With Tsunade as her unofficial protector, Kushina rarely faced serious consequences for her mischief. Unless she caused major trouble at school, the teachers didn't dare summon her "parent" for a meeting. Tsunade's fiery temper often led to her reprimanding the teachers instead of Kushina.
"Kushina, you need to have the courage to admit when you're wrong," Shinki teased, pulling her out from behind him before retreating to the kitchen with the shopping bag.
The living room? Better left to Tsunade.
The princess of Konoha hadn't had a chance to vent her frustrations in a while, and Kushina's recent antics warranted some discipline. Skipping classes was bad enough, but leading her classmates astray was another level of mischief.
A Heated Scolding
The sound of light spanking echoed through the living room. It wasn't harsh, but enough to get Kushina's attention. Her protests only grew louder.
"Will you skip class again?"
"I'll skip class! The teachers at school are so dumb. I've already learned everything in the textbooks. Besides, Kurama can teach me!"
"You dare talk back to me?"
"Ahhh! Sister Tsunade, if you spank me again, I'll spank you back one day!"
"Try it—once you can beat me!"
Tsunade's words held truth. Children grew stronger fast, and while she still held the upper hand now, that wouldn't last forever.
Nawaki wouldn't have dared to retaliate, but Kushina? If provoked enough, she just might.
Kurama's Perspective
Inside Kushina's mind, the Nine-Tailed Fox sighed as it watched her struggle against Tsunade's scolding.
This generation of Jinchūriki is so stubborn, Kurama thought. But at least she's growing stronger. Once she masters her abilities, it'll be a question of who disciplines whom.
Tsunade's Reflections and a New Plan
After disciplining Kushina, Tsunade felt oddly rejuvenated. By dinnertime, she was in high spirits, but her tone turned serious as she asked Shinki a question:
"You mentioned to your senior that you wanted to take back the position of Jonin squad leader?"
"Yes." Shinki nodded, setting some food into his bowl.
"And if he agrees, the situation at the top will shift in your favor. Do you think the old man will allow it?"
Tsunade referred to Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage. He had already expressed discomfort with Shinki's growing influence, especially with his control over the Anbu and the medical department. If Shinki also took charge of the Jonin squad, the Hokage's authority would be further diminished.
Shinki smiled confidently. "He doesn't really have a choice."
The Third Hokage faced an impossible decision: allow Shinki to consolidate more power or risk the village's finances collapsing. The Jonin squad leader position was politically significant, but it was nothing compared to the looming financial crisis.
A Late-Night Meeting
That night, Sarutobi Hiruzen summoned Shinki to a park under the cover of darkness. With his signature pipe in hand, the Hokage gazed at the starless sky.
"I received the Anbu promotion application. Tsunade plans to leave her role as Minister and hand it over to you," he began, breaking the silence.
Shinki shrugged. "It was inevitable. She hasn't been involved much anyway."
The Third Hokage nodded in agreement. Tsunade's decision to step down was no surprise, but he had other matters to discuss.
"I also hear that Nara Shikashin is considering returning to his role as Jonin squad leader?"
The tension in the air thickened. Shinki immediately recognized the true purpose of this meeting: money.
"Two hundred million," the Hokage stated bluntly, skipping formalities.
"One hundred million," Shinki countered without hesitation.
The Hokage frowned but said nothing. Shinki pressed his advantage.
"One hundred million, and the Uchiha clan withdraws their complaints against the police department. The Hyuga clan clears their debt and agrees to provide financial support to the village."
Sarutobi clenched his fists, his frustration evident. The terms weren't unreasonable, but they placed him in a difficult position. Unhappiness couldn't solve the village's problems, and Shinki knew it.
After a long silence, the Hokage asked, "How much longer will this war last? Can we rely on the Daimyo for support?"
Shinki chuckled softly. "The war? Who knows. But as for the Daimyo? If you're willing to take bold action, I can guarantee the funding situation will stabilize within ten days."
The Hokage's Dilemma
Sarutobi Hiruzen understood the implications of Shinki's words. If he conceded the Jonin squad leader position, he could secure financial support, stabilize the village's economy, and issue the second-quarter pensions.
But doing so meant ceding more power to Shinki, further shifting the balance within Konoha's leadership.
The Third Hokage sighed deeply, taking a long drag from his pipe. The weight of the decision pressed heavily on his shoulders.
In the end, practicality would likely win. But the resentment in his heart would remain.
>>>>>
200 Chapters ahead available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
50% discount code (DDBFC)
Gimme power stonesssss
Also, leave a review please and check out my new story
[Naruto: Maelstrom Of the Uzumaki]