"The issue is, we can't set a precedent where a daimyo influences the war."
The more Akimichi Torifu thought about it, the more his headache grew. He was firmly on the side of the village, convinced that the Third Hokage had made the right decision. However, the financial implications of these actions hadn't been adequately considered.
"The financial problem is giving me a headache," Torifu admitted.
Shinki chuckled, patting Torifu's large belly. "Don't look so depressed. A financial problem isn't always bad news."
Torifu blinked in confusion. "What? How can financial problems ever be good news?"
Shinki grinned. "Think about it. Shimura Danzo and the Hokage want to form a new department, right? But with no funds in the treasury, how can they? This financial bottleneck might actually prevent unnecessary expenses."
Torifu's jaw dropped in shock. After a moment of stunned silence, he gave Shinki a thumbs-up. "Only you, Hyuga Shinki , would dare to say something like that!"
Not long after the meeting ended, Tsunade burst into the Hokage's office.
"Alright, old man, what is it this time? Make it quick—I'm busy with the hospital and barely have enough time for myself. If you've called me just to talk, I'm leaving."
Tsunade's busy schedule had been grueling, especially during the New Year season. But the Third Hokage's expression was grave.
"Tsunade, there's a problem with the village's finances."
Tsunade's smile immediately vanished. "What kind of problem?"
"We need your help—"
"Impossible!" Tsunade interrupted before he could finish. Her voice was sharp with irritation.
"If you think I'm going to the Daimyo's mansion to ask for money again, forget it! I've done it too many times already. You decided to push for war, to earn recognition and victory—then you bear the consequences and the costs! I'm a Konoha ninja, not a financial envoy for the Daimyo."
Her frustration was palpable. "You've used my connections enough times already. How many more favors do you think I can ask for before they stop taking me seriously? No, I won't do it. It's your responsibility as Hokage to figure out the village's finances, not mine."
"But Tsunade," the Third Hokage protested, "the financial strain is becoming critical. After distributing pensions, we'll be left with almost nothing, and the village still has so many expenses."
"Then deal with it!" Tsunade snapped. "It's not my problem. I'm not the Hokage, and I won't let you keep exploiting my family connections. You can't just rely on me to fix every financial crisis the village faces."
The Third Hokage sighed, trying to reason with her. "If we don't secure funding, the village won't be able to hold out. The funds from the Daimyo's mansion after the New Year were supposed to tide us over, but now things have changed. You know this, Tsunade."
"I don't care! You're the Hokage—figure it out yourself. Don't even think about using my name to approach the Daimyo. If the village is truly desperate, we'll find another way to survive until the war ends."
Her warning was clear, and before the Third Hokage could respond, she walked out, leaving him stunned and frustrated.
Tsunade returned home, fuming. She knew Shinki would still be there, and sure enough, he was sitting in the living room, reading by the warm glow of a nearby stove.
Hearing the door, Shinki looked up. "Let me guess—someone got under your skin again?"
"Who else?" Tsunade muttered, flopping onto the couch and pulling a blanket over herself. "That old man tried to rope me into asking the Daimyo for money again. Can you believe it?"
Shinki moved slightly to give her more room. "I can guess how that conversation went. What else did he say?"
Tsunade hesitated, a hint of embarrassment creeping into her expression. "Well... he might've suggested borrowing money from you."
Shinki couldn't help but laugh. "Seriously? He thinks I'd loan him money just like that?"
The Third Hokage's plan was straightforward but flawed: borrow money from Shinki, promising to repay it once the village's finances stabilized. However, the Hokage's word wasn't something Shinki was inclined to trust blindly.
"Even if it's borrowing, not giving, I don't think you should expect that money back anytime soon," Shinki said, shaking his head.
Tsunade sighed, slumping deeper into the couch. "I told him not to even think about touching my money. The old man's really desperate this time."
"Good call," Shinki replied. "Let him figure out another way. The village has been through worse—he'll manage."
>>>>>
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