Sarutobi Hiruzen smoked a few puffs comfortably.
Lighting a cigarette was a trivial matter, not involving any transfer of power in itself.
The people present were all old acquaintances.
But this meant that Shimura Danzō truly acknowledged Sarutobi Hiruzen's words this time and was eager to hear what followed...
And this was under circumstances irrelevant to the Hokage's status, purely based on the content.
How many years had it been since such a scene occurred?
Even Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura couldn't remember clearly.
"Danzō, you say that establishing 'Konoha Committee Members', leaving aside the benefits for the village and the Jōnin, what benefits would it have for my authority as Hokage?"
"Needless to say, opening up an advancement channel for them is something even a Chūnin can think of."
Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled a puff of smoke.
Shimura Danzō frowned, thinking seriously.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura were also conducting their own considerations regarding this issue.
A moment later.
"For the Jōnin, it naturally stimulates their enthusiasm and creates more value, as you said."
"For the village, if the loyalty of those 'Konoha Committee Members' is guaranteed, perhaps it will operate more efficiently."
"But for you as the Hokage, if we don't count the gratitude for promotion..."
Shimura Danzō shook his head: "Probably much more free time? That's about it."
"Time is naturally one point."
"Integrating the trivial needs of the grassroots allows me to focus on strategic aspects and also have time for cultivation."
Sarutobi Hiruzen first affirmed Shimura Danzō's thoughts, then smiled: "Let me say something you're interested in..."
The corner of Shimura Danzō's mouth curled almost imperceptibly.
I'm interested?
Lighting your cigarette was just because I saw you being forgetful!
"With these twenty people, conflicts in the village in the future won't focus on the Hokage alone."
Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a chuckle: "They are the buffer layer between the Hokage and the Jōnin and Chūnin. A large number of demands, problems, and mistakes will have specific responsible persons from now on."
"Directly interfacing with ninja and ninja clan needs, problems in work, and even conflicts caused by misunderstandings will be attributed to the village's high-level officials."
"Human nature is such that when problems arise, the vast majority of people won't blame themselves first."
"And with 'Konoha Committee Members', they will shoulder this responsibility. As long as the Hokage adjusts the direction in time after problems arise and deals with the problematic ninja, he will instead gain prestige in the event."
Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu:
"The Administration Department interfaces with the Land of Fire. You two have probably heard this saying often spoken among the common people—the Daimyō is good, it's just that the ministers executed things badly..."
"This is the same principle."
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu looked at each other.
Wait, what's wrong with Hiruzen? Did he really attain enlightenment after a serious illness!
"There is such a saying. I had some vague thoughts about this concept, but I didn't expect Hiruzen to have already integrated it well to apply to the village..."
Utatane Koharu spoke: "I fully support this proposal!"
Mitokado Homura also echoed: "Hiruzen's explanation is detailed and reasonable enough. I also approve."
Shimura Danzō's eyes widened slightly, digesting Sarutobi Hiruzen's words carefully and excitedly...
Can it be played like this?
This monkey is too bad!
This concept with a touch of 'human nature theory' undoubtedly hit the mark in his heart.
"As the high level, the most important thing for us is to establish a healthy system, then observe the situation, and adjust and modify it under constantly changing circumstances."
"No matter what system, conflicts of interest will appear. Conflict is not a bad thing; in any group, it is as common as eating and drinking."
"And for the future of Konoha, to have enough authority to carry out the next reform, one must learn to be a 'referee' adjusting conflicts, rather than a contestant participating in the competition."
Sarutobi Hiruzen said earnestly.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura applauded gently.
Shimura Danzō listened with increasing excitement, as if he had obtained the true scriptures...
This was not only teaching real stuff but also self-exposing dark material!
And Sarutobi Hiruzen keenly captured Shimura Danzō's demeanor.
"Danzō, I need you to change your thinking."
"The buffer layer bears responsibility for the Hokage, but it also opens up an advancement channel for them, with accompanying welfare and honors later."
"Even if the enemy prints what I said for everyone to see, no one will take it seriously."
"Why? Because with this system, the ninja and the high level have achieved a 'win-win'! If you always use the thinking of treating enemies in Root, you will never be able to convince people."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's tone suddenly became serious: "You have issued a military pledge. If I find you still using the old set of thinking, don't blame me for disregarding our past friendship!"
Shimura Danzō's expression shook. He wanted to say something, but looking at Sarutobi Hiruzen in front of him...
He still overcame his subconscious and didn't talk back: "I understand."
"Good." Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded: "The line of thought is clear. Now I'll assign specific tasks."
"Danzō, Koharu, Homura, each of you three draft a list of 'Konoha Committee Members'. The number should be around thirty people, and mark the corresponding specific responsibilities and your reasons for recommendation."
Utatane Koharu asked in confusion: "Hiruzen, aren't we selecting twenty 'Konoha Committee Members'?"
"I also plan to set up about ten candidates..." Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a smile:
"With a slightly larger number, it's easier to determine the candidates you have a consensus on. I will select from your lists and also add some people I think highly of."
Mitokado Homura felt assured in his heart: "Hiruzen, don't worry, I will do it seriously."
This was a sign of the Hokage's trust in them.
But in Shimura Danzō's ears, he heard some strange notes.
Is this beating everyone not to randomly write their own direct subordinates in it?
Cross-referencing lists, Hokage selection...
Or was he overthinking it?
There was no helping it; the little class Sarutobi Hiruzen gave him just now made this Darkness of the Ninja World a bit suspicious.
"Koharu, Homura, you also have to release word to the high levels of the Land of Fire that Konoha has made significant progress in human science, and I, the Hokage, have clearly benefited."
"This involves a major interest project for the village's future. Do it one hundred percent and report feedback in time." Sarutobi Hiruzen said seriously:
"I will find a time to talk to you about the specific situation. Just execute it for now."
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura agreed seriously.
"Hatake Sakumo, I want to promote him to Vice-Captain of the Anbu."
Shimura Danzō looked surprised, with faint dissatisfaction in his heart.
Wouldn't that be the same rank as himself?
After dismantling Root, Sarutobi Hiruzen assigned him this position in front of everyone.
"Danzō, let me see that you have the ability to maturely control a large department."
"If you want to do more for the village, prove it to me." Sarutobi Hiruzen said in a deep voice: "Your two tasks, one urgent, one can be long-term..."
"Tsuchikage Ōnoki's Lightened Boulder Technique has too high a strategic value. Find a way to collect relevant data... After all, it's a hidden secret of Iwagakure, and diplomatic relations between the two countries are currently normal."
Shimura Danzō replied: "I understand."
Quite reasonable...
Didn't make it difficult for him.
"Find me data on Cloud's Jinchūriki, try every means possible!"
"Since they dared to lay hands on Uzumaki Kushina..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen unexpectedly revealed a ferocious glint in his eyes:
"I want to kill at least one of their Jinchūriki!"