Traveling through three generations: Making Konoha great again!

After listening to Hiruzen Sarutobi's self-narration.

The three ninjas fell into a long silence and were deeply shocked.

Why have teachers in the past always emphasized a conservative approach?

Why has the style of Naruto changed so drastically, making him seem like a completely different person?

Everything now has an explanation.

Tsunade and Jiraiya exchanged a glance, both able to see the complex emotions in each other's eyes.

They have something in common regarding why they don't want to become Hokage.

It's not just about being busy with government affairs.

On a deeper level, it's also because the previous Hokage was too illustrious...

Hashirama Senju is the god of the ninja world; his fame needs no further explanation.

While the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, did not possess the immense power of Hashirama Senju, his inventions of various ninjutsu and the policies he initiated were a generation ahead of the ninja world.

In a sense, his deterrent power in the eyes of the enemy was only half a level lower than that of Hashirama Senju.

After all, the God of the Ninja World, though powerful, was too fond of peace.

But Tobirama Senju is a ruthless character who can revive his enemies' friends and acquaintances to use as bombs...

Both Jiraiya and Tsunade subconsciously harbored thoughts similar to Hiruzen Sarutobi's...

If they were to become Hokage, could they surpass their predecessors?

Even setting aside Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju, Hiruzen Sarutobi in his youth displayed abilities and talents that probably even the two of them couldn't match.

Orochimaru's gaze softened considerably.

Compared to Jiraiya and Tsunade, he didn't feel as much responsibility towards the village.

What he cared about more was his relationship with Hiruzen Sarutobi, Jiraiya, and Tsunade.

Especially his mentor and father figure, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

The teacher who once taught him everything and valued him highly gradually drifted away from him, and this estrangement became a huge knot in his heart...

But geniuses are always proud.

Orochimaru had no intention of apologizing to Hiruzen Sarutobi, nor did he believe he was wrong...

He needs to achieve something great so that the teacher can see it, and then the right or wrong will become self-evident...

But today, Hiruzen Sarutobi has so frankly opened up about his feelings.

Clearly, he still considers himself a trusted disciple.

In addition, the understatement of the negative information and the show of concern for him in front of others...

Orochimaru felt a pang of sadness.

Hiruzen Sarutobi silently observed the reactions of his three disciples.

At this point, there was a relatively reasonable explanation for his sudden change in personality.

If you do something in the future that doesn't fit your previous persona, don't take it to heart.

It's pretty much what he thought...

With the bond between master and disciple as a foundation, even if there were some misunderstandings and estrangements in the past, as long as nothing irreparable happens, they can all be easily resolved.

Unlike in front of everyone else in the village.

In front of the crowd, Hiruzen Sarutobi could not show this side of himself; at most, he could only "endure" it, because what the ninjas wanted was a reliable leader, not an old man who needed sympathy.

But with his three apprentices, this open and honest "vulnerability" resonated with them.

They are "master and apprentice", not simply a superior-subordinate relationship.

Being too closed off or too perfect will create a sense of distance between them. Having weaknesses makes a person more complete and real, which in turn stimulates their "reciprocal" feelings.

"Teacher, you've worked so hard..."

Tsunade spoke slowly, a hint of tears glistening in her eyes: "You've already tried so hard, don't push yourself to the point of collapse..."

So, the old man was under so much pressure that he felt death was a kind of relief?

She, as the apprentice, didn't even notice...

Or perhaps they sensed something amiss but failed to show concern for the teacher in time!

That's just too much...

Jiraiya's gaze was firm as he spoke in a deep voice, "Master, don't underestimate me! Even though I'm your least intelligent disciple, I can still help you out!"

Orochimaru said softly, "Teacher, I will help you."

Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed: "Alright... With the three of you saying that, I feel much more at ease."

"Konoha is facing many problems right now."

"The first major problem is the proliferation of factions, with a lack of trust and cooperation between the various ninja clans towards the village leadership. This is true for the Hyuga clan, and even more so for the Uchiha clan, which harbors antagonistic sentiments."

"Even the ninja clans like Inuzuka, Aburame, and Kurama, while willing to cooperate with the village, don't have an ideal level of cooperation."

"Why?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked.

"Because they don't have the Will of Fire?" Jiraiya asked tentatively after pondering for a while.

Upon hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed: "Good disciple, I didn't expect Mount Myōboku to teach you an S-rank forbidden technique. This is a kind of labeling technique that even I, the Hokage, don't use lightly..."

"You're quite the natural-born kid!"

Remove you from the list of those who are imprisoned!

"The Toad Spirit of Mount Myōboku, the Immortal Sovereign, is truly awe-inspiring. Is he about to expel someone from Konoha?" Orochimaru raised an eyebrow.

"If you were to become Hokage, Konoha would probably lose a third of its population..."

Tsunade couldn't hold back any longer: "Jiraiya, I think you're the one with the least Will of Fire. What do you have to say for yourself?"

Jiraiya looked at Tsunade and waved his hand dismissively: "You're a true patron, whatever you say is right... You stinky snake, that's not what I meant, I just don't understand..."

"So what do you think?"

"Perhaps there's no future in it?" Orochimaru murmured.

"The village can be considered high-ranking, with the four teachers and at most one Jonin class leader, Nara Shikayama, who has little presence."

"The first generation passed it on to the second generation, and the second generation passed it on to his apprentice and teacher. The other three disciples shared the position."

"The Nara clan is the teacher's core group; where is there room for anyone else?"

"If you were a Jonin, seeing this situation, not to mention whether you would feel dissatisfied, it's inevitable that other emotions would arise in your heart when your path to advancement is blocked."

Jiraiya opened his mouth.

"It's your personal freedom to not want to become Hokage, you disciple of the Hokage. I won't make any further judgments."

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes: "But do you know that this identity of yours is something countless ninja clans would sell their possessions for?"

Tsunade unconsciously started fidgeting with her fingers.

Although her grandfather, great-grandfather, and teacher had already done all her work in this life when they were Hokage.

But hearing those words left me with a strange feeling...

"Good lad, no wonder you can gather such a large following!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled and scolded Orochimaru, then nodded: "Orochimaru is basically right."

"The village's path to advancement is too monotonous. We need to mobilize the enthusiasm of all the major ninja clans and ordinary ninjas to show them our sincerity."

Jiraiya nodded, his mind relatively simple, and he immediately felt a strong liking for this policy: "Is this going to allow other ninja clans to enter the upper echelons? I support it!"

Tsunade frowned slightly: "Should we accept the Uchiha clan? And the Hyuga clan? What if they take power but still act as they please?"

"It might even fuel their ambitions."

Jiraiya looked at Tsunade in surprise. He had thought that this woman usually just studied medicine, gambled, and drank. He was surprised that she was so intelligent.

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed like a snake's: "This is a serious matter. If we wait until they infiltrate the higher-ups and carry out reactionary activities, even if we manage to eliminate them, it will severely damage the village's vitality."

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Orochimaru with satisfaction.

Knowledgeable in scientific research, highly capable, and able to follow one's line of thought...

What a useful assistant.

What Orochimaru wants, at present, are the two areas of 'scientific research support' and 'crown prince'.

This does not conflict with Hiruzen Sarutobi.

That's true, at least for now.

"We need to create a hierarchical system, not only for the four decision-makers, but also to establish new promotion channels among the Jonin."

Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly said, "Among the hundred-plus Jonin, we will establish a new tier, with about twenty members."

"These twenty ninjas should be treated better than ordinary Jonin. Those with administrative abilities should be placed in management positions, and given the power to participate in and propose village affairs."

"Those who are unwilling to participate in political affairs, such as those who are good at frontal combat, will be given subsidies for combat resources."

"In this way, we have solved most of the problems related to the path to becoming a Jonin."

"As for the purity of the members..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly said, "The list of candidates was designated by me, the Hokage, and the voting will be mainly conducted by Jonin. I will not allow any problems to arise in this process."

Jiraiya blinked: "Then the Hyuga and Uchiha clans will have to take up those seats, right? After all, if we ignore them, then this..."

Tsunade nodded slightly.

Although Jiraiya spoke in plain language, if the Hyuga and Uchiha clans are still excluded in this reform, it might actually increase the conflict between these two clans and the village.

After all, if you can't be a decision-maker, can't you at least be a core Jonin?

Orochimaru seemed to have realized something, his eyes suddenly lighting up as he looked intently at Hiruzen Sarutobi: "Sensei, did you think of this all along?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and nodded.

"What did you think of? Don't play the riddle-taker, Orochimaru!" Jiraiya impatiently leaned close to Orochimaru, almost face to face: "Just tell me!"

"You're too close, you idiot Jiraiya."

Orochimaru shoved Jiraiya away with a look of disdain, but a smile played on his lips: "It's simple. We need to put those powerful clan ninjas who are loyal to the village or can only get close to the village on the list."

"You remember, right? The teacher publicly admitted Hyuga Hizashi to the Anbu... As a member of the Hyuga branch family, he was under the Hokage's protection, making him one of the best candidates."

Tsunade realized what was happening and slammed her fist on the table.

"No, what do you guys understand?" Jiraiya slammed his fist on the table as well. "Isolating me, huh? Isn't he from the Hyuga branch family? He's got the Caged Bird Seal on his head..."

"Who dares to use the Caged Bird Seal on the Hokage's direct subordinates, the Anbu?"

Orochimaru chuckled, his eyes gradually brightening with excitement: "Are you trying to spy on the village's secrets, or are you plotting a rebellion? The Hyuga main family would never dare to do that."

Tsunade chimed in, "That's right. As long as Hizashi Hyuga, as a member of the branch family, doesn't face punishment for defying the main family, he will naturally become the third force within the Hyuga clan."

At that moment, Jiraiya finally understood and exclaimed in sudden realization:

"He will have a steady stream of Hyuga branch family members standing behind him, and they must support the old man because they need the Hokage's protection."

"As for the other neutral ninja clans, they simply lack a path to advancement and won't oppose the teachers who paved the way for them..."

Jiraiya grinned, exclaiming repeatedly, "Oh dear, I really can't be Hokage... Old man, how did you come up with all this?"

Tsunade took a swig of her drink and laughed loudly, saying, "Yeah, it feels like he's as black-hearted as Second Grandfather, as Great-Grandfather described!"

Even Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but laugh.

When the first generation was still around, he would often reject the second generation's suggestions, saying that he was dishonest and cunning...

"As for the Uchiha clan, I haven't found a suitable candidate yet. Let's look for those who are openly pacifists first."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said:

"We won't put them into the top level until we find suitable candidates. Besides, I'm not in a hurry to fill all seven seats in the top level that I currently have in mind."

"I, Danzo, Orochimaru, one neutral ninja clan member, and Sakumo, who represents the commoner ninja clan."

"The remaining two seats, this leverage of interests, has given rise to a dovish faction within the Hyuga and Uchiha clans..."

Jiraiya shuddered for no apparent reason.

Fortunately, I wasn't from a ninja clan and was lucky enough to be taken in by my teacher, so I didn't have to get involved in these things.

"Wait a minute, teacher, how did that stinky snake get into the higher-ups?" Jiraiya belatedly exclaimed. "Oh dear, please don't assign me to work under him!"

"Teacher, that's a great design."

Orochimaru tried hard to suppress the upward curve of his lips.

The teacher gave me a seat so casually, which shows that he has always cared about me.

"Shouldn't Orochimaru go in?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked Jiraiya with a chuckle.

"It's time to go in..."

Jiraiya wanted to argue back, but considering that Orochimaru's thinking was very similar to his teacher's, he stubbornly said, "Hmph, it's just that I'm too lazy to deal with these things."

"The system is a good system."

Orochimaru began, "But how do we implement this, Sensei? Whether it's providing subsidies for Jonin or comforting the elderly, these things require resources and money..."

"Is the village financially secure? Or has the Daimyo Prefecture agreed to allocate additional funds?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi gave Orochimaru an approving look.

Although this may sound like a bucket of cold water, it is a genuine statement.

Building castles in the air is unreliable; everything must be approached with a realistic attitude.

"That's right, without money and resources, even the best system cannot be implemented."

"Therefore, we must generate revenue first, and then implement reforms..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi asked, "Who is the richest person in the Land of Fire?"

"Then naturally the daimyo is the richest," Jiraiya said without hesitation.

"That's right, but the daimyo is just the richest person. In terms of social class, the richest people are the nobles, both big and small, of the Land of Fire..." Hiruzen Sarutobi said.

Jiraiya pondered for a moment, his gaze gradually turning to suspicion: "Master, you're not going to kill these nobles, are you?"

This time, Tsunade couldn't hold back again: "Jiraiya, are you going to kill my family? Are you going to accuse them of not having the Will of Fire before you do it?"

"My grandfather's and father's descendants are still inside!"

Jiraiya waved his hands repeatedly: "Oh, no, I'm just afraid the teacher is going too far..."

Orochimaru and Hiruzen Sarutobi burst into laughter.

"Our population is not large enough to take over the Fire Country system, and it would be a losing proposition to declare a full-scale war on their nobles."

"It will also cause nobles to flee to enemy countries, and the daimyo of those enemy countries will fully support other hidden villages because of this attitude, which will actually benefit the enemy."

"Moreover, just as Tsunade said, the Daimyo's residence has members of the Hokage's clan."

The delicate relationship between the Daimyo's mansion and the Hidden Village is not only due to the fact that the turbulent situation in the ninja world will affect the population of the Hidden Village, requiring them to maintain relative unity.

It also lies in the fact that Daming Prefecture absorbed some of the clansmen from the various villages' "shadows".

A single hair can affect the whole body.

"Therefore, we need to get these nobles to willingly part with their money..."

"And this step depends on you!" Hiruzen Sarutobi said slowly, conjuring a clod of earth from his palm and placing it on the table.

"Do you know what this is?"

Jiraiya and Tsunade exchanged bewildered glances, and even Orochimaru looked puzzled this time.

"This is soil, isn't it, teacher?" Jiraiya asked uncertainly.

"This is something Konoha has developed through research, using Hashirama-sama's self-healing gene and perfecting the scroll left by Tobirama-sama. It was then used by Tsunade, the world's number one medical ninja, and Orochimaru, a research expert..."

"Tested for safety by Mito Uzumaki, this special pill is highly recommended by the three sacred sites of Ryuchi Cave, Mt. Myoboku, and Shikkotsu Forest. It possesses gentle conditioning, longevity-promoting, disease-resolving, and even nourishing and warming effects!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi said this with great seriousness.