Orochimaru was against this arrangement in his heart. His reason was that his research had already been delayed for a long time, and he really didn't want to be distracted by such meaningless tasks.
However, Shin told him that he wouldn't need to do much, just research some barriers with stronger defensive and detection capabilities.
As for managing the Barrier Department, he'd only need to put in a little effort at the beginning; once things stabilized, he could select a capable deputy minister and then just act as a hands-off leader.
Under Shin's smooth persuasion, he finally agreed. He also understood the real reason Shin placed him in this position.
At present, Orochimaru's prestige in Konoha was second only to Tsunade. The Barrier Department was directly tied to Konoha's security, it was the first line of defense against foreign invasion. Putting him in this position would make everyone in Konoha feel more secure, and would also help Tsunade stabilize the situation.
The Guard Department would be headed by Ryohei, mainly responsible for standing guard, keeping watch, and preventing infiltration or invasion by enemies.
There was truly no one in Konoha more suited for this job than the Hyūga clan.
Their Byakugan gave them an unparalleled natural advantage in reconnaissance.
The reason the Hyūga clan had not previously been put in this position was because Tobirama did not want any major clan to grow too powerful, so he never appointed members of such clans to key village posts.
But Tsunade didn't care about that.
If they were useful, they should be used.
What's more, the Hyūga clan was on the verge of splitting. Once the branch house members were freed, their loyalty to her would surpass that of anyone else, so there was nothing to worry about.
As for the stubborn old geezers in the Hyūga main house...
If they were willing to kneel and be dogs, fine. If not, the Byakugan still had high research value.
Finally, there was the newly established Technology Department, which would naturally be headed by Orochimaru.
In the coming period, he would select capable talents from within Konoha and expand the department's size.
Orochimaru was so touched he nearly cried.
He could finally choose assistants and helpers openly.
And aside from certain research projects that still had to remain secret, many others could now be conducted openly without concealment.
As for all that menial grunt work, forget it!
"I am a core researcher! No one should think they can waste my time with trivial matters anymore. My good days are finally here, you won't be able to exploit me again."
No one voiced any objection to Tsunade's new appointments and reforms; in fact, they all supported them enthusiastically.
Thus, apart from Minato, everyone who had made great contributions in this war was promoted and put to good use.
The mess caused by Hiruzen and the lingering dangers from years of internal strife were also swept away in one decisive move, leaving no future trouble.
As for why no position was arranged for Minato, it was because Tsunade and Shin had different expectations for him.
This guy was the future Hokage, and naturally needed greater fame and more achievements.
So next, he would be assigned all kinds of high-difficulty missions to build up his prestige.
Far from objecting, Minato was thrilled, this was the kind of life he was meant to live.
After the meeting, each department quickly resumed reorganized operations.
Tsunade, now at the peak of her power as Hokage, saw that multiple ministers had been replaced, making it the perfect time to push reforms.
As one order after another was effectively transmitted, the reform wave in each department began to roll forward, and Tsunade finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Unlike Hiruzen, she did not try to hoard power, instead, she restored the Administrative Department to its proper functions.
This instantly shifted 80% of her workload to others.
Of the remaining 20%, Shin, her Hokage aide, handled the most important 10%.
Her Hokage assistant, Nao handled the other half.
Everything was so easy and pleasant.
It seemed that being a good Hokage wasn't hard at all!
If Nao knew what Tsunade was thinking, she would probably resign on the spot.
Three months ago, Kakashi was born.
Back then, the Hokage was still Hiruzen, while Sakumo, Tsunade, and the others were all on the front lines. After Nao recovered from childbirth, she didn't return to work at Konoha Hospital; instead, she stayed home for a while as a full-time mother.
It wasn't until Tsunade succeeded as Hokage that, at Tsunade's invitation, she returned to work, this time directly as the Hokage's secretary.
This was her old profession, something she was already highly skilled at.
So, when offered the Hokage secretary position, Nao gladly accepted, because she genuinely enjoyed being by Tsunade's side.
Right now, she was tired but happy.
As for Kakashi?
With Nao's mother helping to care for him, there was nothing to worry about.
Seeing Tsunade deep in thought at the moment, Nao sighed inwardly.
"Lady Tsunade must be thinking about Konoha's future again."
"Being Hokage really isn't easy."
"I should do more work so that she can relax a bit."
---
Land of Rain, an uninhabited area.
In a small hidden valley, a tent had been set up.
Outside the tent, ninjas wearing forehead protectors from various villages crouched in all directions, alert to their surroundings.
Inside the tent, five people sat with grim expressions.
"Hiruzen is a useless fool!" After reading the latest intelligence report and listening to the Third Kazekage's account, the Third Raikage slammed his fist onto the table in anger.
He was holding back his strength, otherwise the table would have shattered into pieces and needed replacing.
"I went through so much trouble to stir up internal conflict in Konoha, and now it's ended so quickly, and Konoha is even more stable and united than before."
"Who would've thought that Tsunade, no, that Shin would be so capable?" Ōnoki snorted.
"I remember when Hiruzen first took the position, Konoha's people were unsettled, after all, Tobirama's death was far too sudden. That's why he spent over a year, working day and night, to fully secure his position as Hokage."
"But Tsunade had just taken office, and her authority already far surpassed his peak." Ōnoki's face was full of displeasure. "All because of that Uchiha."
"Tell me, is there any chance we can sow discord between Tsunade and Shin?" the Third Kazekage suddenly asked.
"Are you still dreaming in broad daylight?"
"Hanzō, what's that supposed to mean?" the Kazekage asked, displeased.
"To tell you the truth, I've had direct dealings with him," Hanzō explained. "And I participated in the Rain–Konoha war from start to finish. Afterward, I reviewed everything in detail."
"I can tell you with absolute certainty, he has no interest whatsoever in the Hokage position. He doesn't even care about credit or fame. So trying to create conflict between him and Tsunade is simply impossible."
"That can't be right…" Ōnoki frowned.
"Impossible?" Hanzō genuinely admired Shin and went on, "I can tell you this, over half of Orochimaru's achievements are thanks to Shin, and that's a conservative estimate."
"As for Fukuyama's accomplishments, at least 80% of them actually belong to Shin. I know this better than anyone. Yet all those merits were credited entirely to Fukuyama."
"My guess is that this is the main reason why both of them, despite having earned great merits, remain low-key and instead fully cooperate with Tsunade."