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No one could blame Tsunade for losing her temper.
Originally, matters like these were supposed to be handled through high-level discussions. Once an agreement was reached, an official announcement would be made, funds would be allocated, and compensation would be distributed step by step.
But the Sarutobi clan, unable to bear the growing discontent within their ranks, took it upon themselves to march straight into the Hokage's office and demand answers.
As if, in their eyes, the compensation funds were just like salaries—something to be handed over the moment the work was done.
Under Tsunade's merciless verbal assault, the Sarutobi envoys could only slink away with their tails between their legs.
When Kazuki heard about this, he nearly died laughing.
Honestly, the Sarutobi clan had a real knack for comedy.
Who in their right mind would actively seek out the Hokage's office to ask about something like this?
Were they so bored with their peaceful lives? Or did they think Tsunade didn't have enough problems already?
Did they really need to give her more headaches?
Itachi looked utterly bewildered, Fugaku's expression was strange, and Mikoto's lips twitched as she pretended not to hear. Only Sasuke, who understood nothing, blinked in confusion.
"The Hokage must have been furious, huh?"
Fugaku hadn't expected that inviting Kazuki over for dinner would lead to such juicy gossip.
What on earth were the Sarutobi clan thinking?
If they really wanted to ask, they should've at least waited until the Third Hokage returned!
Instead, a few of their elders waltzed straight into the Hokage's office like it was nothing.
Were they asking to get scolded?
Honestly, Fugaku was impressed Tsunade held back. If it had been him, he might've been tempted to kill someone.
"She was so mad she smashed three desks in a row."
Kazuki chuckled, setting down his chopsticks and gesturing for emphasis.
Fugaku gave Mikoto a look, signaling her to take the children inside to eat. Nodding, Mikachi led the still-confused Sasuke away.
Some things were better kept from Sasuke—no need to let him blabber outside and bring unnecessary hatred upon the Uchiha.
"Itachi, why do you think the Hokage was so angry? And why were the Sarutobi clan in such a hurry to go ask about this?"
Kazuki casually tossed out the question, glancing sideways at Itachi, who was gradually growing into his features.
Fugaku, intrigued, also set down his chopsticks. He was curious about how Itachi would answer—and whether this was Kazuki's subtle way of testing him.
Under the combined gaze of Kazuki and his father, Itachi fell silent, deep in thought. Neither of them rushed him, patiently waiting.
Noticing the faint furrow in Itachi's brow, Kazuki knew he was stuck in his usual cycle of overthinking.
The Third Hokage had once described Itachi as:
A child who thinks like a Hokage.
That was Itachi's strength—but also his weakness.
"Is it because the Sarutobi clan crossed a line, making it seem like they were forcing the Hokage's hand?"
Before Itachi could voice his answer, Kazuki spoke first.
"...Yes."
Though not entirely accurate, Itachi's conclusion was close enough to Kazuki's.
To Tsunade, the Sarutobi clan's actions were a clear overstep.
In more extreme terms—it was practically a soft coup!
Our Sarutobi clan sacrificed so many—shouldn't you, Hokage-sama, take the initiative and give us what we're owed? The pressure within our clan is growing—you should understand our position!
"...Sigh."
Kazuki exhaled, reaching out to pat Itachi's head. Itachi instinctively flinched but forced himself to stay still, enduring the two firm pats.
Fugaku watched with a strange expression as Kazuki treated his son like a little kid.
"Smart kids don't make friends easily. The real reason our Hokage was so angry… is simply because she's broke."
Itachi: "..."
Fugaku: "..."
If not for Kazuki's dead-serious expression, both of them would've assumed he was joking.
Anyone else would've interpreted the Sarutobi clan's actions as a power play—an attempt to pressure the Hokage. But according to Kazuki, Tsunade was just mad because she had no money.
Wasn't that answer a little… too simplistic?
But then again, considering Tsunade's biggest priority since becoming Hokage had been money, money, and more money, Fugaku and Itachi fell into contemplative silence.
Maybe they were overcomplicating things.
Sometimes, the simplest explanation was the right one.
No need to torture themselves with convoluted reasoning.
Though Tsunade wouldn't outright crush the Sarutobi clan, she wasn't exactly forgiving when angered.
If she couldn't directly punish them, she'd take it up with the Third Hokage instead.
So she detailed the Sarutobi clan's actions in a scroll and had it delivered straight to the Third.
Let him see for himself how his clan was behaving in his absence.
"Those idiots!!!"
When the Third Hokage unsealed the scroll, he nearly spat blood in rage.
Back in the village, he'd constantly reminded his clan to tread carefully, fearing they'd provoke Tsunade. Yet the moment he left, they jumped straight into the line of fire just because of some internal pressure?!
Thankfully, Tsunade wasn't the paranoid type. If it had been Danzō…
The Sarutobi clan would've been blacklisted on the spot.
The Third Hokage wished he could fly back to Konoha right then and beat some sense into his clansmen.
Who gave you permission to do this?!
Do you really think the clan doesn't have enough problems already?!
"What has the Hokage's advisor been doing lately?"
"Lord Third, Advisor Kazuki has been resting these past few days. He hasn't reported to the Hokage's office."
Though unsure why the Third was suddenly asking about Kazuki's activities, the ANBU messenger answered truthfully.
*
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