Konoha, BBQ Restaurant.
The burly Akimichi Chōza led the group to their seats. After ordering a massive amount of food, he said cheerfully, "Everyone, eat to your heart's content—my treat today!"
Yamanaka Inoichi shot him a sideways glance, clearly unimpressed.
'This is your family's restaurant, and out of everyone here, you'll be eating the most. Of course, you're paying.'
Even with such thoughts, no one present really cared about the cost of a barbecue. After all, they were all clan leaders—people of ans and status.
As the charcoal began to burn and the at was served, the staff wisely retreated, leaving the big shots to talk in peace.
"Shikaku, tell us—what exactly do you think Tsunade-sama ant by what she said today?" asked Inuzuka Tsu.
Seated at the table, besides the traditional Ino–Shika–Chō trio, was also Hyūga Hiashi, head of what was now considered the most powerful clan in Konoha. As long as the Hyūga didn't make any missteps, they were bound to benefit from any future reforms.
Nara Shikaku gave a wry smile. "Tsu, talking about Tsunade-sama like this out in the open... isn't that a bit inappropriate?"
Tsu chuckled with a mocking tone. "So you're looking down on now, huh? Fine, I'm leaving!"
She stood as if to go, but Shikaku quickly reached out to stop him.
"Wait, my bad, my bad!"
Though the Inuzuka Clan wasn't as powerful as the combined Ino-Shika-Chō alliance, they had built extensive connections through breeding and selling ninken. Many nobles adored intelligent dogs, so even treating them like their own children.
Shikaku, being the shrewd man he was, saw through this clearly.
The Inuzuka might seem low-profile, but they were everywhere. In so ways, they were even more well-liked than the Nara clan. The Nara were now known as the 'brains of the shinobi world'—a reputation that, while flattering, also painted a target on their backs.
The Inuzuka clan, on the other hand, kept quiet, made money, and earned a good reputation.
Now that was impressive.
"Tsunade-sama's words today... I think they reflect her true thoughts. You all saw the stack of paperwork on the Hokage's desk, didn't you?" Shikaku asked.
Everyone here was at least a jōnin—so even elite jōnin—so their observational skills needed no praise.
At Shikaku's question, they all nodded, but said nothing.
Seeing this, Shikaku sighed internally.
'Damn schers. You all already know, yet you're making say it.'
They were all seasoned veterans—none of them were fools when it ca to strategy.
With that thought, Shikaku continued, "We all know Tsunade-sama's personality. Right now, a large portion of those docunts could've been handled by the respective departnts themselves, couldn't they?"
The group exchanged glances, smiling faintly.
Sure, according to Hokage protocol, the Hokage was responsible for everything. But the previous Third Hokage had Mitokado Homura and Koharu Utatane assisting him, and many departnts also handled things on their own. So the Third wasn't nearly as overburdened.
Now that Tsunade had just taken office, she hadn't yet established her own system. To avoid mistakes, the departnts had dumped everything onto her desk—partly out of convenience, partly as a power play.
They were following protocol, so no one could fault them.
"I believe Tsunade-sama has noticed the inefficiencies in Konoha's current system. She likely wants to delegate authority to reduce the Hokage's workload." Shikaku speculated.
'Just as I thought!'
Comparing Shikaku's words with their own deductions, the group's eyes glead with ambition.
Power was sothing no one dared touch as long as it remained solely in the Hokage's hands. But if Tsunade was willing to share it... that presented an opportunity.
As clan heads, even if they personally didn't crave power, they had to consider their clans' interests.
They had to compete.
"Co on, the at's ready! Dig in, don't hold back!"
Akimichi Chōza cheerfully served everyone a single piece of at before dumping the rest onto his own plate, devouring it ravenously.
Looking at the pitiful scrap on their plates, Hyūga Hiashi and Inuzuka Tsu didn't look too pleased.
'Was this how they treated guests?'
But when they saw that Nara Shikaku and Yamanaka Inoichi also had the sa ager servings, their mood improved a little.
After all, it wasn't the lack that bothered people—it was the inequality.
"That's the situation. Konoha's administrative structure is already well-established. Tsunade-sama will probably delegate so authority to departnt heads. As for the specifics... that depends on her decisions." Shikaku concluded.
With that, he turned his attention to the grilled at, clearly done with talking.
"Thanks for the insight, Shikaku. I've got matters to attend to at ho, so I'll take my leave." Inuzuka Tsu stood up to leave.
Hyūga Hiashi thought for a mont, then also stood up. With a polite word of parting, he left alongside Tsu.
After walking a short while, Hiashi spoke up. "Shikaku's a sly one. I don't think he told us everything he knows."
Tsu nodded. "Of course. If it were us, we wouldn't spill everything either."
Sharing valuable information only to create more competitors? Only an idiot would do that.
"At this point, we need to know exactly what Tsunade-sama is planning. There's an old saying that really applies here."
"I'm listening."
As the Inuzuka Clan head, Tsu had no conflict of interest with the Hyūga. In fact, both clans specialized in tracking and reconnaissance, giving them an odd sort of camaraderie.
"So things are yours only if given. What is withheld, you cannot seize."
Tsu paused, then laughed.
That made perfect sense.
To soone in power, authority is everything. Even Tsunade, who didn't care much for politics, wouldn't tolerate anyone coveting her power.
Like Hiashi said—if she gives you power, then it's yours. But if she doesn't, don't even think about reaching for it.
Hiashi's philosophy might not lead to clan expansion, but it ensured stability and longevity.
'A wise man, indeed.'
Tsu glanced at Hiashi's solemn expression, feeling a surge of admiration.
Here was a man who had led the Hyūga through turbulent tis with calm precision. He might not seem flashy or powerful, but in his own quiet way, he had more than proven himself. Even the elders of the Hyūga clan no longer dared to ddle in his affairs.
With great clans ca great problems.
Tsu was already struggling to manage the Inuzuka clan. Yet Hiashi seed to handle the Hyūga with ease. A man like that was no pushover, no matter how others saw him.
"Clan Head Hiashi, are you heading ho now or...?"
The road Hiashi was taking didn't lead toward the Hyūga compound.
"To Training Ground 10."
"That place...?" Tsu was about to ask why, but then it clicked—wasn't that where Danzo took root?
eting her gaze, Hiashi coughed awkwardly. "I've got so stomach discomfort. There's a restroom there, so I'll make a quick stop."
"Ah, sa here! I haven't gone since yesterday. Since it's a new facility, might as well check it out."
And contribute so nutrients to "Danzo-sama" while we're at it.
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Read 40 advanced Chapters on my P@treon.
/KakuzuTL
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