Chapter 136

Is it really appropriate to discuss such a serious topic in such a formal place?

The conversation between them grew more intense until the Third Hokage arrived with two of his advisors. The Third Hokage took the main seat, and Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Hamura sat unceremoniously on either side of him.

The Third Hokage scanned the room and cleared his throat. "Since everyone is here, let's begin."

"Hamura, can the supply of materials from the logistics department be guaranteed?" he asked.

"No problem," Hamura confirmed.

"And the medical department?" the Hokage continued.

"The medical department cannot," Koharu interjected, casting a deliberate glance at Shinki with a sigh. "The pharmaceutical department doesn't fall under the jurisdiction of the medical system, so I cannot ensure the supply of medicines."

Akimichi Norifu shot Shinki a cautious glance, silently warning him. Shinki, however, merely smiled and remained unfazed.

"It's a problem that the medical system can't oversee the pharmaceutical department," the head of the Shimura clan, seated in the back, said with irritation. This comment drew everyone's attention to Shinki, who represented the Anbu, under which the pharmaceutical department fell.

Shinki sat up straight, showing no sign of panic. He leaned back comfortably and looked directly at the Shimura clan leader. "And who are you to oversee the pharmaceutical department?"

"???"

The gray-bearded Shimura leader, stunned by Shinki's boldness, responded, "Are you questioning me?"

Shinki replied with a smirk, "Is the Shimura clan so influential that it now manages Anbu affairs as well?"

"Ridiculous!" The Shimura leader's voice shook with anger. "I only meant that the pharmaceutical department should be part of the medical system for better coordination."

"Ah, right, right," Shinki nodded with mock seriousness. "You're absolutely right."

A chuckle escaped Akimichi Norifu, unable to hold it in.

The Shimura leader's face turned a mix of blue and purple as he snapped, "Norifu, do you find this amusing?"

Norifu quickly straightened his expression, though his apology was far from sincere. "No, sir, not at all."

"Enough!" The Third Hokage's stern voice cut through the tension. "This is not the time for petty arguments. Shinki, can the pharmaceutical department provide the necessary supplies?"

Shinki shifted positions, crossed his legs, and shook his head. "I don't know."

"???" The Third Hokage paused, taken aback.

"Shinki," Koharu said, her voice sharp as she slammed her hand on the table. "This is a serious matter—don't make light of the village's future."

"I'm not joking," Shinki responded with a shrug. "When Tsunade left, she only asked me to oversee the department. The actual production and supply logistics aren't part of my duties. If this is so urgent, perhaps you should speak directly to Tsunade."

Shinki's explanation was technically accurate—the Anbu managed the pharmaceutical department without claiming full control. However, in practice, the department was under the Anbu's influence, heavily guarded as if it were a military facility. Yet, Shinki's refusal to admit full control left the others at a loss.

Koharu's eyes narrowed. "Do you take us for fools?"

Shinki raised an eyebrow. "Oh? So you're not a fool?"

"You—!" Koharu's face flushed with fury, nearly trembling with the effort to maintain composure.

"Enough!" Shinki's voice thundered as he stood. "If you think it's so simple, why not ask if the pharmaceutical department even has the raw materials it needs? Without those, how can production continue? Or has someone swallowed up the supplies, leaving the department to develop medicine from rocks?"

The silence that followed was palpable. Hyuga Hiashi and Uchiha Fugaku, attending their first high-level meeting, exchanged uneasy glances. Their fathers had warned them to stay quiet, but they hadn't expected this level of confrontation.

Mitokado Hamura intervened, breaking the silence. "Enough, both of you. Let's not turn this into a shouting match."

The Third Hokage took a deep breath. "Koharu, Hamura, have the supplies for the pharmaceutical department been interrupted?"

Hamura sighed and glanced at Koharu before responding. "The recent increase in material transfers has delayed the delivery of some supplies, but the shipment is being prepared."

"Good. Make sure it is sent as soon as possible. War is not a game, and without adequate medical supplies, lives on the front line will be lost."

The Hokage's statement brought the discussion to a close, and he moved on. "Do we have enough ninja tools and equipment?"

"We do, but relying solely on village stock is insufficient. We'll need to buy from external sources. However, the situation is tense, and these caravans will need protection against enemy forces."

"I will see to that," the Third Hokage assured, turning the conversation towards more logistical issues. The remainder of the meeting, though important, felt tedious to Shinki. The initial heated exchange had been the only spark of interest.

"Shinki," the Third Hokage said as the meeting drew to a close, "Anbu must dispatch units to protect the supply caravans traveling to other countries."

"What caravans? And what supplies are we purchasing?" Shinki asked, his expression serious.

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