A boy from an ordinary family fell in love with a high-born lady, not to mention that this lady also held the exceptionally high position of Hokage Secretary. As he was still merely a Chūnin, it was natural for him to feel inferior.
"You should try to be more understanding. If he doesn't achieve something, your grandfather won't let him marry you."
Upon hearing this, the Secretary also sighed faintly, "Ah, alright. I'll give him one more year; otherwise, I really will have to reconsider." She wasn't young anymore; if she couldn't find someone suitable, she might truly remain single her whole life.
The Secretary never considered using her position to have Hokage-sama promote her boyfriend. She knew Hokage-sama couldn't possibly do such a thing, and furthermore, she had worked hard for many years to secure her position as Hokage Secretary. How could she accept her boyfriend getting ahead through back channels? Moreover, her strong-willed boyfriend wouldn't be willing either.
"Phew, it's finally done." Torifu handed the finished announcement to the Secretary, "Read it over first, then have someone post it on the bulletin board."
"Alright!" The Secretary took the announcement and was about to leave, but just as she turned, Torifu called out to her, "Wait, it's not over yet!"
Next, Torifu placed tens of thousands of prepared couplets on the table; the sea of crimson left the Secretary dumbfounded. "Hokage-sama, what... what are these?"
Torifu helplessly covered his forehead, "I told you to read the announcement first." However, since it had come to this, Torifu simply explained everything to her directly.
Two minutes later, the Secretary understood everything. "Oh! How amazing, I didn't expect Hokage-sama's family's traditional festival to be quite interesting!" The Secretary felt this custom of writing auspicious phrases on red paper and pasting them on both sides of the main gate was wonderful. It brought unlimited anticipation for the new year; even if it wasn't certain to come true, simply having a hopeful thought was excellent.
"How about it, would you like to write a couplet yourself, wishing for your boyfriend to become a Jōnin soon?"
The Secretary thought this was a splendid idea and immediately asked Torifu for the second set of couplets in Konohagakure, planning to go home and DIY them herself. At the same time, she didn't forget her task; in less than five minutes, the announcement was posted, and several small stalls distributing couplets also opened simultaneously on the main street.
All the major stores that previously sold electronics also posted announcements and began selling various New Year's items created by Torifu. These included paper-cut window decorations, red lanterns, fireworks, and decorative lanterns, all of which the villagers loved. Aside from fireworks, which everyone was familiar with, the other items were largely unseen before. These were all common items, very inexpensive. Torifu's original intention was merely for the villagers to enjoy themselves, not to make a profit.
"Hey! Everyone, hurry and look! The announcement about the Spring Festival has been released!" Large groups of villagers gathered on the main street, examining the announcement. At this point, everyone finally understood what the Spring Festival was and why it was celebrated.
"How touching! Hokage-sama knows we worked hard all year, so he's giving us the last ten-odd days off! And on the last day of the year, there will even be a Spring Festival event!"
"So warm, and very thoughtful."
A holiday of over ten days, almost as long as the one granted for Hokage-sama's wedding, made the villagers naturally overjoyed upon hearing the sudden news.
Meanwhile, the few villagers who had questioned Torifu yesterday at the Kumotsuru Clan's entrance watched the bustling crowd with expressions that suggested they saw through everything. Go ahead and jostle all you want, but I got this news directly from Hokage-sama and the young master! This announcement, without a doubt, made Konohagakure lively once more.
People from other countries who were touring Konohagakure also came to join the fun, curious to know what festival Hokage-sama was going to hold next.
Konohagakure's festivals had all been recorded in calendars, and while other countries didn't have these specific festivals, it didn't prevent their citizens from coming to Konohagakure to celebrate.
"There are still over ten days left; we should be able to get the message back home. Then I can bring my parents here to visit as well."
"Mm, I was thinking the same thing. Maybe even Tsuchikage-sama will come to join the festivities."
The shinobi world was currently exceptionally peaceful; no wars had occurred within the past five years. The various nations of the shinobi world had also begun trading with each other, and the leaders of minor countries like Kusagakure, Heaven, Moon, Takigakure and others had all come to Konohagakure to request cooperation.
The shinobi world had thus entered an era of commerce, and every hidden village was now exceedingly wealthy, naturally eliminating the need for war. However, some nations that harbored grudges against each other would occasionally experience minor clashes. But Torifu paid them no mind, as long as they didn't escalate into full-blown war.
Torifu stood by the window of the Hokage building, watching the villagers eagerly collecting couplets, then turning to buy Spring Festival items from the electronics stores. A smile played on his face. He was gradually reshaping the village into a form he liked.
"Hokage-sama, the tasks you assigned have been completed. The villagers' acceptance is very high; everyone is extremely happy." The Secretary reported, "Additionally, there's another matter. Some teams from other hidden villages who were visiting Konohagakure have applied to return. From what they said, it seems they intend to bring their family and friends here as well. Do you have any thoughts on this?"
Torifu waved his hand, "Let them come. More people mean more spending. During the New Year period, hotel prices in Konohagakure will increase somewhat, so we should thank them for boosting the economy."
These foreign visitors entering Konohagakure were subject to registration and vetting, and regularly required visa re-approval. If their visa expired without renewal, they would be pursued by the Anbu after three days, deported back to their home country, and permanently banned from entry.
This was also an effective method to prevent spies; if your visa expired and you didn't renew, you would certainly be apprehended. However, Konohagakure had been open for three years now, and such a situation had not yet occurred. Foreigners were quite cooperative.
"Understood, Hokage-sama. Do we need to make preparations in advance for any Kage who might visit Konohagakure, to avoid being caught off guard?"
Torifu pondered for a moment, recalling that he had last seen a few Kage a year ago. He wasn't sure if they would come to join the festivities this year. "Then just make some simple preparations. Have someone clean up those few apartments. If they don't come, they can be used to host other distinguished guests."
The Secretary nodded after hearing this, then left the Hokage's office. She was also very much looking forward to the Spring Festival, as it was yet another festival she had never heard of. She wondered what it would be like. But there was no rush; she would discover the true nature of the Spring Festival in just over ten days.
After everything was arranged, the Secretary happily went to the electronics store to buy Spring Festival items.