Hiruzen's unexpected 'revelation' left Hibari completely choked.
They say a half-grown lad can eat a man out of house and home, and it was absolutely true. Hibari was already a big eater, Orochimaru wouldn't hold back at all, and Jiraiya was even worse. This one barbecue meal completely emptied Hibari and Hiruzen's pockets.
As a result, after Hibari returned home, he didn't even dare to go out. He could only dutifully stay home and study the books Tobirama had left for him.
The establishment of the ninja academy, though it stirred up a considerable storm throughout Konohagakure, sweeping everyone into it, ultimately caused no real trouble under the masterful handling of Tobirama and others.
Without the Uchiha clan to lead it, few of the 'opposition' truly dared to openly challenge the Hokage. The 'slow-moving' Hyūga clan, adhering to their 'moderate' approach, ultimately offered no real opposition, simply issuing some formal statements. Seeing that there was no hope left, everyone else followed suit and went along with 'jointly building a beautiful campus.'
With the village's opinion aligned, the efficiency of getting things done was remarkably high. Tobirama, Hashirama, the Sarutobi clan, and the Ino–Shika–Chō trio all worked together. In less than two days, a seemingly proper ninja academy appeared in the still somewhat spacious Konohagakure.
This incident, just as Shikajin Nara had predicted, was indeed Tobirama and the others' 'test' of the various clans in the village. Through this matter, they sought to identify which clans would respond immediately to the village's call, 'sacrificing their small family for the greater good.'
Based on this accurate judgment, the Nara clan, Yamanaka clan, and Akimichi clan, the Ino–Shika–Chō trio, quickly issued statements right after the Sarutobi clan. Following this, they also contributed both labor and effort, very swiftly cooperating with the Hokage Residence to implement the ninja academy initiative.
Thus, they fully demonstrated their attitude, which greatly pleased the people at the Hokage Residence.
At this moment, in a conference room, the Hokage Hashirama was discussing some issues with a few figures.
"Now that the hardware facilities are ready and the teachers are all in place, there's no need to delay the ninja academy matter any further. In my opinion, let's start admissions no later than the day after tomorrow!" Hashirama said with great joy.
As soon as he finished speaking, Tobirama smiled and said, "I hadn't expected this matter to be all thunder and little rain; seemingly tumultuous, yet causing no real disturbance. It's truly fortunate, and thanks to the support of your three clans: Shikajin, Harano, and Kira."
Listening to Tobirama's words, Shikajin, Harano, and Kira all smiled as well. Then, Shikajin spoke again, "These are all good deeds for the village's welfare, benefiting the present generation and lasting for generations to come. How could we possibly hold back such progress? In the future, Hokage-sama, if you ever need our assistance, simply ask. We will never refuse anything."
Shikajin's words seemed to be about official business, but in reality, he was subtly 'pledging loyalty' to the Hokage Residence.
Even the Hokage, Hashirama, understood the underlying meaning. He looked at Tobirama, who subtly nodded.
Regardless of whether Shikajin truly guessed the deeper meaning behind this and thus made the correct response and judgment, the Ino–Shika–Chō trio were indeed very effective, weren't they?
At the same time, since they were already 'pledging loyalty,' it would be too much for them to pretend not to notice. It would also easily dishearten people, and if something happened again in the future, wanting everyone to band together would be difficult. After all, if morale crumbles, it's hard to lead a team.
And just as Shikajin had predicted, the Hokage Residence was indeed short on staff and needed people to fill positions. Moreover, at this current time, it was crucial for everyone to work together to build Konoha. Therefore, the incoming personnel must be in step with the higher echelons and absolutely could not be a clan like the Uchiha, who always liked to stir up trouble and create problems every now and then.
Otherwise, even coordinating internal conflicts would be difficult; how could they then work on substantial matters for the village?
At this point, Tobirama's nod made his stance very clear: this incident also proved that the Ino–Shika–Chō trio were relatively reliable. At the very least, they were willing to sacrifice some family interests to protect the village's interests, which meant they were in step with the higher-ups of the Hokage Residence.
Being in step, getting along, and being smart and obedient—that makes them good comrades!
Why wouldn't they recruit such people to fill vacancies? There was no need to think twice.
Seeing this, Hashirama also smiled, saying, "Since you, Shikajin, have said so, we won't hide anything. Indeed, we have many matters here that require the combined effort and assistance of your three clans."
Upon hearing this, Shikajin knew he had made the right bet. He immediately said with a smile, "Hokage-sama, you flatter us. Contributing to the village is simply our duty. Whatever commands Hokage-sama has, just speak them, and we will do our utmost to cooperate and complete the mission!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Harano and Kira quickly nodded in agreement, expressing the same attitude.
Seeing this, Tobirama spoke in a deep voice, "Then we'll be direct. Shikajin, here's the situation: currently, various matters in the village lack proper arrangement, and we're short-handed. We still need people to offer advice. We've long heard that your Nara clan is made up of excellent strategists, and your name, Shikajin Nara, has long been known in the village. Therefore, I want to establish a Hokage's advisory squad, specifically to offer advice to Hokage-sama on various matters. How would you like to be the leader of this squad? And you can also seek out people you admire; as long as they pass our assessment, they can also join and contribute to the village together. How does that sound?"
Shikajin was extremely pleased to hear Tobirama's words. Although he had already guessed that his successful gamble this time would undoubtedly bring the Ino–Shika–Chō trio into the 'Hokage Residence,' he truly hadn't expected the Hokage and Tobirama to be so generous and trusting, immediately preparing to let him enter this 'core' circle to advise the great Hokage!
Therefore, Shikajin didn't refuse at all. He knew that feigning modesty at a time like this would be too pretentious, so he directly said, "Since Hokage-sama needs me, I naturally must contribute to Hokage-sama!"
Hashirama smiled upon seeing this, saying, "Excellent. Then I look forward to your performance, Shikajin."
From Shikajin's entry into Konohagakure's center of power, the Nara clan flourished for decades thereafter, as did the Ino–Shika–Chō trio as a whole.
Now, he had entered this so-called 'advisory squad.' In the future, this position seemed to be 'hereditary' within the Nara clan. At the same time, the Nara clan also had an excellent medical history, primarily a shinobi clan specializing in developing medicines. Coupled with this center of power, the Nara clan later became Konohagakure's medical support family, holding an implicitly high status!
After arranging matters for the Nara clan, Tobirama looked at Harano, smiled, and said, "Harano, your Yamanaka clan excels in various mental secret jutsu and also has profound expertise in souls. Although we previously had an intelligence system, it was clearly disorganized and somewhat chaotic. So, we've long wanted to re-establish a qualified and excellent intelligence department. I believe you are very capable of solving this problem. Therefore, we wish to entrust you with establishing Konohagakure's Intelligence Department. What do you think? Can you bear this heavy responsibility?"
Harano smiled and said, "Even if I can't, I will fight to bear it! Since the village has this need, our Yamanaka clan will do its utmost to fulfill the village's requirements!"
"Good, then I will entrust this important task to you, Harano. You must do your best to establish an excellent Intelligence Department!" Hashirama said without hesitation, his tone full of trust.
"Yes, Hokage-sama, mission accomplished!" Harano also quickly said.
Then Tobirama looked at Kira, thought for a moment, and said, "Kira, our Hokage Residence is still short on guards. Your Akimichi clan possesses powerful secret taijutsu, and you are all masters. Therefore, I would like to ask you to select some masters from your clan to guard the Hokage, to prevent any troublemakers from causing disturbances here... At the same time, I see great promise in young Torifu. How about lending him to be a member of Hokag-sama's personal guard?"
Although the Akimichi clan didn't gain significant power, Kira understood that they didn't have the extensive capabilities of the Nara clan to offer strategies, nor the Yamanaka clan's ability to establish an intelligence department. Their strength lay in their sheer physical power. Being able to serve as guards here was a good way to stay close to power.
Moreover, with the Yamanaka and Nara clans looking out for them, as long as they didn't invite disaster, the Akimichi clan would surely not suffer, right?
Therefore, Kira showed no dissatisfaction whatsoever and immediately said, "There's no need to talk about lending him. Since Hokage-sama needs him, I'll have Torifu report here tomorrow. Any dirty or arduous tasks, just give them all to that kid!"
"Hahahaha, excellent!" Tobirama said with a hearty laugh.
Thus, Konohagakure's first 'slicing and dividing the cake' event came to an end. With the Senju clan at the core, the Sarutobi clan as support, and the Ino–Shika–Chō trio as secondary, the framework of power was re-established.
Subsequently, with Konohagakure's reforms and shifts in power, new 'candidates' would naturally come in to get a slice of the cake, but those were matters for later.
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