Facing Haruki's request to sit together, Tsunade rejected it without hesitation.
"We need to have a meeting once everyone arrives."
"Then next time."
Haruki casually sat down beside Tsunade.
According to his request, the Hokage's seat had been enlarged to almost double its usual size—large enough for two people to sit side by side.
Though naturally, he had hoped to make it even bigger.
Unfortunately, Tsunade wouldn't allow it.
So Haruki gave up.
Tsunade couldn't help shooting him a glare. "It won't happen next time either."
"That cruel, huh?"
Haruki took her right hand and gently rubbed the back of her hand.
In response to her words, he playfully tickled her palm.
She instinctively tried to pull her hand back, but he held it firmly.
"It's kind of ticklish," she said with an irritated glare.
Haruki knew she was extra ticklish—any spot on her body worked.
So he stopped the tickling but kept playing with her hand.
"Have you figured out what you're going to say later?" As he felt her soft, smooth skin, he smiled. "This should be Summer Country's first official gathering—or ceremony, I suppose."
Tsunade frowned slightly.
In truth, she was excellent at public speaking.
But Haruki had a point.
This situation was different.
If she just recited formalities again, it would come off as hollow.
Though given her legendary status now, whatever she said would still be well received.
"What do you think I should say?"
Tsunade tolerated his playful hand-rubbing as she asked in return.
"Honestly, not really sure myself."
Haruki's expression grew slightly serious. He didn't have much experience with grand ceremonies himself.
The only phrase etched into the Flowering Clan's collective memory was that famous saying about "standing up."
Maybe that same idea could apply here in the ninja world.
During the war, Haruki and Minato Namikaze seized the chance to deal with the nobles of the Land of Fire and Land of Lightning.
Most of these nobles had committed serious crimes and had already been punished under the appropriate laws.
The rest had their lands confiscated.
Now, Summer Country had effectively eliminated all forms of taxation.
Yet the country's strength hadn't weakened.
Most of its income came from Konoha's directly operated businesses and commercial taxes.
If before, commoners in Summer Country used to give up ninety percent of their earnings, now they could keep ninety percent for themselves.
Thanks to aggressive commercial development, countless jobs had been created.
People were no longer limited to farming alone for their livelihoods.
Still, old habits die hard.
People still valued agriculture more than other industries.
"You don't even know, yet you're asking me?"
Tsunade gave his waist a sharp twist with her free hand.
"That's exactly why I'm asking."
Haruki, currently using Sage Body, barely felt her pinch—unless she used Chakra-Enhanced Strength.
"…"
You actually have a point.
Tsunade pouted slightly and pulled her right hand away.
"What are you doing?"
Caught off guard, Haruki let go, muttering unhappily, "Not even a little touch anymore?"
"So you can focus on thinking."
Tsunade lightly hummed. "Once you've figured it out, I'll give you a reward."
Why does this feel like my past-life teacher giving me homework?
Haruki rubbed his forehead.
This was way harder than homework.
Tsunade gazed at him in silence, then suddenly burst out laughing.
"Are you actually enjoying this?"
Haruki reached over and pinched her cheek, saying, "You're pushing it."
"You brought it on yourself."
Tsunade stuck out her tongue playfully, clearly proud of herself.
"What do you mean? It was your responsibility anyway."
"What's mine is yours."
Tsunade used her ultimate trump card.
Haruki gave in.
He couldn't just say no, could he?
Glancing away slightly, he said, "I need some encouragement before I can come up with ideas."
"Oh?"
Hearing that, Tsunade raised an eyebrow, a seductive smile spreading across her face.
What the hell?!
This woman!
If they weren't about to start the meeting soon, he'd have made sure she couldn't walk straight afterward.
Taking a deep breath, Haruki said, "In your office, you take the lead."
Tsunade tilted her chin upward slightly, letting her eyes wander up and down his body as she said, "Hurry up a bit."
With that, she leaned in and planted a quick kiss at the corner of his lips.
Haruki froze momentarily.
That's all?
Why did you build things up so much?
You tricked my emotions and wasted my expectations.
He'd expected something more intense to happen.
"I already completed what you asked for."
Smiling, Tsunade poked his shoulder. "Hey, snap back to reality. Hurry up and think of a solution—we're nearly out of time. The meeting starts at nine."
"Don't rush me."
Haruki gave her a resentful glance.
No food, no work.
Thinking for a moment, he said, "There's no point in wasting time with fancy language. We should cut straight to the point."
Drawing on memories of speeches from his previous life, Haruki explained the general structure to Tsunade.
Since this was Summer Country's first official meeting, the opening remarks should naturally announce its formal establishment and the completion of the Metropolis.
Next came the functions and members of various departments—especially those who had performed outstandingly during the last war, whose names could all be listed.
Then followed Summer Country's main future policies and directions, key upcoming tasks, and long-term objectives.
Finally came the closing remarks expressing goodwill toward outsiders, stating that alliances could be established under the premise of respecting relevant regulations.
Although this seemed relatively simple, writing it out wasn't easy.
Haruki and Tsunade worked busily for an hour, barely finishing the speech outline before the conference began.
They left the office and made their way to the conference hall.
Under dazzling golden lights stood nearly ten thousand seats.
Almost everyone qualified to attend this gathering came from the Policy Department.
The members of the Policy Department were nominated by the Street Administration Bureau.
Haruki had established a similar system outside the ninja village as well.
In short, the ninja and civilians present were all departmental and industrial representatives.
Haruki found his seat—to Tsunade's left side.
Her right side was occupied by Mikoto Uchiha.
Sakumo Hatake, another Hokage's assistant, sat to Haruki's left.
"Kakashi, how have you been lately?"
Since the meeting hadn't officially begun yet, Haruki idly struck up a conversation.
"He's improved a lot under Minato."
Sakumo Hatake felt a wave of nostalgia.
He had just met Kakashi earlier, and was pleased to find him noticeably more cheerful.
He was very grateful to Minato for this change.
Even more surprising, however, was Kakashi's strength.
He could even sense a dangerous aura emanating from Kakashi.
"Has he made any progress with Yugito?"
Haruki wasn't particularly interested in Kakashi's abilities.
"Yugito?"
Sakumo Hatake blinked slightly, asking with confusion, "What relationship does Yugito have with Kakashi?"
"You don't know?"
Haruki looked at him with some surprise.
Sakumo's eyes narrowed. Did I miss out on something huge?
"I'm not really sure; Kakashi didn't tell me anything about it."
"Oh, then there probably hasn't been much progress."
Haruki speculated, before noticing the look of curiosity on his face. "Why don't you ask Kakashi directly?"
"Yeah, I got it."
Sakumo momentarily drifted into thought.
Yugito, huh.
It must be hard to keep a Jinchuriki in check.
He was more concerned about Kakashi's well-being.
Unaware of what Sakumo was imagining, Haruki checked the time—exactly nine o'clock—and tapped the table.
The sharp knock silenced the murmurs.
Tsunade stood up and began her address.
Tsunade's speech didn't end until noon.
Over the following period, people mainly focused on moving into their new homes.
The newly built Metropolis officially began functioning.