The ninja did not simply mean those of civilian birth. More importantly, it meant the ninja clans within the village.
Compared with civilian ninja, these clans, large and small, were the cornerstones of Konoha, its true foundation.
They would not openly oppose the leadership, but they would quietly resist in their own ways.
In the original timeline, after Hizashi's death and the Uchiha Clan Massacre, the ninja clans had become deeply dissatisfied with the Third Hokage's rule.
This had directly led to the major clans choosing to stand back and watch when Orochimaru attacked during the Konoha Crush Plan.
Perhaps the Third Hokage had understood this as well, and chosen to end his life with the Dead Demon Consuming Seal.
After offering some reassurance, the Third did not get straight to the point. Instead, he reminisced with the two of them, even steering the conversation toward the Fourth Hokage.
Once the atmosphere had eased, the Third looked at them and slowly said, "The ANBU has lost quite a few jonin lately. Would either of you consider returning as Deputy Commander to mentor the younger generation?"
Promoting one of them to ANBU Deputy Commander was the most appropriate solution the Third could think of.
The ANBU Deputy Commander already ranked among the village's junior leadership, with a status that rivaled the Military Police Force Captain's.
Giving one of them the position would also offer the Hyuga and Uchiha an acceptable answer.
As for why he had not offered the commander's position, he already had someone in mind for ANBU Commander.
Zou Hyuga fell into thought.
ANBU Deputy Commander was no ordinary position. It had always been held by a trusted confidant of the Hokage. Before this, the posts in the Third's ANBU had been held by his son and daughter-in-law.
For