Naruto: Reborn with the Tenseigan

"From now on, unless there is a perfect opportunity, do not bring up releasing Danzo again. Every time you mention it, you provoke Tsunade. Also, if you need to negotiate something, don't bother with the Fatty or Tsunade."

Finally, the Third Hokage gave a warning to his two companions.

Stop being foolish, or it'll be hard for everyone.

"Why?"

Tsunade had control, and Torifu Akimichi held a position as the Hokage's advisor. If not them, then who should they go to?

The Third Hokage's face grew complicated.

"Official business goes on as usual. For personal matters, go to Takashi!"

Soon after, a simple meeting was held in the Hokage's office.

Given Tsunade's capabilities, the Third Hokage suggested that the ANBU be handed over to her management. With control of the ANBU, Tsunade also handed over the other departments within the medical system—except for the Pharmaceutical Division—to Koharu Utatane.

When the Third Hokage announced this decision, everyone in the meeting room was stunned.

The importance of the Pharmaceutical Division was self-evident. Even if other departments flourished, one squeeze from the Pharmaceutical Division could bring everything to a halt.

The ANBU was even more significant. It was the Hokage's direct unit—answering only to the Hokage—and now Tsunade had full control over it.

Hisssss

In the future, Tsunade's power and influence within the village would only grow.

Amidst the group, Torifu Akimichi was the only one who appeared unperturbed. Not only was he not surprised, he actually seemed a little relieved.

He was relieved that the ANBU was officially handed over to Tsunade, rather than him taking it publicly while Tsunade held control behind the scenes.

If that had happened, Torifu would still have felt like a figurehead.

Now, the ANBU was directly under Tsunade's command, and Torifu could continue as the figurehead Hokage's advisor. Essentially, he had a cushy position with little responsibility—it was perfect.

It didn't take long for the news of the village's changing power dynamics to reach Takashi.

Learning that even the Hokage Guard Unit was handed over, Takashi couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Money really is a magical thing. Even a Hokage has to worry about it. The Third Hokage must have been terrified that Tsunade would ask him for money.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have handed over the ANBU so easily, nor given up control of the Guard Unit, entrusting everything to Tsunade.

"Something funny happen?"

Orochimaru arrived with another batch of puppets. He set two scrolls on the table and casually poured himself a cup of water.

"Heh, something interesting happened in the village," Takashi smiled, passing the intelligence scroll to Orochimaru and taking the two sealing scrolls to put them away.

Not bad, not bad. With this batch, I now have over 1,500 puppets.

If I unleash all these puppets, the scene will be absolutely breathtaking.

Orochimaru really is a solid collaborator.

"Well, well." Orochimaru raised his eyebrows as he scanned the scroll. "The old man actually gave Tsunade control over the entire ANBU?"

He continued reading.

When he got to the part where Tsunade said that the Third Hokage was afraid of her asking for money, Orochimaru's expression grew quite amusing. After holding it in for a while, he finally couldn't contain his laughter.

"Hahaha, that's rich."

"Yeah, quite entertaining," Takashi nodded, smiling. "With the war, money is needed everywhere, and the village's finances are probably strained. If Tsunade asks for funds, our dear Hokage will surely panic."

If it had been anyone else, the Third Hokage would have told them to get lost. But it was different with Tsunade—her request for money was legitimate.

How much has the village earned from my medicines and potions? You all know the answer. Before, I didn't care. But now that I want my share, you have to give it to me.

No one would think Tsunade was being unreasonable about this. If anything, the one in the wrong was the Third Hokage.

After laughing for a while, Orochimaru set the scroll aside and said to Takashi, "Takashi, I think our collaboration might be coming to an end. The frontlines in the Rain Country are unstable, and the old man wants me to join the battlefield and lead the village forces there."

Orochimaru was indeed a capable battlefield commander. However, his current status had not yet earned the full approval of the village's higher-ups, so he was only being deployed to lead small-scale operations. The broader direction of the campaign was still under the control of Nara Shikashin, the seasoned veteran.

"Alright."

Takashi didn't insist. After all, with an official village assignment, Orochimaru couldn't stay in the medical camp as a small-time assistant, hanging around the morgue making puppets.

With over a thousand puppets in hand, Takashi had enough for now.

Worst case, I'll make them myself later. No rush.

Since he wasn't required to risk his life on the battlefield—unless things reached the brink of defeat—Takashi wouldn't join the battle.

Guaranteeing the victory in the Rain Country frontlines—that was the promise Takashi made to Tsunade.

---

With more reinforcements arriving, the camp became busier than before, and, naturally, more chaotic.

To keep the camp running smoothly, Nara Shikashin was losing even more hair.

"Are you all here to take advantage of me?"

Takashi glared at the three men devouring food in front of him, feeling an overwhelming urge to kick them out.

To strengthen his relationship with Takashi, Shikashin had given him some extra privileges, including some special meal rations. But as soon as the food was ready, in walked these three bandits.

Orochimaru calmly smiled, eating his food with poise, while Jiraiya awkwardly mumbled an apology through mouthfuls of food, eating faster than anyone else. Only Hatake Sakumo looked a little uncomfortable—after all, he and Takashi weren't close.

To cope with the increasing intensity of the war, Nara Shikashin had made several strategic arrangements.

The most significant change was the creation of an elite vanguard.

This team, led by Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Hatake Sakumo, consisted of several elite ninjas, and would serve as the main force on the battlefield.

Their role was to intercept and take on the strongest enemies from various forces.

In the original story, Konoha had assembled a similar team, but it was led by Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru.

Now that Tsunade remained in the village, Hatake Sakumo took her place.

Sakumo also served as the captain of the team. Older than Orochimaru and Jiraiya, and no weaker than the two, his appointment as captain went unchallenged. Orochimaru and Jiraiya both knew their place and held no grudge against Sakumo.

With a disdainful look at Jiraiya, Orochimaru wasted no time throwing him under the bus.

"We're headed to the battlefield tomorrow, so Jiraiya suggested coming over for dinner. Since you were cooking, we thought it was a good time."

Cough, cough!

Jiraiya, who was eating meat in big mouthfuls, almost choked to death.