They quickly discovered that Tenzo had no memory of his family or life before when he was abducted, and found from other villagers that he had no other family, making it even more sensible for him to be placed within the care of the Senju clan, which Kushina had been tasked with to initiate for the time being, to help the young boy feel more welcome, while trying to find out as much about his past as possible.
Meanwhile, the others rushed back to the main office, where an immediate council had been called.
"We can't get Orochimaru back," Minato sighed, "he has made it clear by his actions he has become a rogue shinboi." His eyes flickered to Hiruzen for a moment before continuing. "It is unfortunate that Lord Sarutobi was unable to capture him, but I cannot say he is at fault. Orochimaru is an incredibly skilled shinobi, so, I want to make it a point that all shinobi going out on any future missions immediately report if they see him and his whereabouts as well as what his actions at the time." A round of agreement followed, and Minato cleared his throat as the noise died down, before he continued.
"Now, I know I am the new Hokage, and with that, I will be changing a few things, and recent incidents have shown me I need to accelerate these changes. Nothing that will set the village back, of course. Firstly, like I mentioned before, the Anbu and its members will be reviewed, and its current system will be restructured. Second, I will be assigning new members for a new Hokage Guard Squad. Next, I will be appointing new people to only a few positions, while some will remain the same. I am still thinking of changing a few but I will announce the ones I am currently implementing after this meeting. Those who will remain in the leading position of their role will not be mentioned. Lord Inoichi, I would like to make you the Head of the Analysis Team. I will also be creating the Interrogation Force as a separate group from the Anbu. They will now be led by Morino Ibiki. Finally, the new official advisor to the Hokage will be Lord Senju Katsuro."
Hiruzen held his breath, while Sakumo and Kaito smiled at Katsuro, who nodded.
"That is all, for now," Minato announced, "are we all in agreement?"
Once again, he was met with a round of agreement. Everyone was already comfortable with Minato as Hokage, but having Katsuro by his side would ensure the village would never be threatened in any way.
"Excuse me, Lord Fourth, I would like to request something, if possible," Hiruzen spoke up. The room went silent, but Minato simply smiled.
"Ah yes, Lord Sarutobi, I was just about to come onto you, as a matter of fact!" the yellow-haired said, "I would like to thank you, as I didn't get to before, for doing such an incredible job of being the previous Hokage. You shaped the next generation of shinobi, including myself and a lot of the others present in this room. I believe you should enjoy your retirement instead of pushing yourself even further." Hiruzen blinked, confused for a moment. Retire??? Katsuro held back a laugh seeing the Third's reaction. The previous Hokage was about to speak up before Minato cut in.
"Don't worry, Lord Third. I will have everything under control. You did so much for this village, you should relax now. Of course, you will still be a part of this council, but please take things easy for now!"
Hiruzen was clearly put off but he kept his composure as his eyes briefly swept the room. I might as well accept it. I can't deny the Hokage anyways. Besides, I'll still be in this council, and I'll still guide Minato from the side, even with Katsuro around. I am the Third Hokage afterall.
"Thank you, Lord Fourth. That puts me at ease now."
There was a clear relief from the rest of the room, however many of them knew that the Third Hokage was not going to simply ease up now, afterall he was so passionate about the village for so long. But, the majority of them still knew that it was for the better, considering the conflict regarding him, Katsuro and Danzo that had happened not too long ago, and what had been exposed about him.
"In line with this, the current serving elders Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane have also served the village for much of their lifetime. After such a long tenure, they deserve rest in retirement. And so with this change the old guard will be replaced by new elders to lead Konoha into better prosperity thanks to the foundations laid but our ancestors."
The elders were shocked at Hiruzen's dismissal, and as of recent times had very little power and control over anything. But being officially removed from their positions was definitely a blow that was hard to swallow. The rank of village elder and advisor to the Hokage had let them do much, and with it officially gone things would get more difficult. When Hiruzen was forcibly retired they felt the winds shifting, his power was the basis for their own so them being replaced came somewhat expected.
Nonetheless, upon hearing the words they looked to the Third silently willing him to do something. With how little standing and respect they held, they couldn't even reply back when the person they were attached to was being so accepting and quiet. They were forced to swallow their pride, bow their heads and accept the verdict with forced humility.
"For now, that is all," Minato said, as everyone stood to leave.
"Did you see the expression on the old monkey's face?" Katsuro whispered to Sakumo as they left. His Sensei simply chuckled and shook his head, holding back his own reponse.
As they left, they found Kakashi alongside his former classmate Might Guy in a heated discussion.
"One more time Kakashi!" Guy squealed passionately.
"I told you no, Guy, go rest with your dad!" Kakashi shot back, rolling his eyes.
"Duy's resting?" Katsuro said, confused, "I guess everyone has a limit."
"Oh Lord Senju, Lord Hatake, good day to you both! Yes, my father is currently resting, after he injured his toe in training. All great shinobi must rest and relax, it is incredibly important!"
"I see, and yes you're right Guy!" Sakumo smiled.
"Maybe I'll pay him a visit later," Kaatsuro muttered to himself, "what are you two arguing about?"
"Guy still wants to race me around the village, even though I beat him already!" Kakashi huffed.
"That's exactly why we must have a rematch with my rival!" Guy cried back clenching his fists in the air.
"How about tomorrow, I'm injured right now, and like you said, great shinobi must rest!" Kakashi quickly looked at his father from the side, who laughed.
"Is that so? You're right. We will continue tomorrow, Kakashi, and good luck with your recovery!" Guy sighed, before bowing to Sakumo and Katsuro quickly as he sped off.
"That boy's potential is incredible, no?" Katsuro said to Sakumo.
"Agreed," Sakumo nodded, "he may surpass even you Kakashi, he seems like a suitable rival I think." Kakashi harrumphed, but was only fuelled to become even stronger, regardless of already being a Jonin at such a young age.
The scene of Guy so perfectly embodying his father did much to soothe Katsuro's recently agitated heart, especially after the Hokage faction had now been officially dealt with. It showed him the comradeship and joy that did exist among the evil.
After saying his goodbyes, he left to attend to his clan matters, specifically a boy who held deep secrets. One that would eventually shed light on where exactly the rot in the village was hiding.
AN: Hi everyone, it's 50 POWERSTONES for the next BONUS chapter. As always, if you would like to view up to 20 more bonus chapters on all my fics so far including this one, and would also like to support me, please visit my P@TR30N, at pa tr eon.com / GhidorahWriter (remove the spaces). Enjoy the chapter!