"In the future, unless a perfect opportunity arises, don't bring up releasing Danzo again. Every time you mention it, it provokes Tsunade. And when discussing village matters, don't bother going to Fatty or Tsunade directly."
The Third Hokage offered a final word of caution to his advisors.
Don't act recklessly, or things will only get more complicated for everyone.
"Why?"
Tsunade held considerable power, and with Akimichi Tofu serving as the Hokage's assistant, who else could they turn to?
The Third Hokage's expression was conflicted.
"Official matters remain the same, but for personal concerns… go to Shinki."
Soon, a brief meeting was convened in the Hokage's office building.
Due to Tsunade's exceptional capabilities, the Third Hokage proposed handing over control of the Anbu to her. In exchange, Tsunade relinquished management of all departments within the medical system except for the pharmaceutical department to Utatane Koharu.
When the Third Hokage made this announcement, everyone in the room was stunned.
The significance of the pharmaceutical department was unmistakable. Even if the other departments were well-run, the pharmaceutical department held enough sway to cripple any operations it didn't support.
And as for the Anbu, it was the Hokage's elite force, directly answering only to him. Now, the entire unit would be under Tsunade's command.
Hiss~~~
Tsunade-sama's influence in the village was set to grow significantly.
Among the attendees, only Akimichi Tofu remained calm. He wasn't surprised; instead, he felt a sense of relief.
It was fortunate that the Anbu was handed over directly to Tsunade and not to him under the guise of joint control. That would have put Akimichi Tofu in a difficult position.
Now, with Tsunade managing the Anbu and Akimichi Tofu assisting the Hokage without any direct responsibilities, he could enjoy a comfortable, largely ceremonial role.
Shinki soon learned of the changes in the village.
When he heard that the Third Hokage had relinquished control of even the Hokage Guard Team, Shinki couldn't help but laugh.
Money truly was a powerful motivator. Even the Hokage wasn't immune to its pressure. The Third Hokage had surrendered the Anbu so readily because he feared Tsunade would demand funding.
Otherwise, he would never have so easily ceded control over the Anbu and the Hokage Guard Team to Tsunade.
"Something amusing happened?"
Orochimaru entered, placing two sealing scrolls on the table and pouring himself a glass of water.
"Yeah, something quite interesting happened back in the village."
Shinki chuckled and handed Orochimaru the intelligence scroll, while he put away the sealing scrolls Orochimaru had brought.
Not bad—these added to the number of puppets he now possessed, which had exceeded 1,500. The sight of these puppets in action would be truly astonishing.
Orochimaru was indeed a reliable partner.
"Huh." Orochimaru raised an eyebrow as he scanned the scroll. "The old man actually let Tsunade take control of the entire Anbu?"
He read on, and when he reached the part about the Third Hokage's fear of Tsunade's financial demands leading to his quick surrender of the Anbu, his face shifted from surprise to amusement. He couldn't hold back his laughter.
"Hahaha, now that is amusing."
"It's quite the situation," Shinki agreed, raising an eyebrow. "With the war breaking out, expenses are soaring. The village's finances must be in rough shape. If Tsunade were to ask for her share, the Hokage would be in a state of constant panic."
If it were anyone else, the Third Hokage could simply tell them to back off. But Tsunade's demand for funds was justified and backed by her many contributions.
The village had profited greatly from the drugs and medicines she developed. If she demanded compensation now, no one would say she was being unreasonable.
In this matter, it was the Third Hokage who was at fault.
After laughing, Orochimaru set the scroll down and turned to Shinki. "Shinki, our partnership may have to pause. The situation on the Rain Country battlefield is becoming volatile, and the old man wants me to lead the village's forces there."
Orochimaru was skilled in battlefield strategy, though he hadn't yet gained full recognition from the top brass. His current role was to lead smaller operations while Nara Shikako maintained overall command.
"Understood."
Shinki didn't push the issue. With the village's orders in place, Orochimaru couldn't continue as an assistant in the medical division or spend his days working on puppet production in the morgue.
With over a thousand puppets already in hand, it was more than enough.
If needed, he could resume work later. There was no immediate rush.
As for Shinki, he had no intention of joining the battlefield unless there was a dire situation.
Ensuring victory in the Rain Country was his promise to Tsunade.
With reinforcements streaming in, the camp had become much livelier—and more chaotic. Managing it all had taken a toll on Nara Shikako, who was losing hair by the day.
"Here to beg for food, are you?"
Shinki glared at the three voracious diners, fighting the urge to throw them out.
In an attempt to foster good relations, Nara Shikako had granted him the privilege of preparing his own meals. But just as he finished cooking, three uninvited guests appeared like bandits.
Orochimaru maintained a composed demeanor as he ate. Jiraiya grinned and offered a clumsy apology, though he was devouring food faster than anyone. Only Hatake Sakumo looked a bit out of place; he wasn't as familiar with Shinki.
To strengthen the village's position for the war, Nara Shikako had implemented a series of measures.
The most significant of these was the formation of an elite vanguard.
This unit, led by Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Hatake Sakumo, included some of the village's finest ninjas and would be the main force on the battlefield, tasked with countering powerful adversaries.
In the original story, Konoha formed a similar team led by Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru. However, with Tsunade staying in the village this time, Hatake Sakumo filled her spot.
Hatake Sakumo was the team captain, being older and equally as strong as Orochimaru and Jiraiya. Neither of them objected to his leadership, as they understood the value of teamwork and had no interest in unnecessary rivalries.
Orochimaru cast a sidelong glance at Jiraiya and, without hesitation, threw him under the bus.
"Jiraiya suggested we drop by for a meal since the team heads out tomorrow, and you're the best cook."
"Ahem!!!"
Jiraiya, who was wolfing down a mouthful of meat, nearly choked.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 180 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
Gimme power stonesssss