C 32

Nawaki missed the best time for treatment. In the days following the operation, his injury had stabilized. Even if it were cured, Nawaki's body would lose the potential to become a ninja, leaving him to live as a common person in the future. Therefore, what Tsunade was currently studying was not conventional healing medical ninjutsu but rather regenerative repair techniques.

Tsunade felt that what had happened to Nawaki was largely her fault. If she hadn't given Nawaki his grandfather's necklace, he might not have been so excited and careless, failing to notice the trap laid out for him. Now, she was determined to develop a regeneration technique that could provide Nawaki with a glimmer of hope for reclaiming his status as a ninja.

"Kushina, are you out of money again?" Tsunade asked, noticing Kushina's hesitation, as if she were shy about requesting something. It was clear that the young girl had something to ask for, most likely pocket money. However, the costs had become exorbitant. Hadn't she just given Kushina one hundred thousand ryo a few days ago?

Kushina shifted uncomfortably. "I got into a little trouble today," she admitted, finally deciding to share the events that had unfolded.

As Kushina recounted her day, Tsunade could hardly suppress the twitch at the corners of her mouth. "What kind of precious wooden planks cost 100,000 ryo? A few hundred ryo would be more appropriate! And about those hidden weapons... while they sound impressive, I doubt they would cost nearly that much. This stupid girl just got tricked by that guy," she thought to herself.

Kushina's description of the incident led Tsunade to think of cats—creatures that were often cautious around strangers. It seemed that Kain had acted similarly, likely taking all of Kushina's money as a lesson after being frightened. If the situation had escalated further, it might have turned far worse.

"Forget it. Let's just chalk this up to a lesson learned. However, you have overdrawn your allowance for next month, so you'll need to save from now on," Tsunade concluded. She fished out her wallet and handed Kushina 50,000 ryo.

Despite not undertaking many missions lately, Tsunade had a fair amount of money from her work at the hospital. Many noble families from the Land of Fire would visit Konoha seeking her medical expertise, often compensating her handsomely for her services. With her exceptional skills, Tsunade had gained quite a reputation as Konoha's most renowned medical ninja. If not for her commitment to reforming the medical system and researching regenerative surgery, making money would have been a simple task for her.

With her hands full of ryo, Kushina felt a wave of relief wash over her. Now she wouldn't need to ask Grandma Mito for money; she could simply rely on Sister Tsunade.

Meanwhile, during his time in Konoha, Kain had generously funded the orphanage and invested in various businesses. He replenished several stores and opened a game hall, with plans for a barbecue restaurant and izakaya underway. Recently, Konoha had asked him to purchase another batch of medicine, though the quantity was not as extensive as previous orders. It had been over a month since the last purchase, and the need for medicine had likely diminished by now.

However, while Kain was buying supplies, Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly asked, "Kain-san, I heard you planned to donate to the orphanage some time ago."

"That's correct," Kain replied. "During my travels for business, I've seen countless tragedies involving homeless children, so I wanted to help. Although the money isn't a fortune, it's enough for them to eat and have clothes to wear."

Kain's expression revealed his war weariness, and even Sarutobi Hiruzen found himself sighing quietly in response to his tone.

"Konoha should have taken responsibility for these children long ago. I never imagined it would fall on your shoulders, Kain-san. As Hokage, I realize I have been somewhat negligent in this regard," Hiruzen said, his voice heavy with concern.

"Please don't say that, Third Hokage. I'm just trying to do my part; it's really nothing special," Kain replied modestly, though his words caused Sarutobi Hiruzen to choke slightly.

Funding three orphanages would cost 1.5 million ryo a month—18 million ryo a year. If it had been Hiruzen's responsibility, he would have been reluctant to allocate such substantial resources, particularly since it could fund Anbu's equipment expenses for three months.

Following this exchange, Sarutobi Hiruzen steered the conversation toward Kushina. Kain responded casually, pretending not to recognize her importance, describing her simply as an ordinary girl with a knack for attracting wealth.

Kain didn't linger in the Hokage building long. Most of the conversation had revolved around Kushina, revealing Hiruzen's underlying concerns. However, very few people in Konoha were aware of the truth behind Kushina's lineage. With the protection of Uzumaki Mito and Kain's recent charitable acts, Sarutobi Hiruzen did not press further. After Mitokado Homura arrived, Hiruzen smiled and asked Anbu to escort Kain out.

Once Kain had left, Danzo emerged from a side door of the Hokage's office, having just returned from the front lines.

"Danzo, you heard what he just said. Stop being suspicious," Hiruzen said, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

Danzo responded coldly, "Hiruzen, you must be careful. There's no great mistake yet, but Tsunade met this man on the battlefield in the Land of Rain. We need to stay vigilant against him. Kushina is the next Jinchūriki for the Nine Tails; it's best not to let him get too close."

"This situation hinges on Kushina's own choices. Do you intend to control her actions?" Sarutobi Hiruzen shot back, his voice firm as he regarded Danzo.

With a glance at Danzo, he continued, "Kain doesn't spend much time in Konoha, and when he does visit, he rarely goes out. You can't restrict Kushina from going to the dessert shop. If you believe otherwise, you should take it up with Mito-sama directly."

Danzo felt a wave of frustration; he wouldn't dare to discuss this matter with Mito. If he did, she would undoubtedly chastise him for his concerns. Danzo's true intention was to cultivate Uzumaki Kushina swiftly, ensuring she could harness the power of the tailed beast as a strategic deterrent for Konoha in future conflicts. However, as long as Uzumaki Mito was alive, Danzo knew he could never be allowed to take control of the Nine Tails' Jinchūriki.

"Hiruzen, Sand Shinobi didn't use tailed beasts this time because they couldn't ascertain the movements of Konoha's Nine Tails. If they learn that the Jinchūriki is unable to fight on the battlefield, Konoha will face dire consequences in the next war," Danzo warned loudly.

"I have my own plans regarding this matter, Danzo. Our fundamental responsibility is to cultivate talent for Anbu while performing tasks outside the village. Please don't interfere with other matters," Sarutobi Hiruzen stated firmly, raising his voice slightly. Unlike the indecisive Hokage of years to come, he was resolute.

"Now that I'm Hokage, I will handle Kushina and Kain," Hiruzen added with finality.

Danzo clenched his teeth in silence, the frustration boiling within him. He had been sidelined this time, missing out on the Hokage position due to Hiruzen's ascent. "Tobirama-sensei, selecting Hiruzen as Hokage was the worst decision you could make," he thought bitterly.

"Hiruzen, you will come to regret this," Danzo muttered under his breath as he plotted his next move.