The figures of Jiraiya and Uzumaki Naruto gradually disappeared into the distance at the end of the winding road, becoming nothing more than tiny dots on the horizon. Shihouin Naraku, Tsunade, and Kakashi prepared to return to their respective duties within the village.
Just as they were about to turn away from the gates, urgent shouting echoed from somewhere within the village walls, growing louder with each passing moment.
"Naruto! Naruto!" The voice called desperately, filled with obvious distress.
All three present turned their heads simultaneously and spotted Haruno Sakura racing around the street corner, clutching a carefully wrapped package against her chest as she ran at full speed.
"Kakashi-sensei! Where's Naruto?" Haruno Sakura gasped as she reached the group, completely out of breath and with no time for proper greetings.
She looked frantically around the area, searching every face and corner for any sign of Uzumaki Naruto. When her desperate search came up empty, she immediately fixed her attention on Hatake Kakashi, hoping he would have the answers she needed.
"Ah, well... Naruto's already gone," Hatake Kakashi replied, scratching the back of his head with an expression of genuine regret.
His visible eye followed the path that led away from Konoha Village, staring down the empty road where his former student had disappeared just minutes earlier.
"Is that really true?" Sakura asked quietly.
A brief flash of unmistakable disappointment crossed Haruno Sakura's eyes before she could hide it. She tightened her grip on the package in her arms and followed Kakashi's gaze toward the distant road, hoping against hope to catch even a glimpse of her teammate.
Unfortunately, there was nothing visible in that direction except empty countryside stretching toward the horizon.
Tsunade observed the young girl before her with growing fascination, finding the entire situation surprisingly intriguing and worthy of closer examination.
That Naruto can actually attract the attention of girls? she mused silently to herself.
But as she studied Sakura's facial expressions more carefully, Tsunade realized that the emotions reflected in the girl's eyes weren't romantic love or infatuation at all. The feelings displayed were something entirely different and much more complex.
How very interesting indeed... Tsunade thought, filing this observation away for future consideration.
Later that same day, in the Hokage Tower office, Tsunade was in the middle of providing detailed instructions to Nara Shikaku about important matters affecting all the Jōnin serving in Konoha when an unexpected knock interrupted their discussion.
"Come in," Tsunade called out, her attention still partially focused on the documents spread across her desk.
"I want to see the completed results by noon tomorrow," she continued, finishing her instructions to Shikaku. "Make sure everything is properly documented and ready for review."
After completing her task assignment, Tsunade gestured for Nara Shikaku to temporarily step aside, knowing that whoever was entering would likely need her immediate attention.
"Yes, Hokage-sama. I will ensure everything is completed ahead of schedule and—" Nara Shikaku began his professional response but suddenly found himself speechless, his words trailing off into stunned silence.
Tsunade looked equally confused and bewildered as she watched Naraku enter the office accompanied by two subordinates, all three of them looking unusually serious and determined about whatever mission had brought them here.
"Just place all the files right here on this table," Naraku instructed his assistants with calm authority.
"Yes, sir!" both subordinates responded in unison.
The two assistants carefully lowered the enormous stacks of documents they had been carrying, which were piled so precariously high in their arms that they nearly reached their chins. Even the slight vibration caused by setting the papers down was enough to send the topmost sheet fluttering to the floor.
"Naraku, what exactly are you doing here?" Tsunade asked, staring at him with complete bewilderment.
She watched in growing confusion as Naraku dismissed his subordinates with a wave of his hand, sending them out of the office before turning his attention back to the mountain of paperwork they had deposited on her desk.
"Let me see here... yes, this is exactly what I was looking for," Naraku murmured to himself as he began sorting through the documents.
"Shikaku, since you happen to be here already, don't leave just yet. Wait a moment..." he continued, his tone suggesting that the Nara clan leader's presence was actually quite fortunate for what he had planned.
Shihouin Naraku extracted several specific documents from the towering pile, examined them briefly to confirm their contents, and then handed different sets of papers to both Tsunade and Nara Shikaku for their review.
"A comprehensive adjustment plan for the Konoha Village barrier class organization?" Tsunade read aloud, her eyebrows rising with each word.
"A detailed proposal for professionalizing the Konoha Village garrison forces? This is labeled as Version 1?" Shikaku added, his own expression growing increasingly concerned.
"Specific implementation details for the second phase of the medical emergency team restructuring plan?" Tsunade continued reading from another document.
"A formal application for the complete reconstruction of the Konoha Police Department?" Shikaku's voice carried a note of disbelief.
"A comprehensive proposal for establishing a general staff headquarters..."
"The Konoha Logistics Department Improvement and Modernization Ordinance..."
With each document title they read aloud, both Tsunade and Nara Shikaku's expressions became progressively more serious and troubled. Beads of sweat began forming on their foreheads as the full scope and implications of Naraku's proposals became clear.
What in the world is Naraku planning to accomplish? both leaders wondered simultaneously.
If even half of the sweeping changes he had proposed were actually implemented, the entire structure and organization of Konoha Village would be completely transformed from top to bottom. The scope of these reforms was absolutely staggering.
Furthermore, even Hokage Tsunade lacked the unilateral authority to approve such massive institutional changes. Decisions of this magnitude would require gathering all of Konoha's high-ranking officials along with the patriarchs of every major ninja family in the village before any of these proposals could be formally approved and implemented.
What could Naraku possibly be trying to achieve with all this?
Of course, the answer was quite simple: promotion and advancement within the village hierarchy.
As a ninja operating within a structured promotion system, the ultimate purpose behind all of Shihouin Naraku's actions was to discover effective methods for obtaining higher-ranking positions and securing greater rewards for his service to the village.
Naturally, if Shihouin Naraku's proposals were actually implemented according to his specifications, Konohagakure would undoubtedly gain countless benefits and advantages that would strengthen the village for generations to come.
However, both Naraku and Tsunade understood the harsh political reality: implementing these changes was virtually impossible given the conservative nature of the village leadership.
It would be nothing short of a miracle if even half of these comprehensive plans managed to gain approval from the various committees and councils that would need to review them.
Nevertheless, as long as the specific proposals that Naraku genuinely cared about managed to pass through the approval process, it wouldn't matter if all the others were ultimately abandoned or rejected.
"Wait just a minute..." Tsunade said, rubbing her temples as she looked down at the documents clutched in her hands, clearly feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of material.
"Are you telling me that all of this paperwork represents your personal suggestions and proposals?"
"Oh, not exactly all of it," Naraku explained with perfect seriousness, as if the distinction he was about to make was crucially important. "What Tsunade-sensei is currently holding is merely the catalog and summary of proposals. That enormous pile of documents over there contains all the specific implementation details, reference materials, supporting research, detailed notes, and comprehensive analysis..."
"AHHHHH!" Tsunade screamed in frustration, slamming the documents down on her desk with such force that several nearby objects jumped.
She shot to her feet suddenly, fixed Naraku with an intense stare that could have melted steel, and began yelling with the passion of someone who had reached the absolute limit of their patience.
"Why don't you just become the Hokage yourself?! Do you have any idea how long it's going to take me to properly review and process all of these documents?!"
"Do you realize how long it's been since I've had a chance to enjoy a proper gambling session? I can't even have a drink anymore without sneaking around like some kind of criminal! And meanwhile, you've been gallivanting around the village on romantic dates with your girlfriend!"
Her voice reached such decibel levels that it resembled the roar of an enraged lion, echoing off the office walls with enough force to make both Naraku and Shikaku instinctively cover their ears and wince at the assault on their hearing.
After Tsunade finally collapsed back into her chair, still breathing heavily from her outburst, Shikaku set down the documents he had been reviewing and offered a diplomatic but concerned smile.
"Naraku, this approach seems rather sudden and overwhelming," he said carefully. "It will be extremely difficult for the other village leaders to accept so many comprehensive plans without providing them adequate time to prepare and consider the implications."
Shikaku gestured toward the still-fuming Tsunade to emphasize his point. "If even your own teacher and mentor is struggling to accept the scope of these changes, how can you realistically expect the other council members and family leaders to agree to support them?"
The unspoken message was clear: Naraku should at least provide everyone with sufficient buffer time to process these proposals, especially since overwhelming the new Fifth Hokage with too much work too quickly might cause her to abandon her position entirely.
Naraku responded to Shikaku's concerns with a meaningful look that seemed to communicate: What is there to be afraid of? Where exactly could Tsunade-sensei possibly run to at this point?
"Hey! What are you two doing over there?" Tsunade demanded suspiciously, noticing the silent exchange of glances between Naraku and Shikaku.
She glared at both men with obvious irritation, clearly annoyed by their apparent conspiracy to communicate without including her in their discussion.
"What are you whispering about behind my back?"
"Hmm!" The office fell into an uncomfortable silence following her challenge.
After the tension in the room had settled somewhat, Tsunade addressed Naraku directly with a more measured tone, though her frustration was still clearly evident.
"Even though I've only had time to take a cursory look at your various proposals, I can already understand how tremendously beneficial these plans would be for the long-term development and prosperity of Konoha Village. However, I simply cannot approve all of them simultaneously."
"While I haven't had the opportunity to read through all the supporting documents yet, I still feel compelled to tell you that you demonstrate far more qualification and competence as a Konoha consultant than certain other individuals currently holding similar positions."
Her words carried clear implication that she had specific people in mind when making this comparison, though she was diplomatic enough not to name them directly.
"Anyone capable of developing these kinds of comprehensive suggestions must be absolutely filled with genuine love and dedication for Konohagakure!"
This wasn't merely Tsunade offering polite recognition—Nara Shikaku could also clearly see Naraku's deep emotional attachment to the village reflected in every line of his proposals. The care and thought that had gone into each plan was unmistakable.
This dedication represented a very positive and encouraging development for the village's future.
Now it was Shihouin Naraku's turn to feel confused and slightly uncomfortable, especially when he noticed both people in front of him wearing expressions that clearly communicated "We have great confidence in you and your abilities."
Oh no, he thought with growing alarm. Have they somehow discovered that my underlying motivation is personal advancement and promotion?
That shouldn't be possible... right?!
Meanwhile, Tsunade clenched her fists and positioned them thoughtfully under her chin, beginning to seriously consider strategies for making the more conservative and stubborn council members more receptive to these innovative proposals. The potential benefits of these plans for Konoha's development were simply too obvious and valuable to ignore.
Initially, she had been extremely reluctant to accept the position of Hokage, preferring her life of freedom and travel. However, now that she had officially assumed this crucial role, she felt absolutely determined to establish the strongest possible foundation for Konoha Village's continued growth and prosperity. This village represented the precious legacy left behind by her beloved grandfather, the First Hokage, and Tsunade sincerely hoped to see it develop into something even greater than what previous generations had achieved.
"Hokage-sama... Naraku..." Nara Shikaku began thoughtfully after pondering the situation for several long minutes.
"First of all, we must acknowledge the reality that it will be impossible for all of these comprehensive plans to gain approval from the various committees and councils. However, if you want to maximize the chances that your most important proposals will pass through the review process more easily, I would suggest not presenting them separately or in small groups. Instead, you should announce and present all of them simultaneously at a single, comprehensive meeting..."
Before Shikaku could finish explaining his strategic reasoning, both Naraku and Tsunade immediately grasped the brilliant logic behind his suggestion, their faces lighting up with understanding and approval.
They got it perfectly!
The strategy was elegantly simple: if you want to open a window in someone's house, your best approach is to first suggest removing the entire roof. When they reject that extreme proposal, your request for a simple window will seem perfectly reasonable by comparison.
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