If Tsunade took over the selection, training, and mission execution of the Anbu, then the Third Hokage would be left with only the nominal power to mobilize them.
The Anbu would effectively become Tsunade's personal force.
"Impossible!!"
The Third Hokage said sharply, "Tsunade, the Anbu is a direct unit under the Hokage. You're trying to strip it away and control it entirely yourself."
"So what?"
Tsunade calmly placed her hand on the table and raised an eyebrow.
"If I can't have full control of the Anbu, why should I negotiate with you, old man? We can leave everything as it is. You came to me first."
The Third Hokage fell silent, stunned by her boldness.
Yes, he had come to her first, but he hadn't expected her demands to be so steep.
No, it must be Shinki's doing!
He had practically become Tsunade's personal strategist.
"No, only half."
This was his bottom line. He knew that conceding more would only embolden others to make further demands, and the next target would inevitably be the pharmaceutical department.
Shinki had outlined these strategic points in detail in his report.
The bottom line was non-negotiable.
The Third Hokage was visibly strained. He had no desire to relinquish full control of the Anbu. Tsunade, however, appeared indifferent. She preferred managing the medical system over the Anbu.
"Wait!"
As Tsunade turned to leave, the Third Hokage gritted his teeth. "I can give you the Anbu, but you'll have to give up the pharmaceutical department."
"Impossible!!!"
Tsunade slammed her fist on the table, her voice cutting through the tension.
"Old man, don't take me for a fool. I developed many of the drugs in that department, and under that old woman's management, the accounts were riddled with discrepancies. I haven't brought it up out of respect for you."
"The pharmaceutical department is non-negotiable. If that's your condition, then let's pretend we never talked."
Discrepancies in the pharmaceutical department's accounts?
The Third Hokage wasn't naive; he grasped the implication immediately.
Koharu Utatane had controlled various departments within the medical system, and Mitokadu Hamura had overseen the logistics department. They must have pocketed some benefits for themselves or their families.
He himself managed the finance department and knew how these things worked.
"Is there truly no room for negotiation?"
With the past misdeeds now hinted at, the Third Hokage's tone softened considerably.
Tsunade's lips curled into a smirk. "Fine. In the past, I developed new drugs without taking a cut. If you want the pharmaceutical department, then I'll need my rightful share of profits when I develop future drugs."
Oh, so you want the pharmaceutical department?
Then pay up.
Before, I let you profit for free because I considered myself part of the village. But if we're doing this, let's play fair.
Orochimaru was handsomely rewarded for developing a few technological devices, while I, Tsunade, received only minor bonuses for my life-saving drugs. How do you justify that?
"Ahem!!!"
The Third Hokage's face flushed with discomfort.
Settling financial accounts with Tsunade would bankrupt the village. Changing the profit model to a royalty-based system for her drug developments would be catastrophic.
Unlike the relatively small sums Orochimaru received, Tsunade's contributions would cost the village dearly.
If they switched to profit-sharing, Tsunade would become extraordinarily wealthy overnight.
"Ahem! Tsunade, the treasury isn't in a position for that. How about this: you continue to manage the pharmaceutical department, and Koharu will take the other departments. As for the Anbu, it's yours—provided you ensure my safety."
The Third Hokage made a decisive call, avoiding further talk about compensation.
Even mentioning the Hokage Guard was now a moot point. Whether they were technically under Tsunade's management or not, it was clear she would control them.
Seeing the Third Hokage depart, looking slightly flustered, Tsunade scoffed.
"Hiruzen, what's the outcome?"
The Third Hokage hurried back to the Hokage's office, where Koharu Utatane and Mitokadu Hamura awaited with anticipation.
"Huhhhh…"
Sinking into his chair, the Third Hokage let out a deep sigh.
He didn't respond immediately but instead took a long draw from his pipe. The thought of Tsunade demanding profit-sharing had unsettled him.
If she pressed the issue, the village would be forced to pay a hefty price.
"It's settled. But Tsunade will continue managing the pharmaceutical department."
"What?! The pharmaceutical department is—"
"Koharu!!!"
The Third Hokage's tone was stern. "Tsunade is aware of past discrepancies. She almost brought them up. Do you really want to push for the pharmaceutical department?"
"I didn't… do anything," Koharu Utatane muttered, though her voice lacked conviction.
Mitokadu Hamura stared at the ceiling, pretending not to hear. He, too, had his hands in some questionable dealings within the logistics department. Compared to the Third Hokage, however, he wasn't as excessive.
They took their share, but it wasn't extravagant.
"And have you considered how many drugs Tsunade has developed in recent years? If she demands profit-sharing, do you know how much the village would owe her?"
That money would come from my budget! Mine!!!
You want the Anbu? Fine, take it.
Want money? Forget it—not a single ryo.
To preserve the treasury, the Third Hokage was willing to part with the Anbu.
"Then so be it," Koharu said reluctantly.
The pharmaceutical department was a goldmine, and losing it stung. But without it, the entire medical system would have to operate under Tsunade's watchful eye.
Despite their dissatisfaction, this was the best outcome.
Otherwise, if Tsunade made a scene, it would create chaos for all three of them.
"Right."
The Third Hokage took another puff from his pipe, trying to steady himself. "This is final. The Anbu will be handed over to Tsunade, who will oversee everything. No more dissent. As for Danzo, I'll have him transferred to Konoha Prison."
With Tsunade controlling the Anbu, the Third Hokage couldn't risk keeping Shimura Danzo in the Anbu's custody.
He feared that Danzo might one day disappear under mysterious circumstances.
Prison was safer.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 180 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
Gimme power stonesssss