"Hokage-sama, I heard that the Uzumaki Clan once owned a property in Konoha, but after the Uzumaki Clan established their own village, they no longer used it."
Minato had gradually learned to be tactful, not making a direct request but instead throwing out his idea to let Hiruzen consider whether it could be granted.
Hiruzen furrowed his brows slightly. Minato's words made him reminisce, and after some contemplation, he nodded and said:
"There was indeed such a place. When the First Hokage invited them to help establish the village, they declined. They only stayed in Konoha for a while before the village planning was finalized."
However, with the beginning of the construction of the Whirlpool Village, they returned the residential properties, leaving only one as a symbol of friendly trade between the two villages. But that property seemed to have no value now.
These past events are too old, and at that time, Hiruzen did not have the capacity to be involved in village management; he only heard about it from his father. Since he became Hokage, he had not managed it either. After all, the theoretical ownership of that property still belonged to the Whirlpool Village, and since they had not managed it, Konoha naturally did not intervene.
At that time, Uzumaki Mito, who symbolized the friendship between the two villages, was still present, so that property naturally had no commemorative value.
When Minato expressed a desire for that property, Hiruzen was somewhat puzzled, as Minato was still young and not yet at the age to be running around for an old house. Even if he really wanted to buy a house, he shouldn't be choosing that old one. After all, the cost of renovating it would exceed the down payment for a property in the village center, and old houses like that had outdated facilities, or almost none at all.
But it's not suitable for a young person like Minato to live in. Moreover, even though Whirlpool Village no longer exists, it seems inappropriate for the village to allocate its former property to an outsider.
Minato noticed Hiruzen's confusion and explained, "Hokage-sama, it's not that I want to covet that property. It's just that Kushina said it was Grandma Mito's request before her passing. My request is simply to change the ownership of that property to Kushina Uzumaki."
"I see now."
Hiruzen finally understood and said, "It's also that my memory isn't as good as it should be. It should have been arranged like this long ago. I will have the relevant documents from that time retrieved as soon as possible. You can then take Kushina to complete the transfer process. However, this is a matter for the village and cannot be considered as a reward you are requesting. Do you have anything else you want?"
"I…"
Minato genuinely had no other requests, but it seemed inappropriate to refuse Hiruzen's offer outright. Before he could think of an answer, Tatsuma spoke up.
"Since the village was established several decades ago, the property from that time is likely in a state of disrepair. It might be better for the village to fund the renovation of the house without damaging the Uzumaki Clan's symbols and marks."
Tatsuma knew Minato's character very well. If he didn't speak up, Minato might only symbolically request a non-advanced, non-rare ninjutsu.
Upon hearing this, Hiruzen also said, "The aging of the property is also the village's responsibility. It is right for us to assist with the renovation. Minato, what do you think of Tatsuma's proposal?"
"It's quite a burden for the village."
Although he said it very politely, Minato agreed to the proposal. Hiruzen nodded with a smile. Renovating the house and updating utilities would cost at most two to three hundred thousand ryo. Of course, if Minato were to organize it, the expenses might double.
Hiruzen turned to Tatsuma and asked, "Tatsuma, what about you? Is there anything you want?"
Tatsuma shook his head and said, "I'm currently studying Wind Release. Before becoming proficient, I don't want to be distracted by other matters."
Similar to Sakumo Hatake and the Sannin, Tatsuma found himself in an awkward situation where there was nothing left to be awarded. As long as it wasn't a Secret Jutsu or Forbidden Technique, his sensei Tsunade or his "old friend" Orochimaru could get it for him.
As for Secret Jutsus or Forbidden Techniques, Secret Jutsus are fundamental to the survival of various ninja clans, so Tatsuma wouldn't dabble in them. As for Forbidden Techniques, the last one he requested is still pending.
He mentioned Wind Release deliberately to remind Hiruzen not to forget about it.
Hiruzen squinted slightly, showing no clear emotion but maintaining a smile as he said, "With your talent, it won't be difficult for you to become proficient in a few Ninjutsu. I will keep your reward reserved for you. Whenever you need it, just come to me, and I'll fulfill it."
Seeing that Hiruzen didn't use another reason to dodge the issue, Tatsuma smiled. It seemed Hiruzen had given in or compromised, agreeing to let him learn the Forbidden Technique that was highly detrimental to himself.
Next, he just needed to wait for a while. As long as it wasn't too urgent, Hiruzen should not withhold the reward any further.
Proficiency in a particular Ninjutsu has no fixed standard. The Wind Release Ninjutsu Tatsuma learned from Shimura Danzo are all large-scale Ninjutsu. Once learned, combined with his [Sea Overturning] talent, their destructive power and range would be unmatched, although the precision and skill level might not match Shimura Danzo's.
However, unless the assessment was extremely stringent, no one would say his Wind Release Ninjutsu was not yet at the Proficient stage.
If high standards were used for evaluation, not only would the skill of the technique itself be important, but the flexibility and adaptability in combat would also be crucial. This is the truly challenging aspect to master.
Hiruzen's tone, however, clearly indicated that he would not impose high standards. In fact, Hiruzen did not intend to assess it but rather let Tatsuma judge for himself.
Having received the answers he wanted, Tatsuma nodded, glanced at his teammates, and then said to Hiruzen, "Hokage-sama, we will take our leave now. There are some things that need to be coordinated with other departments."
"Presumably, you have a lot of work to handle, so we won't take up more of your time. If you have other arrangements, just have someone notify me."
"Alright, go and rest."
Hiruzen nodded and waved for Tatsuma and the others to leave. Then, he looked into the darkness and said, "Shikaku."
"Hokage-sama."
Shikaku stepped out of the shadows. Although his tone was a bit lethargic, his manner was still somewhat respectful. Hiruzen, in a good mood, chose to overlook this minor shortcoming and said:
"You heard what Tatsuma said, right?"
"I did. Do you want me to pass this on to Shikato Nara and have him carry it out?"
Seeing Shikaku address his father directly by name, Hiruzen couldn't help but chuckle. Every day after work, he would see this father and son duo grumbling at each other as they walked home, each finding the other unsatisfactory. Moreover, since Shikaku was currently an independent ANBU agent, addressing his father by name in an official capacity wasn't really a problem.
Shaking his head, Hiruzen chose to ignore the father-son interaction and said, "That's not urgent; it's just a response. There's no difference whether it's done earlier or later. What I want to ask is, if you Tatsuma was in the position I'm currently occupying, how would you handle the orders Tatsuma gives, similar to the one he just gave."
A command that was excessively harsh.
This question was highly sensitive, revealing too much information. A careless answer could either endanger Sakamoto Tatsuma or himself, Nara Shikaku. Moreover, processing the information revealed by this question would take time. Thus, Shikaku hesitated for a full second before responding, "Carry out the orders."
"Carry out the orders… that's unexpected."
Shikaku's answer surprised Hiruzen. After all, the Nara Clan could not be unaware of the many implications contained within the question, yet Shikaku still answered this way.
Shikaku looked up slightly at Hiruzen and asked in return, "Then Hokage-sama, what do you think I would do with such an order?"
"Hm, I thought you might say you would accept the order, then consult with the Hokage Advisors or me, or perhaps ask us to persuade Tatsuma."
Hiruzen leaned slightly back in his chair, reaching into the drawer for his pipe, watching Shikaku with curiosity.
Hearing Hiruzen's thoughts, Shikaku smiled and said, "My friendship with Tatsuma isn't as close as his with Minato, but I understand Tatsuma's character better than Minato does. If one day he, as the Hokage of Konoha, issues such a harsh order, no one would be able to change his mind. In fact, he wouldn't allow anyone the opportunity to interfere with his thoughts. Given Tatsuma's abilities, his orders would surely benefit Konoha, even if achieved through methods that others might find radical. In the end, the village would be the one to benefit."
"Is that your perspective?"
Hiruzen had already taken out his pipe, gently rubbing it in his hand, and asked, "In that position, what would your stance be? Would you be someone who harbors misunderstanding, or a loyal follower of his ninja way?"
"Neither. I can understand all of his thoughts, decisions, and visions; there's no such thing as misunderstanding. As for his ninja way, it would be too exhausting. The thought of becoming such a person makes me uncomfortable.
So, I would be the executor. Whether I understand or agree with him, carrying out his orders would be the easiest way for me. That's my ninja way."
Upon hearing this, Hiruzen pondered for a moment and then said with a smile, "As expected of a child from the Nara family, you always manage to find the most accurate answer. Tatsuma doesn't need a decision-making assistant; what he needs is support in execution. If he becomes Konoha's future Hokage, you would also be the most suitable strategist for him."
"It's too early to talk about that."
Shikaku didn't follow Hiruzen's line of discussion. After all, Tatsuma becoming Hokage was fine, but as for being a strategist, whoever wants to take that role can do so! After another decade as a ninja, once he has saved enough money, he'll retire and manage a deer farm!
Only a fool would become the Hokage's strategist, especially for someone like Sakamoto Tatsuma, who appears refined but is actually extremely radical and extreme. Who could handle that?!
Hiruzen chose not to address his subordinate's rebellious attitude and said, "Alright, inform your father about our previous conversation. He'll know how to handle it."
Shikaku blinked but still saluted and replied, "Yes, Hokage-sama."
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