The So-Called Buffer Layer, and Hiruzen Sarutobi's Murderous Glare

Hiruzen Sarutobi took several satisfied puffs of his pipe.

Lighting it was a trivial matter, one that did not involve any transfer of power.

Everyone present was an old acquaintance.

Yet it meant that Shimura Danzō truly acknowledged Hiruzen Sarutobi's words this time and was eager to hear what came next...

It was a discussion based purely on substance, regardless of the Hokage's position.

How many years had it been since they had seen such a scene?

Even Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura could no longer remember.

"Danzo, you proposed establishing 'Konoha Committee Members.' Never mind the benefits to the village and the Jonin. Tell me, what would it do for my authority as Hokage?"

"There's no need to mention opening up promotion channels for them. Even Chunin could think of that."

Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a stream of smoke.

Shimura Danzō frowned and pondered seriously.

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura also considered the question in their own ways.

A moment later.

"For the Jonin, it would naturally motivate them and, as you said, allow them to create more value."

"For the village, if the loyalty of those 'Konoha Committee Members' could be ensured, operations might become more efficient."

"But for you, the Hokage, if we exclude their gratitude for being promoted..."

Shimura Danzō shook his head. "You would probably gain quite a bit more time. That's about it."

"Time is naturally one part of it."

"Consolidating the miscellaneous demands from the lower levels would let me focus on strategy and give me time to train."

Hiruzen Sarutobi first acknowledged Shimura Danzō's idea, then smiled. "Let me tell you something you'll find interesting..."

The corner of Shimura Danzō's mouth twitched almost imperceptibly.

Something I find interesting?

I only lit your pipe because I saw how forgetful you were!

"With these twenty people, the village's conflicts will no longer be focused on the Hokage alone."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a genial smile, "They will be a Buffer Layer between the Hokage and the Jonin and Chunin. From now on, the countless demands, problems, and mistakes that arise will have specific people held responsible."

"They will directly handle the needs of ninja and Ninja Clans, as well as problems that arise during work. Even conflicts caused by misunderstandings will be blamed on the village's higher-ups."

"That is human nature. When problems arise, most people do not blame themselves first."

"But after 'Konoha Committee Members' are established, they will bear that responsibility. As long as the Hokage promptly adjusts course and deals with problematic ninja after issues emerge, he will instead gain prestige from those incidents."

Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.

"The Administrative Department interfaces with the Land of Fire. You two have probably heard this saying often among the people—'The Daimyo is good; it is only the ministers who carry things out poorly...'"

"It is the same principle."

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu exchanged a glance.

What was wrong with Hiruzen? Had a serious illness really brought him enlightenment?

"There is such a saying. I had some vague thoughts about this concept before, but I did not expect Hiruzen to have already organized it and intended to apply it to the village..."

Utatane Koharu spoke up. "I fully support this proposal!"

Mitokado Homura echoed her. "Hiruzen's explanation is detailed and reasonable enough. I approve as well."

Shimura Danzō's eyes widened slightly as he carefully and excitedly processed Hiruzen Sarutobi's words...

It could be done like this?

This Monkey was far too devious!

This concept, carrying a trace of "human nature theory," struck directly at his heart.

"As the higher-ups, our most important task is to establish a healthy system, then observe conditions and adjust and revise it amid constant change."

"No matter what system is put in place, conflicts of interest will arise. Conflict is not a bad thing; in any group, it is as ordinary as eating and drinking."

"And for Konoha's future, and to maintain sufficient Authority to carry out the next reform, we must learn to be referees who mediate conflicts rather than players competing in the match."

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke earnestly.

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura applauded softly.

Shimura Danzō grew increasingly excited as he listened, as though he had obtained the True Scripture...

Not only had Hiruzen taught him something real, he had even exposed his own dirty secrets!

Hiruzen Sarutobi keenly caught Shimura Danzō's expression.

"Danzo, I need you to change your way of thinking."

"The Buffer Layer bears responsibility for the Hokage, but it also opens promotion channels for them. Further benefits and honors will follow."

"Even if enemies printed what I have said and showed it to everyone, no one would care."

"Why? Because this system creates a 'win-win' for both ninja and the higher-ups! If you keep using Root's mentality of dealing with enemies, you will never truly win people over."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone suddenly turned stern. "You made a Military Pledge. If I discover that you are still clinging to your old way of thinking, do not blame me for disregarding our past friendship!"

Shimura Danzō stiffened. He wanted to say something, but as he looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi before him...

He overcame his instinct and did not argue. "I understand."

"Good." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. "The approach is clear. Now let us assign the specific tasks."

"Danzo, Koharu, Homura—the three of you will each draft a list of 'Konoha Committee Members.' It should contain around thirty people, with their specific duties and your reasons for recommending them clearly noted."

Utatane Koharu asked in confusion, "Hiruzen, weren't only twenty 'Konoha Committee Members' supposed to be selected?"

"I also intend to establish around ten alternates..." Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile.

"A slightly larger number will make it easier to identify candidates you all agree on. I will select from your lists, and I will add some people I favor as well."

Mitokado Homura felt reassured. "Hiruzen, do not worry. I will take this seriously."

This was a display of the Hokage's trust in them.

But to Shimura Danzō's ears, it carried a strange undertone.

Was this a warning to everyone not to stuff the lists with their own loyal followers?

Cross-referenced lists, with the Hokage making the final selections...

Or was he overthinking it?

It could not be helped. The little lesson Hiruzen Sarutobi had just given him had made this Darkness of the Shinobi World somewhat paranoid.

"Koharu, Homura, you must also spread word among the Land of Fire's higher-ups that Konoha has made major advances in human science and that I, the Hokage, have already benefited from them."

"This concerns a major project tied to the village's future interests. Carry it out with absolute commitment and promptly report any response," Hiruzen Sarutobi said sternly.

"I will find time to discuss the specifics with you later. For now, just carry it out."

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura solemnly accepted the task.

"Hatake Sakumo—I intend to promote him to Anbu Deputy Chief."

Shimura Danzō looked surprised, and faint dissatisfaction stirred in his heart.

Would that not put Sakumo on the same level as him?

After dissolving Root, Hiruzen Sarutobi had assigned him that very position in front of everyone.

"Danzo, show me that you have the maturity and ability to command a major department."

"If you want to do more for the village, prove it to me," Hiruzen Sarutobi said in a low voice. "You have two tasks: one urgent, one that can be pursued over the long term..."

"Ōnoki the Tsuchikage's Light-Weight Rock Technique has excessively high strategic value. Find a way to gather information related to it... After all, it is Iwagakure's secret treasure, and Diplomacy between our two nations remains fairly normal for now."

Shimura Danzō responded, "I understand."

That was quite reasonable...

He was not making things difficult for him.

"Get me information on Kumogakure's Jinchuriki. Use every possible method!"

"Since they dared to lay a hand on Uzumaki Kushina..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi unexpectedly revealed a murderous glare.

"I want at least one of their Jinchuriki dead!"