Chapter 78 Anbu And Money, I Still Know The Importance.

If the selection, training, and mission execution are all in Tsunade's hands, then he, the Hokage, will only retain the authority to transfer personnel.

In other words, Anbu would essentially become Tsunade's one-woman operation.

"Impossible!!"

The Third Hokage exclaimed, visibly upset. "Tsunade, Anbu is a direct department under the Hokage! You're essentially carving it out and putting it entirely under your control!"

"So what?"

Tsunade flicked her palm dismissively and asked, "If I can't have full control over Anbu, why should I negotiate with you, old man? You came to me first, remember?"

The Third Hokage paused, stunned.

He hadn't expected her to push so hard. No, this had to be Shigeru's influence! That boy had practically become Tsunade's strategist.

"No. Only half."

This was his bottom line. He couldn't afford to concede entirely. Giving in here would lead to others exploiting the opportunity. The next step might be demands for the pharmaceutical department.

Shigeru had clearly outlined all these risks in his notes.

The bottom line was clear: no further concessions.

The Third Hokage, feeling cornered, was visibly agitated. Tsunade, however, appeared unconcerned. She was far more interested in the medical system than Anbu.

"Wait!!"

Seeing that Tsunade was about to leave, the Third Hokage gritted his teeth. "Anbu can be yours, but the pharmaceutical department must be handed over!"

"Impossible!!!"

Tsunade slammed her hand on the table, her voice brimming with fury.

"Old man, do you think I'm an idiot? I've developed countless medicines in the pharmaceutical department, and under Koharu's management, the department's accounts were riddled with problems. I've overlooked that mess out of respect for you, but don't push me."

"The pharmaceutical department stays under my control. If you don't agree, consider this conversation over."

The mention of accounting issues immediately alerted the Third Hokage. He wasn't naïve. Koharu and Homura had been managing the medical and logistics departments for years, and it was no secret that their actions often benefited the families behind them.

"Is there really no room for negotiation?"

After the revelation, the Third Hokage's tone softened.

Tsunade smirked. "Fine. In the past, I developed medicines for the village without asking for a single share of the profits. If you want the pharmaceutical department, you can have it. But from now on, I expect to be compensated appropriately for every drug I develop."

What a joke. Did they think they could take advantage of her forever? If Orochimaru could profit from inventing appliances, why should she, Tsunade, settle for scraps after developing life-saving medicines?

"Ahem!!!"

The Third Hokage coughed awkwardly, clearly caught off guard.

Switching to a profit-sharing model would devastate the village's finances. Tsunade's contributions far outweighed Orochimaru's, and compensating her fairly would empty the treasury.

"Tsunade," he began cautiously, "the Ministry of Finance is struggling. Let's compromise. You'll keep control of the pharmaceutical department, but other medical departments will go to Koharu. As for Anbu, it's yours. Just… ensure my safety and the village's stability."

To avoid further financial demands, the Third Hokage quickly concluded the discussion. He didn't even bring up the Hokage's escort unit—it wasn't worth the argument.

Watching the Third Hokage leave, visibly embarrassed, Tsunade scoffed.

---

Back at the Hokage's office, Koharu and Homura awaited anxiously.

"Hiruzen, how did it go?"

The Third Hokage sighed heavily as he settled into his chair. Without replying immediately, he lit his pipe and took several deep drags.

Tsunade's demand for money had shaken him. The thought of sharing profits with her, given her prolific contributions, was terrifying.

"It's done," he finally said. "But the pharmaceutical department stays under Tsunade's control."

"What?! That's unacceptable!" Koharu protested. "The pharmaceutical department—"

"Koharu!!!"

The Third Hokage cut her off sharply, his tone grave. "Tsunade knows about the discrepancies in the accounts during your tenure. She could have exposed it but chose not to. Are you really going to push your luck?"

"That's nonsense! I didn't—" Koharu retorted, but her voice faltered.

Homura, sensing the tension, focused on the ceiling, pretending not to hear anything. His own dealings in logistics weren't exactly above reproach.

"Have you even considered how many medicines and potions Tsunade has developed? If she insists on a profit-sharing model, do you know how much money we'd owe her?"

The Third Hokage's voice carried a bitter edge. He valued his treasury far too much to entertain such a notion.

"Fine," Koharu muttered, though her resentment was evident. Losing the pharmaceutical department meant losing its lucrative benefits, and she wasn't happy about it.

"This is the way it'll be from now on," the Third Hokage concluded firmly. "Anbu is under Tsunade's control. No one interferes. As for Danzo, I'm transferring him to Konoha Prison."

He wasn't about to risk Danzo dying mysteriously in Anbu custody under Tsunade's watch.

With that, he picked up his pipe again, smoking deeply to calm his nerves. The matter was settled, though not to his satisfaction.

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