Chapter 32: I Am a Remnant of the Old Era, the New Era Has No Branch for Me!
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"Minato, you came to see this me today. Is there something you need?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi puffed on his pipe, his face adorned with a benevolent smile.
Indeed, just based on appearance, he seemed much more amiable than Danzo Shimura or Homura Mitokado.
Since stepping down from his position, Hiruzen Sarutobi appeared to have completely relinquished his authority to Minato, no longer interfering in Konoha's political affairs.
However, a person's reputation and influence, even without their conscious effort, could still be leveraged by those with ulterior motives.
"Third Hokage, it's been a while."
After exchanging pleasantries, Minato produced the manuscript for "Adaptability." "Please take a look."
"Oh? What's this?"
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow, surprised that Minato, with his busy schedule, had brought a manuscript on his rare visit.
What could it be? Surely not a lewd magazine like those penned by that rascal Jiraiya.
Hiruzen opened the manuscript and began reading, word by word.
As he progressed, his expression grew increasingly peculiar, especially when he came across the term "secret police."
Without any explicit context, such a loaded term could easily be associated with the village's ANBU Black Ops. And the leader of the ANBU was none other than the current Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi himself…
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes. "Minato, this article… was written by that Gojo boy, wasn't it?"
"Yes."
Minato didn't attempt to hide it.
Because… Kaigetsu's usual behavior, both spoken and written, always carried a distinct and easily recognizable style.
Hiruzen nodded, understanding the purpose of Minato's visit.
It was most likely due to the phrase "Secret Police."
Minato was a kind and straightforward individual, not prone to beating around the bush. Hiruzen knew this well.
Therefore, this was essentially a test from Gojo Kaigetsu.
He could choose to protect his own influence by explicitly directing the ambiguous term towards Danzo. Or he could choose to turn a blind eye and let it slide.
Without much hesitation, he made his choice.
Hiruzen set down his pipe and clasped his hands behind his back, facing the Hokage Rock.
"Minato…"
"I am a remnant of the old era. The new era has no branch for me."
"Don't worry about my thoughts. Do what you believe is right, boldly and without hesitation!"
Minato was taken aback. He stood up and positioned himself behind Hiruzen. "Yes, Third Hokage."
Looking at Hiruzen's back, Minato thought to himself, "Kaigetsu-kun, you were wrong this time."
…
…
Several things happened in Konoha during those days.
Firstly, the grand opening of "Ichiraku's Ninja Tools" in the new commercial district. With its excellent craftsmanship and affordable prices, it quickly gained the same reputation as Ichiraku Ramen.
It generated a surge in spending among Konoha's ninjas, contributing significantly to the village's tax revenue.
Moreover, the owner of the ninja tools shop, Teuchi's son, planned to search for substitutes for the main ingredient of the Body Tempering Potion within Konoha.
If successful, they could manufacture and sell the potion within the village, further bolstering Konoha's ability to Create taijutsu specialists.
It was a figurative slap in the face to Homura Mitokado.
Furthermore…
An article titled "Not Stealing Soldier Pills Out of Hunger," with an unknown source that even the ANBU couldn't trace, began circulating within the turbulent undercurrents of Konoha.
…
…
Samui's Temporary Residence
"Huh? A package for me?"
Upon opening the unmarked package, Samui discovered a thick stack of cash inside.
The sender and return address were both from the Land of Flowers.
Even with her ample bosom, she knew this was aid from Kumogakure.
"Eh? I didn't request financial assistance…"
Samui quickly counted the money. It was exactly ten million ryō.
She quickly pieced together the cause and effect.
Because she had mentioned a few days prior that she would do her best to solidify Gojo Kaigetsu's position as advisor, the village had allocated this substantial sum specifically for that purpose.
Understanding the situation, Samui clutched the cash, feeling a warmth in her chest.
The village… valued her words. They sent the money even though she hadn't explicitly requested it.
At least, in her experience, Samui had never heard of any deployed ninja receiving such a large amount of support.
While feeling grateful, Samui also felt the crushing weight of responsibility.
"But… Gojo Kaigetsu's advisor position can't be secured with money alone."
Soon, Samui was once again troubled. She recalled Gojo Kaigetsu's predicament from a few days ago-having children.
Surely, she couldn't use this money to buy fertility-enhancing potions…
Absurd!
Now, the village's aid had arrived, but Samui still hadn't devised a plan to utilize it.
If Gojo Kaigetsu were ultimately removed from his advisor position… as a failed kunoichi, she wouldn't have the face to return to Kumogakure.
Samui was a kunoichi who always preached "calmness."
After a few deep breaths, she began to ponder.
As Gojo Kaigetsu had said, this was a decision made by Konoha's higher-ups. She couldn't bear his child… at least not so soon, without any foundation of feelings.
Then, since it was a decision made by the higher-ups, there must be a possibility of swaying them.
A spark of ingenuity ignited in Samui's eyes. A daring idea formed in her mind-bribery!
Back when she was a trainee in the ANBU, an instructor had once demonstrated a scene-
[A cup was placed beside a running faucet. The instructor held the cup, repeatedly flipping it upside down, causing the water to flow in and out.]
[Instructor: "Do you understand?"]
[One of Samui's classmates answered: "You're reminding us to prioritize and not be indecisive. We must diligently complete our ANBU missions to climb higher."]
[Samui's answer, however, was: "If you don't find the right approach, you can't even get your foot in the door."]
In the end, Samui successfully graduated from the ANBU training program.
That's right, even if she wanted to bribe someone in Konoha, she needed to find the right approach, to cater to their preferences.
As an outsider, blatantly offering money would likely lead to her capture and interrogation in a dark and gloomy basement.
"Koharu Utatane? No. Homura Mitokado? No. Danzo Shimura? Even worse."
"Is there someone in Konoha with considerable influence, someone whose words and actions could significantly impact Konoha's decisions? Someone who wouldn't raise suspicions if offered money?"
Information about Konoha rapidly flashed through Samui's mind.
As if guided by some unknown force, Samui touched her golden hair and glanced down at her ample bosom. In the shinobi world, there seemed to be a legendary kunoichi with similar hair color and physique.
An absurd yet strangely plausible answer emerged in Samui's mind-
"Tsunade."
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