The Hokage Guard is like the secretary of certain leaders in his previous life. It seems like the position is not high, but the status is higher than many middle-level leaders.
Even if a branch company is established or assigned an overseas position, it is very likely that the secretary will ascend to the top and become the leader of the branch company.
Similarly, the Hokage Guard is the same. Or rather, each Kage's guard is an extremely special existence.
When the hidden villages were established, during the first Five Kage Summit, those who attended as Hokage Guard were all successors to the positions of the Kages of each ninja village, either as Second or Third.
In Konoha, the Second Hokage Senju Tobirama was once the Hokage Guard of the First Hokage Senju Hashirama, and the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen was the Hokage Guard of the Second Hokage. The Sixth Hokage Kakashi also served as a Hokage Guard at one point.
It can be said that the value of this position is extremely high, because serving as a Hokage Guard not only means taking on the responsibility of guarding the Hokage but also implies close contact with Konoha Elders matters.
Perhaps they may not have the right to speak, but they are definitely among the first to be informed of any changes within and outside the village.
Moreover, if anyone within the village wants to know the recent mood of the Hokage, for example, when submitting proposals, it is not allowed to approach the leader directly. The Hokage Guard becomes the best person to inquire about the leader's mood and stance.
In other words, every Hokage Guard becomes the intermediary between the Hokage and the heads of major ninja clans or those holding important positions, and these individuals will also try to maintain good relations with the Hokage Guard.
Sarutobi Hiruzen proposing Tatsuma for the position of Hokage Guard means he truly intends to consider Tatsuma as "one of his own."
Although they belonged to the same faction before, Sarutobi Hiruzen's resources were somewhat tilted, with Tsunade always in between. However, if Tatsuma becomes the Hokage Guard, even that slight gap in between will be eliminated.
Tatsuma naturally understands all the intricacies involved, so after Sarutobi Hiruzen proposed it, he neither immediately declined nor dared to agree right away. Instead, he glanced at Tsunade.
At the same time, he also glanced at Orochimaru beside Tsunade. Orochimaru clearly understood the intentions of their sensei, and he nodded slightly, agreeing to the proposal.
However, Tsunade seemed oblivious and asked, "What are you looking at me for? You don't want to go to the Konoha Hospital, and I'm not familiar with other places. Make your own decision."
Only then did Tatsuma turn back, looking at Sarutobi Hiruzen, maintaining his modesty and humility. He said, "Hokage-sama, I'm just a Chunin. Will I be lacking in ability to serve as your guard?"
When facing the leader, this aspect isn't good. Clearly desiring something, yet feeling the need to modestly decline first, and then only under the leader's "request," reluctantly accepting the favor.
Sarutobi Hiruzen also smiled and said, "Tatsuma, there's no need to underestimate yourself. Your talent and ability are among the most outstanding I've seen among your peers. Moreover, the Hokage rarely leaves the village. As a Hokage Guard, you'll naturally have to stay in the village year-round. With your current abilities, you'll more than adequately handle any dangers that may arise."
"I'm actually concerned that staying in the village for a long time might hinder your growth."
Tatsuma knew it was time to agree because if he continued to decline, it might give the impression of reluctance or unwillingness to become a Hokage Guard.
Even though Sarutobi Hiruzen might offer reassurance again, and Tatsuma might agree in the next round, it could still leave a somewhat negative impression. So he simply nodded and said:
"No, Hokage-sama. Being able to learn from you directly will surely accelerate my progress far more than training alone. As long as you don't find my abilities lacking, I'm willing to serve as your guard."
"I will continue to strive and learn, becoming a Ninja who can better serve the Hokage and the village."
Tsunade suddenly found her disciple becoming less pleasing to her eyes. After all, the more polite Tatsuma was, the more it made her seem impolite, didn't it?
Now she wasn't even willing to use polite language with Hiruzen anymore, especially since Hiruzen hadn't fulfilled his promises to her yet!
"Flatterer," Tsunade muttered under her breath. Tatsuma's expression stiffened, and Sarutobi Hiruzen's smile slightly faded as he glanced disapprovingly at his disciple, though he didn't say anything.
Before the atmosphere could become completely awkward, Hiruzen turned to Orochimaru and said, "Orochimaru, organize the information on participating ninjas on your end and report the number of completed missions to Shikato. He will coordinate and calculate the rewards or subsidies for each ninja. Also, compile the list of casualties as soon as possible. Although there are still conflicts in various places, the war has ended, and it's time to announce the news."
"At the same time, the funeral preparations should also be made."
When Hiruzen mentioned the funeral, it naturally didn't refer to a specific person's funeral but rather a collective funeral. After the war, these ninjas who died in battle would be engraved on the memorial stone and become heroes of the village.
The names on the memorial stone are not updated in real-time; they are only updated once after such major wars end.
Moreover, once the funeral is over and the aftermath of the conflicts in various places is handled, if more ninjas die, their names won't make it onto the memorial stone, at least not so soon.
The earliest they will be added is during the outbreak and conclusion of the next major war.
"Yes, sensei, I've almost finished organizing. Once I confirm it when I get back, I can hand it over to Shikato-sama," Orochimaru replied. Hiruzen nodded and then looked at Tatsuma again, saying, "You've been in battles for the past two years. Go back and rest for a while. In a while, there will be an official appointment letter issued to you, and then you will formally assume the position of Hokage Guard."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Tatsuma also promptly accepted the command. Hiruzen cast a final glance at Tsunade, who still wore a discontented expression.
He knew where Tsunade's dissatisfaction stemmed from. Several months ago, he had promised Tsunade to prepare for the establishment of a medical ninja training system once the war ended.
But now, there were too many things to be busy with—too many rewards, subsidies, and condolence payments to be distributed. Hiruzen wasn't even sure how much money would be left.
In fact, the village's funds might not even be sufficient at this point. He might have to visit the Daimyo's mansion to apply for more funding. Therefore, Tsunade's matter could only be postponed further.
Thus, Hiruzen could only ignore Tsunade's displeased gaze, waved his hand, and said, "Alright, everyone must be tired. Let's all go back and rest."
Tsunade stared at Hiruzen. Seeing that Hiruzen never mentioned the matter they had discussed, she snorted and then grabbed Tatsuma by the back of his neck, walking out.
Not long after leaving the Hokage Building, as their paths diverged, Tsunade and Orochimaru exchanged brief farewells and were about to leave. Tatsuma seized the opportunity to ask, "Orochimaru-sama."
"Hmm?" Orochimaru halted his step, looking at Tatsuma with a puzzled expression. Tatsuma, with an awkward and embarrassed smile, asked, "About that... the rewards for the missions, when will they be distributed?"
Upon hearing this, Orochimaru asked in return, "Are you in dire need of money?"
Tatsuma nodded and replied, "Yes, I'm completely broke, and Minato is in a similar situation."
After recalling for a moment, Orochimaru said, "Usually, it takes about two to three weeks after the war to finalize and calculate everything, then the rewards will be distributed. And this time, it's likely to take even longer than any other time I've experienced due to the scale of this war."
Tatsuma's expression stiffened. Orochimaru, noticing his reaction, patted his head and then pulled out a handful of money, saying, "But if it's just money, I can—"
"Swoosh!" Orochimaru's hand suddenly became empty as Tsunade had already dashed away a hundred meters, leaving behind a shout, "Orochimaru, thanks! I'll pay you back double if I win!"
Tatsuma slapped his forehead, causing Orochimaru's facial muscles to twitch several times. However, after taking a deep breath, Orochimaru calmed down and said, "Let me tell you a little trick for dealing with Tsunade."
"Huh?" Seeing Tatsuma's puzzled expression, Orochimaru inexplicably felt a sense of relief. After all, in terms of intellect, this little guy seemed to be no less than himself. Being able to offer him some guidance felt quite nice.
"Prepare two or more pockets or wallets for holding money."
With that, Orochimaru pulled out another stack of money from another pocket. Though not as much as before, it was still a considerable amount. Handing the money to Tatsuma, Orochimaru said, "Take it for now. No rush to repay. I'm not Jiraiya; I won't be left with nothing after lending you some money."
Tatsuma looked at Orochimaru with a hint of admiration in his eyes. How had he not thought of such a simple yet effective method before?
At the same time, Tatsuma roughly counted the money in Orochimaru's hand. Each bill was two hundred denominations, brand new and crisp. There were probably a hundred bills, totaling twenty thousand. Not too much pressure for him even if he had to pay it back.
And if one doesn't buy ninja supplies or indulge in extravagance, coupled with the current rent and utilities being waived, even regular meals don't require spending money, which is enough to cover many expenses.
Therefore, Tatsuma accepted it and said, "Thank you, Orochimaru-sama. Once the mission rewards are distributed, I'll repay you as soon as possible."
"Don't go to collect the mission rewards with your sensei. After collecting the rewards, remember to open a savings account for yourself. Don't carry too much money on you, and never divulge your savings account password," Orochimaru said while handing the money to Tatsuma. Tatsuma listened attentively, knowing that these were probably all based on Orochimaru's bitter experiences.
Without Orochimaru's guidance, Tatsuma might have naively fallen for similar traps again before learning these lessons. Relying on oneself to comprehend such things would mean losing too much already.
After bidding farewell to Orochimaru, Tatsuma headed towards the Senju clan's area. Minato had already been brought here, but Kushina's whereabouts were not seen.
"Kushina moved out," Minato explained, perhaps sensing Tatsuma's confusion. "It seems the distance to the Sealing Team's daily mission location is a bit far, so she moved out."
Tatsuma found this reason somewhat dubious, as that distance would have no impact on a ninja whatsoever. There must be other reasons for her departure, perhaps rebelliousness.
Tatsuma pursed his lips and handed half of the money to Minato, saying, "This is borrowed from Orochimaru-sama. Don't let my sensei know."
"Huh? How can that be?" Minato seemed to have a natural resistance to borrowing money. Tatsuma simply shoved it into his hands and said, "Take it, you'll repay it."
Upon hearing this, Minato nodded. Seeing Minato accept it, Tatsuma let go of him and asked, "Will Kushina come back for dinner tonight?"
"I'm not sure. Shall I go ask? I just found out her address too."
"Yeah, I'll go check on Grandma Mito."
After a brief exchange, Minato left, while Tatsuma entered the house, revealing a smile and saying, "Grandma Mito, I'm back."
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