"Kyuudai, what do you think I should do after my succession?"
After Fugaku asked the question, he fixed his gaze on Aozora's face, ready to listen attentively.
Previously, the three questions he had raised were seeking solutions for specific incidents. This current question, however, concerned strategy and planning.
One could say Aozora's answer might even influence Konoha's future development.
He had expected Aozora to react with surprise and then spend a while thinking it over. Unexpectedly, Aozora responded immediately without hesitation: "You'd better not make too many or overly drastic moves!"
"Hmm?"
"What?"
Both Fugaku and Kyudai expressed their shock simultaneously.
Remaining expressionless, Aozora explained: "As they used to say back in the Warring States period, a leader who maintains his predecessor's policies for a while can be considered respectful and dutiful."
Fugaku and Kyudai both frowned. Why was this turning into a discussion about filial piety?
Ignoring their expressions, Aozora continued: "This proverb isn't just about family matters—it specifically refers to succession among feudal lords during the Warring States era.
It means that when a son takes over his father's role, the best way to secure a smooth transition is to keep the father's strategies intact at first.
Same goes for today's Hokage succession. The top priority isn't radical reform, but rather inheriting and mastering Konoha's established policies to avoid chaos. You should only make big changes once you've solidified your base of power."
Listening to this, both men looked thoughtful.
"I've mentioned to Lord Hokage before that other clans in Konoha aren't particularly keen on having an Uchiha as Hokage since Uchiha's strength inevitably encroaches upon other ninja clans' interests.
If you push for drastic reforms too soon, it might trigger fear among the village's jonin, potentially prompting them to start organizing a Jonin Confidence Vote behind the scenes."
Kyudai nodded, saying, "Aozora, I understand your point, but surely we can't just leave everything unchanged?"
Fugaku added, "Aozora only said not to make too many or overly drastic moves, not that no changes should happen at all."
"Hokage-sama truly understands me!" Aozora smiled.
Hearing this, Kyudai asked, "So where do you suggest we start with the various departments?"
Confidently, Aozora replied, "Konoha has six main departments: Administration, Anbu, Medical Corps, Interrogation Unit, Police Force, and Education Department.
The Administrative Department is the village's core unit, responsible for daily operations, mission assignments, ninja promotions, and external affairs with other nations and ninja villages. It holds supreme administrative authority.
The Uchiha clan has never been directly involved in this department before. Given its complex web of interests, significant changes should be avoided for now. Leave it in the hands of the current elders for now, and take your time learning how things run.
My only recommendation for Administration is implementing a ninja points system based on mission ranks—D rank grants 10 points, C rank 20 points, B rank 50 points, A rank 100 points, and S rank 500 points.
These points have multiple uses, such as exchanging for Ninjutsu techniques below B rank, or serving as one of the promotion criteria."
"This policy demonstrates your commitment to fairness and provides Commoner Ninja with access to ninjutsu, thereby winning their goodwill for the village."
Kyudai nodded but raised a concern: "It sounds fair, but won't this cause Konoha's ninjutsu techniques to leak out?"
Aozora shrugged casually. "B-ranked and lower techniques aren't of major significance to the Five Great Ninja Villages. Even if other villages acquired them, they wouldn't be able to utilize them effectively. It would be like refusing to eat for fear of choking—an unnecessary sacrifice over hypothetical dangers."
Kyudai nodded in agreement, and Fugaku said, "I see your point. Please continue."
Aozora continued his analysis.
"Next is Anbu. Due to Danzo's and The Third's interference, it now has quite a problematic reputation.
To avoid raising suspicion or resistance among Konoha ninja, I suggest we keep its current internal functions—providing security and messenger services—as they are. As for external missions, you can personally evaluate what roles they should play."
"The Intelligence Division, previously known as the Interrogation Unit, is currently headed by Inoichi Yamanaka. I don't think any changes are necessary at the moment. However, increasing communication between the Police Force and the Intelligence Division might really help."
"As for the Police Force itself, there's no need to change anything since it only underwent reform earlier this year. We must give both our clan members and villagers time to adjust.
Once everyone becomes accustomed to the reforms, perhaps certain leadership positions within the Police Force could gradually open up to non-Uchiha ninja.
There's always some give and take. By showing a bit of flexibility, the Police Force can help ease others' acceptance of our clan members."
After finishing his remarks on the four main departments, Aozora took a sip of water he requested from Fugaku.
Fugaku and Kyudai looked curiously at Aozora, wondering how he planned to make significant proposals regarding just the final two departments—Medical Corps and Education Department.
After clearing his throat, Aozora addressed Fugaku directly.
"As for the remaining two departments—the Medical Corps and the Education Department...
Starting with the Medical Corps, established by Tsunade, it now consists of three units—the Emergency Medical Team, Corpse Disposal Team, and Animal Care & Rehabilitation Team. It houses many skilled medical ninja and has served as one of Konoha's key strengths in past wars.
However, since Tsunade left Konoha, the Medical Corps has experienced little development..."
At this point, Fugaku, recalling that Aozora seemed somewhat close to Tsunade, asked, "Are you suggesting we invite Tsunade back to the village?"
"You're reading too much into it," Aozora shook his head. "She doesn't even want to become Hokage; why would she take charge of the Medical Corps?"
Fugaku thought for a moment and asked, "Then what do you mean?"
"I believe the Medical Corps needs reform," Aozora stated. "With effective reforms, not only could it restore ninja health but also strengthen their abilities and bring substantial revenue to Konoha."
Both Fugaku and Kyudai looked surprised.
They understood how medical care could restore physical well-being, but how could it possibly increase ninja strength or generate considerable income?
"Medicinal pills!" Aozora revealed his idea.
In his view, the ninja world was already filled with high-level magic.
"If there are techniques for flying through the skies and tunneling underground, moving mountains and filling seas, not to mention various mystical ninja tools and divine weapons, then why shouldn't we develop medicinal pills capable of reviving the dead or aiding cultivation?"
There are indeed real-life examples of this, such as the Akimichi Clan's Three-Colored Medicinal Pills, which share some effects similar to magical potions in high magic worlds.
However, compared to other high magic worlds, the development of the medical industry in the Ninja World has remained slow.
Facing Fugaku and Dan's confused gazes, Aozora explained, "The pharmaceutical industry has always been a highly profitable business. Some medicinal pills produced by ninja have unique effects that ordinary doctors definitely cannot replicate.
If we develop health-enhancing, physical-condition-improving pills specifically for nobles, they will undoubtedly become a new source of income for Konoha, preventing us from being controlled by the Daimyo's budget limitations in the future."
Recalling the incident earlier this year when the Daimyo used budget threats against The Third, Fugaku's expression turned serious—he knew Konoha truly needed new revenue sources.
Pausing briefly, Aozora continued, "I think the current state of medicine just isn't keeping up with how much ninjas have evolved.
Common ninja medicines are limited to Military Rations Pills and poisons. Antidotes are already rare, while pills that assist cultivation or enhance combat power are practically nonexistent.
Developing specialized medications for ninja would surely earn great popularity.
I suggest we start by developing a low-cost herbal bath formula.
Many Konoha Genin are stuck at the same skill level—without resources or advanced jutsu, they can only practice Taijutsu repeatedly. That Herbal Bath Package is exactly what those kids are crying out for.
If the Herbal Bath Package succeeds, we can then convince clans like the Akimichi, Aburame, and Nara—who excel in medicine—to assign talent to the Medical Corps for collaborative research on new medicinal pills.
Mass production of Medicinal Pills tailored for ninjas will certainly enhance Konoha's overall strength. At that time, you, who proposed the Medical Corps reform, will surely gain widespread support and admiration from all village ninja."
Fugaku nodded approvingly.
He wasn't just happy because Aozora sold such a shiny vision, but because it actually made sense and could work.
Most major clans in Konoha already have their own herbal bath formulas—especially the Uchiha Clan, which has many in storage. Developing a low-cost version would not be difficult and could yield quick results.
Once the low-cost herbal bath proves effective, further pill development projects can proceed accordingly.
If it works, everyone wins. If not, it's not a huge loss.
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