Nara Luming’s eyes lit up. Unexpectedly, at this critical mont, the Uchiha clan had also co to pledge their allegiance. It was worth noting that no other clan had done so yet.
What he valued was precisely this opportunity to offer help in tis of need, which was why he had brought the leaders of the Akimichi and Yamanaka clans to visit. However, he never expected that the Uchiha clan, one of the two great noble shinobi clans, would make the sa choice.
This made him glance at Uchiha Hirotomo. As far as he knew, Hirotomo was intelligent, but he shouldn’t have been able to grasp the intricacies behind this move.
Then, he looked at Uchiha Ryun. Uchiha Ryun set down his teacup and nodded at him with a faint smile before standing up and addressing Hiruzen Sarutobi. "Lord Hokage, our clan leader has stated that from now on, we will follow your lead without question."
Uchiha Hirotomo also nodded in agreent. Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled contentedly and replied, "No need for such formalities. I am honored by the Uchiha clan’s trust. In the future, I hope Clan Leader Hirotomo will take care of us as well."
"It is we who need Lord Hokage’s care," Uchiha Hirotomo responded with a slight smile.
Nara Luming paused briefly before expressing a similar sentint, which further delighted Hiruzen Sarutobi. The tea session lasted over two hours, with both hosts and guests thoroughly enjoying themselves before finally parting ways.
Just as Uchiha Ryun and Uchiha Hirotomo stepped out of the Sarutobi clan’s territory, Nara Luming called out, "Please wait, you two!"
Uchiha Ryun and Uchiha Hirotomo froze, then turned around to see Nara Luming. They exchanged a glance before Uchiha Hirotomo asked, "Clan Leader Luming, is there sothing you need?"
Nara Luming gave Uchiha Ryun a deep look before smiling at Uchiha Hirotomo. "Clan Leader Hirotomo, you are truly far-sighted."
Uchiha Hirotomo was montarily confused, unsure what Nara Luming was referring to. As he pondered how to respond, Uchiha Ryun spoke up.
"Clan Leader Luming is no less impressive. After all, when it cos to investnts, the earlier, the better." Uchiha Ryun’s tone carried a faint chill. Everyone present was here to invest, and speaking so bluntly was sowhat impolite.
Putting it nicely, it was an investnt. Putting it bluntly, it was placing bets. Now that they were both advisors under Hiruzen Sarutobi’s faction, neither was superior to the other.
Nara Luming suddenly understood. It was indeed this man—he was the mastermind behind this move. During the tea session, he had noticed Uchiha Hirotomo glancing at Uchiha Ryun more than once.
He had only spoken up to confirm his suspicions. Of course, soone less intelligent wouldn’t have grasped the underlying aning of his question.
"My apologies for the rudeness, Ryun. As compensation, from now on, the Uchiha clan will receive a 30% discount on dicinal herbs from the Nara clan." Nara Luming was a smart man. Even if he hadn’t offered compensation, it wouldn’t have mattered.
However, considering Uchiha Ryun’s intellect, the Uchiha clan’s influence, and their shared allegiance to the Sarutobi faction, he decided to offer the discount after weighing multiple factors.
Just as Uchiha Hirotomo was about to accept, Uchiha Ryun interjected, "As fellow shinobi clans from the Warring States period, the Uchiha clan will offer the Ino-Shika-Chō alliance a 30% discount on weaponry from now on."
Nara Luming was stunned, as were the other three clan leaders. Had they heard correctly? A 30% discount on weapons? Those were hard commodities!
Uchiha Hirotomo was taken aback but didn’t openly contradict Uchiha Ryun. He nodded in agreent.
Nara Luming gave Uchiha Ryun a profound look before smiling. "Thank you for the Uchiha clan’s generosity."
"Mutual benefit," Uchiha Hirotomo replied with a smile.
At that mont, Akimichi Torifu spoke up. "From now on, the Akimichi clan’s barbecue restaurants will offer the Uchiha clan a 30% discount, and we can provide job opportunities for Uchiha civilians."
Uchiha Hirotomo was shocked again. The Akimichi clan’s barbecue business was no less profitable than the Uchiha’s weapon trade. Not only were they offering a discount, but they were also providing civilian job opportunities!
Before he could fully process this, Yamanaka Kumokai added with a smile, "From now on, the Yamanaka clan is willing to share intelligence with the Uchiha clan."
Uchiha Hirotomo could barely suppress the corners of his mouth from rising. Who would have thought that by simply conceding a small profit, they would receive so much in return? He was exhilarated.
The other clan leaders smiled faintly and turned their attention to Uchiha Ryun. His expression remained calm. Was he not happy? No, he was pleased—but a skilled negotiator never revealed their emotions.
"The Ino-Shika-Chō alliance has been renowned since the Warring States period as one of the great clans. Now that we are all shinobi clans of Konoha, we hope you will guide and support the Uchiha clan in the future," Uchiha Ryun said with a faint smile.
Nara Luming chuckled. "When it cos to great clans, the Uchiha clan is the true Warring States powerhouse. Now that the Uchiha clan has contributed so much to Konoha’s safety, the Ino-Shika-Chō alliance deeply admires you. We look forward to your guidance as well."
After exchanging pleasantries, the two groups headed back to their respective clans.
Uchiha Hirotomo couldn’t help but ask, "Ryun, did you predict they would reciprocate when you offered a 30% discount on weapons?"
Uchiha Ryun paused before replying, "Clan Leader, earlier, they were testing us. If we had accepted the 30% discount on dicinal herbs outright, we would have gained imdiate benefits without losses."
"However, we would have severed any potential cooperation with the three clans. In their eyes, we would have been seen as short-sighted individuals, unworthy of partnership."
"Only thinking about taking without giving is the behavior of petty opportunists. We are the Uchiha, a noble shinobi clan. If our leaders lack vision, we will only be weakened again and again."
Uchiha Hirotomo flushed slightly. When Nara Luming first made his offer, he had been tempted. Compared to Ryun, his intelligence and emotional intelligence were utterly outmatched.
"And Clan Leader, do you think we gained imnse benefits today?" Uchiha Ryun continued.
Uchiha Hirotomo nodded. Although they had sacrificed 30% of their weapon profits, they had gained far more in return.
Uchiha Ryun shook his head. "The greatest benefit today isn’t money, intelligence, or job opportunities—it’s the friendship of the three clans. From now on, this will serve as a bond between the Uchiha and the Ino-Shika-Chō alliance. We have gained allies."
On the other side, Akimichi Torifu grinned. "Luming, you’re quite generous. A 30% discount on herbs? Won’t your wife skin you alive?"
Nara Luming waved his hand. "Look who’s talking. You offered a 30% discount on barbecue and even threw in job opportunities. Don’t think I don’t know what you’re planning."
"Compared to you two, my intelligence-sharing seems insignificant," Yamanaka Kumokai sighed.
Nara Luming patted his shoulder. "Kumokai, you’re wrong. Among the three offers, yours is the most valuable. Money can solve trivial matters, but what money can’t solve is what truly matters." His eyes glead with insight.
Akimichi Torifu nodded. "Exactly, Kumokai. Money is secondary—your intelligence is far more precious!"
Yamanaka Kumokai grinned before slinging his arms around Luming and Torifu’s shoulders. The three of them laughed heartily as they walked ho.
Uchiha Ryun—an interesting man. It seems the Uchiha clan’s future will depend on him.
Nara Luming thought to himself.
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