The Third Hokage had just reached for his tea when his hand slipped, causing the cup to shatter on the floor, tea spilling everywhere. Some of it even splashed onto Tsunade's pants.
"The Finance Department? Absolutely not!" The Third Hokage jumped to his feet, completely taken aback.
The Finance Department was one of the most critical parts of the village and something he had personally controlled for years.
Even Koharu and Homura had eyed that position for a long time, and yet he had never relented. Controlling the village's finances was something he'd always kept close to himself.
"Sensei, is it because you think I have a gambling problem that you don't want to hand over the Finance Department to me?" Tsunade's smile faded.
"Or is it because the Senju Clan is gone, and my grandmother isn't here anymore, that you think I shouldn't hold any power within the village?"
"No, that's not what I mean,"
Third Hokage quickly tried to explain. "Tsunade, the Finance Department and the Anbu are two of the most crucial areas in the village, directly overseen by the Hokage. It's not something that can be delegated. I hope you understand."
"Then how did the Sarutobi Clan and the Shimura Clan get their development funds? And..." Tsunade didn't even get to finish before the Third Hokage interrupted her, his voice rising as he tried to convince her.
"Tsunade, I understand where you're coming from, but you have to understand me too. The Finance Department and Anbu really aren't negotiable. It's not just about development."
There was probably no one else in Konoha who could get away with saying such things out loud. Orochimaru and Jiraiya knew the truth but pretended not to. If these matters ever became public, the entire village would be thrown into chaos.
Using funds meant for training civilian ninjas to instead raise clan members? What a brilliant move. Only someone in the Hokage's position could pull off something like that.
"So, is it that it's not possible? Or is it that you're unwilling to let it go?" Tsunade pressed further.
The Third Hokage felt his head pounding. What had gotten into Tsunade? She had never cared about power before, but now she was suddenly after the Finance Department? That couldn't happen. If she took control, certain things wouldn't stay hidden for long.
"It's not possible,"
Third Hokage replied, putting on a serious face. "Tsunade, any other department is negotiable, but the Finance Department and Anbu are off-limits. It doesn't matter if you're my student or the granddaughter of the First Hokage-it's not happening."
"Fine. Then how about the Logistics Department? That's fair, right?"