"As for the rumors, there is not much point in paying attention to them. They are exaggerated as always."

Homura was annoyed by Hiruzen's response. Even though it seemed like Hiruzen answered his queries, in truth, Hiruzen didn't give him any details. Understanding that Hiruzen didn't intend to leak details about Fujin's past and abilities, Homura didn't push and instead said, "By the way, when we were returning, Fujin said something that was very intriguing. I didn't expect someone as young as him to have such thoughts."

Hiruzen was surprised. Fujin hadn't mentioned anything that had happened after the meeting was over. He asked, "What did he say?"

Homura informed Hiruzen about Fujin's words to the diplomats when they questioned his methods. It caused Hiruzen to fall into a deep thought. Homura asked, "What are you thinking?"

Hiruzen sighed and said, "It looks like the next generation isn't fond of my conservative methods. Though I guess I shouldn't be surprised considering that they grew up on stories of how strong Konoha once was and the mighty warriors we produced but only got to experience a weak Konoha."

Homura nodded and said, "In terms of approach, he is more similar to a young Danzo than you."

Hiruzen agreed and said, "That said, a bit of aggression isn't bad. Konoha has been passive ever since Minato's death. Though I and Danzo schemed quite a bit, all our work was done in the dark. With youngsters like Fujin and Kakashi stepping up, there is no harm in loosening up a bit and flexing our muscles. It might just be a good deterrent."

Homura shook his head and replied, "A bit of aggression will be good. However, being overbearing will have the opposite effect. Even though Konoha's strength has recovered to a great extent, we are no longer as strong as we were during the Second and the Third Great Ninja Wars when we could take on all four Great Villages at the same time.

Both Iwa and Kumo are as strong as us and have an advantage in terms of numbers. They only lack in terms of rank S ninjas. When the next Great War takes place, we can't take on both of them at the same time. If Suna or Kiri were to help them, we would collapse for sure and might be forced to give up the majority of our lands or even the village.

Fortunately, the current situation is favorable for us. Suna is very weak. All their old rank S ninjas have retired or died. Apart from the Kazekage, they don't have any rank S ninja. And, Kiri is in ruins due to their civil war. Considering their weak strength, both will be wary of Iwa and Kumo's strength, worrying that they will be the next if we fall.

We can use that fear to ally with these two countries. As long as we do that, we won't be at risk of confronting Iwa and Kumo by ourselves. However, if Fujin deals with the two of them just as aggressively, then there's no chance of making a lasting alliance."

Homura's expression became serious as he continued, "Hiruzen, I can see that you are planning on grooming him to become a Hokage candidate. However, you should wait for him to become more mature. Otherwise, Konoha's future will be in danger. Becoming a Kage requires not only strength but also wit and willingness to scheme in the shadows."

Homura's concerns weren't unfounded. Even though Konoha had an advantage in rank S ninjas, in a large war, a single ninja had limited ability. Of course, that was unless someone like Hashirama or Madara, who could solo even the great villages, appeared.

It was the reason why Minato was so feared and became the Hokage so easily despite the village having so many ambitious ninjas. Though not at the same level as those two monsters, killing a thousand ninjas by himself had a great psychological impact on every single village. A few rounds and Minato alone could destroy half of their armies. No village could afford such losses.

Had Homura known that Fujin had mastered the Flying Thunder God jutsu or knew about the degree to which Fujin could control winds, Homura might not have said what he did.

Hiruzen replied, "You are forgetting that he is still only 16. We were very hot-headed and reckless back then as well. As for scheming in the darkness, Fujin isn't a slouch either. I guess he just felt that a direct approach was more convenient in this particular case."

Hiruzen still remembered the stunt Fujin had pulled off in Suna. It was something that he never anticipated. As far as scheming in the dark went, it was one of the most brilliant ploys Hiruzen had seen. Even Danzo would have considered it as one of his best achievements had he been the one to do it. And Fujin had done so when he was just 13. So, Hiruzen didn't doubt Fujin's scheming ability at all.

He continued, "As for his wit, I am sure I don't need to say anything about it to you."

A smile appeared on Hiruzen's face as Homura understood what he was implying. He became slightly embarrassed on recalling that Fujin had dumped a rather time-consuming task on him and escaped before allowing him a response just a few minutes ago. He would be stuck with that work for more than a week.

Homura replied, "I am not saying that he is a bad choice, just that he'll need to show a lot more maturity for us to consider him over Kakashi."

Hiruzen nodded and said, "That's true. However, we can worry about them later. Unless Jiraiya or Tsunade returns to accept the responsibility, I'll hang on until either of them is ready."

Homura nodded. That was all he wanted to hear. The two discussed some more stuff before Homura left.

The next day, Fujin completed his morning routine and freshened up while thinking, 'My clones didn't find Naruto or the others inside the village. I guess they finally went to the Land of Wave. I wonder if there will be any changes'

Fujin didn't particularly care about Zabuza or the sword. Neither was very useful for him. The only one he thought of was Haku. He sighed and thought, 'A shame that he is very loyal to Zabuza. Otherwise, he would have been a great subordinate to look after Phantom Haven.

Oh well, nothing I could do. Zabuza probably recruited him even before I graduated. The same as Kimimaro, another great option if not for his disease.

Anyway, the next council meeting will be in three days. It's time to make my move.'

Since Fujin had decided to increase his influence in the village and make his position in the council unmovable, he had made up his mind to do something very impactful. He created a Shadow Clone and sent him to the office.

Just when the clone left the house, an Anbu Captain, wearing the Monkey mask, approached him and called out, "Fujin, I have something to discuss."

The clone stopped and looked at him. Ever since Fujin took over the training of the 5 kids with Kekkei Genkai, the Anbu Captain had become free. As a result, he was put in charge of handling the things inside Fujin's compound, other than his house.

The clone asked, "What's the issue?"

Monkey answered, "We are facing some shortage in training equipment. In addition, I feel that a particular facility should be added to our Training Building. It will help the trainees a lot. There is also some damaged equipment that needs to be replaced"

Monkey listed a few more things that were needed. One thing Fujin had learnt over the last couple of months was that managing a compound with over a hundred people was no joke. If trained Anbu ninjas weren't assisting him, that would have been a full-time job. Even with Hiruzen's arrangements, there was still a lot he needed to do. It had increased his respect for the Clan Leaders.

Thankfully, he had a way out. After listening to Monkey, Fujin's clone replied, "Hmm, these will assist the kids a lot. I agree, we should make these changes. Visit Elder Koharu and inform her about the situation. Ask her to get these done as soon as she can. It'll be best if everything is done within 3 days."

Despite wearing a mask, Fujin's clone could observe that Monkey was feeling awkward. He said, "With all due respect, I don't think we should trouble the Elders for such small issues. The last time I went to Elder Koharu, she was looking extremely annoyed."

In the last couple of months, Monkey had visited Koharu five times. The first couple of times, she didn't mind. The next couple of times, he could sense that she was annoyed. The last time, she directly scolded him for coming to her with such small issues.

Fujin's clone became extremely serious and replied, "Don't view our respected Elders through the same lens as other officials. Unlike them, who only have those jobs because they are afraid of risking their lives, Elder Koharu and Elder Homura do it because of their compassion and love for the younger generation. Nothing makes them happier than seeing the young kids grow.

Even though they might act like they are annoyed, in truth, they are happy that they get to guide the youngsters. It's just that they don't show it on their face. However, having worked closely with them on the Council, I can guarantee this.

So, you don't need to be concerned. Just ask her. If she acts unwilling, just tell her that I requested it so that the kids can train in the best possible environment."

Despite Fujin's seriousness, Monkey was very skeptical. He thought, 'I'm afraid he has the wrong impression of the Elders. It didn't look like she was acting at all! But'

Despite what he thought, there was nothing he could do. He could only follow Fujin's instructions and went to see Koharu.