If Tsunade were to take over recruitment, training, task execution, and everything else within the ANBU, the Third Hokage would be left with little more than the right to give orders.
Essentially, the ANBU would become a one-woman show, completely under Tsunade's control.
"No way!" the Third Hokage said, his voice raised in protest. "Tsunade, the ANBU is a direct unit under the Hokage's command. What you're suggesting is basically splitting it off entirely for yourself."
"So what?"
Tsunade spread her hands, shrugging as she replied, "If I can't have full control of the ANBU, why should I bother negotiating with you at all? Things can stay exactly as they are—you came to me with this deal, not the other way around."
The Third Hokage went silent.
Yes, I was the one who came to you, but I didn't think your appetite would be this big!
No, scratch that—it's Hyuga Takashi who's the real mastermind!
This kid had practically become Tsunade's strategist.
"No, the most I can offer is half."
Keep her satisfied, but not too much.
That was the limit, an unyielding bottom line. If he crossed it, they'd just keep pushing, and before long, they'd set their sights on the Pharmaceutical Division.
Takashi had written all of this clearly in his scroll. The line was drawn—absolutely no compromise.
Not a single step back.
Seeing the Hokage's unwillingness, Tsunade wasn't too fussed. Between the ANBU and the medical system, she much preferred keeping the latter intact.
"Wait!"
Seeing that Tsunade was about to leave, clearly not interested in continuing negotiations, the Third Hokage clenched his teeth and said, "Fine, the ANBU can be yours, but the Pharmaceutical Division must be handed over."
"Absolutely not!"
Tsunade slammed her hand on the table, her voice sharp with anger.
"Old man, don't treat me like a fool. You know how many of those medicines were developed by me! Besides, when that old hag Koharu was in charge, the Pharmaceutical Division's finances were a mess. I didn't bring that up before, and that was me giving you face."
"The Pharmaceutical Division will not be handed over. This is non-negotiable. If you don't like it, we can act like we never spoke."
The Pharmaceutical Division's accounts were in disarray?
The Third Hokage wasn't stupid—he realized what that meant immediately.
If Koharu was in charge of the medical departments and Homura Mitokado handled the Logistics Division, then surely both had used their positions to benefit themselves or their families in some way.
After all, he himself oversaw the Finance Division and did similar things.
"Is there really no room for negotiation at all?" The mention of those shady accounts had a calming effect on the Third Hokage. His tone softened considerably.
Tsunade let out a cold laugh. "Sure, there's room. All those years that I developed various medicines without taking a share of the profits—I want you to give me what's owed if you want the Pharmaceutical Division. And any future drugs I develop will need a profit-sharing agreement too."
Come on, you want the Pharmaceutical Division, right?
Then cough up the money.
I let you get away with using my work for free all these years because I considered myself part of the village—fine, take it for free. But now you're all pushing your limits, aren't you?
Let's calculate this properly, then.
When Orochimaru developed some electronic gadgets, he got a share of the profits. But me, Tsunade—developing all these medicines and getting nothing but a meager bonus—how do you explain that?
"Ahem!"
The Third Hokage was instantly rattled.
If he had to go over the books with Tsunade, turning all drug production and development into a profit-sharing model, it would be the death of him.
Compared to the small amount Orochimaru earned, Tsunade's share would be massive.
If they had to pay her what she was due, it would drain the Finance Division's funds dry—much worse than giving Kushina a whole street.
Even though Tsunade had only been working in the medical department for a few years, her talent for developing medicines and potions was as terrifying as Tobirama Senju's knack for creating ninjutsu.
The Senju family seemed to excel in output—grandfather and granddaughter alike.
During this time, Tsunade had developed countless medicines and potions, bringing immense wealth to the village. If they moved to a profit-sharing model, Tsunade would become filthy rich.
"Ahem, Tsunade, the Finance Division is rather strained at the moment. How about this—you continue to oversee the Pharmaceutical Division, and Koharu can manage the other departments. As for the ANBU, it's yours, as long as you can guarantee my safety."
To avoid paying Tsunade, the Third Hokage decisively decided to settle the matter as quickly as possible.
He didn't even bring up the Hokage Guard Unit.
No point mentioning it—after all, they were also part of the ANBU, and it would only strain their relationship further. He might as well let her manage them too.
As the Third Hokage hurried away, looking a little flustered, Tsunade snorted in disdain.
---
"Hiruzen, how did it go?"
The Third Hokage had rushed back to his office, where Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado were waiting anxiously.
"Whooo..."
Sitting down in the Hokage's chair, the Third Hokage let out a long breath.
He didn't respond to his two companions right away.
Instead, he picked up his pipe, taking several long draws. Tsunade's demand for money had really scared him.
If Tsunade decided to make this a hard fight, the village would have to come up with a lot of cash.
"It's done, but Tsunade will continue managing the Pharmaceutical Division."
"What? How can that be! The Pharmaceutical Division is—"
"Koharu!"
The Third Hokage's face darkened as he scolded, "Tsunade knows very well what you've done in the past. She almost brought it all out in the open, and you're still eyeing the Pharmaceutical Division?"
"Don't be ridiculous. I haven't done anything," Koharu protested stubbornly, though her tone lacked conviction.
Homura Mitokado, meanwhile, lifted his gaze toward the ceiling, pretending not to hear anything. After all, he managed the Logistics Division and wasn't much better off—though compared to the Third Hokage, he was far less egregious.
He took a cut, yes, but not too much.
"And have you thought about this—how many medicines and potions Tsunade has developed over the past few years? If she demanded profit-sharing, do you know how much the village would owe her?"
That would all be my money!
Mine!!!
You want the ANBU?
Fine, take it.
Want my money?
Not a chance.
In the end, the Third Hokage decided to relinquish the ANBU to avoid having to pay Tsunade.
"Alright then."
Though she remained dissatisfied about not regaining control of the Pharmaceutical Division, Koharu had to accept it.
The Pharmaceutical Division was rich with opportunity, and without it, she felt at a disadvantage.
It wasn't just about the money; the key issue was that without control of the Pharmaceutical Division, the entire medical system would still be under Tsunade's sway.
Though she wasn't happy about it, this was the best outcome they could hope for.
Otherwise, if Tsunade had kicked up a fuss, the three of them would have found themselves in deep trouble.
"Agreed," said the Third Hokage, picking up his pipe again, trying to calm his nerves. "From now on, let things be this way. The ANBU will be handed over to Tsunade, who will have complete control. Don't stir up any more trouble. As for Danzo, I'll arrange for him to be transferred to the Konoha prison."
Now that Tsunade had the ANBU, the Third Hokage dared not leave Danzo Shimura in the ANBU detention facility.
He feared that one day, Danzo might simply end up dead in there—without anyone the wiser.
It would be much safer to move him to the village prison.