Yes, the Hokage

"I think Ms. Shizune would be very willing to take on the role of group leader. What do you all think?"

Shuimen opportunely chimed in, "The oversight team is directly responsible to me, without going through the council of elders. This ensures effective oversight without disrupting the normal operation of the industry."

Seeing that the three remained silent with stiff expressions, Feng Lan pressed on: "Of course, if you all feel that this suggestion is also inappropriate, then let's continue discussing the prohibition order. Anyway, Miss Shizune is already preparing a public address. When the villagers find out that Konoha's tobacco and alcohol are monopolized by two families, and that the tax revenue is flowing into private pockets, tsk tsk..."

Upon hearing this, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu turned pale, realizing that their greatest weakness had been exposed to the enemy.

"Fourth Hokage!" Mitokado Homura finally couldn't hold back any longer. "I must warn you that there will be enormous obstacles ahead. I foresee all sorts of unforeseen problems!"

"For example?" Minato glanced at him.

Mitokado Homura then realized his slip of the tongue and could only try to make amends: "If I could foresee it, would it still be considered an unforeseeable problem?"

Saying such illogical things proves that they are really desperate. Feng Lan only wanted to make a threat, not actually lift the roof off, so he pressed Minato's shoulder at the right time and said with a smile, "You guys can't blame the Fourth Hokage. Right now, the Hokage's office is short of money. We can't even afford to pay the ninjas' salaries, can we? You guys are sticking to your financial control and won't budge, so I can only try to find a way to make up for it from other places."

“If you all could be more flexible…” he rubbed his fingers together, “Of course, Miss Shizune’s point of view is very good, but compared with the needs of the entire village’s ninjas, the latter is definitely more important, isn’t it?”

The third generation and the others exchanged a glance; their years of tacit understanding allowed them to communicate entirely through their eyes: "How many do you want?"

"Thirty percent," Feng Lan demanded outrageously.

"That's impossible!" Xiaochun from the next dormitory snorted coldly.

“Then I’ll continue digging into your families.” Feng Lan shrugged.

"Twenty percent," the third generation declared decisively. "But from now on, no one is allowed to touch tobacco or alcohol."

These two lucrative interests were his core assets for winning over and subduing Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu. Although the three of them had feelings for each other, without mutual benefits, how could they possibly support him unconditionally indefinitely?

"If it's 20%, I also have an additional condition." Feng Lan only needed 15% originally, but the reason she asked for so much was twofold: firstly, she wanted as much as possible, and secondly, she wanted to add an additional condition.

"What do you think."

“Shizune’s proposal will definitely be extremely angry if it fails, and in the worst-case scenario, she might leave Konoha again. And if she leaves, Tsunade might leave too.” Feng Lan said calmly, “I need you to give me a bargaining chip, a bargaining chip that can keep her in Konoha… I want Kato Shizune to become a member of the Elder Council’s advisory group!”

He stated his request, and the expressions of Konoha's F4, including Danzo, all changed. However, Feng Lan said nonchalantly, "It's just one spot. She only has Lady Tsunade behind her. Without the support of a clan, how can she really become a powerful family?"

"Besides, even if you're worried about the vote count in the meeting, it's four to two, right? Are you all sweating bullets just because the younger generation has one more vote?"

“Provocation won’t work.” After a moment of silence, the Third Hokage said calmly, “She can join the council of elders, but only with the right to participate and speak, not the right to vote. That’s enough for you to keep that child.”

However, Fenglan didn't need this vote in the first place. This was the same old trick of lifting the roof and opening the window. If you directly asked Shizune to join the elders, they definitely wouldn't agree. But if you bring up voting rights, then a Hokage advisor without voting rights would be acceptable.

Danzo looked at Hiruzen and the other two with a sneer. "You people despise me so much, but now that brat is riding on my neck and shitting on me."

Hiruzen, and Fenglan... you two just went and reached an agreement over there, did you think I was completely incapable of causing any trouble?

Seeing that everyone had finally reached an agreement, Minato Namikaze said, "From today onwards, Shizune Kato will officially become a member of the Konoha Elder Council's advisory group. Fenglan, you can make the arrangements."

Feng Lan smiled slightly: "Yes, Hokage."

Chapter 48 Minato's Growth

Feng Lan originally planned to take the blame from Shizune herself and then use rhetoric to recruit her, so as to protect Minato's image to the greatest extent possible, since her job as the Hokage's advisor was to take the blame.

However, Minato firmly disagreed, insisting that he should communicate with Shizune himself, while Fenglan only needed to watch from the sidelines, and if he failed, then he could speak.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Feng Lan frowned.

“I’m absolutely certain,” Minato said earnestly. “Fenglan, I won’t let you bear all the darkness alone. Fire and shadow shouldn’t be separated, but should be a whole. The Third Hokage and Danzo’s model was wrong… Partners like us, who trust each other and help each other, are the best interpretation of the Will of Fire.”

"Whatever you want." Feng Lan turned his head away. He had to admit that he was still somewhat moved. It was because of Shui Men's sincere trust and care that he, as a transmigrator, did not feel out of place in this world.

Since Minato insists, it wouldn't be bad to give him a chance to practice. Shizune is an honest person, so even if he fails, there won't be any serious consequences.

After all, he is the Fourth Hokage, and one day he will need these things.

Minato quickly composed himself and called Shizune to the Hokage's office. Instead of standing behind him as usual, Fenglan sat on the sofa.

The door opened, and not only Shizune entered, but also Tsunade. She was clearly worried that her eldest disciple would be tricked by her second disciple. However, after seeing Minato and Fenglan's positions, she raised an eyebrow slightly, said nothing, and sat down next to Fenglan on her own.

"Lord Minato..."

Shizune took a deep breath, looking somewhat nervous: "What was the result?"

"It's a pity." Minato shook his head. "Fenglan and I have tried our best, and the final vote ratio is four to one."

Feng Lan could clearly hear Tsunade give a sarcastic snort, but he was very pleased. After being influenced by her for so long, Minato was starting to selectively tell the "truth".

Did he and Minato try? They definitely tried, although their efforts didn't result in the passage of Prohibition, they did lose in the vote.

These are the truths, yet they retain some of the truth... and it is essential for those in higher positions to be able to say such things.

"Is that so?" Shizune sighed in disappointment and bowed slightly. "Although I had a premonition beforehand, I still can't help but feel very disappointed after actually hearing it... Lord Minato, please forgive me for resigning from my position as chief physician at Konoha Hospital..."

She raised her head and said frankly, "To be honest, the reason I stayed in Konoha was because Advisor Fenglan promised to help implement Prohibition. Now that it has failed, I have no reason to stay here."

Her parents had already sacrificed themselves in the Second Shinobi World War. Konoha's bullies never hesitated to use bullying tactics against orphans. After her last support, her uncle Kato Dan, was killed in action, Tsunade raised her as both a father and a mother.

Therefore, Kato Shizune herself didn't have a strong sense of belonging to Konoha: "I will continue to stay in Konoha, serve by Tsunade's side, and then leave with Tsunade..."

Minato, perhaps not expecting Shizune to be so resolute, was momentarily at a loss. He instinctively wanted to turn back to find Fuuran, but he quickly regained his composure, took a deep breath, stood up, and said earnestly, "Miss Shizune, Fuuran and I have truly done our best regarding the implementation of the Prohibition order..."

“I know, so I’m not blaming you two, but I’ve already…”

"Miss Shizune, what do you think is the biggest obstacle to implementing Prohibition?" Minato did not back down, but instead showed a determined look.

"Hmm, this..." Shizune clearly didn't quite understand the higher-ups.

Tsunade took a deep breath and said, "It's those old guys in the Elders' Council, right? Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu have direct interests, and the teacher gets their support through these interests. No matter how hard others try, they can't beat those three votes."

“That’s right, Fenglan and I alone can’t possibly defeat them,” Minato said frankly. “That’s why we need to unite more people. Miss Shizune, if you want to continue implementing Prohibition… then join us!”

He extended his palm and said sincerely, "Feng Lan and I have secured a position as a Hokage advisor for you in the Elders' Council. Although you only have the right to participate and speak, but not the right to vote, this is at least a start!"

"Fire, the Hokage's advisor?!"

Shizune was immediately taken aback. Although she didn't know much about Konoha's higher-ups, she knew the weight of the word "advisor." It was something that even the heads of major families coveted. A person who could sit in that position could say without hesitation that they were the true controller of Konoha.

How could such a position fall into the hands of someone like me who has nothing but the status of being Lady Tsunade's disciple?

She seemed a little timid, but Minato didn't give up. His outstretched hand remained there: "Become a Hokage advisor, and you'll know what Fenglan and I are facing. You'll know who the biggest obstacle to Prohibition is. You can fight alongside us and realize your ideals through your own efforts!"

"We... need your help!"

Compared to Fenglan's calm analysis of the pros and cons, and his starting point of "how much benefit can I give you", Minato's recruitment words seemed a bit too passionate and empty in the eyes of people like Fugaku Shikaku, but it must be said... he was very sincere.

People like Shizune are actually more receptive to Minato's style.

Throughout his speech, Minato didn't look at Fenglan, while Shizune turned to look at Tsunade. Only after Tsunade smiled and nodded did she turn back and grasp Minato's outstretched hand: "Yes, Fourth Hokage, I accept your invitation. I will... become your ally!"

Feng Lan's lips curled up slightly. Minato had finally taken the first step. Right now, the Fourth Hokage's faction was basically his own private army. Rather than saying they obeyed Minato, it would be more accurate to say they obeyed Feng Lan.

Shizune is different; she's not Fenglan's subordinate, but Minato's... This will put Tsunade at ease.

Sure enough, he turned his head slightly and saw that although Tsunade was drinking, the corners of her mouth were slightly raised. She was obviously quite satisfied with Minato's performance. What she admired most was the kind of person who, although still immature, had the courage, perseverance, and determination to change the world.

Take, for example, Naruto Uzumaki, the protagonist of Naruto.

It now seems that Naruto's personality is clearly inseparable from his father, and Tsunade is becoming more and more satisfied with every trait that Minato is currently displaying...

[It seems that with Shizune staying, the likelihood of Tsunade staying has increased considerably. Minato performed quite well this time.] Fenglan, on the other hand, felt a fatherly sense of satisfaction. [That's more like the Fourth Hokage.]

With the issue of silencing resolved, there were no further obstacles, and Minato smoothly ushered in his speech day.

……

The morning sun shone on the square in the center of Konoha Village, where people were packed together.

This was the first public speech given by the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, in three months since taking office. It attracted the attention of not only the entire Hidden Leaf Village and the entire Land of Fire, but also arguably the entire ninja world.

The platform was covered with Konoha symbols on both sides, and below it was a large crowd of villagers, ninjas, and envoys from Sunagakure, Iwagakure, and Kumogakure. The Uchiha and Aburame elites lay in wait on the rooftops and in the corners, maintaining order.

Everyone had their own agenda: the outsider wanted to cause trouble, the ninjas had their own interests, and the villagers were wondering if the Fourth Hokage could truly bring good days to Konoha.

No one could have imagined that the speaker, the Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze, would be pacing around his office like a cat on a hot tin roof: "Where's my monocle? Fenglan, have you seen my monocle?"

"Where did you put it?" Feng Lan, who was doing the final proofreading of her speech, didn't even look up.

"I just casually put it on the table, but it disappeared in the time it took me to put on my Hokage cloak." Minato's head spun around, as if trying to find the thief hiding in the room. "Damn it, have those foreign envoys already started causing trouble?"

Unfortunately, he never dreamed that the troublemaker wasn't an outsider, but an insider.

"Why would someone steal your monocle for no reason?" After checking the manuscript, Feng Lan stood up. "Let's go, it's time to go on stage."

"But my glasses..."

"If you don't want to wear that piece of junk, then don't. When you appear in this kind of setting, people are focused on your identity as the Fourth Hokage, your strength as the Yellow Flash, and the direction that every word you utter represents for Konoha, not your attire."

Feng Lan patted his shoulder: "Besides, this outfit is already very handsome."

"Really?" Minato scratched his head. "I'm just wearing my usual Hokage cloak."

"It's mainly because you're handsome." Feng Lan shrugged. If it were him with his ordinary looks, he would look like an old man taking a stroll even if he wore the Hokage cloak.

"That's not how it works, I mainly..."

"Oh dear, let's go!"

Without a word, Feng Lan pushed him out the door, and as she turned to close it, she gave an OK sign to the people inside.

Itachi and Kabuto exchanged a glance, and only breathed a sigh of relief after the footsteps outside the door had faded into the distance.

"My God." He took off his thick, bottle-bottom-like glasses, revealing a small, exquisite monocle hidden behind them. "I'm really afraid the Fourth Hokage will search us."

"No, the Fourth Hokage trusts his comrades the most." Itachi comforted him with a smile, but sweat was also on his own face. It seemed that even for him, stealing the Hokage's glasses was too exciting.

"Let's go."

He patted Kabuto on the shoulder: "Our mission has only just begun, and that is to protect the Fourth Hokage's wife."

Chapter 49 Murder!

Kushina Uzumaki's identity is very special. She is not only the wife of the Fourth Hokage, but also the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. She is also pregnant at the moment. In Feng Lan's eyes, these three conditions are all debuffs, which means that she is destined to appear in a way that is extremely delicate and precious.

This has nothing to do with Kushina's own personality. In fact, she is a very heroic and positive person, and you could say she is Tsunade's second version. However, her special status means that Kushina is not in control of her own destiny in many things.

For example, during the Third Shinobi World War, wouldn't she have wanted to go to the front lines and contribute to protecting the village? You know, her husband, Minato Namikaze, was fighting a bloody battle. However, the Nine-Tails' power was too terrifying, and there was always the possibility of it going out of control (this was especially evident in the Minato Chronicles). Instead, she was not as flexible as other Jinchūriki (for example, Killer Bee participated in the Third Shinobi World War).

Now, the third generation has thrown her over here, ostensibly out of good intentions—you have to let a wife see how radiant her husband is, right? But at a deeper level, there might be a desire to watch the show.

As long as there are ninjas from other villages causing trouble, even if Kushina is not kidnapped or killed, just a minor injury to her could trigger the Nine-Tails to erupt and destroy the village. At that time, all the prestige that Fenglan painstakingly built for Minato would be completely wiped out.

Moreover, Minato himself will also fall into pain and doubt. At that time, he can jump out and say, "See, you didn't listen to me and got involved with Fenglan. Now you can't even protect your wife."

To think even more negatively, what if the Third Hokage hadn't reinforced Kushina's seal a few days earlier, just waiting for her to go berserk today? Although this possibility is small, it's still something we can't ignore.

Feng Lan knew this, but he did not persuade Minato or Kushina not to come to watch the speech. For the same reason as above, Kushina, as a wife, had the right to see her husband's handsome appearance.

Another reason was that he wanted to prove to Minato that he had the ability to protect him and his wife, so that when Naruto was born, he could try to get Minato to choose his own plan instead of listening to the Third Hokage and having him give birth in a barrier far from the village.

Considering that Kushina had been reinforcing the seal with the Anbu and hadn't seen her husband much lately, she might already be feeling somewhat depressed. Surrounding her with a large number of ninjas would only make her feel more depressed, so Fenglan directly deployed the four-person tactic.

Obito Uchiha and Kashiwagi, as members of Minato's team, were relatively familiar with Kushina, while Itachi and Kabuto were more like lovable children, so Kushina, who was about to become a mother, naturally wouldn't be too resistant to them.

Therefore, Fenglan directly chose these four people to protect Kushina, with Obito as the core. If anything happens, he can use Kamui to transfer Kushina to another dimension. Moreover, with his Mangekyou Sharingan and Wood Release, he is specifically designed to attack the Nine-Tails. However, since Obito has not learned Yin-Yang Release and various secret techniques from Madara, it is still uncertain whether he can control the Nine-Tails.

The other three are in support roles. Kakashi assists Obito in killing enemies, while Itachi and Kabuto are responsible for keeping an eye on Kushina. Kabuto, in particular, has excellent medical ninjutsu skills and can handle various emergencies.

Feng Lan himself stood on the side of the high platform to monitor the situation, with Shisui and Hizashi by his side. He used the insight of these two bloodline limits to guard against possible situations and to take overall control at any time to ensure that Minato's speech would not be interrupted.

On the other side of the platform were the newly appointed Hokage advisors, Shizune and Tsunade. Since it involved the future of their disciple, Tsunade was persuaded to come by Feng Lan no matter how unwilling she was. She didn't bring a wine bottle to embarrass herself, but instead looked around sharply.

Everything was ready, and even Feng Lan couldn't help but feel a little nervous. At this point, all they could do was their best and leave the rest to fate.

Minato strode onto the high platform, and the previously noisy crowd below fell silent. Bathed in the sun and the gazes of the crowd, he stood beneath the Hokage Rock, his entire being seemingly radiant thanks to his golden hair.

"Fellow villagers of Konoha, and envoys who have come from afar..." Minato began his speech, his voice clear and steady, "Thank you all for coming here today. I am the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze."

"In the three months since I took office, my advisory team and I have accomplished several things, initiating a series of reforms in Konoha: reducing redundancy in the middle ranks to make the finances healthier; establishing a standing new army to strengthen the village's defenses; and building a new orphanage to provide a warm home for children who have lost their parents..."

He paused, then looked at the villagers who had bullied him in the past: "I know some people question my youth, some doubt my ability to lead Konoha, but I will not convince you with words, I will convince you with actions."

[Not bad.] Feng Lan, watching from the side, nodded inwardly. [The emotion was quite good, and the speaking speed was also well controlled. It seems that the hard work these past few days has paid off.]

He tilted his head slightly, and someone in the audience immediately started clapping. Then, some villagers joined in, and the applause grew louder and more frequent until it became a truly enthusiastic clapping session.

"Long live the Fourth Hokage!" A member of the Uchiha clan led the cheers.

Many people also began to respond:

"The new orphanage is wonderful; the children are no longer homeless!"

"The children who were kidnapped by Danzo have all been rescued. The new standing army is a good thing!"