After Inoichi Yamanaka and Ino Yamanaka left, the Hokage's office returned to its quiet state.
Natsume leaned in close, his face almost touching Tsunade's soft and delicate cheek, and said, "Thanks."
"You don't have to thank me. She's the successor of the Yamanaka clan. Taking her as my disciple will help me get on good terms with the Ino–Shika–Cho clans."
Tsunade calmly analyzed and said, "There are quite a few benefits for me as the newly appointed Hokage."
Natsume felt the soft and squishy feel of her cheek and nodded.
This was the consideration of a Hokage.
Although Tsunade wasn't as greedy for power as Hiruzen Sarutobi, she still knew what she had to do.
In the original story, she took Sakura Haruno as her disciple not only because of her talent but also because of Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha.
Without those two teammates now, it was hard for Tsunade to take a fancy to Sakura.
Because Sakura had no background.
Her ancestors used to be well - off, and they had a family crest.
Or maybe it's the original author's problem, forgetting the setting as the story went on.
But this was the real world of Naruto.
With her current not - so - outstanding performance, Sakura had no chance of becoming the Hokage's disciple.
Natsume gently brushed his lips against Tsunade's cheek and said, "I thought it was my efforts last night that moved you."
"You bastard!"
Tsunade turned her head, her face turning red with anger. She stared at him with a scowl and asked, "Do you want to die?"
"Don't be angry."
Natsume quickly raised his hands and said, "I'll let you vent your anger all you want tonight."
"Behave yourself here!"
Tsunade was both angry and amused. She gave his forehead a hard flick.
"Ouch!"
Natsume gasped in pain and obediently admitted his mistake, "Sorry, Hokage–sama."
"Really."
Tsunade reached out and rubbed his forehead, saying, "I have some things to deal with. Don't disturb me."
She finally softened her heart.
"What things? Is it about the inheritance distribution of the Uchiha clan last time?"
Natsume grabbed her hand and asked, "I can help too."
"The Uchiha clan's inheritance has been handed over to Sasuke for management."
Tsunade pulled her hand back, rummaged through a file, and said, "It's about the Konoha Police Force. It's in a complete uproar right now."
Oh right, he'd forgotten about this organization.
Back then, Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage, established the Konoha Police Force and entrusted it to the Uchiha clan.
At the beginning, it had great power, responsible for the internal security and defense of Konoha Village.
Theoretically, its scope of management was broader than that of the Anbu and Root.
But after the manipulations of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura, the Uchiha clan lost their major power and influence and were forced to leave their clan's territory.
The Konoha Police Force they managed also sank to the level of an ordinary organization.
Its daily work had become dealing with villagers' disputes.
But the more this happened, their public image got even worse.
Now that the Uchiha clan was exterminated, the Konoha Police Force had become an empty shell.
Many ninja clans were immediately tempted.
Such as the Sarutobi clan, Shimura clan, Hyuga clan, and Inuzuka clan.
Even in decline, it's still more substantial than most.
This organization was no exception.
Mastering it will surely contribute to the development and prosperity of the ninja clan.
Moreover, someone really needs to take it over.
"Well, this is a real pain," Natsume glanced around and immediately understood what Tsunade was worried about.
With so many ninja clans involved, no matter who got the opportunity, someone would be offended.
"Sister, I've got an idea," Natsume thought for a moment and then asked, "Why not split the Konoha Police Force into two departments? One to manage the villagers, and the other to be responsible for Konoha's security."
"Why'd you suddenly think of this?"
It was the first time Tsunade had heard such a suggestion.
"Ninjas and villagers are not on an equal footing. Having ninjas handle villagers' affairs can easily lead to misunderstandings," Natsume pointed out. "The reason why the Uchiha clan has such a bad reputation in Konoha Village might be related to this."
Tsunade was suddenly stunned.
But the more she thought about it, the more reasonable it seemed.
She looked at Natsume, tilted her head, and asked, "I really doubt if you have the Yin Seal[b]Yin Seal[/b] like me."
It meant that although he looked young, he might actually be an old monster.
"Sister, you've watched me grow up," Natsume emphasized the last three words.
Tsunade's face stiffened, then she rolled her eyes at him and said crossly, "Why have you been so flippant these days?"
"Mainly because you're so charming, sister," Natsume said as he stealthily kissed her cheek.
Tsunade turned her face away, and the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curl up, but she quickly regained her Hokage's dignity.
"What about after splitting it into two departments?"
"The Konoha Police Force is an institution of Konoha, not a private one. So the best way is to let every ninja clan participate," Natsume paused and then said, "As for how to select the personnel to achieve a balance, it depends on your methods, sister."
This suggestion was within Tsunade's expectations.
Because she had also thought about it.
But what she hesitated about was how to manage it.
It would be a big problem to gather so many ninja clans together.
They needed someone who could keep the situation under control.
"Flip to the last page," Tsunade pointed at the document she had just given him.
Natsume followed her instruction. When he saw the last page, he couldn't help laughing.
Since it was an institution, there must be a leader.
The Sarutobi clan recommended Asuma Sarutobi.
The Shimura clan recommended Danzo.
It was obvious what they were up to without even thinking.
Asuma Sarutobi is a seemingly rebellious ninja. His life path has been clearly mapped out by Hiruzen Sarutobi. This chapter is not over!
The guardian ninja of the Fire Daimyo and the teacher of the new generation of Ino–Shika–Cho.
Besides, he also has a girlfriend.
Kurenai Yuhi, an ordinary Jonin specializing in Genjutsu[b]Genjutsu[/b], has actually become the teacher of Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame.
It's simply unbelievable.
She specializes in Genjutsu[b]Genjutsu[/b], while all her three students are reconnaissance-type ninjas.
It has nothing to do with each other.
If Asuma Sarutobi were a bit more powerful, he could already be a candidate for the Hokage's seat.
As for Danzo, at his age, he still has the energy to compete for the position of the head of the Konoha Police Force.
Obviously, this is a roundabout strategy.
Even if he can't return to Root, he still wants to get back to the center of power.
Although Root has been disbanded, its members have become ordinary ninjas performing tasks. But because they were trained by Root, they still follow the orders of Danzo Shimura.
It was disbanded, but not completely.
"Who do you think I should choose?"
Tsunade rubbed her forehead, sighed, and asked.
"The best choice is someone with extremely high prestige, a strong Will of Fire, remarkable strength, and who is also a civilian ninja."
Natsume put down the information and asked, "Do you have any ideas, Sister?"
"Jiraiya and Orochimaru, but that's impossible."
Tsunade shook her head and said, "There is no third candidate other than them."
"Actually, there is still someone."
After thinking for a moment, Natsume said, "Kosuke Maruboshi."
"Kosuke Maruboshi?"
Tsunade was slightly stunned, then a look of sudden realization dawned on her face.
He is a legendary genin.
He has lived through the eras of the Second Hokage, the Third Hokage, the Fourth Hokage, and the Fifth Hokage.
Tobirama Senju taught him Water Release[b]Water Release[/b], Hiruzen Sarutobi taught him ninjutsu, and Minato Namikaze once bandaged his wounds.
As for Tsunade, she once ordered him to be responsible for the defense of Konoha Village.
Of course, this hasn't happened yet.
"Right, he is indeed capable of being the head of the Konoha Police Force."
Tsunade let out a breath, and her mood improved a lot. She said, "You did a good job today. Sister will give you a reward."
Natsume immediately grinned.
"Don't make such a strange face. It's so ugly!"
Tsunade glared at him and pinched his face, kneading it.
As she said that, she couldn't help laughing herself, with a nice curve on the corner of her mouth.
"Go on and read your information."
Tsunade stood up and gave Natsume a kiss on the forehead.
The information she mentioned refers to various documents of Konoha over the years.
Letting Natsume read them is euphemistically called paving the way for the Hokage in advance.
So when Natsume mentioned Kosuke Maruboshi, Tsunade wasn't surprised.
"Yeah."
Natsume actually had something to deal with, so he followed her words and said, "Come to me if you need anything."
Tsunade was slightly stunned and spat.
"…?"
Natsume emphasized, "I'm being serious. What's wrong with you?"
"Who told you to be so naughty recently?"
Tsunade knew there was a misunderstanding, but she didn't show the coyness of an ordinary woman. She waved her hand and said, "Go quickly."
Natsume left the Hokage's office.
"Mr. Natsume."
Ino Yamanaka called out from not far away.
She was holding a stack of information in her hands, almost covering her head.
"You're asking about Sakura, right?"
Natsume guessed why she was waiting there, so he directly said, "Tell her to go to Konoha Hospital to find Nonou Yakushi, the dean."
"Thanks!"
Ino Yamanaka immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
Although it wasn't Tsunade, Nonou Yakushi was no worse. She was a top-notch medical ninja and more than qualified to teach Sakura.
At this time, although she was smart, she couldn't figure out the hidden motives.
She was just helping Sakura out of pure friendship.
This is the taste of youth.
Natsume glanced at the books she was holding and smiled. "Ms. Shizune is really amazing. Don't think she's torturing you, okay?"
"Of course not!"
Ino Yamanaka shook her head and said full of energy, "I'll work hard!"
As she moved, her long bangs and high ponytail swayed along.
"Um... I have a question."
Natsume reached out his hand, brushed aside her bangs, revealing her right eye, and asked, "Doesn't it block your vision usually?"
Ino Yamanaka stiffened up, immediately shifted her gaze elsewhere, and her face turned red.
"Sorry."
Natsume retracted his hand and said, "I think your eyes are very beautiful. It's a pity to cover them."
In his past life, he thought Ino Yamanaka's long bangs as a child weren't very nice.
When she grew up, her figure and appearance could carry it off.
If someone else said such words, it would be considered harassment.
But combined with Natsume's face, Ino Yamanaka's face instantly flushed red, and she was a bit at a loss.
She said very softly, "Mr. Natsume, if you don't like it, I'll change it."
After saying that, she hugged the materials and turned to run into the office.
Natsume sighed and said, "Youth is really wonderful."
[Due to your actions, the fates of Ino Yamanaka, Sakura Haruno, Nonou Yakushi, and Kosuke Maruboshi have changed. You have gained a total of one hundred and ninety-nine destiny points.]
It was more than he expected.
Maybe it was because Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka had many scenes in the original story.
Especially the former was one of the heroines.
Natsume walked towards the Hokage's secretary office not far away with satisfaction.
"It's Natsume."
Hizashi Hyuga greeted him actively.
Hiashi Hyuga didn't tell him Natsume's real strength.
But to prevent accidents that might involve the Hyuga clan.
This chapter isn't over yet!
He told Hizashi Hyuga that it was Natsume's merit that he could become the Hokage's secretary.
Well, how to put it?
It didn't really matter.
Hizashi Hyuga didn't care.
Because he thought that being the Hokage's secretary was a tough job.
Above him were the Hokage and the Hokage's advisors.
He was just a common handyman.
But unexpectedly, after actually taking on the job, he found that the power was much greater than he thought.
Now they manage nearly two-thirds of the affairs in Konoha Village, almost completely marginalizing the Hokage advisors.
For this reason, Hizashi Hyuga had been criticized by Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado many times, saying that he had overstepped his bounds.
But he directly retorted that it was the Hokage's order.
These days, Hizashi Hyuga had been having a great time.
In the Hyuga clan, he belonged to the branch family. Due to the [Caged Bird Seal], he led a very depressing life.
He also had to watch his own son, Neji Hyuga, being treated like a punching bag for no reason.
At the same time, he wasn't free.
No matter what kind of missions, they were all arranged by the main family.
But here, he was the supervisor, in control of great power.
Many ninjas or ninja clans who had looked down on him before were now very enthusiastic towards him because of various things.
Therefore, Natsume could be considered his benefactor.
Coupled with his status as the Hokage's disciple, his attitude was naturally very good.
"Uncle Hizashi, I need to trouble you with something."
Natsume stated his purpose and asked, "Have there been any missing or dead ninjas in the village recently?"
"
"There are quite a few."
Hizashi Hyuga recalled and said, "Being a Ninja is a high-risk profession. Accidents happen to people every day."
"Hmm."
Natsume nodded and said, "Find out the information about the missing and dead Ninjas and give it to me."
To prove Danzo Shimura is a defector, decisive evidence had to be presented.
For example, the Hashirama cells experiments.
Of course, given the darkness of Root, there were definitely more than just one Hashirama cells experiment; there were many.
What Natsume had to do was find an excuse. For example, he could use the case of missing Ninjas to frame Danzo Shimura. Then he could start an investigation.
Hiruzen Sarutobi might be able to withstand the investigation, but Danzo Shimura definitely can't.
Even digging up the old accounts of the Hashirama cells experiments would be enough to ruin Danzo Shimura.
Next, let's see if Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado can hold their horses.
Thinking of this, Natsume lowered his voice and asked, "Uncle Hizashi, can you do me another favor?"
"What?"
Hizashi Hyuga was a little confused. Why was he being so mysterious? "Tell me. I'll definitely help you if I can."
"Have the two Hokage advisors been giving you a hard time lately?"
After getting an affirmative answer from him, Natsume said, "Don't hold back. Give them a good scolding, the angrier you make them, the better."
"Isn't that a bit too much?"
Hizashi Hyuga hesitated and asked.
Although he had confronted them before, he only cited the Hokage's orders and didn't push it too far.
"I'll take responsibility if anything goes wrong."
Natsume paused for a moment and said, "If you still have doubts, you can ask the Hyuga clan leader."
Hearing this, Hizashi Hyuga showed a look of surprise.
This sentence seemed to have a deep meaning.
Could it be that his elder brother had reached some agreement with him?
"Okay."
Hizashi Hyuga agreed first.
However, they were still Hokage advisors after all.
Although their power had been weakened, they were still not to be underestimated.
If he offended them rashly, it would obviously affect the Hyuga clan.
At that time, their branch family might be punished by the main family.
So he would only act after asking Hiashi Hyuga.
"Thanks."
After thanking him, Natsume took the information about the missing and dead Ninjas and left the office.
As for Hiashi Hyuga, if he was sensible, he would naturally agree.
Four thousand words.
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