"Why suddenly create such a big commotion in the village..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled thick smoke, his eyes dignified, and spoke with powerful resonance:
"Simply to directly test the village's emergency response on-site, without issuing notifications, without submitting reports, without needing accompaniment, and without listening to briefings, to grasp the most raw and authentic situation!"
"Although the Second Ninja World War has passed, it is far from the time to put away swords and spears."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice was loud and clear. After deactivating the Earth Spear and getting closer, the Konoha ninja successively noticed that their Hokage had become younger and stronger.
Some doubts naturally arose.
And this was exactly the opportunity Sarutobi Hiruzen wanted to seize.
Not only to rationalize his cheat, but also to take this opportunity to shape his new persona and increase his 'Authority'!
"A few months ago, Uzumaki Kushina was abducted within the village by Cloud Village ninja. The Anbu, Root, and Police Force failed to react, and it relied on a newly graduated Genin to rescue her!"
Sarutobi Shinnosuke and Uchiha Fugaku lowered their heads in unison, their backs tightening.
This was severe criticism from the Hokage.
"But is this solely due to the Anbu and Police Force?"
"In my view, for the village to have such a problem, the primary responsibility should lie with me, the Hokage!"
But unexpectedly, Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly changed the topic and took the responsibility back onto himself.
Uchiha Fugaku, with his head lowered, showed confusion on his face.
Eh, he didn't take the chance to suppress the Uchiha Clan?
If he used this incident to suppress them, even he himself wouldn't feel there was much of a problem; after all, a mistake was indeed made.
"Accountability is to prevent slackness."
"But more importantly, it is to put an end to such things happening again!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen continued: "Therefore, I did not rush to respond to Cloud."
"First, as the Hokage and the person primarily responsible for the Kushina incident, I want to ensure that when a similar incident happens next time, I can be the first to lead everyone in charging forward."
"Moreover, not just charging, but also being able to win!"
"For this reason, these past few months I have cultivated various techniques left by the First and Lord Tobirama. Although somewhat perilous, perhaps with the blessing of the previous Hokage, I have achieved some small success."
Hearing this, the Konoha ninja first showed expressions of sudden realization.
So that was it...
No wonder Lord Hokage didn't rush to launch retaliation against Cloud...
He was doing it for a charge on the battlefield!
"Lord Hokage, you were ill a few days ago, with a persistent high fever..." Nara Shikayama, also the current head of the Nara Clan, asked after exchanging a secretive glance with Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Mn, I used some perilous forbidden techniques, but it's all in the past."
Sarutobi Hiruzen flexed his arm, patting his bulging biceps: "Everyone has to get used to my new image, otherwise, when charging with me later, it would be troublesome if you followed the wrong person."
He also mentally labeled Nara Shikayama as a 'smart person'.
Cracking a small joke slightly diluted the oppressive atmosphere.
Overemphasizing his own sacrifice would instead be detrimental to establishing his persona of enduring hardships for a greater cause.
The Chūnin and Genin looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen with reverence.
An image of a Hokage who cultivated life-threatening forbidden techniques for the village, endured anger, and bore criticism for everyone slowly emerged.
Kakashi nudged Asuma, his gaze very dissatisfied, and whispered: "Hey, what do you guys usually say in the Academy?"
Asuma's small face flushed red, wishing he could slap himself a few times on the spot.
Rebellious as he was, he always loved to say that the Hokage was just a rotten old man.
"Second, the Kushina incident revealed institutional problems."
"These past few months, I have also deeply investigated the village's system. The duties of the Police Force and Anbu are unclear, and there are problems with the Jōnin promotion route, among others."
"I will vigorously promote and implement this matter. Everyone needs to be mentally prepared, but the general principle is—to let capable ninja who are good for the village get into the positions they should be in!"
Shimura Danzō caught a glimpse of his two old teammates out of the corner of his eye, showing a slight look of smugness: "Hmph, Hiruzen still trusts me, he briefed me in advance..."
At this moment, Shimura Danzō subconsciously ignored something.
These past few days at Root, he was still pondering whether Sarutobi Hiruzen was seizing his power or genuinely wanted him to participate in the competition for the Hokage position...
The Jōnin's eyes lit up.
In a village of ten thousand people, with around a hundred Jōnin, only four could actually participate in village affairs.
Two advisors, one assistant, and one Hokage.
Although there were departments like Administration, Medical, Torture and Interrogation, Education, and Analysis, due to their specialized nature, some were actually headed by Special Jōnin.
There was a so-called 'Jōnin Council', but in reality, it didn't have much power.
The Jōnin couldn't help but look forward to it.
What would Lord Third Hokage do?
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu looked at each other.
Institutional reform?
Why didn't he tell the two of them...
But in this setting, amidst the fervent atmosphere created by Sarutobi Hiruzen, the two tacitly kept their mouths shut.
Speaking up at this time would incur the hatred of the Jōnin!
Sarutobi Hiruzen raised his hand slightly.
The bit of whispered murmuring immediately ceased.
"Next, to summarize this emergency test."
"Overall, it was good! Our ninja still have a tough style and quick reactions..."
"But there are also problems."
"Root, what is going on? Where is your timeliness!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen emphasized his tone, casting his gaze towards Shimura Danzō:
"I didn't hold Root accountable for the Kushina matter because Root has achieved results in the past, and I can't demand the intelligence department to grasp all enemy movements."
Shimura Danzō's heart tightened. Was he going to make an example of him?
"I have responsibility for this matter!" He had bitterness he couldn't express, and dared not express.
Root ninja were very special.
Because in the past, Shimura Danzō's training for Root was brainwashing-style, completely a model for cultivating private soldiers.
When Root captured intelligence, the strategy adopted was to report to him first before acting.
Unlike the Anbu, where handling problems and reporting happened simultaneously upon discovery.
"You certainly do!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen snorted coldly: "Danzō, although you were busy with Root's reorganization, which is an objective reason, this is not an excuse for your slackness..."
The ninja looked at their noses, and their noses looked at their hearts.
This was a power struggle at the highest level of Konoha, not something they could interrupt at will.
But Shimura Danzō was a bit confused.
Eh, what was wrong with the Monkey today?
He was actually praising him, right?
Saying Root indeed achieved results, and also passing a message to the ninja.
— Dissolving Root is not a punishment, but a result negotiated by the higher-ups long ago.
Shimura Danzō had been worrying about this for the past few days.
After all, losing Root, it was easy for people to think he had lost the Hokage's trust.
Even if he stepped into the official line of Hokage successors, wouldn't he be a big step behind others?
"Please punish me, Lord Hokage!" Having figured this layer out, Shimura Danzō rarely didn't say anything like "you will regret this," and accepted responsibility cleanly.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura looked at each other, both with very complex expressions.
How was Danzō being played so smoothly by Hiruzen?
"For now, atone for your crimes with meritorious service. After Root is abolished, as the Vice-Captain of Anbu and concurrently the Hokage Assistant, you must achieve results that satisfy everyone.
"When the village is in danger, the first to charge forward is me, the Hokage, and the second should be you, the Assistant!"
"If a similar problem happens a second time, I will punish severely without mercy! Issue a military pledge."
Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke thus.
Joy appeared in Shimura Danzō's eyes. He wasn't transferred away from Anbu? Still working in a familiar field...
And this military pledge, wasn't it an opportunity for him to show his face?
Hiruzen, you really gave me a chance; you keep your word!
Since that was the case...
Shimura Danzō's heart surged, stepping forward: "If this happens again, please take my head!"
"Good!" Sarutobi Hiruzen was also a bit stunned, but quickly adjusted his emotions:
"This is our Konoha Assistant!"
With a chance to show his face, did Shimura Danzō dare to speak like this?
Applause that wasn't too enthusiastic rang out at the scene.
But to Shimura Danzō's ears, this applause was incredibly loud...
Perhaps because no one had ever applauded for him?
"Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka... Aburame, Kosuke, Sakumo." Sarutobi Hiruzen named a few ninja clans and ninja, offering praise.
He walked up to Hyūga Hizashi.
"Hizashi, did the Hyūga Clan have some closed-door clan meeting today?" The not-so-broad-minded Third Hokage remembered this late-arriving Konoha noble clan.
However, towards this branch house ninja, Sarutobi Hiruzen's tone was still considered kind.
He couldn't decide anything anyway.
Hyūga Hizashi lowered his head.
As early as when he arrived late, the scrutinizing gazes of the crowd made his face burn.
But he really had no choice...
Similar to Shimura Danzō's situation, reporting to the Main House and analyzing for a while, time was naturally wasted...
The Hyūga Clan could be considered a 'village within a village'.
With the Caged Bird Seal, it had always been a monolithic block that water couldn't penetrate and needles couldn't pierce.
After all, as a millennium-old noble clan, family continuity in the hearts of those in power was definitely greater than the village's interests.
The Byakugan's united front value was indeed extremely high; they had such capital.
Sarutobi Hiruzen pondered in his heart. If he were the Hyūga Main House, he would probably have similar thoughts.
But the problem was, he was the Hokage!
As a ruler, it was hard for him to tolerate the existence of such an entity under his rule.
"No..." Hyūga Hizashi's voice was extremely small: "Lord Third, today was an accident..."
He couldn't say it was the Main House's decision, so he could only fudge it with vague words.
Hyūga Hizashi was very afraid that Sarutobi Hiruzen would continue to question him.
But Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't, instead giving the Hyūga a way out: "As a noble clan with a millennium of heritage, I respect Hyūga traditions."
"Keeping the Byakugan active at all times in the village would indeed have some impact."
The ninja nodded subconsciously.
Who didn't have a bit of personal privacy? Especially for ninja, intelligence was the number one important resource.
Between companions, boundaries were also needed.
"Thank you for your understanding, Lord Hokage!" Hyūga Hizashi let out a heavy breath.
"Are you willing to come to the Anbu?" Sarutobi Hiruzen changed the subject: "The village needs your strength."
In the past, the Third Hokage had also discussed with the Hyūga about joining the Anbu, but it was always pushed aside by the Main House. Over time, it seemed to have formed a convention, and no one mentioned it anymore.
Back then, it was probably fear of affecting unity, right?
Hyūga Hizashi was stunned, blurting out subconsciously: "I am willing, Lord Hokage!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled slightly: "Very good, Hizashi, I see you..."
He paused before saying: "And the Hyūga Clan's Will of Fire."
Immediately, Sarutobi Hiruzen cleared his throat: "Finally, I want to say one point. To the Chūnin and Genin who came to support, I am proud of you..."
"Facing the intensity of the fight between me and Orochimaru, you still arrived at the first moment without any retreat in your hearts."
"With such ninja, we will always be far ahead in the Ninja World!"
"Since everyone loves the village so much, as the Hokage, I guarantee that the village will never let everyone's Will of Fire go unrewarded!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen guaranteed solemnly.
"Gai, did you see that? This is Lord Hokage's youth... Lord Hokage's Nindō!" Might Duy had tears in his eyes, trying hard to lower his voice:
"You must get into the Ninja Academy, and shed your youth for everyone, for the village!"
"Father, I will definitely redouble my efforts!" The little watermelon head streamed tears down his face: "Father, please train extra with me later!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen caught a glimpse of these two comedians out of the corner of his eye and smiled in his heart.
This father and son with a peculiar style left a deep impression on him.
"Eh, why did you brat come? And Sakumo's family..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen curiously walked to his eldest son's side and lifted the two little beans, Asuma and Kakashi: "You two also came to help?"
"I, I thought you fell asleep from exhaustion without putting out your cigarette and set our house on fire..."
"So I asked Big Sister Tsunade and Big Brother Jiraiya to bring me and Kakashi." Asuma said with red eyes: "Father, I'm sorry..."
"I shouldn't have badmouthed you at school!"
As soon as these words came out, the ninja laughed kindly.
And Sarutobi Hiruzen also laughed: "Brat, I'll settle accounts with you when we get back!"
From ancient times to the present, using family anecdotes to close the distance with subordinates has always been a common and extremely useful method.
"Alright, everyone, return to your respective posts."
"Danzō, Homura, Koharu, meeting at the Hokage Building at nine tomorrow..."
"Sakumo, come here." Sarutobi Hiruzen instructed him softly: "Lead Hizashi to get an Anbu uniform..."
Hatake Sakumo nodded silently.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Fugaku beside them fell into thought.
He was thinking, was this still the Sarutobi Hiruzen that Clan Leader Isshin said only idled in the Hokage Building?
It didn't feel like it...
"Tsunade, Jiraiya, your mistress has cooked. Coming with Orochimaru? But it's all his favorite food; shall I add two dishes for you later?"
Jiraiya nodded vigorously, but then stomped his foot in annoyance: "Aiya, I'm so angry! Teacher, you're just like before, favoring Orochimaru again!"
Tsunade rolled her eyes beautifully: "If you ask me, there's no problem. Who would favor an idiot who wanders outside the village all day?"
"What, Tsunade! Why aren't you speaking for me either!"
Orochimaru watched this scene with a smile and actively walked to Sarutobi Hiruzen's side: "Teacher, Tsunade, let's go. If we keep talking to this idiot, Mistress will be waiting anxiously..."
"What! Smelly snake, say that again!" Jiraiya jumped up and down, running to Orochimaru's side: "Dare to duel with me? I'll beat you until you can't eat!"
"Just you? Hehe..." Orochimaru said unhurriedly: "You mean you are stronger than Teacher? After all, I have quite an appetite right now to eat the meal Mistress cooked for me..."
"Oh? Jiraiya, you mean you want to exchange a few moves with this old man too? How about tomorrow then?" Sarutobi Hiruzen chimed in with a chuckle.
Jiraiya's vision went dark: "No, Teacher, I didn't mean that... I'm not as durable as the smelly snake!"
Listening to her companions roughhousing.
Tsunade felt refreshed after a long time, humming a tune, her profile bathed in the golden sunset, clasping her hands behind her back as she walked towards the Sarutobi home.