Hiruzen took a few comfortable puffs from his pipe.
Lighting it was a trivial matter in itself and did not involve any transfer of power.
Everyone present was also an old acquaintance.
But this meant that Danzō truly acknowledged what Hiruzen was saying this time and was very eager to hear what came next…
And it was done without regard to the Hokage's official status, judging purely on the substance itself.
How many years had it been since such a scene had appeared?
Even Koharu and Homura could no longer remember.
"Danzō, as for establishing 'Konoha committee members,' setting aside the benefits to the village and the jōnin for the moment, tell me—what benefits would this bring to my authority as Hokage?"
"As for opening up channels for their advancement, that goes without saying; even a chūnin could think of that."
Hiruzen exhaled a mouthful of smoke.
Danzō frowned, thinking seriously.
Koharu and Homura were also giving the question their own consideration.
After a short while—
"For the jōnin, it would naturally stimulate their initiative, allowing them to create more value, just as you said."
"For the village, if the loyalty of those 'Konoha committee members' could be ensured, operations might indeed become more efficient."
"But for you as Hokage—if we do not count gratitude for promotion…"
Danzō shook his head. "You would probably gain quite a bit more time? That would be about it."
"Time is naturally one aspect."
"Integrating the trivial demands at the grassroots level would let me focus on the strategic side, and it would also give me time to practice."
Hiruzen first affirmed Danzō's idea, smiled, and said, "Let me say something you're interested in…"
The corner of Danzō's mouth twitched almost imperceptibly.
I'm interested?
Lighting your pipe was only because you're so careless!
"With these twenty people in place, going forward, the village's conflicts will no longer focus on the Hokage alone."
Hiruzen said with a genial smile, "They are a buffer layer between the Hokage and the jōnin and chūnin. A large number of demands, the problems that arise, and mistakes—starting from now—will have specific responsible persons."
"Directly interfacing with the shinobi, the demands of the ninja clans and the problems in the course of work—even conflicts caused by misunderstandings—will be recorded against the village's upper ranks."
"Human nature is like this: when problems appear, the vast majority of people will not blame themselves first."
"And once there are 'Konoha committee members,' they will take on this responsibility. Then, as long as the Hokage promptly adjusts direction after problems appear and deals with the problematic shinobi, he will instead gain prestige from the incident."
Hiruzen glanced at Homura and Koharu.
"The Administrative Department interfaces with the Land of Fire. The two of you have probably heard this line that people often say among the populace—'The daimyō is good; it's just that the ministers carried it out badly…'"
"It's the same principle."
Homura and Koharu exchanged a look.
'No—what is going on with Hiruzen? Did a serious illness really lead him to enlightenment!'
'Yes, there was such a remark. I had some vague thoughts about this concept before, but I didn't expect Hiruzen to have already integrated it and be ready to apply it to the village…'
Koharu spoke up. "I fully support this proposal!"
Homura also chimed in. "Hiruzen's explanation was sufficiently detailed and reasonable. I agree as well."
Danzō, meanwhile, had his eyes widen slightly, carefully and excitedly digesting Hiruzen's words…
So it can be done like this?
This monkey is far too devious!
This line of thinking, carrying a hint of "human nature theory," struck straight at the core of his heart.
"As the village's upper ranks, our most important task is to establish a healthy system, then observe how things develop, and adjust and revise it amid constant change."
"No matter what system it is, conflicts of interest will arise. Conflict is not a bad thing—within any group, it is as commonplace as eating and drinking."
"And for Konoha's future, and in order to possess sufficient authority to carry out the next reform, one must learn to act as a 'referee' who mediates conflicts, rather than as a competing player."
Hiruzen said this earnestly.
Koharu and Homura gave a light round of applause.
Danzō grew increasingly excited as he listened, as if he had obtained the true teachings…
This was not only genuine instruction—it was practically self-exposure of dark secrets!
And Hiruzen keenly caught Danzō's expression.
"Danzō, I need you to change your way of thinking."
"The buffer layer bears responsibility on behalf of the Hokage, but it also opens up channels for their advancement. There will be supporting benefits and honors to follow."
"Everything I've said— even if the enemy printed it out and showed it to everyone—no one would make a fuss over it."
"Why? Because under this system, the shinobi and the upper ranks achieve a 'win–win'! If you keep using the mindset Root applies to dealing with enemies, you will never be able to truly convince people."
Hiruzen's tone suddenly turned stern. "You swore a military oath. If I find that you are still clinging to the same old way of thinking, don't blame me for disregarding our past ties!"
Danzō's expression jolted. He wanted to say something, but looking at the Hiruzen before him…
He ultimately overcame the instinctive impulse and did not argue back. "I understand."
"Good." Hiruzen nodded. "The line of thinking has been made clear. Now we'll assign specific tasks."
"Danzō, Koharu, Homura—you three will each draft a list of 'Konoha committee members.' The number should be around thirty people. Clearly note their corresponding responsibilities and your reasons for recommending them."
Koharu asked in confusion, "Hiruzen, weren't 'Konoha committee members' supposed to be limited to twenty people?"
"I also plan to establish around ten reserve candidates…" Hiruzen said with a smile.
"Having a slightly larger number will make it easier to identify your shared choices. I will select from your lists and also add a few people I personally favor."
Homura felt reassured. "Hiruzen, rest assured—I'll handle it seriously."
This was a sign of the Hokage's trust in them.
But to Danzō's ears, it carried a somewhat unsettling undertone.
Is this a warning to everyone not to stuff the list with their own trusted people?
Cross-referenced lists, Hokage selection…
Or am I overthinking it?
There was no helping it—Hiruzen's little 'lesson' just now had made this so-called shadow of the shinobi world somewhat suspicious of everything.
"Koharu, Homura—you also need to put out word to the upper ranks of the Land of Fire that Konoha has made major progress in human-body science, and that I, as Hokage, have already obtained clear benefits from it."
"This concerns major interest projects tied to the village's future. It must be carried out one hundred percent, with timely feedback," Hiruzen said sternly.
"As for the specifics, I'll set aside some time to discuss them with you later. For now, just execute."
Koharu and Homura both acknowledged the order seriously.
"Hatake Sakumo—I intend to promote him to Deputy Commander of the Anbu."
Danzō showed surprise, with a faint sense of dissatisfaction rising within him.
Wouldn't that put him on the same level as me?
After the dismantling of Root, this was the position Hiruzen was publicly assigning him.
"Danzō, let me see that you have the ability to maturely manage a large department."
"If you want to do more for the village, then prove it to me," Hiruzen said in a low voice. "You have two tasks—one urgent, one that can be pursued over the long term…"
"The Tsuchikage Ōnoki's Light-Weight Rock Technique has extremely high strategic value. Find a way to collect relevant information… After all, it's a hidden technique of Iwagakure, and current relations between our two countries are still relatively normal."
Danzō replied, "I understand."
That was fairly reasonable…
He wasn't making things difficult for me.
"Investigate the Kumo's jinchūriki—use every means necessary!"
"Since they dared to make a move against Uzumaki Kushina…"
An unexpected fierce glint flashed in Hiruzen's eyes.
"I want at least one of their jinchūriki dead!"
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