As Konoha's second-in-command and the head of the Administration Department, Hui's schedule became increasingly packed after his promotion.
The first project he undertook was the Konoha Hero Monument. As a project he proposed Hui personally oversaw the entire process, from site selection to completion.
For the site, Hui suggested a location near the center of the village. This positioning not only made it convenient for people to visit and pay respects but also underscored the village's emphasis on honoring its heroes.
After all, Hui's goal was for this monument to become a spiritual beacon for the village, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among its people.
If the village itself did not show importance toward this monument, how could others be expected to respect it?
"Minister, what about the residents and the shinobi clans currently living in this area?"
One of Hui's subordinates raised the concern, as dealing with such matters was unprecedented for them.
"Simple, Let's relocate them!" Hui said with ease, as if it were second nature.
In his previous life, he had encountered and resolved similar situations countless times. "Tear it down, relocate, and rebuild!"
"Relocation?"
"Yes, relocation." Hui explained calmly, "It's a process where, under the authority of permits and land use approvals granted by the Administration Department, we legally demolish the structures within the planned construction area.
"Affected residents and units are resettled, and compensation is provided for their losses.
"This won't be the last time such a process is carried out. With the village entering a period of rapid development, you'll be seeing much more of this."
With his instructions laid out, Hui tasked his team with conducting further research.
Meanwhile, he stepped into another meeting room to discuss the design and specifications of the Konoha Hero Monument.
"Minister, this is the preliminary design we've drafted for the monument. What do you think?"
As soon as Hui entered the room, a staff member handed him a blueprint. Hui took the blueprint, studied it briefly, and then requested paper and pen.
Clearly, he intended to revise or entirely redesign the proposal.
Hui quickly sketched on the paper, producing a towering rectangular monument. Bold, commanding letters were inscribed with perfect calligraphy at the top: "Konoha's Heroes Live Forever!"
"How does this look?" Hui asked, passing the revised blueprint to the team.
Everyone's eyes lit up as they examined the design.
"Minister, this is amazing! The monument is perfect!"
"It's absolutely brilliant! As expected of the Demi-God of the Shinobi World!"
Although Hui was still just a teenager, no one in the room regarded him as a mere boy. Hearing their praise, Hui felt a surge of satisfaction.
After all, this design was a direct copy of a monument he had seen in his past life!
"Alright, since everyone agrees, let's finalize this design and begin construction," Hui said, leaving to attend to other matters.
Thanks to the efficiency of the shinobi workforce, the monument's construction progressed rapidly.
In just three days, the central area of Konoha was transformed into a grand plaza with the monument standing tall and imposing at its center. For now, it was covered with a ceremonial cloth, awaiting its grand unveiling.
However, the monument was only one part of Hui's ideas.
Alongside it, he planned a day of commemoration.
Notices were sent throughout the village, announcing a memorial event to honor those who had fallen in battle or on missions for Konoha.
…
The skies were clear and calm on the day of the memorial. Konoha exuded an unusual quiet, a solemn atmosphere replacing its usual liveliness.
Villagers and shinobi alike donned black attire and carried flowers as they gathered at the newly constructed plaza. A sea of black slowly formed, filling the plaza by ten in the morning.
At the base of the monument stood Tobirama Senju, flanked by Hui and Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Granduncle Tobirama, it's time," Hui reminded softly.
Tobirama nodded and stepped forward. Facing the orderly crowd, he began to speak in a calm yet solemn tone:
"Since Konoha's founding, we have endured two devastating wars. Though we emerged victorious in both, Many brave shinobi lost their lives far from home, their remains unable to return to their loved ones.
"Their sacrifices often went unnoticed by those outside their families and friends. Over time, even their existence would fade into obscurity, as though they never walked this earth.
"But this is not the fate they deserve. Their stories should be remembered, and their spirits should be carried forward.
"This monument was built for them, a testament to their sacrifice and as a vessel to carry their will. It stands as proof that they lived among us, and as a reminder of the ideals they upheld!"
Tobirama's voice rang with authority as he pulled away the cloth covering the monument.
"I hope that from today forward, all those who sacrifice for the village will be remembered like stars in the night sky, forever shining in our hearts. Let us inherit their will and carry their legacy.
"This is the purpose of this monument and today's memorial ceremony. Lastly, I urge you all to remember one thing: Konoha's Heroes Live Forever!
"Now, let the memorial begin."
With Tobirama's concluding words, the ceremony commenced.
The solemnity of the occasion moved everyone deeply.
Faces blurred by tears surfaced in their memories; friends, family, comrades, and lovers who had fallen.
Hui too saw familiar figures in his mind, he saw Bear, he saw Wind, some of his former subordinates, and old acquaintances.
He laid his flowers down silently, his expression calm but his heart heavy.
After a moment, Hui turned to the monument and spoke softly:
"Don't worry. Everything you fought for, everything you dreamed of—I will make it a reality.
"Konoha will change because of me.
"The shinobi world will change because of me.
"Everything will go well, and the future will be bright."
As he finished, he seemed to see them once more, smiling and waving at him. They were at peace, they were smiling.
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