Chapter 179

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The high-level tasks of the Anbu and the mission team needed to be handed over to Sakumo.

However, Hiruzen only handed over half of the Anbu. These Anbu were recruited from civilian ninjas. The remaining two squads were not handed over under the pretext of organizing unfinished long-term tasks.

In fact, these Anbu members were ninjas from the Sarutobi clan or other ninja clans such as the Ino-Shika-Cho.

Apart from these matters, there were also issues regarding the handover with the Daimyo, the allocation of funds from the Daimyo's mansion, and restoring the reputation of various merchants in the Land of Fire.

In short, Konoha still had many problems, and they were quite troublesome.

Hiruzen and Koharu reported to Sakumo one by one, handing over all the troublesome matters directly to him, making him understand the difficulty.

When the time comes, they would undoubtedly rely on these experienced advisors, as only they could solve these matters.

"There are also matters concerning Kusagakure and Takigakure. They will arrive in Konoha next week, hoping to sign a peace agreement with Konoha."

Hiruzen mentioned this matter last, but he still spoke kindly: "Fourth Hokage, signing peace agreements with these two villages will at least curb Iwagakure's expansionist ambitions, which will be greatly beneficial to us."

"Yes, I understand. It seems there are quite a few matters recently. In that case, I will need to arrange for some helpers."

Sakumo felt a bit of a headache after hearing this. He could handle these tasks, but they were not his favorite.

However, for the sake of Konoha, he could endure them.

In simple terms, Sakumo's character was like a strengthened version of Jiraiya. He was willing to protect Konoha and could endure things he didn't like for Konoha's sake.

"Yoichi-kun, I've heard that the Uchiha clan has good relations with many merchants in the Land of Fire."

"I understand. Leave those matters to me, Fourth Hokage."

Yoichi said, "Recently, I will have the Uchiha clan invite prominent merchants from the Land of Fire to Konoha for an exchange, ensuring they will issue missions to Konoha again."

If necessary, the Uchiha clan's businesses also lacked manpower. If Mina were not pregnant, he would be preparing to cultivate Edo Tensei sacrifices with Hashirama cells to summon more Edo Tensei bodies.

The Uchiha clan could issue many mission commissions to the village.

Upon hearing Yoichi's words, Hiruzen and Koharu's expressions changed slightly. Now, the Uchiha clan's businesses were famous throughout Konoha. Their supermarket and food district attracted many customers daily.

Although the Ninja Game Amusement Park had not yet opened, many people were inquiring about it.

Moreover, many people in the Land of Fire were paying attention. Once it opened to the public, people from all over the Land of Fire would come to visit and play.

The popularity of ninja games was quite high, especially with two wars, which led to two patriotic versions of the ninja games.

Almost sixty to seventy percent of the young people in the Land of Fire had played ninja games, fiercely attacking foreign enemies in the games.

Sakumo nodded upon hearing this and then said, "I will handle the matter with the Daimyo, trying to secure the post-war and next year's budget. However, regarding the peace agreements with Kusagakure and Takigakure, what are your opinions?"

Shikaku's heart stirred, and he tentatively asked, "Fourth Hokage, do you mean..."

"Takigakure is understandable as we attacked them first. However, Kusagakure attacked the Land of Fire without reason, causing many Konoha ninjas to die. Signing a peace agreement with them might not be acceptable to the families of the fallen ninjas."

Sakumo said, his principles were strong. He disdained Kusagakure, a village known for its opportunistic behavior. Although he could tolerate Kusagakure, signing a peace agreement that inverted right and wrong was unacceptable.

"Fourth Hokage, the village is severely wounded now. Too many ninjas died or were injured in this war. Defending the borders is already the limit. We cannot start another war."

 Sarutobi advised, and after he spoke, Koharu also said, "Yes, Fourth Hokage, the village's funds and military supplies are lacking. If we don't sign a peace agreement with Kusagakure, they might side with Iwagakure."

"Don't give them that opportunity!"

Yoichi said, "There is no need to worry, Third Hokage and Koharu-san. In my opinion, Kusagakure must pay the price for invading the Land of Fire. They must compensate Konoha for its losses and hand over seventy percent of their mission commissions!"

Hiruzen and Koharu's faces darkened upon hearing this. Shikaku said, "Kusagakure will never agree to such terms."

"Then destroy them!"

Yoichi made a hand gesture and continued, "If they disagree, then we destroy their village. Iwagakure is currently unable to start another war, and there are no other villages around that can challenge us. Takigakure will obediently sign a surrender agreement, not a peace agreement."

"That's too radical. Uchiha Clan Head, do you know that Konoha cannot start another war?"

Koharu couldn't help but speak, but she was interrupted by Yoichi.

"Who said Konoha needs to go to war? I can do it alone!"

Yoichi said, "Kusagakure has only about two thousand ninjas. I can handle them alone. If more than a hundred of them escape, consider it my failure!"

Everyone in the Hokage's office, including the Jonin and clan heads of Konoha, couldn't help but gasp upon hearing Yoichi's words.

Such a statement was too violent.

Jiraiya said seriously, "Let's try a peaceful approach first. There are innocent people in Kusagakure too."

"A peaceful approach will only embolden those in Kusagakure, Jiraiya-senpai."

Yoichi shook his head, "If you have a better solution, feel free to use it. I don't mind. Not taking action is fine too. I don't have to worry about the compensation for the families of the ninjas who died at the hands of Kusagakure. I'm just making a suggestion."

"We'll discuss this matter further when the envoys from Kusagakure arrive."

Sakumo said, noticing Jiraiya's intention to continue arguing. He made a decision to interrupt. There were still many matters to discuss and they couldn't be delayed.

Although Yoichi's suggestion was extreme, if slightly toned down, it aligned well with Sakumo's thinking.

However, Yoichi understood Kusagakure's nature. This small ninja village always tried to replace the larger ones, never recognizing its own strength and position.

Without giving them a painful lesson, they would continue to provoke Konoha after some time. A peace agreement would only foster Kusagakure's ambitions.

After discussing for a while, they finished discussing matters concerning the village, the Land of Fire, and other countries. Sakumo then said, "Thank you for your hard work. Next, we need to arrange things within the village. We may need to recruit a squad for the Anbu. I will issue an order in a few days. If you have any recommended ninjas, they can submit their applications, and they will pass after the assessment."

Besides the Anbu and the mission team, Sakumo also mentioned other matters. However, these were decisions he, as the Hokage, had to make, and others couldn't interfere.

Even Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, found it difficult to add to this. He could see that Sakumo was a principled person.

If suggestions aligned with his principles, they were easy to discuss, but if they went against them, even the former Hokage would find it hard to persuade him.

Sakumo was no longer just the White Fang of Konoha; he was now the Fourth Hokage of Konoha.

Next, Sakumo would move into the Hokage building. Besides the convenience for work, he also needed to guard Konoha's secrets. The archive room and the jutsu room were the most important places in Konoha.

After the meeting ended, those with no further business, like Yoichi, left the Hokage building.

He would discuss the reorganization of the police force with Sakumo after he had prepared a plan.

The Uchiha clan's Jonin assessment had already been submitted, with twelve candidates. Unless something unexpected happened, there should be no obstacles.

Regarding the recruitment for the Anbu, Yoichi remembered that Shisui's strength was also good, roughly at the level of a special Jonin, although he had not yet applied for the Jonin assessment.

Returning to the police force, Yoichi called for Shinji, instructing him to notify Shisui to come and see him.

Fortunately, Shisui had not been sent on a mission. Upon receiving the notification, he immediately went to Yoichi's office.

"Clan Head, do you have a task for me?"

Yoichi asked, "Shisui, I remember you've been a Chunin for several years now. How many tomoe do you have in your Sharingan?"

"Still two tomoe, but I plan to apply for the Jonin assessment soon. Our team lacks members, so we can't take on missions until we fill the vacancies."

"Are you confident?"

"A bit, but I can't guarantee it."

"Alright, let me tell you this: the Fourth Hokage plans to add a squad to the Anbu. Each ninja clan can recommend members. Your strength is quite suitable for the Anbu. However, if you want to apply for the Jonin assessment, becoming a Jonin is also good. The choice is yours."

Yoichi said.

Hearing about the Anbu recruitment, Shisui was tempted. Training in the Anbu would undoubtedly yield greater rewards than being in a mission team.

"Clan Head, I'd prefer to train in the Anbu rather than in a mission team."

Yoichi nodded and said, "Alright, I'll submit your name. However, you still need to pass the assessment to join the Anbu. After serving in the Anbu, you can still apply for the Jonin assessment if you wish."

After speaking, Yoichi dismissed him.

This time, Yoichi submitted three clan ninjas, all at the Chunin level but with strength comparable to special Jonin.

Yoichi didn't need the Anbu's intelligence. He just wanted to help Sakumo while also familiarizing his clan members with the Anbu's task procedures.

When he became the Fifth Hokage in the future, he wouldn't lack a team.

Today's meeting showed that Sakumo was being hindered everywhere. Without support, he would have to rely on the guidance of 'veterans' like Hiruzen.

However, Sakumo was popular, not only avoiding obstacles but also making Hiruzen and the others worry about their own positions.

After the new Hokage took office, would their advisor positions still count? Would Danzo's position as Hokage's assistant still count?

Hiruzen and Koharu were anxious, but Danzo, upon returning to the Root, immediately transferred crucial Root information and unrecorded Root members.

Those from ninja clans who joined the Root were definitely within the Anbu's records. However, Danzo had also cultivated many ninjas from civilian or orphan backgrounds using Konoha's secret techniques. These Root members knew only his orders, forming Danzo's last base.

Having nearly killed Kakashi before, Danzo didn't think Sakumo would keep him as Hokage's assistant. So, it was better to transfer his power early.

Back at home, Yoichi entered to find Mina coming from the living room, complaining, "Yoichi-sama, why are you so late today? Rin has been waiting for you for a long time."

"Sorry, Mina. There are many things to arrange after the Fourth Hokage took office."

Yoichi said, and then saw the young girl Rin approaching. She bowed and said shyly, "I didn't wait long. Yoichi-sama's work for the village is more important."

"Let's not talk about that. Have you decided?"

Upon hearing this, Rin showed a determined expression and said, "Yes, Yoichi-sama. If it's possible..."

When she consulted Kurenai, the latter didn't hold back and let her experience the power of the Sage Seal. After witnessing such strength, Nohara Rin couldn't help but think that if she had this power back then, she wouldn't have been easily kidnapped.

"Using my chakra to modify your body will make you more suited to Sage chakra. It's best to increase your taijutsu training during the Sage chakra modification period. If you have no issues, we'll start tomorrow."

Yoichi said. The reason for starting tomorrow was to familiarize himself with another seal. It was the method Orochimaru used to cultivate his subordinates, embedding his will within the Sage chakra.

Previously, he hadn't used this method because he was training his clan members and students, who were naturally on his side.

However, for Rin, it would be tricky if Obito used Kamui to hide, so Yoichi needed a fallback method.

"I understand, Yoichi-sama."

Rin bowed deeply after speaking. She felt that Yoichi was very accommodating, willing to help her improve her strength just because she was Mina's student.

She felt very fortunate to have met two good people!

(End of Chapter)