Chapter 46: My Power as Hokage Is Unlimited

After signing, Tōnami Koharu looked at Rojie and asked, “May I leave now?”

Rojie still wore a smile: “Of course Itachi may, Advisor Tōnami. Itachi may go anywhere Itachi wish.”

“But it would be best if Itachi stayed home for now—my shadow clone will accompany Itachi.”

Upon hearing this, Tōnami Koharu froze, but ultimately said nothing more and turned to leave the office.

She would never set foot in this dump again.

Rojie watched her retreating back and had no fear she would conspire against him.

This was not only because he had absolute confidence in his own strength.

More importantly, he had just learned through his shadow clone that Jiraiya had left the village with Naruto Uzumaki.

Now, within the Hidden Leaf Village, not a single person remained with the power to challenge him.

The rest were all worthless.

When only Rojie, Yamato Katsuyu, and Nara Shikaku remained in the office,

Yamato Katsuyu leaned forward slightly and asked, “Rojie, did the Third Hokage truly appoint Itachi as the Fifth Hokage?”

Nara Shikaku, who had remained silent until now, felt his heart tighten instantly and instinctively wanted to stop Yamato Katsuyu.

Are Itachi trying to get yourself killed?

That’s disloyal.

Whether true or false, from this moment on, it must be accepted as true.

Rojie glanced at him.

What?

I’m the Hokage. Itachi’re not satisfied?

Still, Rojie was lenient toward his future father-in-law—he didn’t send him to stay overnight at the Naka River Grand Hotel.

Not only because he still needed the Pig, Deer, and Butterfly clans to help stabilize the situation, but also because the Naka River Grand Hotel hadn’t even been built yet.

Rojie turned to Yamato Katsuyu and said firmly, “Of course it’s true.”

“The Third Hokage simply didn’t anticipate his death would come so suddenly—he hadn’t had time to arrange everything.”

“Now the Hidden Leaf is in turmoil. As acting Hokage, I urgently need trustworthy people to assist me.”

He paused briefly, his gaze sincere as he looked at Yamato Katsuyu.

“Yamato Clan Chief, I intend to appoint Itachi as Intelligence Advisor and simultaneously as Commander of the Anbu Black Ops. What do Itachi say?”

Upon hearing this, Yamato Katsuyu could barely hide his joy.

“Me?”

He repeated it in disbelief, then immediately nodded vigorously and accepted without hesitation.

In the Hidden Leaf Village, the position of Anbu Commander was often left vacant.

Normally, individual Anbu squad leaders led their teams on missions.

People like Kakashi, Itachi, and Yamato had all previously served as Anbu squad leaders.

If someone held the position of Anbu Commander, they were unquestionably the Hokage’s most trusted ally.

For example, the eldest son of Hiruzen Sarutobi—father of Konohamaru—had once held this critical post.

This position carried immense power and prestige.

This was far more promising than being head of the Analysis Division.

Then Rojie turned to Nara Shikaku.

“Nara Clan Chief, Itachi’ve always served as Hokage Advisor, having assisted both the Third and Fourth Hokage. Itachi are unquestionably trustworthy. I intend to appoint Itachi as Hokage’s Assistant.”

Upon hearing this, Nara Shikaku’s expression remained calm—as if he had expected it.

He bowed slightly and replied, “Acting Hokage, the Third Hokage had already trained Itachi as his successor. I will assist Itachi with the same devotion I gave him.”

Rojie nodded in satisfaction.

Look at Nara Shikaku—that’s a smart man who knows when to yield.

Then he turned again to Yamato Katsuyu and ordered sternly, “Advisor Yamato, immediately lead the Anbu to eradicate the remnants of Danzō. Eliminate every threat completely.”

Then he looked at Nara Shikaku: “Nara Assistant, I’ll rely on Itachi to help me manage state affairs during this period.”

Both men bowed solemnly in agreement.

Soon, Nara Shikaku brought a document, and Rojie signed Yamato Katsuyu’s official appointment.

Yamato Katsuyu took the order and turned to gather the Anbu ninja.

As head of the Analysis Division, Yamato Katsuyu had long interacted with the Anbu and was already familiar with their operations.

Even though he had just been appointed Anbu Commander, he could take charge immediately.

After Yamato Katsuyu left, Rojie turned to Nara Shikaku and asked, “Nara Assistant, I hear Itachi’re close with Advisor Yamato and the Akimichi Clan Chief?”

Nara Shikaku nodded slightly and replied, “That is true.”

Rojie smiled warmly: “Could Itachi do me a small favor? Invite the Akimichi Clan Chief here and ask if he’d consider becoming Medical Advisor and head of the Medical Department.”

What? Akimichi Chōji can’t heal?

Doesn’t matter—he just needs to be able to eat meat.

Besides, Akimichi secret techniques and medical ninjutsu both use Yang chakra—they must share common principles.

Regardless, as acting Hokage, Rojie must have his reasons for doing this.

The ninja only needed to obey.

Nara Shikaku was momentarily stunned—he hadn’t expected Rojie to offer so many favors to win loyalty.

But he quickly recovered and nodded: “I’m sure Chōji will be delighted.”

As Nara Shikaku was about to leave the office, Rojie suddenly spoke: “Nara Assistant, Itachi’re a smart man—but understand, this honor won’t be mine alone to enjoy.”

Nara Shikaku turned slowly, bowed his head respectfully, and replied, “Yes, Hokage.”

…

Not long after Nara Shikaku left, Kurenai Sōun, father of Kurenai Yūhi, hurried into the Hokage’s office.

The office was no longer in disarray—Danzō’s corpse had been properly sealed away in a sealing scroll.

The bloodstains on the floor had been meticulously cleaned by Anbu ninja, leaving not a trace.

Kurenai Sōun looked up and saw Rojie seated in the Hokage’s chair—the symbol of Hokage authority.

His heart surged with uncontrollable excitement.

On his way here, Kurenai Sōun had already heard from Rojie’s shadow clone that Rojie had become acting Hokage and would soon be officially appointed Fifth Hokage by the Daimyō.

This sudden turn of events filled him with elation.

The coup had actually succeeded!

It felt like a dream.

Rojie greeted Kurenai Sōun: “Kurenai Clan Chief, have a seat.”

Kurenai Sōun instinctively moved to sit, but immediately straightened up, bowing respectfully: “No need, Hokage. Did Itachi summon me for a directive?”

Rojie nodded slightly, still smiling: “I plan to restore the Police Force to maintain village security.”

“Would Itachi be willing to serve as its commander?”

Kurenai Sōun paused, startled.

Although the Police Force had a poor reputation due to the Uchiha clan and had sparked controversy in the village,

the position carried immense authority—it controlled all village security matters.

Kurenai Sōun couldn’t help but be tempted.

“This… how could I possibly accept?”

He protested verbally, but his eyes gleamed with desire.

Rojie laughed: “It’s settled then.”

“Select members from each clan to rebuild the Police Force—but don’t hoard all the power for yourself.”

Kurenai Sōun immediately stood straight: “I understand. I won’t disappoint Itachi, Hokage.”

“But Hokage, this arrangement may invite criticism.”

Rojie smiled: “As Hokage, isn’t it natural to favor family?”

“My power as Hokage is limitless.”

“If anyone opposes me, I’ll show them who the true Hokage really is.”

(End of Chapter)