After listening to Reiki's words, Tsunade fell silent. She understood his point well. He was advocating for medical ninjas to be adaptable and mindful of their role, but she didn't want this to be an excuse to restrict their development.
Could Sarutobi Hiruzen's invitation to them today be related to this? The thought only deepened her frustration.
"Teacher, have you ever thought about becoming Hokage?" Reiki asked out of the blue.
"What?" Tsunade, still simmering with irritation, was caught off guard. Be Hokage? The very idea seemed foreign to her. Just organizing these documents was enough to exhaust her—becoming Hokage would be a sure path to utter fatigue.
"Not a chance," Tsunade said, shaking her head firmly.
"Then don't overthink it. Let's focus on letting medical ninjas adapt to different roles," Reiki said with a grin. "Now, let's go see the Hokage."
Tsunade nodded, gathering the stack of documents. As they stepped out of the courtyard, Reiki's sharp eyes caught sight of the word "Uchiha" etched into the dirt. Was Shisui the last person here? Why leave behind the clan's name?
Is Sarutobi Hiruzen's summons somehow related to the Uchiha?
Reiki, puzzled but determined, accompanied Tsunade to the Hokage's office.
"Hokage-sama, here is an analysis of the medical ninja's mission participation during this period," Tsunade said, placing the documents before him. "The data supports that medical ninjas are indeed suitable for active roles in combat. However, some issues regarding their positioning have surfaced, and I will address these promptly."
Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had been about to ask a question, paused in surprise. "All right, I'll take a look."
He opened the documents and reviewed them, a look of satisfaction spreading across his face. Though there were problems, they weren't significant, and Tsunade already had solutions in mind. Her proactive approach pleased him.
"Excellent. Tsunade, I'm entrusting all medical ninja matters to you. Don't worry about the village's resource allocation; I will ensure everything is arranged. If you need anything, come to me. If it's for the benefit of the village, I'll agree."
Sarutobi Hiruzen set the documents aside, knowing they would be valuable in discussions with the other village leaders when advocating for resources.
"Now, I wanted to get your thoughts on something else," he continued. "Lately, have the major clans been purchasing large amounts of your potions?"
"Potions?" Tsunade turned to Reiki, who stepped forward with a list.
"Here is a record of potion purchases by the major clans and the revenue collected, along with the expenses we've incurred," Reiki said, handing over the report.
The report had been prepared at the request of the Sanada Chamber of Commerce to ensure transparency and preempt any inquiries from the village.
"Experimental costs: 3.9 million ryo?" Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes widened. How could Reiki have spent so much in such a short period? Then again, he reminded himself, it was their money, earned fairly, and he had no say in how it was used.
"These expenses are necessary for the development of new medications to aid our ninjas," Reiki explained as he handed over an additional document detailing the ingredients purchased and the corresponding payments.
"Ah," Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, understanding. "It's reasonable for research and development to be costly."
"Tsunade, Reiki," he continued, "I believe that these potions could significantly enhance the village's capabilities and even shape its future direction. How would you feel about making the pharmacy an independent entity managed by the village? The village would ensure your resources and offer comprehensive support."
"Collective management?" Reiki echoed. "And who would lead it? Teacher?"
Tsunade, momentarily stunned, heard Sarutobi Hiruzen respond before she could.
"Tsunade is already burdened with too many responsibilities. The village will manage it."
Even with her slow realization, Tsunade now understood the true intent behind this conversation.
"Agreed, but if the village takes over, our research pace will increase," Reiki said. "Expect expenses to rise beyond 5 million ryo per month. The village must also help source medicinal ingredients, and the pricing of our potions will remain under the control of Tsunade-sensei and me. Any profits will be reinvested into research."
"Can the village accept these conditions?" Reiki asked.
Sarutobi Hiruzen hesitated. "I'll need to discuss this with the other village leaders. We'll see."
"By the way, Reiki, how much of the potion stock do you still have? The Sarutobi clan is running low on training potions."
"We have a little over one set remaining, but some have been pre-ordered by the Sanada Chamber of Commerce," Reiki replied with an innocent smile. "I'll sell the rest to you at their price."
Tsunade, standing nearby, fought to stifle a laugh. Reiki was shrewd. Sarutobi Hiruzen had hoped for a generous or free handout, but Reiki had bluntly named the price. And even more amusing, he played oblivious to Hiruzen's veiled request.
Pretending not to notice, Sarutobi Hiruzen had no choice but to accept the terms. After all, Reiki was just an eight-year-old boy.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 450 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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