Naruto: I Became Tsunade's Husband and Took Over Konoha

Chapter 538 - 537 Taking the Iron Ore

"Do you all think, that I would be lenient and go easy on you because of some so-called face-saving project? Or, are you naively believing that I would harshly blame my own people for the sake of so-called reputation?"

Ryun looked expressionlessly at the people before him, but the corner of his mouth turned up slightly, revealing a cold smile.

His voice was icy and carried a trace of mockery, making everyone present shiver involuntarily.

Immediately after, Ryun slowly walked over to the group of mining slaves. His steps seemed somewhat heavy, as if each footstep trod upon the hearts of the crowd.

When he reached the group of mining slaves, he suddenly stopped, then slowly crouched down, coming eye level with those mining slaves.

His gaze swept over each person, finally settling on the slave who had first released the malice.

Ryun’s eyes were unusually sharp, seemingly able to pierce through that person’s soul.

He just quietly stared at the other party, not saying a word, yet making people feel an invisible pressure.

After a while, the smile on Ryun’s mouth became even more pronounced. He said softly, "You probably don’t know, I am not someone like Hiruzen Sarutobi. I also won’t be like your leaders, having to swallow the insult and bear the grievance after being wronged. Things like maintaining a great nation’s image, or disdaining to bother with them, these are just self-deceiving excuses."

Upon hearing Ryun’s words, the faces of several mining slaves instantly turned pale. The figures of the two Raikage suddenly surfaced in their minds.

After every failed mission, those two Raikage would always say similar things, which made the mining slaves develop a deep sense of doubt towards their village’s leaders.

However, Ryun’s words struck like a morning bell and evening drum, resonating in the hearts of the mining slaves. His voice was firm and powerful, revealing an unshakable confidence and determination.

"You are wrong," Ryun continued, "From the moment I became Hokage, I have never compromised with anyone. I will not blame my own people for those illusory notions of face. I will not abandon principles to please others."

His gaze swept over everyone present, those sharp eyes seemingly able to pierce through human souls.

"In my eyes, each of my people is the most outstanding. If a dispute occurs, it is definitely the person who quarreled with them who has the problem." Ryun’s words were resounding, leaving no room for rebuttal.

These words flowed like a warm current into the hearts of the Konoha ninja who were guarding the mining slaves.

These Konoha ninja never expected that their Hokage-sama would value them so much, that his trust in them would reach such a profound degree. Their eyes gradually moistened, tears of excitement swirling within.

With a "thump," they knelt down in unison, as if driven by a powerful force. Respect and loyalty were written on everyone’s face, and they shouted in unison, "The Hokage-sama sees everything clearly. We are willing to devote ourselves entirely to Konoha, and to the Hokage-sama, until our dying breath."

This sudden scene instantly shattered the hopes of those mining slaves who had originally held expectations for Ryun, who firmly believed he would improve their treatment.

Their faces turned as pale as paper, looking at Ryun with full of terror, as if seeing a terrifying demon.

The corner of Ryun’s mouth turned up slightly, revealing a mocking smile. He waved his hand casually, saying, "Those willing to continue working in the future, sign here. Those unwilling to work, get out immediately. Wages will be settled at once, not a single cent less. Don’t think you are so important. Kumo won’t stop turning just because you’re gone."

His voice wasn’t loud, but it was full of authority, making people shudder.

The mining slaves looked at each other, none daring to utter a sound. They knew Ryun’s words were not a joke. If they didn’t sign, they would probably lose their jobs immediately.

Seeing this, Ryun sneered coldly and continued, "Do you really think you’re some important dish? Still believe you are great contributors to Kumo? I tell you, without you, Kumo can still operate normally. The people of Kumo can still live happy and peaceful lives."

With that, he suddenly stomped on the Kumo mining slave who had released the malice, pinning him firmly underfoot without the slightest trace of pity.

His foot landed right on the man’s wound, making him struggle and roar. No one present dared to plead for him. From this moment on, their so-called belief in loyalty collapsed in their hearts.

The so-called backbone and integrity that existed in their hearts disappeared. They began to reevaluate whether everything they had done was worth it. They began to reflect on their treatment after becoming mining slaves.

Ryun looked down at the mining slave beneath his foot, his eyes filled with mockery. Just this? Is this worthy of feeling dissatisfied with his people? I haven’t even settled accounts with you for hindering Konoha’s mining plans, and you actually developed dissatisfaction towards us.

After about five minutes, Ryun kicked away the mining slave underfoot. He scanned the crowd, "Alright, now tell me your thoughts. Who leaves, who stays?"

The mining slaves belonging to Kumo present all hung their heads like frostbitten eggplants. No one dared to step forward and say they wanted to quit.

After all, after the observation and comparison just now, they were all clear in their hearts. Compared to the high-risk life of ninjas, mining here was simply a pleasure.

Here, they not only got to eat delicious food every day, but the treatment was also quite good.

More importantly, the wages here were almost the same as those ninjas who lived on the edge of their blades outside.

They even had two days off every week, allowing them to relax and rest properly.

Such working conditions would probably be hard to find even back in Kumo.

Ryun stood to the side, the corner of his mouth slightly upturned, revealing a barely noticeable smile.

He secretly felt pleased, because his goal had been achieved.

He said with an unchanged expression, "Since no one wants to leave, I will act as if I didn’t see what happened today. However, punishment cannot be avoided. Starting now, for the next month, all your weekends are canceled. Your workload is doubled, but your wages remain unchanged. If anyone has objections, feel free to voice them. After all, Konoha values democracy greatly."

As soon as the words fell, all the mining slaves lowered their heads in unison again. Some even knelt on the ground with a "thud."

They said in unison, "We respectfully obey the Hokage-sama’s command. We will definitely redouble our efforts to work, to atone for our crimes. We hope the Hokage-sama will see this clearly."

Ryun glanced at them, the corner of his mouth turning up, "Since that’s the case, then start working. Don’t pull long faces." Upon hearing this, the mining slaves immediately put on forced smiles and shouted loudly, "Long live Ryun. Long live the Hokage-sama."

Ryun turned and walked towards his own people. His attitude was amiable as he said, "Everyone, Konoha’s demand for iron ore will be very high in the coming period. If possible, I hope everyone can increase manpower and speed up the mining scale."

The Konoha ninja spoke up one after another, "Hokage-sama, don’t worry. There are still many prisoners of war. We can definitely expand the scale."

"That’s right, Hokage-sama. Since you have spoken, I will mobilize twice as many prisoners to work tomorrow."

Ryun looked at his loyal subordinates, nodding inwardly. As expected of Konoha’s most loyal ninja. This level of awareness and insight is not something ordinary people can compare to.

"Now, take me to the warehouse where the iron ore is usually stored," Ryun said.

The ninja who had angrily wielded the whip earlier stepped forward. He personally led the way for Ryun. Ryun was also happy to see this, so he followed behind him, heading towards a cave.

When they reached the cave entrance, Nawaki appeared yawning, "Password."

Ryun smiled, "Nawaki, you itching for a spanking? Daring to ask me for a password?"

Upon hearing Ryun’s voice, he immediately perked up. Opening his eyes, he saw Ryun looking at him teasingly.

"Bro, brother-in-law. You, why are you here." Nawaki looked at his brother-in-law, his eyes wide open.

"It’s a long story. I’ll tell you later. I need to take out Kumo’s iron ore now to research new weapons. This matter concerns Konoha’s future." Ryun was not exaggerating.

Nawaki also realized the seriousness of the matter, so he nodded, "Brother-in-law, follow me." Saying this, Nawaki led Ryun towards the interior of the warehouse.

Soon after, Nawaki brought Ryun deep into the mine.

Deep in the mine, there was a door. Nawaki took the key out of his trouser pocket and inserted it.

Then with a gentle turn, the door began to tremble, then slowly opened.

After that, Nawaki picked up a torch from the wall and led the way in front.

Ryun followed closely behind. The ninja who had led the way knew his duty and task well, so he stopped at the entrance, turned, and looked outside the cave.

He would guard here until the Hokage-sama finished what he needed to do.

Ryun walked into the warehouse. The warehouse was extremely dark. Even with Nawaki holding a torch, the situation inside was dim and unclear.

Ryun activated his chakra. His eyes unconsciously transformed into the shape of a six-tomoe rinnegan.

His vision doubled, allowing him to see the situation inside.

As Nawaki went deeper, Ryun saw large chunks of iron ore neatly arranged, as well as refined iron that had already been processed.

Nawaki fixed the torch in place, then said, "Brother-in-law, this is where Kumo stores its iron ore. What do you think, the quantity is large, right?" He said with a smile.

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