Hehe…
The Third Hokage and Shimura Danzo must be numb from the noise by now, right?
Shimizu Kantsuki leisurely counted his banknotes, stretching lazily like a contented cat.
In fact.
While Danzo's operation last month certainly had issues, it shouldn't have lost that much money.
But with Kantsuki's "help," making a profit was impossible for them.
Even without directly touching the business, he had plenty of ways to manipulate the outcome.
Did they really think a monopoly supply chain was just simple manufacturing, transport, and sales?
Moreover.
After this incident, no one could say Kantsuki was insensible.
It was you old folks who failed. It was you who begged me to return and take charge.
As the saying goes: Things offered too easily are not cherished.
I, Shimizu Kantsuki, am loyal to Konoha. What bad intentions could I possibly have?
Back in the Hokage's Office.
Under the Third Hokage's warm hospitality, Kantsuki "hesitated" for a while, then tentatively asked:
"Um, Lord Hokage… how about you personally take over the business?"
Hearing this, the hand holding the pipe trembled.
No!
Absolutely not!
The miserable sight of his old friend Danzo being blocked at his door by debt collectors was still vivid in his mind.
If the dignified Hokage were also blocked at his door…
Just thinking about it made him shudder.
"Kantsuki, I know you are a good child. But you should understand. We old bones can't do business. In this regard, we have to rely on you young people."
"No, no, no! Lord Hokage speaks too heavily! The burden of the entire village rests on your shoulders. How can my little business compare to your contribution?"
Yes!
That sounds comfortable!
Hiruzen patted the lad's shoulder with a beaming smile.
The more he looked at him, the more satisfied he became. If only his combat strength were a bit higher, he could definitely stand on his own as a pillar. He could become the Hokage's right-hand man.
And the lad's loyalty was impeccable.
Clean background. Straight roots.
Through this business affair, it was clear that he had no second thoughts about Konoha or the Hokage.
Therefore, the Third Hokage decided to add some weight to the lad's shoulders.
"Kantsuki, don't neglect your training."
When your strength increases, the position of Minister of the Medical Department will be yours!
Hiruzen painted a big, delicious cake.
Kantsuki immediately caught it and expressed his loyalty.
"I will obey Lord Hokage's orders in everything!"
Seeing the lad leave, the Third Hokage chuckled and began notifying his personal ANBU members one by one.
First up was Hatake Kakashi.
When Kakashi walked out of the Hokage Tower holding a stack of banknotes, he was dazed.
The money included mission payments and a "bonus" from the Third.
The Third gave a bonus?
That old man who cries poverty to his subordinates every day actually gave a bonus?
Silence stretched for a long moment.
Kakashi vaguely recalled rumors circulating among the major clans.
It was said that behind the Third Hokage stood a God of Wealth.
Carefully tucking the money away, Kakashi sighed.
He was poor too…
Mission payments had been delayed by the higher-ups, and he had to buy the latest Icha Icha series. Consequently, the famous Copy Ninja often skipped nine meals in three days.
How about…
I treat myself to BBQ today?
For once, Hatake Kakashi prepared to live like a rich man.
At the same time.
Shimizu Kantsuki was finally ready to light the "three fires" of a new official taking office.
Upon entering Konoha Hospital, he ordered all senior staff to assemble.
In the hospital conference room.
Besides Kantsuki, there were six high-level executives.
Two young men: Iyashi and Kanpō.
Four middle-aged veterans: Hōshō, Hyakusa, Kusushi, and Kitō.
They stared at this new leader, unsure of how to speak.
Because the new Director was looking at the employee salary report.
His frowning silence made their hearts pound with anxiety.
"Outrageous!"
Kantsuki threw the salary report onto the round table.
"Konoha Hospital is a vital part of the village! We are the frontline of defense during wartime! But why are the salaries limited to this pittance? How do you manage things usually?!"
Uh, this…
Being criticized by the new boss, the four older men stayed silent, knowing the leader was venting.
But the two young men, Kanpō and Iyashi, couldn't help but retort.
"Director Shimizu, this… it's not that we don't want to give more, but the hospital can't afford it…"
"Yes, sir. Actually, strictly speaking, it's not just the nurses. Our salaries aren't high either. Just enough to cover family expenses."
"Cut the crap! Listen to me!"
Kantsuki slammed his hand on the table.
"From today on, Konoha Hospital is under my full control! Frontline doctors! Frontline nurses! Including trainee students! Including you guys!"
"Everyone's salary is doubled!"
"Don't worry about the hospital finances. I will pay your salaries!"
Wha…!!??
Kanpō, the hot-tempered young man who had stood up indignantly just moments ago, was struck dumb by the words "salary doubled."
Raise… raise wages?!
Those two words instantly cleared the young man's eyes.
If you put it that way… then I…
Then I have to say you scolded us correctly!
The eyes of the older veterans also lit up with fervor.
Who would refuse money?
Hyakusa, representing the veterans, raised his hand.
"Director Shimizu, are… are you serious about this?"
The gazes in the room turned scorching hot.
The new leader comes in and immediately raises wages.
And doubles them!
Anyone would be enthusiastic about this.
We will go through fire and water for you, Brother Shimizu!
"Do I look like I'm joking? Base salary doubled! Do well, and it triples! Bonuses for holidays! Benefits at year-end!"
In short, one sentence:
"Konoha Hospital! Get moving! Develop! Let the higher-ups see our results! Do you understand?!"
"Understood!!" * x6
It moved.
Shimizu Kantsuki was like a spark, instantly igniting the long-dormant Konoha Hospital.
Over the hospital PA system.
Inspiring messages were broadcast one after another.
There were many words, but the meaning was singular:
Salary Increase!
Instantly.
The entire hospital erupted.
"Whoa—!!!"
"Raise! We got a raise!!"
"Director Shimizu! I love you!!"
"Director Shimizu! Why didn't you come sooner!!"
"Ah!!! I got one too! Even as a trainee, I got a raise!!"
When the six executives held their thick salary envelopes, they felt like they were still dreaming.
Especially Kanpō.
Gulp.
He swallowed hard, then slapped himself across the face.
Pain…
It's not a dream.
It wasn't even the end of the month, yet Director Shimizu had already issued the salaries.
At this moment.
Kanpō and the executives felt an inexplicable impulse they just had to shout out.
Loyalty! Sincerity!!