Naruto: Starting as the Third Hokage with Tears in His Eyes

Chapter 45 Konoha's Infrastructure Chief - Danzo

He subconsciously activated the simulator in his mind.

"Simulate and adopt Danzo's proposal for the construction of Konoha."

[Start the future simulation...]

The scene before my eyes was no longer blood red, but a dazzling gold.

[Scene 1: The Konoha Construction Team is officially established, with Danzo personally serving as the overall leader. Countless retired ninjas and unemployed civilians enthusiastically sign up, igniting an unprecedented construction boom throughout Konoha.]

[Scene 2: Under Danzo's iron-fisted management, the construction project progressed at an astonishing pace. In just one year, Konoha Village underwent a complete transformation. Roads became wide and clean, new residential areas sprang up, and the commercial street doubled in size.]

[Scene 3: The profits from the Construction Corps were used to significantly increase ninja pensions and village welfare. The cohesion of the people of Konoha reached its historical peak. All villagers wholeheartedly supported the leadership of the Third Hokage.]

[Scene 4: Several years later, as the shadow of the Third Shinobi World War looms once again, Konoha's war potential, thanks to the years of recuperation and infrastructure development, has reached a terrifying level. Logistics supplies flow in continuously, and reserves are extremely abundant.]

[Outcome: Konoha won the war once again with an overwhelming advantage. The "Konoha Reconstruction Team" model was widely imitated by other ninja villages, ushering in a new chapter in the post-war reconstruction of the ninja world. Shimura Danzo thus earned the lofty title of "Cornerstone of Konoha," second only to you in prestige.]

The simulation has ended.

Hiruzen Sarutobi stared at the simulation results, speechless for a long time.

Good fellow, I'll call you good fellow.

I originally just wanted to turn Danzo into an obedient sword, but I didn't expect him to evolve into an entrenching tool that can split mountains and rocks.

Moreover, judging from the outcome, this guy seems to be even more skilled at infrastructure development than at plotting conspiracies.

A feeling of absurdity and surprise welled up inside me.

"I agree."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice broke the silence in the conference room.

He slammed his hand on the table and immediately made the decision.

"Do as Danzo says! Establish a Konoha construction team immediately!"

He looked at Danzo, who was completely bewildered, and gave him an appreciative smile, as if to say, "Great minds think alike."

"Danzo, your suggestion is exactly what I've been thinking! It seems we're on the same page!"

Danzo was thrilled to hear Hiruzen's affirmation. He felt he had finally found a realm where he could surpass Hiruzen, a path where he could truly prove his worth.

"You will be in charge of the entire Konoha construction team!" Hiruzen Sarutobi continued.

"Yes, Lord Hokage! I will never betray your trust!" Danzo bowed deeply, his voice booming.

"However," Hiruzen Sarutobi changed the subject, "the Construction Corps is of great importance, and the flow of funds and the quality of the projects must be strictly controlled."

"How about this? I'll transfer Uchiha Kagami from Root to specifically assist you in your work. That way, you can focus on your work without being distracted by these trivial matters. What do you think?"

Danzo's excited expression froze for a moment.

Let Kagami supervise? Wouldn't that be the same as handing the purse strings and oversight power back into Hiruzen's hands?

However, upon further reflection, Danzo felt relieved.

Well, this should at least dispel any inappropriate thoughts. At least this project is big enough and meaningful enough.

Moreover, Hiruzen is right; with Kagami keeping an eye on things, he can indeed save a lot of trouble.

"...Lord Hokage, you have a deep and far-sighted mind."

"Hahaha, good!" Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed loudly. "Then it's settled! Meeting adjourned!"

End of the meeting.

The executives left the office in a daze, their minds filled with questions and shock.

They felt that their worldview had been refreshed today.

Hiruzen Sarutobi watched Danzo's departing figure. That figure was no longer as gloomy as before; instead, it was full of energy.

He picked up the teacup, gently blew on the steam, and thought to himself:

"Danzo, Danzo, I hope you won't disappoint me."

"You're in charge of filling in all the potholes and uneven surfaces in this village."

"You are the correct way to use the Hokage's 'shadow'."