Chapter 005- Konoha's strength

Of course, this way of making someone loyal to him has some drawbacks as well. Like for example a dumb student might not even get the clues that he put on the book or just overlook those completely.

But even though that is a problem, Sarutobi isn't worried about that. As from his experience, he knows that that kind of dumb people generally tend to be innately honest in nature. So, even if they somehow don't become loyal to him, they wouldn't be able hide fully from Hiruzen at all.

There is another drawback to his method and that is that some super intelligent fellow might find out his real intentions behind this. But even if that is the case, there is 99% chance of them being loyal to him as long as they follow the logic set in the book.

But he can't just ignore that 1% chance. If a genius really became hostile to him because of this, it could create a lot of problem for him. So, he said to Koharu, "Tell the teachers to keep an close eye on the students. As long as they find any talented student, they should inform me immediately."

"I will take some of my time off to teach them personally." This way it would be easier for Hiruzen to influence their thinking and make them truly loyal to him.

"Also, one last thing. I want all the students to be accustomed to the killing before they graduate from the school. That way, it will increase their chance of survival in the future missions. You can use the prisoners held by the Uchiha for this." Hiruzen then sent Koharu off to her duties.

Hiruzen looked at Homura that is left alone in the room and said, "Homura, I want you to assign the D-ranks missions to the academy students as a form of assignments. With the change of curriculum, the freshly out genins would be much stronger and more efficient that before."

"So, assigning such odd jobs after becoming a genin would truly waste their times and potentials. Also, if Daimyo puts any mission, increase the price without letting him suspect. Since he was against me, it is right for me to make him lose some money."

"Yes, Hokage-sama"

…..

After coming back to the Hokage office, he called out the Anbu commander. After taking his office, Sarutobi didn't change the Anbu leader. Sarutobi knew him from before even becoming Hokage.

Tobirama always had the idea of making him Hokage, so this anbu commander was already introduced to him and according to Tobirama's own words, this person is absolutely loyal.

Sarutobi has no reason to doubt the capability of the second Hokage. With his intelligence, it is easier to see through a person. And, that's why the anbu commander is still in his position as a loyal subordinate to Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Yes, Hokage-sama. I have already selected ten suitable people among the civilians."

"Good, now put curse mark on them and make them know my intention. If anyone resist, then kill them without raising any suspicion." Sarutobi decided to collect ten people form the civilians and create a civilian council.

The reason for this is because he thinks that most of the civilians in the village are getting the protection of the ninjas but they aren't giving much back to the village.

Ninjas daily risk their lives to protect the civilians. But if they make even the simplest mistake, the same villagers that they are protecting start to make bad rumours about that person and in worst cases, they start rioting.

Sarutobi clearly doesn't like that type of behaviour. Since they are being protected by the village, Sarutobi thinks it is a duty for them to serve the village as well. So, he came up with a plan.

At first, he decided to choose ten most talented people from the civilians and put them in the civilian council after making them fully submit to him.

These ten people will then be responsible for making the other civilians work under them and make the village economy better. Their main goal would be to make Konoha fully self-sufficient.

Hiruzen would do some manipulating behind the back as well that would make anyone who doesn't want to work for Konoha look like a traitor. Overall, Sarutobi will make sure that no able person stays idle. Every civilian must make contributions to the village either willingly or unwillingly.

"You can go through the plan we discussed before." Sarutobi said as he sent off the Anbu leader.

…..

Sarutobi is now taking a walk around the village while thinking about the Second Ninja war. At first, he had the plan to attack Kumokagure in order to avenge the death of Tobirama.

But would that really bring him any benefit? He doesn't have any need for the resources in that village. If he forcefully tries to take over the village, he would face full-blown attack form the other four villages and constant rebellion from the conquered village itself.

Even though Konoha is strong enough to defend even a full-blown attack from the other villages combined, there is no guarantee that they will surely be able to win. Even if Konoha somehow wins, the looses will be too much and that is not something Sarutobi wants to see.

'The best thing now would be to end this First Ninja War.' Sarutobi thought. After the death of Second Hokage, the other village tried to attack Konoha but they were pushed back. In the last month, there was no serious attack from them except from some skirmishes in the border.

After experiencing the power of Konoha, they would no doubt would agree to some peace deal as long as he proposes it to them.

Talking about Konoha's current strength, Sarutobi never thought it would be this much. Senju clan have four kage level ninjas in their rank right now while the Uchiha clan have three. Hiyuga clan also have two kage level ninja. Among the other clans and civilian ninjas, there are 5 more Kage level ninjas.

Even though all of them except for Mito Uzumaki only have early stage of Kage level strength, Konoha is truly overpowered. As for Mito Uzumaki, she has mid-level Kage strength.

So compared to Konoha, other villages are seriously lacking in powerful ninjas. Even the second most powerful village Kumogakure doesn't have more than five Kage level ninja. After the defection of Kinkaku and Ginkaku, that numbered should be lowered to three.

When Sarutobi took the office and learned the true strength of Konoha, he also understood why the canon Danzo and Hiruzen decided to suppress the clans to the extent of totally exterminating those clans if necessary.

But even if he understands, it doesn't mean he agrees with that kind of idea. Because of the treachery of the canon Danzo and Hiruzen, the village got so weak that a mere orochimaru could blatantly come to the village to kill the third Hokage while the others could only sit back and watch.

While thinking of these messy things, he finally reached his home. Since he has already decided to make peace with the other villages, he didn't hesitate anymore and quickly called the anbu that was following him and said, "Send an invitation to the other village saying that I plan to discuss a peace agreement with them."

"Yes, Hokage-sama."