"That's right. With the Kage coming to Konoha, we can't let them make a joke of us. Have everyone keep their spirits up lately, but make sure they don't overwork themselves. They can leave work early when appropriate."
Hiruzen immediately understood. Konoha's reputation was important, and the construction team's work was exhausting. After long days of it, they would naturally be mentally fatigued.
"Alright, I understand. I'll have them leave an hour early these next few days, though the progress will slow down somewhat."
Torikaze waved his hand. "That's no problem. How much can a few hours delay the work? Before long, we'll be moving an island for the Land of Whirlpools. Once we're done moving it and they've had their fill of the spectacle, they'll leave."
Hiruzen understood as well and nodded repeatedly. "Alright, Torikaze. I'll let them know. Still, what we're doing for the Land of Whirlpools is truly astonishing. Everyone says they can hardly believe it after hearing about it."
"I'm sure everyone will be pleasantly surprised on the day we actually move it."
Torikaze did not particularly care whether they were surprised or not. This had originally been an operation to help the Land of Whirlpools, yet it had now become tied to raising Konoha's prestige.
They were simply accomplishing two things at once. Their aim was to raise Konoha's standing in the Shinobi World, not scare their own people.
"Keep a close eye on them. The Mizukage will probably be arriving soon, and his group will enter through Konoha's main gate. Don't let the gate end up a complete mess by then, or we'll be in trouble."
Hiruzen immediately replied, "Then I'll have them finish building the main street first so the Mizukage and his people can pass through it. How does that sound?"
Torikaze