Naruto: Starting as the Third Hokage with Tears in His Eyes

Chapter 367 Winter Strawberries

Sitting among them was Uchiha Tetsuka, the head of the Konoha Police Force, who maintained his impassive and indifferent face throughout.

Only then did he slowly speak, his voice not loud, but carrying an undeniable decisiveness.

"The meat will be eaten, and the flowers will wither."

As soon as he opened his mouth, both Torifu and Tianyi, who were still arguing, subconsciously shut their mouths.

"But the glory of Konoha will live on forever."

Uchiha Tetsuka's gaze swept over the crowd. "The security forces propose that on the night of the Winter Festival, an unprecedented Uchiha Fire Release: Art Fireworks Festival be held above the Hokage Rock."

"We will use the flames of the Uchiha clan to depict in the night sky the magnificent scene of the First Hokage and Madara establishing the village together, the Second Hokage's achievement in establishing the Ninja Academy, and the Third Hokage's glorious victory! We want every village and every nation to see that the flames of Konoha can not only destroy enemies but also create the most dazzling art in the world, igniting hope in everyone!"

These words resonated deeply, elevating the debate from the issues of food and spiritual enjoyment to the level of village honor and political propaganda.

Akimichi Torifu and Yamanaka Taichi both choked.

They can't possibly say that eating barbecue and admiring flowers are more important than the glory of the village, can they?

An eerie silence fell over the conference room.

Hiruzen Sarutobi watched the scene unfold before him quietly, picked up his teacup, and took a small sip.

Hmm, not bad.

Some are dedicated to promoting the well-being of the people, some are pursuing spiritual civilization, and others are always mindful of consolidating the village's image and political standing.

Everyone has a bright future.

This meeting room is starting to feel more and more like a farmers' market.

"Cough cough."

Hiruzen Sarutobi cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention.

"Everyone's suggestions were excellent and very constructive."

He smiled and spoke in a gentle and encouraging tone, "This is a testament to the prosperity of Konoha today, and to everyone's heartfelt love for the village. I am very gratified."

First, they gave full affirmation, which eased the tense atmosphere.

"The Winter Festival is our first since the war, and also our largest to date. Its purpose is to unite the people and allow every villager to enjoy the joy without any reservations."

"Therefore, barbecue is a must, flowers are a must, and fireworks are indispensable."

Upon hearing this, Akimichi Torifu, Yamanaka Taichi, and Uchiha Tekka all showed joy on their faces.

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi changed the subject.

"However, the location of the booths, the layout of the promotional materials, and the timing of the event all require overall planning. We can't act haphazardly, and we certainly can't let this damage the harmony of the event."

He glanced around, and finally, his expectant and trusting gaze landed precisely on the end of the conference table, on a figure who had tried from the beginning to shrink himself into a ball and minimize his presence.

"Nara Antlers."

The head of the Nara clan, whose name was called, stiffened almost imperceptibly.

He slowly raised his head, and on his perpetually troubled face, he forced a smile that was more like a grimace.

"Lord Hokage, did you call me?"

"Um."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded gently. "For such a complex and demanding task that requires meticulous planning, I can't think of anyone more suitable than you in the entire village."

"Therefore, you will be in charge of organizing this winter festival."

"..."

Nara Shikaku felt a buzzing in his head, as if he had been hit head-on by Akimichi Torifu's human bomb tank.

It’s over.

My life is completely ruined.

Beside him, Akimichi Torifu and Yamanaka Taichi immediately cast sympathetic glances at him, but deep within those glances lay a hint of schadenfreude.

Uchiha Tetsuka nodded slightly in agreement.

In his view, entrusting the most troublesome tasks to the smartest people is the most efficient decision.

"I……"

The antlers opened their mouths, as if trying to make a final struggle.

"I believe in you, Antlers."

Hiruzen Sarutobi interrupted him abruptly, his tone becoming extremely solemn, "This is an order. It is also the village's trust in you."

Once the hat is put on, all of the antlers' escape routes are blocked.

He lowered his head resignedly, radiating an aura of utter despair and hopelessness.

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

Seeing that Lu Jiao had taken on this hot potato, the meeting room became lively again.

"Hey, you better reserve that biggest spot in the central square for the Akimichi family! I'm telling you, it's about ensuring a stable meat supply for the whole village!"

"Mr. Shikanobu, the entrance to Hokage Avenue must be completely paved with our Ice Crystal Orchids; this is a matter of Konoha's prestige!"

"Antlers, the airspace around the Fire Shadow Rock needs to be cleared before the fireworks display, and all departments must be coordinated to implement fire prevention measures. This is the highest priority!"

Inuzuka Tsubasa chimed in, "Shikazuki, our Inuzuka family is planning a ninja dog talent show. Where do you think would be a good location? We can also sell some of the pet treats we and Sakumo were researching while we're at it..."

The representative from the Hyuga clan also said, "Lord Shikanobu, our Hyuga clan is preparing to showcase our latest taijutsu weaving techniques at the Winter Festival, and we need a booth for clothing and such..."

"..."

Countless voices surged towards Nara's antlers like a tidal wave. He felt as if his brain had turned into a pot of boiling porridge, with countless troublesome characters churning inside.

He covered his face in anguish, deeply understanding what it meant for the capable to do more work.

No, this is not about the capable doing more work at all.

This is clearly a case of a capable person dying from overwork!

Just as the noise in the conference room reached its peak, Nara Shikano felt that he was about to apply for a death sentence in the line of duty.

A calm, even cold, voice rang out without warning.

The sound wasn't loud, but it was like a piece of ice thrown into boiling water, instantly silencing the noise in the entire conference room.

Everyone turned to look in the direction of the sound.

Sakumo Hatake, the manager of the Konoha Ecological Farm who had been silent and seemingly detached from the matter, slowly raised his head.

Under everyone's gaze, he spoke softly in a tone that stated the facts without any emotional fluctuation.

"During the Winter Festival, Konoha Ecological Farm will launch the first batch of winter strawberries cultivated by Tsuten Farm."

Limited supply.

This statement came out.

The entire venue was deathly silent.

Whether it was Akimichi Torifu clamoring for meat, Yamanaka Taichi talking about romance, or Uchiha Tetsuka filled with pride, everyone froze in place.

The next second, everyone's eyes blazed with intense light.