Torifu also waved at them, saying, "I apologize for making you work during such a festive New Year."
The workers, however, didn't mind at all. They usually didn't get any holidays during the New Year period, but the Hokage had given them half a month off!
So the workers felt this small task was nothing. Besides, they were still getting paid! They were practically scrambling to get the work done, so who would complain?
To these villagers, whose horizons weren't particularly broad, the various welfare benefits implemented by Torifu were nothing short of immense happiness!
Life was already so wonderful! What more could they ask for?!... No, they probably really did need bicycles…
"Hokage-sama, what will be at the evening celebration?" a worker asked, seemingly just wanting to make small talk.
But to his surprise, Torifu's expression subtly changed, making the worker a bit nervous. He wondered if he had said something wrong.
"There will be celebrations, with lantern displays, fireworks shows, and various snacks and fruits given out for free. You can eat as much as you like, and I'll pay for everything."
As Torifu spoke, his brows were still slightly furrowed; it was clear he had some worries.
The worker didn't know what to do for a moment. Fortunately, Anka spoke up, breaking the worker's awkward silence.
"Hokage-sama, do you have any worries or concerns? Why not tell us about them?"
Torifu sighed at her words. "Ah, yesterday I was reading through some old texts. When the Kumotsuru Clan's earliest ancestors established the New Year festival, it was actually to banish a monster. It normally doesn't appear, only emerging on the last day of each year to stir up trouble."
"Our ancestors once banished this monster. After that, it seemed to hold a grudge against the Kumotsuru Clan, returning every last day of the year, only to be banished again. This cycle repeated until the Kumotsuru Clan declined and no longer observed their traditional customs, and the monster never appeared again after that."
Anka, the workers busy with construction nearby, and the onlooking villagers were all utterly astonished!
They had never heard of such a thing before! And so the original purpose of the New Year festival was to banish this harmful monster!
Anka was somewhat surprised, but she forced herself to calm down, knowing that the Hokage surely had a plan.
"Then, Hokage-sama, will this monster come to Konoha Village tonight? You also said it hasn't appeared for a long time, and nowhere in the ninja world has there been any report of such a monster attacking people."
Torifu sighed faintly. "I too hope it won't come. But this monster was originally banished by the Kumotsuru Clan, which is how their enmity began. A hundred years ago, the Kumotsuru Clan stopped observing their traditional customs, so the monster never returned."
"But now that I've revived the New Year festival, I'm afraid that creature will be drawn by the festivities and wreak havoc in Konoha Village!"
Originally, the villagers didn't think it was a big deal, but Torifu's serious expression and slightly grave tone instilled a hint of fear in them.
And the news that a monster was coming to attack Konoha Village quickly spread throughout the village.
At first, most villagers thought those spreading baseless rumors were simply desperate for fame.
But when they finally learned that it was the Hokage himself who had said it, each and every one of them immediately believed the news.
Throughout the village, people began discussing the matter.
A very small portion of the villagers felt extremely panicked, while the vast majority felt it was nothing to worry about.
Since this monster had always been banished by the Kumotsuru Clan before, then Hokage Torifu, as both the clan head of the Kumotsuru Clan and the Hokage of Konoha Village, surely could easily banish it as well!
At the same time, the villagers were genuinely curious to see what this monster looked like and how powerful it was, to warrant such importance from the Hokage.
The news traveled through the streets and alleys to the ears of the various clans. They had never heard of such a monster, but the Hokage's words possessed absolute credibility.
So they all began to take precautions, and the clan heads gathered at the Hokage's office.
They waited for the Hokage to provide a precise defense protocol, ensuring that Konoha Village would not suffer any mishaps.
"Hokage-sama, please just tell us what to do. We will certainly not let the village suffer any harm."
All the clan heads spoke in unison. They did not complain or grumble, for they had very happily enjoyed these past ten-plus days of holiday.
They had also enjoyed the long-awaited lively atmosphere that the New Year festival brought them.
Now that Konoha Village faced a potential threat, one that sought to ruin the New Year festival, they naturally could not allow it.
Hearing the clan heads' resolute and united stance, Torifu showed a smile.
"With the assistance of all of you, banishing the monster will surely be as easy as turning one's hand over."
He then explained in detail, "This monster is afraid of firelight and loud noises. By targeting its weaknesses, we can easily banish it."
Firelight? Loud noises? Is it that simple? It seems this monster isn't so impressive after all.
Before the clan heads could ask, Torifu continued, "Scattered bits of firelight and noise won't work. To banish it, we'll need a massive spectacle."
"For firelight, fireworks will suffice. Once they explode, they can also obscure its vision. As for loud noises, I've found a good method as well."
Then Torifu took a piece of paper from his ring and handed it to the clan heads. "This is a jutsu I developed, named Fire Bamboo Jutsu. It has no offensive power, but it creates a very loud noise."
Hearing Torifu's description, the clan heads understood that the Hokage was asking them to be responsible for creating the noise.
If every ninja learned this jutsu and used it together, it would certainly be loud enough!
"Teach this jutsu to your clan members; your combined clans will be enough."
With everything arranged, the clan heads were relieved. It was just a mere monster; could it really harm Konoha Village?
Moreover, since its weaknesses were so simple, how powerful could it possibly be then?
The clan heads assured Torifu that their clan members would learn the jutsu immediately, and it would definitely be useful that night.
A three-hand-seal jutsu couldn't even be ranked; it was very simple.
"Remember, the jutsu needs to be released in succession, one after another. Continuous loud noises are needed to banish the monster, not just a momentary burst of sound."
The clan heads cupped their hands in salute, signifying their understanding, and then left the Hokage Building to begin their discussions.
Meanwhile, Torifu was very pleased, for the matter of firecrackers had been resolved.
Without firecrackers and fireworks, what kind of New Year celebration would that be?
This was perfect; it would let the ninjas transform into living firecrackers and add a touch of festive cheer to Konoha Village.
And since word of the monster had already been released, the projector also needed to be set up properly.
He didn't want anything to go wrong at the last minute; not only would everyone's efforts be in vain, but it would also affect the credibility of Torifu's commands.