Reborn as the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen

Not long after Homura left, a knock came at the door.

"Come in," Hiruzen said.

Kagami and Danzo entered, accompanied by three masked Anbu.

Hiruzen smiled, "Why are you knocking? Since when were you so polite?". As he spoke, his eyes shifted to the three Anbu standing behind them.

Tomatsu Yuta — Status

Body: 8/8

Spirit: 8/8

Element: 7/7

Skills:

Intermediate taijutsu mastery

Intermediate combat mastery

Mastery:

Primary chakra mastery

Intermediate fire release

Intermediate wind release

Threat Level: Very Low

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

Ishiguro Kouki — Status

Body: 7/7

Spirit: 8/8

Element: 6/6

Skills:

Intermediate taijutsu mastery

Intermediate combat mastery

Mastery:

Primary chakra mastery

Intermediate earth release

Primary fire release

Threat Level: Very Low

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

Miyazaki Ryo — Status

Body: 7/7

Spirit: 8/8

Element: 8/8

Skills:

Intermediate taijutsu mastery

Intermediate combat mastery

Mastery:

Primary chakra mastery

Intermediate water release

Primary sealing mastery

Threat Level: Very Low

Elite Chunin, all with dual-element affinities, Hiruzen noted.

Danzo turned to the three, "From now on, you will be stationed in the Hokage's office. Your duty is to assist with communication and ensure security. Dismissed."

The three Anbu nodded and exited, closing the door behind them.

Hiruzen turned his attention to Kagami, "Kagami, I want to reorganize the Police Guard Force. What are your thoughts?"

Kagami blinked in surprise before nodding, "As long as it benefits the village, I have no objections. What do you need me to do?"

Hiruzen gestured for him to wait, "Let me explain first. Right now, the Uchiha dominate the Guard Force, and the other clans resent it. On top of that, the Uchiha mainly operate within their own ranks, isolating themselves from the rest of the village. This makes them appear arrogant to outsiders, which will only lead to future problems."

He deliberately avoided mentioning that this structure was set up by the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, as a way to keep the Uchiha in check.

Danzo scoffed, "The Uchiha are all corrupt. They're a ticking time bomb—except for Kagami, of course."

"That's enough, Danzo," Hiruzen reprimanded.

After a brief pause, he continued, "You're aware of the new checkpoint security regulations being discussed at the Five Kage Summit. Konoha will need to implement a system for verifying identities at various entry points. Right now, the Police Guard Force's authority structure is similar to this, requiring at least one Jonin and a team of Chunin at each checkpoint.

We'll need skilled reconnaissance ninjas to manage these stations. The Uchiha are one of Konoha's best scouting clans, but even you don't have enough manpower to cover all the posts alone. Besides, if the Uchiha monopolize this opportunity, it will cause even more resentment among the other clans."

He leaned forward, "So, I plan to expand the Police Guard Force into a full-fledged Guard Department, divided into three divisions:

1. Checkpoint Guard Unit – Manning border crossings and village gates.

2. Patrol Guard Unit – Monitoring activity throughout the Land of Fire.

3. Central District Guard Unit – Handling security inside Konoha.

Each of these units will need expert reconnaissance ninja. I plan to integrate the Hyuga, Aburame, Inuzuka, and other clans with tracking abilities into this new structure. Additionally, independent ninjas with relevant skills will be recruited. What do you think?"

Kagami furrowed his brows in thought, "The clan elders might not be so cooperative."

Danzo smirked, "That's why we made sure Clan Leader Setsuna was sent to the Five Kage Summit. Now with him gone, can you manage the Uchiha?"

Kagami hesitated, "The summit is a crucial event. Are you sure it's wise to send Setsuna? He's… impulsive."

Danzo waved him off, "I'll be leading a team to keep him in check."

Before Kagami could respond, Hiruzen interjected, "Kagami, if you were appointed as the new head of the Guard Department, wouldn't that help to ease the resistance within the Uchiha?"

Kagami considered this, "If the clan leader isn't here and I'm leading the department, the elders should fall in line. I can handle the rest but what happens when Setsuna returns?"

Danzo replied, his tone matter-of-fact, "If he's back then it's all done where everything has been settled during his absence. That old man should understand."

Hiruzen nodded, "There's no rush because this matter needs to be handled carefully. Tomorrow, I'll speak with Chief Setsuna and ask him to represent Konoha at the Five Kage Summit. Also, I plan to appoint Nara Shikaru as my secretary to help with the paperwork."

Danzo raised an eyebrow. "Shikaru? Chief Shikatsu's son?"

"Yes, he just got married, and Shikatsu wants him to gain an experience. This is a good opportunity as it shows that Chief Shikatsu understands the bigger picture," Hiruzen allowed himself a small smile. 'Finally, someone capable of handling paperwork.'

His teammates had promised him to help with administrative work, but all they did was organizing the documents and present them to him without even offering the solutions. Hiruzen had to think through everything himself. 'I don't even know how many brain cells I've lost already.'

Danzo folded his arms, "Experience is one thing, but isn't it too soon to make him the Hokage's secretary?"

Hiruzen leaned back, "The Ino-Shika-Cho clans are naturally close to us. Thus, by sending their young heir here, they're reinforcing that bond. It's a strategic move—one that the other clans will notice. Sometimes, you have to spend big to buy a good reputation."

He then turned to Kagami, "Kagami, don't feel pressured. We're all here to support you. Just communicate with the elders in your clan properly. This is all for the village."

Kagami nodded, "Understood."

Hiruzen exhaled, "Alright everyone go back to work. I still have a mountain of paperwork to deal with."

The next day Hiruzen sat in the reception room, waiting. Soon, Uchiha Setsuna entered, reclining on the low couch with a lazy posture.

"What do you want, Sarutobi kid?" he asked casually.

Hiruzen frowned at his lack of respect but kept his expression neutral. He quickly reviewed Setsuna's profile in his mind—a Kage-level powerhouse, highly skilled in advanced Sharingan applications, with three-tomoe mastery.

Keeping his tone respectful, Hiruzen smiled, "Senior, as you know the Five Kage Summit was recently held in the Land of Iron. Konoha needs an elite Jonin to represent us in order to mediate conflicts and maintain our influence in the ninja world."

Setsuna scoffed, "The Five Kage Summit? Then why include the Land of Iron? Samurai don't even compare to shinobi."

Hiruzen calmly sipped his tea before explaining, "There are three reasons. First, the Land of Iron is neutral, making it an ideal supervisor. Second, keeping the samurai occupied makes them easier to control. Third, Konoha needs allies in the Summit as the other four villages have their own grudges against us due to the war but the Land of Iron is more neutral. Since we've supported their inclusion, General Kamado is likely to lean in our favor. Even if he has no real decision-making power, his influence benefits us."

He placed his teacup down, "The Five Kage Summit requires a representative who is strong, respected, and capable of making an impression. After careful consideration, we decided that you, Senior, are the ideal choice."

At this, Setsuna sat up while crossing his legs and adopting a more serious expression. He thought for a moment before asking, "Why me? There are plenty of clan leaders and elders in Konoha. After all Tobirama always distrusted the Uchiha and you're his student as well therefore I have no reason to trust you either."

Hiruzen knew he had to tread carefully. If I don't give him a convincing reason, he'll refuse outright.

With a thoughtful smile, Hiruzen said, "It's true that I inherited the Second Hokage's will but the method that I use to achieve that will differs. My sensei used the whip to discipline those who strayed while I prefer guidance which bring the people back to the fold. Which method would you prefer, Senior?"

Setsuna smirked, "Maybe the Uchiha was never strayed to begin with. It was Konoha that moved too far ahead, leaving us behind."

Hiruzen nodded, "Then my role is to understand why each part of the village feels left behind and at the same time, work to bring them all together."

After a long silence, Setsuna chuckled, "Alright, Lord Hokage. I'll play the role you've assigned me."

Hiruzen let out a breath of relief. 'Good.' The more he thought about it, the more he realized that Setsuna was the perfect candidate.

Konoha needed to show strength at the Summit. Senju influence was fading, but Uchiha Setsuna was both powerful and feared. His presence would remind the other villages that Konoha wasn't just led by moderates—it had hardliners as well.

Hiruzen smiled, "Then should you begin with the preparations?"

Setsuna nodded, "Well I'll get ready and depart soon."

Hiruzen added, "Danzo will accompany you with a support team. If you need anything, just let him handle it."

He turned toward the door and called out, "Yuta, summon Danzo to the reception room."

Looking back at Setsuna he continued, "In fact, you can leave all the logistics to Danzo. Your only duty is to project Konoha's strength. I'll have Danzo discuss the finer details with you shortly. For now, please have some tea."

A few minutes later, Danzo entered the room.

Hiruzen placed a hand on his shoulder, "Danzo, Uchiha Setsuna will serve as Konoha's first official envoy to the Land of Iron. You'll provide full support."

Setsuna gave Danzo a sharp look before nodding, "Child of the Shimura clan, let's work together for Konoha's future."

Danzo remained silent for a moment before replying, "For Konoha."

Hiruzen smiled, satisfied, "Then it's settled."