Takayama Haru's group was seated in the front row, which took Haru by surprise.
But thinking about it, he was representing the Senju clan, so it made sense.
After all, the Senju were the number-one clan in Konoha—at least from a rational standpoint, that was true.
Everyone's gaze was focused on Haru, who was sitting next to Mito Uzumaki.
Haru could hear the whispers spreading through the room.
"That's Takayama Haru? He's here too?"
"Any news from the two top leaders of the administration?"
"Is Lord Hiruzen planning to reorganize the Root division?"
In the anime, aside from Danzo, no other members of the Shimura clan ever showed up. But here, not only were members of the Shimura clan present, the eldest son of Hiruzen Sarutobi—Asuma Sarutobi's older brother—was here too.
As Kushina whispered explanations to Haru at the scene, she mentioned that aside from the big three clans—the Senju, Hyuga, and Uchiha—the most famous during the Warring States period were the Sarutobi clan and the Shimura clan.
Lord Hiruzen's father, Sarutobi Sasuke, had been a legendary ninja and one of the co-founders of Konoha.
The people who were able to attend this meeting mostly came from the 38 major clans.
As Haru listened to Kushina and scanned the room, he started to piece it all together.
The 38 students the Second Hokage had personally trained each represented one of Konoha's 38 clans.
The so-called "Will of Fire" was, in truth, the will of bloodlines.
If you weren't from one of those 38 clans, you basically had no shot at inheriting the Will of Fire.
The heirs of the Will of Fire were almost always selected from those 38 clans, growing up to become Konoha's top figures.
A few lucky exceptions, like Minato Namikaze, could become Hokage, but it wasn't just about military merit.
His wife was the jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails, making him the public face of the Uzumaki clan. He was obedient and willing to listen to the advice of the Third Hokage and the elders, which earned him the right to inherit the Will of Fire.
You could tell just from the fact that Naruto carried the Uzumaki surname—Minato had made a political choice at the time.
In contrast, Sakumo Hatake, despite being just as powerful and accomplished, was politically sidelined and even became a victim of political maneuvering, even though he too had been in line to become the Fourth Hokage.
It was clear that inheriting the Will of Fire wasn't something you could just wish for—it was a political game.
Haru thought to himself: if he hadn't awakened the bloodline limit of the Senju clan, he probably wouldn't even have a place in Konoha's upper ranks.
As Sarutobi entered the meeting room, supported by several Konoha ninja, the room fell silent.
Everyone turned to look at Hiruzen.
Under their gaze, the Third Hokage stepped up to the podium. After scanning the room, he spoke loudly: "First, I have good news to share!"
"Danzo Shimura, in his first week after arriving at Kumogakure, achieved a major breakthrough. Kumogakure has signed a 20-year peace agreement with us! We and Kumogakure will maintain at least 20 years of peace!"
"This is a major milestone on our path toward the great revival and peaceful resurgence of Konoha!"
His announcement caused a stir throughout the hall.
Many people looked overjoyed.
After years of war, everyone knew how precious peace was.
If even the aggressive Kumogakure was willing to make peace with Konoha, then peace could truly continue.
The members of the Shimura clan were especially proud.
"This is the light of the Shimura clan, the shadow of Konoha!" someone whispered.
Even if Danzo had been scapegoated, wronged, and dismissed, he had still made a major contribution to Konoha.
Haru was also stunned.
Wasn't Danzo supposed to be an undercover agent? But now he's acting as an ambassador?
And in just a few days, he'd already paved the way for his political comeback?
Now that's a real politician… truly skilled in the game of politics, Haru thought.
Mito Uzumaki frowned but didn't say anything.
She had never liked the power games. Otherwise, the Senju and Uzumaki clans wouldn't have been left in such dire straits, with so many of their people lost or destroyed.
After Hiruzen finished announcing the exciting news, the official meeting agenda began.
"Administrative personnel changes."
Hiruzen had said earlier that a new batch of young talent would be joining Konoha's leadership.
Haru listened carefully. After a series of appointments, it was announced that Akimichi Takekaze, an old classmate of Hiruzen, would temporarily serve as the top official of the Administrative Department.
Mito Uzumaki was appointed as a special advisor to the head of the Hyuga clan.
Tsunade was named head of the Medical Corps, with Orochimaru as her deputy.
Jiraiya was appointed head of the Ninja Academy, with Minato as his deputy.
The legendary Sannin had barely returned and were already filling key roles.
The Konoha Military Police Force remained under Uchiha control, but with the disbanding of the Root division, the Military Police Force's power expanded even further.
As person after person received their appointments, Haru thought to himself, Surely they're not going to appoint me to anything…
But just as that thought crossed his mind, Sarutobi glanced over at him from the podium and said in a calm voice:
"Takayama Haru, currently a genin, has earned merit for rescuing the Nine-Tails jinchūriki and exposing Root's illegal activities. He is hereby promoted to special jōnin and appointed as Vice Principal of the Ninja Academy."