Traveling through three generations: Making Konoha great again!

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a few comfortable puffs of his cigarette.

Lighting a cigarette is a trivial matter and does not involve any transfer of power.

Everyone present was an old acquaintance.

But this means that Shimura Danzo genuinely agrees with Hiruzen Sarutobi's words this time and is eager to hear what happens next...

Even disregarding the Hokage's identity, let's focus purely on the content.

How many years has it been since we've seen a scene like this?

I can't even remember Koharu and Mitokado Hō.

"Danzo, you mentioned establishing the 'Konoha Committee.' Putting aside the benefits to the village and the Jonin, just tell me, what benefit would it bring to my authority as Hokage?"

"It goes without saying that we'll create a path for them to advance; even a Chunin could think of that."

Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a puff of smoke.

Danzo Shimura frowned, deep in thought.

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado were also considering this issue.

A moment later.

"It will naturally motivate the Jonin, and as you said, they will be able to create more value."

"If we can ensure the loyalty of those 'Konoha Committee members,' the village might operate more efficiently."

"But as for you, Hokage, if we disregard my gratitude for your promotion..."

Danzo Shimura shook his head: "It will probably take much longer? That's about it."

"The time will naturally be one o'clock."

"Integrating the trivial needs at the grassroots level allows me to focus on the strategic aspects and also gives me time to hone my skills."

Hiruzen Sarutobi first affirmed Danzo Shimura's idea, then smiled and said, "Let me tell you something you're interested in..."

Danzo Shimura's lips twitched almost imperceptibly.

Am I interested?

I'm only offering you a cigarette because you're so forgetful!

"With these twenty people, the conflicts in the village will no longer be focused on the Hokage alone."

Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled and said, "They are the buffer between the Hokage and the Jonin and Chunin. From now on, there are specific people responsible for all the demands, problems, and mistakes that have occurred."

"It directly connects with the ninjas. The needs of the ninja clan, problems in their work, and even conflicts caused by misunderstandings will be recorded against the village's higher-ups."

"That's human nature; when problems arise, most people won't blame themselves first."

"With the 'Konoha Committee,' they will take on this responsibility, and the Hokage will gain prestige by adjusting the direction and dealing with the problematic ninjas in a timely manner after problems arise."

Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane:

"The Ministry of Administration connects with the Land of Fire. You two have probably heard the saying that's often heard among the common people—'The daimyo is good, but the ministers have done a bad job of implementing it…'"

"That's the same principle."

Mitokado En and Utatane Koharu exchanged a glance.

No, what happened to Hiruzen? Did he really recover from a serious illness and attain enlightenment?

"Yes, that's a line I've thought about before, though I didn't expect Hiruzen to have already integrated it and was going to apply it to the village..."

Koharu, who was switching dorm rooms, spoke up: "I fully support this suggestion!"

Mitokado Homura chimed in, "Hiruzen's explanation is detailed and reasonable enough; I agree."

Danzo Shimura's eyes widened slightly as he meticulously and excitedly processed Hiruzen Sarutobi's words...

You can play it like this?

That monkey is so naughty!

This idea, which carries a hint of "human nature," undoubtedly struck a chord with him.

"As senior management, our most important task is to establish a healthy system, then observe the situation and adjust and modify it as it changes."

"No matter what system you are in, there will always be conflicts of interest. Conflict is not a bad thing. In any group, it is as natural as eating and drinking."

"For the future of Konoha, and to have enough authority to carry out the next reform, we must learn to be a 'referee' who mediates conflicts, rather than a participant in the competition."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said earnestly.

Koharu and Homura gently clapped their hands.

Shimura Danzo listened with increasing excitement, as if he had discovered some profound truth...

This not only taught them real skills, but also exposed their own dirty secrets!

Hiruzen Sarutobi keenly observed Danzo Shimura's expression.

"Danzo, I need you to change your mindset."

"The buffer layer takes responsibility for the Hokage, but it also opens up a path for them to rise, with subsequent benefits and honors."

"Even if the enemy printed out what I'm saying and showed it to everyone, no one would take it seriously."

"Why? Because this system has achieved a 'win-win' situation for both the ninjas and the higher-ups! If you always treat enemies like the Root organization, you will never be able to win people over."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone suddenly turned serious: "You made a pledge, and if I find out you're still thinking the same old way, don't blame me for disregarding our past friendship!"

Danzo Shimura's expression shifted, and he wanted to say something, but looking at Hiruzen Sarutobi in front of him...

She overcame her instincts and didn't argue: "I understand."

"Alright." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. "The strategy is clear. Now let's assign specific tasks."

"Danzo, Koharu, and En, each of you should draft a list of 'Konoha Committee Members,' with around thirty people, clearly indicating their specific responsibilities and the reasons for your recommendations."

Koharu Utatane asked疑惑地问道：“Hiruzen, weren't the 'Konoha Committee' supposed to select twenty people?”

"I also plan to set up about ten candidates..." Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile:

"A slightly larger number of people will help confirm your consensus. I will select from your list and also add some people I have my eye on."

Mitokado Homura felt reassured: "Hiruzen, don't worry, I will do my best."

This shows that the Hokage trusts them.

However, Danzo Shimura heard some strange noises.

Is this a warning to everyone not to write about their own cronies indiscriminately?

Cross-listing, Hokage selection...

Or am I overthinking it?

There was no way around it; the little lesson Hiruzen Sarutobi had given him earlier had made this dark figure of the ninja world a bit suspicious.

"Koharu, En, you two also need to spread the word to the higher-ups in the Land of Fire that Konoha has made significant progress in human science, and that I, as the Hokage, have clearly benefited from it."

"This involves a major project that will greatly benefit the village's future, so we must do it with absolute dedication and provide timely feedback," Hiruzen Sarutobi said solemnly.

"I'll discuss the specifics with you at a later time; let's proceed now."

Koharu and Homura seriously agreed.

"I want to promote Sakumo Hatake to vice-captain of the Anbu."

Danzo Shimura looked surprised, but a hint of dissatisfaction lingered in his heart.

Wouldn't that mean they're on the same level as me?

After the Root organization was disbanded, Hiruzen Sarutobi, in front of everyone, appointed him to this position.

"Danzo, you've shown me that you have the ability to manage a large department effectively."

"If you want to do more for the village, prove it to me," Hiruzen Sarutobi said in a deep voice. "Of your two tasks, one is urgent, and the other can be done over the long term..."

"The Tsuchikage Onoki's Light and Heavy Rock Techniques are of too high strategic value. We need to find a way to collect relevant information... After all, it is a secret of Iwagakure. The diplomacy between the two countries is still relatively normal at the moment."

Danzo Shimura replied, "I understand."

That makes sense...

I didn't make things difficult for myself.

"Find out information on the Jinchuriki of Kumogakure, by any means necessary!"

"Since they dared to attack Kushina Uzumaki..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi unexpectedly revealed a fierce glint in his eyes:

"I'm going to kill at least one of them, the Jinchūriki!"