Kazuki and his group were seated in the front row.
That surprised him slightly.
But after thinking about it, it made sense.
He represented the Senju clan.
In terms of legacy alone, the Senju were still Konoha's number one clan.
At least on paper.
All eyes were on Kazuki, seated beside Uzumaki Mito.
He could hear the whispers clearly.
"That's Kazuki?"
"He came too?"
"Any news on who's taking the top two seats in Administration?"
"Is Hokage-sama planning to rebuild Root?"
Unlike in the anime—where Danzo seemed to act alone—the Shimura clan had other members present.
The Sarutobi clan was there as well, including Hiruzen's eldest son.
Kushina quietly explained things to Kazuki.
Aside from the three major clans—Senju, Hyuga, and Uchiha—the Sarutobi and Shimura clans had also been powerful families since the Warring States period.
Hokage-sama's father, Sarutobi Sasuke, had been a legendary shinobi and one of Konoha's founders.
Almost everyone present belonged to one of the Thirty-Eight Great Families.
Kazuki understood immediately.
The thirty-eight students accepted by the Second Hokage represented thirty-eight founding families.
The so-called "Will of Fire" wasn't just ideology.
It was lineage.
If you weren't from one of those thirty-eight families, inheriting the Will of Fire—becoming Konoha's leadership—was nearly impossible.
Sure, someone like Minato Namikaze could rise through merit.
But even he didn't do it alone.
His wife was the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki.
She represented the Uzumaki clan.
He was obedient, politically compliant, and supported by the elders.
That's how he qualified.
Even Naruto being named Uzumaki instead of Namikaze said everything about the choice Minato made.
As for Sakumo Hatake—
A war hero equal in strength.
Politically crushed.
Driven to death.
The Will of Fire wasn't something you inherited just because you deserved it.
Kazuki thought to himself—
If he hadn't awakened the Senju bloodline…
He wouldn't even be in this room.
The doors opened.
Hiruzen Sarutobi entered under the escort of several shinobi.
The entire conference hall fell silent.
He stepped onto the podium and scanned the room.
Then he spoke.
"Let me start with good news."
"Within one week of Shimura Danzo's delegation to Kumogakure, we achieved a breakthrough."
"Kumogakure has signed a twenty-year peace treaty with Konoha."
"For at least the next twenty years, we will maintain peace with the Land of Lightning."
"This is a major milestone for Konoha's continued stability and revival."
The hall erupted.
Whispers turned into open reactions.
Many faces lit up.
After years of war, peace was priceless.
If even the most aggressive village—Kumogakure—was willing to sign peace…
Konoha could finally breathe.
Members of the Shimura clan looked proud.
This is our clan's contribution.
Danzo still serves Konoha.
Kazuki narrowed his eyes.
So Danzo wasn't sent as undercover.
He was sent as a diplomat.
And in less than a week—
He secured a treaty.
Impressive.
Political survival at its finest.
Uzumaki Mito frowned slightly.
But said nothing.
She had never cared for power.
If she had, the Senju and Uzumaki wouldn't have declined so tragically.
After the applause died down, the real topic began.
"Administrative restructuring."
Hiruzen announced a new wave of appointments.
Kazuki listened carefully.
The highest administrative seat would temporarily be held by Akimichi Torifu, one of Hiruzen's old classmates.
Uzumaki Mito and the Hyuga clan head would serve as special advisors.
Tsunade was appointed Supreme Director of the Medical Division.
Orochimaru became her deputy.
Jiraiya was appointed Principal of the Ninja Academy.
Minato became Vice Principal.
The moment the Sannin returned, they were placed directly into key positions.
The Uchiha clan would remain in charge of the Konoha Military Police.
However, with Root dissolved, the Police's authority was significantly expanded.
One appointment followed another.
Kazuki had a sudden uneasy thought.
They're not about to assign me something, are they…
Right then—
Hiruzen glanced directly at him.
"Shinobi Kazuki."
"For meritorious service in rescuing Kushina…"
"And exposing the illegal activities of Root…"
"You are hereby promoted to Special Jonin."
"And appointed Vice Principal of the Ninja Academy."
The room went silent again.
Every gaze turned to him.
The youngest vice principal in Konoha history.
And a Senju.
The board had just shifted.
Again.