ch15

Anko smiled lightly and murmured,

"Student Nanaya, your way of hiding your presence isn't very good!"

At the Hokage's Office

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage, Danzo, Homura, and Koharu were engaged in another meeting.

This time, the room was filled with additional participants: representatives from the major clans and a few Elite Jōnin.

Nara Shikaku represented the Nara clan, Aburame Shibi stood for the Aburame clan, and Akimichi Chōza spoke for the Akimichi clan.

Among the Jōnin representatives were Hatake Kakashi and Sarutobi Asuma, the Hokage's son.

Why wasn't Might Guy present?

It's not that his abilities were in question—after all, this was the man who nearly defeated Six Paths Madara.

The reason was simple: rare individuals like Guy were ill-suited for formal meetings. His boundless enthusiasm and hot-blooded personality would undoubtedly disrupt the proceedings.

Even during Guy's application to join the Anbu, it was rejected during the Third Hokage's tenure for similar reasons—Anbu required calm and calculated individuals.

---

Stability Returns to Konoha

Kakashi spoke up, breaking the silence.

"Lord Third Hokage, several months have passed since the Uchiha incident. The village has largely returned to stability."

The Third Hokage nodded, his expression pleased. "Yes, this is the outcome I hoped for."

When news of the Uchiha clan's destruction spread across the ninja world, many rival villages saw an opportunity to strike.

The Uchiha were a formidable force, and their leader, Uchiha Madara, had once rivaled Senju Hashirama—the God of Shinobi.

With the Uchiha clan gone, Konoha seemed vulnerable, as though it had lost both its right and left arms.

However, the rival villages hesitated.

Small villages lacked the strength to challenge Konoha alone, and any attempt to ally with other villages carried the risk of betrayal over the spoils of victory.

This mistrust kept Konoha safe.

The major villages—Sunagakure, Kirigakure, Iwagakure, and Kumogakure—understood Konoha's strength. Even without the Uchiha clan, Konoha was still a formidable force, just no longer the largest of the five great villages.

After the Third Ninja War, Konoha and Sunagakure had signed an alliance treaty. Thus, Sunagakure stayed out of any potential conflicts.

For now, peace prevailed, albeit an uneasy one.

---

Updates on the Uchiha Clan

Iruka submitted his report next.

"Lord Hokage, Uchiha Sasuke's performance at the Ninja Academy is steady. Everything is back on track."

"Uchiha Sasuke... Itachi's only surviving brother," Danzo murmured.

The Third Hokage nodded, acknowledging the report.

As for another Uchiha survivor, Uchiha Nanaya, his performance was mediocre. Despite being placed under Mitarashi Anko's tutelage, he showed no exceptional progress.

Danzo's initial interest in Nanaya faded quickly. For him, the Uchiha name alone wasn't enough—without the Sharingan or remarkable talent, Nanaya wasn't worth his attention.

---

New Policies for the Ninja Academy

After a brief pause, the Third Hokage addressed the assembly.

"Everyone, we are living in a time of peace. Cultivating the next generation of shinobi must be our top priority. We will begin by reforming the Ninja Academy."

He announced a new rule:

Graduating from the Ninja Academy would now require students to be at least twelve years old.

This marked a significant change.

Previously, students could graduate as soon as they passed the Academy's tests, regardless of age.

Kakashi, for instance, had graduated at five and became a Chūnin at six. Itachi had enrolled at six, graduated at seven, and joined the Anbu at eleven.

The new policy aimed to provide students with more time to grow before being thrust into the life of a ninja.

This change was reflective of the more peaceful times. In contrast, during periods of turmoil, younger ninjas like Guy and Kakashi were sent to war early to bolster Konoha's forces.

---

Mixed Reactions

The decision was met with mixed reactions.

Danzo frowned, his voice cutting through the room. "Lord Hokage, this policy wastes a ninja's most precious resource—time. Talented individuals should graduate as soon as they are ready to serve the village."

His words, however, carried little weight.

Danzo's reputation among the Konoha elite was poor, and the majority supported the Third Hokage's policy.

Elite ninjas and clan representatives were especially in favor—none of them wanted their children sent to battle prematurely.

This new approach not only safeguarded Konoha's youth but also undermined Danzo's influence, further consolidating the Third Hokage's authority.

---

Danzo's Frustration

In the secret underground base of the Root, a loud bang echoed through the dark room.

Danzo's fist slammed against the stone wall.

"Hiruzen," he muttered bitterly, "you're still as naive as ever. Your kindness will only bring disaster to Konoha."

From the shadows, a voice called out—a magnetic and sinister tone.

"Is that frustration I sense, Danzo?"

Slowly, a figure emerged from the darkness. Long black hair framed a pale, almost otherworldly face. Blue earrings swayed gently as golden, snake-like eyes glinted in the dim light.

"Orochimaru," Danzo hissed.

The man smiled, the corners of his mouth curling into a subtle yet unnerving grin.

"Still chasing ideals, I see," Orochimaru said, his tone mocking.

Danzo exhaled sharply, regaining his composure.

"What about the research on the First Hokage's cells?" he asked.

Orochimaru's grin widened.

"Progress, Danzo. Progress. But patience, my old friend, patience."