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

Chapter 292 The Hokage's Chief Assistant Loses His Spotlight

Deer Antlers muttered something, but his tone suddenly changed and became serious.

He turned to the last page of the report, where there were only a few lines of text, but the handwriting was unusually serious and neat.

"Lord Hokage, considering the heavy workload and hardship of the acting Hokage position..."

Deer Horn spoke each word with conviction, raising his head to look directly into Hiruzen's eyes, those weary eyes now gleaming with shrewdness.

"I propose it."

"Establish the position of Chief Advisor to the Hokage!"

The antlers paused for a moment, as if giving Hiruzen time to think.

Hiruzen leaned forward slightly. He didn't speak, but just looked at the shikata quietly, maintaining a calm smile on his face.

He knew that this was the true purpose of the antlers.

"This position has the authority to reject troublesome tasks at any time!"

"I can't breathe," Lu Jiao added, a hint of anticipation in his voice.

"and……"

Shikano carefully observed Hiruzen's expression, afraid that he was asking too much of him.

"Three months of paid leave every year!"

The air in the office seemed to freeze.

Hiruzen's smile finally faded, and he tapped his fingers lightly on the table, making a rhythmic sound.

He knew the power of the antlers and understood the effort behind those complaints.

In the future simulator, the deer antlers are the Hokage's strategist in the original work. Even if he hates trouble, he can still show his supreme wisdom at critical moments.

Every detail in this report proves that the deer antlers are capable enough to serve as the chief advisor he claims to be.

Hiruzen pondered for a moment, then nodded solemnly.

"Your suggestion..."

Hiruzen spoke, his voice low and heavy, each word seemingly carrying weight.

The deer's spirits lifted instantly, and a look of surprise appeared on its face.

His efforts finally paid off.

I can almost picture the blissful three-month paid vacation and the nonchalant way I casually reject troublesome tasks.

"Your suggestion... is very good."

Hiruzen repeated his voice, and the smile on his face reappeared, but there seemed to be a hint of cunning in that smile.

"I've decided to adopt half of it," Hiruzen said slowly.

The surprise on Shikano's face froze, and he looked at Hiruzen with some confusion.

Accepting only half? What does that mean?

Hiruzen leaned forward and gently pushed the thick report back to Shikanobu.

"Starting tomorrow, you will be the Hokage's chief assistant."

Deer Horn's eyes widened suddenly. Chief Assistant? This sounded even closer than Chief Advisor, but it lacked the aloofness that Advisor represented.

"As for paid leave..."

Hiruzen's smile deepened as he looked at the antlers, his eyes full of mischief.

"Let's talk about it after I retire."

The antlers' expression froze instantly. His mouth was slightly open, as if he wanted to say something, but he couldn't utter a single word. He stood there, frozen in place, his entire body as if under a spell.

As night fell, the hustle and bustle of Konoha Village subsided, and the lingering warmth of the festival slowly dissipated in the air.

The morning sunlight, like a gentle paintbrush, gradually outlines the village, gilding everything that is asleep with a golden edge.

On Hokage Avenue, the ribbons and petals from last night were swept clean by the cleaning ninjas, leaving only a few playful petals swirling in the wind, a testament to yesterday's revelry.

The village has returned to its former order, but this is not a simple repetition; rather, it is a vibrant resurgence.

At the entrance to the ninja academy, however, a completely different and bustling scene unfolded.

The number of people had increased several times compared to usual, making the school gate look even more impressive.

In front of the school gate, parents brought their children, their faces showing a mixture of excitement and worry. The children, carrying new schoolbags and holding stationery, skipped and jumped around, curiously looking at their surroundings.

A brand-new sign has been added at the school gate, with the words "Registration Office," "First-Year Classroom," and "Public Activity Area" written in the distinctive dark green of Konoha. Everything looks very orderly.

Inside the campus, after large-scale renovations and expansions, the originally somewhat militaristic architectural style has been transformed to incorporate more of a lived-in feel. The spacious training grounds remain the main feature, but new tree-lined corridors have been added around them, winding their way to the quaint and elegant teaching buildings.

The most eye-catching building is the three-story building in the center, with a plaque that reads "Konoha Comprehensive Library".

The library's glass windows reflected the morning sunlight, making them appear exceptionally clear.

Inside, many students could be seen moving among the bookshelves or reading at their desks.

What used to be a cramped reading room now has several themed reading areas, and even a story corner specifically for younger students to play and read picture books.

The public activity area is an open courtyard with smooth stone paths, surrounded by flowers, trees, and some uniquely shaped sculptures.

There are benches and small tables here for students to rest and chat during breaks.

Several senior students had already arrived early, discussing the interesting things they had experienced during the holiday.

"I've heard about it; the naval battle in the Land of Whirlpools was truly spectacular."

An older male student spoke animatedly, gesturing with his hand to indicate a massive explosion. "It's said that when the Third Hokage made his move, the enemy fleet was reduced to ashes!"

"That's natural."

The companion beside him chimed in, his face beaming with pride. "Our Hokage of Konoha is hailed as the strongest Hokage! I heard he even made a windmill for his son himself!"

Their discussion quickly turned to the grand occasion of the celebration, every detail filled with longing and excitement.

They talked about the Uchiha family's sweets, the Akimichi family's barbecue, and the fireworks that finally lit up the sky.

His words revealed an unprecedented confidence and pride in the village.

At the school gate, amidst the bustling crowd, a figure in bright red stood out.