By the following morning, invitations to the new bidding conference had already begun circulating. Starting from Konoha, they swiftly spread across the entire ninja world.
The news stirred chaos among the clans and factions within the village.
At the Nara residence, the leaders of the Ino–Shika–Chō alliance had gathered once again.
"Ren Takashi has gone all out this time—seven companies at once, and all of them look promising," said Akimichi Heishi, crunching on snacks as he spoke. "Luming, should we visit him and see how many shares we can secure?"
Ever since they'd chosen to align with the Uchiha, profits had soared. The pharmaceutical company alone brought in generous monthly dividends. None of them wanted to miss this next opportunity.
Nara Luming nodded thoughtfully.
"Naturally. I'll visit the Uchiha compound later and speak with their clan head directly. No need to trouble Ren Takashi with this—our children already have a good rapport with him. That should be enough."
He paused, tapping a scroll on the table.
"That said, seven companies also mean more competitors. I suspect Ren Takashi is trying to use these industries to rope in more allies, forming a tight-knit alliance of interests around the Uchiha."
His gaze sharpened.
"So I expect that in this round of shareholder selection, he'll prioritize families and factions worth cultivating. For clans like ours, who've already invested previously, the advantage may not be as significant."
Heishi and Yamanaka Hidemitsu exchanged glances and nodded.
"I see. So the Uchiha will only grow stronger from here, both politically and economically. What chance does the Third Hokage have against them now?" asked Hidemitsu, lowering his voice.
"None," Luming replied bluntly. "Even now, the balance of power has shifted. Do you really think the Third would've tolerated our repeated investments in Uchiha industries if he still held the upper hand? He voiced his displeasure, yes—but didn't dare move against us."
That realization sank in heavily.
"Then... which companies should we focus on?" Hidemitsu asked. "Maybe each of our clans could claim a separate share. Or perhaps we should consolidate our efforts and just go for one or two together."
"If we stretch too thin," Heishi added, "we risk losing everything."
Luming nodded.
"I've reviewed the bidding proposals. All seven companies are powered by electricity at their core. That makes the thermal power plant the linchpin. Any use of electrical technology will depend on it."
He tapped the table with emphasis.
"So while it may not be the most profitable, it's certainly the most strategic. Controlling it means having a grip on the entire power network."
He shifted to a different scroll.
"Of course, the electrical appliance companies will rake in considerable profits too. And the bicycle manufacturer? That one's a game-changer—it's an entirely new form of civilian transport."
He looked up, his tone serious.
"If, as I suspect, Ren Takashi invites daimyos from other nations to participate, then this won't just be a local industry—it'll span the entire ninja world."
"Money talks," Hidemitsu muttered.
"Exactly. That's why I'm torn. I want them all, but that's just not feasible."
"We can aim for the thermal plant and one appliance company," suggested Hidemitsu. "Forget the bikes—the international competition will be too fierce."
"I agree!" Heishi raised a hand.
"Good. I'll speak with the Uchiha head later today," said Luming. "We'll lock in our targets."
Meanwhile, across the village at the Hatake compound, several clan representatives approached Hatake Sakumo with similar ambitions.
"Chief," one of them said, "have you seen the Uchiha's latest bidding invitation? There are so many industries this time. Shouldn't we prepare funds and try to claim shares in several of them?"
Sakumo gave a faint smile and shook his head.
"You're thinking too far ahead."
His tone was calm but resolute.
"The steel company shares we already hold have brought in more than enough revenue. Our clan doesn't need to risk lives on missions anymore. But that's precisely why we must rein in our greed."
He gestured toward the group.
"We're a small clan—forty people in total, with barely a dozen Chūnin. If we overextend, we'll attract attention we're not prepared to handle."
His clansmen fell silent.
Sakumo leaned forward slightly.
"And this isn't just about money. When I first bid for the steel company, I didn't realize the stakes. But after a... conversation with the Third Hokage, I came to understand: this is about more than commerce."
He lowered his voice.
"It's a power struggle."
The others stiffened, alarm flickering in their eyes.
One of them hesitated. "So we're... caught in the middle?"
"Exactly. And neutrality doesn't guarantee safety."
Sakumo stood and walked to the window, his voice soft.
"The Third wanted me to turn on the Uchiha—to take more shares, pretend to be close with them, and sabotage them from within."
He turned, his expression hardening.
"I refused."
There was a pause, then someone asked quietly, "Is that why you were removed from Anbu command?"
Sakumo nodded once.
"I don't regret it. But it means we must tread carefully. We already owe the Uchiha a debt for the shares we received. Trying to act neutral now would only make us seem like fence-sitters."
The others exchanged anxious looks.
"Then... what should we do?"
"Nothing," Sakumo replied. "We hold our position. We don't participate in this new round of bidding. We don't stir the pot. The steel dividends are more than enough."
His words were met with reluctant agreement. They understood the danger now. And the clan's survival was more important than more gold.
But Sakumo's expression remained troubled.
He knew full well—once the war between Uchiha's alliance and the Third Hokage broke out, bystanders would be swept into the storm regardless.
They had already taken a bite of the fruit.
And Uchiha never gave without expecting loyalty in return.
At the Hokage's office, tension hung thick in the air.
Utatane Koharu leaned forward, her eyes sharp. "Hiruzen, there are seven companies this time. We must secure at least one for every clan under our wing."
She lowered her voice.
"Orochimaru helped develop these technologies. He's your disciple—closer than Tsunade ever was. Can you use that connection?"
The Third Hokage sighed and shook his head.
"That bridge has already burned."
He looked weary.
"Danzo and I approached Orochimaru when the research institute first launched. We tried to pressure him into giving us access to the data... even to spy for us."
His voice trailed off.
"We haven't spoken properly since."
Mitokado Homura paled. "You mean Orochimaru betrayed you? After everything you've done for him?"
"Not quite a betrayal... but the bond has soured."
Hiruzen rubbed his temples.
"We might still win a favor or two if I plead with him. But don't expect much."
Koharu frowned. "But what about the Uchiha and Lady Mito? They're the ones in charge behind the scenes."
"Exactly," Hiruzen said grimly. "Even Orochimaru may not be able to sway their decisions. Our ties with both are... strained."
He straightened.
"Still, these industries require village resources—land, minerals, policy support. They can't function without our infrastructure."
His eyes sharpened.
"So while we may lose the bidding, the village's guaranteed shares are still substantial. We'll make our cut."
And that, for now, was their only comfort.