Chapter 157: The Hokage's Sweat, The Abstract Master-Disciple Relationship Between Danzo and Tobirama
Konoha.
Hokage Building.
Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly regulated his breathing.
The Myriad Seals Body Integration Mark within his body was continuously drawing upon the equipped Fire Sealing Method, acting like a second heart, pumping the characteristics of the Sealing Jutsu throughout his entire body.
Although each pump and wash wasn't obvious, it clearly left subtle traces.
This was not a temporary reinforcement of the body through a jutsu formula, but a permanent alteration akin to a brand.
The progress wasn't fast, but its advantage lay in its enduring stability, washing over the Hokage's body like a steady, trickling stream.
"It's different from my previous concept..."
Hiruzen gazed at his right hand, pondering internally: "It's even better..."
Originally, Hiruzen had wondered if he could store Sealing Jutsu in advance like the Yin Seal, achieving the effect of instant release during combat.
But the forbidden jutsu Myriad Seals Body Integration Mark created by Ashina Uzumaki was essentially a crazy concept of turning a person into a living sealing vessel, achieving "unity of person and seal."
"Even Tobirama-sensei would think this jutsu formula is too extreme, right?" Hiruzen sighed emotionally.
He also wondered, apart from himself—a special existence growing alongside the village—who else could practice this jutsu?
The conditions were too harsh!
First of all, not to mention needing a massive amount of chakra from childhood, it was also best to have an external source of chakra as assistance.
After all, no matter how much chakra a youth had, using it to maintain the jutsu formula would affect their growth, and without enough chakra, the Myriad Seals Body Integration Mark simply couldn't be maintained.
This step alone would block out who knows how many people.
Secondly, one had to be extremely proficient in Sealing Jutsu. Otherwise, how could one equip various Sealing Jutsu into the Myriad Seals Body Integration Mark?
It wasn't that equipping a Sealing Jutsu once would allow it to continuously wash the body forever.
Like fuel, once it was used up, it had to be replaced with a new one!
Even a young Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't possibly precisely fill the seals within the array inside his body.
This was a typical concept that only considered the effect but not the implementation.
However, if successfully cultivated, the effect was incredibly astonishing.
There were many different types of Sealing Jutsu, and the buffs brought by washing the body were also diverse.
The Fire Sealing Method brought resistance to the physical body against Fire-nature chakra.
Corresponding Sealing Jutsu for Water, Lightning, Wind, and Earth-nature chakra also existed.
Besides the conventional Five Natures Sealing Jutsu, there was also the Evil Sealing Method.
The essence of the Evil Sealing Method was to restrict heterogeneous chakra, mental energy, and malicious soul bodies.
If Hiruzen solidified its characteristics onto his body, in layman's terms, it would enhance his resistance to abnormal status effects like genjutsu!
Thinking of this, the Lord Hokage's expression became somewhat peculiar.
He remembered a sentence Tobirama used to say often: "That guy actually told me to lament my tragic fate of not having the Sharingan? It really makes me want to laugh..."
In the future, even if Hiruzen couldn't use the Flying Thunder God, he wouldn't need to lament his fate of not having the Sharingan either.
He could openly and magnanimously stare straight into the eyes of an Uchiha!
The man who counters genjutsu.
There were many other Sealing Jutsu that could be equipped, but Hiruzen wasn't very familiar with them yet.
However, he still had the Uzumaki veteran around. When the time came, he would just ask Lady Mito to teach him!
Hiruzen had often sighed that having an elder in the house was truly like having a treasure.
The endorsement of the First Hokage's widow's reputation, the knowledge and wonderful applications of Sealing Jutsu, and sensory abilities that guaranteed the village's security...
Even setting aside the respect due to Mito as a junior, from a purely utilitarian perspective, Mito's personal capabilities were far, far stronger than an uncontrollable Nine-Tails!
But Hiruzen wasn't in a hurry to ask.
This jutsu formula required slow and steady work. He needed to first successfully cultivate the supporting Five Natures seals before talking about anything else.
"No wonder Lord Hashirama opposed this jutsu. The effect of cultivating it to perfection is completely on the same level as the Mangekyou Sharingan and Wood Release..."
Hiruzen shook his head.
For power, shinobi were capable of doing anything, even striking ruthlessly at their own clansmen.
Even knowing the chances of success were slim, they would let their children try it. Even if they ended up crippled, it would just be considered lacking sufficient aptitude.
There were records of this regarding both Wood Release and the Sharingan.
"..."
"Perhaps Minato and Kushina's child might have a chance?" Hiruzen's heart moved, recalling Minato applying for marriage with him previously.
Kushina was an Uzumaki clanswoman, naturally possessing a massive amount of chakra.
Minato was not weak either.
And since both husband and wife were proficient in Sealing Jutsu, their child wouldn't need to know Sealing Jutsu themselves; the two of them could help construct the framework inside the child's body.
Although this matter was troublesome, it was their own child after all, so looking after them day and night was acceptable.
As for external chakra, previously they could only consider the direction of a Jinchuriki.
But now, when Hiruzen thought of the Nine-Tails, his first impression wasn't of a terrifying, disaster-like magical beast, but that duplicitous little fox standing on Mito's shoulder.
Collaborating with it to ask for a little chakra shouldn't be a difficult task.
"Looking at it this way, I should have Minato and Kushina get married as soon as they reach the right age..."
"And I also need to strongly promote it so that shinobi of suitable age in the village all have children. The village's business sectors are becoming more and more diversified now; a reliable population base is crucial."
Hiruzen thought that merely promoting it wouldn't be enough; he also needed to issue Konoha childbirth subsidies!
Alleviating their financial pressure to a certain extent would naturally increase the willingness to have children.
Hiruzen pondered.
The expanded production of Sovereign Sage Pills and the increased revenue from beauty cosmetics this year would be around 2.5 billion Ryo.
After deducting the return gifts for the three Sage Regions and the full allocation for specialized industrial workers, the surplus would be roughly 2.3 billion Ryo.
Of that, 800 million Ryo would be used to maintain the "Konoha Mutual Aid Fund."
"Of the remaining 1.5 billion Ryo, 1 billion will be used for further investment in scientific research projects, and let's use 500 million Ryo as childbirth subsidies."
Given the eligible population of Konoha shinobi, this was an absolutely substantial amount.
So Hiruzen had to emphasize that this subsidy was not an unlimited supply, but first-come, first-served.
This would also help stimulate the shinobi's enthusiasm.
As for the nobles' donations, an amount approaching 1 billion Ryo, Hiruzen planned to store it as the village's liquid capital pool and did not intend to include it in the plans.
There always needed to be some idle cash lying around in the accounts, otherwise, a broken capital chain in an unexpected situation would be very troublesome.
Konoha's extra population would turn into seeds, becoming new potential for Hiruzen's Ninja Way.
"Compared to inherently superior ninja clans like the Senju and Uchiha, my training can only rely on sweat and hard work to climb step by step. There are no shortcuts."
There were many projects Hiruzen needed to train in long-term.
Lightning Release Nintaijutsu, Hypergravity Tempering, Myriad Seals Body Integration...
There was also the polishing and further research of Kekkei Genkai. Every sector required him to invest massive amounts of energy, with "Performance Metrics" acting as the support to continuously raise his upper limit.
Konoha also had to become stronger in all aspects; even tiny bits of profit couldn't be let go.
Reaching this point today, Hiruzen understood even more profoundly just what kind of mighty power Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha possessed.
"Although it can't quite be called an ant looking up at the sky, the higher you go, the more you can feel the terror of those two." Hiruzen sighed from the bottom of his heart.
And at this moment.
Danzo knocked on the door and walked in, a trace of gloom on his face.
Hiruzen looked at him in surprise.
Danzo rarely showed this kind of expression.
But Hiruzen didn't pay him any attention. He just glanced at Danzo, who sat down silently, and continued to draft the proposal for Konoha's childbirth subsidies on his own.
Having something to say but not saying it, trying to be a Riddler?
A moment later, Danzo couldn't hold it in anymore. "Hiruzen, your Barrier Ninjutsu is more brilliant than mine. Since this involves that matter, apply a soundproof encryption barrier to the office first."
Hiruzen chuckled and slowly put down his pen and paper.
With a wave of his large hand, the Hokage's office was instantly enveloped in a fluorescent green silence barrier.
Danzo, still finding it insufficient, overlaid it with a curse mark, sealing the entire domain airtight.
Even if someone pressed their ear against the office door, they wouldn't be able to hear the slightest sound.
Logically speaking, with Anbu and Root surrounding the Hokage building, it was impossible for anyone to eavesdrop.
But since it involved Tobirama-sensei and his descendant, Danzo felt that no amount of secrecy was enough.
"Hiruzen, I'll apologize first."
"This time it's my fault. When it involves matters regarding Seisui, complete secrecy should have been achieved." Unexpectedly, Danzo started off with self-reflection. "I encountered an unsolvable problem. I promise this is the last time."
Hiruzen nodded silently.
He understood Danzo's thinking.
Just like him and Tobirama Senju, if the two wanted to communicate, they also had many methods.
For example, inadvertently constructing a private space using genjutsu.
But the ninja world was a place with numerous mysterious ninjutsu and observation methods.
Plus, the mysterious powerhouse who appeared during the Yashiro Uchiha incident, who was extremely familiar with Konoha...
If you wanted a secret to truly remain unknown, you had to completely let the intelligence rot in your stomach.
Even if communication was necessary, encrypted methods should be used.
For example, some of the policies Hiruzen issued in the village, documents on the notice board, and the public Fireside Chat, were actually hiding communication with Tobirama within mass information.
Tobirama also had similar approaches. For instance, before impeaching Danzo, he specifically pulled Asuma aside to discuss the plan.
This would naturally become known to Hiruzen.
"Speak. Having this kind of security awareness is worthy of your status as an old intelligence operative." Hiruzen smiled slightly; he seemed to know what Danzo was going to say.
"Hiruzen..."
"Taking Seisui as a disciple is naturally something I am very willing to do."
"But he hasn't come to find me! Did something happen?" Danzo dawdled for a while before hesitantly saying it. "I've been waiting for almost two months."
Hiruzen burst out laughing as soon as he heard it.
"Waiting for two months? Have you just been waiting dryly for these two months?"
"How could I? I've prepared a systematic framework for my Wind Release ninjutsu! I also compiled the details and experience of Anbu work, and the various essentials Tobirama-sensei taught us."
Danzo said dissatisfiedly, "I already planned to pass my mantle to him! Hoping he can inherit my and Tobirama-sensei's will."
Hiruzen said faintly, "But the problem is, he has no intention of seeking you out to become your disciple right now. Who are you preparing these for? If all else fails, have a child and teach it to your own son."
"Look, I plan to roll out childbirth subsidies in the village. If you have one early, you can claim a share too."
The Lord Hokage had anticipated this situation.
Expecting Tobirama-sensei to take the initiative to come to your door and acknowledge you as his master?
Keep dreaming!
Even Hiruzen had never entertained such a thought.
Danzo's face darkened. He grabbed the document from Hiruzen's hand to take a look, his mouth twitching.
He originally wanted to get angry, thinking that fabricating a village policy just to mock him was going too far!
But he was actually going to do it?
Danzo held it in for a good while before saying stiffly, "There's no need! From the moment Tobirama-sensei saved me, I was destined to sacrifice everything for the village!"
"To think about children at this age would make others feel I am not putting my all into my work!"
Hiruzen nodded, saying thoughtfully, "Then you mean, if Seisui becomes your disciple, it's also best for him not to have children, right?"
"How is that the same?"
Danzo frowned and retorted, "Tobirama-sensei's bloodline must be passed down within Konoha!"
"Tobirama-sensei might still have other backup plans, but those children did not inherit his will, nor did they receive Lady Mito's approval, let alone possessing a part of Izuna Uchiha!"
"I can say for certain that Tobirama-sensei's spirit in heaven definitely hopes we mold Seisui into his image, instead of letting him develop in the direction of Izuna Uchiha."
"This is a brand new, cross-temporal struggle between Tobirama-sensei and Izuna Uchiha!"
"As his disciples, how can we not help out? Hiruzen, you must get serious. You should know that Tobirama-sensei fought with Izuna Uchiha his entire life; we absolutely cannot let him lose at the Seisui hurdle!"
Danzo said powerfully, his tone and expression extremely serious.
Even when launching a special military operation against Kusagakure over a year ago, he hadn't shown such a tough stance.
Hiruzen blinked.
Not only was Danzo good at putting hats on others, but he also showed no mercy when putting pressure on himself.
No wonder he was usually so skilled at it!
Hiruzen pondered. "Danzo, although Seisui has Tobirama-sensei's bloodline, I didn't see you paying this much attention to Shisui before?"
"Although Kagami was our comrade, how can he compare to Tobirama-sensei?"
Danzo repeated self-righteously. "How is that the same? Shisui might be a genius, but he only has some talent in combat power; his thinking is still in the mold of an Uchiha."
"But Seisui is different! Upon careful analysis, his every move carries the shadow of Tobirama-sensei. Even though he was born in Kusagakure, his mindset is practically Hokage material!"
"Take impeaching me, for example. He acted a bit radically, but if you look at his ability to gather elites of the ninja academy like Asuma and Kakashi, and his executive power in daring to challenge authority... this is all extremely similar to Tobirama-sensei!"
Hiruzen's face was full of question marks, and he unconsciously asked, "How is it similar at all?"
"Didn't Tobirama-sensei also divide and win over the various ninja clans back then? And on some important occasions, he also publicly refuted Lord First!"
Danzo said with absolute certainty, "Tobirama-sensei also said that when facing problems in the village, the higher-ups must have the courage to correct them, allow others to point them out, and have the broad-mindedness to humbly accept them."
"Seisui pointing out some of Root's problems... looking at it now, is also inheriting Sensei's will!"
These words left Hiruzen stunned.
Did Tobirama-sensei ever say that?
Why didn't he remember!
So, the two of them as fellow disciples... one invents Hashirama quotes, and the other invents Tobirama quotes!
And what was with this face Danzo was putting on?
Three months ago, he was clearly gnashing his teeth in hatred, cursing "Seisui" for dividing the village and affecting Konoha's stability, calling him an ungrateful Uchiha.
Now, with the addition of the title 'Grandson of Tobirama,' his reputation in Danzo's eyes took a 180-degree turn, smoothly switching from one extreme to another.
Couldn't he be a bit objective and neutral!
What Hiruzen hadn't anticipated was...
In his view, Tobirama's bloodline wasn't that important of an element.
But for Danzo, it was a precious opportunity he had hoped for for nearly thirty years, a chance to reconnect with the god in his heart!
Because Hiruzen was the Hokage. Governing the village well was naturally his way of giving back for Tobirama covering their retreat.
But Danzo was only the Hokage Assistant.
Logically speaking, Konoha's booming development naturally also included the credit of him as the Assistant.
But Danzo was very dissatisfied. This was merely him indirectly giving back to Tobirama-sensei, not directly!
The lion's share belonged to Hiruzen.
Danzo in the past wouldn't really admit this. He fancied himself the Root of Konoha, but over the past few years, he had no choice but to concede.
Without Hiruzen Sarutobi, the seemingly powerful Konoha would turn red in the face just trying to hold a meeting.
During the nights of these past two months...
Danzo had been constantly thinking that when covering the retreat, he was one step behind Hiruzen, and when confessing, he was one step slower than Torifu.
Now that an opportunity to repay his sensei had been delivered to his doorstep, was he going to be one step late again?
Once or twice is fine, but not three times!
Danzo's expression unconsciously became somewhat ferocious.
Hiruzen quietly moved his chair back a bit. His old friend seemed to be having an episode.
Don't bite yourself!
Hiruzen lit a cigarette, and only after Danzo had calmed down on his own did he exhale a puff of smoke and speak unhurriedly: "I understand your thoughts, but you also have to consider 'Seisui'."
"Although it was Lady Mito's arrangement, he is currently publicly recognized as the future leader of the Uchiha clan, and your relationship with the Uchiha has always been sensitive."
"The other Uchiha don't know his identity. If he rashly approaches you, what will happen to his reputation in the clan?"
"Seisui has made great contributions to the Uchiha's integration into the village. If this process is interrupted, the loss will outweigh the gain."
"Furthermore, think about it. Ever since he entered the village, you've held hostility towards him, then inexplicably tried to force him to become your disciple, repeatedly provoking and even suppressing him."
"How can you expect him to voluntarily seek you out as a master?"
Danzo's face turned awkward.
Actually, on the first day "Seisui" arrived in Konoha, Danzo had noticed that this child bore a spiritual resemblance to Tobirama.
At the time, Hiruzen was still surprised. How exactly did he see that?
But the Danzo back then felt that for "Seisui", as an Uchiha, to look like Tobirama was a blasphemy against the god in his heart!
Naturally, he was incredibly vigilant and hostile.
But with the addition of Tobirama's bloodline, becoming Mito's certified orthodox biological grandson...
That became "the child resembling the grandfather", an extremely good thing!
Thinking of this, Danzo said as if possessed, "Hiruzen, didn't I tell you Seisui and Tobirama-sensei looked alike? You didn't even see it at the time."
"Yes, I didn't see it, but I didn't call him an inherently evil Uchiha brat either."
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. You're actually pretty proud of yourself, aren't you!
Danzo resentfully closed his mouth.
Who could have imagined the combination of Tobirama-sensei's bloodline and the Uchiha?
Even if he were here in person, he probably wouldn't do something so crazy! It was all the fault of Tobirama-sensei's unknown son acting too unreliably.
"You have to understand, Seisui combines the strengths of both Izuna and Tobirama-sensei. He's not like Lord Hashirama's son, lacking great talent."
"Isshin reported to me that whether in combat or administration, Seisui's talent is extremely strong, and he has the entire Uchiha clan as resources backing him."
Hiruzen took a puff of his pipe. "Even the identity of the Hokage faction has already been cleared with Lady Mito. Even if he needs someone to act as a guarantor on the surface, that person doesn't necessarily have to be you."
Hearing this sentence, Danzo frowned tightly.
If not me, then who else!
That was designated by Lady Mito!
But thinking about it carefully, if Seisui obstinately refused to come to him, there really didn't seem to be anything he could do.
"Seisui is originally from Kusagakure after all. Despite having the Hokage's bloodline, he suffered hardships. With Lady Mito's consideration for juniors, if he doesn't take me as his master, she probably won't say anything..."
Danzo's heart skipped a beat.
Could he take Orochimaru as his master?
Danzo also understood that Mito sending Seisui to him also carried the intention of supervising him.
Because Seisui was a hot-blooded youth who dared to point out the village's mistakes.
And in Danzo's view, Mito had always been very vigilant about scientific research. In the past, her supervision of Tobirama was very strict.
So sending Seisui to Orochimaru would also be a very normal thing.
Thinking of this, Danzo couldn't help but feel a tightening in his chest.
If Orochimaru got Seisui, what would that mean?
Wouldn't he be finished!
Seisui already inherited Tobirama-sensei's talent. If he also resembled him in ninjutsu research and scientific endeavors...
Wouldn't that be giving Orochimaru wings like a tiger?
But conversely...
If he got Seisui.
As master and disciple, a portion of the disciple's credit would naturally belong to him. Then he could bridge the gap in contributions in this area between him and Orochimaru.
At this moment, Danzo's understanding of Seisui's importance deepened significantly.
He was both a way to repay his sensei and an important aid on his path to the Hokage position!
"Hiruzen, help me!"
Danzo said sincerely, "What do you say I should do? You definitely have a way!"
"Will you listen to what I say?"
Hiruzen exhaled a puff of smoke, tracing a hazy shape within the barrier. "How many times have I reminded you about Root's affairs? Openly, secretly, and even in front of Lady Mito!"
"If I hadn't pacified the Root shinobi in advance, do you think Seisui impeaching you would have ended so easily? You always say you want to be Hokage, but I see you only want it verbally."
Hiruzen put on a posture of hating iron for not becoming steel. "I was worried you'd say I favored Orochimaru. For the village's development, I must support him. But when he gets a resource, I always think of giving you one too, so you can compete fairly."
"But Orochimaru can recognize problems. Look at how beautifully he handled the Iburi and Tsuchigumo clans' matters! Then look at you, you didn't listen to a single word I said."
Hiruzen waved his hand despondently and took a deep drag of smoke, making a faint fiery glow appear in the tobacco of his pipe.
He was clearly a bit hurt.
Danzo suddenly became somewhat at a loss.
For a long time, whenever he and Hiruzen argued, it had always been shouting at the top of their lungs.
Even in recent years, when Hiruzen arranged tasks extremely clearly, he executed them with wholehearted conviction.
But this time, it was his own failure to live up to expectations.
He almost turned a good thing that could have cleared obstacles on his path to Hokage into a disaster that detonated a clash of consciousness in the entire village.
Danzo took a deep breath and, in a rare instance, lowered his head. "Hiruzen, I absolutely submit to your fairness. It's absolutely not that I won't listen to your words. I swear on the honor of Tobirama-sensei's disciple, a similar situation will absolutely never happen again!"
"Please, Hiruzen, help me one more time. Seisui is truly very important to me!"
Hearing him swear on Tobirama, Hiruzen smiled internally.
For Danzo, this was the only kind of guarantee that looked the part!
However, it wasn't foolproof either. After all, when Danzo did things, even if he lacked subjective malice, he could still cause objective problems.
So, it was still necessary to let Tobirama-sensei properly discipline Danzo, acting as a safety valve.
Hiruzen studied Danzo through the smoke and started laughing.
In the Hokage's eyes...
The future Danzo was no longer Danzo, but a tool man named Danzo who was actually Tobirama.
"As long as Tobirama-sensei gets close to Danzo, with his inability to endure loneliness, he will definitely find ways to do more things, and smoothly usurp Danzo's power while he's at it."
"Not only that, he will also handle affairs hiding behind Danzo, which won't hinder his reputation while holding the actual power."
"And Danzo will be happy to see this. After all, that is 'Seisui', Tobirama-sensei's grandson."
Danzo taking "Seisui" as a disciple was similar in logic to Hiruko taking Asuma as a disciple.
This was the Hokage's approval of complete trust in him, capable of bringing immense spiritual satisfaction.
"Danzo, you swore on Tobirama-sensei."
"Your words must be as solid as nails!" Hiruzen blew out his pipe and said with a stern face.
"Rest assured, Hiruzen!" Danzo guaranteed extremely seriously.
"Since that's the case, then I'll have a chat with you."
"Actually, this matter is very simple. You know the people of the Uchiha clan; most of them care a lot about face." Hiruzen coughed lightly. "If you want Seisui to not be affected by you taking him as a disciple, you have to give him enough face."
"This face is not just for the Uchiha, but also for Seisui. Who told you to repeatedly suppress him before? You have to follow some rules!"
"When Tobirama-sensei scolded you in the past, was it ever without reason?"
Danzo nodded in deep agreement. "It was my fault."
Hiruzen couldn't help but laugh.
If it weren't for the title of Tobirama's grandson, even with the Fireside Chat setting the tone, Hiruzen didn't think Danzo would truly take the Will of Fire to heart.
Things bred in the bone are not easily changed.
But when it involved Tobirama, Danzo's posture became unusually flexible and proactive.
"In the next couple of days, find a date to visit the Uchiha clan. You can hold a small-scale gathering."
"Just say you recognized your mistake, that Seisui pointing out your error was correct, that your Ninja Ways align, and you hope Seisui can join the ranks of the Hokage faction. Nominally master and disciple, but in reality progressing together."
Hiruzen said slowly, "And emphasize your support for the Uchiha clan's participation in the work of Anbu and the new Root, to offer suggestions and exercise reasonable supervisory power."
Apologize to the Uchiha and talk and laugh with them?
Danzo's expression gradually became somewhat troubled.
"Danzo, if you want to be Hokage..."
"Besides strength, the most important thing is to mobilize and integrate the resources of the village's various sectors with the lowest internal friction."
"You must view the relationship between the village and the Uchiha with a dynamic perspective." Hiruzen said leisurely, "You will have to face this problem sooner or later. Do you think that in today's Konoha, even if you became Hokage right now, you could command the various ninja clans with just a title?"
"To do things, you must lay a good foundation in advance. No one remembers adding flowers to brocade; you must learn to send charcoal in snowy weather!"
If he had said these things in the past, Danzo might have still argued back.
But after the days when Hiruzen was absent, facts spoke louder than words.
In comparison, Danzo's favorability with the ninja clans right now couldn't even match Orochimaru's.
"Furthermore, this is also beneficial to you personally."
"Lower your stance, say a few nice words to the Uchiha clan, others can see this too." Hiruzen said meaningfully, "If you don't seize this high ground of the Uchiha first, others might beat you to it."
"I hope to see a relatively harmonious relationship between you and the various Konoha High Commissioners, to be able to form a combined force."
During the days when the Hokage was not in Konoha, Orochimaru lamented that there were too many factions in Konoha.
But Hiruzen didn't think there were too many; rather, he thought there were too few!
The so-called factions were essentially small circles formed by interests and interpersonal relationships. To a certain extent, they were beneficial to reducing internal friction within the village and were essentially part of lowering the cost of governance.
Being able to simplify a massive amount of individual coordination work into managing a few core figures would significantly increase the efficiency of administrative implementation.
Favors, interests, and cooperation are always the norm in organizations; there is no need to forcefully suppress or dismantle them across the board.
But the important thing was that a faction must never be a monolithic block that water can't splash into and needles can't pierce.
A combination like Danzo plus the Uchiha was very good.
Both sides were wary of each other, but due to the easing of relations, they could engage in deep cooperation.
The same was true for Hiruko and Orochimaru. Making Asuma Hiruko's disciple meant the so-called scientific research faction could never become a black box.
And there was also Tsunade, a wondrous figure who didn't follow the rules.
It wasn't that Hiruzen distrusted Orochimaru or Danzo.
As Hokage, this was what he ought to do.
Not giving others the opportunity and environment to make mistakes.
This applied equally to everyone, regardless of intimacy.
Of course, all this was built upon the premise that Hiruzen's prestige and will could permeate the entirety of Konoha.
"Others beating me to it?"
Danzo's heart chilled, his fists clenching tightly. "I understand, Hiruzen! Leave it to me!"
He had already missed two opportunities in a row; was he going to miss a third?
If he had to bow his head to the Uchiha, then so be it!
Let alone bowing his head, Danzo was even wondering if he should bring two bottles of good wine to drink with Isshin and Fugaku.
A long-lost exception!
Anyway, Konoha didn't strictly follow the Shinobi Rules anymore.
Although Danzo hadn't drank in a long time, as a shinobi with an intelligence background, playing along in drinking situations, even if he hadn't been in one for a while, was still something he could easily grasp.
Hiruzen watched the highly motivated Danzo with a smile.
This was what he wanted to see.
If Danzo didn't lower his stance and amicably beg Tobirama-sensei to be his disciple...
Even given his Uchiha identity, it would be impossible to give Danzo this face.
This wasn't like ordinary disciple recruitment.
This required Danzo, the "master", to beg "Seisui", the "disciple", to come to his door. Only then would Tobirama agree!
"Regarding Seisui's matters, unless it's an emergency, don't bring it up for discussion in the future."
"At an appropriate time, I will find a way to slowly leak it out." After Hiruzen finished speaking, he dispelled the Barrier Ninjutsu.
Danzo nodded heavily. "Then Hiruzen, I will go prepare now!"
Hiruzen chuckled, watching Danzo's bustling back figure.
He felt that it wasn't that Danzo couldn't think of this method himself.
It was just that it needed to be said through him so that his awkward psychology could accept it a bit better.
In a sense, this also reflected his level of trust in him as Hokage.
"Calculating the days, Kakuzu should be arriving soon."
"If he doesn't come during this period, then he won't come at all in the future." Hiruzen took a sip of tea, squinting as he pondered.
He had read Kakuzu's resume and inquired with Mito.
Most rogue ninja in the ninja world were psychopaths, but in Hiruzen's view, Kakuzu was different.
He was a normal person.
After suffering such oppression from Takigakure, a setup obviously meant to sacrifice him, waiting with a stretched neck to be slaughtered according to the Shinobi Rules would be what's abnormal.
As for after betraying the village, he hadn't done anything excessively extreme either, but rather acted according to the game rules of the ninja world to be a free and unfettered bounty hunter.
Mito and Kakuzu, two antiques surviving from the Warring States period, actually gave Hiruzen a long-lost sense of intimacy.
Because their emotions and logic were relatively stable; they wouldn't panic at every little thing.
"If I'm not mistaken, Kakuzu's reliance on money should be a manifestation of substituting money for the inner need for order after the collapse of the hidden village rules."
"In today's ninja world, Konoha's order and stability are second to none."
"And not only is Konoha's financial revenue astonishing, but most of it is used for public expenditure. I dare not say how advanced it is, but compared to Takigakure, it is far, far ahead."
"If Kakuzu's mentality is what I think it is, the village should make him feel shocked."
Hiruzen very much wanted to obtain Kakuzu.
The village gaining a powerhouse with 'Kage'-level combat power would naturally add to his Performance Metrics.
The connections Kakuzu accumulated over years in the underground bounty stations, and his decades of experience, would also be of great benefit to Konoha.
If Kakuzu showed interest in Konoha, Hiruzen didn't mind "lowering the threshold for talents unconstrained by a single pattern"!
"Lady Mito's past kindness to him is also a focal point."
"We can also use malice sensing and the Mind's Eye of the Kagura to further confirm what Kakuzu is thinking in his heart."
Hiruzen tapped the desk, and a special chakra rippled out like a wave.
Hizashi Hyuga quickly walked in and said in a deep voice, "Lord Hokage!"
"Hizashi, Kakuzu might be coming to Konoha recently. If Anbu or the patrol units spot him, tell him I have always been in Konoha waiting for him to come."
"Let's set a time limit of three months. If he hasn't arrived, order Anbu and Root to be more vigilant when encountering him on missions, and treat him as a potential enemy."
Hiruzen instructed.
A long time had passed since the deposit was handed to Kakuzu.
Whether it was the growth speed of the Earth Grudge Fear or the gathering of intelligence, there should have been more than enough time.
"He is probably observing from the sidelines. After all, a bounty hunter entering Konoha must rightly worry about a point of no return."
"But the denunciation of Konoha caused by Madoka Masamune, combined with the overseas nobles, objectively also publicized Konoha's new mission system and the Will of Fire."
"As a veteran bounty hunter, Kakuzu couldn't possibly not know."
"If he can become our like-minded comrade, then he will rush to Konoha. We have given him enough time; Konoha's love and patience are limited."
Hizashi Hyuga nodded heavily with absolute conviction.
In his view, the Lord Hokage was a bit too loving.
Too patient with these ungrateful shinobi!
Any shinobi who didn't immediately embrace the Will of Fire, Hizashi considered a heretic who must be struck with heavy punches!
"Lord Hokage."
"My wife is already pregnant. I want to apply for the Chimera Technique experiment to contribute to the village!" Hizashi said in a deep voice.
Hiruzen showed a look of sudden realization.
He had been wondering why Hizashi had heavy dark circles around his Byakugan.
So it was because he was working day and night to leave behind offspring so he could undergo dangerous experiments for the village.
Indeed loyal!
But this behavior was hard to evaluate.
"Let's wait another month, to confirm your wife's fetus is stable."
"Also, Hizashi, out of the Kekkei Genkai currently stockpiled in the village, is there one suitable for you?"
Hizashi hesitated for a moment. "None are extremely suitable. Lord Second's material library doesn't have many Kekkei Genkai. The ones relatively suitable for me are 'Steel Release' and 'Swift Release'."
Hiruzen pondered. "Don't force it, Hizashi. Your close combat is supported by the Gentle Fist. Even if it's further enhanced, it won't provide a diversified supplement to your combat mode."
"I was thinking, given the Hyuga clan's Gentle Fist chakra control ability, if there were a long-range attack method to coordinate with the Byakugan's x-ray vision, it would be of extreme strategic value."
"The division of labor among shinobi is different, which is why we need comrades by our sides. You don't need to think about fighting strong enemies. Being able to rapidly reduce the enemy's effective strength is also an important talent."
One-on-one ability is hard to cultivate, and simply adding a Kekkei Genkai wouldn't bring about a fundamental change.
Even if Hizashi possessed Steel Release, in front of a shinobi of the Third Raikage's level, it would still hold little meaning.
Since that was the case, then choose to be a functional shinobi who efficiently strikes the enemy.
There was nothing wrong with being a precision sniper.
Hizashi Hyuga nodded seriously.
He also felt that the Hyuga clan was always addicted to the Gentle Fist, fighting for a thousand years while insisting "the ancestors' methods cannot be changed," truly wasting the efficacy of the Byakugan.
Sakumo had even teased: "Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms? Which shinobi is that resilient to beatings? I kill people with a single slash."
"I looked through the records of Kekkei Genkai; Storm Release suits you very well."
"It's a Kekkei Genkai combining Water and Lightning nature chakra. Its corresponding jutsu formula has both the swiftness of lightning and the malleability of water, capable of conducting tracking strikes."
Hiruzen said slowly, "It's just that Storm Release shinobi are rare, mostly gathering in Kumogakure. So, don't rush. One day we will find a Storm Release shinobi. Good food is not afraid of being late."
"You might be thinking that doing the experiment as soon as possible is contributing to the village, but your existence itself is an important reliance for the village."
"You are my eyes. Many people say this, and quite a few are also inflating your ego..."
Hiruzen looked straight into Hizashi's Byakugan and said with a smile, "But I myself also think so. I don't want to go blind early."
Hizashi Hyuga only felt as if his whole body was struck by Storm Release.
His whole body went numb, and a wondrous emotion rose in his heart.
He couldn't hold it in anymore; he really wanted to die for the Lord Hokage right now!
Three days later.
Kakuzu wore the black cloak with red clouds that Hiruzen Sarutobi had draped over him on the outskirts of the Land of Fire.
Carrying bags large and small, and bearing a massive scroll on his back, he appeared near Konoha.
Inside were the materials and intelligence he had collected for Konoha, as well as a gift for Mito Uzumaki.
Last time, Hiruzen had told him that if he came to Konoha, he should visit Mito.
It could be considered a charming anecdote.
"I am already this close, yet no one has discovered me? I need to tell the Hokage they need to strengthen the village's security, although it's also because my infiltration experience is too rich..."
Kakuzu's green eyes scanned the surroundings.
Even he didn't realize it, but he was actually thinking about problems for Konoha.
And at this moment.
His appearance had already been discovered by the Inuzuka clan's ninken and the Aburame clan's insects.
The patrol units began to report it up the chain.
Concealing his figure, Kakuzu slowly walked towards Konoha.
But before he had walked far, Hizashi Hyuga, wearing the Konoha High Commissioner uniform, was already standing not far away.
"A coincidence?" Kakuzu thought subconsciously.
"Lord Hokage said you might be coming to Konoha recently."
"So he told us to pay attention, not to treat you as an enemy and harm you. I specifically came to receive you."
Hizashi kept a cold face. "Come with me!"
Kakuzu was stunned.
The Hokage knew he was coming a long time ago?
Could it be that his eyes could see even further than the Hyuga shinobi in front of him!
☆☆☆
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