"Yes, you wanted to establish a new department, didn't you? Without funding, we can't even maintain the status quo, let alone create something new. Once the war ends, the pension expenses alone will overwhelm the village. Surely, you understand the precarious state of the Ministry of Finance better than anyone else."
The Third Hokage's tone was biting. While money might be stretched thin for other needs, pensions were non-negotiable. Without them, how could the village ensure its shinobi would continue to fight bravely, knowing their families might suffer after their deaths? A lack of pensions would erode morale and make ninjas hesitant to risk their lives for the village.
And now, at such a critical moment, someone dared propose a new department?
The Third Hokage's frustration threatened to boil over, and he almost rolled his eyes in exasperation.
Mitokado Homura added gravely, "The logistics department's supplies are already severely depleted. Even if the war ends tomorrow, we'll need to replenish immediately. Without adequate preparation, the village will be caught unprepared for future conflicts, leaving us vulnerable."
"The medical system is in a similar state," Utatane Koharu chimed in.
"And the pharmaceutical department is critically short on materials," Shinki added, ever the realist.
The Third Hokage winced. As much as he wanted to dismiss Shinki's words, they were undeniably true. The shortage of medicinal supplies was crippling. Without an adequate supply of drugs and treatments, the casualties on the front lines would continue to mount.
Stop. Please stop.
At this moment, the Third Hokage felt his brain was about to explode. What he had assumed was a complex but manageable dilemma had turned into a cascading series of problems with no clear solution. The village was riddled with holes that needed filling—and filling those holes required money.
Money that they simply didn't have.
"Give me some time to think," the Third Hokage finally muttered, his voice heavy with exhaustion.
He slumped back into his chair, his mind overwhelmed. What had started as a high-level meeting had turned into an exercise in exposing just how dire the village's situation was. Everywhere he looked, there were pitfalls and gaps, each demanding resources he couldn't provide.
Akimichi Torifu stood up, giving Shinki a knowing glance before saying, "You should rest, Hokage. We'll take our leave now."
Shinki took the cue and left decisively, sparing himself the headache of staying any longer. The Third Hokage's indecision wasn't his problem.
After Shinki and Torifu departed, the Third Hokage turned to Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu. "Homura, do we have to agree to the Daimyo's suggestion?"
"Not necessarily," Homura replied, his tone measured. He sat back in his chair and began to explain, "Even if we reject the Daimyo's advice and continue the fight against the Sand Village, the worst that will happen is that the Daimyo becomes displeased. Yes, the financial support from the Daimyo's Mansion might decrease, but it won't stop entirely. The Daimyo understands that if the village's strength diminishes, it will ultimately harm his own position."
Homura continued, "The Daimyo might be angry, but he's pragmatic. If the village weakens, other hidden villages will seize the opportunity to attack, and the Daimyo himself will suffer. He'll sacrifice face before sacrificing his own safety or interests."
"In other words, we can continue the war," Homura concluded. "But if you choose to do so, be prepared to tighten the village's belt. Don't expect to offend the Daimyo and then ask him to fund our recovery. That's simply not realistic."
Koharu nodded in agreement. "Additionally, we have Tsunade. Her presence gives us a significant advantage in repairing relations with the Daimyo if things sour. However, relying on her to smooth things over won't be easy."
She turned to the Third Hokage and asked bluntly, "Hiruzen, fight or negotiate? Make a decision so we can prepare accordingly."
Homura nodded in agreement, waiting for the Hokage's decision.
The Third Hokage took a deep drag from his pipe, filling the room with a cloud of smoke. As it lingered, so did the tension. Finally, he exhaled and muttered, "Do you think Sasuke would choose to continue the fight?"
After leaving the Hokage's office, Akimichi Torifu led Shinki to his home. They had previously agreed to have dinner together, and the timing seemed convenient.
"What do you think?" Torifu asked as they walked. "Will the Third Hokage decide to continue the war?"
Shinki pondered for a moment before replying, "It's very likely. Despite his hesitation, the Hokage is still a ninja hero at heart. He understands the importance of not setting a dangerous precedent. If we cave to the Daimyo's wishes now, it opens the door for interference in future conflicts. It undermines the village's autonomy."
He paused before continuing, "The relationship between the village and the Daimyo's Mansion is one of mutual benefit, not subservience. The Daimyo provides funding, but he doesn't have the right to dictate the village's decisions, especially concerning war. If we let that happen, it could lead to even greater problems down the line."
Torifu chuckled and clapped Shinki on the shoulder. "You know, you really have the potential to be Hokage."
"Absolutely not," Shinki replied immediately, shrugging off Torifu's hand. "I'm just analyzing the situation rationally. Don't curse me like that."
"Curse you? What are you talking about?" Torifu asked, bewildered. "That's a compliment!"
Shinki shook his head firmly. "I'm serious. Don't ever say that again. I have no interest in becoming Hokage."
"Alright, alright," Torifu said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I apologize, Senior. Please, enlighten me further, oh wise one."
Shinki rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a small smirk. Despite the tense circumstances, some humor could still be found in moments like these.
>>>>>
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A/N: Hey Guys,
I was going over the discount code and saw that it wasn't toggled on for all the tiers. I fixed it now, sorry about that. ;)