The brief leak of the Nine-Tails' chakra still alerted the ANBU tasked with monitoring.
They promptly reported the incident to the trio who had just finished hearing Hiruko's report.
"The Nine-Tails' chakra leaked for a short moment? Who was present at the time?"
Hiruzen was the first to rise, ready to swing Enma and go toe-to-toe with the Nine-Tails himself.
"Whoa, slow down, old man. Takeshi just got back from a mission and visited Minato's home. I'd wager that kid's up to something again."
Jiraiya raised his hand to calm Hiruzen after learning the full picture from the ANBU.
"Takeshi? His team never sent in any reports. Why is he suddenly back in the village?"
Hiruzen was puzzled and shot a questioning look at Sakumo.
Sensing Hiruzen's gaze, Sakumo shrugged, indicating that he hadn't received any reports either.
"That kid... comes back from a mission and doesn't report in, doesn't go home, just keeps running to Minato's place every time?"
Hiruzen muttered as he sat back down.
"Speaking of which, did any of you understand the curse seal Orochimaru provided?"
Now that they knew Takeshi had returned, the leak of the Nine-Tails' chakra was no longer their top concern. With a perfect Jinchūriki in the village, they weren't too worried about the Nine-Tails stirring up trouble.
Isobu: You're amazing, you're so righteous, and you want me to fight Kurama?
"The jutsu is quite simple. Who would've thought that just applying a curse seal to a controlled corpse could block the effects of genjutsu? Hiruzen-sama truly trained some fine ninja for Konoha."
Sakumo analyzed the structure of the jutsu seal, gaining new appreciation for Hiruzen's ability to train talented students.
The Sannin, Takeshi—these were all outstanding shinobi renowned throughout the ninja world. Hiruzen Sarutobi's title as a Professor was clearly well-earned.
"Hahaha, I just did what I could."
Though pleased by Sakumo's compliment, Hiruzen kept his pride in check. Only the subtle upward curve of his lips betrayed his satisfaction.
In high spirits, Hiruzen pulled out his pipe—which had been put away—and lit it in front of Jiraiya and Sakumo.
"Old man, this is a public space!"
Feeling like he was about to be smoked like a fish, Jiraiya couldn't take Hiruzen's bad habit anymore and was about to explode.
"Actually, I just thought of a great idea."
Hiruzen ignored Jiraiya's exasperation and revealed a long-shelved plan.
...
"De-Uchiha-fy the police force?" x2
"That's right."
Hiruzen nodded and began to analyze the policy originally set by his teacher, Tobirama Senju.
"The Second Hokage's intention was to keep the Uchiha clan under control indefinitely. By exploiting the special authority of the police force, it made it harder for them to build good relations with other clans."
"This policy worked in earlier times, but in recent years, it's only caused the village's relationship with the Uchiha to grow more strained. With the Fourth Hokage newly appointed, I think it's the perfect time to talk with Fugaku about allowing other clans and civilian shinobi to join the police force."
"That way, we can also strengthen the police force's counter-intelligence capabilities."
Sakumo listened intently, analyzing the pros and cons of this plan in his mind.
Jiraiya's expression grew serious too, no longer focused on Hiruzen's smoking.
"It's a good idea... but I doubt the Uchiha clan will accept outsiders joining so easily."
Jiraiya spoke up before Sakumo. He feared this move would provoke opposition from the more radical factions within the Uchiha, undoing any progress made in recent relations—and possibly making things worse.
"There are still those within the Uchiha who long for peace. The radicals are just a small group. If Fugaku explains it to them with reason and emotion..."
Before Hiruzen could finish, Sakumo interrupted him.
"When it comes to the radicals, we mustn't compromise. What's needed is decisive action."
Sakumo had a sharper view. Unless the radical faction was rooted out, there would always be dissent within the Uchiha clan.
His personality was firmer than Hiruzen's but gentler than Danzō's—like a blend of the two.
"Then I'll leave the negotiations with Fugaku to you, Fourth Hokage."
Seeing Sakumo had made up his mind, Hiruzen, the previous Hokage, didn't say any more.
"Mm. After all, this is my duty as the Fourth Hokage."
Sakumo crossed his arms and placed them on the desk, half-covering his face, eyes fixed straight ahead.
"Now then... Orochimaru had Hiruko deliver a request to increase the Research Bureau's budget..."
With the major decision made, Jiraiya curiously pulled out Orochimaru's budget request and looked toward the two great minds seated before him.
"Budget—"
Sakumo had originally planned to brush this matter aside, but the moment Jiraiya brought it up so bluntly, he snapped.
His gaze, which had been fixed ahead, now turned sharply toward Hiruzen.
Third Hokage, oh Third Hokage... You said you were retiring, so just retire! Why did you approve the establishment of both the Research Bureau and the Medical Corps right before stepping down?
Konoha didn't even gain much from the recent war. And now, you want to set up new organizations for your two disciples? Did you ever stop to think how your successor—the Fourth Hokage—might feel?!
As if in sync with Sakumo's thoughts, Hiruzen abruptly stood up at Jiraiya's words and walked toward the door.
"Ah yes, almost forgot—Biwako asked me to bring home some groceries. I'll be going now."
Before Sakumo could say anything, the true culprit behind the budget crisis bolted out the door at full speed.
"Sigh..."
Sakumo sighed, staring at the application in Jiraiya's hands, clearly conflicted.
There was no denying it: thanks to Orochimaru and Hiruko's joint efforts, the Research Bureau had indeed produced unexpected results.
Not only had they solved the mystery of reanimated corpses, they had also developed prosthetics capable of using ninjutsu—bringing Konoha's technology to the forefront.
Rumor had it that Kumogakure was also heavily investing in tech projects. Clearly, Konoha couldn't afford to fall behind.
But where would the money come from?
"Leave it here. Let me think about it."
After a brief hesitation, Sakumo, unable to make up his mind, decided to revisit the issue after his meeting with Fugaku regarding the police force.
"If that's the case, then I'll just..."
Seeing that Hiruzen had already fled, Jiraiya—currently head of the ANBU—was ready to slip away too. Maybe find a quiet place to drink and admire some beauties.
But Sakumo stopped him.
"I'm going to the Uchiha compound to discuss the police force issue with Fugaku. You stay and handle these documents. Also, start thinking about the new deputy commander."
With that, Sakumo didn't give Jiraiya a chance to refuse and immediately vanished from the office using Lightning Body Flicker.
Jiraiya: ?
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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