Now that everything was settled here and all the necessary documents were signed, the Third Raikage genuinely had no intention of lingering. He was eager to return to Kumogakure to announce the news.
At the same time, he needed to carefully consider the situation with the Land of Water and the Land of Earth, to see if he could subtly hinder them and make them fight for a few more days. This was similar to the task Hibari had given the Anbu earlier. Even if it only delayed them for a bit, every extra day was a gain, and it was certainly worth doing.
So, after organizing everything, the Third Raikage said, "Since our objective this time has been fully achieved, we won't impose any longer. We are ready to return to Kumogakure to implement these treaties!"
Hiruzen smiled and replied, "If Raikage-sama isn't in a hurry, you're welcome to stay in our Konoha for a couple of days to rest. It would also allow us to fulfill our duties as hosts. How could we feel right if you leave without even spending a single night?"
The Third Raikage was actually quite pressed for time. Moreover, even though both sides were officially allies, the atmosphere in Konohagakure towards Kumogakure was still not very friendly. They were met with eye-rolls whenever they went out, and it would take a long time to adjust. Staying here would only make them uncomfortable.
Thus, the Third Raikage smiled and said, "Next time, perhaps. When I have the chance, I will definitely come and experience Konoha's customs properly. This time, I'm a bit rushed."
Hiruzen was just being polite; he didn't genuinely want them to stay. What would be the point of keeping them? To be an eyesore? To waste his time? Why seek discomfort?
So, upon hearing the Third Raikage's words, Hiruzen feigned reluctance and said, "That's truly a shame. But I'll be looking forward to it. I hope Raikage-sama will visit Konoha often when you have time, after all, we're allies now!"
"Of course, of course. I also hope everyone from Konoha can visit our Kumogakure when you have time. I will definitely host you well!" the Third Raikage said with a laugh.
After some polite pleasantries, the Third Raikage prepared to leave with his people. Then, as if something suddenly occurred to him, Hibari said with a chuckle, "Raikage-sama, about Kinkaku's arm..."
The Third Raikage's expression stiffened, then he gave a helpless, wry smile and shook his head at Hibari, saying, "We've already turned enemies into friends, Hibari-dono, and you're still teasing me? As an ally, Hibari-dono, you can burn that arm on my behalf!"
Hibari also laughed and said, "Alright then, it's no trouble at all, Raikage-sama. Leave it to me... When our Mitsumine Group's caravan arrives in Kumogakure, I'll also prepare some of our Konoha specialties and send them to you, Raikage-sama. I hope you won't refuse my good intentions then."
The Third Raikage smiled and nodded, saying, "I certainly won't. Thank you in advance, Hibari-dono!"
And so, after a farewell, the Third Raikage was escorted out by Koharu, Danzō, and Homura. Now, in the large conference room, only Hiruzen and Hibari remained.
Hiruzen happily took out his pipe, took a puff, and then exhaled a plume of smoke, saying, "This time, I really have you to thank. Otherwise, I don't know how we would have dealt with Kumogakure..."
Hibari said dramatically, "You as Hokage really make me uneasy. I have to watch over you all the time."
In other settings, Hibari always gave Hiruzen face, addressing him as 'Hokage-sama.' But in private, the two reverted to their old ways.
Hiruzen heard Hibari's words and snorted, his mustache bristling, "Look at you, getting ahead of yourself. Praise you a little, and you'll be flying to the heavens!"
After a brief exchange of banter, Hiruzen asked again, "You've probably already made arrangements regarding the Land of Water and the Land of Earth?"
"Yes, I've sent people to sow discord, but I estimate the gains won't be significant. Better than nothing, I suppose," Hibari nodded and said.
"Did the Second Mizukage and Second Tsuchikage truly kill each other?" Hiruzen asked after a moment of silence.
Hibari shook his head, then nodded, and continued, "There's no concrete evidence, but the possibility is high. Gengetsu Hozuki and Mū already had a blood feud. It would be strange if they didn't fight to the death when they met. Such a thing happening is quite normal."
"Sigh, I never expected this war to develop this way. But it's good; the greater their losses, the more it benefits us. Now we must seize the time to restore our national and military strength... I plan to expand the scale of the Ninja Academy and further select qualified civilians from the populace to join the shinobi ranks. What do you think?" Hiruzen asked.
"I think it's excellent! You're the Hokage-sama, so you make the decisions. I'm just a small Anbu Commander, specifically running errands for you, Hokage-sama, hahahaha." Hibari laughed loudly.
Hiruzen also laughed when he heard Hibari's words. After laughing, he asked again, "What about you? What are your plans recently? I heard you've dumped all the Anbu's work on Hitenn. You're really shameless."
"Shameless or not, I'm training Hitenn. Who knows, he might need to take over in the future. I can't stay in the Anbu my whole life, can I?" Hibari rolled his eyes and said casually.
After a slight pause, Hibari continued, "After this, the war will cease, and soon, what they call 'peace' will return. At that time, our Anbu's work will also significantly decrease. Plus, I presume you'll also start to decentralize and restructure the Anbu, right? After all, the Anbu can't continue to develop like this. If it keeps going, there will be no need for other departments. I might as well not be a Commander and just be the Hokage instead. So, I plan to first learn everything my grandfather has kept hidden away, and then go out and travel. Land of Hot Water is a very good place. I plan to invest in post-war reconstruction there and take care of some personal matters."
Hiruzen didn't say much, just nodded and said, "Just take care of yourself; I won't ask too many questions. However, regarding the Anbu restructuring, I have indeed been thinking about it these past few days and was preparing to bring it up with you to hear your opinion. After all, you are now the Anbu Commander, and my restructuring will inevitably reduce your power..."
"Enough, enough, don't pretend here with me. Do we really need to talk like this with our relationship? Just go ahead and do it. If I cared about power, I would have jumped up and fought you for the Hokage position long ago..." Hibari quickly waved his hand and said.
Hiruzen also smiled. He naturally understood that Hibari wasn't someone who cared about those things. So he said, "Isn't this just going through the motions? I still had to inform you, lest you catch me doing something wrong and secretly slander Hiruzen Sarutobi every day for 'kicking away the ladder after climbing it'..."
"What are you talking about? Am I that kind of person?" Hibari said, slightly annoyed.
"Given our many years of friendship, you absolutely are!" Hiruzen affirmed without hesitation.
Hibari couldn't be bothered to argue with him anymore. He then said, "If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving. I've already mentioned the Mitsumine Group's investment in the Land of Lightning to you. The relevant plans have also been prepared within the group. If anything comes up, just talk to Hitoku. He knows everything. I'm going back to secluded training. Once my 'divine power' is perfected, I'll come out and challenge you again!"
Hiruzen sneered and didn't try to stop him. However, just as Hibari was about to push the door open and leave, he suddenly spoke again, "Oh, right. Tsunade and the others are about to graduate from the Ninja Academy. How should they be arranged next? Do you have any plans?"
"Just follow the standard procedures, no special treatment. Let them start with D-rank missions and slowly accumulate and develop the qualities of a shinobi... I hope she can uphold the name of our Senju clan and become an excellent shinobi soon... Oh, right!" Hibari suddenly remembered something as he spoke and quickly turned back to look at Hiruzen.
Hiruzen also asked, a little confused, "What is it?"
"I just remembered something! My record in the archives still lists me as a Genin! You're already Hokage; quickly get it sorted out and promote me to Jonin! Otherwise, I'll be the same rank as my Tsunade-hime!" Hibari said hastily.
Hiruzen paused for a moment, then said, "I thought it was something serious. Alright, I understand. Go on with your business; I'll inform the archives department and get you promoted."
"Alright then, don't forget it! This concerns the name and honor of Senju Hibari. If you mess it up, I'll fight you!" Hibari emphasized, then didn't say anything more and left with a chuckle.
Soon after Hibari left, Hiruzen also left the conference room and returned to his office. On one hand, he arranged for some personnel to publicly announce the matters discussed in the meeting. On the other hand, he took out a document he had already prepared and opened it to read.
What was written on it was precisely about the decentralization and restructuring of the Anbu. The first page was Danzō's proposal to separate the Anbu's training organization and form an independent, new 'Root' organization. On it were not only Danzō's signature but also the signatures of Homura and Koharu, those 'naive' ones, and finally, Hibari's anonymous signature.
As long as Hiruzen signed his name, it would take effect. He didn't hesitate; this was something everyone agreed on. So he quickly signed his name and then turned to the second page.
All the subsequent details were about refining and adjusting the Anbu's powers and functions. This department had to be regularized; it couldn't interfere with everything anymore. Otherwise, all the other departments would be full of resentment, feeling like they were working for the Anbu, which wouldn't be good.
The Anbu needed to become a pure 'violent organization.' They shouldn't concern themselves with anything extra; just kill whoever they were told to kill, and don't ask for reasons or explanations. The answer would always be 'for Konoha!'
Expanding the Ninja Academy's scale and adjusting the Anbu's powers and functions—all these things represented that Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi was officially taking control of Konohagakure's highest authority!
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