Shindai's Dream Workshop finally opened.
"This is Maria No.1, available in three different grades..."
"This is Kato Unit 1, also offered in three tiers..."
Using a pre-recorded voice broadcast through a speaker, Shindai enthusiastically introduced the puppets he'd created.
There were simply too many people here. Shindai knew his social anxiety would kick in, making it impossible for him to speak clearly. As always, he'd come fully prepared.
During this enthusiastic introduction, Shindai could clearly see some people becoming interested.
However, as soon as they heard the price, their interest vanished.
Shindai wasn't worried at all. Like the saying goes, a great product sells itself. Once they realized just how amazing these puppets truly were, sales would definitely skyrocket!
Pakura and Kushina Uzumaki pulled Hikaku Uchiha aside to a quiet corner.
"Asu Natsuka, weren't you supposed to be keeping an eye on Shindai? How did this even happen?"
Hikaku Uchiha replied helplessly, "I promised him I wouldn't tell anyone..."
Kushina Uzumaki sighed, "What a shame."
Pakura also sighed, "Asu Natsuka, you can't let him lead you around by the nose like this. Shindai has an incredible knack for seizing every opportunity. Once you start letting him pull your strings, he'll only get bolder and bolder."
At this moment, Pakura's words rang especially true to Hikaku Uchiha.
That crafty little Shindai really did have an amazing ability to take advantage of opportunities.
Take helping create these puppets for example — she hadn't wanted to help at all at first, but somehow ended up assisting before she even realized what was happening.
Kushina clicked her tongue, "This kid just wants to cook the rice before announcing it, leaving us with no choice but to accept what's done."
Pakura glared unhappily at Shindai who was standing there looking smug. "Yeah, he actually managed to get away with it this time."
Then, simultaneously, Pakura and Kushina each grabbed one of Hikaku's shoulders, staring seriously at her.
Hikaku felt uneasy under their intense gazes. "What's wrong?"
"Asu Natsuka, you're on our side now. Don't let that brat Shindai lead you around by the nose anymore. Got it?"
Hikaku Uchiha pursed her lips.
Previously, Shindai had claimed she belonged to his faction. Now Pakura and Kushina were telling her she belonged to their team.
So the question was — whose side was she really on?
Pakura continued earnestly, "Asu Natsuka, this isn't the time to be confused. Just think carefully — remember when Shindai shoved those socks he'd worn for a week toward you? When he pushed you off the bed to take it for himself? When he broke a cup and blamed you? When he missed the toilet and blamed you again..."
Hikaku Uchiha scowled and snapped, "Enough! I'm on your side! There won't be a next time!"
Pakura and Kushina Uzumaki exchanged glances, their eyes filled with satisfaction.
Hikaku Uchiha began repeating everything Shindai had previously said.
Everything—how Pakura and Kushina Uzumaki were completely under someone's control, how he referred to them as "big baddies," "fiery," and other similar terms—was all repeated.
Pakura and Kushina Uzumaki shot dangerous looks toward Shindai.
Shindai, who was happily imagining a bright future, suddenly shivered all over, as if a bad omen were flashing above his head.
...
When Shindai celebrated the grand opening of his place, there was palpable tension in the Hokage Building.
Inside the meeting room of the Hokage Building:
Minato Namikaze, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado sat around, each with a serious expression.
Danzo's eye twitched. He had a feeling this meeting might be specifically targeting him.
And indeed, Danzo wasn't wrong.
Minato Namikaze spoke first: "Thank you all for attending this meeting. The topic today involves certain adjustments to some departments and institutions within Konoha.
Firstly, the Konoha Military Police Force will undergo reforms. The documents are on the table. Please take a look, then raise your hands to vote. The minority will yield to the majority. Once approved, the reforms will be implemented immediately."
Although Hiruzen Sarutobi already knew about this, he still pretended to open the document and read through it.
After glancing at the contents of the document in his hand, Danzo slammed the table and stared at Minato: "I disagree!"
The biggest point of conflict between the Uchiha clan and Konoha was the Konoha Military Police Force.
If the police force underwent reform and non-Uchiha ninjas were added, the conflicts would ease. Then how could he stir up trouble?
Smiling gently, Minato said, "So Danzo opposes it? I understand. What about the Third and the two advisors?"
Naturally, Hiruzen Sarutobi stood firmly on Minato's side and answered, "I support the reform."
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, having already coordinated beforehand, also expressed agreement.
Minato continued, "Then I also agree. That means we have unanimous approval. As for the reform of the Konoha Military Police Force, once I consult with Clan Leader Fugaku and decide on the date, it will begin immediately."
Danzo stared at Minato in disbelief.
Even though he opposed it, they still claimed it passed unanimously.
What did that mean?
Was he even here for anything?
Suddenly, Danzo's heart skipped a beat.
Minato said earlier that he wanted to adjust certain departments and institutions. That meant it wasn't just referring to the police force.
His Root—?
Immediately standing up, Danzo said, "Since my vote isn't needed, I'll take my leave now. There is an urgent matter waiting for me at Root."
Because something felt seriously wrong, Danzo decided to make a quick exit.
Minato Namikaze spoke gently to Danzo. "Senior Danzo, Root doesn't have any urgent matter to handle. Even if there were, it would be transferred to Anbu for processing."
Danzo glared at Minato Namikaze menacingly. "What exactly do you mean by that?"
Minato Namikaze announced, "Exactly what I said. Regarding Root from now on—it will be dissolved and reorganized into the Anbu training division. The directorship of this new Anbu training division will temporarily be filled by Nara Shikaku. So, The Third, Advisors, do you agree with this plan?"
Danzo was in complete disbelief. Disbanding Root? This was a devastating blow to all he had built over the years.
His eyes widened furiously, veins bulging on his forehead. "I was the one who built Root. It has made countless contributions to Konoha's stability. What gives you the right to just disband it like this?"
Minato Namikaze acknowledged, "Root indeed made many contributions to Konoha. I believe everyone here can clearly see that. However, in recent years, some of Root's actions have deviated from the proper course. For Konoha's long-term development, as Hokage, I must take action. But I'm not disbanding Root—I'm simply reorganizing it."
At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi chimed in appropriately. "I support Minato Namikaze's plan. Disbanding and reorganizing Root makes sense."
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado both nodded. "We agree as well."
"You—!"
Danzo was so angry he felt like his lungs would burst. No wonder there was no need for his vote—he wasn't even given a vote!
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