The passing of Uzumaki Mito almost signifies the beginning of a new era!
The Second Shinobi World War—full-scale war could break out at any moment!
Haruto Saito silently walked to the table and sat down. "When did it happen?" he asked.
"This morning," Hiruzen Sarutobi replied immediately. There was a noticeable tinge of melancholy in his voice. "The burial has already been completed."
"Where is she buried?" Haruto asked again.
"You don't need to know," Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Haruto. "This matter must not be spread. Keep it a secret for as long as possible. Do you understand?"
Haruto nodded.
Of course, he understood. Uzumaki Mito's existence was Konoha's greatest trump card. Without her, Konoha had lost a key strategic advantage. The second Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, Uzumaki Kushina, still needed more than a decade to fully develop her power. Right now, she was merely a child.
Secrecy was essential.
According to the original story, very few high-ranking officials in Konoha knew about Uzumaki Kushina becoming the second Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. Similarly, only a select few knew about Uzumaki Mito's passing. Though in reality, more people were likely aware of it.
For example, Tsunade would undoubtedly know—Uzumaki Mito was her grandmother.
The Anbu who had been assigned to protect Uzumaki Mito would also be aware.
Hiruzen Sarutobi only told Haruto because he was among those who had direct contact with Uzumaki Mito. Once he was released from confinement, he would inevitably seek her out, only to find she was gone.
Though his interactions with Uzumaki Mito had been limited, Haruto still felt a deep sense of sorrow.
Uzumaki Mito had been a truly kind and compassionate elder.
But at least she had lived a full life, passing away peacefully.
"Regarding the fine, have you considered it?" Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly asked, shifting the topic.
"Hmm?" Haruto looked up at Hiruzen and shook his head. "Two hundred and sixty million ryo—I can't accept that."
"Two hundred and forty million, that's the lowest I can go," Hiruzen stated firmly.
Haruto hesitated—not because he was considering accepting the amount, but because Hiruzen Sarutobi had shown a willingness to negotiate. Haruto was thinking about how to counter. Two hundred and forty million ryo was still unacceptable.
He wasn't afraid of the negotiations breaking down.
Because he wasn't afraid of being kept in confinement any longer. Whether he was inside or outside made little difference. Right now, he was primarily focused on mastering the Flying Thunder God Technique.
"Lord Hokage, I think we should evaluate this comprehensively," Haruto said thoughtfully. "You mentioned a fair balance of rewards and punishments. Last time, when we discussed my rewards, most of what you mentioned was too vague! The only concrete recognition was my appointment as the leader of the Assassination Squad. But that was a position I had already earned—I didn't need any special orders from you to obtain it. By the end of the year, the merits of Squad Leader Kirimo will not surpass mine, and I will naturally be promoted to Captain of the First Anbu Squad."
"Just say what you want!" Hiruzen Sarutobi interrupted impatiently.
"First, I want access to two forbidden jutsu training methods!"
"What?"
"The A-rank summoning technique Rashōmon, developed by the First Hokage Senju Hashirama, and the A-rank forbidden technique Tandem Explosive Tags, created by the Second Hokage Senju Tobirama!"
"Rashōmon can be granted to you," Hiruzen agreed immediately. Then he hesitated. "But Tandem Explosive Tags… that technique is too dangerous."
The Tandem Explosive Tags technique posed an enormous threat to its user. After the first detonation, an unending series of explosions would follow, summoning countless explosive tags in a chain reaction. The blast was uncontrollable, and if the user couldn't escape in time, they would be caught in the explosion and perish.
Senju Tobirama had originally developed the technique to be used alongside the Impure World Reincarnation, allowing controlled reanimated corpses to unleash it—avoiding harm to the living.
"But I have the Flying Thunder God Technique!" Haruto reminded him. "I can promise that I won't train in Tandem Explosive Tags until I've mastered the Flying Thunder God."
Once he had mastered Flying Thunder God, he would have no concerns about the technique's risks. He could teleport far away in an instant, as long as he had prepared a kunai marked with the Flying Thunder God seal in a safe location beforehand.
"Hmm…" Hiruzen Sarutobi eventually relented. "Alright. What else?"
He didn't believe that Haruto was done making demands. These requests weren't particularly outrageous—given Haruto was his direct disciple, if he truly wanted to learn these techniques and had the talent, Hiruzen would have allowed it anyway.
"Additionally, I want a position at least equal to the Captain of the Konoha Police Force or the Head of the Administration Department."
Haruto was making an audacious request!
Hiruzen Sarutobi squinted at him.
He couldn't fathom Haruto's thought process—how could he make such a demand?
A position of equal rank to the Captain of the Police Force or the Head of the Administration Department meant a rank just below Konoha's top leadership. The heads of major divisions such as the Intelligence Division, Medical Division, and Finance Division were all at that level. Even squad leaders in the Anbu or elite jōnin teams ranked slightly lower in terms of administrative authority.
Haruto had made great contributions, but he lacked the seniority, age, and management skills required for such a high-ranking role!
The Captain of the Konoha Police Force was the head of the Uchiha Clan. The head of the Intelligence Division was from the Hyūga Clan. The Administrative Minister position was held by Koharu Utatane, one of Hiruzen's longtime advisors. Compared to them, Haruto was far behind!
If anything, Haruto was more suited to leading a combat unit—but that was also the least likely option. Even if he had battlefield prowess, commanding an entire corps was an entirely different matter. Leadership required experience, not just strength.
Haruto looked at Hiruzen seriously.
"Do you think that's possible?" Hiruzen asked, skeptical.
"One hundred and fifty million ryo! If you agree to my conditions, I'll pay the fine immediately!"
It almost felt like he was trying to buy a position…
"Are you joking?" Hiruzen asked again. "Who do you think you can replace?"
"Don't reject me so quickly," Haruto smiled. "Lord Hokage, shouldn't you at least hear my reasoning first?"
"Go on," Hiruzen said, expressionless.
He already sensed that Haruto was up to something—stirring the pot again!
"I believe that Konoha's current administrative structure is overly centralized, with unclear responsibilities and overlapping functions. For example, conflicts arise between the Administration and Finance Divisions over issues like shop permits, street planning, taxation, and business registration…"
"Hmm… So?"
"So, I think it should be structured like this…"
Haruto began elaborating passionately.
At first, Hiruzen Sarutobi remained expressionless, but as Haruto spoke, his expression gradually shifted. While some of Haruto's ideas had flaws and some made Hiruzen uneasy, the overall logic and depth of understanding were shockingly sound.
It was as if Haruto had an entire, meticulously crafted governance framework in his mind—one that could even function on a national scale, not just within Konoha.
Of course, he did—because he was a transmigrator! Haruto had to stop himself from accidentally suggesting a complete modern government structure.
"Lord Hokage, this is my vision. What do you think?" Haruto asked with a smile.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was in shock.
Was this what true genius looked like?
Not only possessing unparalleled talent in the shinobi arts but also an astonishing aptitude for governance?