379. This is for the Best

*Shinobi World United News, January 11, Year 54 of Konoha:

"In order to build a law-based Konoha, after deliberation by the higher-ups, it has been decided to establish the Ministry of Justice, responsible for researching, drafting, and revising legal provisions, as well as formulating regulations. Additionally, a court will be established to adjudicate criminals and impose penalties."

After successfully finalizing the candidates for leadership, news of the higher-ups establishing these two new departments quickly made headlines in major newspapers.

The most prestigious among them, the Shinobi World United News, carried the announcement prominently. At the same time, preparations for the Ministry of Justice and the court began in earnest.

Under Danzo's urging, Inoichi Yamanaka, the newly appointed Minister of Justice, immediately took charge of the ministry's operations.


He first recruited a large number of clerical staff from the Hokage Building's archives and interrogation department, then plunged into the arduous task of drafting the legal code.

As a result, several new figures were seen working late into the night in the Hokage Building...

There was no avoiding it.

Creating a legal code that could cover every aspect of people's lives required an enormous amount of work.

From major crimes like murder and theft to minor offenses like physical altercations, the code had to provide clear guidelines.

Even with the help of numerous clerical staff, Inoichi found the task overwhelming.

Seeing this, Danzo sought the assistance of Maruboshi Kosuke.

Maruboshi Kosuke's attire was simple and unassuming.

Despite earning a considerable amount from missions over the years, he had donated most of his earnings to institutions like orphanages and nursing homes.

His clothes were patched and repaired repeatedly, and his meals consisted of modest hand-pulled noodles with a few vegetables.

When Danzo approached him with the offer, Maruboshi Kosuke declined without hesitation.

"I apologize, but I only wish to serve as a humble genin, contributing to Konoha in my own small way. I have no interest or ability to serve as a Chief Justice."

His refusal was firm and sincere.

As he said, he only wanted to dedicate himself to the grassroots level of Konoha, embodying the Will of Fire passed down to him by the Second Hokage.

Positions of power held no appeal for him.

If anyone else had said this, Danzo might have scoffed.


But coming from Maruboshi Kosuke, he couldn't doubt the man's sincerity.

After all, Kosuke had genuinely turned down multiple offers from Hiruzen Sarutobi.

His frugal lifestyle and selfless dedication left no room for skepticism.

Yet, it was precisely these qualities that made him the ideal candidate for Chief Justice.

"Kosuke, I know you have no interest in power," Danzo said earnestly.

"But the position of Chief Justice is crucial for Konoha's future. It requires someone incorruptible, someone who embodies the Will of Fire and is willing to dedicate their life to it. You are the most suitable candidate. As the inheritor of the Second Hokage's will, you know that the Will of Fire is not just empty words. Only by applying your talents in the right place can you truly embody it. I’m sure you don’t want to disappoint your teacher’s expectations, do you, Kosuke?"

Danzo's words were heartfelt.

He knew that with someone like Kosuke, only sincerity could sway him.

Sure enough, a flicker of hesitation appeared in Maruboshi Kosuke's eyes.

However, having tempered his heart to remain calm through years of hardship, he quickly regained his composure. "Lord Danzo, Konoha is full of talented individuals. There are many young people with good character who embody the Will of Fire. Why must you focus on me?"

Kosuke shook his head, still unmoved.

Danzo smiled and replied, "While Konoha does have many outstanding young people, their character has yet to be tempered by time. Even if they show promise, placing them in such a high position prematurely could lead to unintended consequences."

Kosuke fell silent at this.

Danzo was right—human nature couldn't withstand temptation.

Without sufficient experience, placing young talents in positions of power could easily lead to problems...

After some consideration, however, Kosuke still shook his head.

"I understand your concerns, Lord Danzo, but I am truly not suited for such a responsibility."

The weight of Konoha's future was too heavy. He didn't believe he could fulfill such a mission.

Seeing Kosuke remain unmoved, Danzo finally lost patience.

"In that case, I shall take my leave."

He stood up from his chair, leaning on his cane as if to depart.

Kosuke didn't try to stop him, silently escorting Danzo to the door.

Danzo sighed inwardly... It seemed he would have to resort to his trump card.

Shortly after leaving Kosuke's home, Danzo turned to a nearby Root shinobi and ordered, "Since Maruboshi Kosuke refuses to take the position, let Ryoma Aburame serve as Chief Justice. Once he takes office, have him arrest all opposition on charges of treason. And let’s not forget the Daimyo—find some charge to arrest him as well."

Danzo's radical words startled Kosuke, who had been secretly following him.

He knew a thing or two about Ryoma Aburame.

That man was nothing but Danzo's lackey, doing whatever Danzo commanded.

If someone like him were to become Chief Justice, the radical faction's influence would become unstoppable.

Countless wrongful convictions would surely follow...

Rather than let that happen, Kosuke decided it would be better to take the responsibility into his own hands.

With this thought, he finally stepped forward, smiling wryly. "Lord Danzo, I accept your offer."

Though he knew Danzo had deliberately pressured him, Kosuke couldn't take the risk.

What if Danzo really did appoint Ryoma Aburame as Chief Justice?

However, he gave Danzo a warning: "But Lord Danzo, you must understand that if I become Chief Justice, I will show no leniency to anyone—not even you."

As he spoke, Kosuke's gaze turned sharp, as if to emphasize that he wasn't joking.

Danzo smiled with satisfaction and said, "This is for the best."