Yamanaka Okane didn't immediately take Tatsuma's suggestion, only saying that he would consolidate it and report it later.
After all, based on the current analysis, the time for the Mist rebellion hasn't arrived yet, and it's still a long way from truly erupting—at least a year and a half.
The money, resources, manpower, and the rogue ninja group of Hidden Mist Village needed to start the uprising haven't been fully prepared yet. Therefore, Konoha, which also wants to get involved, still has time to slowly plan.
Although Konoha doesn't have deep enmity with Hidden Mist Village, how could they miss the opportunity to cause turmoil in another major country on the same level as the Land of Fire?
A very simple canyon relativity: when I can't get stronger myself, as long as my opponent gets weaker, it's equivalent to me getting stronger.
It is extremely difficult for a country's national strength to grow. All five great nations are seeking development, everyone is progressing. If one or more countries stop developing or regress at this time, it would be a huge advancement for the other nations.
But it is precisely because of such tasks that involve the balance of the ninja world that any decision made must be taken with extreme caution. Not even Sarutobi Hiruzen, let alone Yamanaka Okane, would have the courage to immediately agree or reject.
After leaving the analysis unit, Sakumo Hatake didn't seem interested in continuing to chat with Tatsuma. Due to the differences in age and position, there weren't many common topics between the two.
Tatsuma originally intended to visit Orochimaru, but after spending so much time at the analysis unit, it was likely too late to go see him today, so he simply returned home.
After changing out of his ANBU attire, he went next door. Tsunade's house was lively these days, as Tsunade hadn't been out on missions for a long time and had been busy with medical ninja training.
Nawaki only occasionally goes on missions. After all, the period right around the end of adolescence, just before and after adulthood, is a crucial time in determining how far he can go on the path of Taijutsu. Therefore, he spends most of his time training in the village.
As for Kushina, although the village hasn't placed any restrictions on her, they have recommended that she stay within the Senju Clan's territory. Moreover, until she fully masters the power of the Nine-Tails, the village is unlikely to assign her any missions, so she's around all the time.
After Dan Kato was discharged from the hospital, he originally planned to take Shizune back with him. However, Shizune is now an important teaching assistant for Tsunade and is the only one who can wake Tsunade without becoming the target of her wrath. Without Shizune, Tsunade's likelihood of being late would significantly increase. Additionally, this young girl is very interested in medical work, so Tsunade kept her by her side. Shizune's nanny also resides within the Senju Clan's territory.
With Kushina present, Minato is often drawn to visit. With Tsunade and Shizune around, Dan Kato frequently shows up as well. Additionally, Orochimaru, who regularly checks in on his disciple, visits too. In short, the Senju Clan's territory has become quite lively recently.
The household was becoming more prosperous.
However, this came with increasing expenses, and as the only "wealthy person" in the family, Tatsuma had to foot the bill.
As soon as he arrived at Tsunade's house, Tsunade, who had just returned from class, handed him a list and said, "Tatsuma, summer is approaching. This is Grandma's annual shopping list. Adjust it as needed and handle the arrangements."
"Got it."
Tatsuma didn't mind covering the regular expenses, not only because of Mito's request but also because the estate of Senju Tobirama now bore his name, Sakamoto Tatsuma.
The estate was so large that its value could cover the expenses of Tsunade's family and Tatsuma's for over a decade.
The shopping list wasn't extensive. Aside from seasonal food, utility bills, communication fees, and closed-circuit TV expenses, there were only minor costs for custom clothing, decorations, and flowers.
Tatsuma mentally calculated what needed adjusting. Considering changes in the household and their lifestyle, he made the necessary adjustments to the list.
In the past, Mito had handled all of this, which is why the once-dwindling household managed to maintain its dignity. This was, in a way, part of the clan's image upkeep.
After adjusting the list, Tatsuma put it away, planning to take care of it when he had some free time. At that moment, Tsunade seemed to notice something and asked, "Did you get injured on this mission?"
"Yes."
Hearing that Tatsuma didn't seem to care much about it, Tsunade frowned and said, "Have you seen Orochimaru? You feel a bit different to me. It would be best to get checked out."
As a doctor, Tsunade was extremely sensitive to changes in people's conditions, especially since she paid close attention to Tatsuma. Even the slightest difference was easy for her to detect.
Tatsuma nodded and said, "It's a bit late today, and soon it will be time for dinner. I'll go see Orochimaru-sama tomorrow."
Sensing that there might be something off with Tatsuma's emotional state as well, Tsunade thought for a moment but didn't press further. Instead, she asked, "Anything special you'd like for dinner tonight? I can have Misha add it to the menu."
Misha was the nanny who took care of Shizune and had since been recruited to work in the Senju Clan's territory. Noticing the look on Tsunade's face, Tatsuma guessed what she was thinking and smiled as he said:
"No need to add anything. Before my mission, I bought some ice cream but never got around to eating it. We could have some tonight; that's the real mood booster."
Hearing this, Tsunade, who had been anxiously watching Tatsuma, suddenly stiffened. She awkwardly turned her head and said, "Ah, well, haha... Shizune accidentally wandered into your house yesterday. Then, she accidentally found your ice cream... and accidentally ate too much of it. Haha~ Kids, they just love that stuff. You don't mind, do you?"
"A three-year-old did that"
Tatsuma saw through her immediately. In an instant, the heaviness in his heart deepened. His already dull eyes became even more lifeless.
Tsunade turned back and saw Tatsuma staring at her with a pair of haunting red eyes. Seeing her disciple's look, she gritted her teeth and, with a pained expression, said, "I'll buy you some more tomorrow, okay? But why do you waste money on such expensive ice cream? Even liquor isn't as pricey as that ice cream you buy."
Tsunade had planned to replace Tatsuma's ice cream after sneaking some, but when she saw the price at the store... she decided to gamble on Tatsuma forgetting about it. But, as usual, her disciple's sharp memory hadn't failed him.
Tatsuma nodded. Since Tsunade was the one who ate the ice cream, it made sense that she should be the one to replace it. He had barely allowed himself to indulge in the ice cream, and Tsunade devoured it all. There was no way he'd let her off the hook.
"Remember, it's the strawberry one with real fruit, not the cheap strawberry jam kind," Tatsuma emphasized. Tsunade rolled her eyes but then her gaze shifted as she thought of something. With a mischievous glint, she said, "If I go buy ice cream tomorrow, I won't be able to teach my class. How about you take over for me?"
". . . Sensei, you really never lose out, do you?"
Buying ice cream would only take a short time, but teaching a class would take much longer. Still, Tatsuma agreed. After all, he had just finished his mission, and changing gears might be a good way to reset his mood.
"Tatsuma? You're back!"
Just as the deal was struck between the two, Nawaki returned from his training. Lately, Orochimaru and Jiraiya had been taking him under their wing, and his sense of fashion had improved significantly
At that moment, he was holding the hand of a boy with a bowl cut. Tatsuma greeted Nawaki and then crouched down to ruffle the boy's hair, saying, "Guy, long time no see."
"Good evening!!"
Guy flashed a full smile which seemed to sparkle a bit under the evening glow. Nawaki explained, "Shinnosuke seems to be graduating soon. The study and innovation platform needs to be handed over to someone else. Brother Duy met with him today."
Tatsuma asked curiously, "The study and innovation platform still exists?"
After so many years, it was surprising that the platform was still around. Nawaki nodded and said, "Yes, originally Shinnosuke planned to wait another year and then hand it over to Asuma. But for some reason, Shinnosuke applied for early graduation, and Asuma doesn't plan to enroll this year, so it has to be handed over to someone else. I heard it's a classmate from the same year, but since they'll graduate next year, it'll probably end up being managed by Asuma after all."
As Nawaki spoke, he gave Tatsuma a knowing wink. Clearly, Nawaki had already grasped Shinnosuke's plans. This was quite different from his usual self; it seemed that growing older had brought Nawaki more than just muscle.
Tatsuma smiled and said, "In recent years, there hasn't been any talk of geniuses. Shinnosuke must have spent quite a bit of his own money to encourage his classmates to study."
"Seems like it. Brother Duy is almost too embarrassed to ask for a share of the profits," Nawaki said with a somewhat strange smile, as if he was taking some pleasure in Shinnosuke's situation. Nawaki hadn't joined the study and innovation platform back then, so he missed out on earning pocket money, while Sarutobi Shinnosuke ended up losing money. However, Nawaki could understand why Shinnosuke did it. For the child of the Hokage, making or losing money wasn't a big deal. What mattered was making sure that his peers and the younger students knew that someone was there to help them earn pocket money.
"This situation should improve starting next year. There will be quite a few geniuses among the new students. Sakumo-sama's son, Shinku-sama's daughter, Tenko's cousin…"
Guy listened intently to their conversation. When Tatsuma brought up this topic, he lowered his head. Tatsuma noticed this and ruffled his hair, saying:
"And also, like Duy-san, a Guy who embodies youth, right? Guy."
"Yeah!"
Guy nodded vigorously, then his expression fell as he said, "But I've only learned Taijutsu from my dad; I don't know anything else."
"That's enough. You can make some protective gear, which many people will need. I can teach you," Nawaki said with a smile. Guy lifted his head again, revealing his full toothy smile.
"By the way, I almost forgot."
Nawaki suddenly remembered and said, "Umino Ikkaku-san and Umino Kohari-san's child is having a first meal celebration. I received the invitation this morning since you and my sister weren't here."
"Ikkaku-san's child?"
Tatsuma raised an eyebrow and said, "Yes, I'll go."
Umino Ikkaku's child must be Umino Iruka. Familiar faces are gradually coming together.
Not to mention his curiosity about Iruka, Tatsuma needed to go even just as a return gesture, given that Umino Ikkaku had given him many gifts when he first became a disciple.
Thus, Tatsuma had added another task to his to-do list.
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