Two weeks after Danzo's execution, Kushina and Minato found themselves in a bit of a dilemma. After that scum's crimes had been exposed, everyone felt like Konoha's council needed to start anew. As such, the previous members had been fired. Well, Homura was, Koharu marched up to the Hokage's office and in a moment of incredible self awareness told them: 'The old generation has been clinging to their seats for too long. Our approach of the system has become rotten and I fear it'll poison our village like Hemlock. So fuck this, I'd rather die than become the very thing that brings this village down. I'm resigning. My retirement has been long overdue anyways and it's about time I spent my time spoiling my grandkids. See ya.'
As such, the Yondaimes started their work in trying to put together a new council. They already decided to add Shikaku, but the other two spots were a hard pick. As such they invited Sakura to help them decide and maybe convince her to take a spot in the council.
"Absolutely not." said Sakura.
"Why not Ba-can? You already have experience with this sort of thing." said Kushina.
Sakura rolled her eyes. "And that's exactly why, I do not wish to return to such a position. I already served as a member of the council of elders, even if that wasn't what it was called back then, for both the Shodais and the Nidaimes. I had enough, of that position. Besides, you two are trying to show a new beginning by revamping everything, if you truly wish to show that, then an old hag like me shouldn't be there."
Minato hummed. "What you are saying makes sense, Sakura-san. Still, we are a bit over our heads. We could appreciate some help."
Sakura sighed. "Alright, I suppose I can agree to that. Also, if I can make a suggestion. Add a law that forces the council to be repicked upon the inauguration of a new Hokage. That way, something like this will not happen again."
"That's a great idea, Sakura-ba-chan. I'll get to drafting right away, 'ttebane!"
...
It took them a whole week to screen every candidate. The trio was very careful in their picks. They needed someone devoted to the village, but not obsessively to the point of fanaticism, someone with experience but not so old they are stuck in their ways, but most importantly, someone who could make tough decisions.
Their first pick was Shikaku Nara. The leader of the Nara clan and the Jōnin Commander. His tactical mind was invaluable and would be a great asset. He was a bit lazy, like all Naras, but knew where to draw a line. He was one of the brilliant minds that helped them win the Third Shinobi War. The man was a bit reluctant at first, but in the end accepted.
Next was Orochimaru. One of the Sannin and Sandaime Sarutobi's student. They were one of Konoha's lead researchers alongside Sakura-sama. They always found new and innovative ways to help the village. They were viewed as a hero alongside the other Sannin. Their tactical mind, while not as sharp as Shikaku's was also invaluable. When Minato and Kushina proposed it, they refused, saying they didn't want to be anywhere near that much paperwork, but in the end relented and accepted the position.
Last but not least, Yukine Iki. The Head of the Diplomatic Corps. Coming from the same graduation class as Sakumo Hatake, they made a name for themselves with their sharp tongue. Nobody thought someone as temperamental as him would flourish in diplomacy, yet he did. Adoptive son of an iryō-nin and an ANBU captain, Yukine found his path in the way of words, after getting inspired by his genin sensei, who managed to talk down a squad of Kiri nin from attacking them. While many characterized him as grumpy, he was the best negotiator Konoha had. Hence, his position in the council.
...
After a week of preparation, the Yondaimes made the announcement to the village and it was met with a lot of positive feedback. Sakumo was in the crowd, cheering the loudest for his best friend. Yukine was one of the few people who supported him in his decision to save his comrades lives over the mission. He was incredibly proud of his friend. After the announcement, there was a small festival that lasted a day, where the new members of the council mingled with the citizens. They received congratulations and well wishes from everyone they came into contact with, be they civilians or shinobi.
...
”I can't believe I let Sakura-sama talk me into this.” said Orochimaru as they and Yukine were walking towards the council room. ”That meeting with Ishigakure was a nightmare!”
”Welcome to the world of politics, snake face! It only gets worse from here.” said Yukine.
”How wonderful...”
They entered the council room and found everyone already inside. The clan heads were all talking with each other, the usual trio of Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi were huddled together, with Shikaku having been replaced by his wife, Yoshino. The duo of Fugaku and Sakura were, as usual, smoking by the window before the meeting starts, while their Senju representative, Nawaki and the Fuma clan head, his sister-in-law Akari were watching the disaster that was Hyūga Hiashi and Inuzuka Tsume. Minato was the first to notice them and invited them inside.
”Right, now that all of us are here, we can start the meeting.” said Minato. ”Before we go over the budget, is there anything specific one of you wants to talk about first?”
”Yes.” said Hiashi. ”I would like to announce that for the time being, the Hyūga clan will be...indisposed. So I'm afraid all the shinobi of my clan will be unavailable for the time being.”
”Can you give us a reason as for why your clan is suddenly, indisposed as you put it?” asked Kushina.
”No, I will not. My clan's business is ours alone. I promise it will be dealt with swiftly.”
”Does it have anything to do with the Caged Bird Seal, Hiashi?” asked Sakura as she lifted a cup of tea to her lips. ”Because you know, I have been receiving a lot more Hyūga patients in my hospital recently...”
”Don't tell me you're dealing with an inner clan revolt, Hiashi.” said Fugaku.
Hiashi grit his teeth. Fucking Uchihas, the other dōjutsu clan of Konoha had always looked down upon them for their ways of protecting the Byakugan and their village founder had never been quiet in showing her disapproval either. Those two were smelling blood in the water and he will not allow them to change the Hyūga way. ”Of course not, Fugaku, Sakura-sama. Those are merely rumors thrown around by naysayers, pay them no mind. The Hyūga clan is strong and so are our traditions.”
”Of course, we didn't mean to imply such a thing. Me and Fugaku were merely concerned.”
”Right...”
Kushina cleared her throat. ”Well, if that is all then I suppose we can grant our Hyūga shinobi a leave of absence, but only for a few months. You understand that your clan is invaluable in our missions, don't you, Hiashi?”
”Yes, Hokage-sama.”
”Good, you get 4 months to get your affairs in order.”
Hiashi looked like he wanted to argue for more but in the end relented. Orochimaru raised a silent eyebrow in Sakura's direction, asking her if this was how things usually were and she offered them a slight nod. Orochimaru sighed as they leaned back in their chair. This was gonna be a long day.