Escape From Konoha

"What do you think of the Kingdom of Ghosts?"

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

Or in his opinion, as the 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 key points for other countries to study.

"Speaking of which, if I remember correctly, before the Hokage returned to Konoha, he had proposed to the Third Generation in a letter that he could follow the example of the Demon Country in carrying out institutional and policy reforms, in order to change Konoha's International decline.”

Shikaku thought about it.

About four or five years ago, Tsunade wrote a long letter, which contained a large amount of information in an investigation report.

The contents of that investigation report are still fresh in Lu Jiu's memory, and cold sweat breaks out from his back.

That investigation report compared the various countries in the ninja world, including the Fire Country where Konoha was located, with the Demon Country, which was considered a rising star at the time, from a comprehensive perspective.

This leads to the conclusion that the rise of the Ghost Kingdom is not entirely dependent on accidental factors, but is more of an inevitable result.

As time goes by, sooner or later, the Kingdom of Demons will become a behemoth that dominates the heads of all the countries in the ninja world.

Sooner or later, this country will usher in a new era, completely destroying the balance system maintained by the five major powers in the past.

It is a pity that in the conclusion that Tsunade came to, if Konoha does not carry out similar reforms, there is a high possibility of decline in that new era.

But now, Tsunade's prediction is gradually coming true, and there is no falsehood at all.

"What are you talking about? 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 sounded a little disappointed.

Yes, she didn't just start wanting to change Konoha now, but four or five years ago, she has been using the Kingdom of Demons as a template, through a lot of practical investigations, and writing a plan with Konoha as the core interest. A long investigation report was used to attract the attention of Konoha's top brass.

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

It's a pity that although the investigation report finally fell into the hands of the Third Hokage, it was like a mud cow sinking into the sea, and no further news was released after that.

After hearing Tsunade's words, Shikaku shook his head and said:

"No, Hokage-sama, that was not the case at that time. After the Third Generation got your investigation report, it immediately attracted his attention. However, for the sake of your safety at the time, the Third Generation was not at the top. It was mentioned in the meeting that even Elder Danzo didn’t reveal anything about it.”

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

Although it is just a suggestion that cannot be put into practice right away, as long as Tsunade plants this seed for everyone, those groups that stick together for warmth will inevitably be resistant to Tsunade.

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

Taking these factors into consideration, the Third Hokage hid all this. He didn't mention it to anyone except him, the Jonin squad leader.

"is that so?"

Tsunade was lost in thought.

Then I realized that my thoughts at that time were somewhat lacking in consideration.

If her teacher Hiruzen Sarutobi had directly mentioned this matter in a high-level meeting at that time, she would probably have no chance of becoming the Hokage today. Even the village would be filled with all kinds of unfavorable rumors against her. In this way, things will undoubtedly go bad.

"Yes, the Third Generation has always been very cautious in dealing with the Kingdom of Ghosts. Although the Third Generation was unable to respond to all the expectations of the Hokage at that time, he still began to try to exert his influence in some areas with weak influence, and vigorously externalized Recruit technical talents and improve Konoha’s industrial system.”

In Shikaku's opinion, this is probably the limit that the Third Hokage can achieve.

There are fundamental threats inside, the checks and balances of the Ninja clan, and hostile forces like the Demon Country 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, and there is a high probability. It's a tragic end with no body intact.

"Sarutobi-sensei is really in a difficult situation."

After listening to Shikaku's narration, Tsunade sighed.

It was difficult for her to understand in the past, but now that she is in the position of Hokage, she does have a sense of empathy for some of the teacher's past 'hesitations'.

However, she did not intend to use this excuse to paralyze herself and make her situation more relaxed.

"Although I sometimes dislike some of the actions of the Third Generation, I have to say that he did use his own abilities to balance the interests of all parties within the village as much as possible."

In recent years, the only particularly big stain is that the handling of the Uchiha clan incident was too weak, which allowed the root to take advantage of the loopholes.

Since then, many ninja clans have begun to feel insecure. Because the higher-ups broke the bottom line of what the ninjas could tolerate, in order to protect themselves, some of these ninjas began to huddle together for warmth, and some began to infiltrate various departments in the village... In any case, they all expressed one meaning, that is, the higher-ups wanted to be treated like Like the Uchiha clan, if you attack them, you must also consider the consequences of doing so.

In the face of such a life and death situation, no ninja clan can sit still. Even the Hyuga clan, which is usually honest and responsible, has started to take small actions of its own. One can imagine the psychological shadow that the Uchiha clan's annihilation has given them.

Compared with the faults in dealing with the Uchiha clan incident, the other 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 such a strategy during my tenure. Today's Konoha needs to inject new things. Shikaku, you should understand."

Understanding is understanding, but Tsunade does not intend to imitate her teacher's balancing strategy and become a smooth and helpless balancing hand based on the old one.

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

Shikaku didn't lie.

When Tsunade returned to the village, the first thing he did was announce to the senior advisors that he wanted to strengthen the power of the Anbu and expand the power of the Anbu. He had predicted this outcome.

And he also happened to find that in the Anbu of Tsunade's organization, most of the new members were jounin or chuunin who had an innocent background, believed in the will of fire, and happened to be not deeply involved with the ninja clan.

Although some of these new members are slightly less capable, when Tsunade opened Konoha's ninjutsu library to them and secretly used her private treasury to tilt some resources towards them, the abilities of these people were greatly improved. Catching up is only a matter of time.

Then, with lightning speed, he intervened in the medical department, promoted Asami Masumi, a former student, and installed his follower Shizune to infiltrate the middle and lower levels of Konoha Hospital... Today's medical department, at least Half of the power was under Tsunade's control. Moreover, the degree of penetration into the medical sector is still being rapidly implemented.

Anbu, medical department, popular reputation, old subordinates, old friends of the Senju clan, legacy of his grandfather... Even Shikaku had to lament that Tsunade's series of operations seemed unintentional, but every move They all walked very calmly, and used their own advantages to the extreme. They were so fast that the others could not react, so they gathered such a huge force under their command.

Well, it was all just a coincidence.

This made Shikaku deeply realize that compared to the original Minato, Tsunade's power was too powerful.

And before he became Hokage, he had a very complete plan in advance. He did not do things with passion and drive, but also fully utilized his own advantages.

Even Orochimaru, one of the three ninjas who once ran away from Konoha, may not be better than Tsunade in this kind of judgment, action, and decisiveness.

Even Tsunade has been away from home for many years and has formed a relationship with many businessmen. These businessmen from all over the world may sometimes be regarded as an invisible force behind Tsunade and become a big help to Tsunade.

Shikaku didn't know what the next step for a person with both internal and external influence would be once he became the Hokage.

But he knew that Tsunade was not willing to be lonely and wanted to do something different from the previous Hokages.

At least it is impossible to become a balance hand like the Third Hokage.

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

"I knew this kind of thing couldn't be hidden from your eyes."

Tsunade looked at Shikaku with admiration.

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

"How can I see it?"

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

"I understand a little bit why both Minato and Sarutobi-sensei have more trust in you. You know, there are some things that not every Jonin squad leader can know."

After hearing this, Tsunade smiled and sighed, completely impressed by Shikaku.

"It's just a coincidence. I have visited Senior Akimichi Torifu in the past. He is a student of the Nidaime-sama. I learned a lot about the Nidaime-sama from him... It is not that easy to gain his support. matter."

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

Maybe they are comrades-in-arms and can tide over difficulties together when facing danger, but when it comes to decision-making in the village, they have never been comrades-in-arms of a group, and can even be said to be political enemies.

During the Second Hokage's tenure, the various strategies implemented had only one core purpose, which was to weaken the ninja clan, elevate the common people, and finally centralize power in the Hokage to control all the light and darkness of the village until the bad atmosphere left over from the Warring States Period was completely destroyed. .

Even for such an impossible institutional template, someone has now given an answer. That is the land of ghosts.

And the answer he gave was more extreme and more centralized than that of the Second Hokage. The Second Hokage was only weakened, but the Demon Country dug up the foundation of the Ninja clan and prepared to dig up the ancestral graves of the great nobles.

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

One thing Shikaku is always aware of is that among all the countries and ninja villages today, none can surpass the Demon Country in terms of organizational and mobilization capabilities!

"So, are you Nara Shikaku, or are you Shikaku of the Nara clan?"

At this moment, Tsunade decided to be honest with Shikaku.

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

Because she has basically reached the end of what she can do. Without the support of Shikaku, the Jonin squad leader, her actions will be extremely difficult.

It can even be said to be difficult.

At present, although her actions are fast, the places she occupies are places where the ninja clan, advisors and even the roots have not penetrated thoroughly. Only then can she have the time and space she can control to accumulate her own political capital.

But it won't work next. Her next policy will probably touch some sensitive interests. With Shikaku's help, she can save her a lot of trouble and make her pace much easier.

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

Shikaku said simply.

Without waiting for Tsunade to speak, he continued: "Now I can only give my current decision, but I can't make a decision for my future self. Until the last moment, I can't know where I will stand. Side."

As the Jonin squad leader, he should be on the Hokage's side.

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

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

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

Although he made some good decisions during the third war, their impact was quite small, and his achievements could not be considered far-reaching.

Even Uchiha Fugaku, who has died long ago, made more contributions to Konoha during the Third War than him.

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

Just like Uchiha Fugaku, because his surname is Uchiha, he cannot join the inner circle and can only be ostracized by the higher-ups. Even the Uchiha clan disappeared from the history of Konoha because of such a surname.

This is reality.

Therefore, he was unable to give an accurate answer when Tsunade asked him this question.

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

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

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

At least, this was what he had imagined when he was young - to break away from the shackles of the family, not to bear the reputation of the Nara clan, but to fight as the Konoha ninja Nara Shikaku.

"Really? Sure enough, it's too difficult for you to do this."

Tsunade sighed helplessly.

"It doesn't matter. The two Hokage before you also asked me similar questions."

"In that case, then be prepared, I will win you over."

Seeing Tsunade become confident again, Shikaku felt moved by the other party's true nature, so he revealed something to Tsunade:

"I know that Mr. Hokage may have the same ambition as Mr. Second Generation, or even greater ambitions. I also had similar fantasies in the past. I can understand Mr. Hokage's inner desire... but I also have to pour cold water on it. Don't be too optimistic about the village today. According to my estimation, the envoy from the Daming Palace will come to visit you, Hokage-sama, soon."

Shikaku mentioned something unrelated to the current situation.

Tsunade was slightly startled.

"Daming Mansion?"

"Yes, if what is expected is true, the Daiming would like to invite you to the Daming Mansion to discuss military matters with you."

Discussing military matters?

Tsunade frowned, becoming even more confused.

Generally speaking, when it comes to the military, it is basically related to military mobilization... or even war-related matters.

For some reason, Tsunade suddenly had a bad feeling in her heart.

◎

The construction work of the mental health department... This is Konoha's first attempt.

Moreover, the Hokage himself drew up 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 in all areas of Konoha.

Theoretically, Asami Masumi's position as deputy director of Konoha Hospital is also equivalent to the position of deputy director of the medical department. In terms of position, he is equivalent to the deputy minister of ANBU.

As long as the director of Konoha Hospital doesn't take care of things, this department is her one-stop shop. Qualified to talk directly to Naruto.

He is a high-level official who has truly reached the core of Konoha, holding a high position of authority.

As long as she kills the director of Konoha Hospital who is climbing over her, her position can be changed to a regular position at any time.

However, this does not mean that she can abuse her power at will and do whatever she wants within the department.

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

Medical Talisman projects, mental health projects...these are all areas where there is room for operation.

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

Especially for a first-time research project with no experience, the cost of trial and error is 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 weird things she would eventually research, she couldn't predict it.

But there are many ways here. There are many professionals in Konoha. Not everyone does not understand their major. How to deceive these people and make them think that this is the right research direction and it is also a profound subject. knowledge.

In short, the core goal is to use professional knowledge that seems correct and can withstand theoretical scrutiny to make Konoha spend more money, and then create a bottomless system that only takes in money but does not spit out money on research projects in the medical department. The black hole drags down the funding of other important departments, affects the development of these departments, and then affects the overall development of Konoha.

"It's such a troublesome job..."

Asami Masumi looked a little impatient.

"That is to say, we still need to start with relevant talent training. We don't know when we will see results. After all, medical ninjas who study psychology account for too small a proportion of the total number."

The deputy beside her said the same thing.

Asami Masumi nodded in sympathy.

To increase the trial and error cost of medical projects, to expand Konoha's overall financial loopholes, and to make people unable to see the problem and think it is a natural failure... this work is really too challenging.

"Anyway, let's gather together medical ninjas who specialize in psychological research first. As for training... we'll wait until the funds are released. Also, how is the progress of the medical talisman project now?"

Asami Masumi remembered something and looked at the deputy.

"There seems to be some problems among several core researchers involved in the study, and they have been taken away by the Anbu for investigation. There is also one who is always clumsy in simple processes and always gets the order wrong. It is seriously suspected that he wants to come here to improve his performance. I was assigned to the project team through the back door."

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

The research progress of a medical talisman project is so difficult, and from time to time, it faces the risk of being targeted by the Anbu to assist in the investigation, which makes a lot of people panic. It is said that during the research, some researchers were distracted 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 an equally large-scale mental health personnel training project has been added, it is not difficult for the deputy to imagine that once the project team for this project is established, it is likely to cause chaos.

"In that case, I will go to see Hokage-sama then and discuss increasing funding for the medical department."

Asami Masumi thought for a while and decided to go to Tsunade to ask for research funds after a while.

"The other departments won't have any objections."

The deputy became concerned.

More money invested in the medical sector means less money invested in other departments.

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

When the ANBU comes to the medical department to arrest people for investigation, they may be more diligent and frequent.

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

"Thank you for your hard work."

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

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

After gaining the respect of her deputy, Asami Masumi stopped talking.

Too much is not enough.

This deputy is the eyesight of the others and cannot develop into one of his own, so he can just maintain such a distant distance.

Next, the Daming Mansion should almost take action. What choice will the Fifth Hokage make at that time? And the time I stayed in Konoha... Asami Masumi turned to look out the window, all kinds of questions appeared in her mind, her thoughts drifted into the distance, and she didn't come back to her senses for a long time.

◎

Kirigakure.

March 2, Daming Mansion of the Land of Fire.

In the secret letter, only this brief message was left.

Time and place are given respectively.

After Yagura read it, he calmly gathered chakra in his palm and wrapped the letter with water, forming a palm-sized water ball.

With a bang, the paper followed the water ball and turned into moist water vapor and disappeared in the air.

"Full moon."

Yagura's voice sounded.

"Um?"

Oni Deng Mangyue, who was replenishing water with a water cup at the side, looked over with confusion when he heard Yagura calling his name.

"The news from the daimyo has come over. Go and call Ming over. It's almost time to take action."

"Hey, why am I running errands again? Ming Mingqing is here too."

Man Yue pointed at the Jonin Ao on the other side with dissatisfaction.

"Go if you are told, and don't talk so much nonsense."

"cut."

Man Yue let out a sigh, took a sip of water through a straw, and walked out of the office with a look of reluctance.

After Mangetsu left, Ao glanced at Yagura sitting on the chair.

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

Yagura shook his head.

"No, it's 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."