I became Hokage in Tokyo

Chapters 338 and 339: Superstars of the New Era

"Master Kanbara is really funny."

The government employee was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said:

"You are to be the abbot of the new temple, but the head of the other shrine dedicated to the Lord of Mount Tai is to be someone else."

"Hurry, hurry, as the law commands" was a common closing phrase in official documents during the Han Dynasty, meaning extremely urgent and to be handled swiftly as if in accordance with the law. In later generations, it was often used as the final phrase in Taoist incantations for exorcising ghosts.

Onmyodo also copied the Taoist incantation "Hurry, hurry, as the law commands!" and it is frequently seen in various films and television works about Japanese Onmyoji. As a result, the general public has become familiar with it and naturally regards "Hurry, hurry, as the law commands!" as the representative incantation of Onmyoji.

"A shrine?" Yuji Kanbara was completely confused.

"In addition to building a new temple on the original site, a new shrine will also be built to enshrine Taisan Fujun. Just like the previous Senso-ji Temple and Senso-ji Shrine."

Located to the east of the original Senso-ji Temple area is the little-known Asakusa Shrine.

Senso-ji Temple and Senso-ji Shrine are not mortal enemies; on the contrary, they have a harmonious relationship.

This is a unique product of the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism in Japan. Although temples and shrines are different religious buildings, the gods they worship are theoretically the same.

Taishan Fujun was brought back to Japan by the Tendai sect as a guardian deity of Esoteric Buddhism. Abe no Seimei incorporated him into the Onmyōdō system, making him a localized deity.

Given this, it would be logical to build a separate shrine outside the temple to worship the Lord of Mount Tai.

It must be said that the Japanese high-ranking officials have been very thorough in their efforts to curry favor with the Lord of Mount Tai, employing a two-pronged approach, fearing that they might not be able to get a response from Him.

Seeing Yuji Kambara's heart flutter at the prospect of a salary exceeding 100 million yen, the government employee breathed a sigh of relief, but also felt a sense of disdain.

In his view, Yuji Kanbara was somewhat petty and incompetent.

In this extraordinary new era of rejuvenation and divine intervention, countless powerful and influential people are waving their money around, each displaying their unique abilities, trying to board the ship of this new era, but to no avail.

Several opportunities were presented to Yuji Kambara, but he gave them up. Now he's only agreeing for a paltry sum of money.

It's like trying to talk about ice with a summer insect.

"Isn't this much for the first year's subsidy? It's just the first year, isn't it?"

Holding the document in his hand, Yuji Kambara asked somewhat guiltily.

No matter who it is, if someone is just lazing around doing nothing and their annual salary suddenly increases twentyfold, they will feel uneasy.

"Master Shinbara, please rest assured that the subsidy is not from government funding, but rather from the newly established civilian committee allocated to Taisan Fujun Temple."

In order to obtain the indenture tickets from the underworld, major financial groups generously donated funds to build temples and shrines to worship the Lord of Mount Tai. The Civil Affairs Committee was so wealthy that its nine-figure subsidy was just a drop in the ocean.

"Special talents like Master Kambara and other extraordinary individuals are crucial to Japan's future, and this amount of money is nothing to them."

To ease Yuji Kanbara's psychological burden, the government employee offered further advice:

"As far as I know, the Paranormal Countermeasures Department offers this amount as a base annual salary to every superhuman, in addition to various mission allowances and top-level benefits. If you're the department head, it's easy to earn several times that amount."

"I have great respect for the Lord of Mount Tai. I am truly flattered to be entrusted with such an important task as presiding over the ceremony."

Since he was taking money from conglomerates, not taxpayers, Yuji Kambara felt less pressure and eventually agreed.

That's a hundred million a year; you can easily retire after working for three to five years.

"But has the person chosen as the head priest of the shrine to worship the Lord of Mount Tai been decided?"

"Not yet." The government official hesitated for a moment before answering truthfully, "But according to what I've heard, it's possible that a descendant of Abe no Seimei will be chosen for the position."

Yuji Kambara opened his eyes, a look of surprise on his face.

Does Abe no Seimei, the greatest Onmyoji of all time, still have any descendants in modern times?

-

A black luxury car, understated yet exuding elegance, drove steadily and smoothly on the national highway, flanked by two other sedans.

Experienced Tokyo residents could immediately tell that it was some important figure from the political or business world traveling together.

"Ah Ming, that's about enough for now. I'll see you again in a few days."

Sitting in the back of the black limousine, Uchiha Senmon put down his phone and sighed.

"Minister Uchiha, please rest assured, I have already arranged for people to be stationed near your residence in Yayoi Town."

The man sitting next to Uchiha Senmon was not the deputy prime minister's secretary from before, but a short-haired man with squinty eyes.

"Before officially disclosing the news, I will handle everything, including the moving and your son's school transfer."

The whole of Japan is now engulfed in a supernatural frenzy, with countless netizens eagerly seeking all information about the supernatural, only able to find solace in the small amount of information released by the authorities and various unverified news circulating online.

It's easy to imagine that once the Uchiha Senmon's dual identity as the head of the Supernatural Countermeasures Department and a superhuman is exposed, they will inevitably be thrust into the spotlight.

At that time, a large number of media outlets will inevitably flock to the scene to dig up all information about the Uchiha Sage Clan.

At that time, both the residence of the Uchiha Sage and Akatsuki will inevitably be disturbed.

"Mr. Ichimaru, I'll leave these to you."

"You're too kind. Just call me Ichimaru, Captain Uchiha."

The man with narrowed eyes smiled slightly, his manners impeccable, yet there was a hint of cunning, like that of a fox.

"I am your assistant, this is all part of my job."

Uchiha Senmon's eyes flashed.

The Japanese government is very willing to spend money to win him over as minister, offering him far more generous terms than one might imagine.

A private car and a villa in the heart of Chiyoda were provided immediately, and the annual salary offered was as high as 250 million yen. The work and study arrangements for his sister-in-law Nami Sakaki and Naruto Uchiha in Tokyo were also taken care of.

The Uchiha Sage Sect was not interested in material pleasures, but there was no need for them to deliberately appear aloof and virtuous.

Let's leave these things to Ah Ming.

Pushing up his non-glossy black-rimmed glasses, Uchiha Senmon flipped through the lists of classrooms and personnel drafted by the Supernatural Countermeasures Department.

The Supernatural Countermeasures Department is structured around the Fourth Investigation Division and the Fifth Public Security Division, with additional personnel drawn from the Self-Defense Forces or other departments. The list even includes a considerable number of foreign names.

It can be described as a mixed bag.

Experienced individuals like the Uchiha Senmon could immediately tell that the Supernatural Countermeasures Department was a product of compromise and forced integration among various forces, and was internally fractured.

However, the Uchiha Sage didn't pay much attention to it.

The Supernatural Countermeasures Department was merely a tool for him to seek revenge and obtain the Taishan Fujun Sacrifice.

Furthermore, even if the Uchiha Sage Sect wanted to implement sweeping reforms, the local faction, even those who had pushed him to the ministerial position, would never agree.

The Uchiha Sage was very clear about the source of their power: the Wood Release power they obtained from Lady Konohana Sakuya.

However, even with extraordinary power, one cannot act recklessly and do whatever one pleases while working within the system.

Unless, of course, there is absolute violence that transcends the state apparatus!

The black car drove smoothly for more than ten minutes, and the NHK headquarters building could be seen in the distance.

Several cars discreetly drove into the NHK underground parking lot, then took the elevator through the staff-only passage to the entrance of a photography studio located inside the headquarters building.

Although the floor had been cleared beforehand, as soon as the Uchiha Senmon group arrived, they were immediately greeted by people.

"This is Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Suzuki. These gentlemen are from the Public Relations and Cultural Exchange Department and the Public Opinion Control Office under the Prime Minister's Office..."

While introducing the identities of these officials in an orderly manner, Assistant Ichimaru led Uchiha Senmon into the studio.

"To help the public understand the extraordinary, boost morale, and instill confidence in the government and the paranormal countermeasures department, propaganda is of paramount importance. The next step is to produce a series of propaganda documentaries centered around Minister Uchiha."

Those present were all bureaucrats from cultural and propaganda departments both at home and abroad.

As soon as the finished product is released, the publicity machine is immediately turned on, broadcasting 24 hours a day at a high intensity to promote the Supernatural Countermeasures Department and the Uchiha Sage Clan.

As always, the Japanese government is incompetent in handling important matters, but it is very willing to put in a lot of effort and energy into superficial projects such as domestic whitewashing and external propaganda.

Although the Uchiha Senmon felt somewhat uncomfortable, they also knew that this was essential.

It would also help stabilize morale, so the Uchiha clan suppressed their displeasure and agreed.

Upon entering the studio, Uchiha Senmon glanced around and frowned.

Props maker, photographer, lighting technician, sound engineer, general assistant...

The number of staff in the studio exceeded the expectations of the Uchiha Sage Sect.

He originally thought it would just be a matter of taking a few photos and videos, but judging from this, it's like they're making a big-budget movie.

"Minister, everyone here has signed a confidentiality agreement, and there are also Metropolitan Police Department personnel guarding the area. It will absolutely not be leaked to any other media outlets before the official announcement."

Ichimaru's assistant, observing the situation, assumed that Uchiha Senmon was worried about a leak, and immediately whispered.

"This is director Katabuchi."

Ichimaru's assistant then introduced a gaunt, artistic-looking old man at the scene.

Even the Uchiha Immortal Clan had heard of this director; he was a top-tier master director in contemporary Japan, and he left a significant mark when he ventured into Hollywood.

"Is it really necessary to make such a big fuss about filming a promotional video?" Uchiha Senmon asked expressionlessly.

"The minister should not underestimate this matter. If the publicity is done well, its effect on boosting the morale of the people will be immeasurable."

Assistant Ichimaru spoke with excitement and conviction.

"We will mold Minister Uchiha into a great man of the new era, a hero of the new era, and a superstar of the new era!"

The gaunt old man had been carefully observing the latter ever since he entered the Uchiha Sage Gate.

The Uchiha Sage Sect didn't pay much attention to this. Extraordinary beings were even rarer than pandas. The gazes of the other staff members in the studio were much sharper and more intense.

"He looks even better in person than in the photos, and his aura is superb, which has inspired me to burst forth."

Director Katabuchi nodded repeatedly to the Uchiha Sage, showing a hint of eagerness.

Unexpectedly, this extraordinary minister had such a good foundation, and was no less impressive than the national idol-level male actors he had worked with, making the great director itchy to work with him.

"Even if your hair is a bit messy, it's best to get it trimmed and styled a little, and it will shine like a superstar."

"Stylist!"

With a wave of his hand, Ichimaru's assistant was about to call over the stylists who were waiting on site.

"etc."

Just then, Uchiha Senmon's calm voice rang out, interrupting Ichimaru's assistant.

"There's no need. I don't have that much time to waste here."

In the early stages of the supernatural countermeasures department, everything was in disarray and there was still a lot of work to be done. To waste precious time on shooting promotional videos was simply a lack of consideration for priorities!

"I'm not here to film a movie or prepare for my debut; I just want to take a few pictures casually."

"But, Department Head Uchiha, this is my superior..."

Uchiha Senmon's expression turned cold, and he couldn't help but exhale.

Then he slowly reached out and took off his glasses, immediately crushing the non-prescription glasses in his hand.

After taking off his glasses, Uchiha Senmon's eyes suddenly became sharp and piercing.

He gave Ichimaru's assistant a cold look.

"Am I the minister, or are you the minister? Or is someone else the minister?"

The cold, oppressive aura emanating from Uchiha Senmon made Ichimaru's assistant realize the difference in their life levels, causing him to break out in a cold sweat and tremble with fear.

Even the other staff members in the studio were affected and immediately fell silent.

"Do as I say!"

"Yes...yes..." Assistant Ichimaru stammered, like a chick pecking at rice.

Only then did the Uchiha Senmon withdraw his stern gaze.

Being the head of the Supernatural Countermeasures Department is really not an easy job.

Not only does he have to face the constraints of his former rival, the Fifth Division of the Public Security Bureau, and overseas forces, but even the local faction that put him in this position probably harbors the intention to control and sideline him.

Ichimaru's assistant was appointed by the local faction. Without instructions from above, how could anyone dare to outwardly comply with his words but inwardly defy him?

If you act too easygoing and without any sharp edges, some fool might take advantage of you.

Uchiha Senmon glanced around, his gaze sweeping across the glass of the scene.

Her black hair, having grown past her shoulders due to neglect, did indeed appear somewhat messy.

Do you have hairspray?

The others didn't dare to be negligent and hurriedly rummaged through the items, handing over a bottle of hairspray.

Uchiha Senmon applied some hair gel to his left hand, rubbed his hands together, and swept his bangs back, combing them into a slicked-back hairstyle.

His handsome face suddenly appeared even more dashing and aloof, exuding an aura of dominance.

"Let's get this over with quickly, just shoot it like this!"

(End of this chapter)