The three heads of the family are Aburame, Inuzuka, Kurama, and Ino-Shika-Cho.

There are ten people in total.

It is worth mentioning that Akimichi Torifu has officially returned to the public eye and has been listed as a 'Konoha Committee Member'.

Next are Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya, and as Hiruzen Sarutobi's apprentice, he is naturally included.

Following them were Hiruko, Sakumo Hatake, Kosuke Maruhoshi, Shinku Yuhi, Kozan Shirakumo, and others, totaling seven people.

Although some of these seven individuals are theoretically considered ninja clan members, they are also seen as representing commoner ninjas due to their small numbers, stances, and inclinations.

This arrangement may have some unreasonable aspects.

But this is already a relatively good result after compromises were reached with all parties involved.

Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced over.

Every single one of the 'Konoha Committee members' in the audience wore a genuine smile.

Even the old fox Uchiha Isshin slightly puffed out his chest.

Interestingly, because it was specifically emphasized that the 'Konoha Committee members' were not ranked in any particular order, but rather differed according to their assigned roles…

Hiruzen Sarutobi did not assign any seats, allowing them to sit wherever they pleased.

Although it is a bit messy, the so-called 'factions' are clearly visible.

Orochimaru and his two companions were sitting together with Hiruko, clearly part of the same group, and they were having a pleasant conversation…

Several major ninja clans also joined forces, such as the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, Kurama, and Aburame-Inuzuka.

Hyuga Tenzo and Uchiha Isshin sat side by side, while Fugaku looked at the other ninja clans with some envy, seemingly unwilling to sit with these two old men.

Interestingly, Hizashi sat with Sakumo and other members of the Konoha committee who represented ordinary ninjas.

When Tenzo saw Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze sweep over him, he blinked quickly and subtly.

The message being conveyed is: "I was just playing along with him!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled; he didn't seem to care about any of that.

Ninja clans that practice eye techniques naturally share some common topics. Ninjas also have different backgrounds, interests, and stances, so it's normal for them to have different preferences when making friends.

It is the seemingly orderly and harmonious scene that goes against human nature and is something that the Hokage should be wary of.

But that's all talk. If someone tries to collude with Hiruzen Sarutobi behind his back, they're in for a beating...

"First of all, congratulations on being selected as a 'Konoha Committee Member'..." Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at everyone with a smile.

The Konoha committee members cast heartfelt smiles at the Hokage, but they all seemed a little awkward.

How should I respond to the Hokage?

The chaotic back-and-forth of your sentences is rather unsound.

Orochimaru's eyes flashed, and he said in a deep voice, "Thank you for your trust, Hokage-sama!"

His choice of words was appropriate.

The others immediately and naturally repeated it aloud.

Although the ranking is not in any particular order, this arrangement makes Orochimaru seem like the one in the lead.

In reality, even without an official ranking, how could there not be a distinction?

In the tavern of Konoha, before the village had established a system of Jonin.

Many ninjas have categorized and ranked themselves based on various factors.

There are all sorts of titles, including rookie Jonin, veteran Jonin, and elite Jonin...

Orochimaru is now widely regarded as the top member of the 'Konoha Committee'.

A top student of Hiruzen Sarutobi, he oversees the research and development of ninjutsu, participates in various operations, and has a large following within Konoha...

Orochimaru smiled slightly.

Danzo Shimura, however, felt a tightness in his chest and sensed a hint of threat: "As expected of Hiruzen's disciple, he's really got some skills..."

But Danzo felt relieved when he thought about the great achievement he would accomplish in subduing the Uchiha clan in the future.

Who can compare to him!

Even if Hiruzen himself came, he could still put some pressure on him...

Everyone else is beneath his notice!

"Xiaochun and Yan have already informed you about your specific responsibilities..."

"From now on, everyone should actively participate in village affairs, identify and rectify the village's shortcomings."

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke:

"Today's topic is about the allocation of funds for village development."

"Based on the connection between Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya, and with Tsunade and Orochimaru's technology as the core, supplemented by products developed by the Nara and Akimichi clans, these products are widely popular in the Land of Fire."

"With the assistance of advisors and consultants, I reached a deep cooperation with the daimyo and obtained funds of approximately 3.2 billion taels."

"This payment will come every year, and the amount will gradually increase."

"It's unrealistic to expect this amount of money to solve Konoha's problems all at once, but it's necessary to build a framework."

Those whose names were mentioned by Hiruzen Sarutobi all smiled slightly.

This is subtly giving them credit...

Many of the 'Konoha committee members' who weren't involved were quite shocked...

They assumed that after the village gave them the location, the next step would be for them to ask for something...

This is not out of dislike, but rather a matter of course.

Unexpectedly, before I even accepted it, such a huge piece of cake was thrown at me...

And judging from what the Naruto said, this is only the beginning?

How much more money will need to be poured into Konoha in the future?

Moreover, judging from the Hokage's tone, he's not entirely satisfied? Is it just a preliminary assessment?

"Xiaochun, you speak." Hiruzen Sarutobi took out his pipe, slowly stuffing tobacco into it, observing the expression of the 'Konoha Committee Member'.

Xiaochun, who was switching dorm rooms, nodded and, holding a document, began to speak:

"Following the Third Hokage's instructions, Yan and I led the administration department to compile a count of the number of families without active ninjas..."

"This group mainly consists of orphans and ninja families without able-bodied young men. Due to war or missions, they have lost the breadwinner of their families and are living in poverty. Many of them also have loans."

"The number of people is 943, but for the sake of redundancy, we will set it at 1,000 for now."

"The subsidy per person is set at 500,000 taels per year. The subsidy for orphan families will continue until a genin is found. There is no time limit for ninjas without children who are unable to perform missions due to the war."

"This payment requires 500 million yuan in capital."

The figure of 500,000 taels was calculated and is close to the amount a low-ranking ninja could support in a family.

For Chunin and Jonin, this amount of money is not enough to cover the costs of training and the wear and tear on ninja tools, but for the elderly and children, it is enough to allow them to live a much more dignified life.

"Those Konoha ninja who died on the battlefield, they gave their lives to protect their homeland..."

"Now that the village has some money, we should make sure their parents and children are treated with more dignity and have more resources for their spiritual practice."

Hiruzen Sarutobi scanned the crowd: "Does anyone have any objections to this?"

At this moment, even Shimura Danzo kept his mouth shut, afraid that others might misunderstand him in the slightest.

A moment later, a wave of applause erupted in the conference room.

Sakumo Hatake slapped the camera with extra force.

He certainly doesn't lack the money, but he particularly appreciates such humane gestures.

It makes ninjas feel like they are human beings, not tools...

Sakumo Hatake felt extremely fulfilled to be able to participate in such a construction project.

He remembered Kakashi telling him that he had a close friend named Uchiha Obito, who, although born into the Uchiha clan, came from a poor family.

Most of their parents' assets were used to buy ninja tools, which were then spent on the battlefield.

But there's also a grandmother in the family...

Although he usually seems carefree and nonchalant, Kakashi could see the deep embarrassment in Obito's heart.

Sakumo Hatake was even considering whether he should sponsor this Uchiha Ichiban.

But I was worried about hurting the child's self-esteem, and besides, the Uchiha clan's situation was quite sensitive...

Now that's settled, the Hokage has intervened! This child should be very happy...

Hiruzen Sarutobi raised his hand, but the applause just wouldn't stop...

Similar measures may have been taken before, such as the ninja clan providing some assistance to the elderly and widowed.

But no other hidden village has ever had such a clear system and such strength!

"Alright..." The applause only subsided after Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke.

"This is what the Konoha ninja who sacrificed themselves for the village deserve! It's also what I, as the Hokage, should do..."

When Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke, he specifically emphasized Konoha.

"Where the leaves dance in the air, the fire will never be extinguished."

"The life-giving flame that the warriors burned for Konoha has now brought some prosperity to the village. This light and warmth should be used to warm their parents and children."

"Then this item is approved without any questions."

Looking at the burning gazes of the 'Konoha Committee members,' even that old guy Uchiha Isshin seemed to genuinely clapped a few times.

I felt a little lost.

Although Hiruzen was indeed quite well done...

But from then on, in his mind, the Hokage and the Hokage's assistant were barely considered to be on the same level...

His prestige in the village would never be comparable again.

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