Konoha was still in an uproar due to the merit system.
Missions had become so scarce that they were claimed almost immediately upon being posted.
For the first time, there was a shortage in mission supply.
The desperation to gain merits led some shinobi to contemplate dishonest means.
"If normal missions are so hard to get, what about 'custom' ones?" they thought.
The idea struck some to create and assign missions to themselves.
By doing so, they could bypass the competition, earning merits without relying on legitimate postings.
While this meant losing a small portion of the payout to the village's commission fees, the merits they would gain seemed well worth it.
Some people began to try this and tragedy struck.
Unfortunately for them, Hui had anticipated such schemes.
Did they think Konoha's Anbu were vegitariens?
The Anbu, now tasked primarily with investigating mission authenticity, was equipped to handle such misconduct with precision.
Moreover, the Anbu had a strong incentive: each investigation into mission authenticity counted as completing a C-rank mission.
If they uncovered fraudulent activities, it was upgraded to a B-rank mission.
For the elite Anbu members, this setup was a boon, driving them to tackle investigations with unmatched enthusiasm.
As a result, many shinobi attempting to game the system were swiftly exposed. Heavy fines and formal disciplinary actions were meted out.
The fines were manageable; after all, most shinobi had some money saved. But the disciplinary action? That was brutal.
To nullify their reprimands, the offenders were required to complete a legitimate B-rank mission.
For ninja's without sufficient strength, it was simply suiside missions.
Faced with such punishment, those caught in the act were devastated.
The harsh penalties quickly served as a deterrent, ensuring others didn't attempt similar shortcuts. Soon, shinobi focused solely on competing for legitimate missions.
…
Time flew by, and the much-anticipated Award Ceremony arrived.
The Konoha Hero Monument Plaza was packed with people. Dozens of shinobi stood in formation, awaiting their awards, while the gathered villagers eagerly discussed their accomplishments.
The atmosphere was electric.
"I wish I could stand there in formation," one shinobi in the crowd said wistfully, eyes sparkling with envy.
"Me too, but we're not strong enough yet," another replied.
"No matter! As long as we earn enough merits, one day we'll be standing there too!" a third declared confidently.
Despite their envy, the shinobi were inspired, their hearts brimming with hope for their future.
At that moment, Tobirama Senju appeared. Behind him was a line of Anbu members, each carrying trays with flame-colored, leaf-shaped medals.
"Everyone, quiet! The recognition ceremony is about to begin! Please welcome the Second Hokage!"
The plaza fell silent as Tobirama stepped forward, his powerful presence commanding attention.
"Since Konoha's founding, we have faced countless challenges and completed numerous missions critical to our village's growth and security," Tobirama began, his voice firm.
"These missions have been accomplished thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Konoha's finest shinobi. Today, we express our gratitude by awarding special commendation medals to these outstanding individuals."
The crowd erupted into applause and cheers. Tobirama waited for the crowd to calm down before continuing.
"This ceremony will honor forty-two heroes. After thorough evaluation, we have categorized the medals into three ranks:
"First, the Konoha Guardian Medal.
Second, the Konoha Hero Medal.
Third, the Konoha Highest Honor Medal.
"First, we will award the Konoha Guardian Medal. These are granted to shinobi who have completed a significant number of A-rank missions. The recipients are..."
Tobirama began listing names, each one greeted by cheers from the crowd.
Of the forty-two honorees, thirty-eight received the Konoha Guardian Medal. This made it clear just how difficult it was to earn these titles.
These medals, distinct from those used to exchange for jutsu, were reserved for extraordinary achievements and held a value far beyond ordinary recognition.
"Next, we present the Konoha Hero Medal," Tobirama announced. "This medal honors shinobi who have completed numerous S-rank missions and made outstanding contributions to Konoha.
"The recipients are: Hiruzen Sarutobi, Sakumo Hatake, and Danzō Shimura!"
The crowd erupted once again, their cheers reverberating across the plaza.
These three names were well-known to everyone present.
Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzō Shimura, both students of the Second Hokage, and were seasoned veterans of two wars, their actions significantly influencing the outcomes of these wars.
Sakumo Hatake, leader of the Anbu, was famed throughout the shinobi world as the White Fang of Konoha along with Konoha's Ghost. His reputation was so formidable that enemy shinobi were permitted to abandon missions upon encountering him without fear of punishment.
The applause for these three heroes was long and loud.
Finally, all eyes turned to the last figure in the formation: Mochizuki Hui.
The young shinobi was a living legend, admired and revered by all.
"Lastly, we present the highest award: the Konoha Highest Honor Medal.
"This medal is awarded to Mochizuki Hui, a name that needs no introduction.
"Hui has completed numerous super S-rank missions, led Konoha to decisive victories in critical battles , and made unparalleled contributions to Konoha's development and peace.
"Now, I invite the Second Hokage to present this medal."
The crowd erupted, chanting:
"Mochizuki Hui!"
"Mochizuki Hui!"
"Mochizuki Hui!"
The chants were filled with fervent admiration as the villagers and shinobi looked upon the handsome and poised young man with awe.
Amid the cheers, Tobirama ceremoniously pinned the final medal onto Hui's chest—a fiery red leaf-shaped emblem crafted from special metals, inscribed with the words "Highest Honor."
With a satisfied nod, Tobirama stepped back and raised his hands for silence.
Once the crowd quieted, he spoke:
"Today, these honored shinobi stand as heroes of Konoha.
"But remember this—today's heroes could be you tomorrow! I hope that next year, I will personally award medals to many of you standing here!"
Tobirama's words were met with a another wave of enthusiasm. The crowd's hearts burned with determination, their eagerness to contribute to the village reignited.
For the shinobi of Konoha, standing in that formation and receiving a medal before their peers and the Hokage was a dream worth striving for.
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