<Mai Style: True Explanation of Fire Release Nintaijutsu>

Clang!

Shimura Danzō shoved open the door to the Hokage Office, strode straight up to Sarutobi Hiruzen, sat down, and immediately launched into a tirade.

"Hiruzen, why did you make that brat Uchiha Mai deputy director of the Anbu?

The current Anbu directors are Namikaze Minato and Orochimaru. They're both commanding armies on the front lines. Aren't you afraid that removing them without even notifying them will shake the troops' morale?"

The Anbu had always had one director and one deputy director. Danzo instinctively assumed that Sarutobi Hiruzen must have stripped one of them of his position to promote Uchiha Mai.

Naturally, Danzo wasn't standing up for either man or worrying about the war at the front. He simply didn't want Uchiha Mai to rise through the ranks.

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked up, glanced at Danzo, then lowered his head again and continued reading his documents at a leisurely pace. "Neither Minato nor Orochimaru has been removed from his position.

I merely added another deputy director to the Anbu.

Don't start telling me how unqualified Uchiha Mai is. His strength and accomplishments are no less than yours. If you insist on harping on his age, this discussion is pointless."

Seniority mattered in the Ninja World, but strength and achievements mattered more.

In the original storyline, Uchiha Itachi had become an Anbu Captain at twelve. Born into a time of war and distinguished by extraordinary achievements, Uchiha Mai could naturally go one step further and become deputy director.

"Why didn't you discuss adding and appointing a new deputy director in the Anbu with me?" Shimura Danzō continued pressing aggressively.

In Konoha, the Hokage's word was absolute.

Before the Hokage formally issued an order or made a decision, there was still room to change things. Once he had made the appointment, however, there