Chương 18: Chapter 18: Tsunade Cuts In as the Middleman

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

The personnel from the Mission Department left the Hokage's office, heading towards the Medical Department at full speed.

As for why they were ordered to find Tsunade first instead of asking Takashi directly, the mission ninja didn't think too much about it. When the Hokage gives an order, you simply carry it out without overthinking.

"To become a competent medical ninja, a vast reserve of knowledge and precise chakra control are the fundamental requirements. I repeat, you need to read more, study more, and train diligently."

"Don't expect to enter the Medical Department and suddenly become the next Hyuga Takashi. People like him are few and far between in the entire ninja world."

"Lady Tsunade, there's a ninja from the Mission Department here to see you."

Tsunade was in the middle of a lecture for a group of new recruits. When her colleague informed her, she stepped out of the classroom, rubbing her temples as a dull ache throbbed in her head. It felt like she was losing brain cells by the minute.

Teaching students was a real challenge.

Compared to the old method of hands-on, personal mentorship, this mass public education approach felt like torture.

"Lady Tsunade."

The Mission Department ninja greeted her respectfully.

Tsunade waved her hand, her patience wearing thin. "Cut the formalities. What do you need from me?"

"The Hokage asked me to deliver this document to you, and to have you coordinate with Hyuga Takashi to determine the reward standards for the mission. Once it's set, I'll return to report to the Hokage."

The mission ninja handed over a document.

What's all this mess about, did that kid Takashi go and issue a mission?

Tsunade took the document and opened it.

Well, it turned out he really did.

However, the mission had been issued rather sloppily, without even setting basic compensation standards.

A long-term mission?

From the looks of it, the mission rating would likely depend on the type of biological corpses collected—and Takashi specifically requested strong ones.

This meant that the mission wouldn't be rated low.

A high mission rating also meant that the reward would be higher than usual.

Plus, it was a long-term mission, which implied Takashi would spend a significant amount of money on it.

Takashi had some savings, but not much. Tsunade wasn't worried about whether he could afford the payment—medical ninjas made good money after all.

As long as he didn't have any extravagant, money-burning hobbies, he could definitely afford the mission expenses with his income.

"You, come with me."

Tsunade closed the document and took the mission ninja along to the hospital next door, just as Takashi was coming out of a patient's room.

She motioned for him to follow her into a break room.

Once inside, Tsunade didn't hesitate to shut the mission ninja out, speaking seriously to Takashi, "Are you planning on conducting experiments or research?"

"No, of course not."

Takashi was puzzled. Why the stern tone? I just issued a mission, even if it's a long-term one, my income should definitely cover the rewards.

"Then why are you issuing a mission to collect powerful biological corpses?"

"To make puppets, obviously. I'm certainly not going to use ninja corpses for that. I have no interest in messing around with human bodies."

Using animal corpses to create puppets didn't bother Takashi, but using human corpses? That crossed a line for him. He had no intention of becoming someone obsessed with corpses.

"Alright, as long as that's all it is. I'll handle the mission rating for you, that way the old man won't take advantage of you."

Before coming over, Tsunade had been a little worried that Takashi was turning into another Orochimaru.

Though the current Orochimaru hadn't yet turned into the notorious dark figure of the future, his fascination with corpses wasn't new. All his earnings were poured into those kinds of pursuits.

As long as Takashi wasn't trying to study corpses and run bizarre experiments, that was enough for her.

Creating puppets from animal bodies—nothing too strange about that.

As long as no ninja corpses were involved, he was staying within moral bounds.

"Go back and tell the old man that I'll be taking over this mission. There's no need for it to go through the Hokage's office anymore."

Tsunade opened the door and gestured for the mission ninja to leave. "You're dismissed. This mission doesn't need the Hokage's office worrying about it."

"Huh?"

The mission ninja, who had been preparing to report back, was stunned.

"Lady Tsunade, but I…"

"You think I'm not qualified?"

"No, no, that's not what I meant. It's just…this seems a bit against the rules…"

"That's none of your concern. Just relay my words to the old man, that's all you need to do."

"Yes, ma'am."

With a bitter expression, the mission ninja reluctantly left.

Takashi hadn't expected Tsunade to take over this whole situation.

"Don't tell me you're planning on actually carrying out this mission yourself."

Tsunade was perpetually broke—that was beyond dispute—but her income was high. She just couldn't control herself and ended up gambling it all away.

If Tsunade actually went and carried out this mission, it would be like tossing away a watermelon to pick up a sesame seed.

"How could I possibly do that?"

Do I look like an idiot?

Tsunade shot Takashi a disgruntled glare.

"Then why are you taking over the mission?"

Takashi was genuinely confused by her actions.

"It's not worth my time to carry out the mission myself, but I can take a cut of the profits."

"..."

Unbelievable!

She's literally scheming to skim off the top of the Third Hokage's operation.

Seeing Takashi's stunned expression, Tsunade looked a bit embarrassed. "I've been pretty broke lately, so I need some extra cash. Don't worry, I'll find the most suitable person for the job. He's great at stuff like this."

Tsunade was indeed in financial trouble. She had just a few coins left.

She loved eating at Takashi's place—not only because they were close and Takashi was a good cook, but also because she was broke.

Meals weren't the biggest problem; if necessary, she could just eat at home.

The bigger issue was her itchy hands from lack of money!

Every time she walked past a casino, Tsunade felt an unbearable itch all over.

So, she was eager to make some quick extra cash. And just like that, the opportunity presented itself.

As for whether the Third Hokage would mind, Tsunade didn't really care.

It was just a mission, and she still had that much privilege.

"Alright then, do as you like. Just make sure the materials are delivered, and I'll pay when they arrive."

If Tsunade wanted to make some money, so be it. Takashi wasn't about to pay upfront, especially not to Tsunade.

This woman, with money in her hands, would bite off more than she could chew.

She wouldn't stop until she'd lost every last coin.

"No problem. Just have the money ready."

After reassuring Takashi, Tsunade hurriedly left the hospital and went straight to Orochimaru's lab.

"Orochimaru, I've got something for you! It's a good opportunity."

This is what you call a good opportunity?

Orochimaru glanced at the broken door she had kicked in, and at the now-wrecked lab equipment on the table—all because of Tsunade's forceful entry. He'd lost tens of thousands of ryo right there.

Tsunade was broke, but Orochimaru wasn't exactly well off either.

One loved to gamble, the other loved to experiment. The former was a black hole for money, with no returns, while the latter could eventually yield massive profits—but only after an enormous initial investment.

"Five hundred thousand, and this mission is yours."

Tsunade pulled out the mission scroll and threw it to Orochimaru, shamelessly making an outrageous demand.

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