Chapter Thirty-Two: The Timelessness of Classics

Rope Tree had missed the best window for treatment, but over the past few days since his surgery, his injuries had at least stabilized. Even if he were to recover, his body was now no longer fit to be a ninja; from here on, he could only live as an ordinary person. Because of this, Tsunade was no longer researching healing jutsu, but had instead turned her focus to regenerative techniques.

Tsunade couldn’t help but feel that Rope Tree’s misfortune was in no small part related to her. If she hadn’t given him their grandfather’s necklace, he wouldn’t have been so excited and careless as to fall into a trap. That was why Tsunade was so eager to develop regeneration jutsu—so that Rope Tree could still have a chance to become a ninja again.

“Kushina, have you run out of money again?”

Noticing Kushina fidgeting, clearly wanting to speak but hesitating, Tsunade guessed she must be here to ask for something. In this village, the only thing Kushina ever asked her for was pocket money. But wasn’t her spending a bit excessive? Even with her fondness for chocolate, hadn’t Tsunade just given her a hundred thousand ryo a few days ago?

“It’s just that I got into a little trouble today...”

Kushina hesitated for a moment but, under Tsunade’s gaze, finally confessed what had happened. As Tsunade listened, the corner of her mouth twitched—what rare plank could possibly be worth a hundred thousand ryo? A few hundred at most. And as for the so-called unusual weapon Kushina mentioned, though it sounded intriguing, it was hardly worth that much. The silly girl had obviously been tricked.

Still, from Kushina’s description, the boy in question seemed timid—startled by Kushina’s antics, it was only natural for him to react impulsively. Tsunade suddenly thought of cats: wary around strangers, prone to overreact when approached—just like Kahn. He probably took all of Kushina’s money to teach her a lesson; otherwise, her pranks would only escalate.

“Fine, consider this a lesson. But your allowance for the next two months is spent—you’ll have to be frugal from now on.”

Tsunade fished out her wallet and handed Kushina fifty thousand ryo. Though she hadn’t been taking missions lately, the hospital’s stipend was generous; nobles from across the Land of Fire often came to Konoha for treatment, and it was customary for them to tip their medical ninja handsomely. Tsunade, famed as the best in Konoha, was especially well rewarded for her medical prowess.

Had she not been occupied with healthcare reform and regeneration research, with her speed as a healer, earning money would have been effortless. Receiving the money, Kushina left in high spirits—if she could get it from Tsunade, she wouldn’t have to trouble Granny Mito.

…

During his time in Konoha, Kahn had funded the orphanage, found and invested in Nono Yakushi, restocked several shops, opened a game arcade, and was preparing a barbecue restaurant and an izakaya. Konoha’s side had also come to him for a new supply of medicine, though not as much as before. It had been over a month since the last batch, so it wasn’t surprising they were running low.

But when Sarutobi Hiruzen came to purchase the medicine, he suddenly asked, “Kahn, I heard you were planning to donate to the orphanage recently…”

“That’s right. Having traveled as a merchant for so long, I’ve witnessed too many tragedies among abandoned children. I wanted to do something, however small—just enough to keep them fed and clothed.”

Kahn sighed, putting on a perfect display of weary benevolence. Even Hiruzen, seeing his expression, couldn’t help but sigh quietly.

“This should have been Konoha’s responsibility. I’m sorry it fell to you, Kahn. As Hokage, I must admit my negligence…”

“No need to say that, Third Hokage. I’m just doing my small part—it’s nothing much.”

That answer made Hiruzen swallow his words. One hundred and fifty thousand ryo a month for three orphanages, eighteen million a year—and that was without knowing how long the support would last. If it were up to him, he’d never allocate so much from Konoha’s budget; such a sum would cover ANBU’s equipment for three months.

Afterward, Hiruzen subtly inquired about Kushina, but Kahn feigned innocence, replying that she was just an ordinary girl with some money. Kahn didn’t linger long at the Hokage’s office; most of Hiruzen’s questions concerned Kushina, which made his intentions clear.

But Kushina’s secret was known to very few in Konoha, and with Uzumaki Mito’s personal assurance that Kahn bore no ill will, plus his recent donations and business dealings, Hiruzen refrained from pressing further. After Mitokado Homura had finished the handover, he smiled and had ANBU escort Kahn out.

Once Kahn had left, a man stepped out from a side door of the Hokage’s office—it was Danzo, recently returned from the front lines.

“Danzo, you heard everything. Stop being so paranoid.”

Danzo replied coldly, “Hiruzen, caution is never a mistake. Tsunade met this man on the battlefield in the Land of Rain—no matter what, we must keep our guard up. Kushina is the next Nine-Tails jinchuriki; it’s best if he doesn’t get too close to her.”

“That’s up to Kushina. Are you planning to control her movements?” Hiruzen glanced at Danzo and continued, “Kahn doesn’t stay in Konoha long, and even when he’s here, he rarely goes out. We can hardly forbid Kushina from visiting the sweets shop. If you want to make that argument, you can take it up with Lady Mito yourself.”

Danzo fell silent at that—he wouldn’t dare say such a thing to Mito. If he tried, he’d be scolded for making a fuss over nothing. In truth, Danzo’s real motive was to have ROOT recruit Kushina as soon as possible so that, once she became the jinchuriki, she could wield the tailed beast’s power—giving Konoha strategic deterrence in the next war.

But as long as Uzumaki Mito lived, she’d never allow it—she’d never let Danzo interfere with the jinchuriki, and Danzo didn’t want to cross her.

“Hiruzen, the Sand Village didn’t use their tailed beast this time because they couldn’t gauge Konoha’s Nine-Tails. If they find out our jinchuriki can’t fight, the next war will see Konoha’s ninja facing the tailed beast hosts of other villages!”

Danzo’s words rang out forcefully—if they didn’t start training their own jinchuriki soon, it would be too late when the next war came.

“I have my own plans, Danzo. ROOT’s duty is to train personnel for ANBU and handle external missions. Stay out of this!”

Hiruzen raised his voice slightly. At this time, he was still a strong-willed leader, not the hesitant Third Hokage of decades later.

“I am the Hokage now. The matter of Kushina and Kahn—I will handle it.”

Hearing this, Danzo clenched his teeth in secret. Wasn’t it just a moment’s delay that cost him the Hokage’s seat? Tobirama-sensei, choosing Hiruzen was your greatest mistake.

“Hiruzen, you will regret this.”