After listening to Hiruzen's description of Kizaru's reform plan, Danzo's heart was filled with one word: joy!
It was just right, too right!
Unlike Hiruzen, who only wants to maintain the existing structure of the ninja world, Danzo, who belongs to the Iron-Blooded Hawk Sect, has always had the ambition to unify the ninja world.
Kizaru's proposed reforms might affect the market share of mission assignments, but they would definitely greatly enhance Konoha's overall strength and war potential.
Not only that, but Danzo also saw a possibility in the reforms, a possibility of making Konoha financially independent.
Through reforms in the fields of medicine and science, Konoha might have a chance to establish a completely independent industrial system and guild.
By then, the annual allocation from the Daimyo of the Land of Fire would become insignificant.
And once Konoha broke free from the balance of power exerted by the Daimyo and nobles through funding and resources, the future of the Land of Fire would become uncertain.
Thinking of this, Danzo, who had been wearing a cold expression, couldn't help but smile.
"This child Kizaru is simply a combination of the First Hokage and his teacher. He can no longer be described as just excellent." Seeing Danzo's change from anger to joy, Hiruzen thought he was pleased because of his nephew's excellence.
"So, why haven't you retired yet, you old man?"
Seeing Hiruzen's appreciative expression, Danzo wanted to say this.
"Of course, he's my own nephew!" Danzo said proudly, with a smug look on his face.
"Yes! Having such a disciple is truly my fortune!" Not wanting to be outdone, Hiruzen said with emphasis.
As they exchanged glances, they both felt the other was somewhat redundant in this moment!
"I fully support both of these proposals!" With the proposals aligning with his intentions and being led by his own nephew, Danzo was completely satisfied.
"When Tsunade and Kizaru submit the proposal, I will convene a high-level meeting as soon as possible to finalize the reform." Equally satisfied, Hiruzen said.
Nodding, Danzo, who suddenly wanted to talk to Kizaru, seeing that the conversation was almost over, prepared to leave.
"I still have matters to attend to, so I won't stay long, Hiruzen!"
With that, Danzo didn't wait for Hiruzen's response, and he walked out of the Hokage's office directly.
Watching Danzo leave, Hiruzen, feeling good, picked up his pipe again and happily smoked.
As Danzo walked out of the Hokage Building, he, who wanted to talk to Kizaru, didn't return to the Root base, but went straight home.
Knowing Kizaru's habits very well, Danzo knew that his nephew would usually be resting at home around this time if nothing else was going on.
As expected, when he hurried back home and arrived at Kizaru's residence, Kizaru was lying on a recliner in the courtyard, drinking tea and resting.
Beside Kizaru, Minato was practicing Wind Release chakra nature transformation.
Standing at the entrance of the courtyard, watching this scene, Danzo's mood improved.
The future looks promising, very promising!
"Big Bro Kizaru, your uncle is here." Stopping his practice and noticing Danzo's arrival, Minato, opened his mouth to remind Kizaru.
Hearing Minato's voice, Kizaru, who had already sensed Danzo approaching, slowly opened his eyes.
"Minato, go rest!" Walking into the courtyard and looking at Minato with encouraging eyes, Danzo said with concern.
Understanding that his father-in-law had something to discuss with Kizaru, Minato nodded and said, "Alright, Father!"
Then, Minato looked at Kizaru beside him and said, "Big Bro Kizaru, I'll go back first."
Without saying anything, Kizaru smiled and waved his hand.
Watching Minato leave, Danzo withdrew his gaze, took a few steps forward, and walked in front of Kizaru.
"Get up and come inside, I have something to talk to you about." Looking at Kizaru, who was still lying on the chair, Danzo felt even more that Minato was really obedient and sensible, truly nice!
If only his own nephew could become as obedient and sensible as Minato!
After sighing in his heart, Danzo turned around and took a step forward, entering the house.
Sitting down at the main seat of the tea table in the living room, Danzo looked at Kizaru, who was slowly entering the house and sitting opposite him, and began to speak.
"Hiruzen told me about the reform plan you proposed."
"That was Tsunade and Orochimaru-senpai's idea. I just provided a little suggestion!" Not wanting to deal with the troubles of implementation falling on himself later, Kizaru smiled and denied.
Without arguing, understanding Kizaru's character, Danzo continued, "I will fully support your reform plan!"
"No wonder you're my uncle, you really have guts!" Seeing Danzo's support, Kizaru praised.
"Your reform plan is excellent. If it goes smoothly, the village will completely distance itself from other ninja villages!" With a raised corner of his mouth and squinted eyes, Danzo praised.
After the praise, Danzo got to the main topic of today's conversation with Kizaru.
"Kizaru, what's your view on the Daimyo and nobles?"
"They're just sitting and watching!" Knowing that his uncle's ambition had expanded again, Kizaru jokingly replied.
Annoying! So frustrating!
Every time he talked to Kizaru, Danzo's blood pressure would rise, so he patiently explained, "If you become the Hokage, how would you deal with the Daimyo and nobles?"
"Take the money, deal with the matters as they come!" Knowing that if he didn't say something true, his uncle wouldn't stop harassing him, Kizaru replied with a smile.
How insightful!
Danzo really liked Kizaru's answer, he was very satisfied!
"If the interests of the village conflict with those of the Daimyo, what would you do?" Danzo increased the difficulty and continued to inquire.
"Change the Daimyo!" Knowing what Danzo wanted to hear, the troublesome Kizaru replied according to his wishes.
"Don't speak nonsense!" Despite being very satisfied, Danzo maintained a stern face and lectured.
"Just kidding, Uncle!" Smiling, Kizaru replied half seriously, half jokingly.
Nodding, feeling that Kizaru, his nephew, was just right for him, Danzo satisfiedly changed the topic.
"What are your thoughts on the instructor for Minato?"
"I recommend Jiraiya!"
Jiraiya again?
Danzo looked at Kizaru with some confusion. He didn't understand why Kizaru's and Hiruzen's ideas were exactly the same!
"Jiraiya is too young! And he's reckless, and very lecherous. I don't like it!" Danzo had no intention of hiding his thoughts from his nephew Kizaru, and he directly expressed his thoughts, "I want to appoint Sakumo as Minato's instructor."
"Big Bro Sakumo?"
Imagining the scene of Minato using Flying Thunder God to wield a chakra blade to cut people in the future, Kizaru could only say, "That's terrifying!"
"Jiraiya-senpai is one of the contractee of the three great sacred places, Mount Myoboku. He's currently practicing Senjutsu." Comparing the Senjutsu of Mount Myoboku with Sakumo's swordsmanship, Kizaru still believed that Senjutsu would be more beneficial to Minato.
As the assistant Hokage and the head of the Shimura clan, Danzo had some understanding of the three great sacred places and Senjutsu.
Reminded by Kizaru, Danzo also reacted. Setting aside his prejudices, compared to Sakumo, Jiraiya indeed had more potential and value.
"I understand!" Nodding, Danzo approved Kizaru's recommendation of Jiraiya.
After that, Danzo left his seat and stood up again.
The conversation had been concluded, and Danzo, who had many matters to attend to, prepared to return to the Root base.