005 The Hokage's Methods, Hizashi Hyuga Joins the Anbu, Whispers of Reform

"Why did you suddenly cause such a huge commotion in the village...?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a thick cloud of smoke, his gaze imposing as he spoke in a firm, resonant voice:

"It was to directly test the village's emergency response on-site—without prior notice, reports, escorts, or briefings—and grasp the rawest, most genuine situation!"

"Although the Second Shinobi World War has ended, it is far from time to put away our weapons."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice rang out loudly. Once the Earth Spear had been released and they drew closer, the Konoha ninja gradually noticed that their Hokage had become younger and stronger.

Naturally, doubts arose.

And that was precisely the opportunity Hiruzen Sarutobi intended to seize.

Not only would he rationalize the Golden Finger, but he would also use this chance to establish a new persona for himself and bolster his "authority"!

"A few months ago, Uzumaki Kushina was abducted from within the village by Kumogakure ninja, yet the Anbu, Root, and Military Police Force failed to react!"

Sarutobi Shinnosuke and Uchiha Fugaku both lowered their heads, their backs tightening.

This was a harsh rebuke from the Hokage.

"But is this solely the fault of the Anbu and the Military Police Force?"

"As I see it, if such a problem arose in the village, the person with the greatest responsibility should be me, the Hokage!"

Yet, to everyone's surprise, Hiruzen Sarutobi abruptly shifted the subject and took the responsibility upon himself.

Uchiha Fugaku's lowered face revealed confusion.

Huh? He wasn't taking this opportunity to suppress the Uchiha Clan?

If he had used this matter to come down on them, even Fugaku himself would not have found fault with it. After all, they really had made a mistake.

"Accountability is meant to prevent complacency."

"But more importantly, it is to ensure that such a thing never happens again!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi continued, "That is why I did not rush to respond to Kumogakure."

"First, as the Hokage and the person primarily responsible for the Kushina incident, I had to ensure that if a similar incident happened again, I would be the first to lead everyone into action."

"And not merely charge forward—I had to be able to win!"

"To that end, over the past few months, I trained in the various techniques left behind by the First and Lord Tobirama. Some were quite dangerous, but perhaps the previous Hokage blessed me, and I achieved a modest degree of success."

Upon hearing this, the Konoha ninja all revealed looks of sudden realization.

So that was it...

No wonder Lord Hokage had not rushed to retaliate against Kumogakure...

He had been preparing to lead the charge on the battlefield!

"Lord Hokage, you were ill some time ago, suffering from a persistent high fever..." Nara Kashan, also the current Clan Head of the Nara Clan, spoke after discreetly exchanging a glance with Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Yes, I used some dangerous Forbidden Techniques, but that is all behind me now."

Hiruzen Sarutobi flexed his arm and patted his bulging bicep. "Everyone needs to get used to my new appearance. Otherwise, when it is time to charge with me, it would be troublesome if you followed the wrong person."

Inwardly, he also labeled Nara Kashan as a "smart person."

That small joke slightly eased the oppressive atmosphere.

If he emphasized his own sacrifices too much, it would instead undermine the persona he was trying to establish as someone who had endured hardship and bided his time.

The Chunin and Genin all looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi with reverence.

The image of a Hokage who had trained in life-threatening Forbidden Techniques for the sake of the village, who could restrain his anger and bear public criticism for everyone's sake, slowly emerged before them.

Kakashi nudged Asuma, his gaze full of displeasure as he whispered, "Hey, what have you guys been saying at the Ninja Academy all this time?"

Asuma's little face flushed red, and he wished he could slap himself a few times on the spot.

In his rebellious phase, he had always liked to say that the Hokage was just a lousy old man.

"Second, the Kushina incident exposed systemic problems."

"Over the past few months, I have also conducted an in-depth investigation into the village's systems: unclear duties between the Police Force and Anbu, promotion paths for Jonin, and other issues."

"I will push these reforms through and see them implemented. Everyone should be mentally prepared, but the overarching principle is this—capable ninja and ninja who truly work for the village must be placed in the positions where they belong!"

From the corner of his eye, Shimura Danzō noticed his two old teammates and faintly showed a smug expression. "Hmph, Hiruzen still trusts me. He discussed it with me beforehand..."

At that moment, Shimura Danzō subconsciously ignored the fact that, just a few days ago in Root, he had still been pondering whether Hiruzen Sarutobi was stripping him of power or sincerely intended to let him compete for the Hokage position.

The Jonin, meanwhile, all brightened.

There were over ten thousand ninja and around a hundred Jonin, yet only four people could actually participate in village policy decisions.

Two Advisors, one aide, and one Hokage.

Although there were departments for administration, medicine, torture, interrogation, Education, analysis, and more, due to their specialized nature, some of those positions were instead held by Special Jonin.

There was supposedly a "Jonin Squad," but in reality, it held no real power.

The Jonin could not help but look forward to it.

What would Lord Third Hokage do?

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu looked at each other.

Institutional reforms?

Why had he not told the two of them...

Yet in this setting, amid the fervent atmosphere Hiruzen Sarutobi had created, the two tacitly kept their mouths shut.

Speaking up now would only earn the Jonin's resentment!

Hiruzen Sarutobi raised a hand slightly.

The faint murmur of discussion immediately died down.

"Next, let us summarize this emergency test."

"Overall, it was good! Our ninja remain disciplined and respond swiftly..."

"But there were problems as well."

"Root, what happened? Where was your sense of urgency?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone sharpened as he turned his gaze toward Shimura Danzō.

"I will not hold Root accountable for Kushina's matter, because Root has achieved results in the past. Nor can I demand that the Intelligence Department grasp every movement of the enemy."

Shimura Danzō's heart tightened. Was he about to make an example of him?

"I bear responsibility for this matter!" He had grievances he could not voice, and did not dare to speak of them.

Root's ninja were very different.

In the past, Shimura Danzō's training for Root had been brainwashing in nature, entirely geared toward cultivating private soldiers.

When Root obtained intelligence, their policy was to report to him first before taking action.

Unlike the Anbu, who handled a problem and reported it at the same time once they discovered it.

"You certainly do!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi snorted. "Danzō, although you have been busy restructuring Root, and there are objective reasons for it, that is no excuse for your negligence..."

The ninja watched their noses, and their noses watched their hearts.

This was a power struggle among Konoha's highest ranks, not something they could casually interrupt.

But Shimura Danzō was somewhat bewildered.

Eh, what was wrong with Monkey today?

He was actually praising him, wasn't he?

He said Root had indeed achieved results, and he was also sending the ninja a message.

—The dissolution of Root was not a punishment, but an outcome the upper ranks had discussed and agreed upon long ago.

Shimura Danzō had been worried about this over the past few days as well.

After all, without Root, it would be easy for people to think he had lost the Hokage's trust.

Even if he had entered the official line of Hokage successors, would that not put him a huge step behind the others?

"Please punish me, Lord Hokage!" Having understood this, Shimura Danzō unusually did not say anything like "You will regret this." He decisively took responsibility instead.

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura exchanged a glance, their expressions both complicated.

How had Danzō become so easy for Hiruzen to manipulate?

"For now, redeem yourself through meritorious service. After Root is abolished, you will serve as Anbu Deputy Chief while also acting as the Hokage's advisor. You must deliver results that satisfy everyone.

"When the village is in danger, the first to charge forward should be me, the Hokage. The second should be you, my advisor!

"If a similar problem happens a second time, I will punish you without mercy! Make a Military Pledge."

That was what Hiruzen Sarutobi said.

Joy appeared in Shimura Danzō's eyes. He was not being transferred out of the Anbu? He would still be working in a field he knew well...

And this Military Pledge—was this not an opportunity for him to distinguish himself?

Hiruzen, you really gave me a chance. You keep your word!

Since that was the case...

Shimura Danzō's heart surged as he stepped forward. "If such a thing happens again, please take my head!"

"Good!" Hiruzen Sarutobi was somewhat stunned as well, but he quickly composed himself.

"This is the advisor Konoha needs!"

With an opportunity to distinguish himself, was Shimura Danzō now this bold with his words?

A round of applause, not particularly enthusiastic, rang out.

But to Shimura Danzō's ears, it was deafening...

Perhaps it was because no one had ever applauded him before?

"Nara, Akimichi Clan, Yamanaka... Aburame, Kosuke, Sakumo." Hiruzen Sarutobi named several ninja clans and shinobi, offering them praise.

He then walked over to Hizashi Hyuga.

"Hizashi, did the Hyuga Clan have some closed Clan Meeting today?" The somewhat petty Third Hokage remembered this late-arriving great clan of Konoha.

Still, his tone toward this Branch Family ninja remained fairly gentle.

After all, Hizashi could not decide anything.

Hizashi Hyuga lowered his head.

Ever since he had arrived late, the scrutinizing looks of the crowd had made his face burn.

But he truly had no choice...

Much like Shimura Danzō's situation, reporting to the Main Branch and waiting for them to analyze things would inevitably delay matters...

The Hyuga Clan could be considered a "Village within a Village."

With the Caged Bird, they had always been an impenetrable, tightly united force.

After all, they were a Millennial Noble Clan. In the minds of those in power, the continuation of the clan was surely more important than the village's interests.

The Byakugan truly held enormous value in winning over others. They had the capital to act this way.

Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered inwardly. If he were part of the Hyuga Main Branch, he would probably have similar thoughts.

But the problem was, he was the Hokage!

As a ruler, it was difficult for him to tolerate such an existence under his authority.

"No..." Hizashi Hyuga's voice was very soft. "Lord Third, today was an accident..."

He could not say that it had been the Main Branch's decision, so he could only offer a few vague excuses.

Hizashi Hyuga was afraid that Hiruzen Sarutobi would continue pressing the matter.

But Hiruzen Sarutobi did not. Instead, he gave the Hyuga Clan a way out. "As a great clan with a thousand-year legacy, I respect the Hyuga's traditions."

"Keeping the Byakugan active at all times within the village would indeed have some impact."

The shinobi nodded instinctively.

Who did not have some private matters? Especially shinobi—intelligence was their most important resource.

Even comrades needed boundaries.

"Thank you for your understanding, Lord Hokage!" Hizashi Hyuga let out a heavy breath.

"Would you be willing to join the Anbu?" Hiruzen Sarutobi abruptly changed the subject. "The village needs your strength."

It was not as though the Third Hokage had never discussed having the Hyuga join the Anbu before, but the Main Branch had always brushed the matter aside. Over time, it seemed to become an unspoken convention, and no one mentioned it again.

Back then, perhaps he had been afraid of disrupting unity?

Hizashi Hyuga froze, then blurted out instinctively, "I'm willing, Lord Hokage!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled faintly. "Very good, Hizashi. I have seen your..."

After a pause, he continued, "And the Hyuga Clan's Will of Fire."

Hiruzen Sarutobi then cleared his throat. "Lastly, I want to say this: to all the Chunin and Genin who came to provide support, I am proud of you..."

"Even in the face of the intensity of my battle with Orochimaru, you still rushed here at the first opportunity, without the slightest thought of retreat."

"With shinobi like you, we will always remain far ahead in the Shinobi World!"

"Everyone loves the village so deeply. As Hokage, I guarantee that the village will never leave your Will of Fire unrewarded!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi made the solemn promise.

"Guy, did you see that? This is Lord Hokage's Youth... Lord Hokage's Ninja Way!" Might Duy said, tears in his eyes as he tried to keep his voice low. "You must get into the ninja academy and pour out your Youth for everyone, for the village!"

"Father, I'll work twice as hard!" Little Watermelon Head cried, tears streaming down his face. "Father, please give me extra training later!"

Out of the corner of his eye, Hiruzen Sarutobi spotted the two oddballs and smiled inwardly.

This peculiar father-and-son pair had left a deep impression on him.

"Hey, why are you here, you brat? And Sakumo's kid too..." Hiruzen Sarutobi walked curiously over to his eldest son, lifting Asuma and Kakashi, the two little tykes, into the air. "Did you two come to help too?"

"I-I thought you were so tired that you fell asleep without putting out your cigarette, and set our house on fire..."

"So I asked Sister Tsunade and Brother Jiraiya to bring Kakashi and me here." Asuma said with red-rimmed eyes. "Father, I'm sorry..."

"I shouldn't have spoken badly about you at school!"

As soon as he said this, the shinobi laughed kindly.

Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed as well. "You little brat, I'll settle accounts with you when we get back!"

From ancient times to the present, using amusing family stories to draw closer to one's subordinates had always been a common and exceptionally effective method.

"All right, everyone, return to your posts."

"Danzo, Homura, Koharu, meeting at the Hokage Office Building tomorrow at nine..."

"Sakumo, come here." Hiruzen Sarutobi quietly instructed him, "Take Hizashi and have him put on an Anbu uniform..."

Hatake Sakumo silently nodded.

Meanwhile, Uchiha Fugaku beside them fell into thought.

Was this really the Hiruzen Sarutobi Clan Leader Isshin had described—the one who only loafed around in the Hokage Office Building?

It did not seem like it...

"Tsunade, Jiraiya, your Mistress made dinner. Are you coming with Orochimaru? Though it's all food he likes. I'll have her add two more dishes for you later, all right?"

Jiraiya nodded fiercely, then immediately stomped his foot in irritation. "Ah, this is infuriating! Sensei, you're just like before—you're favoring Orochimaru again!"

Tsunade rolled her eyes beautifully. "I don't see the problem. Who would favor an idiot who wanders around outside the village all day?"

"What, Tsunade? You're not taking my side either?!"

Orochimaru smiled at the scene and took the initiative to walk over to Hiruzen Sarutobi. "Sensei, Tsunade, let's go. If we keep talking to this idiot, Mistress will be kept waiting..."

"What?! Stinky Snake, say that again!" Jiraiya jumped about as he ran to Orochimaru's side. "Dare to duel me? I'll beat you so badly you won't be able to eat!"

"You?" Orochimaru chuckled unhurriedly. "Are you saying you're stronger than Sensei? After all, I have quite the appetite for the meal Mistress made for me..."

"Oh? Jiraiya, are you saying you want to exchange a few moves with this old man too? How about tomorrow?" Hiruzen Sarutobi cheerfully chimed in.

Jiraiya's vision went black. "No, Sensei, that's not what I meant... I'm not as tough as Stinky Snake!"

Listening to her companions bicker and fool around, Tsunade felt a long-lost sense of ease. Humming a tune, her profile bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, she clasped her hands behind her back and walked toward the Sarutobi Clan Compound.