Hokage? Just a Mascot

"Separation of powers?"

The crowd gazed at Toki, their expressions bewildered. Uchiha Toki began with deliberate composure,

"The so-called separation of powers aims to prevent the emergence of incompetents like Sarutobi Clan Head within the Hokage, which could lead to significant losses for our respective ninja clans. Therefore, legislation, judiciary, and executive powers would be independently managed by three separate entities.

Each faction would exercise its powers independently, serving as checks and balances against one another.

We can assume that each ninja clan jointly establishes a village committee, which proposes village regulations for Konoha. These regulations would be legislated through voting, and then enforced by a judicial authority formed by members from each ninja clan, such as the ANBU and Konoha Police Force, for trials and enforcement against violators.

Additionally, a village head would be elected to oversee administrative tasks, handling the village's daily affairs without participating in law enforcement and judiciary matters. This arrangement prevents the abuse of power while ensuring the village's smooth operation.

The Hokage, then, would serve as our mascot. Since our esteemed Sandaime Hokage set the precedent of the Hokage merely overseeing village affairs, it seems fitting for them to serve as mascots. This way, we can replace them as needed, providing the common folk with a sense of comfort."

Hiruzen Sarutobi fixed Toki with a steely gaze, his temples throbbing visibly. This guy, taking advantage of the fact that he's not Hokage yet, is blatantly disrespecting me. Right now, he's contemplating sending the ANBU to take care of him.

Shikaku Nara pondered for a moment, a glint of surprise in his eyes. This might actually work.

However, both Danzo and Hiruzen wore grim expressions. With this proposal, the Hokage would not only become a mere figurehead but also a scapegoat for serving the people!

Danzo shouted angrily,

"I disagree! With such complications, Konoha would be unable to respond promptly to enemy attacks!"

Hiruzen's smile was strained as he added,

"In the event of another Shinobi World War, with no one in charge, delays could lead to significant losses for Konoha!"

Toki grinned mischievously, "Then let's establish a Village Defense Department, solely responsible for Konoha's external defense. This department would have no authority over internal law enforcement or judiciary matters. Members from each ninja clan could participate, as Konoha belongs to everyone. I believe no one would act against the village's interests. We could even call it the Department of National Defense to make it sound better."

"Until this department is established, the Uchiha clan is willing to temporarily take on the task of external defense."

Hiruzen squinted at Toki, realizing his intentions. He couldn't understand why Toki dared to take on such a heavy defense task.

Toki, with a similar cold smile, met Hiruzen's gaze. Invisible sparks flew between them.

Hiruzen Sarutobi:

"Toki Clan Head must have been preparing for a long time, huh?"

Toki's grin widened,

"Oh, come on now, Sarutobi Clan Head. Ever since you correctly predicted that the Second wouldn't let the ANBU stay behind for a rear guard, you've been preparing, haven't you?"

The four members of Konoha's elite exchanged glances, suspicion creeping into Hiruzen's mind. Could there be a traitor among them?

Konoha's elite pondered the possibility of Toki's proposal. It had yet to be sixty years since the rise of civilian ninja in Konoha. Most currently serving were Jonin from various ninja clans. Without the protection and deterrence of the Daimyo, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't sway the opinions of the others.

Hyuga Hizashi looked up at Hiruzen Sarutobi, remembering the tragic losses suffered by the Hyuga clan. A glint of determination flashed in his eyes.

Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly felt a foreboding sense of unease.

The next moment, Hyuga Hizashi slowly spoke up,

"I agree with Clan Leader Uchiha's proposed approach."

Shikaku Nara's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he stood up. With the involvement of the third-largest clan, the Hyuga clan, this matter was practically settled!

Sure enough, with Hyuga Hizashi's agreement, Shibi Aburame of the Aburame clan also voiced his approval.

They had always been at odds with the Sarutobi clan. Besides, during the Nine-Tails' attack, they were also forced to move to the outskirts of the village under the pretext of wanting forests. However, being weaker, the Aburame clan dared not oppose the move.

Now, with the opportunity to hit someone when they're down, they naturally didn't hesitate to stand up.

As a result, the senior ninjas of Konoha expressed their willingness to try the new political system. After all, if the Uchiha clan said they would take on external defense duties, then let's give it a try.

It didn't seem to harm anyone. For these smaller clans, the biggest advantage was their numbers. And the village committee established by Toki's proposed separation of powers system was based on majority rule.

This way, everyone also had an excuse to unite against the Uchiha and Sarutobi clans.

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Toki with a mixture of annoyance and disbelief. In his eyes, the Uchiha clan's actions were pure self-harm. To deal with himself, they even went so far as to mediate alliances among the various ninja clans.

These smaller clans, although weak, would undoubtedly become the most influential force in Konoha once they united.

He usually showed goodwill towards the Uchiha clan. Why did this fellow have such hostility towards him?