Though called an award ceremony, in truth it resembled a meeting for the Policy Department.
Haruki sat on Tsunade's left side.
Before them were rows of seats occupied by members of the Policy Department.
Namikaze Minato and Sakumo Hatake—regarded as war heroes—were seated in the front row.
Behind them came ordinary Konoha citizens who had gathered out of curiosity.
Well, not quite out of curiosity.
The recent foreign war involved over ten thousand participants.
Almost everyone present in Konoha had some sort of connection—familial or otherwise—to these ninja warriors.
Haruki scanned the crowd. As expected, Jiraiya and Orochimaru weren't there.
Both of them didn't care about such rewards—or perhaps looked down on them.
Jiraiya was free-spirited and independent-minded; keeping him tied down permanently in Konoha was impossible.
Orochimaru, meanwhile, was a recluse at heart, currently obsessed only with immortality and ninjutsu.
His continued support for Konoha was rooted in its ability to provide him with the necessary resources.
Otherwise, he would have defected long ago.
Even Haruki couldn't keep him here permanently.
Ten minutes later, Tsunade stood to deliver her customary speech.
Essentially words of appreciation in light of their victory.
But judging from everyone's reaction, it proved quite effective.
Actually, since everyone was on the winning side, whatever was said naturally sounded pleasing.
Had they been defeated, no amount of encouragement would have done any good.
This particular distribution of rewards included only Konoha Village and New Leaf Village, excluding Xia Country.
Because most ninja weren't actually suited for governing a nation.
Their upbringing revolved entirely around killing enemies, not building a prosperous country.
Fortunately, the university Haruki had established was beginning to bear fruit.
In a few years, the younger generation would rise to replace the current ninja, emerging wiser and more capable.
Eventually, a series of Minato-level geniuses would appear.
Even if they never mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique.
After Tsunade finished speaking, Haruki stood up.
Instantly, thunderous applause erupted across the square.
They all understood clearly—the fundamental reason this war had been won with such minimal cost was Haruki.
Reintroducing the Wood Release into the ninja world, sweeping through everything just as Hashirama Senju once did.
In the previous Great Ninja World War, although Konoha had technically won, they gained nothing.
It was nearly indistinguishable from defeat.
But this time, what they had gained felt overwhelming—bordering on surreal.
Territory as vast as the Land of Fire—the Land of Lightning, plus Kumogakure, a village rivaling Konoha in strength—were now under their control.
Nothing short of miraculous.
And this miracle was brought forth by Haruki.
The thunderous applause lasted for several minutes.
Haruki tried multiple times to speak, but his voice was drowned out.
He could only wait patiently as the cheers gradually faded.
None of the other ninja showed any impatience either.
On the contrary, they seemed envious, even.
Who else, aside from Hashirama Senju himself, could possibly achieve such legendary status?
"That's incredible,"
Itachi Uchiha couldn't help himself but comment.
Too young to sit with Mikoto, he remained standing among the crowd in the plaza.
He stood with Shisui and Haku amidst the crowd.
Although he had been treated strictly by Mikoto in recent years, the one who influenced him the most was actually Haruki. Technically, his mother Mikoto was Haruki's apprentice, and her style of doing things and educating was closer to Haruki's. What Itachi Uchiha learned was merely the knowledge Mikoto had inherited from Haruki.
"Brother, what did you mean when you said 'it's good'?"
Haku blinked. He didn't know much about Haruki—only that he was Mikoto's teacher.
"You wouldn't understand yet."
Itachi spoke with the tone of an adult. "Once you start school, you'll naturally understand what I meant."
Haku puffed his cheeks slightly. His adopted older brother was amazing in every way, yet always treated him like a kid. Sure, he was a kid, but wasn't Itachi the same age?
On the stage, Haruki noticed the noise settling down and raised his hand, beginning to announce Minato's achievements and rewards. He took the number of people into account. So he chose only thirty individuals for detailed recognition. As for the others, their contributions would be broadcasted throughout Konoha Village through various channels, so that every villager could know about them.
Haruki announced them starting from the least notable to the most outstanding achievements. The last one was none other than Minato. When mentioning Minato, the plaza erupted in cheers once again, welcoming their hero. Minato received the exact same title as before, but its scope had almost doubled, meaning both increased power and responsibility.
The commendation ceremony over, the next two days would be celebration days for Konoha. Still, Haruki had other pressing matters to attend to.
The next day,
Haruki summoned Hiashi Hyuga.
"Please have a seat. What would you like to drink?"
"I'm fine with anything."
Hiashi felt somewhat stiff; Haruki's excessive politeness made him rather uneasy.
"Then green tea it is."
Haruki took out a pack of tea leaves from the cabinet and brewed a cup for Hiashi Hyuga.
"Thank you."
Hiashi accepted the teacup. In the traditional Hyuga household, normally they drank tea according to the formalities of the tea ceremony. Of course, Haruki wouldn't dare impose any formalities. Even plain boiled water would've been fine.
Hiashi blew gently on the tea surface before taking a sip. The tea was top grade, first-rate. Yet somehow this brewing method wasted such high-quality leaves. Such a thought briefly crossed his mind. Setting the cup down, he asked, "Lord Haruki, you called me here—do you have something you need to ask of me?"
"Normally, since you're getting married soon, I shouldn't bother you, but as the Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation, this task can only be entrusted to you."
Hiashi paused, sensing a bad premonition. If earlier he hadn't fully understood what this department did, now after these years, he clearly did. Was it… another request to build railways in the Land of Lightning?
Truthfully, he wanted to accomplish something like what Minato had achieved—something highly visible where he could gain considerable benefits. Fortunately, the Hyuga Clan was not lacking in dedication or pride, unlike the Uchiha Clan. With their population growing in recent years, they were no longer limited to transportation duties alone. In fact, almost all of the military's snipers came from the Hyuga Clan.
"Lord Haruki, please go ahead and say whatever it is. My wedding won't interfere with my work."
Hiashi replied earnestly, his face sincere.
"You truly are the backbone of Konoha."
Haruki pulled a sheet of paper from his desk and handed it to him.
"What is this?"
Hiashi Hyuga glanced at the blueprint covered in intricate lines, a puzzled expression forming on his face.
At first glance, it resembled a star,
yet it subtly implied some sort of structure,
almost like a rough sketch of a town.
He was familiar with current settlements and was certain none matched this design.
"It's the new metropolis for our Summer Country."
Hiashi opened his mouth slightly.
He seemed to have already figured out Haruki's intentions.
"You want me to build this city?"
"Congratulations, you got it right."
But Hiashi showed no hint of joy.
Who knows how long it would take to build a city?
Was *he*, the proud Hyuga Clan Leader, really destined to become a construction foreman?
"This plan is extremely complex. I wouldn't trust others with it, but you possess the Byakugan. Generally speaking, mistakes are unlikely to occur. Appointing you as the leader means I don't have to worry about deviations during construction."
Hearing this, Hiashi looked at Haruki, then back at the sketch.
He understood the unspoken meaning.
If anything went wrong, he'd be held responsible.
"I've roughly divided the new metropolis into four zones: residential, industrial, commercial, and administrative."
Haruki knew what Hiashi was thinking. "Each zone will feature different kinds of buildings. I plan to establish a memorial hall within the administrative zone that will showcase the city's history—from its founding to its future."
"A memorial hall?"
Hiashi murmured.
He quickly grasped the purpose and significance of the memorial for his Hyuga clan.
By constructing this city, they would be remembered forever.
For their prestigious ninja clan, this would serve as both a declaration and a badge of honor.
In the future, anyone living in or visiting the metropolis would come to know the Hyuga clan.
At the thought, Hiashi's breath quickened slightly.
Who wouldn't want to leave behind a lasting legacy?
Especially for an entire family.
"I understand now, Lord Haruki. I vow to give it my utmost effort."
Taking a deep breath, Hiashi declared solemnly.
"Then I'm counting on you."
As Haruki watched him carefully fold the blueprint, a slight smile crossed his face.
To ancient families that valued elegance and legacy, glory often held more weight than profit.
Besides, Hiashi was indeed a clever clan leader.
"In addition, I plan to construct enough railways to connect all the towns across the Summer Country."
Haruki paused before continuing, "Our current rail systems aren't fast enough. I hope your department can work together with the Research Institute to further increase the speed. If we could reach speeds comparable to a Jonin's, managing and developing the Summer Country would become far more efficient."
"This… I'll do my best."
Hiashi hesitated slightly as he replied.
Actually, deep down, he didn't believe railways could ever reach such speeds.
"I'll assign someone to assist you with this."
Haruki patted his shoulder without revealing who that someone would be.
"Now your top priority is to send someone to survey and mark out the location and scope of the new metropolis, prepare the site, and then recruit personnel. The preliminary groundwork can be completed by ninja."
"Understood."
Hiashi Hyuga rose, bowed, and left Haruki's office carrying the blueprint.
"Then onto the next matter."
Haruki finished the water in his teacup and appeared at the Kurama Ecological Base.
Of course, it wasn't to make the Nine-Tails help Hiashi.
It could demolish towns, sure, but expecting a fox to build one was pushing it.
In front of a beautifully scenic river,
Yugito was holding a roll of tissue paper, occasionally wiping her eyes while completely absorbed in a romantic drama on TV.
Behind her sat miniature versions of the Eight-Tails and the Nine-Tails.
The two Tailed Beasts sat in front of a computer, immersed in a game of League of Legends.
Various snacks were placed beside them.
The only unfortunate one was the Zero-Tails.
It was delivering Konoha Village's express packages.
Seeing this scene, Haruki couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
Had they become too relaxed?
While he slaved away in the office, these guys were snacking, watching anime, and gaming.
Unbelievable!
Who exactly was the prisoner here?!
"Are we winning?"
Haruki asked gently.
"Don't interrupt—this is a crucial moment!"
Kurama replied without even looking up, its hands rapidly tapping the keys.
Haruki glanced at the character Kurama was playing—Syndra.
A female mage who plays with orbs.
As a Tailed Beast, Kurama had lightning-fast reflexes, so its gameplay was unsurprisingly top-tier.
All positive records.
"We won!"
Kurama couldn't help but shout triumphantly.
Then suddenly realized something was off.
That voice just now seemed very familiar.
It turned around and saw Haruki. Its previously cheerful expression instantly turned stiff.
"Heh...heh... Good morning, Lord Haruki."
Kurama quickly forced a friendly expression, though it looked painfully fake.
Meanwhile, Gyuki briefly showed a flash of anger upon seeing Haruki.
It would never forget how B had been killed by him.
But before it could speak, Kurama shot it a look.
It suddenly recalled recent teachings.
One rule stood above all: don't challenge him directly.
Even as a Tailed Beast, crossing Haruki would make life in the ninja world unbearable.
Its expression flickered between emotions before it said nothing.
Haruki paid no attention to its reaction—he was here specifically for Kurama today.
"Kurama, how long would it take you to fly from here to Kumogakure?"
"If I go at maximum speed? Around half an hour, probably."
Kurama mused slightly, puffing up proudly. "When it comes to speed, aside from Space-Time Ninjutsu, no one can surpass me."
Haruki nodded approvingly.
Half an hour was nearly as fast as he could go.
"In the future, would you like to travel around the ninja world?"
"Ah?"
Kurama blinked in confusion, staring at him. Had it misheard?
"You mean… am I finally allowed to leave this place?"
"That's different!" Ryo blurted out. Gyuki and the eavesdropping Yugito immediately looked envious.
The Nine-Tails was ultimately unlike them.
After all, it was Konoha Village's Tailed Beast,
not a prisoner.
"You can break free from the ecological base limits when necessary, but you still belong to Konoha."
"Fine, fine, fine!"
Kurama eagerly nodded his head.
Even if he would eventually return to Konoha, being able to go out was already wonderful.
Even the most breathtaking views get dull with too much staring.
"Now return to your original size and carry me to Kumogakure."
"Coming right up!"
Kurama rapidly expanded, soon transforming into an enormous beast dozens of meters tall.
Perched on its back, Haruki seemed no bigger than an ant.
Letting out two excited howls, Kurama shot into the sky toward Kumogakure.
Gyuki below couldn't help sighing.
Had even the mighty Kurama truly been tamed by humans?
Previously, besides the Sage of Six Paths, who else could have ridden on its back?
But even he wanted to get out too.
The incredible speed whipped up deafening gusts.
Haruki steadied himself with chakra,
but the head-on wind pressure was too fierce,
causing his hair to wildly whip backward.
Additionally, the thinning air made breathing uncomfortable.
Under such speeds, ordinary people definitely wouldn't survive.
Haruki's hands began forming hand seals.
Chakra formed a transparent barrier in front of him.
About genin-level strength.
The barrier shattered.
He poured in more chakra.
This time it was about average chunin level.
This time, the barrier remained intact.
Maintaining this until reaching Kumogakure,
Haruki slightly frowned. The consumed chakra had already equaled what a typical chunin possessed in total.
Looks like only chunin can ride Kurama Airlines.
As for genin and regular civilians, they'd have to take the air fortress instead—it might be slower, but safer.
After landing, Kurama remained excited.
It wasn't often he got out for some fresh air.
And there would be even more opportunities ahead. His future looked promising.
Until Haruki mentioned the airline thing.
"Me? Reduced to hauling a bunch of humans on my back like some taxi service?"
Kurama glared with wide eyes.
Haruki was acceptable—he couldn't beat him after all.
But other people... Ugh! I'm not some public bus!