Chapter 515: Tsunade’s First Big Move—A Census of Shinobi

Faced with Takuya's sarcasm, Tsunade remained unfazed, happily counting her money. However, she still grumbled:

"Cut it out. Not everyone can live like you, making money from missions and happily running a hotpot business to keep their pockets full."

"Wrong!" Takuya corrected her with mock righteousness. "What I'm most proud of is having a rich lady willing to take care of me."

Tsunade: "..."

Why does this money suddenly feel less satisfying?

Why can't someone pay to take care of me?

The thought stung.

Damn brat, always poking at my sore spots.

Shooting Takuya a fierce glare, Tsunade gave up on counting her cash, stuffing it away in frustration.

"Tomorrow, we're supposed to meet with the other villages to discuss the matter of perfect Jinchūriki. Have you thought about what you're going to say?"

All five great villages possessed tailed beasts and were keen to cultivate perfect Jinchūriki. Even Kirigakure, which was still chasing after the Three-Tails and Six-Tails, was desperate to secure the method.

Even if it meant being taken advantage of by Konoha, they couldn't afford to let this opportunity slip away.

Takuya smiled slightly, showing little concern. "I already have an idea. We might even use this to accelerate the village's recovery."

"You're thinking of selling it for money?" Tsunade perked up, her interest piqued.

Since taking over at midday, she'd been overwhelmed by how dire Konoha's finances were.

The Second Shinobi War had barely ended before the Third Shinobi War broke out. Konoha had been caught fighting Kirigakure, only to be stabbed in the back by Sunagakure. The village's resources and manpower were severely depleted.

After reviewing the treasury, Tsunade knew the truth: the village was broke.

If they could rake in a fortune through this, she was all for it.

"We're not selling anything. Don't be so fixated on money."

Takuya gave her an exasperated look. Has she fallen into a money pit?

"I'll handle this. You focus on everything else. Also, tomorrow, bring Shikashige Nara to me. I have a task for him."

"What kind of task?"

The Ino–Shika–Cho trio had always been loyal to the Hokage, working exclusively under their command. Tsunade could mobilize their families' strength without hesitation.

"A census."

Takuya's eyes narrowed.

"Don't you think the clans have been too secretive? They hide their numbers, including how many shinobi they have. That's unacceptable."

"The Uchiha, Sarutobi, Shimura, Hyūga, Ino–Shika–Cho—every clan is hiding something. Your priority is to conduct a full census and get every shinobi officially registered."

"You're serious about this?" Tsunade frowned.

This kind of move was bound to provoke backlash from the clans. It was unprecedented, and while clans were known to hoard resources, it was something the village had always tolerated.

To overturn that precedent and impose new rules would undoubtedly cause waves.

"I'm not just serious—it's a necessity."

Takuya shook his head firmly.

"Tomorrow, I'll handle the Jinchūriki negotiations. You focus on the census. Start by meeting with the clan heads—Uchiha, Ino–Shika–Cho, and the rest. Start with them and gradually expand."

"And if there's resistance?"

"Push through it. Begin with the Uchiha and Ino–Shika–Cho, then move on to the smaller clans. For the larger clans, if they resist, leak information suggesting they're stockpiling soldiers for their own gain. Stir up rumors. The angry villagers will handle the rest."

Fight fire with fire.

The same tactics used by the Third Hokage, Koharu, and their allies to control people could now be turned against them.

"As for the Sarutobi clan, you can speak directly to the Third Hokage. After all, they've hidden the most."

We'll give you a heads-up first. If you cooperate, great. If not, don't say we didn't warn you when things get ugly.

The Uchiha would have no choice but to comply. With Fugaku cleaning house in his own clan, they were already moving toward reconciliation.

The Ino–Shika–Cho families had always been aligned with the Hokage. With the Third no longer a factor, they had no choice but to rely on Tsunade.

Once the Uchiha and Ino–Shika–Cho were sorted, the smaller clans would follow suit.

The biggest challenge would be the Hyūga.

The Hyūga had always resisted village interference in their clan affairs, guarding their influence jealously.

"The Uchiha can't escape. They need you. The same goes for the Ino–Shika–Cho. Once they're dealt with, move on to the smaller clans and save the Hyūga for last.

"They'll be the toughest to crack, but the hardest bones are best saved for last."

"Tsunade, the shinobi world isn't going to stay peaceful for long. If you trust me, then don't delay. This needs to be done as quickly as possible."

Tsunade knew he was right.

A Hokage's authority was strongest at the start of their term. This was the perfect time to implement such a sweeping change. Delay would only make things harder.

"I understand."

After a moment of contemplation, Tsunade nodded.

She trusted Takuya, and he trusted her. Takuya wouldn't suggest something like this without reason. The clans had indeed been pushing the limits of their autonomy.

The Sarutobi, Shimura, Koharu, and others had grown particularly excessive in their influence. Tsunade had been itching to address the problem for a while.

A census wouldn't harm the village. It would simply bring hidden resources to light.

If some clans ended up embarrassed, that was their problem.

Take the Sarutobi, for instance. During Konoha's early days, they weren't even considered a major clan.

Now, their numbers were so high that any revelation would shake the village. People would start to question how they grew so much without sufficient resources.

The answer was obvious: the Third Hokage's favoritism.

The Sarutobi, Shimura, Koharu, and others wouldn't escape scrutiny either.

"I'm off!"

Tsunade stood, ready to act. She knew her first step would be to speak with the Third Hokage, Uchiha Fugaku, and Choza Akimichi. It was better to set expectations early.

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DO NOT FORGET POWER STONE AND CHATTING