Naruto: Starting as the Third Hokage with Tears in His Eyes

Chapter 44 Danzo finally sees the light.

The Hokage's office.

Sunlight streamed through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, spilling onto the floor and illuminating the entire room with brightness and warmth.

But the atmosphere inside the office was completely at odds with the bright sunshine.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in the main seat, expressionless as he watched the Konoha high-ranking officials below arguing heatedly.

Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, and several clan heads who made contributions during the war.

The meeting had only one agenda item—how to allocate the enormous war reparations extorted from Kumogakure, enough to make any daimyo envious.

"I firmly believe that replenishing our war preparations should be our priority!" Mitokado Homura pushed up his glasses, his tone serious. "Although we won this war, it also exposed many problems. Our ninja tool reserves are severely insufficient, and the frontline defenses need a large-scale upgrade. Kumogakure could break the agreement at any time; we must be fully prepared!"

"Homura is right," Koharu Utatane immediately chimed in. She had always been a staunch supporter of Homura Mitokado. "Victory in war is won by ninjas sacrificing their lives. We must use our money wisely! On things that directly enhance our military strength! For example, expanding the Anbu's organization and developing more powerful ninjutsu!"

The two advisors' words were agreed upon by most of the family patriarchs present.

In the eyes of these traditional ninjas, a strong village equates to a strong military. With money, they could naturally buy better weapons and recruit more soldiers.

However, at that moment, a somber voice broke this almost one-sided argument.

"I object."

It was Danzo Shimura who spoke.

After returning from the front lines, he sat silently in a corner, like an emotionless statue. The moment he spoke, all eyes instantly turned to him.

Even Hiruzen Sarutobi raised an eyebrow in surprise.

He originally thought that, given Danzo's personality, he would definitely be the most fervent supporter of the "military priority theory".

"Danzo, what brilliant idea do you have?" Koharu Utatane's tone was somewhat displeased.

Danzo remained silent for a moment, then stood up.

"Gentlemen, we cannot focus solely on the next war."

"A powerful village needs not only a sharp sword, but also a sturdy shield. And what is the shield of Konoha?"

He looked around at everyone, then slowly said, "It's everyone who lives in this village."

These words shocked everyone present.

Koharu and Mitokado Homura looked at Danzo as if he were an alien.

This...this sounds so much like Hiruzen's usual catchphrase.

Hiruzen Sarutobi also had a strange look on his face. He looked at Danzo in front of him and wondered to himself.

"Could this guy have been fooled by my speech at the northern fortress last time?"

Ignoring the strange looks from the crowd, Danzo continued, "Although we won this war, we paid a heavy price. Many ninjas were wounded and crippled, unable to carry out missions anymore; many civilians were also affected by the war. What will happen to these people?"

"If we invest all our money in cold weapons and endless war preparedness, who will care for those who shed blood and contributed their lives to the village? Who will guarantee their livelihood?"

"A village that cannot even treat its own heroes and people well, no matter how powerful its military, is nothing more than a castle built on the sand; a gust of wind will blow it away!"

Danzo's words carried weight and authority.

Koharu and Mitokado opened their mouths, wanting to refute, but found that they couldn't utter a single word.

"Therefore, I propose..."

In Danzo's eyes burned a flame called "construction." "Take a large portion of this reparations and establish a Konoha construction team!"

"This team isn't responsible for fighting; their only responsibility is building!"

"Its mission is to repair all the houses and public facilities damaged in the war, to cultivate new fields, to build wider roads, and to establish a more complete drainage system!"

"At the same time, we will recruit a large number of ninjas who have retired or been wounded in the war. We will provide them with stable jobs and a dignified income!"

"We want everyone to see that sacrificing for Konoha is rewarding! As long as you've shed sweat for the village, the village will never abandon you!"

"This is the true Will of Fire!"

There was dead silence in the conference room.

Everyone was stunned by Danzo's astonishing plan.

Implementing public welfare projects?

As Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Danzo, who was so passionate and seemed to be glowing, his heart was already filled with turbulent emotions.

"Holy crap... he's finally figured it out?!"