Chapter 563 Time

"What do you think about the kingdom of ghosts?"

Shikahisa always maintained a relatively calm expression on his face, as if he was not very surprised by the question Tsunade raised.

Or in his opinion, as a Hokage of a village, there is no reason not to study everything in this country.

Politics, commerce, military, agriculture, medical care, industrial technology, social welfare...including many more things, can be said to be the key points for other countries to study.

"Speaking of which, if I remember correctly, in the past before Hokage-sama returned to Konoha, he proposed to the third generation of adults in a letter that he could follow the example of the kingdom of ghosts to carry out institutional policy reforms, so as to change Konoha's international decline."

Lu Jiu recalled this incident.

About four or five years ago, Tsunade wrote a long letter, which contained an investigative report with a huge amount of information.

The content of that investigative report is still fresh in Lu Jiu's memory, with cold sweat running down his back.

The survey report, from a comprehensive perspective, compares the countries of the ninja world, including the country of fire where Konoha is located, with the country of ghosts, which was considered a newcomer at that time.

The rise of the kingdom of ghosts is not completely dependent on factors such as chance, but more of an inevitable result.

With the passage of time, the kingdom of ghosts will sooner or later become a behemoth entrenched in the ninja world.

This country will also start a new era sooner or later, completely destroying the balance system maintained by the five major powers in the past.

Unfortunately, in the conclusions drawn by Tsunade, if Konoha does not carry out similar reforms, in that new era, there is a high probability of decline.

Now, Tsunade's prediction is gradually being fulfilled, without any falsehood.

"You said that thing, I did write such an investigation report in the past, but it seems that Sarutobi-sensei didn't take it seriously."

Tsunade's tone suddenly seemed a little lost.

Yes, she didn't just want to change Konoha now, but it started four or five years ago. She has been using the kingdom of ghosts as a template, through a lot of practical investigations, and written a long investigation report with Konoha as the core interest, so as to attract the attention of Konoha's senior management.

Let them understand that this era is always changing, and the only constant result is being eliminated.

Unfortunately, although the investigation report finally fell into the hands of the Third Hokage, it was like a mud cow falling into the sea, and no news came out after that.

Hearing what Tsunade said, Shikajiu shook his head and said:

"No, Hokage-sama, the situation at that time was not like this. After the third generation got your investigation report, he immediately attracted his attention. However, for the sake of your safety at that time, Hokage-sama, the third generation did not mention it at the high-level meeting, and even the elder Danzo did not disclose it."

Because Tsunade's investigation report and the expected reforms will touch the interests of many groups within Konoha.

Although it is just a suggestion that cannot be put into practice immediately, as long as Tsunade planted this seed for everyone, those groups that hold together for warmth will inevitably have resistance to Tsunade.

Even the root may use this matter to criticize Tsunade and completely ruin her political career.

Considering these factors, Sandai Hokage concealed it all. Except for him, the Jnin squad leader, he didn't mention it to anyone.

"is that so?"

Tsunade was lost in thought.

Immediately, I also realized that my thoughts at the time were somewhat lacking in consideration.

If her teacher Sarutobi Hiruzen had directly mentioned this matter in a high-level meeting at that time, she probably would have missed the position of Naruto today. Even the village is full of rumors against her. In this way, things will undoubtedly go to a bad situation.

"Yes, the third generation has always been very cautious in dealing with the matters of the ghost country. Although the third generation could not respond to all the expectations of Hokage-sama at that time, he still began to try to display it in some areas with weak influence, and vigorously recruited technical talents from abroad to improve Konoha's industrial system."

In Lujiu's view, this is probably the limit that the third Hokage can do.

There is a threat from the roots inside, checks and balances from the ninja clan, and hostile forces such as the kingdom of ghosts outside. If Tsunade's strategy was implemented at that time, Konoha would directly explode from the inside. Whether it can support Tsunade's return is still a question.

"Mr. Sarutobi is really in a difficult situation."

After listening to Shikahisa's narration, Tsunade said with emotion.

In the past, it was difficult for her to understand, but now that she is sitting in the position of Hokage, she does have a kind of empathy for some of the teacher's past "hesitation".

However, she didn't intend to use this excuse to numb herself and make her situation more relaxed.

"Although I sometimes feel displeased with the actions of the third generation, I have to say that he has indeed used his ability to balance the interests of all parties in the village as much as possible."

In recent years, the only major stain has been the handling of the Uchiha Clan incident, which was too weak, which led to the root taking advantage of loopholes.

Since then, many ninjas have started to feel insecure. Because the higher-ups broke the bottom line that the ninjas could endure, in order to protect themselves, some of these ninjas began to gather together to keep warm, and some began to infiltrate various departments of the village... In any case, they all expressed one meaning, that is, the higher-ups wanted to deal with them like the Uchiha clan, and they had to weigh the results of their actions.

In the face of such life and death, no ninja can sit still. Even the Hyuga clan, who are usually honest and responsible, have started their own small actions. It is conceivable what kind of psychological shadow the Uchiha clan wiped out and gave them.

Compared with the faults in dealing with the Uchiha Clan incident, the remaining faults of the Third Hokage are not worth mentioning at all.

"Is it balanced? This is Sarutobi-sensei's approach, but I don't want to continue to implement this strategy during my tenure. The current Konoha needs to inject new things. Shikahisa, you should understand."

Understanding is understanding, but Tsunade does not intend to imitate his teacher's balance strategy, on the basis of the old one, to be a smooth and helpless balance hand.

"I can probably see Hokage-sama's ambition."

Lu Jiu did not lie.

After returning to the village from Tsunade, the first thing he did was to the high-level advisers, announcing that he would strengthen Anbu's power and expand Anbu's influence, he predicted this result.

And he also happened to discover that in the Anbu of the Tsunade organization, most of the new members are pure-born, believe in the will of fire, and happen to be not deeply involved with ninja forces.

Although some of these new members are slightly lacking in ability, when Tsunade opened Konoha's ninjutsu library to them, and secretly used his own private treasury to tilt some resources towards them, it was only a matter of time before their abilities caught up.

Then, with lightning speed, he intervened in the medical department, promoted Asami Masumi, a former student, and installed his follower, Mute, to infiltrate the middle and lower levels of Konoha Hospital... At least half of the current medical department is under the control of Tsunade. Moreover, the degree of penetration into the medical sector is still in the process of rapid action.

Anbu, medical department, folk prestige, old subordinates, old friends of the Senshou clan, grandfather's legacy... Even Shikahisa has to sigh with emotion. Tsunade's series of operations seems to be an unintentional move, but every move is very calm.

Well, it's all a coincidence.

This made Shikajiu deeply realize that Tsunade is too powerful compared to the original Minato.

And before becoming Hokage, he had a very complete plan in advance, and he didn't do things with enthusiasm and drive, and fully utilized his own advantages.

This kind of judgment, action, and decisive ability, even Orochimaru, one of the Sannin who once ran away from Konoha, may not be better than Tsunade.

Even Tsunade has been away these years, and has formed karma with many businessmen. These businessmen from all over the world may sometimes be regarded as an invisible force behind Tsunade and become a great help to Tsunade.

Such a person with both internal and external influence, once he becomes the Hokage position, Lu Jiu doesn't know what to do next.

But he knew that Tsunade was unwilling to be lonely, and wanted to do something different from his predecessor Hokage.

At least it is impossible to want to be a balance hand like the third Hokage.

Her existence is to break the balance and rebuild the balance she expects in her heart.

"I knew that this kind of thing cannot be hidden from your eyes."

Tsunade looked at Shikahisa with admiring eyes.

"When the information is mastered to a certain level, it is not difficult to understand these things. If I am not mistaken, what you are going to do has some similarities with the original second-generation adults."

"How do you see it?"

"The trend of the Qiudao clan has changed recently. I think the reclusive Qiudao Xuefeng senior has quietly stood by your side."

"I kind of understand why Minato and Sarutobi-sensei have increased their trust in you. You know, there are some things that not every Jnin class leader can know."

After hearing this, Tsunade smiled and sighed, completely admiring Shikahisa.

"It's just a coincidence. I visited Akimichi Torikaze-senpai in the past. He is a student of the Second Generation Lord. I learned a lot about the Second Generation Lord from him...It is not so easy to get his support."

At least according to Shikahisa's observation, the Third Hokage never received the support of Akimichi Torikaze during his tenure.

Maybe they are comrades-in-arms, and they can tide over difficulties together in the face of danger, but in terms of village decision-making, they have never been comrades-in-arms of a group, or even political enemies.

During the tenure of the second generation of Hokage, the various strategies implemented have only one core purpose, which is to weaken the ninja, elevate the common people, and finally centralize power in Hokage, control all the light and darkness of the village, until the bad atmosphere left over from the Warring States period is completely destroyed.

Even for such an impossible institutional template, some people have now given the answer. That is the country of ghosts.

And the answer given is more extreme and centralized than the second generation of Hokage. The second generation of Hokage only weakened it, but the kingdom of ghosts has dug up the foundation of the ninja clan, and is also preparing to dig up the ancestral graves of the great nobles.

In Shikajiu's view, even Konoha under the rule of the Second Hokage is like a harmless sheep compared to today's Demon Country.

One thing Lujiu is always sober about is that among all the countries and ninja villages today, no one can surpass the country of ghosts in terms of organization and mobilization capabilities!

"Then, are you Shikaku Nara, or Shikaku from the Nara clan?"

At this moment, Tsunade decided to meet Shikahisa honestly.

Such a shrewd and capable Jonin squad leader, she doesn't want to give up.

Because she has basically accomplished what she can do, and without the support of Shikaku, the Jonin squad leader, her actions will be extremely difficult.

It can even be said that it is difficult to move forward.

Currently, although her actions are fast, the places she occupies are places where ninjas, consultants, and even the roots have not penetrated thoroughly. Only then can she control the time and space to accumulate her own political capital.

But not in the future, her policy in the future may touch some sensitive interests, with Lu Jiu's assistance, she can save a lot of trouble and make her pace much easier.

"Sorry, Hokage-sama, I don't know the answer to this question."

Lu Jiu said very simply.

Without waiting for Tsunade to speak, he continued: "I can only make my own decision now, but I can't make a decision for my future self. Until the last moment, I can't know which side I will stand on."

As the Jonin class leader, he should be on the side of Hokage.

But the position of Jonin squad leader was won by the Nara clan for him, not by virtue of his own ability.

If it was based on ability, he didn't think he could get such a high position at his age, and it was accomplished overnight, without any warning.

Otherwise, it would take a long time just to accumulate achievements.

Although he made some beautiful decisions during World War Three, the impact was quite small. That little achievement cannot be called far-reaching at all.

Even Uchiha Fugaku, who has long passed away, made more contributions to Konoha during World War III than him.

His surname is Nara, so he is the squad leader of Jonin, not because he is Nara Shikahisa.

Like Uchiha Fugaku, because his surname is Uchiha, he couldn't join the inner circle and could only be squeezed out by high-level officials. Even the Uchiha clan disappeared from the history of Konoha because of such a surname.

This is reality.

Therefore, when Tsunade asked him this question, he couldn't give an accurate answer.

He is Nara Shikahisa, or the Nara Shikaku of the Nara clan. Until the last moment, he didn't know whether he was fighting for the village or for the family.

Only on this point, he didn't want to deceive Tsunade.

In his heart, he also faintly longed for a Hokage like Tsunade to appear.

At least, he had fantasized about this when he was young-breaking away from the shackles of the family, not carrying the reputation of the Nara clan, but fighting as a Konoha ninja Nara Shikahisa.

"Really? Sure enough, it is too difficult for you to do so."

Tsunade sighed helplessly.

"It's okay, the two Hokages in front of you have asked me about similar things."

"Since this is the case, then you should be ready, I will win you over."

Seeing Tsunade's confident appearance again, Lu Jiu felt touched by the other party's true temperament, so he revealed some things to Tsunade:

"I know that Hokage-sama may have the same ambitions as the second-generation-sama, or maybe even higher than that. I also had similar fantasies in the past. I can understand the inner desire of Hokage-sama... But I also have to pour cold water on it. Don't be too optimistic about the current village. According to my estimation, the envoy of the Daimyo Prefecture will come to visit you, Hokage-sama soon."

Lu Jiu mentioned something that has nothing to do with the moment.

Tsunade was slightly taken aback.

"Daming Mansion?"

"Yes, if it is not bad, the daimyo wants to invite you to the daimyo mansion to discuss military matters with you."

Discuss military affairs?

Tsunade frowned, even more confused.

Generally related to the military, it is basically related to army mobilization...even war-related matters.

For some reason, Tsunade suddenly had a bad premonition.

Psychological medical department construction work...This is Konoha's first attempt.

Moreover, Hokage personally drafted this project and issued the first-level order. One can imagine how busy the medical department will be next.

Konoha's medical department is just a general term, with Konoha Hospital as the core, and then supplemented by several other small departments related to the medical field, covering the medical system to all levels of Konoha.

Theoretically, Asami Masumi's vice president of Konoha Hospital is also equivalent to the position of deputy director of the medical department. In terms of position, it is equivalent to the deputy minister of Anbu.

Under the premise that the director of Konoha Hospital doesn't care about things, this department is her voice. Qualified to have a direct dialogue with Hokage.

are high-level cadres who have really entered the core of Konoha, with high positions and weights.

As long as she kills the director of the Konoha Hospital crawling above her head, her position can be changed to a full-time position at any time.

However, this does not mean that she can abuse her power at will and run amok within this department.

She can only do some small actions of her own within the scope of the rules.

Medical care projects, mental health care projects...these are all fields that have room for operation.

After all, in research, there will always be a lot of trial and error costs before it is possible to research a finished product.

Especially for the first time, for inexperienced research projects, the cost of trial and error will be even greater, and it is difficult to distinguish between right and wrong research routes.

Now she just wants to expand these trial and error costs a little bit.

As for what strange things will be researched in the end, it is beyond her ability to predict.

But there are many ways to do it. Konoha has a lot of professionals. Not all of them don't understand their majors. How to deceive these people and make them think that this is the correct research direction is also a profound knowledge.

In short, the core goal is to use the professional knowledge that looks correct and can withstand theoretical scrutiny, so that Konoha spends more money, and then throws a bottomless black hole in the research project of the medical department, which only takes in money but does not give out money, dragging down the funding of other important departments, affecting the development of these departments, and then affecting the overall development of Konoha.

"What a troublesome job..."

Asami Masumi looked a little impatient.

"That is to say, we still have to start with relevant personnel training, and we don't know when we will see results. After all, the proportion of medical ninjas who study psychology is too small in the total."

The deputy beside her also said the same.

Asami Masumi nodded in empathy.

To increase the trial and error cost of medical projects, to expand Konoha's overall funding loopholes, and to make people unable to see the problem and take it as a natural failure... This task is really too challenging.

"In short, let's gather the medical ninjas who specialize in psychological research first. As for the training... wait for the funds to be released. In addition, how is the medical talisman project going?"

Asami Masumi remembered something and looked at the deputy.

"A few core researchers involved in the research seem to have some problems, and they have been taken away by the dark department for investigation. There is also one who is always clumsy in simple procedures and always gets the order wrong. It is seriously suspected that he wants to come here to mess with his performance. He went through the back door and was assigned to the project team."

When the deputy mentioned this, he couldn't help frowning in distress.

A medical talisman project, the research progress is so difficult, and from time to time, it faces the risk of being targeted by the dark department, assisting in the investigation, which made many people panic. It is said that during the research, some researchers lost their minds because of these things and wasted a lot of expensive materials, which meant that all the research funds during this period were in vain.

Now that another psychological medical personnel training project of the same size is added, it is not difficult for the deputy to imagine that once the project team of this project is established, it is likely to cause chaos.

"Since this is the case, I will go to Hokage-sama again and discuss increasing the funding for the medical department."

Asami Masumi pondered for a while, and decided to ask Tsunade for research funding after a while.

"The rest of the departments won't have objections."

The deputy became worried.

More money spent on the medical sector means less money spent on the rest of the sector.

Maybe the staff in the medical department are happy, but this will inevitably arouse hostility from the rest of the departments and reduce their daily expenses.

Anbu will come to the medical department to arrest and investigate, and may be more diligent and frequent.

"This is for the health and safety of Konoha Ninja and the public. I think they will understand the difficulties of the medical department."

"Thank you so much."

The deputy can imagine how the managers of other departments will dismiss and exclude Asami Masumi.

Compared to the previous vice president who did nothing, he is really dedicated and has the professional ethics of a medical ninja.

Gaining the respect of his deputy, Asami Masumi did not continue talking.

Too much is too much.

This deputy is the eyeliner of the others, and there is no way to develop into one of his own, so just keep such a close distance.

Next, the Daimyofu should have some action. What kind of decision will the Fifth Hokage make? And when I stayed in Konoha... Asami Masumi turned her head and looked out the window, various questions appeared in her mind, her thoughts drifted far away, and she didn't come back to her senses for a long time.

Fog hidden.

March 2, Daming Mansion, Land of Fire.

On the confidential letter, only this short message is left.

gives the time and place respectively.

After reading it, Yakura gathered chakra in his palm with no expression on his face, and wrapped the letter with water, forming a palm-sized water polo.

With a bang, the paper turned into moist water vapor and disappeared in the air along with the water balloon.

"Full Moon."

Yakura's voice sounded.

"Um?"

Ghost Moon Moon, who was replenishing water with a water cup, looked over suspiciously when she heard Yagura calling her name.

"The news from the daimyo has arrived, you go and call Ming over, it's almost time to act."

"Hey, why am I running errands again, Mingmingqing is here too."

Full moon dissatisfied and pointed to Jami Ninja Ao on the other side.

"Just go if you are told, don't talk so much nonsense."

"cut."

Manyue let out a snort, took a big sip of water through the straw, and walked out of the office with a look of reluctance.

After Mitsuki left, Ao glanced at Yagura who was sitting on the chair.

"Mizukage-sama, is the Fourth Ninja World War coming?"

Yakura shook his head.

"No, not to that extent. In my opinion, this is just an excuse that can be used in the future... well, an excuse to fight back."

(end of this chapter)