Uchiha Kō hung up the phone. How could he not be grateful that a strategist like Nara Rokumei had subordinates willing to be loyal to him and work for him? Governing a village requires more than just one shrewd and capable Hokage.
It also requires the support of the people, the support of the family, the support and assistance of subordinate officials, as well as capable ministers and brave generals.
Uchiha Kō never believed that possessing power gave him the right to be arrogant, nor did he consider himself the protagonist of this world. Everyone is a protagonist, with their own strengths and their own brilliance. What Uchiha Kō wanted to do was...
Discover the strengths of talented individuals, appoint them to positions of authority, develop the village, and enable the villagers to live prosperous lives. Strength is for external use, not internal. If a powerful enemy attacks, Uchiha Kō will undoubtedly lead the charge and annihilate all invaders. (Do you believe me? Just kidding!)
Reaching the school gate, he snapped out of his reverie, composed himself, and entered the school. It wasn't time for students to start class yet; rather, it was the time when teachers were gradually arriving at the school.
Umino Ikkaku had just walked in when he said somewhat hurriedly that he had bumped into Uchiha Kō. Uchiha Kō was startled and looked over. Umino Ikkaku also looked back and quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I bumped into you. Are you alright?"
"You... don't recognize me?" Uchiha Kō, somewhat puzzled. Judging from Umino Ikkaku's expression, he seemed genuinely unfamiliar with him. Umino Ikkaku, startled by the question, replied, "Excuse me, teacher, I don't know you. How about this, my name is Umino Ikkaku. How about I treat you to ramen after school?"
He wore a simple, honest smile, with a hint of apology in his eyes, as if he felt sorry and remorseful for his behavior just now.
Umino Ikkaku? Uchiha Kō was stunned by that name. If he remembered correctly, it was the name of the future Crown Prince's tutor's father! Umino Iruka's father!
"It's alright, don't worry about it. I see you're in a hurry, so go ahead and do your thing. As for treating us, we can do it next time." Uchiha Kō smiled, not taking the matter to heart.
"Well, anyway, I'm so sorry, I still have to prepare my lessons. I'm so sorry, really so sorry!" Umino Ikkaku apologized again, Uchiha Kō shook his head. "Go on!"
"Hmm!" Gratitude was evident in Umino Ikkaku's eyes. Although he had prepared his lesson yesterday, he always arrived at school very early to present the most perfect class to the students and would first give a lesson in an empty classroom.
However, he never said these words to anyone, because he felt that this was what a teacher should do. As a teacher to his students, he naturally should ensure that everyone learns solid knowledge.
Uchiha Kō concealed his aura and followed behind him, wanting to see what Umino Ikkaku was up to. After watching his lecture, he couldn't help but sigh, "Truly worthy of being Umino Iruka's father, his teaching ability is miles ahead of many teachers!"
He decided to give the teacher a raise! So he quietly left and headed towards his classroom.
Shimura Danzō happened to be sitting on the podium looking at his lesson plan, his brows sometimes relaxed and sometimes furrowed, wearing glasses, giving him the air of a scholar!
Uchiha Kō knocked on the door. Shimura Danzō looked up, then stood up and walked to Uchiha Kō. "Lord Hokage!" he greeted him with a smile.
Uchiha Kō shook his head. "From now on, you can call me Owl or Owl-kun in non-public settings!" He showed Danzo respect and trust.
Danzo's expression softened upon hearing this. "Yes, Lord Owl!"
"Why is Owl so early today?" Shimura Danzō confusion, since the practical training class was in the afternoon, Uchiha Kō could have come after noon.
Uchiha Kō chuckled, "Danzo, my wife went out to buy medical equipment! There's nothing much to do at home anyway. As for the Hokage Office, Nara Rokumei is watching over it. If anything important happens, just let me know, and I can get there with a Flying Thunder God."
Upon hearing this, Shimura Danzō nodded and then smiled. "Owl-kun, have you eaten? My wife brought me breakfast, but I can't finish it. Why don't we eat together?"
Shimura Danzō pulled out two metal lunchboxes, opened them, and found one containing rice and the other seafood sashimi and fried pork cutlet. Uchiha Kō wanted to refuse, but the aroma was too enticing, and he couldn't help but say, "Ahem, well then, thank you, Danzo. And please thank your wife for me."
Shimura Danzō shook his head. "Lord Owl, you are the first person who has trusted me so much and put so much faith in me. You not only gave me status and power, but also Tailed Beast and respect, so I am truly grateful to you."
"I used to think that becoming Hokage, reaching that supreme position, would make my life worthwhile. But your appearance made me realize that everyone has their own mission. Compared to you, I am far inferior. However, it is only because of you that I can respect you so much and willingly give up the ambitions I once had."
As Shimura Danzō spoke his heart, Uchiha Kō was deeply moved. He hadn't expected that Shimura Danzō would remember what he had done and even feel grateful for his kindness, willing to give up his ambitions and desires for him.
"Danzo, I understand that both of us are working for the prosperity of Konoha. I've remembered what you said to me today. From now on, we will work together to create the number one village in the Ninja World, the strongest Konoha!" Uchiha Kō put down his chopsticks and said solemnly.
Shimura Danzō. "Yes! Lord Owl, let's work together!" It was as if he was looking at his light, so that he wouldn't have to hide underground in Konoha as the root of Konoha, doing those shameful things.
It's much more comfortable to bask in the sunlight than to hide in a dark, damp hut under tree roots...
"By the way, Danzo, there's something..." Uchiha Kō recounted the story of Umino Ikkaku, and Shimura Danzō nodded, immediately deciding, "It's an honor for the school to have a teacher like him. I think the raise you mentioned isn't enough; I'd also like him to be the head of academic affairs! What do you think?"
Here, Shimura Danzō uses honorifics. Superiors can speak freely, but subordinates must use honorifics and an inquiring tone to convey their opinions to their superiors.
Uchiha Kō smiled. "Danzo, don't be so reserved. You're the vice principal of this school. You can make all the decisions. I trust you."
Good heavens! Who knows how powerful that phrase "I believe in you" is, and the implication that it's okay for Shimura Danzō to decide for himself?
This ignited a feeling of loyalty and righteous indignation within Shimura Danzō. "Yes! Lord Owl, I'll take care of it right away!"
"Hey! Danzo, your food~" Uchiha Kō stretched out his right hand, trying to call out to Shimura Danzō.
Shimura Danzō and said, "It's alright, I'm not hungry, Owl-kun. I'm full, you can have the rest!" He then walked towards his office.
Uchiha Kō swallowed hard and muttered to himself, "Waste is shameful!" Then he finished the plate of nutritious and exquisite breakfast, his face beaming with a smile!
Brothers, please, please, please urge me to update more!!! It's April 1st, 9:30 PM, and I've been working so hard writing this 6,000-word post. Please, please urge me to update more and give me some motivation!