The procurement of raw materials is entirely handled by the village, allowing the village to keep track of the various medicinal herbs and proportions used in the medicine. How can confidentiality be maintained in such a scenario?
To put it bluntly, the village would only need to conduct a little research to replicate a new drug with a similar effect. Then, easily kick the Uchiha aside without any trouble. As for entrusting the village with promotion, this has little to do with the Uchiha. Gaining fame or other benefits would be impossible.
As for having the Uchiha produce and promote the medicine, the Third Hokage never considered it. If so, the Uchiha clan would use the new drug as a link to establish good relationships with many small and medium-sized families in the village through the authority to purchase raw materials, and gain substantial prestige among civilian ninjas. This would counter the negative impact brought by the police force, which does not align with the village's established policies towards the Uchiha.
Tsunade couldn't be less interested in these convoluted plans of the village leaders. Without greeting anyone, she turned to leave the Hokage's office, leaving behind a final remark: "Hmph! Handle this matter as you see fit. However, our medical department will list the new drug in our procurement manifesto. Its hemostatic effect is excellent and can save many comrades' lives."
One of her dreams is to save more comrades' lives in the village. With a better choice now, she wouldn't let it slip away. As for the subsequent impact, she was not the Hokage; those issues could be left for the old man to worry about.
"Tsunade! Don't be in such a hurry to leave. I have an important task for you – develop a new drug similar to this one's effects to include in the backup list..."
Ignoring the important task mentioned by the Third Hokage, Tsunade walked out of the Hokage office with a proud gait, not caring to respond.
She wasn't interested in developing a new drug to serve as a substitute. Not knowing some parts of the ingredients and development ideas was one thing, but knowing part of its mysteries and then developing a new drug? Who did they take her, Tsunade Senju, for? Especially since it involved the Uchiha. Though the Senju clan had fallen, her pride in her clan had never faded away.
"Not interested. Old man, are you out of your mind? Developing a new drug with similar effects would require an enormous investment of funds and time, which I don't have..."
Uchiha Mikoto also benefited from the clan's secret medicine; otherwise, how could she have achieved such significant results in less than two years?
"It's precisely because it's challenging that it has to be you. If it's you, there's hope of developing a drug with similar effects in a short time..."
Watching his disciple leave without looking back, the Third Hokage was greatly troubled. Not just because of the new drug issue, but also because of his three disciples. Jiraiya, that guy, besides his perversion, was useless. Despite his luck in signing a contract with Mount Myōboku, one of the Three Great Ninja Mountains, and learning Senjutsu, he hadn't changed his perverted habits. A few years ago, he stayed in the Land of Rain teaching children to become ninjas and talked about finding the 'Child of Prophecy,' acting like a wanderer.
Orochimaru, on the other hand, had become increasingly gloomy over the past few years. The great expectations the Third Hokage had placed on him made him now reconsider whether Orochimaru was suitable as the next Hokage. Fortunately, he was still at his peak and didn't need to rush this decision!
As for Tsunade, she had never held much respect for him. Relying on her status and Lady Biwako's affection, she was almost reckless in the Leaf Village, sparing no one's face. Fortunately, she inherited the 'Will of Fire' from the First Hokage, and her actions over the years have gradually been on the right track.
With a sigh, the Third Hokage had to pick up the meal prepared by Biwako just delivered by the secretary. Eating and reviewing the mountain of documents placed in front of him by Uchiha.
Uchiha Toshiro had no idea that his inadvertent proposal almost landed Uchiha Mikoto in unforeseeable danger. However, he had anticipated the various issues the Third Hokage was currently grappling with. As soon as Uchiha Mikoto shared the basic data on the drug development, he knew this would significantly alter the relationship between the village and the Uchiha clan.
To understand the village's attitude towards the Uchiha, he made an elaborate explanation to Uchiha Mikoto about the various pros and cons involved. This was also to see the clan's stance towards the village, providing references for his future survival plans. In case the village completely rejects incorporating the new drug into ninja regular medical supplies or exerts pressure without considering Uchiha's feelings, it's straightforward—prepare to run.
As for overthrowing the village's authority through a coup with the clan, he never had such plans. Even if he possessed the strength of Hashirama Senju or Madara Uchiha, it wouldn't be his approach. The Uchiha clan, after all, helped found the Leaf Village and is part of it. Regaining power by conspiracies and schemes is utterly unacceptable.
In his view, a single clan orchestrating a coup to control the entire Leaf Village is unrealistic. How could they gain citizens' support or approval from the in-service ninjas within the village? Not to mention the numerous problems: the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, nobles, local lords, and other major ninja villages waiting outside.
Moreover, initiating a coup opens the door for subsequent ones. If the Uchiha can rise through a coup, can the Hyuga not attempt the same? How about the Aburame? Or maybe the Ino-Shika-Cho alliance of small family clans?
Having a well-rounded worldview and historical experience from a previous life, he knew too well how unacceptable such actions were. Generally, those who come to power through coups seldom meet good ends. Even if things go well, there's still a considerable risk involved. Minor slip-ups often result in the total annihilation of the family.
(End of Chapter)