Bab 289: Chapter 289: Third Hokage: Don’t Ask, the Answer Is No Money
As for the position of Hokage's assistant, Akimichi Torifu had long been wanting to resign and retire.
Tsunade, however, paid no mind.
As long as they both agreed, Torifu, the jovial and rotund man, would be happier than anyone else.
"Then just wait quietly, but you'll need to pay for it yourself," Tsunade said.
Shinki was capable of handling things in person and negotiating terms, but Tsunade had no clue how to source this money. Thus, the funds had to come from the Ino-Shika-Cho trio.
Fortunately, the Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi clans were not short on money. Each clan had their own lucrative family businesses, making finances a non-issue.
After preparing some coffee, Pakura entered the minister's office. Shinki lounged on the long chair, casually reviewing documents, while Nara Shukaku appeared restless, scratching his head in frustration.
Pakura was puzzled. What exactly had transpired between these two after Nawaki left?
As Shinki expected, the village was bleeding funds. With the release of pensions during the first quarter, the Ministry of Finance was utterly drained.
Fortunately, Uchiha Hyuga had offered to lend the required money.
Koharu wasn't happy that the upper management was no longer deliberately targeting Uchiha, but under the mounting financial strain, even she had to set aside her pride.
At this moment, it was no longer about power or status—only who had the money to keep the village running mattered.
Later, in private, Koharu seethed at how years of planning had been undone, but even she couldn't argue against the pressing need for money.
Mitokado Hamura was more indifferent. "As long as no one touches logistics or hinders my operations, I have no problem with whatever happens."
Meanwhile, Shimura Danzo was furious. When he learned of the situation, he smashed a table in rage.
"Sarutobi! How could you, a great ninja, lower your head over mere money? Have you forgotten what our teacher taught us?" Danzo bellowed, his anger causing his eyebrows to twitch uncontrollably.
The Third Hokage, however, remained calm, puffing on his pipe as he replied, "Do you have money, Danzo? Or can the Shimura clan produce the funds necessary for the village's operations?"
"... Uh..."
Danzo froze. He had no money. Neither did the Shimura clan. If anything, his clan often sought funds from the Hokage's office rather than offering any themselves.
In a single sentence, Sarutobi silenced Danzo entirely.
Looking at his old friend, now speechless and fuming, the Third Hokage allowed himself a faint smile.
"Danzo," Sarutobi sighed, "I haven't forgotten the teacher's teachings, nor have I dismissed the Uchiha issue. But right now, the village's financial stability comes first. As long as the police department remains under control, Uchiha will always be manageable."
Danzo wasn't convinced. "And what about Hyuga? Are you sure your 'good brother' Hyuga Shinki won't assist Uchiha?"
Danzo sneered, "I've heard that Uchiha Mikoto often visits his home. There seems to be something between them..."
Sarutobi dismissed him with a tired sigh. "Danzo, must you meddle in young people's personal affairs? Were you so different when you were younger?"
The comment struck a nerve.
Danzo wanted to shout back, but the words caught in his throat.
Sarutobi, pleased with his friend's silence, continued, "As for Hyuga, they have their own concerns. Let them decide how to handle their matters."
Danzo scoffed. "You're weak, Sarutobi. Always yielding and compromising! You've lost the dignity and authority of a Hokage."
Unfazed, Sarutobi stood his ground.
"When can you begin forming the Root division?" Danzo pressed.
Sarutobi replied bluntly, "No money."
"..."
Danzo clenched his fists in frustration. Sarutobi's calm response was infuriatingly final.
Without funds, even the Third Hokage couldn't approve the establishment of Root. There was no money for a base, equipment, or personnel.
Shinki's opposition only added to Danzo's troubles. Not only did Shinki oppose the creation of Root, but he also ensured that if it were established, it couldn't operate under the guise of the Anbu.
Realizing his plans were at a standstill, Danzo cursed bitterly after Sarutobi left.
"This can't continue," he muttered to himself.
Feeling increasingly disillusioned with Sarutobi's leadership, Danzo decided to take matters into his own hands.
That night, through a puppet's vision, Shinki observed a familiar figure stirring in the shadows.
Pushing aside Tsunade, who had draped herself lazily over him, Shinki began getting dressed. Half-asleep, Tsunade mumbled, "Where are you going?"
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