Naruto: Starting as the Third Hokage with Tears in His Eyes

Chapter 596 The Mess of Kirigakure

Nara Shikaku covered his face in pain, letting out a groan that only he could hear: "So annoying... not again..."

They understood instantly.

This isn't a diplomatic visit, Hokage-sama!

This is clearly an attempt to take back the deposed "crown prince" and "princess" to seize the throne!

He wasn't going to just press the puzzle pieces together; he was going to personally take that irregular puzzle piece and, in the most violent way, hammer it into the shape he wanted!

Having figured this out, Danzo slowly put down his pen.

Sakumo Hatake also readjusted his sitting posture.

Nara Shikaku began to calculate how many days he would have to act as Hokage after the Hokage left, and how many documents he would have to handle, and a wave of sadness washed over him.

"alright."

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't give anyone another chance to object and made the decision directly.

His gaze shifted to the left and right sides of the conference table, landing on Danzo and Sakumo.

"The affairs of the Production and Construction Corps and the Agricultural Corps are now in your hands."

A simple entrustment.

But the trust and responsibility it embodies are as heavy as a mountain.

Danzo and Sakumo exchanged a glance.

The two men, who were arguing heatedly about the project's progress and the pig feed ratio just a moment ago, now only showed solemnity and tacit understanding in their eyes.

"Yes, Hokage-sama!"

The two spoke in unison, their voices resolute.

They knew that they not only had to lead their respective teams to expand Konoha's territory in foreign lands, but also had to protect the home that the Hokage had entrusted to them.

There must be absolutely no mistakes.

……

The meeting has ended.

The entire Konoha leadership was operating with unprecedented efficiency.

Shimura Danzo, carrying his "Design Blueprint for the Standard Modular Fortress of the Ninja League Office," which he had revised more than a dozen times, rushed to the engineering department, making everyone work overtime all night.

Sakumo Hatake found Akimichi Torifu and Nara Kazumi, and calmly began to arrange the personnel deployment and material preparation of the agricultural team, even taking into account a special version of moisture-proof military rations for the climate.

Tsunade stormed off, probably to drink and cheer herself up.

The noisy Hokage's office finally returned to silence.

Hiruzen Sarutobi leaned back in his chair, rubbing his throbbing temples.

"Lord Hokage."

A clear voice rang out in the office, like a mountain stream.

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked up and saw a figure that had appeared silently in front of him at some point, kneeling on one knee with the utmost humility.

The boy had slightly curly black hair and a handsome face; he was none other than Uchiha Shisui.

He blended into the space silently, like a shadow.

"Arise, Shisui."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said gently.

"Yes."

Uchiha Shisui stood up, head bowed, awaiting the Hokage's orders.

He felt an immense sense of honor and fervor at being able to accompany his most revered Hokage on missions to the most dangerous places.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a scroll out of the drawer and handed it over.

Shisui took the scroll, a hint of understanding appearing in his eyes.

"I see."

"We guarantee the mission will be completed."

He tucked the scroll into his pocket, bowed again, and his figure slowly faded away, transforming into a flock of crows that silently dispersed and disappeared outside the window.

Once again, only Hiruzen Sarutobi remained in the entire office.

After a long while, he pulled out a file that was already a bit yellowed from the bottom of the mountain of documents.

Two names were written on the cover of the file.

【Ghost Lantern and Sea Moon】

【Ghost Dengxi】

His fingers gently traced the two names, his thoughts drifting back to the naval battle of the Whirlpool Country.

In that battle, he swiftly defeated the combined fleet of Kumogakure and Kirigakure, killed the Third Raikage, severely injured the Third Mizukage, and laid the foundation for Konoha's future absolute dominance.

But it also left behind a mess. Uchiha Madara later said that in order to better control the Land of Water, it would be more appropriate for him, as the Hokage of Konoha, to go there personally.

A village hidden in the mist, where balance is maintained through bloodshed.

A self-deprecating smile appeared on Hiruzen Sarutobi's lips.

Now, it's time to clean this up completely.

He picked up the file and slowly turned to the first page.