Seeing that Hiruzen and Danzo were about to completely break off their friendship, Jiraiya hurriedly stepped in to smooth things over:
"Advisors, calm down and let's hear what other people have to say."
Danzo, who was already so angry that he stood up from his seat, ignored Jiraiya's words and decided to leave the meeting, heading straight for the door.
"Advisor Danzō, please wait a moment. We also need to hear the opinions of the other advisors regarding this matter."
Just as the situation was about to spiral out of control, Sakumo's voice stopped Danzo in his tracks.
Danzo glanced back at Sakumo sitting in the main seat, his Danzo expressionless. Knowing that Sakumo would be proposing a reform charter for the Military Police Force today, he said nothing more and returned to his seat.
He simply nudged Hiruzen with his elbow as he sat down.
Hiruzen frowned at the malicious retaliation, realizing that it wouldn't be appropriate to use the Five Elements Great Bullet in the Hokage Building's conference room, and thus abandoned his idea of Danzo.
I was just kidding. He'll retaliate after the meeting.
Danzo: Strange, why does it feel like Teacher Tobirama's phantom keeps flashing in front of my face?
"From the prisoner's memories, I discovered an even more important piece of information: there is a descendant of the Uzumaki Clan in Kusagakure, a woman about the same age as Kushina, whom they call 'the Medicine Person'."
Yamanaka Inoichi truthfully reported the intelligence he had seen to everyone present.
"How cruel, to use the physique of the Uzumaki Clan to do such a thing."
Hiruzen's brows furrowed instantly.
Danzo was pondering that the Uzumaki Clan actually used this method; it was the first time he had ever heard of it.
"The Uzumaki Clan is an important ally of Konoha. Although Uzushio Village has been destroyed, Konoha has an obligation to protect the descendants of the Uzumaki Clan. Therefore, I would like to negotiate with Kusagakure regarding the attack in exchange for guardianship of that Uzumaki Clan descendant."
After finishing his speech, Sakumo began to observe the reactions of the people in front of him.
Uzushio Village was destroyed during Hiruzen's tenure as Hokage, so both morally and logically, he should be the first to speak up.
"The Fourth Generation is right. The destruction of Uzushio Village was indeed a regrettable event. Konoha was unable to provide timely assistance at the time due to various reasons, and we cannot stand idly by now."
Hiruzen, who was already resentful about the destruction of Uzushio Village, immediately agreed to Sakumo's suggestion.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura in agreement.
Only Danzo raised a different opinion. "The Kusagakure's attack on the border and the Uzumaki Clan's descendants are two separate matters. We can easily take that Uzumaki woman away from Kusagakure through other means, but we cannot let the Kusagakure's attempt to attack Konoha go unpunished!"
"Danzo, do you want to start a new Shinobi World War?!"
"Hiruzen, you're too weak!"
"Danzo, I am the one— Sakumo is the Hokage!"
"You--"
Everyone: Damn it, Illusion Technique? When did this happen?!
"We can first question Kusagakure about this matter and see if they are willing to hand over the Uzumaki Clan. If they disagree, then we can rescue him according to Danzo's plan."
At a critical moment, Shikaku in and temporarily resolved the dispute between Danzo and Hiruzen with a compromise.
"Shikaku's suggestion is excellent. Konoha does indeed need a skilled ninja to negotiate with Kusagakure. May I ask you for help with this matter?"
Sakumo summoned Shikaku with the intention of getting him to go to Kusagakure and negotiate with the Grass Ninja.
"Understood, but I hope the village can send another elite squad to accompany us, so as to put pressure on Kusagakure."
Shikaku accepted the task and also offered some suggestions.
"Alright, I will send an excellent ninja with you. How about we set the departure date for the day after tomorrow?"
With the matter of Kusagakure settled, Sakumo's next topic was the reorganization of the Military Police Force.
Although Danzo's cold snort was heard, no explicit opposition was received from him during the final voting stage, and the matter passed smoothly.
However, to everyone's surprise, Sakumo proposed a groundbreaking plan at the last minute.
"Everyone, I hope to reorganize the Anbu Training Department."
Upon hearing this, Danzo's eyes, which had been narrowed, widened instantly. He hadn't expected that Sakumo would also have his eye on him, especially since he hadn't received a single hint about it beforehand.
Hiruzen and the other two advisors were also invigorated, staring at Sakumo with disbelief.
The primary task of the Anbu Training Department should be to train personnel for the Anbu. However, with Hiruzen's tacit approval, Danzo used this organization to create a large, hidden network deep within Konoha, doing some shady work.
Sakumo believed he didn't need an organization like this to take the blame for him, and he also knew about Hiruzen's feelings for Danzo, so he never brought it up and always allocated funds to Root on time.
So that's how it is. So you're going to take advantage of the meeting to win me over?
Danzo scrutinized the Hokage before him, who had no background whatsoever.
"I wonder what the Fourth Generation plans to do with the Anbu Training Department?"
The deed was done, and there was no point in saying more. Danzo could only clench his fists and ask Sakumo's thoughts in a seemingly calm manner.
"We will strip the Anbu Training Department of its other functions, retaining only the responsibility of training Anbu. As for the ninjas under your command, we will assess them and assign them to departments based on their performance."
"Of course, you will still be the head of the Anbu Training Department, but I will assign you a deputy to share the responsibilities with you."
As Sakumo finished speaking, a deathly silence fell over the room.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura looked at each other with confusion in their eyes. They had received some rumors about the Military Police Force reform, but the reform at the Root...
Turning their gazes toward Hiruzen, the two found that the other's eyes held the same confusion.
However, Hiruzen's confusion did not last long; soon a resolute look flashed in his eyes.
I agree.
Hiruzen spoke first, announcing that he would side with Sakumo, and also made a new suggestion. "In addition, I would like to serve as the vice-head of the Anbu Training Department."
Root organization was established with his tacit approval, he also has an obligation to handle the aftermath for Sakumo.
He also hoped that his willingness to serve under Danzo would at least alleviate some of the resentment in Danzo's heart.
Just as Hiruzen had predicted, Danzo felt much less frustrated upon hearing that the other party had offered to become his subordinate, though his expression remained grim.
We agree.
The two advisors also knew that now that Sakumo had been Hokage Position for a year, it was time for him to cultivate his own team, and they immediately expressed their support.