Power Structures

Nangō Kumoi's gaze fell on the pale-faced young man in the corner—Kagami Uchiha.

That was right. He was the Uchiha connected to the Hokage who had died in the First Shinobi World War in the original timeline. Nangō Kumoi had saved him at a critical moment, and now the Uchiha had a connection to Kumoi. Because of that, they had remained silent throughout the meeting.

In the original timeline, Kagami's death had prevented the Uchiha and the Hokage from finding a suitable opportunity to reconcile afterward.

Then Danzo's suppression and Hiruzen's inaction had turned the Uchiha, one of Konoha's main fighting forces, into political sacrifices.

But who was I? A transmigrator. I knew the Uchiha wanted to integrate into Konoha, but they were all too proud and ended up digging their own graves.

Now that I was here, I wouldn't let such excellent tools—no, pillars of the nation—make such a hasty exit.

The atmosphere in the meeting room seemed to stiffen for an imperceptible instant. The Uchiha clan head frowned slightly, and the head of the Police Force turned grave as well.

Here it comes... This thought surfaced in many minds. Since the previous Hokage had been Tobirama, everyone knew what they knew. How to handle relations with the Uchiha had become a difficult problem the Hokage had to face.

Nangō Kumoi's voice was gentler than before, yet carried a clear purpose. "Kagami, how are your injuries?"

Kagami Uchiha immediately rose to his feet, his manners impeccable. "Thank you for your concern, Lord Hokage. They are no longer serious." His voice still held the weakness of blood loss, but his eyes were bright and clear.

"In this mission, you charged ahead bravely and held back powerful enemies. Your contributions were undeniable." Nangō Kumoi set the tone before everyone. This was not only recognition of Kagami himself, but also a public acknowledgement of the Uchiha's combat strength. Several Uchiha elders unconsciously straightened their backs.

"At this time of reconstruction, the village's public security and social order are of utmost importance. The Uchiha Police Force bears great responsibility and must not fail."

He first emphasized the Police Force's existing status, soothing the Uchiha's sensitive nerves.

"Kagami, focus on recovering. At the same time, I invite you to attend Council of Elders meetings concerning public security and the calming of public sentiment as a special adviser. You have personally served on the front lines and understand the situation. Your opinions are extremely valuable."

The moment those words fell, a subtle stir ran through the meeting room.

Kagami Uchiha was shaken. This was not merely advancement after a life-saving favor; it was a channel allowing the Uchiha direct access to the village's highest decision-making circle.

Don't think he knew nothing. He was, after all, the Second Hokage's disciple. How difficult was it for the Uchiha to enter the core circle? Even if it was only "attendance" and "adviser." He bowed deeply. "Kagami accepts the order. I will certainly offer my counsel with all my heart."

The eyes of several powerful Uchiha figures grew complicated.

The Hokage had granted Kagami great personal honor and potential influence, yet had not touched the Police Force in the slightest. They could not object, and even faintly felt... perhaps this was a new beginning?

But their long-standing pride and isolation made them habitually remain silent. Only the way they looked at Kagami gained a deeper measure of scrutiny.

Shimura Danzō's jaw tightened for an instant. Special adviser? Attendance? He nearly sneered aloud.

This was the first step toward extending the Uchiha's hand into the core sphere! Yet he could not refute it, because the reasons were sufficient—Kagami had rendered merit, understood the front lines, and the matter involved public security—and the existing power structure had not been touched.

He could only cast a cold, scrutinizing gaze at Kagami as alarm bells rang in his heart. As the Second Hokage's disciple, he had always believed the Uchiha were unworthy of entering the core circle.

Hiruzen Sarutobi raised an eyebrow slightly, deep in thought. He understood that this was the first crack the Hokage had cautiously carved into the Uchiha's high wall.

The candidate—Kagami; the method—personal honor plus attendance; the reason—public security. None could be faulted. Kumoi... this move is risky, but ingenious. If it were me, perhaps I couldn't have done it.

Representatives of the other clans murmured among themselves.

"Kagami Uchiha... it seems he's about to rise."

"Is the Hokage trying to elevate the Uchiha?"

"It's not that simple. He's only given one person an opportunity. We'll see how they take it."

Nangō Kumoi took in everyone's reactions and knew the time was right. He lightly tapped the table, quieting the discussions.

"The structure exists to serve efficiency. Our current highest priorities are compensation for the fallen and the first phase of the housing pilot project.

"The Council of Elders will deliberate on the plan, Hiruzen will oversee its implementation as Hokage Assistant, and every department must cooperate fully. Within three days, I want to see compensation distributed. Within one month, the pilot must show results!"

His resolute gaze swept across the room, allowing no doubt. "This order concerns Konoha's survival and prosperity. I hope everyone will work together. If there are difficulties, raise them now. If there are no objections, carry it out immediately!"

After a brief silence, Hiruzen Sarutobi was the first to state his position. "Understood. I will begin at once, coordinate resources, and monitor progress."

Representatives of the three Ino-Shika-Cho clans nodded again in succession. The heads of the various departments all voiced their assent.

"Very good." Nangō Kumoi rose to his feet and gave his final summary. "Then the appointments to the temporary Council of Elders and the position of Hokage Assistant shall take effect immediately! The compensation and housing plans are to begin in full! Meeting adjourned!"

He was the first to leave, heading for the door. The heavy wooden door slowly closed behind him, shutting out both the striking white Divine Robe and the invisible pressure it carried.

Inside the meeting room, the taut string that had been stretched since his arrival seemed to loosen with a hum, only to be immediately replaced by an even more complex and restless atmosphere.

The brief silence broke, and whispers surged from every corner like a tide.

"Hokage Assistant... Hiruzen, congratulations." Utatane Koharu spoke to Hiruzen Sarutobi in a brisk tone that revealed little emotion, more like confirmation of a fact.

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. There was not much joy on his face. Instead, his brows were faintly furrowed as he rapidly processed the heavy responsibility he had just been given and the challenges it contained.

"It is my duty. I will need all my colleagues' full support from here on."

Mitokado Homura pushed up his glasses and looked at Torifu Akimichi. "Torifu, it seems the Hokage thinks highly of your clan's practical ability." The words were both a statement and a tentative probe.

Torifu Akimichi smiled cheerfully, though his eyes remained clear. "The Hokage overestimates me. Torifu is just someone who does the work. But Kagami..." He looked toward the Uchiha side and left the sentence unfinished, though everyone understood what he meant.

The very second Nangō Kumoi left, Shimura Danzō rose to his feet.

He did not join in any pleasantries. He merely swept his calm, unreadable eyes once more over where Kagami Uchiha stood.

His gaze lingered on that pale face for less than half a second. Then, without a word, he left the meeting room through the side door, as though melting into the shadows.