Naruto: Tenseigan Eye

The ninjas from the Mission Department didn't question why they needed to consult Tsunade first before approaching Shinki for confirmation.

"Yes, Hokage-sama," they replied, and quickly left the Hokage's office, heading for the medical department.

Following orders was routine; thinking too deeply about them wasn't.

---

"If you wish to become a competent medical ninja, substantial knowledge and precise chakra control are essential. I'll say it again: read more, learn more, and train harder," Tsunade instructed a room full of new recruits. "Don't think joining the medical department means you can be the next Hyuga Shinki. People like him are rare in the entire ninja world."

"Tsunade-sama, the Mission Department is here to see you," a colleague interrupted.

Tsunade sighed, rubbing her temples. The stress of teaching felt like it was draining her brain cells by the day. Teaching en masse was far more exhausting than the one-on-one mentorship she preferred.

She stepped out of the classroom.

---

"Tsunade-sama," the ninjas greeted her, bowing respectfully.

Tsunade waved a hand dismissively. "Alright, enough with the formalities. What is it?"

"The Hokage asked you to review this document and confirm the mission reward standards with Hyuga Shinki. Once it's set, we need to report back."

One of the ninjas handed her the document.

Tsunade's eyes scanned the content. Shinki had issued a mission? And a long-term one at that, without specifying basic reward standards.

A long-term mission of this nature would depend heavily on the power of the collected biological corpses, which meant the mission rating wouldn't be low. Higher ratings translated to better rewards—potentially a lot of money over time.

Shinki had savings, but not a fortune. Still, Tsunade knew he could handle it; medical ninjas made good money. As long as Shinki didn't have any costly habits, he'd be fine.

"Come with me," she said, closing the document and leading the way to the hospital. It happened that Shinki had just stepped out of a ward.

She gestured for him to join her in the lounge and, once inside, locked the Mission Department ninjas out.

"Are you planning to do experiments?" Tsunade asked seriously.

"No," Shinki replied, puzzled. It was just a mission request. Even a long-term mission would be well within his financial means.

"Then why issue a mission for powerful creature corpses?"

"For puppet-making. I'm not interested in using ninja corpses for puppets," Shinki explained. He found nothing unusual about using animal remains for puppetry, but drawing the line at human bodies was crucial.

Tsunade's expression softened. "Alright, as long as it's for that, I'll handle the mission approval so the old man doesn't take advantage of you."

She'd worried that Shinki might go down the path Orochimaru had taken, obsessed with corpses and experiments. While Orochimaru hadn't yet become the feared figure of the future, he already had a reputation for questionable practices.

As long as Shinki wasn't planning on human experimentation, that was good enough.

"Go back and tell the Hokage I'm handling this," she said, opening the door. "There's no need for further office oversight."

The Mission Department ninjas were taken aback.

"Tsunade-sama, this is... against procedure," one of them said hesitantly.

"Do you think I'm not qualified?" Tsunade glared.

"No, of course not. It's just... unconventional."

"Then do as I say. Tell the Hokage I'm taking care of it."

"Yes... understood."

The ninja left, looking resigned.

Shinki hadn't expected Tsunade to take over his mission.

"Don't tell me you're going to do the missions yourself?" he asked, incredulous.

Tsunade's finances were an open secret. Though she had a high income, her poor money management and gambling losses kept her perpetually broke.

"No, of course not," Tsunade huffed, offended. "I'll subcontract it out."

"..."

Shinki realized this was Tsunade's way of milking the system.

Seeing his stunned expression, Tsunade added, a bit sheepishly, "I'm just trying to make some extra money. Don't worry, I'll make sure the right people handle this."

She was indeed broke, living off meager funds. She loved dining at Shinki's place not only because of their friendship and his great cooking, but also because it saved her money.

Eating out was manageable; not having money when she needed it was the bigger issue. Every time she passed the casino, she felt an itch to play, even if she couldn't afford it.

"Alright, organize it however you want. Just make sure to collect payment when the materials come in," Shinki agreed.

Tsunade's finances were well-known, and she had a notorious habit of squandering her money until she had nothing left. 

"Don't worry about it. Just be ready to pay."

Tsunade left with a determined air and went straight to Orochimaru's lab.

"Orochimaru, I've got a job for you. It's lucrative."

Orochimaru glanced up at the broken door she'd kicked open and the damaged equipment on his workbench, tallying the loss. Tsunade's entrance had just cost him tens of thousands in silver.

"Five hundred thousand," she said, tossing the mission scroll to him. "This task is yours."

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