Taking the Reins in Konoha

Konoha

Hokage Office

The Hokage Office had been expanded with several desks. Naraku in the Hokage's seat, reviewing the recent affairs files of Konoha.

The two additional desks next to it were for Namikaze Minato, the Hokage's assistant, and Sarutobi Hiruzen, the previous Hokage.

Naraku greeted the Third Hokage in the office and then began working at his desk, handling Konoha affairs.

With the Hokage's duties completed, there are still many Konoha affairs to be handed over. These matters cannot be resolved or sorted out in a short time. Naraku needs to take control of everything in Konoha and needs to focus on his work.

Early in the morning Namikaze Minato pushed open the door and entered, clocking in on time.

"Third Hokage and fourth generation masters, you're here so early."

Namikaze Minato arrived relatively early, but the other two had gotten up even earlier.

"It's getting late. Managing Konoha, day in and day out for over a decade..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen offered a word of encouragement.

"Minato- kun, I've made you a piece of clothing. See if it fits!"

Naraku up and picked up the white Hokage Haori from the clothes rack. The white Hokage Haori had flame patterns embroidered on the cuffs and hem, and was longer than knee-length. The back was embroidered with the six large characters "Assisted by the Fourth Hokage".

Naraku spoke gently, smiling, and walked over to drape the Namikaze Minato.

Namikaze Minato, dressed in a blue tight-fitting combat suit and a green Jonin, looked much closer to his original character after donning the Hokage's Assistant Hokage Haori.

"Hahaha, Fourth Generation, you... I'm truly flattered."

Namikaze Minato, somewhat embarrassed, put on a long, wide white Hokage Haori with Naraku's help.

"It is with the support of the Konoha that one can become Hokage. Minato, you are also Jonin the support of many villagers. Now that the two of us are working together, there is hope for the Konoha."

Naraku smiled as he looked at Namikaze Minato in the Hokage Haori, nodding slightly. It was very similar to the image of Eiichiro from the anime that Naraku remembered.

"It fits perfectly, very nice. Minato, this is a great honor bestowed by the Fourth Hokage. Wear it."

In the office, the Third Hokage man, puffing on a pipe, nodded in praise.

The Third Hokage felt somewhat guilty towards the promising Uchiha Nara. Had he known Uchiha Nara was like this, what would have been the point of supporting him to become the Fourth Hokage?

Naraku, in a good mood, sat back down in front of the Hokage Office and continued flipping through the files.

"Third Hokage, Minato, Konoha now has a large population and is no longer just a ninja village; it also has many villagers who are not ninjas."

The names of the Medical Corps, the Torture and Interrogation Force, and the Military Police Force are somewhat inappropriate; I believe they should be adjusted.

"Let's add some administrative aspects to the military names of these units, and shorten them to 'departments.' The heads of these departments, such as captains and commanders-in-chief, could be given the title of 'minister.' What do you think?"

The first thing Naraku power was not to implement sweeping reforms or personnel changes; he basically kept things as they were.

Having lived two lives, Naraku understands that many things cannot be rushed; one must change things slowly, like boiling a frog in lukewarm water.

The old man is outdated; he can't Naraku, so Naraku isn't in a hurry. He makes gradual and slow improvements, and when there are disagreements, he coordinates and resolves them as needed.

"These units have been established for a long time, and changing the title of their leader might cause some trouble, but you are the Hokage, so you can decide these things."

The Third Hokage exhaled a puff of smoke, seemingly acting as a true Hokage Advisor, diligently assisting Uchiha Nara, only briefly mentioning some of the troublesome aspects of the changes.

"Yes, Naraku, you're right. The number of non-ninja villagers in the village is gradually increasing, so it's indeed necessary to make some adjustments to the various units."

Namikaze Minato held the case file in his hands, his words expressing agreement.

"Okay, then let's rename the Military Police Force to the Security Department, the Medical Corps to the Medical Department, and the Torture and Interrogation Force to the Department of Torture and Interrogation. Set the leader's title as Minister, the same as the titles of the Administrative Department, Department of Education, and Finance Department, just name him Minister."

Although most ninja villages are organized into squads or platoons, subordinates usually address their superiors as "captain," which can be confusing.

Calling them ministers would distinguish them and also enhance the authority of the heads of each department."

This matter of troop ranks is minor, but it's the first thing Naraku has to make adjustments to. As for the relocation of the Anbu, Naraku doesn't plan to make any changes for the time being.

The Anbu should be implemented slowly and gradually. It will take some time to bring both the Anbu and the Root under one's control.

When Naraku served as the Uchiha Clan Head, he established the Clan Affairs Hall and Clan Affairs Hall various departments, and at the same time, he collected most of the mission commissions from the Uchiha. It took him three years to change the Uchiha's habits and strengthen the authority of the Clan Affairs Hall.

Naraku was very patient with these things, knowing that they couldn't be rushed.

Naraku not to make any changes to the leadership disappointed some of his subordinates, such as Uchiha Fugaku and Hatake Sakumo.

Naraku had a private conversation with these two. Naraku was very satisfied with Fugaku's trip to the Capital City and took over the position of Captain-General of the Security Department from Naraku.

As for Hatake Sakumo, his position remains unchanged for the time being, but Naraku, just as he did with Namikaze Minato, prepared a short shirt embroidered with flame patterns, symbolizing the Hokage, to recognize his achievements.

After some maneuvering, their concerns were appeased.

Naraku would try every means to promote his trusted retainers, at least to get them into the Hokage Advisor group, but this would still take some time.

Although Uchiha Fugaku and Hatake Sakumo do not hold the official positions of advisors, they can meet with Naraku at any time and thus effectively act as advisors. Naraku will take their opinions very seriously.

"Um"

"Support!"

The two people in the office said they had no objection to Naraku's proposal to change the leader's title.

"Let Minato draft the document; I'll stamp it. It will take effect immediately."

Naraku breathed a sigh of relief at Sarutobi Hiruzen's attitude. Naraku was most afraid of Sarutobi Hiruzen's meddling and opposition to everything, which was annoying.

Unexpectedly, the Third Hokage seemed quite dedicated to public service, diligently performing their duties.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, pipe in mouth, glanced at Naraku, seemingly wanting to say something but hesitating. After a few seconds of hesitation, Sarutobi Hiruzen said in a deep voice:

"Fourth Hokage, I shouldn't interfere in your relationship with Tsunade, but you two are getting on in years, it's time for you to get married."

As an elder, Sarutobi Hiruzen expressed his concern for Naraku and Tsunade's lives.

On December 29th of the 50th year of Konoha, Tsunade was born in the 12th year of Konoha, Naraku was born in the 22nd year of Konoha, a difference of ten years.

Naraku currently 28 years old, Tsunade is 38 years old. Due to the Yin Fuinjutsu, they both maintain their youthful appearance.

"Yes, Third Hokage! Tsunade and I are preparing to get married. Father and Mother are choosing an auspicious day for us."

Naraku couldn't ignore Sarutobi Hiruzen, who was concerned about his private life and was also Tsunade's teacher.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was a disciple of the First Hokage and Second Hokage, making him Tsunade's elder and one of her few relatives.

"I checked the calendar, and January 15th is an auspicious day for marriage, after New Year's Day in the 51st year. I think we should choose January 15th. What do you think, Fourth Generation?"

At this moment, the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen, was like an elder worrying about the lives of his juniors. He had a pipe in his mouth and spoke in a serious tone. Although he was asking a question, the pressure he gave people was as if he had already made a decision.

Naraku wasn't annoyed by the Third Hokage's concern for such matters; on the contrary, he was somewhat grateful.

The previous Hokage arranged a marriage for the Fourth Hokage, which is a testament to the orderly Konoha.

"Yes! I still need my father and mother to make the decision. I will talk to my parents! Thank you for your concern, Third Hokage!"

"Fourth Hokage, you are still young. As an experienced person, I can say that this matter should not be delayed. It is best to get it done as soon as possible and give Tsunade a proper title."