Some things couldn't simply be resolved by damaging one's reputation. Koharu and Homura were already putting it as diplomatically as they could.
They were sure that once the announcement went out, a significant number of villagers would march to the Hokage office to protest.
There could even be a united call demanding the resignation of the Third Hokage.
The Hokage might seem invincible, the ultimate authority of Konoha, but when the villagers all turned against you, voiced their dissatisfaction, and gathered to protest, if you couldn't quell their anger, you'd have no choice but to step down in disgrace.
"I understand," said the Third Hokage calmly.
From the moment he agreed to these terms, he had already prepared himself mentally.
"You two help me release the announcement. I will accept whatever happens. When the war is over, I will retire and pass the position of Hokage to Tsunade."
"Are you sure?" Koharu exclaimed, "Can't we keep this hidden for now?"
Whenever there had been bad news in the past, they had chosen to hide it. Let some time pass—who would remember it then?
Besides, the villagers didn't know what price Konoha had paid to negotiate peace with the Sand Village.
"There's no need to hide it. Nor is it possible." The Third Hokage let out a self-deprecating laugh, as if recalling past actions.
"Tsunade is the right choice. In terms of both strength and status, she is more than qualified to be the Fourth Hokage. I believe she can lead the village to greater heights. Orochimaru's heart is too dark. I cannot entrust the village to him."
"Besides, even if we choose not to disclose it, the Sand Village won't stay silent. To secure this agreement, they will surely announce it."
If the Sand Village made the announcement, then the entire shinobi world would know, and no matter how Konoha tried to cover it up, it would be useless.
On the contrary, trying to cover it up would only make things worse when everything eventually came to light.
"Let's hope your choice is the right one," Koharu said, shaking her head and leaving the Hokage office.
The Third Hokage's mind was made up, and there was no changing it. She could only move ahead and carry out the necessary preparations.
Homura, who had wanted to say something, eventually swallowed his words and quietly followed Koharu out.
Will everything be alright?
Kushina kept giving Takuya meaningful looks, while Pakura glanced at Tsunade, who had already downed several bottles of sake, looking almost like a goddess of wine. She couldn't help but twitch slightly at the sight.
Pakura had seen many women drink, but this was the first time she'd seen someone gulp down an entire bottle in one go.
The youngest and least noticeable among them, Kakashi, was huddled in a corner, terrified into silence.
He had never imagined that after training, his teacher would offer to treat him to dinner, bringing Kushina and Pakura along to the hotpot restaurant.
Then, out of nowhere, Tsunade showed up.
She clearly wasn't in a good mood. Without saying a word, she started drinking. The table was already littered with empty bottles—all of them Tsunade's handiwork.
The army had only just returned to the village a couple of hours ago, and Tsunade was already like this. It wasn't hard to guess that it had something to do with the Third Hokage.
Most likely, Konoha had made significant concessions in the negotiations with the Sand Village—concessions that left Tsunade deeply frustrated.
If it had been anyone else, Tsunade would have cursed them outright, or, if necessary, resorted to her fists.
But the one who had led the negotiations was the Third Hokage, and Tsunade couldn't just swear at him or punch him. So, she had come here to drink away her sorrows.
Forget about all the troubles—getting drunk first was the priority.
Takuya had guessed the outcome, which was why he hadn't tried to stop her.
If she wanted to drink, let her. Because of the war, Tsunade had been tirelessly worried, only to end up with a teammate who was a complete liability.
The gap between her expectations and reality was enormous—not something that just anyone could accept calmly.
Tsunade had placed great hope in the negotiations with the Sand Village, which made the letdown that much harder to bear.
Takuya, on the other hand, didn't have any particular expectations and thus wasn't too affected by the result.
After all, the Third Hokage had done even more outrageous things in the original storyline—canceling the Sand Village's reparations was hardly a big deal in comparison.
There was no need to be surprised. Best to stay calm.
Takuya ruffled Kakashi's hair and smiled slightly.
"Once you're full, head home and rest. Remember not to mention what happened today, alright?"
Kakashi glanced at the clearly tipsy Tsunade, her cheeks flushed, and nodded earnestly. He promised not to tell anyone.
"Alright, go on then. Remember to visit Konoha Hospital for treatment first, or you'll end up with internal injuries. And don't forget to soak in the medicine your father left you."
Phew… Tsunade-sama is terrifying.
Leaving the hotpot restaurant, Kakashi nervously glanced up at the private room on the second floor.
He was genuinely worried that a drunken Tsunade might suddenly start breaking things. Thankfully, that hadn't happened.
To be precise, while Tsunade might be a gambler and a heavy drinker, she at least had decent behavior when drunk.
When she got drunk, she preferred to sleep rather than cause trouble.
Even if she spouted nonsense after getting drunk, it was still far better than those who drank and then acted like the world revolved around them.
Takuya didn't dislike people who drank. What he couldn't stand were those who used alcohol as an excuse to cause trouble.
Once Kakashi had been sent off, Takuya turned to Kushina.
"You should head back and rest. I'll keep an eye on Tsunade."
"Alright," Kushina said.
She knew she couldn't do much with Tsunade in this state.
Rather than staying and worrying, it was better for her to go home early and rest. As for Tsunade… Takuya could handle her.
"Then…"
Clutching her small bag, Kushina looked towards Pakura.
Takuya shook his head.
"Pakura can't leave. She needs to stay by my side for the time being."
"Alright then."
"Pakura, I'm heading back. If you get bored, you can rest in the next room—Takuya will manage here."
Waving, Kushina left the room.
"Thank you," Pakura said with a slight shake of her head. "If I need to, I'll go."
After all, it's just someone getting drunk—it's not a big deal. For now, she really couldn't leave Takuya's side.
Leaving now would only bring trouble to Takuya and Tsunade, and she herself wouldn't be in a great position either.
Pakura understood what was important.
And besides, it wasn't as if Takuya and Tsunade were doing anything that she needed to avoid. There was no need to go next door.
Picking up his chopsticks, Takuya gestured towards the food.
"Let's keep eating. Don't mind her. She won't make a fuss when she's drunk—she's well-behaved."
"Hey, I'm still here!"
Hearing Takuya casually comment on her drunken behavior, Tsunade protested.
What do you mean I won't make a fuss when I'm drunk?
That's just me showing restraint!
But one thing you said is true—I, Tsunade, do hold my liquor well.
"Hah…"
Releasing her grip on the bottle, Tsunade quickly snatched the beef Takuya had just cooked and shoved it into her mouth, chewing it loudly. As she ate, she complained.
"I've been waiting for the results of these negotiations, only to find that Konoha didn't gain anything, and we're actually losing out! What nonsense."
Takuya calmly picked up another slice of meat and placed it into the pot.
"The Hokage has his reasons. I don't think it's worth getting upset over."
"What reasons? Give me a break."