Chapter Seventy-Five: The Demolition Effect

Half an hour later.

Uchiha Li wasn't even sure how he managed to walk out of the house. The cool breeze outside made him feel a bit better, but he was still somewhat nauseous.

"This is unbearable, truly unbearable!"

His already pale face grew even whiter, as Yao had insisted on feeding him every drop of the medicinal soup before letting him leave. Thinking of the long days ahead, where he'd likely have to drink this concoction again and again, Uchiha Li had only one hope in his heart: to master genetic technology as soon as possible, transplant the cells of the First Hokage, and restore his own health.

He dared not dwell on it further, quickened his pace through the streets, and soon arrived at the headquarters of the Police Force. Pushing open the door to Fugaku's office, Uchiha Li greeted him as usual.

Uchiha Fugaku nodded, then looked up in surprise and asked, "What happened to you? You look so weak after just going out for a bit?"

Taking a deep breath, Uchiha Li shifted the topic. "It's nothing, just a minor accident." He pulled out the scroll containing the sealed corpse of the Root member and continued, "I've come today to ask if you, Clan Leader, could accompany me to see Minato. There are some matters I need his help with..."

With a calm expression, Uchiha Li briefly recounted the attack he had suffered.

"Danzo, that bastard! How dare he do such a thing? Does he not see us as part of the village at all?!"

Hearing Uchiha Li's story, Fugaku's face was full of astonishment and anger. He was well aware of Danzo's dislike for their clan, but had not expected him to be so shameless as to act so openly. Even if the Uchiha weren't welcomed by some in the village, they were still a part of it. No matter what decisions the village made, even those targeting the Uchiha, Fugaku had always chosen compromise and the clan had always retreated.

But now Danzo had dared to attack Uchiha Li directly—this was clearly treating the Uchiha as outsiders!

With this in mind, Uchiha Fugaku spoke, "What do you intend to do? The clan and I will support you."

Even with his usual temperament, he could not tolerate the unprovoked murder of a clan member by the village. If they accepted this, wouldn't that mean anyone could trample them in the future? No matter what, the Uchiha deserved a proper explanation.

Moreover, after spending time with Uchiha Li over the past year, Fugaku was well aware of the young man's capabilities. Li had come to him—there was likely no room for refusal, and he might even be "persuaded" otherwise. In that case, he might as well take the initiative.

Seeing Fugaku's response, Uchiha Li was fairly satisfied. He had expected the clan leader to hesitate as in the past, but that didn't happen.

This showed that all he had done over the past year had indeed made a difference, and also proved that Uchiha Li's approach had been effective.

With a faint smile, Uchiha Li spoke slowly, "Let's have the Fourth Hokage handle this matter for us, so we don't give others more to gossip about."

"Agreed," Fugaku replied. "Actually, Minato has been wanting to meet you for some time now, but there hasn't been a good opportunity. Let's take this chance to see him together."

Uchiha Li nodded and added, "Let's not mobilize the Police Force, but we can spread the news."

Fugaku quickly caught on to his meaning. "Understood. I'll make arrangements right away."

He was about to summon someone when Uchiha Li waved his hand with a slight smile, interrupting him. "No rush, Clan Leader. I have another matter to discuss. It would be better to arrange everything together."

"Mm..."

At these words, Fugaku suddenly felt a twinge of foreboding. After several previous encounters, he had come to know some of Uchiha Li's habits. Whenever Li smiled unexpectedly, it was wise to be cautious.

Instinctively, Fugaku wanted to refuse, but Uchiha Li had already anticipated this and spoke first. "It's nothing difficult. I just want to ask if you could lend me some money, Clan Leader."

Relieved, Fugaku relaxed a little. Compared to undertaking risky ventures, lending money was a small matter.

Returning to a calm demeanor, Fugaku asked, "How much do you need?"

"Thank you for your support, Clan Leader," Uchiha Li replied, offering a word of flattery before stating his request. "It's not much. Thirty billion for the initial stage—we'll discuss the rest later."

"What? Thirty billion? And that's just the initial stage!"

Fugaku involuntarily stood up from his chair, his composure shattered. The sum Li requested was simply too large for him to remain calm. Even gathering five or six billion in a short period would be a huge expenditure for the entire Uchiha clan, let alone thirty billion.

Though the clan had accumulated some wealth over the years, that money wasn't his alone—it was needed for daily expenses throughout the clan. And since Li had said "initial stage," it implied there would be more to come.

Such an expenditure was beyond the clan's current liquidity; it would require selling off assets. But doing so would be killing the goose that lays the golden eggs—utterly counterproductive.

Unable to restrain himself, Fugaku quickly asked, "What exactly are you planning? The clan's funds can't be handed over without explanation."

If anyone else had come asking for such a sum—even the elders or his own son—he would have refused outright, perhaps even thrown them out. But this was Uchiha Li, the only other Mangekyo wielder in the clan besides himself.

He couldn't reject him outright. For the Uchiha, the Mangekyo meant everything—without exception.

Uchiha Li replied calmly, "I can't reveal the details yet, but I can guarantee that the clan's returns will far exceed the investment."

If he could succeed in his research into the transplantation of the First Hokage's cells, no amount of money would compare to what it could do for the Uchiha. However, he couldn't explain how he knew about the connection between the First's cells and the Mangekyo just yet. It was better to wait until the research was successful and then reveal everything.

Fugaku hesitated, negotiating, "The clan can't possibly raise that much money at once. Can we discuss it further?"

Li certainly didn't seem to be joking, but the amount was just too high. Such a large investment would have a direct impact on the clan, both now and in the future.

Seeing Fugaku's predicament, Uchiha Li asked, "Even if not giving me the money would lead to future regret, is that still not possible?"

Upon hearing this, Fugaku gritted his teeth and insisted, "No. Even if we regret it, it's not possible!"

"Less, then. What about ten billion?"

Knowing he was asking too much, Uchiha Li lowered his request to his true expectation. Here he used the so-called "roof removal effect." People tend to prefer compromise. If you say a room is too dark and suggest opening a skylight, everyone will object. But if you propose removing the whole roof, they'll compromise and agree to a skylight.

As expected, hearing Li drop his demand so drastically, Fugaku's resolve weakened.

In the end, Fugaku took a deep breath and said, "The most I can give you at once is ten billion, but you must agree to one condition."

Hearing this, Uchiha Li knew it was settled. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly. "Wise decision, Clan Leader! May I ask what the condition is?"

Fugaku pondered for a moment and then replied, "Help me train Itachi."

"..."

PS: In the future, Itachi will become an Apostle—and a female one at that, so...