NARUTO: SECOND GOD OF SHINOBI

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As the meeting progressed, the tension in the air shifted with every proposal Hiruzen laid before the gathered Jonin and clan leaders.

The new rules and curriculum were discussed one by one, with each decision echoing through the room like the sound of a hammer striking iron.

"B-rank jutsu will be nearly free for Jonin-level ninjas," Hiruzen stated, his voice steady.

"For every two to three B-rank mission you complete, you can select a B-rank jutsu as your reward. Chunin-level ninjas will receive access to C-rank jutsu based on their rank and mission count."

There were murmurs of surprise and skepticism among the clan leaders. Hiruzen's eyes swept across the room, taking in the varied reactions.

He noticed a few of the younger Jonin leaning in, their interest piqued. 

To keep the momentum, he continued, "A tally will be maintained for jutsu in Scroll of Seals, specifically for Jonin ninjas.

Based on your contributions to the village through missions and other efforts, you'll be able to choose any A-rank jutsu you desire."

One of the older clan leaders, his brow furrowed in thought, interjected, "And what's the catch, Hokage?"

Hiruzen's lips curled into a slight smile, revealing the weight of his next words. "You are prohibited from teaching these techniques to your students—whether they're from your clan or your disciples. Only one copy of each jutsu can be made. Once you've read it, the scroll will turn to ash."

Shock rippled through the room. A few Jonin exchanged incredulous glances, while others fidgeted uncomfortably in their seats.

"Secrecy is paramount," Hiruzen explained, his tone growing serious.

"To ensure that no one can share these techniques without permission, a seal will be embedded in each jutsu. This measure is reminiscent of Sage methods to be highly secretive and effective."

He watched as the gravity of his proposal settled over the council. Their expressions shifted from disbelief to grudging respect. Hiruzen had a vision, and it was taking shape.

"C-rank and B-rank jutsu are indispensable for Konoha," he added, leaning forward slightly.

"Especially considering my plans to create thousands of techniques in the future and develop methods for training kekkei genkai. B-rank jutsu may seem trivial, but I assure you, their potential is vast."

A younger Jonin, eager yet uncertain, raised his hand. "And what about the training facilities? You mentioned changes earlier?"

"Indeed." Hiruzen straightened, sensing the anticipation in the air.

"We will be upgrading our training grounds, outfitting them with specialized seals: gravity seals, chakra control seals, chakra compression seals, and chakra refining seals. These training grounds will be made available to civilians as well. It's time we stop hoarding resources."

The response was mixed. While some leaders frowned at the thought of civilian ninjas accessing advanced training tools, others saw the merit in empowering the entire village.

Hiruzen's eyes sparkled with determination. "With my Eye of Insight, I can assess the needs of our hundred thousand inhabitants. I will leverage this ability to maximize benefits for myself and the village."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "I will also establish a large medical hospital and a dedicated research and training facility for medical ninjas. This will elevate the skills of our healers and ensure the next generation of experts is well-equipped."

A ripple of discontent surged from the back of the room, a few clan leaders whispering among themselves.

Hiruzen felt the tension rise, but he stood firm, exuding a palpable killing intent. "This is not up for debate."

His aura hung heavily in the air, silencing the dissenters. He had decided long ago that he would rule Konoha with an iron fist, not hesitating to assert his authority when necessary.

As the discussion resumed, Hiruzen shifted gears, addressing a more pressing matter.

"The Second Shinobi War is projected to occur in sixteen years, according to the peace agreement. We are vulnerable, like a fat sheep to our enemies due to the legacy left by the First Hokage. We must prepare ourselves."

Skepticism flickered in the eyes of some clan leaders. "You really think we can strengthen ourselves that quickly?" one elder challenged, crossing his arms defiantly.

Hiruzen met the gaze of the elder unflinchingly. "We have fifteen years to train and adapt. Focus on strengthening your clans. Produce Shadow-level ninjas."

The room fell silent. A mixture of disbelief and discomfort permeated the atmosphere, especially among the leaders of the larger clans.

One Jonin, his voice sharp with indignation, questioned, "How can we possibly produce a Shadow-level ninja in a single generation? We have hundreds in our clans!"

Hiruzen chuckled lightly, his tone mocking. "If you can't produce a Shadow-level ninja from a hundred members, what's the point of calling yourselves a 'big ninja clan'? Strength is what will speak to our enemies, not your words."

The Jonin exchanged solemn glances, the gravity of Hiruzen's words settling heavily over them.

Many wrestled with the implications, thinking *How can a Shadow-level ninja be produced so easily?*

Hiruzen noticed the shift in their demeanor. He pressed on, his voice resolute.

"If you cannot produce a Shadow-level ninja from your clan, consider sending promising students to me. I can help them reach their potential.

Alternatively, share your clan's exclusive techniques with me. I can modify them, potentially elevating them to S-rank status."

The prospect of enhanced techniques sparked elation among the clan leaders, but Hiruzen sensed their hesitation.

He locked eyes with them, his gaze unyielding. "Don't look at me like that. Your clan's secret techniques hold immense potential. You've barely scratched the surface, often only achieving A-rank jutsu at best. I've transformed my clan's exclusive fire nature secret art into an S-rank jutsu."

He paused for effect, allowing his claims to marinate in their minds. "In the coming years, the Sarutobi clan may even possess a kekkei genkai related to fire release."

A murmur of excitement rippled through the Sarutobi clan Jonin, their eyes alight with hope. They had never considered such possibilities before.

"Don't you see?" Hiruzen pressed on, urgency lacing his tone.

"I will not share these techniques with anyone else, nor will I share them within my clan. They will be protected by a contract seal I developed through my studies in fuinjutsu."

The prospect of a kekkei genkai thrilled the Sarutobi Jonin, but Hiruzen's deception was veiled beneath the excitement.

He had no immediate plans to create a kekkei genkai; it was merely a dream that danced at the edges of his ambitions.

The larger clans remained skeptical, unwilling to part with their techniques, but the smaller clans, eager to elevate their standing, leaned toward collaboration. Hiruzen recognized this divide and capitalized on it.

"Let's conclude the meeting," Hiruzen declared, rising from his seat.

But then, a thought struck him. "Sasami from the Hatake clan," he said, turning to a Jonin at the table.

"There's a child in your clan named Sakumo. He possesses S-rank potential. Inform him that if he tops the academy, I will take him as my disciple. Additionally, whoever defeats him will also earn the chance to become my disciple."

With that, he vanished from the room, leaving behind a buzz of chatter and gasps.

The news of the Hokage taking on a disciple reverberated throughout Konoha, igniting excitement and speculation.

Sasami felt a surge of pride and joy at having someone in the Hatake clan catch the Hokage's attention.

Jonin and clan leaders approached Sasami to congratulate him, their voices mingling in a whirlwind of enthusiasm.

The possibility of Hiruzen mentoring a new generation sent ripples of hope throughout Konoha's ninja ranks.

On Hokage Mountain, Hiruzen stood with his hands clasped behind his back, surveying the village below.

He had set a rapid development trajectory, but now he found himself contemplating the next steps to further enhance Konoha's strength.

A sudden thought struck him: he needed to cultivate the upper echelons of power within the village, bringing them into his faction early.

By doing so, he could suppress the influence of the clans and the upper council, accelerating the village's growth.

"Once the civilians are firmly in my pocket, the next target will be the clans," he mused, determination brewing within him.

"I've already begun forming the ANBU, gathering hidden talents from various small and medium ninja clans. But soon, I will compel them to submit as well."

With a deep breath, Hiruzen turned his gaze from the village, his mind racing with plans.

He was no longer just the Hokage; he was a strategist, a leader ready to usher Konoha into a new era of strength.

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