Naruto: Saving the Uchiha

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Taking over a mess full of loopholes and barely having anyone trustworthy around her, Tsunade was extremely frustrated by it all.

What made it worse was that while she worked herself to exhaustion, Jiraiya, ever since he'd been taunted by Kazuki, had stopped "gathering research materials." Instead, he spent his time happily visiting certain establishments, making himself scarce.

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado hadn't moved at such speed in ages. The two almost instantly rushed to the Sarutobi Clan grounds to meet with the Third Hokage.

"Hiruzen, this can't go on. If support halts, our clans will suffer tremendous losses."

As soon as they arrived, they began voicing their grievances, lamenting Tsunade's approach.

The Third Hokage's reaction was calm. Smoking his pipe, he listened quietly. He had long anticipated these developments from Tsunade. Whoever took over such a situation would likely use drastic measures to cut through the mess quickly. What must come, will come, and there's no avoiding it.

Once the two had finished complaining, finally exhausted, Hiruzen spoke softly.

"I recall advising you both to invest more in clan industries rather than pursuing unchecked development, or else something would go wrong."

Expecting things to potentially explode one day, Hiruzen had prepared in advance. The Sarutobi clan had steadily increased its investments over recent years, which, though not rivaling the older clans, at least provided some stability.

Koharu, however, immediately felt at a loss. Hiruzen had indeed warned them, but they hadn't taken it seriously. He was Hokage, and they were the Elders Council; they had assumed that even with a new Hokage, stopping these funds wouldn't be so easy. But Tsunade didn't play by those rules.

"It's no use," Hiruzen sighed. "Tsunade won't let this continue. Such an unbalanced growth pattern is bound to cause issues. As for the financial and logistics departments…"

He paused for a moment.

"Going forward, just focus on managing the Medical Corps and fostering its development. Tsunade won't go as far as to eliminate everything."

"What about the clan's shinobi?"

This wasn't the answer they wanted. The Sarutobi clan had invested heavily in industries; they had not. Once the funds dried up, what were they supposed to do with so many clan shinobi? They couldn't just clear existing positions to make room for their clan members! Tsunade wouldn't approve; she might even kick them out herself.

"Plan accordingly," Hiruzen said with a shake of his head. He could no longer lend his old friends a hand; even the Sarutobi clan was feeling the pinch. While they had increased investments, the influx of shinobi greatly exceeded their resources, making it challenging to sustain the clan.

Many now faced the reality of self-reliance. The coming days would bring considerable chaos in Konoha's mission department, as numerous clan shinobi would emerge, competing with independent shinobi for tasks and commissions. A swelling number of shinobi with limited tasks to distribute would inevitably lead to trouble, adding another headache to Tsunade's load.

"Looking for me?"

Kazuki was having an enjoyable time with Danzo when an urgent message arrived at the prison.

"Yes, the Hokage ordered your immediate presence in the office."

"Let me see Hiruzen! Bring him to me at once!"

An Anbu operative had finally appeared, much to Danzo's relief; his spirits lifted as he desperately called out.

The Anbu was briefly stunned by the sight of Danzo, looking almost unrecognizable. Gone was the imposing figure; he appeared more like a bedraggled old man, skin and bones from his lack of rest.

"Do you have other business?" Kazuki warned the Anbu operative, narrowing his eyes.

"If not, you may leave. Furthermore, refrain from engaging with high-priority inmates. Anbu have strict confidentiality protocols; please respect your duties and the Hokage's trust."

"Yes."

A chill ran through the Anbu, realizing Danzo was no longer an assistant to the Hokage and had no one to cover for him. He left without a word.

Kazuki glanced at Danzo before walking away. "Since you're still lively, let's skip your ration pills for a couple of days. And no water either; let's keep visitors away," Kazuki instructed.

"Yes, Captain."

Upon leaving the prison, Kazuki headed straight to the Hokage's office. When he entered, Tsunade was already knee-deep in her work.

"Looks like our Hokage has plenty to deal with."

"What do you think?"

Tsunade shot him a glare. I'm practically pulling my hair out, and you're cracking jokes?

Tsunade's gaze became increasingly dangerous, and Kazuki quickly changed the subject with a cough.

"By the way, where's Shizune? I haven't seen her around."

"One Kurenai isn't enough for you?" Tsunade retorted, visibly annoyed.

"..." 

It was clear the village's chaos was wearing her down, or she wouldn't be this irritable.

Kazuki decided not to push Tsunade's already frayed nerves any further, lest she unload her troubles onto him.

"So, what can I do to assist you, Lady Hokage?"

"Glad you asked. Look over this document first."

Without missing a beat, Tsunade handed him the file, even personally bringing him a chair.

Something doesn't feel right. Can you please act normally, at least as Hokage? You're making me nervous with this unexpected kindness.

With a curious look at Tsunade, Kazuki opened the file and read through it carefully.

Ah, no wonder Tsunade's in such a state! One wrong move, and Konoha would shake to its core.

Settling back in her seat, Tsunade asked, "As the village's security department, has the Uchiha noticed any issues with the clans?"

"We noticed, but we avoided them like the plague. Why would we approach them willingly?"

Kazuki replied without lifting his head, eyes still on the document.