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Tsunade - Ch 65
🕑 Added 2025-04-26 16:00:12 +0000 UTCChapter 65: The Meeting – Division of Authority
8:00 AM, Hokage Building
Tsunade sat upright in the Hokage’s seat, with Hikari and Shizune flanking her like a pair of loyal guardians. In front of her stood several high-ranking department heads, led by Nara Shikaku, along with clan leaders.
[Sigh... Does Tsunade really have to drag me into these meetings? As a mere chunin, is it even appropriate for me to be here?]
Tsunade filtered out Kamizuki Hikari’s internal grumbling. She collected her thoughts and began, "Regarding the decentralization of authority, I gave it some thought yesterday. There are just too many messy documents, and if everything ends up on my desk, it's bound to cause delays. That’s not beneficial for Konoha’s development. Today, I want to refine the division of authority. What do you all think?"
The assembled department heads and clan leaders remained silent, carefully dissecting her words.
It was Nara Shikaku who finally spoke up. "Tsunade-sama, the Hokage is the leader of Konoha, you—"
"That's not true!" Tsunade interrupted him sharply. "The Hokage isn’t the ruler of Konoha. The Hokage is someone recognized by the shinobi of the village. Whether it's me or the previous Hokage, we are all just a part of Konoha."
It sounded nice, but the reality was that the Hokage held the greatest authority. Now that Tsunade was willingly delegating power, no one was about to refuse.
"Since there are no objections, let’s proceed. First, the Intelligence Division—Yamanaka Inoichi and Morino Ibiki."
"Here!" The two men stepped forward.
"The Intelligence Division has always performed well under your leadership, so I won’t interfere. From now on, your primary duties will involve pre-mission investigations and interrogations of spies. Unless the intelligence pertains to S-rank matters involving the other Great Nations or involves jounin-level threats, you will have full autonomy in decision-making."
"Understood!" The two replied in unison.
This wasn’t much different from how things had been under the Third Hokage. In his later years, his energy had waned, and unless the intelligence was critical, he rarely intervened.
"With authority comes responsibility. From now on, when handling intelligence—especially regarding rogue shinobi—you must coordinate closely with the Mission Department to assess potential conflicts with active missions and minimize disruptions to our clients."
"Understood!" Inoichi and Ibiki exchanged glances. It was clear Tsunade meant business.
Though she didn’t mention punishment outright, it was obvious that failures would have consequences.
"You’re dismissed for now. Next up—Medical Division."
The Medical Division’s two heads stepped forward.
"The Medical Division is responsible for Konoha’s medical support. Currently, the number of medical-nin is insufficient. I want the two of you to start scouting from the Academy—see if any students show aptitude for medical-nin training. Also, the development of portable medical tools has stagnated. For example, a compact chakra-sealing scroll for Mystical Palm Technique could be developed similarly to explosive tags—work with the Sealing Team and use your brains, got it?"
"Understood!"
"Dismissed."
Watching the two heads step down, Tsunade felt it was time to implement a merit-based system. Letting those two hold on to their posts forever was just letting Konoha’s hospital rot in place.
All these years, they’d been coasting on the research she did back in the day. Weren’t they embarrassed?
Tch.
"Next—Mission Department."
A jounin stepped forward—a plain-looking man with a dull, unremarkable demeanor.
"If I put you in charge of the Mission Department, could you handle the distribution and management of missions?"
"Tsunade-sama, I—I’m not qualified!"
The man waved his hands frantically. Previously, the Hokage had overseen all mission assignments, rendering his role practically nonexistent.
"Anyone want to volunteer or make a recommendation?" Tsunade asked, her gaze falling on Nara Shikaku.
Shikaku thought: 'Tsunade-sama’s trying to drag me into this mess. Ugh, it sounds like such a pain. I have to dodge this somehow...'
"I recommend Jōnin Shizune. Her capabilities have been clear to everyone recently. A department like this shouldn’t be a problem for her." The moment Shikaku said this, the others who were about to speak swallowed their words.
Tsunade took note—she could see they had their own thoughts.
"Shizune will be the head of the Mission Department. Additionally, we’ll appoint a deputy and two supervisors—anyone chunin or above is eligible. There will be a three-month probation period. If performance is unsatisfactory, step down voluntarily."
"The Mission Department will handle C-rank and D-rank missions, including client relations. For B-rank missions, consult the Intelligence Division to assess risk factors and minimize discrepancies. If rogue shinobi are involved, report to me for potential rank adjustments."
"A-rank and S-rank missions will remain under my direct oversight. Any questions, Shizune?"
Shizune stepped forward to stand beside Shikaku. "None, Hokage-sama."
"Good. Next—Finance Department."
Shizune and Shikaku stepped back as the Finance Department head approached.
"From now on, the Finance Department may directly coordinate with other departments. For example, mission payouts for C-rank and D-rank assignments can be processed with just proof from the Mission Department. For B to S-rank missions, I’ll personally review and approve."
"For equipment and supplies under 100,000 ryo, department heads may approve purchases directly. Above 100,000 ryo requires my signature."
"The Jōnin Corps will remains under Shikaku’s leadership. Additionally, I’m establishing a new Civil Affairs Department. It will oversee Konoha’s infrastructure—housing construction, farmland development, and so on. Expenditures under 100,000 ryo can be approved internally, with reports submitted biweekly."
"Shikaku!"
Under the envious gazes of others, Nara Shikaku stepped forward again.
"You’ll oversee the establishment of the Civil Affairs Department. One department head, one deputy, and four clerks. These positions don’t require combat strength, but intelligence and competence are crucial. Choose capable people from within Konoha."
"Yes..." Shikaku felt like crying.
Tsunade’s trust was both an honor and a burden. As a man who just wanted to laze around, he really didn’t want this much responsibility.
"Lastly, I’m establishing an Advisory Council. Shikaku, Hiashi, Kakashi, and Shizune—you four will assist the Hokage in governing Konoha. If any department is found engaging in corruption or actions harmful to the village, you may order the Intelligence Division to detain suspects. However—while authority is granted, evidence is mandatory."
"If investigations prove unfounded, the consequences will be severe. Understood?"
