Kakuzu stood in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi and nodded to the Konoha Committee Member who were applauding him.
"They are all extraordinary individuals..."
"I won't mention the few veterans; they're all renowned figures in the Shinobi World..."
"There are quite a few young people here too. The village really has a well-preserved tradition. Especially that blond boy, he gives me a dangerous feeling..." Kakuzu looked at Minato's sunny smile and memorized his face.
Having witnessed Konoha's strength, Kakuzu calmed down and stopped underestimating others because of his own experience.
With a change in mindset, his sixth sense, honed by his rich experience, gradually became sharp again.
In the Shinobi World, ninjas who like to laugh are always worth paying attention to.
Kakuzu carefully examined the nameplate on the table: " Konoha Alternate Committee Member Namikaze Minato "...
It's either a paranoid mental illness, or a lingering laugh stemming from excessive talent or ability...
Kakuzu a smart person.
Having just arrived in the village, he had already established himself with the approval of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Mito.
But no matter how wonderful Konoha, it is ultimately an organization composed of individuals, and where there are people, there is a dynamic and complex dynamic. It takes time to understand the temperament and character of each important member...
However, Kakuzu wasn't under much pressure, since he was directly facing Hiruzen Sarutobi...
I did this simply because I wanted to integrate into the village as quickly as possible.
Hiruzen Sarutobi patted Kakuzu on the shoulder. "Go sit down first..."
Kakuzu nodded, hesitated for a moment, and walked to the Minato next to the waiting area. "May I sit here?"
"Please have a seat..." Minato nodded with a smile.
Logically, Kushina, who was also a candidate for Committee Member, should have sat next to him.
However, Kushina and Uzumaki Shio have been undergoing special training under Mito's supervision recently, so they were unable to attend.
" Kakuzu was an old friend of our Konohagakure..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile:
"I once had a story with the First Hokage, praising him as a spirited young man. It's a pity he wasn't a Konoha ninja."
" Lady Mito told me that the First Hokage believed he was a man with the Will of Fire..."
"After some unpleasant experiences, Kakuzu became missing-nin of Takigakure and worked as a bounty hunter for decades, but he remained friendly to the Land of Fire and Konoha out of gratitude for the First Hokage."
"Now, inspired by the Will of Fire, I have joined the village..."
The Lord Hokage set the tone for Kakuzu right from Kakuzu start!
The dual endorsement from Mito and Hashirama carries enough weight to silence any doubts...
And one interesting point is...
Although Hashirama's status and reputation were extremely strong in Konoha, the Konoha Committee Member cared more about Mito's opinion.
Because the clever Konoha Committee Member understood.
Mito's approval proves that Kakuzu passed the test of Mind's Eye of the Kagura and Malice Sensing...
This is not something unrealistic; it is proven reliable by the techniques themselves.
Kakuzu gazed at Hiruzen Sarutobi, a hint of emotion in his expression.
He began to understand Hizashi Hyuga somewhat...
This is a leader who values rules and regulations; he not only keeps his word but also generously exceeds expectations in fulfilling agreements.
" Hiruzen, the matter of recruiting missing-nin is rather sensitive..."
Sitting to Hiruzen Sarutobi's Danzo, Danzo spoke in a deep voice, "In the Shinobi World, the Five Great Hidden Villages have always tacitly agreed that missing-nin cannot be tolerated; this has been an unspoken rule for decades..."
" The Hozuki Castle prison in Kusagakure was developed for this purpose."
This isn't Danzo nonsense; there is indeed such a consensus in the Shinobi World.
Sending spies is acceptable, but harboring missing-nin is not.
If this trend were to take hold, it would have been detrimental to any Hidden Village in the past...
Even without intentionally targeting him, Danzo was indeed somewhat upset about Kakuzu joining Konoha.
No, you actually agreed to join Konoha?
The intelligence report said they were stingy and despised hypocritical collectives like the village!
Can't you even maintain a modicum of integrity?
Danzo glanced at Hiruzen Sarutobi furtively; he was truly at his wit's end with the Monkey.
How did they manage to get into Konoha?
At that moment, Danzo and Tobirama had similar thoughts...
How could he not believe that the First Hokage truly praised Kakuzu? That's definitely a fabricated historical account invented by Hiruzen!
"I can't renege on my bet with Hiruzen anymore..."
"Do you really want to walk around the whole village smiling like Dai?"
"That Kakuzu Kakuzu's mouth stinks even more than Orochimaru's! How can Konoha possibly be governed properly with such a scoundrel working alongside him?" Danzo. He remembered how Kakuzu had insulted him on the Kakuzu of the Land of Fire...
They say he tarnished the reputation of the First Hokage!
Danzo was at a loss and could only raise some reasonable questions.
It's impossible to actually Hiruzen Sarutobi's decision at the conference...
Danzo knew that his old brother had already been more tolerant of him.
The other Konoha Ninja were incredibly envious of his treatment; if he took advantage of her kindness, he would only be attacked by the group...
Upon hearing Danzo's words, Kakuzu's face darkened.
That mad dog!
That's really like bringing up the very thing you shouldn't have said...
Kakuzu was about to say something.
He then saw Hiruzen Sarutobi glances with him, signaling him to be quiet.
" Danzo said, based on past practices in the Shinobi World, cannot be said to be without merit."
Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled and said, "But those are the rules of other Hidden Village, not the rules of Konoha."
"Gentlemen, why do you think the Hidden Village of the past didn't recruit their respective missing-nin?"
Can anyone answer me?
Hiruzen Sarutobi shifted his gaze to Danzo.
Danzo naturally knew the reason, but he still subconsciously turned his head away; this answer was disadvantageous to him...
"Teacher, let me speak..."
Orochimaru stood up with a smile, his tone calm yet chillingly methodical:
"Given the Ninja Code's role as an efficient ideology and control tool, accepting missing-nin is tantamount to providing a safety net for acts of betrayal against the village." "This is tantamount to directly abolishing the core of the Ninja Code; even accepting missing-nin from other Hidden Village would shake the higher-ups' absolute control over the ninjas."
"Rather than destroying and consuming each other, it's better to reach an agreement and stabilize each other's internal affairs."
"After all, the Ninja Code's cruel and rigid requirements for ninjas are a problem that no one has been able to circumvent or solve for a long time." Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Orochimaru with slight surprise.
sure...
Progress!
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow slightly. He and Hiruko borrowed Hiruzen Sarutobi's quotes to study, not just superficially memorizing them, but delving into their core ideas...
As he said, things can be transferred, and so can learning.
Orochimaru's theoretical understanding advanced rapidly by applying scientific research methodologies to the study of the Will of Fire...
" Orochimaru is right."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile, "His skill level is even higher than mine. The village has a worthy successor!"
This was originally meant to be a compliment.
But Orochimaru felt a tremor in his heart upon hearing this:
"Teacher, please don't say that. I'm still hoping to learn from you for another ten or twenty years! I'm still young, and I need to mature further..." After saying that, Orochimaru quickly sat down.
He was seizing this opportunity to annoy Danzo, because he had always been the one who oppressed the most ninjas in Konoha, but he didn't want Hiruzen Sarutobi push him further!
Orochimaru has already made up his mind...
Ten years... I need at least another ten years of free and independent scientific research before I start thinking about Hokage...
During this time, all Orochimaru needed to do was slowly increase his prestige in Konoha. Orochimaru was genuinely afraid that Hiruzen Sarutobi quit, so he helped him put the Hokage Hat on his own head...
It's not that you can't wear it.
However, it must be worn slowly, gradually, and rhythmically...
Hiruzen Sarutobi was taken aback; why did he sit down so quickly?
I haven't even said two words of praise yet...
Hiruzen Sarutobi originally had some ideas.
Orochimaru has recently achieved an unexpected breakthrough in his research; he just reported a new increase in the production of Sage Land Pill a few days ago...
As a reward, at the very least, we should help our beloved student establish some prestige and acknowledge his contributions to the Committee Member...
Orochimaru is truly insidious!
Danzo cursed inwardly, "He was looking at me just now! Those words were a sarcastic remark, a subtle way of implying to Hiruzen that he had no interest in the Hokage position..."
"What a slippery, venomous snake!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi ignored Danzo, whose face had Danzo.
A little friendly competition, a good sparring match that gets both heated and productive, can help keep the organization vibrant...
" Orochimaru said is the key reason why the Hidden Village don't accept so-called missing-nin: it's because they're all in a situation of 'competing to see who's worse'..."
"We must understand that there are many kinds of missing-nin. Some are Born Evil and commit all sorts of heinous acts, while others, like Kakuzu, suffer unjust treatment and leave the village because they cannot bear it."
Hiruzen Sarutobi tapped the table:
"I've seen some of the village's veterans turn pale at the mere mention of missing-nin. That's not good. We need to analyze each situation individually..." "If our village isn't well-governed one day, and the ninjas below are struggling to survive, missing-nin will keep popping up one after another!" "Don't think I'm exaggerating! Kakuzu, for example. Takigakure forced him to die a pointless death. Wouldn't that just make him missing-nin waiting to die? Even insects will seek advantage and avoid harm; it's the most instinctive behavior of living beings."
"I am absolutely not supporting missing-nin, nor am I suggesting that ninjas make unreasonable demands. When it's time to protect the village, no one can back down; there's no room for negotiation."
"We have the Konoha Committee System, with channels for feedback at each level. When we encounter problems, we first think about whether they can be resolved or communicated, instead of frowning or getting upset immediately upon hearing about them."
"Stop clinging to outdated ideas and abandon the notion that ninjas are merely tools. You are all pillars of Konoha, wearing the Haori Committee Member. You should keep up with the times!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi Isshin and Tenzo, those two old feudalists, a serious look, and said earnestly:
"If the Ninja Code were so effective, why are there still missing-nin? We must understand that the core strength and advantage of Konoha is the Will of Fire. Competing with other Hidden Village in terms of being inferior is simply crippling our own strengths..."
Fine beads of sweat rolled down Isshin and Tenzo's foreheads as they nodded hurriedly.
The position of Clan Head can corrupt people...
Having held high positions for so long, Isshin and Tenzo always subconsciously disliked the idea of their subordinate ninja rebelling; this was a ingrained way of thinking developed over many years...
Kakuzu slowly exhaled a long breath.
He now completely understands Hizashi Hyuga!
Listen to the Lord Hokage's perspective and analysis; he's speaking entirely from his own point of view...
"Has the Lord Hokage always been like this?" Kakuzu leaned close to Minato and asked in a low voice.
"Yes, our Grandmaster was always like that. He was always kind to ninjas, whether they came from the Ninja Clan or were commoners. He was an extraordinary Hokage..."
Minato said earnestly, "He's a man like Big Sun!"
Kakuzu took a deep breath.
Firstly, I admire Hiruzen Sarutobi's magnanimity...
Secondly, I also noticed Minato to Hiruzen Sarutobi: " Grandmaster!"
"It's rare in the entire Shinobi World for a young person of this age to trigger my intuition. He is indeed a promising talent cultivated by the Lord Hokage..." Kakuzu thought to himself.
" The Lord Hokage's judgment is truly sharp; each of those he has chosen is not to be underestimated," Kakuzu and Minato said softly.
"Let me introduce myself. I'm Kakuzu. I hope you can become my second friend in Konoha."
My first friend was, of course, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Of course my Grandmaster's judgment is sharp! Didn't he choose you? My intuition tells me you're an incredibly strong ninja..." Minato laughed, his smile as bright as Little Sun.
"My name is Namikaze Minato, and I hope we can become good comrades in the future!"
Kakuzu and Minato shook hands amicably.
Hiruzen Sarutobi in this entire scene and smiled slightly.
How can we help new ninjas from other villages who join Konoha quickly familiarize themselves with the village and increase their loyalty?
Then we need to help them build their own bonds.
Minato fulfilled this role perfectly, and this wasn't done at Hiruzen Sarutobi's behest; he naturally established a good initial relationship with Kakuzu...
"One Minato alone isn't enough; Hiruko would be a good alternative..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi a beat. "And Asuma..."
Kakuzu's Earth Grudge Fear project was mainly overseen by Hiruko in Konoha's Scientific Research Department, and the two of them naturally had a foundation for communication. Asuma often talked about it with Hiruzen Sarutobi after returning home these days.
Hiruko was always worried that he wouldn't be able to teach him well.
Despite his excellent teaching skills, he remained deeply worried, feeling his practical combat abilities and experience were insufficient, and fearing he might betray Hiruzen Sarutobi's trust. Sending Kakuzu there would allow him to use Asuma as a pivot, tightly uniting them around his side...
Hiruko and gain Kakuzu as a companion.
Kakuzu the opportunity to meet Hiruko Konoha Committee Member, and become the second teacher of the Hokage's Son...
Asuma will receive a good Education.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was able to further win over Kakuzu and Hiruko.
It's a win-win-win situation for all four parties...
"My foolish son is actually quite useful..." Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled to himself.
He didn't have high expectations for Asuma.
However, it is undeniably effective as a lubricant for interpersonal relationships.
The same applies to Shinnosuke; his marriage to the Daimyo reassured the Nobles of the Land of Fire.
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Danzo: "Supporter, tell me, am I right?"
Danzo's expression froze.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's words were a direct challenge to him...
The " Aosui Incident" was essentially Danzo using his power as an assistant to suppress others, which was beyond his authority.
If Danzo a few more words of explanation in the scroll, Tobirama wouldn't have been able to organize even his most trusted Ninja Academy soldiers, let alone launch the subsequent public impeachment...
Even if he insists on doing it anyway, no one will support him; they'll just think he's being unreasonable...
"That's right, the Hokage is right."
Danzo sighed, "Disregarding the rules not only undermines the village's system, but also nearly cost me a beloved disciple..." "Everyone should take my experience as a warning!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi blinked.
That sounds...
Danzo seems to be getting along quite well with Teacher Tobirama?
Hiruzen Sarutobi was a little curious; how did the two of them usually communicate?
I never felt that Teacher Tobirama was the type to call Danzo" master"...
"I think it would be interesting to ask Danzo sometime."
Hiruzen Sarutobi coughed lightly:
"The first purpose of this meeting is to introduce Kakuzu to everyone. All the Anbu and Root need to understand that this is one of our own. Some Jonin are frequently on field missions should also be aware of this. The Committee Member in charge should consider this carefully."
"As the assistant said, the Shinobi World's thinking is still relatively backward, so Kakuzu's identity will not be revealed for the time being. This is related to the mission the village assigned to him."
"Now I'm going to talk to you about the economic transformation of Amegakure and Konoha..."