Hokage Building, small conference room.
Uchiha Gen sat at the center, wearing the Fire Shadow hat and Hokage robe. High-ranking figures of Konoha flanked him, seated according to their status.
"First agenda item: personnel matters."
At his words, a ripple of tension spread through the room. Adjusting personnel immediately after taking office?
"Third Hokage-sama, are you willing to dedicate your remaining energy to Konoha?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi blinked in surprise. Could there really still be room for him to interfere in Konoha's affairs? What trick was Uchiha Gen playing?
The others exchanged glances, especially those familiar with Uchiha Gen's methods. Shock and disbelief were evident on their faces.
"I haven't reached the point where I can no longer walk. I am willing to dedicate everything to Konoha," Hiruzen said, his voice calm but firm.
"Good. From now on, Third Hokage-sama will join the Administrative Department to oversee a portion of Konoha's affairs."
"And the two elders? Are you willing to contribute your remaining energy as well?"
Homura Mitokado and Utatane Koharu relaxed, relief flashing across their faces. Uchiha Gen was still sensible, not tyrannical.
"Willing to shed the last drop of blood for Konoha," Homura said.
"Me too," Utatane echoed.
Uchiha Gen's lips curved into a small smile. "The older generation's awareness is indeed different…"
"Alright, let's continue with the personnel agenda."
"Sarutobi Shinnosuke and his wife are stepping down as Anbu Captain and Vice Captain. Uchiha Shisui will assume the position of Anbu Captain."
A new ruler brings new courtiers. When a new Hokage takes office, it's natural to place a trusted confidant in key positions.
If Minato Namikaze had lived, he would have eventually appointed his own choice for Anbu Captain, perhaps Kakashi.
Jonin Squad Leader was largely nominal; its real power depended on the trust granted by the Hokage. Without trust, the role was symbolic at best.
Hiruzen and Shinnosuke exchanged glances. So that was the method behind it. One faction replaced another, and they had been mistaken in thinking he had truly changed.
They were displeased but dared not speak. Resistance could cost them not only the Anbu positions but also their roles in the Administrative Department. Losing both would leave the Sarutobi Clan without any influence in Konoha's high ranks.
"Nara Shikaku is stepping down as Jonin Squad Leader and being transferred to Vice Captain of the Administrative Department. Kakashi Hatake will take over as Jonin Squad Leader."
"The Administrative Department's affairs will now be divided into four sections. Each of you will oversee one portion."
Tsunade raised her hand. "Are there really enough administrative affairs for four people?"
"Good question."
"If it were only the Administrative Department, the workload would indeed be insufficient. Therefore, I will delegate the affairs that the Hokage personally handles."
"From now on, I will focus only on Konoha's general direction and important matters. Don't trouble me with trivialities."
"I will personally draft specific regulations defining what constitutes a major matter versus a minor one. You will act accordingly."
"Those who violate the rules will face severe punishment. Conversely, those who do well will be rewarded."
Hiruzen, Homura, and Utatane's expressions darkened slightly.
This arrangement eased the Hokage's burden, but they would now be reduced to administrative machines. Four people sharing the workload wouldn't be exhausting individually, but it would strip the work of any discretion.
Objecting would be difficult. On the surface, the Hokage's authority was being decentralized, and their personal influence was expanded. Yet they were far from happy.
Their plan to tie the Hokage down with tedious tasks had failed. If they refused, Uchiha Gen could simply appoint others to share the duties, leaving them with nothing but empty titles and forcing them into retirement.
Having wielded Konoha's power for decades, the thought of losing their grip unsettled them deeply.
Seeing their grim faces without objection, Uchiha Gen's lips curved into a faint, self-satisfied smile. He had these three old veterans firmly in hand.
Nara Shikaku naturally did not object. The new role was similar to what he had managed as Jonin Squad Leader, but with more stable authority once rules were set. Being the first to object would have been unwise for someone so calculating.
"Since there are no objections, it's settled."
"Tsunade will transfer to the Medical Department as Captain. The former Captain will become Vice Captain. Any issues?"
The Medical Department Captain quickly bowed. "No problem. I fully agree."
"With Tsunade-senpai there, who else could lead the Medical Department?"
Uchiha Gen nodded, a faint smile softening his gaze.
"Additionally, a Research Department will be established, led by Orochimaru-sensei."
Orochimaru rose, smiled slightly, and bowed. "Thank you, Hokage-sama. I will ensure full cooperation across all departments."
As Gen's former teacher, Orochimaru's influence was immense. The Interrogation Department Captain was first to voice support, and others quickly followed.
Hiruzen felt a twinge of unease. Would this department allow Orochimaru unchecked freedom?
"Cough…"
"The establishment of a department is complex. I recommend Jiraiya serve as Vice Captain to assist," Hiruzen suggested.
Uchiha Gen merely smiled. "Orochimaru-sensei, your thoughts?"
"Jiraiya may join if he wishes," Orochimaru replied indifferently.
Jiraiya hesitated; he disliked political entanglements. Yet Hiruzen's persistent glances and the thought that Orochimaru could easily run amok made him nod reluctantly.
With this, two Sannin became Captains and one became Vice Captain. Villagers would undoubtedly see them frequently in the future.
"The Interrogation and Education Departments will remain unchanged for now."
Both Captains exhaled in relief.
"However, the Education Department will have one task."
"Please instruct, Hokage-sama," the Education Department Captain said, bowing quickly.
"The Ninja School curriculum must add a new subject: Konoha's history. Every citizen needs to understand their roots."
"You are responsible for leading this compilation. From noble families to common villagers, all must cooperate."
"The work must be impartial, objective, and fair. Do well, and there will be reward. Fail…"
The Captain puffed out his chest. "I will not disappoint, Hokage-sama!"
"I'll be watching. Sit down."
Uchiha Gen continued, "Shikaku, the Administrative Department also has a task for you."
"Understood, Hokage-sama," Nara Shikaku said, bowing.
"The Ninjutsu points exchange system," Gen continued.
Shikaku's lips tightened. On the surface, he sounded resolute: "I will handle this well."
"If you succeed, you will control the distribution of administrative tasks within the department. Fail…"
Shikaku felt a mix of anxiety and excitement. The reward was substantial, but missteps could sever ties with the Third Hokage and other elders. Again refusing wasn't an option.
"Very well. Sit."
"Departments must fully cooperate. Anyone attempting tricks will face my wrath," Uchiha Gen said, his gaze cutting through the room like a blade. Even Hiruzen lowered his eyes.
Shikaku exhaled quietly, reassured by Gen's support.
"Third Hokage-sama and the two elders are advanced in years, while Shikaku, you are in your prime. Completing this mission will lead to more responsibilities later. Don't let the elders overwork themselves."
Hiruzen and the others twitched their lips. One tactic after another, and yet Gen framed it as concern for their health, leaving no room for refutation.
Shikaku's lips twitched. Having fully sided with Gen, he had no choice but to follow through.
"Yes, Hokage-sama!"
"Today's meeting is concluded. Dismissed."
Uchiha Gen rose first, followed by the others.
He walked directly to the Hokage's office and settled into the throne.
"The comfort of this chair is average, not as good as the Police Force's. Replacement is necessary," he mused.
He pulled out paper and pen, drafting the distinctions between major and minor matters. Though seemingly simple, the task was complex, touching every regulation and department. Poorly defined rules could weaken the Hokage's authority and create exploitable loopholes.
Gen intended to manage only major affairs, leaving room for cultivation and enjoyment of life. Unification was secondary; cultivation was primary.
He spent the rest of the morning and the afternoon drafting regulations, consulting trusted allies, including Nara Shikaku. Two heads were indeed better than one.
When finished, he prepared to leave and found Hyuga Hiashi waiting at the entrance.
Gen accepted the invitation to the Hyuga Clan home.
At the clan grounds, both Main and Branch Family members stood in ceremonial white kimonos, differing only in size.
At the front: Hyuga Hiashi's wife, Hinata, Hanabi, and Neji. Behind them, Main Family elders, Branch Family head Hizashi, and Branch elders. Without Gen's connection, Hizashi and Neji wouldn't have held such prominence.
"Hokage-sama," they bowed in unison.
"You may rise," Gen said lightly.
Hiashi escorted him inside, and like stars orbiting a moon, the family followed into the banquet hall.
Gen took the highest left seat. Hiashi's family sat to the right, arranged by status. Servants, uniformly dressed and strikingly beautiful, began serving dishes.
The meal was silent, adhering to strict Hyuga tradition. Only after it ended did conversation resume.
"Hiashi Clan Head, the Police Force has a vacant Vice Captain position. Are you interested?"
Gen set down his teacup with a small smile.
Elders of both families exchanged surprised, pleasant glances.
Hiashi bowed properly. "I will follow all of Hokage-sama's commands."
"The procedures begin tomorrow. You take office the day after."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
"This is a transitional position. A more suitable role will come later. I've just taken office; replacing everyone at once isn't wise."
"Of course. Prerequisite: no major mistakes. Otherwise, even promotion won't secure the position."
"I understand and will not disappoint Hokage-sama," Hiashi said earnestly.
"I invited you to discuss a matter. Your decision is needed."
"Oh?" Gen raised an eyebrow. "What matter?"
"I ask Hokage-sama to support abolishing the Main and Branch Family system of the Hyuga Clan."
The room froze. A single statement stirred waves.
Branch Family elders glanced at Hiashi with shock and joy. Main Family elders stared with anger, teeth gritted, eyes accusing.
Hizashi and Neji, father and son, remained calm, though clenched fists beneath the table betrayed inner tension.