"This isn't Lord Hokage's fault. The coming of war was something none of us could have predicted. Saving more people amidst the chaos is the responsibility and duty of us Medical Ninja. That's also why I chose the path of being a Medical Ninja. But I also have to thank Lord Hokage for valuing our group of Medical Ninja, giving us the status we enjoy in the village today."
Hakushi spoke resolutely.
In the past, Medical Ninja in Konoha weren't paid much attention, and generally speaking, their status couldn't compare to that of the combat personnel.
Only after the medical reforms did the village elevate the status of the Medical Ninja, which was later imitated by other villages.
Tsunade indeed put her all into the development of the village, and in terms of contributions in this area, there's no one in Konoha who can compare to her.
Now the majority of the new generation of Medical Ninja in Konoha have more or less received her guidance.
And these Medical Ninja she has trained have in turn saved countless ninja and villagers in the village, so it's not hard to imagine Tsunade's esteemed position in the village.
"This is all the result of Tsunade's hard work, it doesn't have much to do with me, the Hokage."
Hiruzen shook his head, smiling. Seeing his disciple have such high esteem in the village made him truly very happy.
Only this way can the village be stable.
His three disciples have really made outstanding contributions.
Hakushi stood there with Hiruzen, watching the students playing ninja games not far away on the playground, and said, "Kids nowadays are really fortunate, unlike a few years ago when you might be sent to the battlefield immediately after graduation."
"Yes, protecting these children is the greatest legacy Lord Hashirama left to the village—the Will of Fire."
"The First Hokage was a great man, and someone I aspire to be like. The Will of Fire that he passed down is indeed a great will that deserves to move all people."
Hakushi spoke with utmost conviction.
Hiruzen merely smiled without responding, and after a while, he finally said, "By the way, what do you think of the Uchiha people?"
Hakushi pondered a moment and said, "Although some of them are a bit too arrogant, I think, at their core, they're not bad people. It's just that the Security Team often receives complaints from the villagers."
Mentioning this, there was some helplessness on his face.
Hiruzen laughed, "That's right, the Uchiha also inherited Lord Hashirama's Will of Fire. I hope that one day the villagers will recognize the Uchiha Clan as family."
"Lord Hokage, you came to ask me about Ruri, didn't you?"
Hakushi hesitated for a moment and then asked Hiruzen in return.
Hiruzen fell silent.
"I'm very worried about her current state."
"I knew it. With all you have to deal with, Lord Hokage wouldn't bother with a small fry like me otherwise, would you?"
Hakushi simply forced a wry smile, giving off an air of carefree indifference, as if he didn't mind at all.
"I've told you not to belittle yourself. To be recognized by the Uchiha Clan's genius Jonin undoubtedly proves your excellence and sincerity. In my eyes, you're already an outstanding Konoha Ninja who's inherited Lord Hashirama's Will of Fire."
"Just kidding. Please, Lord Hokage, don't take it seriously." Hakushi smiled, then, considering a moment, answered Hiruzen, "Ever since Teacher Sakumo passed away, Ruri's emotions have never been very stable. Honestly, I was very angry about Teacher Sakumo's death at that time, but the deceased are gone, and Teacher Sakumo wouldn't want us to become like this."
"Sakumo was an outstanding Konoha Ninja…"
"Yes, that's exactly why I could truly understand Teacher Sakumo. Even up to his death, he made that kind of decision out of deep love for Konoha. And as his former students, all we need to do is understand and carry on his will by living on. After all, inheriting the teacher's will is our duty and goal as students."
Hakushi reached out his hand toward the sky and clenched it, as if trying to grasp something.
Looking at Hakushi's bright and untroubled smile—it was a kind of expression and gaze that only someone with an utterly pure heart could possess.
Hiruzen was a little dazed.
He couldn't help but be moved that someone as young as Hakushi could already think about problems with such an all-encompassing mindset.
And this kind of mindset is precisely the precious quality a Hokage needs.
Hiruzen had a feeling that if it was this person, perhaps he could truly allow the Uchiha Clan to integrate into the village and become one family.
"Looks like I was worried for nothing."
Hiruzen gave a helpless smile, but his heart was much relieved.
He really was worrying too much. With such an excellent man who possesses a Hokage's mindset by her side, that Uchiha prodigy surely won't stray down any wrong path.
Hiruzen had this confidence.
"When you two get married, I'll be there on time, and I'll prepare a wedding gift for you both."
"Ahem... Lord Hokage, you're joking! That kind of thing is still a long way off for Ruri and me."
Hakushi turned red in the face.
"Seventeen isn't that young anymore. At your age, I was already almost engaged to Biwako."
Hiruzen saw Hakushi's slightly embarrassed reaction and smiled in his heart. Such a cute and kind-hearted young man.
As for that Uchiha prodigy girl, it seems there's truly nothing to worry about anymore.
It really makes one look forward to a bright future where this village is like one big and happy family.
◎
"You're really late today—you're about to be late."
"Sorry, Teacher Tsunade, I just ran into Lord Hokage in the hallway and chatted for a bit."