Reborn as the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen

Soon after the reorganization plan was introduced, reactions among the various clans were mixed. The Uchiha clan, however, was in an uproar.

"Is the Third Hokage trying to unite the three clans against us?"

"We should demand justice from the Hokage!"

"The Third Hokage was the Second Hokage's student. Of course, he wants to suppress us Uchiha!"

"Where is the clan leader? We need to find him!"

"The clan leader has gone to the Land of Iron as an ambassador."

"Then let's go to the elders!"

"Yes, let's find the elders together!"

"Isn't one of our clan members also a student of the Second Hokage? Why is this happening?"

"It must be the Senju clan suppressing us again!"

At that moment, an Uchiha jonin arrived, his voice cutting through the commotion. "What's all this shouting for? The sky hasn't fallen yet! The clan leader isn't here, but the elders are. They've already called for a clan meeting. All jonin, follow me.

Inside the meeting hall, Kagami was already present, lazily leaning back in his chair, seemingly asleep despite the noise around him. Some clan members whispered among themselves.

"It's so chaotic outside, but look at Kagami acting as if nothing is happening."

"He's the Hokage's assistant—he's busy all day. He probably came just because the elders called him. Look, he's so tired that he keeps dozing off."

"If he's the Hokage's assistant, why would he work against the Uchiha?"

"Maybe there's more to this than the rumors suggest."

"Shh, stop talking. The elders are here. The meeting is about to begin."

The head elder stood up, his voice steady as he announced, "The clan meeting is now in session. Where is Kagami? Is he here?"

Someone nudged Kagami to awake, and he straightened up, quickly regaining focus.

The first elder fixed his gaze on him, "Kagami, you know why we're gathered here today. Explain to us what's going on. The Third Hokage is trying to suppress us—he has taken away all our authority over the guard force!"

Kagami remained calm, "There is no suppression. Stop blindly following those rumors. The guards are not being disbanded; they're being expanded into the new Guard Department, which will be several times larger than before. Our clan alone doesn't have enough manpower to manage it, which is why shinobi from other clans are being brought in. This is necessary."

The second elder scowled, "Then why were there so many of our clan members being expelled from the guard team?"

Kagami let out a small sigh, "How many were expelled? A little over ten? Ask them why they were removed. They don't even complete their patrol duties! I reviewed the logs—on average, they skipped work more than ten days a month. What were they doing? Collecting a salary while doing nothing. They were parasites living off the clan.

Now that the Guard Department is directly under the Hokage where other clans will be part of it, do you want to keep embarrass yourselves by keeping such people in the key positions? I personally signed the orders for their removal. Do you have any other questions, Second Elder?"

The second elder's face darkened, "They are still members of our clan! Do you really not care about family ties? I don't think you're fit to serve as minister—I request the Council of Elders to remove Jing from his position!"

But the first elder shook his head, "The Guard Department no longer belongs solely to the Uchiha. It is under the Hokage's direct command. We do not have the authority to remove its leader."

Kagami added, "The clan has become too reckless. First, it was the people abusing their positions, and now this outrage over rightful dismissals. What comes next? The village's resentment toward the Uchiha is growing because of these actions, and you refuse to acknowledge it."

The second elder scoffed, "They're just civilians. Why should we concern ourselves with them?"

Kagami expression hardened, "Yes, they are civilians but they are also the members of other clans. They have shinobi brothers, relatives, and friends. Are we trying to make enemies of every clan in Konoha?"

He continued, his voice rising, "Yes, I do serve as the Hokage's assistant, but I spend most of my time cleaning up after the messes you create! Why do you think the village hasn't come down harder on us yet? It's because I constantly plead with the Hokage on our behalf! Do you even realize that?"

Some clan members murmured among themselves.

"I didn't expect the elder's son to be this kind of person."

"Kagami has been working tirelessly as the Hokage's assistant. It can't be easy dealing with both the village and the clan's problems."

"Honestly, we Uchiha haven't lost much. Kagami is still head of the Guard Department, and in the future, we can still compete for leadership positions. In the past, only the relatives of high-ranking clan officials had those roles."

The atmosphere shifted as criticism turned toward the second elder's faction.

At that moment, the third elder stepped forward. "Kagami, the clan leader will not approve of the Hokage's actions."

Kagami gave him a tired look. "Then tell me—why do you think the clan leader isn't in the village at such a crucial moment? He's giving you all a way out. First Elder, please calm the clan members. I am still the Hokage's assistant—do you think I would let our clan suffer in this village? I have other matters to attend to. I'll be leaving now." With that, Kag turned and quickly exited the hall.

As Kagami left the meeting hall, cold sweat trickled down his back.

"That's right Kagami is the Hokage's assistant. How could he watch the clan suffer?"

Those were Hiruzen's exact words, and Kagami had simply repeated them. Once the meeting was over, he wasted no time making his exit, using the first excuse he could find.

In the reception hall of the Akimichi clan, several prominent figures had gathered—Nara clan leader Nara Shikatsu, Yamanaka clan leader, and Akimichi clan leader Akimichi Chohei. Among them was also Akimichi Torifu, one of the Hokage's assistants.

Shikatsu turned to Chohei, "Chohei, have you heard about the Guard Department reforms?"

The Akimichi clan leader frowned, "Torifu has been staying home recently. He hasn't visited the Hokage office for days."

He turned to his clan member, "Torifu, you're the Hokage's assistant. Why are you always at home?"

Torifu sighed "I don't understand these government affairs therefore I can't really help much. Besides, Hiruzen hasn't had any major missions lately. What else am I supposed to do?"

Then while shaking his head, he added, "I know a little about the reforms. The main issue of this was the lack of scouting ninjas in the Guard Department, so Hiruzen brought in the Hyuga, Inuzuka, and Aburame clans but I can tell Hiruzen isn't exactly happy about it. It seems like these three clans forced him to give them the captain positions."

Shikatsu chuckled, "It seems their clan leaders aren't that smart. Think about it—Uchiha took the Minister of the Guard Department position. According to the Third Hokage's plan, the captains couldn't all from the Uchiha clan. While the Third Hokage said the selection would be 'fair,' we all know he intended to give one captain role to each of the three families to ensure balance but these three clans tried to play some small tricks to force the issue. Of course, the Hokage isn't happy about that I'm guaranteed he'll make sure that they will be facing the consequences later."

Torifu sighed again, "See? This is why I avoid politics it's too messy."

Hearing this, Chohei angrily smacked Torifu on the head, "You don't seem to care, but Kagami became the head of the Guard Department while you who also a Hokage's assistant only hold a title with no real authority. Other than that, the Third Hokage just fought the Raikage and captured the Eight-Tails! You should know about this right Torifu?"

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Torifu.

With an awkward smile, Torifu nodded, "Yeah… Hiruzen's strength has improved a lot recently. He's developed several new jutsu but it's not as exaggerated as people say. The battle with the Raikage wasn't a one-sided fight. The three Kage clashed for a while, then the Tsuchikage flew into the air. After that, Hiruzen managed to knock the Raikage away and seal the Eight-Tails. I wasn't there for the sealing process because I was busy capturing Kumogakure's Tutai at the time."

Chohei narrowed his eyes, "You were in a part of the battle? Why didn't you tell us sooner?"

Torifu shrugged, "I was a member of the Hokage's guard unit. Of course, I had to fight. Also, you never asked me so I didn't mention it."

Chohei sighed, "Alright, just keep this attitude Torifu. After all The Third Hokage values loyalty."

Thanks to Shikatsu's explanation, the Ino-Shika-Cho clan's impression of the Third Hokage improved. The mood lightened, and the group started drinking in celebration.

Meanwhile, within the Hyuga clan, Hyuga Tennin finished reporting to the elders and retreated to his private chamber while he was lost in thought. Outside, members of the main house were already dividing the newly secured captain positions amongst themselves.

Watching from the shadows, Tennin felt a deep sense of unease. "Something feels wrong."

The Hyuga clan followed a rigid hierarchy—the main family led the branch family, just as Konoha governed the Hyuga. The main family had the privilege to grant rewards, but if those beneath them tried to seize power on their own, it was seen as rebellion.

"Then our attitude that meeting . . . I made a mistake," Tennin realized. "I need to repair our relationship with the Third Hokage."

The Inuzuka clan, on the other hand, was in high spirits.

"Our clan is finally a part of an important village department! We have to celebrate!"

"From now on, we'll be patrolling not just Konoha, but the entire Fire Country! This is amazing!"

One Inuzuka turned to his friend, "Speaking of patrols, is your partner, Huimaru, healed yet?"

"Not yet, but soon! He'll definitely be ready in time for duty!"

Meanwhile, unlike the others, the Aburame clan remained calm.

Aburame Shide efficiently assigned their family members to report to the Guard Department without any fuss. The clan simply continued their usual work, unfazed by the political shifts.