I founded the "Bragging Cult" in Naruto.

Chapter 424 Departments with overlapping functions are the biggest taboo in a company; what appears to be involution is actually internal strife.

"Top-notch bottle blower requests to join the battle!"

In Chenma's bedroom, he suddenly sat up, muttering to himself, but his eyes were not even open yet.

After a few seconds of stunned silence, Chenma finally snapped out of his daze, opened his swollen eyes, and stared blankly at his surroundings for a while before he could recall what had happened.

Scratching his greasy, curly hair, his sense of smell returned, and he caught a whiff of alcohol and some strange food odors, probably from not showering.

As Tatsuma climbed out of bed and straightened up, he immediately hunched over again, rubbing his lower back with one hand and his shoulder with the other, muttering, "Did I go and fight the Five Kage one-on-one after I blacked out?"

I staggered to the bathroom, but instead of turning on the tap, I used the Boiling Essence to give myself a sauna. Only after my mind cleared up and my muscles were less sore did I take a shower.

But when Tatsuma came out of the bathroom, his face was still very pale, his stomach was churning, and he had two big dark circles under his eyes, making him look extremely miserable.

"Senior Chen Yacha, the Hokage requests your presence."

Just after Tatsuma finished changing his clothes, a figure appeared and spoke to him. Tatsuma wasn't surprised by the person's appearance, as he had already sensed them. He nodded and asked:

"Snake Compassion? When did you join the Dark Division?"

"."

Having her identity exposed at a glance, Snake Ci sighed and said, "It was Biwako-sensei's arrangement. She said that the Hokage-sama planned to establish a special medical support team, and I was selected."

However, since the team hasn't arrived yet, I was assigned to protect Teacher Biwako. Today, she happened to go to the Hokage Building to discuss your jutsu, so the Hokage sent me to find you.

Sheji was among the first batch of students in Tsunade's medical training program, in the same class as Nonou. The two became students of Biwako and Tsunade respectively, and Tatsuma and she were somewhat familiar with each other.

Nodding, Tatsuma said, "I'll go there as soon as possible."

"I don't see that the Hokage is in a hurry, so you can take your time."

Sheci waved her hand and left Tatsuma's house. Tatsuma sensed that she went into the next room, probably to find Nono or Tsunade.

Tatsuma wasn't in a hurry. Instead of staying home to eat ice cream or going next door for a meal, he went out and bought some sour snacks. Suppressing his nausea, he slowly made his way to the Hokage Building.

"Knock knock knock~"

Inside the Hokage's office, the couple who were talking stopped. Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at the door in surprise. This kid actually knew how to use the door. Didn't he always learn from Jiraiya and climb through the window?

Moreover, he even upgraded his window-jumping skill, using Flying Thunder God Technique to jump through the window directly, giving himself no time to react.

"Come in."

But Hiruzen Sarutobi quickly spoke up, and Biwako stood up and said, "I won't keep you from your work any longer. Remember to put your promotional work on the agenda as soon as possible, don't forget."

"Yes, yes, yes."

Hiruzen Sarutobi quickly nodded, stood up to see his wife off, and Tatsuma, who had opened the door, did not come in immediately. Instead, he held the door until Biwako walked out and nodded to him. Only then did Tatsuma release the doorknob and follow Hiruzen Sarutobi back to the office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Tatsuma with some confusion. Tatsuma, who had just returned from a battle yesterday, was not as "miserable" as he was now. Was he just putting on a brave face yesterday?

That's true. No matter how casually you make it sound, this kid wiped out over a thousand Iwa ninja yesterday and seriously injured two Jinchuriki. It would be strange if he were still alive and kicking.

In addition, when Tatsuma returned yesterday, he was covered in blood and the news he brought back was extremely shocking. Perhaps he didn't observe Tatsuma's condition properly at the time?

He should have noticed, after all, this kid had surprisingly offered to rest. A pang of guilt flashed through Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart as he asked, "How are you feeling?"

"I feel a little unwell, but it's nothing serious."

Tatsuma told the truth, without offering any further explanation as to why he felt unwell.

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded and said, "No rush, just take your time to recover. I only asked you here because I have some questions to ask you."

"Please speak."

"In Minato's report yesterday, he said that after you severely injured Old Purple and Han, you chose to leave them where they were."

"That's right."

"However, neither our Konoha investigation team nor the Iwagakure investigation team found any trace of Rōshi and Han. This morning, the two sides almost clashed because of this, but fortunately, no one was leading or organizing the conflict."

Both villages have developed countermeasures, but the real leaders haven't arrived yet. They've only summoned ninjas from the surrounding areas to intervene in advance. Under these circumstances, it's difficult for a real conflict to break out between the two sides.

Tatsuma frowned, his face full of doubt, and said, "When Minato and I left, we confirmed that Rōshi and Han were still unconscious on the spot. After that, I'm not sure. Perhaps they woke up and left on their own?"

Upon hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. He believed that Tatsuma hadn't lied to him, and judging from Tatsuma's reaction, there was no indication that he was lying. Hiruzen Sarutobi said:

"I will have people continue the investigation. We have already done more than enough by sparing the lives of the two Jinchuriki. If anything goes wrong, don't blame Konoha. Don't worry."

Of course, it's also possible, as you said, that they left on their own after regaining consciousness, since Jinchūriki (human spirits) possess extremely vigorous and tenacious vitality.

Tatsuma nodded and asked, "What was Iwagakure's response to this incident?"

"It's the same old routine: a stern warning, strong condemnation, and demands for Konoha to hand over the killer. There's no real response; they're probably still discussing it."

Upon hearing this, Tatsuma narrowed his eyes and asked, "If the Hokage intends to do so, handing over the murderer would actually be a good option."

"nonsense!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi realized that Tatsuma was joking, but he still felt a shiver run down his spine. Tatsuma chuckled and said, "Really, Hokage-sama, you might want to consider it."

"After handing over Minato and me, Iwagakure will have no excuse to continue their attacks. And Minato and I will declare ourselves betrayed by the village, determined to leave it, and then, outside of Konoha, in the darkness, continue to give back to Konoha. Wouldn't that be better?"

"Don't try to scare me, kid. If you leave, who will I entrust this huge village to?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi was so frightened that he quickly waved his hands. If Tatsuma and Minato really became rogue ninjas, even if it was fake, he would have no face to face his teachers after death.

But as expected of a young person, their ideas are boundless and whimsical.

At the same time, he quickly changed the subject, saying, "With Shikagami there, you don't need to worry too much about what's happening in Iwagakure. By the way, I heard that Sakumo visited the Senju clan's territory last night?"

"Yes, we had a gathering, and I also heard what Lord Sakumo had to say about his future plans."

Upon hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi showed curiosity and asked, "I still don't know what he plans to do after retiring from the Anbu. Tell me about it."

"He planned to take over Lord Feng's position, so he went to Lord Feng's house to inquire about him, intending to cater to his preferences."

Tatsuma wasn't betraying Sakumo Hatake, because it was impossible to hide. Besides, the Senju faction no longer existed and had no conflict with the faction represented by Hiruzen Sarutobi, so there was no need to conceal anything.

Upon hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't think much of it, because both Sakumo Hatake and Torifu Akimichi were people he trusted enough, since neither of them would do anything to harm the village.

He nodded and said, "The garrison squad? That's a good choice. After Sakumo takes over, there's no need to worry about unnecessary interactions or conflicts with the Uchiha's security forces."

Konoha's defense forces are divided into two parts. The affairs within the village are managed by the Uchiha Police Department. Of course, their management methods are quite criticized. Sento used to say that Tenka was bullying men and women all day long in the Police Department.

The village's entry and exit, as well as affairs around the village, are managed by the guards under the jurisdiction of Akimichi Tokufu. For example, the two gatekeepers at the village entrance, who have a secure job, are actually under the management of the guards.

This is also why Akimichi Torifu was able to easily let the Cloud Ninja who intended to kidnap Kushina enter the village. Akimichi Torifu has been the head of the guard squad for many years, and his unassuming and non-competitive nature has reduced a lot of trouble for the village.

After all, there is some overlap between the duties of the garrison and the security department. For example, if someone rushes into the village and takes even half a step inside, both the garrison and the security department can handle it.

Before Akimichi Torifu took over, the guards would often rush to do the work in order to prevent the security department from standing out, which caused many unpleasant incidents with the security department. However, after Akimichi Torifu took office, this problem was solved.

Because the autumn wind takes care to adhere to one word, which is to yield.

Hatake Sakumo was also a very measured person. Over the years, he had never had a conflict with the Uchiha. In fact, he even had in-depth cooperation with the Uchiha during the Second Shinobi World War.

It is indeed a good choice for him to take over the guard squad. Moreover, with Sakumo Hatake's strength, anyone who dares to try to force their way into Konoha will not return alive.

After thinking for a moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi continued, "Torifu has great respect for the Second Hokage and is very supportive of the Senju clan. If you or Tsunade could step in, things should go much more smoothly."

Tatsuma nodded and said, "This is also one of the reasons why Lord Sakumo visited yesterday. My teacher asked me to go with Lord Sakumo to visit Lord Torifu at some time."

"Haha, I didn't expect Sakumo to finally 'grow up'. He used to never ask for favors. You'll have to put in a lot of effort. If you and Kaze can show Sakumo some recognition, his pressure will be reduced a lot."

Furthermore, Kakashi is a very good kid and a crucial pillar for Konoha's future.

Hiruzen Sarutobi made a pointed remark, and Tatsuma understood. Hiruzen Sarutobi wanted him to protect Sakumo Hatake, and in return, he would give Kakashi, the "future."

"I see."

"If there's nothing else, go back and rest. Don't think too much about what happened in Iwagakure, and don't put pressure on yourself."

Upon hearing this, Tatsuma nodded, then said goodbye and left. However, before he could catch up on his sleep after returning home, Kakashi rushed over to his house, followed by Obito and Might Guy.

"Uncle Chenma"

Kakashi, suppressing his humiliation, said, "Lord Torifu requests a meeting with you and your father, and hopes you can attend."

Tatsuma ruffled his hair and asked, "When? Where?"

"Now, to the third training ground."

"Okay, then I won't entertain you. There's ice cream in the fridge, help yourselves."

After Tatsuma finished speaking with a smile, he nodded to Obito and Might Guy behind Kakashi. Kakashi's eyes showed displeasure as he said, "Father only assigned the mission to me; they came along halfway."

"Kakashi, don't be so stingy."

Tatsuma pinched Kakashi's cheek through his mask and let go before Kakashi could struggle. At the same time, he sensed Sakumo Hatake's location and activated the Flying Thunder God Technique.

There were quite a few people training in the third training ground, especially children and teenagers. This was because there was no danger in this training ground, and since Tatsuma and Minato used to train here often, it had become quite popular.

"Torifu-sama, Sakumo-sama."

After Tatsuma appeared, Oki, chubby, and Akimichi Torifu greeted Hatake Sakumo, whose bandages had been removed. Akimichi Torifu nodded, then looked at a small child in the distance who was walking with a slight limp, and pointed at the boy with a carrot-thick finger, saying:

Do you know who that is?

Tatsuma looked over and saw a little boy with slightly curly hair. In an instant, Tatsuma felt a sense of goodwill towards him.

(End of this chapter)