The Daimyo's Conspiracy

Tsunade truly was a responsible Hokage.

That pile of documents, over half a meter tall, had to be reviewed and approved one by one. She even had to write down correction suggestions.

As for Hikari, he had started slacking off the moment Shizune appeared.

"Shizune, bring over some medical records for Xiao Guang to study. Rock Lee has refused to give up on becoming a ninja during this time, so I've decided to give him a chance."

Shizune obediently left to look for the records.

Tsk, tsk. Shizune really was obedient!

She was just a little too well-endowed. Say, would Kakashi like her type? Should I try setting the two of them up?

Kakashi: 'Why the hell would I thank you for that?!'

Tsunade ignored someone's inner thoughts. Hikari thought about all sorts of nonsense every day—who knew how much? If she did not learn to ignore it, she would suffer a nervous breakdown sooner or later.

The only sound left in the office was the rustling of Tsunade reviewing documents.

Knock, knock, knock!

"Lord Hokage, it's Shikaku!" Nara Shikahisa's rather intellectual voice came from outside the door.

"Come in, Shikaku!"

Speaking did not hinder Tsunade's document review in the slightest. Only when she heard the door open did she set the approved document in her hand aside and look up at Nara Shikahisa.

"Lady Tsunade!"

Nara Shikahisa bowed again, making Hikari nod repeatedly.

No wonder that old fox Third Hokage liked Shikaku. This was a smart man, and he understood etiquette too. Not bad, not bad!

Tsunade's eyes shifted as she glanced at Hikari slacking off in the corner, then shot him a fierce glare.

Since you know he does well, why don't you take the initiative to learn from him?

You slack off in the office every day. People are starting to suspect that I'm keeping you as a boy toy!

"Shikaku, speak."

Nara Shikahisa took out a document and respectfully placed it on Tsunade's desk.

"This is a document sent by the Daimyo. He invites Lady Tsunade to report on her duties, and also wishes to discuss this year's military funding."

Tsunade accepted the document and casually set it aside, a mocking expression appearing on her face.

"Looks like that old fellow hasn't become useless yet. After being the Daimyo for so many years, he still has some ability."

"What do you think about this, Shikaku?"

Nara Shikahisa had already prepared his response. Hearing Tsunade's question, he answered directly, "It is standard procedure for a Hokage to report to the Daimyo after taking office, so there is nothing to discuss there. However, since the Daimyo has brought up military funding, there must be something suspicious going on. We have gathered little intelligence on the Daimyo's Mansion, so I cannot yet determine where the problem lies."

Tsunade placed her slender hand on the desk, her index finger tapping against it without pause.

Clearly, Tsunade had noticed this as well.

Military funding was the pillar of a ninja village. If the Daimyo cut those funds, it would undoubtedly deal a massive blow to Tsunade's prestige. If the cuts were too severe, Tsunade might become a Hokage who was removed not long after taking office.

"Xiao Guang, what do you think?"

Hikari, who had been in the middle of slacking off, snapped back to his senses at Tsunade's call, his eyes still somewhat bewildered.

Nara Shikahisa slightly turned his head to glance at him before looking at Tsunade. Seeing that she had merely frowned rather than grown angry, he understood.

Favoring someone because of one's affection for another had existed since ancient times.

Hikari resembled the Second Hokage, so it was not a big problem for Tsunade to treat him a little better because of Senju Tobirama.

Compared to Third Hokage Hiruzen's practice of promoting his cronies and monopolizing the Hokage position, Tsunade merely treated one man well. What was the big deal?

Even if something truly happened between Tsunade and Hikari, Nara Shikahisa would not find it strange. He might even welcome it.

"The Daimyo has invited me to report on my duties and discuss military funding. What are your thoughts on this?"

Hikari rubbed his face, barely forcing himself to perk up.

"Lady Tsunade, we'll deal with whatever comes our way. Once we get there, we'll know what's going on."

Come on, I don't even know the Daimyo. Could you not ask me about this sort of thing?

This really is a little strange. As far as I remember, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire rarely meddles in Hidden Leaf Village affairs. When we ask for military funding, he gives it to us, and problems rarely arise. Could someone be stirring things up behind the scenes?

Hearing Hikari's inner thoughts, Tsunade came to a realization.

"Shikaku, who handled communications with the Daimyo before?"

"Elder Mito."

"So it was him. It seems our Elder Mito does not particularly support me, the Fifth Hokage." Tsunade sneered as she spoke.

Tsunade had earned her reputation through real blades and real blood on the battlefield.

Anyone who thought she was easy to bully was an idiot.

"Shikaku, go back and make preparations. I'll head to the Daimyo's Mansion soon. I refuse to believe the Daimyo would truly dare cut Hidden Leaf Village's military funding."

"Yes!"

Having received her answer, Nara Shikahisa obediently left.

Before leaving, however, he glanced at Hikari once more.

As the office door closed, the steadiness on Tsunade's face turned grim.

"I knew those two old fools would not willingly accept being stripped of their positions. They were bound to cause trouble elsewhere. Now it seems the Daimyo is where they have been stirring things up."

That's just an old bastard. Does he really think I wouldn't dare kill him?

With no outsiders present, Tsunade's words became rather vicious. It was clear that she was truly angry this time.

From Tsunade's perspective, they had desperately begged her to become Hokage, yet after she took the position, they still put obstacles in her way. Were they trying to set her up?

Did they really think this good-natured woman would not lose her temper?

"Hikari, how do you think we should deal with those two old fools?"

Hikari yawned. "Lady Tsunade, those old men are nothing but withered bones in a grave. They are not worth mentioning."

Don't kid yourself. What Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu want is for you to give in. As long as you lower your head, admit your mistake, and invite them back as Hokage Assistants, they will naturally help you settle the matter with the Daimyo.

Right now, there is no solid evidence, so you cannot kill them.

If you refuse to give in, then all you can do is visit the Daimyo's Mansion and see what happens.

Give in?

Impossible.

Holding great power these days, with no one to restrain her, felt far too wonderful.

Tsunade now understood why that old man Hiruzen had been so determined to cling to the Hokage position and had never been willing to let it go.

A true man could not go a single day without power. That was exactly what it meant.

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu wanted to return as Hokage Assistants and lord over her, Tsunade. How could she tolerate that?

If she had not driven those two out in the first place, Tsunade might have accepted it.

But after growing accustomed to wielding power alone during this time, how could she possibly bring them back?

Was she sick in the head?

"If I go to the Daimyo's Mansion to report on my duties, would you be willing to accompany me?"

Uh...

Can I say no?

Hikari's face was full of reluctance.

Leaving the village was simply too troublesome.

If possible, he would rather stay in Hidden Leaf Village, in his own home, than go anywhere else.

Long live the shut-in god.

"Answer me already!" Tsunade urged.

Though Hikari's face showed his reluctance, his mouth still obediently replied, "If Lady Tsunade does not mind my meager strength, then of course I can."