He didn't dare interfere with the Anbu's mission, but he needed to send word to the Third Hokage as soon as possible. Only the Third Hokage could make a decision that would secure the return of all the supplies.
If the supplies couldn't be recovered, the Sarutobi clan would suffer significant losses.
What on earth were the Anbu thinking?
And whose orders were they following?
Tsunade?
The caravan's journey was long, and the Sarutobi generals were unaware of the changes in the village. They had no idea that the Anbu was no longer the organization they once knew.
Despite the Anbu's transformation, their authority remained intact.
In this situation, the Sarutobi clan could only watch helplessly, unable to intervene.
"Hokage-sama, something terrible has happened."
Sarutobi Kaishou burst into the Hokage's office without knocking.
Everyone present was startled.
"What's going on?"
Such recklessness!
The Third Hokage's expression darkened.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Hamura, seated nearby, exchanged confused glances.
What could have panicked the Sarutobi clan to this extent? Had something significant occurred?
"Hokage-sama," Sarutobi Kaishou said, his voice tense, "our family's caravan just returned to the village, but it was intercepted by the Anbu at the entrance. They seized all the ninja tools and supplies, stating that as members of the village, we must contribute and make sacrifices, so the supplies had to be donated."
"Pfft—"
*Cough, cough, cough!*
The Third Hokage choked, eyes wide with shock.
Utatane Koharu's mouth dropped open slightly, and Mitokado Hamura nearly spit out his tea.
Wasn't this the exact justification they had used to request Shinki's puppets?
Now, it had come back to haunt them.
"Absurd! This is outrageous!"
The Third Hokage, red with anger, slammed his hand on the desk.
He couldn't believe that Tsunade would employ their own strategy against them.
They had pressured Shinki under the guise of village necessity, and now Tsunade had seized the chance to turn the tables on him.
After all, it was all "for the village." Who could argue with that logic?
Utatane Koharu stared blankly.
She thought Tsunade had been tolerating their actions.
Apparently not.
Mitokado Hamura exchanged a knowing look with Koharu.
After venting his rage, the Third Hokage, now slightly calmer but still fuming, instructed, "Go back and reassure the clan. I will handle this personally."
Tsunade gathered all the supplies, waiting for the Third Hokage to make his move.
When the Hokage's envoy arrived, Tsunade took her time walking to the office, unhurried.
Upon entering, she shut the door, sat on the sofa, crossed her legs, and asked nonchalantly, "Old man, did you need something?"
The Third Hokage nearly laughed in disbelief.
"Tsunade, why did you order the Anbu to intercept the Sarutobi clan's caravan and confiscate their supplies? This is reckless!"
"Reckless?"
"What do you mean? Why don't I understand?" Tsunade feigned confusion.
"Didn't you teach me, old man? Everything is for the village. Don't worry—I'm not keeping anything. All the supplies will be sent to the front-line camp. Not a single kunai or shuriken will go to waste."
"But these belong to the Sarutobi clan!" the Third Hokage exploded, losing his composure.
"And the Sarutobi clan is part of the village. If they're part of the village, they must be prepared for sacrifices," Tsunade countered, standing up and meeting his glare.
"Tsunade..." Utatane Koharu began, only for Tsunade to cut her off.
"Don't talk to me. I don't recognize you. Your family also has caravans and shops, right?"
Utatane Koharu fell silent.
You're targeting the Sarutobi clan, and now me too?
The Third Hokage trembled with barely contained fury. Bracing himself against the desk, he took deep breaths before responding, "Tsunade, I apologize. We were wrong. I've decided we will work with Shinki on the puppets. The village needs them."
"It's too late! I gave you a chance, and you squandered it."
Tsunade kicked the sofa aside and stormed out of the office.
If you don't show your strength, people will think you're weak.
Now they want cooperation? Why didn't they act sooner? Why are they scrambling now?
"Hiruzen..." Koharu and Hamura spoke cautiously, worried that the Third Hokage might escalate the situation with Tsunade, risking chaos in the village.
They couldn't afford turmoil while the front line was under threat from the Sand Village.
"I'm fine."
The Third Hokage, regaining composure after Tsunade's departure, understood that her actions were a warning: she was capable of playing their game and more.
He sat back, puffing on his pipe for a while before putting it down.
"Tsunade was just venting her frustration. She targeted me, not you. As long as she leaves Hyuga Shinki alone, you have nothing to fear."
"And the supplies?" Hamura inquired.
"Tsunade will send them to the front-line camp. The Ministry of Finance will reimburse the Sarutobi clan under the pretense of a village purchase."
"..."
Clever move.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Hamura exchanged glances.
The Third Hokage's solution was strategic.
With control over the Ministry of Finance, whether Tsunade kept the supplies or sent them to the front, he could compensate the Sarutobi clan using village funds.
"I'll leave the inventory to you. I need some time alone."
The Third Hokage needed a moment to reflect.
Koharu and Hamura left in silence.
After this, Tsunade would likely calm down. The front lines were stable for now.
Hyuga Shinki...
The Third Hokage contemplated how to mend fences and sustain cooperation.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 230 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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