After the two kids went off to play, the adults chatted for a bit. Then, a clan member approached Kuragami Uchiha and reported: "Clan Head, the Inuzuka Clan has arrived."
"Kakashi, you guys go ahead. I'll take Genma and the others around." Kakashi said.
"Alright, then, take your time."
Kuragami Uchiha nodded, exchanged a quick greeting with Mikoto, and then headed to the entrance with Fugaku.
When they arrived at the gate, the Inuzuka Clan Head, Kenshiro Inuzuka, and the elder, Seirou Inuzuka, were already present, along with the upper-ranking Jonin of their clan.
Kuragami shook hands with each of them.
"Haha, Clan Head Kuragami, I'm really sorry to trouble you to come and greet us personally."
Seirou Inuzuka, despite being over seventy, had a bright smile on his face as he shook hands with Kuragami.
"Haha, what are you saying, elder Seirou? You're one of the elders who personally witnessed the village's founding; how could I not come to greet you?"
Kuragami replied with a smile.
"Clan Head Kuragami, you're joking. I'm just an old bag of bones." Seirou Inuzuka chuckled while waving his hand. "By the way, has that kid, Kaze, caused you any trouble? He insisted on joining the Konoha Military Police Force, and I was worried he might rely on his connections and make things difficult for you."
"Not at all, elder Seirou. Brother Kaze has been a great help in the Konoha Military Police Force." Kuragami said.
"Clan Head Kuragami, you don't have to praise him too much."
Kenshiro Inuzuka interjected. "We know what kind of temperament that kid has. He has some talent, but he's reckless. Please be patient with him."
"Come on, Clan Head Kenshiro, that's unnecessary. Brother Kaze is serious about his work. Plus, the Ninja Hounds the Inuzuka Clan donated last time have greatly reduced the workload of our officers."
Kuragami said. "Speaking of which, I actually have a proposal for you."
"Oh? Please, go ahead, Clan Head Kuragami." Kenshiro Inuzuka replied.
"It's like this."
Kuragami began: "The Ninja Hounds your clan provided played a crucial role in our recent case, where we investigated foreign spies inciting villagers to spread rumors. Given that we plan to expand the Konoha Military Police Force in the future, we'd like to purchase another batch of Ninja Hounds from your clan."
"There's no need for that. Just let us know when you need more, and we'll donate another batch." Kenshiro Inuzuka said.
"That won't do."
Kuragami shook his head. "We can't keep making you spend your own resources. Here's my proposal: let's set up a department under the Konoha Military Police Force with an annual budget of 80 million Ryo. The Inuzuka Clan will be responsible for breeding and training Ninja Hounds exclusively for us. What do you think, Clan Head Kenshiro?"
"This..."
Kenshiro Inuzuka was stunned. Not because it was too little, but because it was way too much!
Eighty million Ryo a year? The Inuzuka Clan's total profits, after deducting expenses, didn't even reach that amount. And since the facilities and breeding stock for the Ninja Hounds were already in place, the actual costs wouldn't come close to this budget.
But when he saw Kuragami's smile, he understood. This wasn't just about buying Ninja Hounds; it was basically a direct financial gift to the Inuzuka Clan.
"Is it not enough?" Kuragami asked.
"No, no, it's enough! In fact... It's too much." Kenshiro Inuzuka quickly replied.
"Too much?"
Kuragami chuckled. "The Ninja Hounds your clan provided last time were exceptional. Every Konoha Military Police Force member recognizes them as invaluable partners. I may not be an expert in this field, but training such intelligent and brave dogs must be costly, right?"
"I understand the Inuzuka Clan's desire to contribute to the village, and I admire your dedication to the Will of Fire. But in the Konoha Military Police Force, we don't let our allies suffer losses."
At that moment, Kenshiro Inuzuka finally understood why Kaze Inuzuka had been singing Kuragami's praises after just one joint mission; this guy really knew how to spend money.
Just then, Shibi Aburame arrived with the senior members of the Aburame Clan. Seeing how lively Kuragami and Kenshiro Inuzuka's conversation was, Shibi grew curious and walked over. "What are the two Clan Heads discussing?"
"Ah, Clan Head Shibi, you're just in time."
Kuragami said as he shook hands with the Aburame leaders.
"Uh, is there something you need, Clan Head Kuragami?" Shibi asked.
"I was chatting with leader Shihei the other day, and he mentioned that your clan has been developing a breed of insects that can transmit visual information directly to the user's brain via Chakra, enabling remote surveillance. Is that correct?"
"Ah, yes, we do have such a technique, but the insects are still in the experimental phase, and there are many technical challenges to overcome. Why do you ask?"
"This technology has great potential."
Kuragami said. "If possible, I'd like to implement it in the village's high-traffic areas and hire Aburame ninjas to oversee surveillance. That would significantly ease the patrol burden on the Konoha Military Police Force."
"Clan Head Kuragami, this technique is still immature, and the insects we've bred have several issues that need to be resolved. It's not ready for large-scale use."
Shibi explained.
"That's not a problem."
Kuragami replied. "For a project that benefits both the village and its people, the Konoha Military Police Force should provide full support. How about this? We'll fund the research with an initial investment of 80 million Ryo, and we can increase the funding as needed. What do you think?"
"W-what?" Shibi was stunned.
Once again, it wasn't because the amount was too little, but because it was way too much!
Even the total net profit of all the Aburame Clans' business ventures didn't reach 80 million Ryo a year.
Not just Shibi, even Kakashi, who had been listening, was shocked. Just how rich was the Uchiha Clan?
Forget the two consecutive 80-million investments; everyone in the village already knew that the Konoha Military Police Force offered some of the highest salaries among ninja jobs. Could the Uchiha really afford to throw money around like this?
As Aburame and the Inuzuka leaders entered the banquet hall, still processing their windfall, Kakashi finally approached Kuragami, unable to hold back his curiosity.
"Where do you get all this money? The Uchiha Clan isn't that wealthy, are they?"
Hearing Kakashi's question, Kuragami gave him a mysterious smile. "Wanna know? Keep an eye out for any upcoming missions to the Land of Waves. If one comes up, take it. I'll teach you how to really make money."