Chapter 18

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"Separation of powers?"

Everyone stared at Toki with blank expressions.

Uchiha Toki slowly and methodically explained:

"The so-called separation of powers is to prevent weak Hokage, like Sarutobi, from causing our ninja clans heavy losses. Legislative, judicial, and executive powers should be independently managed by three separate forces."

"Each branch will act independently and keep the others in check."

"We could form a village committee composed of representatives from each ninja clan, which would propose the laws for Konoha Village and vote on legislation. Then, each clan could establish judicial bodies, such as the Anbu and Konoha Police Force, to enforce those laws and assist in their execution."

"A village head would be elected to oversee administration, responsible for the village's day-to-day affairs, but not involved in law enforcement or judicial matters. This way, we can prevent abuses of power while ensuring the smooth functioning of the village."

"And Hokage? Well, Hokage will serve as nothing more than a symbol. Our current Third Hokage has already set a fine example by hiding away in the village. Since that's the case, the Hokage can be our mascot."

"In this way, when one Hokage falls, we can simply replace him with another, giving civilians a figurehead to rally around."

Sarutobi Hiruzen stared daggers at Toki, the veins on his forehead bulging in rage. Toki was brazenly humiliating him for his reduced influence as Hokage. Sarutobi felt a burning desire to order the Anbu to kill Toki on the spot.

Nara Shikaku pondered for a moment, a look of surprise in his eyes—it seemed like a feasible plan.

Meanwhile, both Sarutobi and Danzo wore grim expressions. Under this system, not only would the Hokage be reduced to a mere figurehead, but they'd also be stuck doing all the work for the people without any real power!

Danzo angrily shouted:

"I don't agree! If it's this complicated, what will we do if an enemy attacks? Konoha won't be able to respond in time!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen added with a smile, "And what about when another war breaks out? If no one has the final say, delays in decision-making could cost Konoha dearly."

Toki responded with a smile.

"Then let's establish a Village Defense Department, tasked solely with handling external threats. This department would hold no internal law enforcement or judicial powers and could be jointly staffed by all ninja clans. After all, Konoha belongs to everyone. I trust no one would betray the village's interests. We can call it the Ministry of Defense—it sounds better, doesn't it?"

"Until we get that department set up, the Uchiha clan is willing to temporarily handle Konoha's external defense."

Sarutobi narrowed his eyes at Toki, realizing what he was up to. Toki was clearly planning to use this as an opportunity to train his troops. But what he couldn't understand was how Toki dared to take on such a heavy burden. With the current state of the Uchiha clan, many of whom hadn't even awakened their Sharingan, they would surely be marching to their deaths on the frontlines.

Toki, in turn, looked back at Sarutobi with a sneer, and an invisible spark passed between their eyes.

Sarutobi spoke cautiously, "It seems like Patriarch Toki has been preparing for this for quite some time, hasn't he?"

Toki replied with a mocking smile, "Oh, nothing compared to you, Patriarch Sarutobi. You've been preparing ever since you calculated the Second Hokage's death, haven't you?"

The pupils of Konoha's "F4" (Sarutobi, Danzo, Homura, and Koharu) shrank in shock. Toki was only in his early twenties—how could he know so much about the events surrounding Tobirama Senju's death?

The four elders exchanged wary glances.

Sarutobi began to wonder if someone within their ranks had defected.

Meanwhile, Konoha's jonin started seriously considering the possibility of Toki's proposal. It had been less than 60 years since civilian ninjas had risen to prominence. Most of the current leadership consisted of jonin from Konoha's traditional ninja clans. Without the support of the daimyo or military strength, Sarutobi could no longer sway public opinion.

Hyuga Hiashi, glancing at Sarutobi, thought back to the tragic losses his own clan had suffered. A flicker of determination crossed his face.

A sudden sense of dread washed over Sarutobi.

The next second, Hyuga Hiashi spoke slowly, "I support Patriarch Uchiha's proposal."

Nara Shikaku's eyes sparkled. With one of Konoha's three largest clans, the Hyuga, standing behind this, the matter was practically settled.

Sure enough, as soon as Hiashi voiced his support, Aburame Shibi from the Aburame clan also voiced his agreement. The Aburame had long held grievances against the Sarutobi clan. After being forced to relocate to the outskirts of the village, they had been further pushed aside by Sarutobi's administration under the pretense of needing more space for the forests.

Despite their grievances, the Aburame were usually too reserved to openly challenge Sarutobi. But now, with the opportunity to strike back, Shibi stood up without hesitation.

Seeing this, the jonin from various other ninja clans also agreed to give Toki's political system a trial run. After all, with the Uchiha clan taking on the defense of the village, what harm could there be in trying it out?

For the smaller clans, the greatest advantage was strength in numbers.

Under Toki's proposed village committee, power would be shared among many, giving them the opportunity to unite against the Sarutobi and Uchiha clans if necessary.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, his expression dark, stared at Toki with utter frustration.

In his eyes, this move by the Uchiha was a case of mutual destruction—injuring the enemy at the cost of harming themselves.

In order to deal with him, Toki had gone so far as to rally the various ninja clans of Konoha. Even though these smaller clans were typically weak, if they truly united, they could become the largest force in the village.

Sarutobi had always maintained a cordial attitude toward the Uchiha. So why was Toki so hostile toward him?

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