Dealing with Tsunade was already exhausting, and now there was a gambling-obsessed Nine-Tails to worry about.
All Takuya could do was hope the fox wouldn't team up with Tsunade. If the gambling fox, the big spender Tsunade, and the clueless Nawaki got together for a game of cards, the scene would probably devolve into an all-out animal brawl.
To make matters worse, Kushina, bored and with nothing better to do, had joined the fray—going so far as to act as the Nine-Tails' strategist, advising it on its moves.
Ignoring the lively chaos in the living room, Takuya stepped aside and opened the file Minato had delivered.
Even though the Nine-Tails and Kushina seemed full of confidence, Takuya knew that in less than half an hour, all their money would inevitably end up in Minato's hands.
Never underestimate the "Yellow Flash's" ability to count cards.
No matter how well the Nine-Tails started, no matter how much advice Kushina gave, and no matter how much help Nawaki received, they were destined to lose against Minato.
"What's this?"
Inside the file was an appointment letter and an official seal.
Takuya stared at the appointment letter for a moment, his expression twitching.
It was an official notice appointing him as the Hokage's advisor.
Tsunade really doesn't hold back, does she?
She had only just taken office and was already shaking things up, disregarding the frameworks left by the Third Hokage.
But then again, Tsunade wasn't like Minato from the original timeline.
Minato had always relied on the Third Hokage or his trusted advisors to guide his actions.
Tsunade, on the other hand, had already consolidated power in her hands. She could act freely, without fear of opposition—so long as her decisions didn't harm the village or its interests.
Fine, I'll take it. Hokage's advisor it is.
It was a position with status, respect, and very little actual responsibility. He'd only have to answer to Tsunade directly, without getting dragged into the mess of the Elder Council.
As long as I don't end up in that nightmare of a council, this is fine.
Stowing the letter and seal, Takuya turned his thoughts to what needed to be addressed next.
The first priority was the looming threat of war. Iwagakure and Kumogakure had been eyeing Konoha for years, and both villages were militarized and prepared for conflict.
There was a good chance they'd declare war as soon as their delegations left Konoha.
The village was still vulnerable and far from ready to handle a full-scale attack.
Next on the list was dealing with Danzo.
Danzo had been allowed to run amok for long enough. Takuya was tired of him periodically causing trouble. It was time to remove him from the equation permanently.
And then there was the issue of Madara Uchiha and Black Zetsu.
Compared to everything else, this was the real headache.
The biggest obstacle was Nagato.
Even if Takuya wanted to extend a hand to the Akatsuki, there were too many complications.
First, Nagato's heart was marked with a curse seal placed by Madara and Black Zetsu, allowing them to control or kill him at will.
Second, Konan and Yahiko were deeply tied to Nagato. The three of them had been through too much together, and their destinies were intertwined.
Rescuing Nagato was virtually impossible; Madara and Black Zetsu wouldn't allow it.
And even if Takuya could pull Konan and Yahiko away, they'd never abandon Nagato.
Then there was Obito.
Obito had already been captured. The question was when he would fully succumb to Madara's influence and don the mask to pursue his world-ending plans.
Obito's issues revolved around Rin Nohara. Takuya couldn't keep Kakashi and Rin apart in hopes of avoiding Obito's corruption. That would only put Rin in greater danger, as Madara and Black Zetsu could kill her at any moment to push Obito over the edge.
If Obito watched from the sidelines as others lived happily while he was manipulated by grief and rage, his descent into darkness would be inevitable.
Damn Uchihas and their extreme emotions.
Shaking his head, Takuya decided to set these problems aside for now.
The immediate focus was on preparing for war and eliminating Danzo.
Madara's Infinite Tsukuyomi plan could wait. If necessary, Takuya could expose the truth to the world and see how Madara managed to adapt.
"Pay up, Kushina!"
"But you've already lost 300,000 ryō…"
"You still owe me 2.7 million ryō! Just add another 30,000 and keep going!"
The Nine-Tails, having gone all-in with its initial good luck, was now on a losing streak.
Minato was raking in the winnings, and even Nawaki had managed to turn a profit.
The Nine-Tails, however, was spiraling. The more it lost, the more desperate it became, which only worsened its gameplay. Its money was practically flying out of its paws.
There's no saving this fox.
Ignoring the escalating chaos, Takuya picked up Snowy and headed upstairs.
"Kushina, make sure someone brings food later."
"Got it. Just let me finish a couple of hands," Kushina replied absentmindedly, her eyes glued to the Nine-Tails' cards.
Takuya sighed. They've all lost it.
"Brat! Don't you dare leave! Play against me until dawn!"
"..."
Meanwhile, Minato, despite his winnings, looked increasingly uneasy.
He had tried to go easy on the Nine-Tails, but the fox was relentless in handing him money.
As the pile of winnings grew, Minato started worrying the Nine-Tails might snap and attack them.
Finally, Takuya decided to call for backup.
He sent Snowy to fetch Tsunade.
Sure enough, within five minutes, Tsunade stormed into the room, sending Nawaki and Minato scrambling for cover.
Unsurprisingly, all the money on the table ended up in Tsunade's pockets.
Kushina, clutching the Nine-Tails, bolted in fear as Tsunade's fury filled the room.
"Seriously, can't you show some dignity?"
Watching Tsunade smugly count her winnings on the couch, Takuya couldn't help but fire a few jabs her way.
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DO NOT FORGET POWER STONE AND CHATTING