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Unfortunately, Ōnoki had no intention of paying any further attention to these people.
Not only would he not help them or offer them protection, he wasn't even willing to meet with them again.
Provide protection?
Sure, as long as you don't leave Iwagakure, your safety is guaranteed.
But you must remain in your designated living quarters and cannot wander around. Otherwise, if misunderstandings arise, it won't be good for anyone.
If you can't tolerate this, you are free to leave immediately.
As for any other form of protection, I'm sorry, the village's capabilities are limited. We cannot help you.
It was at this moment that the Kusagakure representatives realized they had fallen into a trap.
A bottomless pit of a trap, one they couldn't climb out of.
Is it too late for us to regret this now?
Leaving aside the miserable situation of the Kusagakure representatives, the events at Iwagakure were delivered to Konoha via scroll, carried by a messenger hawk. The scroll successfully reached Tsunade's hands.
Knock knock knock!
Before Tsunade could even open the scroll, she was interrupted by knocking.
So, she set the scroll down and called out:
"Come in."
The door opened. Glancing at the person entering the office, Tsunade couldn't help but frown.
Because every time this person came to the Hokage's office, it meant something troublesome was about to happen.
The visitor was the Third Hokage.
The Third Hokage was retired, living a life of leisure. He was the type who wouldn't visit the Hokage's office without a reason. He never sought Tsun out for idle chats.
But whenever he did come, it signified that something important was about to occur.
"Old man, did you need something?" Tsunade asked tentatively.
"Ahem, there is a small matter I'd like to discuss with you."
The Third Hokage coughed, took the pipe he was smoking from his mouth, closed the office door behind him, and sat in a chair not far from the desk.
Go ahead, I'm listening.
I just hope it's not something that will put me in a difficult position.
If possible, Tsunade would have preferred it if the Third Hokage only sought her out for casual chats and reminiscing when he was bored and had nothing to do.
Not this pattern of only showing up when he needed something.
Staying home to rest when nothing's happening, and only coming to the Hokage's office when something's up.
Once or twice was manageable, but after it happened multiple times, Tsunade had developed a conditioned reflex.
Seeing the Third Hokage enter the Hokage's office made her assume bad news was coming.
Knowing Tsunade disliked beating around the bush, the Third Hokage got straight to the point:
"The reason I've come to see you this time is primarily regarding the placement of some clansmen ninja."
The punishment period for the Sarutobi clan had long since ended. Tsunade had been relatively magnanimous, not continuing to target them. But expecting the Sarutobi clan to still receive excellent benefits and privileges was impossible.
The days of easily receiving numerous subsidies and having good jobs handed to them were gone forever.
Tsunade would not grant the Sarutobi clan any additional favors. The problem was, the Sarutobi clan had expanded too rapidly, and the number of ninja far exceeded what the clan itself could support.
Without those high welfare subsidies and privileges,
the livelihoods of so many clan ninja would gradually become problematic.
To solve these issues, the Third Hokage had practically worried himself sick.
Although the few clans that had followed the Sarutobi's lead weren't doing particularly well either,
their numbers weren't as vast as the Sarutobi clan's. The Sarutobi clan alone could practically form a small ninja army.
Which was somewhat alarming.
He came to seek benefits for his clan's ninja?
Understanding the Third Hokage's purpose, Tsunade offered no promises or commitments:
"Old man, tell me what you have in mind first. If it's something I can arrange, I'll do my best to resolve it. If it's beyond my capabilities, then I can only apologize."
Konoha had too many ninja. It was impossible to funnel all the best opportunities to the Sarutobi clan.
Even if they were being very obedient now.
But you have too many ninja; the village can't take care of all of them.
The esteemed, retired Third Hokage, living in retirement, coming to Tsunade to discuss the survival issues of his clan's ninja—this wasn't the first time.
After it happened multiple times, even the Third Hokage's thick skin felt the strain.
But he had to come.
For such a large clan, he, their stabilizing pillar, needed to stabilize the clan as much as possible, ensure its continued operation, and constantly strengthen its foundation.
Previously, the Third Hokage's development strategy for the Sarutobi clan was to continuously increase the clan's population. A larger population meant a larger base for potential ninja.
Those with talent were diligently trained, striving to cultivate more ninja for the clan.
The result of this approach was that the clan had almost no substantial foundation to speak of; they had focused solely on expanding their military scale.
A classic case of prioritizing military might over civilian welfare.
When no problems arose, it was fine. But once problems occurred, there was no leeway to rob Peter to pay Paul.
"I've heard that there are some vacant teaching positions at the cram school…"
Some teachers had started becoming greedy, reaching for things they shouldn't touch.
So, after a review, Kazuki had fired a group of teachers.
He just hadn't had time to refill the positions before leaving for Iwagakure.
Thus, the Third Hokage had his eye on these lucrative jobs.
"...."
'Whenever you show up, it's never good news!'
Tsunade openly rolled her eyes right in front of the Third Hokage, not hesitating to display her inner frustration.
She wanted to make it explicitly clear to the Third Hokage that his proposal was both infuriating and placed her in a difficult position.
"Old man, I recall you previously opposed the expansion of the cram schools. You said their existence would interfere with the Ninja Academy's teaching and affect the fairness of the children's education."
You were the one who opposed it before. Now, seeing there are vacant positions—lucrative ones at that—you come running to me wanting to insert your people.
"Ahem, my previous views on the cram schools were somewhat lacking in consideration. I was worried their existence would affect the Ninja Academy's instruction."
Words once spoken are like water spilled. Thinking back on it now, it's rather embarrassing.
Even with his thick skin, the Third Hokage's old face couldn't help but redden slightly from the shame.
'Heh~~ I never thought you, old man, would also have to lower your proud head for the sake of your clan's development?'
Tsunade really didn't know what to say.
"Old man, let me be frank with you. Matters concerning the cram school have always been handled by Kazuki. While I have the authority to appoint teachers, I cannot do so."
"Tsunade, I…" The Third Hokage began urgently, his clan was waiting for his reply.
If he swallowed his pride and came forward only to return empty-handed, it would be even more humiliating.
Not only humiliating, but he also wouldn't be able to explain it to his clansmen.
Tsunade had no desire to listen to the Third Hokage's pleas. She directly cut him off, stating bluntly:
"I cannot make appointments directly. Doing so would show a lack of trust and respect for Kazuki. This matter can only be handled after Kazuki returns. However, I can help put names forward for consideration. As long as the Sarutobi clan has suitable candidates, I can guarantee they will not be discriminated against and can compete for the positions alongside everyone else. That is the furthest I can compromise."
Directly inserting people?
Impossible. She couldn't do that.
*****
T/N: Please check the new fic;)