"The Fire Daimyō's funding for the village has been decreasing over the past few months."
Danzō spoke in a low voice, explaining the recent actions of the Fire Daimyō.
If not for the drastic reduction in funds, the village wouldn't have found itself in such a difficult situation.
Not knowing how to solve it, he had come here to seek out Tobirama-sensei.
Who could have expected that after just a few words, Renya would slap a corruption charge right onto their heads?
"The Fire Daimyō?" Renya narrowed his eyes, his tone turning unfriendly.
Did the Fire Daimyō forget the miserable fate of his counterpart from the Land of Lightning?
And yet, he still dares to cut Konoha's funding...
As for the funding matter, Senju Tobirama had already established the relevant agreement with the Daimyō back when Konoha was first founded.
The Daimyō would provide financial support for Konoha's development, and Konoha would, in turn, protect the safety of the Land of Fire.
But now that the war was over, the Daimyō had forgotten his promise.
It seems he's eager to share the same fate as the Daimyō of the Land of Lightning...
After all, the very person who advised the Raikage back then is sitting right here.
Perhaps the Daimyō has grown too old and blind to see the current situation clearly.
Maybe it's time to replace him with a new one.
"What do you plan to do?" Renya asked softly.
"I don't know, that's why I came to seek Tobirama-sensei's guidance," Danzō replied.
He had been considering visiting the Daimyō's mansion personally to negotiate for more funding for the village.
But before that, he wanted to hear Tobirama-sensei's opinion first...
Having just taken up the title of Hokage, there were naturally many matters for which he had to consult his teacher.
"Then wait a while. The old man will be back soon." Renya leaned back in his chair and continued basking in the sun.
Since that old Tobirama was around, there was no need for him to worry about this matter.
If worst came to worst, they could just replace the Daimyō with someone more obedient.
A rich man without power — to shinobi, that's just a lamb waiting to be slaughtered.
"Renya, do you know where Tobirama-sensei went?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked curiously.
The teacher's retired already, so what's he running around for?
Of course, he didn't dare say that aloud, so he asked in a more indirect way.
Everyone turned to look at Renya, waiting for his answer.
Perhaps Tobirama-sensei was secretly researching a powerful new jutsu!
The group's wild speculations were shattered the moment they heard Renya's next words.
"He went to buy groceries."
"Buy... groceries?!" Koharu Utatane's expression was filled with disbelief.
Renya actually sent Tobirama-sensei to buy groceries.
That was far too disrespectful!
The worst part was that Tobirama-sensei actually went!
"Hehe, you and sensei sure are close," Uchiha Kagami said with a small smile.
Everyone unconsciously nodded in agreement. Kagami was right. Their relationship was way too close!
Clearly, they had no idea what life in Renya's household was really like. Otherwise, they wouldn't have looked so shocked.
"It's just groceries," Renya said with a shrug. "What's with those looks?"
At home, that old man not only did the grocery shopping — after meals, he also washed the dishes.
Oh, right. Cleaning the house was also his responsibility now.
Considering how much Renya had benefited from Tobirama's milk and experiments, letting him handle a few chores was already quite merciful.
Everyone fell silent.
Sure, he put it that way, but wasn't it still wrong to make someone like Tobirama-sensei do the grocery shopping?
They could already picture the scene of their teacher haggling with vegetable sellers at the market.
A scene too terrifying to imagine in detail.
Then again, maybe Tobirama-sensei never haggled at all.
After all, Renya was practically swimming in money.
The world of the rich was beyond their comprehension...
"You're all here?"
Senju Tobirama entered the courtyard, carrying bags of groceries. Upon seeing his students, a look of mild surprise appeared on his face.
His disciples rarely came by, usually only paying visits during holidays.
"Tobirama-sensei," everyone greeted hurriedly.
"Hm." Tobirama nodded slightly. "Wait here a moment, I'll put these away in the kitchen."
Under their stunned gazes, he carried the groceries into the kitchen.
"He... he really did go buy groceries," Koharu muttered softly.
The rest were struck speechless.
Even though they'd already braced themselves mentally, actually seeing it still felt surreal.
"What brings you all here?"
Soon after, Tobirama returned from the kitchen and stepped into the courtyard.
He had already guessed that the group wasn't here for the sunbathing Renya, but for him.
"Tobirama-sensei, the Fire Daimyō's funding for the village keeps decreasing," Danzō explained, laying out the entire situation.
Tobirama's expression didn't change in the slightest, as if he had anticipated it.
"The Daimyō began cutting Konoha's funding a few years ago. I didn't expect it to become even worse now."
"Tobirama-sensei, should we go to the Daimyō's mansion to discuss it?" Danzō asked earnestly.
In his view, only convincing the Daimyō directly could solve this issue once and for all.
The money Renya had given them wasn't nearly enough to cover Konoha's daily expenses. If things kept going like this, the village would go bankrupt sooner or later!
If Konoha became the first bankrupt shinobi village...
That would be quite the spectacle.
And as Hokage, the blame would fall squarely on him.
"You're the Hokage. Handle it as you see fit."
Tobirama offered no specific advice — just that single sentence.
Since Danzō now held the Hokage title, it was his responsibility to deal with such matters.
Tobirama wasn't the kind of man who clung to power.
...
Danzō needed to hone himself if he wanted to become a truly capable Hokage.
Renya tilted his head, surprised that Tobirama actually told Danzō to handle it himself.
So the old man really wanted Danzō to learn to stand on his own, huh?
"I understand, Tobirama-sensei," Danzō said solemnly.
He understood the deeper meaning behind his teacher's words — from now on, he shouldn't bother Tobirama about such things.
He was the Hokage now!
"Good. Then you may go." Tobirama nodded in satisfaction.
It was nearly lunchtime — if they didn't leave soon, he'd have to feed them as guests.
Sensing the hint, Danzō and the others took their leave.
"By the way..."
Just as he reached the gate, Danzō suddenly stopped and turned toward the man still lounging in the sun.
"Renya, you're coming with me tomorrow to meet the Daimyō."
"Me?" Renya blinked and pointed at himself.
"That's right. Be at the office tomorrow morning," Danzō said before departing, not giving him any chance to refuse.
"You've got to be kidding me..." Renya sighed helplessly. "I just got back..."
He had finally enjoyed a few years of rest, and now he was being sent out again like a workhorse.
Tobirama watched Danzō's departing back, a look of approval flickering in his eyes.
Danzō knew he couldn't handle this alone — but by bringing Renya along, the odds shifted.
He'd already learned how to use people effectively.
Hearing Renya's grumbling, Tobirama's mouth twitched slightly.
He'd been off playing for months, and yet he was complaining as if he'd been to war.
"Alright, kid, I'm hungry."
Renya shot him a glare, tossed his sunglasses aside, and went into the kitchen.
Seeing him go, Tobirama picked up the sunglasses and put them on, reclining back into the chair.
—Basking in the sunlight.
Now this was the life of retirement.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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