Konoha's Will of Fire Values

"What do you think of this arrangement?" Lord Third asked Orochimaru, who seemed deep in thought.

Orochimaru nodded. "It can be done."

After all, Danzo was meant to take the blame.

For the village's stability, Danzo's reputation had to be sacrificed.

Wasn't that why Danzo had become Konoha's Root in the shadows?

As for whether Danzo felt wronged, that was not within Orochimaru's consideration.

"Then go do it."

Orochimaru nodded.

"Is there anything else?" Lord Third asked.

Orochimaru shook his head.

"Teacher, thank you for your guidance."

"Mm. Work hard, Orochimaru. I think highly of you."

Lord Third raised a hand and gave Orochimaru's shoulder a heavy pat, then rose and left the Hokage's Office, smoking as he went.

After stepping outside, he looked at the pipe in his hand.

He did not think it looked very good.

So, he wandered around the village, searching for a place to buy a smoking pipe.

He intended to replace it with a Long Pipe. That would better suit the bearing of a great master.

Thus, the next day, he arrived at Konoha Hospital with his new pipe.

After yesterday's discussion, Yakushi Tenshin had prepared new testing tools. She had put a great deal of care into them, organizing some of her own ideas within them and writing a report for Lord Third to review.

After reading it, Lord Third nodded approvingly. "Very good."

As expected of the village's Medical Ninja second only to Tsunade.

She could already be called one of the greatest talents in this world.

If he were not the Hokage, he would not be able to enjoy the services of such a top-tier talent.

"Then let's begin."

"Yes."

Yakushi Tenshin answered respectfully, and the day's examination began once more.

She focused completely, determined to provide more specific data than yesterday so that the Third Hokage would be satisfied.

As time passed, the examination finally ended. Lord Third looked over the recorded data, nodding as he read, or pondering for a while before shaking his head.

Then he began discussing with Yakushi Tenshin what methods of Medical Ninjutsu would be best suited for him. For example, how should hidden injuries and latent damage that were difficult to detect be found and specifically repaired?

Yakushi Tenshin offered many suggestions, which the Third Hokage found extremely useful.

Lord Third grew even more appreciative of Yakushi Tenshin.

Such a top-class medical talent, yet she had been sent to work as a spy?

What a waste.

She ought to be used to properly guide and improve Konoha's medical system, while also providing services for an old leader like him.

Naturally, Yakushi Tenshin could see Lord Third's satisfaction with her, and it gave her much more confidence.

So she no longer hesitated and said directly, "Lord Third, Lord Danzo came to see me yesterday."

Lord Third was taken aback, then asked, "Was it for my physical data?"

"That's right."

"Did you give it to him?"

"No."

Lord Third nodded.

"But, Lord Third, an orphanage I run has always been funded and maintained by Lord Danzo..."

"Danzo threatened you? If you did not satisfy him, he would withdraw the funding?"

"Yes."

"Don't worry."

Lord Third took a puff from his pipe.

"I will not let Danzo withdraw the funding from your orphanage."

"But Root—"

"Danzo will soon be removed from office." Lord Third said, "At the same time, Orochimaru and I have agreed that the funds allocated to Root must have clearly defined purposes. Charitable funding for orphanages like this is a commendable use of funds that conforms to Konoha's Will of Fire values. If Root wants to withdraw such funding, then it does not conform to the Will of Fire of Konoha's great family. If Konoha's Root does not conform to the Will of Fire, then it is not the Root Konoha truly needs. Such a Root must be treated at its source. If it cannot be cured, then the root of the illness must be removed."

"..."

That string of official rhetoric, with one label piled atop another, left Yakushi Tenshin stunned.

In a sense, it was an extremely harsh condemnation, especially coming from the Hokage.

If the Hokage said you lacked the Will of Fire, then for Konoha's ninja and department personnel, it was simply disastrous.

Even if Danzo remained deeply entrenched in Root after being dismissed, he would still be unable to withstand such a crushing accusation.

Who told Danzo he was not the Hokage?

Who told the Hokage that what he said truly conformed to the Will of Fire values established by Lord First?

In any case, upon hearing Lord Third say this,

Yakushi Tenshin was deeply moved.

"Lord Third!" she called out emotionally.

Lord Third waved a hand.

"Taking care of orphans is Konoha's responsibility to begin with. The previous war, along with the Nine-Tails' Rampage, left far too many Konoha families displaced. Many children lost their parents and had no one to rely on, becoming orphans. Konoha must take responsibility for and resolve this matter."

"But the village's funds will be under great strain, won't they?"

"Even if they are strained, this must be resolved. The village is not so poor that it cannot bear this amount of funding."

"...Lord Third." Yakushi Tenshin pressed her lips together, then said resolutely, "You may assign me a mission. I will do everything in my power to obtain funding channels for the village."

Seeing such determination from her,

Lord Third appreciated her even more.

This woman truly was excellent—outstanding, meticulous in thought, decisive when decisiveness was called for. She was an exceptionally talented medical professional and intelligence agent. At the same time, she was deeply maternal. From his interactions with her these past days, he could tell that her nature was actually quite pure and kind.

She was a pure, sincere, intelligent, and outstanding woman.

How could such a good woman be allowed to casually risk her life?

The village was not desperate enough for that.

"Rest assured, the village has long reached a conclusion regarding the acquisition of funds."

"But—"

Seeing the worry still in her eyes, Lord Third raised his hand and lightly patted her shoulder.

"All right, Tenshin. You have more important things to do. The village will not turn a blind eye to the surviving children of families who sacrificed for it. Every one of these children must be cared for. When the time comes, these matters will also need to be entrusted to you, along with the reliable people you select, to improve the village's relief and welfare system. I believe that with your love for children, you will certainly handle this well."

Hearing this, Yakushi Tenshin felt a heavy weight settle in her heart.

She suddenly felt that her earlier belief that Lord Third was very dark had been a misunderstanding.

Even if Lord Third truly had darkness within him, it was darkness he had no choice but to bear for the sake of the village.

He was completely different from Danzo, who had long been twisted by darkness!

A Lord Third like this was worthy of trust!

"Yes, Lord Third!" Yakushi Tenshin answered solemnly.

It was as though she had shed many burdens, her whole person beginning to shine.

Her bright smile was like the warm sun in winter, warming the heart.

Lord Third smiled as well, his smile becoming ever more kind and amiable.