The First Hokage's Admiration and Respect

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"I haven't agreed to join yet, but I haven't completely refused either!"

Koshiro shook his head with a chuckle. "Didn't you say this person could be an ally for your cause? Someone who could help overthrow the World Government and build a new world order?"

"Of course, I wouldn't reject them outright!" The master smiled. "I just set up a meeting for a month from now to talk things over properly. I also gave them a brief overview of you, your mom, and your general ideas."

"And?"

"Dragon's interested. He agreed!"

"So, in 26 days, you'd better bring Lady Naori to meet him. Face to face!"

"Hopefully, you can... well, let's say, persuade him to join us. Maybe even form a contract with him!"

Such a person, someone capable of stirring up great waves in the future, couldn't be overlooked.

After all, his disciple aimed to unite the pirate world, reshape its chaotic order, and make it a better place.

As a mentor, how could he not support that?

Besides, he himself wasn't satisfied with the current World Government or the chaotic global system.

"26 days, huh? Sure, no problem!"

Kaito raised an eyebrow and gave Koshiro a grateful look. "Thanks, Sensei!"

"Don't worry; I know how to convince Dragon. I'll do everything I can to win him over!"

He had confidence in his ability to handle this.

In his opinion, Dragon was likely still in a state of theoretical confusion and doubt.

It was the perfect time to approach him.

"Haha! Good! As long as you're confident!"

Koshiro smiled knowingly and took a sip of tea.

They chatted a bit more before Kaito took his leave. He returned to the Shinobi World with Mikoto, Kushina, and Minato.

— — — 

"You all go ahead and train. I need to head to the Hokage Tower to discuss something with my mom and the others."

As soon as they arrived back, Kaito gave instructions to Mikoto and the group.

"Alright, go take care of your business!"

Mikoto waved him off, then took Kushina and Minato, heading toward the Uchiha clan's training grounds.

Kaito, meanwhile, made his way to the Hokage Tower. After a brief announcement, a new ANBU led him to the Hokage's office, where he found his mother and a few others.

"Mom! Lady Mito! First Hokage!"

As soon as he entered, Kaito greeted them warmly.

"Back already? How's the situation on the front lines?"

Uchiha Naori asked, nodding in acknowledgment.

Both Uzumaki Mito and the First Hokage turned to Kaito, awaiting his report.

Kaito sat down on the sofa beside the First Hokage. "The major issues are handled!"

"What's left is dealing with the Sand Shinobi."

"I killed their Kazekage and wiped out thousands of their elite forces. Now it's up to them to decide what's next."

"Hopefully, they'll surrender, admit defeat, and sign a treaty."

"If not, I might have to make another trip to crush them completely."

"Even then, it shouldn't take long."

"Good."

Naori nodded in satisfaction. "We were just discussing the details of your succession ceremony."

"The Hokage robes and other preparations are being handled as we speak."

"We've also contacted the sculptors for the monument; they're ready to start anytime."

"Now we're just waiting for the front-line troops to return victorious!"

"Since you're back, it's time for you to start taking over Hokage duties and handling things directly."

"Being Hokage isn't easy. We've been working non-stop these past few days."

"Finally, we can get some rest!"

Mito smiled in relief and added, "Exactly! We're getting old. It's time to pass these responsibilities to you younger folks!"

Kaito gave them a deadpan look. "If you want to slack off, just say so. Why make excuses?"

"You're not exactly old—don't think I don't know better!"

"Haha!"

"Hahaha!"

Mito and Naori couldn't help but laugh, and even the First Hokage joined in heartily.

"Alright, I have something to say!"

Kaito sighed, waving his hand to calm them down. He then pulled out a document and handed it to Naori and the others.

"Here, this is Konoha's five-year development plan and the new power structure proposal."

"Take a look, and if you have any suggestions or issues, let me know so we can adjust it."

"Once I officially take over, I'll start implementing these plans step by step."

"Oh?"

Mito accepted the document, surprised. "Didn't expect you to already have a plan in place. Alright, let's take a look."

The three of them began reading through the detailed proposal.

"Wow! This is a bold plan!"

"A research department?"

"And this expansion of the school system, along with adjustments to the curriculum... You've even included ideological education? That's actually a great idea!"

As they read, they occasionally exclaimed in surprise and discussed specific points.

It took a while for everyone to finish reading the detailed plan.

The First Hokage couldn't help but praise it: "This plan is incredibly well-made!"

"It's far better than the current structure of Konoha. Did you come up with all this by yourself?"

"Who else could it be?"

Kaito shrugged casually. "Do you see anyone else capable of drafting such a plan?"

"Haha! You're amazing, kid. I'm impressed!"

The First Hokage gave him a big thumbs-up. "Especially the part about the school reforms—it's brilliant!"

"Based on your plan, children start with a foundational preschool class. At age six, they move on to elementary education."

"The curriculum includes basic ninja techniques, physical training, weapon handling, chakra refinement, ethics, history, chemistry, biology, and physics."

"In the later years of elementary school, they'll begin learning chakra control, practical combat, and even beginner-level ninjutsu."

"There are also elective courses and special interest classes."

"After graduating and becoming Genin, there are mandatory enhancement programs for Genin, and similar training programs for Chūnin and even Jōnin."

"The level of detail in your ninja academy reform far surpasses anything Tobirama ever envisioned. It's ambitious and thorough!"

"On top of that, you're introducing educational programs for civilians to train doctors, nurses, craftsmen, researchers, administrators, and teachers. You're covering so many fields!"

"This plan isn't just about making use of ninjas but also unlocking the full potential of civilians. If implemented, Konoha's future will undoubtedly be prosperous and strong."

"But I have to admit, the financial burden might be significant."

This plan shattered the First Hokage's prior understanding of how things could be.

After all, his own education was minimal, and governance was not his strong suit. How could he have properly planned Konoha's development?

Kaito's plan, however, was a refined fusion of lessons from his previous life and adjustments tailored to the ninja world.

"True," Uzumaki Mito and Uchiha Naori both nodded in agreement.

Mito added, "It's not just the education sector. The reorganization of other departments is also well thought-out—far better than the current structure."

"But this new Administrative Division and Mission Division... You're proposing to delegate a lot of the Hokage's administrative powers. Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"With these divisions, the Hokage will only handle major decisions, while most of the day-to-day tasks will be managed by these departments. Even mission approvals will largely fall to the Mission Division unless they're A-rank or S-rank missions."

"Isn't that a bit much?"

"I don't think so."

Kaito chuckled and waved dismissively. "The Hokage, as the village's supreme leader, shouldn't be bogged down by endless trivial matters."

"Otherwise, how would they find the time to train, grow stronger, and focus on critical issues that determine the village's future?"

"You can't have the Hokage dying of overwork, can you?"

"Trying to micromanage everything is a recipe for failure. The Third Hokage was a perfect example of this. And worse, he was corrupted by power."

"This clear division of responsibilities and the redistribution of some Hokage powers will also help prevent future dictatorships. It's better for the village's growth."

"As for fears of the Hokage losing authority or being undermined, there's no need to worry."

"The Hokage's strength is what truly secures their position. As long as they're strong, no one will dare challenge them."

"Besides, key areas like the Anbu and Finance Division will still remain directly under the Hokage's control. Those are the real levers of power."

"Without soldiers or funds, nothing can be achieved. With those in hand, the Hokage's position is secure."

"Fair point."

Uzumaki Mito nodded thoughtfully. She gazed at Kaito with admiration. "I never expected someone so young to have such a deep understanding of power and governance."

"With you as Hokage, we don't have to worry about Konoha's future at all!"

"Dividing authority like this also helps win over the hearts of the various ninja clans and individual ninjas. It's a good move!"

Initially, she had worried that Kaito's ambitions might lean toward authoritarianism.

Now, it seemed she had misjudged him.

He genuinely wanted to reshape the world into something better.

"You're truly remarkable, Kaito," Hashirama chimed in with a tone of admiration.

"Not everyone can see through the nature of power and resist its temptations to make wise choices."

"Even Tobirama would likely feel proud to see this. He might finally change his views on the Uchiha!"

If only he and Tobirama had implemented a fairer division of power in the past, perhaps Madara wouldn't have been driven away or manipulated into leaving. Perhaps the Uchiha clan could have fully integrated into the village.

But those were questions with no answers now. The past couldn't be changed. All that mattered was the present and the future.

"Maybe," Kaito said with a faint smile. "But Tobirama's deep-seated bias against the Uchiha remains the root of the problem."

"If he were alive now, his first reaction wouldn't be pride—it'd be to stop me from becoming Hokage."

"So, let's hold off on reviving him until after I'm officially Hokage and we've dealt with Sarutobi and Danzo. Only then can we talk about it."

Tobirama feeling proud? Not likely.

Perhaps once Kaito's reforms were fully implemented and Konoha truly prospered, there'd be a sliver of hope for that.

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