The meeting continued.
Some of the more significant positions might not have been contested by the smaller and mid-sized clans. But the roles overlooked by the major clans—those seemingly minor in importance—had become the center of fierce competition between families like the Gekko and Shiranui.
It gave the clan leaders a rare chance to breathe and reconsider their strategies.
"Next: the Konoha Intelligence Division."
This time, Aburame Shibi didn't speak first. Instead, the head of the Inuzuka clan, Inuzuka Tsume, rose to make her case.
"Hokage-sama, our Inuzuka clan excels at intelligence gathering and tracking missions."
"Our ninja hounds are not just companions—they're our lives. Our family."
"If there are no other candidates, I humbly request that this division be entrusted to me."
Her expression radiated confidence.
Tsume had originally assumed that the Aburame clan would be their fiercest competitors for the Intelligence Division. But to her surprise, the usually reserved Aburame Shibi had chosen to compete for Civil Affairs instead—and had now withdrawn from that arena entirely.
She couldn't make sense of it.
What the hell is going on with that bug freak? Has he finally gone senile?
The wildness in Inuzuka Tsume's expression was unmistakable. Her tan skin, sharp eyes, and assertive posture made her seem more like a huntress than a diplomat. She was, without question, the most imposing female clan leader present.
In many ways, she reminded Tsunade of herself.
For a brief moment, Tsunade's eyes reflected that admiration. If she were her younger self, perhaps she would've handed Tsume the role right then and there.
But as Hokage, things weren't so simple anymore. High-level political maneuvering and clan dynamics didn't allow decisions based solely on personal preference.
Just as Inuzuka Tsume finished speaking, Aburame Shibi finally raised his voice.
"Hokage-sama, the Inuzuka clan indeed has strong capabilities when it comes to intelligence work."
"But the Aburame clan is no less qualified. Our insects can cover far more ground and gather intelligence with greater subtlety."
"I may have been presumptuous earlier in pursuing the Civil Affairs post, but it should be clear now that the Aburame clan is more suited for leading the Intelligence Division."
Tsume's fighting spirit surged instantly.
Old teammate, old rival.
They had once completed missions side by side, evenly matched in their skills. Their strengths complemented each other—neither had ever truly bested the other.
It had been years since they last worked together, but now, this clash for the Intelligence Division reignited that fire in Tsume's heart.
"Hokage-sama, why don't you give us a test mission?" she suggested boldly. "Let Shibi and me compete, and may the better shinobi win."
True to her nature, Tsume didn't hide her intentions. There were no layered strategies or quiet manipulations in her approach. To her, ability should speak for itself.
Aburame Shibi glanced at her through the dark lenses of his sunglasses.
Behind his high collar, he sighed quietly.
Though the two had always maintained a good relationship, Tsume had an inexplicable need to prove herself in the oddest ways. She could be so... exhausting.
Uchiha Hikaru, observing their clash over the Intelligence Division, quietly analyzed Shibi's earlier behavior.
Was that interruption during Yamanaka Inoichi's bid for Civil Affairs intentional? A move to fragment support? Or was it a declaration of allegiance?
Historically, before Konoha's founding, the Ino-Shika-Cho alliance had stood alongside the Sarutobi clan.
After the formation of the village, they supported the First and Second Hokage—and later the Third and briefly the Fourth.
In essence, the Ino-Shika-Cho clans didn't support the Hokage because they revered the title.
They supported the Hokage because their allies became Hokage.
Long ago, the Sarutobi and Ino-Shika-Cho clans migrated to Konoha alongside the Senju.
The Senju invited many clans, but the Uchiha were different.
Diplomatically inept, often aggressive, and steeped in the Warring States' bloodshed, the Uchiha made few friends among the other clans.
The Senju made overtures. The Uchiha made enemies.
Eventually, Tobirama Senju gave the Uchiha control over Konoha's Military Police Force. It was a calculated move: if the Uchiha could overcome their pride, the position would temper them and integrate them into village life.
If they failed, the position would isolate and suppress them.
Predictably, the latter occurred.
It was only Uchiha Hikaru's arrival—his presence and interventions—that had begun to turn the tide within the clan. He had quelled internal discord and rewritten the Uchiha's path.
Shibi's earlier challenge to Yamanaka Inoichi hadn't been about Civil Affairs at all.
It was a signal. A gesture of goodwill—directed at Hikaru.
Even if Shibi and Hikaru weren't close personally, that didn't matter. In the world of clan politics, alliances were forged not from affection, but from mutual interest.
Just like his alliance with Shikaku Nara. It had started not from friendship—but from Uchiha Hikaru's strange requests, ones Shikaku had fulfilled without hesitation.
And from there, the two had joined forces to depose the Third Hokage and bring down Danzo.
Without those shared interests, there never would have been a partnership.
Shibi's overture marked something more than a political maneuver.
It signaled the birth of a new power structure within Konoha's leadership.
The Senju and Sarutobi had once formed the village's dominant faction.
Now, around Uchiha Hikaru, a second faction was taking shape.
Many clans might eventually align with him—but only one could be the first.
And the Aburame had claimed that role.
It was a bold gamble. Shikaku had seen that, which is why he'd reacted the way he had earlier.
Under the table, Uchiha Hikaru once again drew a character on Tsunade's thigh with his finger.
The word: Shibi.
Tsunade's eyes, which had briefly softened in sympathy for Tsume, hardened once more. Her face showed no emotion as she delivered the verdict.
"Tsume, there's no need for a test. The Intelligence Division will go to the Aburame clan."
"You once said your ninken are like a second life to you."
"Intelligence work is dangerous—full of risk and unknown threats."
"I don't doubt your abilities, but in terms of survivability, the Aburame clan's techniques provide far more escape options."
"You wouldn't want to see your comrades lose their other half, would you?"
Tsunade's words struck home.
At first, Inuzuka Tsume felt the sting of disappointment.
But as the Hokage's reasoning sank in, her expression softened into a quiet, accepting smile.
She had been caught up in the thrill of the competition. She hadn't thought about her family—her clan.
Too many of their shinobi had returned from war broken. Too many had lost not just comrades, but the precious ninken that were like their very souls.
And those losses left scars that never healed.
"You're right... Hokage-sama," she murmured.
Tsunade had reminded her of what truly mattered.
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