As expected, the vote passed with an overwhelming majority in favor and a few abstentions.
Compared to the content of the ninja education reforms, most regular jonin were more interested in the appendix titled Handbook on Dealing with the Evil Organization Akatsuki.
After all, ninjas are individuals whose power lies in themselves. Their education primarily focuses on combat, so rather than abstract policies, they care more about strong opponents.
In this document, the Third Hokage thoughtfully included several simulated combat scenarios where Konoha jonin lost against Akatsuki members, hoping they would remain vigilant in the future.
The jonin discussed the document among themselves.
"Amegakure was actually taken over by an evil organization?"
"Aren't they sending people to participate in this year's Chunin Exams? Is there some conspiracy?"
"Uchiha Itachi joined this organization too," one jonin muttered, a complicated look flashing in his eyes.
"What a truly evil organization. A den of S-rank missing-nin, huh?"
"Simulated battle between genjutsu specialist Yūhi Kurenai and Uchiha Itachi?" Someone flipped to a certain page in the handbook and couldn't help but laugh.
"Taken out in one glance? That overpowered? Kurenai, what do you think?"
The named Yūhi Kurenai sighed awkwardly. "Why did the Hokage use me as an example? The Sharingan's genjutsu is indeed powerful. I don't have full confidence in countering it."
"Just 'no full confidence,' huh? Haha." Laughter filled the room.
"Then if I don't fall for the genjutsu, he's done for, right?" A Hyūga clan member interjected confidently. "With the Byakugan, my genjutsu resistance is high enough."
"Before Uchiha Itachi defected, I briefly worked with him," another jonin said solemnly.
"Setting aside his status as a bloodline ninja, he was terrifyingly strong in every other aspect. His combat intelligence and ninjutsu application were top-tier."
"But according to the data, Uchiha Itachi seems like the only conventional ninja here. Just a bit better than average in genjutsu, taijutsu, and ninjutsu, mainly relying on the Sharingan's boost. The other members all have unique abilities. Suddenly, Konoha's missing-nin don't seem as impressive."
"Looking at it this way, he seems pretty ordinary."
The Hokage clearly didn't reveal the intel about the Mangekyō Sharingan, since Uchiha Itachi had always shown him respect.
"Ugh, why even compare missing-nin? Besides, Orochimaru is a former member. He has unique skills—snake ninjutsu is one of a kind in the ninja world."
"That means Konoha has two S-rank criminals now. The Land of Lightning doesn't have any missing-nin in Akatsuki."
"They're just weak."
The atmosphere inexplicably turned into a competition.
"Here's a simulation where jonin Asuma was solo-killed by Hidan," someone flipped to another page.
"Asuma, what's your take?"
Asuma, cigarette in mouth, replied irritably, "Hah? That old man really underestimates me. An immortal body is troublesome, but I'm not so easy to kill."
"Because you're an idiot. If it were Kakashi, he'd definitely use shadow clones to gather intel first."
"I'd do that too!" Asuma retorted while flipping to his page, though internally, he admitted the old man had a point. Despite their strained relationship, he still understood his combat habits well.
"Bullshit, you love trading blows."
"This organization is full of talent," another jonin remarked. "Without prior intel, encountering them would be certain death."
"Eh, not necessarily?" Might Gai suddenly cut in, eyes burning with passion. "With so many strong opponents to defeat, my youth burns even brighter! Everyone, pick an opponent—I'll take Kisame Hoshigaki!"
"Such energy. That's so like you, Gai." A nearby ninja patted his shoulder, laughing.
"The others are one thing, but what's up with the Rinnegan leader on the last page?" Someone flipped to the handbook's final page, frowning. "Isn't that thing just a legend?"
"The power level's broken," another jonin sighed.
"Eh, but I think that mysterious murderer is scarier. With space-time ninjutsu like the Fourth Hokage's, there's no chance to escape." Debates like this always brought out differing opinions.
"How do you even deal with something like 'Chibaku Tensei'? The weak point is the core before it forms, but you'd need at least a Tailed Beast Ball-level attack to break it. Fine, let's say you bring a full squad of ANBU—no, three squads. How would you handle it?"
"I'm just an intel-type jonin. You're the combat-type here."
...
"Elites, this is intel you'll need to keep in mind moving forward. This evil organization is anti-humanity, anti-society, and utterly inhuman! If you encounter them during missions, don't act recklessly. Retreat quickly and call for backup."
The Third Hokage, whose Ninja World Academy City plan had been unanimously approved, was in high spirits and cheerfully looked after his talented subordinates.
"You are all Konoha's most valuable assets. The village's future depends on you."
Truly worthy of the Hokage—he'd even figured out how many hairs were in the S-rank missing-nin hideout. He must have planted a spy. Who could it be? Hard to guess.
Everyone praised the Hokage's wisdom and leadership.
The meeting lasted until evening, with lunch eaten in the conference room.
The elites shared their thoughts, thoroughly understanding the Hokage's policy of strengthening Konoha's ninja standards through education reform while deepening their study of the Will of Fire.
Now, it was time for everyone to carry out their duties, secure funding from the Daimyo, and begin large-scale construction.
After the meeting, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, returned to his office. Sitting in his chair, he took a deep drag from his pipe, finally feeling a hint of fatigue.
Being young again was truly great. From capturing Danzō last night to subduing Root with his team, then writing reports all morning and attending meetings all day without rest, the exhaustion was only now creeping in.
He decided to work a little longer, writing One Piece up to Luffy's fight with Captain Morgan before handing it off to Sai for polishing.
Ah, I really don't want to be a shameless plagiarist, but for the sake of the ninja world's intel, the Hokage must make sacrifices.
Sarutobi Hiruzen chuckled to himself. I really am the 'Chosen Old Man' now, huh?
If he could return to that timeless space tonight, he'd practice the techniques his teachers hadn't finished learning, take the First Hokage to Kage-level, and then argue on the Hokage Forum again.
He'd already thought of a new post title: "How can you bear to slander an old man who dedicated his life to Konoha? Do you have no heart?"
Looking around his office, the furnishings seemed too old and dull, hardly fitting for a young person's workspace. As an old man, he didn't mind, but the future Fifth Hokage wouldn't stand for it.
"Ahem."
Shh— The on-duty ANBU appeared—still Fox Mask (Yamato) and Monkey Mask (Shiranui).
"Tomorrow, redecorate the office. Hang portraits of all the Hokage on that wall. Stock the bookshelf with manga for Konohamaru. Put a snack rack in that corner, buy some trendy snacks and drinks from the market. Konohamaru might eat them."
"The office shouldn't just have tea. We need soda too."
...
That night, ANBU members Yamato and Shiranui faintly heard the Hokage muttering in his sleep.
In the first half of the night, it was things like "Sweating bullets now, huh, kid?", "How dare you summon three times in one match?", and "Challenging a god is recklessness itself."
In the second half, it shifted to "How dare you slander me? It was all Danzō's doing!", "The milk really expired because I bought too much!", and "You should all refer to the original manga for accuracy!"
It seemed that despite his calm exterior, the Hokage was under immense psychological pressure after dealing with his fallen friend Danzō. Considering his education reforms, the next generation of Konoha ninja would surely be better.
The two loyal ANBU silently praised the Third Hokage's resolve.Chapter 4: Handbook on Dealing with the Evil Organization Akatsuki