Konoha.
Hokage Building, conference room.
"Thank you for the Fifth Hokage's praise."
"This subordinate... this subordinate was merely lucky."
Upon hearing Chiba's words,
Fujiwara Takeshi swallowed hard and replied with a slight stammer.
"Fujiwara Takeshi."
"Starting today, you will be responsible for reforming the Ninja Academy's practical combat courses."
"I'll give you one month. Scrap all those childish training materials."
Chiba tossed a scroll onto the table.
Fujiwara Takeshi's mind buzzed.
He was only a civilian Jonin!
In the past, how could a cushy post like this ever have fallen to people without connections like them?
"This subordinate... accepts the order!"
The next moment,
Fujiwara Takeshi dropped to one knee with a thud, his voice cracking from excitement.
He had accepted countless missions in his life.
Yet this was the only time he felt the blood throughout his body boiling.
"Dismissed."
"I've given you authority. How you use it is your business."
Chiba's gaze swept across the room.
He leaned back in the Hokage Chair, lightly tapping the tabletop with his fingers.
"But let me make one thing clear first."
"If anyone screws this up, or tries to profit from it—"
"You have all seen what happened to Danzo."
Those casually spoken words sent a chill down everyone's backs.
No one thought Chiba was joking.
This new Hokage had publicly crushed the leader of Root to death. He was absolutely the kind of ruthless man who meant every word he said.
The meeting ended.
The Jonin filed out of the conference room one after another.
Some rejoiced, while others worried.
Sarutobi Hiruzen walked very slowly, his back hunched.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura followed at his side, all three of them pale-faced.
Yet they did not complain.
They had anticipated this outcome several days ago.
Besides,
Chiba had not wiped