Uchiha Tunan's Speech Captivates the Masses
Yoshihara Ao took a deep breath, crouched slightly, and leaped onto the gate of the North City Guard headquarters. He cleared his throat before addressing the gathered crowd:
"Citizens of North City, I am Ao Yoshihara, the chief attendant of Uchiha Tunan, Captain of the North City Guard.
For years, we have received countless anonymous reports regarding the abduction and trafficking of young children. Yet, under previous leadership, investigations stagnated, and justice remained elusive.
However, from the moment Lord Tunan took command, he prioritized this issue above all else. He led the North City Guard in a relentless, months-long operation known as 'Saving Hope.'
Our forces braved countless dangers, infiltrating criminal networks and gathering intelligence. Many brave undercover agents sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
But at last, our efforts bore fruit.
Last night, under Lord Tunan's leadership, we launched a decisive assault on the heart of the trafficking network. In a battle against ruthless criminals, we emerged victorious.
Results of the Operation:
Dismantled: 3 large-scale and 6 small-scale human trafficking dens
Eliminated: 26 hostiles, including 13 rogue ninja
Captured Alive: 74 criminals
Rescued: 63 kidnapped children
Now, we welcome Lord Tunan to speak."
Yoshihara Ao finished his announcement and leaped down from the gate.
Applause erupted. The North City Guards led the ovation, and the gathered citizens quickly followed, their admiration swelling like a tide.
At that moment, Uchiha Tunan vanished from his spot and instantly reappeared atop the gate, standing tall. His swift movement left the civilians in awe.
Tunan raised both hands slightly.
Silence.
The city guards ceased clapping immediately, and the onlookers instinctively followed suit. The entire square fell into an eerie, absolute quiet.
Clearing his throat, Uchiha Tunan spoke, his voice firm and resolute:
"Citizens.
This victory against the traffickers is not mine alone. It is the result of every North City Guard's unwavering dedication and sacrifice.
I especially wish to honor the undercover operatives—men and women who infiltrated the underworld, risked their lives, and fought in the shadows for the safety of our children.
I also commend the North City Guard for enduring the searing heat of summer, the biting cold of winter, and the relentless hardships that came with this mission.
However, we must not grow complacent.
Evil still festers in the shadows. Crime still lurks in our midst.
As the first and last line of defense for the people, we must remain vigilant.
Today, before all of you, I make this vow:
We will never tolerate criminals.
We will never turn a blind eye to corruption.
We will never stand by while the innocent suffer.
We will crush evil wherever it hides!"
Tunan raised his right fist.
A thunderous roar erupted:
"Long live Tunan!"
"Long live the North City Guard!"
"Glory to Konoha!"
---
The Traffickers' Fate
Ding! Approval gained from Xin Lizhi.
Ding! Recognition earned from Yue Chuan Sa.
Ding! Approval received from Kasai and Mei.
Tunan listened to the system notifications in his mind, raising a brow slightly.
Unexpected, but not unwelcome.
Even if most of these people were ordinary civilians, their faith in him would prove useful in the long run.
Tunan exhaled and pressed his hands forward.
The deafening cheers halted instantly.
"North City Guard," he commanded.
"Sir!" The guards stood at attention.
"Execute the prisoners."
At once, a dozen captains stepped forward, drawing their blades as they positioned themselves behind the kneeling criminals.
Panic erupted among the traffickers.
"Wait—please!"
"We didn't kill anyone! According to the Fire Nation's laws, we shouldn't be executed!"
"Mercy, my lord!"
Uchiha Tunan scoffed, his Sharingan flickering to life.
"Now you plead for the law?" His voice carried righteous fury.
"When you stole children from their families, did you think of the law?
When you sold them like livestock, did you follow the law?
Now, in your final moments, you dare to invoke it against me?
Fools."
Tunan's crimson eyes scanned the crowd, his gaze locking onto Shanghe Dakong, the local magistrate, who stood frozen at the end of the street.
The magistrate clenched his teeth, his face pale.
"Sir, should we intervene?" one of his attendants asked.
Dakong exhaled sharply, then turned away. "No. We leave."
Behind them, the sound of swords slashing flesh echoed through the square.
Blood pooled on the stone pavement.
The crowd erupted into cheers once more.
Ding! Recognition gained from Ishiide Keigo.
Ding! Approval received from Matsuno Asami.
Ding! Acknowledgment from Huaguyi.
Tunan let the applause continue for a moment before casually waving a hand.
Then, with a flicker of movement, he vanished from the scene, returning to the North City Guard headquarters.
---
The Rescued Children
Inside a large chamber, dozens of children huddled together, their faces filled with fear and uncertainty.
Some had not yet realized they had been rescued. Others, too traumatized, barely reacted at all.
One little girl lay motionless on the floor, her tiny body too weak from hunger.
Squeak—
The door opened, and Uchiha Tunan strode in, his expression warm and gentle.
The moment he saw the unconscious girl, his Sharingan flared slightly.
In a flash, he was at her side, lifting her into his arms.
His sharp voice rang through the room:
"Why is she like this?"
Yoshihara Ao rushed forward, bowing deeply. "My lord, she must have fainted from hunger."
SMACK!
Without hesitation, Tunan's palm struck Yoshihara's face.
The attendant immediately dropped to his knees.
"This was my failure, my lord!" Ao declared, pressing his forehead to the ground.
Tunan's voice was cold. "One year's salary, confiscated. Now go—bring food, prepare warm baths, and set out fresh clothes."
"Yes, my lord!" Yoshihara scrambled to carry out the orders.
Within minutes, attendants entered with trays of warm food, placing them in front of the children.
But the children hesitated, their eyes filled with suspicion.
Tunan, still holding the little girl, gently spoon-fed her some rice porridge.
Then, turning to the others, he smiled.
"Eat," he said softly. "You are safe now. No one will hurt you here."
At first, they hesitated.
Then, one child tentatively reached out. Then another.
Soon, they were all devouring the food, hunger overpowering their fear.
Tunan watched with a gentle gaze.
"Good."
These children would grow up in his care.
And one day, they would be loyal only to him.