Chapter 295: Opposition Voices Rise One After Another, and the Third Hokage Is Overwhelmed

The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, had never been seen so angry. His outburst left even the Hokage Guards trembling, afraid to breathe too loudly.

"Why does the village still insist on continuing this war?"

Months ago, before the New Year, Sarutobi had confidently declared in his speech that Konoha was close to victory. But now, long after the New Year had passed, the war remained in a painful stalemate.

The support from the Daimyo of the Wind Country had given Sunagakure the means to persevere, turning what should have been a decisive conclusion into an unending battle. Both sides gritted their teeth and dug in.

As time wore on, the war's toll extended far beyond the battlefield. In Konoha, discontent brewed. Civilians and shinobi alike began to openly voice their opposition. The complaints grew louder, not because of hidden agitators, but because the suffering was undeniable and universal.

The Cost of War

"Kushina, everyone in the village is against the war," Shinki said, walking alongside her.

Kushina, holding a shopping bag in her hands, tilted her head up at him. "Is that really true?"

"How much did you spend on those items?" Shinki asked, motioning toward her bag.

"Um…" She hesitated, thinking back. "About five Yen, I think?"

"And how much did the same things cost before the war?"

Kushina blinked, clearly unsure. She liked shopping but never paid close attention to the exact prices.

Shinki sighed and answered for her. "No more than three Yen. That's nearly double the cost now."

He continued, his tone heavier. "The cost of living has skyrocketed because of this war. Daily necessities, incomes, everything has been impacted. Families of fallen ninjas are struggling to get by. The pressure has doubled for most people."

Kushina nodded slowly, a little overwhelmed. "That's... bad."

"Bad is an understatement. Villagers are angry. They've lost relatives in the war, they're drowning in higher costs, and now they're the loudest voices against the fighting."

Shinki didn't tell her the harshest truth: the pensions for fallen ninjas were crippling the village's finances. Sarutobi had slashed many expenses, but the combination of war costs, pensions, and daily governance was a bottomless pit.

Even if the war ended tomorrow, the village's recovery would take years. The pensions alone would weigh on Konoha's finances for a long time.

The Burden of Pensions

"Is the Hokage really running out of money?" Kushina asked, curiosity replacing her usual cheerfulness.

"Running out?" Shinki laughed bitterly. "He's beyond broke."

He took the bag from Kushina and added, "But that's not something for you to worry about. Just focus on training. And stop skipping classes."

Before Kushina could defend herself, Shinki tapped her forehead lightly. "Skipping classes doesn't help anyone. Not even you."

"I get it! I won't do it next time!" she grumbled, though her expression betrayed her mischievous intent.

Tsunade's Frustration

Back home, Shinki found Tsunade sprawled on the sofa, her face filled with annoyance.

"Don't you have work today? Or did you finally get paid?" Shinki teased.

"Don't mention it." Tsunade sat up, her frustration evident. "There are fewer and fewer patients in the hospital. The old man's under immense pressure, and he's lashing out. Even the Hokage Guards were scared today."

Shinki raised an eyebrow. "What's going on?"

"The same as always—money and the war," Tsunade replied. "The Sand Village won't surrender, and the second-quarter pensions are coming due. The old man's carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders."

Shinki was surprised. Sarutobi Hiruzen was known for his calm demeanor, even in the face of immense challenges. For him to lose his temper so openly was highly unusual.

Kushina's Troubles

"Kushina, get over here," Tsunade called suddenly, shifting her focus.

Kushina froze mid-bite of her snack. "Huh? What did I do now?"

"Your teacher said you've been skipping classes again. Worse, you've been leading others to skip with you!" Tsunade snapped, glaring.

Kushina immediately hid behind Shinki, peeking out nervously. "It wasn't me! They followed on their own. It has nothing to do with me!"

"Liar!" Tsunade retorted, her temper flaring. "Your teacher said you were the ringleader. And the number of students skipping has been growing!"

The Hokage's Breaking Point

Meanwhile, Sarutobi Hiruzen sat in his office, his mind racing. He was painfully aware of the growing unrest in the village.

The financial strain was enormous. The longer the war dragged on, the more sacrifices Konoha would make. And yet, Sunagakure refused to give in, bolstered by the Wind Country Daimyo's support.

The second-quarter pensions loomed over him like a dark cloud. He had no idea where the funds would come from.

When news of the village's anti-war sentiment reached him, Sarutobi could no longer contain his frustration.

"Why now?!" he roared, slamming his fist on the desk. "Why is the Wind Country's Daimyo aiding them now, just as we're about to win?!"

In a rare display of anger, the Third Hokage tore the report in half, his composure finally breaking under the immense pressure.

The war wasn't just draining Konoha's resources—it was breaking its spirit.

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