"Also, take over the intelligence organization set up by Root."
The Third Hokage's expression didn't change, but he took away Danzo's greatest support besides force.
"This matter will be the responsibility of Elder Utatane Koharu and Elder Mitokado Homura."
The two consultant elders who were named were not excited by the sudden acquisition of great power. They knew very well that in order to really get their hands on the intelligence organization, they would inevitably clash with Danzo, even with the support of the village.
The Third Hokage was using them to suppress Danzo, which wasn't a very good job.
But it wasn't without its good side. Now that the ninja world situation has returned to peace, they have plenty of time to calmly arrange things before the next ninja war really breaks out.
The other clan leaders also nodded slightly when they heard this order, thankful that the Third Hokage wasn't too greedy, and didn't take the entire Root into his pocket.
Although Konoha is a military organization, with unified orders and a plan of action, there is no soil for centralization at present, and even the Third Hokage can't do whatever he wants.
They would not sit idly by and watch the Third Hokage's power expand too much, but to raise objections, with the uncertain Orochimaru and Jiraiya watching from the side, they didn't have enough confidence.
Fortunately, the Third Hokage is a person who values balance and is considerate, and didn't make things difficult for them.
But this order also has an unspoken meaning - although the training of spies will no longer use the despicable methods of Root in the future, the existing ones will not be touched.
These people are the roots of Konoha, and who knows how many secrets they hold. Letting them go rashly would cause a backlash.
When the safety of the village and the peace and happiness of those people cannot be had at the same time, there is no need to consider which is more important.
However, making this choice will create corresponding problems.
"What if Kabuto Yakushi's background is exposed?"
Mitokado Homura looked worried beside Nara Shikaku, "Those spies may feel the same way when they hear about this, and harbor resentment."
"The only people who know about this are Danzo and the people present."
Utatane Koharu shook her head, "If you don't say it and I don't say it, who will know?"
Even they learned the truth of the matter from Orochimaru, who experienced it firsthand, and besides Kabuto Yakushi and Orochimaru, there was no third person.
"As for Kabuto Yakushi, can you believe what a rogue ninja says?"
Utatane Koharu added, "Even if he really spreads this news, we can say that it's just a smear on the village."
Nara Shikaku frowned slightly when he heard this. In terms of public opinion, a hundred Kabuto Yakushis are no match for Konoha, but besides the right to speak, there is also people's hearts and human nature. The consultant elder's words were a bit wishful thinking.
The village might suffer a big loss because of this.
However, before he could offer any advice, Orochimaru said, "There's no need to worry about Kabuto Yakushi spreading this news. He doesn't dare."
"What evidence do you have for saying that?"
Utatane Koharu frowned. Her first reaction was disbelief. If Kabuto Yakushi was really afraid of you, would he have betrayed you?
The only means of restraining him has already been lifted in Ryuuchi Cave.
"He doesn't dare because he understands me and is afraid of angering me."
Orochimaru looked at Utatane Koharu and said slowly,
"Being a rogue ninja and attacking Root doesn't mean anything, because Kabuto Yakushi knows that I don't care about reputation and I hate Danzo and Root."
Ah ah ah...he said it, Orochimaru said it.
The clan leaders present were surprised. Is it really okay to express your hatred so frankly?
Although Danzo's Root is already rotten.
"These are nothing, but if he really thinks about bringing down Konoha, he is making an enemy of me."
Orochimaru continued, "This will force the village to force me to do everything I can to kill him."
"He doesn't dare. Only killing Root ninja and letting other ninja go is his attitude."
Uchiha Fugaku's heart stirred when he heard this. He remembered Jinsuke asking him to speak up for Kabuto Yakushi if he had the chance after learning the reason for his trip.
He didn't understand it before, but now that he thinks about it, it's probably because he was let go during the previous pursuit mission.
After returning, he has to remind Jinsuke that no matter what, Kabuto Yakushi is a rogue ninja, and getting involved with him is not good.
"Since that's the case, then the most important thing has been resolved."
Utatane Koharu felt that what he said was reasonable and was quite convinced, but Orochimaru changed the subject,
"Although that guy Kabuto won't be talkative, it's best to deal with this matter as soon as possible."
He turned his gaze to the Third Hokage, reminding him, "After all, this ninja world is not just Konoha's."
Danzo and Root are quite famous in the ninja world, with a bad reputation. If this kind of guy suddenly fails and is almost killed by a rogue ninja, it will undoubtedly attract a lot of attention.
Although what Utatane Koharu said made sense, their intelligence organization might not be able to find out, but what if they can't find out? Can't they just make it up?
Although the current situation in the ninja world is developing in a stable direction, now that the guns are down, it's time to pick up the pens.
Why not move your mouth and wave your hand to mess with Konoha?
What's more, the general public in this cultural desert of the ninja world has such a lack of spiritual life and entertainment activities, that they even enjoy reading Jiraiya's little articles. Suddenly, they've got such a big scoop of gossip, they will definitely chew on it repeatedly and enjoy it.
You don't even need to make it up too well, as long as you grab the explosive point of 'rogue ninja half destroys Danzo's Root', you can grab the attention of ordinary people.
Naturally, after they get tired of listening to the original version, they will take the initiative to think.
'Why destroy Danzo's Root?' 'Why half destroy it and not completely destroy it?' 'Why Root, and not other parts?'...
Although their imaginations are not as good as people in the information age, their gossip and thirst for knowledge are no less.
Konoha will suffer a big loss if it underestimates this public opinion attack.
"So, we might as well fuel the flames and make up whatever crazy story we can."
Orochimaru smiled, "As long as outsiders can tell at a glance that it's a smear on Konoha, after they pre-set this position, even if they hear real news, they will treat it as fake."
Everyone present was secretly startled. Orochimaru really inherited the Third Hokage's insidiousness, and his control over human nature is terrifying.
The Third Hokage nodded slightly and continued, "Also, designate Kabuto Yakushi as an S-rank rogue ninja and issue a corresponding bounty to the outside world. As for inside the village..."
He looked at Orochimaru, "We won't send anyone to pursue him for the time being."
Although there was outside interference, it is a fact that Jiraiya returned empty-handed. The difficulty of chasing Kabuto Yakushi is too great.
Orochimaru laughed, "Hehehe... I thought you were going to give me a mission, old man."
"I have other arrangements for you."
The Third Hokage said lightly, "During this time, you will temporarily serve as the principal of the Ninja Academy."
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