Going to ask for money under the Sarutobi clan's name, once the money is in hand, Tsunade surely wouldn't be foolish enough to just give it all to the Ministry of Finance, right?
Sarutobi clan, shouldn't you get something too?
No sooner said than done.
Tsunade immediately sent someone to bring the Third Hokage in.
On the way to the Hokage office, the Third Hokage still felt heavy-hearted.
Although the internal issues of the clan were temporarily settled, this would only be effective in the short term. In the long run, the same problems and contradictions would reappear.
Unfortunately, the village's finances were tight. Supporting the Sarutobi clan was something Tsunade wanted to do, but she was powerless.
"Tsunade, you wanted to see me?"
Upon entering the Hokage office, the Third Hokage sat down. As soon as he was settled, Tsunade asked sneakily:
"Old man, don't you want to solve the internal conflict of the family?"
"???"
Although he didn't understand why Tsunade was asking this, the Third Hokage honestly nodded:
"Of course, I want to, but the village's finances..."
"There's a way to solve the internal conflict of the Sarutobi clan and ease the village's finances, but it will make the Sarutobi clan and you lose some face. Are you willing to do it?"
"......"
Wait, is my face really that worthless?
Can it just be thrown away like that?
Confused, the Third Hokage heard Tsunade's plan and, without any hesitation, agreed.
After all, face is important when it counts.
When it doesn't, it's not worth much.
As long as the internal conflict of the family is solved and the village's finances are eased, what's the harm in losing some face?
This is called making sacrifices!
This is called understanding the greater good!
After some whispered negotiation, the master and disciple came to an agreement: 20% for the Sarutobi clan, 80% for the village's Ministry of Finance.
The next day, Tsunade, now free of responsibility and handing everything off to Yan, went straight to the Daimyo's residence with a carefully selected group of the Third Hokage's men to meet with the Daimyo.
Daimyo's Residence.
Ever since the Third Hokage retired and Danzo died, the Daimyo had gone back to his old routine, spending his days eating, drinking, and having fun with a group of beautiful women.
Life was, in a way, quite hard.
There were quite a few beauties chosen, and the Daimyo couldn't handle it alone.
"Daimyo, Tsunade-hime, the Fifth Hokage of Konohagakure, has arrived."
When others meet the Daimyo, they have to request an audience. But when Tsunade meets the Daimyo, she just walks right in.
With members of the Sarutobi clan in tow, Tsunade swaggered into the Daimyo's palace without any obstruction.
If it were the Third Hokage, he would have been stopped and would have had to wait to be announced before entering.
After being reminded by his assistant, the drunk Daimyo took a while to process the situation.
"Ah, it's Tsunade-chan. Alright, let's wrap this up. Everyone, out. Out now."
At the Daimyo's command, the beautiful women and dancers in revealing clothes quickly exited the room.
The guards also rushed in to clean up the place, making sure everything looked proper before the guest arrived, so the Daimyo wouldn't lose face.
As Tsunade entered, she immediately frowned from the strange smell in the air—there was smoke, alcohol, and...
The same old life of indulgence.
Her lips twitched, and Tsunade kindly reminded the Daimyo, who was half-lying on his chair, looking like a limp noodle:
"Daimyo, though enjoying life is important, you also need to take care of your health."
Upon hearing this, the Daimyo sat up straight and quickly adjusted his clothes:
"Hahaha, Tsunade-chan is right. I'll rest, I'll rest right away. Since you're here, help me check my health. Maybe I need some medicine to boost my energy."
"...Can you not call me Tsunade-chan?"
Tsunade had black lines floating on her forehead.
The Daimyo nodded repeatedly, smiling like a kind old man, and Tsunade gave up.
No surprise here, the Daimyo would still call her like that.
After all, she was like half family to him, so the nickname didn't seem too bad.
But she wasn't a child anymore, so being called "Tsunade-chan" felt a bit hard to accept.
"Well then, little Tsunade, did you come here for something specific today?"
The Daimyo asked, and Tsunade awkwardly smiled:
"There's something, but it's a bit hard for me to say…"
The mood was just right, so Tsunade signaled the Sarutobi clan to start.
"?"
What does that mean?
There's something but it's hard to say?
Before the Daimyo could react, the chosen members of the Sarutobi clan began wailing dramatically.
The unprepared Daimyo was left dazed, and with the alcohol in his system, his head felt even foggier.
After listening for a while, the Daimyo finally understood.
The Sarutobi clan had suffered greatly, but due to the village's financial troubles, they could only receive the minimum standard of compensation and relief money.
And now, the Third Hokage had set aside his pride and sent his clan members to beg for help.
"Hahaha… so even Sarutobi Hiruzen has fallen to this."
Daimyo chuckled, finding it amusing. Sarutobi Hiruzen, the tough one, was in this situation now?
Let's see how tough he stays now.
Now, do you realize your position?
Without my money backing you up, Sarutobi Hiruzen is nothing.
If you can't even handle something small within your own clan, it's just embarrassing!
You're the Third Hokage, but maybe it's better if you stop meddling with clan matters. The more you get involved, the messier it gets.
To the Daimyo, anything that can be solved with money isn't even a problem.
"Alright, alright. I know your clan is struggling, and I know Sarutobi Hiruzen has lost all his pride. I'll give you the money."
With a grand gesture, the Daimyo waved his hand.
It's just a bit of money.
No big deal, I'll give it to you.
As long as Sarutobi Hiruzen loses face, I'll feel better!
"Alright, Tsunade-chan, don't look at me like that. Although I have money, it's not like it grows on trees, so don't push it too much!
I know about Konohagakure's financial difficulties, so I can only give you a little this time."
Since the Sarutobi clan gave money, Tsunade couldn't refuse, right?
Of course not, they're practically family.
Besides, the stronger Konohagakure is, the more secure it is. The Daimyo can clearly see that.
This time, the Daimyo willingly gave the money.
Apart from feeling good about the Third Hokage's embarrassment, he was also spurred on by the Akatsuki.
What does the Akatsuki love to do?
Isn't it assassinating important figures from all countries?
What if one day they decide to assassinate the Daimyos of all nations?
So, the Daimyo figured it was best to give a little money first to stabilize Konohagakure. This way, when he needs protection, Tsunade will be ready to help.
---------------------------------------
You can read 10 chapters ahead on patre on
patr eon.com/JYouyi