Heh…
The Third Hokage geezer and Danzo must've been driven completely numb by the chaos, right?
Kangetsu leisurely counted banknotes and stretched with a lazy yawn.
In truth.
Danzo's "operations" last month did have problems, but it shouldn't have turned into a loss that brutal.
But with Kangetsu "helping," there was no way Danzo was making money.
Even if it didn't pass through Kangetsu's hands, there were still plenty of ways to make it happen.
Did you really think a monopolized industry chain was just the old three-step routine of production, transportation, and selling…
Besides.
After what happened, it wasn't that Kangetsu was being unreasonable anymore.
It was them being useless, so they had no choice but to invite him back to take charge.
After all, when someone comes begging, it's not business.
Kangetsu was loyal to Konoha with all his heart. What bad intentions could he possibly have?
...
Back in the Hokage Office.
With the Third Hokage geezer receiving him so warmly, Kangetsu "hesitated" for a bit, then tested the waters with a cautious suggestion.
"Um, Hokage-sama… why don't you take it over personally?"
At that, the Third Hokage geezer's hand holding the long smoking pipe twitched.
No.
Absolutely not.
Danzo's misery—getting his door blocked by debt collectors—was still vivid in his mind.
If he, the Hokage, also got his door blocked by debt collectors…
Just imagining it made his skin crawl.
"Kangetsu, I know you're a good kid, but you should understand. We old men can't do business. For this, we still have to rely on you young people."
"N-No, Hokage-sama, that's far too kind. The entire burden of Konoha is on your shoulders. My little business is nothing compared to what you do for the village!"
Yes. That was the kind of talk that felt good.
Smiling from ear to ear, the Third Hokage geezer patted the fine young man on the shoulder.
The more he looked, the more satisfied he became.
His strength was still a bit lacking—otherwise he could absolutely stand on his own.
He could become the Third Hokage's right-hand man.
And more importantly, the kid's loyalty was beyond question.
Solid roots. Pure pedigree.
And this whole business fiasco proved it—this kid had absolutely no ulterior motives toward Konoha or the Hokage.
So the Third Hokage geezer decided it was time to load him up with even more responsibility.
"Kangetsu, don't neglect your training."
Once your strength comes up, the position of head of Konoha's medical corps will be yours!
The Third Hokage geezer drew him a big, shiny pie.
Kangetsu caught it immediately and pledged loyalty.
"I will obey Hokage-sama's orders in all things!"
After Kangetsu, that good kid, left, the Third Hokage geezer finally chuckled to himself and started notifying ANBU members one by one.
The first was Kakashi.
When Kakashi walked out of the Hokage Tower holding banknotes in his hand, his whole brain was blank.
The banknotes included mission pay, and also what the Third Hokage geezer called a "bonus."
The Third Hokage… gave out a bonus?
That Third Hokage who cried poverty to his subordinates every day… gave out a bonus?
After a long silence.
Kakashi vaguely recalled rumors that had leaked from certain big clans.
They said…
Behind the Third Hokage geezer stood a God of Wealth.
He carefully tucked the banknotes away.
Kakashi was poor too…
His pay had been delayed by the upper ranks, and on top of that he had to keep buying the Make-Out Paradise series.
So Kakashi often went hungry more days than not.
In that case…
Maybe today, for once, he'd splurge on some barbecue?
Kakashi rarely decided to play the big spender.
At the same time.
Kangetsu finally finished preparing for the "three fires" of a new official taking office.
The moment he entered Konoha Hospital, he had the senior staff assemble.
In the hospital conference room.
Besides Kangetsu, there were six senior staff members.
Two were younger men—Yushi and Kampo.
And four were middle-aged geezers—Houshou, Hyakusa, Kusunoki, and Kito.
They all watched this new leader, unsure how to even start talking.
Because their new director was looking at the employees' salary sheets.
The way he frowned in silence made their hearts climb into their throats.
"This is outrageous!"
Kangetsu tossed the salary report onto the round table.
"Konoha Hospital is part of Konoha too. We're also the front-line protection in wartime!
So why are the wages only this much? What exactly have you all been doing day to day?"
Uh, this…
Getting criticized by the new leader was one thing for the four older men—they understood the boss was lighting the first fire.
But the two younger men—Kampo and Yushi—couldn't help pushing back.
"Kangetsu-sama, th-this…
It's not that we don't want to pay more, it's that the hospital can't afford it…"
"Yes, Kangetsu-sama. Honestly, it's not just the nurses and doctors. Even our pay isn't high. It's just barely enough for household expenses."
"Enough excuses. Listen to me.
Starting today, Konoha Hospital is under my full control!
Front-line doctors, front-line nurses, reserve trainees, including you—everyone.
All salaries double.
Don't worry about the hospital finances. Your wages, I'll pay them."
Wh—!!?!
Kampo, the hotheaded young man, had just been chewed out badly enough to stand up—
Then the words "double salary" smashed into him so hard he went dizzy.
A raise…?
Those few words made his eyes go instantly clear.
If you put it like that, then I… then I…
Then I have to say you were right to scold us.
The old men's eyes clearly warmed too.
Who doesn't like money?
Hyakusa, the representative among the older men, raised a hand and spoke.
"Kangetsu-sama… is this, is this really serious?"
Their gazes grew hotter by the second.
A new leader walks in and the first thing he does is raise wages.
And not just raise them—double.
Anyone would get fired up.
We'll go through fire and water for you, Kangetsu-niisan!
"Do I look like I'm joking?
Base pay doubles. If you perform well, it triples!
Holiday bonuses. Year-end benefits too!"
In short, one sentence:
"Konoha Hospital—move.
Develop.
Show the higher-ups what kind of results Konoha Hospital can produce.
Understood?"
"Understood!" *6
And with that, it moved.
Kangetsu was like a spark tossed into dry grass—Konoha Hospital, silent for so long, ignited in an instant.
Over the hospital broadcast speakers, one uplifting announcement after another rang out.
Lots of words, but only one meaning.
Raises.
In an instant.
The entire Konoha Hospital went into an uproar.
"Wooo—!!!"
"Raises!!"
"Kangetsu-sama! I love you, dammit!"
"Kangetsu-sama! Why did you take so long to get here?!"
"Ahhh!!! Me too! I'm included too! Even I, a trainee, get it too!!"
When the six senior staff held thick salary pouches in their hands, it felt like they still hadn't woken up from last night.
Especially Kampo.
He gulped hard, swallowing his dry throat, then slapped himself across the face.
It hurt…
Not a dream.
They hadn't even reached the end of the month, and Kangetsu-sama already paid wages…
In that moment.
Kampo and the others felt an overwhelming urge they couldn't keep inside.
Loyalty. Fidelity. For The Emperor!!