As expected, the proposal passed with overwhelming support and only a few abstentions.
But compared to the details of the ninja education reforms, most jōnin were far more interested in the appendix: The Akatsuki Response Manual.
After all, ninjas draw their strength from within, and their training is predominantly combat-focused. When it comes down to it, they care more about powerful enemies than abstract policies.
In a thoughtful move, the Third Hokage had included simulated combat scenarios between Konoha jōnin and members of Akatsuki each ending in failure as cautionary examples. He hoped it would help everyone remain vigilant.
The room buzzed with chatter as jōnin flipped through the manual.
"Wait, the Village Hidden in the Rain was taken over by a criminal organization?"
"And they're still sending people to the Chūnin Exams? There's definitely something fishy going on."
"Even Uchiha Itachi joined them..." one jōnin murmured, a conflicted look flashing across his eyes. "What a twisted organization. A nest of S-rank rogue ninja."
"Hey, look at this one Kurenai's simulated battle with Itachi?" Someone had turned to a specific page in the manual and burst out laughing. "Took one look and got knocked out? That strong, huh? Kurenai, what do you think?"
Called out, Yūhi Kurenai gave a wry smile and said, "Why did Lord Hokage use me as an example? The Sharingan's genjutsu is incredibly powerful. I was never confident I could counter it perfectly."
"But not confident doesn't mean hopeless, right?" someone teased, drawing a round of laughter.
"If it's genjutsu, I'd be fine," a Hyuga clan member cut in proudly. "Byakugan gives high resistance to illusions."
"I worked with Itachi briefly before he defected," another jōnin said gravely. "Beyond his bloodline, he was frightening in every aspect. His tactical awareness, his mastery of jutsu... he was in a league of his own."
"But if you look at the records, Itachi seems like a relatively conventional ninja. Just above average in genjutsu, taijutsu, and ninjutsu enhanced mainly by the Sharingan. The other members all have some kind of special skill. Honestly, Itachi kind of looks... normal."
"Yeah, now that you say it, he's almost underwhelming."
Of course, the Hokage hadn't revealed that Itachi was actually a deep-cover operative with a Mangekyō Sharingan. Itachi had always shown him a measure of respect.
"Come on, what's the point of ranking rogue ninjas? Besides, there's Orochimaru too used to be one of ours. No one can match him in snake techniques."
"So technically, Konoha's got two S-rank traitors. The Land of Lightning hasn't lost anyone, right?"
"Guess they're just weaker."
The discussion suddenly veered into a strange competition over which village had the most notorious defectors.
"Here's a simulation where Asuma gets solo-killed by Hidan," someone said, flipping another page. "What's your take, Asuma?"
Asuma puffed on his cigarette and scowled. "Seriously? The old man's really underestimating me. Yeah, immortality's a pain, but I'm not that easy to kill."
"That's because you're an idiot. If it were Kakashi, he'd start with a shadow clone and gather intel first."
"I would too!" Asuma protested, flipping to his own entry defensively. Though he had to admit, his old man knew his fighting style a little too well despite their distant relationship.
"Yeah, right. You always go in swinging."
"This organization's incredibly versatile," another jōnin commented. "If you don't have intel and run into them, you're as good as dead."
"Not necessarily!" Might Guy suddenly jumped in, eyes blazing with passion. "So many strong opponents to fight... I feel the fire of youth burning brighter than ever! Everyone, pick a target! I'll take Kisame Uchiha!"
"Of course you would. That's so you, Guy," a nearby jōnin said with a laugh, clapping him on the back.
"Okay, but this last page... what's up with the Rinnegan leader?" someone asked, frowning as they reached the end of the manual. "Isn't that thing just a myth?"
"His power level's off the charts," another muttered.
"I dunno, I think that mysterious killer is even scarier," someone else argued. "He's got something like the Fourth Hokage's space-time jutsu doesn't even give you a chance to escape."
When it came to strategy debates, everyone had their own opinions.
"Chibaku Tensei... how are we supposed to counter that?" one jōnin said. "Its weak point is the core before it stabilizes, and you'd need a Tailed Beast Bomb-level attack just to crack it. Okay, say we assign you a full ANBU team no, make that three teams. What's your plan?"
"Dude, I'm just a basic intel-type jōnin. You're the combat specialist."
...
"Everyone, please take this intel seriously," Hiruzen said, voice steady and warm. "This is an inhumane, anti-social organization. If you encounter any of them on a mission, do not act recklessly. Retreat immediately and call for backup."
Having just passed his Academy reform plan with a unanimous vote, the Third Hokage was in an excellent mood. Cheerfully, he added, "You are all Konoha's most precious talents. The village's future rests on your shoulders."
Truly worthy of being Hokage he even knew how many hairs were on the heads of the Akatsuki members. He probably planted spies, but no one could guess who they were.
Everyone silently praised the Hokage's wisdom and foresight.
The meeting lasted until evening. Lunch was brought in so no one had to leave. The elite ninja of Konoha each voiced their thoughts, gaining a deeper understanding of the Hokage's education-driven vision to elevate the overall caliber of shinobi and once again revisiting the Will of Fire in depth.
Now came the next steps: budget approval from the daimyō and a wave of infrastructure construction.
After the meeting, Sarutobi Hiruzen returned to his office, sat in his chair, and took a long pull from his pipe. Only now did he feel even the slightest fatigue.
Youth really was a blessing. From capturing Danzō alive last night to leading the raid on Root, then spending the whole morning drafting documents and running a daylong meeting he hadn't rested once. And he still felt fine.
Time to do a little more work. He'd write One Piece up to the point where Luffy fought Captain Morgan, then hand it over to Sai for editing. Sigh... He didn't want to be a shameless plagiarist, but someone had to provide intel to the shinobi world. A small sacrifice for a noble cause.
Grinning to himself, Hiruzen thought, I really am "the chosen old man" now, aren't I?
If he could return to that timeless realm tonight, maybe he'd practice a few combat forms the teachers never finished showing him. Use Hashirama to punch through to Super-Kage level. Then he'd hit the Hokage Forum to keep up with the latest discussions.
He'd already thought of the perfect thread title: "How could you slander an old man who gave his life for Konoha? Have you no heart?"
He looked around the familiar office decor. It all seemed too plain, too old-fashioned hardly fitting for a young man. It didn't matter for him, but the future Fifth Hokage might not be so tolerant.
"Ahem."
Swish. The on-duty ANBU agents appeared, wearing their usual fox and monkey masks Unit A and Unit Shen.
"Tomorrow, change the office decor. Put up portraits of all past Hokage on that wall. Add a bookshelf over there with manga for Konohamaru. In that corner, install some snack shelves grab some of the trendiest treats and drinks from the market. Konohamaru might like them."
"A Hokage's office needs more than just tea it needs soda."
...
That night, ANBU A and Shen swore they heard the Hokage talking in his sleep.
The first half of the night was full of muttering like, "You're sweating bullets now, brother," "What makes you think you can summon three beasts in one move?" and "Challenging a god is pure madness."
The second half? "How can you slander me without evidence? It was all Danzō's doing!" "The milk only expired because I bought too much!" "You have to follow the original manga, okay?"
It seemed that, though the Hokage had remained calm on the surface after dealing with his fallen friend Danzō, the psychological burden still weighed heavily on him. But with his bold reforms, perhaps the next generation of Konoha shinobi would grow stronger than ever.
The two loyal ANBU quietly gave their Hokage a thumbs up for his courage, his vision, and the weight he bore alone.