Uchiha Ryun was different from others. Since he was given an official position, he would speak the truth and do practical things.
With absolute power in hand, there was no need for hypocrisy or compromise. Uchiha Ryun remained true to his original aspiration, putting the people first. Moreover, the contents of this meeting would spread soon after it ended.
Everyone exchanged glances. Finally, Uchiha Hirotomo took the lead and said, "The Uchiha clan is willing to be the first to undergo inspection by the Discipline Department. If any clansmen are found guilty of crimes, we will never tolerate them!"
Of course, Ryun was one of their own. Who else would the Uchiha support if not him?
The Hyūga clan head, Hyūga Sekijō, seemed lost in thought. His fair, delicate fingers tapped lightly on the armrest before he clenched them into a fist. "We, the Hyūga clan, also support these policies!"
As wealthy and powerful clans, they naturally didn't care about the benefits or perks of public office. Which family didn't own a few streets' worth of property?
Some of the smaller clans hesitated, such as the Sarutobi, Shimura, Utatane, and Mitokado.
However, since Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzō Shimura chose to support Uchiha Ryun, the Sarutobi and Shimura clans were fine with it. But Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado exchanged glances.
One of them had connections in the hospital, while the other was the head of the Finance Department. Just yesterday, they had considered seeking benefits for their families. Before they could even make plans, their schemes were nipped in the bud today.
Still, it was good. Uchiha Ryun's warning came just in time. If the two elder advisors had actually acted, they couldn't blame Ryun for being merciless.
Even Hiruzen's pleas wouldn't help. The key point was that Hiruzen couldn't stop Uchiha Ryun either. The consequences for their clans would range from confiscation of assets to imprisonment.
Finally, Uchiha Ryun, the Vice-Hokage and General of the Military Council, officially assumed his position. This historic moment was recorded by Nara Seifū and Nara Meigetsu, both of whom smiled faintly.
Uchiha Ryun's personality and policies perfectly aligned with their political ideals. If you become an official, don't think about getting rich. If you want wealth, don't become an official!
Diligent governance for the people, construction, and development—these were what officials should learn and do. Remain true to the original aspiration, keep the mission in mind.
Hiruzen sighed. The matter of the Sarutobi Corps would have to be abandoned. He didn't believe Uchiha Ryun would give him the opportunity, as this was also a form of personal gain.
As for what would happen to Konoha in the future, he didn't know. But it would probably prosper.
Civil officials who don't lust for wealth, military officers who don't fear death, leaders who put the people first, and law enforcers who lead by example.
After the meeting, Tsunade held Uchiha Ryun's arm, resting her head on his shoulder, feeling wonderful.
On one hand, the two would be married in less than two months. On the other hand, the Konoha that Uchiha Ryun envisioned was the one she recognized, supported, and admired in her heart.
She had initially worried that Konoha might decay due to corruption or become a place where everyone lived in fear due to schemes. But now, with Ryun here, it wouldn't happen. This was the Konoha she wanted. A Konoha like this was truly good.
"Ryun..." Tsunade suddenly looked up at his handsome profile.
Uchiha Ryun raised an eyebrow. "What is it, Tsuna?" He bent down, bringing his lips close to hers, their eyes meeting.
His peach-blossom eyes, which could make even a dog feel cherished, curved into a smile, making Tsunade's heart skip a beat. She was momentarily entranced.
But then, Ryun pinched her cheek lightly with his thumb and forefinger, the slight tug bringing her back to reality. After a muffled protest, she patted his hand and pouted, "What are you doing?"
Uchiha Ryun grinned. "Did you get so lost staring at your dear husband that you forgot what you wanted to say?"
"N-no!" Tsunade rolled her eyes at him.
"Oh? Then what did you want to say earlier?" Ryun decided not to tease her further, wrapping his right arm around her slender waist and gazing at her tenderly.
"I... I just wanted to say thank you for appearing in my life!" Tsunade met his eyes seriously.
Her earnestness dispelled Ryun's earlier playfulness, and he became serious as well.
"Why do you say that?" Ryun suddenly asked, looking at her.
"If Ryun hadn't appeared, perhaps I still wouldn't have found the meaning of my existence. What I'm truly good at is healing and saving lives."
"Carrying the title of 'the First Hokage's granddaughter' bore too many burdens—the lives of the remaining Uzumaki clan members, the rise and fall of the Uzumaki clan, the survival of Konoha. Each task was more difficult and suffocating than the last."
"I couldn't focus on medical ninjutsu research or enjoy the joy of healing others. I..." Before she could finish, Ryun pressed a finger to her lips.
"That's not how it should be said. It should be: without Lady Tsunade, there would be no me today. Without Lady Tsunade's recognition, there would be no 'Military God' in the Land of Rain. Without Lady Tsunade's affection, there would be no Mangekyō Sharingan. Without Lady Tsunade, perhaps I would have lived an ordinary life." Ryun fell into reminiscence.
"But it's precisely because of these events that we came to know each other, understand each other, and fall in love, isn't it?" His words were like a gentle breeze, soothing Tsunade's heart.
She had thought her contributions were nothing compared to what Ryun had done for her. Yet, in his heart, she was so important.
Yes, love is mutual. There's no such thing as debt in true love. The right person appears at the right time, and dedicating oneself to them doesn't feel like a sacrifice.
Because those who truly love each other will always notice the other's efforts and reciprocate with even more. That is true love.
"Wuwu... Ryun..." Tsunade's eyes reddened as she hugged him tightly.
Ryun chuckled, stroking her hair with one hand while the other rested protectively on her back. "There, there, don't cry."
His movements were gentle, his tone soothing, as if coaxing a child. Tsunade loved this. She sniffled, pressing her face against his chest, unwilling to let go.
Whoosh—Boom!
A firework shot into the sky, its golden sparks illuminating the heavens with a dazzling display.
Ryun patted Tsunade's shoulder. "Sweetheart, look." He pointed at the distant fireworks.
Tsunade blinked, following his finger. Just as she looked over, the golden firework exploded with a resounding boom.
The momentary beauty froze before her eyes. Her eyebrows lifted, and her lips parted slightly.
Ryun pulled her close and kissed her.
"Mmm..." Tsunade was caught off guard. At first, she struggled slightly, but soon, she kissed him back right there in the street.
Then, more fireworks of all colors soared into the sky. Ryun and Tsunade broke the kiss, holding hands as they gazed upward.
"Tsunade! I love you!" Ryun's voice was drowned out by the fireworks. Tsunade only caught her name and looked at him in confusion.
But this scene was perfect for a confession. He probably couldn't hear her, right?
"Ryun! I love you!" Tsunade's voice was also swallowed by the fireworks. But Ryun smiled, having deciphered her words through lip-reading with his Sharingan.
He was delighted that Tsunade had done the same as him.
Ryun leaned down and kissed her tender lips again. This time, both closed their eyes, savoring the warmth of the moment.
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