"I support Hui's proposal," Sarutobi Hiruzen declared as he stood.
Memories of fallen comrades, particularly those who fought alongside him against Kirigakure and never returned, filled his mind.
"I agree as well," Shimura Danzo added, rising from his seat. At this point in time, Danzo wasn't the hardened manipulator he would later become. Instead, he was simply a man driven by his ambition to protect Konoha and his desire to overcome his fears of death and loss.
"I agree."
"I support Hui's proposal."
"I second it!"
One after another, those present rose to voice their approval. Everyone in the room had lost friends and comrades to war, and the idea of a monument to honor them resonated deeply.
Even Tobirama Senju, seated at the head of the room, was momentarily lost in thought. He envisioned his elder brother, Hashirama Senju.
While Hashirama's legacy as the First Hokage was etched into the very fabric of Konoha, symbolized by his face on the Hokage Rock, Tobirama couldn't help but wonder: What if Hashirama's achievements were not so prominently memorialized? Would even my brother eventually be forgotten?
His thoughts drifted to another figure from the past: Uchiha Madara.
Tobirama nodded gravely. "The proposal is approved. The Administrative Department will oversee all aspects of the memorial's construction, from selecting a location to organizing the details. All clans and departments will fully cooperate."
With that, the room settled back into their seats.
Hui, however, wasn't finished.
He stood once more and addressed the room. "A memorial alone is not enough. Konoha also needs a comprehensive merit system."
This announcement caused a ripple of confusion among the attendees.
"A merit system?" someone murmured, echoing the thoughts of many.
Hui explained:
"A merit system would classify and reward achievements based on their contributions to the village.
"For example, completing a set number of high-ranking missions or meeting specific criteria could earn a ninja distinctions such as a 'First-Class Merit' or 'Special-Class Merit.'
"These distinctions would come with physical medals and recognition within the village.
"Additionally, they would grant material rewards, improving the lives of these heroes and their families.
"Most importantly," Hui continued, "these merits could grant access to unique rewards—such as the ability to exchange high-level jutsu from the Scroll of Seals for their medals."
Hui's words electrified the room.
In the world of shinobi, there were three things that people sought after; recognition, wealth, and power. Hui's merit system touched upon the concept of all three, offering fame, material benefits, and access to advanced jutsu for those who excelled.
The proposal had captured the desire within the hearts of everyone present.
This world was primarily controlled by those with strength.
If a ninja wanted to obtain this power, on the surface it would seem that there are many ways.
However, it was a fact that their abilities were largely determined by their background.
A ninja from a prominent clan with access to secret techniques and family resources naturally had a significant advantage over a civilian ninja who lacked such support.
Only those who were extremely talented even had the opportunity to change their fate.
Without some extraordinary talent, a civilian ninja was always almost destined to never cross the threshold of an elite Chunin.
Ninja families with some inheritance could bridge the gap at least a little and become a special jonin or even a jonin, under the same talent conditions.
Ordinary civilian ninjas, because of their lack of inheritance, can only come into contact with too few techniques.
And almost every ninja knew them, which made people who mastered these techniques lose the advantage of secrecy which was essential for every ninja.
When ninjas were evenly matched in strength, combat experience and stamina, a single technique could enhance the chances of survival or triumph.
This situation was especially obvious in the Warring States period.
After the establishment of Ninja Villages, Tobirama created the Konoha Academy.
On the one hand, it was to instil the idea of "Konoha first, then the Ninja Clan". On the other hand, it was to find talented genius ninjas and provide them with an opportunity to change their fate.
Hui's system aimed to enhance this opportunity.
By allowing any ninja to earn high-level jutsu through merit, even those from humble origins and limited talents could break through their limitations.
This wasn't just about individual improvement—it was about leveling the playing field.
Of course, this merit system wasn't only beneficial to civilian ninjas.
It also offered smaller clans and families a chance to grow in influence and power, and even the large clans saw opportunities for further advancement.
Hui anticipated potential exploitation, such as powerful clans funneling resources to manufacture heroes and monopolize rewards.
To address this, the highest rewards, particularly access to elite jutsu, would only be granted for merits earned through extraordinary achievements—not merely the quantity of completed missions.
"The merit system isn't just about competition," Hui emphasized. "It's about fostering a deeper sense of loyalty and pride in Konoha. When we honour achievements, we strengthen the bond between the village and its people."
Tobirama raised a hand, silencing the room before anyone could respond.
"Hui," he said, "draft a detailed report on the merit system. This matter will be deferred for now and discussed in a dedicated meeting later."
Hui nodded, understanding the complexity in implementing the proposal and Tobirama's desire to fully explore its usage.
The attendees reluctantly suppressed their excitement. The merit system was clearly a monumental idea, but it would take careful deliberation to implement.
…
With the merit system set aside for the moment, the meeting continued, shifting to discussions about Konoha's development.
"Lord Hokage," one advisor began, "with peace on the horizon, I propose we refocus the curriculum at the ninja academy to emphasize foundational training. Strengthening the basics will benefit our children and ensure future generations are well-prepared."
"I suggest we increase the training of medical ninja," another added. "The recent war highlighted the critical need for skilled medics on the battlefield."
"There aren't enough training grounds to accommodate our growing population," someone else pointed out. "I propose constructing additional facilities."
Suggestions flowed freely as the meeting gained momentum.
By the time the meeting concluded—after an entire day of discussion—many important decisions had been made. Among them were plans for new training facilities, reforms in ninja education, and initiatives to expand Konoha's medical capabilities.
These developments placed significant responsibility on the Administrative Department.
Under Hui's leadership, the department had transformed into a multi-functional body.
It now served as the nerve centre for coordinating Konoha's affairs, reviewing proposals, and making preliminary decisions before passing them on to the Hokage.
Although he had only claimed the position as Konoha's Advisor or Head of the Administrative Department, these implementations made Hui the second-most powerful figure in Konoha in terms of Authority.
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