Hiruzen Sarutobi looked up into Tsubasa's eyes and said, "I haven't forgotten, but that was a personal grudge. Returning to Konoha is a matter of public duty, and I won't let personal matters interfere with public duty. When I feel strong enough, I will personally challenge you. Of course, you can kill me now, but please accept these ninjas back to Konoha!"
"What's the outer village like now?" Tsubasa suddenly changed the subject.
"In response to your question, the Konoha Outer Village are currently a mixed bag. On the surface, the Kirin Corps and the Konoha Military Police Force are suppressing them, and no one dares to openly cause trouble. However, there are many criminal gangs involved in prostitution, gambling, drugs, and other illegal activities, and there are also countless spies from various countries!"
Utatane Koharu fright and replied, "There are good aspects too. The Konoha Administrative Department has built new houses and workshops, taken in many wandering ninjas and orphans, and opened up many trade routes. Although it's not as prosperous as the inner village, but..." She suddenly choked up, "But if you, sir, are willing to devote even a tenth of your energy to developing the outer villages, we are willing to build the outer villages into a prosperous and flourishing place just like the Konoha Inner Village!"
Mitokado Homura suddenly ripped open his shirt, revealing his scarred chest. Those scars, like medals etched by time, each told a story of past hardship and pain. He raised his head, his eyes filled with determination and pleading. "Please, Lord Hokage, give us another chance to serve Konoha! These wounds are from years of clearing out spies from various countries for the Land of Fire! We dare not ask for your complete trust, we only beg for a chance to die for Konoha!"
He pulled a rusty Kunai from his pocket. This Kunai was the reward weapon for outstanding ninjas among the first graduating class of the Konoha Ninja Academy. Homura gripped it tightly, his voice trembling slightly. "I've carried this with me for ten years, reminding myself every night how much of a jerk I was back then!"
Morning light streamed through the window, gilding the three of them with a golden edge. Tsubasa closed his eyes, his spiritual power surging like a tide as he probed once more. This time, he sensed something stronger than fear—a near-desperate yearning for redemption, like a drowning person desperately clinging to the last piece of driftwood.
"Raise your head." Tsubasa's voice sent a shiver down the spines of the three. Hiruzen Sarutobi's despair deepened, Mitokado Homura's eyes were red-rimmed, Utatane Koharu's eyelashes were wet with tears. These three once spirited Konoha High Command ninjas were now like withered weeds after a frost, awaiting Hokage Tsubasa's judgment.
"I am now handing over the management of the Outer Village to you. I want to see an Konoha Outer Village free of corruption and filth. If necessary, you may request assistance from the Konoha Military Police Force." Tsubasa slammed his teacup down on the table, the spilled tea meandering across the wooden floor. "From this day forward, you are the heads of the Konoha Outer Village Administrative Department. You will report all matters to Secretary-General Biwako."
His gaze swept over the three men's eyes, which lit up instantly. His tone was serious and firm. "But remember, this is about redeeming yourself through meritorious service. If you don't achieve anything in the outer villages, neither you nor your families will ever be allowed to set foot in Konoha Inner Village again."
Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly shouted, the former Shinobi World powerhouse fighting back tears as he vowed, "Thank you Lord Hokage! We will risk our lives to build the outer village into an impregnable fortress!" Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu followed suit, sobbing uncontrollably, their tears dripping onto the floor. They finally saw hope of returning to Konoha.
Tsubasa's decision was not impulsive. The current situation of the Konoha Outer Village was indeed worrying. Although the outer village belonged to Konoha, it was actually loosely managed and a mixed bag of people. On the surface, the Kirin Corps and the Konoha Military Police Force suppressed it, and no one dared to cause trouble openly. However, there were many criminal gangs such as prostitution, gambling, and drugs in the shadows, and spies from various countries frequently appeared.
However, Konoha is short-handed, and its main focus is on developing the major departments within the Konoha Inner Village. Moreover, the main force of the Uchiha Konoha Military Police Force is also to ensure the safety of the inner village. The outer villages are all recruited ordinary people. The Kirin Corps is responsible for the safety of the entire Land of Fire, so the outer villages have adopted Mui -faire approach, and there are quite a few criminal elements within them.
After returning to the outer village, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu immediately began their intensive preparations. They knew this was their only chance, and they had to give it their all.
Hiruzen Sarutobi summoned all the ninja from the outer villages and loudly announced, " The Lord Hokage has given us an opportunity, and we will prove our resolve with our actions! From today onward, the outer villages will be completely transformed; we will build this place into a place free from filth and corruption!"
Mitokado Homura led a team of ninjas to investigate the criminal gangs in the surrounding villages. They Earth Flow, gathered intelligence, and cracked down on crime. In every operation, Homura was at the forefront, and he gained many new scars, but he never backed down.
Utatane Koharu was in charge of administrative work. She Orito to build new workshops, improve infrastructure, and provide more help to wandering ninjas and orphans. She was extremely busy every day, but seeing the villagers' lives gradually improve, she felt it was all worthwhile.
Change doesn't happen overnight; the local thugs and spies from other countries won't let them off easily. During a raid, Mitokado Homura and his team encountered fierce resistance. The enemy was not only numerous but also well-equipped, clearly having come prepared.
Homura knew this was a test for them. He roared and charged forward. The battle was extremely fierce, and Homura's team suffered heavy losses, but he persevered until the Kirin Corps's reinforcements arrived. After the battle, Homura had several more wounds, but he didn't complain at all. He just silently treated his wounds and prepared for the next mission.
Hiruzen Sarutobi also faced immense pressure. Some stubborn clan members expressed their dissatisfaction with his decision, believing that returning to Konoha was a sign of weakness. Hiruzen patiently explained, appealing to their emotions and reasoning with them, and eventually persuaded them. He knew that only by uniting as one could the other villages have hope.
Utatane Koharu also encountered many difficulties in her administrative work. Shortage of funds, insufficient manpower, lack of understanding from villagers... each problem was like a mountain, making it hard for her to breathe. But she did not give up. She traveled around to seek support and improved the situation in the surrounding villages little by little.
After several months of hard work, the situation in the outer village finally improved significantly. The criminal gangs were wiped out, and the activities of spies from various countries were greatly reduced. The new workshops were put into use, the living standards of the villagers in the outer village gradually improved, and wandering ninjas and orphans also found better homes.
After returning from his seclusion in Shikkotsu Forest, Tsubasa received a report from the outlying village while in the Hokage Building, and a relieved smile appeared on his face. He knew that all of this was inseparable from the efforts of Hiruzen Sarutobi, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu. These three people, who had controlled Konoha for decades in the manga, were indeed quite capable. He decided to go to the outlying village himself to see for himself.
When he arrived at the outer village, the scene before him astonished him. The once chaotic outer village had been completely transformed. The streets were clean, the houses were brand new, and the faces of the villagers were filled with happy smiles. Hiruzen Sarutobi, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu stood before him, their eyes full of anticipation.
Tsubasa nodded and said, "You've done a great job. I've witnessed the changes in the outer village. From today onwards, the outer village officially becomes part of Konoha. Your achievements will be recorded in Konoha's history, and your families can be registered in Konoha's Nine-Rank Clan System, enjoying family rights."
The three were so excited that tears welled up in their eyes. They had finally completed their mission and returned to the embrace of Konoha.
The rebirth of the outer villages is just the beginning; the development of Konoha continues. Tsubasa knows that the road ahead is long, but he is confident that as long as everyone works together, Konoha will surely become a peaceful, beautiful, and powerful world of Immortal Cultivation, rather than a cruel and murderous world of ninjas.
He stood atop the Hokage Rock, gazing at the distant Konoha, his heart filled with hope. His wife, Tian Yueqing, and their unborn child would grow up in such a beautiful world. He believed their Mirai would be bright.