Hiruzen glanced over and saw that it was Shikatsu who had spoken.
Setting his pipe aside, he gestured for him to continue. "Please, Chief Shikatsu."
Shikatsu stood up and read aloud, "Line 39 states: 'All decisions of the Village Committee are made by majority rule. However, if the Hokage deems that the resolution is unfit for implementation, he may exercise his veto power, sending the proposal back for revision.'
Does this mean that if the Hokage disagrees, nothing can be done?"
Hiruzen instinctively rubbed the back of his head, feeling a tinge of awkwardness. The veto power had been a last-minute addition, a safeguard against the committee spiraling into a battlefield of clan interests. It was a delicate balance—too much control, and it would seem like mere pretense; too little, and governance would become chaotic.
Of course, this wasn't something he could openly admit. Instead, he had chosen to let the document speak for itself, trusting that those sharp enough would grasp its meaning without the need for direct explanation.
Did Shikatsu, known for his keen mind, really have to bring it up in front of everyone?
Maintaining a composed expression, Hiruzen nodded. "That's the general idea. The veto power ensures that the Hokage retains a level of authority. In practice, it is rarely used. There is an old saying—'One must act according to one's position.' Those who stand at the top see things differently, bearing responsibilities that others may not fully grasp. This measure exists to prevent decisions that could harm the village."
That should be enough to satisfy them, he thought. No need to over-explain.
Surprisingly, Shikatsu simply nodded in acknowledgment and said nothing more.
That's it? Then why bring it up in the first place?
Still, Hiruzen understood. Konoha's reforms were unprecedented in the ninja world. Power was being shared, but safeguards were necessary. Shikatsu had merely drawn attention to an important clause, ensuring that everyone in the room understood its implications.
A rustling of pages followed as discussions broke out among the gathered leaders. Some whispered among themselves, while others stood to ask clarifying questions. As time passed, most had familiarized themselves with the document's contents.
Then, Shikatsu rose once more. "Lord Hokage, in line 243, it is stated that the positions in the village will have a time limit. Could you elaborate on this?"
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow and let out a chuckle. "A time limit is natural. Don't tell me you expect me to be the Hokage for life? You want to work me to death?" He looked around, amused. "You don't actually think that, do you?"
"Besides, term limits are necessary for the village's long-term stability. No one can remain at their best forever. We cannot allow someone to work themselves to death."
"Look at the sheer number of matters I handle daily. Even with various departments in place, I am still buried under endless reports, documents, and urgent concerns. I barely have time to train, and I'm sure others in leadership positions feel the same."
As he spoke, many clan leaders and elders widened their eyes in surprise.
Is he belittling the position of Hokage?
Homura sighed and leaned forward. "Hiruzen, perhaps you should reconsider?"
On the surface, he remained composed, but inwardly, he was fuming. 'Hiruzen, you left everything to me and Torifu, and yet you still have the audacity to complain about exhaustion? Just look at Torifu—he's aged ten years in the past few.'
But Hiruzen had already made up his mind. There was no room for negotiation. Feeling the weight of their stares, he decided to move forward.
Clearing his throat, he continued, "Ahem, let's proceed. You've read the rest of the document. If there are parts you don't understand, I will clarify them now. Let's look at line 244."
"It states that any Hokage who exercises their veto power twice within their term will automatically be disqualified from running for re-election. If they use it a third time, they must step down immediately."
"This rule serves as both a safeguard and a test. The veto power is meant to be a last resort and rarely used but we cannot allow a future Hokage to abuse this authority."
° The first use grants room for an error—a chance to correct a mistake.
° The second use signals a failure in governance, leading to disqualification from future elections.
° The third use is a complete rejection of the Hokage's leadership, as well as a reflection on the Village Committee itself.
"Now, look at line 245."
"All senior ninja of Konoha have the right to compete for the position of Hokage. However, as I just mentioned, those who have misused the veto will be disqualified. This ensures that our leadership remains young, energetic, and full of vitality. Only then can Konoha continue to grow instead of stagnating."
"As for line 247, it states that the Hokage must be a graduate of the Konoha Ninja Academy. Anyone who has not graduated from our academy is automatically ineligible."
"This rule preserves the integrity of the Hokage position. We all know that the ninja world is filled with techniques capable of subtly influencing one's thoughts. We must ensure that our leader has been raised with Konoha's values, shaped by its teachings, and is loyal to its people."
"In this way, we can ensure that every Hokage is deeply rooted in Konoha's teachings from childhood, shaped by the village's values, and committed to serving its best interests."
With Hiruzen's explanation, the room fell into thoughtful silence. It was now clear—this system placed significant checks on the Hokage's power. Yet, those who were perceptive could also see its advantages. A structure like this, built with such careful consideration, was hard to oppose.
The assembled leaders recognized the weight of the Third Hokage's efforts. Here stood a man who, despite holding the highest authority, willingly placed limits on his own power. He was not ruling for his own sake, but for the future of the village. By redistributing the authority, he sought to break down old barriers and forge stronger cooperation among Konoha's ninja.
Truly, Hiruzen was worthy of the title of Third Hokage.
After a pause, he scanned the room. "Are there any further questions? If not, we shall proceed."
No one spoke.
He turned to Homura. "Homura, begin the process. Record everything carefully—this moment may shape Konoha's future for generations to come."
Homura nodded. "Then, let the voting commence."
"All in favor of the proposed reforms, raise your right hand."
He was the first to raise his.
One by one, hands followed. Shikatsu. Kagami. Danzo.
The assembled jonin exchanged glances, their eyes instinctively turning to their respective clan leaders, awaiting their decision.
Among the smaller clans, the leaders hesitated, looking toward the great clans—the Hyuga, Uchiha, Sarutobi—seeking their stance.
Setsuna met Hayato's gaze. Neither spoke. Then, with a firm expression, Uchiha Setsuna raised his hand.
The Uchiha jonin around him followed without hesitation.
Across the room, hands continued to rise. The decision was being made.