"Speaking of which, I haven't asked you if there's anything you've realized after taking this opportunity to relax?"
Tsunade asked with interest.
She has always held high hopes for the young people in the village.
For instance, those with bright minds like Nara Shikaku.
When Minato took the stage, he was the most eager young person wanting to make a significant impact.
But after Minato's sacrifice, he quieted down and his personality became more lazy and disconnected. Recently, there have been rumors about him being reinstated by the higher-ups of Konoha.
Young ninjas like Asuma, who are exceptional, have always been valued by Tsunade.
The future of Konoha ultimately rests on the shoulders of people like Asuma.
"As for realizations, I only felt something different when I was in the Land of Demons at first. In other countries, it seemed like there wasn't much of a difference."
Asuma thought for a moment and confirmed.
Of course, the differences mentioned here are not the so-called cultural or seasonal landscape differences but rather differences on the level of national consciousness and the improvement systems targeted at the grassroots, which vary greatly.
This sparked a lot of thoughts for Asuma.
"Is that so? Indeed, people like you with rebellious thinking are more likely to sense these things."
Tsunade wasn't surprised.
Asuma having such thoughts didn't surprise Tsunade.
As a descendant of the Will of Fire, questioning the legitimacy of the Hokage's existence is inherently a rebellious thought.
This kind of thinking is also why Asuma had ideological differences with his father, Hiruzen, resulting in rebellious behavior during his youth.
"So, Tsunade-sama, have you felt those differences in that country too?"
Asuma asked.
"When I first went there about seven or eight years ago, I just found the reforms in the Land of Demons interesting and worth learning from. When I went again a few months ago, even more changes had occurred, so I conducted a little investigation."
Tsunade had no reason to hide, so she laid it all out for Asuma.
Asuma nodded, a few months ago was during the war between the Land of Demons and the Land of Wind. Konoha's elite team suffered heavy losses and Sannin Jiraiya was captured. At that time, Tsunade must have gone to the Land of Demons to negotiate.
Seeing Asuma pondering over these issues, Tsunade smiled and said, "These are for your reference."
"?"
Asuma looked at the stack of intelligence documents Tsunade pushed over.
"What is this?"
"This is some information I've recently gathered traveling through various countries, including the Land of Demons and other countries. Consider it my personal insights. I also plan to write these up briefly and submit them to Teacher Sarutobi for consideration."
Tsunade said with a smile.
"Although I'm not sure what Tsunade-sama is planning, my father... might not easily approve."
Being close to his father, Asuma knew well Hiruzen Sarutobi's stubbornness in certain areas and his steadfast stance on the Will of Fire.
In Asuma's view, it's an old-school thought, inflexible, not adapting to the times.
Besides the medical reform proposed by Tsunade during the Second Great Ninja War, there have been no policy improvements within Konoha. They have strictly adhered to the framework established by the Second Hokage.
Whether good or bad, everything is executed without exception.
Leading to overlapping duties and inefficiencies in some departments.
For instance, the overlapping functions between the Uchiha Security Team and the Anbu over the past two or three decades, the growth of Root under the Anbu's protection, resulting in a threat to the Anbu's authority.
Having grown up in the Hokage family, Asuma has become aware of many things.
Additionally, he believes that the leadership structure of one country, one village inherently presents serious fragmentation issues.
The opposition between the Daimyo and Hokage's powers.
Compared to the Daimyo who governs the entire Land of Fire, the Hokage governs only a small piece of the iceberg within the Land of Fire.
This inspired Asuma's skepticism about the Hokage's position; supporting the highest ruling power of the Daimyo could truly strengthen the Land of Fire.
Sadly, such unconventional thoughts were not embraced in Konoha Village. Instead, because of his identity as the Son of the Hokage, he was often looked upon with scrutiny, which led to quarrels with his father.
"Do your best and let fate decide."
Tsunade seemed to be slightly concerned and concluded with this phrase.
"Thank you. I hurriedly left the Land of Demons last time and didn't get to experience much. I will treat Tsunade-sama's insights seriously."
Asuma responded solemnly.
"No need to be so formal. It's enough if it can help you."
Tsunade also had her own intentions.
If she could bring Asuma, the Son of the Hokage, over to her side, maybe future plans could be feasible.
Because of Asuma's identity, he naturally carries different influence in this village of Konoha.
Her teacher Hiruzen Sarutobi is ultimately aging. If Konoha needs changes in the future, young people like Asuma would be an absolute force for innovation.
After chatting for a while, Asuma stood up to take his leave.
"Being the Hokage seems like it would be really tough."
Shizune watched Asuma's departing back and suddenly expressed a sentiment.
"Why do you say that?"
Tsunade asked curiously.
"Because it's necessary to handle both public and personal affairs perfectly to better lead the village and become a model. But if disagreements arise with family in terms of ideas, it can undoubtedly be a headache for the Hokage."
Shizune said.
"That's true, but all we can do is learn from our predecessors' experiences, not completely replicate their methods. In this regard, the Land of Fire and Konoha are already starting to fall behind. It's unknown how many people within Konoha can see this point."
Tsunade looked worried.
Even if some have spotted these issues, how many are willing to make changes? Are the upper ranks willing to extend their interests from their own hands to mid-level and grassroots levels? This remains unknown.
Cutting off someone's financial resources is akin to killing their parents.
"Tsunade-sama, are we going back to Konoha for the New Year this time?"
Shizune looked expectantly at Tsunade.
Tsunade glanced at Shizune and asked, "How much money do we have left?"
"It's all spent and we're in considerable debt."
Shizune said helplessly.
Although the Raikage-sama bore most of the burden, Tsunade's gambling skills were so 'terrifying' that they remain in debt.
"It seems we're already at the end of our resources."
Tsunade shook her head.
"Yes."
Shizune nodded in affirmation.
"Then let's spend this year's New Year at Shikkotsu Forest and enjoy some free meals. I have some medical ninjutsu matters to discuss with Katsuyu."
"Katsuyu-sama?"
Shizune nodded. Although she felt a bit regretful about not being able to return to Konoha for the New Year, spending it in Shikkotsu Forest doesn't seem like a bad thing.
Katsuyu's expertise in medical ninjutsu always benefits her tremendously, bringing unparalleled joy as a medical ninja.