The sun had just risen over the Senju land.
"Don't go to the office today," Tsunade said in a charming manner, looking at Ryan as he got up and dressed. "Take a day off, okay?"
Ryan, who had been both loved and loving, silently pondered in his heart.
Suppressing the flame in his heart after donning the Hokage's robes, he stated firmly, "I am the Hokage. I must lead by example! Is it acceptable for the Hokage to skip office?"
Tsunade couldn't help but roll her eyes upon hearing Ryan's response. She assumed a provocative pose, wanting to play around.
Ryan intended to go to the office. However, upon witnessing this scene, he was momentarily captivated, forgetting about his duties. "Aren't you supposed to go to the office? Stop causing trouble. As the Hokage, you need to set an example. Go," she said, urging him.
Blushing with embarrassment, Ryan listened to Tsunade's playful remarks. He no longer cared about being serious and responsible. "How dare you mock me! Watch how I handle you, you little troublemaker!" he exclaimed, jumping up once again.
After their playful encounter, Ryan realized it was already afternoon. Tsunade, who was exhausted and unwilling to lift a finger, didn't want to move.
Observing the situation, Ryan quickly settled Tsunade in the Hokage's office. As he entered the office, he noticed Minato's resentful expression. The stack of documents he had accumulated had all been processed and set aside by Minato.
As the Hokage, Ryan had only just arrived at the office. Seeing this, he laughed and hurriedly attended to the remaining tasks. "Sorry, sorry! I encountered a lost elderly woman on the road, and after escorting her home, I came across a black cat blocking my way. It's been quite a headache," he explained.
Hearing Ryan's explanation, Minato rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Please don't learn from Kakashi. And the next time the Hokage tells a lie it should at least be believable," he remarked.
Embarrassed, Ryan couldn't help but touch his head. The incident passed, and it was time to discuss business. To further strengthen Konoha's power, they needed to take action promptly. Time was running out, with only half a year remaining.
"Minato, inform the heads of the major clans to come to the Hokage building for a meeting!" Ryan instructed, his expression serious.
Understanding that significant plans were about to be discussed, Minato promptly left the office using his Flying Thunder God technique. On the other hand, Hatake Sakumo quickly approached Ryan's side.
"Sakumo, Anbu's recent tasks will involve monitoring the movements of the other four countries. Report any developments immediately," Ryan instructed.
Sakumo nodded in acknowledgement and left to fulfil his assigned task. Konoha was now operating swiftly, like a well-oiled machine.
Soon, the heads of the major clans received Ryan's order. Each patriarch received the notice and wasted no time in preparing and rushing to the Hokage building. The Hyuga and Uchiha clans were the first to arrive, represented by Hyuga Hiashi and Uchiha Fugaku.
"You've come quickly," Ryan commented.
"Hehe, not as fast as Chief Hyuga," Uchiha Fugaku replied, teasingly. Today, due to Ryan's influence, the family's status had changed, firmly placing them on the Hokage's side.
Just like the Konoha clans, competition was bound to arise, as progress often stemmed from healthy rivalry. However, the Hyuga brothers couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment. The Uchiha clan had already produced two genius who became disciples of the Hokage, placing them ahead in their advancement. It was a significant stride for the Hyuga clan to catch up.
<....Neji and Hinata on the way. Dattebayo>
As the heads of the two major clans arrived first, the others followed in the footsteps of the Hokage. The Ino-Shika-Cho trio, as staunch supporters of the Hokage, would always heed his orders. The remaining large and small clans, such as Aburame, Inuzuka, and Kurama, swiftly made their way to the Hokage building.
"I wonder what Hokage-sama has to tell us," one patriarch pondered.
"Who knows? Let's just follow the footsteps of Master Hokage," another responded.
"Indeed, let's follow Hokage-sama's instructions," a third patriarch agreed.
Soon, the patriarchs arrived at the Hokage's office with a mix of curiosity and doubt.
"Hokage-sama..."
"Hokage-sama..."
As they entered, they greeted Ryan respectfully, and he nodded in response to each of them. After everyone had gathered, Ryan nodded to Minato, indicating that he should proceed.
Minato promptly retrieved a world map, and as the patriarchs laid their eyes upon it, they couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The unveiling of the map signalled that something significant was about to happen.
As expected, Ryan's next words shocked all the families present.
"Everyone, regarding the smaller neighbouring countries..."
"I wonder if any of you have any opinions?" Ryan asked.
Upon hearing his words, a range of expressions appeared on their faces. Some of the more warlike families, such as the Uchiha, seemed particularly eager. Uchiha Fugaku's eyes burned with excitement. However, most families were reluctant to engage in warfare, and they held no particular grievances against these smaller nations.
Ryan noticed the hesitation and lack of response, but he remained unperturbed. "These small countries have become obstacles for Konoha. In times of major wars, they become buffers for the major powers to fight each other. But have you considered the First and Second Ninja Wars? What were these small countries doing? They turned their backs on Konoha and attacked us during our most vulnerable moments. When Konoha survived, they all pledged their loyalty to us for self-preservation. I can't fathom why Sarutobi Hiruzen allowed these turncoats to continue jumping back and forth."
Upon hearing Ryan's words, some smaller families that had joined Konoha later glanced at each other, unsure how to react. Only a few families had been part of Konoha since its establishment, like the Uchiha clan. As they listened, Uchiha Fugaku and others exchanged knowing glances, anticipating Ryan's next move.
Ryan scanned the room before continuing, "These small countries are merely opportunists. In the two Ninja Wars, they switched sides and attacked Konoha at critical moments. It's time to put an end to their fickleness. Uchiha clan, I want you to lead the way!"
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