As Hiruzen pointed in a certain direction, the gazes of Konoha's shinobi and civilians swept over in unison.
A shinobi who had made outstanding contributions to Konoha?
Who would be the first…
Danzo's heart tightened—this was precisely the direction where he was standing!
Combined with what Hiruzen had said to him before leaving his seat…
Yet deep down, Danzo was still extremely uneasy.
Would Hiruzen really share this glory with him on such an important occasion?
To be frank, putting himself in the other man's position, Danzo felt that he would not be able to do it…
Wouldn't that be dividing one's own prestige among others?
That was far too generous!
But if Hiruzen knew what Danzo was thinking, he would only smile and shake his head.
Prestige does not follow a strictly zero-sum logic, where one's gain must be another's loss and the total amount remains fixed.
The posture of "not claiming all the credit" would become a magnifier of Hiruzen's personal prestige…
Publicly attributing merit was, in essence, another elevation of the Hokage's authority, not a splitting of credit.
Because everyone knew that all of this was directed by the Hokage.
"Hokage Advisor, Shimura Danzo!"
Hiruzen ultimately spoke his name.
"For purging enemies for Konoha, maintaining and rectifying internal discipline, and playing an indelible role in deep cooperation with the Land of Fire!"
The heated atmosphere fell slightly silent.
Danzo's reputation within Konoha was not exactly a glorious one…
Many well-informed Konoha shinobi were aware of Danzo's way of doing things…
They usually went out of their way to avoid him.
Danzo maintained a faintly awkward smile, momentarily unsure of what to say.
Hiruzen smiled.
He thought of something amusing…
Given the stubbornness and obstinacy peculiar to shinobi, if he did not help Danzo out of this predicament, who knew how many times Danzo would replay it in his mind after going home…
He might even grow slightly darker in temperament, feeling that the Konoha shinobi failed to understand his contributions…
'Forget it—if not merit, then at least there has been hard work… and besides, it's not as if there was no merit at all,' Hiruzen thought to himself, deciding not to let Danzo remain embarrassed any longer.
"Our Advisor, who is also currently the head of Konoha's Anbu, has long operated behind enemy lines and under intense working conditions, tirelessly obtaining intelligence for the village and intercepting enemies day and night…"
"And because of this, his usual manner may appear somewhat harsh; he has also conducted self-criticism regarding this…"
Hiruzen cleared his throat and spoke loudly.
With that explanation, many shinobi who had not known the details—yet had begun whispering when the atmosphere briefly cooled—now cast admiring looks toward Danzo.
As an Advisor, yet still long engaged in frontline missions…
That indeed deserved respect!
And the cold, hardened aura Danzo had forged over years immersed in the shadows of the Anbu perfectly corroborated Hiruzen's words.
A ninja who had lived in darkness for a long time would inevitably have some viciousness clinging to him—stains that could not be washed away—yet he had always kept Konoha in his heart.
In the training grounds, quite a few young shinobi were even looking at him with admiring eyes.
This kind of rhetoric—half fallen into darkness yet still yearning for the light—might sound a bit like adolescent, over-the-top hero talk…
Yet it happened to fit the shinobi world's vibe perfectly, able to stir the blood and respect deep in a shinobi's bones.
Danzo froze. Since when had he ever engaged in any self-criticism with Hiruzen?
Wave after wave of heated gazes coming his way actually left Danzo at a loss, making this "Darkness of the Shinobi" feel—rarely—an urge to avoid it all.
But after adjusting for a moment, Danzo immediately began to like this feeling.
And in his mind, he suddenly thought of what Hiruzen had said to him.
"Your contributions—I've seen them all… I will bring you onto the stage."
Danzo took a deep breath and used chakra to amplify his voice, yet he still kept that cold, stiff deadpan face, carrying the faint trace of an ugly smile: "I…"
The moment he opened his mouth, he remembered the speaking format that Homura and Koharu commonly used these days…
When you speak, you have to mention the Hokage first!
"I will follow the Hokage's instructions, fulfill my duties properly, and continue striving for Konoha and the village!"
"That's all. I hope everyone will do the same." Danzo said it briefly and forcefully.
At the side, Orochimaru could not help letting out a cold snort.
He did not believe that, with Danzo's brain, he would ever proactively engage in self-criticism with Sensei…
It was only because Sensei was kindhearted—afraid Danzo would not be able to step down from the stage—so he had helped him save face; otherwise, the atmosphere would have gotten awkward long ago!
On the other hand, Orochimaru was also faintly on guard.
Danzo did not launch into a long speech; he still kept that cold, hard style, even in front of everyone.
That meant he had found the right "value positioning" for himself.
With this approach, he actually gained a bit of competitiveness—he was not completely useless after all.
If he tried to imitate Hiruzen's style, Orochimaru would not even bother to give Danzo a second glance.
Hiruzen smiled slightly and said loudly, "Let us give Advisor Danzo a round of applause!"
Thunderous applause erupted across the training grounds.
Danzo's face remained cold and hard, but his eyes looked past the crowd, staring tightly at Hiruzen.
How could he not know that Hiruzen had just helped him out of a tight spot?
He had even found excuses for some of Danzo's past issues, elevating them in reverse…
'I won't be left behind by you…' Danzo said silently to himself.
'You did it—then naturally, I will do it as well!'
He meant the conversation the two of them had in the forest after returning from cooperating with the Fire Daimyō.
Danzo had said it bluntly: before he became Hokage, he would be the sharpest blade in Hiruzen's hand…
"The second, Orochimaru!"
Hiruzen continued the introduction: "For making great contributions to Konoha's scientific research and revenue generation, and for outstanding performance in missions at all levels and in war…"
Orochimaru rose gracefully to his feet: "Working for the village is a virtue I have cultivated since childhood, and that is thanks to the Hokage—who is also my sensei…"
"I will continue to work hard and further use technology to protect the shinobi of the village."
Orochimaru's appearance did not require any explanation from Hiruzen…
As one of the battlefield leaders of the Second Shinobi World War, Orochimaru had long been regarded by most of the village's shinobi as mysterious and powerful; he had always been extremely popular.
"Next is the list of commendations for groups."
"They are Tsunade, Hiruko, Jiraiya, Nara Shikayama, and Akimichi Torifu!"
"They actively participated in the village's revenue-generating projects, researched tirelessly day and night, and selflessly shared the fruits of their research with the village!"
The names Hiruzen called were all the main participants of the "Sage Region Pills" and future research projects.
The five of them stood up together and waved to the cheering crowd, all of them flushed with excitement.
Who would not wish for their efforts to be recognized?
Especially in such a fervent atmosphere and occasion.
Even Tsunade, accustomed to seeing great figures, felt her heart surge as she gazed toward the distant Hokage Rock…
Hiruko's breathing, meanwhile, grew rapid.
In his entire life, the attention he had received did not add up to as much as this single day…
And this was exactly what he had always wanted!
Hiruko first enjoyed the cheers for a moment, then locked his gaze tightly onto Sarutobi Hiruzen.
It was the Hokage… who had given him this opportunity!
In truth, Hiruko did not believe that the "cell fusion" technique he had contributed could earn such an honor.
If that was the case, then this must be the Hokage's earnest expectations and trust placed upon him…
After the five of them had finished taking the stage, Hiruzen pointed again to both sides of the platform: "Warriors who constantly safeguard Konoha's security and who forever fight the enemy with unwavering resolve!"
"Hatake Sakumo and Hyūga Hizashi!"
The Konoha shinobi searched for a moment before realizing that the two were wearing Anbu uniforms and masks… stationed at elevated vantage points on duty.
The two removed their masks and waved to everyone.
They were met with extremely fervent cheers, honoring them even as they remained at their posts.
On one side of the training grounds, Kakashi—who was preparing to take the field—saw his father being so commended and could no longer maintain his cool-guy image…
He jumped up and down, applauding for his father and vigorously waving at Sakumo atop the high ground.
Sakumo smiled slightly; he was also looking at his son and responded to Kakashi with relaxed ease.
Hizashi at his side, however, maintained his usual cool expression, offering only a slight nod in acknowledgment.
He merely cast a subtle glance at the reactions of the Hyūga clansmen, then immediately turned his gaze toward Hiruzen.
Seeing this, Danzo frowned slightly.
Really—after living and working in Konoha for so many years, this was the first time he had seen someone copying his persona!
Was that appropriate?
Even the "Darkness of the Shinobi" was being copied—did he really think that was so easy to learn!
But there was nothing Danzo could do.
Hizashi and Sakumo could be said to be Hiruzen's two most dependable generals, carrying out their tasks without the slightest discount.
If they discovered even the smallest irregularity, they would bypass him—the head of the Anbu—and report directly to the Hokage…
For that reason, Danzo was currently being very well-behaved.
When he had just sat down, he had even thought that, since Hiruzen was now elevating his prestige like this, perhaps he could slightly expand his influence and cultivate some people relatively loyal to him…
Danzo did not intend to challenge Hiruzen; it was for the sake of dealing with Orochimaru.
But the moment he thought of Sakumo and Hizashi, Danzo extinguished that interest…
He had no desire to approach some ninja clan, only to be lightly teased the next day when reporting to Hiruzen and told to mind himself in the future…
'Hiruzen, you're becoming better and better at being Hokage…' Danzo stared at Hiruzen and shook his head with emotion.
He had indeed felt anger before at having his authority restricted.
But after seeing Hiruzen's precise restructuring of the Anbu, Danzo was no longer angry.
As Hokage, he had to both restrain an Advisor like him and still allow him to get things done!
In a certain sense, it was like "the more they clashed, the more he respected him"…
Meanwhile, among the Hyūga clan spectators, Hyūga Tenzō looked at his cold-faced younger son and let out a faint sigh.
He truly had not expected that Hizashi, born into the branch family, would receive such heavy use from Hiruzen…
Hyūga Takashi stared longingly at Hizashi's figure, listening to the cheers ringing in his ears.
The last line of defense in his heart collapsed.
When Hizashi had become a committee member, Takashi had already been so distressed that he could not sleep.
When they met within the clan compound, he—a main family member—had no choice but to lower his head and respectfully call out, "Committee Member Hizashi"!
That thick barrier between them had already reversed at that moment…
And now he was being commended by the Hokage in such a fervent public setting!
Takashi stole a glance at Tenzō and silently made up his mind.
Following this old man was truly a dead end…
He would have to find an opportunity to curry favor with Hizashi, to see if he could put in a good word with the Hokage so that he himself might obtain a respectable post…
Staying in the main family all the time was truly not the way!
The branch family might be caged birds, but the main house that formed the cage was not so free either…
Hiashi let out a slight sigh and was still the first to applaud for his younger brother, clapping until his palms turned red.
"And also, Uchiha En!"
"Having walked through the Warring States Period, he still stepped forward when the village needed him, actively passing on his experience to the younger generation. Two months ago, he even led a team to capture a large number of Kusa ninja spies…"
Hiruzen spoke a name that surprised everyone.
An Uchiha?
It was actually an Uchiha…
Not Fugaku, nor Isshin, but an obscure elderly member of the Uchiha clan…
Among the Uchiha spectators, quite a few clansmen stared at him in shock.
When Uchiha En had once said that the Hokage had given him a pack of cigarettes… everyone had thought he was boasting!
After all, given the awkward relationship between the Hokage's faction and the Uchiha clan, the story had sounded unreliable.
They had not expected that it now seemed to be true…
En himself was filled with swirling thoughts.
He had wanted to maintain the Uchiha clan's traditional aloof bearing and respond calmly.
But the moment he stood up, he could not help the smile spreading across his face, waving repeatedly to everyone.
On the training grounds, Namikaze Minato even raised both thumbs toward him, greeting him warmly.
Uchiha Isshin's heart sank.
If the Uchiha clan had not been mentioned at all, then, given the clan's temperament, they would certainly have felt dissatisfied.
There would have been room to work with that.
And if it had been Fugaku or himself who was mentioned, Isshin could have found a way to internalize that prestige.
But instead, it was Uchiha En from the patrol unit!
That old fellow had recently grown close to that brat Namikaze Minato and had inexplicably awakened the three-tomoe Sharingan…
Isshin had already categorized him as belonging to the Hokage-aligned faction.
Yet in the hearts of most Uchiha, En was a senior hardliner who had come through the Warring States Period…
This was cutting into his authority as the Uchiha clan head!
Isshin felt exhausted.
Whenever he tried to contend with Hiruzen, he always seemed to fall into a trap without even realizing it…
And there was nowhere to seek redress!
When Isshin cast a glance at Fugaku beside him—who was applauding and cheering for Uchiha En—he nearly choked with anger.
With such a foolish successor, how could they possibly govern the Uchiha clan well together!
Could no one come and help him!
"Alright…"
Hiruzen gave a light cough and extended his right hand, curling it slightly.
The clamorous training grounds immediately quieted, the waves of sound subsiding into silence.
"These ten individuals have been relatively outstanding in the village recently, and as for those not mentioned…"
"For example, our Advisors Koharu and Homura, who led the administrative department in building a solid bridge with the Land of Fire..."
Koharu and Homura could not help but feel warmth in their hearts.
As expected of Hiruzen—so thorough in his consideration. Indeed, from childhood to now, he had always been a considerate man…
"And there are also the shinobi and students who diligently carry out missions, work, and training. As long as everyone fulfills their respective duties, they are adding bricks and mortar to Konoha…" Hiruzen wrapped it up neatly.
The applause continued like thunder.
"Alright…"
"I had originally intended to say just a few simple words."
"But once I started, I couldn't stop, and everyone must be tired of listening by now, right?" Hiruzen joked humorously.
"In that case, let us invite today's main guests onto the stage!"
"First are the little prodigies from the Ninja Academy. With the strong support of their parents, they are already looking quite capable…"
"My own rebellious son even put together some kind of little group…"
The crowd burst into laughter.
Asuma's face turned red. When they talked about such things in the Academy, he did not feel embarrassed…
But in a public setting, it felt entirely different.
"Their opponent is Namikaze Minato, who distinguished himself in resisting the Kumo's invasion…" Hiruzen acted as host, stirring the emotions of the crowd.
It was a rare relaxation for the tightly strung nerves of shinobi.
"Please, both sides, enter!"
Minato and more than fifty children stood facing each other.
Uzumaki Mito watched the scene with a smile and nodded slightly, saying to Biwako beside her: "In some respects, Hiruzen is doing even better than Tobirama…"
Biwako hurriedly shook her head, though her lips curved with a smile:
"How could that be! Mito-sama, listen to what you're saying…"
At Hiruzen's urging, Biwako would often bring baby supplies and homemade dishes to visit Mito, chat about childcare, and help with some household chores.
Over time, Biwako and Mito had grown quite close.
She was now often able to accompany Mito by her side.
Meanwhile, far from Konoha, Madara controlled a White Zetsu to relay this scene to him.
Madara had no real desire to act personally.
But if Mito was nearby, not acting himself might lead to unforeseen complications…
"This disciple of Senju Tobirama is somewhat interesting…"
"Beyond Senju and Uchiha, he can be considered to have some ability."
"But his upper limit is already locked. No matter how much he struggles, it will be useless."
As Madara watched the "holographic image," he turned the grill before him.
Several slabs of meat were laid on top.
The solitary life of a lonely old man was just that plain and unadorned—and dull.
Other than watching television, there was little else to do but read the newspaper…
Compared to the program Hiruzen had put together…
No matter how one looked at it, it was far superior to "The Frog Squad's Happy Little Family"…
"Obito…"
Madara took a bite of the grilled meat.
Although with the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path he did not need such things…
Eating allowed Madara to feel that his body still retained a trace of vitality: "Let me see whether you are qualified."
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