Naruto: Tenseigan Eye

Admiration was evident on Nara Shikashin's face as he sighed deeply, saying, "It seems I'm really old. I can't keep up with you younger generation's ideas. I don't have your courage."

"Does the pharmaceutical department really need to become fully self-sufficient and independent? If you do that, logistics and medical care will be severely restricted. The village might even consider setting up a new pharmaceutical department."

"Ahem!"

Shinki nearly choked on his drink at Shikashin's words. After a fit of coughing, he patted his chest to calm himself, pointing at his own face.

"Do I look like a lunatic to you?"

"Well… kind of," Shikashin replied instinctively.

"Since I'm not crazy, why would I split the pharmaceutical department?"

A Calculated Bluff

Shinki shook his head, amused. "I'm just helping Tsunade reclaim the funds that rightfully belong to her. The rest, like additional contributions to the Ministry of Finance, isn't my concern. As for today's drama at the Hokage's office, I only played along with Koharu's theatrics to scare her."

"Damn it!" Shikashin muttered. "You should've told me earlier—I thought you were serious!"

He grabbed a piece of roasted meat and stuffed it into his bowl. "I was afraid you were going to slap her again."

"Why bother? A verbal exchange is enough. Besides, reality will hit her harder than any slap."

"You junior brats, stealing meat from your elders! Where's your sense of morality?" Shikashin complained, seeing Shinki swipe another piece.

"The meat tastes better when it's from a senior," Shinki quipped. "Oh, and don't forget—you're paying the bill!"

Tsunade's Resolve

After finishing his meal and dodging the check, Shinki returned home to recount the day's events to Tsunade. She frowned. "Do you think this might cause any issues?"

"What issues? The logistics and medical departments might need to pay for medicines now, but the money ultimately goes back to the Ministry of Finance. The village won't suffer losses. It's just that the logistics and medical teams will feel the squeeze for a while."

Shinki leaned back on the sofa, rubbing his full stomach. "They've been leeching off your contributions for years, thinking it's their right. Now, they'll learn that you're not someone they can take for granted."

Tsunade snorted. "They've been cutting me out while lining their own pockets. Not a cent less from now on! If Orochimaru gets his share after leaving the village, why should I, who stayed loyal, keep giving for free?"

Setting Boundaries

Tsunade was concerned about Shinki's bluff. "Are you seriously planning for the pharmaceutical department to procure its own medicinal materials? That sounds like a lot of unnecessary work."

Shinki waved dismissively. "Who said anything about actual procurement? It's a scare tactic. The families responsible for producing medicinal materials in the village are tied to the Hokage's office. They can't survive without us, not the other way around. If they try to play hardball, we'll simply stop production for a while—they'll come crawling back."

The financial turmoil quickly settled. The Third Hokage approved ANBU's development funds the next day, fulfilling his promise. Funds for the medical department were also allocated, though Koharu Utatane fumed at the arrangement.

When medical ninjas went to the logistics department to collect supplies, they were told there were shortages. The pharmaceutical department had stopped its deliveries. If they needed medicines, they had to purchase directly from the pharmaceutical department—with cash upfront.

Doctors and medical staff, stunned by the new rules, had no choice but to return to report the situation. They urged Koharu to release the necessary funds so they could procure supplies.

Consequences of the Bluff

Faced with the complaints of her subordinates, Koharu was livid. "This is madness! Utter nonsense!" she raged.

She had believed Shinki was bluffing but now realized he was entirely serious. Furious, she brought the matter to the Third Hokage.

Having anticipated this, the Hokage calmly responded, "Just release the funds. This will ensure the hospitals have the supplies they need for treatment."

Frustrated but with no other choice, Koharu approved the budget. Though the funds merely circulated back to the Ministry of Finance via the pharmaceutical department, the entire process left her fuming.

Her dream of reclaiming control over the pharmaceutical department was crushed once again. Shinki had left no room for maneuver.

A Timely Return

Elsewhere, Jiraiya returned to Konoha with two young followers after completing a grueling S-rank mission. Even before entering the village, he could sense the bustling atmosphere.

After some inquiries, he learned that the combat troops had been recalled from the frontlines—and among them was Orochimaru.

By coincidence, Jiraiya and Orochimaru returned to Konoha on the same day.

>>>>>

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[Naruto: Maelstrom Of the Uzumaki]