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Qianyu proposed the bail payment rule.
Minato Namikaze, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Uchiha Shisui all chose to agree.
Minato Namikaze announced, "Qianyu's regulation is a beneficial one for Konoha. Therefore, starting today, this rule is hereby implemented within the village!"
The surrounding Konoha villagers erupted into thunderous applause—far louder and more enthusiastic than the polite clapping after Shisui's speech earlier.
To them, Qianyu's rule was a win. Of course they'd support him. And with a member of the Uchiha clan as the deputy commander of the Leaf Village Defense Force? Even more reason to back Qianyu.
A faint smirk touched Qianyu's lips. From this moment on, Uchiha Shisui would be nothing but a figurehead within the Defense Force. Now, everyone would know exactly who was in charge.
After the inauguration ceremony, Qianyu, Minato, Hiruzen, Shisui, and Orochimaru gathered in the Defense Force's main office.
The moment they sat down, Hiruzen voiced his displeasure. "Qianyu, that was far too reckless. Announcing a new regulation on your very first day? If there had been any issues with it, you could have turned the villagers against the entire Defense Force before it even started."
Qianyu bowed his head slightly. "My apologies, Lord Third. I acted without due consideration. This is a newly established department, and I'm still unclear on some of the protocols. I acted hastily. But… the result was positive, wasn't it?"
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes, studying Qianyu. "Qianyu… this regulation you proposed. Was it Danzō's idea?"
Qianyu feigned surprise. "Why would you think that, Lord Third? I can assure you, this was entirely my own initiative. I want this department to genuinely aid Konoha's development. That's why I thought to announce it on the first day. I didn't mean to cause any trouble for the Fourth Hokage. My sincere apologies."
Hiruzen gave a slow nod. "Qianyu, though you are technically a Root ninja, you are ultimately a subordinate of the Fourth Hokage. All matters must be reported to him first. Is that clear?"
"Understood, Lord Third. You have my word. Any task Lord Fourth assigns, I will execute strictly."
Minato looked at Qianyu. "Qianyu, regarding the Defense Force, let me remind you again. Shisui is the deputy commander. He holds authority equal to yours. Any decisions must be discussed with him first, then brought to me for the final judgment."
Qianyu agreed readily. "Yes, Lord Fourth. It won't happen again. Every decision from now on will be made in consultation with Shisui." He turned and walked over to Uchiha Shisui, extending a hand. "I look forward to working with you, Shisui."
Shisui's resentment simmered, but he couldn't openly snub Qianyu. He stood and shook the offered hand, his grip firm. "Likewise, Qianyu."
Orochimaru chose that moment to sigh, almost as if to himself. "Seeing Qianyu take up his post today… it really drives home how fast time passes. It feels like we're from different eras now. Qianyu, Konoha's stage belongs to your generation now. It's time for the likes of us to step back. Do well."
Qianyu replied, his tone perfectly serious, "I will heed your teachings, Master Orochimaru. I will perform my duties diligently."
Internally, Qianyu was delighted. He'd never realized just how masterfully his teacher could deliver a backhanded compliment.
Hiruzen's expression darkened. Anyone with half a brain could hear Orochimaru's jab. He was calling him an old relic who'd overstayed his welcome. But Hiruzen believed Minato's wings weren't fully formed yet. Against a seasoned player like Danzō, the young Hokage was no match. He needed Hiruzen's guidance. And as for Orochimaru's attitude? Hiruzen assumed it was bitterness over being passed over for the Hokage position.
An awkward silence settled over the office.
Minato broke it, rising to his feet. "Nevertheless, congratulations are in order. Qianyu, Shisui, on your appointments as Commander and Deputy Commander of the Leaf Village Defense Force. I trust you will support each other and contribute greatly to Konoha. We won't intrude further. The rest of the day is yours to organize."
Minato, Hiruzen, and Orochimaru left the Defense Force headquarters.
As Orochimaru moved to depart alone for his base, Hiruzen spoke up. "Orochimaru. It's been a long time since we last talked, teacher and student. Walk with me for a while."
Orochimaru didn't reply, but gave a slight nod of assent. Minato went his separate way.
Orochimaru and Hiruzen walked side-by-side down a Konoha street.
Hiruzen sighed heavily. "Orochimaru… do you still hold a grudge against me?"
Orochimaru sounded genuinely puzzled. "Teacher, what makes you say that?"
"Can't you be honest with me, Orochimaru?" Hiruzen's voice was grave. "I know you're dissatisfied about the Hokage selection. But everything I did, I did for Konoha."
Orochimaru replied in his smooth, magnetic voice, "Sarutobi-sensei, what makes you think I ever wanted to be Hokage? I have no interest in being a puppet like Minato Namikaze."
"Don't speak nonsense," Hiruzen chided lightly. "Minato is no puppet. When he is ready to stand on his own, I will naturally relinquish all authority to him."
Orochimaru let out a soft, derisive "Heh." "Is that so? Perhaps. So, what did you wish to discuss, Sarutobi-sensei?"
"It's about Qianyu. I want you to persuade him. To convince him to properly assist Minato. Minato is the Hokage now. Qianyu should be his right hand, not a source of difficulty for him."
Orochimaru stopped walking. He turned his curious, golden eyes on Hiruzen. "Sarutobi-sensei, why would you think I can persuade Qianyu? And why do you assume Qianyu is the one causing Minato difficulty?"
"You saw the situation just now. There is a deep misunderstanding between Qianyu and Minato. Qianyu respects you. If you spoke, he would listen."
Orochimaru shook his head. "Qianyu may respect me, but he has his own mind. As his teacher, I do not interfere with his thoughts or decisions. Besides, Minato Namikaze is the successor you chose. If, as Hokage, he cannot handle a matter like this… then I have serious doubts about his capability."
Hiruzen's face had turned ashen, his expression tight with anger. Even speaking as Orochimaru's former teacher, he was being flatly refused. Not a shred of face was being given. So it was true. Orochimaru held a deep-seated resentment. Further words were useless. Without another word, Hiruzen turned on his heel and walked away.
Orochimaru watched the retreating figure of the Third Hokage, a faint, mocking smile playing on his lips.
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