The Hokage frowned. Why would you hesitate in front of the elders?
It's just a weapon, and nothing particularly secretive. So why the reluctance?
Homura, still sipping tea, glanced at the blacksmith but didn't give it much thought.
"What's the matter, blacksmith? Is there something you can't say in front of me and Homura?" Koharu asked, clearly irritated.
The blacksmith gave a strained smile. "Lord Hokage, the mold for the chakra weapon is ready, but we're short on materials to begin forging it."
Chakra weapon?
Koharu and Homura felt their stomachs drop.
Was Hiruzen making a chakra weapon?
This is bad!
Both elders stood up in shock, Homura's teacup tipping over on the table, spilling tea everywhere.
What's going on with you two?
Are you hiding something from me?
Sensing something amiss, the Third Hokage cut them off before they could respond. His tone darkened.
"Why are we out of materials? It's just one chakra weapon-it shouldn't need that much chakra metal."
It's over.
The Third Hokage was clearly suspicious, and he wasn't giving them a chance to speak.
Koharu glanced secretly at Homura, who sighed and shook his head at her.
The message was clear-there was no point in hiding this. Trying to cover it up would only lead to bigger problems.
"I sent my subordinates to the logistics department to retrieve the chakra metal, but they told me the village's supply of chakra metal is running low and can't be used for weapon crafting."
"How is that possible?!"
The Third Hokage couldn't sit still. He distinctly remembered the village having a significant reserve of chakra metal, all of it purchased at great expense from external sources.
Crafting a single weapon would only require a small portion of that supply.
Not everyone was like Tobirama Senju, who had the luxury of using chakra metal to forge something like the Thunder God Sword, which Tsunade eventually gave to Xin.
So the question remained-what happened to all the chakra metal from the logistics department?
The Third Hokage shot a deep look at the two elders, who remained silent. He already had a strong suspicion of where the issue lay. Forcing an awkward smile, he turned to the blacksmith.
"You can go rest for now. I'll send over the chakra metal. Just be ready to start forging."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
The blacksmith obediently left the office.
As soon as he was gone, the forced smile on the Third Hokage's face vanished, replaced by a dark, thunderous expression.
"Koharu, Homura... is there something you'd like to explain to me?"