"Yes, although the Land of Demons hasn't been touched by war, the domestic environment isn't completely stable. There are quite a few bandit groups lurking around some remote, ungoverned villages. We need to clear out all the bandits in the country as soon as possible. This map records the locations of the bandits."
Hakushi took out a map of the Land of Demons, with many places marked in red circles, indicating the presence of bandit groups.
"These small matters can be handled by others."
If it were a formidable opponent, Ruri might be a bit interested.
These bandits with no real power didn't pique Ruri's interest.
"No, they have to work on road construction."
Hakushi declined Ruri's suggestion.
"..."
"Many roads in the Land of Demons are not very accessible. It might not mean much to ninjas, but for ordinary people, traveling is quite difficult, especially on rainy days. This is a significant workload."
Even with all the manpower in the organization committed to it, it would still take a long time.
But it's a necessary task to complete.
To ensure future convenience, we'll have to put in the hard work now.
"Is there any point in doing this?"
Ruri frowned, feeling a headache coming on.
Compared to eradicating bandits, road construction held little interest for her. She was more interested in training and becoming stronger, not doing work suited for mercenaries or craftsmen.
"Of course it's meaningful. To promote positive exchanges in commerce, education, and other areas, road construction is essential."
"Got it. I'll do it then."
Ruri left, feeling utterly displeased.
Seeing Ruri leave with an unhappy face, Hakushi felt helpless because the organization really couldn't spare more manpower right now.
Exterminating bandits is the first step, as stabilizing the internal situation of the Land of Demons requires solving the bandit problem first.
While addressing the bandit issue, road maintenance must proceed simultaneously.
There's no time for rest right now.
Connecting new roads to every city and village in the Land of Demons is no small task.
Fortunately, ninjas can use various clever methods to shorten the workload. Otherwise, the amount of work would be terrifying.
Compared to road construction, tasks like eliminating bandits are relatively simple and straightforward.
The bandit extermination and road construction are both in full swing, not requiring my direct involvement.
What's left is the establishment of educational institutions. With schools, we can enhance political propaganda, address education issues, and elevate the populace's intellectual levels.
"Hakushi-kun, I came to see you."
Ayane's voice came from behind, entering his ears.
Then, a familiar elastic sensation appeared on his back.
"Hey, don't suddenly appear behind me."
"What's the big deal? I just saw Ruri leave with the Byakugan… That means it's just the two of us here, right?"
Her gaze seemed to be expecting something.
"Is your work done?"
Ignoring her expectations, Hakushi gave her a glance.
Ayane loosened her hold from behind Hakushi's neck, standing to the side, and said in a troubled tone, "The tasks you gave me were too boring. It's because it's dull there that I don't want to stay. Anyway, my absence doesn't matter, since I don't understand road construction. So I let the Earth General oversee it for me."
"You should be more attentive. You are, after all, the face of those Hyuga Clan ninjas. By the way, is everything fine with your mother?"
Hakushi remembered something and asked.
When Ayane left the Hyuga Clan this time, she had knocked her mother out and had her transported here.
Playing with her hair, Ayane laughed indifferently, "That woman… At first, she was crying and lamenting that I shouldn't have done this, urging me to apologize quickly, saying the Main Family would surely forgive me… What a foolish woman."
"Is it okay to talk about her like that? She is your mother, after all."
"If she weren't my mother, I wouldn't care about her well-being. Don't worry, she's too conservative to vocalize her complaints. She's just a woman who fits Hyuga's traditions."
This was Ayane's assessment of her mother.
Hearing Ayane finish speaking, Hakushi decided to let it go. After all, his priority now was to get the development plan for the Land of Demons on track as soon as possible.
"Hakushi-kun, can't we take a little break occasionally? We're completely free now, Ruri's not here, so how about enjoying the hot springs? We can work afterward, right? Speaking of which, I haven't actually tried the hot springs in the Land of Demons yet. Let's go together."
Ayane leaned on him again, speaking with suggestive words.
The heavy, tightly held whiteness seemed about to jump out of her neckline.
"This is an office, be serious… You're blocking my view."
Hakushi felt a rush of heat deep in his nose.
Is this the power of an S-rank Forbidden Secret Technique?
This forbidden ninja technique is really against the rules.
Suddenly there was a knocking sound on the door.
"Oh my, little Hakushi, are you in there? It's Miyoko. I brought those documents for you. Oh? The door seems unlocked, so I'll just come in now."
With a click, the doorknob turned.
Uchiha Miyoko, dressed in elegant clothes, walked in from outside, her face adorned with a bright and lively smile, seemingly in high spirits.
The scene she witnessed was Ayane in an intimate posture leaning against Hakushi.
Her eyelids twitched, and her smile froze on her face.
"Uhh... Little Hakushi, what are you two doing, am I interrupting something?"