Hiruzen continued, "There are many important positions in the village—ministers, committee members, and other officials. To prevent the issues that come with long-term appointments, I propose an evaluation every five years to assess each of the official's performance. Their work will be categorized into three levels: high, medium, and low."
"Those who receive high ratings may remain in their position, get promoted, or request transfers based on their preferences."
"Those in the medium ratings must comply with the village policies if they wish to stay or transfer."
"Those who receive low ratings will be demoted or dismissed, based on the village's final review."
He paused for a moment before adding four more words, "Including the Hokage."
Danzo was visibly shaken.
"Hiruzen, you're still young. There's no need to hand over the Hokage seat so soon."
"It's not about handing it over; it's about elections," Hiruzen clarified. "All qualified jonin in Konoha should have the right to run for it. Whether they're from a noble clan or commoner background, whoever secures the majority vote in the jonin assembly should become the Hokage."
"We need a proper system to regulate the ninja clans, to make them compete for the title of Hokage under the rules that we have established. Those rules must always prioritize the village's best interests. If someone wants to be a Hokage, they must prove that they put the village first as their priority."
Danzo studied Hiruzen carefully, as if trying to read his true intentions. Then, he smiled and said, "Since you've already made up your mind, let's announce it at tomorrow's jonin meeting. I'm sure everyone will support it."
Deep down, Danzo was thrilled. He had always envisioned himself standing behind Hiruzen for a lifetime. But now, this system might give him the chance to become a Hokage in just five years. The thought excites him.
Noticing the faint smile on Danzo's lips, Hiruzen knew exactly what was on his mind but it didn't bother him. Did Danzo truly believe he could compete with the younger generation in five years? Did he really think he would be the village's top choice to become the Hokage?
In five years, Hiruzen himself would still be in his thirties. Wouldn't it be too soon to step down?
Breaking the moment of silence, Hiruzen said, "Danzo, I want you to disclose the matter regarding the Fire Trade Company at tomorrow's jonin meeting."
The Fire Trade Company was primarily controlled by the Shimura and Utatane clans, with backing from some smaller clans. Hiruzen had already dismissed one of his assistants over the issue. If this matter were to escalate, it could become a major scandal. It would be better if Danzo revealed it himself, allowing room for damage control.
Now, it all depended on where Danzo's loyalty lay—with his clans or with the village. If he handled this well, becoming the next Hokage might not be out of reach.
Danzo thought for a long moment before replying, "Actually, I was the first to investigate the Fire Trade Company issue. It makes sense for me to be the one to explain it. Don't worry about it Hiruzen, we will always be partners."
"Good. Tomorrow's jonin meeting could be a turning point for the village," Hiruzen said, signaling that their conversation was over. He handed Danzo a written speech and added, "Go get some rest and be prepared."
. . .
The next day, the large conference room had been cleaned and set up in advance. One by one, people began arriving.
"Masaki, how have you been lately?" Shimura Hiroshi, the head of the Shimura clan, greeted Sarutobi Masaki, leader of the Sarutobi clan.
Masaki chuckled. "I live in good health, resting and eating well—there is nothing to be concerned about. If one wishes for longevity, it is best to cast aside unnecessary worries. Our family is blessed with many young ones, and if we do not entrust them with responsibilities, they will never grow strong enough to support themselves or the family as a whole."
His words were a subtle jab at Hiroshi, implying that he was meddling too much.
Hiroshi shook his head and sighed. "I'd like to step back, but the younger ones in my clan aren't ready yet. The elders are dissatisfied with how things are being handled, so I have no choice but to step in. It's a tough life for me." He glanced at Masaki and thought to himself, 'If I had a nephew who was a Hokage, I'd be the one laughing at you right now.'
Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, the heads of two prominent clans were seated together. Hyuga Hayato leaned slightly toward Uchiha Setsuna, intending to strike up a conversation. "Clan leader Setsuna, about today's jonin meeting—"
Before he could finish, Uchiha Setsuna cut him off. "I'm not the right person to talk to. The Uchiha clan has a new leader now. You should speak with him about the clan matters." With that, he stood up and called over Uchiha Kagami, who was seated near the front.
Was that really necessary? Hayato already knew the answer. Kagami was the new Uchiha Clan leader—and more importantly, he was a close teammate of the Third Hokage and currently served as the Hokage's assistant. There was no doubt that the Uchiha clan would stand with the Hokage.
If only the Hyuga had someone assisting the Hokage, Hayato thought with regret.
But he failed to consider something—didn't the Shimura and Utatane clans also have members serving as Hokage's assistants? If a clan leader wasn't strong enough, even their clan members in high positions wouldn't be able to shield them from the consequences.
As he pondered, Kagami approached. "Senior Hayato, is something wrong?"
"Nothing," Hayato replied curtly, immediately distancing himself. He had already figured out where the Uchiha stood, and there was no need to continue the conversation.
Left with nothing to do, Kagami sighed and returned to his seat. As he did, he noticed Danzo entering the room. Their eyes met, and Kagami gave him a small nod and smile.
Danzo gave a serious nod in return before making his way around the conference table. He took a seat to the left of the main chair and carefully spread out the documents in front of him.
Despite his composed expression, excitement stirred within him. If things went well today, he might secure the position of Second-in-Command—a "Vice-Kage position." That was still a Hokage, after all and in five years, he would be eligible to run for a Hokage election.
Lost in his thoughts, he didn't even notice when Hiruzen had already taken his seat.
"Homura, is everyone here?"
Homura stood up, scanned the room, and reported, "Lord Hokage, all active jonin are present, except for those who currently on the missions outside the village. Former Assistant Hokage, Koharu, has not arrived yet."
"Koharu? Leave her be. Just take notes," Hiruzen said before turning to Danzo. "Let's begin."
Seeing that Danzo was still lost in thought, he tapped the table lightly to bring him back to reality.
Danzo snapped out of his daze and quickly realized that all eyes were on him. Homura was even signaling him discreetly. Flustered, he grabbed the documents on the table and took a moment to review them before standing up to speak.
"Three years ago, in an effort to strengthen ties between the nobles and ninjas of the Land of Fire, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, along with the Daimyo, established the Fire Trade Company. The ownership was divided as follows: Konoha held 30% of the profit, the Daimyo Prefecture held another 30%, and the Daimyo himself 30%. The remaining 10% was split among the nobles."
"However, in the past three years, the village has not received any profits from the Fire Trade Company."
"This year, under the direct orders of the Third Hokage, I, Shimura Danzo, conducted an extensive investigation—both internal and external in order to look into the matter."
"The findings revealed that certain village ninjas were involved in this issue. The individuals responsible are as follows:"
"Shimura XX... Tanara XX... Hayate XX..."
"This situation has severely harmed the unity within the village and strained our relationship with the Daimyo. The financial losses are immense, and the damage to Konoha's reputation is immeasurable."