Guidance from the Seniors of the Past

The marker scraped across the Whiteboard, and the harsh sound made Naruto shrink his neck.

Minato drew a square in the center and wrote "Hokage" inside it, then pulled three branches downward according to the current Administrative Structure.

"Classify matters into D-Rank, C-Rank, B-Rank, A-Rank, and S-Rank, then route them through three levels based on authority."

"Today, we'll start by sorting the backlog according to this standard."

Minato tapped the lowest box with his pen.

"First, draw the boundaries clearly."

"D-Rank and C-Rank matters, such as routine village administration, everyday civilian issues, infrastructure repairs, and so on, will be handed directly to the responsible departments."

Minato drew arrows beside D-Rank and C-Rank, their ends pointing to the boxes representing each department head.

"If authority is delegated, responsibility must also fall on specific individuals."

"Each department will handle its own matters and submit weekly summaries. If problems arise, the department's highest-ranking official will explain the situation. The Hokage will no longer cover for those below."

The tip of the pen moved upward along the Whiteboard.

"B-Rank matters involve coordination between departments and the deployment of medium-scale missions. Shikamaru will screen and assess them first, then make decisions on anything he can settle."

"If you're uncertain, include your opinion before sending it upward."

"There's no need for every document to enter this office."

At last, the pen stopped at the very top.

"Only A-Rank and S-Rank matters will actually reach Naruto's desk."

"Core classified scrolls, major security threats, and final decisions concerning the village's future development."

The ink on the Whiteboard had not yet dried.

Shikamaru did not immediately agree. His gaze moved back and forth along the three branches on the board.

He ran through the current process again in his mind, finally stopping at the responsibility box beside D-Rank and