Inside the Hokage Tower.
Hiruzen sat in his office chair, narrowing his eyes as he examined the Boil Release chakra in his hand.
The same Kekkei Genkai could be expressed in many different ways…
When developed, it could produce entirely different effects—much like the form and nature transformations of the Five Nature Releases.
'The corrosiveness and diffusion of Boil Release… transformed into steam to enhance strength and speed…"
"Roughly speaking, while keeping the main body of Boil Release chakra unchanged, increasing the proportion of Fire nature—but the form of the Water nature chakra should also change…'
Hiruzen's mind conjured the image of a kettle.
He needed to construct a similar chakra framework within his body, then repeat it over and over, grow accustomed to it, until it formed muscle memory and could be used in real combat.
Lately, his days had been increasingly fulfilling.
Tempering his body with Lightning Release Chakra Mode, storing chakra with the Yin Seal, researching variations of Kekkei Genkai…
'I should also go visit Uzumaki Mito again—bring Tsunade along as well…'
'The sustained-release technique of medical scrolls and Tsunade's Strength of a Hundred Seal both need her wisdom to oversee.'
As Hiruzen pondered this, he felt quite satisfied with Biwako's recent work.
If Biwako hadn't always stayed by Mito's side, handling the so-called "lady diplomacy," then every time he, as Hokage, went to consult Uzumaki Mito…
Even if it was official business, it would inevitably come off as somewhat utilitarian.
With Biwako smoothing things over in advance, it felt far more natural.
"Hokage-sama…" A knock sounded, and Isshin walked in.
"You're researching Boil Release?" Isshin pointed to his eyes. After receiving Hiruzen's permission, he activated his three-tomoe Sharingan and narrowed his gaze to observe closely.
Then he shook his head.
This was bad.
He really couldn't understand it—no way to copy it.
The fact that Hiruzen had mastered dual Kekkei Genkai had already spread widely throughout Konoha…
After returning home, the academy students excitedly retold the Hokage's famous moments again and again…
And that massive Ice Release playground was proof that they weren't exaggerating.
Konoha's Hokage truly had mastered dual Kekkei Genkai.
One of them, moreover, had been acquired somehow during a demonstration…
It sounded even easier than the Uchiha clan copying the Five Nature techniques…
"You truly live up to the title 'Professor of Ninjutsu'…"
"To acquire dual Kekkei Genkai through training—such a thing is unheard of in the entire shinobi world!" Isshin exclaimed from the bottom of his heart.
For the Uchiha, anything the Sharingan couldn't accomplish naturally earned deep respect.
"You flatter me…" Hiruzen shook his head, closing his hand around the Boil Release chakra.
A flash of lightning flickered in his palm—and he crushed it barehanded.
Isshin was momentarily stunned.
"Hokage-sama, what was that? Wasn't that Boil Release…?"
Hiruzen smiled and opened his hand.
White smoke rose from his palm, but when it dissipated, his skin was completely unharmed.
"Isshin, what's gotten into you lately? You're always so jumpy…"
"I've been training in Lightning Release Chakra Mode. Boil Release is indeed highly corrosive, but at this level, it's not enough to harm me."
Hiruzen spoke calmly.
After nearly a year of training in Lightning Release Chakra Mode, he had put in serious effort.
Naturally, there were results.
Against the standard Five Nature techniques released by ordinary jōnin, Hiruzen judged that, under Lightning Release Chakra Mode, there was no longer any need for him to evade.
Even something as offensive as Boil Release required a certain scale to injure him.
"You…" Isshin's lips twitched.
He wanted to say—
This Hokage, one moment acting like the Raikage, the next like the Mizukage… was he planning to master every ninjutsu in the entire shinobi world?
Even the Uchiha's copying ability wasn't this outrageous!
At most, they copied common techniques—who, like Hiruzen, went straight for other villages' core techniques?
Even Orochimaru would be envious!
"Isshin, you came at the right time. I have something to instruct you."
"Please give your orders." Isshin straightened and spoke solemnly.
Ever since Hiruzen had laid out a grand plan to resolve the historical burden of Uchiha Madara for the Uchiha clan…
Even a stubborn conservative like Isshin found it difficult to justify opposing the Hokage. The offer was simply too compelling.
Though it seemed intangible, it struck at the deepest pain point the Uchiha had carried since Konoha's founding.
If that issue were resolved…
Then the clan's rights could return to normal, and they could openly declare themselves one of Konoha's founders again—proof of reclaiming their status as original stakeholders.
So now, every member of the Police Force operated with one principle:
Execute the Hokage's orders without compromise, and serve every villager with a smile.
As for the specific details, they would be explained by Seisui at tomorrow night's clan meeting…
After recent interactions, Isshin—being both a strategist and a cultured man—was surprised to find that Seisui seemed to be a natural political genius.
He could dissect the Uchiha's problems and burdens with ease.
His analysis of Senju Tobirama's policies was incisive, and he could step outside the Uchiha perspective to view issues objectively.
Isshin couldn't help but sigh—though Seisui's time in Kusagakure had been harsh, it had truly tempered him…
"We need to put a stop to the current atmosphere of excessive praise in the village."
"Take Kekkei Genkai as an example. Dual Kekkei Genkai is indeed difficult—but Ōnoki and Mū of Iwagakure have mastered Kekkei Tōta…"
"And while you think my physical strength is impressive, the Third Raikage of Kumogakure could withstand a Tailed Beast Bomb with his body…"
"We must recognize the strengths of other villages. We must not become complacent over small progress. It is far too early to claim victory for the Will of Fire—we must remain vigilant and humble."
Hiruzen said in a deep voice: "Hashirama-sama and Tobirama-sama's abilities and achievements are there for all to see… and Madara stands there as well."
"Yet now, some in the village who don't understand history are calling me the 'Strongest Hokage'? This trend must be stopped. We cannot allow a culture of flattery to form."
"If it continues, it will inevitably harm the village."
"I've already informed the Administrative Department. Coordinate with them—produce materials about Konoha's history, communicate with every clan, and promote the achievements of the previous Hokage where appropriate."
"Supplement that with explanations of Konoha's current systems and welfare, so that the shinobi have a clearer understanding of the village's decisions and benefits."
Isshin was stunned.
Hiruzen's pragmatism exceeded his expectations…
To think that only days after shaking Konoha, he would immediately apply the brakes and curb unhealthy trends…
Even as an opponent, such a person would command respect.
Let alone now—Isshin no longer saw Hiruzen as an opponent.
He simply couldn't muster hostility anymore…
On another level, Hiruzen's strict self-discipline also served as a deterrent to the Uchiha.
Not making mistakes—and correcting them promptly—was itself a form of strength.
"Hokage-sama, I understand! But… should we still promote some of your achievements?"
Isshin asked tentatively: "I'm not trying to flatter you—it's just that you deserve it."
"Promoting the shinobi welfare system is, in itself, promoting me," Hiruzen replied with a smile.
"Besides, I've been Hokage for over twenty years. Who in Konoha doesn't know me? My role has almost become a kind of inertia…"
"There's no need to emphasize me. As long as I sit here and work for the villagers' benefit, that is the best promotion."
Isshin let out a long breath and said sincerely: "I understand, Hokage-sama!"
"Go on, Isshin. What were you here for? You almost forgot—you came to see me first."
Hiruzen chuckled. "Looks like I've made you work overtime."
"You jest, Hokage-sama… It's like this—"
"Tomorrow evening at six, the entire Police Force requests a three-hour rotation break. The Uchiha clan wishes to hold a full clan meeting."
Isshin continued: "I've reported this to you before. You approved it and arranged for ANBU to fill in, but I'm still concerned about misunderstandings…"
"It's to discuss Madara, as per your instructions—and also to address our intention to reorganize the Police Force, opening some positions to incorporate shinobi from other clans."
"All of this needs to be discussed with the clan members."
This wasn't mere overcaution.
If the entire Uchiha clan suddenly gathered for a meeting, it would inevitably invite suspicion…
If Danzō noticed, wouldn't he seize the chance to make accusations?
So even though Hiruzen had already approved it, Isshin still chose to report in person—to maintain mutual trust.
Hiruzen smiled faintly.
This was the benefit of having Tobirama-sensei.
He barely needed to worry about internal Uchiha matters.
With Tobirama present, Hiruzen could approach the Uchiha with trust and openness.
"I'm glad you informed me about the clan meeting."
"But I'm not pleased that you doubt my trust in the Uchiha."
"My approval means I support your meeting. There's no need to confirm it again."
"Even if the Uchiha were to rebel using this meeting, that would be my failure as Hokage—but the procedure of holding the meeting itself is entirely valid."
"As for integrating other clans into the Police Force—I think it's an excellent idea. But you must establish reasonable mechanisms for integration and withdrawal, and, most importantly, reach consensus within the clan before proceeding."
"Go, Isshin…"
Hiruzen waved his hand. "I wish your clan meeting a smooth discussion!"
Isshin nodded, a genuine smile appearing on his face.
"Thank you for your concern, Hokage-sama…"
"The Uchiha clan will surely present a new face!"
While Isshin worried that the clan meeting might attract Danzō's suspicion…
Danzō was indeed looking for trouble—with a certain Uchiha.
His name was Uchiha Seisui.
In his previous life, he had been Senju Tobirama.
In a forest somewhere in Konoha.
Senju Tobirama had come here to clear his mind, reflecting on his analysis of Madara's will.
But Danzō suddenly appeared.
And the first thing he said was: "Kid…"
"I'll give you one more chance—become my disciple!"
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