Naruto: I am Uchiha Shirou

Credits: YrageJustaGame

Inside the room.

"Captain Shirou, here are the latest mining statistics."

After reporting on prior matters, representatives from the Senju, Aburame, Hyuga, and other clans, along with Uchiha Mikoto and Uzumaki Kushina, gathered in the office.

"Everyone, please take a look at the recent mining statistics."

As the group sat down, Shirou smiled and signaled Uchiha Yashiro to distribute the statistical scrolls for everyone to review.

This area, seemingly a relatively safe space for Tsunade to nurture potential ninjas from various clans, had a deeper significance. Shirou had long suspected something unusual about the mine due to its repeated mentions.

As expected, during the continuous excavation of this vein, they discovered that the deepest layer of ore was rich in chakra properties—in simple terms, it contained an exceptionally high amount of chakra metal, a precious resource.

Chakra metal, a highly valuable strategic material, was so rare that even among the Five Great Nations, only a small number of jonin possessed chakra-infused weapons. Its value was self-evident.

What pleased Shirou even more was that Tsunade, after all her experiences, had matured significantly. She now understood that monopolizing resources would only lead to isolation while sharing them with allied clans could strengthen their bonds.

As Shirou habitually tapped his fingers on the wooden desk, he patiently waited for everyone to finish reading the report. Once they were done, he smiled and said softly:

"After three months of mining and refining, we've extracted a total of 12.8 pounds of chakra metal."

Hearing this, everyone became visibly serious. Even Hyuga Hiashi, a member of a prestigious clan, adopted a grave expression.

It was time to divide the spoils. Everyone wondered how Shirou would handle the distribution.

Looking at the group, Shirou spoke softly:

 "This vein was discovered by the Senju. I propose that they receive 30%. What do you all think?"

Hyuga Hiashi and Aburame Shibi, the young clan leaders of their respective families, nodded in agreement:

 "We support Captain Shirou's proposal."

No one objected to Shirou's suggestion. Senju Moku, upon hearing this, smiled, recognizing that Shirou was fair and free from prejudice. Unlike the stereotypical arrogant and self-centered Uchiha, this one was open to others' opinions.

Even Uzumaki Kushina, representing the Senju faction for the first time, smiled and nodded. Since she had decided to take over from Mito to protect the Senju clan, she now considered herself part of them. After all, the Senju had opened all their resources to nurture her.

Shirou continued, smiling:

 "As for the remaining 70%, I propose the following: Uchiha, Hyuga, and Aburame each take 20%, while the last 10% is sold to other clans. The funds raised will be used to supplement war-related compensation."

"After all, many civilian ninjas are still fighting alongside us. If something happens to them, the village's war pensions, as you all know, are quite limited."

War compensation for fallen ninjas was notoriously meager—unless their descendants had the potential to become ninjas, their families would receive little support.

Shirou's proposal left the group momentarily stunned. Hyuga Hiashi exchanged a surprised glance with Aburame Shibi.

Hiashi had expected a hierarchy where Senju would get the most, followed by Uchiha, then Hyuga, and finally Aburame. Instead, the distribution was unexpectedly even.

Aburame Shibi, after recovering from his surprise, looked grateful. It was clear that Shirou valued the Aburame clan as equals.

Although Hiashi frowned, wanting to say something, he refrained when he saw that Uchiha's share was the same as Hyuga's.

"I have no objections."

 "Agreed. After all, those civilian ninjas are also our comrades."

Once everyone agreed, Shirou smiled.

"The Senju receiving an extra 10% requires no further explanation. Of course, this is just the current distribution. For future shares, I believe one principle should be clear: those who contribute more will receive more, and those with greater battle achievements will be rewarded accordingly."

"Uchiha, Hyuga, and Aburame will each have a fixed share of 15%, while the remaining share will depend on contributions. Senju, as the discoverers, will retain a fixed 20% share."

As Uchiha Shirou spoke, Senju Muko and Uzumaki Kushina exchanged a glance. Kushina took a deep breath and interrupted:

 "The Senju are willing to give up 5% and will settle for a fixed 20% share!"

This unexpected statement shocked Shirou. He turned to look at the composed Senju Muko, a middle-aged jonin and smiled.

No wonder Tsunade entrusted this matter to Senju Muko—his calm and steady demeanor was evident.

Kushina's phrasing was key—she said "give up" rather than "only take," a significant difference.

Senju Muko wasn't foolish. Given the Senju clan's diminished strength, they wouldn't be able to outshine Uchiha or Hyuga in future battles. Additionally, the Senju's accumulated wealth over the years meant they didn't urgently need this resource. By generously giving up a small portion, they could gain goodwill from the other clans. With a fixed 20% share as the discoverers, they had nothing to lose.

Satisfied with the chakra metal's distribution, Shirou pointed to the refined iron data in the report.

"These are high-quality materials for crafting kunai and shuriken. We need to arrange monthly escorts to transport them back."

At this point, Shirou casually drew a red line across the report in front of everyone. To their astonishment, the data seemed to change before their eyes.

"According to the rules established by the First Hokage, strategic resources discovered during wartime must be shared equally among all clans."

After hearing this, the young Hyuga Hiashi and Aburame Shibi lowered their heads, hiding their expressions, but nodded nonetheless. This was what their clans had taught them, though it was their first time presiding over such an affair.

Uzumaki Kushina, already briefed by Tsunade, blushed as she nervously voiced her agreement:

 "The Senju support this, but this time, the distribution should be based on battle achievements."

What a bold move!

 For the first time, Kushina had voiced such a self-serving statement, and her heart raced with excitement and tension.

It was so nerve-wracking—and yet so thrilling!

Beside her, Senju Muko's silent acquiescence confirmed Kushina's authority to speak for the Senju.

Nowadays, with the Senju clan's declining influence, relinquishing some authority seemed to have become an inherited trait from the previous two Hokage.

In the end, the Senju, Uchiha, Hyuga, and Aburame clans all smiled, satisfied with the distribution. Everyone felt they had received a fair share of the spoils.

With their interests now tied together more tightly than ever, the alliance between the clans grew stronger. The bonds forged through mutual benefit would only deepen with time.