After Arisu took over as the First Hokage, he didn't make any earth-shaking moves.
He simply followed Konoha's established order and kept things running steadily.
There was none of the aggressive behavior of a new leader launching wars to conquer and unify the ninja world.
This calm and steady style of governance made all the major ninja clans outside breathe a collective sigh of relief.
The ordinary residents of Konoha, on the other hand, fully accepted it and willingly cooperated with all his governance measures.
In the end, Arisu's governing strategy could be summed up in one phrase, "don't stir things up."
After enduring the long chaos and displacement of the war-torn era, what Konoha's residents longed for was never some grand ambition to dominate the ninja world.
What they wanted was a leader who could guide them away from war, let them live in peace, and quietly build up strength.
Of course, the main reason was that Arisu didn't want to.
The current structure of the Five Great Nations had originally been established by him over hundreds of years through enfeoffment, so why would he tear down the order he himself had built?
All he needed to do was maintain it.
At the same time, the ninja clans of the major nations also began to realize something.
They understood that the times were changing.
If they still clung to the clan system, then even if Arisu didn't attack them, would the next generations of Hokage attack them?
Would they come under the banner of enlightenment and salvation to unify them?
Would their own clan members, unable to endure the harsh life of a ninja clan, defect? Or secretly flee to Konoha?
They clearly saw that the clan system had already fallen behind.
Reform was necessary.
For a time, other ninja clans also began vigorous village-building plans.
———
[Inside the Konoha Ninja Academy]
On this day, the sky was clear, and a warm breeze brushed against the fresh green leaves on the branches. The annual new student entrance ceremony arrived as scheduled.
This batch of new students carried extraordinary significance.
They were all the first generation of children born on this peaceful land after the major ninja clans formally submitted to Konoha.
They had never personally experienced the blood and fire of chaotic wars. From beginning to end, they were a new generation growing up under Konoha's protection.
From the moment they first became aware of the world, what they received was Konoha's unified ninja education.
Not the old, clan-specific traditions of the past. The mark of Konoha had already been carved into their very bones.
Among the bustling crowd of new students, Shimura Danzo locked onto Sarutobi Hiruzen's figure at a glance.
"Hiruzen!"
"Danzo!"
The two five-year-old children's eyes met, and they both broke into smiles at the same time.
Meeting a familiar companion on the first day of enrollment eased much of the uneasiness of stepping into the Ninja Academy for the first time.
"Don't worry, my father specifically told me that the two of us will definitely be assigned to the same class."
Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a cheerful tone, his eyes curving into a smile.
Danzo crossed his arms over his chest when he heard this, a faint proud smile unique to a young boy appearing at the corner of his mouth, his gaze firm. "That works out perfectly. Among people our age, only you are qualified to be my rival."
"Hiruzen! Danzo!"
Two lively figures ran over quickly, their clear voices interrupting the conversation.
"So it's Koharu and Homura."
Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately raised his hand with a smile to greet them, and the four children of similar age gathered together and began chatting happily.
At the entrance of the Ninja Academy.
A middle-aged man dressed in Uchiha clan attire was speaking in a serious tone to the child in front of him, "Kagami, don't lose your nerve."
"You're too gentle and modest by nature. You completely lack the sharpness that an Uchiha should have."
"Modesty is a rare virtue, but it must not go too far. You absolutely must not bring shame to the Uchiha name."
The middle-aged man paused, his tone becoming solemn. "You must firmly remember, your great-grandfather was the former former former clan leader of the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Yuto. Do not let down this honor of the clan!"
"I understand, Father!"
Uchiha Kagami straightened his small body and nodded forcefully. Just as he stepped forward to enter the academy, his father grabbed him again.
"Wait."
The middle-aged man spoke again in a low voice, "Today's new student entrance ceremony will be attended personally by the First Hokage. Remember, no matter what, you must not embarrass the Uchiha!"
"Okay."
Uchiha Kagami nodded heavily, firmly remembering his father's instructions, then turned and merged into the lively crowd of new students.
Not long after, the Ninja Academy's new student entrance ceremony officially began.
"Now, let us welcome with the warmest and most enthusiastic applause, the great First Hokage, Lord Arisu, to come on stage and speak!"
Amid thunderous applause and cheers that echoed across the entire academy square, Arisu leaned on a wooden cane, his steps steady and unhurried as he slowly walked onto the ceremonial platform.
Everyone's eyes were fixed on this old man.
This living legend.
"My god, that old man still has such abundant energy."
"I heard from my grandfather that this lord has lived for nearly one hundred and thirty years…"
"Gasp! He can actually live that long."
Arisu stood at the center of the platform and gently raised his hand to press downward. The noisy square instantly fell silent.
Then his gaze slowly swept across the young faces below as he spoke softly, "Children, welcome to the Ninja Academy."
The moment his words fell, thunderous applause erupted below.
"You are the first generation of children to grow up in peace after Konoha was established. You were born at a good time. The future holds limitless opportunities."
"Every generation has its own mission. The mission of my generation was to end the wars and establish Konoha."
"Your generation will also certainly have your own mission!"
"The Third Hokage, or even the Fourth Hokage, will very likely be born from your generation!"
Arisu pointed downward as he spoke.
Hearing such inspiring words, the children below instantly lit up with excitement.
The previously naive expressions in their eyes were now filled with bright anticipation and excitement. Every small face was full of energy, as if an endless strength had surged into their tiny bodies.
Danzo and Hiruzen stood out the most.
The two of them straightened their small bodies at the same time, a firm light shining in their eyes as a strong sense of mission surged within them.
"In the future, you will learn ninjutsu and train your bodies, but you must always remember, the mission of Konoha's ninja is to protect, not to kill."
"Learning ninjutsu is not for showing bravery or fighting recklessly. It is to protect your companions, protect your home, and protect this hard-won peace."
Arisu paused, suddenly thinking of giving an impromptu speech about the Will of Fire, but after considering it carefully, he decided against it.
No need for empty grand talk. Better to focus on something practical.
"I am already old. Konoha's future will depend on you. I don't ask that each of you shake the ninja world, only that you hold fast to your hearts and preserve peace."
"I hope you all succeed in your studies, grow up healthy, happy, and fulfilled, and become qualified ninja capable of protecting Konoha."
After Arisu finished speaking, warm applause rang out once again from below.
Just as Arisu was about to step down, Shimura Danzo, sitting in the front row, gathered his courage and asked, "Grandpa Hokage, do you have any successful experiences you can tell us?"
As soon as he said this, everyone couldn't help but feel that Danzo was bold.
A trace of surprise flashed in Arisu's eyes, but he spoke with a gentle smile, "I have four experiences!"
"Be optimistic, don't be afraid, endure, and finally, eat well!"
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