Uchiha Ryun, Uchiha Shisui, and Uchiha Itachi walked into the Akimichi BBQ restaurant together. Akimichi Chōza, who was working the abacus at the owner's station, looked up, his eyes lighting up. He quickly walked over to the three and bowed to Uchiha Ryun. "Teacher, welcome."
This action attracted the attention of the other diners. Everyone looked towards owner Akimichi Chōza and noticed Uchiha Ryun's presence. They all stood up. Before they could speak, Uchiha Ryun waved his hand. "Today, everyone is here to eat. No need for formalities."
As soon as he said this, everyone present merely cupped their hands together or bowed. Akimichi Chōza smiled cheerfully and led Uchiha Ryun to the best private room. The room was spacious and bright, with a large table equipped with a grill. A staff member added charcoal to it and lit the fire.
Without Uchiha Ryun needing to say anything, servers filed in one after another, presenting the Akimichi BBQ restaurant's signature dishes on the table. There was various Wagyu beef, fresh fish, tender lamb, and even venison.
After all the dishes were served, Akimichi Chōza waved his hand. The servers bowed their heads and left the room. Then, Akimichi Chōza stepped forward and said, "Teacher, this is all meat from the freshest kills. Please taste it and give your suggestions."
"You are thoughtful, Chōza." Uchiha Ryun smiled.
Akimichi Chōza replied, "The help you have given the Akimichi clan is far greater than what these few plates of meat can compare to. Without you, Teacher, the Akimichi clan would not have the wealth it has today."
Akimichi Chōza was indicating that he had not forgotten his roots, that the Akimichi clan had not forgotten their roots. Uchiha Ryun was no fool and naturally understood his meaning. He nodded and said, "There's no need for such formality, Chōza. In terms of relationship, you and I are teacher and student. In terms of clans, our two families are eternal allies. In terms of political relations, you are part of our faction. No need to be so distant."
Akimichi Chōza chuckled and said, "Teacher, then please enjoy the meal with the two children. By the way, our Akimichi clan has recently launched several new dessert drinks. I will bring them over to you personally later."
"Thank you for your trouble, Chōza." Uchiha Ryun said with a smile. He patted Akimichi Chōza on the shoulder meaningfully. Akimichi Chōza smiled and walked out of the room, preparing to personally mix the drinks.
Although the two kids had just tagged along, one could never know what they would become in the future. Never look down on anyone. It's always good to build goodwill, for others and for oneself.
Soon after, Akimichi Chōza returned to the private room, carrying beer in his right hand and a tray with two cups of colorful drinks in his left.
"How can you have meat without beer? Teacher, please try this. This beer was made under your personal guidance. It's low alcohol and has a fizzy quality. It's perfect with barbecue."
"And for you two little ones, this one is called Taro Ball Grape, and this one is called Peach Four Seasons Spring. Children cannot drink alcohol, but it's fine to have some drinks."
Akimichi Chōza cheerfully introduced the restaurant's drinks to them. The two kids looked at each other, their eyes shining, especially Uchiha Itachi. Hearing about juice drinks, he couldn't help but swing his legs under the table, his mood excellent.
"Thank you for your trouble, Chōza. Would you like to sit and eat together?" Uchiha Ryun smiled and patted the seat beside him, gesturing for Akimichi Chōza to sit. Akimichi Chōza nodded and finally sat down next to Uchiha Ryun. The two kids sat opposite, drinking their beverages and listening to Uchiha Ryun and Akimichi Chōza converse.
The two kids enjoyed this meal immensely. At first, they felt a bit reserved, thinking there was an outsider present. But Akimichi Chōza had no reservations and ate heartily. After exchanging a glance, they also started to eat.
In the end, Uchiha Ryun and Akimichi Chōza had a very pleasant conversation, seemingly discussing some terms the kids didn't understand. But judging by the smile on Akimichi Chōza's face, they knew he must have gained something.
After eating, Uchiha Ryun got up to pay the bill. When he asked at the cashier area, the cashier smiled and said, "Hokage-sama, the bill has already been settled." Uchiha Ryun was startled, then looked back at Akimichi Chōza behind him.
"You, your emotional intelligence is still so high." Uchiha Ryun shook his head and laughed.
"Hehe, Teacher, what are you saying? If I charged you, my teacher, for eating at my place, what kind of person would I be?" Akimichi Chōza said with a firm expression.
Uchiha Ryun did not refuse. After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Akimichi Chōza, the group left the Akimichi BBQ restaurant. Akimichi Chōza watched Uchiha Ryun's departing back, a flash of excitement in his eyes.
The teacher had just told him that he still had some methods for making alcoholic drinks and asked him to come and get them when he had time. After all, Uchiha Ryun wasn't in business, and there wasn't much point in making them just for himself to drink.
But Akimichi Chōza knew this was a business opportunity. Back when Akimichi Chōza was still a student, besides teaching ninjutsu and taijutsu, Uchiha Ryun occasionally lectured on politics and business.
The others showed little interest, but only Akimichi Chōza sat up straight during those lessons, took out his notebook, and wrote down everything Uchiha Ryun said. He would then take it back to show his father and clansmen.
At that time, Akimichi Torifu said, "My son is destined for extraordinary achievements in the path of commerce!"
Now, besides the Konoha Village branch, Akimichi BBQ restaurant had opened branches in Tanzaku Quarter, in the capital of the Land of Fire, and in various other locations, totaling twenty barbecue restaurants.
The current financial power of the Akimichi clan was probably not inferior to that of the two great noble clans, the Uchiha and the Hyūga. And all this came from just a few pointers from Uchiha Ryun.
People behind his back called Akimichi Chōza the God of Commerce, but Akimichi Chōza never acknowledged it. In his heart, his teacher was the true God of Commerce. He wasn't even worthy of carrying his teacher's shoes.
One must not forget the well-digger when drinking water. Akimichi Chōza would never take money from Uchiha Ryun in his lifetime. Without his teacher's guidance and pointers, without his teacher's drink recipes, he would never have been able to achieve this.
Akimichi Chōza turned and went back into the restaurant, sitting in the owner's seat, humming a little tune, singing a song, calculating the tens of millions he had earned this month, and considering where to open another branch next month.
He believed that one day, the name of the Akimichi clan would resound throughout the entire Ninja World!
After finishing the barbecue, Uchiha Ryun originally planned to have the two kids train for a while longer. But at that moment, Hatake Sakumo appeared before the three, kneeling on one knee.
Uchiha Ryun frowned. "What happened, Sakumo?"
Hatake Sakumo glanced at the two kids. The two kids looked at each other and prepared to move away, but Uchiha Ryun told Sakumo it was okay to speak.
Hatake Sakumo explained, "It's like this. Sunagakure sent an envoy to deliver a letter. On one hand, to inform you, Hokage-sama, that the Fourth Kazekage, Chiron, of Sunagakure has taken office. On the other hand, Kirigakure intends to start a war and invade Sunagakure. They want you, Hokage-sama, to mediate."
Uchiha Ryun pondered, then said, "Shisui, Itachi, you two go home first. I have matters to attend to. Train on your own according to the curriculum these next few days. I will test you when I return!"
"Yes!" Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Shisui said. Then the two headed towards the clan district. Uchiha Ryun took Hatake Sakumo with him to the Hokage's office.
"Summon Uchiha Izuna and Pakura." Uchiha Ryun had already thought it through on the way. Since this war was unavoidable, he would send this new pair to help.
With the strength of the Four-Tails Jinchūriki Pakura and Uchiha Izuna, plus Sunagakure's military forces, winning this battle should basically not be a problem. Furthermore, although Pakura had severed ties with Sunagakure, ultimately, it was her hometown. It wouldn't be right for Konoha not to help.
Soon,
Uchiha Izuna and Pakura were brought to the Hokage's office. Both looked serious. On the way, Hatake Sakumo had already explained the situation to them. Uchiha Izuna was fine; he glanced sideways observing Pakura.
Pakura's face showed some conflict. After all, she was now a Konoha shinobi. Helping Sunagakure wasn't ideal. On the other hand, she still felt gratitude in her heart for Granny Chiyo's kindness. If she knew about this and did nothing, she would feel guilty.
Uchiha Ryun looked at the two and smiled. "You two, you probably understand why we are sending you two to help Sunagakure this time. Even though Pakura has cut ties with Sunagakure, the debt of gratitude remains. If we don't go, it might invite criticism. Help them win this time, and the debt of gratitude will be settled from now on."
Pakura breathed a sigh of relief. She smiled and nodded. Seeing Pakura relax, Uchiha Izuna couldn't help but let the corners of his mouth turn up. He looked at Uchiha Ryun and said, "Don't worry, leave this matter to us."
After saying this, Uchiha Izuna took Pakura's hand. Pakura's face reddened, but she did not refuse. The two of them walked out of the Hokage's office together like this and headed towards the village gate.
Uchiha Ryun placed his right hand on the desk, tapping the surface with one finger, thinking about who knows what. If Sunagakure found out Pakura was the Four-Tails Jinchūriki, what would they do?
He was confident in Uchiha Izuna, but he wasn't sure what choice Pakura would make. However, no matter what, he would not sit back and allow a Konoha Jinchūriki to betray Konoha.
Thinking of this, Uchiha Ryun said, "Luming, I'll have to trouble you. I will go to protect those two in secret, to avoid any mistakes." After saying this, Uchiha Ryun looked at Nara Luming.
Nara Luming understood. He knew what Uchiha Ryun was thinking. Secret protection wasn't quite right; it was more like secret surveillance. But saying it out loud wouldn't be tactful.
"Don't worry, Hokage-sama. I, along with Lord Hashirama, Lord Madara, and Lord Tobirama, will handle things here in Konoha. There won't be any problems." Nara Luming said.
Uchiha Ryun nodded. Using the Flying Thunder God Technique, he disappeared from the office. After leaving the village, he changed into a cloak, deactivated his Sharingan, and replaced it with the Rinnegan.
If he wanted to conceal his presence, not even Uchiha Izuna, let alone Uchiha Madara or Hashirama Senju, would be able to detect his trail! He followed the two, accompanying them towards the territory of Sunagakure.
Sunagakure
Granny Chiyo personally stood at the village entrance, pacing back and forth anxiously. She didn't know if Konoha's promised support was true or not. She could only pray that Uchiha Ryun kept his word and could protect their Sunagakure.
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