"Why suddenly cause such a huge commotion inside the village…"
Hiruzen exhaled a thick cloud of smoke, his gaze stern. With a forceful, resonant voice, he said: "It was precisely in order to—without issuing any notice, without filing any report, without escorts, and without listening to briefings—to conduct on-site tests of the village's emergency response, and to grasp the most raw and authentic situation firsthand!"
"Although the Second Shinobi World War has already ended, it is far from the time to sheath the blades and store the weapons."
Hiruzen's voice rang out clearly. And after the Earth Spear Technique had been dispelled and the distance closed, the Konoha ninja present gradually noticed that their Hokage had become younger and more robust.
Naturally, some doubts arose.
And this was precisely the opportunity that Hiruzen intended to seize.
Not only to rationalize the so-called "cheat," but also to take this chance to shape a new personal image for himself and elevate his "authority"!
"Several months ago, Uzumaki Kushina was abducted within the village by shinobi from Kumogakure—yet ANBU, Root, and the Guard Corps all failed to react in time!"
Shinnosuke and Fugaku both lowered their heads simultaneously, their backs tightening.
This was a severe reprimand from the Hokage.
"But was this solely the fault of ANBU and the Guard Corps?"
"In my view, when such a problem occurs in the village, the primary responsibility should lie with me—the Hokage!"
What no one had expected was that Hiruzen would abruptly change his tone and take the responsibility back onto himself.
Fugaku, his head still lowered, revealed a look of confusion.
Eh—so he didn't take the chance to conveniently suppress the Uchiha clan?
If he used this matter to press them down, even he himself felt there would be nothing wrong with it, because mistakes really had been made.
"Accountability is to prevent slackening."
"But what's more important is to put an end to this kind of thing happening again next time!"
Hiruzen continued, "So I didn't rush to respond to Kumogakure."
"First: as the Hokage, as the primary person responsible for the Kushina incident, I need to ensure that when a similar incident happens next time, I can be the first to lead everyone and charge up."
"And not only to charge up—I also have to be able to win!"
"For that reason, over these past few months I trained in the various jutsu formulas left behind by the First and by Tobirama-sensei. Although some were dangerous, perhaps it was the blessing of the previous Hokage—I've made some progress."
When the Konoha ninja heard this, they first all showed looks of sudden realization.
So that's how it was…
No wonder the Hokage-sama hadn't rushed to retaliate against Kumogakure…
He was doing it so he could be the first to charge on the battlefield!
"Hokage-sama, in the recent past you were ill, with a high fever that wouldn't let up…" Nara Shikayama—also the current head of the Nara clan—after exchanging a subtle look with Hiruzen, spoke up to ask.
"Mm. I used some dangerous Kinjutsu, but it's all in the past."
Hiruzen bent his arm and patted his bulging biceps. "Everyone needs to get used to my new image. Otherwise, when the time comes to charge with me, it'll be troublesome if you follow the wrong person."
In his heart, he also labeled Shikayama as a "smart person."
He cracked a small joke, slightly easing the previously oppressive atmosphere.
Overemphasizing his own sacrifices would instead be detrimental to establishing the persona of enduring hardship and lying in wait.
The chūnin and genin all looked at Hiruzen with expressions of reverence.
The image of a Hokage who trained in life-threatening Kinjutsu for the sake of the village, who could still restrain his anger and endure criticism on everyone's behalf, gradually took shape.
Kakashi nudged Asuma, his expression clearly dissatisfied, and whispered, "Hey—you guy, what have you been saying at the Academy all this time?"
Asuma's face flushed red, wishing he could give himself a few slaps on the spot.
Rebellious by nature, he usually liked to say things like the Hokage was just a lousy old man.
"Second, there are the systemic issues revealed by the Kushina incident."
"Over the past few months, I have also conducted in-depth investigations into the village's systems—the lack of clarity in the duties of the Police Force and ANBU, issues such as the promotion paths for jōnin, and so on."
"This matter will be vigorously pushed forward and implemented. Everyone should be mentally prepared. But the overall principle is this—capable shinobi, and those who truly act for the good of the village, must be placed in the positions they deserve!"
Out of the corner of his eye, Danzō caught sight of his two old teammates and revealed a faint look of satisfaction. 'Hmph. Hiruzen still trusts me—he even sounded me out in advance…'
At this moment, Danzō subconsciously ignored one thing.
Over the past few days in Root, he had still been pondering whether Hiruzen intended to strip him of power, or whether he truly wanted him to participate in the competition for the Hokage position…
Meanwhile, the jōnin's eyes lit up.
More than ten thousand shinobi, around a hundred jōnin—yet only four people could actually participate in village decision-making.
Two advisors, one aide, and one Hokage.
Although there were departments for administration, medical services, interrogation and questioning, education, and analysis, due to their specialized nature, some of these posts were instead held by Special Jōnin.
There was said to be a so-called "Jōnin Council," but in reality it possessed no real authority.
The jōnin could not help but begin to look forward to it.
What would the Third Hokage do?
Homura and Koharu looked at each other.
Institutionalized reform?
Why hadn't he discussed this with the two of them…
But in this setting, within the heated atmosphere deliberately built by Hiruzen, the two of them tacitly kept their mouths shut.
Speaking up now would only earn resentment from the jōnin!
Hiruzen slightly raised his hand.
The low murmur of quiet discussion immediately ceased.
"Next, I'll summarize this emergency-response test."
"Overall, it was good! Our shinobi still have solid discipline and swift reactions…"
"But there were also problems."
"Root—what is going on with you? Where is your timeliness!"
Hiruzen's tone grew heavier as he cast his gaze toward Danzō.
"I am not holding Root accountable for the Kushina incident because Root has produced results in the past, and I also cannot demand that the intelligence department grasp every single movement of the enemy."
Danzō's heart tightened—was this about to turn the blade on him?
"This matter—I bear responsibility!" He had grievances he could not voice, and did not dare to speak them aloud.
Root's shinobi were extremely special.
Because in the past, under Danzō, Root's training had been brainwashing in nature—completely a model of cultivating private soldiers.
When Root obtained intelligence, the course of action was to first report it to him and only then act.
Rather than, like ANBU, handling the issue and reporting it simultaneously upon discovery.
"You do bear responsibility!"
Hiruzen snorted coldly. "Danzō—although you have been busy with the reorganization of Root and there are objective reasons, that is not an excuse for negligence…"
The other shinobi lowered their heads, remaining silent and uninvolved.
This was a power struggle at the very top of Konoha—something they were in no position to casually interject in.
But Danzō himself was somewhat stunned.
Eh? What was wrong with the monkey today?
Was he actually praising him?
Saying that Root had indeed produced results—and at the same time, conveying a message to the other shinobi:
—that dissolving Root was not a punishment, but a result already negotiated and agreed upon at the highest levels.
Danzō had also been worrying about this over the past few days.
After all, once he lost Root, it would be easy for others to think that he had lost the Hokage's trust.
Even if he entered the formal line of succession for Hokage, wouldn't that mean he was already a step behind everyone else?
"Please have the Hokage punish me!" Having thought this through, Danzō—rarely—did not say anything like you will regret this, and instead cleanly took responsibility upon himself.
Koharu and Homura exchanged a glance, both of their expressions complicated.
How was Danzō being played by Hiruzen so smoothly?
"For now, you will atone through meritorious service. After Root is abolished, you will serve as ANBU Vice Commander while also concurrently acting as the Hokage's aide—you must produce results that satisfy everyone."
"When the village is in danger, the first to charge forward will be me—the Hokage. The second should be you, as my aide!"
"If a similar problem happens a second time, I will punish it severely without mercy! You will submit a military pledge."
Hiruzen said this plainly.
Joy appeared in Danzō's eyes. He hadn't been transferred out of ANBU? He was still working in a familiar field…
And this military pledge—wasn't this exactly a chance for him to show his face?
Hiruzen, you really did give me an opportunity. You keep your word!
Since that was the case—
Danzō's heart surged. He stepped forward and said, "If such a thing happens again, I ask that my head be taken!"
"Good!" Hiruzen was momentarily taken aback, but quickly adjusted his expression.
"This—this is Konoha's aide!"
With such a chance to show himself, was Danzō really daring to speak this boldly?
A round of applause rose at the scene—though it was not particularly enthusiastic.
But to Danzō's ears, it sounded extraordinarily loud…
Perhaps because no one had ever applauded him before.
"Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka… Aburame, Sakumo." Hiruzen called out the names of several shinobi clans and individuals, offering praise.
Then he walked over to stand in front of Hyūga Hizashi.
"Hizashi—did the Hyūga clan have some kind of closed clan assembly today?" The Third Hokage, who was not one to let such things slide, remembered this great Konoha clan that had arrived late.
However, toward this branch-family shinobi, Hiruzen's tone was still relatively mild.
He had already decided not to make an issue of it.
Hizashi lowered his head.
As early as when he arrived late, the scrutinizing gazes of those around him had already made his face burn.
But he truly had no way around it…
Much like Danzō's situation—if he reported it to the main family and then analyzed it further, wouldn't the time inevitably be delayed…
The Hyūga clan could be considered a "village within the village."
With the Caged Bird Seal, it had always been an iron block—impervious to water, impossible to pierce with a needle.
After all, as a great clan with a thousand-year legacy, in the minds of those who held power, the continuation of the family was certainly placed above the interests of the village.
The Byakugan's value in unification and coordination was indeed extremely high; they had that kind of capital.
Hiruzen reflected inwardly—if he were part of the Hyūga main family, he would probably have similar thoughts.
But the problem was, he was the Hokage!
As a ruler, he found it difficult to tolerate the existence of something like this within his domain.
"No…" Hizashi's voice was very soft. "Hokage-sama, today was an accident…"
He could not say that it was a decision of the main family, and could only brush it off with vague words.
Hizashi was very afraid that Hiruzen would continue pressing the matter.
But Hiruzen did not. Instead, he gave the Hyūga an out: "As a great clan with a thousand years of inheritance, I respect the Hyūga's traditions."
"Keeping the Byakugan activated at all times within the village would indeed have some impact."
The shinobi nodded subconsciously.
Who didn't have a bit of personal privacy? Especially shinobi—intelligence was the most important resource of all.
Even among comrades, boundaries were necessary.
"Thank you for your understanding, Hokage-sama!" Hizashi let out a heavy breath.
"Are you willing to join ANBU?" Hiruzen abruptly changed the subject. "The village needs your strength."
In the past, the Third Hokage had not refrained from discussing the Hyūga joining ANBU, but the matter had always been deflected by the main family. Over time, it had come to seem like a kind of unspoken convention, and no one brought it up anymore.
At that time, it was probably out of concern that it might affect unity.
Hizashi froze for a moment, then blurted out instinctively, "I'm willing, Hokage-sama!"
Hiruzen smiled faintly. "Very good, Hizashi. I see you…"
After a brief pause, he continued, "…and I see the Will of Fire of the Hyūga clan as well."
He then cleared his throat. "Finally, I want to say this to the chūnin and genin who came to provide support—I am proud of you all."
"Even when faced with the intensity of my battle with Orochimaru, you still rushed here at the first moment, without the slightest hesitation in your hearts."
"With shinobi like this, we will always stand far ahead in the ninja world!"
"Since everyone loves the village so deeply, I, as Hokage, promise that the village will never allow your Will of Fire to go unrewarded!"
Hiruzen made his pledge with solemn conviction.
"Guy, did you see that? This is the Hokage-sama's youth… the Hokage-sama's ninja way!" Might Duy said, his eyes brimming with tears as he deliberately lowered his voice.
"You must get into the Ninja Academy and pour your youth into everyone, into the village!"
"Father, I'll work twice as hard!" the little bowl-cut boy said through streaming tears. "Father, please train with me more later!"
Seeing the two of them out of the corner of his eye, Hiruzen smiled to himself.
This oddly spirited father-and-son pair left a deep impression on him.
"Huh? You brat—why are you here? And Sakumo's kid too…"
Curious, Hiruzen walked over to his eldest son and lifted Asuma and Kakashi, the two little boys, into the air. "Did you two come to help as well?"
"I-I thought you were so tired you fell asleep without putting out your cigarette and set the house on fire…"
"So I asked Tsunade-nee and Jiraiya-nii to bring Kakashi and me here," Asuma said, his eyes red. "Father… I'm sorry."
"I shouldn't have spoken badly about you at the Academy!"
At that, the surrounding shinobi all laughed kindly.
Hiruzen laughed as well. "You little brat—wait till we get home, then I'll deal with you."
From ancient times to the present, using lighthearted family moments to draw closer to subordinates has always been a common and highly effective method.
"Alright, everyone, return to your respective posts."
"Danzō, Homura, Koharu—tomorrow at nine o'clock, a meeting at the Hokage Building…"
"Sakumo, come here." Hiruzen spoke softly as he gave instructions. "Take Hizashi and have him put on an ANBU uniform…"
Sakumo nodded silently.
Nearby, Fugaku fell into thought.
He was wondering whether this was really the Sarutobi Hiruzen the clan head had spoken of—the one who only ever sat around in the Hokage Building.
It didn't feel like it…
"Tsunade, Jiraiya—your mistress has cooked dinner. Will you come with Orochimaru as well? It's all food he likes, but I'll add a couple more dishes for you later."
Jiraiya nodded vigorously, but then stomped his foot in irritation.
"Ahh, this is so annoying! Sensei, you're just like before—playing favorites with Orochimaru again!"
Tsunade rolled her eyes gracefully.
"If you ask me, there's nothing wrong with that. Who would favor an idiot who wanders around outside the village all day?"
"What? Tsunade! Why aren't you taking my side too?!"
Orochimaru watched the scene with a smile, then took the initiative to walk over to Hiruzen.
"Sensei, Tsunade, let's go. If we keep talking to this idiot, Mistress will start worrying that we're late…"
"What did you say?! You damned snake, say that again!"
Jiraiya hopped around and rushed over to Orochimaru. "Dare to duel me? I'll beat you so badly you won't be able to eat!"
"You? Heh…" Orochimaru replied unhurriedly.
"Are you saying you're stronger than Sensei? After all, I currently have a very healthy appetite for the meal Mistress prepared for me…"
"Oh?" Hiruzen chuckled as he joined in.
"Jiraiya, are you saying you want to exchange a few moves with this old man too? How about tomorrow?"
Jiraiya's vision went dark.
"N-no, Sensei, that's not what I meant… I'm not as tough as that damned snake!"
Listening to his companions bicker and joke around, Tsunade felt a long-lost sense of ease return.
Humming a tune softly, her profile bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, she clasped her hands behind her back and walked toward the Sarutobi residence.