The Third Hokage had used this kind of method many times before, but in the past, it was used on other families. This time, he had to use it on his own.
But he had no choice.
Setting aside the family members' misbehavior, the village's finances were tight, and there was no way to provide much compensation to the Sarutobi family.
This was a measure of necessity.
"I'll say a few final words. Don't go provoking the Uchiha family. We may not be like the Shimura family, afraid of the Uchiha, but there's no need to start conflict with them.
Remember, you can look down on the Uchiha, but you have to admit, the Uchiha family is very powerful now."
"The most important thing is, don't provoke Uchiha Yan. Anyone who does, not only will they put themselves in danger, but they will drag the entire family into it.
At that point, you'll be the family's enemy!!!"
Some things need to be said more seriously, or no one will take them seriously.
The Sarutobi family wasn't afraid of the Uchiha, nor would they start acting like the Shimura family, bowing down to the Uchiha.
But the Sarutobi family couldn't easily provoke the Uchiha either. It was best if everyone stayed on their own paths.
Provoking the Uchiha family might just be a small issue, but the most important thing was not to provoke Uchiha Yan.
Provoking the Uchiha family and provoking Uchiha Yan were two completely different things.
The former would only cause tension between the Sarutobi and Uchiha families, but everyone would have to hold back.
At most, it's just mutual dislike, and in the end, things die down. No one wants to make a big fuss about it.
If it escalates and ends up in the Hokage office, it would be embarrassing for Tsunade too.
The other side offended them... a little move is enough to make the Sarutobi clan head ache.
Just like that, the dissatisfaction and resentment within the Sarutobi clan were successfully quelled.
The Third Hokage used some underhanded tactics with the clan members. While the methods weren't that impressive, at least the outcome was good.
The Sarutobi clan became completely obedient, no longer daring to pull any tricks.
"Just like you guessed, the old man used the past incidents to control them, got really angry, and now the Sarutobi clan is all quiet. They're accepting the minimum compensation and pension," Tsunade leaned back in her chair, feeling a little defeated.
"I'm afraid he also gave them a serious warning not to mess with me, fearing I'd latch onto them and target the Sarutobi clan," Yan said, seeing through the Third Hokage's scheming.
This old man was never a good person.
"Didn't you target them?"
Tsunade couldn't help but roll her eyes, considering some recent events in the village. The Sarutobi and Shimura clans didn't even get a chance to be involved.
Yan always kept them out, never letting them play along.
Tsunade couldn't say much about it though.
After all, Yan handled things perfectly, nothing could be better.
If she pointed out any flaws, she'd probably get a spanking.
"It's not targeting them, I just didn't include them. I'm not as stingy as the Third Hokage or Danzo, but that doesn't mean I'll give people I dislike any favors.
Not including them is already pretty good. If it weren't for worrying about you, I have plenty of ways to target them."
Underhanded methods to target people? Everyone has their share.
Yan wasn't bragging; if he pulled out his tricks, the Sarutobi clan would be begging on their knees.
"Well, as long as you have a plan."
As long as Yan doesn't actively target the Sarutobi or Shimura clans, Tsunade doesn't care about this indirect form of revenge. She just wants things in the village to be handled properly.
If it were her, she wouldn't be handing out favors to people she disliked either.
People have hearts, and everyone's human.
If you treat me badly and I remember it, not pursuing you aggressively already shows I'm thinking about the greater good. But you want me to give you favors?
No way!
That's not happening.
Because the pension and subsidies were given at the lowest standard, the Ministry of Finance saved quite a bit of money.
Anyway, the Sarutobi clan lost out, and the Third Hokage has already handled it. Tsunade doesn't care about it anymore.
Not asking her for money is the best help she can get.
"But now, the people in the Sarutobi clan might start getting restless."
Every situation has its drawbacks. There's no such thing as perfect. The Sarutobi clan's case is no different.
Though less money was spent and they became obedient, in the short term, it's fine. But in the long run, there will definitely be some small problems.
"Do you want to solve it?"
Yan raised an eyebrow with a smile. "I have a way, but I'm not sure what I'll get out of it."
Tsunade's eyes lit up, and she quickly gritted her teeth.
What the hell, you still want something in return?
"How about I drag Shizune along and we warm your bed for you?"
"Cough... I think that's enough with just you."
Such jokes are not to be made. Tsunade and Shizune's relationship is like that of a mother and daughter.
Anyone who tries to make a move on Shizune will definitely be hammered by Tsunade.
"You still want to talk about benefits?"
Tsunade gritted her teeth and stood up, clenching her fists.
Do you want me to help you with your bones?
"Alright, I'm not joking anymore."
Tsunade's temper is hard to change, Yan helplessly spread his hands.
"Let's find a time to talk to the Third Hokage and pick a few people from the Sarutobi clan who are good at playing the victim, then send them to the Daimyo's mansion."
"Won't that...?"
Tsunade's expression turned strange, and she started to feel a bit sorry for the Daimyo.
Since Tsunade became Hokage, how many times has she asked for money?
At this rate, is she going to drain the Daimyo's funds?
No, the Daimyo's money isn't so easy to run out of.
The money allocated to Konohagakure is nothing compared to what he wastes himself.
"Play the victim."
Yan raised his finger, grinned, and said confidently:
"Don't underestimate the satisfaction that those in power feel.
The Daimyo isn't happy with the Third Hokage. Now, the Sarutobi clan is in such a miserable state. If you lead them to cry about it, it will feel like the Third Hokage himself is begging for sympathy. The Daimyo, who gets great satisfaction from seeing others in distress, will be happy to give money."
"..."
It doesn't sound very reliable.
"If you don't believe me, then keep being poor. Anyway, the Ministry of Finance isn't something I manage," Yan shrugged indifferently.
Believe it or not, that's up to you.
The one worrying about money is you, not me.
As soon as Tsunade heard the word "money," her expression immediately became sincere and serious:
"Since you're saying this, then for the sake of the Sarutobi clan's subsidy and pension, I, as Hokage, have no choice but to go see him personally."
"I'll discuss it with the old man right away."
Although this might feel a bit unfair to the Sarutobi clan, Tsunade believes the Third Hokage will agree.
Because losing some face is nothing compared to losing money.
If losing face could bring in a lot of money, the Third Hokage would gladly throw his dignity away.
The more money they can get, the better the situation for the Sarutobi clan.
[Don't ask about all the unfinished messes, just think about how many years the Third Hokage was in power and how much money Danzo and others took each year... ]
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