Winds of Reform

Sarutobi Hiruzen believed that by reviving the previous Hokage, he could wrest Konoha back from the Uchiha clan.

How naive.

The Edo Tensei technique, while granting the revived immortality and infinite chakra, renders them weaker than they were in life. Otherwise, Uchiha Madara wouldn't have abandoned his immortal Edo body to pursue true resurrection.

Dan might be cautious if the enemies were the full-power versions of Hashirama Senju, Tobirama Senju, and Minato Namikaze. But against a group of Edo Tensei bodies? They posed no threat.

Let them come.

Once and for all, it would be an opportunity to lure out and eliminate the remnants of the old Konoha, led by Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Dan didn't fear strong enemies; he feared they weren't strong enough to serve as his training dummies.

Keeping Hiruzen alive also meant preserving a bit of excitement for the otherwise dull days ahead.

Seeing Dan's calm demeanor, Fugaku relaxed and said nothing more.

Trusting Dan was all that was needed.

Besides, the Uchiha clan wasn't to be underestimated.

Even if the revived Hokage attacked Konoha, the numerous Mangekyo Sharingan of the Uchiha clan would deliver a significant shock before Dan even needed to act.

Moving on to the main agenda.

Dan, as usual, was too lazy for long speeches. Hence, Fugaku took the responsibility of hosting the meeting.

Clearing his throat, Fugaku signaled for silence and began his opening statement:

"For hundreds of years, the way of the ninja has been to accept commissions, earn rewards through completing missions, and use these to buy food and weapons to survive. However, relying on others, being controlled by money and power, and disregarding justice and morality, reducing oneself to an emotionless, status-less, and dignity-less killing tool, is the tragedy of the ninja."

Pausing to let his words sink in, Fugaku looked around the room. Many nodded in agreement, especially Kakashi.

During the time of the Third Hokage, Kakashi believed that a ninja was just a tool without feelings, meant to obey orders and sacrifice for the village when needed. His perspective changed after joining the Uchiha and seeing things differently.

Fugaku continued:

"But now, things are different. The Uchiha clan returns to Konoha to change everything and offer Konoha's ninja a new way of life. Our ancestor, the Sage of Six Paths, established ninshu to teach people how to use chakra properly to create a peaceful and happy world. His initial intention was for ninjas to use chakra for production, not for killing and destruction.

Unfortunately, over a thousand years have passed, and the ninja world has created thousands of killing jutsu and even forbidden techniques. However, production-type jutsu is still at a very rudimentary stage.

From today onward, this outdated and wrong concept must be changed in Konoha. As ninjas, we must use our power to engage in production, making Konoha self-sufficient and no longer dependent on the outside world. Only then can ninjas earn the respect of the people and achieve true dignity."

Fugaku's powerful words were met with applause.

"Well said!"

"Chief Fugaku's insights are spot on. He voiced what I've always thought."

The room buzzed with agreement, and many clapped.

Indeed, using chakra and jutsu for production rather than destruction was a new concept. Most ninjas thought using chakra for construction was a waste, considering it more important for assassination, intelligence gathering, and sabotage.

But now, Fugaku's declaration showed the Uchiha's determination to lead reform, even invoking the Sage of Six Paths.

Seeing no opposition, Fugaku concluded:

"Since everyone agrees on the reforms, any suggestions can now be presented."

There was a brief silence as everyone looked around, hesitant to be the first to speak. Proposing an idea that didn't sit well with the Sixth Hokage or met with strong opposition could make one a laughingstock.

In this cautious atmosphere, Tsunade shook her head, looking around and seeing no one else willing to speak up.

She didn't want to waste time.

Bang.

Tsunade slapped the table and stood up, saying:

"I have some suggestions regarding Konoha's medical system..."

As the most renowned medical ninja in the ninja world, Tsunade's medical skills were universally acknowledged as the best. She had proposed the medical ninja system during the Second Ninja War, advocating for each ninja team to have a medical ninja, greatly reducing battlefield casualties.

This system was quickly adopted by other villages, saving countless lives. Tsunade's compassion earned her immense respect.

However, the deaths of her brother and lover during the war left Tsunade devastated, causing her to abandon her ambitions for Konoha's medical system.

With her passion rekindled, she aimed to make a difference again.

In the conference room, everyone listened intently as Tsunade spoke about her observations:

"Konoha's medical sector is ahead of the ninja world. Many ninjas, merchants, and nobles travel great distances to seek the best medical care in Konoha. However, we don't have enough medical ninjas or adequate facilities to provide satisfactory treatment for these patients. I suggest:

Greatly expanding our medical ninja training, building more hospitals and nursing homes, and developing new medical jutsu. This will create the most advanced and comprehensive medical system in the ninja world. Konoha's hospitals should serve our villagers and attract patients from other villages and countries. This will generate a steady stream of income. I believe this is a viable path for Konoha's ninjas to use chakra for production."

As Tsunade spoke, everyone's eyes lit up with understanding, nodding in agreement.

No one is immune to illness. Even the First Hokage died young due to illness.

Though birth, aging, illness, and death are natural, everyone fears them.

If Konoha could establish the best medical system in the ninja world, income would never be an issue.

"I'm done."

After finishing her suggestion, Tsunade sat down, arms crossed, waiting.

Everyone turned to the Sixth Hokage, awaiting his response.

Dan glanced at Tsunade, thought for a moment, and then ordered:

"Establish the Konoha Medical Department immediately. Tsunade will be the head and in charge of all related matters. No need to report to me."

Everyone was surprised by the immense power Dan granted Tsunade, allowing her free rein.

"Alright, that's straightforward."

Tsunade, pleased, immediately called on her disciples, Shizune and Anko, and said, "I'll get to work," before leaving the conference room with purpose.

Seeing this, the others were motivated.

Nara Shikaku was the next to stand:

"Tsunade-sama's mention of training medical ninjas reminded me that the current Konoha Ninja Academy cannot meet the village's needs for talent. It urgently needs reform."

He then provided detailed suggestions, such as rewriting textbooks, extending graduation time, and increasing teacher investment.

As the head of the Nara clan, known for their intelligence, Shikaku highly valued education.

His suggestions resonated with many.

After presenting his ideas, Shikaku anxiously waited for Dan's decision.

To his surprise, Dan waved his hand and said:

"Establish the Education Department immediately. Nara Shikaku will be the head and principal of the Ninja Academy. Handle these matters."

"Lord Hokage..."

Shikaku was stunned and deeply honored.

Tsunade was trusted due to her deep ties with Dan and the Uchiha. But Shikaku, an outsider, being entrusted so significantly was unexpected.

Dan's decision was unprecedented. Traditionally, the Hokage served as the Ninja Academy's principal.

Dan, however, had no interest in overseeing the academy and gladly passed the responsibility to Shikaku, recognizing his capability.

Additionally, Dan added:

"The Ninja Academy should not only train genin but also chūnin and jōnin. The academy's library should include all jutsu, except forbidden ones, for all students to study. Also, the academy should accept students from other villages if they pay tuition."

What?!

Dan's words left the room in shock. In the ninja world, jutsu was the most valuable resource.

Traditionally, the academy taught only basic techniques, leaving students to seek further jutsu through missions and battles.

Allowing access to a vast library of jutsu would be revolutionary.

Combined with an open-door policy for foreign students, Konoha's education system could attract talent from across the ninja world, generating significant economic benefits.

The Sixth Hokage's vision was extraordinary.

"Hokage-sama, I am deeply grateful for your trust, but this responsibility is immense. I might not be able to handle it alone..."

Shikaku expressed his concerns.

"Then let the Ino-Shika-Chō trio manage it together. No more excuses."

Dan's stern tone left no room for debate.

"Yes!"

The three clan heads stood and bowed deeply to Dan, grateful.

Unlike the Third or Danzo, this new Hokage didn't covet power and appointed people based on merit, not favoritism.

Anyone with ideas and abilities could contribute.

Dan's two appointments ignited the room's enthusiasm. Many offered their suggestions for Konoha's future.

Dan addressed each one.

For example, Yamato was appointed head of the Housing Department, responsible for building houses and developing Konoha's real estate.

Kakashi was made head of the ANBU and tasked with restructuring the unit.

The Hyūga clan continued to oversee the Police Department, working with the ANBU to maintain order while clearly defining their respective duties to avoid conflicts.

Finally:

"That's enough for today."

Dan yawned,

 got up, and left, leaving Fugaku to continue the meeting.