Natsuki, despite having just spent over an hour kissing his sister, claimed he was "busy reviewing documents."
Kurenai stifled a laugh behind her hand.
Natsuki's ability to lie so blatantly and his talent for making up shameless excuses, was always so comical to witness. Especially when he's toying with the Konoha elders.
"Therefore, I intend to appoint Yuhi Kurenai as a Hokage Advisor to assist me in my daily work," Natsuki said casually, as if it were a trivial matter.
"What?"
"Make Kurenai a Hokage Advisor?" Homura's eyes widened in shock. He waved a dismissive hand.
"Absolutely not.
"Firstly, Kurenai only recently became a Jonin. Her experience in practical work is still insufficient.
"How can she be a Hokage Advisor and assist in important work that will determine the future of the village? What qualification does she have?
"There are many more experienced and powerful ninja in the village who can play the role better."
Natsuki's gaze hardened, and a palpable killing intent filled the air. "I'm informing you, not asking for your opinion.
"Besides, all I've received is a mountain of trivial paperwork. Where are the important matters?
"Finding lost cats, weeding villagers' gardens, hunting wild boars in farmlands... You think you compile all these trivial matters on me to distract me? Were you looking for a handyman when you came begging for me to become the hokage?!
"Where are the commercial district planning blueprints? Why do I only get documents requiring my seal without the complete proposals?" He launched into a barrage of questions.
Homura suddenly felt immense pressure crushing him from all sides, as if a mountain was slowly bearing down on him, threatening to flatten him.
Unbeknownst to him, Natsuki was discreetly using his Tenseigan's power.
In the world of shinobi, strength reigns supreme. Why bother playing political games with these old geezers when he could just flex his power?
Sure enough, after a moment, Homura began to buckle.
He inwardly marveled once again at the young Hokage's strength.
Despite his youth, his power was undeniable.
He forced a smile. "Oh, my dear Lord Hokage, please withdraw your aura. These old bones of mine truly can't withstand it.
"I believe Kurenai is indeed suitable to be a Hokage Advisor.
"After all, she's your sister. Women tend to be more meticulous in handling subtle details." The pressure on Homura lessened slightly. He let out a relieved sigh.
"As for those documents, they are indeed part of the Hokage's daily tasks. Didn't the Third Hokage personally assign these missions to you when you graduated from the Academy?"
"Oh, please," Natsuki scoffed. "Don't tell me no one compiled and summarized those tasks for the Third. Did he really handle every single one personally?"
"If that's the case, then this pile of documents can stay right here. I'll look at them when I'm in the mood."
Those missions personally assigned by the Third Hokage were just a way for him to connect with the jenins with the potential to become Jonin or higher.
Did every other ordinary genin receiving D-rank and C-rank missions need the Hokage's personal attention? Absolutely not!
Seeing the young Hokage about to slack off, Homura quickly said, "We can assist with some matters, and Advisor Kurenai can help as well."
Homura could only sigh in his heart.
'It seems my plan to bog down the young Hokage with trivial matters to keep him trapped in the office and distracted from more important village affairs, won't work.'
No that it mattered much.
Young people are naturally energetic and restless.
These minor tasks were merely meant to drain his energy and divert his attention.
The true priority of them elders were the reconstruction of Konoha and the expansion of their own clan territories and assets.
They were currently busy dividing the spoils after the battle, where would they even get the time to handle every single mission issue?
'That old scoundrel, Danzo, is trying to seize another commercial street. We can't let him get away with it.'
Danzo's root was becoming increasingly active, with countless secret bases popping up here and there. They absolutely didn't think they would be aware of every one of Danzo's actions. Who knew how much he had expanded in the shadows?
'And after the Uchiha Clan Massacre, it seems they've initiated some dangerous research requiring significant funding. Perhaps we can use the young Hokage to suppress Danzo.'
However, the most pressing issue was indeed dealing with the enemy invasion at the border.
If they could't repel the Iwa and Kumo forces, they'll reach Konoha, and everything they worked so haed for will be lost.
"Fifth Hokage, the Iwa and Kumo ninja are steadily encroaching on the northeast and northwest borders of the Land of Fire.
"The Fire Daimyo has repeatedly sent envoys urging us to repel the invaders.
"If we don't act soon, it will be difficult for us to reclaim those territories.
"Moreover, you've just become Hokage. Your position isn't yet secure. A decisive victory against the enemy at this time would greatly enhance your prestige, not just in Konoha, but throughout the entire Land of Fire." Homura spoke slowly and earnestly, trying to entice Natsuki.
'Heh, let's see if this hotheaded youth can resist the allure of fame throughout the ninja world.'
Youngsters are indeed needed for these matters involving fighting and killing.
'Us old men will content with hold down the forthere in Konoha.'
Homura's expression remained neutral, but inwardly, he grew more and more delighted.
He was once a passionate youth who shed blood and tears for Konoha.
But now, he understood that true victory lay in political maneuvering and wielding power. Even the renowned Third Hokage, known as the "God of Shinobi," was gradually molded by him into a leader who prioritized patience, compromise, and peace.
He was confident that he could manipulate the young Hokage into becoming his sharpest weapon.
Only a fool like Danzo would be obsessed with being Hokage.
That precarious position, constantly under scrutiny, is not easy to hold onto. Look at how things ended for the Third Hokage. Has any Hokage ever met a peaceful end?
Isn't it better to be the power behind the throne?
To wield influence throughout Konoha without facing direct danger? To cultivate one's own forces and deal with internal threats.
Thus, even with Hiruzen gone, as long as he refused to yield, Danzo would never become Hokage.
Homura felt a surge of smugness.
Danzo's repeated failures and weakened power were partly due to his own schemes.
"Prestige? Can you eat it?" Natsuki replied indifferently, looking down at Homura with his chin raised slightly. "As the Dimensional Lord and founder of the Dimensional End's Congregation, being Hokage is merely a passing interest of mine.
"As for the minor border skirmishes, any one of my subordinates can handle them.
"Beastmaster of Retribution seem to enjoy such tasks. The Giant of Light was also complaining of boredom the other day. Not to mention First Mage who could use some practical experience.
"Which one should I send?" Natsuki mused, leaving Homura hanging once more.
Homura broke out in a cold sweat. He'd miscalculated.
He'd forgotten that the young Hokage's thought process was a thing of mysteries.
He wasn't playing by the rules at all, rendering Homura's carefully prepared speeches useless.
"Oh, right! It's been a while since my Congregation recruited new members. Here's your chance to join.
"How about it, Advisor Homura? Are you interested?"
"The entrance exam is to clear out the enemy forces at the border." Suddenly, Natsuki's eyes lit up as if struck by inspiration.
"T-this... That isn't appropriate, is it?" Homura stammered, startled.
'I have no interest in your cringy chunni games.
'And these old bones of mine would undoubtedly crumble on the front lines. I'd be a dead man in no time.'