Naruto: Starting as the Third Hokage with Tears in His Eyes

"So, Shikanobu, I'm entrusting the reception work to you. From accommodation arrangements and curriculum design to ideological education, you must do your best to ensure they feel the warmth of our Konoha family and genuinely embrace our ideals. I can't think of anyone else who can handle this task better than you."

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke slowly, but every word carried an undeniable power, like red-hot branding irons, imprinted on Shikanobu's mind without explanation.

Nara Shikaguchi opened his mouth, feeling a throbbing sensation in his temples.

International students?

A new order?

I haven't even looked at the budget report for the next quarter yet!

"No, Hokage-sama, what I mean is..."

"I know, I know you'll definitely find the task overwhelming."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone was full of understanding and comfort, like a perfect boss who could see through all the hardships his subordinates had endured. "But think about it, Shikanobu. When these Cloud Village ninjas return after their training, building skyscrapers, paving roads, and lighting lamps on their own land, what they take back is not just technology, but also our Konoha's values, and our belief in creating peace with our own hands!"

"This is far more meaningful than winning a war! It's a great achievement that benefits the present and future generations!"

On the other end of the phone, Nara Deer Antlers could hear his own heavy breathing.

He leaned back in the large chair in the Hokage's office, staring blankly out the window. Outside, Konoha Village was bustling with activity; trams clanged past, and children chased and laughed in the streets.

The future depicted by Hiruzen Sarutobi seems to be right before my eyes.

That makes a lot of sense.

"Moreover, this exchange is two-way."

Hiruzen Sarutobi continued, his magnetic voice guiding him gently, "The Cloud Village's Lightning Release ninjas have a unique talent for precise chakra manipulation, which could be a perfect opportunity for them to collaborate with Orochimaru's energy research department. Perhaps, they could even reduce the energy consumption of our village's chakra transmission network by another percentage point!"

"Deer antlers! Do you know what this means? It means we can save enough energy each year to support the construction of another railway line! Danzo's transcontinental railway network will reach Sunagakure's doorstep a day sooner!"

As Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke, he glanced approvingly at Danzo beside him.

Danzo unconsciously puffed out his chest even more, raised his chin, and his face was filled with glory.

"So, Antlers, I believe that with your intelligence, you can definitely handle it perfectly, right?"

Nara Shikano listened to the endless chatter coming from the communicator, his mind buzzing.

He heard about solutions to the energy problem and a grand blueprint for the future.

As the village's brain, he instantly understood the immense strategic value behind it.

Suddenly, the mountains of documents, the messy budgets, and the complicated government affairs that gave him a splitting headache all seemed insignificant.

It turns out that while he was worrying about daily necessities, the Hokage was already outside, ushering in a new era for the village.

An indescribable feeling of emotion and pride welled up in his heart.

Just then, Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone suddenly changed, carrying a hint of barely perceptible concern and weariness.

"But speaking of which, Antlers, you really need to take care of yourself. ... I can tell you've been staying up late again, haven't you? Don't push yourself just because you're healthy. The future of the village is something we all need to witness together. If you collapse from exhaustion, I'll truly be all alone."

Her voice was gentle and her emotions were sincere.

Nara Shika's heartstrings were plucked hard.

He opened his mouth, but at that moment, he couldn't utter a single word of complaint or urging.

"Hokage-sama... I..."

"I'm fine."

He finally uttered those three words in a hoarse voice, "Everything is fine in the village."

"That's good, that's good."

Hiruzen Sarutobi breathed a sigh of relief. "Well, I won't talk to you anymore. Lord Raikage and Mr. Tsuchishiro are still waiting for me to discuss the specific details of the exchange students. That's all for now. Take care!"

"Beep...beep...beep..."

The communication was abruptly and decisively cut off.

Hiruzen Sarutobi returned the communicator to the ANBU behind him, his expression returning to that gentle smile tinged with weariness, as if the strategic and decisive call he had just made was nothing more than dealing with a trivial matter.

"Alright, everyone, please continue eating."

He clapped his hands and smiled at everyone.