Naruto: Multiverse Character Templates

Danzō could only rage helplessly before finally sitting back down.

In truth, Orochimaru had already given him a chance.

He had only told him to compile the experiments Root wanted to conduct and submit them to the Hokage's office.

He had not ordered the Anbu to investigate the experiments Root was currently conducting.

If they really investigated, they would definitely uncover quite a few problems.

It was precisely because Danzō thought of this that he did not completely fall out with Orochimaru.

After all, with Root's power, they could still continue conducting experiments in secret.

The only difference was that compared to before, the risk would be much higher.

"The second matter, the Hokage Guard will be reestablished."

Orochimaru continued.

Hearing the words Hokage Guard, many jonin in the meeting room immediately became alert, showing expressions of anticipation and excitement.

The Hokage Guard, as the name suggested, were shinobi responsible for protecting the Hokage.

It sounded like they were merely guards, but that was not actually the case.

When Hiruzen served as the Third Hokage, he had not established a Hokage Guard.

But when Tobirama served as the Second Hokage, he had established one.

The members of his Hokage Guard had included Hiruzen, Danzō, Koharu, Homura, Uchiha Kagami, and others.

Those members who had survived until now had either become Hokage or high-ranking officials of Konoha.

In the original story, the Fourth Hokage, Minato, had also established a Hokage Guard.

For example, Shiranui Genma and Namiashi Raidō.

But because Minato died young, and because they lacked sufficient strength, they were never heavily used.

Without a doubt, Orochimaru establishing the Hokage Guard now meant he was building his own faction.

"The members are temporarily set as Natsuki, Nawaki, Nonō, Minato, Uzumaki Kae, and Inuzuka Suzume."

Orochimaru listed the names in one breath.

Danzō, Koharu, and the others were not surprised.

After all, most of the Hokage Guard chosen by the Second Hokage, Tobirama, had also been made up of his own students.

Orochimaru had only three students.

But he had a close relationship with Jiraiya and Tsunade, so he added Jiraiya's three students as well.

Tsunade's student was Nonō, who was also included.

Nawaki immediately waved his fist in excitement.

If he had not been in the meeting room, he would definitely have jumped up and cheered.

The ones most surprised were Uzumaki Kae and Inuzuka Suzume.

Minato had the Flying Thunder God Technique and was powerful, so it was normal for him to be chosen as part of the Hokage Guard.

But the two of them seemed somewhat like additions to fill the numbers.

Strictly speaking, Uzumaki Kae was not a Konoha shinobi. She was only a student sent over by the Uzumaki clan.

As for Inuzuka Suzume, her strength was somewhat lacking, and she did not have much fame either.

Jiraiya nodded in satisfaction.

Orochimaru had clearly given him enough face.

Tsunade glanced at the excited Nawaki and could not help smiling.

After joining the Hokage Guard, he was one step closer to his dream of becoming Hokage.

Although with Natsuki around, it would be very difficult for Nawaki to become the next Hokage, youth itself was a kind of capital. Nothing was certain.

"The third matter, the Hokage Secretariat will be established to assist me with daily affairs."

Orochimaru continued without stopping.

When Danzō, Homura, and Koharu heard this, they subconsciously frowned.

The three of them, one Hokage Assistant and two Hokage Advisors, mainly had the responsibility of advising the Hokage.

As for Hokage secretaries, theoretically speaking, their duties were the same.

Although Orochimaru said they would assist him with daily affairs, the three of them did not quite believe it.

After all, the three of them had been appointed by Hiruzen.

Now that Orochimaru had become Hokage, he would certainly want to replace them.

But they held high positions and had served for so many years. Replacing them rashly would cause turmoil in Konoha.

Taking things slowly was clearly the better method.

But what could they say?

Danzō had already proven earlier that Orochimaru had come prepared.

As long as Orochimaru said everything was being done according to Konoha's rules, they had no way to stop him.

Most importantly, the establishment of the Hokage Secretariat gave the jonin a new path for advancement.

If they opposed it, they would be opposing the jonin.

"The members are temporarily set as Natsuki, Minato, Nara Shikaku, and Uchiha Mikoto."

Without giving them time to react, Orochimaru finished announcing the candidates.

After he finished speaking, a commotion inevitably rose in the meeting room.

The Hokage Guard was entirely made up of students of Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya.

The jonin had no chance there.

But the Hokage Secretariat was different. Two shinobi who were not part of the Hokage's direct faction had appeared.

They could understand Nara Shikaku's inclusion.

Because the Nara clan was known for its intelligence.

Whenever major matters occurred, the Hokage would consult them.

During wartime, they were also often appointed as strategists.

But Uchiha Mikoto's inclusion greatly surprised them.

They all understood the Uchiha clan's position in the village.

They had also heard about the conflict between the Uchiha clan, Danzō, and Root.

Many people had silently assumed that Hiruzen wanted to suppress the Uchiha clan somewhat.

But now Mikoto had become a Hokage secretary.

This meant that Orochimaru, as Hokage, had changed the village's attitude toward the Uchiha clan.

"Hokage secretary?"

When Fugaku suddenly heard this, his pupils contracted.

Earlier, when Natsuki said he would let Mikoto work in the Hokage building, Fugaku had at most imagined that she would work in some department, such as the Anbu, the Torture and Interrogation Force, or the Analysis Team.

But he had not expected it to be the Hokage Secretariat.

A Hokage secretary was undoubtedly already half a high-ranking position.

Most importantly, this department answered directly to the Hokage. It could come into contact with Konoha's core at any time and obtain a large amount of information.

Thinking of this, Fugaku rarely became excited.

For the Uchiha clan, the position of Hokage secretary was undoubtedly very important.

It was also the closest the Uchiha clan had come to Konoha's core of power since Kagami had joined the Hokage Guard.

Fugaku subconsciously began to think.

Clearly, the relationship between Natsuki and Mikoto was not as simple as they had said.

But this suited his wishes perfectly.

The Uchiha clan allowed its members to marry outside the clan.

If Natsuki and Mikoto could get together, then for the Uchiha clan, it would be an unprecedentedly excellent situation.

"What is going on?"

Compared to Fugaku's excitement, Hiashi's expression was ugly.

Why was there no shinobi from the Hyūga clan?

The Uchiha clan and the Hyūga clan had always been evenly matched. Only in terms of power had the Hyūga clan been one step behind.

Because the Uchiha clan had the Konoha Police Force.

However, that department was now a troublesome responsibility, so the Hyūga clan was not especially envious of it.

But the Hokage Secretariat was different.

This was an excellent position.

Even the Uchiha clan, which had previously been suppressed by Danzō, had received one. Why did the Hyūga clan, which had always supported the Hokage's faction, receive nothing?

Hiashi's expression shifted. While he felt puzzled, he also felt uneasy.

The new Hokage's change in attitude was not a good thing for the Hyūga clan.

Not far away, Mikoto was filled with astonishment.

Without a doubt, her becoming a Hokage secretary was thanks to Natsuki.

Otherwise, there was no way such an important position as Hokage secretary would have fallen to her.

Why?

Mikoto felt confused.

She believed her relationship with Natsuki was only that of friends.

But if they were only friends, it should not have reached the point where he would help her obtain a position like Hokage secretary.

Could it be?

Mikoto thought of a possibility. Her body subconsciously tensed, and her heartbeat could not help quickening.

But she also felt that with Natsuki's strength, status, and appearance, he did not lack beautiful women.

How could he be interested in her?

For a moment, she felt both shy and deeply unsettled.

But it had to be said that Natsuki suited her tastes.

His strength, identity, and status were all nearly perfect.

On the other side, the jonin of the Ino-Shika-Chō clans all revealed surprised and delighted expressions.

The Ino-Shika-Chō clans had always advanced and retreated together.

Shikaku becoming a Hokage secretary meant that their three clans also had a Hokage secretary.

Although the Nara clan often served as advisors, those positions had always been temporary.

Becoming a Hokage secretary meant the position was now fixed.

The significance was completely different.

Natsuki smiled.

Orochimaru had not discussed the Research Department and Hokage Guard with him.

But the Hokage Secretariat had been established at his suggestion.

Orochimaru had previously come to him and said that while he was conducting experiments, Konoha's affairs would temporarily be handed over to him.

The problem was that Natsuki was also very busy. He could not stay in Konoha all day helping him work.

So after thinking about it, he proposed establishing the Hokage Secretariat to help Orochimaru handle his work.

Especially daily miscellaneous affairs.

At the same time, he suggested that Mikoto become a Hokage secretary.

After thinking it over, Orochimaru agreed.

He actually did not approve of Danzō's method of targeting the Uchiha clan.

In his view, there were only two ways to deal with the Uchiha clan.

Either wipe them out completely, or draw them in.

Doing what Danzō did, targeting them from time to time, would only build up their resentment.

When that resentment finally erupted, it would be the moment the Uchiha clan rebelled.

"Doesn't that mean Natsuki now holds three positions?"

Nawaki suddenly thought of something and asked in a low voice of surprise.

Tsunade and Jiraiya paused slightly, then reacted.

Natsuki was now Anbu commander, a member of the Hokage Guard, and a Hokage secretary all at once.

In a sense, his authority was already no lower than the Hokage Assistant and the two Hokage Advisors. He had become a true member of Konoha's upper ranks.

"This is called giving more work to capable people. You should reflect on yourself."

Tsunade raised her hand and tapped him on the head. "You are both Orochimaru's students, so why do you only have one position?"

Nawaki scratched his head, but he had no way to refute it.

Orochimaru treated him and Natsuki equally. He did not favor one over the other.

Natsuki having three positions clearly meant Orochimaru believed he was capable of handling them.

"I disagree!"

Danzō could not help standing up.

To be honest, although establishing the Hokage Secretariat was suspected of dividing their authority, Orochimaru had at least maintained appearances and had not said it directly.

He could tolerate that.

Moreover, he felt that he, Homura, and Koharu had worked for so many years. A few Hokage secretaries would not pose much of a threat.

The problem lay in Mikoto becoming a Hokage secretary.

In Danzō's eyes, this was absolutely unacceptable.

Wouldn't all the efforts he and Root had made to suppress the Uchiha clan become a joke?

Most importantly, it went against what he had always upheld.

In his view, he had always inherited the philosophy of his teacher, the Second Hokage, Tobirama.

That philosophy was that the Uchiha clan was an evil clan and must always be watched carefully.

"Why do you disagree?"

Orochimaru frowned and asked.

Homura and Koharu exchanged glances and quickly made their decision, which was to stay out of it.

To them, preserving their own authority was more important than suppressing the Uchiha clan.

Neither of them wanted to offend Orochimaru.

"I agree with the establishment of the Hokage Secretariat, but who becomes a Hokage secretary should be discussed further."

Danzō was not as reckless as before. "According to Konoha's rules, I and the two Hokage Advisors have the right to nominate and confirm candidates."

"You do."

Orochimaru looked at Homura and Koharu and asked calmly, "Two Hokage Advisors, do you agree?"

Danzō immediately shot them frantic looks.

"We agree."

Homura and Koharu ignored him and spoke.

Danzō was instantly stunned.

"Do all of you agree?"

Orochimaru then looked at the many jonin.

"We agree!"

Everyone answered in unison.

At present, there were only four Hokage secretaries, and Orochimaru had clearly said the selection was temporary.

This meant they all had the possibility of becoming Hokage secretaries.

No one wanted to miss such an opportunity.

"What else do you have to say?"

Orochimaru looked at Danzō and asked.

Danzō opened his mouth, then finally sat down with a deeply frustrated expression.

What else could he say?

Was he supposed to make an enemy of every jonin in Konoha?

Damn Orochimaru!

And Homura and Koharu, you will both regret this!

Danzō roared inwardly.

"Orochimaru really was born to be Hokage."

Jiraiya sighed and said, "These methods are no worse than Sensei's."

"He uses authority to suppress people, acts according to the rules, and on top of that, he is the Hokage. Naturally, Danzō cannot outargue him."

Tsunade smiled.

She was very happy to see Danzō suffer.

"The fourth matter, Nonō will serve as deputy director of Konoha Hospital and director of the Konoha Orphanage."

Orochimaru withdrew his gaze and returned to the main topic.

Natsuki raised an eyebrow.

What surprised him was that Nonō had become the director of the Konoha Orphanage.

Although in the original story, she had indeed been the director of the Konoha Orphanage.

After thinking carefully, he understood the reason.

Mayu was already old and truly had reached the age to retire.

However, becoming director of the Konoha Orphanage was not bad.

In any case, there was no longer Danzō causing trouble.

Natsuki thought of Akatsuki's orphanage.

Perhaps the orphans of the Konoha Orphanage could also learn the Konoha Six Powers.

Once they achieved results, they could join the Anbu.

And they would certainly be loyal to Natsuki or Nonō.

The meeting continued.

After Danzō fell silent, the remaining matters went exceptionally smoothly.

When it was nearly noon, Orochimaru's first jonin meeting after becoming Hokage came to an end.

Overall, most jonin were very satisfied.

The appearance of new departments gave them hope for advancement.

As long as they performed well, they might be able to rise rapidly.

And this was only the beginning. There would definitely be more opportunities in the future.

After all, many old departments would also undergo personnel changes.

The Hokage's office.

Aside from Orochimaru, the newly established Hokage Guard and Hokage Secretariat members had gathered there.

There were also Tsunade and Jiraiya, who had no official positions.

"Natsuki."

Orochimaru spoke, "Have the Anbu contact a construction team and renovate three offices to serve as the workplaces for your two departments."

The reason there would be three offices was that Natsuki would have one to himself.

After all, his current status was not ordinary.

"Yes, Sensei."

Natsuki immediately answered.

"Once the offices are renovated, you can officially begin working."

Orochimaru waved his hand and said, "You may all leave."

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

Shikaku, Minato, and the others answered in unison.

Before Mikoto left, she glanced at Natsuki. But seeing that Natsuki had not left, she did not say anything more.

In the end, only Natsuki, Nawaki, Nonō, Tsunade, and Jiraiya remained.

"Orochimaru, are you planning to do no work at all as Hokage?"

Jiraiya teased.

For those who understood Orochimaru, the purpose behind establishing the Hokage Guard and Hokage Secretariat was very obvious.

It was nothing more than saving trouble, or in other words, being lazy.

"Small matters can be handled by them."

Orochimaru said calmly, "I have my own things to do."

He was referring to the Wood Release experiment.

Jiraiya and Tsunade had long known that he was conducting Wood Release experiments.

But the new version of the Wood Release experiment would not involve Konoha shinobi, nor would it cause casualties, so they had not stopped him.

Especially since Orochimaru had said that once the Wood Release experiment succeeded, the ones who would benefit most would be Nawaki and Tsunade.

Because they were Hashirama's grandchildren, and they had inherited his bloodline.

Although their cells could not compare to his, they were still far superior to those of ordinary people.

This meant that if the transplant succeeded, their Wood Release would be stronger and closer to Hashirama's.

Tsunade was not interested in other matters.

But if Wood Release could be revived without harming others, she certainly would not refuse.

"The only one who will suffer is Natsuki."

Jiraiya patted Natsuki on the shoulder and joked, "Having a teacher like Orochimaru means your luck is bad."

"This is what I should do."

Natsuki shook his head and did not mind.

"What a pity that Orochimaru got there first."

Jiraiya said regretfully, "Otherwise, I could have taken you as my student."

"Isn't it a little inappropriate to say that right in front of me?"

Orochimaru asked helplessly.

"I am telling the truth."

Jiraiya said with a smile.

"All right, we will not disturb you anymore. You have just become Hokage, so you must have many things to do."

Tsunade waved her hand and said, "I will take Nonō to Konoha Hospital."

Nonō had become deputy director of Konoha Hospital.

Whether it was notifying the other medical ninja or changing offices, those matters needed to be handled.

"Then I will leave too. Call me when something comes up."

Jiraiya leaped down and left the Hokage's office through the window.

"He is still the same as before. He refuses to use the door."

Orochimaru shook his head and said.

Natsuki did not stay for long either.

He still had to find a construction team to renovate the offices for the Hokage Guard and the Hokage Secretariat.

But after walking a few steps, he saw Mikoto waiting at the end of the corridor.

He walked forward.

"Natsuki."

Mikoto looked grateful as she said, "Thank you."

"No need to thank me."

Natsuki shook his head and said, "I believe that with your ability, you are fully capable of serving as a Hokage secretary."

"But without your help, I could not have become one."

Mikoto said with clear self-awareness.

Aside from the title of an Uchiha genius, she did not have much more advantage than other shinobi.

(To be continued.)

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