Uchiha's personal opinion

Of the eleven genin teams from Konoha that made it to the finals, seven were genin graduates from the Police Preparatory Academy. They had made a name for themselves in the survival trials, defeating the genin from Konoha Ninja Academy and other ninja villages. So, Uchiha Tokumitsu naturally had no interest in them.

He doesn't even have the chance to scout out the best and recruit the most talented, so how could he possibly have the time and energy to look at so much information?

"While there weren't many outstanding talents among the genin candidates in this year's joint exam, they are, after all, the rising stars and future prospects of the village..."

Sakumo Hatake continued, "Furthermore, although the Joint Examinations didn't bring much income to the village, the spending by the genin still benefits small businesses at the grassroots level. If we can plan things out properly, the village's economy might even continue to grow..."

"...That little bit of money isn't even enough for the company's daily profit."

Uchiha Tokumitsu casually picked up the economic analysis report in the documents, glanced at its conclusions, and then put it down with a look of disgust.

"The village only has one joint venture, and it can't reach the lower classes..."

Sakumo Hatake shrugged helplessly.

"Alright alright……"

Uchiha Tokumitsu had no choice but to pick up the documents and read them carefully.

"Are there no other sources of income besides ticket sales?"

"...What else could it be? The village can't possibly organize gambling, can it?"

Sakumo Hatake was very puzzled.

As a major event in Konoha, the Chunin Exams naturally have an extraordinary influence.

For ordinary people, the matches of Genin are actually more exciting. They feature not only brutal close-quarters combat, a wide variety of ninja tools, dazzling ninjutsu like fireworks, but also thrilling scenes of tenacious struggle and desperate comebacks – things that ordinary villagers really enjoy.

As for battles between Chunin and above, due to individual limitations in eyesight, ordinary people often only see clusters of dark shadows constantly crashing around in mid-air before the battle ends, which is quite boring.

However, no matter how large the tournament venue is built, it cannot accommodate all the villagers of Konoha. Therefore, regarding tickets, the village will give away half of the tickets to its own residents through a lottery, while the other half will be sold to the public to make a small profit.

"Isn't the competition venue too spacious?"

Uchiha Tokumitsu pointed to the survey map and said, "For example, these walls, fences, and chair backs—don't they look a bit empty and unsightly? What do you think?"

"...This was constructed by an Earth Release ninja using earth-building techniques. That's basically it, right?"

Sakumo Hatake was a little confused. "You can't exactly carve dog heads on it, can you? After all, not all ninjas like ninja dogs..."

"What I mean is... could we do something with these locations, like selling them as advertising space or something..."

Uchiha Tokumitsu patiently persuaded, "The Chunin Exams have such a huge influence; wouldn't it be very profitable if businesses advertised at the exam venue?"

"Advertising...selling advertising space..."

Hatake Sakumo's mind suddenly went blank.

It sounds somewhat feasible, after all, quite a few wealthy merchants and nobles have come to watch the game this time, and they should be able to afford it.

However, Sakumo Hatake still had some reservations.

"Doesn't this seem a bit disrespectful...?"

Although Sakumo Hatake was very tempted, he still showed a little hesitation.

"This is a mutually beneficial arrangement, how could it not be solemn?"

Uchiha Tokumitsu also politely advised, "If the village's income increases, it can provide better public services for the villagers. Moreover, the wealthy merchants who advertise will see an increase in both exposure and brand recognition. It's a win-win-win situation!"

"Tokuko-kun truly is the greatest strategist in the ninja world; what he said makes perfect sense!"

As expected, Hatake Sakumo immediately agreed to Uchiha Tokumitsu's suggestion.

"However, using the term 'advertising' seems too commercial. How can we refine it?"

"Hmm... then let's call it sponsorship!"

Uchiha Tokumitsu wiped his chin thoughtfully and said, "The wealthy merchants voluntarily sponsored the village's Chunin Exams, and the village reciprocated by giving them advertising space as a reward... In this way, the issue of commercialization is avoided."

"So good!"

Sakumo Hatake nodded repeatedly.

"Furthermore, the broadcasting rights for the competition can be sold to the village's major businesses..."

Uchiha Tokumitsu continued his boasting: "As long as the merchants are willing to spend money, they can broadcast the Chunin Exams live on their store's TVs. This way, villagers who didn't get tickets will have the opportunity to see the village's genin in the battles, the merchants who buy the broadcasting rights will attract customers, and the village will get extra income... It's a win-win-win situation!"

"Very good, very good!"

Sakumo Hatake quickly pulled out his notebook and started taking notes on the spot.

Is there anything else?

"That's about right... In this way, the village will not only recoup all of its initial investment, but also make a considerable profit."

Uchiha Tokumitsu suggested that it should be done in moderation, since excessive exposure is not a good thing for a ninja.

"Excellent! Excellent!"

Hatake Sakumo felt increasingly pleased with himself. Based on Uchiha Tokumitsu's suggestion, he had already identified all the "easy targets" who wanted to sponsor him.

Moreover, Sakumo Hatake had already mentally planned to add extra charges to the open spaces such as the protective wall in the center of the competition venue, the railings in the spectator area, the backs of the seats, and the surrounding walls, just waiting to take advantage of the suckers.

This Chunin Exam was the first public Chunin Exam since the overthrow of the former Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. For Sakumo Hatake, it was also a rare political opportunity, so he showed great enthusiasm for it.

"By the way, we'll need to borrow some personnel from the police department to maintain order at the competition venue. I'd appreciate it if Mr. Deguang could help us with that..."

Sakumo Hatake seemed to suddenly remember something and added a sentence.

Konoha's standing ninja forces are all under the control of the Uchiha clan. Whether it's the police department, the internal affairs department, or the newly formed security patrol force, the ninja forces deployed in the village are basically under the control of Uchiha Tokumitsu. Although Hatake Sakumo is the Speaker of the House of Representatives, he has no other ninja forces that he can deploy except for the mobile force he directly commands.

Moreover, even the mobile force is mainly composed of Jonin from the Uchiha clan.

"That's no problem."

Uchiha Tokumitsu readily agreed to this incredibly simple request and immediately picked up the bell on the table to summon his attendant ninja.

"Summon Inspector Minato Namikaze to Police Headquarters."

"Uchiha Tokumitsu gave the order."

"As ordered!"

The attendant ninja immediately obeyed and left.

"Minato Namikaze..."

Sakumo Hatake raised an eyebrow. "This name seems somewhat familiar..."

"He's an outstanding graduate who went on exchange from the Ninja Academy to the Police Academy. He's quite skilled and very approachable~"

Uchiha Tokumitsu said, "After graduating from the police academy, because he ranked second in the entire school's assessment, he was also granted the special qualification of being a probationary inspector."

"That's at most Chunin-level strength... wouldn't that be a bit lacking?"

Sakumo Hatake was somewhat puzzled.

"We can't exactly send Uchiha ninjas to the scene to maintain order, can we? What kind of atmosphere would that create?"

Uchiha Tokumitsu shrugged and said with a hint of helplessness.

Although the Uchiha clan's image in the village has improved significantly, the change is mainly among the ninja community. In the eyes of ordinary villagers, the Uchiha, who are skilled in battle, combative, and impartial, are still not to be trifled with. They would usually give way to them. If they appeared in the spectator area of ​​the competition, everyone would probably tremble with fear and wouldn't be interested in watching the weaklings fight each other.

"Knock knock!"

After the two chatted idly for a while, a series of measured and rhythmic knocks came from outside the office door.

"Come in!"

"Uchiha Tokumitsu said."

A blond-haired boy pushed open the door and entered.

"Your Excellency the Governor-General, Speaker Sakumo!"

The blond-haired youth stood at the door and saluted, saying, "I am Minato Namikaze, a probationary inspector at the Police Department Headquarters. I have come to report for duty!"

"Don't be shy, come and sit down!"

Uchiha Tokumitsu pointed kindly to the chair in front of his desk.

"As ordered!"

Minato Namikaze immediately bowed again, stepped forward, and sat down in the chair designated by Tokumitsu Uchiha.

While Minato Namikaze's strength was unremarkable compared to powerhouses like Uchiha Tokumitsu and Hatake Sakumo, he was undeniably quite impressive for his age, and his demeanor and manners were also quite good...

Although Sakumo Hatake didn't say anything, he secretly gave Minato Namikaze a satisfactory score.

"It's really good for serving as a facade..."

Sakumo Hatake nodded slightly.

"I have a special task for you."

"Uchiha Tokumitsu said."

"The mission will be accomplished!"

Minato Namikaze immediately stood up and agreed.

"Relax~"

Uchiha Tokumitsu waved his hand with great satisfaction, signaling Namikaze Minato to sit back down.

It must be said that power is indeed a good thing.

With just a little favor, Uchiha Tokumitsu could easily bring those whom Jiraiya had been searching for into his fold, and then use or sideline them at his whim. Even the genius Little Sun from his past life's memories remained loyal to him after becoming a probationary inspector in the police department.

"I'm planning to assign you to lead the team for security at the Chunin Exams. Are you confident?"

Uchiha Tokumitsu didn't continue beating around the bush, but gave direct instructions.

"Guaranteed to complete the mission!"

Minato Namikaze was overjoyed upon hearing this and immediately responded.

He is a unique figure in the police department.

Although his position was not high, he was a probationary inspector specially approved by Uchiha Tokumitsu, and he was also the highest-ranking police ninja among non-Uchiha clan members. Among his peers, his status was particularly outstanding.

In addition, he has a good personality and is quite courteous in his dealings with others, so even the Jonin of the Uchiha clan appreciate him quite a bit. If it weren't for the fact that his recruitment and promotion were personally ordered by Uchiha Tokumitsu, it is estimated that many Uchiha Jonin would have considered taking him as a disciple or son-in-law.

The Uchiha clan does not have many restrictions on blood ties and marriage. Moreover, due to the high number of casualties caused by years of war, there are more women than men among the younger generation of Uchiha. Therefore, if they encounter a junior ninja with good potential, many Uchiha Jonin are willing to take him as a son-in-law.

"During the Chunin Exams, you can draw on the ninja forces from the police headquarters and the patrol, security, and investigation teams under the three district police stations to complete the security and guard duties at the exam venue. In addition, there will be special operations teams and VIP protection teams on site to coordinate and cooperate. Just follow Sakumo-kun's arrangements."