Chapter 558: Since When Did the Senju Clan's Property Become Village Property?

Led by the Third Hokage, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado made their way into the Hokage's office, visibly upset.

Throughout the recent events, Tsunade had deliberately kept them out of the loop. It wasn't until everything was settled that they finally received word of what had happened.

Koharu and Homura were on the verge of exploding with anger, and even the Third Hokage wasn't too pleased.

For minor matters, fine, but something of this magnitude should've been discussed with them first. After all, they were elders of the village. They deserved to be informed.

"Did you want to replace me at the Five Kage Summit? Or perhaps negotiate with the other Kage in my place?"

Tsunade put down her pen and looked up at them with a calm but piercing gaze.

"Uh..."

The Third Hokage, who had been full of righteous indignation just moments before, suddenly deflated.

He was retired. Tsunade was the Fourth Hokage. These decisions were her prerogative. If every matter required his involvement, wouldn't that undermine her authority?

That would be unacceptable. People might even suspect that he was trying to control Tsunade from behind the scenes.

"Even if Hiruzen has retired, we're still elders of the village," Koharu insisted. "We have the right to be involved in matters of this importance."

"Heh!"

Tsunade chuckled, her eyes filled with disdain and mockery.

"Really? Then why is it that when I asked you two esteemed elders to help convince the clans refusing to cooperate with the Anbu's ninja census, you refused outright?"

For months, Tsunade had been pushing for the census. Most of the clans had already given in under pressure.

It was better to comply than to be constantly targeted and treated differently. After all, no one knew when Tsunade might suddenly take action against them.

By now, only the Sarutobi, Shimura, Utatane, Mitokado, and Hyūga clans were still resisting.

"..."

Koharu's face turned an alarming shade of red.

"How could I agree to such a thing?" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with rage. "Tsunade, you're trying to shake the very foundations of the clans!"

Her words escalated the situation dramatically.

The Third Hokage sighed, already sensing the trouble brewing. He had been on the verge of compromise, but Koharu's outburst had just made things much worse.

Boom!

Just as he predicted, Tsunade slammed her fist down on her desk, reducing it to splinters. The entire Hokage office shook, startling everyone nearby.

"Shake the foundations of the clans?" Tsunade's voice rang out loud and clear. "Which clan's foundation have I shaken?

Have I taken any resources from your clans? Have I stolen your people?"

"Tsunade, that's not what Koharu meant—"

The Third Hokage stepped in, trying to defuse the situation.

"Then what did she mean?" Tsunade cut him off, her tone cold.

"You want to push me into a corner? Fine. Let's lay everything out on the table."

Her voice grew sharper, echoing throughout the building.

"You're afraid I'll uncover the dirty secrets hiding in your clans, aren't you?"

She pointed directly at Koharu.

"When the village was founded, what kind of ninja clan did your family belong to?

Over the years, many clans have disappeared, yet your family has grown and prospered.

I'm curious—where did you get the resources to expand?"

Gasps filled the office as everyone perked up, eager to eavesdrop.

Koharu was too stunned to respond.

She couldn't believe Tsunade had just dredged up something they had agreed to leave buried in the past.

"If you want to play these political games, fine. Tomorrow morning, the Anbu will begin a full investigation of your clans. Anyone who refuses to cooperate can enjoy a nice stay in Konoha's prison."

You want a fight? I'll give you one.

"You think you're so clean, Tsunade?" Koharu snapped, her temper boiling over. "How much of the village's property have you sold off to pay your debts? How much money have you gambled away?"

Even Homura was left speechless, and the Third Hokage could only stare in shock.

"I sold off village property?" Tsunade pointed to herself, her expression incredulous.

Sure, she was a notorious gambler. Even Takuya often called her a reckless spender.

But everything she had sold off belonged to the Senju Clan—her inheritance from Hashirama and Tobirama.

As the only surviving members of the main Senju line, she and Nawaki had every right to decide how to manage those assets.

Yet now Koharu was claiming it had all been village property?

Realization dawned on Tsunade's face, and a bitter smile spread across her lips.

"So that's how it is, huh?" She turned to the Third Hokage, her eyes burning with fury.

"Old man, when did my family's property become village property?"

"Enough!"

The Third Hokage's face darkened, his eyes filled with rage. If looks could kill, Koharu would've been reduced to ashes on the spot.

You really went too far this time. Tsunade has evidence to back her accusations. What do you have? When did someone else's family assets become communal village property?

"You're dismissed," Tsunade said, pointing to the door. Her voice was calm, but her anger was barely contained.

"And remember to attend the elders' meeting tomorrow morning."

The Third Hokage immediately tried to intervene.

"Tsunade, Koharu misspoke. It's her fault. Let's sit down and discuss the ninja census reform calmly. The Sarutobi and Shimura clans will cooperate fully."

He had no choice but to compromise for the sake of damage control.

But Tsunade wasn't interested.

"No need. You can all leave now. I'm busy and don't have time for small talk."

"Don't let the door hit you on the way out."

Her tone left no room for argument. It was clear her patience had reached its limit.

The Senju Clan had sacrificed more for Konoha than anyone else.

Hashirama's unmatched strength and Tobirama's brilliant leadership had laid the foundation for the village's prosperity.

To avoid concentrating too much power, the Senju Clan had even disbanded and abandoned their family name, all for the village's sake.

Mito Uzumaki had sealed the Nine-Tails within herself to protect Konoha, and many Senju had died in service to the village—including Tsunade's parents.

And yet, some people had the audacity to covet even the remnants of the Senju estate?

Tsunade had seen a lot, but this took the cake.

"Lord Takuya, the Third Hokage and the elders had a heated argument with Lady Tsunade in the Hokage's office."

"Get lost!"

Takuya nearly jumped out of bed, furious.

Who wouldn't be annoyed after being woken up from a deep sleep?

Especially by someone who had barged into his room uninvited.

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(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read the rest of the Chapter at Patreon com/ Emik01. 

DO NOT FORGET POWER STONE AND CHATTING