New Secretary

Despite the anxiety gnawing at him, Cassius's resilient and calm nature allowed him to swiftly set his current top priorities: recover, investigate, reunite.

"This world... also seems to be filled with traces of various energy conflicts."

He recalled the fleeting sensation he had experienced when he had first been thrown onto the edge of this world: in distant areas, intense yet

"low-level" energy clashes had erupted (ninja battles), while an energy atmosphere entirely different from the power system he and his companions used permeated the vast land.

"I need to be cautious. Before I understand the rules and allegiances, I must avoid unnecessary conflicts."

He closed his eyes again and sank deeper into restorative meditation.

The blue gem on his helmet glowed faintly, helping him more efficiently sort through the remaining energy within his body

and attempt to draw tiny traces of usable free energy from the chaotic Sora fragments around him with minimal loss, though the efficiency was exceedingly low.

Within this unknown rift of time and Sora, another member of the God of War Alliance silently gathered strength for a future reunion and an unknown journey.

His existence was like a stone cast into the river of this world's fate. Though it had yet to stir any ripples, once his wounds healed and he emerged from this crack between worlds, he would surely bring new variables and possibilities.

--

The next morning, Konoha woke earlier than usual.

A peculiar Sora-like air of anticipation and tension mingled in the atmosphere.

On the streets, the doors of many households had opened early. Parents carefully straightened their children's brand-new or freshly laundered Ninja Academy uniforms, repeatedly checking whether their ninja tool pouches contained all the basic supplies.

From time to time, adults could be heard offering hushed reminders, answered by children who were excited yet somewhat timid.

Nangō Kumoi also rose early. He changed into a more formal yet still approachable set of Hokage robes and walked toward the Hokage Building.

Along the way, early-rising villagers, shop-opening vendors, and Chunin and Genin hurrying off to arrange the venue or maintain order all respectfully greeted him.

"Good morning, Lord Hokage!"

"Good morning, Lord Hokage!"

"Thank you for your hard work today, Lord Hokage!"

With a gentle smile, Nangō Kumoi nodded in response to each of them. Occasionally, he stopped to ask with concern, "Is your child enrolling today too?" or "How is business?" He appeared especially approachable.

He knew that for many ordinary villagers, being able to enter the Ninja Academy was an important path for their children to change their fate and gain strength and status. This opening day held extraordinary meaning for countless families.

As soon as he reached the entrance to the Hokage Office, he saw that Hiruzen Sarutobi was already waiting there with a scroll in hand.

"Good morning, Senior Brother Hiruzen."

"Morning, Hokage. This is the revised speech from last night. Give it another look."

Hiruzen handed him the draft, and the two spoke as they entered the office.

Inside, the elderly secretary, whose hair had already turned Haku-gray and who had served the Hokage Office since Tobirama's era, had long since sorted today's important schedule and urgent documents awaiting approval into categories. When he saw them enter, he respectfully bowed.

Nangō Kumoi quickly looked over the speech. Its contents were substantial, its emotional tone well judged; it offered both encouragement and reassurance, while especially emphasizing equal opportunities for orphans and all children.

He nodded in satisfaction. "Very good, Senior Brother. Let's go with this. Thank you for your hard work." He set the draft beside him.

He sat down and listened as the elderly secretary clearly reported the day's main itinerary

The opening ceremony in front of the Hokage Building in the morning, an afternoon inspection of the South District Housing Project's progress, and routine government affairs that evening, while he rapidly reviewed several documents requiring urgent handling.

During this time, he noticed that the elderly secretary's fingers trembled ever so slightly as he handed over the documents, and his breathing was somewhat more labored than usual.

"Mr. Fujiwara."

Nangō Kumoi set down his pen and looked at the diligent old man, his tone concerned.

"Has your health been holding up lately? You seem somewhat fatigued."

The elderly secretary, Fujiwara, was slightly taken aback, then revealed a grateful yet somewhat ashamed smile.

"Thank you for your concern, Lord Hokage.

"I... truly am getting old. There have been many affairs lately, and the pace has been fast. Sometimes, I feel my energy is no longer sufficient. I fear I may delay important matters and fail to keep up with your decisive pace, Lord Hokage."

He hesitated briefly before speaking sincerely.

"Lord Hokage, I have served as the Hokage's secretary for nearly over ten years, thanks to the trust of the Second Hokage and yourself.

"But now, the village is at a time when it needs capable people. So much must be rebuilt, and you need younger people with greater energy and quicker minds to assist you in handling increasingly complicated official duties.

"I humbly request... that I be allowed to set down this burden and yield my position to someone more capable." With that, he bowed deeply.

Hearing this, Nangō Kumoi felt both moved and understanding.

Secretary Fujiwara had been diligent and loyal, rich in experience, and one of the valuable administrative legacies left behind by Teacher Tobirama.

But the gears of the times were indeed accelerating. The series of new policies he was implementing required faster, more flexible execution and feedback, and the demands placed on the chief secretary were correspondingly higher.

He stood, personally helped Fujiwara up, and said sincerely,

"Mr. Fujiwara, you have served Konoha for many years and rendered great service. Both my teacher and I have always remembered it.

"I understand and respect your considerations.

"Since that is the case, I will no longer insist that you remain here and continue laboring.

"However, your familiarity with village affairs and your experience are invaluable. After stepping down as secretary, I hope you can serve as a Special Advisor to the Hokage Office.

"You will not need to report for duty every day. Only when we encounter difficult precedents or need historical experience for reference will we ask you to come offer guidance. What do you think? Your salary and benefits will remain unchanged."

Fujiwara had not expected the Hokage to be so considerate. Not only had he agreed to let him step down, he had also given him such a dignified arrangement. His eyes immediately reddened as he repeatedly expressed his thanks.

"Thank you for your consideration, Lord Hokage! I will certainly do everything in my power and await your summons at any time!"

After reassuring the elderly secretary, Nangō Kumoi immediately said to the Anbu standing by,

"Bring me a list of candidates within the village suitable for the position of chief secretary to the Hokage. Prioritize administrative ability, document-handling skills, confidentiality awareness, and understanding and support of the village's new policies."

The Anbu accepted the order and departed, soon returning with a brief list.

It listed several middle-aged and young ninjas from various clans or administrative departments, all known for their meticulousness and skill with paperwork.

Nangō Kumoi's gaze swiftly passed over the list before finally stopping on one name—Nara Shikato, father of Nara Shikaku and the current Nara Clan Leader.