"I won't give up!" Hyuga Hiashi thought fiercely, his hands clenched tightly within his sleeves.
Meanwhile, back in the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokadu Hamura sat in silence, each reading the frustration in the others' expressions.
"It seems the usual methods won't be enough to reclaim the pharmaceutical department," the Third Hokage finally said, breaking the silence.
Mitokadu Hamura sighed, rubbing his temples. "Yes, that kid—he's young, but far more troublesome than Tsunade."
The Hokage had thought it would be a simple matter to regain control over the pharmaceutical department. By leveraging the casualties on the front line, he had easily convinced Tsunade to head there, knowing her sense of duty would compel her. With her departure, Shinki took over Anbu, and the Hokage's next step was to find an excuse to force the pharmaceutical department back under the village's control. However, Shinki had foiled their plan by openly revealing the logistics department's obstruction of medicinal supplies, even scolding the Shimura clan in front of everyone.
"This is troublesome," Koharu muttered, scowling. "Without the pharmaceutical department, our medical system is crippled."
The medical system needed the pharmaceutical department, and Koharu wasn't keen on seeing it held by an outsider. Its current control under Shinki meant that the rest of the medical system was left dependent and powerless.
"This brat even dared to talk with Uchiha Fugaku publicly. Is this a warning?" she continued angrily. Shinki had no previous connection to the Uchiha, so his gesture seemed a deliberate message: keep pushing, and I'll align with Uchiha. That would indeed complicate things for the Hokage faction.
"Koharu, don't let anger cloud your judgment," the Third Hokage interrupted. "The plan failed. We need to pull back and wait for a better opportunity."
"Do we still hold back the materials?" Koharu asked.
Mitokadu Hamura raised an eyebrow, exasperated. "After all this, you still want to hold back materials? Do you think the villagers and front-line soldiers won't notice?"
"No," the Third Hokage said firmly. "Give them what they need. We can't risk the war effort."
Although Koharu was visibly unhappy, the Hokage's word was final. For now, they would bide their time and wait for a better chance to reclaim the pharmaceutical department.
---
When Shinki returned to the Anbu office, a ninja promptly reported, "Sir, they've delivered all the materials to the pharmaceutical department."
"That was quick," Shinki remarked with a smirk.
"I understand. Have someone inform the pharmaceutical department to expedite production of all medicines for the front line. Once produced, they should store them in the warehouse for a while. No one is to distribute them without my direct order."
Nara Shikako, who had overheard, looked surprised. "It seems today's meeting really got to you."
Shinki chuckled. "Oh, it did. The Hokage's office tried to wrestle control of the pharmaceutical department through the Shimura family. When that failed, they wanted Anbu to protect the family caravan supposedly handling the village's supply purchases. I refused."
"The family caravan?" Shikako raised an eyebrow. "The village's caravans don't need Anbu protection, but Sarutobi and Shimura family caravans do. Unbelievable."
Shinki nodded. "When Tsunade was here, she'd sometimes let it slide. No matter the profit they made, as long as materials reached the village, it was tolerable. But relying on family-backed caravans for supplies is risky—plus, it's a huge advantage for those families."
In times of war, supplies were crucial. While Konoha had reserves, those wouldn't last in a prolonged conflict. The caravans weren't only a means of getting resources; they were also profit centers for those in control.
Before Shikako could respond further, Shinki called out to the Anbu ninja, who had been preparing to leave. "Wait. Go to the archive room and request all files related to the Shimura clan. I need them."
"Yes, sir." The Anbu ninja nodded and left.
Shikako raised an eyebrow. "I take it Shimura's in for some trouble?"
Shinki's expression hardened. "The Shimura clan thought they could interfere in village politics. Let's see if the Third Hokage protects them when I bring their actions to light."
Shortly after, the files Shinki requested arrived, and he began sifting through them, his fingers lingering on one file in particular. "Huh. Accidental killing of a villager?"
Shikako glanced at it, recognition dawning. "I remember this case. The Hokage handled it personally, compensating the family generously and ensuring it didn't escalate."
Shinki examined the document closely. "Senior, was it truly an accident?"
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 300 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
Gimme power stonesssss
Also, leave a review FFS