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The Third Raikage, worn down and killed by sheer numbers, was the most classic negative example. Itachi didn't want such a terrible fate to befall Sasuke.
"Go invite Homura Mitokado. I have important matters to discuss with him."
After Itachi left, Shikaku immediately sent someone to fetch Homura.
He had too many tasks on his plate and couldn't personally go to the Logistics Division to mobilize supplies.
At times like this, the value of Homura, who had managed the Logistics Division for many years, became apparent.
When it came to mobilizing supplies, entrusting it to him was the right call.
As long as he didn't play any tricks, Homura's administrative abilities were quite good.
Upon receiving the message, Homura immediately rushed to the Hokage's office.
"Shikaku, is there something important you need from me?"
Lately, Shikaku had been asking him to help handle matters and share the pressure.
Over time, their relationship had grown considerably closer.
Before this, Shikaku wouldn't have dared to get close to him, let alone build a relationship.
"First, take a look at this scroll and this list."
Shikaku had no intention of repeating himself. He handed the scroll and list to Homura.
Having managed the Logistics Division for many years and consistently participated in major village affairs, Homura would surely understand Kazuki's intention at a glance.
A scroll? Sent from the border camp by Kazuki?
Homura took the scroll and read it carefully. Soon, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
"This... triple the price, calculated at current rates... isn't that a bit..."
He wanted to say "a bit frightening."
But considering the beneficiary was Konoha, from the village's perspective, it wasn't his place to say such things.
No matter how high the price, Rasa had proposed it himself. Kazuki hadn't demanded such a high price.
It was a case of one willing to sell, the other willing to buy.
"Excellent. This is a very good investment. Regardless of who wins or loses the war, Sunagakure must repay this debt at current prices. As long as this investment doesn't go bad, even if it takes many years, the village will make a huge profit."
Homura was visibly excited.
Shikaku might not have thought it through, but as someone who had managed the Logistics Division for years, Homura clearly understood what triple the current price meant.
Shikaku smiled and asked, "Elder, do you think Lord Advisor's investment could fail?"
With Kazuki, a formidable presence, holding down the village, even if you gave Rasa ten times the courage, he wouldn't dare default. Go bad?
Not a chance!
If Sunagakure couldn't produce it, then the Land of Wind would have to. In any case, this debt would be repaid one way or another.
There was no escaping it.
"Uh..."
Homura was taken aback. After a few seconds, he couldn't help but laugh.
"True. With Lord Advisor around, Rasa and Sunagakure definitely wouldn't dare default. In that case, this investment is a guaranteed profit – a huge one. Shikaku, you called me about mobilizing the supplies?"
"Yes."
Turning to serious matters, Shikaku put away his smile and said gravely.
"I'll issue you a mobilization order. Take it to the Logistics Division, gather the supplies on the list, then coordinate with the Mission Assignment Department. Issue missions as quickly as possible to have all supplies delivered to the camp."
"Understood."
Homura agreed immediately.
These tasks fell within his area of expertise. Entrusted to him, they would be handled quickly.
Having entrusted the mobilization of supplies and the arrangement of ninja teams for transport and escort to Homura, Shikaku finally felt relieved.
But when he settled down and looked at the piles of documents and scrolls on his desk, his head instantly swelled to the size of a bucket.
"Lord Advisor, when will you return... I can't hold on much longer!!!"
Homura worked efficiently. Within two days, all the supplies Sunagakure needed were gathered.
They were then handed to the ninja teams that had accepted the missions, to be transported to the border camp.
Shikaku would have to wait a long time for relief.
Suffering alongside him was Tsunade, who had run away from the village.
"Damn kid, can't you keep it down?"
Tsunade irritably pulled the pillow off her head. Ever since Naruto had been sent over, Tsunade's good days were basically over.
This kid caused too much trouble. He was out in the yard at dawn, messing around with some kind of Rasengan.
A jutsu that doesn't even require hand seals. Do you really have to do it, kid? Can't you let me sleep in peace?
"Shizune, make that kid stop." Unable to bear it, Tsunade shouted.
Hearing her shout, Shizune ran into the room and firmly refused Tsunade.
"No can do, Lady Hokage. This is Lord Advisor's order. You still need to get up later and teach Naruto."
"...."
Damn it!!
Tsunade irritably grabbed her hair.
"Enough! Who's Hokage – me or Uchiha Kazuki?"
"Why do you do what he says and torment me?"
Shizune blinked innocently and refused again.
"Lady Hokage, I can agree to anything else, but not this. You must listen to Lord Advisor."
"Argh! This is infuriating! If you hadn't secretly contacted Kazuki, none of this would have happened."
Fuming, Tsunade punched her pillow a few times, then suddenly turned around with a sly grin.
The sinister laugh gave Shizune goosebumps.
"Shizune, you just said that apart from this, you'd listen to me on everything?"
Tsunade tried to trick Shizune.
".....Yes."
Hesitating, Shizune nodded in agreement. After all, she'd said it; she couldn't change it or go back on her word.
"Good."
Tsunade smiled happily. Her drowsiness instantly vanished. She jumped up energetically, haphazardly throwing on clothes as she spoke.
"I'll go teach that kid Naruto. You give me back Kazuki's scroll. I guarantee I'll make Naruto stronger in no time."
"No!!"
Hearing this, Shizune immediately became alert. She stared at Tsunade warily and slowly backed away.
"Lady Hokage, the money in that scroll belongs to Lord Advisor. You can't use it for gambling. I can agree to anything else, but not this."
"...."
The smile vanished from Tsunade's face. Black lines appeared on her forehead.
Who's tricking who here?
Can't do this, can't do that.
Seeing Tsunade's emotions starting to slip, Shizune quickly backed away, not forgetting to shout toward the yard.
"Naruto, Lady Hokage is up! You can ask her to help you train!"
With that, Shizune ran off. As for Tsunade, she'd leave her to the relentless Naruto.
That kid had first-rate persistence.
In just a few days, he'd already gotten Tsunade's blood boiling.