"Why had such a huge commotion suddenly been stirred up in the village..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a thick cloud of smoke, his gaze stern as he declared in a forceful voice:
"It was to directly test the village's emergency response on the spot—without prior notice, reports, escorts, or briefings—and grasp the most raw and genuine situation!"
"Although the Second Shinobi World War has ended, it is far from the time to sheath our blades and store away our weapons."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice rang out clearly. Once he released Earth Spear and drew closer, the Konoha ninja gradually noticed that their Hokage had become younger and stronger.
Naturally, questions arose.
And that was precisely the opportunity Hiruzen Sarutobi intended to seize.
Not only would he rationalize his Golden Finger, but he would also use this chance to establish a new Persona for himself and strengthen his Authority!
"Several months ago, Uzumaki Kushina was abducted within the village by Kumogakure ninja, yet the Anbu, Root, and Military Police Force failed to react in time!"
Sarutobi Shinnosuke and Uchiha Fugaku both lowered their heads, their backs tightening.
This was harsh criticism from the Hokage.
"But was this solely the fault of the Anbu and the Military Police Force?"
"In my view, when such a problem occurs in the village, the first person responsible should be me, the Hokage!"
Yet to everyone's surprise, Hiruzen Sarutobi abruptly changed course and took the responsibility upon himself.
Uchiha Fugaku's lowered face showed confusion.
Eh? He was not going to use this chance to suppress the Uchiha Clan?
Even Fugaku himself would have found no issue with being blamed over this matter. After all, they really had made a mistake.
"Accountability is meant to prevent complacency."
"But what matters more is ensuring that something like this never happens again!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi continued, "That is why I did not rush to respond to Kumogakure."
"First, as Hokage and as the primary person responsible for the Kushina incident, I had to make sure that if a similar incident happened again, I could be the first to lead everyone forward."
"And not merely charge forward—I had to be able to win!"
"For that reason, over the past several months, I practiced the various techniques left behind by Lord First and Lord Tobirama. Though some were dangerous, perhaps the previous Hokage blessed me, and I achieved a little success."
Upon hearing this, the Konoha ninja all showed looks of sudden understanding.
So that was how it was...
No wonder Lord Hokage had not rushed to retaliate against Kumogakure...
He wanted to personally lead the charge on the battlefield!
"Lord Hokage, you had been ill recently, suffering from a persistent high fever..." Nara Shikayama, the current Clan Head of the Nara Clan, asked after secretly exchanging a glance with Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Yes. I used some dangerous Forbidden Techniques, but it is all in the past now."
Hiruzen Sarutobi bent his arm and patted his bulging bicep. "Everyone should get used to my new appearance. Otherwise, when you charge alongside me later, it would be troublesome if you followed the wrong person."
In his heart, he also labeled Nara Shikayama as a smart man.
The little joke slightly eased the oppressive atmosphere.
Overemphasizing his own sacrifice would instead be detrimental to building his Persona of enduring hardship in silence.
The Chunin and Genin looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi with reverence.
The image of a Hokage who practiced life-threatening Forbidden Techniques for the village, who could restrain his anger and endure 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 every day?"
Asuma's little face turned red, and he wished he could slap himself several times on the spot.
As a rebellious child, he had often said that the Hokage was just a decrepit old man.
"Second, the Kushina incident exposed systemic issues."
"Over the past few months, I have also conducted an in-depth investigation into the village's systems. There are issues such as unclear duties between the Police Force and Anbu, as well as promotion paths for Jonin."
"I will vigorously promote and implement reforms in these areas. Everyone should prepare yourselves mentally, but the general principle is this—capable ninja who work for the good of the village must be placed in the positions where they belong!"
From the corner of his eye, Shimura Danzō saw his two old teammates and showed a faintly smug expression. Hmph, Hiruzen still trusts me. He informed me in advance...
At that moment, Shimura Danzō subconsciously ignored something.
Over the past few days in Root, he had still been wondering whether Hiruzen Sarutobi intended to strip him of his authority or genuinely wanted him to participate in the competition for the Hokage position.
The Jonin, meanwhile, had their eyes light up.
There were over ten thousand ninja and roughly a hundred Jonin, yet only four people could truly participate in village policy decisions.
Two advisers, one assistant, and one Hokage.
Although there were departments for administration, medicine, torture, interrogation, Education, analysis, and more, some positions in those departments were instead held by Special Jonin due to their specialized nature.
There was supposedly a "Jonin Squad," but it possessed virtually no authority in practice.
The Jonin could not help but look forward to what came next.
What would Lord Third Hokage do?
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu looked at each other.
Systemic reform?
Why had no one told the two of them about this...
But in this setting, amid the fervent atmosphere Hiruzen Sarutobi had created, they tacitly kept their mouths shut.
Speaking up now would only make the Jonin resent them!
Hiruzen Sarutobi raised a hand slightly.
The faint murmurs immediately fell silent.
"Next, let us summarize this emergency test."
"Overall, it was good! Our ninja still had solid discipline and reacted swiftly..."
"But there were also problems."
"Root, what was going on? Where was your timeliness?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone sharpened as he turned his gaze toward Shimura Danzō.
"I will not hold Root accountable for the Kushina incident because Root has achieved results in the past, and I cannot demand that the Intelligence Department know every movement of the enemy."
Shimura Danzō's heart tightened. Was Hiruzen going to use him as an example?
"I bear responsibility for this!" He had grievances he could not voice, and he did not dare say more.
Root's ninja were highly unusual.
That was because the former Shimura Danzō had trained Root through brainwashing, entirely in the manner of cultivating a private army.
When Root acquired intelligence, its policy was to report to him first and act afterward.
Unlike the Anbu, which dealt with problems and reported them at the same time upon discovering them.
"You certainly do!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi snorted. "Danzō, although you were busy reorganizing Root and had objective reasons, that is no excuse for negligence..."
The ninja watched their noses and contemplated their hearts.
This was a power struggle among Konoha's highest ranks, not something they could casually interrupt.
But Shimura Danzō was rather bewildered.
Eh? What was wrong with Monkey today?
He was actually praising him, was he not?
He said Root had indeed produced results, and he had also sent the ninja a message.
—The dissolution of Root was not a punishment, but an outcome the higher-ups had agreed upon long ago.
Shimura Danzō had been worried about this in recent days as well.
After all, once he lost Root, people could easily think he had lost the Hokage's trust.
Even if he entered the formal line of Hokage successors, would he not already be a major step behind the others?
"Please punish me, Lord Hokage!" Having figured this out, Shimura Danzō unusually did not say anything like, "You will regret this," and decisively accepted responsibility.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado exchanged a glance, both wearing complicated expressions.
How had Danzō become so easy for Hiruzen to manipulate?
"For now, you will redeem yourself through service. After Root is dissolved, you will serve as Anbu Deputy Chief while also acting as the Hokage's assistant. You must produce results that satisfy everyone."
"When the village is in danger, I, the Hokage, should be the first to charge forward, and you, my assistant, should be the second!"
"If a similar problem occurs 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 work in a field he was familiar with...
And this Military Pledge—was it not an opportunity for him to distinguish himself?
Hiruzen, you really had given me a chance. You kept your word!
In that case...
Shimura Danzō's heart surged as he stepped forward. "If this happens again, please cut off my head!"
"Good!" Hiruzen Sarutobi was slightly taken aback, but he quickly adjusted his expression.
"That is the assistant of Konoha!"
Now that he had a chance to stand out, Danzō dared to speak so boldly?
A round of applause broke out, though it was not particularly enthusiastic.
But to Shimura Danzō's ears, the applause was incomparably loud...
Perhaps because no one had ever applauded for him before?
"Nara, Akimichi Clan, Yamanaka... Aburame, Kosuke, Sakumo." Hiruzen Sarutobi named several ninja clans and ninja, praising them.
Then he walked up to Hizashi Hyuga.
"Hizashi, was the Hyuga Clan holding some closed clan meeting today?" The somewhat petty Third Hokage had remembered the great Konoha clan that arrived late.
Still, Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone toward this Branch Family ninja remained fairly gentle.
After all, Hizashi could not decide such matters.
Hizashi Hyuga lowered his head.
Ever since he had arrived late, the examining looks from 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 then waiting for them to analyze things would naturally delay the response...
The Hyuga Clan could be considered a Village within a Village.
With Caged Bird, they had always been an impenetrable monolith, water unable to seep in and needles unable to pierce through.
After all, they were a Millennial Noble Clan. In the minds of those in power, the continuation of the clan was certainly more important than the village's interests.
The Byakugan had an extremely high value in winning allies, giving them the capital to act this way.
Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered inwardly that if he were from the Hyuga Main Branch, he would probably have held similar thoughts.
But the problem was that he was the Hokage!
As a ruler, he found it difficult to tolerate such an existence under his authority.
"No..." Hizashi Hyuga's voice was extremely quiet. "Lord Third, today was an accident..."
He could not say that it had been a decision by the Main Branch, so he could only give a vague excuse.
Hizashi Hyuga was terrified that Hiruzen Sarutobi would continue questioning him.
But Hiruzen Sarutobi did not. Instead, he gave the Hyuga Clan a way out. "As a noble clan with a thousand-year legacy, I respect the Hyuga Clan's traditions."
"Keeping the Byakugan active at all times in the village would indeed have certain consequences."
The ninja unconsciously nodded.
Who did not have some personal privacy? Especially ninja, for whom intelligence was the most important resource.
Even companions needed boundaries between them.
"Thank you for your understanding, Lord Hokage!" Hizashi Hyuga let out a heavy breath.
"Are you willing to join the Anbu?" Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly shifted the topic. "The village needs your strength."
In the past, the Third Hokage had not failed to discuss having the Hyuga Clan join the Anbu, 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 feared harming unity?
Hizashi Hyuga froze, then instinctively blurted out, "I am willing, Lord Hokage!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled faintly. "Very good, Hizashi. I have seen your..."
He paused before adding, "And the Will of Fire of the Hyuga Clan."
Hiruzen Sarutobi then cleared his throat. "Finally, I want to say this: to the Chunin and Genin who came to provide support, I am proud of you..."
"Faced with the intensity of my battle with Orochimaru, you still came at the first opportunity, without a trace of hesitation in your hearts."
"With ninja like you, we will always remain far ahead in the Shinobi World!"
"You all love the village so deeply. As Hokage, I guarantee that the village will never leave your Will of Fire without recompense!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi made the promise solemnly.
"Guy, did you see that? That was Lord Hokage's youth... Lord Hokage's Ninja Way!" Might Duy said with tears in his eyes, struggling to keep his voice low.
"You must get into the Ninja Academy and devote your youth to everyone and the village!"
"Father, I will work twice as hard!" Little Watermelon Head cried, tears streaming down his face. "Father, please train extra with me later!"
From the corner of his eye, Hiruzen Sarutobi spotted the two lively fools and smiled inwardly.
This father and son with their unusual style had left a deep impression on him.
"Eh, why are you here, you brat? And Sakumo's kid too..."
Curiously, Hiruzen Sarutobi walked over to his eldest son and lifted the two little beans, Asuma and Kakashi. "Did you two come to help as well?"
"I... I thought you had fallen asleep from exhaustion without putting out your pipe, and set our house on fire..."
"So I asked Sister Tsunade and Brother Jiraiya to bring Kakashi and me here." Asuma said with reddened eyes, "Father, I am sorry..."
"I should not have said bad things about you at school!"
As soon as he said that, the ninja laughed kindly.
Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed as well. "You brat, I will settle this with you when we get home!"
Since ancient times, using amusing family stories to close the distance with one's subordinates had always been a common yet exceedingly effective method.
"All right, everyone, return to your respective posts."
"Danzo, Hono, 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 fell into thought.
Was this really the Hiruzen Sarutobi Clan Leader Isshin had described—the one who only idled around in the Hokage Office Building?
It didn't seem like it...
"Tsunade, Jiraiya, your Mistress made dinner. Are you coming with Orochimaru? It's all food he likes, though. I'll add two more dishes for you later, all right?"
Jiraiya nodded fiercely, then immediately stomped his foot in annoyance. "Ah, this is infuriating! Sensei, why are you the same as before? You're playing favorites with Orochimaru again!"
Tsunade rolled her eyes prettily. "I don't see any problem. Who would favor an idiot who wanders around outside the village all day?"
"What, Tsunade! Why aren't you speaking up for me too?!"
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 start getting anxious from waiting..."
"What?! Stinky Snake, say that again!" Jiraiya jumped about and ran to Orochimaru's side. "Want to duel? I'll beat you so badly you won't be able to eat!"
"Just you? Heh heh..." Orochimaru drawled 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 chimed in with a chuckle.
Jiraiya's vision went dark. "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 little tune, her profile bathed in the golden glow of the sunset, she walked toward the Sarutobi Clan Compound with her hands behind her back.
Before you continue