radiating from them.
Back then, Pakura had relied on this very technique to dominate the battlefield almost without opposition.
Her killing efficiency wasn't any slower than Rasa's, despite his large-scale kekkei genkai.
After briefly testing it, Yuzuru dispersed the Scorch Release fireball in his hand.
His gaze returned to the system panel before him.
He had just raised the evolution level of the Scorch Release bloodline to 100%, earning him a chance to draw a clan entry.
'I wonder what I'll get this time. It feels a bit like opening a Pandora's box.'
Yuzuru thought, "System, draw a clan entry."
[ Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining the clan entry — Handsome Men and Beautiful Women! ]
[ Handsome Men and Beautiful Women: Increases the attractiveness of newborns in the clan and enhances the clan members' charm toward the opposite sex! ]
Hearing the notification, Yuzuru's eyes lit up.
Not bad at all!
Compared to previous entries, "Handsome Men and Beautiful Women" didn't give the clan's ninja any direct boost in power, but it played an obvious role in promoting the clan's growth and prosperity.
The Uchiha already had a reputation for good looks—full of handsome men and beautiful women.
Now, with this entry added on top, the charm of Uchiha clan members would skyrocket to an almost legendary level.
One could say that from now on, every Uchiha would be walking, breathing hormones.
Not only would the clan's population grow faster, but his chances of acquiring other bloodlines through the clan would greatly increase as well.
After all, he couldn't personally be the one producing every new bloodline for the clan.
How many wives would he need then?
But if the clan didn't produce results… then he'd have no choice but to step in himself.
Yuzuru glanced downward and sighed to himself.
No helping it—great power comes with great responsibility.
Suppressing the clutter of wandering thoughts, Yuzuru stepped out of the room.
The sun was just rising, and the first ray of morning light fell beautifully into the courtyard.
"Yuzuru, I was just about to come find you."
Kushina Uzumaki walked in from the front yard, her expression troubled.
Yuzuru frowned. "Kushina, did something happen?"
"Tsunade-sister came to borrow money again…"
Kushina lowered her head shyly, like a child who'd made a mistake.
Her grandmother and Uzumaki Mito were sisters, so she and Tsunade were relatives.
Lately, Tsunade had been showing up at their home more and more often to borrow money, and Kushina felt guilty toward her husband.
Yuzuru chuckled and pulled Kushina into his arms. "Kushina, we have plenty of money. If Tsunade wants to borrow some, let her."
"But even if we have a lot… we can't just let her waste it," Kushina said, distressed. "She's treating our home like an printing machine."
Over the past year, Tsunade had borrowed money more and more frequently—never less than a million ryō each time—and never repaid a single coin.
It wasn't exactly Kushina's responsibility… but being Tsunade's relative made her feel ashamed and apologetic.
"Tsunade is your sister, which makes her my sister too. Do you remember what I told you back in Konoha?"
Kushina nodded. "You said you wanted to become strong—strong enough so everyone you care about could live freely."
"No more worrying about money, no more being threatened by force."
"Even if you had to stand against the entire world."
"Exactly." Yuzuru rested his chin on her head. "It's just money. You don't need to feel guilty."
"Keeping my word—that's my ninja way."
Besides, he already had a plan for Tsunade.
If she didn't borrow money, that would actually ruin his plans.
Hearing this, Kushina lifted her face, smiling brightly. "Yuzuru… let's go back inside."
"For what?"
Kushina didn't answer. She simply rose onto her toes and kissed him.
————
————
Several days later.
Yuzuru was strolling through the streets of the Hidden Cloud when he spotted Kakashi Hatake and Obito Uchiha walking toward him.
Kakashi held a skewer of dango in one hand and a drink in the other, following closely beside Obito.
Seeing the eager, flattering look in Kakashi's eyes, Yuzuru raised a brow and stepped in front of them.
Spotting him, both Kakashi and Obito bowed immediately.
Yuzuru waved them off. "Obito, Kakashi—what's going on with you two?"
Kakashi scratched his head sheepishly. "I wanted to ask Obito for some advice."
"You're asking him?" Yuzuru blinked.
Obito frowned. "Big Brother Yuzuru, is there a problem?"
"No, I'm just curious what kind of advice Kakashi wants from you."
Obito let out a proud little huff. "Big Brother Yuzuru, I feel like I've gotten more handsome lately."
"No matter where I go, fangirls stare at me. I get love letters all the time."
"Kakashi is super jealous, so he wants my secret."
Yuzuru immediately understood.
The clan entry—Handsome Men and Beautiful Women—must have taken effect, boosting Obito's attractiveness.
"Looks like the effect is even better than expected."
Yuzuru nodded, satisfied.
If Obito was already this charming, the other Uchiha weren't far behind.
Within the clan, things would flourish.
Outside the clan… Uchiha members were practically irresistible.
In the future, nobody in the clan would ever struggle to find a partner again.
Which meant the clan's population would soon skyrocket once more.