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"I understand. I never intended to ask the village to take on this debt for me."
Tsunade interrupted the Third Hokage:
"I can handle the debt myself, there's no need for the village to worry. Now, if I go to the daimyo's mansion to persuade the daimyo and gain his trust, what do I get in return?"
Since you've brought it to this point, let's be straightforward. If I deal with the daimyo, what benefits do I receive? More precisely, what compensation do I get? You can't expect me to do this for nothing. Such a task surely warrants SS-level compensation, right?
This was the issue the Third Hokage dreaded facing. Such an important matter shouldn't be measured as a mission. However, his words had offended Tsunade, causing her to tie the task to compensation, making the Third Hokage anxious. Before he could respond, Tsunade continued:
"I'll handle my debt, and I'll go to the daimyo's mansion, but I have one condition."
"Name it."
As long as it didn't involve taking on that massive debt or giving Tsunade an exaggerated task reward, the Third Hokage felt he could accept it.
"Lift the surveillance and targeting of the Uchiha. Agree to that, and I'll go to the daimyo's mansion immediately."
"What?"
Tsunade's condition shocked the Third Hokage so much that he jumped from his chair, as if struck by lightning. Jiraiya was equally stunned, his mouth agape, eyes wide with disbelief as he looked at Tsunade.
He wondered if Kazuki had brainwashed Tsunade. Tsunade, who had never cared about such matters, was now demanding the village lift the surveillance and targeting of the Uchiha.
"This is impossible!!!"
After the initial shock, the Third Hokage's voice grew more intense.
"Tsunade, what's going on? Why would you make such an unreasonable demand? Did the Uchiha promise you something?"
"What do you mean, unreasonable?" Tsunade countered the Third Hokage's anger, questioning:
"Aren't the Uchiha a part of the village? Aren't Uchiha people also villagers? The tragedy of the Nine-Tails' night was something no one wanted to see. Can you honestly say that your targeting of the Uchiha only started after that night?"
Don't take everyone for fools. I know what you're all thinking.
"I..."
The Third Hokage wanted to defend himself but found he couldn't voice these arguments. Such flimsy excuses might fool outsiders, but not Tsunade and Jiraiya.
"In any case, I cannot agree to your condition! This is non-negotiable."
"Old man, you really have changed."
Faced with the Third Hokage's unreasonable stance, Tsunade was silent for a few seconds, then shook her head and left in disappointment.
"Why push it?" Jiraiya sighed, knowing he was in a difficult position, caught between his teacher and Tsunade. With that, Jiraiya followed Tsunade out.
In front of the Hokage's office building, Tsunade paused and asked the hidden Anbu ninja, "Where is Uchiha Kazuki? Don't tell me you don't know."
"He's at the Akimichi clan's barbecue restaurant."
The Anbu ninja didn't dare offend Tsunade, fearing they would become her punching bag, so they obediently revealed Kazuki's location.
Ignoring the office incident, Tsunade turned to leave. Jiraiya caught up to her: "Tsunade, the old man has his difficulties too. You should consider his position."
"You're right, he has difficulties, and I should consider him. Now you can leave."
Tsunade's face was expressionless as she dismissed Jiraiya.
"...."
Jiraiya stopped, watching Tsunade walk away, regretfully scratching his head, realizing he had said the wrong thing again. Tsunade was angry, and his words only added fuel to the fire. He felt like slapping himself.
In the barbecue restaurant's private room, Kazuki and Shizune were eating, chatting about trivial matters, mostly Shizune talking and Kazuki listening. Suddenly, the door was pushed open roughly. Tsunade walked in with a stern face.
"Tsunade-sama."
Shizune was delighted, quickly getting up to greet Tsunade. But seeing Tsunade's grim expression, she halted.
"I'm fine," Tsunade said reluctantly, tossing her coat aside and sitting across from Kazuki. She grabbed Shizune's chopsticks, stuffing meat into her mouth and eating heartily. Kazuki signaled Shizune to get the waiter to bring another set of utensils, some side dishes, meat, and most importantly, alcohol for Tsunade. Given her personality, she'd definitely demand it once the meat was gone. Better to order everything at once.
"The old man refused."
After a few bites, Tsunade spoke angrily, "He flatly refused."
"I figured as much," Kazuki said nonchalantly. "If it were that easy to solve, it wouldn't have dragged on until now. The Uchiha wouldn't be on the brink of disaster. Take it slow; some things can't change overnight."
"You're right."
Tsunade's anger subsided a bit after hearing Kazuki's words. Shizune returned with the food and Tsunade's much-needed alcohol. Tsunade gave Kazuki an approving look and grabbed the bottle, drinking straight from it.
"Tsunade-sama, slow down, have some food first," Shizune urged, worried Tsunade might get drunk from drinking too fast, quickly offering her some meat and vegetables.
"Kazuki!!!" Tsunade, already somewhat drunk after finishing a bottle, said, "Although the old man didn't agree to my condition, I'll still go to the daimyo's mansion. I don't want to see Konoha caught in this vortex."
Kazuki nodded, saying nothing. He felt it was time to give the Third Hokage some more headaches. If the Hokage refused to relent, then it was time for some mutual harm. The internal Uchiha issues also needed to be expedited. As long as the hardliners didn't cause trouble, Kazuki didn't believe the Hokage would dare directly attack the Uchiha.
A united Uchiha would be too prickly to handle, with thorns and barbs. Without Danzo back in power, the likelihood of the Hokage acting against the Uchiha was minimal. In that case, sorry, Danzo, you deserve this. If I don't stomp you out, I won't be satisfied.