Hiruzen Sarutobi took a few contented puffs of his cigarette.
Lighting a cigarette was a small 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 purely about the substance, regardless of Hiruzen's identity as Hokage.
How many years had it been since such a scene had occurred?
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 benefit would it bring to my authority as Hokage?"
"There's no need to mention opening a path for their advancement. Even Chunin could think of that."
Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a cloud of smoke.
Shimura Danzō frowned and considered the matter seriously.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura were also pondering the question in their own ways.
A moment later.
"For the Jonin, it would naturally motivate them and allow them to create more value, as you said."
"For the village, if the loyalty of those Konoha Committee Members could be ensured, operations might become more efficient."
"But for you as Hokage, if we don't count 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 aspect."
"By consolidating the trivial demands from the lower levels, I can focus on strategy and have time to cultivate as well."
Hiruzen Sarutobi first affirmed Shimura Danzō's thoughts, then smiled. "Let me tell you something you'll be interested in..."
The corner of Shimura Danzō's mouth twitched imperceptibly.
Something I'm interested in?
I only lit your cigarette because you're always forgetting things!
"With these twenty people, the village's conflicts will no longer be focused solely on the Hokage."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a chuckle, "They will serve as a Buffer Layer between the Hokage and the Jonin and Chunin. From now on, the many demands, problems, and mistakes that arise will have specific people responsible for them."
"They will directly handle the needs of ninja and Ninja Clans, as well as problems arising during work. Even conflicts caused by misunderstandings will be blamed on the village's upper ranks."
"That is human nature. When problems arise, most people do not blame themselves first."
"But once there are Konoha Committee Members, they will bear that responsibility. As long as the Hokage promptly adjusts the direction and deals with problematic ninja after issues arise, he will instead gain prestige from those events."
Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.
"The Administrative Department deals with the Land of Fire. You two have probably heard this saying among the common people—the Daimyo is good, but the ministers carry out his orders badly..."
"It is the same principle."
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu exchanged glances.
What happened to Hiruzen? Did a serious illness really enlighten him?
"There is such a saying. I had some vague thoughts about this concept before, but I never expected Hiruzen to have already organized it and intended to apply it to the village..."
Utatane Koharu said, "I fully support this proposal!"
Mitokado Homura echoed, "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 is far too devious!
This concept, carrying a trace of human nature theory, struck directly at his heart.
"As the upper ranks, our most important task is to establish a healthy system, then observe the situation and make adjustments and revisions as circumstances constantly change."
"No matter what system it is, conflicts of interest will arise. Conflict is not a bad thing; within any group, it is as natural as eating and drinking."
"And for Konoha's future, and to retain sufficient authority to carry out the next reform, we must learn to be referees who mediate conflicts rather than players competing in them."
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke earnestly.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura gave a light round of applause.
Shimura Danzō, meanwhile, grew increasingly excited as he listened, as though he had obtained the True Scripture...
Not only had Hiruzen taught him something real, he was even exposing his own dark secrets!
And 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 a path for their advancement, with corresponding benefits and honors to follow."
"Even if an enemy printed what I just said and showed it to everyone, no one would make an issue of it."
"Why? Because under this system, the ninja and the upper ranks achieve a win-win situation! If you keep using the mindset Root employs against enemies, you will never truly convince others."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone suddenly turned stern. "You made a Military Pledge. If I discover that you are still clinging to the same old mindset, 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 back. "I understand."
"Good." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. "The overall approach is clear. Now, let's assign specific tasks."
"Danzo, Koharu, Hono—you will each draft a list of Konoha Committee Members. It should contain around thirty names, with their specific duties and your reasons for recommending them clearly noted."
Utatane Koharu asked doubtfully, "Hiruzen, aren't we selecting twenty Konoha Committee Members?"
"I also plan to establish around ten alternates..." Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile.
"A slightly larger number will make it easier to determine the candidates you all agree on. I will choose from your lists and add some people I favor."
Mitokado Homura felt reassured. "Hiruzen, don't worry. I will take this seriously."
This was a sign of the Hokage's trust in them.
But to Shimura Danzō's ears, it carried a strange undertone.
Is this a warning to everyone not to stuff the list with their own trusted subordinates?
Cross-referencing the lists, then having the Hokage choose...
Or am I overthinking it?
It could not be helped. The little lesson Hiruzen Sarutobi had just given him had left this Darkness of the Shinobi World somewhat suspicious of everything.
"Koharu, Hono, you also need to spread word among the Land of Fire's upper ranks that Konoha has made major breakthroughs in human body science, and that I, the Hokage, have already clearly benefited from them."
"This concerns a major project tied to the village's future interests. Handle it with absolute commitment and report any responses promptly," 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, with faint dissatisfaction stirring within him.
Would that not put Sakumo on the same level as him?
After disbanding Root, Hiruzen Sarutobi had assigned him that very position in front of everyone.
"Danzo, show me that you have the maturity to manage a large department."
"If you want to do more for the village, prove it to me," Hiruzen Sarutobi said in a deep voice. "You have two tasks—one urgent, and one that can be pursued over the long term..."
"Ōnoki the Tsuchikage's Light-Weight Rock Technique has far too much strategic value. Find a way to gather relevant information... After all, it is Iwagakure's secret treasure, and relations between our two countries are still relatively normal."
Shimura Danzō replied, "I understand."
That was fairly reasonable...
He wasn't making things difficult for me.
"Find information on Kumogakure's Jinchuriki for me. Use every means possible!"
"Since they dared lay a hand on Uzumaki Kushina..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi unexpectedly revealed a murderous glare.
"I want at least one of their Jinchuriki dead!"
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