Any Greatness Requires Sacrifice to Forge

Xuanye pointed at himself with his thumb, looking every bit like the kind of brother who kept you in his heart.

"..."

Tsunade fell silent.

Although that was exactly what she had been thinking, did he really have to say it out loud? Didn't she have any dignity?

He could at least have given her an opening.

"What happened to the Hokage Assistant position you promised me?"

Tsunade felt as if he had seen right through her, which left her somewhat displeased, so she wanted to bargain for more.

Xuanye spread his hands. "I don't mind giving you the title, but the Hokage Assistant position doesn't actually mean much."

"Once I take office, I'll abolish the Elders outright. Every minister and clan head will handle their own duties, and I'll manage all of them centrally."

"The Elders are just figureheads now. They have no real authority."

"Even if I give you the Hokage Assistant position, without authorization, you won't be able to order even a single Genin from another department."

Recalling the scene at Hozuki Castle, where every order had been carried out without question, Tsunade nodded.

Tsunade didn't dislike this kind of efficient centralization. At least there wouldn't be inexplicable Elders pointing fingers at her just because of their seniority.

"You'll at least give me some compensation, right? How about assigning that boy Kabuto to me?"

Tsunade clearly hadn't given up on her earlier plan and still couldn't stop thinking about Kabuto.

Xuanye chuckled. "That little fellow is a genuine talent. Only Orochimaru can bring out his full potential."

"Besides, Orochimaru and I have already arranged a complete growth plan for him. I guarantee his strength will soar. Kage Level is the bare minimum!"

Tsunade's face plainly said, Are you kidding me? She would never believe something so bizarre