Chapter 178: Chapter 178: Tsunade Returns to the Village
The proposed plan, following the overarching direction provided by Akira, reorganized Konoha's existing institutions into the following departments:
Architecture, Agriculture, Law Enforcement, Water Resources, Technology, Healthcare, Finance, Transportation, Education, Culture, Military, and more...
Broadly speaking, it mirrored the administrative structures of his previous life, with departmental functions delineated accordingly.
Of course, given Konoha's current situation, many of these departments were little more than empty shells.
There simply weren't enough skilled personnel to assign to these departments to carry out their intended functions.
Looking at Shikaku, Akira spoke decisively, "We'll proceed as planned. Once we begin implementing the reforms, we can address any issues that arise with further adjustments."
"As for department heads, do you and Yamanaka Inoichi have any suitable candidates to recommend?"
Shikaku and Inoichi exchanged a glance, unsure of Akira's intentions.
During the formulation of this reform plan, their homes had been besieged by visitors.
The stakes were enormous. Whether it was members of their clans, outsiders, shinobi, or merchants, everyone was eager to glean insider information and secure a piece of the pie in this sweeping reform.
From the whispers and rumors, it was clear that these changes would significantly shift Konoha's balance of power. Anyone with influence wanted a share of the impending benefits.
Currently, the reputation of Konoha's Fifth Hokage was enough to intimidate the entire ninja world. As long as the Fifth Hokage remained in power, Konoha was the strongest shinobi village.
After all, the Fifth Hokage possessed unparalleled strength and exceptional mobility. His mastery of space-time ninjutsu was as legendary as the Yellow Flash of the past.
In terms of deterrence, the current Fifth Hokage far surpassed his predecessor, the Fourth Hokage.
The two advisors, deep in thought, simultaneously shook their heads.
Shikaku replied, "Hokage-sama, at the moment, we don't have any suitable candidates to recommend."
"I understand your concerns. Don't worry. If you find someone capable, just let me know. I'm not picky—competence is all that matters," Akira said plainly.
Hearing this, both men were visibly surprised. The Fifth Hokage truly seemed unbothered by politics.
'So, this is the confidence that comes with immense power,' Shikaku mused.
"Hokage-sama, in that case, we'll recommend a few candidates," Shikaku said after a moment's hesitation.
"Go ahead. I'm listening," Akira nodded.
"For the military department, which will be crucial for national security and the core of our wartime operations, it should naturally be led by you, Hokage-sama. Only under your command can it earn the respect it requires," Shikaku suggested.
"Agreed," Akira nodded. "Continue."
Shikaku continued in a steady tone, "For the law enforcement department, responsible for maintaining order in the village and the Fire Country, Uchiha Fugaku is highly suitable. He has prior experience in such matters and would excel in this role."
"Fugaku is indeed well-suited for the role. Let him take charge of the new law enforcement department," Akira confirmed.
Seeing Akira's agreement, Shikaku glanced at Inoichi, who immediately understood and spoke up.
"For the education department, perhaps the Third Hokage could oversee it temporarily? He seems to have a deep understanding of education," Inoichi suggested cautiously.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Akira nodded. The Third Hokage was undoubtedly capable, and his involvement didn't pose a risk.
Encouraged by Akira's approval, Inoichi carefully continued, "As for the cultural department, perhaps Jiraiya-sama could manage it?"
"Jiraiya?" Akira raised an eyebrow. Would that guy really not turn Konoha's cultural outreach into a complete mess?
Jiraiya's strength was undeniable, but his eccentricities and voyeuristic tendencies were troubling.
"Jiraiya…" Akira pondered briefly before shaking his head. "Not for now. He's unreliable. Let's observe him a bit more."
"My apologies," Inoichi said apologetically.
"No matter. Let's keep going and aim to finalize these appointments today," Akira instructed.
After a moment of thought, Inoichi suggested, "For the healthcare department, Tsunade-sama is undoubtedly the most suitable candidate."
Tsunade, a direct descendant of the Senju clan, would bring both benefits and challenges to Konoha if she returned.
The benefits were clear: with the support of the ninja world's greatest medical-nin, the healthcare department would rapidly develop, and medical technology would flourish.
The challenges lay in the potential resurgence of factionalism, as the remnants of the Senju clan might harbor ambitions.
"Tsunade is indeed the best candidate, but she seems reluctant to return to Konoha," Akira remarked, shaking his head.
Seeing Shikaku and Inoichi's troubled expressions, Akira added, "Leave the appointment for the healthcare department pending. Try reaching out to her and convincing her to return."
"Yes. We'll dispatch someone immediately," Inoichi replied firmly.
While the three discussed appointments, a special guest appeared at Konoha's gates.
Standing before the gates, Tsunade looked around nostalgically.
"So this is Konoha… Even after all these years, it feels so familiar."
"Tsunade-sama!"
"Tsunade-sama, is that really you!?"
The two Chūnin guards immediately recognized her and rushed over in excitement.
"Yes, it's me," Tsunade said with a casual wave. "I'm just here for a visit. Get back to work and don't slack off."
"Yes, Tsunade-sama," they said, quickly returning to their posts with renewed vigor.
"Shizune, let's go," Tsunade commanded, striding confidently into the village with Shizune in tow.
Crossing the gates, Tsunade observed the bustling streets and the workers carving the Fifth Hokage's face into the cliffside.
"Impressive. Much livelier than during Sensei's time," she remarked approvingly after a moment.
With that, Tsunade headed straight for the Hokage's office.
She had long been curious about Konoha's current Fifth Hokage, Uchiha Akira. This visit was her chance to see what kind of leader he truly was.
Tsunade had heard plenty about him, particularly his battles against Kumogakure and Iwagakure.
In her estimation, Akira might well be a shinobi whose strength rivaled that of Madara Uchiha—a figure comparable to her grandfather, the First Hokage.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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