Chapter 163: The Will of Fire is the Core Advantage
Kakuzu stood in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi, nodding in acknowledgment to the Konoha High Commissioners who were applauding him.
"None of them are ordinary..."
"I won't even mention the few old-timers, they are renowned across the ninja world..."
"There are quite a few young people too. The village truly has an orderly succession. Especially that blonde youth, he gives me a very dangerous feeling..." Kakuzu looked at Minato, whose face was full of a sunny smile, and memorized this face.
After witnessing Konoha's power, Kakuzu settled his mind again, no longer looking down on others just because he was experienced.
And with his mindset changing, the sixth sense brought about by his rich experience gradually became sharp again.
In the ninja world, shinobi who like to smile always deserve extra attention.
Kakuzu specifically looked at the nameplate on the table: "Konoha Alternate Commissioner Minato Namikaze"...
Either a paranoid psychopath, or someone who has the lingering charm to smile because their talent or strength is too overwhelming...
Kakuzu was a smart man.
Having just arrived in the village, although he had the approval of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Mito, which meant he had established a foothold...
No matter how beautiful Konoha was, it was ultimately an organization composed of people. Where there are people, there is a "jianghu" (complex society/underworld). He needed to slowly figure out the temperaments and dispositions of every important member.
However, Kakuzu wasn't under much pressure either. After all, he reported directly to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Doing this was simply out of a desire to integrate into the village as quickly as possible.
Hiruzen Sarutobi patted Kakuzu's shoulder. "Go take a seat first."
Kakuzu nodded, hesitated slightly, and walked over to Minato by the alternate seats. "May I sit here?"
"Please have a seat," Minato nodded with a smile.
Logically speaking, Kushina, who was also an alternate commissioner, should have been sitting next to him.
But Kushina and Shio Uzumaki were undergoing special training under Mito's supervision recently, so they didn't attend.
"Kakuzu is an old friend of our Konoha Hidden Village from the past..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi began with a smile. "He once had a history with Lord First, who praised him as a hot-blooded young man and regretted that he wasn't a Konoha shinobi..."
"Lady Mito told me that Lord First believed he was a man possessing the Will of Fire..."
"After some unpleasant experiences, Kakuzu became a rogue ninja from Takigakure and worked as a bounty hunter for decades. But remembering Lord First's grace, he has always been very friendly towards the Land of Fire and Konoha."
"Now, summoned by the Will of Fire, he has joined the village."
The Lord Hokage set the tone for Kakuzu right from the start!
The dual endorsement of Mito and Hashirama; this level of prestige was enough to suppress anyone's doubts.
And an interesting point was...
Although Hashirama's status and reputation in Konoha were rock solid, the Konoha High Commissioners cared more about Mito's opinion.
Because the smart Konoha High Commissioners understood.
Mito's approval proved that Kakuzu had passed the test of the Mind's Eye of the Kagura combined with malice sensing. He had been tested.
This wasn't something ethereal, but reliability proven by jutsu formulas.
Kakuzu watched Hiruzen Sarutobi, his expression showing a hint of emotion.
He somewhat understood Hizashi Hyuga now.
This was a leader who played by the rules. Not only did he keep his promises regarding agreed-upon matters, but he also always over-delivered generously.
"Hiruzen, taking in rogue ninja is still a rather sensitive matter."
Danzo, sitting in the Assistant's seat to Hiruzen Sarutobi's left, said in a deep voice, "In the ninja world, the Five Great Hidden Villages have always tacitly agreed that rogue ninja cannot be sheltered. This has been an unwritten rule for decades."
"The Blood Prison of Kusagakure was developed precisely for this reason."
Danzo wasn't just spouting nonsense; the ninja world did indeed have such a consensus.
Dispatching spies was allowed, but sheltering rogue ninja was not.
If this became the trend, it wouldn't have benefited any hidden village in the past.
However, even though he wasn't intentionally targeting him, Danzo did feel a bit uncomfortable about Kakuzu joining Konoha.
Wait, you actually agreed to join Konoha?
What happened to loving money like your life and despising hypocritical collectives like villages, as the intelligence said!
Can't you maintain a little integrity?
Danzo covertly glanced at Hiruzen Sarutobi. He really had no counter for the monkey.
He could even drag someone like this into Konoha?
At this moment, Danzo had a similar thought to Tobirama...
Why don't I believe Lord First really praised Kakuzu? This is definitely some unofficial history Hiruzen invented!
"I can't default on my bet with Hiruzen anymore..."
"Do I really have to walk all over the village smiling like Duy?"
"This bastard Kakuzu has a fouler mouth than Orochimaru! Working with insects like this, how can Konoha possibly be governed well?"
Danzo roared internally.
He still remembered how Kakuzu had cursed him on the outskirts of the Land of Fire...
Saying he had ruined Lord First's reputation!
But Danzo had no choice. He could only reasonably raise some doubts.
It was impossible for him to actually refute the decision Hiruzen Sarutobi had already made during the general meeting.
Danzo knew that his old friend had already been tolerant enough of him.
Other Konoha shinobi didn't know how much they envied his treatment. Pushing his luck would only lead to him being attacked by everyone.
Hearing Danzo's words, Kakuzu's face darkened.
This mad dog!
Really bringing up the most unpleasant topics...
Kakuzu was just about to say something.
But he saw Hiruzen Sarutobi make eye contact with him, signaling him not to speak.
"What Danzo said, looking at past conventions in the ninja world, cannot be said to be unreasonable."
Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled and said, "But those are the rules of other hidden villages, not Konoha's rules."
"Everyone, why do you think the hidden villages of the past didn't shelter each other's rogue ninja?"
"Can anyone answer me?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi shifted his gaze to Danzo.
Danzo naturally knew the reason, but he subconsciously turned his head away. This answer was disadvantageous to him.
"Sensei, let me speak."
Orochimaru stood up with a smile, his tone even but carrying a cold logic. "Under the premise of the Shinobi Rules acting as a highly efficient tool for ideology and control, sheltering rogue ninja is tantamount to providing a safety net for acts of betraying the village."
"This is no different from directly abolishing the core of the Shinobi Rules. Even if it's just accepting rogue ninja from other hidden villages, it will shake the higher-ups' absolute control over the shinobi."
"Rather than destroying each other and engaging in mutual attrition, it was better to establish an unwritten rule to each stabilize their own internal affairs."
"After all, the cruel, rigid demands the Shinobi Rules placed on shinobi were inherently a problem that no one could bypass or solve for a long time."
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Orochimaru with slight surprise.
Not bad...
There is progress!
Orochimaru slightly raised an eyebrow. He and Hiruko borrowing Hiruzen Sarutobi's quote collection to study wasn't just superficial memorization, but delving into the core ideology.
Just as he said, things are transferable, and so is learning.
Applying the methodology of scientific research to studying the Will of Fire caused Orochimaru's theoretical level to advance by leaps and bounds.
"Well said, Orochimaru."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile, "This level is even higher than mine. The village has worthy successors!"
This was originally meant as a compliment.
But in Orochimaru's ears, it made his heart tremble. "Sensei, please don't say that. I still want to learn more from you for another ten or twenty years! I am still young, I need further accumulation..."
After speaking, Orochimaru quickly sat down.
He seized this opportunity because he wanted to disgust Danzo, since Danzo had been the one to oppress shinobi the most in the past Konoha. But he didn't want Hiruzen Sarutobi to give him another push!
Orochimaru had already made up his mind...
Ten years. He would do at least another ten years of free and unfettered scientific research work before thinking about the Hokage position.
During this period, as long as his prestige in Konoha slowly rose, it would be fine. Orochimaru was truly terrified that Hiruzen Sarutobi would throw down his burden, quit, and force the Hokage hat onto his head.
It wasn't that he couldn't wear it.
But it had to be worn slowly, gradually, and with rhythm...
Hiruzen Sarutobi froze for a moment. Why did he sit down so fast?
He hadn't even finished praising him yet...
Originally, Hiruzen Sarutobi was thinking...
Orochimaru recently had unexpected results in his scientific research, and just reported a few days ago that there was a new breakthrough in the production of Sovereign Sage Pills.
As a reward, he had to at least help his beloved disciple build some prestige and highlight his merits to the Commissioners...
"Orochimaru is truly insidious!"
Danzo cursed viciously in his heart. "He was looking at me just now! Those words were mocking me, and by retreating in order to advance, he hinted to Hiruzen that he has no intention for the Hokage position..."
"What a slippery, venomous snake!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi ignored Danzo, whose face had turned black beside him.
A moderate amount of mutual struggle, blushing, and breaking a sweat was beneficial for keeping the organization vitalized.
"What Orochimaru said is the key to hidden villages not accepting so-called rogue ninja, because they are all in a situation of 'competing to see who is worse'."
"We must be clear that there are many types of rogue ninja. Some are inherently evil and commit all sorts of crimes, while others, like Kakuzu, suffered unjust treatment, couldn't endure it, and left the village."
Hiruzen Sarutobi knocked on the table. "I see a few of the village veterans change their expressions as soon as they hear the term 'rogue ninja'. This is very bad. We must analyze specific issues specifically."
"If one day our village is not governed well, and the shinobi at the bottom find it hard to even survive, rogue ninja will surge out crop after crop!"
"Don't think my words are excessive! Take Kakuzu, Takigakure insisted on forcing him to die meaninglessly. If he didn't become a rogue ninja, was he supposed to just wait to die? Even insects know to seek advantage and avoid harm. This is the most basic instinct as a living creature."
"I am absolutely not supporting rogue ninja, nor am I telling shinobi to make demands without bottom lines. When it's time to defend the village, no one can retreat; that is non-negotiable."
"We have the Konoha High Commissioner system, we have channels for feedback level by level. When encountering problems, first think about whether they can be solved, whether they can be communicated, rather than frowning and subconsciously feeling displeased the moment you hear them."
"Don't always cling to old concepts. We must discard the mindset that shinobi are inherently tools. Everyone here is a mainstay of Konoha, wearing the Commissioner uniform like the Hokage cloak, you should keep pace with the times!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi specifically looked at Isshin and Tenzo, those two old feudalists, and spoke with profound earnestness. "If the Shinobi Rules are so effective, why are there still rogue ninja? You must be clear that our Konoha's core advantage is the Will of Fire. Competing to see who is worse with other hidden villages is crippling our own strong points."
Fine beads of sweat rolled down Isshin and Tenzo's foreheads, and they hurriedly nodded.
The position of Clan Head alienates people.
Having been in high positions for too long, Isshin and Tenzo always subconsciously felt displeased regarding shinobi at the bottom resisting. This was a mental inertia developed over many years.
Kakuzu slowly exhaled a long breath.
He completely understood Hizashi Hyuga now!
Just listen to the Lord Hokage's scope and analysis, completely speaking from his perspective...
"Has Lord Hokage always been like this?" Kakuzu leaned close to Minato and asked in a low voice.
"Yes, Grand-Sensei has always been like this. He has always been very good to the shinobi, regardless of whether they are from ninja clans or commoner backgrounds. He is an amazing Hokage."
Minato said seriously, "He is a man like a great sun!"
Kakuzu took a deep breath.
Firstly, he admired Hiruzen Sarutobi's broad-mindedness.
Secondly, he also noticed Minato's form of address for Hiruzen Sarutobi—Grand-Sensei!
"A young man of this age who can trigger my intuition's warning is rare in the entire ninja world. As expected, he is a good seedling personally trained by Lord Hokage..." Kakuzu thought secretly in his heart.
"Lord Hokage's eye is truly sharp. Everyone he chooses cannot be underestimated." Kakuzu whispered to Minato, "Let me introduce myself, I am Kakuzu. I hope you can become my second friend in Konoha in the future."
The first friend, naturally, was Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Grand-Sensei's eye is of course amazing, didn't he choose you? My intuition tells me you are a terrifyingly strong shinobi."
Minato smiled, like a little sun. "My name is Minato Namikaze. I hope we can become close comrades in the future!"
Kakuzu and Minato shook hands amicably.
Hiruzen Sarutobi took all of this in and smiled slightly.
How to make an outside shinobi who newly joined Konoha become familiar with the village and increase their loyalty as quickly as possible?
Then you must help them establish their own bonds.
Minato played this role very well, and this was not under Hiruzen Sarutobi's instruction; he naturally established a good initial relationship with Kakuzu.
"Just Minato isn't enough, I think Hiruko is also very good."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart moved. "And Asuma..."
The main person in charge of Kakuzu's Earth Grudge Fear project in the Konoha scientific research department was Hiruko. The two inherently had a foundation for communication.
Asuma had often told Hiruzen Sarutobi after returning home these days...
Hiruko always worried that he couldn't teach him well.
Even though his teaching was excellent, he was still full of worries, feeling his actual combat ability and experience were insufficient, afraid of failing Hiruzen Sarutobi's trust.
Assigning Kakuzu over would smoothly use Asuma as the axis, making them unite closely around him.
Hiruko could reduce his burden and gain Kakuzu as a comrade.
Kakuzu could interact with Hiruko, a Konoha High Commissioner, and even become the second master to the Hokage's son.
Asuma could receive a good education.
Hiruzen Sarutobi could further win over the hearts of Kakuzu and Hiruko.
It was a four-win situation.
"This foolish son of mine is actually quite useful..." Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled inwardly.
He didn't have too many expectations for Asuma.
But as a lubricant for interpersonal relationships, he was solidly useful.
Including Shinnosuke as well. Becoming in-laws with the Daimyo had reassured the nobles of the entire Land of Fire significantly.
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Danzo. "Assistant, would you say I'm right or not?"
Danzo's expression froze.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's words were pointing at him.
The essence of the "Seisui" incident was Danzo overstepping levels and using his authority as Assistant to suppress him.
If Danzo had just explained a few more sentences on the exam paper, then Tobirama wouldn't have been able to organize even the ninja academy elites who trusted him the most, and naturally, the subsequent public impeachment would have been out of the question.
Even if he obstinately insisted on doing it, no one would support him; they would only think he was making a scene for no reason.
"You're right, Hokage is right."
Danzo sighed. "Not following the rules not only damages the village's system but, for me personally, almost cost me a beloved disciple..."
"Everyone, take me as a warning!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi blinked.
Listening to these words...
Danzo seems to be getting along very happily with Tobirama-sensei?
Hiruzen Sarutobi became somewhat curious. How did the two of them communicate usually?
He always felt that Tobirama-sensei wasn't the type to call Danzo 'master'.
"I'll go ask Danzo some day, it feels like it would be very interesting."
Hiruzen Sarutobi coughed lightly. "Holding this meeting today, the first is to let Kakuzu and everyone get to know each other. The various Anbu and Root must understand that this is one of our own. Some Jonin who often go on field missions should also be informed, the commissioners in charge can use their discretion."
"Just as the Assistant said, the thinking in the ninja world is still relatively backward, so Kakuzu's identity will temporarily not be made public. This is related to the missions the village assigns him."
"Now I want to talk to everyone about Amegakure and the economic transition of Konoha."
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