“Please, go ahead.” One second earlier, Hashirama had still been full of alcohol and half drunk.
The next second, he became completely serious, a faint mist of evaporating alcohol visibly drifting into the air.
“…” Toji looked at the scene and was left speechless.
Hashirama cared about the village to an absurd degree, almost like a certain dark-skinned man whose true lover was his country.
Poor Mito was basically getting cheated on.
“Ahem!” Toji coughed lightly.
“I plan to establish a true ninja hospital in Konoha.” He then explained the core concept.
“Gather medical ninjas from each clan and place them in one specialized institution under unified management.
The hospital will mainly serve ninjas.
Of course, if there is spare capacity, it can also treat ordinary villagers.” Hashirama scratched his cheek awkwardly as he replied, “The truth is…
I thought about this before, but everyone rejected it.
It seems no one wants doctors from their own clan treating outsiders.” Exactly as expected.
Ninja hospitals, ninja academies, Anbu, police forces… systems that later generations considered normal were still unfamiliar and unwelcome in this era.
The Warring States era had only recently ended, and Konoha had existed for just five years.
The many clans that once hated one another had only barely been gathered together.
Resources were not integrated.
Strength was not shared.
Even the most basic civilian systems still resembled isolated islands from wartime days.
Hashirama’s personality was too soft.
That was why such systems had not been implemented in Konoha’s early years.
Only after that ruthless white-haired demon took power…
“Hashirama.” Toji spoke in a tone carrying subtle temptation.
“As Hokage, your authority is unlimited.
This is a great matter that benefits both village and people.
How can it be abandoned simply because others resist?” “The larger direction can be decided first.
The details can be improved later.
If people refuse to share resources, then find the reasons and solve them one by one.
The sooner Konoha Hospital is built, the sooner the village benefits.” Hashirama listened in a daze.
His expression shifted from hesitation to resolve.
Then, with murderous momentum, he said, “You’re right.
As Hokage, I should be firmer in some matters.
Tomorrow, I’ll gather everyone at the Hokage Residence and explain this.” * * * The next day.
Inside the Hokage Residence conference room, Hashirama summoned representatives of the major ninja clans and announced the proposal to establish Konoha Hospital.
“I oppose this!” “Agreed!” “There has never been such a precedent!” “Our clan has only one medical ninja.
How can we send them away?” “…” As expected, resistance was strong.
Tobirama crossed his arms and was about to stand up to support his brother, but Hashirama suddenly leaned forward with both hands on the table.
His attitude was unusually firm.
“Everyone!
This is no longer the Warring States era.” The elders present changed expression, and the room’s murmurs instantly quieted.
“I do not wish for barriers between clans.
Everyone should work together for the village.” “No person of any clan should think only of sacrificing for clan interests.
They must place the greater good first, contribute to the village, and protect the people of the village.” “Everyone in this village is one family.” “Our Senju Clan will assign all of our medical ninjas to Konoha Hospital.
I ask all of you to understand and support me.” Hashirama swept his gaze across the room.
Everyone visibly trembled.
In the end, it was an elder of the Uchiha Clan who broke the silence first.
“I support the Hokage’s proposal.” The others glared at him.
You Uchiha do not even have medical ninjas.
Why are you joining in?
“However…” the elder continued.
“This new Konoha Hospital needs someone to oversee the whole operation.
Hokage-sama, who do you think is suitable?” The room filled with discussion again.
Seeing Hashirama’s uncharacteristically strong stance, everyone knew this matter could no longer be stopped.
Konoha Hospital was destined to become an important institution.
If each clan’s healers were centralized, then future treatment of injured clan members, mission recovery, medicine distribution… all of it would depend on the hospital.
That meant the hospital’s leader could not be a puppet controlled by one faction.
It had to be someone who could balance all sides and consider every clan’s interests.
Some looked toward the Senju.
Some glanced at the Uchiha.
Many simply watched one another, afraid this power would fall into hostile hands.
Hashirama finally relaxed and blurted out, “What about Toji from Gospel Clinic?” “Toji?” Unexpected, yet reasonable.
Everyone had attended his feast yesterday, and all had approved of his conduct and character.
Once again, the Uchiha spoke first.
“I support Toji becoming director.” “The man’s ability is obvious to all.
Our Hyuga Clan also supports him.” “Agreed.” “Approved.” “…” With two major clans leading the way, voices of agreement rose one after another.
Hashirama looked thrilled.
He slammed the table and stood up.
“Good!
Since Toji has everyone’s support, the matter is settled!” He raised a hand for silence and solemnly declared, “Konoha Gospel Hospital is officially established today.
Toji will serve as its first director and will fully oversee hospital affairs.” “Each clan must assign medical ninjas.
All names are to be submitted to Toji within three days.” * * * That same afternoon, after only half a day back at work, Toji was summoned to the Hokage Residence.
Hashirama eagerly handed him two sheets of appointment papers.
[Appointment: Toji Zenin, First Director of Konoha Gospel Hospital.] Toji looked at the papers and slightly raised a brow.
Hashirama’s efficiency was surprisingly fast.
Hashirama patted his shoulder.
“Toji, from today onward, Gospel Clinic has been upgraded into a hospital.
You are the first director.” “I feel my ability may not be enough for such a position…” Toji pretended to decline.
The old tradition of refusing three times.
“Enough already.” Hashirama waved it off.
“You are what everyone wants.
They all recognize your ability.
Don’t refuse.
Come with me.” As soon as he finished speaking, his figure flashed away from the Hokage Residence.
Toji used his taijutsu movement and barely kept up.
“Hokage-sama, where are we rushing to?” “To build the hospital, of course.” “Build the hospital?” Toji was taken aback.
Before he fully processed it, Hashirama had already brought him to a large empty plot in Konoha’s core district.
Then Hashirama clapped his hands, slammed them onto the ground, and shouted.
“Wood Style…
Hospital Construction Jutsu!” He was not even pretending anymore.
He really could just shout a name and make it happen.
Whatever he named the move became the effect.
Rumble!!
The earth shook violently.
Dust filled the air at once.
Then Toji truly witnessed the terror of the God of Shinobi.
Across nearly a hundred acres of land, thick wooden pillars burst from the ground.
Rows of wooden buildings rose one after another.
Within moments, an enormous hospital had already taken shape.
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