Subsequent negotiations with Kirigakure generally proceeded along directions established during initial contact drafts. Both sides, through document exchanges, supplemented and fine-tuned some detailed clauses. Ultimately Kirigakure dispatched formal envoys to Konoha for final confirmation rounds.
In relatively peaceful atmosphere, this agreement symbolizing cessation of border conflicts between two nations smoothly passed.
After agreement dust settled, Shuji participated less in specific diplomatic handovers and subsequent implementation work.
He requested extended leave, focusing thoughts on scrolls Senju Tobirama left behind.
Tsunade opened complete data regarding all previous Wood Release experiments to him. Not only portions Orochimaru provided but also research archives the village retained.
Honestly, data filled with professional terminology and complex charts proved quite arduous for Shuji.
Many foundational theories involving cellular levels and chakra nature fusion required him even starting from most basic portions to relearn and understand.
In this aspect, medically specialized Princess Senju naturally excelled far beyond Shuji.
Despite wandering in self-exile for some years with some things slightly rusty, recovering requiring some time, tutoring Shuji's introduction still proved more than sufficient.
As compensation for her tutoring Shuji, Shuji also had to work overtime helping her handle official duties.
Yes, ultimately that secretary position ended up being rejected for nothing.
During this relatively quiet period, the Hokage Tower quietly pushed another personnel arrangement—having a second Hyūga branch family squad enter Konoha Police Force systems.
This time, the village advanced Fire Capital guard rotations. The Hokage's office directly issued directives, delegating guard rotation missions proceeding to Fire Capital to Police Force responsibility.
Led by Uchiha Shisui, Police Force personnel would execute this guard mission.
Objectively speaking, this proved quite decent arrangements.
After also signing peace treaties with Kirigakure, against current shinobi world's overall situation trending toward regional easing, executing guard duties at Fire Capital represented low-risk yet high-ranking missions with considerable compensation—quality commissions.
After all, Konoha currently was not in wartime. Sweeping and control intensity toward wandering ninja and illegal forces within Fire Country and surrounding regions remained consistently high.
Especially the eastern side. Kakashi had beaten wandering ninja near Forest Country several rounds already.
Ordinarily, these long-term guard missions that both enhanced departmental prestige while allowing squad members obtaining substantial benefits usually did not fall to Police Forces mainly responsible for village internal security.
This time the village proactively gave them opportunities. Uchiha Fugaku naturally could not refuse. After all, the Uchiha were a prestigious clan, but this did not mean every clan shinobi enjoyed affluent circumstances, not needing mission execution to obtain compensation and promotion qualifications.
Therefore he accepted. Since accepting missions, Police Force needed dispatching personnel to Fire Capital. Such good matters naturally prioritized clan core members. Outsiders within Police Force could not qualify.
Afterward, because Police Force dispatched some elites to the capital, headquarters daily patrols and security maintenance manpower experienced temporary shortages.
To ensure Konoha headquarters security work remained unaffected, supplementing new personnel to Police Force also proved logical.
Thus the second Hyūga branch family squad entered Police Force.
As for opposition voices? Naturally they existed. However, the previous batch with most resolute attitudes and strongest opposition will—those Uchiha members—this time coincidentally were listed among guard rosters proceeding to Fire Capital, led by Shisui away from the village.
Lacking these core opposition voices internally, remaining dissenting waves appeared considerably weaker.
Not even requiring Fugaku opening Mangekyō for another Sharingan conversation.
Completing another Police Force breakthrough, this year's actions targeting the Uchiha could also temporarily conclude.
Currently, a problem shelved for some time yet requiring immediate handling lay before them.
Root.
They had been under house arrest for some time already.
Because the person who could take over had only just returned.
"Hokage-sama."
"Enter."
Hatake Kakashi still wore ANBU attire, removing his mask while keeping his face covering.
After entering, his gaze habitually rapidly swept indoor environments. Fifth Hokage, Shizune, plus that guy was also present as expected.
"Urgently summoning you back this time involves a relatively special matter. I wish to hear your opinion," Tsunade did not exchange excessive pleasantries. "Regarding 'Root,' you should not be unfamiliar, correct?"
Kakashi naturally knew. After his teacher Namikaze Minato's death, he once believed the Third bore responsibility, nearly assisting Danzo assassinating the Third.
Afterward Kakashi also broke into Root's base for Tenzō's sake.
If not for the Third timely bringing people surrounding Root, what would have happened subsequently remained uncertain.
Tsunade continued, "I believe Root existing in past modes independent of village systems no longer proves necessary."
"However, considering their training and operational methods' special nature, directly dispersing and merging into ANBU very likely triggers management chaos and unnecessary friction."
"Moreover, according to currently grasped circumstances, their members all bear curse seals Danzo placed, greatly limiting information acquisition and reorganization feasibility."
"Therefore, after consideration, my thinking is..." Tsunade's gaze fell on Kakashi. "I hope you will temporarily take over, managing and reorganizing these people."
Taking over Root. Even for Kakashi, this proved troublesome.
Tsunade explained, "Subsequently, Root will no longer possess independent authority and operational freedom outside village systems."
"Essentially, they will be defined as temporarily independent formations—special ANBU squads accepting direct supervision."
"What I need you doing is penetrating deeply, gradually clarifying what unreported matters to the village Danzo accomplished during these Root-controlling years."
"Ascertaining whether Root still grasps or hides certain critically important classified intelligence."
The Kusagakure incident, Tsunade constantly remembered. She always believed that given Danzo's style, Root must still grasp more unreported secrets potentially involving dangerous forbidden techniques or important historical intelligence.
Kakashi contemplated long before answering, "To complete this mission, I need additional personnel."
Him alone entering definitely would not work.
"Acceptable," Tsunade readily agreed. "You can dispatch two elite squads from ANBU sequences you're familiar with to coordinate your operations. Specific candidates determined by you."
"Simultaneously, Advisor Shimura..." Kakashi raised another person.
"I will arrange classified missions for him," Tsunade said.
Chapters in advance there: patreon.com/Thaniel_a_goodchild