026 Konoha has many geniuses, but they all used to call me a genius

Everyone waited for Hiruzen Sarutobi's response.

Yet unexpectedly, the Hokage showed no displeasure. Instead, he nodded in acknowledgment at Shimura Danzō.

"What Danzō said is a problem that could genuinely arise."

"So our messaging cannot be absolute. We cannot claim that everything is entirely under control; instead, we must emphasize Kushina's contribution to the village as a Jinchuriki."

"We must make the villagers distinguish between 'Kushina' and the 'Tailed Beast.'"

"That way, even if some villagers still harbor fear, they will nevertheless retain their respect."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression gradually turned solemn:

"I will speak with Lady Mito and assess Kushina's capacity to bear the burden when necessary. If she cannot endure the Chakra of the entire Nine-Tails, then we will find a way to reduce it."

"We will not seal the entire Nine-Tails. Even if the remainder cannot be used, there is no need to regret it."

"Only controllable combat power is combat power. Anything extra is merely an unstable factor."

Shimura Danzō's face remained wooden.

Monkey, why didn't you just retort, "You're the Hokage"?

After saying all that, did you think you sounded especially reasonable?

"We must make one thing clear: even without the Nine-Tails, the foundation left behind for Konoha by predecessors such as the First, the Second, and Lady Mito is already more than substantial."

"Standing upon the shoulders of those who came before us, Konoha does not necessarily need Jinchuriki to fight Jinchuriki."

"As their successors, we must also shoulder responsibility for our predecessors. Lady Mito's presence is an invaluable treasure to the village, far beyond what a Nine-Tails Jinchuriki can compare to."

"Does anyone have any objections?" At that moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi looked exceptionally grave, his blade-sharp gaze sweeping across everyone present.

He was utterly unlike the gentle man from moments ago!

"Where the leaves of Konoha dance, the fire too burns on without end. Though old branches and leaves may become nourishment for new ones, their continued existence itself is Konoha's most unshakable foundation."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said to Utatane Koharu, "Koharu, we must begin with the Ninja Academy students and establish a proper understanding of the Will of Fire. This is of vital importance."

Sacrifice and devotion naturally deserved reverence and admiration.

But they could not be emphasized blindly.

For those ninja who had given to the village, he, as Hokage, and the village itself had a duty to let them rest when they grew weak...

This did not refer to Mito Uzumaki alone.

Hiruzen Sarutobi firmly believed that although doing so would consume some resources, the benefits it brought to strengthening the village's cohesion and spreading the Will of Fire throughout the Shinobi World...

Were immeasurable.

This would also be the Hokage's threefold contribution in "Authority," "Diplomacy," and even "Education."

Besides, who said the ideological front was not a battlefield?

All of this had to be done step by step...

"I understand. I will draft an outline for revisions to the Ninja Academy textbooks as soon as possible, further elaborating on the Will of Fire and covering the history of the Uzumaki Clan."

Utatane Koharu replied.

In truth, she had doubts in her heart. Having held a high-ranking position for so long, the notion of ninja as tools still lingered faintly in her mind.

It was not a way of thinking that could be changed overnight.

But she knew how to read the room. Seeing how grave Hiruzen Sarutobi was when discussing this matter, Utatane Koharu felt that if she spoke up at this moment...

She would likely receive a furious rebuke that would leave her utterly humiliated!

A few labels would probably come flying her way...

Utatane Koharu glanced slightly at Shimura Danzō and thought to herself, Even Danzō isn't saying anything...

But in the next moment, Shimura Danzō spoke. "Hokage, I agree with the proposals above."

"Let us discuss the Third Raikage... His Lightning Armor is extremely troublesome. He blocked a Tailed Beast Bomb with his bare body, then still rose to continue fighting the Eight-Tails."

"Though I am confident that my Wind Release can injure him, the enemy will also have ninja assisting him..."

"If such an enemy were to break into our formation during a war, the casualties would be unimaginable!"

Shimura Danzō sneered inwardly.

Hiruzen, how will you deal with this move?

You have indeed performed fairly well lately in organizing counterattacks, regulating the system, and rallying the people...

But do not forget—you are the Hokage, which means you are Konoha's biggest target!

Even if Konoha's retaliatory operation against Kumogakure succeeded under your command.

The Third Raikage's display of personal heroism will also reflect upon you, the Kage.

The enemy's Kage is so brave—what about you?

Hiruzen, I know your intel!

With your style, you do not have any particularly good way to deal with the Third Raikage either, do you?

And I am Konoha's strongest Wind Release ninja!

Although this combination would have no substantive impact on Hiruzen Sarutobi's prestige, it would make his own importance stand out.

Moreover, Shimura Danzō had a faint feeling that while Hiruzen Sarutobi was still far from having absolute authority in Konoha, his recent momentum made Danzō feel somewhat uneasy.

He had to interrupt that momentum through sheer presence...

Don't make yourself seem so all-encompassing!

"Though he is a potential enemy, the Third Raikage truly is an extraordinary man. To cultivate Lightning Armor to such a level—he is the first in the history of the shinobi world."

Hiruzen Sarutobi affirmed, "He is indeed difficult to handle. If war breaks out with Kumogakure, Danzō, your Wind Release will be a formidable weapon against him..."

Shimura Danzō smiled smugly inwardly, but his brows twisted into a knot. "Sigh, for the sake of the village, I will train with all my might!"

"But the battlefield is complicated, after all. I may not necessarily get the chance to face the Third Raikage."

At this point, none of the shinobi present were fools. They all caught on.

He was subtly saying that, in a one-on-one fight, the Hokage was not as formidable as the Raikage...

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed dangerously.

Shimura Danzō had evolved rather quickly. He even knew how to beat around the bush now...

Instead of holing up in that pitch-black Root, he had run to his teacher's side. His mind had indeed become much more flexible!

Jiraiya, beside them, was far more straightforward. His expression was quite restless, as though he were about to slam the table.

"Still, even if the battlefield is complicated and you fail to arrive in time, there is no need to worry, Adviser."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone was calm, but dazzling lightning suddenly erupted around his body!

Lightning Release Chakra Mode!

"After all, you still have me, the Hokage..."

The faint smile on Shimura Danzō's face instantly froze.

No, were you messing with me?

The lightning around Hiruzen Sarutobi grew even more violent. Every strand of his hair stood on end, and his muscles swelled slightly.

Hizashi Hyuga, who had remained silent and listened quietly all this time, felt his heart stir and activated his Byakugan.

He had originally intended to deliberately praise Hiruzen Sarutobi a little, but his pupils contracted as he muttered sincerely:

"It has only been a few days? Lord Third has already activated his body to this extent..."

"Stop flattering me, Hizashi." Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled.

"I'm still far inferior to the Third Raikage. He has immersed himself in this path for decades. This technique is not difficult to begin learning; the real work is the slow grind afterward."

Then Hiruzen Sarutobi changed the subject. "But this technique suits me very well. One year of my training should equal five of his, right? In the next Shinobi World War, I'll give him a surprise."

His tone was calm, but his words displayed a rare sharpness!

Jiraiya repeatedly rubbed his chin, baring his teeth. "Teacher, you're always saying I'm arrogant..."

"Why not help your teacher test it out?" Hiruzen Sarutobi turned his head. Bathed in lightning, he gave his mischievous disciple a kind smile.

"Teacher, I was wrong!" Jiraiya threw himself onto the table like a tiger pouncing down a mountain, frantically waving both hands.

According to legend, there was a move in Lightning Style Nintaijutsu where one lifted someone up and slammed them into the ground...

Old Man probably would not be that ruthless with him, but what if he was?

A person had to know when to yield.

Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with a strange light.

This Hiruzen Sarutobi, forging ahead so relentlessly, was the Hokage who was both teacher and father in his heart!

"Once, Konoha had many geniuses, but they all called me a genius."

In an instant, Hiruzen Sarutobi placed a hand on Shimura Danzō's shoulder and said with a slight smile:

"Danzō, wouldn't you agree?"