Chapter 46: A Sudden Surprise!
Because it was a leg, this was just about healing the eyes.
Although it was more challenging and required more energy, the resources needed were not as much as before.
Now, two pieces of news were placed in front of Uchiha Mei, who had just had her eyes healed.
Good news: Her eyes were healed! Bad news: She was bankrupt!
Yes, this 'rich, beautiful, and strong but tragic' woman was now just 'beautiful and strong but tragic.'
No matter how wealthy she was, she couldn't withstand Uchiha Takashi's spending spree.
Just the equipment alone cost two hundred million ryo, and with the subsequent materials, several hundred million ryo were spent.
Such an amount was a strain even for the prestigious Uchiha clan, let alone for Uchiha Mei to bear alone.
Being able to come up with so much money was thanks to the deep accumulation of her grandfather.
Now, aside from this courtyard, she was completely penniless.
And it didn't stop there.
This courtyard, worth five hundred million ryo, was mortgaged to a noble of the Land of Fire to borrow two hundred million ryo for the experiment.
The noble played a significant role in acquiring the equipment and experimental materials.
Damn! Hearing Uchiha Shizuka explain the financial situation, Uchiha Takashi felt like he had hit rock bottom.
His own 'White Thigh' had been broken by him?
From now on, he could forget about his cheat-like experiments.
Of course, there was good news too.
After hovering on the brink of death, his chakra entered a phase of rapid growth.
At the age of his teens, this was the fastest growth period for a ninja, and with the previous mental stimulation, it was no wonder his chakra was growing quickly.
Before the third round of the exam, it wouldn't be surprising if his chakra approached '1 unit.'
Don't compare him to those who cheat.
Uchiha Takashi's achievements today were all thanks to his own efforts... and potions, which he continued to consume.
During this time, he also visited Yamakawa Koji in the hospital a few times and gave some hints.
He had to give hints!
He was genuinely afraid that the despairing Koji might do something foolish.
Meanwhile, the self-examination storm in Konoha Village gradually subsided.
Because the third round of the exam was about to begin.
The exam would be completed in one day!
Even if a participant got injured midway, the assessment wouldn't be postponed. If they lost due to injury, they could only blame bad luck or tactical mistakes.
Today!
Was the day the third round of the exam began.
Early in the morning.
The streets were packed with people.
There were also spectators who had come from afar, ready to watch the Chunin Exams.
"Go for it!"
"Don't lose to the other ninja villages!"
"Konoha is the strongest!"
"Sunagakure is the strongest!"
...
Walking down the street, the cheers for the various villages were endless, making Uchiha Takashi realize people's obsession with honor.
The impact of the joint Chunin Exams was indeed significant.
"Uchiha Takashi!!"
A lively voice called out from the side.
A few people walked towards him.
Two adults and a child, with hair colors of gold, red, and white.
That's right!
This group was none other than Minato Namikaze, Kushina Uzumaki, and Kakashi.
"Minato-sensei, Kakashi, Sister Kushina!"
Uchiha Takashi greeted each of them, his voice noticeably sweeter when addressing Kushina.
He couldn't help it; she had given him so much.
Not to mention the sealing technique materials she provided earlier, during his time in the hospital, she brought him a lot of Uzumaki secret materials.
Having received so much from her, it was no wonder Uchiha Takashi's attitude towards her was distinctly different.
"Hmph, not even letting me pick you up from the hospital, are you looking for a fight?" Kushina Uzumaki waved her fist.
She was quite displeased that Uchiha Takashi didn't let her pick him up from the hospital earlier.
"Kushina-nee, Mei suddenly insisted on picking me up that day. I couldn't just refuse her kindness."
Uchiha Takashi used his fiancée as a shield (Uchiha Mei: Meow meow meow?).
Before Kushina could press further, Minato Namikaze, who had come along, gently reassured Uchiha Takashi.
"You don't need to worry too much about Koji. Once Lady Tsunade returns, I'll ask her to help. She should be able to heal him."
He understood that Uchiha Takashi had been troubled by Yamakawa Koji's injuries for some time.
"Minato-sensei, the Uchiha clan has a way to deal with Koji's injuries. There's no need to trouble Lady Tsunade. I'm more worried about today's exam!"
Uchiha Takashi changed the subject.
Yamakawa Koji's injuries were only considered troublesome by the Konoha Hospital, but they weren't incurable.
At least for medical ninjutsu experts like Tsunade or Chiyo, it wouldn't be too difficult.
So using 'Uchiha' as an excuse wasn't entirely unreasonable.
He already had a complete plan in mind, it just required time and resources.
On the other hand, he was a bit worried about the exam.
Among the surviving candidates were teams led by Maki and Gang Tu.
Especially Gang Tu! It was baffling how they managed to survive a certain-death situation and continue competing. It was downright eerie.
Uchiha Takashi felt the third round of the exam was too unpredictable.
"Don't worry, with your current strength, there's nothing to fear. Besides, I'm one of the proctors for this exam!"
Minato Namikaze patted Uchiha Takashi's shoulder, giving him a quiet assurance.
Those in the know understood!
Proctors have the authority to stop the victorious side from going too far against the defeated at critical moments.
Though whether they do so in time is another matter.
With Minato's speed and strength, while victory wasn't guaranteed, at least there was no need to worry about personal safety.
Brilliant!
The benefits of being backed by the Hokage faction were evident now.
If he didn't know how tricky it could be, Uchiha Takashi might have truly considered joining Hiruzen Sarutobi, the 'strongest Third Hokage.'
"Here!"
Kushina Uzumaki handed something to Uchiha Takashi with a mysterious look, her face full of pride, clearly waiting for Uchiha Takashi to praise her.
"This is..."
Uchiha Takashi's pupils contracted as he looked at the item in his hand, because he already guessed what it was.
A surprise!
He hadn't forgotten that Kushina had mentioned preparing a 'surprise' for him at the hospital earlier.
It turned out to be this.
A pair of gloves.
Elbow-length, fingerless gloves in jet black, with a smooth and delicate texture.
Stylish!
That's the impression the gloves gave.
Strength might be temporary, but style is forever.
It seemed Kushina knew his personality well, which is why she made them so striking rather than low-key and inconspicuous.
The surprise came from the fact that Uchiha Takashi thought it would take a long time to complete.
He didn't expect it to be finished so quickly.
To have it done so fast, she must have secretly worked overtime, showing how much thought she put into it. Uchiha Takashi felt a bit emotional.
Because this ninja tool could indeed give his strength a significant boost.
He quickly put on the gloves.
A comfortable and breathable sensation enveloped his hands, like a second skin.
"Try channeling some chakra into them!"
Kushina prompted.
This ninja tool was her 'pride and joy.'
She had worked extremely hard to finish it quickly, and now she naturally wanted it to be recognized.
Uchiha Takashi followed her suggestion.
And then, something magical happened.
(End of Chapter)
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