Seeing everyone present, Hiruzen Sarutobi cleared his throat. "First, let me announce something."
"Due to Uchiha Ryun's outstanding efforts in swiftly ending the war instigated by Ōnoki of Iwagakure, he has reduced the losses of our Konoha shinobi and resources, ensuring the safety and property of our villagers remain unharmed."
"Let us express our heartfelt gratitude to Uchiha Ryun with warm applause." As soon as he finished speaking.
All the clan heads present enthusiastically applauded, solely because Uchiha Ryun's strength was currently Konoha's strongest!
The applause lasted over thirty seconds. Uchiha Ryun stood up and bowed to express his gratitude for everyone's applause.
After he sat down and the applause ended, Hiruzen cleared his throat again. "In recognition of Uchiha Ryun's immense strength and profound strategic vision, I, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, hereby declare that Uchiha Ryun shall henceforth serve as Konoha's General and Commander-in-Chief of the Land Forces."
"In the event of war, Uchiha Ryun will be Konoha's supreme wartime commander. All battlefield commanders must prioritize his orders and are forbidden from acting independently."
"Additionally, Uchiha Ryun is promoted to Konoha's Vice-Hokage, taking the first seat in the Hokage candidate lineup. From now on, Konoha shinobi shall treat Uchiha Ryun with the same respect as they would me." Hiruzen spoke at length, each sentence carrying significant weight.
The clan heads exchanged glances, cautiously looking at Uchiha Ryun beside them. Yet Ryun remained calm, as if these developments hadn't stirred him much.
Uchiha Hirotomo's eyes lit up upon hearing this. What was happening? Military and political authority had suddenly fallen into Ryun's hands!
This was excellent. Uchiha Ryun had become Konoha's second-in-command. In a way, he might even be stronger than the top leader!
However, he couldn't show his excitement too openly. Due to Ryun's presence, the Uchiha clan was already the center of attention in the village. If he were the first to stand up now, it might provoke resentment from other clans.
At this moment, Hyūga Sekijō stood up. He declared loudly, "The Hokage's decision is wise. The Hyūga clan supports the Hokage's resolution and will follow the Vice-Hokage's commands."
Boom. It felt like a hammer had struck everyone's hearts. The Hyūga clan! One of the three great noble clans of the Warring States period—Hyūga, Uchiha, and Senju!
The Hyūga clan, which had intimidated other shinobi clans under Hyūga Tenjin's leadership, and had always opposed the Uchiha clan!
Now, they were publicly supporting a member of the Uchiha clan as Vice-Hokage, with full military authority. What was going on?
Hyūga Sekijō smiled at Uchiha Ryun with his Byakugan. Ryun nodded in acknowledgment.
With the Hyūga clan taking the lead, Uchiha Hirotomo finally stood up. "Indeed, Ryun as Vice-Hokage is something our Uchiha clan accepts wholeheartedly!"
"Correct, we support Uchiha Ryun as Vice-Hokage!" The heads of the Ino-Shika-Chō trio—Yamanaka Kumokai, Nara Luming, and Chōza Akimichi—exchanged glances. After Nara Luming nodded, they spoke in unison.
With so many major clans and noble families leading the way, the smaller shinobi clans followed suit—Aburame, Shimura, Inuzuka, Kurama, Uzumaki...
After Hiruzen, as the head of the Sarutobi clan, proposed this motion, everyone present understood his stance. Once all the shinobi had voiced their opinions, Hiruzen smiled.
"Since more than half of the shinobi and clans agree, I hereby declare that effective immediately, Uchiha Ryun will assume the position of Konoha's Vice-Hokage, concurrently serving as Commander-in-Chief of the Land Forces and Konoha General!"
"Now, let the Vice-Hokage come forward and deliver his speech!" Hiruzen smiled amiably, standing up and vacating the Hokage's seat. He gestured for Ryun to sit while he stood behind him.
Uchiha Ryun looked at Hiruzen, sensing no ulterior motives. Amid the applause, Ryun stepped onto the platform and slowly sat on the Hokage's chair.
'Not bad, the chair is quite large and comfortable,' Ryun thought to himself. Then he straightened his posture and addressed the clan heads below.
"First, I thank the Hokage for his trust in entrusting me with such heavy responsibilities. I, Uchiha Ryun, will live up to the Hokage's expectations, safeguarding the villagers' lives and property, serving the people as our guiding principle, and thoroughly implementing all of the Hokage's directives."
"Second, I thank all the clan heads for their support. If there are any shortcomings in my work going forward, I ask the clan heads to point them out promptly and correct them. Additionally, I welcome supervision from the villagers. Anyone dissatisfied with my work may anonymously report me."
"I, Uchiha Ryun, will never retaliate. Moreover, the Hokage's office will verify all reports. If issues are found, I will voluntarily step down."
Ryun's words shocked the assembled clan heads and high-ranking officials. If the Vice-Hokage took such a stance, what about the Hokage? And the elders?
The Hokage's mouth twitched, but since he had already resolved to fully support Ryun, he had to follow through. He coughed twice. "From now on, all Konoha officials must do the same, including me!"
The major clan heads showed no reaction, but some civilian jonin and minor clan members had a gleam in their eyes.
This was excellent—aligning with the people's will, listening to their voices, and ensuring their interests.
"Furthermore, as Vice-Hokage, it's said that a new official must light three fires. The first fire you've already seen. The second fire is the establishment of the Konoha Discipline Department. This department will not be subordinate to any other office but will answer directly to the Hokage and Vice-Hokage."
"Its primary responsibility is overseeing officials' conduct—issues like corruption, dereliction of duty, and abuse of power. In short, it will be a sharp blade hanging over every Konoha official's head!" After Ryun's explanation, everyone gasped.
"Once discovered, punishments will range from dismissal to imprisonment to execution, depending on severity. Each case will be publicly tried!" Ryun's voice was impassioned.
This was a Sword of Damocles hanging over every official's head! Life would be tough for officials from now on.
"As for the third fire..." Before Ryun could finish, the people below winced. There was more?
"All officials will undergo annual evaluations, focusing on performance, legal knowledge, and clarity of duties. Those who pass will be affirmed, outstanding ones will be rewarded, and those who fail three times will be dismissed outright." Ryun smirked.
Some clan members holding positions in Konoha felt like dying. They had been slacking off, but now the Vice-Hokage's sweeping reforms targeted too many vested interests. Yet, fearing his power and authority, no one dared speak up.
Moreover, these three fires burned corrupt and incompetent officials, illuminating Konoha's bright future, path, and prospects.
To officials, he was a demon. To the people, he was a general.
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