Ryun walked out of his house. He had people notify the various clans about a meeting at the Hokage's office tomorrow. The Anbu shinobi did not dare to be negligent and immediately took action.
It must be said, after Ryun succeeded the Hokage position, there had been no shortage of meetings. Of course, Konoha's development had also gotten better and better. The people's standard of living had significantly improved. Because of this, all the clan leaders were happy to attend meetings.
Afterwards, he arrived at the Konoha Military Police Force and walked in. Everyone working looked up at the door and excitedly shouted, "Old Leader, you are here."
This cry of 'Old Leader' instantly sparked a strong response. Many people busy with their work told their assistants to continue and stood up, gathering towards the door.
Old Leader. That was right, they were referring to Ryun. Within the Konoha system, especially in the Konoha Military Police Force, the way they addressed Ryun was not limited to 'Lord Hokage'. They also affectionately called him Old Leader.
On one hand, it showed their respect for Ryun. On the other hand, it was a way of stating their stance. Old Leader, we are all your people. When there are promotion opportunities in the future, you must give priority to us, your own people.
Ryun looked at this scene and could not help but smile. "Ahem, comrades, you have worked hard. Your diligence, I see it all. I hope you will continue to spare no effort in serving the villagers in the future."
After this set of official rhetoric, the leaders and staff of the Military Police Force all agreed, expressing that they would remember the leader's teachings, remain steadfast in serving the villagers of Konoha, and not let the Old Leader down.
Ryun nodded. Then he walked into the office of the current leader. Hirotomo was sitting in the office reading a scroll, frowning. At that moment, Ryun walked in.
Hirotomo frowned. Why so rude? Entering without knocking? When he put down the scroll and looked up, his pupils constricted. Okay then, I take that back. So it is my dear Lord Hokage who has come.
Hirotomo stood up and walked over to Ryun with a full smile. "Lord Hokage, what wind blows you to my humble office? I have missed you terribly."
This sentence was half true, half false. He definitely missed him a bit. After all, ever since Ryun got married and moved out with Tsunade, he rarely returned to the clan grounds. As one of Ryun's earliest supporters, Hirotomo certainly missed him a little.
But under these circumstances, he understood that Ryun's appearance at the Military Police Force surely meant something big. Otherwise, he would not have appeared in his office during work hours.
Ryun smiled. "Clan Leader Hirotomo, what kind of talk is that? There are no outsiders here. You can call me Ryun."
Hirotomo shook his head. "It is not right to say that, Lord Hokage. In my heart, you are this. An existence like faith itself. How can I casually address you by your name? If colleagues heard, they would blame me for having too much favor and not knowing my place."
Ryun was amused. He did not expect Hirotomo to have become so smooth after all he had been through. His words were flawless. But Ryun truly was not trying to test him. However, seeing Hirotomo's expression of absolute loyalty, he did not say much more and sat down with a smile.
"Director Hirotomo, there is one thing you need to notify everyone below. Weren't there many reserve cadres in the units before? Tell them they will all have the opportunity to become regular cadres now." Ryun said with a smile.
Hirotomo was delighted upon hearing this. If one were to ask which clan had the most reserve cadres, the Uchiha would definitely be first. Back then, in order to integrate into Konoha, Ryun had given half of the regular positions to other clans. Although the treatment for reserve cadres and regular cadres was the same, the lack of promotion opportunities still left them somewhat dissatisfied.
However, at that time, for the glory of the Uchiha clan, for Ryun's political future, and for the Uchiha clan to integrate into Konoha as soon as possible, they had all agreed back then, waiting to be heavily utilized in the future. Many cadres had privately spoken to Hirotomo about it numerous times. Hirotomo would say, isn't life comfortable enough for the Uchiha now? Isn't everyone living well? As long as you work hard, there will be opportunities in the future to become regulars, or even advance further.
The clansmen had no choice but to agree. After all, Ryun, as the Hokage, certainly could not openly help the Uchiha clan directly. Wouldn't that be using public office for private gain?
"How many positions can be allocated?" Hirotomo, coming back to his senses, poured Ryun a cup of tea, his eyes full of laughter, as if looking at his own father.
Ryun took the hot tea, blew on it, then took a sip. "All of them."
Hirotomo was stunned. Damn, brother, you are really something. You have only been in office for half a year and you are already openly promoting the clan's advancement like this? Won't this affect your political future?
"Lord Hokage, I think the Uchiha clan is not in that much of a hurry. This step is a bit too big." After thinking it over carefully, Hirotomo decided he must voice his opinion. He also wanted his clansmen to advance, but the cost would be Ryun bearing a bad reputation, or even the Uchiha clan becoming a topic of negative discussion. This was something he could not accept.
Ryun naturally understood his meaning. He put the teacup aside and shook his head. "No, Director Hirotomo. Your concerns, I am clear about them. But rest assured, this will not have a negative impact on me, or on the clan."
Hirotomo understood that Ryun was not the type to speak without reason. So his eyes flashed as he looked at Ryun, but he did not ask proactively. Such matters could not be rushed. Advancement could not be spoken of openly. One could only wait.
Ryun did not keep him in suspense. He spoke. "Recently, I accepted a mission. Oh, right, the Director probably heard from Fugaku. Then I will not elaborate too much."
Hirotomo nodded, understanding that the mission Ryun referred to was the one about exterminating the bandits, rescuing the women, and returning the provisions.
"This matter made me think of many things. In the Land of Fire, there are many towns. There, the Daimyo's army is responsible for jurisdiction. Basically, there are no bandits. But in the rural areas of the Land of Fire, no one is stationed there."
"Once something happens, it takes a day and a night for the common people to reach the town. Then it takes another day and night for the soldiers to come out. This back and forth not only delays matters, but those kidnapped women basically have their lives ruined. I wonder if Director Hirotomo can understand what I am saying."
Ryun looked at Hirotomo with a scrutinizing gaze. Hirotomo nodded. "What Lord Hokage says is absolutely correct. But this situation has been like this since ancient times. No matter how many troops or shinobi we send to clear them out, we can only achieve temporary peace. After a while, new forces will emerge and continue to cause trouble."
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