Naruto: Tenseigan Eye

Mistakes and tarnished reputations can't be avoided by hiding. They must be addressed with actions and contributions. While the Third Hokage acknowledged his errors, he also believed he could still serve the village and improve its situation.

Even if his past failures couldn't be entirely erased, his actions on the battlefield could help rebuild his reputation and that of his clan. At the very least, he wouldn't remain a figure of public scorn.

"The battlefield is the perfect place for atonement," the Third Hokage said to himself.

"I'll go too!" Koharu Utatane declared. "You're right. Instead of staying in the village and enduring whispers, it's better to contribute on the battlefield. Don't worry, I won't cause trouble—I'll focus solely on the medical department."

Though not the most skilled medic, Koharu's experience and administrative abilities could still contribute to the war effort. At her core, she remained a medical ninja with the capacity to help.

The next day, as the Third Hokage's team prepared to leave, Shinki noticed Koharu among them.

"This old woman wants to go to the battlefield?" Shinki remarked with a smirk. "Well, she's not entirely foolish. At least she knows to contribute to the village and salvage some dignity."

He didn't object. Letting Koharu see firsthand the horrors of Iwagakure's forces might temper her actions and perspectives.

With Shimura Danzo dead, the remaining members of the so-called "F4"—the Third Hokage, Mitokado Hamura, and Koharu Utatane—would now regroup on the battlefield. Their strength and experience, despite age-related declines, could still provide value in the war.

Standing nearby, Nara Shikashin remained quiet, observing Shinki's commentary. He pretended not to hear anything, brushing off the remarks as if his ears had failed him.

"Senior, do you think the current leadership of these families can be properly reined in?" Shinki asked.

"Difficult!" Shikashin replied, rubbing his temples. Dark circles under his eyes betrayed his exhaustion. "Unless Tsunade-sama decides not to make the Ministry of Finance's expenditure public, allowing some room to negotiate... otherwise, it'll be a tough battle."

Shikashin hadn't rested well. The previous Hokage had handed over the financial records, and Shikashin had spent the entire night reviewing them. What he uncovered was staggering.

The misappropriation of funds under the Third Hokage was extensive. More than half of the wealth inherited from Senju Tobirama and Konoha's economic income in recent years had been funneled to a select few families. As a result, medium-sized clans had grown disproportionately powerful, surpassing even prominent families like the Uchiha.

The Sarutobi clan, for instance, now boasted thousands of shinobi—a staggering number. While quantity didn't equal quality, the sheer scale was concerning. Most of these shinobi were only mediocre or entry-level, but the disparity remained striking.

"Take it step by step," Shinki said, shaking his head. "Tsunade will definitely be livid when she sees the Ministry of Finance's records. Senior, assign a few people to monitor the medical department for now. Let Tsunade handle the rest when she's back. As for the Hokage's office, that's on you."

"You're throwing it at me again!" Shikashin groaned. He had heard this before—when Shinki handed off responsibilities for the ANBU, it came with the same casual suggestion. "No! I've barely slept, and my brain is fried from numbers. I need rest, or I'll collapse!"

Shikashin's tone was firm. He already had his hands full leading the jonin corps, and the war had only increased his workload. Adding the Hokage's duties would push him over the edge.

Shinki sighed, disappointed. "It's a shame. You were so cooperative before."

Shikashin didn't bite. He had learned from past experiences not to take on additional burdens.

With no one eager to step up, Shinki decided to let the Hokage's office handle itself for now. The unfinished work piling up on the desk could wait for Tsunade's return.

What's the point of being Hokage anyway? Shinki thought, amused. It's a thankless job—no time to eat, no time to sleep. Let someone else take the title if they want it.

However, Shinki realized the importance of grooming a successor. Knowing Tsunade's personality, he feared she might grow frustrated and abandon the position if pushed too far.

But who could be the successor? Nawaki or Minato?

Nawaki had matured significantly, no longer the reckless youth he once was. While he was capable, his potential seemed limited compared to others.

Minato, on the other hand, was promising.

Shinki's musings were interrupted when Orochimaru returned to the village, having been delayed by his research.

"Perfect timing!" Shinki said as he spotted him. "Don't speak. Just follow me. I have a difficult task waiting for you."

"???" Orochimaru blinked, unsure of what he had just walked into.

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[Naruto: Maelstrom Of the Uzumaki]