Chapter 120: The Will of Fire!

Root operations must be filed and submitted to the Hokage.

The Hokage may directly command the Root.

The latter point is unremarkable—during Danzō’s time, the Root still answered to the Hokage, even though Hiruzen Sarutobi rarely issued direct orders to it.

But during Danzō’s era, Root missions could be concealed from the Hokage.

Clearly, Fujinaka Genma is indirectly weakening the Root’s power.

Seeing Minato Namikaze’s puzzled expression, Fujinaka Genma smiled: “Teacher Minato, power can be subdivided, but for an institution like Konoha that wields violence, there must be—and can only be—one voice.”

“We must maintain strict internal unity to minimize internal waste.”

Internal conflicts or rivalries cannot be entirely eradicated—Fujinaka Genma is not that naive.

But they must be confined within certain limits.

Under Danzō’s leadership, the Root could have severed itself from Konoha without any issue.

The Root carried out missions even the Hokage didn’t know about.

Later, Danzō even attempted to assassinate the Hokage and stage a coup.

If Fujinaka Genma were Hokage, he would never allow such a thing.

A unit to handle dirty work is necessary—but he doesn’t need a unit capable of splitting off at any moment.

Look at how many foolish things Danzō did once his ambition took hold.

“I understand your meaning.”

Minato Namikaze nodded: “I approve this plan.”

He had no reason to refuse.

First, it strengthens the Hokage’s authority.

Second, it enhances Konoha’s overall strength by maximizing the efficient use of its power.

“Teacher Minato, another idea of mine is functional subdivision.”

“For example, establish separate intelligence departments for internal and external operations, training divisions, combat units—after subdivision, appointments of department heads must be decided by the Hokage!”

This further eliminates the possibility of large factions splitting off.

Minato Namikaze nodded, then said: “Take this step by step—don’t rush it. Also, it can proceed in tandem with the Hokage’s direct Anbu.”

“Understood.”

Fujinaka Genma nodded, then added: “After this batch of personnel is transferred, the Root must recruit and train new members.”

“Besides Kakashi and the Root’s existing recruitment mechanism, I want to add personnel from two clans.”

Minato Namikaze’s gaze sharpened: “Uchiha clan, Hyuga clan?”

“Exactly!”

Fujinaka Genma nodded: “The Uchiha and Hyuga clans are powerful, but since the Second Hokage’s policy of reducing clan influence, they’ve been gradually marginalized.”

During wartime, their fates were tied together—they gave everything.”

But in peacetime, their participation is far too limited.”

“Moreover, the Uchiha clan is teetering on the edge of losing control.”

Minato Namikaze raised an eyebrow: “The Uchiha clan losing control?”

Fujinaka Genma nodded solemnly: “The Uchiha clan controls the Security Force and holds real power, yet they remain marginalized at the core of authority—that’s the truth.”

Minato Namikaze nodded.

Neither his direct Anbu nor the Root includes any Uchiha—this is abnormal.

Also, no Uchiha serves as a team leader Jonin.

Though the Uchiha allow their members to attend the Ninja Academy, once they reach a certain level, they return to their clan and form exclusive teams.

In peacetime, both the Uchiha and Hyuga clans are extremely independent.

Unlike other ninja clans.

For example, the Sarutobi, Shimura, Nara, and Akimichi clans have all been fully integrated into Konoha’s larger system.

The Hyuga’s insight abilities, if integrated into teams, would greatly enhance Konoha’s overall strength.

And the Uchiha—wasting their power on the Security Force is a damn waste.

As for ambition.

Who doesn’t have ambition?

A blade is bound to cut both friend and foe—but Itachi don’t discard it just because it might hurt Itachi.

“The Uchiha clan controls the Security Force; the criticism from law enforcement inevitably fuels resentment, deepening the rift between the Uchiha and Konoha as a whole.”

“If the division becomes fundamental, a coup will become inevitable.”

Fujinaka Genma explained.

According to his understanding, even without the Nine-Tails incident, the Uchiha coup was unavoidable.

The Nine-Tails incident merely accelerated the process.

Even without the Nine-Tails incident, Konoha’s leadership would never trust the Uchiha.

Especially Danzō, deeply influenced by the Second Hokage.

Minato Namikaze understood Fujinaka Genma’s point, but resolving this completely would be difficult.

For instance, interfering with the Security Force might provoke resentment from the Uchiha.

Second, bringing the Uchiha into Konoha’s core power structure would likely draw objections from Hiruzen Sarutobi, Tonoki Koharu, Mizumon En, and other Konoha clans.

There’s also the potential risk the Uchiha bring.

For example, another figure like Madara Uchiha might emerge.

And this is likely the primary reason Konoha’s leadership suppresses the Uchiha.

Even the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, distrusted the Uchiha—let alone Hiruzen Sarutobi and others deeply influenced by him.

The Hyuga are relatively easier to handle; the Uchiha? One misstep and the whole system trembles!

After long contemplation, Minato Namikaze said: “Regarding the Uchiha, we must proceed with caution and deliberate planning—but integrating the Uchiha and Hyuga into the Root and Anbu is feasible.”

Fujinaka Genma nodded, offering no objection.

Minato Namikaze may be Hokage and command the Root, but he can’t simply do whatever he wants.

On one hand, there are other voices within Konoha; on the other, there’s the Uchiha clan’s stance.

After thinking, Minato Namikaze said: “Itachi could first test the Uchiha clan’s attitude.”

“Understood!”

Fujinaka Genma nodded: “I will personally visit both the Hyuga and Uchiha clans.”

Then, the two discussed further specifics of Root reform.

For example, changing the Root’s training methods.

Fujinaka Genma proposed an ideological education: the Will of Fire.

He disliked Danzō’s cold, emotionless training methods.

Evidence shows humans cannot become truly emotionless—they only appear mechanical because they haven’t encountered the right thing.

The more emotionless they are, the greater their vulnerabilities.

Conversely, with a firm belief in their heart, their combat power grows stronger.

This is proven by fact.

Minato Namikaze naturally wholeheartedly agreed, smiling: “Itachi’ll need to ask the Third Hokage—he won’t refuse.”

“Not just the Third Hokage—Teacher, Itachi, and Jiraiya, I hope Itachi’ll all find time to pass on the Will of Fire.”

“Additionally, I will ask the Third Hokage and Jiraiya to compile a book on the Will of Fire.”

“The Will of Fire may not take root in every individual, but I hope it takes root in this collective!”

Minato Namikaze’s spirit stirred—he said: “I will speak personally with the Third Hokage and Jiraiya.”

“But Tsunade is currently away from Konoha, wandering outside—finding her will take considerable time.”

Fujinaka Genma smiled: “Leave this to Jiraiya—I’m sure he’ll find her quickly.”

Minato Namikaze burst into laughter.