Traveling through three generations: Making Konoha great again!

Chapter 120 Konoha's Talent Pool

Leaf.

Hokage Building.

"Hiruzen, why are you smiling at me again today—"

Danzo's face darkened: "I always have a feeling that when you smile like that, something bad is going to happen to me—"

The last time Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled at him like that was when it was about the bet with Kakuzu.

Danzo managed to evade the issue that time by lying, because he didn't want to be seen inspecting the village with his teeth bared and a big laugh on his face.

"Are you thinking about Kakuzu again?"

"Stop daydreaming, Hiruzen! He must have absconded with the money! Look, he hasn't come to Konoha to deliver the next Earth Grudge Fear treasure for days!"

"If you ask me, you, the Hokage, should reflect on your actions. This is a waste of village funds!" Danzo continued with his smooth little combo: "You think he can do anything for Konoha? You're too naive, Hiruzen! If I weren't keeping an eye on you, I think the village would be in big trouble sooner or later!"

Strangely enough, whenever Danzo stepped into the Hokage's office and there were no outsiders around, he couldn't help but want to pick a fight with Hiruzen.

Even if Danzo knew that what he said was actually unreasonable—

Danzo had long had his eye on Kakuzu, but he was dismayed to discover—

Kakuzu has indeed stopped his bounty hunting activities within the Land of Fire. Occasionally, his whereabouts can be traced, and based on various details, it seems he really is gathering intelligence for Konoha.

This left Danzo at a loss.

He thought that if Kakuzu dared to outwardly comply but inwardly defy him, then he would call upon Sakumo and Hizashi.

The three leaders of the secret service worked together to kill this old, immortal monster!

However, Kakuzu was acting in accordance with the contract, and Danzo couldn't do anything about it.

Even if he were driven by malice, he wouldn't be confident of taking down Kakuzu by himself.

However, Sakumo and Hizashi did not have the Hokage's approval or a clear reason.

It's impossible for him to accompany the group on a private mission.

"Yes, yes, this village will fall apart sooner or later without you—"

"How important are you? You're the Hokage's assistant, the head of the Anbu, the root of Konoha, the dark side of ninja—" Hiruzen Sarutobi replied with a smile, showing no anger whatsoever.

He figured it out.

In this ninja world, most ninjas are somewhat mentally unstable; some are paranoid, some are manic, and very few possess normal human thinking.

Since that's the case, as long as I can get things done, it's no big deal to complain to myself a little in private.

Just consider it a meaningless attempt to claim credit.

"You—never mind!" Danzo wanted to say something, but seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi's attitude, he suddenly didn't know what to say.

He's the type of person who responds better to gentle persuasion than force.

Of course, this is on the premise that the Hokage isn't truly without temper—

"Hiruzen, Iwagakure is currently conducting a purge within its ranks—"

"The cause was our military action against Kusagakure, which made them feel threatened."

"Our spies over there, who were also former Root agents, requested to be withdrawn."

"But her mission is not yet complete. She has only managed to steal the basic form of 'Earth Release: Weighted Rock Technique,' and hasn't yet come into contact with 'Earth Release: Light Weighted Rock Technique.'"

Danzo gave a report with a hint of reluctance.

In his view, since Yakushi Nonou hadn't completed her mission, she should have remained stationed in Iwagakure indefinitely.

Just find an opportunity to send back "Earth Release: Weighted Rock Technique," there's no need for the person to come back.

Even if martial law is declared in Iwagakure, wouldn't they just lie low in the same spot?

Danzo was very wary of Yakushi Nonou.

Because this is a ninja with his own thoughts, he is uncontrollable.

Once a ninja is out of control, it means he is doomed.

Especially for a highly skilled intelligence ninja like Yakushi Nonou, the consequences of a leak would be unimaginable—

From Danzo's perspective, Madara Uchiha's view of the Hidden Village's leadership was not wrong; in fact, it could be said to be quite accurate.

"Yakushi Nonou?" Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded thoughtfully.

He had heard of this name before; she had rendered many services to Konoha and was known as the "Walking Priestess."

"Since she has requested to withdraw, then send someone to meet her."

"We must trust our ninja. Her past record proves that Yakushi Nonou is loyal to the village."

"The request to withdraw was based on the assessment that Iwagakure no longer has the potential to obtain further intelligence."

"A pointless exposure will only cause losses to the village," Hiruzen Sarutobi said seriously.

Yakushi Nonou has already achieved a great deal—

The techniques of increasing and decreasing the weight of rocks are not ordinary Earth Release techniques; they are secret techniques passed down from the Tsuchikage lineage.

Its strategic significance is immense.

Even though Yakushi Nonou only obtained the prototype of the Weighted Rock Technique, Hiruzen Sarutobi's title of "Professor of Ninjutsu" was not just for show.

Creating a ninjutsu from scratch is naturally difficult.

But with the framework already in place, Hiruzen Sarutobi was confident he could make some minor tweaks.

Besides, aren't Orochimaru and Tobirama Senju still around?

"I understand—" Danzo paused.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's serious tone made Danzo subconsciously retract his rebuttal.

He also became more familiar with Hiruzen Sarutobi's current temperament.

"The current Hiruzen is more tolerant and trusts me more."

"However, his judgment cannot be forcibly refuted without sufficient reasons."

"Otherwise, you'll end up looking really bad—"

Danzo recalled the time when Hiruzen Sarutobi praised him at the First Martial Arts Arena—

It is indeed an extremely honorable occasion.

But Hiruzen, who is so adept at creating a heated atmosphere and manipulating emotions, might one day use public opinion to attack himself—

Danzo felt a chill run down his spine just thinking about it.

Although he believed that Hiruzen Sarutobi would not do this to him.

However, out of respect, Danzo constantly reminded himself not to go against the Hokage as much as possible.

This is the darkness of forbearance—always seeing the opposite of things.

"But, Hiruzen—"

Danzo carefully chose his words: "Yakushi Nonou wants to leave the spy ranks. She opened an orphanage in the Land of Fire and said she wants to go back and be its director."

"You should know about this, Hiruzen."

"You once approved some funds for her—" Danzo couldn't help but add, "She also asked if the village could receive some more this time she returns—"

A few years ago, Danzo criticized Hiruzen Sarutobi for being overly compassionate over this matter.

The village doesn't even have enough funds, yet they're doing charity work!

"I vaguely remember—"

"Go and get the detailed information about that orphanage and Yakushi Nonou," Hiruzen Sarutobi ordered.

A moment later, Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes lit up after receiving the information.

This guy is a real talent!

"So, this pharmacist, Nonou, not only didn't embezzle village funds, but also spent all her mission rewards over the years on the orphanage?"

"She is not only exceptionally skilled in intelligence gathering, but also a master of medical ninjutsu—"

"A makeshift team, under her tutelage, actually managed to have several employees skilled in medical ninjutsu—"

Danzo sighed: "Yes, she is very talented."

"But the problem is, her obsession is no longer with the village, but with this orphanage!"

"Even though those employees are from the Land of Fire, who told her to leak her medical ninjutsu? Even if it was used for so-called therapeutic purposes, that can still be seen as a sign of a leak!"

"If she dares to reveal medical ninjutsu today, she might betray the village's information tomorrow!"

Danzo said seriously, "If I hadn't threatened her with the orphanage's allowance, she wouldn't have even refused to go to Iwagakure to infiltrate."

This wasn't Danzo labeling him; it was his true thought.

The defining characteristic of Ninja Darkness is its extreme nature.

Is obsession like an orphanage?

"How many ninjas actually stuck with the methods you used to use?"

"I've said it before, Danzo. Truly talented ninjas cannot be easily brainwashed. They all have their own beliefs and principles."

Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand: "You think she's hard to control, but I think she's very easy to control."

"For a small subsidy for the orphanage, we can go to Iwagakure to retrieve an important ninjutsu—"

"It's normal for a ninja with the talent to train in medical ninjutsu to make requests."

"Danzo, we are respected because we can help the ninjas solve their problems, not because of the titles of Hokage or assistant Hokage that the ninjas of Konoha must unconditionally obey our orders."

"You must remember, ninjas are human," and human beings should have their own thoughts and desires.

"What we need to do is find the greatest common denominator between the ninjas' demands and the village's interests, so that both sides can be satisfied as much as possible."

"It was Danzo who spoke earnestly," Hiruzen Sarutobi said.

However, he didn't expect his old friend to listen.

You can't learn something from a person a thousand times; you can learn it from an example once.

However, it's still important to make things clear; whether Danzo listens or not is his own business.

"You're even using mathematical terms to describe it—have you been setting exam questions for the ninja academy students lately?" Sure enough, Danzo subconsciously pursed his lips and changed the subject.

On this point, Danzo still couldn't accept Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"The test of the will to ignite fire is not mathematical."

Hiruzen Sarutobi cleared his throat lightly: "By the way, you haven't done anything out of line lately, have you?"

Danzo nodded confidently: "Of course not."

Because Danzo felt he was already much more lenient than before—

He recently visited various ninja clans to recruit geniuses for his ANBU, using both coercion and enticement, and rarely resorting to the guise of assistance to pressure people directly.

In the past, where there were no incentives, there was only coercion!

However, progress hasn't been smooth. The ninja clans have become smarter now, readily agreeing on the surface but then saying they need to report to the Hokage.

Danzo was left speechless and frustrated.

He is a dishonest person.

The taste of the roots was unforgettable for him, and now Danzo was unable to cultivate a private army due to the current state of the Dark Division.

Because the vice minister and all the squad leaders are Hiruzen Sarutobi's men.

But the Dark Division is currently expanding, so it's quite reasonable for them to quietly create a small team directly under the Minister, right?

However, progress has not been very smooth.

Besides, we also need to be wary of Hijiri and Sakumo; we have to take it slow.

Danzo was even thinking, why not form an Uchiha squad?

In that case, it can be considered a great achievement for him.

Given the unique nature of the Uchiha clan, it's understandable that he, as the head of the Anbu, was placed under their supervision.

His conflict with the Uchiha clan would also lull Hizashi and Sakumo into a false sense of security.

Danzo thought that since Hiruzen could have a good reputation among the Uchiha, he could also brainwash the Uchiha!

"That's good—" Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled to himself, thinking that Danzo might have another episode and Tobirama-sensei might catch him.

With Tobirama's political acumen...

Even if he were just a student at the Ninja Academy now, he'd probably be enough to give Danzo a hard time.

After all, he won't help Danzo this time—

"Ninjas, especially excellent ninjas, always have a strong conviction—"

"By satisfying their obsessions through public institutions and interpreting them with the Will of Fire, the ninjas will naturally dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to serving the village—"

"This is my philosophy as Hokage. I'm teaching it to you, Danzo," Hiruzen Sarutobi said.

Explaining my own incantation to Danzo in a way he could understand was a form of compensation for him.

After all, he might actually be going to have to compete against Tobirama-sensei—

"Okay, okay, I understand—" Danzo replied, but didn't take it seriously.

It's one thing to talk about this with the ninjas below, but why tell him this too?

"We need to arrange reliable personnel to escort pharmacist Nonou back to the village."

"Have her come to see me when you get back," Hiruzen Sarutobi ordered.

Not only is the pharmacist Nonou a talented individual, but the orphanage she founded is also highly valued by Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Konoha is currently short of population.

However, the population cannot be replenished at will.

Once a no-threshold guarantee system is established, it is natural to select the best among the best, and it is even more important to ensure the loyalty of the supplementary population.

An orphanage is clearly a good source, and the walking witch's ability to discern is beyond doubt.

An orphan ravaged by war, coupled with the nurturing abilities of the pharmacist Nono, she was born to be the perfect vessel for the Will of Fire.

With proper education, these orphans would all remain fanatical in their devotion to Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Hokage, much like Hizashi Hyuga—

"Oh right, we could have Hizashi work as a guest teacher at the orphanage then—" Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled unconsciously as he thought of this.

There is some debt of gratitude owed.

"Hiruzen, you're not planning to support Yakushi Nonou, are you? What about the money—" Danzo asked suspiciously.

"There's always some income from attacking the Grass Village. Iburi and the Tsuchigumo clan are also contributing taxes to the village. If there's a shortfall, I'll figure something out."

Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand: "The second batch of orders for the Holy Land will arrive in a while. Once Tsunade and Orochimaru make a breakthrough in their research on chakra slow release technology, I will launch a new project."

Danzo sighed.

His problem—

You shouldn't be talking to Japan about making money.

"What do you think of the peace treaty between Kirigakure and us, Hiruzen?"

"Originally, we were just sending a few ninjas to pick up the prisoners from Kusagakure, but this has dragged on for more than three months."

"It cost us a lot of food!"

"Now they've sent that old codger Master Yuan and some high-ranking officials, saying they want to compensate us with valuable treasures and apologize, and also want to sign a peace agreement with us."

"He also brought a few genin and ninja academy students, saying that he wanted to plant the seeds of peace in the hearts of the next generation of Kirigakure and Konoha in advance—"

Danzo changed the subject, sneering, "I think that's all bullshit! What valuable treasures could Kirigakure possibly have? Would they really give up those seven ninja swords?"

"Peace?! Kirigakure is a village with inherent problems. During the First Shinobi World War, Hozuki Gengetsu went to fight Mu for a few spoils of war. His brain is even more abnormal than the Uchiha clan's!"

"Now they're going back to their isolationist policies; it's obviously a conspiracy! As for those ninja academies and genin, it's obvious they've just picked a few young, elite soldiers to intimidate us!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded.

Danzo's words weren't without merit; in matters concerning other villages, the Dark Ninja still held considerable authority.

"When soldiers come, we'll block them; when water comes, we'll dam it—"

"They sent fake ninja academy students and genin, but our kids are just as good. There's no need for us to do these kinds of deceitful things like them."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart stirred.

What kind of fraud could be more egregious than placing the previous Hokage at the Ninja Academy?

By exposing the young elites of Kirigakure to the current culture and life of Konoha in advance, it has indeed planted the seeds of peace in their hearts in a sense.

In Hiruzen Sarutobi's view, the Third Mizukage was also a typical mentally ill person, and an old relic from the Sengoku period—

Therefore, his actions have very little to do with peace; he is most likely trying to sow discord from within and without.

But Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't care.

The Will of Fire is not only applicable to Konoha ninjas.

Rather, it is aimed at every ninja who cannot endure the hellish ninja world and yearns for light—

Heart