Implementation
Chi Yu's proposal for a bail regulation was met with rare unity among the higher-ups.
Minato Namikaze, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Uchiha Shisui all gave their approval.
Minato stepped forward, his voice steady as he declared,
> "Chi Yu's regulation is beneficial for Konoha. From this day forward, it will be implemented."
The crowd of Konoha villagers erupted into thunderous applause—far louder than what Shisui had received moments earlier.
To them, this regulation was clearly in their favor, and with the Deputy Captain of the Defense Force being an Uchiha, their trust in Chi Yu only grew.
Chi Yu's lips curved slightly. From this moment on, Shisui would be a deputy in name only. The villagers already knew who truly held the reins.
---
When the inauguration ceremony ended, Chi Yu, Minato, Hiruzen, Shisui, and Orochimaru made their way to the newly established Konoha Defense Force headquarters.
No sooner had Chi Yu taken his seat than Hiruzen's voice carried a note of disapproval.
> "Chi Yu, that was reckless. Announcing a regulation on your first day—if it backfires, it could turn the people against the Defense Force."
Chi Yu bowed his head slightly.
> "My apologies, Third Hokage. I acted without full understanding of all the procedures. Still, the outcome seems favorable, doesn't it?"
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed.
> "Was this Danzo's idea?"
Chi Yu feigned surprise.
> "Why would you think that, Lord Third? This regulation was mine alone. I simply wanted to ensure this department serves Konoha from day one. I did not intend to trouble the Fourth Hokage."
Hiruzen held his gaze for a moment, then spoke evenly.
> "Regardless, you may wear Root's insignia, but you are under the Fourth Hokage's authority. Report to him first in all matters."
> "Understood, Third Hokage," Chi Yu replied smoothly. "I will carry out the Fourth's orders to the letter."
Minato added his own reminder.
> "Shisui is your deputy, with equal standing in authority. Any major decision is to be discussed with him first. I'll have the final say."
Chi Yu nodded without hesitation.
> "It won't happen again. Shisui, please guide me from now on."
He stepped forward, hand extended. Shisui, though displeased, masked it behind a polite smile and shook it.
> "Let's work together, Chi Yu."
---
From the corner, Orochimaru's voice broke the formality.
> "Seeing Chi Yu take command today reminds me of how swiftly time moves. It's your stage now… ours is nearly over. Do well."
Chi Yu replied with sincerity,
> "I will honor your guidance, Orochimaru-sensei."
Inside, he almost chuckled—he had never realized how sharply his teacher's words could cut.
Hiruzen's face darkened. Any keen ear could hear the barb: that his time was ending. Hiruzen suspected Orochimaru's bitterness ran deep, still tied to being denied the Hokage's seat.
The atmosphere grew heavy until Minato rose, breaking it.
> "Once again, congratulations, Chi Yu and Shisui. May you serve Konoha well. We'll leave you to your work."
Minato, Hiruzen, and Orochimaru exited together.
---
As they stepped into the sunlight, Hiruzen stopped Orochimaru before he could leave.
> "It's been a long time since we spoke as master and student. Walk with me."
Orochimaru merely nodded. Minato continued alone, while the two walked side by side through Konoha's streets.
After a moment, Hiruzen spoke.
> "Orochimaru… are you still holding a grudge?"
Orochimaru's golden eyes shifted lazily toward him.
> "A grudge, sensei? About what?"
> "About the Hokage seat. I chose what I thought was best for the village."
Orochimaru's smile was thin, voice low and smooth.
> "Do you think I ever truly desired to be Hokage? I have no interest in being a puppet—like Minato."
> "Watch your tongue," Hiruzen said sharply. "Minato is no puppet. When the time is right, all authority will be his."
> "Perhaps," Orochimaru murmured. "So then, what is it you want from me?"
Hiruzen's tone grew deliberate.
> "It's about Chi Yu. Convince him to support Minato fully. As Hokage, Minato needs his cooperation, not opposition."
Orochimaru stopped, studying Hiruzen as though he were some curious specimen.
> "Why do you think I can persuade him? And why assume he's opposing Minato?"
> "You saw it yourself—there's clear tension. But Chi Yu respects you. He'll listen."
Orochimaru shook his head.
> "He may respect me, but he follows his own will. I won't interfere. And if Minato can't manage a single subordinate without my help, then perhaps your choice of Hokage was… unwise."
Hiruzen's expression hardened. Even now, Orochimaru refused to yield, stripping away any pretense of respect.
Without another word, Hiruzen turned and walked away. Orochimaru watched him go, a faint, mocking smile playing across his lips.
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