Uchiha Ryun left the Hokage Building with Tsunade after receiving Hiruzen Sarutobi's mission.
"Ryun, go ahead and take care of your business. Hehe, make sure you handle the task Sensei gave you properly. This is for the benefit of the nation and its people, so don't slack off. I'll be waiting at home and will personally cook for you!" Tsunade grinned.
Uchiha Ryun smiled. "Alright~ Then I'll look forward to our young lady's culinary skills."
Right in front of the Hokage Building's entrance, in full view of the Anbu guards, the two kissed on the lips and hugged for a while before parting ways.
Anbu: "..."
After separating, Uchiha Ryun headed to the Finance Department, which was currently under Homura Mitokado's management. When Homura saw Uchiha Ryun, he quickly stood up.
"What brings our esteemed Elder Ryun here? Please, take a seat! Someone, bring tea!" Homura Mitokado's attitude couldn't have been more welcoming.
He pulled Uchiha Ryun over and seated him on a leather chair. Uchiha Ryun felt quite pleased inside—this old man really knew how to enjoy life.
"Ahem, Director Mitokado, we've earned quite a bit from this war, right? How much has been deposited so far?" Uchiha Ryun asked calmly.
Homura Mitokado replied, "About 550 million. Sunagakure is quite poor, so they're paying in installments, but the mission assignments have been transferred directly."
"And how much is currently in the Finance Department's reserves, including this amount?" Uchiha Ryun continued.
Homura Mitokado answered, "A total of 1.3 billion. May I ask why Elder Ryun is inquiring about this?"
Uchiha Ryun handed over Hiruzen Sarutobi's written order. Homura Mitokado's heart skipped a beat, and after reading it, he nearly fainted.
One billion—gone in one go? Good heavens, this money just arrived! Hiruzen, have you lost your mind?
"Please issue 1 billion in silver notes to me, Director Mitokado. I need to carry out the Hokage's mission," Uchiha Ryun said with a smile.
With the order in hand, no matter how unhappy Homura Mitokado was, he had no choice but to count out the silver notes and hand them over.
"Ryun, did the Hokage really approve this?" he asked, still unwilling to accept it. Uchiha Ryun nodded.
Finally, Homura Mitokado sighed and slumped back into his chair, staring blankly at the ceiling.
Uchiha Ryun chuckled. "Don't worry, this money will come back eventually."
Homura Mitokado forced a smile. "Of course, I trust you."
After chatting for a bit longer, Uchiha Ryun took the silver notes and headed to the Police Force headquarters.
He pushed open the doors and immediately announced, "Except for those on duty, everyone pause your current tasks. We're holding a brief meeting."
With that, he went to the office to wait for everyone. The office was spacious, used for year-end summaries and capable of accommodating all personnel.
Soon, from secretaries to administrative officers, everyone had gathered, looking at Uchiha Ryun seated at the front. Next to him was a stainless steel cup filled with tea.
"Reporting to the Chief, aside from those on duty or assigned missions today, all police officers and leadership are present!" said Nara Seifū.
Nara Meigetsu sat in a single seat, taking out a notebook and pen to record the meeting. It had to be said, the two secretaries were highly perceptive and efficient, which greatly satisfied Uchiha Ryun.
Uchiha Ryun nodded and began speaking. "Today, I've called everyone here to announce a few matters."
"First, in accordance with the Hokage's directive, we will express condolences to the shinobi who died in the war and increase the post-war bereavement compensation to 100 million in silver. Each of you will notify the respective clans and civilian families."
"For this compensation, I, Uchiha Ryun, along with all police officers, will strictly supervise its distribution. If any cases of embezzlement or failure to deliver the funds are discovered and verified, the responsible officer will be stripped of their public service status in the Police Force and sentenced to death."
"Second, to encourage entrepreneurship, the Hokage has allocated 200 million as startup investment funds. We hope all villagers will actively participate and contribute to Konoha's economic development."
"If any embezzlement occurs, the responsible officer will be dismissed from the Police Force and judged according to the amount embezzled."
"Third, to support scientific research, the Hokage has allocated 500 million in silver..."
After Uchiha Ryun finished explaining the details, Nara Meigetsu recorded them, while Nara Seifū coordinated task assignments. Officers from various clans would supervise each other to ensure every coin was properly allocated.
Given the severity of the penalties Uchiha Ryun proposed, every member of the Police Force was on high alert, meticulously arranging these tasks.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Ryun took the 500 million in silver notes to Orochimaru to discuss research projects. Nara Meigetsu accompanied him as a witness. These records would later be submitted to Hiruzen Sarutobi and made public.
This transparency would prove that Uchiha Ryun had not embezzled a single coin of the village's funds. This wasn't just for show—public disclosure would prevent future accusations and elevate the Hokage and the Uchiha clan's standing in the people's hearts. The Hokage cared for the people, and the Uchiha clan served dutifully as public servants.
Uchiha Ryun knocked on the door. "Orochimaru, are you home?"
The door soon opened, revealing Orochimaru in a casual kimono. His eyes lit up when he saw Uchiha Ryun. "Ryun, please come in. It's cold outside."
Uchiha Ryun nodded and followed Orochimaru inside.
Orochimaru poured tea for Uchiha Ryun and himself before kneeling formally. "Ryun, you're an honored guest. What brings you to my humble abode?"
Uchiha Ryun smiled and took a sip of tea. "Excellent tea. Orochimaru, there's something I think you'll be very interested in."
"Oh? Please, do tell!" Orochimaru had been bored out of his mind lately, with nothing to do but read medical books on human anatomy.
"Here's the thing, Orochimaru. I've secured research funding for you from the Hokage," Uchiha Ryun said calmly.
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed. "How much?"
"500 million." Uchiha Ryun held up five fingers. Orochimaru froze. Had he heard correctly? 500 million?
"Is this for real?" Orochimaru stood up, his gaze burning with excitement as he stared at Uchiha Ryun like a predator eyeing its prey.
Uchiha Ryun placed the 500 million in silver notes on the table with a faint smile. Orochimaru's breathing grew heavy. 500 million! Enough to fund his research for two years!
However, Orochimaru quickly regained his composure. "Ryun, are there any conditions? Or specific research directions?"
Uchiha Ryun nodded. This was the Orochimaru he knew—passionate about research but too sharp to let his guard down easily.
"The Hokage said you should improve the lighter. Yes, the lighter. Then there's limb regeneration, communication technology, and so on." Uchiha Ryun listed many projects, and the more he spoke, the more reassured Orochimaru became.
Uchiha Ryun also spent over 10,000 points to provide Orochimaru with a complete set of books, from physics and chemistry to biomedical sciences.
These books had been translated into Konoha's language. Orochimaru skimmed through them and was instantly hooked—he nearly knelt in gratitude!
[Ding! Detected host's action of impressing Orochimaru. Reward: 20,000 points. Current points: 40,000.]
Uchiha Ryun smiled. After finishing this matter, Orochimaru personally and enthusiastically saw him off.
Orochimaru returned to his books—now, he thirsted for knowledge!