The Konoha Military Police Force acted swiftly. In just one day, they fully implemented Uchiha Ryun's request.
The next morning, villagers spontaneously gathered below the Hokage Building. Most were family members of shinobi who had died in the First and Second Great Shinobi Wars. They knelt on the ground, waiting for Hiruzen Sarutobi to appear. Uchiha Ryun had not slept all night and was about to rest when he was notified that villagers had gathered below the Hokage Building and his presence was needed to maintain order.
Uchiha Ryun understood. He said to the night shift members of the Military Police Force, "Everyone, stay a little longer. Go and inform the Hokage that his presence is required now. Remember, this matter takes priority. Even if the Hokage is sleeping, wake him up."
The night shift members exchanged glances at Uchiha Ryun's resolute expression, then nodded and immediately took action. Uchiha Ryun, meanwhile, hurried alone to the Hokage Building to organize the crowd.
As the Hokage, what in the village could escape Hiruzen Sarutobi's notice? The moment the villagers began gathering, an Anbu agent was already kneeling outside his room to report. Though he was the Hokage, his sharp instincts as a Kage-level shinobi remained. He immediately got up to assess the situation.
Just as he finished dressing and was about to leave, two members of the Konoha Military Police Force arrived to deliver the message. He nodded and said, "Go back and tell Ryun that I appreciate his thoughtfulness."
With that, Hiruzen Sarutobi, clad in his Hokage robe, headed to the Hokage Building.
"Everyone, please remain calm. I am Uchiha Ryun, Head of the Konoha Military Police Force and a Konoha Elder. Please be patient. I have already sent someone to inform the Hokage. He will arrive shortly!" Uchiha Ryun's voice was clear and firm.
"It's Head Ryun! Yesterday, the Military Police came to my house and delivered a large sum of compensation. They said the Hokage declared our family a 'Hero's Family' and that heroes' blood must not be forgotten while their families suffer!" an elderly woman cried out.
"Head Ryun, the Hokage is the greatest leader we have ever seen. He has not forgotten us shinobi who bled for the village!" said a disabled shinobi, standing on one leg with the support of a crutch.
Uchiha Ryun quickly reassured them, "Everyone, rest assured. The Hokage will be here soon. I, too, believe our Hokage is the most benevolent and kind-hearted Hokage!"
As soon as he finished speaking, someone spotted Hiruzen Sarutobi approaching and shouted, "The Hokage is here!"
"Hokage-sama!"
"Lord Hiruzen!"
"Third Hokage!"
The crowd immediately shifted direction, moving toward Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Step back! All of you, step back!" Anbu agents drew their weapons, blocking the villagers from advancing further. Their duty was to protect Hiruzen Sarutobi's safety.
The villagers calmed down at this sight, though their eyes still shone with gratitude.
Hiruzen Sarutobi grabbed the wrist of one Anbu agent. "What are you doing? Put your weapons away! These are Konoha's villagers, our family! Weapons should only be drawn against enemies, against those who threaten Konoha's safety!"
"Yes!" All the Anbu responded in unison, sheathing their weapons and standing guard around Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Uchiha Ryun smiled at this scene. 'This is how it should be. Kindness is for our own villagers, cruelty is for enemy shinobi.'
"Hokage-sama! I was a jonin in the Second War. My leg was severed by a Suna puppet, forcing me to retire from the frontlines. I never expected you to remember us and even send such a generous sum of money." With that, the one-legged shinobi dropped his crutch and knelt on the ground.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was startled. He quickly pushed past the Anbu and helped the man up. "What are you doing? You are a hero of Konoha! It is my duty to ensure your livelihood."
"Hokage-sama..." The disabled shinobi wept openly as Hiruzen Sarutobi patted his shoulder and personally handed him back his crutch.
Soon, cries of "Hokage-sama!" filled the air, each voice brimming with gratitude and admiration. Hiruzen Sarutobi handled such scenes with practiced ease.
Then, someone shouted, "Long live the Hokage!" The villagers immediately echoed, "Long live the Hokage!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi froze for a moment. A rush of exhilaration surged through him, his face flushing with excitement.
"Willing to die for the Hokage!"
"Willing to die for the Hokage!" (xN)
The villagers repeated these words, shouting them fervently. Nara Seifū quietly slipped out of the crowd and approached Uchiha Ryun.
"You did well, Seifū," Uchiha Ryun said, patting his shoulder.
Nara Seifū smirked. "Well, it was nothing. But Head Ryun, convincing the Hokage to increase the compensation is what's truly admirable."
"Did Luming teach you that line?" Uchiha Ryun chuckled.
Nara Seifū shook his head. "I only heard from the clan head that you were behind this. The rest was my own thought." His expression turned serious.
Uchiha Ryun laughed at his solemn face. "Alright, don't be so serious. You're younger than me, yet you act older!"
He glanced at Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was modestly telling the crowd not to exaggerate, though the corners of his mouth were nearly reaching his ears.
After about two hours, the crowd dispersed. In high spirits and basking in his newfound titles, Hiruzen Sarutobi called out to Uchiha Ryun at the Hokage Building entrance, "Ryun, come with me."
Uchiha Ryun promptly responded, "Yes!" and followed him upstairs. Once inside the office, Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke.
"Ryun, excellent work! The compensation distribution was handled perfectly! Heroes and their families must have clothing, food, and shelter." He poured Uchiha Ryun a cup of tea.
Uchiha Ryun quickly waved his hand. "It was all thanks to the Hokage's guidance!"
"Ryun, it's just the two of us here. Speak freely, no need to be so cautious," Hiruzen Sarutobi said helplessly.
Uchiha Ryun was exceptional in every way—handsome, talented, and strong—but he was overly cautious, unlike a typical young man.
Uchiha Ryun blinked. "The Hokage's actions have united the people. Everyone believes the Hokage will lead Konoha to new heights."
He knew better than to take Hiruzen Sarutobi's words at face value. When a leader tells you not to be formal, it's just politeness. Taking it seriously would be unwise.
Seeing Uchiha Ryun's evasiveness, Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled. "You... you... Thank you for this, Ryun. Is there anything you want?"