Chapter 116

Kamonoto's experience was not an exception, for when he stepped out, he discovered a large group of bewildered people outside the guard department.

Obviously, they too were utterly confused by the operations of the guard department, and they could hardly believe that they had walked out of there.

Despite receiving penalties, such as compensating for hotel damages, and paying fines for causing disturbances and fights, that was all.

There was no further action, not even detention. The guard department simply brushed it off with, "Haven't you already spent a night?"

Such handling left them all at a loss, feeling as if they'd experienced something surreal.

Interestingly enough, upon returning, they shared their experiences.

They were mostly civilian ninjas, their families mostly civilians as well. As the word spread, almost the entire village of Konoha came to know about it.

Of course, most people didn't believe it, as hearing is less certain than seeing.

Their preconceptions of the guard department were too ingrained. They naturally wouldn't believe it without personal experience.

It can only be said that the work of the guard department is far from finished, but they've certainly made a good start.

"It seems they're doing quite well."

Walking on the street, Kaito heard such discussions. Without hesitation, he remarked that the guard department was now 'trending'.

The department that the villagers of Konoha dealt with most often, besides the mission department, was likely the guard department.

Thus, happenings in this department naturally piqued their interest, especially since the reputation of the guard department had drastically changed from negative to positive.

In the face of such contrast, they were more than eager to discuss these matters.

After listening for a while, Kaito was quite pleased, as it also proved that the changes he had brought about were successful.

Moreover, it proved that the people of the guard department were strictly adhering to his guidelines, and he believed that things would only get better.

"However, as the guard department improves, I'm afraid Sarutobi Hiruzen will have a bigger headache."

Kaito mused to himself. Even though he had been focusing on clan reform and laboratory projects recently, it didn't mean he was unaware of the outside situation.

After the last exposure of the Danzō incident, major families had inserted their hands into domains previously out of their reach.

And those clan departments also began a thorough purge, sweeping many people from their own departments. Obviously, these people were Sarutobi Hiruzen's men!

However, Kaito believed that they wouldn't go to extremes, at least not like the Uchiha clan.

Within their jurisdiction, there were definitely still people belonging to Sarutobi Hiruzen, only that these people now found it difficult to exert significant influence.

Frankly speaking, Kaito's cleanup of Danzō led to a behind-the-scenes reshuffle in the whole village of Konoha.

Even though the Third Hokage was still influential, his sway was definitely not as lethal as before.

For him, this was undoubtedly a colossal loss. He was licking his wounds now, but his hatred for Kaito, for the Uchihas, was bone-deep!

It's not hard to imagine that once he recovers, and once the scandal of Danzō dies down, he will certainly make a comeback.

"At that time, I'm curious to see whether you'll win, or whether we'll win!"

Thinking of this, a sardonic smile couldn't help but appear on Kaito's face. However, his smile didn't last long as a voice brought him back to reality.

"That smile looks strange on you. Are you concocting some nefarious scheme?"

The voice was lazy, but it was pleasing to the ear. Kaito instantly recognized its owner. He turned his head, and his smile returned to normal.

"So you know what I'm thinking again. But it really has been a while, Yaneko."

Given the current situation, probably only his old classmate and teammate Nara Yaneko would dare to talk so casually with Kaito.

At this moment, Yaneko had her black hair draped behind her, wearing a simple ninja outfit, and her forehead protector was tied to her arm.

She looked heroic but carried a lazy vibe about her.

She stepped in front of Kaito and gave him a once-over before saying, "By the way, I haven't had the chance to congratulate you. Kudos on becoming the Uchiha clan leader."

"You're making it sound like we're strangers," Kaito spread his hands helplessly, he sighed softly, "Besides, under my circumstances, would you dare to see me before the situation was clear?"

In response to Kaito's words, Yaneko offered no opinion, because such a question didn't need an answer.

To be honest, Nara Yaneko was also astonished by the actions of her old classmate.

That he had quietly become the leader of the enormous Uchiha clan at such a young age, it was somewhat beyond Yaneko's comprehension.

What exceeded her understanding even more was that after becoming the clan leader, Kaito did something so fearsome.

He led his clan to attack a senior figure of Konoha and not only that, he came out unscathed from such an assault!

Because his actions were reasonable and justified—not only morally but physically as well.

Under such circumstances, even the Hokage was forced to make concessions.

His clan and allies also received unimaginable benefits due to the Hokage's decision, and even all the ninja clans in Konoha reaped numerous benefits!

Even her cousin, Nara Shikaku, had praised this old classmate of hers at home, which was indeed rare.

Powerful, intelligent, and adept at seizing opportunities—this is how the major families perceive the new leader of the Uchiha clan.

Especially with the rumors now spreading among the populace about the guard department, it's evident that Kaito certainly deserves such recognition!

"Alright, indeed I didn't dare."

Yaneko nodded, and then suddenly she smiled at Kaito and said.

"But you really know how to keep things hidden. I was worried about your situation initially, but it turns out you had everything prepared. No wonder you were so calm back then."

"Maybe not entirely. Many things weren't settled then, and I was also quite lost."

Kaito gently shook his head, then took a look around the environment before saying,

"Shall we take a walk? Standing here all the time doesn't look too good, does it?"

"Thank you for the invitation, Clan Leader Kaito."

Yaneko showed no signs of refusal. She didn't have any duties today, and originally she just didn't want to stay at home and listen to her mother's nagging, so she came out.

Now that she had run into Kaito, she was more than happy to accompany her old classmate, who had turned Konoha upside down.

Being clever, she naturally knew that the most troublesome and dangerous situation had temporarily passed. Even her cousin spoke freely about the Uchihas.

In that case, what was there to worry about?

"Oh come on, just call me Kaito. The clan members call me 'Clan Leader' all day long, and it's really uncomfortable to hear."

Kaito sighed helplessly as he walked and talked.

"I admit, it felt pretty cool at first, but it got weird after a while."

"People are always so peculiar. But you're not just a clan leader; you're also the head of the guard department."

Yaneko gestured around, then looked at Kaito with a smile.

"Look, they seem quite happy with the changes in your department, don't they? You've done a good job, it seems."

On this point, Kaito didn't respond with words, but with a smile. He was indeed quite pleased, and he saw no reason to hide it.

However, the time was still short. For better results, one could only wait for time to ferment.

"But I have some immature opinions. I wonder if the minister would like to hear them?"

Suddenly, Yaneko's voice dropped quite a bit. She looked around before whispering.

Her actions amused Kaito, but at the same time, they made him more serious.

Because every time she acted like this, she would say something very useful and effective.

Even if it wasn't of much use to Kaito, it still represented the goodwill of her or her family behind her.

"Do you think I wouldn't listen to what you have to say? Even though I might not follow it."

Kaito also lowered his voice, quickly responding.

"I heard from my cousin that you Uchihas seem to be planning to open up the guard department, and you've even invited my cousin to send some people over."

Yaneko didn't mind Kaito's teasing, and continued whispering.

"I guess not everyone is willing to send people over at the moment, because the reputation of the guard department isn't really good.

On one hand, everyone is busy with their own affairs; on the other hand, they're worried that although you want people and it looks like sharing the cake, it's actually sharing the suffering.

Every clan cherishes its members in Konoha, and it's hard for them to make up their minds without seeing actual changes.

Now you are indeed changing, and it seems to be working, but it takes time, and it also needs people to help you spread the word.

Given that, why not consider bringing some civilian ninjas into the guard department after you've opened it up?

Allowing them in can help spread the word, and it can also show your thorough intention to change."

Yaneko's words stunned Kaito because this girl was thinking exactly what he was!

Although the timing sequence was a little off, his plan was to invite civilian ninjas after the public saw their changes.

Then, through the real feelings of these civilian ninjas who joined in, and after those feelings were passed on, they would then target the clan ninjas.

However, the fact that she could think of all these things and make so many analyses and give the best answer without much information support, Kaito would thank her in any case.

Especially the fact that she could voice these thoughts, which was the most important, after all, no one knew exactly what the Uchihas were thinking.

However, before Kaito had a chance to respond, Yaneko spoke again.

"But if you really plan to focus on the clan ninjas, then I have a suggestion.

That is, the Hyuga clan..."

//

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