Traveling through three generations: Making Konoha great again!

"Why did they suddenly cause such a commotion in the village...?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a thick cloud of smoke, his eyes gleaming with authority, and said in a firm and resounding voice:

"The purpose is to directly test the village's emergency response on-site without prior notice, reports, accompaniment, or briefings, and to grasp the most original and authentic situation!"

"Although the Second Shinobi World War is over, it is far from time to put away our weapons."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was loud and clear. After disarming his earth spear and getting closer, the Konoha ninjas all noticed that their Hokage had become younger and stronger.

Naturally, some doubts arose.

This was precisely the opportunity that Hiruzen Sarutobi was looking to seize.

Not only do they need to justify the "golden finger" (a powerful advantage or advantage), but they also need to use this opportunity to create a new persona and enhance their "authority"!

"Several months ago, Kushina Uzumaki was kidnapped by ninjas from Kumogakure (Hidden Cloud Village), and the Anbu, Root, and Guard Units didn't even react in time!"

Sarutobi Shinnosuke and Uchiha Fugaku both lowered their heads, their backs tense.

This is a harsh criticism from the Naruto.

"But is this light due to the Dark Guard and the Security Department?"

"In my opinion, the primary responsibility for this problem in the village lies with me, the Hokage!"

Surprisingly, Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly changed his tone and took the blame back on himself.

Fugaku Uchiha lowered his head, looking puzzled.

Huh, why didn't they take the opportunity to suppress the Uchiha clan?

If this matter is used to suppress the issue, even he himself doesn't think there's a problem, since a mistake was indeed made.

"Holding people accountable is to prevent complacency."

"But more importantly, we must prevent this from happening again!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi continued, "Therefore, I didn't rush to respond to Kumogakure."

"First, as Hokage and the person primarily responsible for the Kushina incident, I must ensure that in the next similar incident, I am the first to lead everyone to the front lines."

"Moreover, it's not just about charging in, it's about winning!"

"For this reason, I have been practicing various techniques left behind by the First Hokage and Lord Tobirama for the past few months. Although it was somewhat dangerous, perhaps it was the blessing of the previous Hokage that made some progress."

Upon hearing this, the Konoha ninjas all showed expressions of sudden realization.

Oh, I see…

No wonder the Hokage wasn't in a hurry to retaliate against Kumogakure...

He was doing this so he could charge into battle!

"Lord Hokage, you were ill a few days ago, with a persistent high fever..." Nara Shikayama, the current head of the Nara clan, asked after exchanging a secret glance with Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Yes, some dangerous forbidden techniques were used, but it's all over now."

Hiruzen Sarutobi bent his arm and patted his bulging biceps: "Everyone needs to get used to my new look, otherwise it'll be troublesome if you follow the wrong person when you charge into battle with me."

He also mentally labeled Nara Kayama as a "smart person".

I cracked a little joke, which slightly eased the tense atmosphere.

Overemphasizing his own sacrifices is actually detrimental to establishing his image as someone who endured hardship and bided his time.

The Chunin and Genin all looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi with reverence.

The image of a Hokage who practices deadly forbidden techniques for the sake of the village, who can also suppress his anger, and who endures criticism for the sake of everyone slowly emerges.

Kakashi glared at Asuma, his eyes full of displeasure, and whispered, "Hey, what are you guys talking about all day at the Ninja Academy?"

Asma's face flushed red, and she wished she could slap herself a few times right there and then.

Rebellious by nature, he often said things like the Hokage was just a grumpy old man.

"Secondly, there are the institutional problems revealed by the Kushina incident."

"Over the past few months, I have also conducted in-depth research on the village's system, such as the unclear roles of the police department and the ANBU, and the promotion path for Jonin."

"I will push this through and ensure its implementation. Everyone should be prepared, but the general principle is—to put capable ninjas who are good for the village in their proper positions!"

Danzo Shimura caught a glimpse of his two old teammates out of the corner of his eye, and a smug look appeared on his face: "Hmph, Hiruzen still trusts me, he informed me beforehand..."

At that moment, Shimura Danzo subconsciously ignored it.

These past few days at Root, he's been pondering whether Hiruzen Sarutobi is trying to seize his power or genuinely wants him to compete for the Hokage position...

The Jonin, however, were immediately intrigued.

Of the more than 10,000 ninjas and about 100 Jonin, only four are actually involved in village affairs decision-making.

Two advisors, one assistant, and one Hokage.

Although there are departments such as administration, medical care, torture, interrogation, education, and analysis, some of these departments are actually staffed by special high-ranking ninjas due to their specialized nature.

There is supposedly a "Jonin Squad," but in reality, it doesn't have much power.

The Jonin couldn't help but feel excited.

What will the Third Hokage do?

Mitokado Yan and Utatane Koharu looked at each other in bewilderment.

Institutional reform?

Why didn't you tell them...?

But in this setting, amidst the fiery atmosphere created by Hiruzen Sarutobi, the two of them tacitly kept quiet.

Speaking at this time will earn you the wrath of the Jonin!

Hiruzen Sarutobi slightly raised his hand.

The slight murmur of discussion immediately ceased.

"Next, we will summarize this emergency test."

"Overall, things are good! Our ninjas are still disciplined and quick-witted..."

"But there are also problems."

"What's going on with the roots? Where's the timeliness of your information?!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi emphasized his words, turning his gaze to Danzo Shimura:

"I'm not holding Root accountable for Kushina's matter because Root has a history of achievements, and I can't expect the intelligence department to know all of the enemy's movements."

Shimura Danzo felt a chill run down his spine. Was he going to be used as a scapegoat?

"I am responsible for this!" He had a bitter pill to swallow and dared not speak out.

The Root ninjas are special.

Because in the past, Danzo Shimura's training of the Root was brainwashing-style, completely a model for cultivating private soldiers.

The Root unit obtained the intelligence and adopted a strategy of reporting to him first before taking action.

Instead of simultaneously identifying, handling, and reporting problems, as is the case with the covert operations.

"You definitely do!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi scoffed, "Danzo, while there are objective reasons why you're busy with the Root reorganization, that's no excuse for slacking off..."

The ninjas kept their eyes down and their noses closed, their minds focused on the world around them.

This is a power struggle at the highest levels of Konoha, and it's not something they can interfere with at will.

But Danzo Shimura was a little confused.

Hey, what's wrong with the monkey today?

Was he actually praising himself?

They said that Root had indeed achieved results and also sent a message to the ninjas.

— Dissolving the root organization was not a punishment, but a result that had been agreed upon by the higher-ups long ago.

Danzo Shimura has also been worried about this these past few days.

After all, having lost Root, it's easy for people to think he's lost the Hokage's trust.

Even if one officially enters the line of succession to the Hokage, wouldn't that mean falling far behind others?

"Please punish me, Hokage!" Having figured this out, Shimura Danzo, unusually, didn't say anything about how he would regret it, and simply took responsibility.

Koharu and Mitomon exchanged a glance, their expressions both complex.

How come Danzo was so easily manipulated by Hiruzen?

"Let's atone for our crimes for now. After the Root is dissolved, as the vice-head of the Anbu and also the Hokage's assistant, you need to achieve results that will satisfy everyone."

"When the village is in danger, I, the Hokage, should be the first to rush in, and you, my assistant, should be the second!"

"If a similar problem occurs a second time, I will punish you severely! You must make a firm commitment to rectify this."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said this.

A look of delight appeared in Shimura Danzo's eyes. He hadn't been transferred out of the Anbu? He was still working in familiar territory...

Moreover, isn't this pledge a chance for me to show off?

Hiruzen, you really did give me a chance. You kept your word!

Since that's the case...

Danzo Shimura, his heart pounding, stepped forward: "If this ever happens again, cut off my head!"

"Okay!" Hiruzen Sarutobi was also a little stunned, but he quickly composed himself.

"This is the kind of support we in Konoha should have!"

Now that he had the chance to show his face, was Shimura Danzo so bold as to speak up?

A round of applause, though not very enthusiastic, broke out in the room.

But to Danzo Shimura, the applause was incredibly loud…

Perhaps it's because no one has ever applauded for him?

"Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka... Aburame, Kosuke, Sakumo." Hiruzen Sarutobi named several ninja clans and ninjas, offering praise.

They walked up to Hyuga Hizashi.

"Hizashi, is the Hyuga clan holding some kind of closed-door clan meeting today?" The Third Hokage, not one to hold a grudge, remembered this late-arriving Konoha clan.

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone was still relatively kind towards this branch family ninja.

He couldn't decide anything.

Hyuga Hizashi lowered his head.

Even before he arrived late, the scrutinizing gazes from everyone made his face burn with embarrassment.

But he really had no choice...

The situation is similar to that of Danzo Heishimura. If we report it to the main family and analyze it further, we'll waste time...

The Hyuga clan is essentially a "village within a village".

There are caged birds, which are like an impenetrable block of iron, impossible to penetrate.

After all, they were a powerful clan with a history of over a thousand years. The continuation of the family line was certainly more important to those in power than the interests of the village.

The value of rolling one's eyes in uniting the people is indeed extremely high, and one has the capital to do so.

Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered to himself that if he were the main member of the Hyuga clan, he would probably have similar thoughts.

But the problem is, he's the Hokage!

A ruler cannot tolerate such a situation under his jurisdiction.

"No..." Hyuga Hizashi's voice was barely audible: "Third Hokage, today was an accident..."

He couldn't say it was the main family's decision, so he could only offer some vague explanations.

Hyuga Hizashi was terrified that Sarutobi Hiruzen would continue to press him for answers.

But Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't, instead giving the Hyuga a way out: "As a noble clan with a thousand-year history, I respect the Hyuga's traditions."

"Always having your eyes rolled in the eyes in the village will definitely have some impact."

The ninjas nodded subconsciously.

Who doesn't have some personal privacy? Especially for ninjas, intelligence is the most important resource.

There also need to be boundaries between companions.

"Thank you for your understanding, Hokage-sama!" Hyuga Hizashi breathed a sigh of relief.

"Would you like to join the Anbu?" Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly changed the subject: "The village needs your strength."

In the past, the Third Hokage had discussed joining the Anbu with the Hyuga clan, but the main branch always deflected the issue. Over time, it seemed to become a kind of routine, and no one brought it up anymore.

At that time, they were probably afraid of affecting unity?

Hyuga Hizashi was taken aback, then blurted out instinctively, "I do, Hokage-sama!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled slightly: "Very well, Hizashi, I see you..."

He paused for a moment before saying, "And the Will of Fire of the Hyuga clan."

Then, Hiruzen Sarutobi cleared his throat: "Finally, I want to say something to the Chunin and Genin who came to our aid: I am proud of you..."

"Despite the intensity of my battle with Orochimaru, you still arrived at the first opportunity, showing no sign of backing down."

"With ninjas like these, we will always be at the forefront of the ninja world!"

"Since everyone loves the village so much, I, as the Hokage, swear that the village will never let your Will of Fire go unrewarded!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi solemnly made his promise.

"Gai, do you see that? This is the Hokage's youth... the Hokage's ninja way!" Might Guy's eyes were filled with tears as he tried to keep his voice down.

"I must get into the Ninja Academy and dedicate my youth to everyone and the village!"

"Father, I promise I'll work even harder!" The little boy with the watermelon-shaped haircut cried, tears streaming down his face. "Father, please practice with me some more later!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at the two clowns out of the corner of his eye and smiled to himself.

The father and son, with their unique artistic style, left a deep impression on him.

"Hey, you brat, what brings you here? And the Sakumo family too..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi curiously walked over to his eldest son and lifted Asuma and Kakashi, the two little ones, up: "You two are here to help too?"

"I... I thought you were so tired you fell asleep and forgot to put out your cigarette, and it set our house on fire..."

"I'm so sorry to have troubled Tsunade and Jiraiya to bring Kakashi and me here," Asuma said, his eyes red. "Father, I'm so sorry..."

I shouldn't have said bad things about you at school!

Upon hearing this, the ninjas all laughed good-naturedly.

Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed, "You brat, I'll settle the score with you when we get back!"

Throughout history, using anecdotes from family life to build rapport with subordinates has always been a common and highly effective tactic.

"Alright, everyone, get back to your posts."

"Danzo, Homura, Koharu, meeting at the Hokage Building tomorrow at 9 AM..."

"Sakumo, come here," Hiruzen Sarutobi whispered to him, "Help the Hizashi put on their Anbu uniforms..."

Sakumo Hatake nodded silently.

Meanwhile, Fugaku Uchiha, standing to the side, fell into deep thought.

He wondered if this was the same Hiruzen Sarutobi that the clan leader had described as someone who only AFK'd in the Hokage Building.

It doesn't seem like it...

"Tsunade, Jiraiya, your teacher's wife cooked dinner. Are you coming with Orochimaru? It's all his favorite dishes, so I'll add a couple more for you later."

Jiraiya nodded vigorously, but then stomped his foot angrily: "Ugh, I'm so angry! Sensei, why are you favoring Orochimaru again, just like before!"

Tsunade rolled her eyes dramatically: "If you ask me, there's no problem. Who would favor an idiot who just wanders around outside the village all day?"

"What?! Tsunade! Why aren't you saying anything for me?!"

Orochimaru watched this scene with a smile, then walked over to Hiruzen Sarutobi and said, "Sensei, Tsunade, let's go. If we keep talking to this idiot, his wife will be getting impatient..."

"What! You stinky snake, say that again!" Jiraiya jumped and skipped over to Orochimaru's side: "Do you dare to duel me? I'll beat you so badly you won't be able to eat!"

"You? Heh..." Orochimaru said slowly, "You mean you're stronger than my teacher? After all, I'm quite hungry for the food my teacher's wife cooked for me right now..."

"Oh? Jiraiya, you mean you want to spar with this old man too? How about tomorrow?" Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled as he chimed in.

Jiraiya's vision went black: "No, teacher, that's not what I meant... I'm not as tough as that snake!"

Listening to my companions joking and playing around.

Tsunade felt a long-lost sense of ease, humming a little tune, her profile bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, as she walked towards the Sarutobi residence with her hands behind her back.