Chapter 129: Konoha's New Ruling Council
After everyone in the office expressed their positions, Fourth Hokage Namikaze Minato made the final decision. The disposition method for former Hokage Advisor Shimura Danzo and former Advisor Elders Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu was thus determined.
The three would be handed over to Yamanaka Inoichi for unified memory reading to clarify exactly how many village laws and regulations they'd violated over the years. After determining their specific crimes, they'd receive corresponding outcomes according to village ordinances.
As for Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen—he wasn't even discussed.
Danzo and the others could be handled strictly and swiftly, but as former Hokage, Hiruzen being impeached and removed from office was already the limit. Minato didn't plan to investigate him any further. All past wrongs would dissipate with his retirement. Whatever couldn't be erased would simply be pinned on Danzo and the others.
"The Third Hokage will recuperate at Konoha Hospital for several months. Once his body has completely recovered, he can be discharged and return home to enjoy his retirement years."
Minato announced his arrangement for Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Though framed as recuperation at Konoha Hospital, it was actually just continuing house arrest in a different location. The former Hokage's status made prison inconvenient. After much consideration, the hospital was most appropriate. The public announcement would sound better, and protection could justify assigning personnel to monitor him, preventing any scheming.
The Uchiha clan had no objections to this.
Though they understood Danzo's targeting and suppression of their clan was impossible without Sarutobi Hiruzen's permission, openly it had indeed been Danzo constantly opposing them. So as long as Danzo was handled, most Uchiha clan members would be satisfied.
Ritsu observed coldly, saying nothing.
Whether Sarutobi Hiruzen lived or died no longer mattered. Previously, he'd worried that if Hiruzen didn't die, he'd definitely continue scheming revenge in the shadows. But now Minato had succeeded through election rather than Hiruzen's appointment as Fourth Hokage. He absolutely wouldn't allow himself to become anyone's puppet.
From Minato sending Hiruzen to Konoha Hospital for recuperation rather than releasing him directly to the Sarutobi clan, one could see Minato was equally guarding against the Third. Perhaps only when Minato completely grasped the Hokage's proper authority would Hiruzen's body recover enough to leave the hospital.
This worked out nicely!
Later, when he had time, perhaps he could visit the Third at the hospital. Ritsu contemplated this possibility with malicious glee.
"The next issue to discuss is the village's current chaotic order. After Danzo and the others' removal, many mid-level personnel have also been successively investigated..." After finishing the topic of disposing Hiruzen and the others, Minato shifted topics to discuss the village's current state. Overthrowing the old ruling group wasn't simply a matter of toppling a few people at the top. As they say, pulling up the radish brings out the mud. Even though Minato didn't plan to investigate everything thoroughly, many people still needed handling and reassignment.
But Minato had no family backing.
Nor had he had time to train useful disciples.
Therefore, to quickly eliminate traces Sarutobi Hiruzen left behind and completely bring the Hokage's power into his own grasp, he planned to borrow the strength of the village's major families.
Minato looked at everyone seated in the office, his expression serious. "We must find ways to quickly stabilize the village's situation, organize the disordered administrative system, and make it function normally. But this isn't something I alone can accomplish. I need many sufficiently capable helpers to assist me!"
As he spoke, his gaze circled among everyone.
The group immediately realized what the Fourth intended. He was preparing to win hearts and minds!
"Hiruko-jonin, might I ask you to assume the position of Hokage Advisor?" Minato extended an invitation to Hiruko, offering him this position second only to Hokage—arguably one man below, ten thousand above.
Hiruko froze.
He'd still been guessing why Minato had summoned him to attend such a meeting. Now Minato had directly revealed the answer.
"Hokage-sama, this... isn't appropriate, is it? I haven't accomplished anything worthy of such an important position. I think Orochimaru or Jiraiya would be more suitable."
After brief shock, Hiruko's brain ran at full speed. He didn't joyfully accept this invitation but tactfully indicated his lack of merit while recommending Orochimaru and Jiraiya instead.
Come to think of it, Orochimaru hadn't attended this informal meeting!
Storm winds howled through Hiruko's brain.
Orochimaru not attending such meetings was normal. Though he'd already given up at the time, he'd genuinely been Namikaze Minato's competitor. He indeed couldn't likely appear in such settings.
But this didn't prevent Hiruko from recommending Orochimaru. Because even after losing the election, Orochimaru remained a Konoha ninja, one of the village's pillars.
Before Minato could respond to Hiruko, Jiraiya spoke up. "Hiruko, you know I have absolutely no interest in these things. Otherwise, I'd have competed for Hokage directly. I think the Hokage Advisor position suits you quite well."
Hearing this, Hiruko immediately shook his head repeatedly, waving his hands in refusal. "No, no—Jiraiya, don't talk nonsense! All I've accomplished so far are minor contributions. I'm completely unqualified to serve as Hokage Advisor."
But Minato smiled and said, "Hiruko-jonin, that's not right. Who says you've only made minor contributions? Teaching a talent like the Hyuga Clan Head is a major achievement. Based on this merit alone, serving as Hokage Advisor is more than sufficient!"
"This..." Hiruko wasn't stupid.
He realized Minato's invitation wasn't truly because of his own excellence but because Ritsu was his disciple. Without Hyuga Ritsu as such an excellent student, forget Hokage Advisor—he couldn't even be sitting here participating in this meeting.
The words of refusal stuck in his throat.
At this moment, Ritsu also smiled and spoke. "Sensei, I also think the Hokage Advisor position suits you well."
Hearing this, Hiruko immediately showed a wry expression. He recalled how Ritsu had previously hoped he'd become Hokage. Now this was settling for second-best, having him serve as Hokage Advisor instead?
"Hokage-sama, if you don't disdain my meager abilities, I'm willing to serve as Hokage Advisor."
Hiruko agreed.
Minato's smile immediately brightened further. He quickly said, "Being able to teach a talent like the Hyuga Clan Head, Hiruko-jonin, your abilities already surpass the vast majority of people in the village. Moreover, I believe with the Hyuga Clan Head's support, you'll definitely fulfill the Hokage Advisor's duties excellently!"
The others watched as the new Hokage Advisor selection was confirmed.
No one objected to Minato's decision. Considering the Hyuga clan's massive influence in the village, considering Hyuga Ritsu personally defeating the Third Hokage in direct combat, as Ritsu's teacher, Hiruko was completely qualified to be Hokage Advisor.
Next, Minato continued using his positional authority to win hearts and minds.
Akimichi Torikaze and Inuzuka Gaku were jointly appointed as Advisor Elders. Jiraiya stepped down from the Jonin Commander position. Nara Shikaku was appointed as the new Jonin Commander. Uchiha Fugaku remained as Police Force Captain with no changes. The Uchiha clan was nailed to the Police Force. Wanting changes wouldn't be easy...
In any case, after over three hours, this informal internal small meeting concluded successfully.
Afterward, there would be formal appointment ceremonies to announce Konoha Village's new ruling council's establishment.
Jiraiya and Orochimaru received no appointments.
Ritsu also gained nothing. However, Ritsu understood this wasn't Minato targeting him but rather Hyuga clan tradition. Unlike the Uchiha clan deeply bound to the Police Force, successive Hyuga clan heads never held specific positions in the village. Clan head itself was the most prestigious identity.
Ritsu didn't plan to change this tradition.
He didn't intend to invest excessive energy and time into Konoha Village's construction endeavors. Compared to adding bricks and tiles to the village's prosperity and strength, he preferred raising his own abilities to the next level. Besides, himself becoming stronger equaled Konoha becoming stronger!
Minato, as Fourth Hokage, truly embodied the saying about new officials lighting three fires. He acted decisively and vigorously. The morning meeting finalized personnel selections. That afternoon, appointment ceremonies were held at the Hokage building. The village's clan heads, many jonin, and prominent villagers all participated in the Hokage Advisor and Advisor Elders' inauguration ceremony.
Thus, the Fourth Hokage's initial ruling council took general shape.
As for how long this group could maintain itself, no one knew. Even Ritsu could no longer see future visions. Fortunately, he didn't fear the unknown future. Rather, the unknown future made one anticipate it more.
After the appointment ceremony ended, Ritsu walked out of the Hokage building. Before he could get far, Kakashi appeared before him again with that conspicuous white hair.
"Hyuga Clan Head, Sensei has matters to discuss with you."
Kakashi stood before Ritsu and spoke.
"What matters?"
"Regarding how to handle the Mist ninja diplomatic delegation."
"...The Mist ninja diplomatic delegation is still here!"
Ritsu slapped his forehead. These past two days, his attention had been completely focused on village changes. He'd completely forgotten about a Mist ninja diplomatic delegation still staying in the village.
"Kakashi, lead the way."
Kakashi walked ahead, guiding Ritsu back to the Hokage building and again into the Hokage's office.
Unlike this morning's crowded situation, at this moment only five people occupied the office—Minato, Hiruko, Akimichi Torikaze, Inuzuka Gaku, and Nara Shikaku.
Ritsu stood in the doorway scanning Konoha Village's new ruling council, his heart filled with complex emotions.
This Konoha—he'd made it somewhat chaotic!
Of course, this was also good. Quite interesting, in fact!
"Hyuga Clan Head, quickly sit down. We were just waiting for you." Minato greeted him with a smile.
"Hokage-sama, Kakashi told me you wanted to discuss handling the Mist ninja diplomatic delegation. What do you need me to do?" Ritsu walked over and sat beside Sensei Hiruko. His rear had barely settled when he proactively asked.
Logically, such matters didn't require consulting him, the Hyuga clan head. Even Uchiha Fugaku, the Police Force Captain, wasn't sitting here.
Yet specifically summoning him to discuss such matters felt odd!
Seeing this, Minato smiled slightly and explained. "Hyuga Clan Head, the reason for calling you is simple. I need you to provide reference opinions. You returned from the eastern battlefield frontlines. You understand the Mist ninja situation better."
Hearing this, Ritsu raised an eyebrow and spoke frankly. "Shouldn't you ask Orochimaru-senpai instead? My relationship with the Mist ninja is poor. Any reference opinions I provide will inevitably carry personal emotions."
"Orochimaru-senpai says his body isn't feeling well. He's stayed home these past few days. We've invited him several times without success." Minato answered with a smile.
"I see!"
Ritsu understood.
He could comprehend Minato's helplessness. Orochimaru's status was special—both his competitor and his elder. When Orochimaru displayed uncooperative attitudes and behavior, Minato couldn't conveniently use Hokage authority to force Orochimaru to obey orders. That would be misconstrued as persecuting his election opponent.
"Let me first explain the general situation. The Mist ninja now claim their chief envoy Hyakubei was seduced by Shimura Danzo into saying such rude words. This was all Chief Envoy Hyakubei's unauthorized decision. Their vice envoy claims they came to Konoha with genuine intentions to sign a mutual non-aggression peace treaty with us!"
Minato paused, looking at Ritsu and asking, "Hyuga Clan Head, what do you think we should do now?"
Ritsu pondered for a moment, then spoke bluntly. "We can sign such toilet paper if they want. However, my suggestion is that before signing this toilet paper treaty, the Mist ninja should pay us war reparations sufficient to compensate Konoha's losses. Only after reparations are in place can we sign such useless toilet paper."
"If we demand reparations, won't that trigger war between us and the Mist ninja again?"
Advisor Elder Akimichi Torikaze raised this question.
"It's possible, but not likely. If the Mist ninja still had strength to wage war against us, they wouldn't have chosen to withdraw. Besides, if the Mist ninja really dare ignorantly threaten us with war, then Hokage-sama, you and I can cooperate and directly kill our way into Hidden Mist Village, giving the Mist ninja a harsh lesson in recognizing reality!"
Ritsu smiled as he spoke these murderous words.