Chapter 294: 294.A Perfect Match—20% for You, 80% for Me

A special thank you to all my patrons.

The List of My “Wandering Reader”:

-Cain

-Goha21

-Splendid

-Varun Madhu

-Mp Gaming

-Austin Levy

-TylerD

-Orion Chung

-Patrick Darmon

-SATIONAS

-Gonzalo Sumalavia

-Sethos

You can read 30 Chapters ahead of everyone on p@treon.

P@TREON – [email protected]/lessaservantofcosmos

(just replace the “@” with “a”)

ps: Please support me on P@treon. I can really use your help!

————————————————————-

Using the Sarutobi clan’s name to demand money—once the funds were secured, there was no way Tsunade would funnel all of it into the village’s treasury, right?

Surely, the Sarutobi clan would get a cut?

No time to waste.

Tsunade immediately sent someone to summon the Third Hokage.

On his way to the Hokage’s office, the Third Hokage’s heart remained heavy.

Though he had managed to quell the unrest within his clan, the solution was only temporary. Given time, the same problems and conflicts would inevitably resurface.

Unfortunately, the village’s finances were tight. Even if he wanted to support the Sarutobi clan, he simply lacked the means.

“Tsunade, you wanted to see me?”

Upon entering the Hokage’s office, the Third Hokage took a seat. The moment he settled in, Tsunade leaned in with a sly grin and asked:

“Old man, do you want to resolve your clan’s internal conflicts?”

“???”

Though puzzled by her question, the Third Hokage nodded honestly.

“Of course. But the village’s finances…”

“There’s a way to solve both the Sarutobi clan’s issues and ease the village’s financial strain. The catch is, it’ll cost you and your clan some dignity. Are you willing?”

“…”

Wait, so his dignity was that worthless?

Just something to be tossed aside whenever convenient?

After hearing Tsunade’s plan, the bewildered Third Hokage agreed without hesitation.

After all, dignity was important when it mattered—but when it didn’t, it wasn’t worth much.

If losing a little face could resolve the clan’s conflicts and relieve the village’s financial burden, so be it!

This was called sacrifice!

This was called nobility!

After a hushed discussion, the master and disciple reached a decision: a 20-80 split.

Once the funding from the Daimyō’s court was secured, the Sarutobi clan would take 20%, while the village treasury would keep 80%.

The next day, having successfully dumped all responsibilities onto Kazuki and fully embracing her role as a hands-off leader, Tsunade set off for the Daimyō’s resident with a carefully selected group from the Sarutobi clan to request an audience.

—

The Daimyō’s Palace.

Ever since the Third Hokage’s retirement and Danzō’s death, the Daimyō had returned to his usual leisurely lifestyle—eating, drinking, and amusing himself with a bevy of beautiful women.

Life was… grueling, in a way.

After all, with so many handpicked beauties around, the Daimyō was struggling to keep up.

“Lord Daimyō, the Fifth Hokage, Lady Tsunade, has arrived.”

For others, meeting the Daimyō required a formal request. But for Tsunade? She simply showed up.

Thus, with the Sarutobi delegation in tow, Tsunade strolled straight into the Daimyō’s palace without a single guard daring to stop her.

Had it been the Third Hokage, he would’ve been halted at the gates, forced to wait for permission.

Alerted by his advisor, the slightly intoxicated Daimyō took a moment to process the news.

“Ah, little Tsunade is here? Clear the room, then. Everyone, out!”

At his command, the scantily clad dancers and courtesans quickly dispersed.

Servants rushed in to tidy up, ensuring no trace of the earlier revelry remained—lest the guests take offense and embarrass the Daimyō.

As Tsunade entered the hall, a pungent mix of alcohol, tobacco, and… other odors assaulted her senses, making her frown.

Same old debauchery.

Her eye twitching, she couldn’t help but advise the Daimyō, who lay sprawled on his seat like a boneless sack:

“Lord Daimyō, while pleasure is important, your health needs maintenance too.”

The Daimyō immediately straightened up, adjusting his robes.

“Hahaha! Wise words, little Tsunade! I’ll rest, I’ll rest. Since you’re here, why not check my health? See if I need any… tonics?”

“…”

Must you call me ’little Tsunade’?

A vein throbbed on Tsunade’s forehead.

The Daimyō chuckled warmly, nodding like a kindly grandfather. Tsunade could only sigh in defeat.

No matter what, he’d keep using that nickname. To him, she was practically family—so the term wasn’t entirely inappropriate.

Still, she wasn’t a child anymore. Being called “little Tsunade” in front of others was… embarrassing.

“So, little Tsunade, what brings you here today?” the Daimyō asked.

Tsunade forced an awkward smile.

“There’s a small matter… but it’s a bit hard for me to say…”

Seizing the moment, she shot a glance at the Sarutobi clansmen.

Your turn.

“?”

What did she mean by ’hard to say’?

Before the Daimyō could react, the Sarutobi representatives launched into a tearful lament.

Caught off guard—and still slightly drunk—the Daimyō’s head spun as he listened.

After a while, he finally grasped the situation.

The Sarutobi clan had suffered heavy losses, but due to the village’s empty coffers, they’d only received the bare minimum in compensation and relief funds.

Now, Hiruzen Sarutobi had cast aside his pride, sending his clansmen to beg for aid.

“Hahaha… So even Hiruzen Sarutobi has come to this!”

The thought of the Third Hokage’s humiliation filled the Daimyō with glee.

Weren’t you so high and mighty, Hiruzen? Where’s that unyielding pride now? See what happens without my financial support? You’re nothing! Can’t even handle your own clan’s petty issues—pathetic!

Some ’Third Hokage’ you are. Maybe you should just stay out of clan affairs before you make things worse.

To the Daimyō, anything solvable with money was trivial.

“Enough, enough. I get it—your clan’s in dire straits, and Hiruzen’s dignity is in tatters. Fine, I’ll give you the money.”

With a grand wave, the Daimyō granted their request.

Just some coins—no big deal.

As long as Hiruzen’s ego takes a hit, I’m satisfied!

“Alright, little Tsunade, don’t look at me like that. I may be wealthy, but money doesn’t grow on trees. Don’t push your luck!”

If I’m giving the Sarutobi funds, I can’t leave you empty-handed She’s practically family, after all.

Besides, the stronger Konoha became, the safer he would be. Even the Daimyō understood that much.

This time, his generosity stemmed from two things:

1. Schadenfreude—watching Hiruzen humiliated was delicious.

2. Fear—the Akatsuki’s reputation for assassinating high-profile figures had him spooked.

What if they someday target the Daimyō of the Land of Fire?

Better to fund Konoha now, ensuring its stability. That way, if he ever needed protection, Tsunade would readily provide it.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep