Sora proposed the requirement to pay bail.
Namikaze Minato, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and Uchiha Shisui all agreed.
Namikaze Minato announced: "This rule of Sora's is beneficial for Konoha. Therefore, starting from today, this rule will be implemented in Konoha!"
The surrounding villagers burst into warm applause, countless times louder than the applause after Uchiha Shisui finished his speech.
Because in their eyes, Sora's rule would benefit them.
So they naturally supported Sora.
Moreover, since the deputy captain of the Konoha Defense Force was from the Uchiha clan, they felt they needed to support Sora even more.
The corners of Sora's mouth curved upward.
From now on, Uchiha Shisui would be merely a decoration in the Konoha Defense Force.
Because now everyone would know who had the final say in the Konoha Defense Force.
After the induction ceremony, Sora, Namikaze Minato, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Uchiha Shisui, and Orochimaru came to the office of the Konoha Defense Force.
As soon as he sat down, Sarutobi Hiruzen expressed his dissatisfaction with Sora: "Sora, your behavior just now was reckless.
You announced a new rule on the first day you took office.
If there are any problems with this new rule, it will likely cause resistance to the Konoha Defense Force among the villagers!"
Sora lowered his head and said, "I'm sorry, Lord Third. I didn't think it through well. Since this department is newly established, I'm not very clear about some of the regulations, so I was hasty. But at least the result is good, isn't it?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen narrowed his eyes and glanced at Sora before asking: "Sora, does the rule you just proposed have Danzō's influence?"
Sora responded with surprise: "Why would Lord Third think that Lord Danzō had anything to do with this? I can guarantee that this rule is my idea.
I hope that this department can effectively help the development of Konoha, so I thought of it.
I announced this rule on my first day in office, but I didn't expect it to cause trouble for Lord Fourth.
I'm truly sorry."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded and reminded him: "Sora, although you are nominally a Root shinobi, you are still subordinate to the Fourth Hokage. If any situation arises, you need to report to Lord Fourth. Do you understand?"
Sora replied: "I understand, Lord Third. Please rest assured that I will strictly carry out any tasks assigned to me by Lord Fourth."
Namikaze Minato looked at Sora and said: "Sora, regarding the Konoha Defense Force, I want to remind you that Shisui is the vice-captain and has the same authority as you. When making any decision, you need to discuss it with Shisui first, and then it's up to me to decide."
Sora agreed simply: "Yes, Lord Fourth, there will be no next time. I will discuss every decision with Shisui, and I will seek Shisui's advice more often in the future."
Sora took the initiative to walk up to Uchiha Shisui and extended his hand to him.
Uchiha Shisui was very dissatisfied with Sora, but he had to save face, so he could only stand up and stretch out his hand to shake Sora's: "Please give me more guidance in the future, Sora."
Orochimaru suddenly sighed: "Seeing Sora take office today, I actually feel how quickly the years are passing.
It seems that I am no longer a person of the same era.
Sora, from now on, Konoha will be the stage for people like you. It's time for people like us to step aside and do our best elsewhere, you know?"
Sora said seriously: "I will definitely follow Lord Orochimaru's teachings and I will do my best!"
Sora felt so happy that he never noticed how pointed his teacher Orochimaru's remarks were.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression darkened.
Anyone with a discerning eye could tell that Orochimaru was taking a jab at him.
He was saying that they were old men and it was time to retire.
But Sarutobi Hiruzen believed that Namikaze Minato was still young and was no match for an old schemer like Danzō, so Minato needed his help.
As for why Orochimaru disliked him so much, Sarutobi Hiruzen thought it was because he had denied Orochimaru's ambition to become Hokage, earning his former student's resentment.
The atmosphere in the entire office grew silent.
Namikaze Minato broke the awkward silence by standing up and saying: "I want to congratulate you today, Sora and Shisui, for taking office as the captain and deputy captain of the Konoha Defense Force.
I hope you can work together and contribute to Konoha in the future. We won't disturb you anymore, and you can make your own arrangements from here."
Namikaze Minato and Sarutobi Hiruzen, along with Orochimaru, left the Konoha Defense Force headquarters.
Just as Orochimaru was about to leave and return to his base alone, Sarutobi Hiruzen said: "Orochimaru, our master and student haven't talked for a long time. Let's chat while we walk."
Orochimaru said nothing but nodded.
Now Namikaze Minato was left alone.
Orochimaru and Sarutobi Hiruzen walked side by side through the streets of Konoha.
Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed: "Orochimaru, do you still hold a grudge against me?"
Orochimaru asked with confusion: "Sensei, where are these words coming from?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen said solemnly: "Orochimaru, can't you be more honest? I know you are very dissatisfied with me because of the Hokage position, but I was only thinking about what was best for Konoha."
Orochimaru replied with his smooth voice: "Sarutobi-sensei, why do you think I would want to be a Hokage? I have no interest in being a puppet Hokage like Namikaze Minato."
Sarutobi Hiruzen scolded: "Don't talk nonsense! Minato has never been a puppet. When he can take charge himself, I will naturally give him all the authority."
Orochimaru let out a short "huh" and said: "Really? Maybe so. Then, Sarutobi-sensei, what did you want to talk to me about?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen said: "It's about Sora. I hope you can help convince him to assist Minato. Now that Minato is Hokage, Sora should be Minato's right-hand man, instead of making things difficult for him."
Orochimaru stopped and looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen with doubtful eyes: "Sarutobi-sensei, why do you think I can convince Sora? And why do you think Sora is making things difficult for Namikaze Minato?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen replied: "You saw what happened just now. There is a deep misunderstanding between Sora and Minato, and Sora respects you greatly. If it were you asking, he would likely listen."
Orochimaru shook his head: "Sora may indeed respect me, but he has his own ideas.
As his master, I will not interfere with his ideas or decisions.
Moreover, Namikaze Minato is your chosen successor.
As Hokage, if he can't even handle this situation well, I have serious doubts about his ability."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's face grew extremely dark. Even though he was speaking to Orochimaru as his former teacher, Orochimaru still chose to refuse and didn't show him any respect.
Indeed, Orochimaru must be harboring resentment.
Realizing there was no point in continuing the conversation, Sarutobi Hiruzen turned and left without another word.
Orochimaru watched Sarutobi Hiruzen's retreating figure with a sarcastic smile on his lips.
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