The domineering Uchiha drove the Third Hokage mad!

Chapter 22 Money Distribution Meeting

As the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, led more than 5,000 Iwagakure prisoners away, the tense atmosphere at the Konoha frontline base finally began to ease.

The only department still operating efficiently is the frontline intelligence system, which sends back new information every so often.

Fugaku Uchiha stood outside the command tent, listening to the intelligence ninja's report.

12 minutes later... "Report: Onoki and the Iwagakure Army have been spotted 10000 meters from the base. They are accelerating away."

25 minutes later... "Report: 20000 meters from the base, Onoki and the Iwagakure Army are accelerating away."

60 minutes later... "Report: Onoki and the Iwagakure army have returned to the Iwagakure base and are heading towards the Land of Earth with a portion of their forces."

After confirming that Onoki and the others had really left, Fugaku Uchiha let out a soft breath.

He turned to Uchiha Yatsuhoku and said, "Prepare to gather everyone; it's time to share our spoils."

In the open space in the center of the camp, more than four thousand ninjas stood in neat rows. Even the seriously wounded were carefully carried out and placed at the front of the ranks. On the makeshift platform, piles of money boxes gleamed metallically in the setting sun.

Fugaku Uchiha stood in the center of the high platform, his family crest of a fan on his black battle robe particularly eye-catching.

He glanced at the manuscript handed to him by Uchiha Mitsunori, memorized its contents, and then used his chakra to clearly transmit his voice to everyone's ears.

"Gentlemen, after more than a year of hard work, we have finally defeated Iwagakure. As the commander-in-chief on the front lines, I have not let you down and have delivered a satisfactory result. As for the 300 billion ryo war reparations, I shamelessly seized it from the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, through a combination of force and coercion. I need to explain to you the purpose of this money."

A few scattered cheers broke the tension. When the topic of how the compensation money would be used came up, silence returned. All eyes were fixed on the pile of money, the air thick with tension and anticipation.

A gust of wind blew by, and the empty sleeve of a ninja in the front row, who had lost his left arm, swayed in the wind.

Fugaku Uchiha's voice was as firm as iron: "In the Third Shinobi World War, our Konoha was besieged by the four great ninja villages. The estimated number of casualties is over 10,000. The village will need to pay approximately 40 billion ryo in compensation for casualties. It is safe to say that the village may be unable to pay such a huge amount of compensation for casualties for the next 10 years."

A young female ninja suddenly covered her mouth, her shoulders trembling slightly. Her companion gently put her arm around her shoulder; her brother had been killed in the battle the previous night. Several ninjas in the back row exchanged worried glances; all of them had family members who had perished in the fighting.

After a brief pause, Fugaku Uchiha suddenly raised his voice: "Therefore, I have decided to allocate 300 billion ryo from the 150 billion ryo specifically to compensate the families of those injured or killed within our base. We, the Uchiha, will never allow the heroes of Konoha to shed blood and tears!"

These words, like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirred up a huge uproar.

The crowd erupted in cheers, cries, and applause.

The one-armed ninja stood frozen in place, tears silently streaming down his dust-covered face.

Uchiha Mitsunori's lips curled up slightly; the scene was even more perfect than he had imagined.

Even several members of the Hyuga clan who had always been resentful of the Uchiha clan showed expressions of admiration.

Fugaku Uchiha's expression turned serious, and he raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet: "Regarding the remaining 150 billion ryo, I will distribute it to everyone present according to each person's contribution in the war."

"First, regarding contributions, the top spot goes to Uchiha Mitsunori. He infiltrated deep into Iwagakure, gathered crucial intelligence, and analyzed that Iwagakure would launch a night attack last night. He also provided valuable advice on the defensive setup last night. Furthermore, he fought against Iwagakure's commander-in-chief, Kouta, probing Kouta's strength and intelligence, and single-handedly killed three Iwagakure Jonin and several Chunin. Therefore, he is hereby rewarded with 36 million ryo and promoted to captain."

As Uchiha Mitsunori stepped onto the stage, a gasp of surprise erupted.

As fellow frontline comrades, many knew his past strength: "Sanfeng, how did you suddenly become so powerful? It's hard to believe!"

Jonin Mei Itoya said in a low voice, "I was near him last night, and I saw his entire battle. He has a three-tomoe Sharingan and can use a double-headed, four-armed ninjutsu. With this ninjutsu, he can single-handedly perform a wind and fire combination ninjutsu, which is incredibly powerful!"

"I see... Impressive... Impressive!"

The onlookers gasped in amazement.

"Second place: Kurama Unkai. He is the chieftain of the Kurama clan. The Kurama clan has 1000 people stationed at this stronghold. 472 have been killed in action and 58 are disabled. More than half of the clan has been killed or wounded, but he still leads the Kurama people to hold the front line. He has made an important contribution to this war and is hereby awarded 3500 million taels."

In fact, Kurama Unkai is only 21 years old this year, and his strength is only at the level of a Jonin. But no one has raised any objection to his ranking; it is an honor earned with the lives of hundreds of clansmen.

"Third place, Kazami Tomohiko, is the head of the Kazami clan. The Kazami clan suffered 158 casualties and 27 disabled. He served in the front-line staff, and many of his suggestions played a vital role in our stronghold's ability to hold out for more than a year. Therefore, he is hereby awarded 3200 million taels."

"Fourth place, Uchiha Fugaku. I placed myself in fourth place because I led 3500 clansmen to the front lines, where 1227 died and 112 were crippled. I have done right by Konoha, but I have failed my clansmen. Therefore, I only deserve the reward for fourth place. This reward is 3000 million ryo."

This self-deprecating tactic had a remarkable effect.

The Uchiha clan members shouted, "Clan leader...you have done a great job...we are proud of you!"

The ninjas from other clans also looked at this humble commander with admiration.

"Fifth place: Uchiha Ryuka. He is the front-line captain. Last night, he personally led 27 Jonin from his headquarters deep behind enemy lines. They jointly unleashed the Uchiha Fire Formation, cutting off the Iwagakure army's retreat and making a significant contribution to capturing more than 5000 Iwagakure ninja. Therefore, he is hereby awarded 2800 million ryo."

"Sixth place, Uchiha Eighth Hokage..."

"Seventh place...eighth place...nineteenth place, Yui Hatano...twentieth place, Jun Aoi..."

Fugaku Uchiha coughed lightly and raised his voice, "Alright, I know everyone is tired of listening. I will never forget everyone's contributions and sacrifices. I will have Sanpo compile everyone's contributions and sacrifices into a book for future generations to admire."