After the hospital director's report, a tense silence hung in the council chamber. The Hokage and his advisors, being responsible for such matters, felt very uneasy. It was one thing to economize on the already insufficient wartime budget, but quite another to undermine the village's defense capability, increasing the already significant losses on the battlefield.
"You know, Hiruzen, refusing to fund the medical program looks completely different in light of the information provided by Hishi-dono," remarked the head of the Senju suspiciously squinting.
"Perhaps, but that doesn't change the fact that Konoha cannot afford such expenses now or three years ago," reclined in his chair, Hokage said, puffing on his pipe. "Perhaps when we receive contributions from Suna, the situation will change, but not before."
"In that case, I want to raise the issue of transferring the officials provided by the iryo-nins to the hospital on a permanent basis, because the current situation needs to be addressed somehow," Hyuga frowned, drilling the village head with his single eye.
He didn't mention that among them were iryo-nins serving the Hokage and his family, as well as elders and some council members who had gained such a privilege for themselves, but those present perfectly understood the hint.
"This idea certainly deserves attention given the current situation," supported Aburame the veteran.
"Indeed, Hiruzen, medical assistance can be provided at the hospital, and qualified iryo-nins are now needed to quickly get the wounded back on their feet, rather than gathering dust in some bureaucrat's backside," scoffed Uzumaki Mito. "Besides, it wouldn't be shameful for the Hokage to descend to the level of his subordinates."
Despite her infrequent attendance at council meetings, tense relations with Uzushiogakure, and few clan representatives, no one dared to question the removal of the Uzumaki's rightful place among the village's leadership. This is something the younger kunoichi had recently used to stay informed.
"A great idea indeed," Toka Senju quickly joined her friend.
Sarutobi barely held back a grimace - although he could veto this issue, all clan heads would simply not understand him. Given the existing dissatisfaction due to the heavy losses in the war, risking the loss of a large share of respect among his shinobi for small privileges was not worth it.
"Alright, until the end of hostilities, these iryo-nins will be transferred to work in the hospital," Sarutobi agreed, ignoring the outraged faces of non-shinobi council representatives.
Indeed, they had the sense not to voice their protest aloud, especially under the piercing gaze of the one-eyed Hyuga. The elders were much better at keeping their composure and showed no sign of irritation, although the loss of personal medics turned out to be unexpectedly unpleasant.
"If no one has any further questions," Hokage paused, allowing those present to speak up, "then I declare this council meeting adjourned. You are all dismissed. The next meeting will be held in a month as scheduled."
The attendees wasted no time and within a few minutes, the chamber emptied.
"Damn that old geezer!" cursed Mitokado, slumping into a visitor's chair in the Hokage's office. "He's starting to bring up very uncomfortable topics!"
After the meeting, the four students of the Senju brothers moved to Hiruzen's office to discuss certain matters among themselves and away from prying ears.
"It's high time we replaced him with our person," Koharu smirked, sitting down on the couch.
"Hyuga won't allow that, and the Senju will support him," Sarutobi shook his head, emptying his pipe and preparing to refill it. "And most clans will be on their side, considering that Hishi-san has long proven himself as a top-notch specialist and manager. Given his age, it would be easier to wait for him to retire than actively push the old man out of the hospital director's position."
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