Chinya proposed the regulation of paying a bond to ensure good conduct upon release.
Minato Namikaze, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Shisui Uchiha all chose to approve it.
Minato Namikaze announced, "Chinya's proposal is a beneficial regulation for Konoha. Therefore, starting today, this rule will officially take effect in Konoha!"
Loud applause erupted from the villagers around them — far louder than the applause that had followed Shisui Uchiha's earlier speech.
To them, Chinya's regulation was undeniably in their favor.
It was only natural that they supported Chinya.
Plus, the deputy captain of the Konoha Defense Unit came from the Uchiha Clan, so supporting Chinya made even more sense.
A subtle smile curled at the corner of Chinya's lips.
Now, everyone would finally understand who truly held the reins of power.
From this moment on, Shisui Uchiha would become nothing more than a figurehead within the Konoha Defense Unit.
After the inauguration ceremony, Chinya, Minato, Hiruzen, Shisui Uchiha, and Orochimaru entered the office of the Konoha Defense Unit.
As soon as they sat down, Hiruzen expressed his displeasure toward Chinya, "Chinya, what you did just now was too reckless. Announcing a new regulation on your very first day—if this new regulation causes any problems, it might turn the villagers against the Defense Unit!"
Chinya lowered his head humbly and said, "I'm sorry, Third. I admit I didn't think things through thoroughly. Since this department is still in its early stages, I'm not yet fully familiar with its procedures, which led to my haste. Still, at least the result turned out well, right?"
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes and looked at Chinya before asking, "Chinya, does this regulation of yours reflect Danzo's thinking in any way?"
Chinya replied with surprise, "Why would you think Danzo-sama had anything to do with this, Lord Third? I can assure you, this idea came entirely from me. My goal has always been to build a department that will make Konoha stronger than ever before. That's why I wanted to announce this regulation on my first day—I never meant to cause any trouble for the Fourth. Please accept my apologies."
Hiruzen nodded and reminded him, "Chinya, although you are officially part of Root and technically one of its ninja, you remain directly under the Fourth Hokage. You must report any situation to him first. Do you understand?"
Chinya responded, "Understood, Lord Third. Please rest assured—any mission assigned by the Fourth will be carried out without question."
Minato looked at Chinya and added, "Let me remind you again about the Konoha Defense Unit, Chinya. Shisui holds equal rank and authority as your own. Any decision must be discussed together with him before being submitted to me for final approval."
Chinya answered immediately, "Yes, Fourth! It won't happen again. From now on, every decision will be made together with Shisui. I'd appreciate your guidance, Shisui."
Chinya then walked forward toward Shisui Uchiha and extended his hand.
Shisui Uchiha was deeply displeased with Chinya but couldn't entirely ignore his status. With no choice, he stood up, extended his hand, and shook Chinya's firmly: "Please guide me in the future, Chinya."
Orochimaru suddenly remarked casually, "Seeing you take your position today, Chinya, made me realize how quickly time has passed. It feels like we're already from different eras. From now on, Konoha will be your stage. It's time for people like us to step off it. Do well, understand?"
Chinya replied with a solemn tone, "I will absolutely follow Master Orochimaru's teachings and give it my all!"
Inside, Chinya was practically bursting with joy. Why hadn't he realized earlier how cutting his teacher Orochimaru could be?
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression turned grim.
Anyone with half a brain could tell that Orochimaru had been pointing at him.
Calling him an old man who should step aside.
However, Hiruzen believed Minato Namikaze wasn't yet ready to deal with someone as cunning and experienced as Danzo without his support. That's why he still needed to stay and assist.
As for why Orochimaru had subtly pointed at him, Hiruzen guessed it was because he had turned down Orochimaru's bid for Hokage before—probably still holding that grudge.
A heavy silence filled the entire office.
Minato Namikaze broke the tension, standing up and saying, "Anyway, congratulations to both of you—Chinya and Shisui—for being appointed as captain and vice-captain of the Konoha Defense Unit. I hope you two can support each other and contribute to Konoha. We won't disturb you further; feel free to make your own arrangements starting now."
Minato Namikaze, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Orochimaru departed from the Konoha Defense Unit together.
Just as Orochimaru was preparing to leave alone and return to his base, Hiruzen spoke up, "Orochimaru, we haven't spoken in a while. Walk with me, and let's catch up a bit."
Orochimaru didn't reply, only giving a slight nod.
Now, Minato Namikaze was the only one left behind.
Orochimaru and Hiruzen Sarutobi strolled down the streets of Konoha together.
Hiruzen sighed softly, "Orochimaru, are you still holding a grudge against me?"
Orochimaru responded indifferently, "Teacher, what are you talking about?"
Hiruzen said seriously, "Orochimaru, why can't you just be honest? I know you're unhappy with me over the Hokage issue, but I did it for Konoha's sake."
Orochimaru answered in his deep, mellow voice, "Hiruzen-sensei, why do you assume I really want to become Hokage? A Hokage like Minato Namikaze, who's nothing more than a 'puppet,' holds no interest for me whatsoever."
Hiruzen lightly scolded him, "Don't talk nonsense. Minato has never been a puppet. When he's ready to stand on his own, I'll naturally grant him full authority."
Orochimaru gave a short chuckle, "Is that so? Perhaps. Well then, Sensei Hiruzen, what exactly did you wish to speak with me about?"
Hiruzen began, "It's about Chinya. I hope you can persuade him to properly support Minato. Now that Minato is Hokage, Chinya should be his right-hand man instead of making things difficult for him."
"Orochimaru stopped in his tracks, eyeing Hiruzen with confusion. 'Why do you think I could persuade Chinya, Sarutobi-sensei? And why do you believe it's Chinya who's making things difficult for Minato Namikaze?'"
"Hiruzen replied, 'You saw what just happened yourself. There's deep misunderstanding between Chinya and Minato, and Chinya respects you greatly. If it were you speaking, he would probably listen.'"
"Orochimaru shook his head. 'It's true that Chinya might respect me, but he has his own ideas. As his teacher, I won't interfere with Chinya's thoughts or decisions. Moreover, Minato Namikaze is your chosen successor. As the Hokage, if he can't even handle this kind of situation, I seriously doubt his abilities.'"
"Hiruzen's face had turned extremely grim. Even though he was speaking to Orochimaru now as his teacher, the latter still chose to refuse him outright, not giving him even a shred of face."
"So, Orochimaru truly did resent him after all."
"There was no use saying more now. Without uttering a word, Hiruzen silently turned and walked away directly."
"Orochimaru watched Hiruzen's retreating figure and let out a mocking grin."
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