Chapter 501: As long as Konoha benefits, I am happy

Katsuhiro explained, "In the ninja clans, the seniors in the clan always instruct and guide the juniors. They pass them their secret techniques which make it very easy for them to become Special Jounins with little effort. In addition, they also arrange groups for them to join once they become Chunins. By comparison, we have no access to any jutsus or guidance from any seniors. I want to level the playing field."

Fujin's clone tilted his head and said, "The village library is open to all and has hundreds of jutsus. Anyone can pay a visit and take the jutsus that are suitable for them. Similarly, everyone can ask their Sensei for guidance. What exactly are you complaining about?"

Katsuhiro shook his head and said, "It's not the same. The normal jutsus in the library aren't as useful as the secret techniques."

Fujin's clone said dismissively, "I disagree. Instead of complaining about not having secret techniques, we need to train with more dedication and train our jutsus to the next level. There is no excuse for not having stronger or suitable jutsus other than a lack of effort."

Fujin himself had depended heavily on the library. Though he received some help from Hiruzen and Renjiro who taught him Samurai Saber Techniques, Wind Vacuum Technique, provided the scroll for the Flying Thunder God and allowed him to learn Shadow Clone jutsu quite earlier than he would have normally, there was no denying the help the library provided.

Even without Renjiro and Hiruzen's help, Fujin wouldn't have any issue becoming a rank S ninja. The only difference would be that he would have needed more time and progressing further would have been difficult. That said, which rank S ninja wouldn't receive special attention from Hiruzen? Fujin saw little reason why someone wouldn't become a Jounin other than unwillingness to put in the required effort.

Katsuhiro understood that he wouldn't be able to beat Fujin in this debate. After all, he had depended on the library as well. He said, "Even if jutsus are available, it isn't the same. Without proper guidance, it is difficult to learn the jutsus. Even though everyone gets a sensei assigned, most civilian genins get assigned just a Chunin sensei. They aren't very qualified to help them after they become Chunins.

That is why, I want you to propose the construction of a Guidance Hall for civilian ninjas."

Fujin's clone was intrigued again. He asked, "What will the Guidance Hall be?"

Katsuhiro explained, "It'll act as a hall where civilian ninjas can put up requests. For instance, say someone wants help in learning the water dragon jutsu. He could put up the request in the Guidance Hall. Everyone else will be allowed to view the existing requests. If a veteran civilian ninja who has mastered that jutsu has time, then he can guide that ninja.

Of course, teaching one at a time will not be very feasible. That is why, the Guidance Hall will analyze all the requests and group them together. That way, the veteran ninjas can see which jutsu has the highest number of requests and guide several ninjas at the same time. This will allow us civilian ninjas to be more courageous while deciding the jutsus we learn and avoid any mistakes we might make while learning them."

Fujin's clone was surprised. The proposal was indeed very good. There was no question that the civilian ninjas would benefit a lot. Fujin's earlier suggestions in the Council were extremely beneficial for the future civilian ninjas. On the other hand, Katsuhiro's proposal would benefit the existing civilian ninjas who still had the hunger to become stronger.

He thought, 'I see. Such a plan... Not bad. Not bad at all. What a good scheme this is... He wants my seat on the council. That said, who gave him the confidence to think that he would be able to take my seat?'

Fujin hadn't gotten the seat on the council due to his political acumen. He received due to Hiruzen acknowledging and making use of Fujin's overwhelming strength. Apart from Hiruzen, there was no one on the council that could defeat him in a fight. As such, he wasn't very worried.

He nodded and said, "It will be very beneficial. This is a great idea, Katsuhiro-san."

Katsuhiro added, "Another method to make civilian ninjas stronger would be getting Elemental Crystals allotted to us. The clan ninjas are stronger than us because they have had the support of Elemental Crystals since they were young. On the other hand, we can only access it if we are in the Anbu. I want you to demand Elemental Crystals for civilian ninjas as well."

Fujin's clone shook his head and said, "Already asked. Lord Hokage refused. The village is already facing a shortfall."

Katsuhiro argued, "But the clans still get a large amount of elemental crystals every year. We deserve to get the sa..."

However, the clone cut him off and said, "As I said, Lord Hokage has refused. If you want to take it up with him, feel free to do so."

Katsuhiro didn't expect to be refused so directly. He analyzed, 'Looks like Danzo was right. Fujin would only follow what Lord Hokage says. What a shame.'

He replied, "Alright, I will take this matter up with Lord Hokage. Can you get the proposal passed in the next council meeting?"

Fujin's clone smiled and said, "Actually, since you were the one to come up with this brilliant idea, why don't you make the proposal as well? I'll present it during the next council meeting and mention that you are the one who came up with this proposal."

Katsuhiro was shocked. He thought, 'What the hell? He isn't going to try to steal the credit for coming up with this idea? That said, this isn't bad either. Everyone will directly know that I was the one who put forth this idea. I won't need to spread the word that it was me who came up with this... No, I should do that as well.'

He nodded and said, "Alright. I'll get it done."

He began leaving. However, before he could leave, Fujin's clone said, "Once you are done, hand it to these two. Next time, you don't need to get worked up. I'll call you as soon as I am free."

Katsuhiro understood what Fujin implied. Yasushi and Haruma were also relieved to hear that. Katsuhiro nodded and agreed before he left. He wanted Fujin's seat and didn't have any beef with his two subordinates. As he left, Fujin's clone's eyes began glowing as he observed Katsuhiro's chakra flow.

A smile appeared on his face as he thought, 'I should have guessed. His chakra isn't flowing naturally. There is a slight difference from when I had last seen him. Danzo... So he is the one pushing him from the background. That said, Katsuhiro should have had such intentions normally. Otherwise, Danzo wouldn't have been able to push him against me so easily while being completely unaware of any external influence.'

Seeing that Katsuhiro had disappeared from his view, Yasushi softly said, "Fujin... You are still new to the council and haven't been very active. So you may not have seen this, but he wants your seat on the council."

Since Fujin had stood up for him, Yasushi felt compelled to inform him about the political plays others played. To his surprise, Fujin's clone nodded and said, "I know."

Yasushi asked, "Then why are you letting him put forth the proposal and giving him the credit? If you had made the proposal, then you could have taken the credit."

Fujin's clone smiled and asked, "What will I do with this little credit? I'm not interested in political games. As long as Konoha benefits, I am happy."

Yasushi and Haruma were surprised by the words. Though Yasushi didn't say anything he was disappointed. He thought, 'He is still too young. If he maintains this attitude, he might not be able to keep his seat. What a pity. Someone like him will be able to help the village a lot. Unfortunately, people like him don't last in the political arena.'