The meeting continued, with Ashura and Hiruzen Sarutobi raising their hands simultaneously.
Naruto glanced at Ashura, then gestured for Hiruzen to speak.
Hiruzen's gaze was heavy with worry as he slowly voiced the question that confused many: "What I want to discuss is how ninja should position themselves after this war."
The conference hall fell into prolonged silence.
This war had fundamentally shaken their understanding.
No matter how hard they tried, some beings could never be defeated.
Many had even wavered in their faith as ninja.
"..." No one could provide an answer. Perhaps the starting point itself was contradictory.
Could they expect everyone to become as powerful as Naruto and the others, capable of facing the Ōtsutsuki head-on?
That was impossible.
Should they completely deny the value of ninja existence?
Such thoughts flickered through people's minds, though none dared voice them.
"Are you wondering if ninja should exit the historical stage, leaving only a few top-tier fighters? Is that what you're all thinking?"
Naruto's gaze held a penetrating light as he surveyed the room.
"..." Many people, even former Kage, lowered their heads.
Naruto had spoken the reality they dared think but not say!
"That would be... wrong!" Naruto's voice suddenly rose with convincing determination. "Ninja aren't as useless as you think!"
From the edge of the room came a timid but eager voice: "How... how can you be so certain?"
This echoed many attendees' thoughts.
Naruto spoke slowly and deeply: "Fine, I'll explain. We won't discuss matters of will—only practical combat feasibility."
"No matter how powerful an individual's chakra, unless they're immortal like Kaguya, they can't escape their mortal flesh."
"Take me personally. As a ninja, I have the Sage Body, Rinnegan, Six Paths power, even the Ten-Tails. But as a human, I'm still a living being. My body is still flesh and blood, fragile enough that a single kunai could pierce my skin!"
Naruto drew a kunai and cut his palm, drawing blood.
"If this kunai struck my neck instead of my hand, pierced my heart, I could face mortal danger. If it severed my head or pierced my brain, I could die within moments!"
Clang!
Naruto stabbed the kunai into the table.
"This is my limitation as a 'living being.'"
Seeing everyone deep in thought, Naruto healed his palm wound and continued.
"Now let's discuss ninjutsu."
"Even the most basic Fire Release reaches temperatures over a thousand degrees—enough to burn my skin..."
"How simple would it be to kill me? If I didn't use tailed beast chakra for defense, regenerative abilities, or Rinnegan absorption, theoretically just ten ninja using Great Fireball Technique could burn me to death."
"With high-energy lightning techniques like Kakashi-sensei's Chidori or Sasuke'sChidori, they could even achieve a one-hit kill..."
"That's right—using gaming terms, we ninja, even most Ōtsutsuki, have 'high attack, low defense' characteristics. We all wield 'spears' capable of killing each other and possess 'shields' to defend against those spears. But no matter how solid or comprehensive our shields, we ourselves remain the weakest link and the greatest variable in battle!"
"Even against the most ordinary ninjutsu, we must defend—whether through simple evasion or countering with opposing elements. We must take some countermeasure to remain safe, rather than relying on our bodies to endure!"
"I know some of you who've seen my memories might think Ōtsutsuki enemies often absorb ninjutsu, with some even amplifying and reflecting it back, making ninjutsu counterproductive."
"But... different enemies require different strategies. Combat is a comprehensive art!"
"Even the most unremarkable ninjutsu has its appropriate battlefield."
"No matter how times change, ninjutsu always has 'strategic' value."
Naruto deliberately looked at the contemplating Itachi before addressing everyone: "How far ninjutsu's value extends, whether one can overcome overwhelming odds and create miracles—that depends on the ninja using it!"
"This is my view of ninjutsu and ninja..."
"Saying ninja have no place is just self-deprecation, being completely intimidated by enemy power."
"This isn't a model student's speech—I believe this from the bottom of my heart."
Madara's lips curved upward, thinking: Well said. This is the strategic vision and eloquence a ninja world leader should have...
Hiruzen sighed. "The younger generation is formidable. I truly wish Konoha's ninja and those from other villages who've been devastated by this war could hear your insights, Naruto."
Naruto smiled. "I'll leave that matter to you, Hiruzen-jisan."
Hiruzen was surprised. "Is that... appropriate?"
Naruto said sincerely, "You're the most suitable person, aren't you? You possess the most comprehensive ninja qualities and are honored as the 'Professor of Ninja.' I believe your interpretation would be most convincing."
Hiruzen sighed. "Very well, I'll take on this task..."
The ninja then discussed many specific matters, reaching constructive conclusions.
Ashura didn't raise his hand again. He could see Naruto was demonstrating his non-combat excellence through words and actions—continuing their inconclusive discussion from that day!
Ashura thought: He truly gets things done, balancing different viewpoints and drawing from each side's strengths to reach decisions that satisfy, convince, and silence everyone. As a leader, he far surpasses me.
But Ashura still had reservations. His most pressing concern remained unanswered. He was waiting, believing Naruto would provide a complete response.
That was the question of treating ordinary people—whether to "manage everything" or "guide," and if guiding, how specifically to do it!
The discussion continued from noon until evening.
Naruto gave a concluding speech on "How the Hidden Rain Village should conduct foreign relations post-war."
"Indra used Infinite Tsukuyomi to instill in all people, including daimyo, the concept that the weak must submit to the strong. Though Infinite Tsukuyomi lasted less than a day, time and space are controllable within its dreamscape. What this Infinite Tsukuyomi has planted remains unknown..."
"Frankly, such thinking better suits the current ninja world situation, especially facing the extraterrestrial threat of the Ōtsutsuki clan..."
"..." Ashura clenched his fists with conflicted expression.
Then he heard Naruto continue: "But I still believe hearts shaped by genjutsu deviate from our original purpose."
"People have the right to recognize reality and choose their own way of living."
"I'm determined to protect the world, but I don't want to hold it hostage."
"Because this world doesn't belong to me or the few of us here—it belongs to everyone. Rather than saying we protect a cold piece of land, we protect something woven from countless bonds and feelings on this land—something that warms this earth and fills the emptiness in our hearts. That is our reason for persevering."
At this point, under everyone's fervent gazes, Naruto stood and pressed his chest, speaking with genuine emotion: "This is also why I, Uzumaki Naruto, didn't hesitate to manipulate space-time and cross the river of time to start over!"
"..." Ashura's eyes were already moist.
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