It's true that military merits and contributions can be exchanged for money, but very few ninjas would actually do so. That's because keeping those merits recorded allows you to rise in ninja ranks and exchange for the jutsus or other things you want. If any other ninja had asked to cash out their merits, the Third Hokage might have laughed. But when the person asking is Tsunade, the Third Hokage wasn't laughing—in fact, his hands were trembling.
"That's right, exchange it all. I want to buy a nice house near the Daimyō's residence. And by the way, sensei, you took a lot of things from the Senju Clan, didn't you? How do you plan on accounting for that?"
When Konoha was founded, every clan contributed something—jutsu scrolls, materials, and more. The Senju Clan was no exception, offering much without compensation. After the clan was dissolved and became common folk, many of those items became the village's property. No one had ever bothered to calculate what was owed—until now, as Tsunade wanted to bring up that very tab.
"Tsunade, that's not how we calculate things," the Third Hokage said, his mouth dry.
"Oh, really? Then let's just count what's mine. Even if the village doesn't support it, I can still exchange my merits for money, right? Oh, and while you're at it, convert all of Takuya Yagami's as well—he's also looking to buy a house near the Daimyō's place. We'll be living there soon."
"What?!" The Third Hokage finally realized something was very wrong.
Tsunade was planning to throw in the towel—just like Takuya. They were both done playing the game. Whatever the village wanted to do, they didn't care anymore. They weren't even going to argue. They were simply going to step back, let the village do as it pleased, and watch from afar.
"Tsunade, what are you saying? Are you unhappy with my arrangements?" the Third Hokage asked, clearly concerned.
"No, no, I'm very satisfied, sensei. That's why I'd like to wrap things up quickly. I'm tired and want to rest. The battlefield is no place for people—fighting tooth and nail only to gain nothing in the end. It's pointless. Staying in the village is so much more comfortable. Or even better, living in the Daimyō's court—now that's the life."
"Enough!!" The Third Hokage was finally at his breaking point.
"Tsunade, even if you're dissatisfied with my arrangements, you don't need to act like this. Are you planning to abandon the village?"
"You're the one abandoning me!!" Tsunade's anger flared up.
"Granduncle was worried that the Senju Clan's influence would undermine the Hokage's power, so he dissolved the clan and made us commoners. But just because the clan is gone, does that mean I no longer have the right to move forward?"
"And what about you? Shall I say how the Sarutobi Clan was 'dissolved'? Shall I spell it out?"
"Sensei, you've made many promises—so many. But never once have you followed through. You let those three old geezers run wild every time."
"If your promises are useless and I'm not allowed to move forward, then I'll choose to leave."
"No, Tsunade, that's not what I meant. It's just that the Logistics Department is..." the Third Hokage stammered.
"Because the Logistics Department is managed by the Koharu and Mito families, right? I understand."
"..."
The Third Hokage felt like he'd been stabbed in the heart again. Tsunade's words felt like a slap to the face—hard and humiliating.
"Tsunade, you know that the village has been at war for years now. The finances are..."
The Third Hokage didn't want to settle any accounts. Even if they crunched the numbers, it wasn't like they could come up with a large sum of money for Tsunade. The wars had been costly. Konoha wasn't broke yet, but they certainly weren't swimming in riches either. The Third Hokage was already hoping to request funds from the Daimyō once the war was over. Now Tsunade was demanding to settle accounts? How could that be possible?
"Are you messing with me?" Tsunade didn't have the patience to listen to the Third Hokage's excuses.
"Sensei, you're still the same. Whenever I bring something up, it's always, 'this can't be done, and that can't be done.' Sensei, you've really disappointed me."
Some people and things just have a way of making you lose faith. At that moment, Tsunade thought to herself that Takuya's decision to lay all his cards on the table was the right one. If they didn't call out this behavior now, who knows how long they'd continue to be strung along and taken advantage of?
"If this isn't going to work, then I'll pretend I never returned."
"Oh, and one more thing..." Tsunade said, pausing at the door. She turned back, her gaze cold and distant as she looked at the Third Hokage.
"I don't think Koharu and Mito should be in charge of any important village departments either. If they get reinstated, then we'll see each other at the Daimyō's court."
Her words hung in the air like a final ultimatum. The Third Hokage had no choice but to reflect.
What a mess. One problem after another!
For the first time in a while, the Third Hokage felt the urge to break something. How had things gotten so out of control?
When had this all begun? Ah, yes—after Koharu and the others proposed suppressing Takuya Yagami. That kid was cursed, wasn't he? And now, thanks to him, the Third Hokage had been directly threatened by Tsunade herself.
He couldn't give Tsunade the Logistics Department. But Tsunade wouldn't allow him to give it back to the Elder Council either.
Tsunade's mood was clearly bad—Takuya could see that in a heartbeat. He didn't even need to ask to know that the Third Hokage had turned her down.
Trying to take control of the Finance or Logistics Departments? No way. Anything else? Also no way! The most she'd be allowed was to mess around a bit in the Medical Department, and that was it.
There was no need for Tsunade to say anything—Takuya already knew the outcome.
"I'm going to buy a house. You want to come?"
Tsunade was right. Takuya did need to buy a new place. Living in this rundown house was hardly ideal.
"Of course, I'm coming. I need a new house too!" Tsunade grumbled, hopping up from the couch.
"..."
Blinking, Takuya couldn't help but ask, "Tsunade-hime, do you have any money?"
"What, I can't buy a house if I don't have money? Someone else will pay for it. Let's go! Shopping will help heal my broken heart."
Whether she had money or not didn't matter, as long as the bill ended up at the Hokage's office.
Tsunade had made up her mind. If they didn't want to settle accounts and give her money, fine. She'd just shop till she dropped, leaving the Hokage's office to deal with the bill.
Takuya understood immediately. Seeing the look on Tsunade's face, he knew exactly what she was planning. In that case, let's go! It wasn't his wallet being emptied anyway. Whoever had to deal with Tsunade's spree, well, that wasn't his problem.
With money in hand, Takuya and Tsunade headed straight to the biggest real estate office in Konoha.
Don't be fooled by the fact that most buildings in Konoha are made of wood. The village is actually quite modern. It has everything you'd expect from a contemporary city, but most of the high-rise and villa districts were built in the previously more remote areas, farther away from the Hokage's office.
Generally, the closer you got to the Hokage Rock or the Hokage's office, the older the architecture became, with more traditional wooden buildings. In the opposite direction, however, you'd find yourself walking into what felt like a modern city.
"Tsunade-sama!"
While Takuya drew little attention, Tsunade was like a walking celebrity. Nearly everyone in Konoha knew who she was.
"Is that really Tsunade-sama? Is she here to buy a house?"
"Wow, I finally get to see one of the Legendary Sannin in person! Tsunade-sama is my idol."
Takuya, used to this kind of reaction, immediately decided to distance himself from her. If he stuck around, the pressure would be overwhelming. Best to buy his house quietly. As for Tsunade, well, keeping a low profile wasn't really an option for her anymore.
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