After leaving the administrative district, Hui walked to other areas of the village.
The changes here were just as significant. The most noticeable difference was the increased number of people.
Previously, Hui had implemented two population-related policies, one of which encouraged the integration of ordinary people from other regions.
Since its inception, Konoha's population had been steadily growing.
Now, in the 29th year of Konoha, the village's prosperity and population already rivaled the levels seen in the 40th year of its timeline.
Seeing this, Hui couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. After all, these transformations were a result of his efforts.
Walking along the streets of Konoha, Hui noticed that due to his two-year absence, his appearance had changed slightly.
Coupled with the half-mask he wore after leaving the administrative district, many people failed to recognize him immediately.
This allowed him to observe Konoha's changes undisturbed.
He explored the commercial streets, food alleys, plazas, monuments, amusement parks, and training grounds.
Each place he visited lifted his spirits further. Finally, after surveying nearly the entire village, Hui returned to the Senju Clan's compound.
In his room, he began organizing the tasks he needed to accomplish.
…
First, he planned to visit Mount Myoboku and the Shikkotsu Forest. Hui aimed to create a brand-new Sage Mode unique to humanity, for which he needed to study the training methods of the three great sacred lands.
He already had the training methods for Ryuchi Cave's Sage Mode but still needed those of Mount Myoboku and Shikkotsu Forest. This task would be straightforward, as he only needed to seek out Jiraiya for assistance.
Second, he intended to research the Hydrification Technique. The jutsu held immense value, and Hui sought to develop similar "transformation techniques" inspired by it.
While this research would undoubtedly be lengthy, he could at least begin the groundwork now.
Additionally, during his time away, Hui had collected numerous secret techniques, many of which were worth studying.
Beyond jutsu research, Hui had a series of policies to implement once he assumed the Hokage position.
One of the most significant reforms was in education. Hui wanted to reshape Konoha's way of thinking, and reforming the education system was a critical step. This process would undoubtedly take time.
In addition to education, medical reforms were also a priority. These changes had been postponed long enough, and the timing was finally right to push them forward.
Hui also planned to establish numerous new departments to create a more refined distribution of responsibilities within Konoha.
For example, a department dedicated to ninjutsu, a taijutsu division, a genjutsu division, and even a technology department.
These changes would bring about a complete overhaul of Konoha's administrative system.
Furthermore, there were the final arrangements for the Land of Fire and strategic plans for the entire ninja world. Hui also needed to develop future roadmaps for both the village's ninjas and its clans.
As Hui compiled the list of tasks on his desk, he couldn't help but sigh. "It looks like I'll be busy for a long time," he muttered.
However, before tackling these responsibilities, there was one crucial matter to address: his engagement to Tsunade.
Two years ago, on the day Hui left the village, he promised Tsunade that they would get engaged upon his return.
Now that he had returned, he was determined not to break his promise. No other task could take precedence over this.
The next day, the news of Hui's return spread like wildfire across Konoha, causing a massive stir.
…
Ordinarily, the return of a shinobi from training would have been an unremarkable event.
However, Hui was no ordinary shinobi—he had become a symbol, a beacon of peace.
Known as the "Demi-God of the Ninja World" and the future "God of Shinobi," his presence ensured Konoha's tranquility.
During Hui's absence, a sense of unease lingered in the hearts of many. Now that he had returned, the villagers finally felt at ease.
Eager to see him, many villagers took to the streets, hoping to catch a glimpse of him.
Unfortunately, despite searching all day, no one managed to find Hui. It was as though he had vanished.
That evening, however, within the Senju compound, Hui held Tsunade's hand as the two prepared for a stroll.
The weather had been excellent for days, with a clear sky and a bright, full moon. Konoha's nights were as lively as its days, sometimes even more so.
Walking naturally without attempting to conceal their identities, the pair strolled through the bustling village streets.
While some people didn't immediately recognize Hui due to his two-year absence, Tsunade's presence made it clear.
Her popularity in the village was similarly unparalleled, and nearly every villager knew her.
Seeing Hui holding her hand, it didn't take long for people to realize that this was the man they had spent the day searching for.
Excited, many wanted to approach Hui, but seeing the couple walking hand-in-hand, they refrained, unwilling to interrupt such a serene moment.
Fortunately, Hui and Tsunade avoided the busier streets, like the food alleys and shopping districts.
Otherwise, amidst the sea of villagers, not everyone might have had the sensitivity to allow them their solitude.
As they walked, Hui shared further stories of his journey in the shinobi world, while Tsunade listened, occasionally recounting amusing events from the village.
Gradually, the number of people following them increased as they moved closer to the center of Konoha. Eventually, someone couldn't resist stepping forward to greet Hui.
Hui responded with a warm smile but didn't stop walking. Tsunade, walking beside him, felt a deep sense of pride. This is my boyfriend, she thought.
Finally, the pair reached Konoha's central plaza—a hub that connected many of the village's districts.
Unsurprisingly, this was where the most people gathered. Hui and Tsunade's arrival immediately sparked an uproar.
As people surged forward to speak with Hui or request his autograph, he sighed and activated a technique to project his voice across the area.
"I know it's been over two years, and everyone has missed me. I've missed all of you as well. I'd love to chat with everyone, but tonight, I have something more important to do."
His voice wasn't loud, but it carried far, reaching everyone in the vicinity. The crowd fell silent, curious about what could be more important.
"Over two years ago, on the day I left the village, I promised Tsunade that upon my return, we would get engaged. Now, I've returned. Tonight, I intend to fulfill that promise."
The plaza erupted into cheers, but Hui didn't give them a chance to react further. Turning to Tsunade, he asked earnestly, "Tsunade, will you Marry me?"
Tsunade covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face. She nodded and then extended her hand, saying, "Yes!!!"
Hui embraced her tightly. Channeling his chakra, he used a technique he had created long ago: Fireworks Jutsu.
In an instant, bursts of energy shot into the sky, exploding into vibrant fireworks above the plaza. This seemed to signal others across the village.
From every corner of Konoha, similar bursts of fireworks lit up the night, filling the sky with brilliant, colorful displays.
Friends, subordinates, and villagers alike joined in, using the Fireworks Jutsu Hui had taught them.
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