"Hiruzen, what's the meaning of this? The Logistics and Medical Departments have always been under the Elder Council's management, and now you've given them to Tsunade? Are you really going to make such a drastic change over something Danzō did?" Koharu was livid, her voice rising in pitch.
Homura stood beside her, his face equally grim.
You two really have the nerve to bring up Danzō's actions? If it weren't for your constant indulgence, would he have dared to go this far?
The Third Hokage snorted and said, "I think Danzō could use a bit more rest. And let me
remind you, I'm the Hokage. Just as I appointed you to lead the Logistics and Medical Departments, I can appoint others as well."
"Tsunade's status, her strength, and her reputation in the village all make her more than qualified for the role."
"I feel very comfortable entrusting the Logistics Department to her."
"You don't trust us?" Koharu practically shrieked.
What used to be hers was now given to someone else. She and Homura had essentially become powerless elders, and how could she possibly accept that?
It doesn't matter if you're an elder or even the Hokage-without power, you're just a figurehead.
Look at Minato as an example: he became the Fourth Hokage, yet his situation was miserable.
Not only did he have no control over the other departments, but even the Anbu, a division directly under the Hokage, could be influenced by others.
"We've worked together for so many years, and we've always supported you. Now, you're just kicking us aside?"
As the complaints became more pointed, the Third Hokage couldn't hold back his anger any longer.
"I became Hokage because my teacher appointed me as the Third Hokage, and because I had Mito-sama's support, allowing me to rise to the position."
It was true that the Third Hokage had managed to secure his place thanks to the help of Koharu and the others. But their help was nothing more than icing on the cake.
The real support came from Tobirama Senju and Uzumaki Mito.
Without their appointments and backing, who would have become Hokage was still a question.
At the time, the village was in turmoil, and a war was being fought externally. Many from the Senju clan even came forward, stating that the Hokage position shouldn't be handed to outsiders.
It was Uzumaki Mito who stepped in and silenced them.
Without Mito, it's uncertain whether the Third Hokage could have succeeded.
And that was when the Senju clan had already scattered. Otherwise, there would have been no chance.
Koharu's words were essentially an attempt to steal the credit, implying that the Third Hokage only became Hokage because of their contributions.
"Koharu."
If she kept talking, she might lose the Medical Department as well. Homura quickly stopped Koharu:
"Hiruzen, since you've handed over the Logistics Department to Tsunade, you should've at least informed us, right?"
"You still have time to handle what needs to be handled. Tsunade won't be investigating the Logistics Department until after the war, but she will begin auditing tomorrow. Be mindful of that."