Danzo's serious accusation forced Minato Namikaze and Hiruzen Sarutobi to reconsider Danzo's proposal.
After all, the Uchiha Clan still couldn't be fully trusted.
It was only because the Uchiha Clan had begun showing signs of change, and Konoha now required a stable and moderate approach, that Minato and Hiruzen were willing to give the Uchiha Clan a chance.
But no one could be certain the Uchiha Clan would truly change—it was still only a possibility at this point.
If this possibility disappeared and the Uchiha Clan reverted to their arrogant, domineering ways as the poison within Konoha, they really would become traitors to the village.
Hiruzen had already retired, so such blame wouldn't fall on him.
However, this responsibility would likely end up on Minato's shoulders since he had failed to take action against the Uchiha Clan, which led to everything happening.
Considering Danzo's personality, when that time came, he would definitely use this issue to try pulling Minato down from the Hokage position.
Hiruzen glanced at Minato beside him and saw the heavy expression on Minato's face, guessing that he was thinking exactly the same thoughts.
They could offer them this chance—but not without preparing for the worst.
In that case, Danzo's proposal actually seemed somewhat feasible.
Hiruzen turned to Minato and said, "Minato, why don't you consider this new department idea?"
Minato thought for a moment before asking, "If we establish this new department, who will be the ninja assigned to it?"
Danzo replied, "Right now all our departments in Konoha are short-staffed, so I'll send some Root Division ninjas to serve in this new department first and guide the newly joined ninja with their enforcement duties."
Minato gave Danzo a long look before saying, "The new department can be established, but it must not consist solely of Root ninja. Some Anbu ninja should also be involved."
Danzo had already anticipated that Minato wouldn't agree to staffing the new department exclusively with Root ninja.
Because if the entire department consisted solely of Root ninja, it would essentially become a subordinate division under Root.
Danzo understood this couldn't be changed, so he said, "You're the Hokage, so naturally this decision is up to you."
Seeing that Danzo and Minato reached an agreement, Hiruzen asked, "Then, do either of you have anyone in mind to lead this new department?"
Danzo immediately said, "I suggest Chinya take leadership of this new department!"
When Danzo suggested Chinya's name, both Hiruzen and Minato exchanged frowning glances.
It wasn't that Chinya lacked qualifications, but this department itself was meant to balance the power of the Uchiha Clan.
Chinya had relentlessly targeted the Uchiha during the war, so once he became the leader of this new department, the Uchiha ninja would immediately realize this department had specifically been created to counter them.
Minato said solemnly, "Chinya isn't quite suitable. He relentlessly targeted the Uchiha during the war. Once he becomes the leader, the Uchiha won't just stand idly by like fools!"
Danzo crossed his arms over his chest, leaned back in his chair, and looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen and Minato Namikaze. He sneered, "In this war, ask yourself honestly—how great were Orochimaru's contributions? How great were Chinya's?
After the war ended, it was my Root Division that provided the funds to reward Orochimaru and Chinya for their efforts.
What about you? Have you given them any recognition at all? Aside from verbal praise, have you offered any substantial rewards?
Orochimaru, who is Chinya's teacher, had already been passed over due to unavoidable circumstances. Now, even if Chinya wants to lead this new department, you're still unwilling.
Is it absolutely necessary for the leader of the new department to be someone who obeys your every command without question?
Come to think of it, Chinya has already been obedient enough, hasn't he? He completed every assigned task flawlessly without complaint. Even so, you still don't trust him?
Could it simply be because Chinya is a ninja from Root? If that's the case, then why not just replace me as Hokage's advisor and head of Root? That would suit your wishes perfectly!"
Minato Namikaze awkwardly said, "That's not what I meant."
Minato knew that his position as Hokage hadn't been obtained completely legitimately.
In terms of achievements and experience, he couldn't match Orochimaru.
At one time, Minato himself had believed Orochimaru would become the next Hokage.
After all, Orochimaru's accomplishments and resume were extremely impressive.
Even compared to Chinya, Minato felt he fell short.
It was Sarutobi Hiruzen who had insisted against opposition—and mostly just Danzo's—and pushed Minato into the Hokage position.
So after becoming Hokage, Minato never dared to slack off—he worked diligently in his office day in and day out.
Now facing Danzo's blunt words, Minato could only awkwardly say that he didn't mean what he implied.
Sarutobi Hiruzen rebuked, "Danzo, stop talking nonsense! Everything Minato has done is for the sake of Konoha. And it's not like we don't want to honor Chinya—it's just that Konoha has been financially strained recently, leaving little available for rewards. Once Konoha becomes more stable, Minato will naturally reward Chinya accordingly."
Danzo snorted coldly, "Konoha's financial difficulties weren't caused by you, right Third Hokage? What a kindhearted person you are—choosing to benefit ninja from other villages who attacked us instead of our own ninja who risked their lives for Konoha. How generous of you.
Are you really going to treat Orochimaru and Chinya like this? If you distrust them so much, then let them fully join my Root.
Since you look down on them like this, then allow Root to give them the importance they deserve."
Sarutobi Hiruzen and Minato Namikaze exclaimed in unison: "No way!"
Currently, although Orochimaru and Chinya are officially part of Root, they're only members in name only.
Because the missions they execute are still those assigned by Sarutobi and Minato.
If they fully joined Root, Orochimaru and Chinya would obey Danzo's orders exclusively, ignoring theirs.
There's no way we can let those two powerful ninja fall completely under Danzo's control!
Hiruzen Sarutobi seemed to understand Danzo's intentions.
The establishment of the New Department was Danzo's top priority. If the New Department failed to be formed or if Chinya wasn't appointed its leader, then Danzo's focus would shift toward persuading both Chinya and Orochimaru to work for him.
Danzo wanted Chinya and Orochimaru working directly under him.
The strength of both Chinya and Orochimaru was evident to everyone. If they fully joined Root, it would be a massive loss for Minato Namikaze.
Orochimaru had already grown disillusioned; if Chinya also failed to become the New Department's leader this time, he might become disappointed with Minato and Hiruzen as well.
However, appointing Chinya as the leader of a new department meant to counter the Uchiha Clan's power didn't seem like a good fit.
Hiruzen Sarutobi and Minato Namikaze found themselves in a difficult position.
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