The interaction between Uchiha Ryun and the villagers moved the elite clan shinobi. This level of charisma was probably only comparable to Senju Hashirama, the founder of Konoha, back in the day.
But then they thought about Ryun's battle records and achievements, and they understood. When he was weak, he outmaneuvered Amegakure. When he became strong, his Susano'o killed the strongest Kazekage.
He disagreed with waiving reparations after the war. No matter who you are, if you dare start a war against Konoha and lose, you will pay reparations.
Don't cry to me about being poor. Everyone is poor. Does being poor make you right? This attitude gave the villagers a sense of pride. This was the attitude befitting the number one village in the ninja world, Konoha.
Key achievements included Ryun's support for opening up commerce and increasing the compensation for families of deceased shinobi, ensuring a family could live without worry for at least thirty years.
Konoha's economy grew rapidly. The improvement in the villagers' lives was visible to the naked eye. Countless civilians and shinobi from other villages sought to move into Konoha every day.
Everyone took pride in being able to live in Konoha. Because Ryun emphasized commerce, the Land of Fire and surrounding countries offered high value escort missions.
Konoha shinobi also had relatively stable incomes. Compared to a Hokage who actually worked for the people, wasn't he better than a certain 'Strongest Hokage' who brainwashed people every few days?
What a joke. The masses have sharp eyes. They know who treats them well.
Ryun's arrival ignited the entire street. He said with a smile, "Today is the day Konoha's Ninja Academy reopens. I ask all parents to move to the school playground to hear my brief speech."
Upon hearing this, students and their families automatically stood on both sides, clearing a path for Ryun.
Ryun smiled and said, "Thank you, everyone."
"The Hokage is so handsome."
"Lord Hokage, I can be your lover, look at me."
"The Hokage seems like a very gentle person."
Hearing this, Ryun's foot slipped. Luckily Tsunade wasn't here, otherwise who knows what would happen. He walked towards the podium.
Danzō Shimura followed closely behind. The grade directors instructed the teachers to organize their classes, assuring parents outside they could entrust their children to them.
The parents handed their children over to the teachers according to the pre assigned classes, but they did not leave. They wanted to hear the speech by Uchiha Ryun, the Hokage, to understand his resolve and his novel ideas.
Ryun heard the report from his subordinates. He did not mind, he just instructed the Anbu to maintain order, prevent crowd crushes, and ensure the villagers' safety.
Anbu Commander Hatake Sakumo made a hand signal, ordering everyone to protect the villagers. Immediately, all Anbu sprang into action, appearing at the entrance in an instant to organize the crowd.
As most Anbu were elite shinobi, they carried a heavy killing intent. The moment they appeared, many people felt a chill and unconsciously quieted down.
Under Sakumo's arrangement, one Anbu member was responsible for the safety of one hundred people. If problems occurred, the Anbu member would be punished, then the squad leader, then the platoon leader, then the company leader.
After receiving the order, all the black clad Anbu moved swiftly, quickly identifying the people they were to manage. After completion, the company leader reported to Sakumo.
"Commander, the orders have been issued." He said, cupping his hands.
Sakumo nodded. "Maintain full alert, no laxity."
"Yes." The company leader replied, then returned to his team to supervise.
Sakumo turned and ran towards the playground to report to the Hokage.
After receiving Sakumo's report, Ryun nodded and began his speech.
"Hello, students. My name is Uchiha Ryun. Some of you have heard of my deeds, some have not."
Hearing this, many children looked up at Ryun, their eyes filled with fervor.
"Actually, that is not important. What is important? It is you."
"I can only lead Konoha's present. But Konoha's future depends on you, on you, the pillars of the village, the students of the academy."
The crowd was abuzz.
"What? Lord Hokage actually said the future of Konoha lies with us? How are we worthy?"
"Yes, can someone like me really bear the future of Konoha?"
One student was different from the others. He raised his head, eyebrows slightly raised. His yellow hair was very noticeable, his blue eyes somewhat gentle.
He did not doubt Ryun's words. Instead, he looked at Ryun with a firm gaze.
Ryun was slightly startled seeing this figure. The corners of his mouth turned up. He suppressed his speculation and continued speaking, encouraging everyone to work hard, study well, and protect Konoha and their loved ones in the future.
Ryun did not make empty promises. He spoke frankly, so his words resonated with many students and parents.
Hyūga Sekijō slowly said, "Legacy, is it." He looked at his own somewhat whitened long hair and shook his head with a wry smile.
Even a middle aged man like him was moved, let alone the children.
The children were now full of determination, wanting to train hard and improve their skills so they could protect the village and their families in the future.
Seeing the desired effect was achieved, Ryun smiled and said, "Let's encourage each other, youths. You are the future of Konoha, the pride of Konoha Village. My speech ends here. Thank you, everyone."
Ryun bowed to the students. He felt a bit sorry for them, having to listen to him drone on for nearly an hour.
But what he didn't know was that the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, could talk for three hours without getting tired. Compared to him, Ryun was doing just fine.
"Long live Lord Hokage."
"Long live Lord Hokage."
"We will follow Lord Hokage to the death."
...
That day's words were remembered by every child. They would all strive and train hard for Konoha's future.
Seeing this, Danzō Shimura quickly had the teachers organize their respective classes and lead them to their classrooms.
Ryun called Danzō over. "Elder Danzō, that yellow haired child will surely have a bright future."
Danzō was startled and looked in the direction Ryun indicated.
"That child's name is Namikaze Minato. He's from a civilian shinobi family. But his future will be even brighter than that of elite clan shinobi, believe it or not?" Ryun added.
Danzō said, "Understood, Lord Hokage. I will have someone keep an eye on him and urge his training from now on."
Ryun gave him a sidelong glance. "No need to urge. I mean assign him to Class S. I will teach Class S personally."
Really, Danzō was so single minded.
Danzō's mind was reeling. Uchiha Ryun would teach Class S personally. He couldn't help but recall the scenes of their teacher instructing him, Hiruzen, and the other four.
-----
The teaching arc begins next. Please look forward to it.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
📖 Like the story? Read 120 chapters ahead!
🔗 patreon.com/atomelectron
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━